Researchers developed a method to identify brain tissue most likely to generate seizures in people with epilepsy, offering new treatment strategies for drug-resistant cases. By analyzing EEG recordings and mathematical modeling, the team found that targeting specific brain regions could lead to enhanced surgical outcomes.
A University of Exeter study found that warnings about peers' behavior can backfire and increase intentions to bolt. In contrast, messages emphasizing what most people do, rather than what they think others do, are effective in reducing such behavior.
Researchers propose that environmental factors play a significant role in shaping gender-specific traits, rather than solely genetic inheritance. This idea challenges the long-held assumption that biological sex directly influences behavior.
Research suggests that traditional sailing methods have helped prevent overfishing and ensure the long-term survival of the Fal oyster fishery. Motorising the fleet would result in a nine-fold increase in fishing activity, putting the fishery at risk.
Scientists develop a phononic crystal structure that can steer and guide surface acoustic waves, or 'nanoquakes,' in devices. The breakthrough could pave the way for lab-on-a-chip biosensors and earthquake protection.
Scientists have found a stratosphere on an enormous gas giant exoplanet WASP-121b with an atmosphere hot enough to boil iron. The discovery was made using spectroscopy to analyze the planet's brightness at different wavelengths of light, revealing glowing water molecules.
Research finds that boat noise affects cleaner fish behavior, leading to increased cheating and decreased cleaning efficiency. This study highlights the need to control man-made noise in protected habitats.
A recent study by Exeter and Cambridge universities found that individual wild birds adjust their nest choices based on their specific markings. These adjustments enhance the birds' camouflage in relation to their predators, highlighting the link between behavior and appearance.
A University of Exeter study found that drinking alcohol boosts memory recall for information learned before the drinking episode began. Those who consumed more alcohol showed stronger effects on memory performance.
A study analyzing sea surface temperatures from 1957-2002 found that fluctuations contributed to persistent droughts in North America and the Mediterranean. The researchers showed that increased variability in ocean temperatures correlated with more extreme land temperature anomalies, leading to prolonged droughts.
A large-scale trial found that goal-oriented therapy significantly improves people's ability to engage in important daily tasks and maintain independence. The therapy, which involves setting and achieving individual goals, shows promising results for supporting individuals with early-stage dementia to live fulfilling lives.
A study of over 2,500 women found that even brief bursts of high-intensity exercise, equivalent to a 1-2 minute run, can improve bone health. The research suggests that short periods of weight-bearing activity are more beneficial than longer continuous periods.
A recent review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) incorrectly linked Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a highly effective biopesticide, to diarrhoea in humans. However, Dr Ben Raymond of the University of Exeter disputes these findings, citing recent evidence that supports Bt bacteria as "very safe for humans".
Researchers found that regularly doing word puzzles like crosswords is linked to better brain function in later life. Participants who engaged with word puzzles performed better on tasks assessing attention, reasoning, and memory.
A large-scale trial found that person-centered activities combined with one hour of social interaction per week can improve the lives of people with dementia in care homes. The approach also saves money compared to standard care.
Researchers found grey squirrels could remember complex problem-solving techniques for nearly two years, even with changes to the task. This exceptional memory allows them to quickly adapt and retrieve skills, contributing to their success in urban environments.
Playing football improves bone development compared to swimming and cycling, particularly after a year of training. The study found that adolescents who played football had better bones than those who engaged in non-weight-bearing sports.
A new study published in Nature Communications has found that the hygroscopicity of inorganic components in sea spray is significantly lower than previously thought. This discovery could alter our understanding of how sea spray affects global climate patterns, as it influences cloud formation and solar radiation interaction.
An international research team has successfully brought Maxwell's Demon to life using superconducting circuits. The team observed the demon gain useful energy from a thermodynamic system, bypassing the second law of thermodynamics, and tracked how information is stored in its memory.
A new study found that patients with pre-existing serious health conditions, such as heart disease or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), may experience a delay of up to 26 days in receiving a bowel cancer diagnosis. This can lead to more severe outcomes and poorer treatment options.
Researchers have identified a specific gene mutation in myopathy, a type of muscle disease, and found it plays an essential role in muscle fibre integrity. The study uses a zebrafish model to provide new insights into the genetic basis of the disease.
Researchers discovered that hydrogen peroxide plays a crucial role in plant adaptation to sunlight. Plants use H2O2 to signal genes in their cell nuclei, allowing them to adjust and protect photosynthesis. This process ensures plants continue to thrive under varying light conditions.
A new trial by University of Exeter researchers found that taking low-dose aspirin before bed can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, a condition causing premature birth and maternal and foetal death. The study showed a 62% reduction in pre-term preeclampsia rates.
A new study suggests that monitoring wetland extent can better predict the release of methane from thawing permafrost. Researchers found that decomposition of new organic matter is the main source of methane released, not previously frozen carbon. This knowledge can help improve predictions and understanding of climate change impacts.
A study by the University of Exeter found that children starting school early are more likely to develop poorer mental health, with a 'tipping point' effect for vulnerable children. The research suggests that teachers should be aware of this issue and provide support to mitigate its impact.
Research finds that sulphate aerosols from the 2014-15 Holuhraun eruption reduced cloud droplet size and caused cloud brightening, providing new insights into their impact on climate. The study suggests that cloud systems are 'well buffered' against aerosol changes.
The UK's hazel dormouse population has declined by 72% over the past two decades, with conservation efforts proving insufficient to stem the decline. The research team is now calling for an urgent review of dormouse conservation to protect this beloved woodland mammal.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that hiding one's true self at work can damage career prospects and reduce feelings of belonging. Concealing stigmatised characteristics such as LGBT identity or poverty history results in lower self-esteem, job satisfaction, and commitment.
Researchers found that the golden appearance is due to high reflectiveness of the exoskeleton and manipulation of polarisation. The nano-structured exoskeleton contains intricate structures that produce circularly-polarised light, explaining the bright reflection and golden colour.
A study found that birds living in prime conditions have lower evolutionary potential to cope with climate change, whereas those between extremes exhibit greater adaptability. This reduces the likelihood of survival for populations in optimal and harsh environments.
New research suggests that bird and bumblebee species nesting late in the year are suffering more from habitat destruction. The study found that larger birds and bumblebees are worst affected due to competition over scarce nest sites.
Research by University of Exeter scientists shows motorboat noise reduces fish survival rates and changes parental behavior, with increased aggression and reduced feeding among affected males. Motorboat noise is considered a global pollutant, distracting fish from protecting their young.
A new international study reveals that man-made pollution in China's vital ecosystems is devastating its ability to absorb carbon from the atmosphere. The research found that surface ozone causes more harm than aerosol particles, which could lead to a 70% reduction in damage if pollution levels are reduced.
New research reveals that women are 'damned' either way on maternity leave, with negative perceptions of competence in both work and family domains. The study suggests that policies allowing women to balance work and family life are crucial, but may have unintended consequences.
Scientists have developed a new model that predicts Sahel summer rainfall with high accuracy, enabling decision-makers to anticipate future cycles of droughts and floods. This improved understanding has the potential to help local communities become increasingly resilient to the region's variable climate.
A large-scale study found that raised blood platelet counts are a strong predictor of cancer, with lung and colorectal cancers being more commonly diagnosed. The research suggests that substantial numbers of people could have their cancer diagnosed up to three months earlier if thrombocytosis prompted investigation.
The UK has produced its first hay fever map, revealing areas with high concentrations of allergenic plants. The maps will help those with allergies and asthma plan their activities to reduce exposure.
Scientists discovered a sharp increase in moss growth on Antarctica's Antarctic Peninsula, indicating major changes in ecosystems. The study found clear evidence of 'changepoints' over the past half century, suggesting that plants and soils will alter substantially even with modest further warming.
A new study found that a simple brain-training game can help children make healthier snack choices by creating an association between happy cartoon faces and healthy food. The game involves reacting to images of healthy food by pressing a button, and doing nothing if unhealthy foods are shown. Researchers tested over 200 schoolchildren...
Researchers used the Met Office Unified Model to simulate Proxima B's climate, finding it could have a habitable atmosphere and stable climate regime. The team also explored different atmospheric compositions and orbital configurations, suggesting the planet could support life.
Scientists from the University of Exeter found that a 183 million-year-old oceanic oxygen depletion event ended after one million years due to increased atmospheric oxygen and rising fire activity. This study highlights the critical need to limit carbon emissions to prevent future anoxic events in the modern ocean.
A team of international researchers has uncovered the primitive atmosphere surrounding a distant exoplanet called HAT-P-26b, also known as Warm Neptune. The study found that the planet's atmosphere is composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium with no clouds present.
A study by Dr Pallavi Amitava Banerjee found that STEM enrichment activities do not increase participation in science, technology, or mathematics qualifications after 16. Students who only took part in these activities during Key Stage 4 had the lowest STEM participation rates.
Research found that insecticide-resistant male fruit flies are smaller, less aggressive, and struggle with courting females. They also exhibit increased latency in copulation and reduced competitive mating success.
Climate change is shown to impact gut bacteria diversity in common lizards, with a 34% loss of microorganism diversity found at warmed temperatures. This finding highlights the importance of research into how climate change affects bacteria associated with plants and animals.
Researchers from the University of Exeter have developed a method to use graphene to generate complex and controllable sound signals, opening up new possibilities for audio-visual technologies. The technique involves heating and cooling graphene using an alternating electric current, generating sound waves without physical movement.
A global shortage of diphtheria treatment drugs due to lack of market incentive poses a significant threat to Western nations. Experts warn that the medicine is only produced in limited quantities and its availability is compromised by European-wide efforts to coordinate a stockpile.
Researchers found that dominant banded mongooses target close female relatives for eviction due to their ability to resist, reducing competition for offspring. This behaviour is in contrast to expected social norms and highlights the importance of latent threats on social behavior.
Researchers have discovered a new cellular mechanism - an underlying defect in brain cells - that may cause multiple sclerosis. A protein called Rab32 is present in large quantities in the brains of people with MS but virtually absent in healthy brain cells.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that stimulating the brain through leadership roles at work or staying in education can help people stay mentally healthy in later life. Engaging in activities that challenge the brain and build cognitive reserve can make it more resilient to illnesses such as dementia.