Research by Dr Pallavi Amitava Banerjee found that STEM enrichment schemes had no direct impact on math GCSE results. Despite this, the activities aimed to improve student understanding of science and maths, as well as break stereotypes about STEM subjects being only for 'the brainy'.
Father Christmas can deliver presents without being seen by using special relativity theory devised by Albert Einstein. At high speeds, he shrinks in the direction of travel, allowing him to fit down chimneys.
Repeated dieting can cause weight gain as the brain interprets diets as short famines and urges people to store more fat for future shortages. This phenomenon, known as yo-yo dieting, may explain why people struggle to keep weight off after trying low-calorie diets.
Mothers with repetitive and self-focused negative thoughts have poorer-quality relationships with their babies. Researchers found that rumination reduces maternal sensitivity to infants, regardless of depressive symptoms. This study suggests strategies can help manage rumination and improve parenting.
Scientists from the University of Exeter developed a groundbreaking technique using airborne laser scanning to create detailed 3D maps of vegetation. This allows for the mapping of small details beneath trees, such as woodland paths and urban shrubberies, promoting biodiversity and understanding its impact on human wellbeing.
The first licensed vaccine for the potentially life-threatening dengue virus is predicted to be most cost-effective and effective in reducing the burden of dengue disease in moderate-to-high impacted regions. Routine vaccination could reduce hospital rates by up to 25% in these areas.
Psychologists warn that lying about Father Christmas can erode children's trust in their parents, while also being a way for adults to re-enter childhood imagination. The authors argue that the harsh realities of adult life may require a 'better' creation to believe in.
A year-long study found that birds in leafy suburban neighborhoods fly between gardens with more vegetation than those with paved gardens or roads, visiting bird feeders more often. This knowledge can help urban planners create cities more attractive to nature and humans.
Researchers found that runners wearing minimal trainers and landing on the ball of their foot had lower loading rates, reducing injury risk. This study suggests that minimal shoes can be beneficial for runners who adopt a forefoot strike pattern without cushioning.
A pioneering study reveals how Songwe Hill Rare Earth Project in Malawi can enhance global security of critical earth elements. The research finds that hot fluids can cause heavy rare earth enrichment, creating a well-balanced deposit suitable for the growing magnetics industry.
A new study published in New Journal of Physics found that physicists pay less attention to articles with dense mathematical details, indicating real and widespread barriers to scientific communication. The researchers suggest improving clearer presentation of technical work is key to bridging this gap.
Researchers from the University of Exeter found that parthenocarpy increases fruit quality and quantity in crops like apples and tomatoes, which traditionally rely on insect pollination. The study suggests this technique could improve food security by extending growing seasons and increasing crop resilience.
Researchers found that bees consider multiple factors, such as strong odour and visual appearance, when deciding on flowers to visit. Bees also form memories of previous experiences and receive feedback from their nest to inform their foraging decisions.
A large-scale study of Caribbean coral has yielded discoveries on the pairing process between an endangered coral and its microscopic symbiotic algae. Environmental factors play a crucial role in this relationship, rather than host-symbiont genetics, which could inform work to protect and promote recovery in reefs.
Experts predict that soils will lose a significant amount of their carbon content, leading to increased soil erosion and flood damage. Land use changes and management practices are crucial to mitigate this trend and protect soil functions.
Research by the universities of Exeter and Stirling found that well-fed male crickets call for longer periods, increasing their mating prospects. This approach, not a strategic decision, led to better-provisioned crickets attracting more female visitors and surviving longer.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered that asexual spores of the ash dieback fungus can germinate on leaves or infect seedlings via soil, spreading the disease more quickly than previously thought. This finding reveals additional routes for the fungus's spread and increases the risk to trees and ecosystems.
Researchers propose using mathematical models to drive evolution in local mosquito populations, favoring those that stay outside and hindering the spread of malaria. This approach could lead to more effective repellents and slower insecticide resistance.
A University of Exeter study found no evidence that climate change is linked to a fungal disease affecting coffee crops. Researchers tested the hypothesis that climate change increased the probability of favorable weather conditions for CLR, but rejected the hypothesis due to other factors contributing to the disease outbreak.
Research by University of Exeter scientists reveals that climate change disrupts fish sensory systems, including smell, hearing, and vision. Fish may swim towards predator smells or ignore sounds that deter them from risky habitats.
A study published in Nature reveals that global plant photosynthesis will increase by about one-third when carbon dioxide doubles, affecting climate change. This increase is attributed to the seasonal cycle in carbon dioxide concentrations and its impact on photosynthesis.
Researchers have identified two key symptoms that make it harder for depressed smokers to quit: low positive affect and cognitive impairment. A new treatment approach, combining Chantix with behavioral activation therapy, is being tested to target these challenges.
A study found that bees continue to use Lévy flight patterns when infected with viruses or diseases, indicating a possible innate ability to withstand pathogens. Researchers tracked individual bees using radar technology and discovered robust searching abilities even in unhealthy bees.
A team of scientists from NCAS and the Met Office observed an unusual reversal of the expected pattern in equatorial winds. The quasi-biennial oscillation is a regular feature of the climate system, but its recent disruption may impact seasonal forecasts and future climate predictions.
A new study mapping Japan's Sakurajima volcano's 'plumbing system' reveals a substantial growing magma reserve, threatening the safety of nearby residents. The team believes their pioneering techniques could help improve eruption forecasting and hazard assessment globally.
A new study by the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory reveals that coastal-dwelling marine wildlife are more vulnerable to harmful plastic pollution than previously thought. The research found that animals living in waters near densely-populated coastlines are at risk of coming into direct contact with microplastics.
A substantial proportion of birth weight variation is attributed to genetic differences, with some 1/6th of the difference being due to genetics. The study also found a link between genetic differences in early growth and increased risk of adult diseases.
Research from the University of Exeter found that physical activity in natural environments provides health benefits worth £2.2 billion annually to the English adult population. Over 1.3 billion green exercise visits occur each year, with examples including dog walking and outdoor swimming.
A 12-year-long study found that teenage calorie expenditure drops by up to 500 fewer calories while at rest during puberty, contributing to excess weight gain and obesity. The research also revealed a significant decline in physical activity among teenagers during this period.
A new study reveals that climate change can hinder scientific projections of storm tracks, with multiple environmental influences at play. The 'tug of war' between Arctic amplification and tropical warming affects the position of storm tracks, impacting iconic cities worldwide.
Researchers tracked 41 boats across 28 sites in the Republic of Congo, collecting 5,500 hours of data on fishing trips. Fishers in urban areas travel far offshore with minimal safety gear, while those in rural areas make daily trips closer to shore.
A new study found that carefully administering small doses of hydrogen sulfide can restore mitochondrial efficiency and prevent hyperglycaemia-induced damage to blood vessels. This could lead to new treatments for common heart and blood vessel complications associated with diabetes.
An international study has clarified which specific genes are affected by genetic variants associated with schizophrenia, providing a blueprint for researchers to tackle complex diseases.
Scientists have created an interactive game, 'Ice Flows', to demonstrate the Antarctic Ice Sheet's response to climate change. The game allows players to control ice flow and observe its effects on penguins and seals.
A new study reveals that biological invasions are threatening the last remaining biodiversity strongholds in developing nations. Invasive species like Japanese Knotweed and grey squirrels are causing significant economic damage and compromising global biodiversity.
A new study shows that climate change impacts seawater chemistry, reducing sperm performance in sea urchins and changing the rules of sperm competition. This could affect the outcome when rival males compete to fertilize eggs, impacting marine species survival.
A major study found that having longer-lived parents is associated with lower rates of heart conditions and some cancers. The study, involving almost 190,000 participants, showed an increased chance of survival by 17% for each decade a parent lived beyond 70.
Early land plants like moss helped create modern levels of atmospheric oxygen, according to researchers. The study suggests that these simple plants' emergence and evolution permanently increased the flux of organic carbon into sedimentary rocks, driving up oxygen levels in a second oxygenation event.
Researchers found that cricket populations have innate social rules, resulting in stable networks that form year after year. The study, published in BMC Evolutionary Biology, suggests that these networks are conserved over evolutionary time, influenced more by population size than environmental changes.
A large-scale study finds Behavioral Activation (BA) to be as effective as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in treating depression, with a significant cost savings. BA encourages individuals to engage in meaningful activities driven by personal values, reducing depressive symptoms and improving outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a system to predict excess monsoon rainfall or drought in central India, which can impact the national and global economy. This prediction tool has the potential to improve decision-making for policymakers and communities, ultimately mitigating the effects of extreme weather events.
Research at the University of Exeter found that scavenging ecosystem service is primarily carried out by crows, with assistance from foxes and other birds.
Researchers developed a technique to monitor Cornwall's climate, identifying mild parts suitable for growing unusual crops. The model considers terrain, sea temperatures, altitude, and soil properties to predict local temperatures.
Scientists have developed a new method that can accurately identify brain regions triggering seizures in people with epilepsy. The technique, using advanced mathematical modeling procedures, has shown promising results in predicting successful surgery outcomes.
New research reveals that ancient Brazilians continuously occupied oversized pit houses in the southern Brazilian highlands for over two centuries. The homes were extended by adding new floors on top of old ones, and occupants used different techniques to renovate their homes.
Researchers from the University of Exeter and Bath investigated noise in Falmouth Bay for 14 months, finding varied noise levels affected by natural conditions. This study highlights the need for long-term monitoring to understand human impact on marine environments.
A recent study by researchers at the Universities of Exeter and Leeds found that a drought completely shut down the Amazon Basin's carbon sink, killing trees and slowing their growth. The study used long-term measurements from the RAINFOR network to examine tree responses during two large-scale droughts occurring in 2005 and 2010.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that peatland ecosystems' ability to absorb and store carbon is threatened by rising sea levels due to increased salt concentrations. The study highlights the vulnerability of blanket bogs in Northwest Scotland to sea-level rise, which could lead to a sharp decline in carbon storage.
The statement highlights the benefits of physical activity on children's brain development, intellectual performance, and academic success. It also emphasizes the importance of regular exercise for improved heart health, self-esteem, and social inclusion.
Researchers create innovative framework to examine social behavior in various species, shedding light on the role of genetic polymorphism in shaping individual traits. The study reveals that inherited genetic tendencies can accurately predict social relationships and behaviors.