A £12,000 grant from the NC3Rs CRACK IT Solutions scheme will support a partnership with contract research organisation Envigo to assess whether moth larvae can reduce mammal use for toxic chemical testing. The larvae have already helped scientists reduce their mammal usage by up to 80%, according to Dr Olivia Champion.
New research shows that forests 'held their breath' during the recent global warming slowdown, releasing less carbon back into the atmosphere. During this period of slower warming, worldwide forests took up more carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and stored it in the natural environment.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered how peroxisomes and endoplasmic reticulum interact at the molecular level, crucial for lipid production and cell survival. Loss of this interaction leads to severe disorders, prompting hope for diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study by University of Exeter researchers found that temperature fluctuations drive the year-to-year variability of global land-based carbon sinks. Locally, however, water availability is the dominant factor in determining the success of carbon sinks.
Researchers from the University of Exeter have tagged and tracked hundreds of loggerhead turtles in Greece to study their migration patterns. The results show most turtles come from nesting populations within 125 miles, but one female traveled over 1,000 miles to breed in Turkey and Syria.
A study published in Current Biology found that killer whales are one of only three known species to go through menopause due to reproductive conflict with their daughters. Older mothers suffer higher costs competing to reproduce alongside their daughters, leading to a mortality rate 1.7 times higher for younger mothers' offspring.
A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology finds that poverty is a major contributor to obesity, particularly for individuals with a high genetic risk. The research used data from 120,000 individuals and suggests that targeting specific behaviors or environments may not be an effective solution to reducing obesity.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that climate change improves breeding chances for migratory geese in the Arctic, but increases the death rate among mothers. This is because warmer conditions require extra energy for laying eggs and make them more vulnerable to predators.
New research from the University of Exeter and University of Zaragoza found that gut microorganisms regulate serotonin levels through a protein called TLR2. This discovery may shed light on inflammatory bowel disease and other neurological conditions.
Scientists found that resistant ash trees have low levels of chemicals defending against insects, highlighting a potential trade-off in tree resilience. Researchers warn against selecting trees for fungal resistance at the expense of insect protection.
Scientists have measured mass insect migrations in UK skies, with up to 3.5 trillion insects migrating annually over southern England. The movements are comparable to significant oceanic migrations and provide essential ecological services, including pollination and predation of crop pests.
Male bumblebees perform characteristic learning flights to find flowers but neglect their nest's location. Unlike females, males don't return to the nest after leaving and instead travel far to avoid breeding with relatives.
Researchers propose that visual stimulation with frequencies close to alpha rhythm can interfere with natural brain activity, leading to increased amplitude and epileptic seizures. This phenomenon is linked to the brain's dynamic properties, such as resonance, which can trigger seizures at specific frequencies.
Researchers used internet data to track public interest in conservation over time, finding sudden spikes linked to media coverage and seasonal events. The study suggests harnessing these peaks to aid protection efforts, using methods that are relatively cheap and produce huge sample sizes.
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.