The June 2023 heatwave significantly disrupted phytoplankton blooms and stressed marine species. Rapid climate change increases the likelihood of such events, with about a 10% chance occurring each year.
A recent study suggests that Atlantic Ocean currents are losing stability, with evidence of 'stability loss' indicating the region is moving towards a tipping point. This could have significant implications for climate patterns, including harsher winters in north-west Europe and shifts in global rainfall patterns.
A new study found that around one in seven Black and one in 63 South Asian men in the UK carry a genetic variant known as G6PD deficiency, which can cause delays in type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Men with this deficiency are diagnosed four years later than those without it.
A study has created a detailed temporal map of epigenetic changes in the human brain from six weeks after conception to 108 years of age. This reveals that genes linked to autism and schizophrenia undergo dynamic DNA methylation changes during development, highlighting their role in brain cortex formation.
A study of migratory hoverflies on an oil rig in the North Sea revealed that they can transport pollen over great distances, potentially linking plant populations across Europe. The hoverflies carried pollen from up to 14 different plant species, highlighting their importance in agriculture.
Most coral reefs in the western Atlantic are projected to stop growing and begin eroding due to global warming, with more than 70% expected to decline by 2040. The study also found that reefs will lag behind sea-level rise, resulting in increased flooding risks along vulnerable coasts.
A new study using underwater cameras found the Isles of Scilly's waters support vibrant marine life including sharks, lobsters, and bluefin tuna. The cameras also revealed complex seabed habitats hosting high biodiversity, highlighting the importance of protecting these areas to restore degraded UK seas.
A study by the University of Exeter found that loneliness is associated with increased healthcare costs, mental distress, and poor physical and mental functioning. Younger adults and older adults are particularly affected, with a U-shaped relationship between age and cost of loneliness observed.
A new study found that over 34% of children don't engage in outdoor play on school days, while one in five don't at weekends. This lack of outdoor play is linked to various health issues, including obesity, anxiety, and depression. The research highlights the importance of creating safe and welcoming spaces for children to play outside.
A pilot study found that a four-week nature-based programme, Roots and Shoots, improved mood, mindfulness, and reduced stress in adults. The programme, led by the University of Exeter, empowered individuals to spend more time in nature and improve their wellbeing.
A new study says the international community must reverse cuts to Rohingya humanitarian aid and work with Dhaka authorities to improve conditions in refugee camps. The research emphasizes that both options – returning to Myanmar or remaining in camps – amount to social death, highlighting the urgent need for action.
A new study highlights the importance of Vast Marine Protected Areas in protecting diverse marine species. Tracking data from sea turtles, manta rays, and seabirds revealed that 95% of tracking locations were recorded inside the Chagos Archipelago MPA.
Researchers call for global hunt to identify 'positive tipping points' that can trigger rapid reductions in emissions and environmental harm. Experts believe a method to find these points can help accelerate the green transition.
Scientists studied male fiddler crabs competing over females in a claw-waving contest. The robot crab, Wavy Dave, waved its claw, causing real males to respond by waving longer and less retreating into their burrows.
Research reveals female candidates are less likely to receive media coverage and have fewer retweets than male counterparts. To overcome the gender penalty, experts argue that women need to invest more resources and skills in their campaigns.
A study by the University of Exeter found that immersive VR nature scenes can reduce symptoms of long-term pain. Participants who felt more present during the experience experienced the strongest effects. The study suggests that nature scenes delivered using VR can help change how pain signals are transmitted in the brain and spinal cord.
Research found that high-elevation tropical forests in the Colombian Andes store significant amounts of pyrogenic carbon (PyC) due to past fires. The study analyzed soil samples from different elevations and land-use types, revealing PyC stocks nine to ten times higher in High Andean forests than in warmer regions.
Researchers found that consuming nitrate-rich beetroot juice altered the oral microbiome in older adults, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. The study suggests that encouraging older adults to consume more nitrate-rich vegetables could have significant long-term health benefits.
A new study by Dr. Ekaterina Kolpinskaya found that Anglicans are disproportionately stable in their affective and electoral support for the Conservative Party, acting as a 'pocket of resistance' to changes in partisan politics. This suggests that religion continues to be socially and politically influential in modern Britain.
A new subtype of diabetes has been identified in sub-Saharan Africa affecting nearly two-thirds of young people thought to have type 1 diabetes. This non-autoimmune form lacks typical features such as autoimmunity and genetic susceptibility, raising concerns about diagnosis and treatment.
A new study emphasizes the importance of increasing transparency about how countries use AI to manage migration, as overuse may perpetuate biases and errors. States should ensure responsible AI use respecting migrant rights and dignity, while complying with international human rights law.
Educators in Mexico endorse the new curriculum, but express concerns about increased autonomy leading to teacher confusion. The study highlights the need for a balance between individual freedom and broader control to support teachers.
The Taliban has chosen to maintain a delicate balance with local violent jihadi groups, prioritizing economic links and old ties over direct confrontation. This cooperation has significant security implications for the region and beyond.
Research by the University of Exeter finds that youth volunteering encourages young men from disengaged homes to vote for the first time. However, this effect is not observed for young women from similar backgrounds. Volunteering effectively reduces socio-economic inequalities in voter turnout among young people.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that group work and discussion help students build confidence when using maths in science lessons. Researchers identified four different ways students approach maths problems, including those with science-dominant thinking and others who focus on equations.
New research from the University of Exeter and Manchester finds that the UK's low-carbon transition will boost productivity across the economy as businesses gain from cheaper power and transport. The study warns that this effect depends on energy companies passing on cost savings to consumers, not keeping them as profits.
Researchers have developed a new genetic risk score to identify type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Chinese populations. The test was tested on over 5,000 patients and showed improved accuracy in diagnosis, particularly for those with high family risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
The New Carbon Economy Consortium brings together experts from universities, national labs, NGOs, and industry leaders to develop a new economy that captures and stores more carbon than it emits. The consortium's vision is based on transforming carbon emissions into valuable resources, such as better chemicals and building materials.
Researchers found whales and dolphins, including an endangered sperm whale, in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, a vast area of deep ocean and seamounts. Chronic exposure to mining noise could disrupt key behaviors, leading to cascading ecological consequences.
Killer whales have been observed detaching kelp stalks and using them to massage each other's backs, a behavior dubbed "allokelping". This social bonding behavior may promote skin health and strengthen relationships among the whales.
Research finds Arctic peatlands expanding due to warming climate, with 16 sites showing strong evidence of expansion. Peatlands store about 600 billion tons of carbon, and their expansion could slow climate change but also poses risks if temperatures continue to rise.
A new lateral-flow test for mucormycosis has shown swift and accurate results in identifying the disease. The test detects the disease in 30 minutes with high sensitivity and specificity, making it a critical milestone in its development and potential commercialization.
Researchers developed a new method to estimate arm blood pressure from ankle readings, improving accuracy for people who cannot have their arm blood pressure measured. This could lead to fewer misdiagnoses and better healthcare outcomes for thousands of people worldwide.
A new study by the University of Exeter warns that neuroscience training for teachers can lead to a loss of autonomy and critical thinking. The research found that teachers in Chile who pursued neuroscience training felt it gave them professional legitimacy, but also created pseudo-experts.
Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in safeguarding democracy and ensuring accountability. Whistleblowing contributes to justice and transparency. The CRN41 network explores these issues and advocates for measures to protect civic courage and freedom of expression.
Russian leaders use museums and digital collections to portray Ukraine as inseparable from Russia, framing the invasion as a fight against Nazism and NATO. Researchers urge prioritizing non-Russian sources for balanced approaches.
A group of top scientists, including Professor Callum Roberts and Professor Johan Rockström, are calling for a permanent ban on extractive activities in international waters. The authors argue that stopping all extractive activity would prevent irreversible damage to the climate, marine biodiversity, and ocean equity.
The University of Exeter has unveiled a new Handbook providing practical guidance for states to develop or review their national positions on international law and cyber activities. The 176-page guide offers concrete and accessible steps for government lawyers, policy officials, academics, and experts in this rapidly evolving field.
Involving communities in nature-based solutions leads to innovation in design and quality, as well as people gaining greater benefits from green spaces. The study highlights the importance of citizen participation and consultation in NBS projects.
A new international collaboration by the University of Exeter found that people living in greenest neighbourhoods are 13% less likely to smoke and 31% less likely to drink daily. Intentional visits to nature also have benefits, reducing smoking rates.
A new clinical trial found mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) significantly improved depression symptoms compared to continued treatment as usual. MBCT was also shown to be cost-effective, saving the NHS money by changing service use.
A study found that vegetarians reject meat due to a complex emotion of disgust, similar to the aversion felt towards human flesh, faeces, or dog meat. The researchers also discovered that people who reject vegetables they dislike feel 'distaste', whereas those who reject meat do so due to disgust.
The Exeter Climate Forum will bring together world-leading researchers and policymakers to address the urgent need for climate action. The event aims to share the latest climate science and inspire bold ideas for solutions.
Mother wasps exhibit exceptional brainpower in managing food for their young, using visual landmarks to locate and remember up to nine separate nests. This intricate scheduling ensures the survival of their offspring, with mothers adjusting feeding orders based on availability and larval development.
A study by the University of Exeter and Fishtek Marine found that illuminated pots caught significantly more northern shrimp and attracted fish, raising hopes for sustainable fisheries. The 'attraction cascade' creates a self-baiting pot, potentially leading to new low-impact trap fisheries.
A study by Brazilian, UK, and Dutch scientists found that just 30 species of trees dominate the Cerrado, accounting for almost half of all its trees. This phenomenon of hyperdominance has significant implications for understanding and conserving the ecosystem.
A new £5 million project will tackle fundamental questions in solar physics by simulating the Sun's radiation and atmospheric conditions. The Solar Atmospheric Modelling Suite (SAMS) aims to build a next-generation modelling tool for the solar atmosphere, capturing its complex dynamics.
Research in China's Greater Bay Area found that almost 6,000 vessels move daily, leaving little space for nature. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts and sustainable management of coastal development.
A new study of gorillas found that friendly relationships have varying costs and benefits, depending on group size and sex. For example, female gorillas with strong social bonds tend to get ill less often, but have fewer offspring.
Research shows fish species like Atlantic cod and hagfish contribute significantly to seabed ecosystem health. Bioturbation impacts on organic carbon storage and greenhouse gas absorption are crucial for understanding ocean's role in climate change.