Scientists from the University of Exeter will lead a four-year €5.4 million project to discover essential raw materials and minerals in Europe. The team aims to use advanced techniques to expose previously unknown underground resources for high-tech products.
Researchers have found a link between the AKT1 gene and psychotic-like symptoms in young people who use cannabis. The study suggests that individuals with this gene variant are more susceptible to the mind-altering effects of smoking cannabis, even if they are otherwise healthy.
University of Exeter researchers present world-leading studies on climate tipping points and glacial lake outburst floods, shedding light on early warning signals and their implications for global action. The research aims to provide insights into the social and policy implications of these critical thresholds.
A University of Exeter mathematician is studying the migration patterns of wildebeest, caribou, and salmon using state-of-the-art robotics and computer vision software. The research aims to understand how social influence impacts the stability and robustness of these migrations.
Children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before age seven develop a more aggressive form of the disease compared to teenagers. Researchers found that those diagnosed in childhood retain fewer insulin-producing beta cells than previously thought.
Motorboat noise increases stress levels in young coral reef fish, reducing their ability to flee from predators. This study found that boat noise can halve survival chances and double the capture rate of fish.
A study found that European honeybee populations are the primary source of Deformed Wing Virus infecting hives worldwide. The pandemic is driven by human trade and transportation of bees for crop pollination, posing significant threats to global bee populations and biodiversity.
Investment in renewable electricity surpasses that in fossil fuels globally, according to University of Exeter expert. The shift towards sustainable energy systems is driven by improved policy discourse and decreasing costs, with momentum growing towards a flexible, renewable-based electricity system.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new technique to identify copper deposits in magmatic rocks by analyzing their chemical composition. The method, which was tested on a major porphyry discovery in Chile, has shown promising results and could lead to the discovery of new valuable metal deposits.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that female mongooses respond to reproductive competition by producing bigger pups. The research, led by Emma Inzani, used ultrasound scans to measure prenatal investment in wild banded mongooses and discovered a link between competition and fetal growth.
A recent study by scientists from the University of Exeter and Cambridge has confirmed that camouflage plays a crucial role in protecting animals from predators. The research found that animals or eggs with matching patterns or contrasts to their surroundings were less likely to be eaten.
The University of Exeter Medical School has received a £1 million donation from the Dennis and Mireille Gillings Foundation to expand its research on genetic disorders. The gift will support new staff and fund innovative diagnostic testing, improving patient care in the NHS.
A study led by University of Exeter researchers found that people with early-stage dementia who attended weekly self-management group sessions showed improved independence, social support and confidence in managing daily life. The groups fostered a sense of community among participants.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that grey squirrels solve problems in the search for food through persistence and choosing effective behaviors. The research showed increased experience, higher persistence, and behavioral selectivity are directly related to improved problem-solving efficiency.
A new clinical imaging method has been developed to tackle one of the main killers of patients with weakened immune systems. The method uses a combination of PET and MRI imaging to identify invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis.
A study found that negative comments from mothers have a significant impact on Asian young adults' self-image, regardless of gender. The research team is now calling for a more tailored approach to treatment, as the Western approach adopted in Singapore may not be effective.
A study by the University of Exeter has found that the children of migrants tend to think and reason like the wider UK population. This shift occurs despite retaining cultural similarities with their parents. The research suggests that communities can integrate over a single generation, contrary to common assumptions.
Two studies by the University of Exeter Medical School shed light on how two parts of the brain's navigation system malfunction in dementia, leading to loss of orientation. The findings suggest that fine navigational detail is not correctly represented in patients with dementia.
Female burying beetles prefer smaller male partners due to reduced competition and potential for squabbles. Despite being less successful as parents, small males still breed more often in faithful pairs than larger males.
A £2M BBSRC-Newton Fund project aims to develop and apply new molecular biology techniques to reduce the impact of major aquaculture diseases. The project will help early warning systems for disease outbreaks in low-income countries, improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.
A University of Exeter study found humans have limited ability to avoid becoming obese, especially in winter. The research suggests that the urge to maintain body fat is stronger in winter when food is scarce.
Researchers at the University of Exeter estimate that bio scientific research generates 1.8% of global plastic production, equivalent to 67 cruise ships a year. They propose funding agencies incentivize greener practices with budget for lab recycling facilities and grant application requirements.
Researchers captured footage of New Caledonian crows manufacturing and using hooked stick tools in the wild, demonstrating their sophisticated foraging behavior. The study found that crows value their tools and use them to probe for food in tree crevices and leaf litter.
Researchers used COMPADRE database to study 418 plant species, finding half of variation in life history is caused by growth rate and reproductive strategy. The study suggests understanding these patterns can help predict population persistence, extinction, and diversification.
Researchers found that warming ponds had 70% more species and higher rates of photosynthesis in phytoplankton, which could remove more CO2 from the atmosphere. Phytoplankton communities were more species-rich and dominated by larger species, with increased biodiversity and evenness.
Researchers identified a key protein involved in bacterial sugar coating and found a compound that blocks its action, offering hope for new antibiotics. The study's findings may lead to the development of more effective anti-microbials.
Researchers found that coral communities on most of the reefs had recovered rapidly from a major bleaching event. However, reefs dominated by branching and table corals are vulnerable to higher sea surface temperatures, threatening their growth potential.
Scientists have finally shed light on the atmospheres of a group of planets orbiting stars outside our solar system. A team of experts analyzed observations from NASA and ESA telescopes, revealing that water was hidden by haze and cloud on some hot-Jupiter exoplanets.
A team of international experts found that a large-scale volcanic event restricted ocean flow, leading to an extended Ice Age in the Jurassic Period. This cooling occurred despite the period's warm conditions, contradicting previous assumptions about CO2-driven climate change.
Designers of Christmas cards employed fine art to divert attention from growing consumerism and promote art and aesthetic values. Rare cards held by a Devon-based private collector showcased high-quality artwork, bridging the boundary between fine and decorative arts.
A new study from the University of Exeter found that larger protected areas with irregular shapes tend to host more species. Habitat fragmentation, however, can reduce species diversity in these areas.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that genetic variants associated with schizophrenia were enriched for changes in DNA methylation in the developing brain. The research team identified potential implications for understanding the origins of schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers have developed a new hybrid structure that interacts strongly with electromagnetic radiation, enabling control over optical switches. The graphene-based material has the effect of focusing radiation into a smaller area than its wavelength.
A new study from the University of Exeter found that people can learn to make effective tools through reasoning and reverse engineering, not just through teaching. This discovery challenges established views on how human tools and technologies improve over time, pointing to humans' unique ability to adapt and innovate.
Phytoplankton subjected to warmed water initially failed to thrive but evolved tolerance to temperatures expected by the end of the century. The shift enabled them to convert carbon dioxide into new biomass and improve models describing ecological effects of climate change.
A groundbreaking international study has revealed that mountain ranges actively evolve with the Earth's climate, responding to changes in temperature and ice cover. The research found that erosion accelerated sharply during global cooling periods, wearing down mountains faster than plate tectonics can build them.
Scientists warn that seismic surveys may cause behavioural changes and physical harm to turtles, including auditory damage and entanglement in gear. Researchers call for more research to address knowledge gaps and propose preventative measures to minimize the impact of seismic surveys on marine turtle populations.
A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that cooperative bird behavior can reduce oxidative stress and cell damage during the breeding season. In groups with shared workload, birds showed stronger antioxidants and lower free radical damage compared to those with heavy breeding workloads.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have created a genetic test to identify young adults at risk of type 1 diabetes. The new tool combines genetic variants to provide a single score, helping doctors diagnose and treat patients more effectively.
Researchers have developed a new technique to trap light at the surface of graphene using laser pulses, enabling the steered light to be directed across the material's surface. This breakthrough has significant implications for advances in electronic products, such as sensors and miniaturized integrated circuits.
A study published in Current Biology confirms the phenomenon of horizontal extinction cascades, where the loss of one carnivore species can trigger the demise of fellow predators. The researchers' findings suggest that adopting a whole system approach is crucial for effective conservation.
New research reveals more of Britain's countryside dates back to Roman period, shaping modern land management approaches. The Fields of Britannia project highlights the enduring legacy of Roman land practices.
Research by the University of Exeter found that intensive farming practices, such as larger herd sizes and maize growth, increase the risk of bovine TB. Farms with herds over 150 cattle are 50% more likely to suffer a TB outbreak.
Researchers found that female mongooses with high stress hormone levels have fewer pups survive their first month. The study provides insight into the effects of maternal stress on offspring survival in cooperative animal societies.
A study by the University of Exeter found that female insects are more likely to have multiple partners in colder climates and prefer monogamy in hotter conditions. The research suggests that an individual's genes play a significant role in determining their mating behavior.
Researchers have identified 1,450 genes linked to ageing, as well as a connection between these genes and lifestyle factors. The study found that individuals with a biological age older than their actual age are more likely to have conditions such as high blood pressure or cholesterol.
A new study found that small and hungry prawns are more likely to innovate when in a group, while size has no effect alone or with hunger. This challenges the long-held notion that necessity drives innovation.
A 16-year study of over 5,000 participants found no link between sitting time and increased mortality risk. The findings contradict NHS recommendations and challenge previous research on the health risks of sitting.
A team of experts has studied the water flow paths from a subglacial lake in Greenland, showing that it drained via a subglacial tunnel and was filled by surface meltwater. The study predicts increased drainage frequency as the Arctic warms, affecting ice sheet flow speeds and sea level change.
All seven species of marine turtles can ingest or become entangled in discarded plastic debris, posing serious threats to their health and survival. The study highlights the urgent need for further research to understand the scale of the problem and develop effective mitigation policies.