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.
Researchers found that edible gifts given by male crickets to their female partners during mating contain unique proteins that could affect the females' behavior. The proteins in the nuptial gift may promote cell growth and development in target tissue, influencing female reproductive behavior.
Thirty-one percent of cactus species are threatened with extinction, primarily due to the illegal trade of live plants and seeds. Key threats include unsustainable harvesting and smallholder livestock ranching, affecting 47% of threatened species.
A new study from the University of Exeter solves a long-standing climate science mystery by explaining how changes in ocean circulation affect carbon storage. The researchers found that warmer water upwelling in the Southern Ocean helps store more CO2, contributing to glacial cycles.
An international study of nearly 70,000 women found that genes involved in DNA repair play a crucial role in determining when a woman enters menopause. The research also confirmed a link between earlier menopause and lower breast cancer risk, with increased risk associated with delayed menopause.
Researchers have developed a new way to capture light, allowing for large quantities of data to be stored directly on an integrated optical chip. This breakthrough enables ultra-fast high-bandwidth data transfer, potentially revolutionizing computer technology.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that high nitrate beetroot juice improved both sprint performance and decision-making during prolonged intermittent exercise. The study showed a 3.5% increase in sprint performance and a 3% improvement in decision speed for athletes consuming the nitrate-rich version.
A new study exploring the relationship between facial hair and health will survey sources from 1700 to 1918, including medical texts and personal diaries. The project aims to understand how beard grooming evolved over time and its connection to masculinity and hygiene.
Scientists analyzed UK fisheries survey logbooks from the 1930s to 1950s, finding that cod diet and populations were affected by environmental conditions. The study contributes to understanding climate change and variability, providing insights into fish stocks and the environment over the past century.
Researchers have replicated the surface chemistry found in iridescent Morpho butterfly scales to create a highly selective gas sensor. The bio-inspired sensor detects small color changes for gas detection, potentially transforming medical diagnostics, industry, and military sectors.
The study concludes that high-density cities with large parks or nature reserves yield the most benefits, but smaller parks and gardens also play a positive role. Compact developments incorporating large green spaces are essential for delivering ecosystem services.
Researchers found longer, less frequent climate fluctuations contribute to abrupt and unexplained ecosystem shifts in the North Pacific. The study suggests changing climate variability contributed to 1977 and 1989 regime changes with more likely larger climate-triggered shifts.
Research finds that fishermen in Turks and Caicos Islands are increasing the local prevalence of a disease affecting turtle populations worldwide by selectively harvesting healthy creatures and throwing back infected animals. The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, suggests that this practice has the opposite effect of cul...
Researchers have identified a condition called aphantasia, where individuals are born without the ability to visualize images. This affects not only memory but also sense perception, leading to difficulties in recalling experiences and emotions.
Female guppies that experience high levels of male harassment in the wild learn to swim more efficiently, reducing energy costs and improving escape abilities. This physiological change is comparable to human athletes' adaptations to their sports.
Research shows that male bluebirds change their songs to be heard over increased background noise caused by human activities such as traffic. The birds adjust their songs immediately after noise levels intensify, making real-time adjustments to produce louder and lower-pitched sounds.
Babies diagnosed with diabetes are now immediately tested for all 22 genetic causes, reducing referral time from over four years to under two months. This early comprehensive gene testing provides accurate information on clinical features that haven't yet developed, enabling doctors to anticipate and prevent medical problems.
Scientists confirm human activity, not climate change, as main driver of megafauna extinction over the last 80,000 years. The study's findings shed light on a long-standing debate and suggest that early humans were responsible for the demise of iconic species such as the woolly mammoth and sabretooth tiger.
Engineered nanoparticles from common products like paint and sunscreen can harm aquatic organisms when they settle in sediments. The review calls for further research into nanoparticle fate and toxicity in these ecosystems.
Sand fleas change color to match their surroundings, a remarkable adaptation to evade shorebirds and crabs. The research used cutting-edge camera technology to simulate the view of predatory birds, showing that individual animals can tune their camouflage.
A newly identified and highly infectious tadpole disease has been discovered in diverse frog populations across the globe. The study reveals a previously unidentified microbial group that infects tadpole livers, contributing to the decline of amphibian populations.
Researchers developed software to analyze colors and patterns as animals see them, useful for studying animal and plant signaling, camouflage, and predation. The software converts digital photos to animal vision, providing a user-friendly solution for scientists.
A study found that physical activity reduces insulin resistance in early-teens, but not at age 16. The findings suggest targeting the early-teens for more effective interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes.
A University of Exeter review highlights the dangers of relying on climate-based projections for crop pest distributions. Crop pests like the Colorado potato beetle have evolved rapidly to evade predictions, making it challenging to predict their future spread.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new technique to make solar energy cheaper and more efficient by mimicking the v-shaped posture of Cabbage White butterflies. The study shows that by replicating this 'wing-like' structure, power-to-weight ratio can be increased 17-fold.
New research published in Environment & Behavior found that watching aquariums and fish tanks can improve physical and mental wellbeing. The study showed noticeable reductions in blood pressure and heart rate, with higher numbers of fish helping to maintain attention for longer.
A study published in Cortex found that sleep significantly improves memory accessibility, allowing subjects to recall facts they couldn't remember while awake. After a night's sleep, participants were able to recover unrecalled memories, suggesting that sleep sharpens and makes memories more vivid and accessible.
Researchers discovered that mongoose cooperativeness lasts a lifetime, with consistent individuals helping offspring care and those with selfish personalities not increasing their workload. The study found varying personality types among mongooses, which remain unknown.
A three-year fishery closure around Robben Island increased African penguin chick survival rates by 18%, a significant improvement for the endangered species. The study highlights the importance of small no-take zones in improving demographic parameters of mobile species like the African penguin.
A study by the University of Exeter found a 35% decline in bird species in agricultural habitats compared to natural areas. The researchers recommend incorporating patches of natural vegetation into agricultural landscapes to maintain biodiversity.
Researchers found that 18% of wild banded mongoose pups are fathered by males from rival packs, reducing the risk of inbreeding. Female mongooses take risks to mate with rivals during pack 'warfare', while males discriminate between relatives and non-relatives.
Research suggests that non-drug interventions in schools can improve outcomes for children with ADHD, such as performance in standardized tests and reduction of hyperactive behavior. However, the study found it difficult to identify what works best due to variations in strategies and measurement methods.
A new study by University of Exeter and Tokyo University of the Arts found that songs from around the world share features like strong rhythm to enable coordination and group bonding. The researchers analysed 304 recordings of diverse music, revealing dozens of statistical universals related to pitch, rhythm, and social context.
A new study from the University of Exeter found that sexually antagonistic genes can maintain genetic variation in insect populations, including resistance to pesticides. This discovery has significant implications for pest management and our understanding of evolutionary dynamics.
A new study has deciphered the sounds of chestnut-crowned babbler birds to reveal a key element of human language, where rearranging meaningless sounds creates meaningful signals. This finding suggests that the ability to generate new meaning may have evolved early in the emergence of complex communication systems.
A new study found that cat owners are unaware of the number of animals killed by their pets and resist control measures. Despite this, many owners agree to neutering as a method of improving cat welfare.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered a new technique for producing high-quality, low-cost graphene, paving the way for flexible electronic skin development. The breakthrough could enable the creation of truly flexible electronics and wearable technologies.