A new online computer game has been shown to help people control their snacking impulses and lose weight, with participants losing an average of 0.7kg and consuming around 220 fewer calories a day. The game trains people to associate calorie-dense foods with 'stopping', reducing how much food they eat in laboratory tests.
A team of scientists has discovered a massive cloud of hydrogen escaping from the atmosphere of GJ436b, a Neptune-sized exoplanet located 33 light years away. This phenomenon may help explain the formation of hot and rocky 'super-earths' and potentially detect extrasolar oceans.
A new study from the University of Exeter has found that racehorse speeds have improved greatly since 1850, with increases in speed greatest in shorter distance races. The researchers used a large data set of racing records to analyze thoroughbred performance at the elite level and found that horses are getting faster.
A devastating crop disease called Septoria tritici blotch is threatening European wheat production. The UK government has launched an international research initiative to understand the disease and develop sustainable control mechanisms.
Researchers found that male and female banded mongooses discriminate between relatives and non-relatives to avoid inbreeding, with males directing mating effort towards less closely related females. The study suggests a previously unknown breeding system where both sexes avoid inbreeding when mating within their extended family group.
Research found that ladybird color reveals toxicity to predators, with more conspicuous species being less likely to be attacked. The study used modified cameras and artificial versions of each species to test predation risk, revealing that brighter colors act as warning signals.
A recent study from the University of Exeter has discovered Gabon's coastline to host the largest breeding colony of olive ridley turtles in the Atlantic. The research reveals an estimated 9,800 turtle nests per year, highlighting the importance of continued conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.
Researchers found that exotic fish can amplify viral levels in garden ponds, while chemicals like slug pellets weaken frog immune systems. Simple precautions, such as reducing chemical use and not stocking non-native species, can help reduce the spread of the devastating ranavirosis disease.
Researchers found that snails vary in their ability to remember and respond to training, with those good at one type of memory being poor at others. The study reveals that there is no universally smart snail, but rather individuals are smart at some things but not everything.
A new study published in Nature Genetics highlights the critical role of essential fatty acids like omega-3 in human brain growth and development. The research, conducted in a rural community in Pakistan, identified a genetic mutation that impairs the brain's ability to absorb these vital fats.
A new study suggests that geoengineering techniques, such as Solar Radiation Management, can reduce the risk of global severe bleaching and degradation of coral reefs. The research found that even under ambitious CO2 reduction scenarios, widespread coral bleaching will occur by the middle of this century.
Research recommends a new approach to sustainable fishing decisions that considers 'taboo tradeoffs', prioritizing local communities and addressing trade-offs with wellbeing. The study found that ignoring these tradeoffs can lead to social losers and environmental degradation.
A team of UK scientists studied how changes in the stratosphere affect surface-level jet streams, storm tracks, and weather. The research highlights a series of global weather phenomena resulting from the 'coupling' between the stratosphere and troposphere, such as extreme temperatures over eastern North America.
New research reveals that mining pollution has led to a significant reduction in the genetic diversity of brown trout populations in southwest England. The study found that these fish have adapted to live in water with high levels of metal contaminants, but this adaptation comes at the cost of reduced genetic variation.
Researchers created a truly electronic textile using graphene, revolutionizing wearable devices like smart clothing and phones. The breakthrough enables flexible and transparent electrodes, paving the way for innovative applications in healthcare, defense, and communication.
Research shows that trees across Europe have increased their water use efficiency by nearly 20% in response to rising atmospheric CO2 levels. This increase is attributed to reduced stomatal opening to regulate carbon acquisition and minimize water loss.
Research finds artificial light from coastal communities and shipping alters marine invertebrate communities, affecting fouling and ecosystem services. The study warns of potential impacts on coral reefs and other sensitive environments.
A new study found that childhood obesity has distinct causes depending on the age of the child. In toddlers, weight gain is largely influenced by parental factors, while adolescents experience weight gain across the entire age group, regardless of parentage. The study suggests that public health strategies may need to be tailored accor...
Researchers found that male flour beetles can detect chemical cues on females indicating sperm competition and adjust their courtship efforts accordingly. When females exhibit the scent of one to three rival males, males increase their reproductive investment.
A recent study published in Geology has shown that parrotfish play a pivotal role in providing the sands necessary to build and maintain coral reef islands. The research found that parrotfish produced over 85% of the new sand-grade sediment on reefs around island communities in the Maldives.
A new study published in Behavioural Ecology found that elderly crickets' behavior becomes more entrenched with age, making them less responsive to changing environmental conditions. This suggests that older individuals may struggle to adapt to changes in climate, habitat, or diet, potentially affecting their survival prospects.
A study by researchers at the University of Exeter found that New Zealand stoats have greater genetic diversity than their native Britain, preserving extinct British genes. This is unusual as introducing a species typically leads to a loss in genetic diversity.
New research suggests that persistent swollen lymph glands in the neck are a high-risk indicator for lymphoma. By referring patients with unexplained swollen neck glands for further investigation, doctors can help reduce cancer-related deaths in the UK.
A new study reveals that online forums have positive links to well-being and are associated with increased community engagement offline. Users of these forums who engage more with others experience greater benefits, including improved mental health and increased involvement in offline activities.
Research predicts that warming seas will constrain fish habitats, leading to reduced abundance of commercial species. The study used a model combining fisheries datasets and climate projections to predict future distributions of UK favourite fish.
A pioneering new technique using sequential treatments may help combat the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by killing them at lower doses than usual. This approach reduces the risk of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, maintaining long-term effectiveness.
A new study confirms a positive feedback operating in climate change, where warming amplifies greenhouse gas emissions and additional warming. This is evident from direct analysis of ice-core data, showing that temperature has a profound effect on atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
A recent study in Nature Climate Change analyzed how Twitter, TV, and newspapers reported the IPCC's latest climate evidence. The researchers found that different media sources used distinct frames to emphasize or downplay various aspects of climate change, with some frames being more engaging for audiences than others.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers suggests that setting a high carbon tax can help delay the likelihood of irreparable climate change damages and trigger future tipping points. By applying an insurance premium to carbon emissions, policymakers can mitigate the prospect of abrupt changes in the climate system.
Researchers found that bat activity was lower in street-lit areas than dark locations with similar habitat. Only Leisler's bat showed a positive association with street lighting, highlighting the need to reconsider urban planning strategies.
A study by University of Exeter researchers found that artificial light at night inhibits flowering in certain plants and suppresses aphid populations. The low-intensity amber light was more detrimental to the pea aphid population than white light, highlighting complex interactions between predators and resources.
Researchers at the University of Exeter discovered that bacteria can evolve a permanent immune response to phages, but also induce a temporary CRISPR response for low-risk conditions. This finding has implications for industrial bacterial cultures and could lead to more efficient and cost-effective methods.
A study on burying beetles found that males with higher mating rates are more sensitive to competition and display flexible behavior in response to changing social contexts. This flexibility allows them to adapt to environmental fluctuations and increase their reproductive success.
A new study finds that female killer whales survive after menopause due to their ability to share 'ecological knowledge' with family members, particularly during hard times. This research provides insights into why women continue to live long after they can no longer have children.
A study published in Journal of Applied Ecology found that fully protected 'no-take zones' would have greater benefits for wildlife and fisheries than limited-take zones. Researchers propose a compromise between no-take and limited-take zones to balance ecological and economic objectives.
A new study found that hormone-disrupting chemicals, such as clotrimazole, can skew sex-ratios in zebrafish towards males, increasing the risk of extinction for endangered species. Climate change amplifies these effects, particularly in warmer water temperatures.
A study by the University of Exeter found that black men are less likely to opt for prostate cancer investigation due to fear and perception of severe complications. The research suggests that proactive discussion with doctors and targeted education may help address this issue.
New techniques using satellite-mounted cameras and microwave sensors can monitor large areas of the ocean, quickly identifying regions most at risk from increasing acidification. This approach offers remote monitoring and could lead to further development of satellite sensors in the coming years.
A new international project, led by the University of Exeter, aims to study how ancient societies used and transformed the Amazonian land. The research will focus on the scale and nature of human societies' transformation of the environment during the late pre-Columbian period.
A new study has identified two major foraging grounds of the Mediterranean green turtle and recommends the creation of a new Marine Protected Area to preserve the vulnerable species. The researchers tracked 34 female turtles from breeding grounds in Cyprus, Turkey, Israel, and Syria over 8,521 tracking days.
Research from the Universities of Exeter and Bristol found that plain tobacco packaging may reduce the likelihood of smokers seeking cigarettes, with a 10% decrease in 'cigarette-seeking' response compared to branded packs.
A new study published in Environment International found that people living near the coast in England have higher vitamin D levels than those inland. The research linked sunlight data to vitamin D levels, revealing a strong correlation between coastal living and improved vitamin D levels.
Researchers identified significant differences in DNA methylation patterns between male and female brains during prenatal development. These epigenetic changes may contribute to the origins of disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers found that aphids which consistently display risk-averse or risk-prone behavior tend to thrive better than those that exhibit mixed strategies, especially when faced with predators. The study suggests that committing to a consistent behavioral type can be key to achieving overall fitness and reproductive success.
AP39 replenishes hydrogen sulfide levels, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, with potential for new cardiovascular therapies.
Research shows global warming could double the frequency of extreme La Niúna events, leading to increased droughts and floods globally. This could also lead to weather patterns switching between extremes of wet and dry, with profound socio-economic consequences.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a new material, perovskite, that can efficiently generate photovoltaic energy in various atmospheric conditions. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly reduce the costs of solar energy production.
Researchers from University of Exeter, Edinburgh and Imperial College London recreated asteroid impact to debunk theory it caused massive global firestorms. The intense heat near the impact site was too short to ignite live plants, but affected areas far from the site were heated for longer periods.
A new study found that viruses carried by commercial bees can jump to wild pollinators with potentially devastating effects. The researchers are calling for measures to prevent the introduction of diseased pollinators into natural environments.
Researchers have discovered GraphExeter, a graphene-based material that withstands extreme conditions, including high temperatures and humidity. This breakthrough could revolutionize the electronics industry by replacing indium tin oxide (ITO) with a more durable alternative.