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University of Exeter


Childhood obesity -- 1 epidemic or 2?

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...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateApr 28, 2015

Elderly crickets are set in their ways, study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateApr 28, 2015

Switch off the lights for bats

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 15, 2015

Light pollution shown to affect plant growth and food webs

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 15, 2015

Satellite images reveal ocean acidification from space

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 16, 2015

Energy efficient homes linked to asthma

A new study by the University of Exeter Medical School found that residents in energy-efficient social housing may have a greater risk of developing asthma. The presence of mould doubled this risk, highlighting the need for residents to properly ventilate their homes to prevent health issues.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironment International·DateDec 11, 2014

Study finds early warning signals of abrupt climate change

A new study has found early warning signals of a reorganisation of the Atlantic Ocean's circulation, which could impact the global climate system. The researchers used a complex model to analyze the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), finding that these signs are present up to 250 years before it collapses.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2014

Macho stereotypes put off men as well as women

A new study found that macho stereotypes discourage both men and women from pursuing traditionally masculine occupations. The research suggests that increasing the appeal of these jobs to a more diverse range of men could help attract more women, leading to greater equality in the future.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·DateDec 2, 2014

Brain's response to threat silenced when we are reminded of being loved and cared for

New research from the University of Exeter found that viewing pictures of others receiving emotional support reduces the brain's response to threatening facial expressions or words. This effect was particularly pronounced in more anxious individuals, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for mental health conditions like PTSD.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateNov 7, 2014

Study reveals startling decline in European birds

Bird populations across Europe have experienced sharp declines, with the majority of losses from the most common species. However, some less common birds have shown increases in recent years due to conservation efforts and legal protection. The study highlights the need for greater efforts to halt these continent-wide declines.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 2, 2014