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University of Exeter


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

Air pollution increases river-flows

A study published in Nature Geoscience found that air pollution, specifically aerosols, increases river flows in the northern hemisphere. The research reveals a significant impact of solar dimming on enhanced river flows over regions in heavily industrialised areas.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 5, 2014

Study shows sharks have personalities

Researchers found that individual sharks possess social personalities, determining how they interact with group mates in the wild. The study revealed that socially well-connected individuals remained connected under different habitats, while less social individuals camouflaged alone.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateOct 1, 2014

Burnt out birds suggest hard work could be bad for your health

A recent study on a cooperative bird species found that dominant birds, who work harder and take on more responsibilities, experience weakened antioxidant protection after a breeding season. This suggests that unequal sharing of workloads in societies may leave the hardest-working individuals at risk of poor health and accelerated ageing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateSep 2, 2014

Indoor mold poses health risk to asthma sufferers

A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has found that indoor mold can lead to breathing problems and increase the likelihood of developing asthma. The research highlights the importance of adequate heating, ventilation, and home maintenance to reduce mold growth and its effects on health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 28, 2014

New study charts the global invasion of crop pests

A new study led by the University of Exeter warns that many global crop-producing countries will be overwhelmed by pests within the next 30 years if current trends continue. The research identifies the most invasive pest species, including fungi and nematodes, which are expected to spread rapidly due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateAug 27, 2014

Self-deceived individuals deceive others better

A study by Newcastle University and the University of Exeter found that self-deceived individuals are viewed as more talented by their colleagues and are more likely to get promotions. This can lead to overestimation of others' abilities, increased risk-taking, and potentially disastrous consequences for organizations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2014

Link between vitamin D and dementia risk confirmed

A recent study published in the medical journal Neurology has confirmed a substantial link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The research found that participants with severe vitamin D deficiency were more than twice as likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNeurology·DateAug 6, 2014

Problem drinking in midlife doubles chance of memory problems in later life

A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry indicates that middle-aged adults with a history of problem drinking are more than twice as likely to suffer from severe memory impairment in later life. The research highlights the link between harmful patterns of alcohol consumption and problems with memory, which may ...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2014

Recreational football reduces high blood pressure in mature women

A study of 41 untrained women aged 35-50 with mild high blood pressure found a significant reduction in blood pressure and body fat percentage after 15 weeks of football training. The researchers also found that women like playing football even if they have no previous experience, leading to the creation of their own football club.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateJun 19, 2014

Earth's breathable atmosphere a result of continents taking control of the carbon cycle

A research group from the University of Exeter has discovered a possible mechanism behind Earth's rising oxygen concentration. The team suggests that as continents grew, chemical processes on land took over controlling CO2 levels, leading to increased phosphate availability in oceans and ultimately, oxygen production.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014