A comprehensive framework identifies crucial elements supporting evolution of social behaviour in structured populations. Helping neighbours reproduce more or live longer does not have same indirect consequences on own fitness.
A new study found that gamblers' brains exhibit similar increases in theta activity to wins and near-misses, particularly in the insula and orbitofrontal cortex. This response is associated with gambling severity and susceptibility to problem gambling. The research suggests that brain responses to near-misses resemble those to actual w...
A new study published in Nature Climate Change found no link between warmer winters and reduced excess winter death rates in the UK. Instead, flu activity was identified as the main cause of year-to-year variation in winter mortality.
A comprehensive review of global marine turtle fisheries reveals that over 42,000 turtles are caught annually through legal means. This number is largely driven by the green turtle species, with the majority coming from the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions.
Scientists propose that conventional steroid treatments deliver medication in a way that disrupts the body's natural hormone release patterns, leading to debilitating side effects. The report recommends developing novel techniques to mimic these natural cycles, which could alleviate suffering for patients.
A study by the University of Exeter reveals that crop pests are greatly underestimated in developing countries, posing a significant threat to global food security. With many nations underreporting pest loads, investment in pest observations is crucial to identifying and controlling losses.
Research reveals tropical ecosystems releasing 2 billion extra tonnes of carbon into atmosphere per year with each 1 degree rise in tropical temperature. The study suggests increased vulnerability of tropical ecosystems to climate change, contradicting current land carbon cycle models.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that maintaining higher blood glucose levels than recommended does not increase the risk of diabetes complications. People with MODY, a genetic change leading to elevated blood glucose from birth, had the same risk as their normal relatives.
Research by the University of Exeter Medical School reveals two new genetic causes of neonatal diabetes, providing insights into how insulin-producing beta cells are formed in the pancreas. This discovery increases the number of known genetic causes of neonatal diabetes, offering hope for improved treatment and potential therapies.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that moving to a greener area improves mental health and the effect continues long after the move. The research team analyzed data from over 1,000 participants and found significant and sustained improvements in mental health for those who relocated to greener areas.
Scientists at the University of Exeter have identified four distinct routes for cell division, which could lead to errors in cell division and increase cancer risk. The study also found a central molecular complex, Augmin, essential for all these pathways.
In a study on banded mongooses, researchers found that older, dominant females kill entire litters if they did not contribute to them, but allow communal litters with their own young to survive. This coordination is crucial for the group's productivity.
A study found that orb web spiders make up 25% of their diet with pollen, consuming aerial plankton like fungal spores. Spiders that ate both pollen and flies gained optimal nourishment.
A UK Biobank study has found a strong link between fathers' diabetes and their child's low birth weight, with genetic variations potentially explaining this effect. The research used data from 250,000 adults and suggests that treatments aimed at increasing birth weight may not be effective in preventing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers are using an advanced humanoid robot called Nao to measure human interaction with robots in public spaces. The project aims to enhance the public realm as a space where people can interact under conditions of privacy and equality.
A recent Arctic study reveals that tiny crustaceans, known as copepods, may not survive if ocean acidity rises due to increased CO2. Copepods with a wide natural habitat range are likely to be better equipped to handle the changes.
A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found a link between childhood ADHD and socioeconomic status in the UK. The research analyzed data from over 19,500 children born between 2000 and 2002, revealing that more children with ADHD came from families below the poverty line.
New research suggests that the Amazon rainforest can withstand dry conditions due to its ability to recycle moisture, reducing water stress on plants. This natural process helps mitigate the impacts of climate change-induced drought.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that high concentrations of tungsten are strongly linked with an increased occurrence of stroke. The research, conducted by the University of Exeter, analyzed data from a large US health survey and found that tungsten could be a significant risk factor for stroke, even in people under 50.
Scientists have found the cause of a genetic disease, pancreatic agenesis, in previously unexplored regions of DNA. The condition affects babies and leads to diabetes and digestive issues.
Researchers trained pond snails to forget how to breathe air and found that single stressful events impaired memory, but multiple stresses blocked all learning and memory. The study published in PLOS ONE reveals that stress affects animals' ability to form long-term memories.
A new study suggests that melting Arctic sea ice causes a shift in the jet stream, leading to increased rain in northwest Europe during summers. The research also finds that Mediterranean regions will receive less rain, with potential effects on weather patterns as far as North America.
A pilot study has shown that internet-based Behavioural Action treatment can effectively treat postnatal depression, with participants reporting better results for depression, work, and social impairment. The online program provided support at times convenient to the women, allowing them to complete a course of therapy.
Researchers found that TB-infected badgers were less well-connected within their own groups but formed important links for the spread of infection between groups. The study suggests that this unusual social arrangement may stabilize the spread of TB across the population.
Researchers identify symptoms of depression causing parenting difficulties, including emotional unavailability and problems with memory. The findings suggest that depressed parents may struggle to respond to their child's needs due to brain changes affecting goal-setting and interaction.
Researchers have discovered vast channels beneath an Antarctic ice shelf, stretching hundreds of kilometers. The channels' formation is linked to meltwater flowing under the grounded ice sheet, shedding light on how ice responds to environmental changes.
A new study from the University of Exeter and international collaborators finds that smaller reefs with nearly full lagoons have potential for new island development. This could provide alternative land options in the region as sea levels rise.
Researchers found that cuckoo finches with multiple eggs in a nest confuse host parents, making it harder to distinguish their own eggs from imposter eggs. This strategy combines with egg mimicry to increase reproductive success. The study highlights the cunning tactics of brood parasites like the cuckoo finch.
A new study reveals dramatic ocean mixing in Drake Passage, crucial for regulating Earth's climate and ocean currents. The research provides detailed information needed to accurately predict long-term climate projections.
Researchers found that predators can learn to find certain types of camouflaged prey faster than others. Moths with high contrast markings were initially better at evading predation, but humans learned to find them slower than those with low contrast markings that matched the background.
A new £800,000 grant from the Medical Research Council will enable scientists to connect diverse databases and investigate links between climate, environment, and human health. The project aims to develop an IT system and database linking weather, climate, and environmental data with information on health and wellbeing.
Researchers have discovered the unique properties of Morpho butterfly wings that can be used to develop innovative technologies. The study found that the physical structure and surface chemistry of the wings provide surprising properties for applications such as photonic security tags, sensors and self-cleaning surfaces.
A new approach to calculating flooding costs will be presented at the International Conference on Flood Resilience. The methodology combines land use information with data on vulnerability to estimate past and future damage. This method has already been used in Barcelona and Dhaka to assess heavy rain event impacts.
A systematic review of 12 studies confirms a positive impact on cognitive function associated with higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet. However, results for mild cognitive impairment are inconsistent, highlighting the need for further research.
A new study reveals that global warming is causing crop pests to spread towards the North and South Poles at an alarming rate. Currently, 10-16% of global crop production is lost to pests, with losses from fungi alone amounting to enough to feed nearly nine percent of today's global population.
New research suggests that UK children are far less likely to be diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to their US counterparts. The study found that only 1.5% of parents in the UK reported a diagnosis of ADHD in children aged between 6-8, in contrast to 6.3% in the USA.
A new study published in BMC Public Health reveals that volunteering is associated with improvements in mental health and increased life satisfaction. Volunteers reported lower levels of depression and enhanced well-being, although the exact mechanisms underlying these benefits are unclear.
A US model of collaborative care for depression has been shown to improve symptoms immediately after treatment. After 12 months, 15% more patients remained improved compared to those who saw their GP alone.
A unique four-point test using clinical variables such as serum albumin levels and white cell count can accurately predict the death risk of patients with C. difficile infections. This method has potential benefits for patients, hospitals, and health services worldwide.
A new analysis found that people across all social standings accumulate harmful chemicals in their bodies. The study shows strong associations between 18 different chemicals and poverty ratings, with individuals from higher incomes having larger amounts of toxicants like mercury and benzophenone-3.
Researchers used mathematical models and lab-based synthetic biology to predict bacterial investment crashes and boom-bust cycles. The study reveals how the diversity of life is maintained and demonstrates that investment decisions can be precisely defined.
A team of researchers discovered that a population of brown trout can survive in highly contaminated waters by changing the expression of their genes. The study found that these fish have developed strategies to detoxify metals and maintain ion balance, allowing them to thrive in environments where other fish would be lethal.
A study published in Animal Behaviour found that ship noise disrupts feeding for common shore crabs, while also heightening their predation risk. The research suggests that the combination of reduced foraging time and increased vulnerability to predators may negatively impact crab growth, fitness, survival, and harvested populations.
A study led by the University of Exeter found that 27% of over-70s with type 2 diabetes achieved better glycaemic control through individualized care alone. Researchers introduced a 'one-size-fits-all' approach for older patients, which proved ineffective due to multiple complications.
Astronomers have analyzed eight 'hot Jupiter' exoplanets using the Hubble Space Telescope, revealing a diverse range of puzzling properties. The team found that winds and clouds play a crucial role in shaping the atmospheric composition of these exotic planets.
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Exeter uses computational social science to measure the aesthetic value of ecosystems. The study found that areas in Cornwall with high levels of photographer activity, such as Kynance Cove and Port Issac, have the highest aesthetic value.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that winter feeding of wild blue tits resulted in smaller, lower-weight chicks with lower survival rates. This challenges the long-held assumption that providing extra food during winter benefits bird populations.
A mindfulness-based approach has been shown to reduce symptoms of stress and depression, and promote wellbeing among school children. The study found that 80% of young people continued using the practices after completing the nine-week program.
A study by the University of Exeter found that older male burying beetles invest more in parental care than younger counterparts, as they have less chance of reproducing again. This investment is driven by a desire to reduce the likelihood of female infidelity.
Researchers have found that the rice blast fungus uses two distinct secretion systems to invade plant tissue, shedding light on a devastating crop disease. The discovery is a step towards controlling blast disease, which destroys enough rice to feed 60 million people annually.