Scientists have identified three distinct migration routes taken by female leatherback turtles from Gabon to feeding grounds across the South Atlantic, with one route spanning over 7,500km. This research is crucial for informing conservation efforts and protecting these endangered creatures.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new screen to isolate virulent parts of pathogenic bacteria, enabling quicker identification of key areas for vaccine development. The technique has been used to study Burkholderia pseudomallei, a deadly human disease-causing bacteria.
New research suggests beetroot juice can reduce the amount of oxygen needed to perform low-intensity exercise by up to 12%, enabling people to walk for longer periods. The study's findings have potential implications for older adults and individuals with heart or lung conditions.
Despite the financial crisis, global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels are expected to rise by over 3% in 2010, reversing previous declines. Meanwhile, deforestation-related emissions have decreased by over 25% since 2000.
Researchers found boys are more likely to receive an autism diagnosis despite equally severe symptoms, suggesting a gender bias in diagnosis. The study also discovered older mothers are better at identifying their children's difficulties and have more confidence in bringing concerns to the clinic.
A six-year study on migrating geese found that young birds learn their migratory destinations from parents, demonstrating a high concentration of related birds. This cultural inheritance may provide advantages such as better access to food and reproductive success.
Researchers have found that up to 16,000 endangered turtles are being caught annually in Madagascar, highlighting the need for sustainable management. The study uses a new approach involving local communities to document turtle catches and provides a conservative estimate of annual catch rates.
A new study reveals young offenders have a significantly higher rate of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) than expected in society. TBI was also linked to greater violence in offending and mental health problems. Researchers emphasize the need for brain injury assessment in offender management.
A new study shows that even when a trait becomes sex-specific, knock-on effects can still disadvantage the other sex. Researchers found that in broad-horned flour beetles, larger mandibles in males were linked to increased mating success but also reduced female reproductive ability.
A four-year study found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect the ability of wild fish to breed, with intersex fish experiencing reduced reproductive performance. The research highlights the potential long-term impact of these chemicals on ecosystem health and human health.
Researchers warn of 'dire' funding situation for biological research databases, highlighting the need for long-term sustainability. A study reviews business models and suggests a global change in funding policies is necessary to support cyberinfrastructure.
A new study suggests that current climate change targets are unsafe, as global temperatures appear to be comparable to projections for the end of this century. The analysis of geological records reveals that sea levels will rise significantly higher than anticipated, with a rate of rise more than double recent observations.
New Caledonian crows use tools to extract wood-boring longhorn beetle larvae from burrows, providing a nutritious food source. The crows' tool use is energy-efficient and profitable, suggesting that unusual foraging opportunities have selected for their sophisticated behavior.
New research reveals that employees with control over their workspace are happier, healthier and more productive. Studies showed that personalized offices lead to improved attitudes towards jobs, reduced physical discomfort, and increased efficiency.
A dietary supplement boosting nitric oxide levels can significantly improve stamina and allow athletes to exercise up to 20% longer. The study suggests a 1-2% improvement in race times, which may be the difference between winning and losing at elite levels.
A 48-million-year-old fossilized leaf has revealed evidence of a fungus taking control of ants to turn them into zombies. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of parasitic manipulation in animals.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that using the Quiet Eye technique can significantly improve putting accuracy in golfers. This method involves focusing on a specific spot on the ball for up to 3 seconds before and during the stroke. By doing so, golfers can reduce pressure and increase their chances of sinking crucial putts.
A study on killer whales and pilot whales reveals a common link with humans in the evolution of menopause. Females in these species become genetically related to those they live with as they get older, leading to a 'grandmother' role that helps ensure group survival.
Research led by the University of Exeter finds that climate change is increasing hazard risks in mountainous regions, including glacier loss and rock-fall activity. The study's findings highlight the need for increased public awareness and preparedness to mitigate the impacts of climate-related hazards.
A study of banded mongooses in Uganda found that these animals pass on traditions from one generation to the next, a practice previously thought to be reserved for humans and intelligent animals. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how complex cultures can develop.
A study by University of Exeter biologists uses digital video technology, tagging, and DNA fingerprinting to examine the behavior and ancestry of field crickets in their natural environment. The research reveals that dominant males don't always have more mates or offspring, and females can benefit from having multiple partners.
New research suggests that reduced deforestation rates in the Amazon may lead to increased fire incidences, potentially offsetting carbon savings from the UN's REDD programme. Sustainable land management practices are needed to prevent this.
A team of researchers from the University of Exeter has conducted a six-week archaeological expedition to rural Andhra Pradesh in India to study the origins of high carbon steel-making. They recorded over 120 sites where iron and steel were produced, including those associated with the production of wootz steel.
A study by the University of Exeter and Liverpool found that polyandry, where females have multiple mates, reduces the risk of populations becoming extinct. This is because all-female broods are less likely to occur due to the suppression of the SR chromosome, which can lead to population decline.
A University of Exeter study shows coral reefs located in marine reserves can recover from the devastating effects of global warming. The research found that reducing fishing levels is a viable way to protect delicate aquatic ecosystems.
Two female leatherback turtles, Noelle and Darwinia, have traveled 800 miles between them since December 2009. The researchers aim to use their data to inform management of fisheries and protect key areas from industrial fishing and oil exploitation.
Researchers analyzed mink carcasses to determine diet and movement patterns, revealing a reliance on seafood and coastal habitats. The findings will aid in the eradication of this invasive species from native ecosystems.
A new study by the University of Exeter shows that anxious penalty takers are more likely to focus on the goalkeeper, leading to shots that centralize and become easier to save. The research suggests that coaches can address this issue through training, emphasizing the importance of practicing aiming strategies under pressure.
A study found that laypeople's beliefs about the causes of autism differ from medical experts' consensus. Many individuals directly or indirectly affected by autism believe the incidence has increased due to environmental hazards and modern lifestyles, rather than changes in diagnosis practices.
Studies across various species reveal that males tend to exhibit more predictable behavior, particularly in parental care, aggression, and risk-taking. Females, on the other hand, are more likely to vary their behavior and respond to these traits, indicating a preference for mates with consistent personalities.
A £3.2m, three-year research project is underway at the University of Exeter to develop new technologies based on the physical properties of butterfly wings. The team aims to create innovative solutions in anti-counterfeit technology, radio-frequency identification, wi-fi efficiency and security.
A University of Exeter study found exercise decreases attention to smoking-related images, with participants spending 11% less time looking at these images after exercising. This suggests exercise can help reduce interest in and salience of smoking cues, making it easier for smokers to quit.
Marine renewable energy devices can boost local biodiversity and benefit marine environments by attracting marine organisms to man-made structures, creating 'artificial reefs'. However, such devices also pose negative environmental impacts from habitat loss, collision risks, noise, and electromagnetic fields.
Research by the Universities of Exeter and Queensland shows that membership of social groups has a positive impact on health and well-being. Studies have found that people who maintain valued group memberships recover more positively after a stroke, are happier in care homes, and experience improved mental health.
Researchers found female crickets store more sperm from unrelated males and choose the best father for their offspring. This study challenges common behaviors among insect species and sheds light on the complex mating strategies in the insect world.
Companies with female board members fare worse in stock market, but perform equally well on other measures. Share values decline after women are appointed to boards.
A new study published in Journal of Applied Physiology shows that drinking beetroot juice reduces oxygen uptake, allowing individuals to exercise for up to 16% longer. The study also found lower resting blood pressure in those who consumed beetroot juice compared to a placebo.
A study at the University of Exeter found that grey squirrels learn more quickly when rewarded for recognizing a different pot, suggesting they prioritize gathering and storing nuts. The research also shows that squirrels are primed to recognize other squirrels as potential food thieves.
Researchers have developed a new white paper coating inspired by the Cyphochilus beetle's shell, which produces a bright and efficient whiteness. The coating uses a unique structure to scatter white light, resulting in a lighter weight paper with high whiteness, potentially reducing costs.
A study published in Biological Conservation reveals that a nesting population of leatherback sea turtles in Gabon has the world's largest female population of between 15,730 and 41,373. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these critically endangered turtles.
A new study suggests that frequent bursts of physical activity throughout the day can be just as beneficial to children's health as longer exercise sessions. The research found that short, moderate-intensity activities accumulated over a shorter period were associated with better health outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that individually-tailored emotional support improved sports performance by an average of 1.78 shots per round in professional and amateur golfers. The study provides evidence for the significant impact of social support on athletic success.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that sexual harassment from males prevents female fish from forming social bonds with each other. The researchers discovered that male harassment not only breaks down female social structures but also affects females' ability to recognize one another.
The discovery of the earliest known evidence of horse domestication suggests that horses were both ridden and milked. This finding points to the origins of horse breeds we know today, with a possible date of around 5,500 years ago in Kazakhstan.
A study by the University of Exeter found that social support from friends and family significantly improves sports performance, particularly under stress. The researchers discovered that athletes with high levels of support maintained good performance even when experiencing personal problems or playing under pressure.
A UK study shows that predicting population spread and conserving habitats can help threatened species survive environmental change. The silver-spotted skipper butterfly's recovery over 18 years highlights the importance of preserving chalk grasslands in southern England.
Researchers used game theory to explain juvenile ravens' unusual foraging behavior, finding that it occurs when searching individually is less efficient. The study suggests that abundant food and social advancement drive the adoption of 'gang' foraging, potentially improving their social status.
A new study suggests that doctors and nurses should offer high-risk patients targeted advice to improve heart health. The research found that boosting patients' sense of vulnerability does not help, but rather provides personalized information on specific CHD preventative diets.
A study found that parents of children with genetic conditions are avoiding subsequent pregnancies instead of undergoing pre-natal testing or abortion. This 'ambivalent' response is rooted in a deep-seated concern about the limitations of new reproductive technologies and the risks involved.
A new study reveals that exercise can help reduce cigarette cravings by changing the way the brain processes information. Researchers used fMRI scans to investigate how physical activity affects brain activity among smokers, finding a significant reduction in cravings after exercise.