The European team discovered the smallest transiting extrasolar planet, CoRoT-Exo-7b, orbiting a star slightly smaller than the Sun. The planet's radius is about twice that of Earth and orbits its host star in just 20 hours.
Research by the University of Exeter found that delivering organic vegetable boxes can result in lower carbon emissions than visiting a local farm shop, especially for customers making long-distance trips. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed to understand the environmental impact of food production and distribution
New research reveals a connection between water pollution and declining male fertility, with anti-androgenic chemicals identified as key players. The study suggests that exposure to these chemicals may contribute to reproductive problems in humans, particularly those affected by testicular dysgenesis syndrome.
A recent study published in Science reveals that three to 15 per cent of the oceans' calcium carbonate comes from fish intestines. This discovery could help solve a mystery of rapid ocean acidification due to global CO2 emissions.
Research shows males are more physically active than females across all ages. Studies focusing on primary schools and the over-70s reveal girls play differently, engaging less in vigorous activities. This may contribute to higher rates of obesity among girls, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
The University of Exeter and Bath have secured a £5 million Science and Innovation Award to create the Centre of Graphene Science. Researchers will focus on graphene's mechanical, electrical, and optical properties for computing and medicine applications.
A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology shows that Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is as effective as anti-depressant medication in preventing relapse and enhancing quality of life for people with long-term depression. The study found that MBCT provides a cost-effective alternative to prescript...
Females may mate with multiple partners to avoid passing on sperm-damaging genes, boosting offspring health and sex ratio. This adaptive strategy could explain why many species have polyandrous females.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that a 15-minute brisk walk can reduce chocolate cravings in regular eaters. The exercise not only lowered cravings during the walk but also for at least ten minutes afterwards.
The study found genetic influences on parenting styles, with females tending to direct care and males taking indirect care. This specialization helps form an efficient family unit, reducing conflicts between parents.
A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution debunks a long-held assumption that Homo sapiens were more intelligent than Neanderthals. The research team recreated stone tools used by both species and found no clear advantage in terms of efficiency. This finding challenges the traditional narrative that Homo sapiens outcompet...
Research by UK and Australian scientists suggests that humans hunted Tasmania's giant kangaroos and marsupial 'rhinos' and 'leopards' until their extinction, contrary to previous climate change theories. The findings provide the first evidence of human involvement in the mass extinction event, which took place around 41,000 years ago.
A study by the University of Exeter reveals a disturbing rise in cetacean strandings off Cornwall's coast, with most incidents attributed to bycatch in marine fisheries. The researchers are calling for increased conservation efforts and regulations to safeguard the future of Cornish cetaceans.
Climate scientists warn that reducing sulphur dioxide emissions from coal burning could lead to increased sea surface temperatures in the tropical north Atlantic, causing droughts in the Amazon rainforest. The study estimates a heightened risk of drought every other year by 2025 and nine out of ten years by 2060.
Researchers have created a new technique for diagnosing malaria that could be as effective as current rapid diagnostic tests but far faster and cheaper. The method uses magneto-optic technology to detect haemozoin, a waste product of the malarial parasite, in blood samples.
A study of 740 pregnant women in the UK found a clear link between mother's diet and infant sex, with higher energy intake around conception associated with an increased likelihood of having a son. Women who consumed more calories, especially from breakfast cereals, were also more likely to have sons.
Researchers from the University of Exeter argue that EU conservation policy has failed to protect endangered birds due to flawed data and lack of monitoring. The study's findings challenge previous claims that EU policy had a positive impact on bird conservation, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation of conservation policies.
Research by the University of Exeter and Queen's University Belfast shows that providing extra food to garden birds in winter makes for a more successful breeding season in the spring. Birds that receive extra food, such as peanuts, lay eggs earlier and produce more fledglings.
A study by the University of Exeter found that only 30% of captive-born carnivores survive in the wild, with most deaths caused by humans. The research highlights the need for conservation projects to better prepare animals for living in their natural environment.
A study published in European Journal of Applied Physiology found a consistent correlation between actual and perceived exertion in people of all fitness levels. Researchers say an individual's sense of hard work matches the level of physical exertion measured by heart-rate and oxygen uptake.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that attractiveness is hereditary in fruitflies, passed on from father to son. Attractive males are more likely to mate quickly and produce successful offspring, benefiting females who can pass these traits to their sons.
A 7,000-year-old flood is believed to have triggered the expansion of farming across Europe. The study suggests that rising sea levels led to dramatic social change and displaced millions of people.
Researchers warn that Caribbean coral reefs will decline permanently unless measures are taken to address overgrowth with seaweed and protect key grazers like parrotfish. The study suggests a need for policy changes to control fish traps and promote reef regeneration.
Birds with higher stress levels adopt bolder behaviour than their peers, taking more risks in stressful situations. The 'stressed' birds explored more objects and returned to feeders quickly after being startled.
Agricultural soil erosion removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits, creating carbon sinks equivalent to 1.5% of annual fossil fuel emissions. The study challenges previous assessments that erosion contributes significantly to global warming.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that British adults now prioritize moderate activities like walking over vigorous exercise. This shift in attitudes threatens the nation's health and experts are calling for evidence-based guidelines to promote vigorous activity.
Scientists have discovered a new enzyme that produces vitamin C in plants, revealing the antioxidant's critical role in plant growth. The findings also suggest that vitamin C is necessary for plants to grow, contradicting previous assumptions.
A study by Dr. Martin Edvardsson found that dehydrated female beetles mate more frequently with males to obtain water from their seminal fluid, a strategy that benefits the male by extending the time before fertilization competition resumes. The research sheds new light on the role of 'nuptial gifts' in insect courtship and mating.
A new study published in Nature finds that increasing surface ozone near the Earth's surface can lead to significant reductions in regional plant production and crop yields. This could undermine the ability of plants and soil to slow down global warming, as they currently store about a quarter of human carbon dioxide emissions.
Scientists at the University of Exeter have discovered a rapid brain mechanism that helps people avoid repeating previous errors. This 'early warning signal' is triggered in just 0.1 seconds after making an incorrect prediction, allowing individuals to learn from their mistakes and make better decisions in the future.
Researchers found that people with damage to their left frontal lobe are more likely to correct mistakes, while those with right-brain damage struggle to track changing task rules. This study highlights the crucial role of self-monitoring functions in everyday situations.
A new method for predicting cross-pollination between GM and conventional crops has been developed by the University of Exeter. The study reveals huge variation in cross-pollination levels depending on wind direction and speed, highlighting the need to increase minimum field-to-field distances.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that marine reserves can double the number of young corals, leading to a healthier reef ecosystem. The Bahamas' Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was used as a testing ground for this innovative approach.
A study by the University of Exeter found an increase in loggerhead and Kemp's ridley turtles in UK and French waters over the last twenty years. Protective measures in US and Mexican waters are believed to be the reason for this rise.
Marine turtles migrate hundreds of miles to foraging sites, equally loyal as nesting sites, according to University of Exeter research. The study tracked twenty green and loggerhead turtles, finding they return to same feeding grounds up to five years later.
A recent study by Dr Chris Byrne of the University of Exeter found that drinking large amounts of water during exercise has no effect on body temperature or performance. Runners lost an average of 1.5 litres of sweat per hour and reached high body temperatures, regardless of fluid intake.
Females may be more astute at choosing a mate, favoring mates with longer tails that signal aerodynamic abilities rather than attractive ornaments. Tail length is linked to natural selection, not sexual selection.
A short walk can significantly reduce cravings for cigarettes in smokers, helping them manage withdrawal symptoms and resist the urge to smoke. Moderate exercise can be as effective as a drug in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it a valuable tool for quitting smoking.
Rising temperatures could lead to extreme infant mortality and declines in nesting beaches across the USA, according to a study analyzing 26 years of loggerhead turtle nesting and climate data. Conservation efforts are recommended for protecting northern breeding grounds, as male turtles are essential for population sustainability.
Researchers found females mature earlier when shown males with long 'swords', while young males delayed maturity to avoid competition. This is the first evidence of a species adjusting sexual maturation based on visual cues.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered a unique surface structure in the Cyphochilus beetle that creates its brilliant whiteness. This innovative design could lead to improved ultra-thin materials for various industries.
Research reveals the journeys of endangered adult females traveling thousands of miles across boundaries between countries, highlighting the need for a team effort in their conservation. The study's findings emphasize the importance of protecting these fragile populations from habitat destruction, bycatch, and other human impacts.
A recent study published in the Journal of Theoretical Biology reveals that the last male to mate with a female in polyandrous species has a higher chance of successful impregnation due to the presence of extra seminal fluid from previous partners.
Researchers used satellite tracking to follow ten turtles from Cape Verde, discovering they adopted two distinct approaches to finding food linked to their size. This challenge current conservation efforts, highlighting the need for an international cooperative strategy to safeguard these animals.
Researchers have discovered the Universe's strongest magnetic field, generated by violent collisions between neutron stars. The discovery sheds light on the mysterious short Gamma-ray bursts, which are the most powerful explosions in the universe. Scientists believe that strong magnetic fields play a crucial role in their formation.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a single gene crucial to the rice-killing fungus's ability to infect plants. The discovery could lead to the development of effective chemicals to combat the devastating disease, which affects half of the world's population and kills enough rice to feed 60 million people annually.
A study in Science journal reveals that marine reserves can support the growth of parrotfish populations, maintaining reef ecosystems. The Nassau Grouper's impact on the reef is minimal due to the size limit for predation, enabling healthy coral reef recovery.