A study of 274 people with ketamine use disorder found high levels of physical health problems, including bladder issues and K-cramps, as well as psychological symptoms like cravings and low mood. The research highlights the need for improved treatment programs and awareness of ketamine use to support those seeking care.
A new study predicts that new plant pests and diseases will severely damage UK trees and woodlands by 2050, potentially losing over half of their growth. The research highlights the need for increased tree diversity and resilience to biocontrol measures.
A large-scale database of macaque behavior is driving a shift towards open science, bringing together researchers from across the globe to share data on social lives of over 3,000 individual monkeys. The platform has grown into a collaborative effort promoting culture of sharing within the research community.
New research warns that global policies may lead to triggering of multiple climate tipping points, with a 62% risk on average. However, sustainable future pathways with lower greenhouse gas emissions can significantly reduce this risk.
The study highlights the growing reliance on unregulated private tutoring in Lebanon, driven by government neglect of public education. This is particularly affecting disadvantaged families who are forced to sacrifice their children's well-being to secure their future opportunities.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have observed wild chimpanzees consuming and sharing fermented African breadfruit containing ethanol, raising questions about the potential benefits of alcohol consumption in primates. The study suggests that chimps may be seeking out alcohol for social bonding and relaxation, similar to humans.
Researchers found that pheasants released in the UK can carry Lyme disease bacteria in ticks, increasing the risk of human exposure. The study suggests 'spillback' from non-native species can lead to the emergence of zoonoses.
A new survey-based study from the University of Exeter found that police officers are more than twice as likely to have traumatic brain injuries compared to the general population. The study also revealed that officers who report a history of multiple traumatic brain injuries are over twice as likely to develop complex PTSD.
A study found that brain activity can predict a person's political affiliation with 80% accuracy when making food purchases. Researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity in Republicans and Democrats, finding distinct neural patterns for each group.
Rising temperatures and increased trade enable pests to spread globally, intensifying agriculture weakens natural pest control. Crop losses exceed 40% due to pest and disease impacts, necessitating urgent action for climate-smart management strategies.
A recent study by Chris O'Meara from the University of Exeter Law School argues that existing laws can be used to limit when and how states may lawfully target satellites using ASAT technologies. This could help address pressing international concerns regarding space militarization and the fear of wars between states.
The study found that almost 600 of the over 125,000 known fly species are likely to be migratory, highlighting their importance as pollinators, decomposers, and pest controllers. The review emphasizes the need for connected habitats to support flies along their epic journeys, as climate change and human impacts threaten many species.
Researchers argue that scientists should use storytelling techniques to convey their work, appealing to humans beyond technical writing. They propose methods such as embracing storytelling, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, and using personal anecdotes to inspire meaningful action.
Recent 'unprecedented' floods are not exceptional if looking further into the past, new research suggests. Geological palaeo-flood records reveal many previous floods exceeded modern peaks, highlighting the need for using these records in flood planning.
A new study shows that classroom discussion plays a vital role in the teaching of writing. Teachers manage this discussion to develop pupils' understanding of writer's choices and their impact on readers. The study emphasizes the importance of 'scaffolding' discussion, making explicit relationships between language choices and meaning.
Researchers say the amount of carbon released by seabed fishing worldwide is uncertain and must be urgently investigated. The Convex Seascape Survey found that vessel and gear sizes vary greatly from country to country, leading to large inaccuracies in global estimates.
A new study by the University of Exeter highlights how the Syrian regime systematically employed internal displacement as a military-political strategy to depopulate key areas and create new realities. This tactic has lasting post-war consequences, embedding displacement beyond immediate conflict and requiring policymakers to engage wi...
A new study led by the University of Exeter shows that social media can be used to monitor animal species relocating due to climate change. The researchers examined posts about Jersey tiger moths on Instagram and Flickr, finding they are unexpectedly common in towns and cities.
A new study found that viewing nature can help ease how people experience pain by reducing the brain activity linked to pain perception. The research suggests that the pain-relieving effect of nature is genuine and could provide an alternative way to relieve pain, potentially used in conjunction with medication.
Interest in second-hand electric vehicles (EVs) has doubled from 3.5% to 7% of advert views between 2022 and 2023, indicating a potential tipping point in the UK used car market. This growth is driven by 'sticky' interest that lasts longer, suggesting drivers are becoming more receptive to EVs.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers finds that Chinese contractors win significantly more contracts in authoritarian countries with similar economic profiles to China. In contrast, democratic countries with strong institutions limit business opportunities for Chinese firms.
Climate change will make it economically unsustainable for many areas to grow bananas for export by 2080, affecting the $11 billion banana industry. Socioeconomic factors such as labor availability and infrastructure hinder climate change adaptation in banana production.
A study by the University of Exeter finds that Lebanon's dual education system exacerbates social inequalities, with parents favoring private schools over public ones. The economic crisis has led to reduced government funding, causing school days to be shortened and curricula to be rushed.
A study of Asian hornets found over 1,400 different species in their guts, including a wide range of bees, wasps, and insects. The diet varied strongly over the seasons and between regions, showing that they are highly flexible predators.
A new study finds that tree planting can be the most cost-effective way of removing carbon as long as careful choices are made about which type of trees to plant and where. This approach balances risks and minimizes the danger of betting on the wrong future.
Researchers at the University of Exeter developed an innovative way to identify the most effective glucose-lowering drugs for people with type 2 diabetes. The tool predicts which drug will lead to the largest reduction in blood glucose levels, paving the way for better health for millions.
A large-scale study has found huge variation in GP practices on prostate cancer testing, with one in five patients diagnosed without symptoms. The study suggests a need for more consistent approach to testing people without symptoms to redress the imbalance.
Researchers found that turtles are nesting earlier in response to rising temperatures, with females advancing the start of nesting by 0.78 days per year since 1993. This shift is helping ensure egg hatching success despite elevated temperatures brought about by climate change.
Researchers have discovered evidence that plague may have been involved in epidemics a century before the Black Death, challenging previous assumptions about the disease's arrival in Western Eurasia. The study uses historical sources and genetic analysis to propose a new timeline for the plague's emergence.
Researchers found that seamounts support vast numbers of predators, including sharks and tuna, with shark biomass being 41 times higher at shallow seamounts. The study suggests that seamounts serve as 'hubs' for predators to gather, socialize, mate, or rest, and concentrate food in predictable spots.
New research by the University of Exeter reveals that female hoverflies are better adapted for long-distance migration, flying nearly nine times further than males. Females also have lower wing loading values and suppressed hormones to redirect energy towards migration, allowing them to outperform males on their journeys.
A large-scale study has identified genetic overlaps in 72 long-term health conditions associated with ageing, revealing opportunities for new prevention and treatment strategies. The research also found that specific genes are linked to co-occurring conditions, leading to a more personalized approach to care.
Researchers found positive correlations in susceptibility to viruses across diverse fruit fly species, suggesting a general pattern of resistance. The study's findings have implications for understanding viral evolution and predicting pandemics.
Certain mouth bacteria may support better memory and attention, while others increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria can reduce nitric oxide production, crucial for brain communication.
Researchers found that more than a third of beekeepers deviate from recommended treatment guidelines, leading to exacerbated colony losses. Adhering to specific timeframes for treatments can significantly reduce honey bee mortality caused by the parasitic Varroa mite.
A new study reveals how legal and financial industries enable kleptocracy through deregulation and under-enforcement of the law. This 'enabling' allows elites to offshore wealth, enhance reputations, and influence via philanthropy and politics. The UK's punitive libel regime also facilitates this process.
A study reveals how skateboarders utilize skatesound as a sensory aid and social cue, despite being aware of its noise. The research also highlights the inclusive nature of skateboarding for those with neurodiverse traits.
The UK's peatlands are critical ecosystems for carbon storage and biodiversity, but climate change threatens their viability. Western Scotland emerges as a priority area for conservation, while England's peatlands, including Dartmoor and the Peak District, may lose their suitability.
Scientists have found a consistent pattern of dispersal events where Inga trees migrated from the Amazon to the Atlantic rainforest, highlighting the importance of conserving riverside forests. The study's findings suggest that these 'highways' played a crucial role in shaping the history of biodiversity in the region.
A new study from the University of Exeter reveals that Kenyan smallholder farmers face barriers when trying to increase the diversity of trees and shrubs on their land. Factors such as past experiences, influence of other farmers, and perceived ability to grow different tree species play a crucial role in decision-making.
New research suggests that patients who see the same GP regularly need fewer follow-up appointments in practices and hospitals. This results in reduced workload for general practices and emergency departments, potentially freeing up NHS appointments.
The FAILSAFE project aims to combat fungal antimicrobial resistance by promoting innovative solutions and supporting researchers globally. The initiative has already awarded over £1.7 million in grants to 78 researchers across 13 countries.
Researchers used bioacoustics to identify individual leopards through their vocalisations, which proved 93.1% accurate in identifying each leopard's distinct 'sawing roar'. This technique has the potential to aid in population estimates and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
A new study by the University of Exeter highlights the need for more targeted mental health support for migrant children in schools. The review of 38 studies shows that stigma around mental health and stressors associated with migration are significant barriers to accessing support.
New research shows that migrating marmalade hoverflies in the Pyrenees flew twice as far as non-migratory ones in the UK. The study found that stored energy in their abdomens is crucial for long-distance migration, and that throttle-speed can be more energy-efficient than flying faster.
Under-ice species in the Arctic are facing significant threats as sea ice melts at a faster rate than anywhere else on Earth. Researchers studying microbial organisms in four environments found that the under-ice mix of species was the least diverse, composed mainly of specialist plankton and microbes adapted to harsh conditions.
New research reveals that 'cool' white lights used in modern car headlights cause moths to fly erratically and be more likely to collide with cars. By switching to warmer-coloured LEDs or different LED technology, the impact on moths can be dramatically reduced.
Researchers suggest a 'Natural Capital' approach would deliver better value for money and improve chances of meeting environmental targets, such as Net Zero. This approach prioritizes areas with greatest environmental, climate change, biodiversity, and recreational value.
A new systematic review of 70 studies reveals strong relationships between sign language competences and spoken and written language abilities. The findings suggest that English-only approaches may not be suitable for d/Deaf students, who benefit from nurturing their bilingualism through BSL.
The 2024 Global Carbon Budget projects fossil CO2 emissions of 37.4 billion tonnes, up 0.8% from 2023, despite urgent calls to cut emissions to slow climate change. The report finds that overall emissions are roughly level over the last decade, but both fossil and land-use change CO2 emissions are set to rise in 2024.