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University of Exeter


Biodiversity law that forces builders to compensate for nature loss could be twice as effective, experts claim

Experts argue that current implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain policy is flawed, with localized offsetting leading to double conservation gains when targets are placed where they benefit biodiversity most. This approach can greatly improve benefits to wildlife and help nature-deprived areas.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2024

Age assurance online needs to be child rights respecting, new study says

A new study calls for a 'child rights' approach to age assurance online, emphasizing the need for robust evaluation, consultation with children, and protection of their privacy and civil rights. The research identifies serious concerns related to age assurance methods, including inadequate protections against online harm and exploitation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe International Journal of Children s Rights·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 28, 2024

Public and community engagement key to enhancing urban living conditions and environmental decision making in China, study says

A new study by the University of Exeter found that public participation is key to enhancing urban living conditions and environmental decision-making in China. The research suggests that smaller local projects tend to have higher levels of public engagement, while larger initiatives often experience minimal involvement.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature-Based Solutions·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 28, 2024

Educational psychologists can play a part in fighting TikTok mental health and neurodiversity misinformation

A new study highlights the need for educational psychologists to engage with TikTok to address self-diagnosis of mental health and neurodiversity conditions. The platform's vast amount of inaccurate content can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate self-assessment, emphasizing the importance of raising accurate content.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEducational Psychology in Practice·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 15, 2024

New temperatures in two thirds of key tropical forest

A recent study found that two-thirds of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in tropical forests are experiencing new temperature conditions. KBAs identify critical habitats for species and their ecosystems. The researchers assessed 30 years of temperature data below the forest canopy, revealing that 66% of KBAs have transitioned to new

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalConservation Letters·DateOct 15, 2024

New drug approach could underpin future weight loss therapies, study indicates

A new study suggests that a hydrogen sulfide-generating molecule targeting mitochondria can significantly slow weight gain and reduce liver fat accumulation in mice. The treatment, AP39, inhibits key metabolic pathways associated with obesity and inflammation, offering a promising new option for treating metabolic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPharmacological Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Antarctic ‘greening’ at dramatic rate

The Antarctic Peninsula has experienced a dramatic increase in vegetation cover over the last four decades, with satellite data showing an acceleration of 30% in recent years. This 'greening' trend is attributed to climate change and has significant implications for the region's ecosystem and environmental future.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 4, 2024

Political parties in South America relied on will of the people to implement major economic reforms, analysis shows

A study by University of Exeter researcher Dr Pedro Perfeito da Silva explores the impact of popular resistance and union support on economic policies in Ecuador and El Salvador. The findings suggest that administrations reliant on strong public backing implemented stricter capital controls, while those with less support adopted more n...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalReview of International Political Economy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2024

Emphasising children’s bodily integrity key to protecting them against genital cutting and modification practices, study says

A new study by Dr. Kate Goldie Townsend from the University of Exeter highlights the importance of prioritizing children's bodily integrity in protecting them against genital cutting and modification practices. The research emphasizes that children's interest in bodily autonomy should take priority over parental, community, or religiou...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalClinical Ethics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 3, 2024

Citizens’ panels help young people with SEND to make their voices heard on the policies that affect their lives, study shows

A new study shows participating in a citizens' panel can produce new policy ideas about school inclusion for young people with special educational needs/disabilities. The project also demonstrates how public dialogue processes can be modified to ensure young people at risk of marginalization fully participate.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Education·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2024

‘Invisible forest’ of algae thrives as ocean warms

Phytoplankton biomass has increased in subsurface waters due to ocean warming, while surface phytoplankton's total biomass remains stable despite reduced chlorophyll levels. The findings highlight the limitations of satellite observations and underscore the urgent need for improved global monitoring of deep-living phytoplankton.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 25, 2024

‘Marine identity’ can help restore the ocean

A new definition of marine identity has been agreed upon by an international group of researchers, which could help restore society's relationship with the ocean. The concept emphasizes how the ocean supports our sense of self and is rooted in traditions, customs, and dependency on the sea for recreation and livelihoods.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPeople and Nature·DateSep 17, 2024

Influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media should be differently regulated, study says

A new study recommends that influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media be differently regulated to better protect consumers. The current EU consumer protection measures are inadequate, and the proposed changes would provide more legal certainty and facilitate additional training for content creators.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Consumer Policy·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 11, 2024

Global South cities lack cooling green spaces

Research shows that Global South cities have limited urban greenery, resulting in higher temperatures and increased heat-related illnesses. The study suggests vast potential for enhancing urban cooling through green spaces, particularly in slums where the risk of climate change-induced deaths is highest.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2024

International Criminal Court should adopt “joint criminal enterprise” as a mode of criminal liability in the ICC Statute to punish masterminds of mass atrocities, experts say

Experts propose incorporating joint criminal enterprise into the ICC Statute to hold high-ranking military officers and politicians accountable for collective criminal responsibility. The proposed change aims to ensure victims receive restorative justice and deter future mass atrocities.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalContemporary Justice Review·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2024

Warming stops tiny organisms working together

A study by University of Exeter scientists found that warming conditions can break the symbiotic relationship between single-celled organisms and algae, leading to a loss of productivity in these relationships. This has serious implications for global photosynthesis rates, particularly in coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAquatic Biology·DateAug 1, 2024

Targeted career support for care-experienced academics would help create a new “effective pipeline”, study says

A new study suggests that targeted career support for care-experienced academics could help boost the number of future care-experienced people in academia. The research found that these individuals face unique challenges in their educational journeys and often struggle with mental health and financial insecurity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHigher Education·TypeSurvey·DateJul 22, 2024

Urban seagulls still prefer seafood

Researchers found that herring gull chicks fed a marine diet preferred fish over urban foods, indicating they may prioritize seafood for nutrition. The study suggests that early life dietary influences do not impact adult fish preferences in herring gulls.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPeerJ·DateJul 11, 2024

Involving workers essential to ensure industrial policies serve the public interest

A new study finds that Brazilian industrial policies are more effective when involving workers and civil society. Researchers analyzed policy plans and found that those with stronger labor union involvement outperformed weaker ones, highlighting the importance of societal participation in shaping national development goals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDevelopment and Change·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2024