New research reveals that endangered whales and dolphins inhabit the Hellenic Trench off Greece year-round, challenging seismic surveys and oil and gas exploration. The study confirms the presence of four species, including sperm whales, in both summer and winter, highlighting the need for conservation measures.
A study projects 2.7 million square kilometers of wilderness becoming newly suitable for agriculture over the next 40 years, threatening precious areas of biodiversity and cultural value. The research emphasizes the need to cut emissions and use farmland more efficiently to meet growing global demands.
Academics warn that the UK's Nationality and Borders Act will have a disproportionate impact on sexually diverse asylum claimants due to lack of clear assessments. The reform may result in inaccurate decisions being made, potentially limiting the ability of many claimants to rely on refugee protection.
A study in the Barents Sea reveals that microplastics are being transported into the Arctic Ocean due to ocean circulation, ice melt, and increased tourism. The highest concentrations were found near sources of pollution and along the coastline.
A new study predicts that solar power will dominate the global energy mix by the middle of this century due to rapid innovation in solar technology. However, four barriers, including stable power grids and political resistance, could hamper this transition, highlighting the need for policies to overcome these hurdles.
A new study suggests that individual animals, like Lua the Antillean manatee, can be used as flagships to encourage engagement and behavioural change in conservation. These charismatic species often have unique characteristics that make them appealing to humans and can inspire policy changes.
A recent study by the University of Exeter and Wildlife Conservation Society found tens of thousands of endangered sharks and rays are caught annually off the Republic of the Congo. Most of these species are juveniles and vulnerable to extinction.
A new study has identified 40 genetic variations linked to placental growth, which can contribute to the risk of preeclampsia and earlier delivery. Faster-growing placentas were also found to be associated with shorter pregnancies.
A new study reveals that bumblebees can effectively fend off Asian hornets by dropping to the ground, a strategy that has not been observed in other pollinators. However, despite this successful defense mechanism, bumblebee colonies still experience reduced growth rates in areas with high numbers of Asian hornets.
A study by the University of Exeter found that hot weather reduces workers' productivity even in climate-controlled factories. Productivity dropped by 0.83% for every 1°C increase in outdoor temperature, resulting in a worker producing 22.6 to 33.4 fewer wafers.
A recent study found that grandparent childcare does not significantly impact maternal mental health and wellbeing, nor does it reduce mother-child conflict. In fact, poor maternal wellbeing at age three was linked to poor child social and emotional outcomes at age seven.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that certain antibiotics can alleviate stress and help prevent bacterial decline, allowing more bacteria to survive longer. The study, published in PNAS, suggests that these drugs can promote bacterial longevity and growth efficiency.
A new type of regulation is needed to support and encourage organisations to comply with equality and human rights law. The current enforcement pyramid fails to recognise innovation or good practice, instead relying on penalties that may deter staff from taking action.
A significant share of EU voters perceive the European Commission as having more power than it actually does, according to a new study. Citizens' misperceptions about EU institutions can be exploited by populist parties, researchers warn.
A new study finds a strong association between financial insecurity and support for radical politicians in Europe. Researchers analyzed survey data from 10 countries and found that individuals experiencing precarity were more likely to hold a populist worldview and vote for populist parties.
A new study warns that grassroots community-oriented coworking spaces are under threat from large operators, which are changing the business models and strategies of coworking space owners. The study found that smaller operators struggle to compete due to lack of financial independence and diversification.
Research shows that lapwings can hide their eggs by using small variations in the terrain, making them invisible to ground predators. The study found that habitat geometry rather than visual acuity limits the visibility of a ground-nesting bird's clutch to terrestrial predators.
Research suggests that women carrying disease-causing BRCA variants may face incorrect risk assessments of 60-80% for breast cancer, when in fact the true risk is less than 20%. This has led to unnecessary breast surgeries. The study aims to inform informed decision-making and responsible communication of genetic risks.
A third of women in the UK surgical workforce have been sexually assaulted by a colleague, with nearly two-thirds experiencing sexual harassment. The study's findings highlight a widespread lack of faith in organizations' ability to address the issue, leading to calls for major reform and a zero-tolerance approach.
Researchers found that wild jackdaws strategically switch friends to get mealworm rewards, but stick with offspring, siblings, and mating partners. The study provides new insights into how animals manage social relationships and how societies emerge from individual decisions.
Researchers found that wrongly accused Post Office Scandal victims experience high levels of clinically significant post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms, regardless of conviction outcome. The study highlights the need for mental health support and reliable investigation practices within the criminal justice system.
Scientists are using AI to analyze pollen grains in sediments and air samples to understand past environmental change. The new system can classify over a thousand pollen grains in under an hour, providing insights into biodiversity and climate change.
A new generation of young Kurdish collectors are saving stories and songs from oblivion, with the goal of revitalizing endangered languages like Kurmanji, Sorani, and Zazaki. Their efforts aim to protect indigenous language heritage and knowledge production, which are threatened by assimilation and Western influence.
A new study suggests that emphasizing the need for energy independence and environmental stewardship could change people's minds about climate change. The research found that those who deny climate change often focus on personal experiences and local issues, but may not be aware of the scale of the problem.
Skateboarders possess a unique sensory knowledge of cities, which can help mediate conflicts between those who enjoy and those who dislike the sport's sounds. By paying attention to sound, individuals can gain 'sonic' agency over spaces in the city.
A new report argues that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities should be given equal opportunities to learn languages. Learning a second language can provide numerous benefits, including linguistic awareness, speech skills, and social interaction.
Morphological awareness plays a crucial role in deaf children learning to read and expand their vocabulary. The study found that this knowledge is more important for deaf students than phonology or phonics, offering opportunities for them to actively construct words.
A remote part of the Indian Ocean is home to 12 species of cetaceans, including orcas and sperm whales, prompting calls for protection. The Saya de Malha bank area should be designated as an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA) or Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Researchers discovered seven bat species and 66 insect species in the Pyrenees, highlighting the importance of migratory insects as a food source for both bats and those living in the mountains. The study also shows that migrating insects are a crucial refuelling station for bats during their own journeys south.
Experts warn of increasingly sophisticated strategies used by kleptocrats to manage illicit finances, recast public images, and undermine liberal activism. The study identifies 'transnational uncivil societies' that use wealth managers, lawyers, and other enablers to maintain power and legitimacy.
In Ghana, WhatsApp is used to connect national-level executives with local candidates, extending to rural areas. In Nigeria, individual actors drive campaigns with loose party control, lacking formal online structures.
Recent extreme events in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are likely to become more common and severe due to global warming. The study calls for urgent policy action to protect the continent's fragile environments, which have global implications if not preserved.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a Roman road network spanning Devon and Cornwall using LiDAR scans and geographical modelling. The network, which connected settlements with military forts, reveals that North Tawton was a strategically vital connection point.
A new study found that providing visual information about terms and conditions after purchase improves understanding and memory, with reading times increasing by 41-162% and comprehension improving by 14-21%. Researchers recommend combining textual and visual cues to improve transparency in online consumer transactions.
A new analysis shows that social media facilitated information flow across a controlled media ecosystem, while face-to-face communication remained key. The study highlights how UPND's online messaging resonated with users, portraying Hakainde Hichilema as an electorally viable alternative to President Edgar Lungu.
A new study highlights the difficulties in identifying and categorizing domestic and wildcats, threatening native biodiversity conservation efforts. In contrast, New Zealanders tend to be more accepting of killing feral cats to protect native species.
Targeting tiny amounts of hydrogen sulfide to specific areas of cells in adult worms improved health and activity as they aged, according to a University of Exeter study. The research found that H2S improved the integrity of mitochondria, kept muscles active, and extended lifespan.
A new study suggests that Arctic terns, which fly on the longest migrations of any animal, may be resilient to climate change due to their vast habitats. However, researchers warn that multiple small effects could harm this long-lived species and other species unable to adapt.
In a study published in Animal Behaviour, researchers found that male field crickets adjust their song patterns based on the proximity of rivals. When another cricket is within one meter, males are less likely to sing, suggesting they prioritize territorial defense over courtship displays.
Scientists discovered two peptides in fruit flies that specifically target common bacteria, showing how the immune system evolves to combat threats. This research provides insights into human susceptibility to infections and may lead to new approaches to fighting antibiotic-resistant infections.
New research shows that post-menopause female killer whales protect their sons from fights with other whales, reducing the incidence of socially inflicted injuries. This unique behavior suggests that females prioritize helping their male offspring, who have more genetic potential for passing on their mother's genes.
Research shows bat activity decreases when farms switch to organic agriculture, with a potential time-lag before benefits for the environment emerge. The findings suggest that organic farming can have detrimental effects during the transition period, highlighting the need for careful management.
A survey of 2,000 German adults found that people with higher levels of empathy and cosmopolitanism are more likely to prioritize sharing vaccine supplies internationally. The study suggests that there is substantial public support for international vaccine solidarity when infection rates are at a modest level and falling.
Researchers have identified 30 basic units of 'synteny' that exist in all butterflies and moths, dating back to their common ancestor with caddisflies. This study improves understanding of chromosome evolution in Lepidoptera and may provide insights into other animal or plant groups.
A new talking therapy called Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) has shown encouraging early signs of being more effective and cheaper to deliver than current Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). ADePT targets building wellbeing alongside reducing depressive symptoms, with promising results in a pilot trial.
In a surprising twist, Trinidadian guppies showed cooperation increased with group size. In the 'volunteer's dilemma,' individuals are expected to be less willing to cooperate in large groups.
Researchers found that increasing dietary restraint can counteract the effects of obesity risk genes, particularly for disinhibition and hunger. The study suggests that flexible strategies such as mindful eating can be as effective as rigid calorie counting in improving BMI in genetically at-risk individuals.
A new study identifies how to calculate the economic value of temporarily reducing carbon emissions through carbon offsetting. The Social Value of Offsets (SVO) framework estimates that an offset sequestering one ton of carbon for 50 years is equivalent to between 0.3 to 0.5 tons permanently locked away, taking into account various ris...
A new study reveals that Amazon river dolphins are under threat from fishing, proposed dams, and dredging, with their home ranges spanning over 50km. The dolphins were found to be on average 252km from the nearest proposed dam and 125km from the nearest dredging site.
A systematic review of group-based performing arts therapies found promise in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The studies included 669 participants from nine countries, covering five forms of performance art, with dance being the most studied.