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University of Exeter


Clever lapwings use cover to hide in plain sight

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2023

Women receiving inflated risks from genetic testing could undergo unnecessary breast surgery

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2023

Post Office Scandal victims suffering from significant PTSD and depression, study shows

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalLegal and Criminological Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 7, 2023

Knowledge of building blocks of words plays an important role when deaf children learn to read, analysis shows

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 23, 2023

Bats feast as insects migrate through Pyrenees

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2023

Strategies of kleptocrats and their enablers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, experts warn

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of International Relations·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

Consumers should have more visual cues when making online purchases, experts say

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Consumer Policy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2023

Social media helped contribute to UPND gains in 2021 Zambia elections, analysis shows

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Eastern African Studies·TypeSurvey·DateAug 7, 2023

Hydrogen sulfide shows promise as healthy ageing therapeutic when specifically targeted within cells

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Arctic terns may navigate climate dangers

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2023

Male killer whales protected by post-menopause mothers

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Bats struggle during organic farming transition

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 20, 2023

People with more empathy more likely to support international sharing of coronavirus vaccines, study shows

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 13, 2023

Researchers calculate economic value of temporary carbon reduction with ‘Social Value of Offsets’ formula

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...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 6, 2023

Research challenges current thinking on the genetic causes of very early menopause

A study published in Nature Medicine found that nearly all women carrying variations thought to cause very early menopause actually had their menopause at an older age, forcing a reevaluation of the genetic causes of the condition. The research suggests that premature menopause is likely caused by a combination of genetic and non-genet...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2023

Illusions are in the eye, not the mind

A new study suggests that simple limitations in neural responses explain visual illusions, rather than deeper psychological processes. Researchers developed a model that combines information on neural firing speeds, pattern perception, and natural scene assumptions to predict how animals see colour and understand visual illusions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 15, 2023

Light pollution confuses coastal woodlouse

Artificial night-time light confuses a colour-changing coastal woodlouse, according to new research. The sea slater's ability to change colour and blend in is disrupted by diffuse light, making it more visible to predators.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

Failings of California’s Cap and Trade Programme revealed in new analysis

A recent study published in Regional Studies found that California's Cap and Trade Programme does not achieve its goal of reducing carbon emissions while allowing for economic growth. The researchers compared county-level economic growth and emissions data with neighboring states and found no significant differences, indicating a poten...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRegional Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2023