A study in Nature reveals a sharp increase in wild meat consumption across Central Africa, driven by urban populations. The total annual biomass of wild meat consumed has increased from 0.73 million tonnes in 2000 to 1.10 million tonnes in 2022.
A computational protocol has been established by University of Kent researchers to accurately identify reactions that can result in successful drug candidates for Chagas disease. This approach reduces the need for trial-and-error, prioritizing promising compounds earlier and making the drug discovery process faster and more affordable.
Scientists at the University of Kent have found that madecassic acid inhibits the ability of antibiotic-resistant E. coli to grow, suggesting it could serve as an alternative antimicrobial. The study shows three modified variants of the compound effectively inhibited cytochrome bd and shut down bacterial growth.
A recent study by the University of Kent found that short animations known as GIFs can improve the sleep of professional female footballers. The researchers designed bespoke GIF messages with sleep hygiene tips and implemented them across a two-week period, leading to significant improvements in sleep quality, even during mid-season.
New research finds that individuals are more likely to believe and endorse conspiracy theories if their psychological needs are not met. The study suggests that satisfying these needs through informative communication and community empowerment can mitigate the spread of conspiracy theories.
Research from the University of Kent found that socially dominant individuals are more confident in their decisions, debunking the notion that confidence equals competence. The study, published in Personality and Individual Differences, used two-choice statistical learning tasks to assess participants' performance.
Research finds people's skepticism towards artificial moral advisors (AMAs) stems from their perceived lack of human experience and genuine understanding. AMAs are seen as less trustworthy than human advisors when making utilitarian decisions, highlighting a need to align AI capabilities with human values.
A new study found that empathy responses peak in young adulthood, with increased sensitivity to social pain. This development demonstrates that empathy strengthens as people age, but also accompanies reduced ratings of pain for others, highlighting the complexities of empathic responses.
A new study by the University of Kent reveals that Black Britons, even from affluent families, are substantially more likely to end up in working-class jobs than their White peers. The research found that Black men from privileged backgrounds are four times more likely to be downwardly mobile after education is taken into account.
Researchers from the University of Kent have demonstrated that quantum information can be used to coordinate devices like drones or autonomous vehicles. The team conducted experiments using real qubits inside a quantum computer developed by IBM, showing that devices can continue to influence each other even after separation.
Research from the University of Kent finds that social mobility in the UK is limited, with only a tiny fraction of children from top backgrounds ending up in working class occupations. The study also highlights pronounced gender differences, with women often inheriting their parents' social status but not financial advantage.
Approximately half of Russian adults back the Ukraine war due to loyalty to Putin and his government. The study suggests that misinformation plays a significant role in shaping public opinion on the conflict.
A study found that releasing captive-bred animals with diverse genes into the wild can help recover the dwindling Arabian leopard population. The researchers used genetic analysis and computer simulations to forecast the best plan for 'genetic rescue' and alleviate inbreeding, which poses a severe threat to the species.
Researchers from the University of Kent have identified steroid drugs used for hormone replacement therapy that can stop the growth of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and effectively kill MRSA. These findings suggest an alternative to conventional antibiotics, providing a potential solution to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
A new study by the University of Kent's School of Anthropology and Conservation has found that members of the 'manosphere' community are misusing academic research to justify anti-feminist and sexist beliefs. The research highlights a double standard, where women's behavior is scrutinized while men's behavior is overlooked.
A University of Kent-led study found that well-functioning ecosystems are essential for human health and wellbeing, with species traits contributing to physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and global wellbeing. The study highlights the importance of maintaining biodiversity in natural environments to support human health.
A study found that increased availability of fruit and vegetables results in lower levels of raised blood pressure nationwide. Many countries, particularly low-income nations, face limited access to fruits and vegetables, increasing the risk of higher blood pressure.
A new study by University of Kent researchers identifies 'distrustful complacency' as a key factor behind vaccine resistance, highlighting the importance of both public concern and political trust in driving vaccination uptake.
Research found that adolescents with faster dental biorhythms (five or six-day cycle) weighed less and gained less weight than those with slower biorhythms. This discovery provides a new avenue for exploring links between childhood overweight and adult health risks.
Researchers from the University of Kent have identified new combination therapies effective against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta viruses, which may reduce novel variant formation. The study suggests that interferon-beta combinations with antiviral drugs like molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir are more effective than current treatments.
A new study published in Ambio reveals that smells experienced in nature can evoke positive emotions, improve physical wellbeing, and reduce stress. Smells played a significant role in delivering benefits from interacting with nature, often tied to personal memories and ecological characteristics.
Rainforest chimpanzees are digging wells to access and filter cleaner drinking water due to the limited availability of clean water during the dry season. The behaviour has been observed spreading among young chimps and adult females, with some males using the wells dug by others.
A new research paper by the Women In Supramolecular Chemistry (WISC) network reveals the lived experiences of supramolecular chemists during Covid-19, focusing on the impact of caring responsibilities and emotional load. The study found that mental health was significantly negatively affected among those with caring responsibilities.
Researchers have designed and built bioreactors at a fraction of the cost of commercial systems to investigate bacterial biofuel production. A subtle change to a single gene can result in remarkable changes to how sugars are converted to biofuel products, revealing new avenues for improving biofuel production.
A study published in the Futures journal found that people attending mass 'raves' during the Covid-19 lockdown broke fewer pandemic guidelines than single vaccinated 80-year-olds. The researchers suggest this is linked to the outlook of ravers, who tend to have a slower-life history strategy and are more future-oriented.
Research by University of Kent and Nottingham Trent University found that video and text-based messaging apps have a negative effect on the mental wellbeing of young people over 16 during Covid-19 lockdowns. Despite this, face-to-face contact is positively associated with wellbeing compared to digital contact.
A collaborative research study found Cryptosporidium prevalence to be 20-25% across Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, posing a serious threat to dairy cattle and human life. The parasite is concerning due to its ability to become infectious in chlorine, increasing the risk of infection through traditional methods.
A new study by the University of Kent's School of Economics found that religious competition substantially increases the probability of conflict-related violence in Colombia. The presence of a new religion group makes potential contributors or soldiers more scared, leading to violent action from armed groups.
Researchers at the University of Kent identified strong evidence-based benefits of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in IVF. Live birth rates per embryo transferred and per treatment cycle were significantly higher with PGT-A compared to regular IVF, especially in women over 40.
New research by the universities of Kent, Warwick and Notre Dame has found that sex-selective abortion is lower in India districts with a Muslim state legislator. This is due to stronger stated preferences against abortion among Muslims compared to Hindus, making Muslim legislators more effective at reducing abortion rates.
Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for COVID-19 by targeting the pentose phosphate pathway, which is necessary for SARS-CoV-2 replication. The study found that inhibiting this pathway with benfooxythiamine suppresses viral replication and reduces virus production.
Researchers discovered that leukemia cells immediately unresponsive to treatment have high levels of SAMHD1, while those with acquired resistance use the enzyme DCK to activate nucleoside analogues. This finding may lead to better cancer therapies.
Researchers found that dancing and psychedelic drugs are associated with feelings of awe and social bonding in rave attendees. This study suggests that these experiences can be beneficial for therapeutic settings, potentially reducing stigma around psychedelic use.
Researchers have found a protein called CD47 on the surface of infected cells that may protect them from immune system recognition, resulting in more severe disease. High CD47 levels are associated with higher risk factors for severe COVID-19, including age and diabetes.
Research by the University of Kent and University of Reading reveals that a healthy lifestyle can increase happiness. The study found that consuming more fruit and vegetables and exercising can improve life satisfaction, with delayed gratification playing a key role.
A breakthrough IVF method has been developed to significantly improve in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in cattle, reducing pregnancy issues and increasing overall meat and milk production. The new process improves live birth rates with a high accuracy rate, offering vast potential for the cattle breeding industry.
Scientists at the University of Kent have developed a mathematical formula that describes the shape of any bird's egg in nature. The formula is based on four parameters and can be applied across multiple disciplines, including food research, mechanical engineering, and agriculture.
New research by the University of Kent's DICE institute found that western chimpanzee habitats are threatened due to inadequate legislative protection from human development. The species has declined by 80% in 24 years, mainly attributed to poaching, habitat loss, and mining activities.
Researchers have discovered a long-sought link between the mechanisms of cell division and cell adhesion, revealing a unifying control process. The study identifies CDK1 binding to talin as a key interaction, indicating a critical role in regulating cell proliferation and adhesion.
Researchers found that COVID-19 'immunity passports' decrease people's willingness to follow social distancing and face covering guidelines. However, cautious information about immunity reverses this effect.
Researchers at University of Kent discover new topological superconductor LaPt3P, offering potential breakthrough in quantum computing. The material's exceptional properties make it highly desirable for building quantum computers.
Contrary to previous beliefs, researchers found no association between bed sharing and positive outcomes related to infant attachment and maternal bonding. Bed sharing was associated with ease of breastfeeding and dealing with night waking in infants.
Research reveals that women entrepreneurs who identify as mumpreneurs prioritize traditional masculine behaviors over feminine traits, sacrificing personal time for business growth. This hybrid approach perpetuates existing power structures in the business world, devaluing those who choose to spend time with their families.
A study found that consumers are concerned about autonomous vehicles due to performance risks, loss of driving skills and privacy security breaches. Despite these concerns, many see benefits such as freeing time, removing human error and improved performance.
New research by University of Kent found that EEG-based forensic memory detection tests have limited validity in older adults due to changes in recognition-related brain activity with aging. The study tested 30 young and 30 older adults using concealed information tests, finding only strong EEG responses in the younger group.
Researchers found that adolescents and older adults pay less attention to social cues than young adults, leading to impaired social interaction. This can result in isolation, loneliness, and poor health, particularly during adolescence and older adulthood.
A new study found that people blame wild animal trade or government preparation for epidemic outbreaks instead of animal agriculture and global meat consumption. The research highlights the critical need to understand the causes and risks posed by animal agriculture in preventing future pandemics and zoonotic diseases.
Recent wildlife documentaries have been found to create problems for public understanding of wider conservation by spreading significant misinformation through personification of animals. The researchers emphasize the importance of factually correct information in these documentaries.
New research by the University of Kent and SWPS University reveals that national narcissists are more likely to support greenwashing campaigns than genuine pro-environmental actions. This phenomenon is linked to a strong need to validate a grandiose ingroup image, rather than actual environmental concern.
New research from the University of Kent and Warwick found that adolescents born preterm have the same levels of self-esteem and overall wellbeing as those born full-term. However, very preterm adolescents perceive their peer relationships as poorer than those born full-term.