Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Kent


New hope for understanding sudden cardiac arrest

Researchers identify how calcium regulates heart muscle and motors interact with each other, potentially leading to new tools for treating sudden cardiac arrest. This breakthrough discovery provides insight into the genetic condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 20, 2015

Research finds tooth enamel fast-track in humans

Research reveals that human incisors grow quickly in the second trimester of fetal development, allowing them to erupt at six months. This rapid growth is thought to be an adaptation for early weaning, as it enables babies to transition from breast milk to solid foods sooner.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateNov 20, 2014

Advocating weight diversity

A new review article suggests that a 'weight-inclusive' approach should be used instead of the current 'weight-normative' approach, which emphasizes weight as a key factor in defining health and wellbeing. This shift would focus on social determinants of health and accept human diversity, including size diversity.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Obesity·DateOct 7, 2014

Non-dominant hand vital to the evolution of the thumb

The study found that the non-dominant hand played a vital role in shaping modern human hand morphology, particularly in stone tool production. The researchers discovered that the thumb on the non-dominant hand was stronger and more robust than the fingers, enabling early humans to securely manipulate stone cores.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateSep 10, 2014

How does it feel to be old in different societies?

A new study published in Psychology and Health found that people aged 70 and over who identify themselves as 'old' feel worse about their own health in societies where they perceive lower value than younger age groups. In contrast, higher social status for older adults is linked to better subjective health.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPsychology & Health·DateAug 28, 2014

Alcohol-related terms can increase aggression

Researchers found that exposure to alcohol-related words increased aggressive behaviour following provocation when it was ambiguous or not clear-cut. The effects of alcohol priming are short-lived, diminishing after seven minutes and disappearing after 15 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 5, 2014

Enforcement and anti-poaching measures set to fail

Researchers argue that record-level funding is not enough to protect endangered species, highlighting the need for alternative approaches such as community-based conservation and sustainable trade. The study calls for a shift in focus from enforcement alone to more comprehensive solutions to combat poaching.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalConservation Letters·DateJan 13, 2014

Guard dogs reduce killing of threatened species

Research shows that livestock guarding dogs can protect farm animals from predators, resulting in a 91% reduction in livestock losses. This leads to increased tolerance of predators among farmers, allowing for greater coexistence with threatened species like cheetahs.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·DateNov 26, 2013

People new to power more likely to be vengeful

Researchers found that individuals with less experience in holding power tend to seek revenge more than those who feel more self-assured. The study also showed that body posture can affect revenge tendencies, with expansive postures leading to greater vengeance among those new to power.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateNov 18, 2013

Generational shift in attitudes among young footballers towards gay teammates

A recent study has found that attitudes towards gay athletes among young British players have shifted significantly over the past decade. Young footballers on the verge of becoming professionals are now more likely to be supportive of gay teammates, with all participants openly accepting one of their colleagues coming out.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalInternational Review for the Sociology of Sport·DateAug 27, 2013

Relating animals to humans could help conservation projects

A new study suggests that anthropomorphism can be a powerful tool for promoting low-profile species in conservation projects. By understanding how people attribute value and emotions to species, conservationists can create effective programs that speak to people's cultural expectations. The research highlights the importance of conside...

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateAug 22, 2013