Researchers analyzed Wikipedia bots' interactions on 13 language editions over ten years, finding they behave differently in culturally distinct environments. Bots often engage in 'sterile fights' lasting years or reaching deadlock, with conflicts triggered later than human reverts.
A new study from the University of Oxford found that cooperative breeding is driven by genetic bonds in family groups, rather than a survival strategy. Species with close familial ties are more likely to form cooperative groups and thrive in harsh environments.
Researchers discovered that brown recluse spiders use a micro looping technique to make their threads stronger than other spiders, with the added benefit of preventing premature breakage. This technique could lead to new fibre technology inspired by the spider's silk, potentially improving impact absorbing structures in space travel.
A new research paper published in Science argues that the US government's national security systems have not adapted sufficiently to the threats posed by groups like Al Qaeda and Islamic State. The paper calls for more field research on young people to inform machine learning and big data analysis to combat terrorism.
Scientists have discovered incredibly rapid gas flares from a white dwarf binary star system for the first time. The unusual activity was observed at radio wavelengths in SS Cyg, one of the brightest variable stars in the constellation of Cygnus.
A UK study found that overuse of antibiotics like ciprofloxacin led to a severe diarrhoea outbreak caused by antibiotic-resistant C. difficile bugs. Reducing fluoroquinolone use resulted in an 80% fall in infections, highlighting the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing.
New research reveals that retroviruses, including HIV, have been present on Earth for at least 450 million years, originating together with vertebrate hosts in the early Paleozoic era. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary history of these medically important viruses and their ongoing interactions with host immunity.
Research from the University of Oxford found that a woman's family background is the major factor in delaying motherhood, with education contributing only 1.5 months to the total six-month delay.
Researchers found that providing free sanitary pads and puberty education to girls in Uganda improves their school attendance levels by 17%, compared to schools without such interventions. This simple yet effective approach can have major long-term economic implications for women's education and empowerment.
Researchers at Oxford University create new method for counting lions, using spatially explicit approach with high-resolution photographs and powerful computers. The study estimates 16.85 lions per 100 square kilometers in the Maasai Mara, with a posterior standard deviation of just 1.3.
Two studies led by Oxford University scientists found that human activities caused 88% of male lion deaths in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. The research highlights the risks faced by lions when they enter farmland or hunting areas, and the need for improved trophy hunting management to protect populations.
Scientists at University of Oxford discovered that ducklings have two separate memory banks for visual information, which can cause internal conflicts. The findings shed light on how birds' brains work, highlighting the differences between avian and mammalian brains.
Researchers explore how Pokémon Go inspires high levels of behavioral change among users, discovering non-virtual wildlife and learning basic natural history concepts. The game's success highlights opportunities for conservation, but also potential challenges such as replacing real-world nature interactions with virtual ones.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have found that dietary composition affects DNA sequences in parasites, revealing a previously hidden relationship between cellular metabolism and evolution. The study also shows that it is possible to predict diets based on genetic analysis.
Researchers found that Goffin's cockatoos can make elongated tools of appropriate shape and length out of various materials, including larch wood, leafy beech twigs, and cardboard. The birds demonstrated problem-solving skills by anticipating tool requirements and adapting their techniques to produce functional instruments.
A new study linked Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' self-defense law to a 24% increase in homicide rates and 31% rise in firearm-related injuries from 2005-2014. The research suggests the law's extension of lethal force rights in public led to increased violence, particularly among young adults and white populations.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a simple solution to prevent splashback of harmful or unhygienic fluids, including using soft materials like silicone to create a barrier. The technique has potential applications in hospitals, kitchens, and even urinals to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
A new study by the University of Oxford has created a plant-species hotspot map for tropical Africa, identifying critical areas for global biodiversity conservation. The map reveals regions with high concentrations of globally rare plants, such as the Horn of Africa and south-east Democratic Republic of Congo.
A new study from Oxford University reveals that the first month after infection is crucial in controlling drug-related HIV spread. Researchers found that needle exchange programmes and harm reduction measures are essential in targeting transmissions within this period.
A new study reveals that small DNA molecules known as plasmids accelerate the evolution of new forms of antibiotic resistance. Plasmids are found in many bacteria and are capable of transferring resistance genes between them.
Chicks are less honest when begging for food in family groups with conflict, research by University of Oxford scientists found. Analysis of over 100 studies across 60 bird species showed that chicks exaggerate their need for food if parents are likely to breed again in the future.
A new Oxford University study found that internet gaming is not as addictive as gambling, with only 2-3% of gamers reporting symptoms of internet gaming disorder. The study suggests that while gamers may experience negative effects, they are not as severe as those experienced by gamblers.
Researchers have identified 12 specific DNA areas that influence the age at first birth and total number of children. The study, led by the University of Oxford, analyzed data from over 238,000 men and women to discover genetic variants linked to reproductive behavior.
A team of scientists found that the evidence for an accelerating expansion of the universe may be flimsier than previously thought, with data consistent with a constant rate of expansion. The study challenges the standard cosmological concept and suggests that dark energy, a mysterious substance driving this acceleration, may not exist.
A new discovery by scientists at the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Cardiff has shown that hydrocarbon wax rapidly releases large amounts of hydrogen when activated with catalysts and microwaves. This breakthrough could pave the way for widespread adoption of hydrogen-fuelled cars.
Researchers observed wild-bearded capuchin monkeys in Brazil creating fractured flakes and cores with characteristics of early Stone Age hominin tools. The monkeys' behavior suggests they may be extracting minerals or lichen from stones, but their actions are unintentional and distinct from human tool-making.
Researchers found that a new casting technique called close contact casting can reduce the need for surgery in elderly patients with unstable ankle fractures while minimizing drawbacks of traditional casts. The study compared outcomes between close contact casting and traditional surgical treatment.
A recent study analyzed data on 1,500 plane crashes and found that a death toll of around 50 is the minimum threshold for predicting significant levels of public interest. The research also showed that location, media coverage, and other factors influence article views, highlighting biases in Wikipedia's 'sum of human knowledge'.
A rapid blood test using C-reactive protein (CRP) can rule out serious infections in nearly 40% of 'at-risk' children. The test reduces unnecessary hospital referrals and anxiety for less seriously ill children.
Scientists at Oxford University have developed a non-toxic solvent system that can be used to manufacture perovskite solar cells, overcoming a major barrier to their commercialization. The clean solvent quickly crystallizes perovskite films at room temperature, making it suitable for coating large solar panels.
Researchers confirm cluster of cases in Chile, suggesting wider global distribution than previously understood. Scrub typhus kills at least 140,000 people annually and is transmitted through mite bites.
Scientists found a novel mutation in modern feral Hawaiian pigs that explains their black coats, suggesting humans across the world have selected and bred black pigs independently. The study suggests Polynesians brought domestic pigs to Hawaii 800 years ago and humans later selected for black coats on at least three separate occasions.
Research confirms spider webs are superbly tuned instruments for vibration transmission, with web tension and stiffness controlling information sent. Spiders use web vibrations to detect prey and predators, with their 'view' relying almost exclusively on this sensory input.
Researchers tested an oral rabies vaccine in wild populations of Ethiopian wolves, with promising results. The trials found that 86% of vaccinated wolves had sufficient levels of protective antibodies, and all but one were alive 14 months later.
Researchers found that Manx shearwaters suffered decreased breeding success when they had to spend more time rearing chicks, leading to delayed migration and reduced resting time. This study provides insights into the consequences of carry-over effects on migratory birds' annual cycles.
Research at Oxford University reveals that amputees' brains maintain an accurate picture of their missing hands decades after amputation. This finding has significant implications for the control of advanced prosthetics, as it suggests that the brain's representation of the hand remains intact despite the loss of sensory input.
Researchers at University of Oxford discover 'hitchhiking' effect of anti-HIV drugs on human metalloprotease, causing premature ageing. The mass spectrometry technique reveals unexpected binding of lopinavir, ritonavir and amprenavir to prelamin A protein.
A study of over a million Swedes found that childhood brain injuries increased the chances of poor school attainment, psychiatric care, disability benefits, and premature death. Repeated mild or severe brain injuries were associated with even higher risks.
A team of researchers from the University of Oxford suggests that life on Earth is more likely to exist in the future than it is now. This is because the necessary elements for life, such as carbon and oxygen, took tens of millions of years to develop following the Big Bang.
A new study from the University of Oxford suggests that preserving immune function in older people is possible through the identification of critical factors like transcription factor Foxn1. By understanding how Foxn1 regulates T cell development, researchers have identified potential strategies for maintaining thymus function with age.
Researchers at the University of Oxford propose a new method to detect radiocarbon spikes in tree-rings, which could accurately date historical events from thousands of years ago. This technique has the potential to revolutionize the study of ancient civilizations and anchor chronologies concerning important world civilisations.
Researchers discovered that a specific brain area, the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, is active when learning to help others. People with higher empathy levels showed increased activity in this region and learned to benefit others faster.
A new medical device that combines laser spectroscopy and precise flow measurement has shown promise in improving care for shock patients. The device, which fits into a standard ventilation tube, allows doctors to monitor oxygen consumption in real-time, potentially leading to more effective treatment.
Researchers suggest that duration of T-cell interactions with dendritic cells may be key to matching immune response to infection severity. Understanding this process could lead to advancements in vaccine development and the study of autoimmune diseases.
Experimental psychologists at Oxford University found that 32% of people were convinced they saw an object disappear, even though none was shown. The study suggests people confuse expectations with sensory experiences, leading to misperception.
Scientists from Oxford University have successfully created a quantum logic gate with unprecedented 99.9% precision, paving the way for more efficient processing and simulation capabilities in quantum computing. This achievement is a significant step towards building a functional quantum computer.
Researchers discovered that ion channel Sandman plays a critical role in sleep control. When dopamine levels increase, Sandman moves outside the cell, effectively shutting down sleep-control neurons and leading to wakefulness.
Researchers developed a rapid 5-minute test to detect C-reactive protein, reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory infections. The study showed significant reductions in antibiotic use among adults and children with viral infections.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a machine learning tool to diagnose childhood pneumonia more accurately and cost-effectively. The tool uses data from basic equipment such as pulse oximeters, thermometers, and stethoscopes, achieving high sensitivity and specificity rates compared to existing guidelines.
Researchers have found a way to detect ovarian cancer early using a protein test, providing new hope for patients. An enzyme called SIK2 has been identified as key in making ovarian cancer more deadly, offering a potential new treatment target.