Researchers found decentralised social media like Mastodon increases citizen autonomy and empowers individuals and communities. Administrators identified benefits of user autonomy and inclusive digital spaces but faced challenges in moderating content and managing power dynamics.
A new study analyzed how seasonal flu viruses moved and evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that they remained in certain regions despite reduced global mobility. The study suggests increased genomic surveillance capacity will help monitor seasonal influenza to reduce vaccine mismatches and inform effective interventions.
A team of researchers has unveiled a spectacular new fossil arthropod named Lomankus edgecombei, preserved entirely in fool's gold. The specimen belongs to a group called megacheirans, which were thought to be extinct during the Ordovician Period.
Researchers confirm beehive fences as highly effective in reducing human-elephant conflict, deterring 76-86.3% of elephants from raiding crops during peak seasons. However, ongoing habitat degradation and droughts may compromise the long-term effectiveness of this nature-based solution.
A study published in Nature Metabolism identifies a biochemical change responsible for Huntington's disease development and blocks disease progression by regulating dopamine levels. The research suggests that targeting an enzyme called GSTO2 could help prevent or delay the onset of motor symptoms.
A new Oxford study assesses 152 animal species across various taxonomic groups, finding that more social species live longer, have longer generation times, and longer reproductive windows. Sociality's benefits outweigh its costs, with species displaying increased resilience as a group.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a miniature, soft lithium-ion battery with features like high capacity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The battery was used to power small devices in animal models and demonstrated promising results for wireless and biodegradable devices in clinical medicine.
Research finds ocean connectivity impacts herbivorous reef fish groups, critical to coral reef resilience, and sea surface temperature and chlorophyll levels predict fish distribution. Protecting reefs is essential for rapidly growing communities dependent on reefs, vulnerable to climate change.
A new study surveyed over 6000 people from six countries, finding a global consensus on the definition of democracy. Competitive elections and civil liberties are consistently prioritized as key components of democracy, making it more likely for citizens to identify undemocratic behavior.
Researchers found that rising temperatures accelerate weathering of rocks in the Canadian Arctic, leading to increased CO2 release and a positive feedback loop. This process could contribute significantly to climate change, with predicted emissions doubling by 2100 under moderate emission scenarios.
A 500-million-year-old fossil reveals the earliest known ancestors of modern molluscs were flat, armoured slugs covered in chitinous spines. These findings provide a unique window into early mollusc evolution and challenge current understanding of their origins.
A recent study found significant and unequal mortality increases in India during the COVID-19 pandemic, with marginalized social groups experiencing greater life expectancy declines than privileged groups. The study estimated that 17% of overall mortality was higher in 2020 compared to 2019, resulting in 1.19 million excess deaths.
A group of 25 leading AI scientists call for stronger governance and regulation to prevent misuse and recklessness in advanced AI systems. They warn that unchecked progress could lead to a large-scale loss of life, the marginalization or extinction of humanity.
A new computer algorithm developed by University of Oxford scientist Samar Khatiwala can drastically reduce the spin-up time of Earth System Models, enabling researchers to investigate subtle changes in model parameters and define uncertainty more accurately. This breakthrough could lead to better predictions of future climate change a...
Scientists have recovered a 3.7-billion-year-old record of Earth's magnetic field, revealing it to be remarkably similar to today's field. The study provides the oldest estimate of the strength of Earth's magnetic field derived from whole rock samples.
A new study reveals that three island bat species feed on over 40% of agricultural pests, including banana moths and turnip moths. This finding highlights the importance of bats in maintaining ecosystem balance and suggests that encouraging these mammals can be a win-win for conservation and local farmers.
A new study published in Royal Society Open Science found that shared ancestry and transformative experiences can strengthen psychological bonding with humanity at large, motivating prosocial action on a global scale. The research suggests that fostering a shared global identity could facilitate cooperation on the global level.
A new study published in Physical Review Letters has developed a method for secure quantum computing, enabling users to access remote quantum computers while maintaining data authenticity and security. This breakthrough promises to unlock the transformative potential of cloud-based quantum computing.
The World Cybercrime Index ranks countries by cybercrime threat level, identifying Russia as the top hotspot. The study's findings suggest that a small number of countries house the greatest cybercrime threats, with the UK coming in at number eight.
Research at the University of Oxford discovered that socially connected great tit birds are more likely to use new foods, consuming twice as much novel food as less sociable individuals. This trend suggests that social birds expand their diets to mitigate competition costs, not increased exploratory behavior.
Researchers investigated genetic and modifiable influences on vulnerable brain regions using brain scans of 40,000 UK Biobank participants. They found that diabetes, air pollution, and alcohol consumption are the most harmful risk factors for dementia.
Bee colonies face a critical 'hungry gap' when recommended pollinator plants start blooming too late in the spring, resulting in low colony survival and queen production. Adding early-blooming species like ground ivy and red dead-nettle to existing hedgerows can improve colony success rates significantly.
Oxford researchers call for a more considered approach to AI development for children, highlighting four main challenges in applying existing ethical principles. The study recommends ensuring fair digital access, transparency, and safety, while involving children in system development.
A new study reveals that US working-age adults are dying at higher rates than their peers in high-income countries, driven by highly preventable causes of death. Midlife mortality among younger US females has worsened significantly over the past three decades, with the UK and other high-income countries experiencing similar trends.
A new study has compiled a global archive of preserved human brains, challenging the notion that brain preservation is extremely rare. The archive reveals that nervous tissues persist in much greater abundances than traditionally thought, with many brains up to 12,000 years old and found in diverse environments.
A new analysis found that nearly all involuntary care home closures in England since 2011 were run for-profit. This raises questions about the role of private providers in exacerbating the sector's crisis. The study suggests that systematic reasons may exist for why enforcement occurs mainly in private for-profit provision.
Researchers at Oxford University have discovered a network of ocean currents that scatter coral larvae between remote islands in the Seychelles. This 'coral superhighway' suggests that centrally located reefs may play a crucial role in linking distant islands, supporting regional reef resilience.
Researchers found that AI-generated food visuals excel at enhancing the appeal of depicted foods by leveraging symmetry, shape, and lighting. However, this may lead to 'visual hunger' and influence unhealthy eating behaviors among consumers.
A new study has analyzed fossil records of marine invertebrates over the past 485 million years, identifying key traits that affect resilience to extinction. The research suggests that species with restricted thermal ranges are at greatest risk, and global biodiversity faces a harrowing future.
New research reveals that rubisco is continually improving to harness better CO2 fixation and improve photosynthesis, but at a slow rate. The study's findings offer renewed optimism for efforts to engineer the enzyme to enhance crop growth and yields, addressing global food security concerns.
Researchers at Oxford University discovered that similarly charged particles in solution can attract each other at large separations, depending on the solvent. This effect has significant implications for processes such as self-assembly and phase separation.
A new review of 13 studies found that hospitals privatised deliver worse quality care after conversion from public ownership. This challenges the theory that privatisation improves healthcare quality through increased market competition.
A new study by University of Oxford researchers found that around 1 in 200 infections may become persistent for at least 60 days. Persistent infections were also linked to Long-COVID symptoms and viral variants that went extinct in the general population.
A UK study using mandatory annual vehicle inspections found exported used vehicles generated at least 13-53% more carbon dioxide per mile than those on British roads or in scrap yards. The researchers called for the UK's world-leading vehicle emissions standards to be applied to all exported vehicles.
Researchers at NDORMS identified how cells work to resolve frozen shoulder, opening up potential new targets for treatment. The study found that distinct populations of macrophages in the shoulder capsule promote tissue remodelling and reduce inflammation.
Researchers from Oxford University have developed a breakthrough in creating and designing magnetic whirls in membranes that can be seamlessly integrated with silicon. The findings reveal the existence of a robust family of magnetic whirls in free-standing layers, which could enable ultra-fast information processing.
A new study published in Science found that eradicating non-native animals to protect plant species can be a flawed practice, costing millions and slaughtering healthy wild animals. The research compared the effects of native and introduced large herbivores on plant communities, finding no significant differences.
The study proposes technical, legal, and economic interventions to transition the global plastics system to net zero emissions by 2050. The authors emphasize the need for concerted action across four target areas: smart materials design, waste management, recycling, and reducing future demand.
Researchers found that individual Balearic shearwaters are adapting to climate change by shifting their migratory range northwards, with a speed of 25km per year. However, this flexibility comes with constraints, as the birds have further to fly back in the autumn, and the impact on breeding success and survival is still unclear.
A study of 379 animal studies found no consistent impact of aging on ejaculate traits, contradicting the human trend. In some species, age even improved reproductive traits, such as larger ejaculates and increased sperm viability.
New research reveals that domestication impacts the microbial communities associated with crops. The study found consistent effects on the plant microbiota across independently domesticated crop species in Mesoamerica and South America. Changes in seed mineral content were linked to changes in microbiome composition.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have created a standardized safety test to assess how dangerous robotic lawnmowers are to hedgehogs. The test uses specially designed hedgehog crash test dummies and has found that many models pose a threat to these animals, especially at night when they are most active.
A University of Oxford study has used machine learning to bridge the 'reality gap' between predicted and observed behavior in quantum devices. The approach enables accurate predictions and informs compensation approaches to mitigate unwanted effects of material imperfections.
Researchers used data from Hubble Space Telescope to determine the true colors of Neptune and Uranus, revealing they are a similar shade of greenish blue. The main difference is that Neptune has a slight hint of additional blue due to a thinner haze layer on that planet.
A study reveals a significant association between early-life diseases and the likelihood of remaining childless throughout one's life, with mental-behavioural disorders being more than half of the associated diseases.
Research at University of Oxford found that diverse gut bacteria communities can block the growth of harmful pathogens, with certain species playing a crucial role. The communities work by consuming nutrients needed by the pathogen, and increasing diversity boosts protection.
A team of scientists used ancient DNA to trace the evolution of Marek's Disease Virus, revealing genetic alterations that increased its virulence over time. The study highlights the importance of preserving archaeological remains in understanding the emergence of deadly diseases.
Researchers discovered that short- and long-range weapons perform differently depending on the competition scenario, with long-range toxins becoming effective at high density and low initial numbers of competing bacteria. This study could help engineer beneficial microorganisms to out-compete pathogenic strains.
A study published in Nature found that remote teams are less likely to make breakthrough discoveries compared to those who work onsite. The researchers analyzed over 20 million research papers and four million patents, concluding that geographical proximity is essential for conceiving groundbreaking ideas.
A major international study of two million individuals in 168 countries found smaller associations than expected between internet adoption and psychological well-being. Life satisfaction increased more for females over the period, but no specific demographic patterns were identified among internet users.