Researchers investigate the impact of skill levels on animal contests, focusing on hermit crab behavior. They aim to understand factors that influence fighting skill and its relationship with aggression, which can have implications for sports science and human training.
Researchers have developed EmbryoPhenomics, a technology that captures detailed measurements of organism development, revealing sensitive responses to environmental stressors. The technology has the potential to be a game-changer in assessing climate change impacts and preserving biodiversity.
A new study by University of Plymouth researchers has identified Prominin-1, a protein that plays a crucial role in stem cell activation and differentiation. The discovery highlights Prominin-1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating cancer and regenerating damaged tissues.
A £1 million research program is assessing human impacts on the pristine Chagos Archipelago, a remote British Indian Ocean Territory. The study aims to understand how conservation practices can benefit other areas of the marine environment.
Researchers are exploring the interaction between vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and myeloid cells in blood circulation to identify novel biomarkers for unstable plaques. This project aims to develop therapeutic targets for treating blood vessel complications in hypertension, potentially preventing heart attacks and stroke.
A study by the University of Plymouth found that snails are attracted to seedlings based on their volatile scent preferences, while those with repellent chemicals avoid damage. This discovery provides insights into the complex interactions between slugs and snails in natural habitats.
A groundbreaking study found that billions of nanoplastics can accumulate in the bodies of marine organisms like great scallops within just six hours. The research, led by the University of Plymouth, showed that even smaller particles measuring 20nm had become dispersed throughout the body's organs.
A new study suggests climate change could significantly reduce the nutritional quality of oysters due to ocean acidification and warming. The research focuses on Pacific and native flat oysters, finding that increased temperatures and CO2 levels can decrease protein, lipid, and carbohydrate content.
A new study finds that effective management of local issues can mitigate the detrimental impact of future global environmental changes on marine organisms. The research highlights the importance of adjusting regulation associated with oil spill prevention to maximize resilience in marine ecosystems.
New research by University of Plymouth scientists found that different oxygen levels in the marine environment can affect an individual's resources of strength and stamina, leading to changes in fighting ability. The study showed that conditions can prompt fights and alter an individual's motivation.
A £2.7 million study is developing a person-centred package of care in GP surgeries, focusing on the introduction of one dementia expert to link to the rest of the patient's clinical team. The programme aims to improve the experience of care and promote positive mental and physical wellbeing.
A new study found that people tend to overestimate the benefits and underestimate the risks of various medical procedures. In a hypothetical scenario, participants were asked to rate their likelihood of experiencing benefits or side effects of different treatments, revealing an average perception of benefit higher than the midpoint, wh...
Researchers found sea snail shells were on average a third smaller and showed visible deterioration under predicted future CO2 levels, impacting thickness, density, and structure. The corrosive effects of ocean acidification threaten the survival of calcified animals like shellfish, which are crucial to coastal marine communities.
Researchers found a small ice-free 'polynya' in the Arctic that sustained microscopic marine life for at least 5,000 years. This discovery provides insight into how marine ecosystems adapted to extreme climate conditions during the last Ice Age, highlighting their vulnerability and resilience.
A new study shows Functional Imagery Training (FIT) significantly increases weight loss by 5 times compared to Motivational Interviewing (MI). Participants who used FIT lost an average of 4.11kg in six months and continued to lose weight after the intervention ended.
Scientists are exploring a new propulsion idea that could eliminate fuel costs and make interplanetary travel easier. Dr. Mike McCulloch's quantised inertia theory predicts that objects can be pushed by differences in Unruh radiation in space.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that the British mainland was formed from the collision of three ancient continental land masses: Avalonia, Laurentia, and Armorica. This finding explains the abundance of tin and tungsten in South West England, which is also found in Brittany and other areas of mainland Europe.
Researchers aim to improve theoretical and numerical models of intense laser-particle interactions to analyze experiments probing quantum effects. The new research will also help understand exotic phenomena in strong magnetic fields found in astrophysical objects like magnetars.
Scientists at the University of Plymouth study how seedling defense mechanisms change across large geographical scales. Researchers plan to assess the impact of latitude and altitude on plant resistance by examining snails' preferences for seedlings from various European regions.
Warm-water kelps alter ecosystem functioning, with faster food production and processing, but may reduce biodiversity. Kelp forests are expected to survive, unlike in other regions where they are disappearing.
A new study suggests robots can play an important role in teaching certain narrow subjects like vocabulary and prime numbers, but their social interaction limitations will keep them as teaching assistants for now. Robots have the potential to support and challenge students, freeing up time for human teachers.
A study at the University of Plymouth found that children aged seven to nine are more likely to give the same responses as humanoid robots, even if they're incorrect. This highlights a potential concern about the influence of robots on vulnerable young children.
Researchers found that people's perceptions of others' actions are based on what they expect the action to do to maximize efficiency, rather than its actual outcome. This distortion can lead to misinterpretation of ambiguous behavior and incorrect assumptions about others' intentions and emotions.
A new study reveals that ocean acidification is having a major impact on marine life, with corals and kelp forests being particularly vulnerable. The research suggests that reducing CO2 emissions is crucial to prevent further damage to these ecosystems.
A new machine-learning model has shown promising signs of being able to predict undiagnosed dementia in primary care, with an accuracy of 84%. This could significantly reduce the number of those living with undiagnosed dementia in the UK from around 50% to 8%.
A decade of research reveals most top websites fail to provide secure password advice, with some allowing single-character passwords and basic words. Experts warn that clear guidance is essential for users to ensure their data remains safe.
New research found that moving fish farms away from seagrass meadows can boost their growth and health. The study, led by the University of Plymouth, showed that seagrass limits increased at a rate of 1.2-9cm per year in areas with reduced fish farming impact.
A new commentary suggests that understanding coral immunity can help identify corals better able to withstand climate change. Researchers propose a model of coral susceptibility, where investing in immunity enables corals to tolerate more damage before initiating an immune response.
Research by the University of Plymouth shows that personal and appreciative responses to online feedback can significantly improve patient experiences. The study identifies 19 key factors, including prompt replies, tailored content, and signposting to key services, as essential for effective engagement.
A Europe-wide study found that over 95% of people reported seeing litter when visiting the coast, leading to higher concern and willingness to change behavior. The primary causes of marine litter were attributed to plastic use, human behavior, and single-use plastics.
Scientists have recorded Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a lethal fungus, for the first time in caecilians and amphibians in the Western Ghats. The fungus, Bd, causes chytridiomycosis and poses a significant threat to these species.
A recent study found that individuals with a positive outlook and less education are more susceptible to marketing scams promising large rewards. The presence of an activation fee can help deter potential victims by reducing the perceived risk.
Researchers discovered Pluto's dunes on the boundary of a major mountain range, likely formed by methane ice grain sublimation and transported by moderate winds. The unique features suggest recent formation within the last 500,000 years.
A new study found that contaminated black plastic is entering consumer products due to inefficient recycling practices, posing a risk to human health. The researchers also discovered potential harm to marine environments through the spread of microplastics.
A new study documents how a North American butterfly evolved complete dependence on an introduced European weed, leading to its local extinction when humans eliminated the plant's availability. The study supports the argument that rapid climate change will prove detrimental to biodiversity.
A study by the University of Plymouth found that participants in a motivational interview delivered by a social robot perceived the interaction as enjoyable and helpful. The robot achieved its objective of encouraging participants to articulate their goals and dilemmas, with some sessions lasting up to an hour.
A new research project in the UK aims to study the impact of tyres and clothing on the marine environment. The project will explore how tiny plastic particles from these sources enter waterways and oceans, affecting marine life.
Average winter wave heights have increased by more than 10mm/year along Scotland and Ireland's coastlines, leading to higher wave heights during extreme weather conditions. The study's findings are crucial for predicting future wave heights and protecting coastal communities across Western Europe.
A new research project aims to support small-scale fisherman livelihoods while achieving national and international conservation goals. The project builds on the successful Lyme Bay project, which showed that conservation gains can be achieved while benefiting local fishermen.
Plants may have exerted greater influence on terrestrial ecosystems than megaherbivores that once roamed landscapes. Shrubs consistently predicted ecosystem change, with increasing shrub biomass reducing nitrogen availability and promoting tree growth.
New research suggests that high sea levels in the Mediterranean Sea may have triggered the formation of Mount Etna's distinctive cone structure. This theory proposes that changes in the volcano's magma behavior coincide with periods of rising sea levels, which could also explain similar changes at other volcanic sites worldwide.
Rare amphibian species on rocky plateaux in western India are threatened by erosion and disease. The research highlights the need for greater protection of these habitats to preserve the species.
Researchers have developed a new method to culture cells from rainbow trout guts, enabling the assessment of chemical toxicity without live animals. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the number of fish required in toxicology studies, aligning with 3Rs principles.
A new study reveals that QNZ-46 can protect the brain from damage caused by excessive glutamate release in stroke. The novel drug targets the source of damaging glutamate, leading to a reduced risk of myelin breakdown and functional deficit in white matter.
A study by the University of Plymouth reveals that exposure to moderate hypoxia can have different effects on metabolic performance in animals bred under chronic hypoxic conditions. This could result in underestimated vulnerability of species, leading to reduced biodiversity.
Researchers at University of Plymouth are developing robots to work alongside farmers in Cornwall, ensuring availability gaps are filled and reducing manual labor costs. The 'ABC project' aims to create small, mobile machines that can perform tasks like harvesting, weeding, and pesticide application with increased efficiency and accuracy.
The University of Plymouth will continue its neuro-tumour research with a £100,000 grant from Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and Sparks. The project aims to investigate the causes of Neurofibromatosis 2, a hereditary condition that leads to tumours in the nervous system.
A recent study suggests that offering basic password guidance can significantly improve account security. Researchers found that those who received more detailed support and feedback were up to 10 times more likely to create stronger passwords. The study highlights the importance of effective guidance in promoting end-user security.
A new toolkit helps identify bilingual toddlers who need extra support with their language development, potentially improving their personal and professional prospects. The tool, developed by the University of Plymouth, uses a list of familiar words and a questionnaire to assess a child's language proficiency.
Research reveals that systematic education tools can significantly improve understanding and willingness to address marine litter. Educators and students who participated in an online project showed high intentions of implementing changes and reported increased concern about the issue.