A new species of ancient crocodile relative, Ctenosuchus tenuidens, has been discovered in Morocco with exceptionally thin, needle-like teeth. The animal's unique feeding habits suggest it likely fed on small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic creatures.
Researchers observed wild African savannah elephants in competitive contexts, recording over 840 individual gesture instances. They found that elephants use intentionally over 40 different gesture types to achieve two main goals, and communicate flexibly by sharing 21 gesture types for both meanings.
A new large-scale survey of NHS nurses found that workplace culture and day-to-day working conditions are crucial in influencing whether nurses choose to stay in the profession. Improving work environment is essential to retain experienced staff alongside wider workforce measures.
A new study reveals that food fraud costs the UK economy up to £2 billion annually, with most of the cost coming from fake products replacing legitimate ones. The research suggests stronger enforcement could pay for itself while reducing harm across the food system.
A University of Portsmouth study reveals a gap between ambitious conservation laws and their practical implementation in the EU and UK. The research argues that existing laws should be strengthened to recognize animals as sentient beings with intrinsic value, rather than just ecological assets.
Scientists found that a type of supernova explosion could create the necessary elements for planets, including water, around 100 million years after the Big Bang. This discovery suggests that planet formation may have occurred earlier than previously thought.
Scientists have discovered that continental crust can be dragged deep into the Earth's mantle during subduction and later rise again to mix with deeper rocks. This process, known as 'relamination', creates a hybrid crust-mantle source that generates post-collisional magmas.
A new study by the University of Portsmouth and Marine Conservation Society reveals widespread presence of toxic PFAS in the Solent's waters, wildlife, and seabed. Levels of PFOS exceeded safety limits, and most species sampled exceeded health benchmarks when considering combined effects.
A recent study warns that urban planners have a critical role in protecting and restoring freshwater habitats, which support a third of all animal species. The researchers identify six actions needed to mobilize urban planners as allies in freshwater conservation.
Researchers developed a physics-inspired framework to predict how accents and dialects change over time and location. The model demonstrates sweeping linguistic shifts across the US during the 20th century and shows that language may be law-like, with hidden statistical forces shaping human communication.
A new species of coelacanth has been identified from a 150-year-old fossil, bridging a 50-million-year gap in the evolutionary history of Latimeriidae. The discovery was made using modern imaging techniques and has provided crucial insights into the evolution of one of the world's most iconic fish lineages.
New research suggests that relic black holes from before the big bang could help explain dark matter and several long-standing mysteries in cosmology. These primordial objects may have survived into the present day as 'cosmic fossils,' potentially influencing galaxy structure billions of years later.
Researchers found that orangutans and chimpanzees exhibit exactness in mimicking each other's facial expressions, particularly laugh faces, with a level of precision similar to humans. The study suggests that this ability may have given great apes important advantages in social interactions.
The University of Portsmouth, in partnership with SARsatX and the Saudi Space Agency, is developing an Earth observation satellite mission concept aimed at supporting climate science and environmental resilience. The project combines academic and technical expertise to address shared environmental challenges.
Research reveals that warming climate is making glacier surges increasingly unpredictable, with extreme weather events triggering earlier-than-expected surges. Six major hazards identified, including glacier advances, river blockages, and iceberg hazards, posing significant risks to communities in high mountain regions.
Researchers found chemical fingerprints of gigantic primordial stars in galaxy GS 3073, solving a 20-year cosmic mystery. The discovery confirms that supermassive black holes could exist less than a billion years after the Big Bang.
A major global review reveals alarming trends in mountain regions, including faster warming, more unpredictable rainfall, and significant changes from snow to rain. The findings highlight the devastating consequences for people dependent on mountain snow and glaciers for water, particularly in China and India.
A study by the University of Portsmouth reveals that microplastics are present in 100% of donkey faecal samples, posing a serious risk to animal health and potentially contaminating food supplies. The research emphasizes the need for coordinated global and local action to address the plastic crisis.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth has found that traditional meadowland in the South Downs has declined by up to 99.9% since the mid-19th century, with significant losses of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth found that individuals' ability to stay active despite pain depends more on their pain resilience than on how much pain they feel. Boosting resilience could enhance both pain management and overall health.
Researchers have created a new brain-scanning method that can visualize anxiety patterns in the brain, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments. The study used EEG to measure brain activity during 'no-win' decision scenarios linked to anxiety.
A recent study found that 97% of scientists agree chemicals can impact wildlife behavior, yet only 30% of industry respondents support behavioral tests in chemical safety assessments. The researchers advocate for consistent testing methods and better cooperation between sectors to address the risks.
A new study found that nearly half of UK households underestimate how much plastic they throw away each week, with online shoppers being the most unconscious consumers. The research calls for supermarkets to change infrastructure and systems to promote reuse and refill schemes.
A University of Portsmouth-led study found female crabs are significantly more sensitive to electromagnetic fields from underwater power cables than males. This could have significant ecological consequences for marine food chains and crab populations if cables are placed in the wrong spots.
A recent study from the University of Portsmouth found that young adults who prefer to stay up late are more prone to developing problematic technology use, such as smartphone and social media addiction. The researchers identified loneliness and anxiety as primary contributors to this association.
A new study reveals how powerful industries are quietly shaping laws, research, and public messaging in ways that delay environmental and health action. The study calls for stronger conflict of interest rules and greater transparency in funding to safeguard against negative influence.
Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting the mouth from apple juice's effects, which wear off within 10 minutes. The study suggests moderate consumption of fruit juice may not be as damaging as previously thought, but repeated exposure can overwhelm the mouth's natural repair mechanisms.
A new study found that fostering lasting habits of frugality is more effective in reducing household food waste than short-term interventions or nudges. Long-standing tendencies to conserve resources were the strongest predictor of food-saving behavior.
A new iguanodontian dinosaur species, Istiorachis macarthurae, has been identified from fossils on the Isle of Wight. The discovery suggests that the animal's striking sail-like structure was used for visual signalling and may have evolved through sexual selection to impress potential mates.
Global experts issue urgent call for a binding UN plastics treaty grounded in science, justice, and bold political will. The authors highlight the mounting evidence that plastic pollution is a health crisis, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
Scientists have identified a reliable method to achieve stabilization in compressed earth blocks using recycled glass particles and lime. Testing showed that a mix of 10% lime and 10% recycled glass produced the strongest blocks with no cracking under intense pressure.
A new approach to analyzing gravitational-wave data could transform our understanding of extreme events like colliding black holes. The method developed by researchers from the University of Portsmouth and University College Dublin improves how scientists compare wave signals to existing models, laying important groundwork for future d...
A study by autistic researchers reveals the challenges of navigating nonverbal cues, including body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Autistic adults often struggle to process these signals in real-time, leading to misunderstandings and social anxiety.
A University of Portsmouth student has discovered a new species of prehistoric mammal, Novaculadon mirabilis, dating back 145 million years. The fossilized jaw features distinctive teeth and provides insights into early mammals that lived alongside dinosaurs.
A new study has mapped how different parts of the body communicate during stress, potentially paving the way for earlier illness diagnosis. The unique method of monitoring body signals, called 'transfer entropy,' shows complex networks of maps that reveal which body parts act as information hubs under different stress conditions.
A new study found that providing households with simple, low-cost information about their drinking water quality increased the use of safe water practices by 26-48% in areas where many families rely on unsafe supplies. This approach has the potential to save lives at a lower cost than other public health programs.
A new study suggests that chimpanzees and young children prefer watching videos of social interactions compared to videos of a single individual. This strong interest in others' actions and relationships may have deep evolutionary roots.
A new study found that parents are delaying the introduction of highly allergenic foods like eggs and nuts into their children's diets. This delay increases the risk of allergies, particularly in children with a family history of allergy.
A new study reveals rising oceans are pushing saltwater into freshwater rivers and underground water sources in Bangladesh's Bengal Delta. This study offers important lessons for vulnerable coastal regions worldwide.
Research from the University of Portsmouth suggests that virtual-only clothing could help bridge the gap between fast fashion and environmental sustainability. Consumers with strong appetites for novel experiences are drawn to e-fashion, valuing its creativity, customisability, and interactivity.
The UK is facing significant environmental, economic, and health harm from microplastic pollution without a comprehensive approach. The EU and US are already implementing reduction targets and regulatory limits, while the UK lacks specific reduction targets.
A new study found that consumers' health fears and concerns over freshness are driving resistance to frozen foods, with credible information a key factor in reducing scepticism. The research highlights the importance of transparent communication about the benefits of frozen foods, particularly when they are seen as affordable options.
Scientists have developed a method for safely assessing farmland abandoned after the Chornobyl nuclear accident, opening the way for potentially reclaiming thousands of hectares. The study found that crops can be grown safely in most areas with proper monitoring and adherence to Ukrainian food safety regulations.
A new UK study found that personal values, particularly frugality, are more influential in shaping sustainable food choices than environmental attitudes. Researchers suggest focusing on everyday values people already live by to inspire lasting change.
Researchers found that African social spider behaviour fluctuates dramatically over time, challenging previous assumptions about individuality. The study reveals that commonly used methods for assessing personality in social spiders may be flawed.
A comprehensive review highlights growing concerns over cyber-biosecurity threats to next-generation DNA sequencing, which could be exploited for data breaches and biothreats. The study recommends practical solutions, including secure protocols, encrypted storage, and AI-powered anomaly detection.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth found that high-support bras could unintentionally increase loading on the spine. The study suggests that a balance between comfort and breast support is needed in bra design to prevent potential musculoskeletal impacts.
A recent trial of a promising gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy has fallen short, with the immune system emerging as a key barrier to its success. Researchers identify early intervention at birth and personalized immune screening as potential solutions to overcome this hurdle.
New research reveals that Duchenne muscular dystrophy profoundly affects the brain, leading to cognitive and behavioral challenges. The study found that some changes could be reversible, opening the door for targeted therapies.
Researchers at the University of Portsmouth have developed a smart insole system that accurately measures ground reaction forces, providing real-world movement analysis. The technology outperforms existing wearable technologies and has potential applications in sports performance, injury prevention, and healthcare monitoring.