A fossil of a 'royal fish', estimated to be over 66 million years old, was discovered in Morocco, marking the first time a sturgeon has been found in Africa. This finding suggests that sturgeons may have been more widespread than previously thought, complicating models of their origin.
A team of researchers has achieved unparalleled precision in measuring the time delay between two photons using frequency-resolving sampling measurements. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient characterisation of nanostructures, including biological samples and nanomaterial surfaces.
Researchers discovered that theropod dinosaurs, including T. rex and Velociraptor, had scaly lips similar to those of lizards, contradicting popular depictions. The study found that dinosaur teeth were not unusually large and were comparable in size to modern lizard teeth when adjusted for skull size.
A new mathematical model has been developed to optimize treatment for prostate cancer, showing promising results in eliminating cancer cells. The model explores different therapeutic strategies, including single drugs and drug combinations, and suggests that alternating therapies could significantly improve cancer treatment.
A study published in Cancers found that the DMD gene has a role in oncology, with reduced dystrophin expression associated with advanced stage cancer and reduced survival. The discovery expands our understanding of the gene's significance beyond Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
A new study by the University of Portsmouth found that UK development policy has shifted from focusing on poverty and conflict to prioritizing national security interests. This shift has led to reduced aid to Africa and a narrower focus on the national interest.
A new study published in Vaccines found that individuals with a university degree were more likely to believe in the effectiveness of COVID-19 preventive measures. The research also revealed that people with higher education levels had lower levels of trust in scientific misinformation, highlighting the importance of education in shapi...
Research suggests that tropical tent web spiders can eat a devastating pest moth of commercially important crops like tomato and potato. The spiders' ability to form groups and create large webs makes them effective biological control agents.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth reveals that 'war tourism' has evolved into online activities such as countering misinformation and raising awareness for Ukrainian refugees. Researchers analyzed data from the Subreddit forum 'volunteers for Ukraine', which had over 44,500 members just two weeks after Russia's invasion.
A new report by the University of Portsmouth found that UK coastal city residents face infrastructure challenges and accessibility barriers when trying to reduce their single-use plastic waste. Despite being concerned about plastic use, consumer behavior often contradicts these beliefs.
A new species of pterosaur has been identified with over 400 tiny, hooked teeth, offering insights into its extraordinary feeding mechanism. The discovery suggests the pterosaur likely fed on tiny shrimp and copepods while wading through shallow lagoons.
A study reveals many elephant values are often overlooked in conservation strategies, prioritizing economic and ecological benefits over moral ones. The research highlights the importance of considering diverse stakeholder value systems to create more sustainable conservation policies.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth explores how to improve sustainable disposal of electronic waste. Researchers found that using metaphorical language, such as comparing battery pollution to Olympic swimming pools, increased recycling rates among consumers.
Researchers found that football crowds can manipulate professional referees to award more red and yellow cards to away players. However, recent studies suggest that Premier League referees are less susceptible to these influences, indicating a narrowing of the gap between home and away yellow cards.
A study by the University of Portsmouth found that picky eaters perceive food differently based on plateware color, with red and blue bowls making snacks seem saltier and less desirable. This knowledge could help encourage picky eaters to try new foods and expand their diet.
A new study suggests infants perform interactional patterns with elements of pretence earlier than thought. They argue that early caregiver-infant interactions, such as reading a book in a character's voice or playing peek-a-boo, can encourage pretend play from an early age.
Leading global plastics experts call for an ambitious 0% new plastic waste target by 2040 to tackle plastic pollution and climate change. The University of Portsmouth's Global Plastics Policy Centre recommends a coordinated global strategy, clear metrics, and harmonized national policies to achieve this goal.
Researchers found significant decline in vaccine confidence among adults since pre-pandemic surveys, regardless of age, gender, education, and ethnicity. Post-pandemic participants reported a fall in confidence in vaccines, with nearly one in four experiencing a decrease.
A team of cosmologists has reconstructed gravity to find a more robust way of understanding the cosmos, using new observational data from space and ground-based telescopes. The study explores whether modifying General Relativity could help resolve open problems in cosmology, with promising results that could pave the way for resolving ...
A study by University of Portsmouth researchers reveals how hydroquinine kills Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics. The compound alters the expression levels of virulence factors and interferes with bacterial movement, making it an effective weapon against drug-resistant infections.
A study by researchers from the University of Portsmouth found that social spiders have evolved distinct ways of hunting in groups. The findings highlight that environmental factors and competition between species have shaped unique hunting strategies, with some species adopting cautious approaches while others are more opportunistic.
Researchers studying Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) made a significant discovery that the disease begins in myoblasts, which are crucial for muscle growth and regeneration. This new understanding could lead to delayed disease progression and extended patient lifespan by targeting these cells from birth.
A study of over 15,000 individual animals found that ungulates' diets and mating strategies are linked to stress risk. Animals without constant access to food are prone to behavioral problems. The research highlights the importance of providing suitable conditions, including food and social organization, for improved welfare.
A new study found that exposure to television early on may be detrimental to play, language development, and executive functioning in young infants. However, when screen content is appropriate for a child's age and viewed with parental involvement, it can have a positive effect.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth have adapted a PICK chart and mathematical goal-seeking technique to prioritize maritime safety and security needs in the ANA region. The new method aims to ensure that pressing research and innovation are undertaken among governments, industry, and security organizations.
Researchers have found hydroquinine, an organic compound found in tree bark, has potent antibacterial properties against several microorganisms. The study suggests it may be a potential candidate for future clinical investigation to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
A new report from the University of Portsmouth reveals significant failings in the management of interview processes, leading to potential cases being put at risk. The LOST WEBSITES framework provides a practical solution for police forces to improve their training on high-stake investigations.
A new study reveals that climate change and population growth are putting UK wastewater treatment works at extreme stress, with dynamic stressors linked to increased risk of pollution events. The research proposes using real-time data to mitigate disruption and improve resilience.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth discovers that information entropy decreases over time, unlike the second law of thermodynamics. This finding has massive implications for future developments in genome research, evolutionary biology, and computing.
A new study by the Universities of Portsmouth and Southampton estimates that 80,000 people have left employment due to Long Covid. The research warns of a potential lasting impact on labour supply, with workers in lower-paid jobs particularly affected.
A new genetic disease has been identified that causes abnormal brain development in children, resulting in severe learning difficulties. Researchers have discovered the underlying cause of the condition by analyzing changes in a protein coding gene called GRIA1, which helps move electrical signals around the brain.
Climate change affects mangrove forest's 'blue carbon' system through rising sea levels and ocean acidity. Mangrove forests store over 1,000 tons of carbon per hectare, crucial in mitigating climate change.
Researchers found a dramatic increase in shipping in the North East Atlantic, with rates rising by 34% and Marine Protected Areas seeing a 73% increase. This growth poses significant threats to sea life, including non-indigenous species, noise pollution, and marine litter.
Researchers found that people who showed more signs of stress were perceived as being more stressed and also more likeable by others. This suggests that humans have evolved to display stress signals to evoke positive social interactions.
A new study by the University of Portsmouth found that investigators who asked suspects to multi-task during interviews were more likely to detect lies. Lie tellers struggled with secondary tasks, particularly those deemed important.
A new study suggests that early self-awareness of autism leads to better quality of life and a sense of well-being in adulthood. The research found that autistic university students who learned about their diagnosis at a younger age reported more positive emotions and a greater sense of empowerment than those diagnosed later in life.
A new study found that primate ecotourism is causing stress-related behaviors in monkeys, including self-scratching, increased aggression, and reduced feeding. The researchers propose guidelines for tourists and guides to minimize the impact of motorboat approach speeds on primates.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth reveals that only Arsenal among the Premier League's top six clubs has strong financial resilience to external economic shocks. The research found that Arsenal can withstand significant economic fluctuations, while other 'Big Six' clubs are more vulnerable.
A new algorithm using AI and data analytics predicts bowel cancer patients' length of stay, readmission rates, and mortality, enabling healthcare providers to optimize patient care. The technology has been proven effective with an accuracy rate above 80%, and further development is planned with larger datasets.
Researchers analyzed bone density and found Spinosaurus and its relative Baryonyx had dense bones like fish-eating predators, allowing them to submerge underwater. This supports the aquatic lifestyle of these dinosaurs, contrary to previous debates.
A new UK government act aimed at targeting Russian oligarchs and money launderers has significant loopholes, according to Paul Gilmour, a leading expert. The Economic Crime Act requires beneficial ownership transparency but leaves room for exploitation by layering company ownership, says Gilmour.
Physicist Dr Melvin Vopson's latest experiment aims to detect and measure information in elementary particles using particle-antiparticle collision. If successful, it could confirm information as the fifth state of matter, changing our understanding of the universe.
Researchers have characterised an enzyme that can break down terephthalate (TPA), a key chemical building block of PET plastic. The discovery provides a blueprint for engineering faster and more efficient versions of this complex enzyme.
A new study by University of Portsmouth researchers suggests that wave reserves, initially aimed at protecting popular surfing spots, can also conserve ecologically valuable coastal areas. The strategy has gained popularity worldwide, with dozens of wave reserves established globally.
A new study calls on tour operators to mitigate the cost of their staff's emotional labor, arguing changes would be easy and quick. The tourism industry relies heavily on recruiting extroverts to work as resort reps, but even they need support to maintain a façade of happiness.
A study found that governments must be accountable, act quickly, and establish frank dialogue with the public to maintain trust. Effective measures included containment health policies, economic support, and honest communications.
A new bird-like dinosaur, Vectiraptor greeni, has been found in England, dating back to the Early Cretaceous period. The fossilized remains suggest a large and powerful animal with massive bones, which would have used brute strength to overpower its prey.
A new study found a direct link between COVID-19-related personal protective equipment and face mask litter, with an exponential increase from March to October 2020. Researchers urge governments to implement policies for the disposal of littered face masks.
Researchers from University of Portsmouth and John Jay College of Criminal Justice found that face masks do not hamper a jury's decision making. Instead, they improve the ability to differentiate between truth and lies by reducing non-verbal behaviors.
Researchers used creative methods to explore perceptions of air pollution with local communities in Nairobi's informal settlements. They found contrasting definitions of air pollution and differing views on who was responsible for solutions.