A new species, Brighstoneus simmondsi, with a distinctive bulbous nose has been identified by University of Portsmouth and Natural History Museum scientists. The discovery was made through meticulous analysis of Iguanodon bones found on the Isle of Wight, which revealed subtle differences indicating a new species.
Researchers have made a giant leap in fighting antibiotic resistance by using supercomputers to redesign existing antibiotics. The new approach shows that the redesigned antibiotic is up to 56 times more active than two existing antibiotics on the World Health Organisation's list, and potentially effective against three top-ranked bact...
Researchers found that tiny pterosaur juveniles, known as flaplings, dominated the Late Cretaceous period due to their exceptional growth rates and feeding ecology. These findings suggest that the smaller species of pterosaurs were overshadowed by their giant parent's offspring.
A new paper from the University of Portsmouth argues that bribery and corruption can be prevented at huge sporting events. Researchers explored perspectives of anti-corruption specialists, sport governance officials, athletes, coaches, club officials, and journalists to identify common concerns and recommendations for reforms.
Researchers found that newly-hatched pterosaurs had strong bones capable of sustaining flight, but their wing size was smaller than adults, likely making them more agile fliers. This suggests they may have used their flying abilities to escape predators and chase prey in dense vegetation.
New research suggests the UK's pandemic planning was limited by an outdated modelling structure, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to decision-making. Professor Ashraf Labib proposes a hybrid model combining resilience triangle and bowtie modelling with five guiding principles to enhance public policy decisions.
The 5th International Conference for Missing Children and Adults brought together experts to discuss key findings on prevention, investigation, and support. The conference highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches and innovative strategies in addressing missing persons cases.
Scientists have found that exceptionally well-preserved fossils in the Burgess Shale, Canada, could have been moved by mudflows without damage, throwing doubt on the idea that they all lived together. This discovery suggests that early marine animal communities may be more complex and diverse than previously thought.
A new study by the University of Portsmouth has developed a method to measure microplastics in human sewage using Fenton reagent, which is faster and more cost-efficient than existing methods. This breakthrough has huge potential for standardizing plastic pollution measurement.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth highlights the attractive trading advantages offered by freeports but also raises concerns about their potential misuse for money-laundering and tax-evasion purposes. The researchers advocate for stronger regulation to prevent these zones from being exploited.
International scientists agree that chemical pollutants can impact wildlife and human behavior, calling for improved methods to study contaminated-induced behavioral changes. The recommendations include developing standardized toxicity tests and integrating behavioral toxicology into environmental risk assessments.
Researchers identify a new genetic disease causing delayed intellectual development and cataracts in children, with the COPB1 gene variant as the underlying cause. The study uses tadpoles to mimic human gene variants, demonstrating the link between the gene and disease.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth and Universities of Hagen and Mainz found that false memories can be reversed using specific interview techniques. The research involved implanting false memories in participants and then using strategies to help them retract these false recollections, while leaving their true memories intact.
A new study found that myelin loss is a major factor in age-related brain deterioration, leading to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers identified a key gene responsible for the reduced efficiency of cells that produce myelin with age.
A new study published in Aquatic Toxicology found that shrimp on the South Coast of England have significantly lower sperm counts due to pollution. The research also discovered a decline in population density and fertility issues among other marine creatures, including humans.
A study by University of Portsmouth researchers found that poor leadership and management were the most common reasons for police officers leaving the force. The study also highlighted the importance of balancing individual needs with organisational demand to reduce turnover and improve commitment.
British citizens who vanish abroad are more likely to be found by UK police due to their longer duration of disappearance, with 134-day average. Non-UK authorities accounted for only 20% of all finds, highlighting the effectiveness of UK police in resolving cases.
A team of researchers from the University of Portsmouth discovered a massive ancient fish fossil, estimated to be around 5 meters long, which is the largest of its type ever found. The fossil, composed of many thin bony plates arranged like a barrel, was identified as a coelacanth, a species believed to be extinct for millions of years.
A new study finds that traditional surface temperature scanners are ineffective in detecting fever-related illnesses, like Covid-19. Instead, taking temperature readings from a person's fingertip and eye may provide more accurate results.
The newly discovered dinosaur, Ubirajara jubatus, boasts long fur down its back and stiff ribbons projecting from its shoulders. Its unique features suggest that it may have used these to attract mates or intimidate rivals.
Researchers found that police officers investigating child exploitation are vulnerable to moral injury, PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to exposure to traumatic images. The study suggests ways to enhance professional support to improve management of psychological distress.
A new study published by the University of Portsmouth has found that robotic animals, such as the MiRo-E robot, can be just as effective as real therapy dogs in providing calming interactions for children.
A study by the University of Portsmouth discovered that giant feathery shipworms engage in competitive mating, where larger worms have an advantage due to longer siphons. The researchers observed stages of sperm transfer and sparring between rival mates, revealing a sophisticated form of reproductive behavior.
A new genus and species of ichthyosaur, Thalassodraco etchesi, has been discovered in the UK, measuring 2m in length and dating back to the Late Jurassic period. The specimen was found buried head-first in limestone, preserving its soft tissues and providing valuable insights into the biology of these marine reptiles.
A £992,000 grant will support a collaboration between the Universities of Portsmouth and Southampton to use tadpoles to discover genetic changes causing rare diseases. The study aims to provide targeted interventions for patients and their families, improving care and outcomes.
A combined research team from Universities of Portsmouth and Bournemouth has shown that the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) can predict adverse clinical outcomes in patients with Covid-19. The study confirms the effectiveness of NEWS without requiring new techniques, supporting NHS staff during the pandemic.
A report by University of Portsmouth experts challenges the effectiveness of a commonly used police interview technique for detecting lies. The technique, which has been employed by both the FBI and British police, is deemed unfit for use.
A new species of small pterosaur with a long, skinny beak like that of a Kiwi has been discovered. The fossilized piece of beak revealed an incredible network of internal canals for nerves that helped detect prey underground.
The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development has an ambitious agenda to transform ocean health. The initiative provides a non-prescriptive framework for transformational action across geographies, sectors, disciplines, and generations.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, have created a new checklist to guide plant breeders in growing crops more sustainably. The tool helps breeders understand species better and find ways to increase growth using wild plant species.
Pterosaur experts refuted earlier claims of feathered pterosaurs, suggesting they were bald instead. The finding has huge implications for the evolution of feathers in dinosaurs and pterosaurs.
Scientists have created a new enzyme 'cocktail' that can digest plastic up to six times faster than existing methods. The combination of two enzymes, PETase and MHETase, breaks down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into its building blocks, enabling recycling and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A team of researchers from the University of Portsmouth discovered over 1,200 dinosaur teeth that confirm Spinosaurus was a river-monster. The findings support the theory that dinosaurs were adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, with Spinosaurus being the most commonly found creature in the Kem Kem river system.
A new paper from the University of Portsmouth argues that excessive pricing due to COVID-19 can be prevented by enforcing EU competition law and applying price controls. The research suggests that imposing fines may not be effective in addressing price gouging, as companies may continue to raise prices in the future.
A new review aims to better understand how to protect disabled children and young people from abuse, which is three to four times more likely for those with disabilities. Researchers will assess existing evidence to identify best practices in identification, involvement of families, and improving outcomes for this vulnerable group.
Forensic investigators can now analyze fragile human remains without excessive handling, thanks to a new 3D printing technique. This approach allows for effective physical fit analysis and demonstrates the potential for improved evidence presentation in court.
A team of scientists from the University of Portsmouth has developed a new forensic fingerprinting technique to lift finger-marks from pangolin scales, enabling wildlife crime officers to identify poachers and bring them to justice. The method uses gelatine lifters and has been successful in producing clear finger-mark detail on 74% of...
A new study has provided precise tests of dark energy and cosmic expansion by analyzing the distribution of galaxies in the Universe. The research uses a combination of cosmic voids and baryon acoustic oscillations, yielding more accurate results than previous methods.
A team of researchers from the University of Portsmouth has discovered a unique pterodactyl jaw fragment in Sandown Bay, Isle of Wight, which is remarkably similar to previously found 'tapejarid' fossils in China and Brazil. The specimen, named Wightia declivirostris, lacks teeth and features distinctive sensory organs.
A 145 million-year-old ichthyosaur skeleton was studied using a selfie stick and fishing rod, revealing that Nannopterygius was a widespread species during the Late Jurassic. New discoveries found specimens in UK museums, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Kimmeridge, Dorset, expanding our knowledge of this ancient reptile.
Researchers analyzed fossil vertebrates from the Kem Kem Group, revealing a diverse array of predators, including flying reptiles, crocodile-like hunters, and giant fish. The study provides insights into Africa's Age of Dinosaurs and sheds light on the Sahara's ancient past.
A recent study by the University of Portsmouth found that almost 40% of UK security guards suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to frequent episodes of verbal and physical abuse. The research also highlighted a lack of provision for employee mental health and wellbeing services by security companies.
Bilaterally symmetrical flowers can restore their 'correct' orientation by moving individual flower stems or even the stalk that supports a cluster of flowers. This ability helps them attract pollinators and produce seeds. In contrast, radially symmetrical flowers lack this ability and rarely recover after an injury.
A new pterosaur species has been discovered in Morocco, belonging to the tapejarid group and characterized by its large crest and broad wingspan. The discovery is significant as it marks the first time a pterosaur has been found on African soil.
An international team of scientists has discovered three new species of toothed pterosaurs in the Sahara region of Africa, providing a unique window into their evolutionary history. The fossils, found in Morocco's middle Cretaceous Kem Kem beds, reveal that African pterosaurs were similar to those found on other continents.
Researchers produce lipase enzyme from mustard seeds by-product, offering a low-cost alternative to commercial enzymes. The enzyme is stable and effective in removing oil stains, making it a prospective additive for laundry detergents.
Researchers found a 110-million-year-old fossilized plant gum, which defies previous assumptions that it couldn't be preserved due to its water-soluble properties. The discovery sheds new light on the survival of plant chemicals in fossils and has significant implications for understanding ancient ecosystems.
Researchers found that young burglars are initially motivated by a desire for excitement, but eventually driven by the thrill of skill and financial rewards. This understanding could help intervene in habitual offending.
Scientists at the University of Portsmouth have identified chemicals in urine specific to overactive bladder, which could lead to a diagnostic gadget similar to a pregnancy test. The device is expected to be simple, accurate, and cost-effective, saving millions from painful procedures and long waits for diagnosis.
A new private security industry has emerged in unregulated areas of the internet, driven by growing cybercrime threats. The sector is expected to reach $231.94 billion by 2022, with a focus on voluntary policing and vigilantism, raising concerns about instant justice and harmful outcomes.