A new study published in Addiction Biology found that drinking one pint of beer or a large glass of wine can significantly compromise a person's sense of agency. This sense of agency is crucial for human social behavior, implying knowledge of the consequences of actions. The researchers used an indirect measure called intentional bindi...
A new genetic basis of a type of brain aneurysm has been identified, suggesting that an existing cancer drug can counter its effects. Researchers have discovered 'gain-of-function variants' in the PDGFRB protein, which causes it to remain locked in a hyper-active form.
The UK's pesticide regulation is under threat after a change in EU powers led to the removal of a blanket ban on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). The new legislation gives UK ministers more power to amend and revoke laws, weakening enforcement arrangements and the requirement for scientific advice.
Researchers have created devices that manipulate sound in the same way as light, creating opportunities for entertainment and public communication. They've demonstrated a dynamic metamaterial device with a zoom objective and built a collimator to transmit sound as a directional beam.
A University of Sussex mathematician has developed a chemical-free way to target parasitic nematode worms that destroy wheat crops. The breakthrough method uses biostimulants derived from naturally occurring soil bacteria to precisely kill the nematodes without harming other insects.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can predict synthetic lethal interactions between genes, which could lead to more targeted and effective cancer treatments. The Slant algorithm uses data from existing protein networks to identify patterns associated with these interactions.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic defect that causes intellectual disability, affecting around 3% of the global population. The newly identified gene target will help improve screening programmes and aid in accurate diagnoses worldwide.
A new European study suggests that individuals can play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by making voluntary lifestyle changes, such as eating less meat and using fewer cars. However, the authors argue that these changes alone are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5C, highligh...
A large-scale study by Sussex psychologists found a clear link between early adulthood depression and anxiety with decreased memory function in midlife. Accumulating symptoms over three decades predicted linear decline in memory function by age 50.
Researchers in the EPic Lab have made a breakthrough in developing a crucial element of an atomic clock, improving efficiency by 80%. The technology has the potential to revolutionize navigation systems, potentially replacing satellite mapping like GPS within 20 years.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have identified a protein partner that promotes β-catenin's movement into the nucleus of myeloid leukaemia cells, driving cancer development. This finding could lead to the development of targeted therapies to treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), with potential benefits for up to 80% of cases.
Researchers used game theory to programme robots that can anticipate human movements and respond safely. The breakthrough could aid robots in sports training, physical rehabilitation, or shared driving, complementing human capabilities.
A team of researchers at the University of Sussex has developed a fast and energy-efficient simulation of part of a rat brain using off-the-shelf computer hardware. By leveraging Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), they achieved processing speeds up to 10% faster than current supercomputers, while reducing energy consumption by 10 times.
A recent study by University of Sussex researchers found that animals are more adept at detecting complex mixed odorants than individual pure ingredients. This discovery has significant implications for the development of artificial systems that can mimic animal senses, such as detecting drugs and explosives or improving food safety th...
Hunger increases risk-taking behavior in snails by altering brain control mechanisms, allowing them to ingest potentially harmful substances. The study's findings have major societal relevance, highlighting the importance of motivation in controlling feeding behavior.
Scientists have defied the long-held principle of magnetic coupling by creating a device that behaves like an electric diode, potentially leading to improved wireless power transfer technologies. This breakthrough could enhance the efficiency of recharging phones, laptops, and cars.
Spikeling, a low-cost DIY kit, simulates how nerve cells in the brain compute information, allowing for hands-on learning of neuroscience. The kit's open design and free availability aim to level the playing field in global science education, making complex concepts accessible to students worldwide.
Scientists at the University of Sussex have developed a method to reduce disruptive environmental effects on trapped ion quantum computers. The breakthrough enables the creation of large-scale quantum computers capable of solving complex problems, with potential applications in fields such as medicine, finance, and agriculture.
A new study found that exposing people with phobias to their fear at the exact time of their heartbeats significantly reduces phobia severity. Researchers combined computerized therapy with online heart rhythm measurements to treat patients with spider phobia, showing improved anxiety levels and reduced physiological responses.
Researchers at University of Sussex have developed a non-invasive sensor to measure a baby's heartbeat, providing accurate results without hospital visits. This technology will give expectant mothers peace of mind and enable early detection of congenital disorders.
Researchers at University of Sussex create breakthrough SMM with blocking temperature above 77 K, overcoming liquid helium temperature barrier. The discovery paves the way for advancements in molecular information storage materials and potentially increases hard disk storage capacity.
University of Sussex researchers create SoundBender, a hybrid system that combines phased arrays and acoustic metamaterials to overcome limitations in previous ultrasound levitation set-ups. The technology enables real-time adjustments, tactile feedback, and manipulation of non-solid objects.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have created a large dataset that can be used to develop smartphone apps that detect transportation modes, predict road conditions, and offer route recommendations. The dataset has achieved high accuracy rates in recognizing modes of transport, paving the way for innovative mobile applications
A major study from University of Sussex confirms that acts of kindness activate the brain's reward network, regardless of personal benefit. The research found distinct neural responses to altruistic and strategic kindness, with some areas more active during pure altruism.
A study by Dr Harry Witchel at Brighton and Sussex Medical School found that smiling is linked to subjective engagement, not happiness. In one-to-one Human-Computer-Interaction experiments, participants smiled more when answering questions incorrectly.
Scientists at the University of Sussex have created a blueprint for airport scanners capable of detecting explosives using a single pixel camera and Terahertz electromagnetic waves. The innovative imaging concept, Nonlinear Ghost Imaging, produces high-accuracy images of objects' chemical composition, surpassing previous studies.
A simple blood test identifying patients unlikely to benefit from immunotherapy for bladder cancer could save months of unnecessary treatment. The test measures pro-inflammatory molecule Interleukin-2 release from immune cells before therapy and correctly predicted therapy outcome in almost 80% of cases.
Researchers found a close connection between Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and the accumulation of immune cells damaging cardiovascular tissue. The study suggests that CMV infection may be an important clinical factor in coronary heart disease, and treatment of the virus could be effective in preventing or managing the condition.
The University of Sussex has successfully tested 5G technology, delivering 100 times faster broadband speeds than traditional 4G networks. This achievement paves the way for faster data rates, increased productivity, and the potential to revolutionize industries such as manufacturing and automotive.
A new study by University of Sussex researchers recommends targeting highly educated women and retirees for electric vehicle sales, citing their environmental awareness and characteristics that make them ideal customers. The study highlights the need for a nuanced approach to increase electric car ownership, transcending gender neutral...
Researchers discovered that zebrafish use a near-360 degree view to detect threatening silhouettes in black-and-white and seek out food by detecting UV light scattering. Their unique four-color vision system is unlike any other vertebrate, with half of their neurons dedicated to eyes that are substantial metabolic investments.
Research suggests that reintroducing grey wolves to Scotland via large fenced reserves can effectively control high red deer populations, allowing for ecological restoration. The study proposes a barrier capable of retaining 75% of dispersing wolves within the reserve to facilitate rapid wolf population growth and reduced deer numbers.
A new study from the University of Sussex found that distracted individuals are less likely to notice new smells, a condition known as inattentional smell blindness. This phenomenon is similar to visual attentional blindness, where people miss visual cues when busy, and can lead to missed warnings like smoke or gas alerts.
A longitudinal study by the University of Sussex found that new mothers' voices temporarily drop after childbirth, becoming lower-pitched and more monotonous. The researchers analyzed women's voices over a 10-year period and found that this 'vocal masculinising' is not caused by aging.
A comprehensive study published in Psychological Medicine found a strong link between depression and cognitive decline in older adults. The research, which analyzed data from over 71,000 participants, revealed that people with depression experienced a greater decline in cognitive state than those without depression.
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health shows that a simple package of self-care significantly reduced acute attacks among podoconiosis patients. This community-based approach could have a significant impact on the incidence of acute attacks in people with podoconiosis, reducing suffering and stigma.
A study by the Universities of Sussex and Portsmouth reveals that horses can read human facial expressions and remember specific individuals' emotional states. The research found that horses perceive people more negatively if they had previously seen them looking angry in a photograph, adapting their behavior accordingly.
A new study reveals that at least 114 plant species from around the world are capable of prolonged dormancy as adult plants, enabling them to survive through difficult times. This behaviour allows them to overcome short-term disadvantages and extend their lives.
A study by the University of Sussex reveals that climate change is altering the timing of events in the interdependent relationship between a rare orchid species and the Buffish Mining-bee. The research shows that rising temperatures are causing an increase in years where the sequence of events needed for successful pollination does no...
A new international study warns that addressing the global teacher gap of 69 million should be a top priority for education policymakers. The shortage of teachers disproportionately impacts children from poor and marginalized backgrounds, leading to concerns about inadequate funding, resources, and insufficient learning facilities.
A University of Sussex study used an MRI scanner to investigate how adults learn new words. The research found that the hippocampus plays a key role in this process, allowing adults to remember word-object correspondences over time through a 'propose-but-verify' strategy.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have identified a specific molecule that plays a key role in forming long-term memories. By controlling this molecule, a drug could be developed to relieve the block on new memories in dementia patients and help repress painful memories in post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers.
Researchers identified four personas shaping teenagers' online behavior: the Lurker who avoids peer drama on social media, the Geek who shares anonymous content, the Internet Celebrity who values visibility, and the Victim who suffers from personal exposure and shame.
Physicists at the University of Sussex have developed a new, affordable, and non-invasive wearable health monitor that can detect heart and breathing abnormalities in babies. The technology uses graphene-based liquid sensors to track vital signs wirelessly.
A new therapy called Social Recovery Therapy has shown promising results in helping young people with schizophrenia to reconnect and engage with the world around them. The therapy involves identifying personally meaningful goals and setting up day-to-day achievable activities, significantly increasing social interaction.
Scientists at the University of Sussex have disproved the existence of a specific type of axion, an important candidate for 'dark matter', across a wide range of its possible masses. The study limits the characteristics that these particles could have, sending physicists back to the drawing board in their hunt for dark matter.
A no-growth economy may be more stable with fewer crashes, according to a University of Sussex study. The research challenges dominant economic thinking, suggesting that economies can be volatile even during periods of growth.
A study published in Animal Cognition found that horses prefer to approach humans with submissive body postures over dominant ones. This preference is thought to be an instinctual understanding of larger vs. smaller postures, as seen in evolutionary communication.
Researchers identified two key proteins that allow mycobacterium tuberculosis to evade cell destruction, leading to potential new anti-microbial strategies. Deleting these proteins could inhibit repair mechanisms, making TB more susceptible to treatment.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have created a new method for making smart phone touch screens that are cheaper, less brittle, and more environmentally friendly. The breakthrough involves combining silver nanowires with graphene to create a hybrid material that matches existing technologies at a fraction of the cost.