A new study from the University of York found that feelings of loneliness and social isolation during the pandemic led to temporal disorientation, causing confusion about events and days of the week. Young people under 25 were particularly affected by these feelings.
Researchers tracked and studied sargassum, a prolific seaweed swamping shorelines and causing environmental harm. The study found that the biochemical composition of sargassum is consistent throughout the year, but processing methods affect other components.
A team of scientists has identified a new butterfly species created by the interbreeding of two Amazonian species over 200,000 years ago. Genetic and ecological evidence shows that the three species - Heliconius melpomene, Heliconius pardalinus, and Heliconius elevatus - co-exist in the Amazon rainforest.
The boreal forest and treeless shrublands may experience significant changes due to climate change, with potential loss of biodiversity and ecosystem disruption. The study highlights the need for adaptation and cooperation to mitigate these impacts.
Researchers have found tiny microplastic particles in archaeological soil samples dating back to the first century, potentially compromising preserved remains. The study suggests that preserving archaeology in situ may no longer be appropriate due to microplastic contamination.
A new robot can mimic the two-handed movements of care-workers, allowing them to dress individuals with ease and freeing up time for health and mental well-being. The robot was trained using learning from demonstration, where a human demonstrates the motion required, and has been tested in laboratory settings.
Researchers at the University of York found that butterflies from different species belonging to the same color pattern mimicry group have similar flight behaviors, making a more effective warning signal to predators. This suggests that evolution has driven subtle changes in behavior to enhance survival.
New research reveals that 'green' cleaning products are no safer than regular ones, emitting volatile organic compounds that can harm indoor air quality. Manufacturers must provide clearer information on product ingredients and mitigation strategies to reduce harm.
A new study found that structured telephone-based psychological care can significantly reduce depression levels and combat loneliness. The trial, which lasted eight weeks, showed benefits even after the phone calls ceased.
A new study found that children born moderately early are at an increased risk of developmental disorders, including language delay, cognitive impairment, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. The study analyzed data from over 8 million children and identified a small but significant increase in risk for most developmental disorders.
A new study suggests that reading books is more effective at stimulating the imagination compared to watching images on screen. Participants in the study found that after viewing film clips, they were slower at mental comparisons than after reading texts.
Researchers mapped crocodile family trees to shed light on their evolution and conservation. Climate change and competition played key roles in shaping modern-day crocodile diversity, with ecology being an unexpected factor in survival.
Researchers discovered a link between gene therapy and the accumulation of stem cells with genetic mutations, which can lead to accelerated growth and increased blood cancer risk. The study suggests that younger patients may be safer candidates for gene therapy due to fewer genetic mutations.
Researchers analyzed data from over 420,000 participants across 41 countries and found no link between left-handedness and improved spatial skills. The study used a video game to measure navigational abilities and confirmed that factors like age, gender, and education do not influence hand preference and spatial ability.
Researchers discovered high biodiversity of Darwin wasps on a mountain in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, with 98 species found. This finding debunks the notion that these wasps thrive only in cooler habitats and highlights the importance of protecting tropical environments.
A study of 144 Covid survivors found that women with elevated inflammatory biomarkers during the acute phase were more likely to experience lingering symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and sleep disturbance. This research sheds light on a potential link between inflammation and persistent Long Covid symptoms in women.
Researchers have found definitive evidence that ancient Europeans ate seaweed and freshwater plants, which were previously considered marginal or non-edible. The study suggests these resources could be reintroduced into modern diets to address health and environmental issues.
A new study surveyed leading UK food experts, finding that logistical distribution issues are the most likely cause of civil unrest in the next 10 years, but catastrophic failure resulting from extreme weather is more likely over 50 years.
A new study by the University of York found that digital puzzle games enhance memory abilities in older adults, similar to those of people in their 20s. However, strategy games did not show the same improvements. The study suggests that brain storage information changes with age, and future research should focus on this connection.
A new study has questioned the effectiveness of China's legal restrictions on young people's video game time, analyzing over 7 billion hours of playtime data from tens of thousands of games. The research found no evidence of a decrease in heavy gaming after the restrictions were implemented.
A survey conducted by the University of York found that living with an animal did not improve wellbeing or reduce depression and anxiety in people with serious mental illness. Despite strong human-animal bonds, the study suggests that pet ownership may exacerbate stressors such as financial uncertainty and housing insecurity.
Research from the University of York found that high-quality sleep supports positive mental health outcomes when faced with negative experiences, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Better sleep quality was associated with fewer symptoms of both conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new study reveals that human vision can exploit defocus blur to infer perceptual scale but does so crudely, affecting our ability to accurately estimate object sizes. Researchers used blurred images of full-scale railway scenes and small-scale models to test participants' perceptions.
Research at University of York and Tel Aviv University uncovers white grape variety, potentially oldest documented globally, hinting at sweet white wine's history in desert conditions. Genetic analysis links ancient seeds to modern varieties still grown around Mediterranean today.
A new study analyzing over a million lonely hearts ads found that personality has become a more important factor than finances when it comes to dating. In Western countries, economic factors declined in importance, particularly after the 1960s, while in India, finances remained a key issue for people searching for love.
Researchers have discovered that medieval Swahili people had both African and Asian ancestry, with DNA analysis revealing relationships between Asian merchants and African traders in the 9th-11th centuries. This new research provides a genetic framework for understanding the cultural changes associated with the adoption of Islam.
Researchers have found evidence of cheesemaking and curd-enriching dairy processing in Late Neolithic Poland using ceramic residues. The study reveals the use of multiple dairy species, contradicting widespread lactose intolerance in Europe during this period.
Researchers found that degraded sites are more sensitive to drought but retain recovery potential, highlighting the importance of responsible community management for reducing degradation. The study suggests climate change and human activity as main drivers of degradation, with rainfall becoming more unpredictable.
A new study by University of York researchers has found that Mediterranean hunter-gatherers 9,500 years ago had a strong coastal economy based on marine life. The discovery challenges traditional views on the diet of prehistoric Europeans and sheds light on the impact of humans on the environment.
Scientists have discovered a new process in the marine atmosphere that increases its ability to self-cleanse by recycling nitrogen oxides on nitrate aerosol. This finding has significant implications for atmospheric chemistry, particularly for regulating greenhouse gases like ozone.
Pottery-making techniques spread rapidly across Northern Europe through social traditions and culinary practices, taking just 300-400 years to advance 3,000 km.
A study found that story-writing activity increased children's knowledge on marine plastic litter and promoted proactive behaviors. Children mostly focused on preventing the problem from worsening, with solutions including adequate disposal and recycling.
Mountains host half the world's biodiversity hotspots, but lack corresponding policy attention. International action is needed to invest in mountain ecosystem restoration and formulate effective climate change policies.
Scientists at the University of York have identified an enzyme that makes Leishmania infantum parasite resistant to miltefosine, a medication used to treat visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. The discovery opens up potential for developing a blood test to predict patient outcome and tailor treatment to individual patients.
A new study warns that oil palm expansion could harm a third of threatened species, including the blue-throated macaw and giant pangolin, due to habitat loss and disruption. Sustainability commitments may not protect tropical grassy and dry forest habitats.
A comprehensive database, CoviRx, has been developed to repurpose drugs against mutated SARS-CoV-2 viruses. The platform allows scientists to narrow their search from 7,817 potential candidates to a 'top 200', with 12 tested and showing promise for further investigation.
Researchers observed a wild chimpanzee showing an object to its mother to share attention, a social behavior previously thought to be unique to humans. The study suggests that in certain social conditions, primates can engage in referential gestures to comment or remark on the world.
Scientists have developed a new mathematical model to understand the formation of amyloid protein clusters in the brain, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals that these clusters form through a process called liquid-liquid phase separation and can impact normal brain activity.
A new study by University of York researchers found that playing sound cues during sleep can be used to help people forget specific memories. The technique, which was previously used to boost memories, has been shown to induce selective forgetting in overlapping memories.
Insect larvae may contribute to microplastic pollution in rivers by chewing up litter. Researchers found that larvae use sharp teeth to break down plastic into smaller pieces, building their protective casing.
Research finds that certain features of 'baby talk' such as pitch, melody, and articulation rates have consistent properties across most world languages. However, the exaggeration of vowel sound differences varies significantly between languages. As infants develop language skills, IDS gradually becomes more similar to adult speech style.
New research warns that climate change is putting the availability of biomass fuels and technologies at risk, as temperatures rise and crop yields decrease. The study highlights the need for urgent action to reduce fossil fuels in favour of bioenergy and other renewables to avoid severe food shortages and accelerated climate change.
Researchers from the University of York discovered a link between reducing particle pollution and increasing surface ozone pollution in some emerging economies. The study found that reducing particle pollution can lead to a 20-30% increase in ozone pollution, impacting health, ecosystems, and agriculture.
A significant number of children who do not meet the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals are experiencing hunger and anxiety. Researchers call for widening the criteria to include more children in need.
People with severe mental illnesses face significant oral health challenges due to inadequate integration of healthcare services and lack of tailored support. The study calls for training and collaborative efforts between mental and dental health care staff to address these inequalities.
New research reveals that black rats colonised Europe twice, once with the Roman expansion and again in the Medieval period. The study matches archaeological evidence for a decline or disappearance of rats after the fall of the Roman Empire.
A new study has found that analyzing sodium levels in breast cancer tumors can accurately indicate how aggressive a cancer is and whether chemotherapy treatments are taking effect. The researchers developed a sodium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to detect salt levels, which showed promising results.
A major new study reveals that family background in UK children still significantly impacts their educational achievements at primary school level, just like nearly a century ago. The achievement gap between children from impoverished and privileged backgrounds remains stagnant, accounting for half a grade difference.
Researchers analyzed engraved stones in France, finding patterns of heat damage suggesting they were carved near a fire. The study recreated the stones under firelight conditions, revealing a new understanding of prehistoric art creation.
A new study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that GPs reported stress, burnout, and anxiety due to COVID-19. Women doctors were more likely to experience psychological problems, while older doctors faced greater stress and burnout.