A new study found that re-wetting drained peatlands can support bird diversity and sustainable oil palm farming without affecting yields. The research suggests restoring peatlands can conserve biodiversity and livelihoods for smallholder farmers in Indonesia.
A new study found concentrations of pharmaceuticals at potentially toxic levels in over a quarter of the world's rivers, including major waterways like the Thames and Amazon. The research highlights the need for increased monitoring to mitigate environmental impacts.
A major new study of ancient DNA has traced the movement of people into southern Britain during the Bronze Age, showing sustained contacts between mainland Britain and Europe over several centuries. The study suggests that Celtic languages arrived in Britain in the Bronze Age, contradicting previous theories.
A randomized controlled trial found that assistance dogs significantly improved wellbeing, mental health and independence for people with severe or profound hearing loss. Participants reported better mental well-being, fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduced social isolation.
Scientists have developed a software that adds missing sugar components to protein models created with AlphaFold, enabling more accurate structural predictions. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize workflows in biology, allowing scientists to understand proteins and their mutations faster than ever.
Researchers at the University of York developed new sound design techniques to enhance film experiences for visually impaired audiences. The methods use sound effects, 3D sound, and first-person narration to create a more inclusive cinematic experience.
Researchers found that bacteria create tiny liquid droplets from proteins to help them survive harsh environments and reduce the risk of being killed by antibiotics. These droplets, called aggresomes, are highly dynamic structures that allow bacteria to respond quickly to changes in their environment.
A simple form of talking therapy, delivered by trained support workers over the telephone, reduced loneliness in older people left isolated during the pandemic. The intervention was found to improve mental health and reduce rates of loneliness substantially in the first three months.
A new study found that outdoor nature-based activities are effective for improving mental health in adults, including those with pre-existing mental health problems. Activities lasting 20-90 minutes sustained over 8-12 weeks led to improved mood and reduced anxiety.
A new study of over 17,000 participants found that sibling bullying in early adolescence is associated with poorer mental health outcomes in late adolescence. The research suggests that prevention and clinical interventions aimed at reducing sibling bullying can benefit from improving positive mental health during late adolescence.
A new study found that lockdown disrupted people's daily thoughts, reducing future thinking but increasing social thoughts when interacting with others. Researchers also discovered older adults experienced more detailed thoughts during virtual interactions compared to in-person ones.
A new study by the University of York and Natural England finds that only 9% of Britain's land area has legal status for biodiversity protection. The researchers suggest prioritizing areas with high landscape value, but argues this approach is inefficient and may not deliver intended goals.
Researchers found that African mountain forests store around 150 tonnes of carbon per hectare, similar to lowland forests. However, 0.8 million hectares have been lost in the past 20 years, emitting over 450 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Researchers at the University of York have found significant differences in the diets of men and women living in Roman Herculaneum. Males consumed a higher proportion of protein from seafood, while females ate more locally grown fruits and vegetables. This new approach to analyzing amino acids provides a unique insight into ancient diets.
A team of researchers from the University of York has identified a new class of enzymes that enable crop pathogens to break through plant cell walls and infect plants. The discovery could lead to effective disease control technologies and protect crops from devastating diseases such as potato late blight.
Researchers investigated how to measure joint attention in young infants who cannot yet talk. The study revealed low agreement among raters in assigning looks from infants to their mothers, challenging the idea that quality of infant looks can be reliably distinguished as a marker of joint attention.
Researchers studied how dominant and tolerant primate species communicate vocally. They found that more tolerant species use communication to achieve goals, while despotic species rely on aggression. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, provides insights into the evolution of vocal communication in primates.
A study from the University of York found pregnant women in South East Asia are more likely to use smokeless tobacco than non-pregnant women. This increased risk is associated with poor birth outcomes. The findings highlight the need for awareness-raising campaigns and preventive interventions among low socio-economic status women.
A new study analyzing 1,200 RCTs found that reporting of adverse effects has only improved slightly over the past 17 years. Researchers argue that many trials focus on benefits rather than harms, and selective reporting can misinform clinical decisions.
Researchers found that kit colour clashes slow players' ability to find teammates on the pitch, with quicker response times observed when teams wear different shorts colours. The study's findings suggest potential implications for laws of the game and refereeing decisions, particularly in cases involving crossed kits.
A new study from the University of York suggests that Iron Age people kept everyday items like spoons and grinding stones as emotional reminders of deceased loved ones. This practice is replicated in societies across the globe today, revealing the raw emotional power that mundane objects can acquire at certain times and places.
Research suggests that more efficient water management, technology, and infrastructure can help achieve development goals in the world's drylands. This study concludes that coherent system-oriented policies and institutions are necessary to support climate change adaptation efforts.
Researchers developed a novel technique to study viral structure and evolution, revealing hallmarks of natural viruses in an artificial system. The findings suggest that these 'containers' efficiently package genetic cargo, potentially leading to new gene therapeutic applications.
Scientists have developed a new framework for describing gene content and order across Brassica species, which will aid in evolution studies. This framework enables the acceleration of beneficial gene exchange between species, ultimately leading to more climate-resilient crops.
Researchers at the University of York developed a gel that adheres to nasal tissue, delivering levodopa directly to the brain. This innovation improves drug effectiveness and reduces dosage needs, potentially benefiting patients with Parkinson's disease.
Research at the University of York shows that Gene Conservation Units can help protect biodiversity, particularly for cold-adapted butterflies and plant species. A survey of conservationists and land managers found that GCUs could appeal to land managers as a way to conserve species and genetic diversity.
Researchers have successfully genetically modified grass to detoxify residues of the military explosive RDX, contaminating groundwater and posing a threat to drinking water supplies. The genetically modified switchgrass plants removed 27 kg of RDX per hectare, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution for environmental cleanup.
A UK study of 360 people with severe mental illness found that 55% of smokers increased their smoking and 29% of drinkers increased their alcohol consumption during the pandemic. Targeted support, including face-to-face interactions, is needed to mitigate these effects.
Researchers discovered an enzyme in a fungus that breaks down lignocellulose, a key component of forestry and agricultural waste. This breakthrough has the potential to produce valuable chemicals and fuels, increasing the sustainability of renewable energy sources.
A new vaccine for leishmaniasis has demonstrated safety and induced immune responses in patients with the disease. The vaccine, called ChAd63-KH, is being tested to determine its potential as a therapy for different forms of leishmaniasis.
Researchers found differences in tool size, weight, and raw material dependent on sex, with women's tools linked to animal skin work and men's to hunting. This suggests that gendered roles played a crucial part in the transition to farming.
A shared set of brain regions play an important role in controlling the successful retrieval of weak memories, according to a new University of York study. The research may have implications for treating memory disorders like dementia and developing more advanced artificial intelligence systems.
A systematic review of 31 clinical trials found that vaginal progesterone and 17-OHPC reduced the risk of preterm birth before 34 weeks for high-risk single baby pregnancies, particularly for women with a previous preterm birth or short cervix.
Scientists at the University of York highlight the need for more research into the environmental impact of sunscreen on coral reefs. The study reveals that UV-filter compounds have toxic effects on marine organisms and that current research has significant gaps, particularly in understanding climate-related risks.
Urban populations across Africa are forecasted to triple by 2050, resulting in significant environmental changes. Including local community voices in early planning stages can help reduce the impact of climate-related events and promote more inclusive urban climate policies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a vast amount of plastic waste, including face-masks and gloves, that are now part of the archaeological record. Archaeologists argue that studying this material culture can inform policy decisions to tackle environmental pollution.
A recent study published in Information & Management found that human analysis can effectively identify fake online reviews by leveraging linguistic characteristics. Researchers asked participants to distinguish between authentic and fake hotel reviews, with surprisingly effective outcomes.
Research reveals that low-income families in the UK are aware of healthy diets, yet face significant barriers in accessing nutritious food due to financial constraints. The study highlights the need for policies addressing poverty and geographical access to address food insecurity.
The study reveals chemical traces of grapes in medieval amphorae, suggesting a prosperous wine trade across the Mediterranean. The discovery implies that the Islamic community in Sicily produced and exported wine, contradicting previous assumptions about their consumption habits.
A new study from the University of York shows that common weed killers can increase the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in soil. Herbicides are found to favour bacterial species carrying antibiotic resistance genes, potentially changing microbial community properties.
A study by the University of York found that animal owners in the UK reported increased appreciation for their pets during the pandemic, with many perceiving them as a reliable source of emotional and physical support. However, concerns about caring for animals, accessing veterinary care, and financial uncertainty were also expressed.
A major study led by the University of York reveals that Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway project has caused significant environmental damage, including soil, water, and air pollution. The research highlights the need for more effective mitigation strategies to minimize ecological impacts on future infrastructure projects.
A new study published in Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory suggests that environmental pressures played a key role in the evolution of human tolerance. The research found that populations which shared resources were more likely to succeed and survive harsh environments, leading to long-term benefits for everyone involved.
A study analyzing 4,000 social media posts found that diabetics in the UK fear disrupted insulin supplies as a result of Brexit. The research highlights the financial burden of accessing insulin and the need for improved healthcare systems.
Researchers at the University of York have discovered a solar absorber material called antimony selenide that can self-heal broken bonds. This ability eliminates problematic electronic states and has important implications for applications in optoelectronics and photochemistry.
The study demonstrates how to harness quantum entanglement to reduce energy fluctuations and enhance the readout of information from digital memories. This breakthrough has potential applications in large databases, next-generation computers, spectroscopy, and bio-imaging.
Smokeless tobacco products pose significant health risks due to high nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals. Researchers call for stricter regulations to reduce illicit trading and ensure proper health warnings.
A team from the Universities of York and Leeds has identified the way viruses like poliovirus and common cold virus assemble infectious copies of their genetic material. The study's findings could lead to the development of drugs that can block viral infections.
Researchers have identified and characterised a new strain of Leishmania parasite to form the basis of a controlled human infection model. The study aims to accelerate vaccine development for this life-threatening disease, which causes slow-to-heal skin ulcers and has no current vaccines or effective treatments.
A new study reveals that mussels, oysters, and scallops have the highest levels of microplastic contamination among seafood. The research found an average microplastic content of 0-10.5 microplastics per gram in molluscs, highlighting the need for standardised methods to measure microplastic contamination.