New heart valve could transform open heart surgery for millions of patients globally29 June 2020A new polymeric heart valve with a life span potentially longer than current artificial valves that would also prevent the need for the millions of patients with diseased heart valves to require life-long blood thinning tablets has been developed by scientists at the universities of Bristol and Cambridge. The team's latest in-vitro results, published in Biomaterials Science, suggest that the PoliValve could last for up to 25 years.
Bristol part of largest global study on impact of COVID-19 across 129 countries26 June 2020The COH-FIT project is currently the largest survey worldwide on the health impact of COVID-19 and is endorsed by the World Psychiatric Association. The study aims to identify risk and protective factors for physical and mental health problems and to guide strategies for remedying these problems. The COH-FIT project involves 200 researchers from 35 countries, including Bristol, aims to help scientists understand how different countries have been affected by the pandemic.
Shelling out for dinner: dolphins learn foraging skills from peers26 June 2020A new study demonstrates for the first time that dolphins can learn foraging techniques outside the mother-calf bond – showing that they have a similar cultural nature to great apes. The findings, led by an international research team including academics at the University of Bristol, are published in Current Biology.
MyWorld set to make South West a digital media leader on global stage26 June 2020The South West is on track to become an international trailblazer in screen-based media thanks to £46 million funding, which will launch a creative media powerhouse called MyWorld and supercharge economic growth, generating more than 700 jobs.
Research project to investigate low-cost, rapid, COVID-19 detection system23 June 2020The World Health Organisation has regularly said that rapid testing of patients with COVID-19 is critical to controlling the pandemic, especially with lockdown measures easing across the globe. A new research project will explore the development of a low-cost, rapid, COVID-19 diagnosis system using nanophotonic fluorescence enhancement.
Pioneering research reveals certain human genes relate to gut bacteria
22 June 2020The role genetics and gut bacteria play in human health has long been a fruitful source of scientific enquiry, but new research marks a significant step forward in unraveling this complex relationship. Its findings could transform our understanding and treatment of all manner of common diseases, including obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease.
Signs of being prone to adult diabetes are already visible at age 8 years old19 June 2020Early signs of being more susceptible to type 2 diabetes as an adult can be seen in children as young as 8 years old, decades before it is likely to be diagnosed, according to a new study published in Diabetes Care today [19 June 2020].
An ant-inspired approach to mathematical sampling19 June 2020A team of Bristol researchers observed the exploratory behaviour of ants to inform the development of a more efficient mathematical sampling technique.
Insect crunching reptiles on ancient islands of the UK17 June 2020By analysing the fossilised jaw mechanics of reptiles who lived in the Severn Channel region of the UK 200-million-years ago, researchers from the University of Bristol have shown that they weren’t picky about the types of insects they ate - enjoying both crunchy and less crunchy varieties.
From clickbait to transparency: Reimagining the online world15 June 2020Public opinion is largely shaped by online content people read and spread via social media. Major web platforms such as Google and Facebook serve as hubs, distributors, and curators; their algorithms help us navigate the online world but underlying the vast digital landscape is a sea of misinformation. In a new study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, the University of Bristol, and Harvard Law School propose interventions to help users distinguish misinformation from fact and promote a more democratic internet with autonomy and transparency.
Research begins to rapidly understand deadly link between Covid-19 and cardiovascular diseases 12 June 2020Improved care for people with heart and circulatory disease suffering from COVID-19 could soon be available after the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) announced support for six flagship research programmes. Researchers from across the UK including the University of Bristol will combine data from hospitals, information about our health and lifestyle, genetic studies, and cutting-edge imaging and artificial intelligence techniques to better understand how the virus affects the heart and circulatory system.
‘Matador’ guppies trick predators11 June 2020Trinidadian guppies behave like matadors, focusing a predator’s point of attack before dodging away at the last moment, new research shows.
University response to the Black Lives Matter movement11 June 2020The focus of the Black Lives Matter campaign was on Bristol at the weekend as many around the world watched protestors remove the statue of slave trader Edward Colston from the city centre and throw it into the docks.
What are the effects of climate change on pollinators and human health?11 June 2020Three quarters of crop species depend on pollinators, but the service they provide is under increasing threat from climate change. An international collaboration, led by the University of Bristol, will investigate the effects of climate change on pollinators and people’s diet thanks to funding of nearly €1 million from The Belmont Forum.
Extinct camelids reveal insights about North America’s ancient savannas10 June 2020A new study looking at extinct camelids - ancestors of today’s camels and llamas - tells the story of North America’s ancient savannas and highlights how past climatic and environmental conditions influenced the composition of mammalian faunas.
Professor Ronald John Johnston OBE, FAcSS, FBA (1941-2020)5 June 2020Ron Johnston, who has died aged 79 after a short illness, was one of the most influential geographers of his generation. Colleagues David Manley, Robert Mayhew and Richard Harris offer this remembrance.
University professor appointed as new independent chair for Bristol’s Race Equality Commission 3 June 2020Bristol’s Commission on Race Equality have appointed Professor Olivette Otele as their new independent chair to take forward the city’s aspirations in diversity and inclusion and to challenge the history of disadvantage that has been experienced by ethnic minorities in the city.
Disorder in fish shoals may reap rewards at dinner time1 June 2020The advantages of animals foraging in an orderly group are well-known, but research by the University of Bristol has found an element of unruly adventure can help fish in the quest for food.