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Image of a tractor on overgrown land

Unkempt, weedy land unintentionally boosts wildlife

22 May 2013

Parts of the farm landscape that look overgrown and ‘scruffy’ are more important in supporting wildlife than they first appear, according to new research published today in Ecology Letters.

Close-up view of a pet cats face

Cat owners need better information about when to neuter their cat

22 May 2013

A new study from the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences ‘Bristol Cats' study cohort has shown that 85 per cent of pet cats are not neutered by the recommended age possibly due to cat owners needing better information about when to neuter their cat.

Generic image of a pregnant woman with a glass of milk

Iodine deficiency during pregnancy adversely affects children’s mental development

22 May 2013

A study of around 1,000 UK mothers and their children, published in The Lancet, has revealed that iodine deficiency in pregnancy may have an adverse effect on children’s mental development. The research raises concerns that the iodine status of pregnant women is a public-health issue that needs to be addressed.

Great George being rung manually

Great George to chime for anniversary of University’s Royal Charter

22 May 2013

Great George, the nine-and-a-half-ton bell in the tower of the University of Bristol’s Wills Memorial Building, will ring for five minutes at 1.30pm today [Wednesday, 22 May] to mark the anniversary of the University’s Royal Charter.

Synchrotron X-ray Tomography Microscopy (SXRTM) image of benthic foraminifera, unicellular, deep-sea floor dwelling calcifiers, which lived during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (~55 Ma), a past analog for future global warming related to high CO2 levels, and related ocean acidification. Their calcification increased unexpectedly during ocean acidification. Images generated using AvizoTM.

Unexpected Effects of Ocean Acidification on Deep-sea Organisms

22 May 2013

About 55.5 million years ago, geologically rapid emission of a large volume of greenhouse gases at the Paleocene-Eocene boundary (PETM) led to global warming of about 5oC, severe ocean acidification, and widespread extinction of microscopic organisms living on the deep-sea floor (foraminifera). A study of survivors of the extinction provides unique insight into the response of deep-sea calcifiers to past episodes which resemble the potential future consequences of fossil fuel CO2 emissions. The organisms, contrary to expectations from experiments, actually increased the thickness of their shells during ocean acidification, with organisms living buried within the sediment able to survive better than forms living on the sediment surface. The research, by scientists from the University of Bristol (UK) and Yale University (USA), is reported in this week's early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science.

Philip Bruland's winning entry showing walkers and cyclists crossing the old railway bridge near the CREATE centre

Snap happy and healthy: photography winners in the spotlight

21 May 2013

The winners of an inaugural competition to capture the essence of health and wellbeing on camera have been revealed, with staff and students at the University of Bristol exercising their photographic skills to produce some colourful and thought-provoking images.

A bumblebee

Blooming marvellous! Meadow project wins Bristol Genius Award

21 May 2013

A project to plant flower meadows across the city has won the Mayor’s Bristol Genius Award for its efforts to transform the urban environment for pollinating insects, while making Bristol more attractive for residents and visitors. Mayor George Ferguson announced the winner at last night’s Festival of Ideas awards evening, marking the second year in a row that a project at the University of Bristol has scooped top honours.

Professor Kelvyn Jones

Professor Jones to receive Murchison Award

21 May 2013

Professor Kelvyn Jones is to receive a prestigious award from the Royal Geographical Society.