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stephen beech

Inbreeding causing African elephants to be vulnerable to disease

Inbreeding causing African elephants to be vulnerable to disease

By Stephen Beech African elephants are increasingly vulnerable to disease due to inbreeding, reveals a major new study. Evidence of genetic mutations was discovered in isolated populations of the iconic species in the largest genomic mapping of the continent's elephants. An international research team analyzed 232 whole genomes

Study links air pollution and high temps to more migraine attacks

Study links air pollution and high temps to more migraine attacks

By Stephen Beech Air pollution can trigger migraine, suggests new research. Hot and humid weather conditions were also associated with increased likelihood of the debilitating headaches, according to the study. Scientists say their findings, published in the journal Neurology, could help predict when migraine may be more likely. They suggest

Study finds VAR monitors should be placed far away from fans

Study finds VAR monitors should be placed far away from fans

By Stephen Beech VAR monitors should be moved away from fans to prevent any potential home team bias, suggests a new study. Premier League referees currently consult pitch-side screens when there is a review during matches. But scientists who conducted an analysis of VAR decisions during more than 1,

Birds who use more energy for parenthood die younger: study

Birds who use more energy for parenthood die younger: study

By Stephen Beech Birds that put more energy into parenthood age faster — and die younger, reveals new research. The findings support a fundamental evolutionary theory that high "investment" in offspring unavoidably leads to faster aging and a shorter life, say scientists. Researchers from the University of Exeter selectively

Weight loss drugs like Ozempic also improve liver health

Weight loss drugs like Ozempic also improve liver health

By Stephen Beech Popular weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy are also good for the liver, according to new research. GLP-1 medicines improve liver health — regardless of weight loss, say scientists. Canadian researchers found that semaglutide — the active ingredient in weight loss medications such as Ozempic and

Why Special Forces face higher risk of deadly brain injuries

Why Special Forces face higher risk of deadly brain injuries

By Stephen Beech Special Forces soldiers are more likely to suffer potentially deadly brain injuries due to regular exposure to explosions, suggests a new study. Researchers found that a higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in U.S. Special Operations Forces personnel were independently associated with greater repeated blast exposure. A

Eating ultra-processed foods like bacon linked to higher arthritis risk

Eating ultra-processed foods like bacon linked to higher arthritis risk

By Stephen Beech People who eat bacon and sausages are more likely to develop arthritis in their knees, warns a new study. Researchers found that a diet high in ultra-processed foods is associated with higher amounts of fat stored inside thigh muscles — regardless of calorie intake and physical activity.