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stephen beech

New research reveals sharks have friends

New research reveals sharks have friends

By Stephen Beech Sharks have "friends" who they prefer to socialize with, reveals new research. The apex predators of the ocean are often viewed as solitary. But the study – conducted at the Shark Reef Marine Reserve in Fiji – found that rather than mixing at random, sharks have “active

New research reveals dinosaurs used sun to help hatch eggs

New research reveals dinosaurs used sun to help hatch eggs

By Stephen Beech Dinosaurs hatched eggs less efficiently than modern birds, according to new research. The study suggests that – unlike modern birds – the now extinct reptiles may have used the sun’s warmth to help hatch eggs. Scientists in Taiwan examined the brooding behavior and hatching patterns of bird-like

Study finds beer belly warning sign of increased heart failure risk

Study finds beer belly warning sign of increased heart failure risk

By Stephen Beech A beer belly is a key warning sign of increased heart failure risk, according to new research. Excess fat stored around the waist is more strongly associated with the potentially deadly condition than body mass index (BMI), say scientists. The study suggests that where fat is stored

Study finds crabs hide to avoid cannibalism

Study finds crabs hide to avoid cannibalism

By Stephen Beech Young blue crabs hide in the shallows to avoid being eaten by their cannibal cousins, reveals new research. Juvenile crabs rely on shrinking shallow-water habitats as a refuge to escape cannibalism by adults, say American scientists. Cannibalism is the No. 1 killer of juvenile blue crabs

Study suggests positive mood can help women keep to a diet

Study suggests positive mood can help women keep to a diet

By Stephen Beech Women need to maintain a positive outlook if they want to stick to a diet, suggests new research. Dieters are more likely to gorge on unhealthy snacks when they're feeling down or stressed, according to the study. But women who aren’t dieting tend to

How scientists transformed plastic bottles into a Parkinson’s drug

How scientists transformed plastic bottles into a Parkinson’s drug

By Stephen Beech Plastic bottles have been transformed into a drug to treat Parkinson’s disease. The pioneering method, developed by Scottish scientists, utilizes the power of bacteria to turn waste consumer plastic into L-DOPA, a medication for the neurological disorder. It is the first time a natural, biological

Research finds playing virtual reality games can make you kinder

Research finds playing virtual reality games can make you kinder

By Stephen Beech Playing virtual reality games can make you a kinder person, according to new research. They increase a player’s desire to help others, say scientists. Researchers found that VR games may increase a person’s sense of altruism and influence levels of empathy. The American study tracked