Sign in Subscribe

stephen beech

Hedgehog road deaths could be reduced using ultrasound tech

Hedgehog road deaths could be reduced using ultrasound tech

By Stephen Beech Hedgehog road deaths could be reduced using ultrasound technology, according to new research. Ultrasound-repellers would cut the huge number of the nocturnal mammals killed by cars, say Oxford University researchers. The proposal is based on their findings which show for the first time that hedgehogs can

Parrot DNA shows animal trade networks existed hundreds of years ago

Parrot DNA shows animal trade networks existed hundreds of years ago

By Stephen Beech Ancient parrot DNA has revealed "sophisticated" long-distance animal trade networks existed hundreds of years ago. Analysis of the genetic material shows colorful Amazonian parrots were transported alive across the Andes to coastal Peru centuries before the Inca Empire flourished, say scientists. The trade network

Blood test can detect dementia in women 25 years before symptoms begin

Blood test can detect dementia in women 25 years before symptoms begin

By Stephen Beech Dementia can be predicted in women up to 25 years before symptoms begin through a simple blood test, according to new research. A protein measured in blood samples is "strongly linked" to the future onset of the debilitating condition, say American scientists. They believe their

AI can detect heart disease risk through routine mammogram

AI can detect heart disease risk through routine mammogram

By Stephen Beech The risk of potentially deadly heart disease can be detected from routine mammograms using AI technology. A new study shows that artificial intelligence (AI) may be used to assess a woman's risk of a heart attack or stroke by analyzing the build-up of calcium

Croc ancestor started life on 4 legs before it began walking on 2

Croc ancestor started life on 4 legs before it began walking on 2

By Stephen Beech A "peculiar” ancient relative of the crocodile started life on four legs before it began walking on two, according to new research. The poodle-sized reptile that lived over 200 million years ago was among creatures that had physical features similar to dinosaurs it lived beside,

How ‘space weather’ may cause alien signals to get lost in space

How ‘space weather’ may cause alien signals to get lost in space

By Stephen Beech Aliens may have been trying to contact humans for years, suggests new research. But stellar “space weather” could mean radio signals from friendly extraterrestrial intelligence get lost in space, say scientists. Turbulent plasma near distant stars could blur ultra-narrow signals before they leave their home star

Teens spend a third of school day on smartphones

Teens spend a third of school day on smartphones

By Stephen Beech Teenagers spend a third of the school day staring at their smartphones, according to a new study. Frequent phone checking - mostly for social media or entertainment - "undermines" the concentration needed to succeed in class, scientists say. They believe their findings provide evidence for limiting access