https://phys.org/ en-us Latest news from University of East Anglia According to research from the University of East Anglia (UEA), young people are far more likely to encounter illicit vaping content portrayed as normal, humorous and harmless on TikTok. Meanwhile, evidence-based health advice on official health and education websites may fail to cut through the digital noise. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-tiktok-content-illicit-vape-subculture.html Sun, 31 May 2026 19:10:06 EDT news699262922 A new analysis of global wildfire activity in 2025 reveals the world experienced some of the most destructive and deadly fire events in recent history, despite the second lowest area burned since 2002. It highlights a continued trend toward fires becoming increasingly extreme, costly, and disastrous—both economically and in lives lost. https://phys.org/news/2026-05-wildfire-losses-global-area-neared.html Earth Sciences Sun, 31 May 2026 19:10:01 EDT news699278221 From relentless cycles of intrusive memories to loneliness and physical pain, a new study from the University of East Anglia reveals the struggles of refugees who entered the U.K. as unaccompanied minors. Researchers interviewed refugees who fled Afghanistan as children and endured family separation, human rights abuses, and violence. Their stories show years of silent suffering, human resilience, and the need for social connection. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-refugees-reveal-hidden-trauma-life.html Wed, 13 May 2026 19:00:02 EDT news697904481 Scientists at the University of East Anglia (UK) have contributed to discovering a "control switch" inside our immune cells that helps the body destroy dangerous fungal infections. Researchers found that a protein called RAB5c helps white blood cells kill Aspergillus fumigatus—a common airborne fungus that can cause life-threatening lung infections in people with weakened immune systems. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-scientists-hidden-immune-cells-body.html Mon, 11 May 2026 18:00:06 EDT news697738321 Researchers have cautioned that well-intended suggested changes to carbon markets risk worsening climate impacts if core safeguards are weakened. Climate change, biodiversity loss and human rights are deeply interconnected challenges, often sharing solutions that can deliver shared benefits. https://phys.org/news/2026-05-carbon-undermine-climate-action-scientists.html Earth Sciences Mon, 11 May 2026 17:40:04 EDT news697722506 Scientists at the University of East Anglia have uncovered a hidden property of light that allows it to twist, spin and behave differently—without mirrors, materials or special lenses. In a breakthrough that could transform medical testing, data transmission and future quantum technologies, researchers from the UK and South Africa have shown that light can be "programmed" simply by exploiting its natural geometry. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-space-boost-links.html Optics & Photonics Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:50:01 EDT news696615301 Relocating the city of Venice is among four potential options—including movable barriers, ring dikes and closing the Venetian Lagoon—that could help it adapt to future sea-level rise over the next 200 years, according to a new study. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-relocating-venice-options-explored-city.html Earth Sciences Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:00:01 EDT news695570401 Living with friends may quietly be altering your gut bacteria, according to a new study from the University of East Anglia. Research on a colony of tiny island birds reveals they share more of their gut bacteria with the birds they spend the most time with. And the team says the same principle almost certainly applies to humans too. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-housemates-gut-bacteria-island-bird.html Ecology Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:10:02 EDT news694973701 Scientists have warned that a new UK Government report on global biodiversity loss and national security risks distorting evidence and driving ineffective policy by framing ecological degradation and its impacts on migration as a security threat. The report, "Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security," was published in early 2026 and argues that accelerating biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse pose mounting security threats to the UK. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-scientists-uk-biodiversity-distort-evidence.html Environment Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:00:11 EDT news694688362 A blood test could help identify people at higher risk of cognitive decline years before a traditional diagnosis is possible—according to University of East Anglia research published in the journal Gut Microbes. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-simple-blood-dementia-years-earlier.html Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:40:03 EDT news694250018 A new study has revealed that improving the landscapes surrounding forest remnants can dramatically increase their ability to retain bird species—even when the forest fragments themselves are small or isolated. For decades, traditional ecological theory has treated isolated habitat remnants as "islands," predicting species' survival largely through area size and isolation. But these models have long overlooked the nature of the "matrix": the farmland, vegetation, or open areas surrounding these habitat remnants. This surrounding landscape is critical, as species must move through, use, or avoid it when navigating between forested areas. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-wildlife-friendly-landscapes-boost-biodiversity.html Plants & Animals Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:00:03 EDT news694082821 People often downplay being offended during online arguments to appear more rational, according to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA). The study reveals how social media users navigate, negotiate and often reject accusations of being offended during heated online exchanges, even when their language suggests strong emotional involvement. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-people-denial-rational-social-media.html Social Sciences Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:10:01 EDT news693560461 New research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) reveals that King Harold's legendary 200-mile march to the Battle of Hastings in 1066 never happened. Instead, the journey was made largely by sea. The findings overturn one of the most iconic stories in English history, altering how the Norman Conquest is understood in classrooms, museums, and public memory. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-english-history-biggest-myth-king.html Archaeology Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:00:01 EDT news693124090 A substantial proportion of TikTok posts about ADHD and autism are misleading, according to a new study from the University of East Anglia. Researchers investigated the accuracy of mental health and neurodivergence information across social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). They found that these platforms are awash with misleading or unsubstantiated mental health content—and that TikTok is the worst offender. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-tiktok-professional-mental-health-minefield.html Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:00:04 EDT news693148779 Scientists at the University of East Anglia (U.K.) have uncovered a hidden link between gut health and the immune system—all thanks to a tiny island bird. Researchers studied the Seychelles warbler, a small songbird found on Cousin Island in the Seychelles. They collected the birds' poo to analyze their gut bacteria—and found that their immune genes influence which gut microbes thrive. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-island-warbler-immune-genes-gut.html Ecology Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:00:01 EDT news692436022 Fresh research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) could transform how the NHS protects patients' medical images from cyberattacks. Computer scientists have developed a breakthrough way to encrypt medical images such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs, keeping them secure even if hospital networks are breached. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-chaos-theory-nhs-scan-fortress.html Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:00:04 EDT news692435963 A new report from the University of East Anglia (UEA) warns that the potential reputational damage of charities using AI-generated images in their campaigns is more complex than many organizations realize. It comes as humanitarian budgets tighten and production pressures increase, with many charities and NGOs turning to AI tempted by the offers of speed, cost efficiency and creative flexibility. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-charities-ai-shortcut-empathy.html Social Sciences Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:00:02 EST news691913711 The COVID pandemic disrupted children's ability to self-regulate, according to new research from the University of East Anglia. A new study reveals that the pandemic hampered children's ability to regulate their behavior, stay focused and adapt to new situations—skills known collectively as executive functions. The work appears in Child Development. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-covid-lockdowns-children-years-reveals.html Pediatrics Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:00:07 EST news691776250 Research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) may finally explain why we still reach for the cookie jar, even when we're full. A new study reveals that the human brain continues to respond to tempting food cues even after we've eaten enough. The findings are published in the journal Appetite. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02-brain-scans-reveal-resist-snack.html Medical research Sat, 28 Feb 2026 19:10:01 EST news691407948 A leading climate scientist has sought to set the record straight over "demonstrably incorrect" claims made in a major U.S. government report that misrepresented his work and downplayed the role of human activity in global warming. https://phys.org/news/2026-02-doe-climate-incorrect-scientists-analysis.html Earth Sciences Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:20:04 EST news691423861 Babies with an increased likelihood of autism may struggle to settle into deep, restorative sleep, according to a new study from the University of East Anglia. Researchers studied the link between sleep and sensory sensitivity, which is common in neurodivergent infants. The paper is published in the journal SLEEPJ. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02-infants-higher-autism-likelihood-shallower.html Autism spectrum disorders Fri, 20 Feb 2026 06:05:46 EST news690789670 The most high-risk conditions for fires are increasingly happening across countries at the same time, making resulting wildfires even more challenging to tackle, new research reveals. https://phys.org/news/2026-02-simultaneous-wildfire-compromises-international-firefighting.html Environment Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:00:03 EST news690626761 Research led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) sheds new light on how mountain birds adapt to changes in climate. Scientists know that species diversity changes as you go up a mountain, but it is not clearly understood why this is the case. One theory is that it is mostly because of long-term evolution, and the climate niches species have adapted to over millions of years. Another—the "energy efficiency" hypothesis—suggests it is about how species today manage their energy budgets and compete for available resources that vary in space and time. https://phys.org/news/2026-02-energy-efficiency-key-mountain-birds.html Plants & Animals Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:00:03 EST news689606821 It may sound like a scene from "Nosferatu," but research from the University of East Anglia shows that humans can use bat-like echolocation skills to judge the distance of objects. The new study reveals that, just like bats navigating in the dark, humans too can rely on the echoes of mouth clicks to gauge how far away objects are. While humans may not match the precision of these nocturnal navigators, the study, published in Experimental Brain Research, shows that with simple tools like mouth clicks, we can tap into a surprisingly effective form of spatial awareness. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02-humans-skills-mouth-click-echolocation.html Neuroscience Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:20:03 EST news689508535 New research led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) shows how many tropical cities are predicted to warm faster than expected under 2°C of global warming. https://phys.org/news/2026-02-temperature-cities-faster-2c.html Environment Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:40:02 EST news689421866 People with heart failure often need a test called right heart catheterization, where a tube is inserted into the heart to measure oxygen levels in the blood. This helps doctors understand how severe the condition is. But the invasive procedure is far from pleasant and carries risks, especially for older, frail or unwell patients. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-mri-based-heart-failure-frail.html Cardiology Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:00:01 EST news688749241 As millions of us embark on New Year pledges to eat better, exercise more and learn something new, research published today suggests hobbies could do more than improve your personal life, they could make you better at work. https://phys.org/news/2026-01-hobbies-dont-personal-boost-workplace.html Social Sciences Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:10:01 EST news687095101 Millions of Britons could be ready to swap imported fish for home-caught favorites like sardines, sprats and anchovies, according to a new study from the University of East Anglia (UEA), titled "The Socio-economic evidence for sustainable fisheries." https://phys.org/news/2026-01-uk-consumers-ready-swap-salmon.html Other Wed, 07 Jan 2026 19:10:01 EST news686939042 New research from the University of East Anglia (UK) reveals the hidden struggles experienced by the brothers and sisters of people with Prader–Willi syndrome. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-untold-story-life-praderwilli-syndrome.html Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:00:01 EST news686938213 AI video translation is not yet a perfect substitute for human translation, according to new research from the University of East Anglia. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-12-ai-video-humans-edge.html Hi Tech & Innovation Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:47:26 EST news685255621