A new Royal Society paper proposes a model of adaptive decision making in naïve animals, showing early biases are surprisingly widespread and interact to support survival. This 'unsupervised strategy' can help inexperienced animals and artificial intelligence reduce the need for training.
A recent study revealed the critical connection between mindfulness and the adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in project management. Project managers with higher mindfulness levels tend to be more open, attentive, and creative in crafting their immediate work environment, encouraging them to explore how GenAI can o...
A pooled data analysis of 52 studies involving 6485 people found that transgender women have similar upper and lower body strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle mass compared to cisgender women. However, their physical fitness is comparable despite greater muscle mass 1-3 years after hormone therapy.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that US political divisions increased by 64% from 1988 to 2024, with most of the change coming after 2008. The shift was driven by liberal Americans moving in a more progressive direction on social and political issues.
Despite improvements in UK air ambulance service availability since 2009, regional gaps remain. The provision of advanced interventions like blood transfusion varies, while 24/7 doctor-based teams are not consistently available across the UK.
US research reveals patients with duplicate medical records are 5 times more likely to die after admission and 3 times more likely to require intensive care. Researchers call for improvements in data integrity and health information management to boost patient safety.
The lack of widely accepted standards for managing reproductive health risks in space is a pressing concern. Limited reliable data from human studies shows that space can be hostile to human biology, with conditions like altered gravity, cosmic radiation, and circadian disruption affecting reproductive processes.
A study analyzing 3225 trauma patients in South East England found that air ambulance pre-hospital care significantly improved survival rates, with 2125 patients exceeding 30-day survival. Those most likely to benefit were severely injured patients with moderate probability of survival, who unexpectedly survived for 30 days.
A new regenerator material composed solely of copper, iron, and aluminum can achieve cryogenic temperatures without using rare-earth metals or liquid helium. The material utilizes a special property called frustration found in magnetic materials to demonstrate practical-level performance.
Researchers highlight graphene-based technologies for removing microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, and radioactive contaminants. Graphene-based membranes and catalytic degradation offer powerful tools for pollutant removal, with potential for comprehensive treatment systems.
Artificial light from coastal cities can alter melatonin levels in wild sharks, particularly resident species. The study found that nurse sharks exposed to higher artificial light had lower melatonin concentrations compared to darker environments.
Researchers at ITMO University have developed a new solution for cleaning up contaminated water by harnessing the power of light. Carbon dot-polymer composites are revolutionizing the cleanup of toxic wastewater, making it more efficient and scalable.
A new study by UCLA anthropology professor Molly Fox found that pregnancy and breastfeeding are associated with stronger long-term cognitive ability in postmenopausal women. The study used data from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study and the Women’s Health Initiative Study of Cognitive Aging, which assessed over 7,000 women age...
A new study reveals that biochar can create microenvironments that significantly reduce cadmium contamination in crops. By forming a distinct zone known as the 'charosphere,' biochar limits the mobility of toxic heavy metals like cadmium, resulting in reduced cadmium levels and improved crop safety.
The study highlights the impact of fire exclusion on mature and old-growth forests, which are culturally, economically, and ecologically significant. Researchers estimate that fire refugia could reduce the overall risk of severe fire by up to 20% in western Oregon, Washington, and California.
A study published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy found that backward walking training improved postural stability and gait speed in most participants with multiple sclerosis. The researchers suggest that this therapy may promote neuroplasticity and be a potential new treatment for improving mobility and decreasing falls.
A new study by University of Arkansas researchers found that social media can help reduce anxiety in young adults with high openness to experience, extraversion, agreeableness, and low conscientiousness. The study showed strong associations between emotional support on social media and reduced anxiety symptoms, especially among females.
The MIT research team has designed a new type of tissue model that accurately replicates the physiology of the liver, including blood vessels and immune cells. The model was used to study metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and showed promising results in identifying potential treatments.
The new framework outlines seven components that contribute to trustworthy research findings, including accountability, evaluable, and well-calibrated claims. It emphasizes dialogue, scrutiny, critique, and cumulative knowledge building over single standards or metrics.
The American Heart Association has awarded 11 exceptional scientists in stroke and brain health, including Bruce Ovbiagele, Pooja Khatri, and Raghu Vemuganti, for their groundbreaking research findings and contributions to the field. The recipients will be recognized at the International Stroke Conference 2026.
A study by Harvard Medical School and the University of Texas at Arlington found that parents seeking advice on substance use from online peers can be misled by misconceptions. The research suggests that while social media offers a unique window into parental concerns, it should complement evidence-based guidance rather than replace it.
Researchers have established that Candida albicans fungus makes melanoma more aggressive by activating signaling pathways and creating conditions for malignant cells to acquire oxygen and energy. The study's findings suggest potential new avenues for cancer treatment using antifungal therapies.
Researchers discovered that a gene called ZNF750, active in skin cells, is essential for supporting Langerhans cells and building the body's first line of immune defense. The study found that ZNF750 controls the production of IL-34, a molecule released by skin cells that acts as a survival signal for Langerhans cells.
A review of 19 studies suggests healthier diets are associated with fewer depressive symptoms and greater psychological distress in adolescents. Whole-diet patterns and diet quality indices show more consistent associations with favourable mental health outcomes.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has reaffirmed the need for critical cooperation on submarine cable resilience, with a focus on shortening repair times and supporting underserved regions. The Porto Summit Declaration and recommendations aim to bolster international cooperation across governments and industries.
Researchers identified DKK3 as a main cause of radiation-induced skin damage, leading to chronic inflammations and fibroses. Blocking DKK3 may help prevent or reduce long-term skin damage after radiotherapy, improving cancer patients' quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center are developing a new treatment for glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer. The team is using 'glioblastoma-on-a-chip' technology and wafer delivery to stimulate the immune system and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that paid sick leave is linked to lower perceived infection risk, reduced job stress, and higher job satisfaction among home service workers. The study suggests that expanding paid sick leave can be a population-level prevention strategy during public health emergencies.
The vaginal microbiota is influenced by competition for specific nutritional resources, affecting health outcomes. A resource-based model identified key ecological mechanisms underlying microbiota composition and potential bacterial vaginosis interventions.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2026
Researchers developed a single-use test strip detecting microRNAs in blood plasma, outperforming standard laboratory methods. The biosensor amplifies electrical signals to identify disease-indicative molecules at concentrations up to a trillion times lower than glucose.
A new hydrogel gel, inspired by nature's NETs, uses near-infrared light to kill bacteria and calm the immune system, promoting wound healing. Trials in mice and pigs show significant reduction in bacterial load and accelerated healing.
A team of physicists at UMass Amherst has proposed a new model for black holes, the 'dark charge' model, which explains high-energy neutrinos and solves cosmic mysteries. The model suggests that quasi-extremal primordial black holes, with a 'dark charge,' could be the missing link in explaining the universe's fundamental nature.
A new Concordia study finds that Montrealers face difficulties accessing fresh and healthy food due to inadequate public transportation and limited grocery store locations. The researchers recommend combining active transportation with public transit to increase accessibility to healthy food establishments.
The John Innes Centre has been awarded £21.5m in funding to support four precision breeding projects, aiming to reduce emissions and strengthen crop resilience. These projects will help protect two major agricultural crops from diseases, enhance the nutritional content of tomatoes, and develop sustainable sources of rubber.
A critically stressed fault has been identified in the Karoo Basin, which could be perturbed by potential shale gas exploration. The researchers used data from geophones and previously collected geophysical data to characterize and interpret the seismicity in the area.
The book argues that democratic systems must consider the interests of future people, promoting demographic vitality and egalitarian thinking. It also explores moral dilemmas surrounding unequal life chances and the tension between short-term security needs and long-term social investment.
A study published in Radiology found that photon-counting CT reduced radiation exposure by 66.34% and improved image quality compared to conventional CT in lung cancer patients. The technology also showed fewer adverse reactions, including contrast-induced acute kidney injury.
A novel viral vector, AAVT42, efficiently delivers therapeutic genes to the brain, restoring memory and protecting neuronal structures in multiple models of Alzheimer's disease. BDNF treatment achieves significant cognitive rescue, facilitating structural repair and suppressing harmful pathways.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame examines the prevalence, determinants and consequences of cheap stock options. The research found that firms granting more options, having larger public offerings and venture capital backing tend to have greater gaps between IPO prices and exercise prices.
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) held its 12th plenary session in Manchester, UK, to agree on a landmark business and biodiversity report. The report provides evidence and options for action to measure and better manage business relationships with nature.
A three-year project utilizing GPS-enabled collars and mobile apps enables efficient rotational grazing, improving soil health and reducing farmer labor. Four Missouri producers have seen significant increases in cover crop utilization, with one producer reporting nearly double the value from the same acre of land.
Negotiations for a global plastics treaty stalled in August, hindering progress on addressing marine plastic pollution. Experts warn that current procedures lack prioritization and clear rules, jeopardizing efforts to tackle the crisis. The authors propose three key changes to revive talks and address the issue holistically.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions has released an expert opinion on the use of wire-free angiography-derived physiology (ADP) in coronary artery disease assessment. ADP uses computational modeling or AI to analyze standard coronary angiographic images, offering a potentially more efficient and effective approac...
Researchers developed a comprehensive framework for dynamic digital product passports to track lifecycle changes in perishable goods, enabling earlier interventions to prevent spoilage and reduce waste. The technology could support more circular supply chains and improve transparency across food and drink supply chains.
Researchers discover GPX3 plays a central role in limiting inflammation, oxidative damage, and renal dysfunction following ischemic insult. Restoring GPX3 expression improves renal functional indices, reduces histopathological injury, and alleviates tubular epithelial cell death.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a secure hologram platform that stores information using the wavelength of light and spacing between metasurface layers. The technology enables information processing using light alone, without electrical power or electronic chips.
Couzin's research focuses on quantitative behavioural biology, using advanced technology to study collective motion and decision-making. He has challenged conventional views of collective motion and influenced fields like robotics and the social sciences with his widely cited publications.
Researchers from TU Wien have provided a surprising explanation for the long-standing relation between magnetism and superconductivity in quantum materials. Altermagnetism, an unusual form of magnetism, is found to be experimentally observable in certain materials when superconductivity sets in.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz found that fruit fly larvae detect peers through multiple senses and adjust their behavior accordingly. The team used a genetically tractable system to study how brains process social information, revealing fundamental principles of decision-making across species.
Researchers analyzed LiDAR data to identify growth patterns associated with defoliation processes and mortality in artificial pine forests. The study found a link between high temperatures and increased defoliation, and suggests forest management policies should focus on regulating tree density through thinning programs.
New insights from the University of Groningen reveal how the size and arrangement of building blocks affect the mechanical properties of metamaterials. This knowledge can be used to design safer, longer-lasting implants, robotic hands, and energy absorbers.
A recent study published in Cell Biology and Toxicology found that high concentrations of nanoplastics can cause damage to kidney cells, leading to changes in cell shape, survival, and function. The research highlights the need for more investigations into the long-term risks of nanoplastic exposure on human health.
A new study from Brown University finds that temperatures in parts of the tropics may increase by up to 4.8 degrees C due to rising CO2 levels. This is significantly higher than previously predicted, highlighting the importance of studying regional climate mechanisms.
New research from the University of Illinois has found that corn's wild ancestor genes can inhibit nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, reducing nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions. The study shows reductions in nitrification of up to 50% in field and greenhouse trials, with potential huge impacts on sustainable agriculture.
Researchers found GXYLT2 promotes malignant phenotypes in diffuse-type gastric cancer cells, driving tumor progression through Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Targeting GXYLT2 or its downstream axis may provide a novel strategy for improving molecular stratification and therapeutic intervention in gastric cancer.
A new study by IIASA researchers found that education has a stronger association with lower premature mortality than income or household wealth in India. Adults with higher levels of education are less likely to die prematurely, regardless of their economic status.
Researchers have uncovered new clues about the evolution of ancient fish, including primitive lungfishes that lived over 400 million years ago. The discoveries were made using advanced technologies such as CT scanning and provide insights into the development of tetrapods, backboned animals with limbs.
Researchers deciphered the ionome of chloroplasts in various plant species, revealing similar metal concentrations and a crucial role for iron storage proteins. This study provides a foundation for developing new biotech concepts to improve plant resilience and nutrient content.
The Cavendish Laboratory and FormationQ have launched an applied quantum program using IonQ's technology platform to translate advanced research into real-world solutions. The partnership aims to build the institutional ecosystem for sustained adoption of quantum technologies.
Researchers have identified a new class of one-dimensional particles, dubbed anyons, which exhibit properties between bosons and fermions. The discovery opens up new possibilities for investigating fundamental physics in realistic experimental settings.