Research in Germany found that birdsongs with narrower bandwidths and greater complexity are perceived as more pleasant, with blackbirds' songs considered most attractive. Pleasantness is also influenced by personal taste, but not by knowledge of birds.
The authors propose a spectrum of clinical autonomy, ranging from advisory tools to navigator systems that work with minimal human oversight, to enable early prediction and prevention of disease. However, challenges related to clinical validation, integration, data quality, and regulatory approval limit widespread deployment.
A study found that yellow-morph green sea turtles in the Galápagos prefer to stay in shallow coastal waters and rarely venture far from a single island. The turtles' home ranges varied greatly, but most preferred to stay within 1,498 sq km of their starting point.
A recent study reveals that spending on microtransactions in free-to-play videogames is highly concentrated among a small minority of players, who account for the majority of revenue. Regulation is necessary to protect vulnerable players from potentially exploitative practices.
Baleen whales are taking advantage of the warming Greenland Sea, with regular feeding frenzies observed in recent years. The abundance of whales has increased significantly, with over 4,000 humpback whales, 6,000 fin whales, and 6,000 minke whales visiting the region in 2024.
Researchers found 16 mummified individuals, a dog, and disturbed deposits in Theban Tomb 209, indicating a spatial logic in reuse and a kind of funerary memory. The study suggests that cultural rites were reconfigured, but not lost, as the tomb was repeatedly reactivated over time.
A new study provides compelling evidence that cynodonts, an ancestor of true mammals, may have been viviparous, giving birth to live young. The discovery sheds light on the reproductive mode of early mammalian ancestors and raises questions about other evolutionary traits.
Researchers have successfully engineered plants to produce myoglobin, an important component of animal muscle, using a gene gun to insert the genes into chloroplasts. The yield was approximately three times higher than when inserted into the nuclear genome, paving the way for plant-grown meat production.
A recent study on orphaned grizzly bears found a high mortality rate of 83%, largely due to human-bear conflicts, illegal killings, and intraspecific killing. The study also highlights the risk of habituation to humans, which can lead to serious conflicts, particularly when combined with oversized size from excessive growth during reha...
Researchers explore how engineered lanthanide carriers can tune the optical and magnetic properties of ions for improved signal contrast and reduced background signals in biomedical imaging. The study highlights opportunities for multimodal imaging, theranostics, and AI-guided probe design.
Researchers have identified a hardy sea sponge that can thrive in polluted harbor habitats, demonstrating an exceptional ability to adapt and even reproduce asexually. The chicken kidney sponge showed outstanding resilience and was found to be particularly effective at filtering pollutants and recycling nutrients.
Recent progress in lanthanide carriers is mapped to improve biomedical imaging and diagnosis, combining optical, X-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. These carriers enable high-resolution imaging with tunability for different applications, reducing tissue damage and enhancing image clarity.
Researchers in India have identified β-esterase as the primary enzyme involved in α-cypermethrin detoxification, showing increased reactivity in response to the insecticide. This finding suggests that mosquitoes can dramatically increase production of a particularly effective enzyme when exposed to a threat.
Researchers propose using a simple GKI test to track metabolic health in noncommunicable diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. The test measures glucose to ketone ratio and may help assess nutritional ketosis and adherence to metabolic interventions.
A study on La Brea Tar Pits fossils found rare spinal nerve tumors and developmental abnormalities, suggesting a dwindling species was in poor genetic health. This may have made them more vulnerable to hunting, ultimately contributing to their extinction.
Researchers documented a previously undescribed orca behavior in the Gulf of California, where orcas hold and then ram sunfish to cause tissue fragmentation. The observed behavior may be a form of parental investment or simply entertainment, with potential benefits for the calf's nutrition.
Indigenous Australians gathered whole grasses from the landscape and burned them in a cave for ritual practices dating back 25,000 years. The study found that people selectively targeted specific types of grasses for burning, with over 97% coming from temperate or cool-climate grasses.
Researchers used sonar and underwater imaging systems to find a healthy mesophotic coral garden, 11.5 kilometers off the coast of Benin. The reef, home to eight types of coral and eight species of fish, challenges previous assumptions about its existence.
Researchers studied six royal mummies from the Middle Kingdom and found evidence of strong muscle attachments and healed fractures, indicating the princesses were skilled archers. The study provides insight into the daily lives of these royal women, revealing they faced hardships despite their high status.
FAIR² Data Management, powered by Senscience, has been named a 2026 CODiE Award Winner in the category Best AI Data and Analytics Solution. The platform enables researchers to turn data into trusted resources that can be discovered, built upon, and used responsibly with AI.
Researchers found that elephants' bone-conduction hearing is significantly improved due to their larger middle ear structures and ability to voluntarily close their ear canals. This allows them to transmit lower frequency sounds to the cochlea, enhancing low-frequency hearing by up to 30 times
Researchers propose using the glucose ketone index (GKI) to track metabolic health in non-communicable diseases, which cause three in four deaths worldwide. The GKI measures blood glucose and ketones and may indicate metabolic state, assess long-term nutritional adherence, and support mitochondrial function improvement.
Researchers found that smelling dark chocolate odors increased training volume and suppressed hunger, while milk chocolate had no effect. The study suggests that food scents can trigger changes in body and mind similar to actual consumption.
A new study suggests that California's wine industry is under threat from climate change and wildfires, particularly in established regions like Napa and Sonoma. However, areas like Mendocino and Monterey are expected to become increasingly favorable for premium vintages due to their projected increasing climatic suitability and decrea...
A recent Estonian study reveals that 19.7% of healthy family members of breast and ovarian cancer patients carry variants that elevate their cancer risk, including 34% of men. The findings highlight the importance of genetic testing and counseling for those with a family history of the disease.
Bottlenose dolphins spend much of their time following trawlers to scavenge for food, with up to 76% of bottom trawlers being followed. The high frequency suggests that they may be struggling to hunt normally due to the depletion of prey in the Adriatic Sea.
Researchers analyzed over 3,500 incidents to find that low-impact activities and species like elk, grizzly bears, and mule deer are more likely to lead to aggressive encounters. Visitors can take simple precautions such as announcing themselves, keeping leashes short, and checking park information to minimize risks.
Researchers present a roadmap for developing Tregs as adaptable therapies to restore immune balance and support tissue repair. This approach holds promise for treating conditions such as metabolic and cardiovascular disease, as well as neurodegeneration.
New therapies using regulatory T cells, known as Tregs, could target diseases with inflammation, such as cancer and autoimmune conditions. Early evaluations show good tolerance and safety profiles, but precision is key to tailoring treatments for specific patients.
A new study has found that changes in a senior dog's gait can be an early warning sign of dementia. The research tracked the stride length of 88 geriatric dogs over time, revealing a significant decrease in front leg stride length with worsening cognitive decline. This change was found to be more pronounced than age-related decline alone.
The report reveals cutting-edge technologies affecting physical systems, from energy to medicine and manufacturing. These innovations have the potential to make a meaningful impact on pressing challenges like climate change and food insecurity.
Researchers tracked Arabian Sea humpback whales' movements, revealing the first direct evidence of a whale crossing the Arabian Sea. The study found that these whales have adapted to their habitat in a unique way, deviating from traditional migration patterns.
A new study found that teenagers who report their caregivers' phone use is distracting and attention-seeking are more likely to have insecure attachment styles. This can lead to negative consequences for their future health and wellbeing.
Researchers found well-preserved bacterial communities in ancient middens, including species from human feces and animal hosts. The study suggests that these communities provide a unique glimpse into the daily life of Paleo-Inuit and old Norse, including their farming, seal hunts, and toilets.
Researchers found that interacting with pets during stressful moments does not reduce negative emotions and can even intensify them in cat owners. On the other hand, dog owners experienced improved emotional well-being when interacting with their dogs.
A large-scale study on Swedish children with asthma found that living with cats did not worsen asthma outcomes. The study of 30,277 children over 24 months showed similar asthma severity and lung function in cat-exposed and non-exposed groups.
A new automatic detection algorithm uses AI to spot commonly-smuggled sea creatures like shark fins, seahorses, and sea cucumbers with 92% accuracy. The system integrates into 3D scanners to help identify potential shipments for investigation.
Researchers from Frontiers, a multidisciplinary team, spent years searching for the tallest tree in Taiwan after discovering an estimated 5,000 different species thrive on the island. They used LiDAR technology and citizen scientists to identify the 'Heaven Sword,' a 84.1-meter-tall Taiwania fir, as East Asia's tallest tree.
Researchers found that pregnant Pacific pocket mice trained to fear snakes produce more vigilant offspring, which survive better in the wild. This method of antipredator training may improve conservation breeding and reintroduction programs.
A new collection of Frontiers for Young Minds articles reviews breakthrough brain research topics, including artificial intelligence and memory. Young reviewers aged 8-15 collaborated with leading neuroscientists to make complex neuroscience topics accessible to their peers.
Frontiers won two EPIC Awards for its landmark whitepaper on responsible AI use in research and publishing, and a digital campaign highlighting research integrity. The awards recognize the institution's commitment to making science open and trusted.
A study found that no social media restriction experiments have included people under the age of 16, making it impossible to know how bans will affect young people. Bans may also backfire by invading privacy, hurting marginalized people, and forcing teens to circumvent the ban.
Climate change is likely to spread chikungunya virus into temperate regions like northeastern North America, central Europe, and East Asia, with the Asian tiger mosquito playing a key role in transmission. Public health officials should prepare by tracking mosquitoes, training doctors, and strengthening control measures by 2040.
Researchers surveyed 7 pathogens in wild native snakes, finding Ophidiomyces and Raillietiella orientalis as most important infectious agents. Rattlesnakes are most likely to host these pathogens, with increased risks of ophidiomycosis and parasitic lung infection.
A new Frontiers in Science article explores how AI can accelerate scientific discovery in soil science by creating digital soil twins and trialing climate adaptation strategies. Researchers will discuss the potential of multi-agent AI systems to enable autonomous hypothesis generation, experimental design and data analysis during a fre...
New research reveals seagrass reproduces through sexual reproduction, producing genetically diverse seedlings that disperse on ocean currents. This discovery provides a new approach to conserving struggling meadows by using the genetic diversity of these seedlings.
A new study highlights the potential of AI tools in soil science, enabling researchers to better understand soil ecosystems and adapt to climate change. The system successfully generated hypotheses on how soils store carbon and what controls their storage limits, with outputs aligning with expert research.
A new study found that handwriting speed and stroke organization can be indicative of cognitive decline in older adults. The research used digital tools to record writing speed and number of strokes in complex tasks, and found that participants with cognitive impairment showed distinct patterns in their handwriting movements.
Bronze Age people in southern Levant adopted more efficient metal tools for butchering marked the beginning of significant technological advancements. SEM analysis of ancient bones at Tell Aphek provided key evidence for this transition.
An observational study published in Frontiers in Marine Science revealed that Guadalupe fur seals are experiencing significant hair loss due to an alopecia syndrome. The study highlights the need for urgent action to address early mortality and human impact on these vulnerable marine mammals