Researchers found that children can perform approximate division, even before learning the formal symbol, improving potential for at-risk students. The study's results support harnessing intuitive arithmetic abilities to close the achievement gap in math education.
A study by Newcastle University found that a 1.5°C increase in temperature reduces food resources for pollinating insects, causing them to visit a wider range of plants and altering seed production in some wildflowers. This change leads to more complex food web dynamics.
Researchers recorded the activity of a dying human brain for the first time, showing changes in neural oscillations similar to those during life. The findings challenge our understanding of when exactly life ends and may provide insight into near-death experiences and organ donation.
A large-scale study of 400,000 adults in the UK Biobank found no evidence that eating vegetables reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers controlled for various confounding factors and found that any apparent effect was largely due to residual confounding.
A new study reveals that Colombia's peace agreement has led to more forest loss, primarily due to increased coca farming and cattle ranching in the Andes and Amazon respectively. The research highlights the importance of considering local factors such as land use, politics, and socioeconomics in conservation efforts.
Researchers found significant microstructural changes in white matter tracts, indicating the brain's ability to adapt to spaceflight. After returning to Earth, these changes remained visible seven months later.
Researchers found that 37% of lions and 22% of leopards in Zambia have wire snare injuries, while 27% of lions have shotgun pellet embeds. The study suggests poaching and land protection threats are significant in protected areas.
Researchers found that peatland fires contributed to between 40% and 60% of the GHG emission impact, highlighting the need for better forest and peatland protection policies. The study's findings indicate a two- to threefold underestimation of the true impact of deforestation fires.
A recent study discovered that a hydrothermal crater lake in Costa Rica's Poás volcano is home to a diverse range of microorganisms, including the single 'extremophile' genus Acidiphilium. These bacteria have adapted to survive in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and toxic metals, which may be similar to those found on Mars.
A recent study uses deep neural networks to analyze CT scans of dinosaur fossils, reducing manual segmentation time from days to minutes.
Researchers analyzed 54,045 georeferenced pieces of building timber to track changes in building activity across Europe from 1250 to 1699. They found clear evidence for the Late Medieval Crisis, the Thirty Years' War, and economic boom periods, with building activity tracking historical price of grain and lead pollution.
A study in rats found that consuming sweeteners like aspartame or stevia during pregnancy can lead to changes in the offspring's gut microbiome and increased obesity risk. The findings suggest that a mother's diet during pregnancy plays an important role in determining her child's health later in life.
A study of 2018 US midterm election video ads found that ads from the preferred party evoke stronger emotions, while those from opposing parties have little effect. This suggests that political ads primarily motivate party faithful rather than sway undecided voters.
A recent study found that over half of macroplastics in Mediterranean MPAs originated elsewhere, highlighting the need for international collaboration on plastic pollution management. The study also showed that coastal zones are most impacted by micro- and macroplastic pollution.
Researchers from Egypt used 3D CT scanning to 'digitally unwrap' the mummy of Pharaoh Amenhotep I, dispelling a theory that 21st dynasty restorers reused old royal burial equipment. The study revealed that the priests lovingly repaired injuries inflicted by tomb robbers and preserved the pharaoh's jewelry and amulets.
A new study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that mandatory adult mask-wearing in schools can effectively prevent Covid-19 outbreaks. The research analyzed data from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany, and showed that wearing masks by adults significantly lowered secondary cases.
The study predicts that the Balearic Islands will lose between 56 and 65% of their beach area permanently due to climate change. This loss is mainly attributed to sea level rise, which will cause devastating inroads on the coastline.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 16, 2021
A recent study in Frontiers in Marine Science has found over 100 underwater animal species thriving on a 2,200-year-old Mediterranean shipwreck. The 'ecological memory' of the wreck provides valuable insights into how marine animals colonize empty sites and form diverse communities.
A new study using the world's largest twin registry data finds that hormone levels before birth may contribute to migraine risk in adulthood. The research also suggests that genetic factors for migraine risk are different between men and women, potentially leading to more effective treatment options.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that older adults are less susceptible to Covid-19 scams due to their higher receptivity to 'bullshit', which prevents them from perceiving false statements as valid. This contradicts the common perception that older adults are more likely to fall victim to fraud.
A study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that patients who survive severe Covid-19 have a significantly greater chance of dying over the next year. The risk is highest for those under 65, with a 233% increased chance of dying compared to uninfected individuals.
A study published in Frontiers in Energy Research found that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could reduce commercial aviation's CO2 emissions by between 4% and 23% by 2050. The researchers used a model-based approach to analyze data and considered five future SAF scenarios and two passenger-demand projections.
Researchers found that tropical cyclone inland impacts have increased by 30km-190km over the past four decades. By the end of the 21st century, Asian inland regions may experience almost doubling in destructive power due to climate change.
Researchers found that DNA polymerases derived from E. coli are more prone to errors under microgravity, increasing the mutation rate and potentially leading to cancer. The study's results highlight the importance of designing rotating spaceships with artificial gravity to prevent negative effects on astronauts' health.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021
A study found that lack of impulse control, poor emotional regulation, and motivation for entertainment are significant predictors of problematic binge-watching. Researchers also discovered that cliffhanger endings and autoplay features can encourage excessive watching.
A large-scale study of over 3,100 ECT sessions found no cases of permanent impairment, only three life-threatening events that were resolved with medical interventions. The researchers argue that ECT should be used in controlled settings by experienced teams to benefit more patients.
A new study published in Frontiers argues that lumping individual factors together equally under socioeconomic status omits crucial data for understanding gaps in education. The research team found that relations between student achievement and socioeconomic factors look very different in different countries.
A new study suggests that deradicalization could be achieved by bringing true believers to believe in new avenues of thought, rather than forcing them to renounce their ideas. The research found that individuals who are strongly fused with their cause are more willing to sacrifice life for it, but shifting their identity to a benevolen...
Research suggests that inhaling carbon dioxide after a traumatic event makes fearful memories more resilient in mice. The study found that CO2 exposure strengthens fearful memories by activating ASIC1A protein in the brain. This discovery might lead to new therapeutic strategies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in humans.
Tangier Island in Chesapeake Bay has lost 62% of its habitable upland area since 1967, with further decline predicted within 15-30 years. Fully protecting and restoring the town would cost $250m-$350m.
Researchers studied the effects of isolation on human psychology, physiology, and team dynamics in a simulated off-world colony. The study found that crews' communication with mission control diminished over time, causing initial friction but eventually leading to increased cohesion despite cultural and personal differences.
A team of scientists developed a free VR tool called singlecellVR, allowing users to explore single-cell datasets in VR. The program is built on previous advancements and enables users to visualize their own precomputed data directly from commonly used single-cell analysis tools.
A new study suggests that waters off the French coast can be a deadly trap for small, foraging turtles in winter. Satellite tracking data reveals that younger individuals are at risk of being trapped in the region due to their inability to regulate body temperature and get lethargic with decreasing sea temperatures.
A new 'smart bandage' has been developed to track wound moisture levels wirelessly, enabling doctors to monitor wounds without removing the bandage. The technology could help improve wound healing rates by detecting optimal moisture levels, reducing the risk of disruption to the healing process.
Researchers found that human brains decreased in size around 3,000 years ago, coinciding with the expansion of collective intelligence and social groups. This decrease was linked to a reduction in brain energy use due to the externalization of knowledge.
A study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that prolonged exposure to bushfire smoke is associated with extensive physical health effects, high levels of anxiety and depression, and sleep loss. The survey of over 2000 residents revealed a significant negative health burden not previously accounted for by official statistics.
Researchers study entangled blackworm blobs that show 'intelligent' collective movement when conditions are just right. The model suggests a fine balance between individual movement and clinginess is needed for sustained collective movement.
Breast milk from Mennonite moms on farms contains higher concentrations of IgA antibodies against food allergens and bacteria associated with farm animals. Babies born to these mothers show reduced rates of atopic diseases, suggesting a protective factor passed on through breast milk.
A recent study reveals that snow buntings maintain their winter-level cold endurance while migrating to the high Arctic, despite a 60% population decline over 45 years. This finding suggests that these birds have an unexpected ability to cope with harsh weather conditions.
A new model tracks plastic debris pathways and fate in the Mediterranean, estimating 3,760 metric tons of plastics currently floating. The study highlights the need for effective management plans to mitigate plastic pollution's impact on marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021
Researchers found that people living at high altitudes have a lower risk of stroke and stroke-related death. The study suggests that adaptation to low oxygen conditions may help protect against stroke damage. A protective window between 2,000 and 3,500 meters was identified, with less protection seen above this altitude.
Researchers analyzed over 120 million English-language tweets to find a decrease in negative posts about COVID-19, particularly in countries with high vaccination rates. The study suggests that increased vaccination may have contributed to the drop in negativity, but further analysis is needed to fully understand this phenomenon.
Research reveals that nectar-feeding bats foraging in intensively managed banana plantations have less diverse gut microbes compared to those feeding in natural forest habitats or organic plantations. This association between habitat alteration and sustainable agriculture on bat gut microbiota is a significant finding.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists is using human whistled languages as a model to understand how dolphins encode complex information in their whistle communication. By studying the structure and attributes of human whistled speech, researchers aim to develop new techniques for analyzing dolphin whistles.
Researchers used a 'role-play' approach to study how Neanderthals caught choughs in caves. They found that the birds were vulnerable to artificial light and could be caught using nets or by hand. The findings suggest that catching birds was another skill of Neanderthals, which is surprising given their intelligence and adaptability.
Researchers found that physically active lifestyle reduced the risk of developing anxiety disorders by almost 60% over a period of up to 21 years. The association was seen in both men and women, but with a noticeable difference between male and female skiers.
A new study published in Frontiers in Water predicts that Europe will experience more frequent and severe summer droughts due to the climate crisis. The research identifies four hotspots in France, the Alps, the Mediterranean, and the Iberian Peninsula as being at high risk of droughts.
A review of expert opinions reveals mixed results for the EU's COVID-19 response, with successes including coordinated vaccine procurement but shortcomings including inconsistent national responses. Experts emphasize the need for strengthened local surveillance systems and improved EU leadership to prevent similar crises.
Researchers found that referees issued more yellow cards to hometown players in 'ghost games' without fans, affecting game results. The study suggests virtual reality training could help referees overcome peer pressure and make more objective decisions.
A recent study found that microplastic ingestion by dinoflagellates lowers their growth and abundance, affecting the larger marine animals that feed on them. The impact is significant, with energy transfer up the food chain reduced by as much as 30%.