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Frontiers


A replay of life: What happens in our brain when we die?

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Peace has led to more deforestation in Colombia

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2022

Extremely harsh volcanic lake shows how life might have existed on Mars

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2022

Scientists decode 450 years of boom and crisis in Europe from ages of building timber

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022

Scientists digitally ‘unwrap’ mummy of pharaoh Amenhotep I for the first time in 3,000 years

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021

Estimating the impact of ‘eco’ jet fuel: How much could it reduce CO2 emissions by 2050?

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2021

Cells’ replication of DNA is more ‘error-prone’ in microgravity

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

Exposure to CO2 after a traumatic experience strengthens fearful memories in mice

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2021

Off-world colony simulation reveals changes in human communication over time with Earth

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2021

Living at high altitudes may lower chance of having a deadly stroke

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2021

Deep dive into global Twitter posts reveals possible drop in negativity towards COVID-19 pandemic

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2021

Bat guts become less healthy through diet of 'fast food' from banana plantations

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

Scientists pretend to be Neanderthals to explore how they caught birds in caves for food

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

How well did the EU respond to the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic? Experts now give their verdict

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 20, 2021