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Frontiers


Mirror, mirror, on the wall

Researchers found that people's prior beliefs about themselves may prevent accurate judgment of real appearance. By viewing their body from a third-person perspective, individuals rated it more attractively, pointing to potential applications for treating body perception disorders.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 18, 2020

Space lettuce

Researchers at Kennedy Space Center successfully grew red romaine lettuce in space onboard the International Space Station, demonstrating its safety and nutritional value. The study found that space-grown lettuce was similar to Earth-grown controls in terms of composition but showed increased levels of certain nutrients and antioxidants.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMar 6, 2020

Connectedness to nature makes children happier

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that connectedness to nature has a positive association with sustainability practices and behaviors in children, leading to higher levels of happiness. The study suggests that promoting exposure to nature can encourage pro-environmental behaviors and environmental care in younger g...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2020

Ancient gut microbiomes shed light on human evolution

A new study suggests that our ancestors' gut microbiomes were critical for their survival in new environments, allowing them to digest and detoxify local food sources. The findings also imply that social sharing of microbes might have led to local adaptations, influencing human migration and settlement.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateFeb 19, 2020

Horseback riding combined with cognitive exercises can help children with ADHD and autism spectrum

A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that a program combining horseback riding and cognitive training improved motor skills, behavior, and academic performance in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The program showed promise for improving the lives of young people with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateJan 31, 2020

New dog, old tricks? Stray dogs can understand human cues

A new study reveals that untrained stray dogs can successfully follow pointing gestures to a specific location, indicating an innate understanding of complex gestures. The results suggest that dogs may have an innate ability to understand certain human cues, transcending training.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 17, 2020

Be wary of online probiotic health-benefit claims

A recent study highlights the unreliable sources of probiotic information online and how health-benefit claims are often not supported by robust scientific evidence. Most websites providing probiotic info are from commercial sources or news outlets, which provide incomplete information on potential side effects and regulatory issues.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateJan 15, 2020

Lazy moths taste disgusting

A recent study found that less appetizing moths are more relaxed when attacked by bats, while more palatable ones employ evasive maneuvers. The research demonstrates complex risks and rewards of anti-predator strategies, potentially allowing scientists to predict the behaviors of rare or extinct species.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateDec 16, 2019

Baby's first breath: A new method for helping preemies to breathe

Researchers have found a way to stimulate breathing in premature babies using pure oxygen, which may help reduce the need for invasive respiratory interventions. The technique has shown promising results in preterm rabbit kittens and human clinical studies, offering a potential non-invasive solution for supporting fragile newborns.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateDec 12, 2019

Where the sun doesn't shine? Skin UV exposure reflected in poop

A new study found that skin UVB exposure increases gut microbial diversity and favors the growth of Lachnospiraceae bacteria, which are linked to vitamin D status. The results suggest a potential link between UVB light exposure and the protective effect against inflammatory diseases like MS and IBD.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateOct 24, 2019

Fire blankets can protect buildings from wildfires

Existing fire blanket technology can shield isolated buildings from short wildfire attacks, but technological improvements are required for severe fires and high-housing-density areas. Further research is necessary to develop more effective materials and deployment methods.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Mechanical Engineering·DateOct 15, 2019

Is this brain cell your 'mind's eye'?

Researchers suggest a structural connection between 'content circuits' in the cortex and 'switchboard circuits' that allocate awareness, mediated by L5p neurons. Studies demonstrate interaction between state and contents of consciousness in these cells.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateSep 30, 2019

The vagina monocultures

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a universal screening approach for vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) donors to ensure only beneficial microbes are transferred. The pilot study found that 35% of participants might be eligible VMT donors, and the success rate may depend on a small number of willing 'super donors'.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateSep 10, 2019

The mind-muscle connection: For aesthetes, not athletes?

Focusing on movement during weightlifting may improve performance by reducing mechanical inefficiency and increasing automatic control processes. This contradicts the traditional mind-muscle connection theory, which suggests focusing on individual muscles enhances activation and development.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·DateAug 9, 2019

An apple carries about 100 million bacteria -- good luck washing them off

A new study found that organic apples contain a more diverse range of beneficial bacteria, which could contribute to improved gut health. In contrast, conventional apples were found to have higher levels of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia-Shigella. The researchers also discovered that the bacteria in organic apples were more c...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 24, 2019

How to sell labriculture: Less lab, more culture

Researchers warn that framing cultured meat as a high-tech innovation can lead to negative attitudes and reduced consumer demand. The study found that those who encountered cultured meat through this frame were less likely to consider it safe, healthy, or environmentally friendly.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateJul 3, 2019

Zero-calorie sweeteners on trial again

Researchers found that maternal exposure to sucralose and acesulfame-K during pregnancy and lactation led to altered intestinal flora and liver toxicity in mouse pups. The study suggests that artificial sweeteners may be safe for adults when used in moderation, but not a substitute for sugar.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 25, 2019

The app teaching anorexics to eat again

A new approach to treating eating disorders involves teaching patients with anorexia how to eat normally, with promising results. The method, which uses a smartphone app to track and regulate food intake, has been shown to achieve a 75% remission rate after just one year of treatment.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 13, 2019

What's your poison? Scrupulous scorpions tailor venom to target

Researchers found that scorpions adapt their stingers and venom use to minimize costs, with strategies including avoiding venom, using claws or pedipalps, and adjusting sting volume and composition. Scorpions can also tailor venom to a target through on-the-fly adjustments and over weeks of exposure.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 10, 2019

The bacteria building your baby

A recent study found that nearly all newborns had bacteria in their first poop, contradicting the long-held assumption of a sterile womb. The researchers collected amniotic fluid samples from 50 healthy women undergoing planned caesarean deliveries and discovered bacterial DNA in almost all viable samples.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 5, 2019

Vaccine for African swine fever may save our bacon

A new vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing African Swine Fever in wild boar, with 92% protection rate. The vaccine can also pass on immunity via contact with infected animals, offering a potential solution to the spread of this deadly disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateMay 7, 2019