Researchers developed a new class of hypnotic drugs called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) that selectively target the brain's sleep/wake pathways. DORA-22 preserves the ability to wake in response to threats, unlike common sleeping pills.
A new review in Frontiers in Pediatrics suggests that microbial transglutaminase, a common food additive, could be both the cause and trigger of autoimmune attacks leading to celiac disease. The enzyme modifies gluten fragments, which are then recognized by the immune system as foreign, triggering an immune response.
New analysis reveals stick insects first dropped eggs while hiding in foliage, and geographically isolated populations are more likely to be related than those with similar features. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of these enigmatic creatures.
A new study finds that the Boston Harbor cleanup was economically justifiable, with an estimated value of restored ecosystem services between $30 and $100 billion. The analysis highlights the importance of considering the environmental value of an area post-cleanup rather than pre-cleanup.
Researchers have developed new tools for controlling specific cells in the brain using light, enabling the study of individual neurons within complex networks. The new protein pores allow for switching neurons on or off using light, opening up new possibilities for probing brain function.
The Blue Brain Cell Atlas provides detailed information on major cell types, numbers, and positions in all 737 brain regions, accelerating progress in brain science. The atlas is freely available online, allowing users to visualize brain regions and download data for new analyses and modeling.
Researchers found that areas with higher rat complaints had increased trap rates and more garbage, suggesting a correlation between waste and rodent abundance. The study also revealed neighborhoods with high rental units tended to have more rats, possibly due to increased trash and access points.
Research reveals unexpectedly low condom use rates among Western Australian sex workers, with only 33% of female sex workers reporting consistent condom use during oral sex. The authors recommend decriminalization, increased sexual health education, and peer support opportunities to address this issue.
Priming individuals with superhero images, such as Superman, increases their likelihood of engaging in prosocial behaviors. However, the study found no direct effect on perceptions of meaning in life. The research used both self-reported and actual helping behavior experiments to explore this phenomenon.
A study found that employee-focused health promotion programs can lead to increased weight stigma, discrimination, and decreased wellbeing among employees with obesity. In contrast, employer-focused programs may be more effective in promoting healthy behavior.
A fast new way to check nutrient levels in grasslands allows farmers to quickly monitor changes and adapt grazing methods. Overgrazing below 7cm significantly reduces protein and digestibility.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness the power of purple phototrophic bacteria to recover valuable biofuels from organic waste in wastewater treatment plants. By using an electric current to optimize metabolic output, they can generate hydrogen gas with near-100% carbon recovery and minimal CO2 emissions.
Regularly used forest trails have fewer bird species and lower numbers of birds compared to less-used areas, even with decades of human activity. This suggests that forest birds do not habituate to trail use, highlighting the need for protected areas and adherence to stay-on-trail rules.
Researchers discovered a mechanistic link between zinc levels in neurons and the development of autism spectrum disorders, highlighting zinc's role in shaping synaptic connections. Zinc deficiency may contribute to autism through impaired synaptic maturation and neuronal circuit formation.
Current MPAs in Finland protect only 27% of marine biodiversity, leaving many ecologically important species at risk. Increasing protected areas by just 1% can double conservation of the most important species.
A new study has identified glycolytic enzymes as potential biomarkers for early detection and prevention of liver cancer. The research found that the shift to glycolysis in cirrhotic livers is associated with a higher risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, offering hope for improved early detection and treatment.
A new review of animal studies reveals that sex differences in response to cannabis are not just socio-cultural, but biological too. Estradiol affects control of movement, social behavior and filtering of sensory input via modulation of the endocannabinoid system.
A new review highlights growing evidence that universal thyroid testing in early pregnancy can reduce obstetric complications and safeguard fetal brain development. However, the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment must be carefully considered to avoid unwarranted patient anxiety and potential harm.
Researchers found that small changes, such as virtual characters acknowledging users' presence, can have a significant positive impact on people's sense of presence in a VR news scenario. This is demonstrated by a 25% conversion rate from the VR experience to further information about the refugee crisis.
A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience confirms the potent relaxing effects of lavender and its active compound linalool. The research suggests that the scent of linalool must be smelled, not absorbed, to exert its calming effects.
A recent study reveals that employee anxiety, self-esteem, and leadership behavior perception can impact a leader's influence on organizational functioning. Followers and leaders can buffer against undesirable effects of dark-side traits like dishonesty, disagreeableness, and carelessness.
A new study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience suggests a causal link between herpes viruses and Alzheimer's disease, with antiviral drugs drastically reducing the risk of senile dementia in patients with severe herpes infections.
Researchers used supercomputers to simulate early universe, revealing formation of first stars and galaxies. Metal-enriched gas enabled rapid star formation, leading to smaller, more numerous stars and galaxy evolution.
A study asked top German cyclists and field athletes to rate the effectiveness of various anti-doping methods. The athletes identified improved detection and diagnostics, increased bans for offenders, as key strategies. Increased fines and leniency programs were ranked lower in effectiveness.
A new study exploring the tradeoff between masculine and feminine leadership traits reveals that women internalize a stereotypically masculine view of leadership. The research, published in Frontiers in Psychology, suggests that women may feel disadvantaged compared to male leaders if they adopt traditionally feminine styles.
A study found that fixed mindsets can lead to difficulties in solving statistical problems, even when simpler solutions are available. The researchers suggest that a lack of education in natural frequencies may be the cause, and hope to encourage curriculum designers to incorporate this concept into school mathematics and statistics.
A new study on the 1918 flu pandemic reveals that a complex interplay of viral, host, and societal factors contributed to its severity. The researchers warn that future pandemics will face challenges such as changing population demographics, antibiotic resistance, and climate change.
The study assesses 13 ocean-based measures to reduce atmospheric CO2, counteract ocean warming, and mitigate sea-level rise. Ocean-based renewable energy stands out as the most promising solution, with moderate effectiveness for reducing marine pollution and protecting marine habitats.
A recent study found that marketing insect-based food as pleasurable and enjoyable is more effective in changing attitudes towards these foods. The research team asked participants to view advertisements highlighting either the environmental or health benefits of insect-based food, or those promoting its taste and luxury.
Researchers monitored microchipped rats in the presence of feral cats, finding that rats avoided cats and spent more time in burrows, contradicting popular opinion about cat-rat interactions. The study adds to growing evidence that releasing cats to control city rats is outweighed by threats to urban wildlife.
Researchers analyzed fossilized Mesosaurus bones to determine the species' lifestyle and behavior. The findings suggest that mature adults spent more time on land, while juveniles were semi-aquatic.
A new study reveals that while nutrients exceed average requirements, inefficiencies in the supply chain lead to nutrient losses, leaving many people deficient. The research highlights the need for a holistic approach to addressing malnutrition and food security.
A new study reveals that older adults fitted with cochlear implants exhibit poorer cognitive function than normal-hearing counterparts. Rehabilitation should be adjusted to the cognitive profile of cochlear implant patients, and further studies are needed to determine the impact of implants on cognition and decline.
Repeated binge drinking alters gene expression in the brain, affecting hormone signaling and immune function in females, while nerve signaling is impacted in males. This study highlights the importance of tailoring treatments for male and female patients with alcohol use disorder.
A new study published in Frontiers finds that short chromosome tips (telomeres) are an independent risk factor for age-related functional decline. Participants with the shortest telomeres were more likely to have reduced physical function, regardless of geographical location, age, sex, or weight.
A study using machine learning analyzed over 2,500 participants to rank determinants of future affluence. Occupation and education were the best predictors, followed by location, gender, and surprisingly, delay discounting, a person's ability to wait for rewards.
A study published in Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences suggests that sex hormones, particularly estrogen, play a key role in migraine occurrence in women. The research found that estrogen levels sensitize cells around the trigeminal nerve to stimuli, making it easier to trigger a migraine attack.
A new review detects mini-moons, small asteroids temporarily captured in Earth's orbit, which can provide interesting science and technology testbeds. The advent of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) will verify their existence and track their paths around our planet.
A new review suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may be the root cause of depression, providing a potential breakthrough for novel antidepressant medication. The researchers found that depression is associated with decreased energy production and increased metabolic demand in brain cells.
A new review questions the usefulness of wearable devices in providing medical insights, citing limited formal validation and potential risks of misinterpretation. The study highlights concerns about concussion detection technologies and the need for rigorous evaluation and regulation of the growing industry.
A large-scale analysis of vessel interactions exposes potential for illegal activities like drug smuggling and human trafficking. Transshipment, a common practice in fisheries, lacks regulation and transparency, hindering sustainable management.
Researchers found that proteins in saliva reflect high blood sugar levels in young patients with type 1 diabetes, allowing for early prediction of complications. A potential new preventive treatment has been identified using gene database searching.
Bottlenose dolphin populations vary in diving ability by almost 1000m due to lung architecture and gas management. The research suggests that deep divers use elevated heart rates during surface intervals and directed blood flow through collapsed lung regions to manage nitrogen levels.
A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics found that habitually barefoot children are noticeably better at jumping and balancing compared to habitually shod children. The researchers also suggest that physical education classes and exercise programs could benefit from including barefoot activities.
A new brain-inspired computer called SpiNNaker has been developed to mimic the human brain's neural networks. It produces results similar to the best brain-simulation supercomputer software currently used for neural-signaling research, advancing our knowledge of neural processing in the brain.
A virtual reality simulation of Albert Einstein's body reduces age stereotypes and enhances cognitive performance in those with low self-esteem. Participants with low self-esteem who experienced the virtual Einstein body performed better on cognitive tasks and showed reduced implicit bias against older people.
The unique properties of horseshoe crab blood make it invaluable for drug and safety testing, but over-harvesting poses significant risks to the species' health and ecosystem. Alternative tests and conservation strategies are needed to ensure a sustainable supply.
Researchers found that elderly people who feel younger than their age show fewer signs of brain aging and have increased gray matter volume in key brain regions. This suggests that caring for brain health may be important for those who feel older than their age.
The new journal publishes cutting-edge research on forest science disciplines, including ecophysiology, atmosphere, fire, and growth, to inform sustainable forest management. It aims to place forests at the forefront of global attention and provide a centralized source of high-quality research.
A new review suggests that lion conservation research should consider the environment, wild prey, and domesticated livestock to develop effective policies. Interdisciplinary research teams with expertise in biology, ecology, economics, sociology, and more can help address the complex issue of human-lion conflict.