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.
A study by researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School analyzed search results for 'vaccines autism' and found that 10%-24% of websites had a negative stance on vaccines, with some ranking highly in different languages. The research highlights the potential impact of misinformation on public health.
A new study in Frontiers in Psychology found that basketball teams playing for survival in critical NBA playoff games are more likely to lose. The researchers analyzed 1,930 playoff games and discovered that the threat of elimination actually made teams more likely to lose, suggesting they 'choke' under pressure.
A new study exposes the widespread practice of killing aquatic mammals like dolphins, sea lions, and otters for use as bait in global fisheries. The review highlights that more than 40 species have been utilized as bait since 1970, with over 80% deliberately killed for at least one fishery.
Researchers developed a novel hormone analysis technique to measure the effects of fishing gear entanglement on North Atlantic right whales. The study found that entanglement can cause severe stress responses, starvation, and changes in migration patterns.
Researchers used social media images of cultural events to create a model that predicts neighborhoods with high wellbeing and gentrification. The study found a correlation between cultural capital and neighborhood growth, providing insights for city planners to prevent displacement.
Cesarean-born babies may be at risk for health problems due to differences in their microbiome. A new review suggests that routine antibiotic administration during C-section deliveries is a major underlying problem, rather than a lack of exposure to vaginal microbes.
A recent study has found that 'uniquely human' muscles, such as those associated with bipedalism and facial expressions, are present in various ape species. Researchers have discovered that these muscles are not exclusive to humans, but are also found in bonobos and other apes, suggesting a more complex origin of human soft tissues.
Groundbreaking research reveals that leg exercise sends vital signals to the brain for healthy neural cells. Limiting physical activity impairs nerve cell production and maturity.
A new study developed agility tests specifically for soccer players, which successfully discriminated between youth players of different ages. The tests measured reactive and pre-planned agility, with the under-19 group showing higher scores due to their longer involvement in soccer training.
Inuit hunters in East Greenland report changes in their subsistence hunting patterns, polar bear ecology, and distribution due to climate change. They note more bears coming into towns, eating more seal parts, and using boats instead of dog sledges.
Researchers found that virtual avatar-to-avatar interviews increased accurate information recall by up to 60% compared to traditional face-to-face interviews. This innovative approach reduces distractions and promotes honesty, making eyewitness testimony more reliable.
A free online course designed to change students' attitudes towards mathematics leads to significantly higher test scores. The study found that a growth mindset approach can increase students' engagement and achievement in math, contrary to previous discouraging results.
A study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that people are willing to sacrifice themselves for others, consider victim age, and swerve onto sidewalks to minimize lives lost, contradicting ethically acceptable behavior and political guidelines. Researchers aim to initiate discussions on how self-driving vehicles sho...
A new study reveals that a family history of obesity is a significant risk factor for early onset and severity of childhood obesity. The research found that the youngest children were the most severely obese and showed signs of insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers propose empowering soccer coaches to make reliable assessments of player psychological characteristics, which could help teams identify talented players and enhance performance. Coaches' unique insight into player behavior during matches and training can complement standard questionnaires completed by players.
Parasites have evolved to 'hack' their host's nervous system, controlling behavior and decision-making. Researchers explore the mechanisms involved, discovering compounds that act on neural circuitry, offering insights into neural control of animal behavior.
A recent study found that maternal binge drinking during pregnancy and lactation can impair the mental health of their offspring, leading to mood disturbances and increased vulnerability to alcohol abuse as adolescents. The research suggests that even occasional heavy drinking can have a depressive effect on the mother and pass on chan...
A new review concludes that stem cells derived from adult body tissues can differentiate into mature body cells with similar efficiency to those from younger donors. This validates induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a viable alternative to embryonic stem cells in regenerative medicine.
Researchers found that children's muscles are more fatigue-resistant and recover faster than those of untrained adults and even well-trained endurance athletes. This discovery may lead to better understanding of how our bodies change from childhood to adulthood and inform the development of athletic potential in children.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found a significant link between common allergic diseases and a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders. Patients with asthma and hay fever were found to have a 1.66-fold increased risk of developing a psychiatric disorder within a 15-year period.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that teachers perceive playful boys as disruptive and rebellious, leading to negative classmate perceptions and self-esteem issues. In contrast, playful girls are not subject to such scrutiny, highlighting gender differences in teacher attitudes towards playfulness.
A study published in Frontiers in Environmental Science detected cadmium, mercury, and lead in high concentrations in plastic debris collected from Lake Geneva's beaches. The presence of toxic elements reflects the age of the plastic litter, which could be decades old.
Research conducted with 147 Dutch children found that structured music lessons significantly enhance cognitive abilities, including language-based reasoning and short-term memory. Visual arts classes also showed a benefit, improving visual and spatial short-term memory.
Researchers found that writing critically about past setbacks leads to lower levels of the
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that parents' engagement in mathematical activities with their children is linked to higher early numeracy skills. Activities such as counting, sorting, and simple sums were associated with better number processing and calculation skills.
Researchers create a new 'green' material made from solid wastes and natural polymers to adsorb pollutants in wastewater and air. The hybrid material outperforms activated carbon with 94% efficiency and lower embodied energy.