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Frontiers


Study pinpoints how to minimize chances of dangerous wildlife encounters this summer

Researchers analyzed over 3,500 incidents to find that low-impact activities and species like elk, grizzly bears, and mule deer are more likely to lead to aggressive encounters. Visitors can take simple precautions such as announcing themselves, keeping leashes short, and checking park information to minimize risks.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 2, 2026

Shorter strides can be an early warning sign of dementia in senior dogs, just as in people

A new study has found that changes in a senior dog's gait can be an early warning sign of dementia. The research tracked the stride length of 88 geriatric dogs over time, revealing a significant decrease in front leg stride length with worsening cognitive decline. This change was found to be more pronounced than age-related decline alone.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2026

Microbes frozen in ancient rubbish heaps help reconstruct ancient Greenlanders’ farms, seal hunts, and toilets

Researchers found well-preserved bacterial communities in ancient middens, including species from human feces and animal hosts. The study suggests that these communities provide a unique glimpse into the daily life of Paleo-Inuit and old Norse, including their farming, seal hunts, and toilets.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Cuddling cats might make us feel worse when under stress

Researchers found that interacting with pets during stressful moments does not reduce negative emotions and can even intensify them in cat owners. On the other hand, dog owners experienced improved emotional well-being when interacting with their dogs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

This is how we found ‘The Heaven Sword,’ East Asia’s tallest tree after years of looking

Researchers from Frontiers, a multidisciplinary team, spent years searching for the tallest tree in Taiwan after discovering an estimated 5,000 different species thrive on the island. They used LiDAR technology and citizen scientists to identify the 'Heaven Sword,' a 84.1-meter-tall Taiwania fir, as East Asia's tallest tree.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2026

‘We cannot ban our way out of a youth mental health crisis’: social media bans for teenagers lack evidence and pose risks, scientists say

A study found that no social media restriction experiments have included people under the age of 16, making it impossible to know how bans will affect young people. Bans may also backfire by invading privacy, hurting marginalized people, and forcing teens to circumvent the ban.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Developmental Psychology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 2026

North America and Europe could become hotspots for chikungunya virus due to climate change

Climate change is likely to spread chikungunya virus into temperate regions like northeastern North America, central Europe, and East Asia, with the Asian tiger mosquito playing a key role in transmission. Public health officials should prepare by tracking mosquitoes, training doctors, and strengthening control measures by 2040.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2026

Soil science: How AI could help scientists secure a vital global resource

A new study highlights the potential of AI tools in soil science, enabling researchers to better understand soil ecosystems and adapt to climate change. The system successfully generated hypotheses on how soils store carbon and what controls their storage limits, with outputs aligning with expert research.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2026

Handwriting speed among possible signs of cognitive decline in older people

A new study found that handwriting speed and stroke organization can be indicative of cognitive decline in older adults. The research used digital tools to record writing speed and number of strokes in complex tasks, and found that participants with cognitive impairment showed distinct patterns in their handwriting movements.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

More than a quarter of Guadalupe fur seals may be losing their fur

An observational study published in Frontiers in Marine Science revealed that Guadalupe fur seals are experiencing significant hair loss due to an alopecia syndrome. The study highlights the need for urgent action to address early mortality and human impact on these vulnerable marine mammals

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2026

DNA floating in seawater is now enough to let scientists monitor the health of America’s dolphin populations

Researchers can now estimate genetic diversity of dolphins using environmental DNA (eDNA) from seawater samples, providing insights into population size and vulnerability to environmental changes. The study's findings suggest that repeated eDNA sampling can be used to monitor the health of dolphin populations.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026

New tectonic plate boundary could be forming in Zambia, scientists say

Researchers analyze helium isotope readings from geothermal springs in Zambia's Kafue Rift to confirm the presence of a weakness in the Earth's crust that has broken through to reach the mantle. The discovery could have significant economic implications for geothermal energy and potentially influence the future shape of Africa.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2026

How jellyfish bycatch could be valuable collagen source for cosmetics and biotech

Research suggests that jellyfish bycatch can provide high-quality collagen without compromising quality. This circular bioeconomy solution offers new economic opportunities for small-scale fisheries while reducing waste. The collaboration with fishers revealed a willingness to participate in recycling jellyfish bycatch, but also highli...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeCase study·DateMay 11, 2026

Key magic mushroom ingredient makes fish less aggressive and lazier

A study found that psilocybin, a key magic mushroom ingredient, significantly reduces aggressive attack behavior and energetically costly social behaviors in mangrove rivulus fish. The compound selectively dampens escalated social conflict without suppressing lower-energy social display behaviors.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026

Space junk falls to Earth faster when sunspots peak, and this can help prevent collisions with satellites

Scientists have found that space debris loses altitude more quickly when the Sun is more active. This observation can help plan sustainable space operations and reduce the risk of collisions with satellites. The study used data from historic space junk objects launched in the 1960s to make this prediction.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 6, 2026

‘They weren’t burned by accident’: burned stone, child’s bones, and lost jewelry could reveal prehistoric mining camp high in the Pyrenees

Archaeologists uncover evidence of ancient copper smelting in a mountain cave, spanning over 2,000 years. Human remains and lost jewelry suggest the site may have been a burial ground, while fire played a deliberate role in processing the green mineral fragments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Archaeology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2026

‘The cause might be vibrating pipes rather than restless spirits’: increased stress and irritability from infrasound exposure may explain paranormal experiences

Researchers suggest that infrasound, a type of low-frequency sound undetectable by humans, may explain paranormal experiences. Exposure to infrasound has been shown to increase cortisol levels and irritability, even if participants are unaware they are listening to it.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Counting the silence: How years of data crunching led to female artists making up majority of Brit Award nominees

A decade-long analysis reveals a significant gap in solo female Irish artists reaching number one on charts, but data-driven intervention has led to a shift in Brit Awards nominations. The study highlights the impact of commercial mechanisms like airplay on public recognition and industry trends.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2026

Legged robot could accelerate resource prospecting on the Moon and the search for life on Mars

A semi-autonomous robotic explorer equipped with compact instruments can significantly speed up resource prospecting and the search for biosignatures on planetary surfaces. The robot successfully identified diverse rock types relevant to planetary exploration, including gypsum, carbonates, basalts, dunite, and anorthosite.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Space Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2026