Researchers observed a whale skeleton over 15 years and found that it supported a sulphophilic community on the seafloor. This community persisted for more than 20 years, demonstrating the long-term importance of whalefalls in deep-sea ecosystems.
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.
Leaffooted bug nymphs must play a 'game of roulette' to acquire bacterial symbionts needed for survival and growth within a limited time frame. The study found that delayed symbiont acquisition leads to reduced survivorship, adult weight, and increased development time.
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.
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...
Researchers explore how next-gen AI and sensor-rich operating rooms can enable more precise, data-driven, personalized surgery. Advances in multimodal data integration, machine learning, and robotic systems could enhance situational awareness and intraoperative decision-making.
A study by Frontiers analyzed three papermill detection tools on over 37,000 manuscript submissions, finding that the tools flag different proportions of manuscripts and have low manuscript-level overlap, highlighting a detection gap. The tools emphasize different types of signals, contributing to the divergence in flagging rates.
Experts warn that AI-enhanced surgical robotics could enable true personalized surgery and enhance surgical team performance. However, regulatory reforms are needed to address risks from adaptive systems and ensure patient benefits.
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.
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
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
A new study found that fur seals' heart rate peaks six to eight hours after returning to land, indicating a delayed recovery from the physiological costs of foraging at sea. This suggests that seals use their time onshore to actively recover and replenish oxygen stores.
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.
Researchers analyzed pollen trapped in Roman shipwreck coatings to identify plant taxa present during construction and repairs. The study found evidence of four to five distinct batches of coatings, suggesting the ship was patched up successively at different locations throughout the Adriatic Sea.
A global paradigm shift is needed to protect intact ecosystems and prioritize Nature Positive framework, integrating Indigenous knowledge and finance. The webinar series on May 28, 2026, will explore effective actions for people and nature, guided by the Three Conditions Framework.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics has found that preschool children born with heart defects are at a greater risk of developing behavioral problems, including ADHD and peer relationship issues. The study suggests that a cognitively stimulating home environment may help reduce this risk.
The Frontiers Planet Prize has announced its 25 National Champions, who offer scalable, evidence-based solutions to the planetary crisis. The report highlights the urgent need for national and multilateral policies to incorporate these pioneering scientific solutions.
Researchers discovered highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wildlife samples, including foxes and birds, indicating potential early warning system for AMR spread. The study highlights the need for environmental interventions to prevent resistance from reaching clinical settings.
The new guidance provides practical routes forward for AI use in every publishing role, promoting accountability, transparency, risk-awareness, and innovation. It introduces structured checkpoints and ready-to-use tools to make responsible AI use practical, not theoretical.
Almost 20% of gray whales that enter San Francisco Bay die there, with the majority dying from boat strikes or malnutrition. The area's busy waters and low visibility make it a hazardous location for these animals.
Research in mice suggests artificial sweeteners can affect gut microbiome and gene expression, potentially impacting metabolic health. The study found that offspring of mice fed sucralose or stevia had altered gene expression linked to inflammation and metabolism.
A new paper warns that halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 is urgent to avoid destabilizing the Earth's vital systems. The authors call for a unified 'Nature Positive' approach to global environmental goals and governance.
The Frontiers Research Foundation has endorsed the One Health Data Convergence Declaration of Intent, aiming to make existing and future research data interoperable and coherent. This declaration sets out a shared framework to unlock data for the benefit of One Sustainable Health for All.
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.
A new study found that older men are more likely to reach for saltshakers than women, who's behavior is influenced by factors such as diet quality and lifestyle. The research highlights the importance of reducing salt consumption, particularly in industrialized foods.
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.
Marie Soulière, Frontiers' Head of Editorial Ethics and Quality Assurance, has been elected as a Trustee of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). She brings expertise in rigorous editorial practices, integrity, and transparency to COPE.
Researchers surveyed schoolchildren about play and identified universal elements that contribute to 'good' play. High levels of accessibility and a sense of 'play feeling' were often present in enjoyable experiences, while factors like social inclusion, imagination, and transgression also played a role.
A study published in Frontiers found that young people with attachment anxiety and difficulties identifying emotions are more susceptible to short video addiction. Mental training, such as mindfulness and attention regulation, can help prevent this addiction by strengthening emotional awareness and cognitive regulation.
Scientists have found evidence that glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller, can select for drug-resistant bacteria that can thrive in agricultural areas and then spread to hospitals. The study revealed that bacterial strains from hospital infections with extreme drug resistance showed high resistance to glyphosate and its byproducts.
Rising temperatures of just 1°C drastically increase the likelihood of malformation in Neotropical lizards. Thermal stress caused by climate change disrupts normal development, leading to severe consequences.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Amphibian and Reptile Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2026
Removal of just 15 females from thresher shark populations annually could lead to population decline and even extinction. The study used stereo videography to monitor the population and found fragility in their behavior.
A recent study found that gypsum can support microbial life even in the most extreme environments. This discovery has significant implications for understanding potential biosignatures on Mars, which could help scientists identify signs of past or present life on the Red Planet.
A study found that sleep apps can have negative effects on people with insomnia symptoms, causing more worries and stress. While the apps helped some users, younger adults reported stronger effects, while older individuals responded less.
Frontiers, a leading open access publisher, has joined the LIBER sponsorship program as a Gold Sponsor to support European research libraries. This collaboration aims to promote open science, address the challenges of the publishing landscape, and better support researchers and research libraries.
A new study suggests that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability without significant public health benefits. The researchers propose using more flexible risk-based approaches to align food safety policies with sustainability goals.
A study by Frontiers in Science argues that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability, but not always translate to health risk. The researchers propose a more balanced approach that considers trade-offs between food safety, sustainability, and nutritional health.
Researchers in Taiwan studied oviraptor incubation patterns, finding that oviraptors used the sun's warmth to hatch eggs, unlike modern birds. This study sheds light on the evolution of avian-style incubation and reveals that oviraptors may not have been as efficient at hatching eggs as modern birds.
Scientists extracted thousands of years' worth of air pollution from a 9.5-meter ice core, recording medieval mining, fires, and volcanoes. However, global warming is destroying this frozen archive, and researchers warn that it's a race against time to capture critical climate information.
A new study found that AI-generated meal plans for teenagers often underestimate total energy and key nutrient intake, leading to potential health risks. The plans tend to overemphasize protein and fat, while underestimating carbohydrates, which may negatively affect growth and metabolic health.
Researchers investigated which characteristics of crystals made them fascinating to early humans, using experiments with chimpanzees. The chimps showed a strong attraction to transparent and crystalline properties, suggesting that this attraction may have deep evolutionary roots.
Forest thinning found to improve wildfire risk reduction and hydrological resilience, increasing snowpack depth by 30% on north-facing slopes. The treatment recovered about 12.3 acre-feet of snow-stored water per 100 acres, equivalent to roughly 15 Olympic swimming pools per square kilometer.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026
Scientists studied six pieces of amber preserving extinct insects, including ants, to understand their roles in past ecosystems. The study found ants interacting with mites and termites in three cases, suggesting symbiotic relationships.
Researchers found that perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) accelerate biological aging in middle-aged men, with effects being strongest in this age group due to lifestyle factors. PFAS pollution has been linked to human cancers, obesity, infertility, and hormonal imbalances.
A solitary bottlenose dolphin in the Venetian Lagoon is monitored by researchers who assess its remarkable adaptation to urban surroundings. The team highlights the need for human behavior management to ensure the dolphin's welfare, rather than focusing on wildlife protection measures.
Researchers explore how METs convert organic waste into electricity, fuels, fertilizers, and usable water. Pilot deployments demonstrate its potential to reclaim energy from 359 billion cubic meters of wastewater annually.
Emerging microbially-powered technologies can convert up to 35% of wastewater's chemical energy into electricity and extract valuable nutrients. This approach could power agriculture, global sanitation and its own treatment, while reducing pollution and overcoming regulatory obstacles.
A new study reveals the best- and worst-case scenarios for climate change in Antarctica, highlighting the urgent need to reduce emissions. Under high-emissions scenarios, Antarctica's ice shelves, glaciers, and iconic species could collapse, driving sea level rise and devastating ecosystems.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 20, 2026
Researchers found that brain synchrony between mothers and children is equally strong when playing in the native language or an acquired second language. This suggests that multilingualism can support healthy communication and learning without disrupting the brain-to-brain connection.
Researchers discovered a 5,000-year-old bacterial strain in an underground ice cave that shows resistance to multiple modern antibiotics. The Psychrobacter SC65A.3 strain has over 100 resistance-related genes and can inhibit the growth of several major antibiotic-resistant superbugs.