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Frontiers


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

‘Sometimes an adult should shut up and go away’: scientists reveal the qualities that kids need in play

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2026

Use of controversial weedkiller inadvertently selects for drug-resistant bacteria that can spread to hospitals

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2026

Researchers show dinos hatched eggs less efficiently than modern birds

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Modern twist on wildfire management methods found also to have a bonus feature that protects water supplies

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