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Frontiers


Viruses can transfer genes across the superkingdoms of life

New research reveals that viruses can transfer genes to organisms from different superkingdoms, including bacteria and complex organisms like plants and animals. This discovery suggests that viruses may have originated from primitive cells and could be a source of new genes for cellular organisms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateDec 18, 2017

The human race has peaked

A recent review suggests humans have biological limitations that cannot be exceeded, despite advances in nutrition, medicine and science. Environmental changes, including climate change, could lead to decreased physical abilities and life expectancy.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateDec 6, 2017

Mosquitoes more likely to transmit dengue virus in hot weather

New research published in Frontiers in Microbiology finds that higher temperatures and temperature fluctuations accelerate the growth of the dengue virus in mosquitoes, making them more infectious. This could help prevent outbreaks during warm periods by reducing mosquito numbers or controlling exposure.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateDec 1, 2017

A chicken-flavored electrolyte drink could help sniffer dogs stay hydrated

A new study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science has investigated three common hydration methods for sniffer dogs. The research found that dogs drink more and are more hydrated when given a chicken-flavored electrolyte drink compared to plain water or electrolyte injections, making it a safe and effective hydration alternative.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateNov 21, 2017

How challenges change the way you think

Research in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that challenging situations negatively impact the brain's ability to acquire spatial and sequential context. Participants performed poorly on tests after watching clips of positive, negative, and neutral situations.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 2017

Dental filling failure linked to smoking, drinking and genetics

A new study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that patients who drink alcohol or smoke are more likely to experience dental filling failure. Genetic differences were also discovered to be associated with increased filling failure rates, suggesting personalized treatments could lead to improved outcomes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017

Trends in kids' fitness not as bad as assumed

A study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics found that first-graders in one region of Germany have remained reasonably fit over the past decade. Aerobic fitness has declined only in boys, while speed and balance have improved in both sexes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateOct 31, 2017

Smoking may cause inflammatory bowel disease

A new study reveals that cigarette smoke triggers colitis, an inflammation of the colon, in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. The researchers identified CD4+ T cells and a pro-inflammatory protein as the immune cells responsible for this effect. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for Crohn's disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 31, 2017

Scientists pinpoint jealousy in the monogamous mind

A study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution found that jealousy leads to increased brain activity in areas associated with social pain and pair bonding in male coppery titi monkeys. The researchers also observed heightened activity in the lateral septum, a region involved in forming pair bonds in primates.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateOct 19, 2017

Women seen as younger when eyes, lips and eyebrows stand out

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that women's facial contrast, including eyes, lips, and eyebrows, decreases with age across different ethnic groups. Observers perceive women with increased facial contrast as younger, suggesting facial contrast is a cross-cultural cue to age perception.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 11, 2017

Albatross feces show diet of fishery discards

A new study uses DNA analysis of albatross feces to assess their diet and interactions with fisheries, revealing a high level of fishery involvement in some areas. This non-invasive technique provides a valuable tool for improving fisheries management and monitoring marine biodiversity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateOct 4, 2017

Healthy lifestyle linked to lower pain in MS sufferers

A study published in Frontiers in Neurology has found strong associations between healthy lifestyle factors and reduced pain levels in people with multiple sclerosis. Regular exercise was shown to increase pain threshold and tolerance, while a balanced diet and no smoking were also linked to lower pain levels.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateOct 2, 2017

Students know about learning strategies -- but don't use them

A survey of university students found that many know about common learning strategies, but fewer actually use them. The reasons include lack of time, ineffective application, and difficulty in seeing the benefits. To improve this, universities should provide more self-regulated learning training, including hands-on practice to learn ho...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 28, 2017

Modeling brain connections to understand Parkinson's disease

A computational study models the strength of basal ganglia connections between healthy and Parkinsonian brains, revealing a broad overlap in neural connection strengths. The research could lead to customized therapies specific to individual patterns of neural degeneration.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Computational Neuroscience·DateSep 27, 2017

No evidence of hidden hearing loss from common recreational noise

A recent study has found no evidence of auditory nerve injury or permanent hearing difficulties in young adults after attending a loud event. The research suggests that traditional hearing tests may not detect hidden hearing loss caused by recreational noise, highlighting the need for alternative testing methods.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateSep 26, 2017

Maternal diet could affect kids' brain reward circuitry

A study found that rats whose mothers ate a junk food diet during pregnancy had offspring that preferred fatty foods and showed altered brain reward circuitry into adulthood. A balanced diet in childhood seemed to reduce this preference, but did not eliminate it entirely.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·DateSep 25, 2017

Solving the Easter Island population puzzle

A new study reveals Easter Island's maximum population size could have reached 17,500 people, supported by the island's agricultural potential. The research, published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, aims to unravel the mystery of the giant statues and population crash.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 20, 2017

Tablets can teach kids to solve physical puzzles

Researchers found that children can learn how to solve a puzzle on a tablet computer and transfer this learning to the same problem in the physical world. The study contradicts most previous research and suggests different screen learning media have varying effects on skill transfer.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 20, 2017

Young binge drinkers show altered brain activity

Researchers found distinctive changes in brain activity of young binge-drinking college students, which may indicate early signs of brain damage. The study suggests that bingeing has tangible effects on the young brain, comparable with those seen in chronic alcoholics.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateSep 14, 2017

New hope for 'bubble baby disease'

Researchers have developed a new testing regime to diagnose severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) syndrome faster, enabling more infants to receive life-saving treatment within a critical timeframe. The regime uses a checklist of potential SCID markers, including family history, candidiasis, and low absolute lymphocyte counts.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 13, 2017

Preventing childhood deafness following chemotherapy treatment

Researchers have developed a novel technique to deliver steroids directly into the cochlea, reducing hearing loss caused by cisplatin treatment in mice by 50%. This breakthrough has potential applications for treating various types of hearing loss and could also be used to deliver other drugs and therapies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateSep 12, 2017

Scientists list 50 terms you may be confusing

A new paper defines 50 term pairs in psychology, including envy/jealousy and disease/illness, to improve psychological literacy. The list helps distinguish between related concepts, such as punishment vs. negative reinforcement, antisocial vs. asocial behavior.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Education·DateSep 11, 2017

New method for monitoring fetal heartbeat

Researchers have successfully isolated fetal heart sounds from background noise using a mathematical technique, allowing for potential non-invasive and low-cost fetal monitoring at home. This could inform doctors about fetal health and make pregnancy safer by enabling long-term monitoring between checkups.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateSep 11, 2017

Sometimes you shouldn't say sorry

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology reveals that saying sorry when making a social rejection can have the opposite effect of its intention. Researchers found that apologizing can increase feelings of hurt and create pressure to forgive before being ready. The study's findings challenge popular beliefs about apologies in so...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 7, 2017