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Frontiers


Gene editing and plant domestication essential to protect food supplies in a worsening climate, scientists say

Scientists emphasize the need for gene editing and plant domestication to protect food supplies due to the climate crisis. Researchers propose two strategies: introducing genes that support resistance to environmental stress into existing crops or domesticate wild plants with lower yields but higher resilience.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 5, 2024

Viking colonizers of Iceland and nearby Faroe Islands had very different origins, study finds

A recent study found that Viking colonizers of the Faroe Islands and Iceland came from different Scandinavian populations. The researchers analyzed genetic samples from 139 men and compared them to samples from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Ireland, revealing a 'founder effect' that persists in today's male populations.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Migrating birds have stowaway passengers: invasive ticks could spread novel diseases around the world

Climate change is enabling invasive tick species to establish themselves in new areas via migrating birds, potentially spreading novel tick-borne pathogens. The study found that some bird species carried more ticks than others, with certain bacteria types associated with specific tick species.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2024

Scientists create a world-first 3D cell model to help develop treatments for devastating lip injuries

Researchers successfully immortalized lip cells, enabling the development of clinically relevant lab-based models to test treatments for lip injuries and infections. The 3D cell model was tested with Candida albicans yeast, showing promising results for wound healing and infection studies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Giant rats could soon fight illegal wildlife trade by sniffing out elephant tusk and rhino horn

Researchers have trained African giant pouched rats to detect illegally trafficked wildlife species, including pangolin scales, elephant ivory, rhino horn, and African blackwood. The rats showed perfect retention scores after months of non-exposure, suggesting their cognitive performance resembles that of dogs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Different types of teenage friendships critical to wellbeing as we age, scientists find

Scientists studying teenage socializing found that teenaged friendships lay essential foundations for wellbeing in later life. Perceived social acceptance in early adolescence and close friendships in late adolescence predicted adult wellbeing, with lower levels of social anxiety and romantic insecurity. Timing is critical, as self-per...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Developmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 11, 2024

Understanding regional climate change is essential for guiding effective climate adaptation policy, study finds

A new synthesis of regional climate data highlights the need for climate adaptation policy based on the latest regional climate science. Emerging signals of climate change are expected to significantly alter monsoon intensity, leading to substantial societal impacts in tropical and subtropical regions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 1, 2024

Mysterious orca group near Chile tracked down, revealing newly discovered hunting skills

A team of scientists tracked a mysterious orca group in the Humboldt Current system off the coast of Chile, revealing new hunting skills and shedding light on southern hemisphere orca conservation. The research found that these orcas hunt dusky dolphins, a species they have never been recorded hunting before, and share food among the pod.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2024

Kids in families with too much screen time struggle with language skills

A recent study found that children in families with high screen use struggle with language skills, while videogames have the most significant detrimental impact. The research suggests that everyday face-to-face interactions with adults are crucial for early language development, and excessive screen time can disrupt this process.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Developmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 12, 2024

Microbes conquer the next extreme environment: Your microwave

A study found that microwaves contain a unique microbial community, comprising 747 different genera, which resembles those on solar panels and kitchen surfaces. The diversity of the microbiome varies between single-household kitchens, shared domestic spaces, and laboratory microwaves.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 8, 2024

'Screaming Woman' mummy may have died in agony 3,500 years ago

Researchers found the woman was embalmed with costly imported ingredients, contradicting traditional beliefs about mummification. The study also revealed she suffered from arthritis and had a unique facial expression that may be attributed to a cadaveric spasm caused by intense pain.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2024

Conflicting health advice from agencies drives confusion, study finds, but doctors remain most trusted

A new study in Frontiers in Medicine found that individuals who perceive conflict among experts about health recommendations have significantly lower trust in health information provided by government health agencies. Doctors were the most trusted source of information, with high trust reported by 95% of respondents.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 26, 2024