Researchers discovered a spatial map of numerical magnitude in the brain, allowing for the processing of integers and fractions within the same system. This organized system enables the brain to represent and compare different kinds of numbers, potentially improving mathematical decision-making.
Adults create more original and effective ideas, while preschoolers are more confident and enjoy creative activities more frequently. The study suggests that adults' low self-confidence and anxiety inhibit their creativity, whereas preschoolers' enthusiasm and motivation drive their creative pursuits.
A new study published in PLOS One found that forensic specialists can accurately identify individuals with just one or two facial features, with ears being the most useful feature. The experts adapted their strategy depending on the face in front of them, rather than applying one fixed rule.
A study published in PLOS One suggests that attachment anxiety and vulnerable narcissism are associated with problematic social media use. Adults with anxious or fearful attachment styles and high levels of vulnerable narcissism tend to experience higher levels of compulsive social media use.
A large US-based study found loneliness to be the strongest factor associated with depression among cancer survivors. The study analyzed data from 70,620 adult cancer survivors and found that those who reported feeling lonely had nearly three times the odds of reporting a lifetime diagnosis of depressive disorder.
Rüppell's vultures exhibit a complex, graded vocal repertoire likely driven by their highly social nature, which may impact conservation efforts. The species' critically endangered status raises concerns about the long-term survival of this unique avian behavior.
Alcohol use during pregnancy has decreased in Finland over the past 35 years, but remains a significant concern. Unaware drinkers, who consume alcohol before realizing they are pregnant, pose a particular risk to fetal health.
Global health experts warn that public health institutions must verify the accuracy of AI-generated content to ensure public health information is trustworthy. The authors argue that knowledge is a public good and that sifting truth from AI-generated content is now a core responsibility for public health institutions.
Researchers analyzed data from 461,682 adults and found no association between overall ultra-processed food intake and colorectal cancer incidence, but found associations with whole grains and dairy products, and a 2% lower incidence with replacing 10% of UPF intake with minimally processed foods
A study of 1,020 men and women from Chennai found that a poor-quality diet may exacerbate the genetic risk of high blood cholesterol levels in Asian Indian adults. Genetic predisposition to diabetes, stroke, and heart attack may be worsened by a diet lacking essential nutrients.
An observational study of 533 Indonesian students found that LLMs enable personalized learning, which may enhance creativity by boosting analyzing and creating abilities. The study used Bloom's taxonomy framework and peer interaction to elevate higher-order thinking skills.
Researchers analyzed Italian paintings to discover the thorny oyster's cultural and culinary importance, shedding light on its 'forgotten history'. The study combined historical texts and testimonies to uncover the oyster's significance in art, archives, and cultural knowledge.
A UK study of over 13,000 children found that those with higher childhood body fat levels were more likely to experience body dissatisfaction in adolescence. The study suggests that both boys and girls with higher BMI or fat mass index trajectories in childhood are at risk of body dissatisfaction.
A new study found that insomnia disrupts the body's ability to learn and remember that a threat is gone, leading to a reduced capacity to extinguish physiological threat responses. This is associated with a reduced safety memory and increased arousal during recall.
Researchers found significant variations in vocal tracts and articulatory differences among speakers, contributing to language diversification. The study's biocultural model proposes that individual variation in pronunciation feeds into language differences between groups.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that children whose mothers received opioid prescriptions during pregnancy have a higher rate of hospital admission in childhood. The study, which followed nearly 3 million South Korean children, found a 28% higher rate of hospital admission among those exposed prenatally to opioids.
Researchers analyzed ancient, modern, and contemporary bat samples to understand population dynamics and identify genetic differences between northern and southern populations. The study highlights the importance of preserving genetically diverse populations and informs conservation actions for the species.
A study analyzing over 150,000 feline stool samples found that 1 in 20 pet cats in North America may be infected with Giardia. Young, male, unneutered cats are particularly at risk, highlighting the need for preventive measures.
Neurotic individuals were more susceptible to mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic due to their heightened perception of risk. They also exhibited less exercise and increased alcohol consumption, further exacerbating their mental health struggles.
A study of 25 humans and 38 dogs found that sharing a bed did not significantly impact sleep duration or quality, with humans and dogs often becoming active around the same time. The results suggest that both humans and dogs may be disturbing each other's sleep, contradicting the common assumption that dogs are the primary disruptors.
Internal documents from the National Cattlemen's Association reveal a strategic communications operation to downplay the role of livestock in global warming. The association acknowledged the issue as early as 1989, but chose not to publicly disclose its impact.
Two linked studies provide effective recommendations for publishers, funders, institutions, and manufacturers to address the widespread failure to validate research antibodies. The studies estimate that millions of animal and human tissue samples have been wasted globally without adequate validation. The consensus reached by an interna...
A study by Javier I. Borráz-León and colleagues found that countries with more cats reported higher happiness, while those with higher Toxoplasma gondii prevalence reported lower happiness. The researchers suggest that economic factors, such as income and public health, may influence the relationship between cats and happiness.
A recent study found that simulated space radiation can lead to increased cardiac fibrosis, calcium dynamics, and immune function changes in rats. The researchers also discovered gene variants that may be linked to the damage
A new study found that certain parenting approaches, such as lower supervision and inconsistent discipline, are associated with a higher likelihood of children showing behavioral and emotional problems. High positive parenting with better supervision was linked to lower internalizing and externalizing behaviors in children.
A study of 556,474 US patients with OSA found the prevalence peaks at age 55, with frequent cardiovascular comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes. The study also identified age- and sex-stratified prevalence of OSA and stroke risk comorbidities.
Poverty in the EU declined between 2015 and 2023, but disparities persist among nations. The study highlights the need for sustainable policy responses to address poverty, material deprivation, and digital skills gaps.
A large international survey study of 64,472 participants found that impulsivity is strongly associated with increased substance use frequency among individuals with a history of sexual abuse. The study suggests that impulsivity may play a moderating role in the relationship between sexual abuse and substance use, varying by country, g...
Researchers found that high-intensity walking programs led to greater improvements in frailty status compared to casual pace walking in older adults. The study, published in PLOS, suggests that high-intensity walking may be an effective way to reverse frailty in older adults.
The OS10 programme aims to develop open science infrastructure in accordance with UNESCO's Recommendation on Open Science. The collaboration between National Science Library, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and PLOS will explore cooperation in sharing scientific research and open science resources.
A new study found that children of mothers with depression have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, regardless of antidepressant exposure. The study followed over 167,000 children and found a significant association between maternal depression and special educational needs in children.
A new study published in PLOS One finds that cats and dogs prefer kibble containing microbial proteins over standard animal-derived protein in a short-term preference test. The study involved 30 dogs and 30 cats, who were offered two bowls of food simultaneously for four consecutive meals over two days.
A Norwegian survey of 64,193 women found that those who had sex more than four times a week conceived faster than those who had sex less often. The study suggests that higher sexual frequency may be associated with increased fertility in planned natural pregnancies.
A large Norwegian study found that people born preterm are less physically active as teenagers and adults. The study, which measured physical activity using wearable sensors, suggests that preterm birth may be associated with reduced physical activity in young adulthood.
Simulations predict that historical carbon emissions from major fossil fuel producers will continue to contribute to global warming for many centuries. The study analyzed various future emissions scenarios, highlighting the long-term impact of past emissions on the environment.
Analysis of 20 years and 194 countries reveals epidemic disasters disproportionately affect health workforce equality in low- and middle-income countries. Global losses in human resources for health are estimated due to infectious disease epidemics, with significant impacts on healthcare systems.
A new study found that greater amounts of REM and deep sleep were associated with lower risks of dozens of diseases, while less than 5 hours of total sleep was linked to high risks of disease. The study analyzed data from 95,559 UK Biobank participants and identified significant associations between sleep patterns and incident diseases.
A study found that trends in 26 blood tests were associated with cancer risk in patients with unexplained weight loss. Researchers identified specific trends linked to lung and prostate cancers, suggesting that monitoring changes in routine blood test results could identify patients who would benefit from additional cancer testing.
Researchers have created a new method to read ancient scrolls damaged by the Mt. Vesuvius eruption, using AI and X-ray technology. By scanning for lead in the ink, they were able to virtually unroll and read some of the text on damaged scrolls.
Researchers identified 33% of rivers and streams rated above-average for resilience, concentrated in Pacific Coast, Northern Rocky Mountains, and Great Lakes areas. Conserving 35% of waterways could sustain biodiversity, but only 6% is currently protected and resilient.
A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that North Atlantic right whales spend an average of 11.4 hours per day feeding, with a significant portion of that time spent feeding at night near the surface. This behavior was previously unknown and may reduce the effectiveness of conservation protection measures.
A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that the ocean's depths, including the Mar Del Plata Submarine Canyon, have accumulated human trash, including plastic and fishing gear. The research found 29 identifiable manmade objects, including plastic bags and food wrappers, which were funneled into the canyon by currents and geography.
Researchers tracked language usage in books and news media, finding a recent surge in identity-first language usage, reversing a long-held trend towards person-first language. The study suggests changing attitudes towards autism and identity.
A study by Farai Nyabadza found that imprisoning petty offenders in South Africa can increase the risk of committing serious crimes. In contrast, community supervision reduces the risk of escalation to serious crime. The study highlights the need for evidence-based policies prioritizing non-custodial rehabilitation and prison reform.
A study of 8,620 US adults found that higher percentages of Republicans than Democrats justified violence to advance political objectives, with Strong Republicans more likely to anticipate being armed in a politically violent situation. Most Americans, however, reject political violence completely.
A study published in PLOS One found that Asian elephants can resist impulsive behavior and choose a more effective route to problem-solving, even when it requires adjusting a previously effective approach. This ability may be important for elephants' social interactions and cognition.
A study of 323 women found that thinspiration content increased self-objectification and worsened mood, while body-positive content boosted mood, despite still increasing self-objectification. Body-positive content strengthened positive mood effects in women with high self-objectification tendencies.
A recent study found that 3,000 scientific article titles have referenced Beatles song titles and lyrics, with the most frequently cited song titles appearing in Medicine, Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Economics. The study highlights the pervasive influence of popular culture on academic communication.
Researchers analyzed fossilized remains from Troodontid dinosaurs, revealing changes in hip and leg bones over time, shedding light on the species' development and potential health issues. The study's findings support the designation of a specific subset of fossils as the primary representative of Troodon formosus.
Researchers created a proof-of-concept wearable EEG headband with embroidered electrodes to monitor brain activity outside the lab. The headband offers comfortable and reliable EEG monitoring, paving the way for further development and potential applications.