Baleen whales face increased risk of boat injuries in densely inhabited regions due to vessel activity. The study analyzed changing whale distributions and reported incidents relative to vessel presence in the Northwest Atlantic.
A new study reveals that armed conflict significantly reduces girls' years of schooling by adolescence, with effects even at low-intensity conflict levels. Exposure to nearby conflict is linked to reduced female education, with bigger impacts at closer distances and ages 6 and 11.
A small preliminary study reveals that fearful dog microbiomes differ significantly from those of non-fearful dogs. These findings suggest a possible link between the gut and brain, potentially influencing fear behaviors.
Researchers studied red-teaming of LLMs, discovering 35 methods to evaluate their capabilities. The study provides insights into the limitations and potential vulnerabilities of these models.
A new study of 33 Marvel and DC films reveals that adverse childhood experiences (ACE) scores have no bearing on whether a character is a hero or villain. The research highlights the use of unconventional approaches to explore trauma and child development in popular media.
A study found that most microplastics in French bottled and tap water are smaller than 20 µm, fine enough to pass into the bloodstream and organs. The EU-recommended detection limit for water quality assessments is below this size range.
A quasi-experimental study found that three-quarters of Mariupol's medical facilities were damaged, suggesting intentional targeting. The US State Department and Yale School of Public Health funded the research.
Two non-retinoid compounds were identified that improve cell surface expression of rhodopsin in 36 genetic subtypes of retinitis pigmentosa and protect against retinal degeneration in mice with the disease. The treatment showed improved overall retina health and function, prolonging photoreceptor survival.
A restrictive episiotomy policy implemented in France has led to a decrease in episiotomy rates and anal sphincter injuries during labor. However, further research is necessary to determine the optimal rate of episiotomies and assess potential risks to specific subgroups.
Researchers studied rats navigating an L-shape track with a food-guarding robot. The rats created neurological maps of places to avoid after experiencing negative events and thought about these locations even after leaving the area. This finding provides insight into the neuroscience of common psychological conditions like anxiety.
Peter Hotez proposes a focus on local data, improved benefit-risk communications, and state-level action to counter US antivaccine sentiment. Childhood vaccinations are becoming increasingly politicized, with multiple preventable illnesses emerging, including whooping cough and measles.
A study published in PLOS Mental Health found that one-fourth of older US military veterans have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. The condition carries significant physical and mental health burdens, warranting further research and attention.
A study of Californian adults aged 19-89 found that growth mindset was associated with lower levels of depression and higher well-being. The research suggests that a growth mindset may help protect mental health during challenging times.
Researchers found Andean bears prefer to forage in dry season for young, tender bromeliad plants on east-facing slopes of puna grassland. They actively select specific food resources within the grasslands, indicating their nutritional importance, while avoiding areas with livestock.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that older adults in the U.K. are more likely to be repeatedly victimized by cybercrime, resulting in significant financial loss. This demographic is particularly vulnerable due to factors such as health conditions and social isolation.
A new study reveals that people tend to assign more blame to artificial intelligences perceived as having human-like minds. The researchers found that participants blamed the AI more than other parties involved in real-world moral transgressions, such as companies or governments.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that immersive VR exercise sessions resulted in more intense and enjoyable workouts compared to traditional screen-based exercises. The research suggests that virtual reality could be an efficient way to improve physical activity and overall well-being.
A 13,000-year history of vegetation and fire in Albany Pine Bush reveals pine-oak forest dominance with frequent fires. Pollen and charcoal samples indicate moister climates in recent millennia.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that individuals with and without obesity prefer high-calorie foods, regardless of their taste or texture. The researchers used a large group of healthy volunteers to compare food preferences among three groups: individuals with obesity, post-bariatric surgery patients, and non-obese controls.
A new study suggests that cesarean sections performed during labor are associated with an increased risk of recurrent preterm birth and mid-trimester loss in subsequent pregnancies. Cervical damage may be the underlying mechanism for these findings, highlighting a growing clinical concern.
A new study estimates that India will see over 62.4 million cases of tuberculosis in the next two decades, posing a significant burden on the country's health and economy. Scaling up existing treatment regimens could generate at least $28 billion in GDP gains, highlighting the need for increased investment in TB control measures.
A new single cell study found that seasonal and pandemic flu strains differentially impact the human immune system's interferon response. The study reveals divergent abilities of these strains to antagonize interferon induction and signaling.
US veterans reported an average happiness level of 5.41, with higher happiness tied to greater sense of purpose and lower depressive symptoms. The study also found strong associations between optimism, emotional stability, and resilience and increased happiness in veterans.
Researchers analyzed human remains from a settlement site in Kosenivka, Ukraine, providing insights into the lives of ancient people. The study found that meat made up less than 10% of their diets, with plant-based foods being the primary source of nutrition.
A new UK study analyzed data from three generations of adolescents and young adults to assess preconception health trends. The study found that while some unhealthy behaviors like smoking and soda consumption decreased over time, rates of overweight and obesity increased across the generations.
A German study found that facial tattoos received the least positive reception overall, even among tattoo artists. Younger people and those with body art were more tolerant of tattoos, while existing tattoos and expertise played a role in aesthetic appreciation.
PLOS has been awarded a $3.3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to transition towards APC-free publishing and promote open access options for authors without funding. The grant will also support improvements in funding metadata capture and peer review transparency.
A study found that more than half of laws and policies on healthcare workers' rights align with global standards. However, gaps persist in areas such as fair pay, occupational health and safety, mental health services, and non-discrimination protections.
A recent study found that frequent surface disinfection can significantly reduce the risk of norovirus infection in airports. Disinfecting public surfaces every two hours lowered the infection risk by 83%, while handwashing and mask-wearing had lesser effects.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that the fungal pathogen causing coffee wilt disease took up segments of DNA from a related species, F. oxysporum, contributing to successive outbreaks. This horizontal gene transfer event likely contributed to the repeated emergence of the disease on the African continent.
A study found that conflict-reducing practices in teaching evolution increased acceptance among college students. Emphasizing compatibility between evolution and religion was particularly effective for highly religious Christian students. The study suggests that instructors can play a key role in bridging the divide by adopting strateg...
Researchers observed 34 male African savannah elephants in Etosha National Park, identifying five types of behavior that were consistently different between individuals. Younger males were more similar in temperament than older males, suggesting that their unique personalities develop as they age.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that individuals with high credulity are more susceptible to fake news and vaccine hesitancy. Mistrust was also linked to conspiracy thinking and difficulty distinguishing between real and fake news, particularly in those exposed to childhood adversity.
A study found that individuals with higher emotional intelligence and secure attachment styles tend to use emojis more frequently, while those with avoidant attachment styles send fewer emojis. The study also revealed a gender gap in emoji use, with women using emojis more than men, particularly in interactions with friends and family.
A qualitative study reveals misokinesia can evoke strong negative emotions and strained relationships due to intolerance of others' fidgeting and repetitive body movements. The study found personal and social impacts on individuals with this condition.
Researchers simulated viral outbreaks to evaluate dispersal metrics from genomic sequences, finding that certain measures are less impacted by sampling size. The study reveals the relationship between viral spread and host animal dispersal capacity, as well as human interference factors.
Researchers identified five fungi species with toxic effects against the bacterium, which disrupts cellular levels of thiols essential for bacterial survival. The findings support a strategy for developing treatment-shortening drugs by targeting biological processes maintaining thiol levels.
Listening to natural soundscapes reduces self-reported stress and anxiety levels, while traffic sounds negate these benefits. The study suggests reducing traffic speed in urban areas can positively impact human health.
A comprehensive study reveals that global crop yields have continued to grow at roughly the same rate since the 1960s, offsetting any slowdown in specific crops or regions. The findings highlight the need for sustainable food production and affordability to address future food security challenges.
A small cohort study found that children raised on farms or with pets tend to have a lower risk of developing allergies due to the diversity of their gut microbiome. The study analyzed fecal samples from children and discovered more anaerobic commensals, which may contribute to this reduced allergy risk.
A cross-sectional study of 134 countries found that democratic systems and low corruption are associated with a higher number of physicians. The findings suggest that the quality of governance plays a significant role in shaping the global physician workforce.
North American Early Paleoindians utilized bones of canids, felids, and hares to create bone needles in modern-day Wyoming. This innovative technique potentially enabled the production of tailored fur garments, facilitating their dispersal into colder climates around 13,000 years ago.
A study of 49 million patients in England found that routine screening for cardiometabolic conditions like obesity and high blood pressure dropped sharply during the pandemic. Blood pressure measurements remained lower than pre-pandemic levels as of March 2024, particularly among lower socioeconomic groups.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that great apes and adult humans alternate attention between two subjects when observing an event, similar to human language's agent-patient relationship. This suggests that the way brains order events evolved before language.
Researchers found that short-term MHT did not cause long-term cognitive decline in women in early postmenopause. The KEEPS Continuation Study suggests that timing is crucial for the safety of MHT.
Global incidence of ischemic heart disease and stroke is shifting, with declines in some regions but increases in others. The study identifies eight key factors contributing to these disparities, including diet, high BMI, and household air pollution.
Researchers surveyed nine European neighborhoods and found that individual motivation to act against climate change outweighs the impact of hyperlocal collective intentions. However, both approaches are worth strengthening, according to the study.
A study of 1,264 case files found that adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation had high rates of mental health diagnoses and lower educational achievements. Childhood abuse, history of arrest, and age at entry were also associated with longer exploitation periods.
Historical records show manatee populations increased alongside human populations in the 1800s and 1900s. The study suggests that Florida manatees are more abundant today than any previous time in North American human history.
A scoping review reveals that forcibly displaced children and young people experience high rates of mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support their mental well-being.