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University of Cambridge students who undertook an 8 week mindfulness course were still reporting more frequent experiences of disembodiment and of unity a year later, in randomized controlled trial examining altered states of consciousness

University of Cambridge students who undertook an 8-week mindfulness course reported increased frequencies of disembodiment and unity up to a year after the program. The randomized controlled trial found long-term effects of mindfulness on altered states of consciousness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2024

Scientists use machine learning to predict diversity of tree species in forests

Researchers used machine learning to create highly detailed maps of individual trees, providing valuable information for conservation efforts and ecological projects. The algorithm achieved high accuracy in classifying common tree species, with strengths shown in areas with open space and lower species diversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 16, 2024

Machine learning models could enable earlier identification of at-risk children, aiding social workers and potentially improving outcomes, per Danish study of more than 100,000 children

A Danish study of over 100,000 children used machine learning to identify at-risk kids earlier, potentially improving child maltreatment detection and social worker decision-making. The findings suggest that predictive risk models could enhance outcomes for these vulnerable children.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 10, 2024

Holiday season already? Anticipation might make time seem to fly

Researchers found that people who enjoy holidays like Christmas or Ramadan are more likely to feel they come quicker, and those with better social lives also report a faster pace of time. The study suggests that our experience of time is influenced by both our attention to its passage and our plans for the future.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 10, 2024

Crowdfunding platforms may advantage female entrepreneurs, unlike traditional lending channels, with women's funding campaigns’ completion time being 20% shorter than those of men or couples across three Dutch platforms

Women's funding campaigns on Dutch platforms are 20% shorter in duration compared to men's and couples', according to a new study published in PLOS ONE. This suggests that crowdfunding may be a more favorable platform for female entrepreneurs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 10, 2024

Smoking behavior is linked to personality traits

Researchers found that smokers are more extraverted but less conscientious and agreeable than non-smokers. Cigar smokers tend to exhibit lower neuroticism and higher openness compared to other types of smokers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2024

Why do you keep your house so cold? Science says: Ask your parents

A study published in PLOS Climate found that childhood home temperatures and community connectedness can help predict how U.S. residents set their thermostats. The researchers surveyed 2,128 participants and found that those who grew up in cold-winter locales tend to dial up their thermostats higher than those raised in warmer homes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2024

How does the human brain switch between survival tasks?

Researchers found that patterns of neural activity in the hypothalamus predict performance in survival tasks, while associations with other brain regions were observed for hunting and escaping behaviors. The study provides new insights into how the human brain coordinates survival strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 27, 2024

The most obese children with dengue are more than twice as likely as others to be hospitalized with dengue, according to study of 4,782 10- to 18-year-olds in Sri Lanka

A study of 4,782 Sri Lankan children aged 10-18 with dengue found that obese individuals were more than twice as likely to be hospitalized due to the disease. The research highlights the potential consequences of rising childhood obesity rates on public health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 27, 2024

Updated radiocarbon dates for the Greek shipwreck Kyrenia

A revised radiocarbon calibration curve for the period between 433-250 BCE has been established, allowing for improved date estimates on Greek shipwrecks. The study confirms the Kyrenia Ship's final voyage around 280 BCE, slightly later than previous estimates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2024

Wild yeasts from Patagonia could yield new flavors of lagers

Researchers developed new lager yeasts by hybridizing brewer's yeast with Patagonian wild strains, which resulted in enhanced fermentation capacity and unique aroma profiles. The study provides a way to expand the range of currently available beer styles through wild yeast exploration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

The time it takes a person to decide can predict their preference

A recent study published in PLOS Biology reveals that people can infer hidden social preferences by observing how fast others make social decisions. By analyzing response times and options, participants were able to predict the other person's preference even if they didn't know what choices were made.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

Wild chimpanzees seek out medicinal plants to treat illness and injuries

Chimpanzees have been observed seeking out specific plants with medicinal properties to treat their ailments, and further pharmacological testing has confirmed the presence of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compounds. These findings highlight the importance of studying animal behavior in discovering new medicines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 20, 2024

Can LSD confer psychological strength and resilience?

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that lifetime LSD use is associated with a higher likelihood of severe psychological distress after losing one's job. The study analyzed data from over 15,000 adults and found that prior LSD use was linked to greater symptoms of psychological distress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJun 20, 2024

Some honeybees learn tasks better than others, and gene expression patterns in their brains may be associated with this difference in ability

A recent study reveals that some honeybees exhibit superior learning abilities compared to others, which may be attributed to distinct gene expression patterns in their brains. The research explores the behavioral and genetic underpinnings of individual differences in learning performance among Apis mellifera.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 2024

When the TV show Neighbours ended, surveyed fans experienced strong grief, loss, and sometimes a lack of closure - implying that strong "parasocial" relationships link TV viewers and favorite shows

Surveyed Neighbours fans exhibited intense emotional responses, including grief and loss, indicating a deep parasocial connection with the show. The study suggests that these strong relationships can lead to feelings of abandonment or uncertainty when the series concludes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 2024

Greek Island was home to Bronze Age purple dye workshop

A Bronze Age purple dye workshop has been found on the Greek island of Aegina, featuring tools, ceramics, and snail shells that reveal the production process. The site provides insights into Mycenaean culture and trade during the Late Bronze Age.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2024

Tiny new species of great ape lived in Germany 11 million years ago

A new species of great ape, Buronius manfredschmidi, has been identified from the Hammerschmiede fossil site in Bavaria, Germany. The species is estimated to have weighed around 10kg and had a distinct lifestyle from the larger-bodied Danuvius, allowing for cohabitation without resource competition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2024

Seeking social proximity improves flight routes among pigeons

A study by Dr. Edwin Dalmaijer found that pigeons' desire for social proximity leads to improved flight paths as younger birds learn from older ones. This generational improvement in route efficiency is similar to those seen in real-life data, suggesting a key role for social factors in navigation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2024

Fish in schools have an easier time swimming in rough waters

A recent study found that schooling fish expend up to 79% less energy while swimming in turbulent water compared to solitary fish. This suggests that traveling in schools allows fish to shield each other from disruptive water currents, making it easier to swim through rough waters.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2024

Pro-inflammatory diets are associated with higher levels of the heart failure biomarker NT-proBNP, with potential implications for cardiovascular risk, per study of more than 10,000 US adults

A study of over 10,000 US adults found a strong association between pro-inflammatory diets and elevated NT-proBNP levels, indicating potential increased cardiovascular risk. The research suggests that dietary inflammatory index may be an important factor in heart failure biomarker levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2024