Researchers found that providing honeybees with prebiotics and probiotics helped them survive thermal stress. The study suggests these nutritional supplements can buffer the survival of bees and improve antioxidant enzyme activity.
The Trump administration's 2025 repeal of the US Roadless Rule could put 25 million Americans at risk due to loss of access to pristine watersheds. The study assesses the value of this rule for both human health and nature.
A study analyzing county-level data reveals broad geographic patterns and local factors influencing breastfeeding initiation in the US. Localized approaches addressing disparities in breastfeeding initiation are necessary to complement national policy efforts.
A German analysis explores how COVID-19 disrupted typical transmission patterns of respiratory diseases, leading to shifts in their seasonal surges. The study found that population-level loss of immunity after the pandemic caused a buildup of susceptible hosts, resulting in earlier peak weeks for these surges.
A study in PLOS One identified T. rex as the likely cause of some tooth marks on fossils from Cretaceous-era Wyoming, providing insights into animal behavior and ecosystem dynamics. The researchers developed a guide to interpret tooth traces on fossils, distinguishing between natural and bite-related marks.
A study analyzing 30,527 English dementia patients found hospital readmissions associated with multiple factors including sex, health conditions and post-discharge care. The research highlights the importance of monitoring and managing these risk factors to prevent hospital readmissions.
A new tool generates realistic monkey body animations, revealing an uncanny valley effect where macaques prefer less realistic avatars to highly realistic ones. The study provides the first evidence that non-human primates experience this phenomenon.
The proposed OMB rule change would fundamentally alter how federal research funding is allocated in the US, compromising research independence and restricting international collaboration. PLOS argues that costs linked to making research available should be assessed against public and economic value, rather than being unallowable.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani individuals are more likely to develop multimorbidity, a condition where people experience multiple chronic illnesses simultaneously. The research identified sociodemographic and genetic factors that increase the risk of developing these conditions,...
A new study found that physicians tend to trust incorrect AI advice and have trouble learning from patient recovery data that contradicts it. The researchers suggest that developing strategies to increase human critical thinking and detection of AI errors is crucial for maximizing the benefits of human-AI collaboration in healthcare.
A new study finds that higher education and income have varying health benefits across different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. For non-Hispanic Black participants, higher educational attainment was only associated with a 4% reduction in type 2 diabetes prevalence, while higher income was linked to increased obesity rates.
A recent study found that over half of NYC's free-roaming cats are infected with zoonotic parasites. Young male cats, in particular, act as 'super-shedders' of roundworm (Toxocara) eggs, posing public health risks.
Researchers analyzed DNA samples from foraging honeybees, hive workers, and their honey to understand plant-microbe interactions in honeybee ecology. The study found that these complementary sources provide distinct insights into the complex relationships between plants, microbes, and honeybees.
Researchers found that beavers are widespread in tidal wetlands and create deep pools of water at low tide, providing habitat for threatened species like Chinook salmon. The study expands the known habitat distribution of beavers and highlights their potential role as ecosystem engineers in estuaries.
The Indian government's plan to blend petrol with ethanol aims to reduce carbon emissions and oil imports, but may compromise on food security, water usage, and sustainable land use practices. The study highlights the need for a more balanced approach to biofuel policies that considers these trade-offs.
According to a new study published in PLOS One, people with a history of criminal legal involvement have higher odds of visiting an emergency department, particularly for substance use and mental health reasons. The authors conclude that CLI history should be recognized as a social determinant of health shaping patterns of ED use.
In California's human-dominated landscape, gray wolves predominantly feed on cattle, followed by mule deer and small mammals. This dietary composition suggests that coexisting with humans may be complex for wolf populations.
A genetic analysis of Peruvian cacao trees reveals four previously unidentified groups, showcasing unique regional 'signatures' and potential high-quality bean producers. The discovery provides valuable resources for conservation and the fine flavor chocolate market.
A new study found that children of mothers with congenital heart disease face a higher risk of developmental vulnerability, including physical health and emotional maturity issues. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, analyzed over 250,000 Canadian children born to mothers with heart defects.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that prolonged sedentary behavior is associated with a higher risk of cancer mortality and incidence. Replacing one hour of prolonged sedentary behavior with light physical activity can lower the risk of cancer death by 12%.
A study analyzed daily sleep records from Fitbit devices worn by 76 undergraduates to examine longitudinal sleep patterns. The researchers found that average sleep duration increased by 8 minutes from freshman to senior year, and students with higher grades slept longer on average.
A study published in PLOS One found that AI-generated impersonations of political debaters were rated as more authentic and relevant by the public than their actual responses. This raises concerns about the potential for targeted misinformation campaigns against specific public figures.
New analysis supports the brain lag hypothesis, suggesting that some primate lineages' brain sizes overshot expectations after catching up with body size. This finding implies that large-brained primates may have evolved to form complex social groups for protection.
A new study published in PLOS One found that slower maternal vocal responses at 12 months may predict later childhood behavior disorders such as ADHD. The study analyzed data from 158 mother-infant pairs and found associations between slow maternal responses and increased odds of psychiatric diagnoses by age seven.
New essay highlights policy priorities to safeguard urban forests, essential infrastructure for climate emergency resilience and equity. The authors emphasize the vital role of these ecosystems in promoting biodiversity and improving public health.
A Thai study found that shelter dogs in more crowded conditions tend to have disrupted gut microbiomes compared to those with more space. The research analyzed stress, metabolism, and fecal microbiota in dogs, providing insights into the impact of shelter conditions on animal health.
A study published in PLOS One has confirmed the utility of superworm larvae for cleaning museum specimens. The larvae efficiently remove flesh from skeletons without causing damage, making them an environmentally friendly and safer option than existing methods.
A modelling study across 193 countries found armed conflict is associated with a higher measles burden. The study also suggests that conflict has an indirect impact on the spread of measles through its effects on lower socioeconomic development and greater population displacement.
A recent study published in PLOS One analyzed DNA from 111 individuals across 19 archaeological sites in Sicily, revealing a complex demographic history. The results show that North African descent was present earlier than expected, and both Islamic and Christian burials had diverse ancestry patterns.
Researchers found that self-focused language increased in the US and Germany over five decades, but remained stable in Japan and Hong Kong. This suggests that cultural contexts influence changes in societal centrism.
A recent analysis of the Healthy Primary School of the Future program found that Dutch children performing better in math tests, thanks to healthier lunches and increased physical activity. The study suggests a positive correlation between these factors and academic success.
Researchers analyzed 44 years of killer whale data in Washington state, finding a decline in the presence of endangered fish-eating killer whales. In contrast, populations of Bigg's killer whales, which prey on seals and other whales, are becoming more abundant.
A Canadian study of over 13,500 older adults found that social networking sites were associated with poorer perceived mental health. Email use was positively correlated with mental health, while no significant associations were found for other digital communication tools.
Researchers propose 'nudges' could alter hurricane tracks, weaken freezes and reduce extreme rainfall through carefully-timed cloud seeding operations. The approach aims to complement conventional disaster management and encourage more favorable outcomes from potentially devastating weather events.
A global study found that a decline in societal acceptability of intimate partner violence against women is linked to faster reductions in such violence and improved human development. The research, published in PLOS Global Health, analyzed survey data from over 1 million women and men across 60 countries.
A study found that sleep deprivation leads to increased markers of brain cell connections, including synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A), in areas such as the hippocampus. This suggests that sleep plays a crucial role in restoring cellular balance and may be important for maintaining neural health.
A new study analyzing 86,000 Norwegian children found that the association between parental body mass index (BMI) and childhood BMI is largely explained by shared genetics. Genetic effects accounted for an estimated 79% of the statistical association between a mother's BMI and her child's BMI at age 8.
A study of nearly 1,000 TikTok videos found that sunscreen misinformation attracts disproportionate audience engagement, with critique-focused content generating more likes, shares, and comments than promotional videos. The analysis highlights the viral potential of contrarian content on TikTok.
A cohort study of over 1.8 million Canadian adults found that shorter prescription courses, single medication, and short-acting agents are associated with lower rates of long-term benzodiazepine use. This study provides valuable insights for informing prescribing practices to reduce reliance on these medications.
Research reveals genetic variations linked to obesity are more strongly associated with high BMI in younger generations, suggesting a stronger link between genetics and environment
A study assesses the quality and accuracy of Crohn's disease-related content on Instagram Reels, finding moderate overall quality with medical-advice videos containing significant misinformation. The research emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating social media health content to ensure accurate information is shared.
Youth who have contact with the US legal system may experience increased risk of mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hostility, and psychoticism. The study found that having two or more concurrent contacts with the legal system has a significant impact on long-term mental health outcomes.
Researchers discovered that insect-eating bats can help control pest populations affecting crops like grapevines and orchard fruits. By studying six horseshoe bat colonies in northern Spain, the study found these bats to be a valuable natural consumer of pests.
A recent study found that maternal exposure to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was associated with worse children's mental health outcomes, mediated by financial and social resource loss. The study highlights the indirect negative impact of disasters on families' wellbeing.
A survey of over 5,700 Chinese adolescents found significant associations between screen time, body weight, and mental health with sleep quality. Rural adolescents and girls fared worse overall, highlighting the need to address these factors to improve sleep.
New analysis reveals Shanghai and China's coastal waters are highly susceptible to sea level rise, exacerbated by local land subsidence, river water discharge, and shifting marine currents. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for adaptive measures to mitigate these impacts.
Researchers have developed a digital brain twin using multimodal data, providing anatomically accurate brain models that can be used in experimental and clinical settings. The models were reconstructed simultaneously with brain anatomy and dynamics from neural data.
The study aims to analyze the evidence on resistance training and aerobic exercise in improving quality of life and heart health for older adults. Conducted by members of The People's Review, it will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of these exercises in addressing age-related health concerns.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health reveals a significant regulatory inconsistency in the management of products associated with fatal self-harm, including firearms, pesticides, and alcohol. The authors argue that a more consistent approach is needed to prevent suicide by treating known harmful products as the problem, rathe...
Research suggests fish and shellfish harvests played a key role in the economic system of the Canary Islands. Archaeologists found specialized fishing tools, thousands of fish scales, and evidence of early food preservation techniques.