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Repeated sexual failures cause social stress in fruit flies

Repeated sexual rejection in fruit flies causes social stress, leading to increased aggression and reduced resilience to starvation and toxic herbicide exposure. The response is mediated by the brain's neuropeptide F signaling system, which also plays a role in reward- and stress-responses in other organisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Norovirus outbreaks are detectable by wastewater monitoring earlier than by other surveillance methods depending on reporting practices, making this a potentially important public health tool

Researchers have discovered that wastewater monitoring can detect norovirus outbreaks earlier than traditional surveillance methods, depending on the level of reporting. This novel approach has significant implications for public health strategies, enabling authorities to respond more swiftly and effectively to emerging outbreaks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·DateJan 18, 2024

Climate change may reduce life expectancy by half a year, study suggests

A recent study suggests that climate change may reduce life expectancy by approximately six months, with women and people in developing nations disproportionately affected. The study used a composite climate change index to analyze the relationship between temperature, rainfall, and life expectancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2024

Social networks of sanctuary-living Grauer’s gorillas provide unique insights into the behavior of a critically endangered species and inform on their care and future release

Social network analysis of sanctuary-living Grauer's gorillas reveals adult females are central to the group's dynamics and most gregarious. This study provides unique insights into the behavior of a critically endangered species and informs on their care and future release strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 17, 2024

Sniffing women’s tears reduces aggressive behavior in men

New research reveals that exposing men to women's emotional tears can lower aggression and reduce revenge-seeking behavior. The study found that sniffing tears leads to reduced brain activity related to aggression, resulting in less aggressive behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

New type of antibody shows promise against multiple forms of flu virus

Researchers have identified a novel class of antibodies capable of neutralizing both certain H3 and H1 strains of the flu virus, with potential applications in developing more broadly protective flu vaccines. The findings could also contribute to reducing reliance on chicken egg-based manufacturing methods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Assisted reproductive technologies not associated with body mass index in children, except when using frozen embryos – according to new Danish study

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found no association between assisted reproductive technologies and body mass index in children, except when using frozen embryos. The study analyzed data from Denmark and other countries, providing insights into the health outcomes of children born through assisted reproductive technologies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 19, 2023

Single-celled protists in the guts of animals thrive without the ‘powerhouse of the cell’

A new study found that multiple members of the oxymonad lineage have lost their mitochondria, a crucial energy-producing organelle, approximately 100 million years ago. This discovery suggests that it's possible for eukaryotic organisms to thrive without mitochondria, paving the way for further research on their evolution and adaptations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

Vikings in Sweden suffered from tooth decay

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Vikings in Sweden had a high prevalence of tooth decay, with many exhibiting severe caries and other dental pathologies. The findings provide insights into the lives of these ancient Scandinavians and their attempts to treat dental issues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

Beef farming that keeps cattle on lifelong grass diets may have higher carbon footprint

A recent study found that beef operations with lifelong grass-based diets may produce a 42% higher carbon footprint when considering soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity costs. This is in contrast to grain-finished operations, which have been previously shown to have a lower environmental impact. The study's findings emphas...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

Light therapy may improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found significant improvements in sleep efficiency and psycho-behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Light therapy also alleviated depression and reduced patient agitation and caregiver burden.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 6, 2023

Women may struggle more than men in involuntary temporary employment, with 12.8% increases in mental health drug prescriptions for Danish women in this work for at least 18 months, but no such change for men

A study in Denmark found that women experience a significant increase in mental health medication use after involuntary temporary work, but men do not. The research suggests that women may struggle more with the emotional and psychological impacts of temporary employment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateNov 30, 2023

7 in 8 homicide victims in South Africa are male

In a study of almost 20,000 post-mortem investigations, researchers found that 7 in 8 homicide victims in South Africa were male. Homicide rates peak on weekends and holidays, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this epidemic.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateNov 22, 2023