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Predicting the fate of shallow coastal ecosystems for the year 2100

A new study estimates that climate change and coastal land usage will result in significant shrinkage of coral habitats, tidal marshes, and mangroves. In contrast, macroalgal beds are expected to remain stable, while seagrass meadows may expand due to increased sunlight penetration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2023

Unearthing how a carnivorous fungus traps and digests worms

A new study examines how a carnivorous fungus senses, traps, and consumes a worm. The research reveals key biological processes involved in the predation process, including increased DNA replication and secretion of proteins that aid in trap development.

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

Most-cited scientists: Still mostly men, but the gender gap is closing

The gender gap among top-cited scientists is narrowing, with women now representing 32% of top-cited authors in certain fields, according to a study analyzing 5.8 million international scientific authors. However, significant disparities remain, and efforts to address promotion pathways for gifted female researchers are still needed.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 21, 2023

Women with breast cancer take sexual health into their own hands

A study published in PLOS ONE found that 35% of women with breast cancer used self-discovered or peer-recommended techniques to enhance their sexual function. These techniques fell into four main domains: pain reduction, intimacy and relationship enhancement, desire and arousal enhancement, and emotional coping.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateNov 15, 2023

Twitter analysis shows users in states affected by hurricanes discuss climate change up to 200 percent more frequently in the weeks immediately post-hurricane

A study analyzing Twitter posts and news articles found that people in states affected by hurricanes discussed climate change up to 200% more frequently after the storm. However, these discussions were often related to unreliable news sources that promoted conspiracy theories about global warming.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2023

Attention to Wikipedia articles covering events is skewed towards those in high-income countries, with political events and disasters receiving particular focus over cultural and sports events, per analysis of 17,490 articles

A study analyzing 17,490 Wikipedia articles found that articles about high-income countries receive more attention than those from low-income countries. Political events and disasters are disproportionately covered on Wikipedia compared to cultural and sports events.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2023

Obesity linked to neurodegeneration through insulin resistance

Researchers found that a high-sugar diet causes insulin resistance in the brain, reducing its ability to remove neuronal debris and increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This study provides insight into how obesity-inducing diets contribute to disease risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2023

Chimpanzees use high ground to gather information about rival groups

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that chimpanzees climb hills near territory borders to gather information about rival groups and reduce the risk of encounters. This behavior suggests complex cognitive abilities and tactical use of landscape features in conflict with neighbors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2023

Post-doctoral scientists are effective mentors for graduate students; this article discusses how failures to properly credit them for this role has negative consequence for everyone, and suggests possible solutions

Properly crediting post-doctoral scientists for their mentorship role is vital for the success of graduate students. The article highlights how neglecting to do so can have far-reaching negative effects on individuals and the scientific community.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 2, 2023

Giant dinosaur carcasses might have been important food sources for Jurassic predators

A recent simulation study suggests that giant dinosaur carcasses could have been a key food source for Jurassic predators like Allosaurus. The researchers found that scavenging large carrion was more profitable than hunting, indicating that carnivores in such ecosystems might have evolved specialized traits to exploit these resources.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2023

“Peace speech” in the media characterizes a country’s peaceful culture

A new study found that high-peace countries are characterized by an increased prevalence of words related to optimism for the future and fun, while low-peace countries feature more references to control and fear. The research used a machine learning model to identify these linguistic patterns in media articles from 18 countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2023

In Prehispanic Cancun, immigrants were treated just like Maya locals

A study analyzing ancient Cancun Island remains found that immigrants from the Maya lowlands were treated similarly to locals in terms of food and burial practices. The findings suggest whole families moved residence across Mesoamerica and integrated into new societies, challenging previous assumptions about foreign treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2023

New distractibility “d factor” may be linked with ADHD

Researchers identified a novel measure, the 'd factor', linking distractibility with ADHD symptoms and hyperfocus. The study found strong statistical links between external distraction, intrusive thoughts, and mind-wandering, suggesting a general distractibility trait.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2023

How eggs of the Zika-carrying mosquito survive desiccation

A new study reveals that mosquito eggs can tolerate extended desiccation by changing their metabolic pathway. By rewiring their polyamine and lipid metabolism, the eggs become more resistant to dehydration. This finding provides potential new ways to control the spread of Zika virus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2023

When family members of patients with colorectal cancer are invited to screening appointments themselves, just 1 in 3 go ahead with either fecal testing or colonoscopy, representing missed opportunities for early detection

A clinical trial in Spain found that only 1 in 3 family members of patients with colorectal cancer participate in screening, missing opportunities for early detection. The study used fecal testing and colonoscopy to screen first-degree relatives, but uptake was low.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 24, 2023