A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals with higher cognitive ability were more likely to vote Remain in the 2016 Brexit referendum. Additionally, people whose spouses had higher cognitive ability were also more likely to cast their ballots for Remain.
A Nepalese survey found that 1 in 5 men who have sex with men reported attempting suicide, with over 40% experiencing suicidal ideation. The study also highlights the need for increased support and resources for MSM individuals in Nepal.
Researchers transplanted gut microbes from a naturally obesity-resistant shrew to high-fat-diet-induced obese mice, improving microbiome diversity. This approach resulted in decreased weight gain in the obese mice, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for human obesity.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals the earliest known fossil of the modern European common hippopotamus, dating back to the Middle Pleistocene period. The analysis of a fossil skull from Italy confirms the identity of the species and provides insights into its dispersal history.
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
A study of 300 US adults reveals that individuals experiencing perceived status threat exhibit increased age, conservatism, and paranoid tendencies. The research also associates these traits with a conspiracy mentality.
Commercially available NPBI-based air purifiers significantly reduced airborne virus infectivity, eliminating up to 99.98% of COVID-19, flu and RSV viruses in real-world concentrations.
Researchers analyzed bones from 52 sacrificed animals at the well-preserved site of Casas del Turuñuelo, revealing a pattern of repeated mass animal sacrifice in Iron Age Spain. The study sheds light on ritual protocols and intentional selection of adult horses over young animals.
In Canadian First Nations houses in remote northern communities, researchers found strikingly high levels of CO2, mold damage, and endotoxins. These findings could explain the high rates of respiratory illness in these areas.
A new study finds that the US Clean Air Act led to a 3.5% increase in lifetime earnings of $21,400 for the average US worker due to reduced airborne lead exposure. Improved air quality also resulted in increased employment and lower rates of disability and public assistance.
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.
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.
A tiered tax system incentivizes companies to reduce sugar content, leading to a significant reduction in sugar intake and medical costs. The study predicts that such a tax could prevent over 244,000 cases of type 2 diabetes and save €16.0 billion.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 21, 2023
A Swedish study tracked millions of adults for thirteen years, revealing new trends on how income affects healthcare use. People with the lowest incomes utilized primary and outpatient care similarly to those with the highest incomes, yet had significantly higher mortality rates.
Researchers analyzed FDA and patent records to find that manufacturers extended market exclusivity by filing additional patents after FDA approval and obtaining patents on delivery devices. This resulted in a median of 16 years of protection, surpassing other top-selling small-molecule drugs.
A new alvarezsaurid dinosaur from Mongolia has provided insights into the sleeping behavior of non-avian dinosaurs. The discovery suggests that these ancient creatures may have slept in a similar position to modern birds.
Researchers have discovered a series of bird footprints from the Early Cretaceous period in Victoria, Australia, indicating that diverse birds lived in southern polar environments during this time. The discovery provides new insights into the distribution and dispersal of early birds across landmasses.
A new study published in PLOS ONE provides detailed insights into the timing of events in ancient Gezer, a city known from Egyptian, Assyrian, and Biblical texts. The radiocarbon dates suggest that some proposed correlations between the archaeological record and ancient texts are plausible.
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.
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.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers predicts which regions will be colonized by non-native birds, mammals, and plants. The study found that suitable habitats, dispersal ability, and history of introduction are key predictors of spread.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 14, 2023
Researchers discovered narrow-spectrum Wnt signaling inhibitors can suppress breast cancer tumors and reduce chemo-resistant cells in mice. The treatment, derived from a bacterial toxin, targets specific receptors to minimize bone density side effects.
In cooperative bird societies, mothers lay larger eggs for more help with nestling care, allowing them to focus on prenatal investment. This strategy enables helpers to contribute indirectly, benefiting offspring development.
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.
A digital detox for a week had mixed effects on mood, with no increase in desires to use social media platforms. The study found that reducing social networking site use led to decreases in both positive and negative emotions in users.
A new analysis of European Red List species reveals that 19% are at risk of extinction, including a large proportion of invertebrates. Agricultural land-use change poses a significant threat to these species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to counter biodiversity loss.
A micro-longitudinal study found financial traders use caffeine and alcohol to regulate their sleep patterns. This self-medication approach balances the stimulating and sedating effects of these substances.
A new study analyzing lice genetic diversity found that head lice arrived in the Americas twice – once with early human migrants and again during European colonization. This discovery supports existing theories on human migration and provides insights into how lice have evolved alongside humans.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers analyzed data from the 2020-2021 NBA season to investigate how far-right views impact immigrant workplace performance. They found that immigrant players in regions with strong Trump support were more likely to make game errors, while native players in these areas performed better.
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
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
A new study reveals that sunflowers use different molecular pathways to initiate and maintain tracking movements, involving multiple light signaling pathways. The research also found that depletion of one or more light triggers has little effect on the sunflower's ability to track the sun.
Mammalian cells consume bacteriophages, killing bacteria and promoting cellular growth and survival. The study suggests that phage particles serve as a nutritionally enriched resource, triggering signaling pathway events that enhance cellular health.
A new study analyzes Twitter discussions on deepfakes related to the Russian invasion, highlighting negative reactions and positive sentiments towards deepfakes. The researchers found that some users' distrust in real videos increased after exposure to deepfakes.
Researchers developed smart glasses with an acoustic touch feature similar to human echolocation. The technology enables blind or low-visioned individuals to recognize and reach objects.
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.
Researchers investigated rooster mirror self-recognition, finding that their behavior indicates recognition despite failed traditional tests. The study's results provide new insights into the cognitive ecology of mirror self-recognition in birds.
The What3Words geocoding algorithm creates potential for confusing different nearby addresses, which could have serious implications in emergency situations. Simulation-based analysis highlights the need for improved spatial reasoning and algorithmic design to mitigate these risks.
A collected sample of 30 million Indian tweets revealed 2% containing misogynistic language, with rates rising during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used a taxonomy to classify online misogyny and measured its prevalence in India.
New research suggests that unilateral divorce laws could lead to improved women's welfare by reducing the time spent on household chores. This shift in responsibility could result in more time devoted to personal care and leisure activities.
A study published in PLOS ONE found correlations between climate change and human population trends in Central European regions. During warm periods, populations increased due to improved crops and economies, while during cold periods, populations decreased, leading to cultural shifts and potential social inequality.
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.
The discovery of ancient brittle star fossils in South Africa has revealed evidence of high-latitude life forms from the Paleozoic era. Fossil finds date back to over 410 million years ago, during the Pragian to earliest Emsian Baviaanskloof Formation.
Researchers discovered ancient shell beads stained with organic red pigment in an Israeli cave, dating back approximately 15,000 years. The findings represent the oldest known example of this type of coloration.
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.
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.
Researchers discover biological mechanisms by which Wolbachia bacteria boost fruit fly fertility, with implications for controlling disease-spreading mosquitoes. The study reveals that Wolbachia infection restores fertility in flies with defects, enabling them to produce more offspring.