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Experiencing negatively-perceived emotions might prompt people to withdraw from a social group - specifically, shame for individualistic societies, but anger for more collectivistic cultures

A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that experiencing shame leads to disidentification in individualistic societies, while anger triggers this effect in collectivistic cultures. The findings highlight the distinct emotional responses to social withdrawal in different cultural contexts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 6, 2023

Medical cannabis use in Australian patients with chronic health issues linked to significant improvements in overall health-related quality of life and fatigue levels

Medical cannabis use in Australian patients with chronic health issues is linked to significant improvements in overall health-related quality of life and fatigue levels. Patients also report clinically meaningful reductions in pain and moderate-severe anxiety and depression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateSep 6, 2023

First-time fathers seem to experience a steeper decline in relationship satisfaction in the first two years post-partum than second-time fathers

A study published in PLOS ONE found that first-time fathers face a steeper decline in relationship satisfaction following childbirth compared to second-time fathers. Second-time fathers experience an increase in relationship satisfaction within 14 months postpartum, returning to baseline levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 2023

Caloric restriction is known as a dietary intervention that can improve aging health, but this study shows that a dietary change from glucose to galactose, without restriction, can result in healthy aging in yeast

Researchers at PLOS discovered that a diet change from glucose to galactose can slow down aging in yeast, similar to the benefits of caloric restriction. The study found that this dietary shift maintains a youthful profile in ageing yeast cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 29, 2023

Common supplements might reduce natural hearing loss

Researchers found that phytosterols can reverse age-related hearing loss in mice by replenishing cholesterol in sensory cells. The study suggests that these plant-based compounds could be a convenient way to combat age-related hearing loss.

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

For children with fever, the proportion taken for treatment across Africa, Asia and Latin America has increased significantly in the last 30 years from 61% to 71%, but "significant gaps" in access to healthcare remain

The proportion of children with fever treated across Africa, Asia, and Latin America has risen significantly from 61% to 71% over the past 30 years. Despite this increase, significant gaps in access to healthcare persist.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateAug 23, 2023

Human activities appear to drive insect declines in Europe

A review of 82 studies found human activities influencing insect habitats, leading to declines in Central and Western Europe. Agricultural activities, urbanization, and climate change are identified as primary drivers of observed changes in insect populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 23, 2023

The scale of emissions inequality in U.S. society

A new study links US household income to greenhouse gas emissions, revealing that the top 1% of households generate 40% of total emissions. This income-based carbon tax could incentivize decarbonization and provide revenue for climate finance, addressing emissions inequality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2023

Children and adolescents of the 1959-61 Chinese famine: Survivors face increased risk of non-communicable diseases 50 years later, with those exposed in utero or under age 2 at double the risk

Researchers found that children and adolescents exposed to the 1959-61 Chinese famine in utero or under age 2 are at double the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. The study, published in PLOS Global Public Health, examined the long-term health effects of early exposure to famine on later life.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateAug 16, 2023

Attitudes toward minorities with dual social identities appear to be driven more by the positive influence of the shared identity than the potential negative influence of the unshared foreign identity

A new study found that exposure to groups with dual social identities improves intergroup attitudes, especially when individuals identify strongly with both parts of their identity. This suggests that embracing both identities can be beneficial for minorities in terms of intergroup relations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2023

People are more likely to return to parkrun if they are male, older, and faster runners, and if their event is smaller and near to freshwater and woodland, according to data from over 20,000 first time participants in Scotland

A study of over 20,000 first-time parkrun participants in Scotland found that returning runners were more likely to be male, older, and faster. The event's proximity to freshwater and woodland also played a significant role in retention rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateAug 16, 2023

Good dogs: owners of recently-adopted shelter dogs tend to report high satisfaction with their new pet despite also reporting increases in problem behavior over time

Despite increased problem behaviors like stranger aggression and training problems, shelter dog owners reported high satisfaction rates of 94% due to improved behavior over time. Owners also noted a decrease in separation-related behaviors as their dogs became more assured of return home.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2023

Study uncovers impact of 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic on infant health

A historical analysis of Bern Maternity Hospital data showed a notable surge in low birth weight and stillbirth rates coinciding with the 1918 'Spanish flu' pandemic. Researchers found that mothers exposed to the pandemic had a higher risk of stillbirth, highlighting the potential impact of pandemics on infant health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2023

Classic rock music can be recreated from recorded brain activity

Scientists successfully reconstructed recognizable versions of Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1' using nonlinear modeling to decode brain activity. The study identified a unique region in the Superior Temporal Gyrus (STG) responsible for rhythm perception, with electrodes from this region crucial for accurate reconstruct...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2023

Fossil poop infested with parasites from over 200 million years ago

A study published in PLOS ONE has discovered parasite eggs in a 200-million-year-old coprolite from Thailand, providing insight into the life of an ancient aquatic predator. The discovery is significant, as it is one of only a few known examples of nematode eggs preserved within the coprolites of Mesozoic animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2023

Type 2 diabetes is associated with hospital stays for a wide range of medical conditions but, in people diagnosed at a young age, mental health disorders are the biggest contributing factor

A Hong Kong study of 1.5 million people found that young-onset type 2 diabetes is associated with higher rates of hospital stays for mental health disorders. The study suggests that addressing mental health needs may be crucial in reducing hospitalization rates for young adults with type 2 diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 4, 2023