A new economic model suggests that extreme climates during the Middle Pleistocene era drove human brain evolution through assortative mating. The study found that colder climates favored individuals with larger brains, leading to an increase in intelligence.
A study published in PLOS ONE found a significant surge in bird feeding interest worldwide during the pandemic, with countries having higher bird diversity exhibiting more Google search activity. The researchers analyzed data from 115 countries and found an average increase of 511 bird species in countries with higher search interest.
A nationwide ecological study in Brazil found a significant decline in MMR vaccine coverage between 2006 and 2020, with approximately half of municipalities falling short of the 95% target. This decline may leave these areas vulnerable to future outbreaks.
A systematic review of 17 studies found associations between early childhood lead exposure and later arrests, including drug-related arrests. The review highlights the need for more individual-level data to strengthen understanding of this association.
A new study suggests that ancient pathogens trapped in melting permafrost could cause significant ecological damage, with up to 3% of invasive pathogens becoming dominant. The researchers found that these 'time-traveling' pathogens could lead to unpredictable results, including up to one-third of host species dying out.
A study found that pdm09 influenza A virus has crossed from humans to swine nearly 370 times since 2009, resulting in evolutionary changes and potential for zoonotic transmission. The analysis suggests managing human infection can help prevent pig-to-human transmission.
A soil nematode was reanimated from 46,000-year-old Siberian permafrost, shedding light on its ability to survive harsh conditions. The species, Panagrolaimus kolymaensis, shares molecular tools for survival with C. elegans.
Researchers analyzed photographs of honeybee and wasp nests containing over 22,000 cells. They found that both species used similar building techniques at the transition between small and large cells, including the construction of intermediate-sized hexagonal cells and pairs of pentagonal and heptagonal cells.
A recent study analyzing over 2 million UK dogs found that mixed-breed, Labrador retrievers, and Jack Russell terriers are the most common breeds. Meanwhile, flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs and pugs increased health risks, with predictions of a canine healthcare crisis in the UK.
A newly discovered turtle fossil from the Upper Jurassic period provides valuable information on the species' limb taphonomy and habitat ecology. The fossil, Solnhofia parsonsi, was found in Bavaria, Germany, offering a unique perspective on the ancient environment.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that children's ability to recognize dog emotions, especially aggression, improves with age. Four-year-olds were less able to recognize aggressive dog expressions than six-year-olds and adults. As children grow older and gain experience with dogs, they become better at reading canine facial expressions.
A new study finds that climate change poses a significant threat to all listed plant and lichen species, with only a minority of conservation plans taking direct action to address this issue. The researchers urge policymakers to use their findings to inform conservation planning and recovery efforts for these endangered species.
An observational study of college students found that young women are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like multitasking and conversation while descending stairs. This is compared to young men who were less likely to engage in these behaviors, suggesting that women may be more distracted while descending stairs.
Researchers found fungi can effectively degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic without wood present. In the absence of wood, fungal biodeterioration of LDPE increased, suggesting a potential natural method for plastic waste management.
Under warming temperatures, lizards may skip over potential mates to quickly choose a partner. Researchers found this behavior in a social lizard species due to environmental changes.
An analysis of English Twitter data reveals a 17-fold increase in daily FGM conversations on International Day of Zero Tolerance, suggesting opportunities for social media education. At least 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM, leading to short- and long-term health consequences.
A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that the inferolateral occipitotemporal cortex selectively encodes object shape in both sighted and early blind individuals. This finding suggests that the brain is organized as operators executing a function regardless of input senses.
The PLOS Biology special issue explores plant engineering to combat climate change, from ancient breeding techniques to genome engineering. The collection highlights strategies for enhancing climate-resilience in crops, including microbiome manipulation and synthetic biology.
A new analysis of Swedish birth records found that fathers' psychiatric diagnoses increase the risk of preterm birth, with risks higher for infants whose parents have both diagnoses. The study suggests that additional social support and prenatal care may help mitigate this risk.
A new study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks can reduce adverse perinatal outcomes for women from socioeconomically deprived areas. The analysis of over half a million births in England showed a small benefit from induction, with increased uptake associated with reduced inequities in pregnancy outcomes.
A study of 500,000 people in the UK Biobank found small but significant associations between systemic inflammation and later dementia risk. Elevated inflammatory biomarker levels were associated with increased risk of dementia diagnosis and poorer cognitive performance.
Researchers analyzed a 300,000-year-old double-pointed wooden throwing stick from Schöningen, Germany, shedding new light on the woodworking skills of Middle Pleistocene humans. The study suggests that the tool was used for throwing during hunts, providing valuable insights into human evolution and early technology.
A UK survey of rabbit owners found that 1 in 5 pets suffer from painful or debilitating ear disease. Lop-eared and older rabbits were most at risk, highlighting the need for better diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers developed a cost-effective method using LEGO robots to purify complex DNA structures. The technique, called rate-zonal centrifugation, utilizes the LEGO kit's gradient-mixing capabilities to separate and isolate individual components of the nanostructures.
A study found that women STEM instructors are more likely than men to disclose their own stigmatized identities to undergraduates, such as depression or low-income backgrounds. This may be due to a desire to act as positive role models in an often unwelcoming environment.
Research reveals non-native English speakers need up to twice as much time to read and write papers, with 2.5 times higher rejection rates for papers written in English. This disproportionately affects early career stage researchers from lower income countries.
A mathematical model of UK cat populations suggests that neutering of owned cats affects not only their own population but also those of feral, stray, and shelter subpopulations. The model shows that lower rates of neutering of female owned cats lead to population booms within the other subpopulations, especially for stray cats.
Researchers found osteochondrosis dissecans in fossil bones of Ice Age predators, with an incidence as high as 7% in shoulder and knee joints. The study suggests dwindling populations may have contributed to the disease's prevalence in these ancient species.
Ancient Polynesian canoe passages from Tahiti to Hawaii and New Zealand were simulated to estimate thermoregulatory energetic demands. The results show that specific body shapes and sizes contributed significantly to the voyagers' ability to withstand extreme temperatures, leading to their relative success in these long-distance journeys.
A new study analyzed data on women born between 1916 and 1975, revealing increases in primary involuntary childlessness and secondary infertility. Meanwhile, the success rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART) increased over time, with significant contributions to population growth.
A meta-analysis suggests that regular exercise can decrease symptoms of postpartum depression, with team-based exercise and dance interventions showing the most promise. The study analyzed data from multiple studies to reach this conclusion.
Researchers use portable devices to analyze paint composition and layering on ancient Egyptian paintings, revealing alterations made over time. Two paintings from the Theban Necropolis were studied, uncovering changes to a figure's arm and royal items depicted on a portrait of Ramesses II.
Research suggests that slow population declines may go undetected, leading to underestimation of species risk. The study also indicates that these early declines can precipitate exponential increases in extinction rates in declining or fragmented ecosystems.
A genome-wide screen in C. elegans reveals potential targets to delay motor aging, including VPS-34 inhibition. Partial inhibition improves neurotransmission and muscle integrity, ameliorating motor aging in worms and mice.
A meta-analysis reveals that birds generally have a net benefit on production for some crops by controlling pests. Non-lethal measures to deter birds are effective in reducing crop losses. The study found that around 10% of bird species consume crops, with 65% showing a positive effect on woody crop yield.
Researchers discovered that rats utilize their supra-orbital whiskers to sense airflow direction and alter their actions accordingly. The findings expand understanding of rat sensory capabilities.
A new study found that deepfake video clips prompted false memories of films in 49% of participants, comparable to text descriptions. Many participants reported remembering the fake remakes as better than originals, highlighting concerns over artistic integrity and shared social experiences.
Researchers found that highly conserved amino acids within MHC-II are crucial for bat influenza A virus infection. The study reveals a broad range of vertebrates, including humans, can be targeted by these viruses due to their ability to bind to MHC-II.
An epigenetic study of over 18,000 people in Scotland identified associations between certain DNA modifications and increased risks of breast cancer, type II diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The findings provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of these diseases.
A Danish population-based nonrandomized intervention study found that a catch-up HPV screening intervention improved cervical cancer prevention in women aged 65 and above. The study showed that these women were more likely to be diagnosed with cervical neoplasia after receiving the test.
A study of maize hybrid varieties over 81 years found that while maize's tolerance to moderate heat stress has improved, its tolerance to severe heat stress has decreased. This shift in tolerance could have significant implications for climate change's impact on agriculture.
UK schoolchildren aged 7-11 drew mammals and birds most commonly, with reptiles and amphibians appearing less frequently. The study suggests children's perceptions of local wildlife are skewed towards mammals and birds, hinting at a wider problem of nature disconnect.
A new study using mass spectrometry analyzed hand scent compounds from 60 individuals and achieved a 96.67% accuracy rate in predicting sex. The analysis can be used to uncover details about a potential perpetrator, such as age and racial or ethnic group, when other evidence is lacking.
A South African study found that interacting with children can promote a sense of belonging and purpose, reducing anxiety and depression in retirement home residents. The program, which includes activities like playing games and reading, also boosts mood and emotions.
A recent study suggests that Black Americans experience accelerated biological aging compared to White Americans, primarily due to lower socioeconomic status and exposure to air pollution. The findings highlight the significant impact of environmental factors on epigenetic aging disparities between racial groups.
A large US study of over half a million adults found that BMI was not significantly linked to increased all-cause mortality in most cases. The study suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between BMI and mortality risk, particularly among younger adults.
Researchers identified evidence of 39,000-year-old plant technology at Tabon Cave in the Philippines, revealing that prehistoric communities used fiber technology for textiles and cordages. This study pushes back the antiquity of fiber technology in Southeast Asia, highlighting the technological skill of prehistoric groups.
A new proof-of-concept Randomized Controlled Trial found tofacitinib effective and safe for Polymyalgia Rheumatica treatment, potentially avoiding steroid use. The study's results suggest a promising alternative treatment option for patients with this condition.
A new computer simulation suggests that domestic cats' noses function similarly to parallel coiled gas chromatographs, enabling efficient odor detection. This finding deepens understanding of how the evolution of convoluted channels enabled mammals' enhanced sense of smell.
A prospective study of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines found progressively declining immune functions in individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The study, published in PLOS Medicine, showed that CLL patients experienced reduced antibody responses to the vaccines.