A study of 2,044 older Japanese adults found that lower vitamin C levels were associated with lower gray matter volume and reduced connectivity within the default mode network. Optimal vitamin C levels may support cognitive function, but further research is needed to explore the biological mechanisms.
A new study found that states with restrictive abortion policies experienced slower growth in female medical school applicants compared to those with protective policies. The proportion of women enrolling in medical school increased nationally, but at a slower rate in Hostile/Not Protected states.
Researchers propose using inter situ collections to conserve exceptional plant species from the Amazon rainforest, offering a promising strategy for conservation. By transplanting plants to new environments, scientists aim to increase genetic diversity and promote resilience in threatened species.
The study found that participants in the 'Healthy Living' online program experienced moderate improvements in their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). The program was designed to support self-management of type 2 diabetes and showed promising results in England.
A study published in PLOS One reveals that early bovines, such as Parabos tigneresi, inhabited a humid environment and weighed up to half a ton 4 million years ago. The discovery of well-preserved fossils at the Camp de Ninots site has shed new light on the evolution of large-bodied buffalo and cattle.
A Taiwanese national cohort study analyzes the growth of children from birth to 12 years old conceived through infertility treatments. The results show that these children grow similarly to naturally conceived peers when accounting for twinning rates.
A study found that reading Japanese manga on paper improves comprehension, while also altering brain region activation patterns. The experiment revealed differences in brain activity when reading digital versus printed content.
A new study suggests that modern Japanese speakers are losing the literal meanings of traditional spousal terms shujin (husband) and kanai (wife), which historically reflected Japan's patriarchal roles. However, men still associate these terms more positively than neutral alternatives.
A new model predicts retinal degeneration in diabetics based on 71 plasma proteins. The Pro-DRN model can help doctors identify patients at risk earlier, potentially preventing neurodegeneration and vision loss.
A new study published in PLOS Digital Health identifies simple food substitutions that can improve meal nutritional quality and lower costs. By analyzing 135,491 meal records, researchers trained an AI model to suggest one to three ingredient swaps, resulting in a 10% improvement in nutritional quality and a 22-34% reduction in costs.
A study of 211 million supermarket transactions found that 26.7% of customers who bought menstrual products also purchased pain relief, a trend linked to income level. The analysis highlights the need for greater awareness and policy interventions to address menstrual pain disparities.
A new PLOS report proposes a 'knowledge stack' publishing model to better support open science. This model connects articles with associated outputs like data, code, and methods to create a structured, open record of research. The report highlights the need for coordinated action beyond publishing to address challenges in existing models.
A study involving almost 400 participants found that increased media visibility of women researchers can reduce gender gaps in self-efficacy beliefs among men graduate students. Additionally, it influences their perception of academic careers.
A study published in PLOS One analyzed microbial communities in well-preserved and degraded bones from medieval cemeteries in Norway. The researchers found distinct microbial communities associated with different levels of degradation, suggesting that microbes play a role in bone preservation and decay.
A recent study of over 3,000 Taiwanese students found that adolescents who received clear disclosure of social media sponsorships demonstrated improved advertising literacy. However, this improvement was tempered by a need for critical thinking to curb purchase intent among the young participants.
The new species Plumadraco bankoorum boasts the proportionally longest and best-preserved rachis-dominated feathers found to date. These feathers were likely used for displays, featuring flexible motions similar to modern bird displays.
A new study finds that adult children of World Trade Center responders with PTSD are experiencing intergenerational transmission of trauma and ongoing mental health issues more than two decades after the 9/11 attacks. The research highlights the lasting impact of trauma on families and communities affected by the disaster.
Researchers developed a novel virtual model simulating astronaut interactions and environmental factors during Moon base operations. Increasing crew size boosted skill levels and teamwork compatibility, while longer missions introduced psychological stress.
The study reveals a new species of bird, Plumadraco bankoorum, with exceptionally long tail feathers, estimated to be twice its body length. The findings suggest that males used these feathers in courtship displays, such as up-and-down bobbing or raised postures to show off their plumage.
A small study of 100 Italian college students reveals that discussing fake news in a group enhances its identification, thanks to collective critical thinking and social cues. The research suggests that shared discussions can improve fake news detection, making it easier for individuals to distinguish between true and false information.
Researchers found that cows stared longer at unfamiliar faces and could match a known handler's voice with their image. The animals' heart rates showed no emotional response to the faces or voices.
A survey of over 300 physicians found that one in four believed it was plausible to revive someone after preservation. Neurosurgeons were most optimistic about revival possibilities, while others showed skepticism. The study highlights the need for clear clinical and legal frameworks for preservation as an end-of-life option.
Researchers found significant erosion damage to graves in a 17th-century whaling site in Svalbard, with textiles nearly completely degraded over 30 years. The study reveals the physical cost of climate change on Arctic cultural heritage sites and the need for revised policies.
A UK-based National Honey Monitoring Scheme has collected data from over 3,500 beekeepers, revealing insights into environmental changes, invasive species, and pesticide risks. The study identified over 800 plant species used by honeybees, providing a valuable resource for monitoring pollinator activity.
Research finds Gentoo penguins in Argentina adjusting their breeding schedule to avoid extreme heat events, minimizing mortality. The study, published in PLOS One, reveals a positive adaptation to climate change.
A case study of captive belugas reveals evidence of mirror self-recognition, suggesting this behavior may be innate in the species. The findings support the idea that some cetaceans possess cognitive abilities similar to those of humans and other animals.
Researchers applied topological methods to distinguish between genuine and fake abstract artworks. They found that the structure of the compositions corresponds with how people perceive them. The study proposes an intuitive mathematical 'golden rule' for structuring art.
A large Israeli pregnancy registry study found no association between first-trimester nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and major congenital malformations. The study analyzed over 264,000 pregnancies and found no increased risk of birth defects, even at higher doses.
A study found that accelerated retinal aging is associated with lower bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures. The researchers developed a method to estimate biological age in the retina, which can predict incident osteoporosis.
Researchers used data from over 4,000 Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs to identify heritable traits that contribute to breathing disorders. The study suggests that improving respiratory health through selective breeding may help reduce the prevalence of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in these breeds.
Researchers analyzed hormones stored in Rice's whale baleen to understand its life story. The study found evidence of stress and reproductive patterns, shedding light on the species' critically endangered status.
A study published in PLOS One reveals that prehistoric Danes maintained fishing practices despite the introduction of agriculture around 4000 BCE. Fish remains from various eras show consistent evidence of sustained fishing activities.
A Neanderthal tooth from Chagyrskaya Cave in Russia shows evidence of intentional pulp removal and antemortem wear, suggesting the individual kept using the tooth while alive. The discovery provides the oldest known example of successful dental treatment, dating back over 60,000 years.
Nine leading AI models failed to perform well on routine administrative tasks, such as counting patients and filtering records. However, a tool-based approach combining LLMs with code-generation improved accuracy for most capable models.
A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that small samples of trafficked pangolin DNA can track illegal trade routes and hotspots, including southwest Cameroon, Myanmar, and Africa. The research highlights the interconnectedness of domestic and international markets, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to disrupt traffick...
Research on the 'Ndrangheta mafia network reveals that matrimonial ties between lesser-known clans play a vital role in maintaining the entire network's resilience. The analysis found that marriages between less influential families are significantly more critical to the network's cohesion.
Researchers used seafloor video and audio monitoring to capture rare phenomena in a Greenlandic glacial fjord, including fish swimming backwards and making sudden appearances of deep-sea dwellers. The study also revealed the presence of narwhals near the surface, providing new insights into the Arctic ecosystem.
Researchers tracked six NCAA Division I football players over a season and found that non-concussive head impacts correlated with changes to the gut microbiome. The study suggests that even sub-symptomatic head impacts might affect the gut microbiome, both in the immediate aftermath of injury and over a longer time course.
A high school teacher participated in a citizen science project to record migration data for Black Skimmers in the Eastern US. The study documents the farthest dispersal for breeding among this species, providing valuable insights into its movements.
A new study finds that interaction dynamics in online communities can amplify small imbalances, rapidly turning mixed-opinion communities into highly-polarized ones. Even without algorithms and homogeneity-seeking behaviors, initial polarizations can emerge unintentionally.
A survey of 32,419 adults across 18 countries found that people with poor mental health reported worse care quality and less confidence in the healthcare system. The study highlights a need for healthcare systems to rethink how they serve this growing population with more complex needs.
Researchers detected airborne virus, wastewater contamination, and asymptomatic cows on infected dairy farms, suggesting multiple modes of transmission. This finding highlights the need for mitigation strategies to reduce viral spread in herds and humans.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that only 43% of menu items at the UK's highest-grossing restaurant chains met all voluntary targets for sugar, salt, and calorie reduction. This suggests that stricter regulation may be needed to improve the nutritional quality of out-of-home food.
A study found that wild sulphur-crested cockatoos learn about novel food through social learning, with juveniles more likely to conform to the majority's preferences. The birds' dietary knowledge spread rapidly through their community, influenced by age groups and sex.
A new clinical trial reveals that a 10-minute daily supine exercise program enhances body balance and agility by linking trunk stability with lower extremity coordination. The study shows significant improvements within two weeks, highlighting the potential benefits of this simple yet effective exercise routine.
Researchers found placental contractions in 60% of healthy pregnancies, changing the shape of the placenta and lasting longer than uterine contractions. These findings lay groundwork for future studies on placental function and may lead to improved ways to identify potential pregnancy problems.
Two Thai fossils have yielded the first known examples of the braincase of the giant predator Siamraptor. These findings provide crucial insights into the cranial anatomy of Carcharodontosauria, a group of theropod dinosaurs.
Researchers found significant decreases in greenhouse gas emissions, fertilizer overuse, and cattle populations among English farmers. The study's findings highlight the importance of regular assessments of farming's environmental impacts to inform policy and management.
Researchers used eDNA to monitor human diets and track local wildlife in NYC's East River, revealing the presence of domesticated animals and seasonal fish populations. The study found correlations between wastewater eDNA levels and human dietary patterns, providing a valuable tool for urban estuary management.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that age at initial diagnosis, sex, and type of first cancer significantly affect the risk of developing a subsequent primary cancer. Older age and male sex were associated with a higher risk, while survivors of lung, bladder, and skin melanoma were also at increased risk.