A new study finds that COVID-19 orphanhood is significantly higher in poorer countries due to pre-existing health and vaccine coverage inequity. The risk is driven by factors like poverty prevalence, lower GDP per capita, and non-communicable diseases.
A meta-analysis of 22 studies found that micro-breaks (10 minutes or less) reduce fatigue and increase vigor in employees. While longer breaks may improve performance on creative tasks, their effects are unclear for cognitively demanding tasks.
Research reveals that wildlife hunting motivations differ across Africa and Europe, shifting from economic to socio-cultural and recreational factors as socio-economic conditions increase. Hunting intensity is surprisingly constant, while densely populated areas experience increased conflict-related killings.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread disruptions in healthcare utilization, resulting in projected increases of 3.6% in child mortality and 1.5% in maternal mortality globally. In low- and lower-middle-income countries, the pandemic reversed years of progress in women's and children's health, causing thousands of preventable deaths.
A study of 3,192 participants found that both psychedelic drugs and near-death experiences can decrease fear of death and increase feelings of spirituality. However, those with non-drug near-death experiences reported a more meaningful experience overall.
Kelp forests, which sequester large amounts of atmospheric carbon, may struggle to trap it due to accelerating decomposition rates in warmer waters. A study found that sea temperature has a strong influence on decomposition rates, with kelp fragments degrading more slowly in cooler waters.
The study analyzed blood samples from bottlenose dolphins in the northern Gulf of Mexico, finding changes in gene expression related to immune response and oxidative stress. The results provide new insights into the health impacts of oil spills on marine life.
Researchers studied dietary patterns and offerings at a Roman necropolis, uncovering insights into Western Roman Empire's food culture. The study used anthropological and archaeozoological approaches to analyze ancient Roman cuisine and funerary practices.
In Northwestern Patagonia, Argentina, archaeologists uncovered the earliest known canoe burial of a young woman, dating back to pre-Hispanic times. The discovery is also the most southern example of this type in the Americas.
A new international study suggests that dog owners who spend more time exercising themselves tend to exercise their dogs more, leading to a perceived ideal body weight. The study found that feeding practices play a main role in owner perception of their dog being overweight, while exercise practices are crucial for an ideal weight.
Research found that sleep deprivation dampens activity in social cognition brain network and is associated with reduced altruism. A 10% drop in donation amounts was observed after losing an hour of sleep due to Daylight Saving Time.
A machine learning model developed by Canadian and Slovenian researchers accurately predicted fall risk in lower limb amputees, achieving up to 80% accuracy. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of smartphone-based fall detection systems.
A study of 3,637 Indian farmers found that COVID-19 disrupted agricultural labor and supply chains, but didn't lead to a significant increase in sustainable farming practices. Despite this, many farmers expressed interest in learning more about sustainable methods.
Researchers deployed video cameras on Navy dolphins to study their hunting behaviors in San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The footage revealed the dolphins' prey preferences, hunting strategies, and even encounters with a sea snake.
A recent study found that US animal shelters experienced a surge in dog and cat intake following climate-linked disasters. The influx of animals lasted for up to a year, highlighting the need for preparedness and resources for affected facilities.
A study of Y chromosome genomic analysis reveals evidence of a South American settlement pre-18,000 years ago. The findings also suggest a profound genomic impact during the Younger Dryas period.
A study by Hoi-Lam Jim and colleagues found that neither dogs nor wolves formed reputations of humans as generous or selfish after indirect or direct interactions. However, some animals showed preference for the generous human after combined experiences.
A recent study found that isolating horses can lead to stress-related immunomodulations, weakening their immune systems. The researchers discovered that single housing caused these changes, regardless of the group composition, highlighting the importance of social interaction for horse health.
Researchers discover alfalfa plants can enrich Martian soil with nutrients, allowing for plant growth. Meanwhile, marine cyanobacteria effectively remove excess salt from water, enabling the production of fresh water and a foundation for future food cultivation.
A new study published in PLOS ONE explores the relationship between preterm birth and educational attainment in U.K. children. The research found that children born before 32 weeks had higher rates of poor school attainment, but only those born very preterm remained at risk by the end of secondary school.
A new analysis suggests that Nutri-Score labeling can help consumers make healthier food decisions by countering misleading sugar claims. The study found that participants were more likely to perceive unhealthy foods as healthier when a Nutri-Score was absent, but the presence of this label reduced misconceptions.
A new study found that countries with greater universal health coverage had smaller declines in childhood immunization coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries with a high UHC index had an average childhood immunization coverage rate of 92.7% compared to 86.2% in those with lower UHC indices.
Researchers used multiple 'omics' techniques to evaluate spindle transfer, a new IVF option that avoids mitochondrial disease inheritance. The study found no significant differences in DNA copy number or RNA expression profiles between spindle transfer and control embryos.
A new standardized framework allows conservationists to evaluate positive impacts of non-native species on native biodiversity. EICAT+ provides a comprehensive understanding of non-native species' effects on native ecosystems, enabling informed conservation decisions.
A study comparing Ohio nature reserves and high-input agricultural lands found that nature reserves can store significantly more carbon. The researchers analyzed soil organic carbon storage, quality, and lability in these two types of land uses.
A study found that concurrent heat and drought events can have devastating effects on multiple sectors, including human health, energy, and agriculture. The research highlights the importance of considering compound extreme events in adaptation efforts to improve resilience.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that racial and ethnic minorities bore a disproportionate mental health burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. After controlling for various factors, Black participants were 1.16 times more likely to screen positive for depression, while Hispanic participants were 1.23 times more likely to do so.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that opioid prescriptions declined for US patients with both cancer and non-cancer pain between 2012 and 2019. The proportion of people receiving any opioid prescription dropped from 49.7% to 30.5% for non-cancer pain and from 86.0% to 78.7% for cancer pain.
A 50-year analysis of scholarly research papers found an overall increase in productivity, with environmental sciences and engineering leading growth. However, a worldwide gender gap persists, widening in some countries and narrowing in others.
Researchers discovered a relict group of singing insects produced pure-tone songs at low frequencies, enabling them to travel longer distances. This finding advances our understanding of ancient soundscapes and highlights the importance of bioacoustics in understanding insect behavior.
Western gorillas in zoos have developed a novel vocalization to get attention and food from their human caregivers. Researchers observed this unique behavior in response to food availability and interaction with zoo staff.
A massive analysis of over 10,000 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates revealed new genes associated with resistance to 13 antibiotics. The study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the genetic mechanisms of resistance and identifying diagnostic gaps.
A study found eight classes of health conditions common among pediatric obese patients, including respiratory and sleep disorders. The researchers used a pattern mining algorithm on electronic health records of 49,694 patients to identify clinically similar subtypes.
A computational modeling study explores the relationship between desire for more and happiness, finding a potential bias in our pursuit of pleasure. The research suggests that this bias can lead to unhappiness, highlighting the importance of balance and moderation.
A recent study published in PLOS Global Public Health found a correlation between perceived stress and hair cortisol concentration in Mexican and Icelandic women. The research suggests that cortisol levels, often associated with stress, can be detected in an individual's hair.
A new technique, Video Meeting Signals (VMS), uses simple physical gestures to enhance online group video meetings. Studies have shown that VMS improves personal experiences, learning outcomes, and team performance by serving a similar function as subtle face-to-face signals.
Research highlights the impact of historical development on US coastal zones' exposure to sea level rise and hurricanes. The study uses historical data to better understand how development contributes to increased vulnerability.
A study found that people who experienced separation from their partner felt less in-control initially but regained it over time. In contrast, those whose partners passed away saw an overall increase in sense of control, especially for younger individuals. Divorce had no impact on perceived control.
Researchers use correlative tomography to analyze and verify the authenticity of shrunken heads (tsantsas) in museum collections. The study reveals new insights into these mysterious artifacts, shedding light on their origins and cultural significance.
A new study found that people who were given the impression of control over music experienced greater pain relief. Those who actively engage with music in their daily life showed even greater benefits. Music complexity was not linked to pain relief, but feeling in control was key.
Research reveals that even brief exposure to stereotype-relevant stories influences children's implicit gender stereotypes about math being a male pursuit. This study counters the notion that such narratives have little impact on young minds.
Analysis of 2015-2018 data reveals that 23.3% of hospital admissions of detained immigrants in Louisiana and Texas relate to infectious diseases, while 16.6% arise through psychiatric illness. The study found a significant correlation between immigration detention and increased healthcare utilization.
Researchers found that ancestral SARS-CoV-2 replicates less efficiently in pediatric nasal epithelial cells, with a heightened antiviral response. This protection is not observed with the Omicron variant, highlighting the need for further study on emerging variants.
A US study found that health facilities in metropolitan areas with a high proportion of Black citizens were less likely to administer COVID-19 vaccines, indicating potential vaccine access barriers. The study suggests disparities in vaccine distribution across the country.
Researchers analyzed ancient proteins in high-status Viking graves to identify beaver fur, supporting the idea that it was a luxury item. The discovery suggests that wearing exotic fur was an obvious visual statement of affluence and social status during the Viking Age.
A new study explores relationships between domestic cats' hormone levels, gut microbiomes, and social behaviors in cohabitating groups. The research found that low testosterone and cortisol concentrations enabled cats to share space, while high oxytocin levels were associated with less affiliative behavior.
Recent US life expectancy increase does not correlate with better end-of-life health outcomes, research reveals. Disparities in disability at the end of life persist among black and less-educated women.
A new analysis of service dog-veteran pairs found that lower dog excitability and closer relationships between veterans and their dogs are associated with reduced PTSD symptoms. Better mental health outcomes were also linked to perceptions of easy care for the dog and more frequent interactions initiated by the veteran.
A synthetic control analysis of California's millionaire tax found that additional funding could improve mental health outcomes. The study suggests that investing in mental health programs may have prevented up to 5,500 suicides over a 14-year period.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the oldest domestic horse specimen from the Americas, revealing a genetic lineage linked to Southern Europe. The findings support the hypothesis that horses originated on the Iberian Peninsula and highlight the importance of ancient DNA in understanding cultural and historical processes.