A set of genes promoting sweet taste sensation also regulate protein management in flies, according to a new study. The finding suggests a connection between taste-related genes and disorders of protein aggregation.
A recent PLOS Biology study examines the limitations of current anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer's disease, suggesting abnormal microglial function and tau tangles as key mechanisms. The authors review clinical trial results and propose new strategies for treating the disease, bringing hope for a cure.
Researchers developed a new scale to capture heterogeneity among violent extremists, revealing distinct archetype dimensions such as 'adventurer' and 'drifter'. The tool has been validated across diverse groups, providing insights into personality traits and behavioral profiles of extremist individuals.
Researchers found no statistically significant evidence that beliefs in conspiracy theories have increased over time, despite popular claims. The study suggests that some conspiracy theories are gaining popularity while others recede into history.
Researchers found that Zoom calls with individuals from opposing ideological backgrounds can lead to improved communication and softened attitudes. The study suggests that such interactions may inform and foster greater understanding.
Researchers found a significant association between COVID-19 infection in the third trimester and increased risk of preterm birth, with women infected after 34 weeks being seven times more likely to experience preterm birth. However, no difference was found in pregnancy loss between infected and non-infected women.
A new study found outliers in influenza-negative ILI cases in global surveillance networks 13.3 weeks before the first reported COVID-19 peaks in 16 countries. This suggests undetected spread of COVID-19 and highlights the importance of strengthening disease surveillance networks.
A new study found that COVID-19 patients are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in the months following infection. The risk of diabetes returns to baseline levels within 23 weeks, while cardiovascular disease risk decreases after 7 weeks.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that proactively avoiding associations can help prevent the repetitive looping of unwanted thoughts. Researchers found that most people use reactive control, which can strengthen unwanted thoughts, but also discovered that preemptive control can partially mitigate this effect.
A study of almost 21,000 people found that moderate drinking is associated with higher iron levels in the brain and poorer cognitive function. Iron accumulation is a potential mechanism for alcohol-related cognitive decline, which can lead to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
A study analyzing FIFA voting data from 2010-2016 suggests cultural similarity biases results. Captains were found to be more biased than coaches, while media people were the least biased.
A study analyzing U.K. residents' activities during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic found significant shifts in time spent on cultural activities, socializing, and traveling. Despite restrictions being lifted, many respondents continued to engage in online activities, highlighting the lasting impact of the pandemic on lifestyle changes.
An observational study found that Apgar scores less accurately predict mortality in certain racial groups, with Black infants facing a higher risk despite lower scores. The study analyzed data from over 6 million US-born infants.
A new study suggests that the relationship between siblings' educational outcomes is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The research found that individuals with older siblings are more likely to excel academically, highlighting the complex interplay between nature and nurture.
A study in Brazil found that performance-related bonuses for family healthcare workers can significantly enhance the quality of primary health care, particularly in more disadvantaged regions. The analysis showed a notable difference in outcomes between areas with and without bonus incentives.
A Polish study found that students without disabilities achieve the same academic results when attending classes with students who have disabilities, with implications for inclusive education. The research suggests that the type of inclusion does not affect academic achievement.
Researchers discovered microplastics in Palau's coral reefs, despite their pristine nature, raising concerns about the impact on marine life. The study highlights the pervasive presence of plastic pollution in even the most protected ecosystems.
A recent study of over 6,000 Germans found that women earn less than men overall, but the pay gap narrows in industries with higher proportions of male employees. The research reveals insights into the complex factors driving gender pay disparities.
Researchers discover that neurons directly contribute to Krabbe disease destruction through enzyme galactosylceramidase. This finding presents a new approach to developing therapies for the rare neurodegenerative disorder.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that IVF embryos often undergo genetic and metabolic changes that inhibit development. The researchers discovered that certain embryos enter a senescent-like state, but treating them with resveratrol can help overcome this arrest and promote further development.
A new machine learning-based AI tool has been developed to aid doctors in distinguishing between tropical diseases such as dengue and malaria. The tool has shown promising results in improving diagnosis accuracy.
A multidisciplinary study of Roman period wine jars reveals the use of native grapes for wine production and foreign pine for waterproofing tar pitch. The analysis provides insight into the cultural practices of ancient winemakers in coastal Italy.
A study of remote Papua New Guinea communities suggests that major chords and melodies do not universally elicit a happier response, contradicting long-held assumptions. The findings highlight the cultural variability in emotional responses to music.
A longitudinal study found that supervisors perceived as engaged leaders enhanced employee engagement via boosted personal psychological resources and team effectiveness. Engaged leaders also fostered a shared perception of available resources, leading to improved job performance.
Researchers analyzed 4,000 Facebook posts to understand how clickbait influences user engagement. They found that both headlines and text can 'bait' users into interacting with a post, with some techniques more successful than others.
A new study found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is associated with an increased risk of having a cluster of multiple chronic diseases, particularly cardio-metabolic and respiratory conditions. The analysis revealed four distinct multimorbidity clusters, with lower PM2.5 exposure linked to musculoskeletal conditions.
The BirdNET app uses AI to automatically identify bird species by sound, allowing users to contribute data without expertise. Since its launch in 2018, over 2.2 million people have contributed data, successfully replicating known patterns of song dialects and mapping bird migration across continents.
A new study reveals that over half of human populations worldwide have experienced sharp dips in population size due to founder events, associated with geographic isolation, hunter-gatherer lifestyle, or cultural practices. This analysis technique, ASCEND, will help identify groups at high risk of genetic diseases.
A WHO-guided digital health intervention reduced depression and mental health symptoms among Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The study suggests this intervention may also benefit other refugees with access to digital technology.
Researchers found that college towns experienced lower COVID-19 case rates when classes were held online or accompanied by regular on-campus testing. This suggests that implementing regular testing could help mitigate future community infections in these settings.
A retrospective study found over 40,000 Twitter users used pandemic misinformation hashtags in 220,000 tweets. By January 2021, a fifth of these accounts were suspended by Twitter.
A study published in PLOS ONE found an association between reduced estrogen and progesterone levels and increased risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in postmenopausal women. Low estrogen levels were linked to a 19% decreased odds of snoring, while low progesterone levels were associated with a 9% decrease.
A nationwide survey in Ghana found nearly half of adults held discriminatory attitudes towards COVID-19 survivors. This suggests a pressing need for targeted public education initiatives to address these biases.
Researchers found that people with higher grit scores showed different patterns of cognitive performance, characterized as cautious control, but not necessarily enhanced cognitive ability. Grit was linked to low impulsivity and high mindfulness, related to self-regulation.
In the 2020 US House of Representatives elections, Democrats supporting the Green New Deal saw a significant increase in their vote share. This study examined the electoral appeal of climate policies, specifically the Green New Deal, and found that it resonated with voters.
A decade-long analysis of hockey penalties reveals no evidence that in-game fighting reduces undesirable violence. The study challenges claims suggesting fighting serves as a deterrent, instead indicating it may contribute to more aggressive behavior.
A new PLOS study found that heterosexual couples who meet each other's love language preferences experience higher levels of relationship and sexual satisfaction. The study, which surveyed 100 couples over 6 months to 24 years, suggests that focusing on partners' love-language needs could be effective in relationship counseling.
Researchers found that using analytical language when describing weight loss goals led to greater weight loss success and lower dropout rates. Analytical language, such as focusing on what's important and why, was associated with more weight loss and less program attrition.
A recent study found 13 genetic variants associated with disease in cats, more common than previously thought. However, these variants are declining in frequency in breeds regularly screened for the markers.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive atlas of disease mortality, providing a resource to estimate reductions in life expectancy for various disorders. The study analyzed data from 7,378,598 people living in Denmark from 2000 to 2018 and generated a panel of epidemiological and mortality metrics.
A recent study found that while consumers in Finland express openness to shifting towards a plant-based diet, their purchasing trends reflect a strong preference for red meat. The researchers analyzed individualized purchase data of 29,437 customers and found that red & processed meat accounted for 63% of protein purchases, while plant...
A new study finds that the quality of dog-owner relationships is similar between Canadian-born dogs and internationally sourced dogs. Owners reported equal satisfaction, attachment, and problematic behaviors, suggesting owner attitudes play a greater role than dog characteristics.
A new analysis suggests that BP's reputation declined after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon accident, but its long-term stock market returns were not significantly affected. The study found no decline in the reputations or stock prices of other oil firms.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that dog-assisted interventions can significantly reduce stress levels in elementary school children, both with and without special needs. The research used salivary cortisol levels to track the effects of dog interactions on stress levels, revealing a decrease in cortisol levels after dog sessions.
A recent study of Polish teens reveals that even teachers trying to counteract gender stereotypes in the classroom can end up reinforcing them. The research observed 34 classes and found that teachers' responses to students' stereotypical behavior often perpetuated these same biases.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that physical activity can boost the body's immune response to influenza vaccination. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 individuals and concluded that regular exercise may provide better protection against the flu.
A study reveals that valproic acid induces cellular senescence in neuroepithelial cells, leading to developmental defects such as spina bifida, facial alterations, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The researchers found that a specific molecule, p19Arf, is responsible for this effect.
A study of North American settlers in the St. Lawrence Valley found that female marriage ages increased while male marriage ages decreased due to a male-skewed sex ratio. The findings suggest that this demographic imbalance had significant effects on union formation and population dynamics.
A new modeling study found that reducing excess prevalence of low birthweight, preterm birth, or small-for-gestational-age birth in low- and middle-income countries could lead to substantial long-term human capital gains. The study estimates potential gains of 20.3 million school years and $68.8 billion in lifetime income per birth coh...
A Swedish study found that male applicants with foreign-sounding names received significantly fewer callbacks than those with Swedish-sounding names. Applicants with Arabic/Muslim-sounding names faced the most significant barriers to securing rentals.