A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that having a parent with type 1 diabetes may be linked to lower school performance in children. The research involved over 622,000 Danish children and suggested a negative association between parental type 1 diabetes and cognitive development.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that a poor diet is associated with a 30% increased risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of genetic risk factors. The study analyzed data from over 35,000 US adults and found that both genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to individual susceptibility to the disease.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that living near fast food restaurants increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The research, conducted in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, linked cross-sectional health data with environment mapping surveys to examine the associations between the density and proximity of healthy and unhea...
Researchers found a 1000-fold increase in skin microbiota and larger lesions after smallpox vaccination, but all groups had equal protection from re-infection. The study suggests that manipulating commensal skin microbiota might enhance the efficacy of intradermal vaccines.
A new study found that antidepressant use over two years does not significantly impact physical or mental health-related quality of life in individuals with depression. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the effects of non-pharmacological interventions.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals women make up approximately a quarter of first authors in The Lancet, JAMA, and NEJM. Despite some progress, no notable improvement was observed between 2002 and 2019, highlighting the persistence of a glass ceiling in academic medicine.
A survey of veterinarians in the US and Canada reveals a significant increase in cannabis poisoning cases among pets since Canada's 2018 legalization, with most cases treated successfully. The study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of cannabis on pets to inform veterinary efforts and policies.
A recent study found that native vegetation green roofs in New York City are more effective at managing stormwater runoff compared to conventional succulent-planted green roofs. The research used the Ranaqua green roof as a case study, which was constructed and monitored by the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation.
A new study found that opioid-related mortality rates in Ontario, Canada, have shifted downward to peak in the mid-30s among males and females. The study analyzed high-frequency data from 2003 to 2020 and hypothesizes that opioid-related mortality among younger adults will continue to grow.
Researchers explored Magdalenian engraved plaquette use at Montastruc (France) using experimental and digital techniques. The findings suggest that these ancient artworks were likely used to appear as if moving in the firelight.
A randomized controlled trial found that an online program improved health-related quality of life among adult stroke survivors by promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and reducing disability. The study showed significant benefits in personal care and daily activities for those who received access to the online program.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 19, 2022
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 108 studies found that people with severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, have twice the cardiovascular-related mortality rate as the general population. The association has grown stronger over recent decades, with a possible link to changes in antipsychotic use and smoking prevalence.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology explores the intersection of open science practices and biosecurity risks, proposing solutions to mitigate catastrophic misuse. The authors argue that controlling access to research materials and software is necessary to prevent the spread of risky information.
A new study published in PLOS ONE finds that high and very high cardiovascular risk are associated with depressive symptoms, especially in women. The researchers used data from a Mediterranean Diet trial and found that participants with higher cardiovascular risk had lower depressive status scores after following the diet.
A survey of over 2,500 dog owners found that nutritionally sound vegan diets were associated with better health outcomes for dogs compared to raw or conventional meat diets. The study controlled for various factors and suggested that a well-planned vegan diet may be the healthiest choice for canines.
A new study finds that asymmetrical family structures, such as single-father or single-mother households, are associated with higher delinquency rates among adolescents. In contrast, symmetrical arrangements like mother-stepfather families show lower rates of delinquent behavior.
Forewarning messages and annotations effectively raised study participants' awareness of potential bias in political news articles. The study found that visualizations can communicate bias, improving media bias awareness.
A study found that mothers in a 19th century Dutch village had low rates of breastfeeding, likely due to their busy work schedules and easy access to cow's milk. Researchers analyzed the remains of 277 individuals and found little evidence of breastfeeding, surprising given the community's cultural associations with breastfeeding.
A new survey study finds that COVID-19 may have amplified prejudicial attitudes towards ethno-racial minorities in the US workforce. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that workplace discrimination can exacerbate prejudice and have long-term impacts on minority groups.
A decade-long study of over 17,000 South Africans found a significant link between community disasters and depression onset. Vulnerable groups showed the greatest risk increase, underscoring the need for targeted support.
A global survey found that podcast listeners tend to be more open-minded and intellectually curious than non-listeners. The study aimed to understand motivations and outcomes of podcast listening, revealing positive effects on mental health and well-being.
A new analysis found that domestic dryers produce far more microfibers than washing, but using fabric conditioners and lint filters with smaller pore size can significantly reduce their release. The study suggests improving dryer design or switching to heat-pump condenser dryers as the best long-term solution.
A survey study found that one quarter of LGBTQI2+ people in Quebec have experienced attempts to change their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The likelihood of experiencing conversion efforts is higher among indigenous, intersex, transgender, non-binary, and asexual individuals.
A new study found a significant association between adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and intimate partner violence among women in informal settlements in Uganda. Women who remained adherent to measures were 3.87 times more likely to experience IPV, highlighting the need for integrated violence prevention strategies.
Researchers analyzed an abnormal trackway of six theropod dinosaur footprints in Spain, dating to around 129 million years ago. The tracks show evidence of an injured innermost toe and abnormal gait as the dinosaur compensated for its injury.
A study found that less than 5% of dog owners in the US are aware of and follow FDA guidelines for safe pet food and dish handling. The researchers suggest better education and implementation of these guidelines could reduce contamination and improve hygiene practices.
A proof-of-concept study demonstrates that machine learning technology can enable humans to see in the dark with full-color night vision. The research uses deep learning to enhance color perception in low-light conditions.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that short, specific video messages can effectively reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy even among skeptical individuals. The researchers used video-based interventions to nudge vaccination intentions and found significant reductions in hesitancy.
A recent study found that US trees generate a total of $114 billion annually in ecosystem services, with carbon storage and air quality regulation contributing 51% and 37% respectively. The most valuable tree species are pine and oak, but face growing threats from climate change and pests.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2022
A new study reveals that greater left-brain asymmetry is related to both better and average performance on reading ability tests, depending on the analysis method used. The findings support two opposing theories of language processing, suggesting a complex relationship between brain structure and speech sound processing.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that certain reproductive events, such as shorter estrogen exposure, may be associated with increased dementia risk in women. However, the association between the number of children and dementia risk was similar for women and men, suggesting social and behavioral factors may play a role.
Researchers analyzed Châtelperronian tools in the Iberian Peninsula, finding evidence of local Neandertal extinction and replacement even before Homo sapiens arrived. The tool complex suggests older Iberian Neandertals disappeared, replaced by new groups using Châtelperronian technology.
Researchers used terahertz time-domain spectroscopy to compare fossil and synthetic ambers. The technique detected differences in the materials' compositions, indicating potential detection methods for synthetic forgeries.
The study uncovers lost bioscapes with high floric and arthropod diversity coincident with 12th century Polynesian settlement in Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands. Archaeological excavations provide evidence of a rich ecosystem upon arrival.
A new study found associations between older adults' personality traits and their satisfaction with life, income, and leisure after exiting the workforce. Conscientiousness was linked to increased satisfaction with leisure time, while extraversion was associated with lower satisfaction in some cases.
Researchers found that VR users who experienced odor-enhanced environments showed increased sense of presence and physiological responses compared to those without scent. The study suggests a potential new approach to enhancing virtual reality experiences.
A recent Sri Lankan twin study reveals that genetic factors contribute to approximately one-third of the variation in depressive symptoms, while environmental influences account for around two-thirds. The study also found a strong association between depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that despite the functional importance of connections between far-reaching brain regions, the actual number of these connections is low. Researchers estimated 2.5 billion long-range axons in the cerebral cortex, but found that only a small percentage directly connected key functional areas.
Researchers discovered that mice infected with tuberculosis are resistant to developing COVID-19, suggesting a potential protective effect against the virus. The findings may explain why double infections of both diseases are rare in humans and contribute to the high rates of infection for each disease individually.
Researchers found that increasing availability of healthier options, such as low-fat chips and lower-calorie biscuits, led to significant changes in purchasing behaviors. Removing seasonal chocolates from prominent locations also attenuated the usual increase in confectionery sales.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found associations between consuming artificial sweeteners and increased cancer risk. The researchers analyzed data from 102,865 French adults and discovered higher risks for overall cancer, breast cancer, and obesity-related cancers.
A study of nearly 15,000 US nurses found that significant antibiotic use in midlife is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline later in life. The researchers suggest that this may be related to changes in the gut microbiome, which can impact brain function and overall health.
A recent study found that obese pregnant women are at a higher risk of experiencing stillbirth or neonatal death. The research revealed that over 60% of this increased risk is associated with deliveries occurring at an earlier gestational age, highlighting the importance of careful prenatal care and monitoring.
Studies comparing cultivated apples to their primary wild progenitor, Malus sieversii, found that modern apples are larger and less acidic. They also exhibit improved storage capabilities, suggesting a significant difference in phenotypic traits between the two species.
A survey of nearly 30,000 Korean high school students found a strong association between non-academic internet usage and mental health issues such as stress and suicidal ideation. Students who spent more time online reported better health, reduced stress, and fewer feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts.
A novel system to control protein aggregation in a model of Parkinson’s disease suggests that aggregation of alpha-synuclein plays a critical role in disrupting neuronal homeostasis and triggering neurodegeneration. Light treatment led to formation of Lewy body-like aggregates, neurodegeneration, and Parkinson-like motor deficits in mice.
A new report has provided the first scientific consensus on healthy daily light exposure to support sleep, alertness, and well-being. The recommendations aim to optimize lighting in workplaces, public buildings, and homes to promote healthier body rhythms and improve overall health.
A study analyzing data from 159 countries found that raising tobacco taxes is associated with a significant reduction in neonatal and infant mortality rates. The research suggests that implementing recommended WHO tobacco tax rates could lead to substantial decreases in these deaths, potentially saving up to 231,220 infant lives annually.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2022
A new study found that e-cigarette policies in US middle and high schools are not effective without staff training on implementing such policies. Staff who received training were more likely to recognize JUUL devices and intervene in student e-cigarette use, highlighting the need for additional support.
A study by Czech researchers reveals that faults in elite show-jumping horses are more likely to occur at jumps featuring both water and fences. The findings suggest a pattern of predictable errors, potentially informing training strategies for improved performance.