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.
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.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that the number of healthy years a person lives is increasing even for those with common chronic conditions. However, men and women with cognitive impairment experienced a decrease in disability-free life expectancy.
A new study by Clemson University researchers identifies a genetic variant linked to congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (CIM) in German shepherd dogs. The discovery enables the development of a genetic test with 75% accuracy, allowing breeders to reduce disease incidence while preserving genetic diversity.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that HIV-1 infections transmitted through penile-vaginal intercourse have lower T cell counts and are more virulent, suggesting greater selective pressure. The study analyzed data from over 340,000 infected individuals across 25 countries.
Researchers develop detailed canine gait analysis method to evaluate harnesses, providing a more accurate fit for dogs. The new method could lead to improved comfort and safety for dogs wearing harnesses.
Free-ranging dairy cows exhibit unique natural behaviors, taking more daily steps than penned cattle. A comparison study found penned cattle take half as many daily steps in modern cubicle housing without access to pasture.
A controlled trial found therapy dog visits significantly reduced pain, anxiety, and depression in ED patients. After just 10 minutes with a therapy dog, patients experienced notable reductions in these symptoms.
A new analysis reveals Caribbean coral reefs have warmed by 0.5 to 1°C in the past century, with projected further warming of 1.5°C by 2100. Marine heatwaves are also increasing in frequency and length, posing a significant threat to these ecosystems.
A new, touch-based device has been developed to ease anxiety in students by mechanically simulating breathing. The 'breathing' cushion was found to be equally effective at reducing anxiety as guided meditation in a study of 129 volunteers.
A 10-country analysis reveals significant gender disparities in daily activities, with women spending more time on domestic chores and men on paid work. The study found that cultural context affects the pattern of these disparities across different age groups and countries.
A new study found that music and auditory beat stimulation can significantly reduce state anxiety in people with moderate trait anxiety. The treatment was more effective than music alone or pink noise for reducing somatic anxiety, while music alone was more effective for reducing cognitive state anxiety.
A study published in PLOS Water found that office buildings with low-consumption plumbing may experience chemical and microbiological safety issues due to weekend stagnation. The research highlights the need for regular water testing in commercial buildings, even those designed as 'green' to reduce water consumption.
A meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials found that visualized personalized risk information can reduce smoking, improve diet and physical activity, and increase oral hygiene behaviors. This suggests that medical imaging technologies could be used to motivate behavior change and reduce disease risks.
A new study reveals that simultaneous measurement of dozens of types of fats in the blood can predict the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease years in advance. The researchers found that individuals with a certain lipid profile are at increased risk, while those with a different profile have lower risk. This d...
A study published in PLOS Biology reveals distinct brain regions associated with informational and normative social influence. The researchers found that the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) is active when people conform to information, while normative influence is linked to stronger connections between dACC and other social pro...
A study found that LGBTQA scientists who hide their identities publish significantly fewer peer-reviewed articles than those who disclose. This could indicate a performance disadvantage due to non-disclosure
A study found that spending time in green spaces was associated with better mental health among Denver residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers also examined perceptions of green space usage, abundance, and quality, which were linked to improved mental well-being.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that US journalists' tweets from the 2016 campaign trail employed more emotive and informal language compared to traditional news articles. This reliance on intuition and past anchoring biases suggests a cognitive bias in word choices.
In a cleft surgery NGO mission trip in Morocco, an all-female healthcare team empowered volunteers to seek further mentorship and to mentor others. The team's influence on female healthcare professionals was found to be significant, promoting a supportive environment for growth and development.
A new analysis reveals that socioeconomic status amplifies underlying differences in the spatial patterns of how men versus women travel within cities. Women tend to travel shorter distances than men, but socioeconomic factors play a bigger role in shaping their mobility patterns.
Researchers analyzed mollusk shells at 4,000-year-old shell ring villages in Georgia and found environmental changes drove the formation and abandonment of these coastal communities. Smaller oyster shells and lower salinity conditions suggested depletion in oyster stocks and unsustainable fishing practices.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals in England reduced their social contacts by up to 75% during the most restrictive lockdown periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. This reduction in contact was maintained throughout the year, with people only reaching 50% of pre-pandemic levels during less stringent policies.
Mutations in SARS-CoV-2's spike protein can resist neutralizing antibodies and therapeutics, highlighting the need for improved vaccines and treatments. The study mapped out these 'escape variants' to understand their molecular mechanisms.
A new study found that an anti-tumor drug, camptothecin, can activate a natural hunger-suppressing pathway in mice, leading to significant weight loss. The mechanism involves the elevation of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), which suppresses food intake and reduces body weight.
A new analysis has identified common demographic and life history traits among species at risk of extinction. The study found that these traits contribute to patterns of vulnerability, with some species exhibiting higher extinction risks due to factors like smaller population sizes and slower reproductive rates.
A new study found that neighborhood-level gun violence dynamics in Philadelphia during the COVID-19 pandemic were linked to changes in drug market and police activity. Average shooting rates increased after the pandemic began, but this increase occurred at different rates for different neighborhoods.
An analysis of over 11,000 older Japanese adults found that current dog owners were approximately half as likely to have a disability. Regular exercise among dog owners further reduced the risk. In contrast, cat ownership showed no association with increased or decreased disability risk.
Two-thirds of surveyed teens in Scotland reported visual or verbal harassment, while one-third experienced personally invasive behaviors in the past three months. Students often normalize behaviors, and effective interventions are needed to change attitudes and behaviors that persist into later life.
Two studies found a slight increase in the risk of intracranial thrombosis events following AstraZeneca vaccination. The risks were higher in people under 70 years old, with an estimated excess risk of 0.9–3 per million.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the uptake of childhood immunizations in Scotland. Researchers analyzed data from over 439,000 vaccine invitations and found higher immunization rates during lockdown periods compared to pre-pandemic years.
A new genetic study found evidence of South Asian genetic admixture in several mainland Southeast Asian populations influenced by Indian culture. The researchers also discovered close genetic links between languages from different families, supporting an earlier hypothesis about their common origin.
A new model estimates India's actual COVID-19 death toll could be as high as 3.2-3.7 million, surpassing other reported figures. This revised estimate aims to address the issue of underreporting and provides a more accurate representation of the pandemic's impact on India.
During the first 18 months of the pandemic, Great Britain's subjective wellbeing mirrored death rates, indicating a strong correlation. Lockdowns only had a short-term impact on depressed mood, with effects lasting only three weeks.
A new spinosaurid dinosaur from Portugal's early Cretaceous period had a distinctive crocodile-like skull and a spiny back. The species, which lived over 125 million years ago, may have been a wading fish-eater, adding to our understanding of spinosaurid evolution.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that untrained captive orangutans can complete two major steps in making and using stone tools: striking rocks together and cutting using sharp stones. This suggests that the use of stone tools may have existed in our last common ancestor with orangutans 13 million years ago.
A new study analyzed the clean energy discourse of four large oil and gas companies, finding that their business actions and investments do not align with their climate change pledges. Despite increased use of keywords like 'climate' and 'transition', the companies have made limited progress towards decarbonization.
A 'Science of Happiness' online course reduced students' anxiety and improved wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, contrary to expectations. The study, published in PLOS ONE, found that participating in the course had a positive impact on mental health.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on deprived areas in England and Wales, resulting in significantly higher excess years of life lost compared to affluent areas. The study found 11 times more excess deaths in 15-44 year olds in the most deprived areas.
A combined analysis of 149 studies reveals that treatment rates for major depressive disorder remain low worldwide, particularly in low and lower-middle income countries. Treatment rates are estimated to be 33% in high-income countries and just 8% in low and lower-middle income countries.
A new study found that almost half of all publicly available human microbiome samples come from the US, despite it representing only 4.3% of global population. This raises concerns about the applicability of future microbiome-based medical treatments to countries with limited resources.
A meta-analysis of 33 interventions targeting STI/HIV risk reduction found that including pleasure can improve knowledge and attitudes around sex, as well as condom use. The review suggests revisiting sexual education approaches that acknowledge the pleasurable aspects of human experience.
A new US-based study published in PLOS Biology found that most people who have had COVID-19 are protected against reinfection for at least six months. The research analyzed data from 4,441 SpaceX employees and estimated an odds ratio of 0.14 to 0.28 for reinfection depending on the time period considered.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics found that genetic legacy from the last glaciation influences reindeer's migratory behavior. Caribou with more northern ancestry were more likely to migrate longer distances, highlighting an evolutionary adaptation to harsh tundra environments.
A new study finds that certain COVID-19 variants can escape the human immune system's cytotoxic T cell response in a significant portion of the population. The researchers identified 1,222 epitopes associated with major HLA subtypes, covering about 90% of the human population.
A new study finds that immune cells clear away a key Alzheimer's disease protein on an oscillating daily cycle controlled by circadian rhythms. The discovery provides a potential mechanism linking Alzheimer's disease to disruptions in sleep cycles and may lead to the development of chronotherapeutics.
Experiencing nature scenes in Virtual Reality significantly lowers subjective stress levels among frontline healthcare workers. This innovative approach offers a potential coping mechanism for reducing psychological strain.
Researchers used Facebook data to measure cultural similarity between countries, finding associations between immigration patterns and people's food and drink interests. Countries with more immigrants showed higher cultural similarity between origin and destination countries.