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Should we be switching to silicone toothbrushes?

A new scoping review reveals silicone toothbrushes as a promising tool in global oral health, yet their effectiveness and environmental impact remain understudied. The study suggests that switching to silicone toothbrushes could be a viable alternative to traditional toothbrushes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateApr 22, 2026

98% of all recent environmental claims and commitments from the world’s largest meat and dairy companies can be categorized as “greenwashing”, or intentionally misleading

A recent study found that 98% of environmental claims made by the world's largest meat and dairy companies can be classified as greenwashing. The analysis of over 1,200 claims from 33 major companies revealed a lack of evidence supporting many promises.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2026

Yoga practice could reduce blood pressure in people with obesity

A recent study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that practicing yoga can significantly decrease blood pressure in individuals with overweight or obesity. The meta-analysis of 30 studies showed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure were lowered by an average of 4.35 mmHg and 2.06 mmHg, respectively.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 22, 2026

Temperature extremes and variability might be worst for the most vulnerable baby birds - the youngest, smallest, and most neglected nestlings - per study of 113 baby barn swallows in Colorado

A study of 113 baby barn swallows in Colorado found that temperature extremes and variability negatively impact the youngest, smallest, and most neglected nestlings. The research suggests that developmental constraints play a crucial role in determining the effects of temperature on nestling growth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateApr 22, 2026

The gut microbiome’s neuroactive potential is linked to cognition and depression in Chilean older adults, per analysis of 153 Chilean older adults with cognition concerns

A study of 153 Chilean older adults with cognitive concerns found a link between the gut microbiome's neuroactive potential and mental health status. The research suggests that alterations in the gut microbiome may contribute to depression and cognitive decline in this population.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateApr 15, 2026

Outpatient early methadone dose titration – as recommended in Canadian and US clinical guidance for individuals using fentanyl – is associated with improved treatment retention and lower risk of opioid toxicity, according to new retrospective cohort s

A retrospective cohort study found that outpatient early methadone dose titration is associated with improved treatment retention in individuals using fentanyl. This approach also lowers the risk of opioid toxicity, according to Canadian and US clinical guidance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 9, 2026

More than half of vets report that they likely see cases of animal abuse by falsification, analogous to Munchausen syndrome by proxy, in their practice, per small Dutch survey

A small Dutch survey found that more than half of veterinarians believe they will see cases of animal abuse by falsification, akin to Munchausen syndrome by proxy. This recognition is alarming and warrants further investigation into animal welfare practices among veterinary professionals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2026

Physical activity and appropriate sleep linked to subsequent lower dementia risk

A meta-analysis of millions of community-dwelling adults found that regular physical activity, less sedentary time, and appropriate nightly sleep (7-8 hours) were associated with a lower subsequent risk of dementia. Conversely, too little or too much sleep was linked to an increased risk, highlighting the importance of optimal sleep du...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 8, 2026

Sugary drink taxes may not be effective in fast-food settings

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that sugary drink taxes had no effect on beverage calorie purchases from Taco Bell locations with and without such taxes. The analysis of nearly 7 billion transactions suggests that these policies may not be effective in reducing sugar consumption in fast-food restaurants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2026

Walking is top leisure-time physical activity for US adults

A new study reveals that walking is the most popular leisure-time physical activity among US adults, but urban residents are more likely to meet exercise guidelines. Rural residents tend to prefer activities like gardening and hunting, with lower rates of inactivity and guideline adherence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 2026

Oyster reefs off the US Atlantic coast remove more nitrogen and provide greater economic value than previously estimated, and their restoration may be effective in maintaining water quality and improving marine ecosystems

Restored oyster reefs in the US Atlantic coast remove more nitrogen from the water than previously estimated. Additionally, their restoration provides greater economic value for coastal communities, supporting sustainable marine ecosystems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMar 25, 2026

Significant grade inflation may be occurring in graduate education

Analysis of 40,516 students across 75 master's and 78 doctoral programs reveals grade inflation in both fields, stronger in master's programs, and influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study's findings have implications for employment, admissions, and merit-based funding decisions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2026

Severe infections may raise dementia risk, study finds

A Finnish registry study found that severe infections, such as cystitis and bacterial disease, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. The study examined nationwide health registry data and identified 29 diseases linked to dementia risk, including mental disorders, Parkinson's disease, and alcohol-related mental disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2026

Vivid dreaming makes sleep feel deeper

Researchers found that immersive dreaming, even with wake-like brain activity, leads to a greater feeling of deep sleep. Vivid dreams are associated with subjective deeper sleep, while abstract thoughts are related to more shallow feelings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2026

Engineered bacteria deliver cancer drug directly inside tumors in mice

Researchers engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 bacteria to produce anticancer agent Romidepsin, which was released from the bacteria and effectively targeted cancer cells in mouse models. The study establishes a solid foundation for bacteria-assisted tumor-targeted therapy, paving the way for future advancements in cancer treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

High-fat diet drives gut bacteria into the brain in mice

A high-fat diet allows bacteria to move from the gut to the brain in mice, according to a new study. Researchers found that a small number of bacteria translocated to the brain, likely via the vagus nerve, and that these bacteria were also detected in mouse models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autism.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Power outages linked to more emergency hospital visits for older adults

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that power outages in the US are associated with increased emergency hospital visits for older adults, particularly for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study estimated that 4,246 additional hospitalizations occurred in 2018 among adults over 65 due to power outages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

Scholars propose transparency, credit and accountability as key principles in scientific authorship guidelines

A working group of scholars and experts proposes three principles - transparency, credit, and accountability - to form the foundation for responsible authorship. The principles aim to address issues of gift, ghost, and coercive authorship and promote a culture of transparency and accountability in scientific research.

SourcePLOS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2026

How time changes impact public sentiment in the U.S.

A study published in PLOS One found that individuals experience a more negative reaction to the time change from daylight saving time (DST) to standard time (ST) in the fall, compared to the transition from ST to DST in the spring. Social media sentiment analysis revealed a depressive impact in early fall.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2026

Reduced international donor funding associated with higher household economic burden of Tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries, according to modelling study

A modelling study suggests that reduced international donor funding increases the household economic burden of tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries. The research found that decreased funding leads to a significant rise in healthcare costs and lost productivity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 27, 2026

Digital clinical decision support algorithm substantially reduced antibiotic prescribing without compromising clinical recovery, according to non-randomized controlled trial in 32 Rwandan health centers

A digital clinical decision support algorithm substantially reduced antibiotic prescribing in pediatric outpatient care in Rwanda, according to a non-randomized controlled trial. The study found no compromise in clinical recovery, suggesting the algorithm's effectiveness in guiding appropriate treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

Risk of whale entanglement in fishing gear tied to size of cool-water habitat

Research finds that humpback whales face a higher risk of getting entangled in fishing equipment during years with lower availability of cool-water habitat. The Habitat Compression Index can predict ocean conditions up to a year in advance, suggesting its potential as an early warning system for fishery management decisions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2026