A study of 3,000 Punjabi Sikhs identified new molecular pathways contributing to cardiovascular disease, including a link between lipid metabolites and immune cell signaling. These findings offer insights into diverse molecular origins of cardiometabolic disease and potential pathways for designing innovative therapies.
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.
A new study found that in-aisle displays can increase spatial crowding, leading to reduced sales and purchase-related behaviors. For cart users, this effect is stronger, with increased crowding and reduced control while shopping.
Researchers analyzed 505 ME/CFS memorial records, highlighting common themes of neglect, dismissal, and misdiagnosis. The study suggests that ME/CFS patients face widespread systemic, clinical, and social challenges, which contribute to their early deaths.
Researchers analyzed a Virginia colony of wild gray bats, finding they modify their echolocation calls based on the size of their flying group and environmental obstacles. The study reveals how these adjustments help the bats navigate safely during flight.
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.
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.
A new atlas reveals significant overlaps between Arctic oil and gas development and Indigenous Peoples' Lands, ecologically sensitive areas, and key Arctic species. The study highlights potential ecological disruption and social tension in heavily-exploited regions.
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.
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.
A recent study found that adolescents consuming more ultra-processed foods have significantly higher odds of being overweight or obese. The study, which analyzed data from 155,000 adolescents across multiple countries, suggests that public health strategies should prioritize reducing UPF consumption among adolescents.
A study analyzing VAR decisions across 1,520 English Premier League matches found that referees overturn their original calls 95% of the time after video review. However, these decisions were not statistically linked to factors such as crowd size, score, or quarter when the call was made.
A survey of Europeans reveals widespread ignorance about fungi as food, including misunderstanding of key terms like mycoprotein. Fungal-based foods face challenges in the EU market due to lack of knowledge and misconceptions.
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.
A Swedish study found that high prenatal PFAS exposure is associated with a higher incidence of asthma in childhood. The research used a register-based cohort of children born between 2006 and 2013 to assess the relationship between maternal exposure and asthma outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a new species of glassfrog in Ecuador named after Neisi Dajomes, the first Ecuadorian woman to win an Olympic gold medal. The Dajomes glassfrog has uniformly green skin with a pebbly texture and a white membrane covered in light-reflecting cells on its underside.
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.
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...
A new study found that male, married Canadians with social support, healthy habits, and excellent health are more likely to experience high levels of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Social support was a key factor associated with flourishing mental health among older adults.
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.
A survey study found that dog owners have difficulty recognizing subtle signs of pain in their pets. Only about half of owners correctly identified symptoms such as nighttime restlessness and clinginess as likely indicating pain.
A new study finds that over a quarter of countries won't reach the UN's 2030 child mortality target on time, with sub-Saharan Africa heavily burdened. The global rate stands at 36.72 deaths per 1,000 live births, projected to meet the target until 2035.
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.
A new study examines the lives of apex predators in the Himalayas, finding that snow leopards, leopards, and wolves coexist by choosing distinct prey sources. The research highlights the importance of niche partitioning in facilitating the coexistence of these species in a shared space.
Researchers found that a single general factor, called the 'Q-factor', captures how people rate their relationship across multiple facets. This means that many prominent self-report relationship measures may not be as empirically distinct as assumed.
Researchers observed female baboons' vaginal tract altering sperm survival based on male genetic makeup, with strongest responses to genetically similar males. The study suggests post-copulatory mate selection via vaginal immune responses and pH in the baboon species.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that consistently meeting physical activity guidelines throughout middle age reduces women's risk of dying from any cause by half. The study, which tracked over 11,000 Australian women, also found strong benefits for cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality.
Researchers find that nanoparticles from biodegradable plastics like PLA can cross the placenta and disrupt fetal growth in pregnant mice. This raises concerns about the health effects of these plastics on human fetuses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study of 2,000+ participants found nine specific gut microbe metabolites associated with coronary heart disease risk. The researchers call for further research into these molecules as potential novel treatments.
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.
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.
A 3D-printed robotic rattlesnake triggered an avoidance response in zoo animals, particularly those sharing distribution with rattlers. The study found that the multimodal display of rattlesnakes is an effective deterring signal that works best with sympatric species.
A study published in PLOS One found that humans can recognize and mimic emotional expressions of non-human primates, indicating a strong empathetic response. The researchers assessed facial expressions and emotional states of participants, revealing a strong connection between humans and non-human primates
Research analyzes news articles on childlessness, identifying themes that perpetuate stigma and structural imbalances, highlighting the need for media literacy initiatives and equitable health communication
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2026
A study analyzing US household data found that women's higher poverty rates reflect their differing circumstances, including higher childcare responsibilities and poorer health. Factors such as employment, education, and age also influenced poverty risk, but women saw fewer benefits from employment.
A new study found racial and ethnic disparities in fatal police shootings vary widely between states, with some states having much wider disparities than others. Firearm ownership rates did not explain the disparities, suggesting other factors may be at play.
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
A study published in PLOS found that LGB+ workers in the NHS do not experience pay gaps compared to their heterosexual colleagues. However, those who have disclosed their sexual identity tend to receive higher pay, while those who have not disclosed are at risk of a pay penalty.
A study of charred food in pots reveals that prehistoric Europeans consumed a wide variety of plants, including grasses, berries, and leaves, alongside fish and seafood. The findings emphasize the importance of plants in early European diets and suggest that ancient cuisines were more complex than previously thought.
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.
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
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.
A new analysis across 45 years suggests that the disparity in firearm homicide deaths between Black and White Americans has grown, with many thousands of Black lives lost. The study found that Black males faced an eight to nine times higher likelihood of firearm homicide death than White males from 1988 to 2010.
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.
A study predicts that climate change will shift suitable habitat for monarch butterflies southwards, disrupting their mass migration. The results show a decline in suitable habitat of between 8% and 40% by 2070, fracturing existing migrating routes.