A study of over 8,000 tropical flowers found that their blooming periods have shifted by an average of two days per decade, with some species flowering up to 17 days earlier or later than they used to. This change could have significant ecological impacts on pollinators and herbivores.
A survey of 1,998 US adolescents aged 10-19 found nearly 1 in 3 have diabetes or prediabetes. Waist-to-height ratio emerged as the strongest independent predictor of these conditions.
A study published in PLOS One found that fetuses who yawned more frequently during pregnancy had a lower birth weight, suggesting mild fetal distress. The research observed healthy fetuses between 23-31 weeks and recorded their yawning behavior using ultrasound.
An online experiment with 1,051 US adults suggests flagging potentially false cancer treatment claims on social media can help reduce the spread of misinformation. The study found that intervening and reducing sharing of false information on social media may have a positive impact on public health.
A new study from Ethiopia reveals that conservation agriculture methods like no-dig, crop-rotation, and mulching can significantly reduce water runoff and soil loss. These eco-friendly techniques have been shown to increase crop yields by as much as 122%.
A mathematical model suggests paths forward to stabilize peer review, as rising submissions imperil the process. The study identifies key factors contributing to the strain on peer reviewers.
A new study uses metabolic modeling to predict which probiotics will successfully establish themselves in a person's gut and how prebiotics affect short-chain fatty acid production. The findings demonstrate the utility of these models for personalized probiotic and prebiotic interventions.
A new study has identified the most affected dog breeds when it comes to breathing difficulties, revealing that certain characteristics like a flat face and overweighed physique are associated with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). The research found that Pekingese and Japanese Chin are at high risk, while others such ...
Researchers have developed a new method to map the location of honey bee 'dance floors,' where forager bees perform waggle dances. This method allows for accurate quantification and comparison of waggle dance regions, enabling better understanding of honey bee communication.
Researchers developed machine learning models that accurately forecast pollen counts for both grass and birch tree pollen, enabling early warning systems. This breakthrough could lead to more effective hayfever treatments by allowing individuals to take preventative measures before symptoms appear.
Researchers found that certain markers of high status boost attitudes towards women more than men, while low status markers worsen attitudes towards men. The study suggests that examining the intersectionality between class and gender is crucial for addressing social inequality.
A large cohort study found that air pollution exposure increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The study suggests that improving air quality could be an important way to prevent dementia and protect older adults.
African softshell turtles have less diverse diets compared to their ancient counterparts. Human activities such as agriculture and carrion consumption likely contribute to this change in foraging habits.
Research identifies four profiles of resilience that predict different psychological outcomes, including lower anxiety and depression. The study developed a new resilience model with proactive and reactive components, which are associated with better mental health outcomes.
Research suggests a significant increase in suicide hotline calls during periods of extreme heat. Temperatures above the hottest 99th percentile have been linked to a 168% rise in crisis calls, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Researchers suggest that seabirds were used to fertilize Peru's Chincha Valley as early as 1250 CE, potentially supporting the growth of a pre-Inca society. This ancient practice could have played a significant role in the region's agricultural development.
A one- and three-month antibiotic treatment regimens both had few adverse reactions and high rates of completion in preventing active tuberculosis, says a new study published in PLOS Medicine. The regimens were deemed successful and neither proved superior to the other.
Researchers used transcranial alternating current stimulation to synchronize frontal and parietal lobes, increasing participants' ability to make altruistic choices. This study provides new insights into the neural basis of social decisions and has implications for future research on cooperation.
Researchers found that newborns as young as 2 days old can anticipate rhythmic patterns, indicating an innate ability to recognize rhythm. However, they struggled to predict melodic changes, suggesting that melody may be learned through exposure.
A study published in PLOS Climate found that 41 US states are getting warmer, with regional variation likely to impact agriculture, public health, and climate action. Most states experience warming in specific parts of their temperature distribution, highlighting strong regional inequalities in climate change impacts.
A study by Dutch police dog handlers revealed that confident, persistent, and resilient dogs with no insecurities are most suited for professional deployment. The research aimed to explore the ideal characteristics of scent detection dogs for successful police work.
A new study found that people with neurotic personalities report having more frequent sexual fantasies. In contrast, those who are more conscientious or agreeable tend to have less frequent fantasizing. The study analyzed data from over 5,200 adults in the US and explored links between personality traits and sexual fantasies.
Researchers use advanced technology to pinpoint locations of elusive beaked whales diving to the seafloor off the Louisiana coast. The study reveals new insights into their behavior and detection range, shedding light on these mysterious creatures.
Research finds a correlation between dog behavioral traits and salivary hormone cortisol and neurotransmitter serotonin levels. Well-behaved dogs tend to have lower cortisol levels and higher serotonin levels, suggesting a link between canine temperament and physiological concentrations of hormones and neurotransmitters.
A new eDNA-based method has been developed to detect vulnerable Amazonian manatees in the remote western Amazon. The study reveals that these freshwater mammals are most commonly found in areas with low human activity.
A recent study by PLOS reveals that large increases in PM2.5 exposure from wildfires have overshadowed gains made in reducing air pollution disparities in traditional sources, particularly among California's racial groups.
The vaginal microbiota is influenced by competition for specific nutritional resources, affecting health outcomes. A resource-based model identified key ecological mechanisms underlying microbiota composition and potential bacterial vaginosis interventions.
A new study found that people from strongly liberal-leaning or conservative US counties prefer visiting like-minded destinations for everyday travel. This preference was observed even after accounting for factors such as income and race.
Long COVID shows self-reported data strengths over objective data, calls to de-stigmatize self-reporting in healthcare research. PLOS article highlights need for reevaluation of what counts as 'objective' data.
A third of fish off Pacific Islands' coasts contain microplastics, with Fiji showing a high rate of contamination. Research highlights the pervasiveness of microplastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems and human health.
A study found that dogs experience changes in balance when hearing angry or happy human voices. Angry voices were most strongly associated with destabilization, while happy voices led to both stabilization and destabilization in some cases. The research suggests that emotional arousal may play a role in the dogs' responses.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that males rate computer-generated figures with a larger penis as more intimidating and sexually competitive. Women also prefer taller, more V-shaped males with a larger penis, but beyond a certain point, further increases in size have diminishing benefits.
A new medical large language model (LLM) achieved over 91% accuracy in identifying female participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder after analyzing short WhatsApp audio recordings. The LLMs showed greater accuracy when classifying women compared to men, particularly when given the 'describe your week' data.
A study published in PLOS found that individuals with binge-watching addiction are more likely to experience loneliness. The researchers discovered an association between increased loneliness and higher levels of binge-watching addiction, suggesting that people may engage in this behavior as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.
Researchers found starch granules on ancient tools, dating back thousands of years, indicating the Four Corners potato was transported and used by Indigenous peoples. The study reveals a unique cultural identity developed through ancient transport, still significant among Native American communities.
A study published in PLOS Climate found that general climate change awareness messages received more QR code scans than specific sustainable fashion messages. The researchers analyzed data from outdoor ads in the US Southwest and found that larger, exterior bus ads were more effective at engaging the public.
Researchers found that inhibiting microglia activity improved young mice's recall of fearful experiences. Microglia markers were also increased in brain areas related to memory formation, suggesting enhanced memory recall. This study may provide insight into preventing infantile amnesia and understanding human memory loss.
A study analyzing millions of biomedical and life science articles reveals that female-authored articles spend longer under review than comparable male-authored articles across most fields. The disparity underscores the ongoing issue of women's underrepresentation in academia, particularly in STEMM fields.
In experiments, horses demonstrated a strong response to sweat from scared humans, exhibiting increased fear and avoidance behaviors. The study found that horses can smell human emotional odors, influencing their behavior and physiology
Experiments show that polyester microfibers in soil negatively affect cherry tomato plant growth throughout their lifecycle. The presence of these contaminants may have significant effects on plant development and ecosystem health.
A recent study found that approximately 1 in 5 surveyed UK adults who experienced the death of a pet report it as more distressing than experiencing human deaths. The study also discovered significant rates of prolonged grief disorder symptoms following pet loss.
A new study suggests that avocado growing areas in India will moderately expand northward and to higher elevations under low to moderate global emissions. However, if global emissions continue to rise, suitable zones may fragment and destabilize by 2070. The researchers call for conservation and climate-resilient cultivation strategies.
A study of ancient teeth from Pontecagnano reveals details about childhood growth and health, as well as adult diets that included cereals, legumes, and fermented foods. The analysis provides insights into the lifestyle and adaptations of the Iron Age Italian community.
Researchers captured underwater photos of seabirds, seals, and fish interacting with a small tidal turbine in Washington State. The study provides valuable information on the impact of tidal turbines on marine life. Marine animals were observed swimming, feeding, and even playing around the turbine
A new study found pregnant individuals with IBD have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in their vaginal mucosa than healthy controls. However, a higher intake of vegetables and lower added sugars was associated with lower inflammation and increased beneficial microbe Lactobacillus crispatus.
A large Australian survey reveals that LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely to be unemployed or report workforce non-participation. The study highlights the need for targeted support and policies to address these disparities.
Large language models (LLMs) provide treatment recommendations for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that align with clinical guidelines. However, their performance is limited in late-stage disease, where they prioritize tumor factors over liver function. LLMs should be used as a supplement to clinical expertise.
In a new study, terrestrial bacteria-infecting viruses were able to infect their E. coli hosts in near-weightless conditions aboard the ISS, but with distinct mutations. The dynamics of virus-bacteria interactions differed from those observed on Earth, highlighting potential insights into microbial adaptation and human health.
A deep learning model trained on stage II colorectal cancer whole slide images accurately identified features linked to recurrence risk. The study found the model surpassed clinical prognostic parameters in predicting patient outcomes.
PLOS has partnered with Charlesworth to expand access to publishing services for Chinese researchers and institutions, reinforcing its commitment to supporting open science globally. The partnership will enable PLOS to strengthen its presence in China through localized sales representation and innovative tools.