A new study found menopause symptoms are frequently reported by female endurance athletes, with 88% experiencing sleep problems and 83% feeling physical and mental exhaustion. These symptoms negatively affect training and performance, particularly musculoskeletal changes and quality of life.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that US Congress members' social media responses to mass shootings vary along party lines. Democratic congressmembers are more likely to post about guns, framing their responses in terms of community, victims, and legislature, whereas Republican members focus on Second Amendment righ...
A recent study reveals that sampling biases in bacterial population structure can severely undermine the accuracy of AI models predicting antimicrobial resistance. The researchers recommend evaluating future methods to address this issue.
A study compares article-level metrics with journal-level metrics, finding that most influential papers are published in lower-tier journals. Article-level data provides more recognition to most researchers than journal-level metrics.
Researchers have uncovered clues about the ancient Hjortspring boat's origins, including a partial human fingerprint and carbon-dating results indicating it was built in the 4th or 3rd century BCE. The findings suggest that the boat may have come from the Baltic Sea Region, where pine forests were more abundant.
A study analyzing resharing behavior on X (formerly Twitter) shows that different expressed emotions unfold in the aftermath of celebrity suicides, with disgust being the most contagious emotion. The findings emphasize the need for emotion-specific approaches to both theoretical modeling and practical intervention in online environments.
A survey of 4,000 Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and US citizens found that people were more supportive of climate policies in their own country if they believed other countries were also taking action. The study's findings suggest that reciprocity plays a significant role in shaping public opinions on climate policy.
A new species of Brachycephalus, a tiny pumpkin toadlet, has been discovered in the Serra do Quiriri mountains of southern Brazil. The discovery underscores the importance of conservation efforts in these fragile ecosystems.
A Japanese study discovered dog ownership strengthens community ties through neighborhood interactions. The study compared dog owners with friends and acquaintances, finding a significant difference in social connections.
A study analyzed 679 honey samples from Italy and found that 98% contained at least one bee pathogen. This analysis may provide clues to bees' health, highlighting the need for further research on bee health.
Researchers discovered that stone tool production in the African rainforest during the Late Stone Age remained relatively constant over a period of 5,000 years. The findings from Pahon Cave in modern-day Gabon indicate that there were no specific cultural associations with this practice.
Male bonobos focus their mating efforts on females who have reached maximum swelling and are older, indicating a higher probability of ovulation. This flexible strategy allows them to overcome the unreliable nature of female fertility signals.
A study published in PLOS One reports over 16,000 dinosaur footprints discovered at the Carreras Pampas tracksite in Bolivia. The footprints indicate that dinosaurs walked, ran, swam, and even performed sharp turns along an ancient shoreline.
Researchers analyzed dolphin vocalizations during enrichment activities at Oltremare Marine Park in Italy. The study found that dolphins 'speak' more during structured moments like training, feeding, or play, revealing their social and emotional engagement.
When their nest is disturbed, bumblebees respond by preparing to defend the nest, searching for the threat, warning potential intruders to stay away, and finally recovering from stress. They maintain heightened vigilance for around 4 minutes after the disturbance.
A Nepalese study of 583 adolescents found that authoritative parenting is associated with improved mental health and self-esteem, while authoritarian parenting is linked to depression and lower self-esteem. Permissive parenting styles are also connected to increased stress levels among adolescents.
Researchers found that words with phonetically pleasing sound patterns are more memorable due to their aesthetic appeal. The study was supported by a grant from the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Austrian Science Fund.
A study found that adults desiring children prefer older faces over younger ones, regardless of wealth or perceived parenting skills. The researchers explored factors such as age and cultural differences to explain this phenomenon.
A cross-sectional study found that adolescent girls experiencing heavy menstruation and following a meat-restricted diet have nearly 14 times higher odds of iron deficiency. This risk is significantly higher than those with normal menstruation who consume an omnivorous diet.
Researchers urge prioritizing ecosystem function over single species in conservation efforts, citing negative outcomes from previous initiatives. Conservation programs often focus on charismatic species without considering overall ecosystem health, leading to unforeseen issues and failed conservation outcomes.
Researchers discovered a low-dose mixture of zinc, serine, and branch-chain amino acids can alleviate behavioral deficits in mouse models of autism by promoting neuronal communication and improving social behaviors. The combination was found to be effective at low doses, whereas individual supplements had no effect.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals who received emergency or hospital care for hallucinogen use are at a higher risk of developing mania and bipolar disorder. The study revealed a six-fold increased risk of mania diagnosis within three years for those who received such care.
Experts Gregory Folkers and Anthony Fauci highlight promising therapeutic developments in antiretroviral treatments for HIV/AIDS. The authors emphasize the need for continued research to end the AIDS epidemic, citing recent advances as unfinished business.
A study published in PLOS One reveals that 8 in 10 Irish people identifying as LGBTQI+ have experienced at least one form of identity abuse. Over half have faced multiple forms of abuse within their lifetime. The Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland study highlights the need for improved support and protection for these vulnerable communities.
Climate-vulnerable districts in India are at risk of adverse health outcomes, including higher rates of underweight children. The study highlights the impact of climate change on Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in Indian districts.
A recent study in a semi-captive facility in Lao PDR showed that male Asian elephants can coexist peacefully if introduced slowly. The research with 8 unrelated males demonstrated successful socialization without significant stress, providing new insights into elephant behavior and social interaction.
Studies in the Tropical Eastern Pacific indicate that sharks thrive in oceanic islands' MPAs, unlike coastal areas where predatory fish are depleted. The research highlights the importance of these refuges for shark conservation.
Researchers found evidence of multiple independent centers of quarrying activity and varied carving techniques, suggesting decentralized moai construction. The study's high-resolution 3D model provides new insights into the organizational processes of Rapa Nui society.
A recent study analyzed crime data from 2017 to 2023 and found links between walkable areas and theft, dense road networks and higher crime rates, as well as disparities in media coverage of different crimes. The research aims to inform efforts to improve safety and provide more accurate information to the public.
A new study found that hospitals with early ultrasound protocols detected 40% of major fetal anomalies before 16 weeks of pregnancy, compared to 28% in hospitals without such protocols. This suggests that systematic first trimester screening could improve the timeliness of anomaly detection across the population.
A study found that when people work together on a shared task, their brains process information in similar ways. After an initial period of synchronized neural activity, the alignment of brain activity increased as the pairs worked together and followed agreed-upon rules.
A large-scale study of over 20,000 elective shoulder replacement surgeries in the UK and Denmark found that higher BMI is not linked to increased risk of death or complications. Underweight patients, however, were found to have a slightly higher risk of death.
A study published in PLOS One found that women authors comprise just 16.5% of first authors in a dataset of 878 retracted medical papers, despite accounting for at least 41% of first authors across biomedical publications. Women were also underrepresented among last authors and had fewer multiple retractions.
A large analysis found that even low-intensity smokers have a significantly higher risk of heart disease and death compared to non-smokers. Quitting smoking at a younger age is the best way to decrease this risk.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that people's spontaneous eye blinks synchronize with musical beats, indicating a deep coordination between hearing and action. This discovery sheds light on how our brains process rhythm and could lead to new treatments for neurological conditions affecting body movement.
Fossils of millions of ancient sea sponges, discovered in the North American Phosphoria Rock Complex, suggest high silica content. The misidentification of these fossils could have significant implications for our understanding of the geological history of the region.
PLOS has launched PLOS Aging and Health and PLOS Ecosystems to address critical challenges in aging research and ecosystems. The new journals aim to promote open science principles, accelerate scientific progress, and support the highest standard of research ethics.
A new study published in PLOS One found that 76% of surveyed Georgia women supported abortion access at six weeks and 60% at 14 weeks. The study suggests that most women in the sample generally support abortion access, with more consensus emerging around 24 weeks gestation.
A recent scoping review found a positive correlation between alcohol, cocaine use, and cigarette use with problematic pornography use (PPU). The study suggests that individuals using these substances are more likely to exhibit PPU behaviors.
A recent US study reveals that loneliness among young adults, particularly educated females, is often accompanied by social connectedness. The research suggests that this ambivalence towards sociality may be related to significant life transitions.
A study found high rates of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in raw milk, with 95% of isolated strains resistant to penicillin and erythromycin. The presence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis in raw milk highlights the urgent need for responsible antibiotic use and improved hygiene practices.
A 10-year follow-up study by PLOS reveals that Dutch servicemembers injured in Afghanistan maintained their quality of life. The findings suggest long-term stability for those affected by battle-related injuries.
A recent study using UK Biobank data found that greener environments may reduce the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer associated with air pollution. The researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 women to investigate the relationship between green spaces and air pollution on breast cancer risk.
A study published in PLOS One found that childfree people exist in developing countries, with varying prevalence rates across regions. The researchers analyzed data from over 2 million people in 51 countries and found a strong link between human development and childfree rates.
Researchers used Tesco Grocery 1.0 dataset to identify large clusters of food deserts in East and West London, where residents have limited access to affordable nutritious food. The study found correlations between sociodemographic factors and nutrient-deficient purchases in areas with higher income and car ownership.
A new study reveals a connection between parents' attachment styles and the likelihood of experiencing parental burnout. The research suggests that difficulty in recognizing and understanding one's own emotions can increase the risk of burnout.
Research finds strong association between oxidative stress and stereotypies in mice, a core feature of human neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Glutathione levels may serve as risk predictors for developing abnormal repetitive behaviors.
A new study predicts that aging populations in Europe will lead to a substantial increase in drug-resistant bloodstream infections. The study analyzed data from over 12 million routine blood tests and found that rates are expected to rise more in men than women and older age groups, particularly those over 65.
High-volume noise exposure in a mouse model of early-stage Parkinson's disease slowed movement and reduced balance, suggesting a connection between sound processing and movement areas. Chronic noise exposure mimicked Parkinsonian symptoms by damaging dopamine-producing cells.
Researchers used global environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys to map marine fish species' geographic ranges. These findings highlight current biases in conservation efforts and ecological models.