A study has identified over 240 scientific publications with potentially problematic images, casting doubt on the validity of these studies. The findings highlight the need for journals and publishers to investigate image-related issues carefully to ensure the trustworthiness of animal-based research in this field.
A new study finds that electric vehicles outperform gasoline cars in lifetime environmental impact, with a reduction in cumulative CO2 emissions after two years of use. The transportation sector accounts for 28% of US greenhouse gas emissions and adopting electric vehicles can improve climate and air quality.
A new study reveals that land-use change was the primary cause of biodiversity loss on Mount Kilimanjaro's lower slopes over the last century. Human activities such as population growth and economic development led to a decline in plant species diversity, with up to 75% lost per square kilometer.
A cross-sectional study in a socioeconomically disadvantaged Parisian suburb area found that 1 in 3 university students reported being unable to access desired food. This food insecurity was significantly associated with academic dropout, highlighting the need for targeted support.
A study published in PLOS One mapped ancient tomb distributions across China to identify patterns influenced by socioeconomic factors and geography. The research found that tombs from periods of relative stability were more common than those during times of war and instability.
Researchers found that stabilimenta, 'decorations' on spider webs, can boost a spider's ability to pinpoint the location of prey caught in its web. Numerical simulations suggest that stabilimenta enhance vibration propagation at specific angles, increasing potential detection points.
A Norwegian study of over 21,000 adolescents and young adults found that those with persistent parental opioid prescriptions faced more than double the risk of persistent opioid use. The study suggests considering family-based approaches to managing pain conditions in adolescents and young adults.
A study published in PLOS One identified genetic signatures of diverse gut parasites in ancient Mexican feces, revealing high prevalence of pathogens like pinworm and E. coli. The analysis provides insights into intestinal disease and sanitation practices of ancient cultures.
Under climate change scenarios, backyard birders in South Africa can still appreciate diverse bird species, but declining biodiversity and climate change may reduce birding opportunities in protected public parks. The study found that cultural ecosystem services, like birding, have non-market value and are essential to human well-being.
A new study published in PLOS One found that nearly one-third of adults with type 2 diabetes in India achieved remission through a comprehensive mobile-based program combining diet, exercise, stress management, and medical support. The program showed significant improvements in weight, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin levels, fasti...
Idiopathic hypersomnia is a rare condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients report never feeling rested or awake despite adequate sleep, affecting their daily lives. The study analyzed online posts to better understand the experience and impact of living with this disease.
A new index tool evaluates species' conservation priority based on future threats and traits, identifying reptiles as highest priority. The Proactive Conservation Index complements existing tools, offering insights into understudied species and facilitating proactive conservation strategies.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that surgically disconnected neural tissue in epilepsy patients exhibits slow-wave patterns similar to those observed during deep sleep or anesthesia, suggesting absent or reduced awareness. The persistence of these patterns raises questions about the functional role of slow waves in the brain.
Researchers discovered that non-hibernating pikas alter their gut microbiota to increase urea nitrogen salvaging, maintaining protein homeostasis during winter. This adaptation helps the animals cope with the scarcity of dietary protein during the cold season.
Young adults adopting pro-environmental behaviors such as active travel and reduced meat consumption during the university transition period may benefit from targeted interventions. This study identifies significant life events as key drivers of behavior change in early adulthood.
At least eight bat species frequent pig farms in Northern Italy due to lack of physical barriers, increasing risk of coronavirus transmission. Researchers used a multi-disciplinary approach to study the interfaces between bats and pigs.
A recent study published in PLOS One found that 7.8% of U.K. households experience food insecurity, with Black/African/Caribbean/Black British households facing higher rates. Food insecurity is also associated with longstanding mental health conditions, particularly among Asian/Asian British respondents.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that combining non-invasive brain stimulation and robotic rehabilitation can significantly improve motor recovery in a mouse stroke model. The treatment restored parvalbumin interneuron dynamics, leading to better motor function.
A council of five AI models trained to deliberate together achieved higher accuracy on medical licensing exams than any single chatbot alone. This collaborative approach showed promise for improving the reliability and trustworthiness of AI tools in healthcare.
In a study published in PLOS Biology, researchers found that young European great tits learn essential life skills from their older siblings and non-parental adults, rather than primarily from their parents. This suggests an alternative pathway to cultural inheritance and highlights the importance of sibling relationships in shaping bi...
Researchers assessed the impact of reactivity in red brocket deer on training efficiency, finding that calm individuals can learn commands like 'Come'. In contrast, more restless individuals had difficulty learning and following instructions.
A study published in PLOS One reveals that ancient humans in central Italy butchered elephants for meat and raw materials, with a consistent strategy used during warm periods of the Middle Pleistocene. The site of Casal Lumbroso features over 300 skeletal remains from a single straight-tusked elephant alongside more than 500 stone tools.
Climate change is predicted to increase suitable land for tea cultivation in China, with the overall range shifting northwards. Machine learning models were used to analyze China's four major tea-producing regions.
Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of a 1,000-year-old mummy from Zimapán, Mexico, revealing specific types of bacteria present. The findings expand knowledge of ancient microbiomes and may provide clues to the individual's life, including their diet, health, and lifestyle.
A systematic review found little to no benefit from prenatal and postnatal support apps in reducing postnatal depression, anxiety, or improving infant bonding, breastfeeding, or parenting satisfaction. The study also investigated the effects of perinatal mobile apps on psychosocial and parenting outcomes for couples.
A new study published in PLOS One found that team diversity in personality traits can contribute to greater resilience under extended isolation and operational load. The researchers used agent-based modeling to simulate the impact of team composition on stress, health, performance, and cohesion over a 500-day Mars mission.
A study by PLOS reveals significant differences in gut microbiomes between captive and wild bears and pandas, particularly among giant pandas which have less diverse microbiomes than their wild counterparts.
Researchers identified five distinct sleep-biopsychosocial profiles, each associated with a unique pattern of brain connectivity. The study revealed that different aspects of sleep are related but can also be separable domains influencing biopsychosocial factors.
A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that increases in mental health most strongly predict improvements in life satisfaction. The researchers used data from a weekly running event and found that even small improvements in mental health can lead to significant increases in life satisfaction.
A study analyzing 450,000 ADHD subreddit posts found that people with self-diagnosed ADHD experience more negative self-perception and internalized stigma than those with a clinical diagnosis. Clinically diagnosed individuals are less likely to seek social validation, highlighting the impact of digital age validation on mental health.
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes have been detected in the UK, posing a public health risk due to their role as vectors of diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. The detection highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Researchers found two bacterial strains on grape leaves that can degrade guaiacol, a compound causing smoky taste in wines exposed to wildfire smoke. The study provides hope for developing biotechnological strategies to restore flavor in tainted wines.
A small, long-term cohort study found education has a protective effect on cognitive aging, even in those over 90. The study tracked participants for 48 years and found a strong association between higher educational attainment and better cognitive function.
A new AI tool called Waldo can scan social media data to discover personal reports of harmful side effects of popular health products. The tool achieved an accuracy of 99.7% in detecting adverse events, outperforming general-purpose chatbots.
The IPBES report highlights five strategies to achieve transformative change: incorporating culture and ecology into conservation efforts, integrating biodiversity concerns into economic sectors, reforming governments, shifting societal values, and promoting incremental changes. The authors emphasize the urgent need for concerted effor...
The Public Library of Science (PLOS) has partnered with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in India, allowing MAHE researchers to publish unlimited in all PLOS journals through 2026. This agreement shifts publishing costs from authors to research institutions, promoting open access and barrier-free publishing.
A new study estimates that tropical cyclones cause the death of 850,000 children under five from 2000 to 2020. The research found a significant link between cyclone exposure and child mortality, emphasizing the urgent need for disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.
A study examined Vietnamese mangrove carbon since 1900 and found restored forests to act as important carbon stores. However, the study suggests that these ecosystems might not possess 'normal' ecological functions.
A major albinism gene's exon skipping levels control human skin and hair color diversity. Researchers found that OCA2 exon 10 skipping contributes to hypopigmentation, shedding light on the genetic basis of human pigmentation.
A serological survey found antibodies against the virus in over 2% of cattle and wildlife samples in southern continental France. The detection highlights the risk of zoonotic transmission and underscores the need for further investigation into explanatory factors.
A systematic review of 23 primary studies found a positive association between racial/ethnic discrimination and psychosis risk. The largest effect sizes were observed in non-clinical settings, suggesting that experiences of racism may play a role in the development of psychosis.
A study published in PLOS Climate predicts that unchecked climate change could lead to significant economic losses globally, with lower-income and hotter countries facing substantial drops in GDP per capita. By 2100, these countries may face losses of 30-60% above the global average.
Conventional treatment methods used by municipal wastewater treatment facilities are ineffective at removing common pharmaceuticals like Prozac, fluoxetine, and loratadine from wastewater. These drugs are discharged into lakes, rivers, and streams, posing risks to aquatic organisms.
A UK study found broad support for regulating advertisements for high-carbon products and services, with citizens' jury and large poll results indicating a strong public mandate. The findings suggest policymakers should consider stricter regulations to address climate change concerns.
Researchers assessed the effectiveness of a single session with 'Amanda,' a ChatGPT-4o-based chatbot, versus a brief journaling task in addressing non-abusive relationship conflict. The study found that both interventions improved participants' specific relationship problems, overall relationships, and well-being.
A Canadian study found that nearly one-quarter of older adults who struggled with poor well-being regained optimal health within three years by adopting an active and healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions, and fostering psychological, emotional, and social wellness. Respondents with baseline psychological and emotional wellnes...
Researchers have discovered microplastics in the endangered Indus River dolphin, finding fibers and other particles in the GI tracts of all five stranded individuals. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation strategies to address this pollution issue.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that women from lower-income countries with non-English first languages publish 70% fewer papers than men, while non-native English speakers at early career stages outperform native English speakers. The authors call for an effort to consider these factors when assessing scientists' performance.
A new study predicts significant increase in mosquito-borne disease risk in Brazil by 2080, with higher temperatures and changing rainfall patterns contributing to the issue. Climate action could help mitigate this risk, reducing future disease outbreaks.
Children born with an accelerated growth trajectory are more than 4 times likely to be overweight or obese as two-year-olds. Maternal metabolic factors significantly contribute to this increased risk of childhood obesity.