Goliath frogs create three types of ponds to safeguard their eggs and tadpoles from predators. Researchers observed the frogs' laborious pond-building efforts, which may explain why they evolved to be giant.
A European study found that a novel school intervention program, DASI, improves mathematics scores and lessens achievement gaps in primary schools from disadvantaged areas. The program's effectiveness is seen in reducing the achievement gap based on socioeconomic status, but more research is needed to address equity.
A new study reveals that school fitness tests have little association with students' enjoyment of PE and emotions towards the subject. Despite polarized views, research suggests that fitness testing is not effective in promoting a positive outlook or discouraging participation.
A new multi-national survey found that nearly one-tenth of work hours are missed by asthma sufferers, resulting in significant productivity loss. Additionally, workers reported feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and inferior when using inhalers at work.
A study published in Brain Injury found that nearly three-quarters of traumatic brain injuries in children under 19 are caused by consumer products. Beds are a leading cause of non-fatal head injuries in infants, while contact sports pose the greatest risk to older children.
Three leading medical writing organizations warn of predatory journals' threat to scientific research quality and reliability. The organizations provide a set of identifiers to identify potential predatory journals, advising authors to carry out due diligence before submitting their work.
A new study found that Muslim LGBTQI+ refugees are more successful in gaining asylum in Germany if they conform to Western notions of homosexuality. The study found that applicants who were openly gay or lesbian, and had access to support from LGBTQI+ organizations, were more likely to be granted asylum.
A new study found that women and racial/ethnic minorities are underrepresented in US emergency medical services, with less than a quarter of newly certified paramedics being female. The gaps are more pronounced among paramedics, who provide critical invasive interventions and make complex decisions.
A leading Turkish historian has analyzed signature analysis on letters from the Ottoman Archives, confirming Bahaettin Shakir's involvement in the genocide. Documents show initial decisions to exterminate Armenians were made by provincial governors in 1914.
A new species of primitive hadrosaurid, Aquilarhinus palimentus, has been identified from a complete skull found in Big Bend National Park, Texas. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of duck-billed dinosaur snouts and suggests that there may have been multiple lineages before the main radiation of hadrosaurids.
A new study published in School Effectiveness and School Improvement found that pre-schoolers whose parents regularly read and talked about books with them scored better on math tests at age 12. The study, led by Dr. Simone Lehrl of the University of Bamberg, assessed 229 German children from age three until secondary school.
A group of leading public health scientists calls for improved search engine and social media monitoring, as well as government support for mandatory immunization programs. They also advocate for correct dissemination of reliable vaccine information through various channels.
A peer-reviewed survey of 1,000 people in Colorado found that 80% of cannabis users for pain relief also stopped using prescription painkillers. Additionally, 84% of those using cannabis to aid sleep reported a reduction or stoppage of over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids.
A new study found that 41% of school leaders have received requests for students to be withdrawn from classes in protest at teaching about Islam. Headteachers believe the law is no longer required and could impact the school's duty to prepare children for life in modern Britain.
A giant bird, Pachystruthio dmanisensis, has been discovered in a Crimean cave, estimated to weigh around 450kg. The bird is believed to be flightless but fast, and its discovery suggests it may have been a source of meat for early humans.
Scientists discovered ancient crocodile species' climate sensitivity, suggesting they served as 'climate clocks.' Fossil analysis mapped their distribution to reconstruct global temperatures during the Eocene-Oligocene epochs. The study provides new insights into how these ancient reptiles adapted to changing climates.
A new study published in Public Money & Management suggests that interest-free loan schemes can help prevent homelessness and save local authorities money. The study, funded by the British Academy, details a £85,000 grant scheme in Lewisham, which has helped over 300 families escape eviction and saved the council £1 million.
Researchers found zebras' black and white stripes create a temperature difference that increases as the day heats up. The strips aid in heat loss through evaporation and convection currents.
Wild snow leopards are under threat from emerging infectious diseases, with four pathogens detected in their blood, including Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira species. This study identifies the need to establish surveillance to monitor potential disease impacts on this vulnerable population.
Researchers identified four simple rules to contain Candida auris infection: double personal protective equipment (PPE), work buddy system, disinfection, and biomonitoring. These procedures can effectively limit exposure in hospitals and nursing homes.
A new study suggests that the Spanish influenza may have emerged in 1915-1916, rather than 1918, and that a vaccine could have been effective in treating it. The study found that the virus likely originated from aquatic geese and ducks, and that it underwent significant mutations before becoming pandemic.
A study of English secondary school placement systems found that parents in areas with more limited choices tend to make less ambitious school selections. Despite making more choices, students from minority backgrounds have lower chances of receiving an offer from their first-choice school.
A new podcast examines the misuse of statistical significance and p-values, leading to a call for embracing uncertainty in research. Dr. Ron Wasserstein discusses his research on the topic and the creation of a framework outlining how p-values should be used.
A large observational study found that oral contraceptives were most protective in young women aged 15-19 years, reducing the risk of reconstructive surgery by 63%. The study suggests that taking oral contraceptives may suppress hormonal surges during the menstrual cycle, leading to a lower rate of injury.
A new study found that traditional labels of 'gay', 'bisexual', and 'straight' do not accurately describe the complex patterns of attraction and identity over time. Women showed greater fluidity in sexual preference, with one in six identifying as bisexual or in the middle of the sexuality continuum.
A new reading of the Mesha Stele suggests that biblical King Balak may have been a historical figure, based on high-resolution images revealing three consonants in the monarch's name. The name is now believed to be 'Balak', a king of Moab mentioned in the biblical story of Balaam, rather than the previously accepted 'House of David'.
A study of 20 military veterans on a US college campus found that cultural differences led to arguments, isolation, and mental health issues. Veterans struggled to relate to civilians' trivial concerns, clothing, and respect for authority figures, often feeling like they were being ostracized.
Research shows that delayed streaming, low-cost education, increased university enrollment, and second-chance opportunities reduce the happiness gap between social classes. Countries like Denmark with inclusive policies have smaller social differences in happiness.
A recent survey of 1,200 teachers found that workload and work-life balance were the main reasons for leaving or considering leaving the profession. The study suggests that addressing these issues may not be enough to prevent a significant number of new teachers from leaving within ten years.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK view Brexit as a major obstacle to their success, with investment and exporting being significantly affected. SMEs are disproportionately impacted by uncertainty and have lower resilience to unexpected shocks.
A new study found that millennials' worry about college is mitigated by parents' supportive relationships meeting their basic needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. However, over-involvement in parenting predicts lower need satisfaction, higher worry, and poor psychological well-being.
The ASA special issue calls for a rethinking of statistical inference, moving beyond the use of p-values and instead reporting continuous quantities that describe what the value means in scientific context. This shift aims to promote reproducible science and diminish the impact of statistical significance on publication and funding.
A new study finds that Asian Americans outperform white Americans in educational attainment, but face significant barriers to securing professional jobs. Despite being over-credentialed, they are under-represented in senior leadership positions and often excluded from informal power networks.
A study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that gender, sexual orientation, and relationship motivation influence condom decision-making among young adults. The research suggests that women are more likely to take risks when they have stronger relationship motivation and view their partner as having more potential.
Athletes competing in singles tennis, golf, and cycling events are most at risk of sunburn due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. The study recommends adopting specific sun protection regulations and guidelines to mitigate the risks.
A new study published in the Cambridge Journal of Education found that parents' perceptions about the social demographic and environment of local mainstream schools drive their choice of Free Schools. Academic quality and school performance were key factors, with smaller class sizes and a traditional approach also being important.
A grassroots organisation called 'Playing Out' has been working to change this by allowing children across the UK to take back their streets. Research shows that Playing Out has raised kids' physical activity levels, brought neighbourhoods together, and reduced social isolation.
A large-scale study of American high school students found that legalizing medicinal marijuana has led to a drop in cannabis use among teenagers. The study, which used data from over 800,000 students across 45 states, found a 1.1% reduction in teen cannabis smokers in states with medical marijuana laws compared to those without.
Researchers found distinct bacteria on the tongue of early-stage pancreatic cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. The study suggests a potential link between the immune system and pancreatic cancer, paving the way for new diagnostic or preventive tools.
A new study in Educational Review found that UK schools' managerialist approach is harming teachers' mental health and well-being. The study's authors interviewed 39 teachers who had experienced long-term absence from work due to mental health problems and six head, deputy, and assistant head teachers who had dealt with similar issues.
A new study challenges traditional theories that higher education determines job success in the UK. Employers focus on job readiness, highlighting social qualifications, specific skills, and cognitive abilities. This shift suggests employers seek marketable skills with immediate value to reduce training costs and enhance productivity.
A new study reveals that many UK parents opt for overseas surrogacy to access better legal frameworks, but face significant challenges upon return, including delayed recognition of parenthood. The research highlights the need for clearer and more secure laws to support families undergoing surrogacy.
A high salt diet may increase the risk of developing heart arrhythmia, according to a new study published in Annals of Medicine. Researchers followed 716 middle-aged men and women for 19 years, finding that those who consumed the highest levels of salt had a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation.
A new study proposes a three-step strategy to replace animal proteins with plant-sourced proteins to meet climate targets. The approach aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the risk of overshooting temperature goals.
A new study published in Human Fertility found that single women who freeze their eggs for non-medical reasons are trying to avoid 'panic parenting.' The research also highlights the need for clearer information about the likelihood of having a baby with these eggs. Many participants reported feeling emotionally difficult and unsupport...
A new species of Archaeopteryx, Archaeopteryx albersdoerferi, has been discovered with advanced flight characteristics, supporting its status as a transitional fossil between birds and dinosaurs. The study used 3D X-ray analyses to reveal skeletal adaptations that enabled the ancient bird to fly more efficiently.
A recent study found a significant increase in mental health diagnoses and treatment among US university students between 2009 and 2015. Anxiety, depression, and panic attacks saw the biggest increases, with anxiety now affecting almost 15% of students nationally.
A new study estimates that bullying and harassment in the NHS in England may be costing over £2 billion per year. Productivity loss due to presenteeism is estimated to cost £604.4 million annually. The authors hope their research will provide a financial incentive for policymakers to tackle the issue.
A newly discovered Tylosaurus fossil, likely a newborn, lacks the characteristic long snout of the species. Researchers found that the development of this feature occurs extremely quickly, between birth and juvenile stage.
A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found a significant drop in public confidence in vaccines after the Philippines' Dengvaxia crisis. In 2015, 93% of respondents strongly agreed that vaccines are important, but this dropped to 32% in 2018.