A new study has shed light on the lost medieval chapel of St Erasmus at Westminster Abbey, revealing its role as a royal burial site and its connection to the cult of a disembowelled saint. The chapel, demolished in 1502, is believed to have held relics, including a single tooth, and featured gruesome images of the saint's martyrdom.
A new national study found pregnant women in legalized US states are far more likely to use cannabis, with a 4.6 times higher rate compared to CBD-only states. The study emphasizes the need for prenatal and primary care providers to screen and counsel patients regarding cannabis use in pregnancy.
A new species of herbivore, Transylvanosaurus platycephalus, has been revealed with a remarkably flat head. The discovery challenges the assumption that Europe had low diversity during the Late Cretaceous period.
A new study by Italian researchers reveals that teachers in Italy consistently award higher grades to girls than boys, even when their academic competences are similar. This bias could have long-term consequences for education outcomes, including college admissions, job choices, and earning potential.
Research shows that children learning to navigate complex social situations are often given mixed messages about honesty and dishonesty by their adult caregivers. The study found that adults judge blunt truth-tellers more harshly when they lie to be polite, but reward subtle truths that protect others.
A recent study published in Acta Oncologica found that young women who have had cancer are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual problems, including loss of libido and intimacy issues. The study, which surveyed nearly 700 women, suggests that the type and intensity of cancer treatment can influence a patient's sex life.
A new study found that medical cannabis users reported significant improvements in pain management, social functioning, and overall health. The majority of participants were able to stop or reduce their opioid use, with some experiencing a five-fold decrease in hydrocodone prescriptions.
A scientific review found that cold water swimming can reduce 'bad' body fat and improve insulin sensitivity. However, the health benefits are uncertain due to limited study quality and variability in participant profiles.
A 28-year study tracking over 500,000 adolescents in the US found a decline in substance abuse, except for an increase in cannabis and vaping use. Low social engagement and participation in structured activities were key predictors of substance abuse avoidance.
Researchers uncovered a unique story behind Marra Wonga rock art site, featuring animal tracks, lines, grooves, and hand-related stencils. The site's composition appears to be linked to the Seven Sisters Dreaming story, with designs spread across the length in a particular order.
A new study reconstructs the skeletal structure of Coelurosauravus elivensis, a Late Permian reptile that likely used tree canopy changes to facilitate its evolution. The research reveals the gliding apparatus was supported by either the gastralia or musculature of the trunk.
A new study published in Information, Communication and Society journal found a strong link between economic inequality and problematic social media use among adolescents. The research, involving over 179,000 schoolchildren from 40 countries, suggests that new strategies are needed to reduce the impact of deprivation on social media use.
People with news addiction experience stress, anxiety, and physical ill health due to constant exposure. A new study reveals a significant link between problematic news consumption and poor mental and physical wellbeing.
A study published in Early Education and Development journal found that preschoolers with stronger vocabulary skills at the start of the year display more positive engagement with teachers and peers. The researchers also discovered that inhibitory control is crucial for classroom engagement and learning.
A new species of Bathynomus, a type of deep-sea isopod, has been discovered in the Gulf of Mexico. The new species, B. yucatanensis, is around 26cm long and has unique features such as slender body proportions and longer antennae.
Children are at risk of heat-related health problems due to obesity and physical inactivity. Fitter adults can better tolerate high temperatures, but research suggests children need daily physical activity to build fitness.
A new panda species, Agriarctos nikolovi, has been discovered in Bulgaria, which may have been Europe's last known giant panda. The fossilized teeth, found in the late 1970s, suggest that this ancient panda consumed a largely vegetarian diet, unlike modern pandas.
Exotic snakebites in the UK are increasing, with 321 reported cases over 11 years, mostly affecting children under 5. Most bites result in mild symptoms, but severe cases have occurred, prompting concerns about illegal snake ownership and access to expert advice.
A new study published in Applied Economics challenges the long-held 80-20 rule in F1, finding that car and team input accounts for 20% of success, while driver skill accounts for 15%. The interaction between driver and team is found to be the biggest factor, accounting for 30-40% of success.
Great White Sharks have been avoiding a South African coastal region due to the presence of Orcas. Long-term sightings and tagging data show that Great Whites flee areas with high Orca activity, adopting a 'flight' strategy reminiscent of wild dogs in response to increased lion presence.
A study analyzing over 30,000 posts on a Neo-Nazi website found that white supremacists use the abortion debate to promote racist and extremist agendas. The researchers warn that science and medicine are being 'weaponized' to attract recruits and spread dangerous ideologies. Abortion rights are a contested issue in the US, with far-rig...
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 76,373 participants found a significant association between visual impairment and cognitive decline in older adults. The study highlights the need for further research on the effectiveness of treating sight problems to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.
Researchers analyzed data from over 1.3 million patients and found females experience ear, nose, and throat issues, mood disorders, and fatigue, while males are more likely to suffer from renal disorders. Sex-disaggregated research is crucial for effective therapies and public health interventions.
A new study suggests that the bones of fallen Battle of Waterloo soldiers were likely sold as fertilizer due to the scarcity of human remains found on the battlefield. The research, published in the Journal of Conflict Archaeology, is based on original data and visitor accounts from the time period.
A study published in the International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice found that mass shootings in the US account for 73% of all incidents in developed countries, resulting in 816 deaths. The research identified distinct characteristics of US mass shootings, including ideological motives and relationship problems.
An expert analysis of Russia's foreign policy statements since the USSR collapse finds Putin masking invasion policies with 1990s humanitarian propaganda. The study highlights how the Kremlin has used narratives from the 1990s to claim Russian minorities need protecting with military support.
A national study found that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine prevented 8.7 million symptomatic cases, 690,000 hospitalizations, and 110,000 deaths in the US. The vaccine also saved more than $30 billion in healthcare costs and over $40 billion in lost productivity.
Paleontologists discovered sets of fossils representing three new ichthyosaurs, including the largest ichthyosaur tooth ever found. The discovery includes a 15-meter-long ichthyosaur and the largest trunk vertebra in Europe, rivaling the 21-meter long Shastasaurus sikkanniensis.
A study analyzing global aid responses to Ukraine's invasion found that assistance is often focused on short-term measures rather than sustainable goals. The research highlights the need for more effective and long-term support to address the country's reconstruction and rebuilding needs.
A new study reveals funding for fertility preservation policies varies across the UK, with Scotland offering the most inclusive approach. The study highlights the need for standardization of policies to ensure equal access to care for patients.
A national study of thousands of young people reveals that state school pupils have similar mental health and life satisfaction to private school counterparts. After controlling for socio-economic background and ethnicity, the difference in happiness between the two groups vanished.
Adults conceived via IVF show improved social relationships and environment quality of life, according to a new study. The research also found associations between positive psychosocial factors, such as family financial situation and relationship with parents, on adult quality of life.
A recent study reveals that Megalodon's body size was influenced by water temperature, with individuals growing larger in cooler waters. The research suggests that Bergmann's rule may have played a role in the shark's gigantism.
A new species of stegosaur, Bashanosaurus primitivus, has been discovered in China, dating back to the Middle Jurassic period, around 168 million years ago. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of stegosaurs and suggests that they may have originated in Asia.
A new study finds that top 10 banks have limited commitments to reduce financing of fossil fuels, despite increasing focus on climate change. Experts recommend policy changes to address the banking industry's responsibility in financing climate change.
A 16-year study of over 2,000 Australian children shows that young people who use drugs but quit before adulthood have similar life success as those who never used drugs. The study highlights the importance of stopping drug use in early adulthood to prevent adult health and wellbeing issues.
A new study using blood samples from professional soccer players reveals that headers affect brain activity by altering microRNAs, which can serve as biomarkers for brain injury. The research also explores the effects of accidental head impacts and high-intensity exercise on microRNA levels.
A new study by DePaul University researchers has found that all previously proposed body forms of the Megalodon shark are based on speculations. The lack of scientific evidence means that the public image of a massive, monstrous shark remains unchanged, while paleontologists continue to search for clues in the fossil record.
A recent study found that men were twice as likely to be victims of online sex blackmailing during the pandemic. Young people, Black and Native American women, and LGBTQ individuals were also at high risk of this cyber-enabled crime. The study revealed race and sexuality-related differences in rates of sextortion.
A study of nearly 35,000 routes found that traffic speeds under 20mph are most likely to encourage cycling, with higher speeds deterring commuters. The research also highlights the importance of cycle paths and separates roads for encouraging more cycling.
A new study reveals that poor women in rural India are more likely to die during childbirth due to lack of access to safe hospital births. The research found that only 26% of women in low-performing states deliver in hospitals, compared to 87% of those exposed to mass media.
A survey of 121 fertility specialists in Australia, UK, and New Zealand found that endometrial scratching is still offered by 34% of clinics despite lack of evidence, primarily for psychological benefits. Many respondents considered the procedure's drawbacks, including pain and cost.
A new study found that Omicron's immune-evading capabilities are significant, but some vaccinated and previously infected individuals have 'stronger' protection. However, the protection from Omicron may be compromised over time.
A large-scale study of over 1.2 million people found breakthrough COVID-19 infections are rare but more frequent and severe in those with weakened immune systems. The study supports the introduction of a third vaccine dose for immunocompromised individuals to increase protection.
A fossil previously believed to be a four-legged snake is actually a long-bodied marine lizard, according to a new study. The discovery challenges the long-held assumption that a 'snake with four legs' exists in the evolutionary chain.
A new genus and species of iguanodontian dinosaur, Brighstoneus simmondsi, has been discovered on the Isle of Wight. The herbivorous dinosaur is estimated to be around 8 meters in length and weigh 900kg.
A new study published in Annals of Human Biology found that over two-thirds of university students experience poor sleep quality, which is linked to increased risk of depression and high stress levels. Women are more likely to suffer from inadequate sleep habits and excessive daytime sleepiness.
A 500-year-old English illuminated manuscript provides fresh insights into Catholic beliefs in England before the Reformation. The metre-long prayer roll contains religious verse and illustrations, including symbols of Christ's crucifixion, which were connected to a famous pilgrimage site.
A 'raptor-like' dinosaur was actually a timid, long-necked herbivore, according to recent reanalysis of fossil footprints found in an Australian coal mine. The Prosauropod, a plant-eating dinosaur with legs about 1.4 metres tall and a body length of six metres, is the earliest evidence of its kind in Australia, marking a 50-million-yea...
A recent study published in PaleoAmerica journal challenges the long-held theory that Native Americans originated from Japan. The research, led by Professor Richard Scott, analyzed genetics and skeletal biology of teeth samples from multiple continents, finding little connection between the Jomon people and Native Americans.