Researchers detected anatoxin-a, a deadly cyanotoxin, in air and water near a Massachusetts pond with algal blooms. The toxin can cause respiratory paralysis, muscular twitching, and loss of coordination at high concentrations.
Three leading medical communication organizations warn that bypassing traditional high standards of peer-reviewed journals may erode public trust. They recommend pre-publication vetting and education to enhance the integrity of published research.
A new species of dinosaur, Llkalkan aliocranianus, was discovered with extreme powerful bites, very sharp teeth, and huge claws. Its unique skull structure suggests it may have had a better sense of hearing than other abelisaurids.
A systematic review of research evidence has found a strong association between Covid-19 and auditory problems, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. The prevalence rates were estimated to be 7.6%, 14.8%, and 7.2% respectively.
A study of UK residents shows that personal values and political worldviews play a significant role in shaping perception of COVID-19 risk, with those who feel government should be less controlling believing the virus poses less risk. This is associated with adoption of fewer protective behaviors.
New research reveals the length, speed, and flight heights of Shelduck migration across the North Sea, showing interactions with offshore wind turbines. The study used solar-powered GPS tags to track four birds, finding that they all ended their migration in almost exactly the same place despite taking different routes.
A study found that headteachers prioritize SAT scores over children's self-esteem and confidence, leading to divisions among students. The research suggests that these practices contribute to a 'culture of division' in primary schools.
A new study found that nearly 60% of UK frontline health workers experienced a mental health disorder during the first COVID-19 lockdown. The research highlights the urgent need for long-term funding and planning to support staff, including specialist trauma services and reliable access to PPE.
A unique curved barrier design deflects pollution away from pedestrians and back onto the road, improving air quality in an inexpensive manner. The researchers also found that these barriers can mitigate noise pollution and increase green infrastructure.
A study analysis suggests bremelanotide has very limited effectiveness as a treatment for HSDD in women. Trial participants preferred taking a placebo over the drug, with higher dropout rates and adverse event-induced discontinuation. The findings also highlight issues with the validity of HSDD as a diagnosis.
A new study found that face mask distribution and mandatory use corresponded with a significant reduction in viral transmission in Italy. The use of face coverings may have reduced official COVID-19 cases by up to 30,000 during the first half of 2020.
A new study of nearly 4,000 school children found that children who felt they had empathic support from their parents and caregivers were less likely to commit serious crimes. The research also showed that parental empathy enhanced the development of empathy in teenagers, which in turn reduced delinquent behavior.
A new study reviews data from 57 studies and finds that people with asthma have a 14% lower risk of getting COVID-19 and are significantly less likely to be hospitalized. The study included over 350,000 participants and found no apparent difference in the risk of death from COVID-19 in people with asthma.
Researchers have demonstrated a new treatment called KEDRAB to be safe and effective for use in children with rabies, marking the first pediatric trial of any human rabies immunoglobulin currently available in the US. The study found no deaths or serious adverse events among participants, and most side effects were mild.
A multidisciplinary team of international experts recommends that healthy individuals participating in COVID-19 challenge trials should receive substantial payment. The study's findings reflect the importance of compensating research-related harms and minimizing risk to promote social value. The researchers' framework provides guidance...
Students from lower socio-economic groups are less likely to participate in sport or physical activity at university due to cost and time constraints. Those with prior experience in sport before starting university are more likely to continue participating.
A recent study published in the Oxford Review of Education found that teachers are working harder than any other occupation, with nine out of ten saying their job demands a very high level of input. The study also reveals declining job quality, including decreased influence over tasks and work-related well-being.
A new statistical model suggests that a student infected with COVID-19 returning home from university for Christmas would, on average, infect just less than one other household member. The model predicts an estimated 9,400 new secondary household cases across the UK if just 1% of students are infected.
Researchers found that clairaudient mediums are more prone to absorption and unusual auditory experiences early in life, which may explain why they adopt spiritualist beliefs. The study suggests that unique predispositions play a role in spirit communication, rather than social pressure or belief.
A new study found that most parents (63%) believed remote learning caused their child to fall behind, but the vast majority of schools provided effective online programs. Parents reported spending around 2.5 hours per day helping with schoolwork, while children spent an hour more in remote learning.
A new study found that 30 college campuses exceeded the threshold for high-risk counties, with over half experiencing spikes above 1,000 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people per week. Tight outbreak management and online learning can reduce peaks within two weeks.
A new study on Megalodon's reproductive biology sheds light on its growth and life expectancy. Researchers found that the shark gave live birth to babies larger than most adult humans, which likely fed on unhatched eggs in the womb.
Research by international experts recommends decriminalizing all illicit drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin, as a matter of urgency. The 'war on drugs' disproportionately targets Black communities, damaging communities and violating human rights.
Researchers discovered a nearly complete skeleton of Adalatherium, a giant mammal that defies explanation due to its unusual trunk vertebrae and limbs. The creature's front legs were adapted for sprinting, while its hind legs resembled those of crocodiles.
A new study suggests that teaching sexual consent using a continuum style approach helps young people develop a better understanding of sexual rights and ethics. The approach was tested in workshops across seven educational institutes and found to be effective in promoting positive sexual ethics.
Former UNFCCC leaders call for effective implementation, ambitious targets, and concrete strategies to avoid dangerous climate change and meet the 1.5°C temperature increase threshold
A new survey found that nearly a third of young adults with asthma do not comply with COVID-19 guidelines, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to advise patients on basic measures and medication use. The study also revealed alarming misconceptions about COVID-19 risk among asthmatic individuals.
A new study reveals that every week of lockdown leads to increased binge drinking, with participants consuming six drinks per session compared to two among less regular binge drinkers. The research highlights the relationship between COVID-19-related stress factors and changes in alcohol consumption.
New research suggests that US states adopting voucher and charter school choice laws witnessed declines in suicide rates among young people. Private schooling was also associated with better mental health in adulthood, even after controlling for important sociodemographic factors.
A survey of 1,500 UK adults found that 64% would be likely to have a COVID-19 vaccination. The study identified factors associated with likelihood of acceptance, including previous flu vaccination and positive vaccination beliefs.
A recent study of over 11,000 hospital patients in Spain found that high blood sugar levels were associated with a higher chance of death from COVID-19. Patients with abnormally high glucose levels were more than twice as likely to die from the virus compared to those with normal readings.
Researchers uncover fossil specimens of ancient walruses in Orange County, revealing five distinct species, including two new species without tusks. The study provides insights into the dental and tusk evolution of walruses, suggesting that feeding ecology played a key role in the origin and early evolution of tusks.
A national survey of over 1,000 young US adults finds alarming levels of loneliness associated with significant mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and addiction. The study emphasizes the importance of providing access to psychological help and promoting social connectedness to address these problems.
A new study shows that the introduction of new cancer drugs between 2000 and 2016 led to a significant reduction in mortality rates for patients with 15 common types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. The study estimates that these drug approvals saved over 1.2 million lives during this period.
A landmark study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology describes a fossil family that illuminates the origin of perissodactyls, including horses, rhinos, and tapirs. The research provides insights into the evolutionary history of these mammals, suggesting they evolved in isolation in or near present-day India.
Scientists have uncovered a 5-million-year-old relative of the living honey badger, Mellivora capensis, from the early Pliocene locality of Langebaanweg in South Africa. The fossil discovery provides insight into the evolution and diversity of mustelids during this time period.
A new species of ancient marine reptile, Brevicaudasus jiyangshanensis, has been identified in China, featuring a short, flattened tail used for balance. This adaptation allowed the creature to float motionless underwater, conserving energy while searching for prey.
Only 7% of US school districts in poorer, ethnic minority populations intend to reopen fully this academic year. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on people of color and their increased likelihood of being frontline workers, leading to a lack of trust in government responses.
Researchers have developed a blood test that uses cell-free DNA to predict pregnancy complications such as ischemic placental disease and gestational diabetes. The study found that certain genetic signatures in the mother's blood during the first trimester can indicate these serious complications.
A University of Waikato study found that 51% of transgender people were discriminated against, with 23% experiencing verbal harassment and 39% victimized through cyberbullying. Protective factors like support from friends, family, and community reduced mental health disparities.
Researchers have identified metformin as a potential treatment for myofibrillar myopathies, a group of rare genetic disorders causing progressive muscle wasting. The study's findings, published in Autophagy, show that metformin can prevent muscle disintegration and restore swimming ability in zebrafish models.
A new UK population study found that 86% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 did not exhibit specific symptoms such as cough, fever, or loss of taste/smell. The study suggests that widespread testing is needed to capture 'silent' transmission and prevent future outbreaks.
A new study finds that Megalodon's estimated body length of up to 15 meters exceeds the general size limit for non-planktivorous sharks, which typically reach 7 meters. The research proposes live-bearing reproductive strategy and cannibalistic egg-eating behavior as possible causes for gigantism in lamniform sharks.
A recent report by the Journal of Operational Oceanography reveals an unprecedented rise in sea temperatures worldwide, with the Arctic Ocean experiencing the largest increase. The report highlights the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems and calls for improved monitoring to ensure sustainable use of seas and oceans.
A study found that video messages are significantly more effective than text-only messages in influencing parent smokers' intentions to protect their children from secondhand smoke. Videos depicting the risks and solutions were most effective, especially when including recommendations for cessation and exposure reduction.
Researchers have discovered 572 previously unknown rock art images in northwest Arnhem Land, dating back between 6,000 and 9,400 years. The images depict large, naturalistic humans and macropods with animals often shown more frequently than human figures.
A study published in Global Public Health reveals that tobacco companies are using cash payments, holidays, and exclusive events to incentivize retailers, bypassing current laws. Former employees describe the tactics as aimed at increasing market share and driving sales through retailer loyalty.
A recent study found that COVID-19 can lead to lower testosterone levels in male patients, which may explain the better outcomes seen in female patients. The study also showed that hypogonadism, or low testosterone production, was present in over half of the male patients.
A new study found that 15 out of 102 cat blood samples showed COVID-19 antibodies, with 11 cats having neutralizing antibodies to block the infection. The cats were from Wuhan, where the first outbreak occurred, and had been exposed to humans or other infected animals.
A new species of freshwater Crustacea, Phallocryptus fahimii, has been identified in the Lut desert in Iran. The discovery highlights the resilience of crustaceans to extreme environments. Found in a small seasonal lake, these animals are adapted to survive for decades in arid conditions.