Polar bears use scent associated with their paws to convey information about their social status and reproductive readiness. The study suggests that climate change could disrupt this vital communication method, impacting the animals' ability to reproduce successfully.
A new analysis identifies 15 distinct social media uses during disasters, including providing preparedness information and reconnecting community members. The proposed framework aims to standardize and organize disaster social media practices, potentially protecting lives and aiding recovery
Researchers develop minimally invasive method to detect plastics exposure in seabirds using gland oil samples and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This technique can inform policy makers and citizens about the impacts of plastic litter at a global scale.
A recent US study found that working mothers with nonstandard schedules experience insufficient sleep more often than those with standard hours. Working more than 35 hours per week was linked to increased difficulty in balancing work and family life for many mothers.
A new analysis suggests the Ebola fatality rate is over 70%, far higher than the initial 50% estimate, with the total number of affected individuals potentially exceeding 1 million by early next year. The exponential growth of cases raises concerns about exporting the disease to other countries and sparking a global humanitarian crisis.
A study of 4,644 men reveals that childhood behavioral conditions increase the likelihood of adult criminality. Heavy drinking and educational failure in adolescence contribute to this link, suggesting potential avenues for prevention.
Common bird species across Europe are experiencing significant declines in population, with many providing essential services for humans such as pest control and seed dispersal. The study's findings highlight the critical importance of birds in maintaining ecosystem balance and human health.
A new study reveals breastfeeding mothers experience shame due to exposure, while those who don't breastfeed face judgment and condemnation for perceived failures. The study emphasizes individualized support and addressing cultural constraints associated with infant feeding.
Researchers found a significant association between low birth weight and preterm birth with an increased incidence of hip arthroplasty independent of age, sex, BMI, education level, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and physical activity. No significant association was found with knee replacement surgery.
A new study published in Addiction found that women are at a higher risk of injury from acute alcohol consumption compared to men. The risk increases more rapidly for women, becoming twice the risk to men around 15 drinks and three times the risk around 30 drinks.
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that frailty significantly increases the risk of premature death in kidney transplant recipients. The study analyzed data from 537 patients and found that those who were classified as frail had a mortality rate twice that of non-frail patients.
A recent study found that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) increases the risk of heart-related deaths in men with congestive heart failure or prior heart attacks. The study analyzed data from 5,077 men with prostate cancer, revealing a 3.3-times increased risk of heart-related deaths in this subgroup.
A new study highlights the difficulty women with epilepsy face when becoming pregnant, as certain medications used to control seizures may be linked to developmental problems in children. The review of 28 studies found that children born to women who took sodium valproate had lower cognitive abilities than those whose mothers did not t...
A new study found that chest radiation in childhood cancer patients increases their risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Nearly 20% of female survivors who received chest radiation developed breast cancer by age 40 compared to 0.3% of those who did not receive radiation.
A new preservation technique, sequential subnormothermic ex vivo liver perfusion (SNEVLP), has been shown to prevent ischemic type biliary stricture following liver transplantation using grafts from donations after cardiac death (DCD). SNEVLP reduces bile duct and endothelial cell injury post-transplantation compared to cold storage.
Researchers used CT scans to investigate royal Egyptian mummies from the 18th-20th Dynasties, ruling out signs of ankylosing spondylitis. Instead, they found evidence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in four Pharaohs, suggesting a degenerative spinal condition, not inflammatory arthritis.
A new study published in Epilepsia reports that 76% of caregivers are more likely to have heard of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) compared to 65% of patients with epilepsy. SUDEP is a rare but devastating condition that occurs in about 1 in 1,000 individuals with epilepsy each year.
A Danish study found that women aged 15-24 years old were more likely to be sexually assaulted, while those who consumed over 5 units of alcohol were at risk of being attacked by a stranger. The study highlights the need for awareness and education among healthcare professionals, police, and the general public to prevent sexual assault.
Researchers have identified key factors contributing to pancreatic cancer, including inherited genetic predisposition and a higher risk of developing other cancers. Active smoking was also found to significantly impact age at diagnosis.
Annual incidences of venous thromboembolism range from 0.75 to 2.69 per 1,000 individuals globally. Hospital-acquired cases contribute significantly to years lost due to ill-health.
Researchers found that decaf coffee consumption was linked to lower levels of abnormal liver enzymes in a study of over 27,000 participants. The study suggests that chemical compounds in coffee other than caffeine may help protect the liver.
A recent review in Clinical Anatomy challenges common female orgasm misconceptions, stating that 'female orgasm' is the correct term. The key to female pleasure lies in effective stimulation of the clitoris, not vaginal intercourse.
The study reveals two distinct stages in Earth's response to solar wind forcing, with most energy deposited in the polar atmosphere during the second stage. Researchers are working to understand a potential delay between stages, which could provide near-term warnings for space weather disruptions.
Research finds sleep disturbances are independently associated with pain and depression in osteoarthritis patients, while disability is not linked. High pain levels exacerbate depression in individuals with poor sleep, highlighting the vicious cycle of OA distress.
A recent study of 3,009 couples found that same-sex couples with marriage-like commitments have stable unions regardless of government recognition. The study also revealed that same-sex couples experience a similar break-up rate as heterosexual couples.
A new study in the European Journal of Neuroscience found that oxycodone increases dopamine levels more significantly than morphine, potentially making it more addictive. The study aims to better understand addiction and inform treatment for pain relief.
Invasive Antarctic crabs could degrade marine ecosystems by preying on local species, experts warn. Long-term monitoring programs are needed to assess the extent of the problem.
A major new review of cannabis research reveals adverse effects on mental and physical health, including increased risk of addiction, psychosis, and respiratory problems. Chronic cannabis use is linked to lower educational attainment and intellectual impairment, while adolescent use is associated with a doubling of schizophrenia risk.
A study of 574 low-income adults found that stigma while receiving medical care was associated with unmet health needs and poorer perceptions of quality. Experiencing stigma led to worsening self-reported health despite equal use of healthcare services.
A study of 951 LGBTQ+ youth found that adult connections at school buffered bullying's consequences, reducing aggressive and suicidal behaviors. Educators can access resources to support LGBTQ+ students through organizations like GLSEN.
Australia's lack of preparedness for Ebola is highlighted by experts who call for a national disease control centre to coordinate risk assessments and response plans. The current outbreak in multiple regions of five countries underscores the need for such a centre.
A new study of 1074 cancer patients who smoke found that e-cigarette use did not help with quitting traditional cigarettes. The study, published in the American Cancer Society journal, found a three-fold increase in e-cigarette use among smokers over two years.
Researchers question widely-held assumptions about hippo migration patterns, citing a lack of evidence for their ability to swim. Despite this, hippos have been found on several islands, sparking debate about the role of land bridges in their colonization.
Research on Korean adults finds that prolonged work hours are linked to a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. Employees working 61-80 hours per week face a 42-94% increased likelihood of disease development within 10 years.
Researchers have found that ATF4 levels are elevated in livers of mice exposed to interventions increasing longevity. The protein is shared across diets, drugs, genes, and developmental alterations extending lifespan.
Research finds fibromyalgia patients exhibit reduced activation in primary sensory regions and increased activation in sensory integration areas. This abnormal brain response may contribute to the condition's characteristic hypersensitivity to daily visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation.
Research suggests that genetic factors, including those affecting hearing and cognitive function, contribute to individual differences in music perception. Moderate aptitude is the norm among the population, with extreme capacities being rare.
Research reveals individuals with high levels of psychopathy have a preference for non-romantic, anonymous sex. They may use aggressive strategies to attain gratification outside established relationships.
Researchers found that hybridization can lead to increased genetic diversity in wild populations, but natural selection can ultimately remove adaptive advantages. The study suggests that hybridized populations may not be as affected by human-mediated hybridization with domesticated species.
Research suggests that a high-fat diet can accelerate neurological symptoms in mice genetically predisposed to Parkinson's disease. This diet also causes damage in the brain and affects glucose and insulin regulation.
A new study reveals that people are drawn to others with shared political beliefs due to their body odor. Researchers found that individuals rated the smell of those with aligned ideologies as more attractive.
A recent study of 224 judges found that those with daughters vote more in favor of women's issues than their counterparts without daughters. The effect is most pronounced among Republican judges, suggesting personal experiences play a role in judicial decision-making.
A massive study of 3 million general anaesthetics reveals that most episodes of awareness are short-lived, but 51% lead to distress and 41% to longer-term psychological harm. The use of muscle relaxants is a significant risk factor.
A study found that frequent Facebook use and inability to regulate social media consumption make individuals susceptible to phishing attacks. Social media phishing is used in various crimes, including home invasion, cyber bullying, and espionage, highlighting the need for understanding why people fall victim to such scams.
Researchers in Australia found that airborne dust particles stimulate inflammatory responses in airway cells, contributing to asthma development and worsening. The study suggests larger particles derived from dust may have important adverse effects on human health.
A new study found that living liver donor candidates often experience ambivalence regarding donation, which is linked to physical, psychosocial, and financial concerns. Providing social support can help mitigate these concerns and reduce ambivalence among living liver donors.
A study of German cancer centers found that many patients do not receive a dignified death due to inadequate staff training and facilities. Palliative care staff reported better conditions than other hospital wards, with 95% indicating that patients die with dignity.
A recent study found a significant increase in liver injury caused by herbals and dietary supplements in the US population over a ten-year period. Non-bodybuilding supplements were more likely to result in death or liver transplantation compared to conventional medications.
Research finds young multiparous women and those living in remote areas are at greatest risk of unplanned deliveries, which may increase infant mortality. The study suggests that limited access to proper medical care contributes to the increased risk.
Researchers found media coverage of a South Korean actress' suicide led to a surge in 80 times more suicide-related articles. The study estimated 430 excess suicides in the 4 weeks following her death.