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Many ways to become a monster and one map to tell

A Kobe University research reveals that insect snatching forelimbs have evolved in a similar direction but did not settle on a single solution. The study's framework allowed researchers to quantify the process across lineages and found that different shapes can capture the same ecological function.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2026

Weak evidence behind how we measure pain in babies

A newly-published Cochrane review found significant gaps in clinical rating scales used to assess pain in newborn babies. The review of 79 studies involving over 7,000 infants across 26 countries revealed that none of the available scales are backed by high-quality evidence.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 13, 2025

U.S. abortion bans and fertility

A new study suggests that US abortion bans are associated with increased fertility rates, particularly among subpopulations experiencing structural disadvantages. The findings also highlight the negative impact of these policies on maternal and child health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 13, 2025

Unveiling a century of stress and deformation: Insights from Kīlauea Volcano’s 1975 earthquake

The study discovered significant alterations in the region's state of stress and deformation following the 1975 Kalapana earthquake. The researchers found that Kīlauea's south flank experienced greater displacement prior to the earthquake, pointing to changes in mechanical properties influencing seismic activity.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 2, 2024

In the evolution of walking, the hip bone connected to the rib bones

A new reconstruction of the 375-million-year-old fossil fish Tiktaalik reveals that its ribs likely attached to its pelvis, enabling support of the body and potentially leading to the evolution of walking. This discovery provides insights into the major evolutionary transition from fish to four-limbed vertebrates.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2024

Weak evidence that interventions to boost housing affordability and stability promote better health

Research on interventions to mitigate housing insecurity found low-certainty evidence of positive health outcomes, primarily for emergency rent assistance and homeownership assistance. However, existing interventions may need to be paired with other efforts to address structural determinants of health.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

Using the law to advance public health equity: JPHMP presents update on public health interventions to address disparities related to structural racism

A special article in JPHMP presents a pathway for public health departments and practitioners to incorporate law into efforts to advance equity in health outcomes. The article highlights the illustrative case of Coal Run, where residents filed a civil rights complaint and ultimately received water services after decades of denial.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateNov 22, 2021

New study provides structural insights into how cholesterol in the brain regulates ion channels and alters their function; findings could facilitate the development of therapeutics for neurological diseases

Researchers identified physical binding sites for cholesterol in GIRK channels, which play a role in neurodegenerative diseases. The study provides structural insights into how cholesterol alters channel function, paving the way for drug development.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 24, 2021