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The Wim Hof method may reduce inflammation, per systematic review

The Wim Hof method has been found to increase epinephrine levels and decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, indicating a potential anti-inflammatory response. However, its impact on exercise performance is less clear, with some studies showing benefits and others finding no significant difference.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 13, 2024

The team led by professor Xiaohui Hu from Northwest A&F University has revealed a new mechanism in which 5-aminolevulinic acid enhances the cold resistance of tomato plants by regulating the SlMYB4/SlMYB88-SlGSTU43 module to remove reactive oxygen species

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) improves cold resistance in tomato plants. The study found that ALA regulates the SlMYB4/SlMYB88-SlGSTU43 module to remove reactive oxygen species, enhancing the plants' tolerance to low-temperature stress.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

The mechanism of SlWRKY80 participating in salt alkali stress through its involvement in JA metabolic pathway

Researchers found that SlWRKY80 positively regulates tomato resistance to saline-alkali stress by enhancing spermidine content and stabilizing Na+/K+ homeostasis through the JA metabolic pathway. Exogenous MeJA application increased endogenous MeJA and JA contents, reducing stress sensitivity in SlWRKY80 knockout lines.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Can preeclampsia be prevented?

A study published in Science Advances found that abnormal cell stress in the placenta's syncytiotrophoblast layer may lead to preeclampsia. Researchers also developed a mouse model to demonstrate the effects of this stress, showing similar signs of high blood pressure and kidney damage.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2023

Sleep and stress give clues to understanding epileptic seizures - study

A recent study discovered two subgroups of people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, one experiencing highest incidence during sleep and the other during daytime. The researchers found that either dynamics of cortisol or sleep stage transition explained most of the observed distributions of epileptiform discharges.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

Job loss is linked to increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a doubling in the chances of pregnancy miscarrying or resulting in a stillbirth following a job loss. The researchers emphasize an association between job loss and increased probability of miscarriage or stillbirth, highlighting potential socioeconomic factors.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2023

Active children are more resilient

Research found that active children produce less cortisol in stressful situations and exhibit reduced physiological stress reactions. Regular exercise may also help prevent high cortisol levels during exams by creating a positive association with the hormone.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateSep 5, 2023

Microscopic syringes for stressed out strep

Bacteria have found a way to survive stressful environments by producing microscopic syringes called Streptomyces phage tail-like particles (SLPs) that are located inside the cell. These SLPs interact with cellular systems involved in cell wall synthesis and protein translation, providing resistance against osmotic stress.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalmSphere·DateMay 25, 2023

Fear not the deadlines, new research finds

Researchers found high sympathetic activation while working, regardless of deadlines, but factors like smartphone use and reading/writing can exacerbate this. The study revealed that researchers instinctively adjust break frequency to regulate stress, providing fresh insights into their behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Houston·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

Positive experiences in close relationships are associated with better physical health, new research suggests

A new study suggests that positive experiences in close relationships are associated with lower stress, better coping, and lower systolic blood pressure reactivity. The findings also indicate that variability in negative relationship experiences can predict outcomes like stress and physiological functioning.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateMar 27, 2023

Finding genes to help fruit adapt to droughts

A study by researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute has identified genes that can help plant breeders develop fruit crops that can adapt to drought conditions. The research found that water stress triggers physiological disorders and fruit loss, but also has positive effects such as increasing lycopene levels in ripe fruit.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Study: Canada geese beat humans in longstanding territory battle

A new study reveals that standard goose harassment efforts are ineffective, especially in winter when birds should be most susceptible to scare tactics. Canada geese return to their territories despite harassment, prioritizing access to resources over energy conservation. The research team found that geese adapt to urban environments, ...

Adversity in childhood is linked to increased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases in early adulthood

A large study found that children who experienced adversity, including serious family illness or death, poverty, neglect, or dysfunctional relationships, are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in early adulthood. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, followed nearly 1.3 million children and found a 60%...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2022

Dogs can smell when we’re stressed, study suggests

A new study found that dogs can differentiate between breath and sweat samples from people before and after a stress-inducing task with an accuracy of 93.75%. The researchers believe that dogs are able to detect changes in volatile organic compounds produced by humans in response to stress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Walk then sit: A scientific recipe that helps babies stop crying

A new study published in Current Biology found that carrying crying infants for 5 minutes can promote sleep and reduce crying. The technique, known as the Transport Response, involves steady walking followed by sitting before laying the baby down to sleep. This method offers an immediate solution for parents of newborns struggling with...

SourceRIKEN·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 13, 2022

Today’s heat waves feel a lot hotter than heat index implies

Researchers at UC Berkeley find that the traditional heat index, which calculates how hot it feels based on temperature and humidity, fails to account for physiological responses to extreme heat. The new study suggests that this underestimation can lead to increased stress on the human body, particularly in sweltering conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 15, 2022

Safety first: How stigma may impact health

A new theory suggests that lack of perceived safety in marginalized communities can have a direct impact on physical and mental health. This concept challenges decades-old thinking that minority stress is the primary cause of health disparities in the LGBTQ community.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 6, 2022

The chanchita may have the highest cold tolerance of all non-native fish in Central Florida

Researchers have discovered that chanchita, a cichlid fish native to South America, has the highest cold tolerance of all non-native species in Florida, allowing it to survive central and possibly northern Florida's winters. Chanchitas exhibit parental care behavior, with both parents guarding eggs and young.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalManagement of Biological Invasions·DateJun 30, 2022

Eye-movement tracking glasses are used to evaluate mental stress in first naturalistic study of critical care nurses

A naturalistic study using eye-tracking technology found that intensive care unit nurses experience a higher level of mental workload, especially during the start of shifts, with shorter fixation and more sporadic gaze behavior in stressed nurses.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalHuman Factors The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society·DateMay 31, 2022

Bat box design, placement matter for energy balance in endangered bats

Research finds that bat box design and landscape placement significantly impact the energetic balance of endangered Indiana bats. A study by University of Illinois researchers tested five bat box designs and four landscape placements to determine their effects on bat metabolism, development, and survival.

Stress damages the movement centers in the brain

A study at the University of Bonn found that stressed mice develop motor deficits and lose synapses, which may be useful for earlier diagnosis and therapy. The results also suggest that psychological stress can leave permanent traces on the brain.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022

Robots use fear to fight invasive fish

A team of biologists and engineers created a robotic fish that scares mosquitofish away, altering its behavior and physiology. The study found that the mosquitofish showed fearful behaviors, weight loss, and reduced fertility when confronted with the robot.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021