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The extinct American ‘cheetah’ was not a cheetah after all

Researchers found that Miracinonyx trumani preyed almost exclusively on fish, challenging the long-held assumption that it was a fast-running prey-chaser like modern cheetahs. The species shared a common ancestor with modern cheetahs about 4.7 million years ago, but diverged from a common ancestor with pumas about 2.6 million years ago.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2026

Long-term benzodiazepine use is less likely when shorter courses, a single medication or short-acting agents are prescribed, per cohort study of more than 1.8 million Canadian adults which could inform prescribing practices

A cohort study of over 1.8 million Canadian adults found that shorter prescription courses, single medication, and short-acting agents are associated with lower rates of long-term benzodiazepine use. This study provides valuable insights for informing prescribing practices to reduce reliance on these medications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 18, 2026

Invasive pythons & hurricanes drive opposite population shifts in endemic Florida rodents

A long-term study found that invasive Burmese pythons led to a dramatic decline in woodrat populations, while cotton mouse populations surged following Hurricane Irma's landfall. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of invasive predators on endemic ecosystem engineers and underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2026

Seasonal COVID-19 vaccination in 2025/26 reduced risk of illness by half in Canada

A Canadian study found that seasonal COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced the risk of illness in 2025/26, with vaccine protection extending beyond its target strain. The vaccine was particularly beneficial for people aged 65 or older, offering 53% effectiveness against severe COVID-19.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2026

“Peculiar” ancient ancestor of the crocodile started life on four legs in adolescence before it began walking on two

A new study reveals that the ancient reptile Sonselasuchus, a relative of the crocodile, began life on four legs before learning to walk on two. The discovery was made by analyzing the proportions of the limb skeletons of different animals, suggesting that the creature's bipedal stance may have resulted from differential growth patterns.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateMar 9, 2026

Residing in conservative states is impacting the mental health of US LGBTQIA+ students—national study suggests

A national study has found that LGBTQIA+ college students living in conservative US states experience poorer mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Colleges are urged to implement inclusive policies and provide resources to support these students.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of American College Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2025

Study assesses U.S. image amid weakening of democracy

A study found that respondents who received information about democratic backsliding in the US had a less favorable view, but policy support remained unchanged. The research team also discovered that an economic downturn did not influence global public opinion, highlighting the complexities of soft power and US foreign policy.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeSurvey·DateApr 4, 2025

North America is dripping from below, geoscientists discover

Researchers have discovered that the underside of the North American continent is experiencing 'cratonic thinning', a phenomenon where the continent is slowly losing its stability and rock layers. This process, driven by the subduction of the Farallon Plate, may eventually stop as the plate sinks deeper into the mantle.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 1, 2025

Tracing the geological history of spring rains: Why diminished in North America while emerged in East Asia

A recent study reveals that shifts in paleogeography and climate change have shaped the spring rainfall pattern. Spring persistent rainfall has prevailed in East Asia since the Miocene epoch, whereas in North America, it only flourished during the Eocene epoch. Climate warming is expected to be a dominant driver of future changes.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMar 18, 2025

Research tracks 66 million years of mammalian diversity

A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln examines fossil records going back 66 million years, tracking changes in mammalian ecosystems and species diversity. The research reveals that following the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs, mammalian communities experienced a surge in functional diversity for 10 million years.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Political elites take advantage of anti-partisan protests to disrupt politics

New research from the University of Notre Dame reveals that protest movements against political parties can inadvertently empower politicians who use them to disrupt the status quo. The study analyzed 12 case studies across Europe, Asia, and North and South America between 2008 and 2016, finding varying outcomes including factional cha...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·TypeCase study·DateMay 24, 2024

Fewer teens now perceive themselves as overweight – international study of more than 745,000 adolescents

A recent international study of over 745,000 adolescents from 41 countries found a decrease in those who overestimate their weight and an increase in those who underestimate it. This shift could reduce the effectiveness of public health interventions aimed at weight reduction in young people, as they may make unhealthy lifestyle choices.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalChild and Adolescent Obesity·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2023

DNA testing finds endangered eels on the menu

A recent study by the University of Exeter has confirmed the widespread trading of critically endangered European eels in international markets. The research found that about 40% of North American unagi samples contained European eel, suggesting a significant role for illegal trade in their supply chain.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFood Control·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Changing climate conditions likely facilitated early human migration to the Americas at key intervals, research suggests

Researchers found two distinct climate intervals where sea ice and ice-free summer conditions likely supported early human migration along the Pacific coastal route. These conditions, occurring from 22,000 to 24,500 years ago and again from 14,800 to 16,400 years ago, may have facilitated movement by providing a more traversable surfac...

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

Poor literacy linked to worse mental health worldwide, study shows

A new study by the University of East Anglia finds a significant association between low literacy and poor mental health outcomes across multiple countries. People with lower literacy skills are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, highlighting the importance of addressing literacy as part of mental health services.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMental Health and Social Inclusion·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 26, 2023