Science & Technology
Women with obesity do not need to gain weight during pregnancy, new study suggests
The guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy in obese women have long been questioned. New research supports the idea of lowering or removing the current recommendation of a weight gain of at least 5 kg.
Do sweeteners increase your appetite? New evidence from randomised controlled trial says no
Replacing sugar with artificial and natural sweeteners in foods does not make people hungrier — and also helps to reduce blood sugar levels, a significant new study has found. The double blind randomized controlled trial found that consuming food cont…
Is it the school, or the students?
School quality ratings significantly reflect the preparation of a school’s students, not just the school’s contribution to learning gains, according to new research.
Making the future too bright: How wishful thinking can point us in the wrong direction
Everyone indulges in wishful thinking now and again. But when is that most likely to happen and when could it actually be harmful? A new study demonstrates unequivocally that the greater the insecurity and anxiety of a situation, the more likely people…
When inequality is more than ‘skin-deep’: Social status leaves traces in the epigenome of spotted hyenas in Tanzania
A research consortium provides evidence that social behavior and social status are reflected at the molecular level of gene activation (epigenome) in juvenile and adult free-ranging spotted hyenas. They analyzed non-invasively collected gut epithelium …
How the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus enters our cells
Researchers have identified how the tick-borne Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus enters our cells. The results are an important step in the development of drugs against the deadly disease.
Genomic research may help explain cancer resistance in Tasmanian devils
Through DNA sequencing of Tasmanian devils and their tumors, researchers have tracked the genomic interactions between the animals and the cancer.
Magnetic avalanche triggered by quantum effects
Scientists have shown that Barkhausen noise can be produced not only through traditional, or classical means, but through quantum mechanical effects. The research represents an advance in fundamental physics and could one day have applications in creat…
Manganese plays a surprising role in soil carbon sequestration
A recent study reveals an unexpected link between manganese — a naturally occurring mineral — and increased carbon emissions from high-latitude boreal forests. The study uncovers how manganese increases carbon emissions from boreal forest soil, over …
Single genomic test promises accelerated diagnoses for rare genetic diseases
A single genetic test could potentially replace the current two-step approach to diagnosing rare developmental disorders in children. This shift could enable earlier diagnoses for families and save vital resources.
Mechanism found to determine which memories last
Neuroscientists have established in recent decades the idea that some of each day’s experiences are converted by the brain into permanent memories during sleep the same night. Now, a new study proposes a mechanism that determines which memories are tag…
Blueprint for mandating indoor air quality for public buildings in form of standards
A group of international experts has presented a blueprint for national indoor quality standards for public buildings. The experts addressed setting standards for three key indoor pollutants — carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and PM2.5 (particles so s…
TB vaccine may enable elimination of the disease in cattle by reducing its spread
Vaccination not only reduces the severity of TB in infected cattle, but reduces its spread in dairy herds by 89%, research finds.
Researchers racing to develop Paxlovid replacement
SARS-CoV-2 will eventually become resistant to the only effective oral treatment. The world needs another, say researchers.
New imaging method illuminates oxygen’s journey in the brain
A new bioluminescence imaging technique has created highly detailed, and visually striking, images of the movement of oxygen in the brains of mice. The method, which can be easily replicated by other labs, will enable researchers to more precisely stud…