Social bonding gets people on the same wavelength
When small hierarchical groups bond, neural activity between leaders and followers aligns, promoting quicker and more frequent communication, according to a new study.
Low social status increases risk of health problems from alcohol problems
Men and women with lower income or education levels are more likely to develop medical conditions related to alcohol abuse compared to similar individuals with a higher socioeconomic status, according to a new study.
Sea surface temperature research provides clear evidence of human-caused climate change
Claims that climate change is natural are inconsistent with new oceanic temperature trends.
Craving snacks after a meal? It might be food-seeking neurons, not an overactive appetite
A new study has shown that food-seeking cells exist in a part of a mouse’s brain usually associated with panic — but not with feeding. Activating a selective cluster of these cells kicked mice into ‘hot pursuit’ of live and non-prey food, and showed a…
Greenhouse gas emissions in Global South countries linked with IMF lending policies, study finds
A study of 130 Global South nations has found that their greenhouse gas emissions were linked with IMF lending policies. The constraints of IMF’s structural loans imposed coercive lending conditions that prompted borrowers to focus on increasing their …
Keto diet prevents early memory decline in mice
A new study shows the keto diet prevents early memory decline in mice. A molecule in the diet plays a key role in slowing Alzheimer’s disease.
Monitoring and measuring biodiversity require more than just numbers; scientists advocate for change
Scientists advocate for change to promote standardized practices in the field — a practice that has been missing from the science.
ChatGPT is an effective tool for planning field work, school trips and even holidays
A new study suggests anyone looking to shake off the winter blues by planning the perfect getaway should turn to ChatGPT.
Pioneering muscle monitoring in space to help astronauts stay strong in low-gravity
Astronauts have been able to track their muscle health in spaceflight for the first time using a handheld device, revealing which muscles are most at risk of weakening in low gravity conditions. Researchers monitored the muscle health of twelve astrona…
Treating anxiety, depression in people with heart disease reduced ER visits, hospitalizations
Treating anxiety and depression significantly reduced hospital readmission and emergency room visits in people with heart disease.This may be the first study to show that treating anxiety and depression with medication or psychotherapy has a significan…
AI-based app can help physicians find skin melanoma
A mobile app that uses artificial intelligence, AI, to analyze images of suspected skin lesions can diagnose melanoma with very high precision, according to a new study.
Fish fed to farmed salmon should be part of our diet, too, study suggests
Scientists found that farmed salmon production leads to an overall loss of essential dietary nutrients. They say that eating more wild ‘feed’ species directly could benefit our health while reducing aquaculture demand for finite marine resources.
AI ethics are ignoring children, say researchers
Researchers have called for a more considered approach when embedding ethical principles in the development and governance of AI for children.
Decoding the Easter Bunny — an eastern Finnish brown hare to represent the standard for the species’ genome
Biologists have published a chromosomally assembled reference genome for the European brown hare. The genome consists of 2.9 billion base pairs, which form 23 autosomal chromosomes, and X and Y sex chromosomes. The timing of the genome release is very …
Rural and minority dementia patients face disparities in access to neurologists
A study of nearly 95,000 Washington state residents found that people living outside of urban areas as well as Native American and Hispanic people face longer travel distances to be seen by neurologists. The researchers said these disparities could be …
Across oceans and millennia: decoding the origin and history of the bottle gourd
Researchers have uncovered intriguing details about the origins and spread of the bottle gourd, one of the oldest domesticated crops. Their work unveils the genetic diversification and population history of this hard-shelled plant that was used to make…
Early identification of persistent pain plus holistic interventions cut opioid use
In a new study, researchers found that a carefully worded, short questionnaire successfully identified people who were most likely to develop chronic pain. These patients were then steered to a more detailed risk stratification and holistic services th…
Powerful new AI can predict people’s attitudes to vaccines
A powerful new tool in artificial intelligence is able to predict whether someone is willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Cellular architecture of lesions in multiple sclerosis now mapped out
Using advanced methodology, scientists have been able to reveal at the cellular level how lesions in multiple sclerosis develop.
Experts warn climate change will fuel spread of infectious diseases
Infectious diseases specialists call the medical field to be ready to deal with the impact of climate change on spreading diseases, such as malaria, Valley fever, E. coli and Lyme disease.