1,071 news posts

Life sciences
11 Feb 2021
Pigs show potential for ‘remarkable’ level of behavioral, mental flexibility in new study
Pigs are intelligent and can be taught to play video games, showing conceptual understanding: Frontiers in Psychology

Earth science
10 Feb 2021
Scientists propose three-step method to reverse significant reforestation side effect
By Colm Gorey, Frontiers science writer Image: Farid Suhaimi/Shutterstock Reforestation efforts using a monoculture of a fast-growing tree species, while effective, significantly impact the soil water content of humid, tropical regions and threatens global freshwater supplies. Scientists have now found that the transpiration rate and transpiration-related trait values are up to 10 times greater in the fast-growing species than nearby, dominant slow-growing species. The team has proposed a three-step method for ensuring reforestation efforts in tropical regions don’t harm the surrounding soil water content. ► Read original article► Download original article (pdf) While deforestation levels have decreased significantly since the turn of the 21st century, the United Nations (UN) estimates that 10 million hectares of trees have been felled in each of the last five years. Aside from their vital role in absorbing CO2 from the air, forests play an integral part in maintaining the delicate ecosystems that cover our planet. Efforts are now underway across the world to rectify the mistakes of the past, with the UN Strategic Plan for Forests setting out the objective for an increase in global forest coverage by 3% by 2030. With time being of the essence, one of the most popular methods of reforestation in […]

Sustainability
09 Feb 2021
Environmentally friendly behavior is easy — tourists just need a ‘nudge’
Simple cues stimulate environmentally conscious behavior: Frontiers in Communication

Health
09 Feb 2021
Evidence for routine brain tumor imaging is murky, but research can shed light
Position Statement from UK experts: limited evidence for value of routine brain tumor imaging, highlight way forward: Frontiers in Oncology

Health
05 Feb 2021
Researchers make discoveries to better understand SARS-CoV-2 virus
Key structural differences in the virus’s spike protein between the viruses that cause SARS and Covid-19: Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

Featured news
05 Feb 2021
Mapping hotspots of undersized fish and crustaceans may aid sustainable fishing practices
Study uses size distribution of catch to identify hot spots for reproduction of fish and crustaceans in Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic: Frontiers in Marine Science

Health
04 Feb 2021
Study links brain cells to depression
Major depression is associated with a reduced number of cells in the brain that support neuron function: Frontiers in Psychiatry

Earth science
03 Feb 2021
Why we cannot ignore the place of viruses on the ‘Tree of Life’
By Dr Hugh Harris, APC Microbiome Ireland/University College Cork Image: Corona Borealis Studio/Shutterstock One particular virus has come to dominate our lives. Now Dr Hugh Harris of APC Microbiome Ireland and University College Cork writes that viruses deserve a place on the ‘Tree of Life’. A single virus has dramatically changed our lives. SARS-CoV-2 is keeping most of us at home, often with other members of our family. The next time we get annoyed by a relative, some perspective might be achieved by thinking about how inclusive the concept of family can be. A family tree is a familiar sight to many people. There is something intriguing and even nostalgic about looking into the past, beyond our parents and grandparents. We all want to know where we came from. How far back do the branches of kinship reach? A visit to the zoo might have us looking at the chimpanzees and gorillas as they go about their day – these are our cousins. Richard Dawkins described a thought experiment where a female chimpanzee held the hand of her mother. The mother, in turn, held the hand of her own mother and so on back across the generations, forming an unbroken […]

Life sciences
01 Feb 2021
Shift in caribou movements may be tied to human activity
Caribou feed near the Kuparuk oilfield in Alaska. A UC study examined the landscape use of caribou in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Earth science
29 Jan 2021
Infographic: Alpine plants at risk of extinction following disappearing glaciers
Nearly a quarter of Italian alpine plant species are threatened by glacier retreat driven by climate change: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution

Life sciences
29 Jan 2021
Alpine plants at risk of extinction following disappearing glaciers
Glaciers are melting around the world due to climate change. What is the predicted effect on plant biodiversity? Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution

Featured news
28 Jan 2021
Voters perceive political candidates with a disability as qualified for elected office
Image: Shutterstock By Suzanna Burgelman, Frontiers science writer Political candidates with a disability have historically been underrepresented. A new study has found for the first time that voters do not apply certain stereotypes associated with disability to such candidates. Voters see them as honest, hard-working, and concerned with social welfare issues. The results show that the cause of under-representation may not lay with voters’ perceptions, but with a lack of support from governments and political parties. Worldwide, over one billion people live with a disability. Historically, they have been discriminated against and stigmatized by society. To improve their rights, they should be included in political decision-making, yet there is a lack of political representatives who are known to have a disability. This under-representation may be due to several factors, including how voters perceive a political candidate with a disability. However, a new study published in Frontiers in Political Science, found for the first time that voters do not apply negative stereotypes when evaluating candidates with a disability. Rather, voters tend to perceive candidates with a disability as capable, honest, and caring. Stereotypes as information short-cuts To form an impression of others, and with a lack of motivation and resources to […]

Psychology
22 Jan 2021
Study highlights factors that predict success for treating canine behavioral disorders
The personality of a dog’s owner can predict outcomes of veterinary behavioral therapy: Frontiers in Veterinary Medicine

Featured news
19 Jan 2021
Rescuers at risk: emergency personnel face trauma and post traumatic stress symptoms
Emergency workers face suicidal thoughts and PTSS: Frontiers in Psychiatry

Environment
13 Jan 2021
Nearby vessels interrupt feeding of southern resident killer whales, especially females
How do boats affect the behavior of killer whales? Frontiers in Marine Science