Research Discoveries

Gen Z usually refers to those born between 1997 and 2012. One in every four GenZ respondents in India is more inclined towards new-age job fields like Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity and content creation while 43 per cent are willing to sacrifice the work-life balance to succeed in their career, a study has found. The study, the Quest…

Have you ever wondered why some groups of friends all seem to follow similar life paths? Rutgers University researchers suggest that the answer might be hidden in our friends’ DNA. This fascinating research reveals how the genetic makeup of our teenage pals could influence our risk of developing mental health and substance abuse issues later in life.…

From ancient philosophers to modern-day scientists, the pursuit of knowledge has been seen as inherently good. But what if that assumption is wrong? A new study presents a counterintuitive idea that’s shaking up how we think about progress. Economists Kaushik Basu of Cornell University and Jörgen Weibull of the Stockholm School of Economics have uncovered what they…

It’s become common knowledge that alcohol is a carcinogen — otherwise known as a cancer-causing substance. A new report paints a concerning picture of just how many cancers and related deaths may be the result of drinking alcohol. The study in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, published by the American Cancer Society, lists alcohol as the…

It is hoped the technology could be faster and more accurate than conventional procedures. A robot has completed a fully-automated dental procedure on a human, in a world first. The technology features a robotic arm – along with artificial intelligence and 3D imaging – for performing dental work. The US-based company Perceptive says its technology aims to…

In a fascinating study that reads like a botanical detective story, researchers have uncovered a secret long hidden within the wood of some of the world’s most beloved trees. Scientists from Jagiellonian University and the University of Cambridge have discovered an entirely new type of wood in tulip trees, a finding that could reshape our understanding of…

Imagine losing the ability to move your arms, to walk, to speak, and eventually even to breathe on your own. This is the grim reality faced by patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Incredibly, a handful of patients wind up defying this devastating prognosis. Now, in a study published in the…

Symptoms of lung cancer can go unnoticed, according to experts. A few early signs also mimic other conditions or do not cause any symptoms at all. However, if you notice a few indications on your face changes in skin texture, facial pain, and colour of your lips – you need to see your doctor immediately. Read on…

The study, published in BMC Medicine and conducted by researchers from Stanford University and TruDiagnostic, focused on a unique group of participants: 21 pairs of identical twins. By comparing twins who followed either a vegan or omnivorous diet for eight weeks, the scientists were able to control for genetic factors and isolate the impact of diet alone…

When you’re lying on a hospital bed, how your doctor interacts with you can make a big difference in your experience as a patient. A new study suggests that one simple change by physicians — having them sit down instead of standing over patients — may significantly improve how patients perceive their care. Researchers from the University…

In the realm of evolutionary biology, an unlikely hero has emerged: the sea lamprey. This ancient, jawless fish, often viewed as a pest in Midwestern fisheries, is helping scientists unlock the secrets of our own evolutionary past. A jaw-dropping study from Northwestern University reveals fascinating insights into the origins of two crucial types of stem cells that…

In recent years, the landscape of gun ownership in the United States has undergone a significant transformation. A new study reveals that protection has become the dominant reason why Americans own firearms, surpassing traditional motivations like hunting or sport shooting. This shift is reshaping not only why people own guns but also who owns them, with more…

Butterflies and moths possess a unique superpower when it comes to pollinating flowers. New research reveals the insects carry an electric charge that may significantly boost their pollination abilities. This discovery not only sheds light on the intricate mechanisms of plant reproduction but also challenges our understanding of how these beloved insects interact with their environment. When…

Many people have taken a sniff of that distinctive scent when getting into a brand-new car. It’s a smell that many associate with freshness, luxury, and even excitement. However, that pleasant “new car smell” could be seriously harmful to your health. A new study published in PNAS Nexus reveals that the source of new car smell —…

I’m sure almost everyone has chewed on a piece of ice at some point in time. Shaved ice on a summer day is a classic heat wave treat, but crunching on actual ice cubes is a very different thing. Something may be abnormal health-wise when you have a deep craving for ice. If this sounds like you,…

Stop Googling, start napping among 9 key habits for preserving brainpower into old age BOCA RATON, Fla. — In an age where people constantly reach for their smartphones to look up information, a leading Canadian academic is urging the public to exercise their brains instead. Professor Mohamed I. Elmasry, an expert in microchip design and artificial intelligence…

Dogs experience emotional contagion from the smell of human stress, leading them to make more ‘pessimistic’ choices, new research finds. The University of Bristol-led study, published in Scientific Reports today [22 July], is the first to test how human stress odours affect dogs’ learning and emotional state. Evidence in humans suggests that the smell of a stressed…

The best way to end cancer is to stop it from forming in the first place. However, did you know your life choices may be the biggest reason you’re at risk for cancer? In fact, a new study reveals that four in 10 cancer cases are preventable. Published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, researchers with…

The annual flu shot could soon be a thing of the past. Scientists are working on a revolutionary formula that would result in only needing one flu shot in your lifetime. Simply put, this would mean no more annual vaccinations or worrying about whether this year’s shot will match the flu strains circulating around the world. Scientists…

Could the future of healthcare be as simple as going to your doctor for a routine checkup and giving a single drop of blood to screen you for multiple health conditions at once? This futuristic scenario may soon become reality, thanks to groundbreaking research combining infrared spectroscopy with machine learning. A team of researchers from Germany developed…

Simon Boas, who wrote a candid account of living with cancer, passed away on July 15 at the age of 47. In a recent BBC interview, the former aid worker told the reporter: “My pain is under control and I’m terribly happy – it sounds weird to say, but I’m as happy as I’ve ever been in…

Public awareness campaigns about lung cancer symptoms and risk factors are essential for early detection and prevention The landscape of lung cancer in India is undergoing a dramatic shift. Traditionally linked to smoking, the disease is increasingly affecting individuals with no history of tobacco use. A recent narrative review, published in The Lancet, unveiled a startling finding:…

Mice injected with the antibody anti-IL-11 lived longer and suffered from fewer diseases caused by fibrosis, chronic inflammation and poor metabolism – which are the hallmarks of ageing. An experimental drug that extends the lifespan of mice by 25% could also work in humans, according to the scientist who ran the trials. The treatment – an injection…

We all do it, but how often should we? A groundbreaking study from the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) has uncovered fascinating links between how frequently we poop and our long-term health. It turns out that your bathroom habits might be more important than you think! The research team, led by Johannes Johnson-Martinez, examined over 1,400 healthy…

UNICEF UK calls on the new government to scrap the two-child benefit cap as it warns of severe pressure on parents of young children. Mounting debt and expensive childcare are putting children at risk, UNICEF UK has warned, as the charity claims 87% of parents of children under five worry about their future. Based on findings from…

This is a story that goes back thousands of years. Originally, cats were solitary creatures. This means they preferred to live and hunt alone rather than in groups. Most of their social behavior was restricted to mother-kitten interactions. Outside of this relationship, cats rarely meow at each other. However, as cats began to live alongside humans, these…

From a menacing bear in the forest to a smiling friend at a party, our brains are constantly processing emotional stimuli and guiding our responses. But how exactly does our brain transform what we see into appropriate actions? A new study sheds new light on this complex process, revealing the sophisticated ways our brains encode emotional information…

In a first, researchers link people’s subjective feelings of curiosity to the way their brains physically represent it You look up into the clear blue sky and see something you can’t quite identify. Is it a balloon? A plane? A UFO? You’re curious, right? A research team based at Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute has for the first time…

In a world where the boundaries between human communities and the wilderness blur with each passing year, a groundbreaking study explains how preserving just a tiny amount of the Earth’s surface could prevent the next mass extinction event. An international team warns that the final unprotected havens of rare and endangered species across the globe live in…

Smoking may be the most influential factor in whether older adults go on to develop dementia. That’s the concerning takeaway from a groundbreaking study spanning 14 European countries. Researchers in London have found that when it comes to maintaining cognitive function as we age, the biggest impact may come from a single lifestyle choice: not smoking. The…

The most seductive culinary myths have murky origins, with a revolutionary discovery created by accident or out of necessity. For the Caesar salad, these classic ingredients are spiced up with a family food feud and a spontaneous recipe invention on the Fourth of July, across the border in Mexico, during Prohibition. Our story is set during the…

The tale of early humans hunting pigs roughly 50,000 years ago may be the first recorded story in human history. Deep in the limestone caves of Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, this remarkable cave painting discovery has pushed back the origins of narrative art by thousands of years. Researchers in Australia have found that our ancestors were creating complex…

Whether you’re left, right or ambidextrous, “handedness” is part of our identity. But a lot of people don’t realize that we have other biases too and they are not unique to humans. My colleagues and I have published a new study that shows aligning our biases in the same way as other people may have social benefits.…

A groundbreaking new study has uncovered a potential link between a popular weight loss and diabetes medication and an increased risk of sudden vision loss. The drug in question, semaglutide, sold under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, has been hailed as a game-changer in the fight against obesity and Type 2 diabetes. However, this research suggests…

The spontaneous loss of the Y chromosome has been a medical mystery among aging men for quite some time. Now, a new study is linking this condition to an even more concerning problem — death from heart disease. Researchers at Boston Medical Center (BMC) and Boston University (BU) Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine have found that…

If you’ve ever snacked on raisins or enjoyed a glass of wine, you may, in part, have the extinction of the dinosaurs to thank for it. In a discovery described in the journal Nature Plants, researchers found fossil grape seeds that range from 60 to 19 million years old in Colombia, Panama, and Peru. One of these…

Internet addiction is the problematic, compulsive use of the Internet that results in significant impairments in an individual’s functioning in various aspects of life, including social, work, and academic arenas. Internet addiction is becoming a worldwide problem. Individual screen time averages have risen to about three hours daily. Many people declare that their internet use is “compulsive.”…

Chronic procrastinators are often seen as lazy, but a new study suggests that it’s more than just a lack of motivation. A new study published in the Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society examined the cost-benefit risks the brain goes through when deciding to put off tasks, especially in the face of serious…

At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, a distraught Alexandra Trusova won silver and promptly declared, “I will never skate again.” Swimmer Michael Phelps displayed a mix of frustration and disappointment at the 2012 London Olympics when he added a silver to his trove of gold medals. At those same games, gymnast McKayla Maroney’s grim expression on the medal…

We’re all forgetful from time to time, but for some of us, forgetfulness is a real problem. From little things like items on our grocery list to bigger things like important work meetings or anniversaries, the tendency to forget is not only annoying, but it can be detrimental to our relationships, work, and general ability to function…

Maybe romance really is just for adults after all. A new study suggests that teenagers today are not only more likely to be single, but also happier about it compared to previous generations. It’s an interesting shift in attitudes towards romantic relationships among young people considering rising levels of loneliness across the world today. The research, conducted…

Have you ever wondered how long you’ll live? A recent study has revealed some intriguing insights into how different age groups perceive their own mortality. Buckle up, because the results might surprise you! The research surveyed 2,000 adults across the United Kingdom. It turns out that millennials (those in the 35-44 age bracket) believe they’ll reach the…

The poll of 2,000 adults reveals what goals people prioritize when it comes to their fitness. Above all, they’re aiming to lose a certain amount of weight (43%), increase their general strength (43%) and increase their general mobility (35%). However, 48 percent are worried about potentially losing the motivation to get fit and 65 percent believe the…

Close your eyes and try to picture a loved one’s face or your childhood home. For most people, this conjures up a mental image, perhaps fuzzy but still recognizable. But for a small percentage of the population, this simple act of imagination draws a complete blank. No colors, no shapes, no images at all – just darkness.…

In a remarkable feat of nanoscale engineering, scientists have created the world’s thinnest gold sheets at just one atom thick. This new material, dubbed “goldene,” could revolutionize fields from electronics to medicine, offering unique properties that bulk gold simply can’t match. The research team, led by scientists from Linköping University in Sweden, managed to isolate single-atom layers…

For anyone who has experienced the debilitating effects of low back pain, the results of an eye-opening new study may be a game-changer. Researchers have found that a simple, accessible program of progressive walking and education can significantly reduce the risk of constant low back pain flare-ups in adults. The implications are profound — no longer does…

Could skipping a few meals each week help you fight cancer? It might sound far-fetched, but new research suggests that one type of intermittent fasting could actually boost your body’s natural ability to defeat cancer. A team of scientists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) has uncovered an intriguing link between fasting and the body’s immune…

Depression and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues worldwide, yet current treatments often fail to provide relief for many sufferers. A major challenge has been the heterogeneity of these conditions. Patients with the same diagnosis can have vastly different symptoms and underlying brain dysfunctions. Now, a team of researchers at Stanford University has…

The crucial early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for their lifelong growth and happiness. Spending quality time with parents during these formative stages can lead to substantial positive changes in children. With that in mind, researchers have found an important link between a father’s involvement and their child’s successful development, both mentally and physically.…

A groundbreaking new study has uncovered genetic factors that may help explain why some women experience a phenomenon called mosaic loss of the X chromosome (mLOX) as they age. With mLOX, some of a woman’s blood cells randomly lose one of their two X chromosomes over time. Concerningly, scientists believe this genetic oddity may lead to the…

Are you an open book, your face broadcasting every passing emotion, or more of a stoic poker face? Scientists at Nottingham Trent University say that wearing your heart on your sleeve (or rather, your face) could actually give you a significant social advantage. Their research shows that people who are more facially expressive are more well-liked by…

India might not be the first country that springs to mind when someone mentions video games, but it’s one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. Analysts believe there could be more than half a billion players there by the end of this year. Most of them are playing on mobile phones and tablets, and fans will…

New study shows damage from cosmic radiation, microgravity could be ‘catastrophic’ for human body LONDON — As humanity sets its sights on deep space missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, a team of international researchers has uncovered a potential problem lurking in the shadows of these ambitious plans: spaceflight-induced kidney damage. The findings, in a nutshell…

We’ve all been there — a big task is looming over our heads, but we choose to put it off for another day. Procrastination is so common that researchers have spent years trying to understand what drives some people to chronically postpone important chores until the last possible moment. Now, researchers from the University of Tokyo have…

About 1 in 6 Americans are age 65 or older, and that percentage is projected to grow. Older adults often hold positions of power, have retirement savings accumulated over the course of their lifetimes, and make important financial and health-related decisions – all of which makes them attractive targets for financial exploitation. In 2021, there were more…

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers about a mushroom-infused chocolate bar that has reportedly sent some people to the hospital. The FDA released an advisory message about Diamond Shruumz “microdosing” chocolate bars on June 7. The chocolate bars contain a “proprietary nootropics blend” that is said to give a “relaxed euphoric experience without psilocybin,”…

They say elephants never forget a face, and now as it turns out, they seem to remember names too. That is, the “names” they have for one another. Yes, believe it or not, a new study shows that elephants actually have the rare ability to identify one another through unique calls, essentially giving one another human-like names…

From gurgling “goos” to squealing “wheees!”, the delightful symphony of sounds emanating from a baby’s crib may seem like charming gibberish to the untrained ear. However, a new study suggests that these adorable vocalizations are far more than just random noise — they’re actually a crucial stepping stone on the path to language development. The research, published…

Everything in biology ultimately boils down to food and sex. To survive as an individual, you need food. To survive as a species, you need sex. Not surprisingly, then, the age-old question of why giraffes have long necks has centered around food and sex. After debating this question for the past 150 years, biologists still cannot agree…

The Nepalese army says it has removed eleven tonnes of rubbish, four corpses and one skeleton from Mount Everest and two other Himalayan peaks this year. It took troops 55 days to recover the rubbish and bodies from Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse mountains. It is estimated that more than fifty tonnes of waste and more than 200…

For female athletes, the impact of the menstrual cycle on physical performance has been a topic of much discussion. But what about the mental side of the game? A groundbreaking new study suggests that certain cognitive abilities, particularly those related to spatial awareness and anticipation, may indeed ebb and flow with a woman’s cycle. The findings, in…

Colon cancer crisis in young people could be fueled by booming drinks brands adored by teens They are used by millions of workers to power through afternoon slumps. But highly caffeinated energy drinks could be partly fueling the explosion of colorectal cancers in young people, US researchers warn. They believe an ingredient in Red Bull and other…

There can be a lot of inconsistent dietary advice when it comes to gut health, but those that says that eating lots of sugar is harmful tend to be the most consistent of them all. Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh are now showing that consuming excess sugar disrupts cells that keep the colon healthy in mice…

We often think of war, terrorism, and deadly diseases as the greatest threats to human life. But what if the real danger is something we encounter every day, something that’s in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even in the noise that surrounds us? A new study published in the Journal of the American…

In the lush forests of India’s Arunachal Pradesh, a team of intrepid researchers has made a startling discovery: a never-before-seen species of ant that sparkles like a brilliant blue gemstone. The remarkable find marks the first new species of its genus to be identified in India in over 120 years. Dubbing the species Paraparatrechina neela, the fascinating…

Babies with higher stress hormone levels late in their mother’s pregnancy can end up having trouble falling asleep, researchers explain. The sleep research suggests that measuring cortisol during the third trimester can predict infant sleep patterns up to seven months after a baby’s birth. Babies often wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble…

COVID-19 taught most people that the line between tolerable and toxic stress – defined as persistent demands that lead to disease – varies widely. But, some people will age faster and die younger from toxic stressors than others. So, how much stress is too much, and what can you do about it? I’m a psychiatrist specializing in…

The extreme heat can affect overall health, increasing the risk of heart diseases, brain disorders, and other organ issues. As heatwaves sweep across various regions, there has been a noticeable increase in eye stroke cases. This condition, also known as retinal artery occlusion, can cause sudden vision loss and is comparable to a brain stroke in its…

Trauma, abuse, and neglect — in the current cultural landscape, it’s not hard to find a myriad of discussions on these topics. But with so many people chiming in on the conversation, it’s more important now than ever to listen to what experts on the topic have to say. As we begin to understand more and more…

Will human evolution eventually give us a sixth finger? If it does, a new study is showing that we’ll have no trouble using an extra thumb! It may sound like science fiction, but researchers have shown that people of all ages can quickly learn how to use an extra, robotic third thumb. The findings, in a nutshell…

From the surface to the inner core, Earth has several layers that continue to be a mystery to science. Now, it turns out one of these layers may consist of material from an entirely different planet! Deep within our planet lies a mysterious, patchy layer known as the D” layer. Located a staggering 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles)…

Cancer can sometimes come back, even after undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Why does this happen? Researchers at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center may have unlocked part of the mystery. They discovered that cancer cells can transform into monstrous “polyploid giant cancer cells” or PGCCs when under extreme stress from treatment. With that in mind, scientists believe…

NEW YORK — The average American spends nearly two and a half hours a day “dreamscrolling” — looking at dream purchases or things they’d like to one day own. While some might think you’re just wasting your day, a whopping 71% say it’s time well spent, as the habit motivates them to reach their financial goals. In…

In the pantheon of Renaissance art, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa stands as an unrivalled icon. This half-length portrait is more than just an artistic masterpiece; it embodies the allure of an era marked by unparalleled cultural flourishing. Yet, beneath the surface of the Mona Lisa’s elusive smile lies a debate that touches the very essence of…

The Earth beneath our feet may feel solid, stable, and seemingly eternal. But the continents we call home are unique among our planetary neighbors, and their formation has long been a mystery to scientists. Now, researchers believe they may have uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle: the role of ancient weathering in shaping Earth’s “cratons,” the…

Move over Usain Bolt, because in the animal kingdom, speed takes on a whole new meaning! Forget sprinting at a measly 28 mph – these record-breaking creatures can leave you in the dust (or water, or sky) with their mind-blowing velocity. From lightning-fast cheetahs hunting down prey on the African savanna to majestic peregrine falcons diving from…