Featured News – Science & research news

Good news for immersive journalism: look at your audience

November 12, 2018

Frontiers in Robotics and AI: A new study in collaboration with the BBC finds that users feel more engaged in a virtual reality news experience when virtual characters acknowledge them - even by simple gaze.

A new study in collaboration with the BBC finds that users feel more engaged in a virtual reality news experience when virtual characters acknowledge them - even by simple gaze; Frontiers in Robotics and AI [...]

Could thyroid screening make your baby smarter?

November 9, 2018

Frontiers in Endocrinology: A new review highlights growing evidence that universal thyroid testing in early pregnancy will reduce obstetric complications and safeguard fetal brain development -- but what are the risks?

A new review highlights growing evidence for universal thyroid testing in early pregnancy; Frontiers in Endocrinology [...]

Robotic arm may help to rehabilitate chronic stroke victims

November 8, 2018

Frontiers in Neurology: A new study shows that robotic arm rehabilitation in chronic stroke patients may promote speech and language recovery.

A new study shows that robotic arm rehabilitation in chronic stroke patients may promote speech and language recovery; Frontiers in Neurology [...]

Taste is key in promoting insect-based food

November 7, 2018

Image of fried insect larvae. Researchers find promoting the enjoyable aspects of insect-based food is more effective than highlighting health or environmental benefits: Frontiers in Nutrition

Promoting the enjoyable aspects of insect-based food is more effective than highlighting health or environmental benefits: Frontiers in Nutrition [...]

The smell of lavender is relaxing, science confirms

November 6, 2018

Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience: A new study shows that the famous relaxing effects of lavender rely on sense of smell -- and that the active compound linalool could be used medically to treat anxiety

A new study shows that the famous relaxing effects of lavender rely on sense of smell; Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience [...]

Supermassive black holes and supercomputers

November 5, 2018

Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences: Researchers reveal the story of the oldest stars and galaxies, compiled from 20 years of simulating the early universe

Researchers reveal the story of the oldest stars and galaxies, compiled from 20 years of simulations; Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences [...]

We have more than enough calories, but what about other nutrients?

November 2, 2018

New research maps energy, protein, fat, essential amino acids and micronutrients across the global food and agriculture system to assess whether enough reaches everyone's plate: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

New research maps energy, protein, fat, essential amino acids and micronutrients across the global food system to assess whether enough reaches everyone's plate: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems [...]

Does herpes cause Alzheimer’s?

November 2, 2018

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience: New evidence of a causal link between herpes viruses and Alzheimer's reinvigorates research into the possible role of infections -- and their treatment -- in the disease

The virus responsible for cold sores has been strongly linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease; Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience [...]

Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence: advancing research that carries us into the future

October 30, 2018

Abstract image of brain against black background

Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence is here! The new journal publishes research on various applications of AI, including healthcare, business, finance, language and computation. It also explores the legal and technical systems for application of AI. [...]

Bad boss? You may be making things better – or worse!

October 29, 2018

Image of a boss yelling at his employees. Bad leaders are not solely to blame for bad outcomes -their followers can make it worse. On the flipside, followers and leaders can buffer undesirable effects on organizational functioning. Study published in Frontiers in Psychology.

Disagreeable, dishonest and careless leaders can mean bad outcomes for companies - but the employees they work with also play a major role: Frontiers in Psychology [...]

Researchers discover deepest known underwater volcanic eruption

October 29, 2018

Frontiers in Earth Science: Scientists used remotely operated vehicles to explore an eruption 4,500 metres below the surface of the Pacific Ocean.

Scientists used remotely operated vehicles to explore an eruption 4,500 metres below the surface of the Pacific Ocean; Frontiers in Earth Science [...]

Army scientists develop computational model to predict human behavior

October 26, 2018

Frontiers in Physics: A new study uses complex math to predict how individuals adapt to group behavior -- a tool which could provide insights into the social dynamics of terrorist organizations, or how individuals become transformed during Army Basic Training.

A new model predicts how individuals adapt to group behavior -- reducing this social influence to a single number; Frontiers in Physics. [...]

Binge drinking affects male and female brains differently

October 23, 2018

Genes linked to hormone signaling and immune function are altered in females, whereas genes related to nerve signaling are affected in males: Frontiers in Genetics [...]

Cancer-fighting drugs also help plants fight disease

October 17, 2018

Image of plant leaf with fungus infection: The finding that anti-cancer drugs help plants fight disease could lead to new treatments for fungal and other plant pathogens: Frontiers in Plant ScienceThe finding that anti-cancer drugs help plants fight disease could lead to new treatments for fungal and other plant pathogens: Frontiers in Plant Science

The finding could help with efforts to develop disease resistance against fungal infections and other plant pathogens: Frontiers in Plant Science [...]

Computational model clarifies immune response during cardiac surgery

October 16, 2018

Frontiers in Immunology: The model shows that infusion of anti-inflammatory enzymes during cardiac surgery induces the body to produce more of its own, helping to prevent surgical complications.

A new model shows how infusion of anti-inflammatory enzymes helps to prevent complications in cardiac surgery; Frontiers in Immunology [...]

Lessons from the 1918 flu pandemic, 100 years on

October 15, 2018

Image of flu ward in 1918 influenza pandemic. New challenges will affect the impact of the next flu pandemic, such as changing demographics, antibiotic resistance and climate change: Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

New challenges will affect the impact of the next influenza pandemic, such as changing demographics, antibiotic resistance and climate change: Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology [...]

Short chromosome tips linked to lower physical function in the elderly

October 11, 2018

Image of old man climbing stairs. A new study finds elderly people with short chromosome caps, or telomeres, are more likely to have difficulty performing daily activities such as carrying groceries, climbing stairs and walking, regardless of geographical location, age, sex or weight -- suggesting that short telomeres are an independent risk factor for age-related functional decline: Frontiers in Physiology

Study suggests short chromosome caps, or telomeres, may be an independent risk factor for age-related functional decline: Frontiers in Physiology [...]

Failing immune system ‘brakes’ help explain type 1 diabetes in mice

October 8, 2018

Rogue immune cells could cause type 1 diabetes, by evading molecular 'checkpoints' and attacking insulin-producing cells; Frontiers in Immunology. [...]

Mesosaurus, the oldest-known aquatic reptile, probably spent time on land

October 8, 2018

Image of Mesosaurus: A comprehensive analysis of fossilized Mesosaurus bones reveals adult specimens have similar anatomical features to terrestrial animals: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution

A comprehensive analysis fossilized mesosaurus bones suggests juveniles spent most of their time in water but adults were only semi-aquatic: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution [...]

Sharp rise in essay cheating globally

October 5, 2018

Frontiers in Education; A review of surveys covering over 50,000 students reveals that the use of 'essay mills' is rising rapidly around the world

A review of surveys covering over 50,000 students reveals that the use of 'essay mills' is rising rapidly around the world; Frontiers in Education [...]

Climate change efforts should focus on ocean-based solutions

October 4, 2018

Image of wind turbines in the ocean. Ambitious and rapid action is needed to reduce climate change and its impacts -- and the first broad-scale assessment of ocean-based solutions shows the focus should be on the oceans: Frontiers in Marine Science

Call for ocean-based renewable energy and local marine conservation and restoration to be scaled-up and implemented immediately: Frontiers in Marine Science [...]

Scientists have built an artificial human brain cell

October 2, 2018

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience: The most advanced digital replica of human neurons ever made reveals that human brains are unique -- all the way down to their building blocks.

The most advanced digital replica of human neurons ever made reveals that our brain cells are unique; Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience [...]

In the battle of cats vs. rats, the rats are winning

October 1, 2018

Image of a cat and a rat. Study shows any benefit of using cats to control city rats is outweighed by the threat they pose to birds and other urban wildlife: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution

Any benefit of using cats to control city rats is outweighed by the threat they pose to birds and other urban wildlife: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution [...]

How safe is GM cotton?

September 28, 2018

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology: GM cotton in Mexico is delivering monster crops, without the Frankenstein – thanks to traditional farming practices and use of non-GM crop ‘refuges’.

GM cotton in Mexico is delivering monster crops, without the Frankenstein – thanks to traditional farming practices and use of non-GM ‘refuges’; Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. [...]

Herpes virus link to bipolar disorder and depression

September 28, 2018

Image of a Purkinje neuron. Researchers show human herpes viruses (HHV-6 ) are capable of infecting neurons, possibly leading to psychiatric disorders like depression and bipolar disorder: Frontiers in Microbiology

Study shows for first time that HHV-6 virus can infect neurons and possibly cause cognitive disturbances leading to psychiatric disorders: Frontiers in Microbiology [...]

Four World Championship gold medals — and a baby

September 27, 2018

Picture of gold medal in snow. The training secrets of the world's most successful cross-country skier, Marit Bjørgen, could help women wanting to return to sports after pregnancy: Frontiers in Physiology

The training secrets of the world's most successful cross-country skier, Marit Bjørgen, could help women wanting to return to sports after pregnancy: Frontiers in Physiology [...]

Are we losing touch? Societal progress through Open Science

September 26, 2018

Frontiers showcases the value of Open Science in society at the Swiss Management Association’s 55th annual forum. [...]

Men place less value on care-oriented careers like nursing

September 26, 2018

Image of young male nurse. The study also shows men and women support increasing the gender balance in STEM more than in healthcare, early education and domestic careers: Frontiers in Psychology

The study also shows both men and women support increasing the gender balance in STEM more than in healthcare, early education and domestic (HEED) careers: Frontiers in Psychology [...]

Age, race or need for instant gratification: which best predicts how much you will earn?

September 24, 2018

Picture of money. For the first time, machine learning allows researchers to rank factors that predict future affluence and higher income: Frontiers in Psychology

For the first time, machine learning allows researchers to rank the most important factors that predict future affluence: Frontiers in Psychology [...]

Primate study offers clues to evolution of speech

September 21, 2018

Image of baboon with mouth open. A study in Frontiers in Neuroscience suggests primates are incapable of producing speech because they lack the brain mechanisms needed to control and coordinate vocal production

Study suggests primates can't speak because they lack the brain mechanisms needed to control and coordinate vocal production: Frontiers in Neuroscience [...]

Why do women get more migraines?

September 17, 2018

Estrogen and other sex hormones may be responsible for the higher prevalence of migraine in women: Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences [...]

Scientists propose a new lead for Alzheimer’s research

September 14, 2018

Abnormalities seen in inherited Alzheimer's disease could result from problems in how neurons handle iron, suggests a new theory: Frontiers in Neuroscience [...]

New scholarly focus needed to help solve global food crisis

September 12, 2018

Image of a researcher in field. Researchers propose a new analytical framework for studying the global food system, encompassing four research areas: agricultural ecology, equity in global and local food systems, the cultural dimensions of food and agriculture, and human health: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.

Researchers propose new framework for studying the global food system, covering: agricultural ecology, equity, culture and health: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems [...]

Wearable devices: Useful medical insights or just more data?

September 9, 2018

Image of a wearable device showing health data. A new review says we know little about how well wearable devices work or if they deliver useful information: Frontiers in Physiology

A new review looks at devices used by everyday people and athletes to track physical and psychological health, and to achieve certain performance levels: Frontiers in Physiology [...]

Algal partner responds to climate-change stresses more strongly than coral host

September 5, 2018

The surprise discovery has implications for monitoring and protecting coral reefs threatened by bleaching: Frontiers in Marine Science [...]

New article submission system for authors

August 29, 2018

The Frontiers article submission system has range of new features to help authors submit their manuscript quickly and efficiently. [...]

10 years of UK climate change action: problems, progress and essential next steps

August 29, 2018

Image of CO2 dial being turned to low. Martin Siegert looks back at some of the progress made over the past decade on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, considers the factors limiting development of low-carbon technologies and offers a way forward to accelerate the necessary action on climate change

Martin Siegert looks back at action on climate change and offers ways forward to a low-carbon future [...]

Smell receptor linked to prostate cancer progression

August 28, 2018

blocking a newly discovered smell receptor with specific molecules, or perhaps specific scents, could provide a new way to treat prostate cancer: Frontiers in Oncology

Blocking the olfactory receptor with drugs or scents might be a new prostate cancer treatment, say Duke researchers: Frontiers in Oncology [...]

Earth mini-moons: Potential for exciting scientific and commercial opportunities

August 27, 2018

An image of asteroids close to the Earth. Detection of small asteroids temporarily captured in orbit around Earth will provide an opportunity to increase our knowledge of asteroids and test space-faring technology: Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Science

Detection of small asteroids temporarily captured in Earth's orbit will increase our knowledge of asteroids and allow testing of space-faring technology: Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Science [...]

AI World Cup: Infant-trained simulated robots win ‘RoboCup’

August 24, 2018

Image of robot arm holding a football (soccer ball). Football-playing robots trained to walk using real infant walking paths scored more goals and won more games than robots trained to walk in straight lines, circles or squares: Frontiers in Neurorobotics

Simulated robots trained on infant walking paths won more football (soccer) games than those trained on less varied geometric paths: Frontiers in Neurorobotics [...]

New theory may explain cause of depression and improve treatments

August 23, 2018

Dysfunction in mitochondria could be root cause of depression, providing opportunity for new developments of antidepressant drugs: Frontiers in Neuroscience [...]

Virtual reality could help doctors spot child abuse

August 21, 2018

Image of doctor wearing virtual reality glasses. VR could become a vital tool for training doctors to look out for hard-to-detect signs of child abuse: Frontiers in Robotics and AI

The VR environment allowed doctors to interact with virtual, avatar patients in the same way as they would in a 'real' consultation: Frontiers in Robotics and AI [...]

Excessive daydreaming linked to obsessive-compulsive symptoms

August 17, 2018

Image of someone daydreaming in a meeting. Scientists have linked excessive daydreaming to obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms: Frontiers in Psychiatry

The link provides first steps toward treatment guidelines for excessive, or “maladaptive," daydreaming: Frontiers in Psychiatry [...]

The freediving champions of the dolphin world

August 16, 2018

Physiological differences within the same species of dolphin explain huge variations in usual diving depths: Frontiers in Physiology [...]

Invaluable to the medical industry, the horseshoe crab is under threat

August 15, 2018

Horseshoe crab blood is invaluable for drug and safety testing, but unsustainable commercial demand threatens these 'living fossils': Frontiers in Marine Science

Horseshoe crab blood is invaluable for drug and safety testing, but this commercial demand threatens these 'living fossils': Frontiers in Marine Science [...]

Scientists design material that can store energy like an eagle’s grip

August 14, 2018

Frontiers in Materials: The new materials could be used in energy-efficient gripping tools, and re-configurable shape-on-demand materials.

The new materials could be used in energy-efficient gripping tools, and re-configurable shape-on-demand materials: Frontiers in Materials [...]

Training compassion ‘muscle’ may boost brain’s resilience to others’ suffering

August 13, 2018

As little as two weeks of compassion meditation training may reduce the distress a person feels when witnessing another’s suffering: Frontiers in Psychology [...]

Footwear habits influence child and adolescent motor skill development

August 10, 2018

Frontiers in Pediatrics: Researchers show that regular physical activity without shoes may improve children's and adolescents' balancing and jumping skills

Regular physical activity without shoes may improve children's and adolescents' balancing and jumping skills: Frontiers in Pediatrics [...]

Feeling young could mean your brain is aging more slowly

August 9, 2018

The first study to link subjective age to biological age shows that elderly people who feel younger have less signs of brain aging: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

The first study to link subjective age to biological age shows elderly people who feel younger have less signs of brain aging: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience [...]

Vessel tracking exposes the dark side of trading at sea

August 8, 2018

Frontiers in Marine Science: Exchanging catches at sea, in unregulated waters, provides opportunities for illegal activities like drug smuggling and human trafficking

Exchanging catches at sea, in unregulated waters, enables illegal activities like drug smuggling and human trafficking: Frontiers in Marine Science [...]