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Cancer survivors saw major improvements in sleep and well-being with one weekly practice
A new study found that a structured yoga program helped cancer survivors experience major improvements in sleep, mood, fatigue and overall well-being.
One fat helped pancreatic cancer grow while another cut disease in half
A surprising new study suggests that when it comes to pancreatic cancer, the kind of fat you eat may matter more than how much. Researchers found that oleic acid—the main fat in olive oil and several other common foods—sped up tumor growth in mice predisposed to pancreatic cancer, while omega-3-rich fats from fish oil dramatically slowed disease development.
Planetary Health Diet May Lower Obesity Risk at Menopause
The planetary health and low-insulinemic diets — rich in plants and whole grains and low in red and processed meats and fried foods — can aid weight management during menopause, a recent study shows.
UC researcher secures $3.3M grant to study microplastics’ impact on heart
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences awarded a $3.3M grant to University of Cincinnati researcher Hong‑Sheng Wang, PhD, to study how microplastics and nanoplastics affect cardiovascular health.
UW Bothell professor was finding sources of dangerous water and soil pollution
Melanie Malone led a research project to identify and study contamination sites in Washington state. Then the EPA canceled her grant.
Is coffee bad for the heart? New research links it to a major risk—and multiple benefits
Drinking a lot of coffee may increase a person's heart attack risk, according to a new meta-analysis. On the other hand, coffee intake was linked to key benefits in the same study.
Everyday task may help detect early dementia signs before diagnosis, study finds
Scientists have discovered that a simple writing test could detect cognitive impairment in older adults before more serious symptoms develop.
How The World Searches for Extraterrestrial Life May Be Holding Back Discoveries
Could scientists be overlooking life in space?
Many more US voters support gay candidates, but only if they look and act ‘straight,’ study finds
A first-of-its-kind study separates sexuality and gender expression to explore voter attitudes
Vanderbilt Health study explores GLP-1 therapies to improve asthma outcomes in patients with obesity
The study is still recruiting participants. It will conclude in 2026 and provide insight for further investigations into the role GLP-1 agonists may offer in treating respiratory illnesses and overall immune responses.
Paradigm Health Implements New Clinical Trial Solution to Support Observational Study Presented at ASCO
/PRNewswire/ -- Paradigm Health today announced its role in the execution of a multicenter, hybrid, observational post-marketing commitment study in the United...
A Chemical Production Loophole Could Delay the Recovery of Earth’s Ozone Layer by Up to 11 Years
A new study reveals that if left unchecked, unaccounted-for emissions of ozone-harming substances could delay the layer’s full recovery by almost a decade.
Scientists discover inherited traits that break Mendel’s Laws of genetics
A major mouse study found that some inherited traits are passed down through epigenetic changes that break the classic rules of genetics. Researchers discovered hundreds of cases where these chemical DNA marks behaved unexpectedly, including some that seemed to emerge out of nowhere. They also identified the first known naturally occurring paramutation in a mammal, hinting that environmental influences may play a larger role in inheritance than scientists realized.
Clemson biologist leads global study on how flowers beat the heat
The research funded by a grant from the Human Frontier Science Program focuses on the flowering stage, one of the most vulnerable stages in a plant's life cycle.
Transition to electric vehicles in Brazil and Mexico driven by domestic politics and global pressures, study shows
The transition to electric vehicles in Brazil and Mexico has been driven by domestic politics and global pressures, a new study says. Decisions have been made in both countries shaped by factors beyond ...
Studying Indigenous attitudes to mental health
Scholar-Elect Will Smith will study whether Indigenous practices can solve some of the psychological problems we have today.
Health workers face hidden exposure to cancer-linked hazards
A study reveals high exposure to cancer risk factors among health and social care workers in Europe, underscoring the need for enhanced protective measures.
Boonsboro makes list of top 25 Maryland high school sports programs
A recent study conducted by Niche led to Boonsboro being ranked No. 22 in a list of top 25 best high schools in Maryland for athletes.
Veterans face surprising threat after cancer diagnosis, study reveals
A new JAMA Oncology study finds veterans with cancer face elevated suicide risk that can persist for up to five years following their diagnosis.
Study reveals unexpected health benefits after 5 minutes of prayer
Adult patients experienced significant relief from pain and anxiety after just five minutes of in-person prayer, as found in a randomized controlled trial.
Quitting smoking could offer a major benefit beyond heart and lung health, study finds
New research analyzing over 32,000 adults over 25 years suggests quitting smoking may reduce dementia risk and support long-term brain health.
Short bursts of exercise can add up to big health benefits, study finds
If you don't have time for a full 30-minute workout, that's OK.
Health benefits of daily 'exercise snacks'
A study from the National Institute of Health found that doing something physical was better than nothing at all, and that short bursts of exertion can add up to big health benefits over time.
Not Verizon, Not AT&T: JD Power Says This Phone Carrier Leads In Customer Satisfaction
JD Power conducted a Telecom Digital Experience Study and found that T-Mobile is the phone carrier that ranks highest in customer satisfaction.
Scientists Think They’ve Discovered How Humans Could Recover Lost Vision
Mammals aren’t known for the ocular regenerative powers, but a study shows that nature has a few tricks up its sleeve.
Scientists Think They’ve Discovered How Humans Could Recover Lost Vision
Mammals aren’t known for the ocular regenerative powers, but a study shows that nature has a few tricks up its sleeve.
Chimpanzees and bonobos have human-like friend circles, study finds
Great apes appear to build friendships much like humans do. By studying grooming behavior, researchers discovered that chimpanzees and bonobos form close inner circles along with wider networks of weaker social connections. Chimpanzees focus on a few trusted partners and become more selective with age, while bonobos maintain a more egalitarian social style.
How 5 minutes of movement can change your life
Scientists say that sitting is the new smoking. The average American adult now sits for 9-10 hours per day. What’s the least amount of movement someone can do to offset the harms of our modern sedentary lifestyle? Manoush Zomorodi, host of NPR’s TED Radio Hour podcast, has spent the last several years trying to answer that question. After collaborating with Columbia University Medical Center on a major study, she brings Ayesha the answer.
Just 5 minutes of prayer could have surprising health benefits, study finds
A new study published in The Annals of Family Medicine found that adult patients experienced significant pain and anxiety relief after five minutes of prayer.
Occupational Health and Safety Practices Among Primary Healthcare Workers in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) in low- and middle-income countries are exposed to substantial occupational risks; however, evidence regarding comprehensive occupational health and safet...
Omega-3 fish oil shows promise against type 2 diabetes
A new study suggests fish oil may help reduce insulin resistance even in people who aren't obese. In diabetic rats, omega-3 supplementation improved blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and inflammation by shifting immune cells into a more anti-inflammatory mode.
Giant Study Reveals The Secret to Heart Health Isn't Low-Carb or Low-Fat
There's another factor that may matter more.
Giant Study Reveals The Secret to Heart Health Isn't Low-Carb or Low-Fat
There's another factor that may matter more.
When used in the ‘wild’ conditions of the real world, large language AI stumbles
Asking medical questions of AI with language spoken “in the wild”—meaning with consumer-level LLM prompts—brings back answers with decidedly mediocre accuracy—76%—a new study shows.
Trump tells agencies to align with study calling for narrower childhood vaccine recommendations
President Trump is giving his endorsement to a January study by the Department of Health and Human Services that calls for cutting the number of vaccines recommended for every American child.
Trump tells agencies to align with study calling for narrower childhood vaccine recommendations
President Donald Trump on Friday gave his endorsement to a January study by the Department of Health and Human Services that calls for cutting the number of vaccines recommended for every American child.
Repairing DNA damage: Scientists discover a surprising new benefit of melatonin
A new study suggests melatonin supplements may help night shift workers boost their body's DNA repair processes, potentially offsetting some of the damage linked to working overnight. The findings are early but raise the possibility of a simple strategy to help reduce long-term health risks associated with night shift work.
34,000 Small Businesses Said AI Is Working. The Data Says Otherwise
A QuickBooks study of 34,000 businesses reveals the gap between AI adoption and measurable results. Five metrics every small business should track now.
Will sports draw locals to downtown San Antonio? Developers are behind the potential.
A Gensler study shows that San Antonio is welcoming and vibrant, but has work to do in making its downtown a place locals choose to go.
I quit job in NYC to move abroad; why living in Italy is right choice
I left my career as a culture writer in NYC behind to study Italian in Florence, Italy. The transition abroad was hard, but it's forced me to grow.
Republican mistrust in healthcare widens US health gap, study finds
Republicans increasingly avoid doctors and vaccines, widening health gaps with Democrats, researchers say
Mental Health Disorders Now No. 1 Cause of Disability Worldwide
By HealthDay Staff HealthDay ReporterFRIDAY, May 29, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Mental health disorders are now the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to a major new study. Researchers found nearly 1.2 billion people were living with a mental health disorder in 2023 — almost twice as many ...
Protein traffic jams may explain aging, memory loss, and Alzheimer’s
Scientists at Stanford may have uncovered a hidden reason our brains decline with age. Studying the ultra-short-lived turquoise killifish, researchers discovered that the cellular machinery responsible for building proteins begins to jam and malfunction over time. Tiny structures called ribosomes start colliding and stalling while reading genetic instructions, triggering a chain reaction that leads to faulty proteins and harmful clumps linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Study shows low cardiovascular health in American pregnant women: here’s how to maintain it
Study shows low cardiovascular health in American pregnant women: here’s how to maintain it
Mirror life: Scientists clash over threat of lab-engineered bacteria
Bacteria created using mirror images of natural biomolecules would pose a grave threat to life on Earth, some researchers warn, but a new study suggests they would struggle to survive in the wild
Study: LA Canine Outbreak Caused By Low Vaccination Rates, Crowded Boarding
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterFRIDAY, May 29, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Critical gaps in vaccination and infection control led to a leptospirosis outbreak that sickened more than 200 Los Angeles County dogs in 2021, according to a new study. The outbreak occurred at doggie daycares, where close ...
Single infusion of controversial drug changed severe depression symptoms within hours, study finds
Researchers say a single intravenous ketamine infusion can rapidly relieve severe depression and suicidal thoughts when traditional antidepressants fail.
Ancient Killer Is Rapidly Gaining Resistance to Antibiotics, Study Warns
This is a global problem.
Princeton scientists identify first experimental evidence of a 'co-extinction' connection: Without elephants, dung beetles disappear
A new study from Princeton University, the Smithsonian Institute, the Mpala Research Centre and many partner institutions has now documented the interconnection between the largest animals in the savanna and some of the smallest.
A silent kidney crisis is spreading far faster than experts expected
A sweeping global study found that chronic kidney disease now affects nearly 800 million people and has become one of the world's leading causes of death. Often silent in its early stages, the condition is also a major contributor to heart disease and may be even more common than current estimates suggest.
Scientists say evolution may work differently than we thought
A major research study is challenging one of evolution’s most influential ideas: that most genetic changes that become permanent are essentially neutral. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that beneficial mutations are actually far more common than scientists have long assumed. The puzzle is that these advantageous mutations rarely spread through entire populations. Their answer? Nature keeps changing the rules.
Bone Density Measures Give Insight Into Overall Health Risk in Older Women
An observational study suggests that bone mineral density may serve as a marker of systemic health.
Antarctica’s ice sheet hit a climate tipping point 1 million years ago
A new study suggests Antarctica’s ice sheet hit a climate tipping point about one million years ago, making it far more reactive to temperature and CO2 changes. Researchers warn this surprising sensitivity could offer clues about how the continent may respond to today’s warming world.
"Bad actors" in the body are emboldened mentally and physically by stress, Mount Sinai study shows
Mount Sinai study examines impact of stress on mental, physical health
Traditional Hot-Button Issues Still Dominate Political Talk from the Pulpit
A study finds that when American clergy address politics, it's primarily about abortion, Israel, and homosexuality.
Inside the fight against ‘zombie deer disease,’ scientists confront changing politics
Many states, including Louisiana, have adopted policies aimed at stopping healthy deer from coming into contact with infected deer and environments. But those efforts could soon be dialed back at the will of state legislators, worrying scientists who study the disease and its expansion.
New study shows atmospheric compounds formed from tire wear may pose human health risk
Tire rubber contains antioxidant chemicals, most notably 6PPD and DPPD, that are released into the air as tiny particles during normal driving. A single compound formed from 6PPD, known as 6PPD-quinone ...
Polish scientists and students rally in campaign for 3% funding target
Polish scientists and students have been flooding social media with calls on the government to raise research and development spending as part of 3% for Science, 100% for Poland, a campaign born earlier this month out of frustration with chronic underfunding in the academic sector. On May 27, thousands took the slogan on to the streets.The EU has been trying to convince member states to raise their R&D expenditures to 3% of GDP for more than two decades, but the idea has never gained traction in capitals. Finance ministers were too busy plugging budget holes created in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis, then the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and now the war in Iran.Critics say that countries missed or ignored the target because it is voluntary, but also because research communities have rarely raised their voice to put pressure on national governments. The European Commission hopes to make the target legally binding in the upcoming European Research Area Act, an EU-wide regulation that should be announced by the end of the year. Academia in Poland has been faced with a funding crisis for years, often leaving its members with no other choice but to work abroad in order to access better resources, or leave the sector altogether in the hope of earning a decent living. The risk, in the long-term, is that brain drain stifles local innovation capacity and technological competitiveness.In just a few weeks, the movement rallied nationwide support, including from major academic bodies and trade unions such as the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland and the Presidium of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Its public petition collected more than 23,000 signatures. On May 27, it formed the first large protest for science in Poland, gathering thousands of people in front of the parliament building in Warsaw.Ilona Uryga-Bugajska, representative of the Marie Curie Alumni Association Poland Chapter, was there. “The protest was peaceful, with no incidents reported, and the entire event took place in a respectful and calm atmosphere,” she said. Banners she saw in the crowd carried slogans such as “A little longer and I’ll be teaching in a supermarket,” “National culture, starvation salary,” “Stop the destruction of science,” “Passion will not pay the rent,” “Without action, don’t expect a better future,” and “Pull science out of the hole.” She also observed a strong presence of young researchers, who are on the frontline of Poland’s academic crisis.“Academics are usually people who prefer discussion, analysis, dialogue and compromise. We are not a group that protests easily,” said Katarzyna Marzec, professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Jagiellonian University Medical College and AGH University of Krakow, who also took part. “But many of us feel that we have been pushed against the wall.”Aleksandra Rutkowska, translational neuroscientist and research group leader at the Medical University of Gdańsk, agreed. “Frustration in the scientific community is very high,” she said. “Science is often used politically as a symbol of innovation and modernity, but the everyday reality inside many institutions is much more difficult. There is a large gap between the public narrative and the actual condition of the sector.”Maria Wiktoria Górna, head of the structural biology group at the University of Warsaw and one of the organisers of the movement, told Science|Business that the campaign would continue without proven results. This might involve another strike in the autumn, she said. “Empty promises are not enough by now.”Campaign demandsAccording to Uryga-Bugajska, the organisers officially presented their demands and concerns to representatives of the government present at the event. These included Marek Gzik, deputy minister of science and higher education, and Karolina Zioło-Pużuk, secretary of state of that same ministry.The headline demand, for the government to increase national spending on R&D to 3% of GDP by 2030, should be within Poland’s economic capacity, Rutkowska said. “The real question is whether there is genuine long-term political commitment to treating science as a strategic priority rather than a slogan.”In 2024, R&D expenditure in Poland stood at 1.41% of GDP, which is slightly above the average for central and eastern Europe, with countries such as Czechia recording 1.82%, Hungary 1.31% and Romania 0.46%. However, it falls noticeably short of the EU average of 2.24%, which just a handful of countries exceed, including Germany, Belgium and Sweden.Campaigners are also asking for fair wages for scientific staff, including PhD stipends and junior academic salaries, which are widely considered uncompetitive. Starting doctoral scholarships amount to some €843 gross per month, when the statutory minimum wage stands at €1,135. By pushing early-career researchers out of Poland, growing precarity has caused a generational gap in the academic workforce, with just 25% of lecturers aged under 40. In this context, the movement fears that scientific careers could soon be accessible to a privileged minority only.Grzegorz Spólnik is a case in point. After 15 years working in mass spectrometry at the Polish Academy of Sciences, he decided to leave partly “to earn enough money to live a normal life,” he said. “At that time, my earnings were similar to those of people working in grocery shops, and the work-life balance is something that does not exist in science, or is very hard to achieve.”Now a senior field service engineer for Polish laboratory equipment supplier Bioanalytic, he would consider going back to research, “but never in the public sector, maybe some start-up or a big private company with ambitious R&D.”The campaigners want to see more support for basic research and have called for €236 million to be added to the budget of the National Science Centre (NCN) in 2027 so that the average grant application success rate does not fall below 25%.“At the protest, there was a banner I particularly liked: ‘NCN is not a lottery.’ Unfortunately, for many researchers, it increasingly feels exactly like one,” Marzec said. “Personally, I am one of the lucky ones. I work at two of the strongest institutions in the country, where the research standards are very high. I know that in many other institutions, the situation is much worse and obtaining funding for research at an early-career stage is becoming nearly impossible.”Rutkowska also considers herself fortunate. After studying abroad and holding a postdoctoral position, she returned to Poland, where her pay was supported through an NCN-funded project linked to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. “This also made me very aware that good research conditions in Poland often depend on external competitive funding rather than on stable support from the system itself,” she said.Long-term strategyBeyond the lack of funds for both salaries and grants, scientists believe that the issue is structural. “The biggest problem at the moment is the complete lack of a clear long-term strategy for the development of science and research from the current government,” Marzec said. “Everything ends with declarations and promises that are never truly followed by concrete actions or structural reforms.”Rutkowska agreed, citing a lack of infrastructure, continuity and long-term institutional support.“Running a research group in Poland often means functioning as an entire institution at once,” she said. “I am a principal investigator, a mentor, a recruiter, a project administrator and, when needed, still someone who returns to the lab bench to help with experiments,” she went on. “This creates a large hidden workload that takes time and energy away from actual science. At times, it feels as though scientists are no longer expecting extra help; we simply hope the system will stop creating additional obstacles that make research unnecessarily difficult.”Related articlesStrategic thinking: Germany funds joint research with Poland and FrancePoland to transfer €30M of regional funds to boost Horizon Europe participationPoland is funding fewer basic research grants as high inflation hitsIn short, “academics are expected to teach, publish papers, apply for grants and conduct high-quality research, while funding and salaries remain very limited,” said Uryga-Bugajska, who returned to her home country after 13 years in the UK.According to Marzec, another issue is the way that research institutions are evaluated. Previously, this took place every four years, with a clear differentiation between stronger and weaker institutions. “The current government, perhaps to avoid political backlash, effectively concluded that everyone is doing well, so in practice no meaningful evaluation took place,” she said.But in her view, “some form of serious assessment is necessary” to ensure the excellence and international competitiveness of Polish institutions, and to determine how to best use public resources and where institutional structures need reform. “Some institutions may need to rethink hiring practices in order to attract ambitious young researchers who are capable of obtaining competitive grants and building internationally visible research groups.” Rutkowska has already had to adapt. “When hiring PhD students, I often have to combine different funding sources creatively to make positions attractive enough for talented people to stay in science,” she said. “Many young researchers do not see a stable future in academia in Poland, and that is deeply worrying.”
Wind energy is not bad for your health, new research shows
In this study, Osea Giuntella and his colleagues found no adverse physical or mental health affects after the installation of nearby turbines.
Polish scientists and students rally in campaign for better conditions
Polish scientists and students have been flooding social media with calls on the government to raise research and development spending as part of 3% for Science, 100% for Poland, a campaign born earlier this month out of frustration with chronic underfunding in the academic sector. On May 27, thousands took the slogan on to the streets.The EU has been trying to convince member states to raise their R&D expenditures to 3% of GDP for more than two decades, but the idea has never gained traction in capitals. Finance ministers were too busy plugging budget holes created in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis, then the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and now the war in Iran.Critics say that countries missed or ignored the target because it is voluntary, but also because research communities have rarely raised their voice to put pressure on national governments. The European Commission hopes to make the target legally binding in the upcoming European Research Area Act, an EU-wide regulation that should be announced by the end of the year. Academia in Poland has been faced with a funding crisis for years, often leaving its members with no other choice but to work abroad in order to access better resources, or leave the sector altogether in the hope of earning a decent living. The risk, in the long-term, is that brain drain stifles local innovation capacity and technological competitiveness.In just a few weeks, the movement rallied nationwide support, including from major academic bodies and trade unions such as the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland and the Presidium of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Its public petition collected more than 23,000 signatures. On May 27, it formed the first large protest for science in Poland, gathering thousands of people in front of the parliament building in Warsaw.Ilona Uryga-Bugajska, representative of the Marie Curie Alumni Association Poland Chapter, was there. “The protest was peaceful, with no incidents reported, and the entire event took place in a respectful and calm atmosphere,” she said. Banners she saw in the crowd carried slogans such as “A little longer and I’ll be teaching in a supermarket,” “National culture, starvation salary,” “Stop the destruction of science,” “Passion will not pay the rent,” “Without action, don’t expect a better future,” and “Pull science out of the hole.” She also observed a strong presence of young researchers, who are on the frontline of Poland’s academic crisis.“Academics are usually people who prefer discussion, analysis, dialogue and compromise. We are not a group that protests easily,” said Katarzyna Marzec, professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Jagiellonian University Medical College and AGH University of Krakow, who also took part. “But many of us feel that we have been pushed against the wall.”Aleksandra Rutkowska, translational neuroscientist and research group leader at the Medical University of Gdańsk, agreed. “Frustration in the scientific community is very high,” she said. “Science is often used politically as a symbol of innovation and modernity, but the everyday reality inside many institutions is much more difficult. There is a large gap between the public narrative and the actual condition of the sector.”Maria Wiktoria Górna, head of the structural biology group at the University of Warsaw and one of the organisers of the movement, told Science|Business that the campaign would continue without proven results. This might involve another strike in the autumn, she said. “Empty promises are not enough by now.”Campaign demandsAccording to Uryga-Bugajska, the organisers officially presented their demands and concerns to representatives of the government present at the event. These included Marek Gzik, deputy minister of science and higher education, and Karolina Zioło-Pużuk, secretary of state of that same ministry.The headline demand, for the government to increase national spending on R&D to 3% of GDP by 2030, should be within Poland’s economic capacity, Rutkowska said. “The real question is whether there is genuine long-term political commitment to treating science as a strategic priority rather than a slogan.”In 2024, R&D expenditure in Poland stood at 1.41% of GDP, which is slightly above the average for central and eastern Europe, with countries such as Czechia recording 1.82%, Hungary 1.31% and Romania 0.46%. However, it falls noticeably short of the EU average of 2.24%, which just a handful of countries exceed, including Germany, Belgium and Sweden.Campaigners are also asking for fair wages for scientific staff, including PhD stipends and junior academic salaries, which are widely considered uncompetitive. Starting doctoral scholarships amount to some €843 gross per month, when the statutory minimum wage stands at €1,135. By pushing early-career researchers out of Poland, growing precarity has caused a generational gap in the academic workforce, with just 25% of lecturers aged under 40. In this context, the movement fears that scientific careers could soon be accessible to a privileged minority only.Grzegorz Spólnik is a case in point. After 15 years working in mass spectrometry at the Polish Academy of Sciences, he decided to leave partly “to earn enough money to live a normal life,” he said. “At that time, my earnings were similar to those of people working in grocery shops, and the work-life balance is something that does not exist in science, or is very hard to achieve.”Now a senior field service engineer for Polish laboratory equipment supplier Bioanalytic, he would consider going back to research, “but never in the public sector, maybe some start-up or a big private company with ambitious R&D.”The campaigners want to see more support for basic research and have called for €236 million to be added to the budget of the National Science Centre (NCN) in 2027 so that the average grant application success rate does not fall below 25%.“At the protest, there was a banner I particularly liked: ‘NCN is not a lottery.’ Unfortunately, for many researchers, it increasingly feels exactly like one,” Marzec said. “Personally, I am one of the lucky ones. I work at two of the strongest institutions in the country, where the research standards are very high. I know that in many other institutions, the situation is much worse and obtaining funding for research at an early-career stage is becoming nearly impossible.”Rutkowska also considers herself fortunate. After studying abroad and holding a postdoctoral position, she returned to Poland, where her pay was supported through an NCN-funded project linked to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. “This also made me very aware that good research conditions in Poland often depend on external competitive funding rather than on stable support from the system itself,” she said.Long-term strategyBeyond the lack of funds for both salaries and grants, scientists believe that the issue is structural. “The biggest problem at the moment is the complete lack of a clear long-term strategy for the development of science and research from the current government,” Marzec said. “Everything ends with declarations and promises that are never truly followed by concrete actions or structural reforms.”Rutkowska agreed, citing a lack of infrastructure, continuity and long-term institutional support.“Running a research group in Poland often means functioning as an entire institution at once,” she said. “I am a principal investigator, a mentor, a recruiter, a project administrator and, when needed, still someone who returns to the lab bench to help with experiments,” she went on. “This creates a large hidden workload that takes time and energy away from actual science. At times, it feels as though scientists are no longer expecting extra help; we simply hope the system will stop creating additional obstacles that make research unnecessarily difficult.”Related articlesStrategic thinking: Germany funds joint research with Poland and FrancePoland to transfer €30M of regional funds to boost Horizon Europe participationPoland is funding fewer basic research grants as high inflation hitsIn short, “academics are expected to teach, publish papers, apply for grants and conduct high-quality research, while funding and salaries remain very limited,” said Uryga-Bugajska, who returned to her home country after 13 years in the UK.According to Marzec, another issue is the way that research institutions are evaluated. Previously, this took place every four years, with a clear differentiation between stronger and weaker institutions. “The current government, perhaps to avoid political backlash, effectively concluded that everyone is doing well, so in practice no meaningful evaluation took place,” she said.But in her view, “some form of serious assessment is necessary” to ensure the excellence and international competitiveness of Polish institutions, and to determine how to best use public resources and where institutional structures need reform. “Some institutions may need to rethink hiring practices in order to attract ambitious young researchers who are capable of obtaining competitive grants and building internationally visible research groups.” Rutkowska has already had to adapt. “When hiring PhD students, I often have to combine different funding sources creatively to make positions attractive enough for talented people to stay in science,” she said. “Many young researchers do not see a stable future in academia in Poland, and that is deeply worrying.”
Scientists unlock evolution of gigantism in Scottish island wrens
A new study of British wrens has provided new insights into the inner workings of "island syndromes," according to research led by the University of Birmingham. The paper, published in the Evolutionary ...
Scientists thought brain inflammation was driving long COVID but the scans told a different story
A new brain imaging study has found no evidence of widespread brain inflammation in patients suffering from prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 infection. Instead, the most severe long COVID symptoms were associated with increased brain activity in regions involved in mood and emotion.
Earth’s orbital wobble triggered rapid climate chaos during the dinosaur age
New research suggests Earth’s climate can swing wildly on surprisingly short timescales — even during hot, ice-free greenhouse periods. By studying ancient sediments from the Late Cretaceous, scientists uncovered repeating climate shifts tied to tiny changes in Earth’s orbital wobble. These cycles may have repeatedly pushed the planet between humid and arid states every few thousand years.
Raleigh ranks No. 4 among large US metros for small business growth
The Raleigh-Cary metro area is a top large metro for small business performance, according to a new CoworkingCafe study, trailing only Miami, Austin, and Washington, DC.
Do anti-obesity medications affect bone health?
Learn about a new study to examine if GLP-1 weight loss medications have an effect on bone density.
Colorectal cancer risk linked to gut microbiome alterations | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
More than a decade after removal of an adenoma—a precancerous mass—from the colon, alterations to the gut microbiome and metabolites remain and may drive heightened risk of colorectal cancer, according to a new Harvard Chan School study.
Heart-healthy lipid profile benefits brain health in adolescents, study finds
A new Finnish study shows that blood markers of dysfunctional lipid metabolism are associated with poorer cognitive function in 15–17-year-olds. The findings are significant because brain development ...
Good fitness in your 30s may shape artery health decades later
People with good physical fitness in their 30s and 50s have more elastic arteries later in life. This is shown in a new study from Karolinska Institutet, published in the journal Scientific Reports, titled ...
UNO Research Shows What Motivates Female Students to Pursue STEM Research Experiences
The study of urban and rural schools revealed the important role science fairs play in inspiring young learners.
Powering drug discovery with analytical chemistry
Advances in analytical instrumentation are helping researchers study drug behavior, improve biomedical research, and train the next generation of scientists.
Study links eight heart-healthy habits to lower diabetes risk in postmenopausal women
Type 2 diabetes is often associated with excessive sugar intake, but lifestyle factors including body weight, exercise, and smoking habits can also influence risk. A new study published in Diabetology ...
Drexel Study Reveals How People Use AI for Mental Health Support — And Their Concerns About It
As more people turn to artificial intelligence chatbots for emotional and mental health support, a new study from Drexel University suggests that most users see these tools as supplements to — not substitutes for — human therapy. Drawing on millions of Reddit posts, the study highlights both the growing appeal of AI support tools for emotional reassurance, coping and practical guidance, as well as the concerns users express about emotional dependence, misinformation and overreliance on the technology.
Parental mental health — not medication — drives autism correlation, study finds
A new study finds no evidence that antidepressant medications cause autism.
Awe-inspiring nature helps people connect to science, study finds
A new study finds that when people engage in participatory science activities that involve awe-inspiring natural phenomena, such as an eclipse, they more closely identify with science and feel a greater ...
What could alien life look like? These Earthlings offer clues.
Scientists are listening in on sperm whale conversations and studying Earth's strangest microbes to prepare humanity for first contact with extraterrestrial life.
Humanity has already exceeded Earth’s limits, study warns
Humanity may already be living far beyond what Earth can sustainably support, according to a sweeping new study analyzing more than 200 years of population and environmental data. Researchers found that while population growth once fueled innovation and expansion, the trend shifted decades ago as the planet’s resources became increasingly strained.
Gov. DeSantis signs HAVEN Act, expanding protections for domestic, dating violence
Under the soon-to-be effective measure, Florida will study a first-in-the-nation silent alert system for victims unable to safely call 911.
Sony’s sloppy Spider-Man universe gets even messier with Spider-Noir
Sony’s latest Spider-Man project feels like a case study in beating a dead horse.
Study finds voting can help you live longer
Voting is typically associated with politics and civil engagement, but a new study finds evidence that voting helps older people live longer.
Large Hadron Collider detects strange particle behavior that could rewrite physics
Scientists working at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider may be seeing the strongest hints yet of physics beyond the Standard Model — the decades-old theory that explains the fundamental particles and forces of the universe. By studying incredibly rare particle transformations called “penguin decays,” researchers found behavior that doesn’t fully match theoretical predictions, raising the possibility that unknown particles or forces are influencing the results.
Eating less meat can improve gut microbiome
I read about a study that says it's possible for someone who eats meat to have a gut that's as healthy as someone who is vegan. I know your gut microbiome is an important part of good health, but I'm just not cut out to be a vegan. I'd like to know more about that research.
Advance directives in electronic health records linked to less burdensome end-of-life care and hospital death, study finds | The Roger and Flo Lipitz Center to Advance Policy in Aging and Disability
Documentation of advanced directives at least six months before death led to less burdensome medical interventions.
A sleep-time ‘sweet spot’ is linked to healthy aging, study finds
Turns out 6.4 to 7.8 hours of sleep a night might be ideal. Here are some tips on how to get the “just right” amount.
Science Says You're Probably Making Smoothies Wrong, and I've Never Felt More Validated
A new study suggests adding a banana to berry smoothies may significantly reduce flavanol absorption, a victory for one banana skeptic.
Jefferson Street Corridor Study aims to revitalize historically Black business hub
The Jefferson Street Corridor Study team worked with local business owners and community leaders to draft a plan for the changes they’d like to make including adding parks, crosswalks, better sidewalks, and more.
Processed foods may be fueling the rise in binge eating
Analysis shows highly processed foods aren't only common in binge-eating—they're nearly universal, says a University of Michigan study.
Can AI Write Your Code?
What a recent study on ChatGPT, Python, R, and Stata tells us about AI-assisted coding for causal inference
One type of sitting may pose greater dementia risk than another, study suggests
New research suggests the type of sitting matters for dementia risk, with mentally engaging activities linked to a significant reduction in risk.
Whole health approach cuts chronic pain disruption in veterans after 12 months
A new study finds that an interdisciplinary, individualized approach to pain management, including coaching support and health goal planning, may reduce the impact of chronic pain on veterans. The findings ...
Why did T. rex have tiny arms? A new study may finally have the answer
An analysis of 85 dinosaur species shows that tiny forearms in meat-eating dinosaurs were the result of an evolutionary trade-off.
Georgia sixth grader has high hopes in return to Scripps National Spelling Bee
A Georgia 12-year-old is back at the Scripps National Spelling Bee — and he's more prepared than ever. Meet Sarv Dharavane and his 3,700-word study list!
Georgia sixth grader has high hopes in return to Scripps National Spelling Bee
A Georgia 12-year-old is back at the Scripps National Spelling Bee — and he's more prepared than ever. Meet Sarv Dharavane and his 3,700-word study list!
Why science is becoming less innovative
A huge study suggests ageing scientists are part of the problem
Common heart drug taken by millions found useless
A massive international study could upend 40 years of heart attack treatment. Researchers found that beta blockers—routinely prescribed after uncomplicated heart attacks—offered no real benefit for patients whose heart function remained normal, despite being given to millions worldwide. Even more surprising, women taking the drugs faced a higher risk of death, repeat heart attack, or hospitalization for heart failure compared to women who didn’t receive them.
Repeated violence puts spotlight on divisive political speech
Scholars who study rhetoric and extremism say the country’s political language has grown more aggressive and can trigger violent acts.
Politics and Investing Don’t Mix: Why Your Political Affiliation Could Be Hurting Your Returns
n a contest between intellect and political identity, the latter all too often wins out, a new study finds.
‘No regrets’ - Actress Pauline Stone celebrates 80th birthday in style
The call to Pauline Stone Myrie's 80th birthday celebration at Pompano Beach in South Florida arrived many weeks ago by way of a glittering black, gold and white evite. After studying it, one knew immediately this was a not-to-be-missed milestone celebration, one that Pauline wanted to keep small and intimate between family and close friends.