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Stanford researchers have discovered that children who struggle persistently with math may have underlying differences in how their brains manage problem-solving strategies. Children with developmental dyscalculia were slower to switch strategies, less responsive to changes in difficulty, and less able to improve their approach over time. Distinct patterns of brain activity were linked to these difficulties and could even predict certain math-related abilities.
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A major study of nearly 1,900 older adults suggests that stopping statins after age 70 may be relatively safe in the short term for people who have never experienced a heart attack or stroke. However, a higher rate of serious cardiovascular events or death during longer follow-up raises questions about the risks of discontinuing these widely prescribed medications.
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A new study reveals that viral infections may leave behind hidden damage to the immune system long after symptoms disappear. Researchers found that mice recovering from an acute infection experienced lasting changes to their spleens and weakened immune responses, potentially leaving them more vulnerable to future threats. Surprisingly, prior vaccination completely prevented these harmful changes in the mouse model.
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A sweeping analysis of 540 million years of marine fossils has revealed surprising gaps in our understanding of Earth's ancient life. Scientists discovered that some of the greatest opportunities for finding previously unknown species lie in relatively recent geological periods, rather than the distant past. By mapping unexplored fossil-rich regions around the world, researchers have created a powerful tool to guide future excavations.
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An NIH study found that women with high levels of two common “forever chemicals” had up to 93% higher rates of an aggressive form of breast cancer. The discovery raises concerns about the potential health effects of persistent chemicals found in everyday products.
