Researchers have engineered bacteria in the laboratory to efficiently use methanol. The metabolism of these bacteria can now be tapped into to produce valuable products currently made by the chemical industry from fossil fuels. To produce various chemicals such as plastics, dyes, or artificial flavors, the chemical industry currently relies heavily...

State-paid family leave can help prevent child abuse, a new study finds. Child maltreatment is a serious public health issue in the United States, particularly affecting young children who are most vulnerable due to their dependence on caregivers. Infants under two years old account for over one-quarter, or 28.1%, of all maltreatment cases in the...

Children who are better in delaying gratification are more likely to do well academically and have fewer behavioral problems, according to a new study. Suppose you were given a choice between having a smaller reward now and getting a larger reward 10 minutes later. For most adults, the choice is clear. Withstanding short-term temptation in pursuit...

Caregiving travel, such as taking a child to school or a parent to the doctor, can be associated with stress and decreased happiness among women but not men, according to a new study. The imbalance, the researchers say, is a reflection of how society—and transportation services and infrastructure—has historically valued travel for jobs more than travel...

Early-life trauma and struggles can literally get under the skin of young red squirrels in the Yukon, affecting their long-term survival a new study shows. Life in the Yukon can be tough for young red squirrels. Frigid winters, food scarcity, intense competition for territories, and the threat of becoming prey to large predators like the Canada lynx...

A new study shows that Alzheimer’s disease both starts earlier and moves faster in people with Down syndrome, The finding may have important implications for the treatment and care of this vulnerable group of patients. Nearly all adults with Down syndrome will develop evidence of Alzheimer’s disease by late middle age. The new findings were part...