Science

Study links severe malaria to long-term cognitive deficits in children

Chandy John, MD, of Indiana University School of Medicine, reported that children who experienced cerebral malaria or severe malarial anemia show significant long-term cognitive and academic deficits, according to a study presented at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases congress in Munich. Participants tested 4 to 15 years post-infection had adjusted mean differences in overall cognition of -0.41 and -0.31, and in math scores of -0.46 and -0.32, compared to unaffected peers. The findings highlight the need for interventions to prevent severe malaria and mitigate its long-term cognitive impacts.

Great white sharks face overheating risk from warming oceans

A study led by scientists at Trinity College Dublin and the University of Pretoria has found that great white sharks are at risk of overheating due to rising ocean temperatures, which could limit their habitable range. The research indicates that these mesothermic species, which require significantly more energy than cold-blooded fish, may struggle to maintain stable body temperatures as water temperatures increase. The study highlights that a 10°C rise in body temperature can more than double a fish's metabolic rate, leading to increased energy demands and potential survival challenges.