A Dartmouth study finds that microscopic DNA molecules called plasmids that live inside bacteria can hijack their hosts and corral them into tightly packed groups that are extra-resistant to treatments such as antibiotics. Plasmids can force multiple bacterial species into a single community and impart antibiotic resistence to bacteria that are not otherwise genetically resistant, the researchers report. The findings introduce a previously unknown avenue through which bacterial infections can become more difficult to treat.

A new Concordia University-led study reveals that business leaders who experienced natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods or hurricanes during childhood tend to lead companies with significantly safer workplace outcomes in adulthood. By analyzing U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration injury data alongside biographical records of more than 500 S&P 1500 CEOs, researchers found that firms led by executives exposed to natural disasters early in life reported nearly 24 % fewer work-related injuries and illnesses compared with those run by CEOs without such experiences. The effect was strongest in companies with powerful CEOs and in sectors with weaker unions or high performance pressures, suggesting that early hardship may influence long-term safety priorities and decision-making.

A research paper by scientists at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University developed an electromyography (EMG)-driven soft robot with electro-vibro-feedback (EVF-robot) for targeted somatosensory priming in W/H muscles.