A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that adopting permanent standard time could significantly benefit public health by reducing obesity by 2.6 million cases and preventing around 300,000 strokes each year. The study compares three time policies: permanent daylight saving time, permanent standard time and the current biannual clock changes, finding that the latter is the most disruptive to circadian rhythms.

A study in Astronomy and Astrophysics suggests that "little red dots" observed by the James Webb Space Telescope in the early universe might be black hole stars, a previously unknown type of cosmic object. The research indicates that these objects are vast spheres of dense, hot gas powered by supermassive black holes, rather than ancient galaxies.

Researchers have identified manganese blue as the source of the vibrant blue color in Jackson Pollock's "Number 1A, 1948," using laser analysis to create a chemical fingerprint. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, marks the first confirmed use of this pigment by Pollock, offering insights into his material choices.

A new metabolic cycle in plants significantly enhances carbon capture and growth, according to a study in the journal Science. By integrating the malyl-CoA-glycerate cycle with the Calvin cycle, researchers enabled plants to capture more carbon and convert it into usable molecules, leading to plants that were two to three times heavier and had increased lipid and seed production.

A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that hunter-gatherers in ancient Asia practiced mummification through smoke-drying as far back as 14,000 years ago. Researchers analyzed 54 burials in China, Vietnam and Indonesia, finding that skeletons in tightly folded poses showed signs of prolonged low-heat exposure, indicating a sophisticated approach to death and preservation.

Patients who have autoimmune conditions and chronic inflammation face double the risk of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder compared with the general population, a study in BMJ Mental Health found. The research, based on data from more than 1.5 million participants in the UK, highlights the need for regular mental health screenings and tailored therapies.

A study presented at a meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes found that smoking increases the risk of all four subtypes of type 2 diabetes, with heavy smokers at even greater risk. Smoking was estimated to be responsible for more than a third of insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes cases, according to the study, which analyzed data from 3,325 people with type 2 diabetes and 3,897 people without diabetes.

The NIH has awarded a five-year, $18 million grant to the University of California, Irvine, to lead a dementia study focusing on limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy. The study aims to establish the first trial-ready patient group for LATE, improve diagnosis and recruit participants for future clinical trials.

The International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE) is going virtual for 2025. Same cutting-edge research, student awards, innovative talks and mentoring from thought leaders across the global research enterprise -- accessible for every budget and location.

STEM students -- Don't miss your chance to submit your grant application for the fall cohort of Grants in Aid of Research. Undergraduate and graduate students have until October 1 to apply. Sigma Xi members qualify for grants up to $5,000.

A news item in yesterday's SmartBrief incorrectly stated the range of an electric vehicle battery. The EV battery can power a journey of 800 kilometers on a single charge. SmartBrief regrets the error.