Researchers have deciphered gibbons' subtle 'hoo' calls in response to specific events like foraging and predator encounters, revealing context-specific vocal communication. The study's findings suggest that gibbon vocalisations may hold clues about the evolution of human speech.
Research found that 14 out of 17 popular pet food brands contained unspecified animal species, including cow, pig, and chicken DNA. The study highlights weaknesses in product labeling that could affect pets and their owners.
A study of 16,193 teenagers found that one in five had accessed e-cigarettes, with regular smokers being the most frequent users. E-cigarette access was associated with binge drinking and involvement with violence after drinking, suggesting that these devices may be linked to increased risk-taking behaviors.
A recent study published in Microbiome reveals that fecal microbiota transplantation can effectively treat C. difficile infections, with sustained changes observed for up to 21 weeks. The research has significant implications for the regulation of treatment and suggests that current frameworks may not be applicable.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has criticized the 2°C temperature rise target as 'utterly inadequate' for protecting those at most risk from climate change. Limiting warming to 1.5°C could prevent severe impacts, preserve ecosystems, and ensure food security, says Petra Tschakert.
A pocket-sized device has shown potential in disease detection, accurately identifying a range of closely-related bacteria and viruses within six hours. The technology relies on protein 'nanopores' to determine DNA sequences, allowing for faster and more accurate identification of pathogens.
A diet high in whole grains and cereal fibers is associated with a reduced risk of premature death. Researchers found that consuming an average of 1.2 ounces of whole grains per 1000 kcal per day was linked to a 17% reduced risk of premature death compared to those consuming less.
Researchers found that melatonin significantly improved sleep quality, reduced awakenings, and increased REM sleep compared to using earplugs and eye masks. Melatonin's effectiveness was attributed to its ability to boost brain activity, reduce anxiety, and promote cognitive restoration.
A large cohort study found no association between dietary dioxin exposure and breast cancer risk in post-menopausal women, contradicting previous studies on environmental contact with dioxins. Higher dioxin intake was linked to a decreased risk of hormone-independent breast cancer.
A rare Caribbean coral species has been successfully bred and raised in the lab, providing a rare glimpse into its procreation process. The research could aid future conservation efforts by increasing genetic diversity and helping populations adapt to climate change.
Research published in Genome Biology found that humans and other animals have acquired 'foreign' genes from microorganisms, suggesting ongoing gene transfer. The study identified 17 previously-reported genes and 128 additional foreign genes in the human genome, related to metabolism, immune responses, and more.
Researchers found Antarctic octopods have high levels of haemocyanin, a blue oxygen transport protein, in their blood. This adaptation helps them supply oxygen to tissues at sub-zero temperatures.
Research found that alcohol consumption patterns shift from adolescence to old age, with men increasing their intake more than women. The study suggests incorporating changes in drinking behavior into risk estimates for better public health initiatives.
A new surveillance technique has revealed a diverse population of wheat rust fungus in the UK, with some strains being more aggressive and virulent than others. The findings highlight the threat posed to global food security due to climate change and increased globalization.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that shisha pipes remove only a minimal amount of heavy metals from tobacco smoke. The study analyzed four popular brands of shisha tobacco and found that the levels of heavy metals in smoke were significantly higher than in water, with uranium being the most abundant metal present.
A recent study found that delays in the withdrawal of drugs from the market due to reported deaths could have been reduced if there were more efficient reporting and regulatory processes. The researchers identified 95 drugs that were withdrawn due to deaths, with most being used to treat neurological or psychiatric disorders.
Researchers discovered that lab-grown cells undergo rapid changes within three days of adaptation to their new environment. This finding affects the interpretation of past studies and provides clues for improving cell cultures.
Researchers demonstrate a system that produces both biofuel and animal feed from one crop, eliminating land-use competition for food resources. The process, known as solid-state fermentation, yields high ethanol content while producing quality animal feed with zero waste.
Research suggests umami taste has a beneficial role in health, especially for elderly patients, who may experience reduced sensitivity due to diseases or medications. 'Kokumi' substances found in garlic and onions can enhance flavors in low-fat foods.
Research suggests that staying at home and watching TV can help reduce disease spread during a flu epidemic. The study found that certain age groups and socio-economic groups responded more strongly to these behaviors, highlighting the importance of targeted public health policies.
Research finds children exceeding screen time limits, with girls more likely to exceed recommendations for social media use as they age. The study suggests re-evaluating guidelines due to the rise of mobile devices and their impact on health.
Climate change threatens Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzees with drastic habitat loss, including the savanna-woodland habitat of central Cameroon. The subspecies has only about 6,000 individuals in the wild, making it particularly vulnerable to extinction.
Researchers have identified specialized cell walls in disease-resistant wheat varieties that could help produce stronger durum wheat for improved pasta production. The study found a new gene, WheatPME1, that can change the chemical structure of pectin, a key component of plant cell walls.
A study analyzing alcohol sales data across GB regions found that areas with higher sales per adult had higher rates of alcohol-related deaths. The South West region, despite high consumption, had low alcohol death rates, possibly due to tourism.
A clinical trial has shown that a combination of well-known approved drugs is potentially safe for treating Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A disease, a rare genetic condition affecting 1 in 5,000. The drug combination, PXT3003, showed promising preliminary results for efficacy in improving symptoms and nerve function.
Researchers found that pubic hairs harbor distinct microbial communities, which can distinguish between males, females, and individual people. These findings suggest that microbial 'signatures' from pubic hairs could be used as a new way to link offenders to victims in sexual assault cases.
The study provides insights into how penguins have adapted to the cold Antarctic environment through complex biological systems. The researchers identified genes related to beta-keratins, lipid metabolism, and forelimb evolution that are unique to penguins.
A 10-week cooking skills program in Australia resulted in sustained changes in participants' food purchasing behaviors, knowledge, and social interactions. Participants reported increased confidence in cooking and eating healthier meals together as a family.
A recent article collection in BMC Medicine examines the safety of e-cigarettes, with two experts offering differing views on their impact. Peter Hajek argues that e-cigarettes are orders of magnitude safer than conventional cigarettes, while Charlotta Pisinger believes they can be less harmful but still pose health risks.
Researchers found malignant mesothelioma tumors to be polyclonal, resulting from the growth of multiple mutant cells. This challenges the long-held belief that cancers are caused by a single cell mutation.
A young female hammerhead shark was tracked for 10 months, revealing its 3,350 km journey and important insights into habitat use. The research suggests that juvenile hammerheads are trading off risks to get offshore quickly, maximizing growth and reproductive potential.
A study published in BMC found that children born during and after the 1997-98 El Niño event had lower height-for-age and lean mass, indicating chronic malnutrition. The researchers warn that climate change may increase the frequency of El Niño episodes, posing a significant risk to future generations.
A high intake of yogurt has been found to be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that high consumption of yogurt was associated with a reduced risk, while other dairy foods did not show this association.
A rare species of tapeworm, Spirometra erinaceieuropaei, found in the brain has its genome sequenced for the first time. The study identifies genes providing resistance to certain treatments and potential targets for known cancer drugs.
Researchers used whole genome sequencing to track and control an Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, identifying transmission hotspots and implementing new decontamination protocols. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of real-time genome sequencing in controlling hospital outbreaks.
Researchers have developed a new method to sequence Ebola virus genomes, reducing contaminating human RNA from 80% to less than 0.5%. The approach has been proven effective in the rapid sequencing of nearly 100 patient blood samples with a turnaround time of 10 days.
Researchers found that couples who kiss frequently share similar oral bacteria, with at least nine kisses per day leading to significantly shared salivary microbiota. The study also suggests an important role for other mechanisms that select oral microbiota, shaped by lifestyle and personal care habits.
New findings suggest that microbiome studies may have prematurely proposed links to disease due to laboratory contamination. The study found that DNA extraction kits, chemical reagents, and environmental contaminants can introduce bacteria into samples, affecting results.
A community-based study found air pollutants released by unconventional oil and gas production exceed recommended levels in the US, with hazardous chemicals like benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and formaldehyde detected. The study highlights the need for improved air-quality monitoring programs near these sites.
The Baums' theory proposes that eukaryotic cells evolved through a process where internal structures formed outside the ancestral cell, eventually giving rise to the nucleus and other membrane compartments. This gradual path challenges existing theories and offers a new perspective on complex life evolution.
A recent study suggests that long-term daily treatment of Viagra can provide protection for the heart at different stages of heart disease, with few side effects. The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor improved heart performance in all patients with various heart conditions and showed no negative effect on blood pressure.
Scientists have developed an immune-based treatment that reduces brain damage after head injuries by blocking the activation of immune cells. The treatment, called CAP, was tested on mice and found to be effective in reducing brain lesions.
The sequencing of the house fly genome has identified unique detoxification and immune system genes that could aid in understanding human disease susceptibility. By studying these genes, scientists hope to develop treatments or vaccines for diseases transmitted by flies, such as typhoid and trachoma.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that childhood obesity rates in Ireland have leveled off, but one in four Irish children remain overweight or obese. The researchers analyzed data from 14 studies conducted between 2002 and 2012 and found that national obesity rates dropped from 7% to 4% after 2008.
Researchers found that combining five key healthy lifestyle behaviors - a healthy weight, low abdominal fat, regular physical activity, not smoking, and a balanced diet high in fruits and fiber - reduces the risk of bowel cancer. The study analyzed data from 347,237 men and women over 12 years and found a significant decrease in risk f...
BioMed Central partners with the University of Michigan to launch an open-access journal focused on clinical research surrounding diabetes and endocrine diseases. The new journal aims to promote better care for patients by sharing new knowledge, both research and clinical, on various aspects of endocrine disorders.
A new study found that genomic data can explain around 15% of patients' responses to cholesterol-lowering statins. The research used data from a clinical trial and identified genetic signatures associated with improved or poor responses to the medication.
Researchers discovered a turmeric compound, ar-turmerone, promotes stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the brain, suggesting its potential as a future drug candidate for treating stroke and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that ar-turmerone increased neural stem cell proliferation by up to 80% without affecting cell death.
Health policy academics and clinicians warn of potential risks of new .health internet domain, citing lack of transparency and inadequate stakeholder participation. They recommend an immediate moratorium and the formation of an expert working panel to discuss governance and ensure universal access to quality health information online.
A new study using high-resolution Y chromosome sequencing has found that female populations have been larger throughout human history and remain so in most populations. The research suggests that processes like polygyny and women's tendency to move with their husbands contribute to females making a greater genetic contribution.