Researchers found that premature babies with abnormal gut bacteria are at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. The study identified specific bacteria, including Firmicutes and Enterobacteriaceae, that can be detected through a simple urine test.
Researchers identified an eight-gene signature that correlates with chemotherapy outcome in lung and breast cancer patients. The gene signature, which includes the receptor for growth factor EGF, helps predict relapse-free survival after chemotherapy.
The tulip tree's mitochondrial genome has remained largely unchanged since the dinosaurs, providing a 'molecular fossil' with preserved ancestral gene clusters. The slow mutation rate allows researchers to estimate the ancestral angiosperm mitochondrial genome contained 41 protein genes.
A reanalysis of the WHOACT data found an increased risk of fetal death for women with reduced antenatal visits, particularly between 32 and 36 weeks. The study suggests that routine antenatal visits may detect asymptomatic conditions earlier, allowing timely intervention.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive test for metastatic prostate cancer using whole-genome analysis of plasma DNA, which identifies abnormal copy numbers of specific sequences. This breakthrough could aid personalized therapy and target treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Researchers have mapped a two-year migration pattern of female white sharks in the Pacific Ocean, revealing widely separated nursery areas. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable animals from commercial fishing and habitat disruption.
The launch of Animal Biotelemetry aims to provide a forum for discussion on telemetric techniques used in various animal species. Key findings include the two-year migration pattern of female white sharks and the use of UV radiation to prevent infections in tagged animals.
The journal uses analytical chemistry, imaging, and mathematical modeling to analyze culturally important objects and buildings. The first papers in the inaugural issue discuss the analysis of a lost statue, ancient amber objects, and medieval coins.
Research from the Million Women Study found that every 5 unit increase in BMI increases CHD incidence by 23%, equivalent to a 2.5 year age increase. One in six obese women and one in eleven lean middle-aged women will develop CHD between ages 55-74, highlighting the importance of small lifestyle changes.
Research suggests that men with muscle dysmorphia prefer traditional masculine roles, while those with anorexia nervosa display greater adherence to traditional feminine roles. The study highlights the increasing pressures men face to define their masculinity in the modern world.
The western painted turtle genome shows a slow evolution rate compared to humans and pythons, with 19 brain genes and 23 heart genes expressed in low oxygen conditions. The study reveals potential insights into human health disorders related to anoxia and hypothermia.
Researchers have developed a new sequencing method that reduces bias in measuring biodiversity by avoiding PCR amplification, allowing for accurate estimation of biomass and identification of species. This method was successfully tested on bulk arthropod samples and identified bacteria and insect species with high accuracy.
The mountain pine beetle's genome has been sequenced, revealing genes involved in tree colonization and potential sex chromosomes. This knowledge could help develop more effective control methods for this devastating pest.
Researchers found that long-term treatment with carmustine decreased amyloid beta levels by 75% in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Carmustine, a cancer treatment, shows promise as a potential drug for reducing Alzheimer's symptoms.
A study published in Frontiers in Zoology found that female great tits' appearance signals healthy attributes in their offspring, with black stripe correlating to chick weight at two weeks and white cheek patches to immune strength. The research suggests a balance between genetic and environmental factors in determining offspring health.
The BMC Ecology Image Competition has announced its winners, featuring striking visual elements that depict specific ecological interactions. The overall winning image highlights the coevolution of a stick insect and its host, while the runner-up showcases a subalpine flower meadow in Colorado.
A study published in Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation found that managing musculoskeletal disorders can improve employment rates, household income, and reduce the need for disability benefits. The analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between physical function and economic outcomes.
Research suggests that low to moderate drinkers of alcohol may experience lower severity of fibromyalgia symptoms, including chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Moderate drinking has also been found to improve quality of life, with benefits seen in physical function, ability to work, and overall well-being.
A clinical trial in Africa found that administering fluid to treat shock in children increases the risk of cardiovascular collapse and death at 48 hours. The study challenges the common practice of early fluid resuscitation, which was previously thought to improve survival rates.
A large European study found that eating processed meat was associated with an increased risk of premature death, particularly from cancer and cardiovascular disease. The researchers estimated that up to 3% of premature deaths could be prevented if people consumed less than 20g of processed meat per day.
Research on sugar gliders and grey short-tailed opossums reveals a distinct pattern of handedness based on gender. Unlike other mammals, quadruped marsupials show reversed sex-related handedness, with males being right-handed and females left-handed, particularly for more complex tasks.
A new method for estimating blood loss, based on base deficit (BD), is more accurate than the current Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) classification. BD was linked to increased severity of injury, length of stay, morbidity and mortality.
A study published in BioMed Central's Investigative Genetics journal found that over 80% of game meat samples in South Africa were mislabeled, with some species being substituted almost entirely. The labelling error has implications for animal safety and cultural/religious practices.
Protection of marine areas from fishing significantly increases fish density and biomass. Even partial protection yields a 50% increase in biomass for target species like lobsters and scallops. However, the success of marine protection depends on its size and management style.
Friedreich's Ataxia, a rare genetic disorder, imposes significant annual costs of £11,000 to £19,000 on individuals. The study emphasizes the need for tailored resource allocation to maximize quality of life while minimizing its impact.
The Brazilian Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases has moved to BioMed Central's open access publishing platform, expanding the publisher's portfolio to 250 journals. The journal will publish research on all aspects of toxins, venomous animals, and tropical diseases.
BMC Psychology is the first solely dedicated open access psychology journal, covering all aspects of psychology. The new journal will practice open peer review and welcome submissions of replications and null findings in addition to positive results.
Researchers have discovered that saw-scaled viper venom contains both anticoagulants and coagulants, which can be used to develop new treatments for blood disorders. The venom's toxic clotting factors were found to be lethal to mice, making them a promising area of study.
A recent study published in BMC Psychology found that people with HIV have difficulty recognizing facial expressions, particularly fear, and are more likely to experience memory problems. The researchers suggest that this impairment can be debilitating and impact daily life and personal interactions.
Researchers sequenced primitively eusocial wasps' transcriptomes, finding workers have an active genetic profile while queens have a restricted one. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of sociality and the origin of alternative phenotypes.
A meta-analysis found that increased fascin-1 is associated with increased risk of mortality in breast, colorectal, and oesophageal carcinomas. Fascin-1 was also linked to disease progression and metastasis in some cases, but not others.
Research found that stressed bacteria can spontaneously develop resistance to rifampicin, a commonly used antibiotic. This discovery has significant implications for the evolution of antibiotic resistance and may impact treatment options for serious bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and leprosy.
A study published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Genetics found that coral DNA variations correlate with water temperature and clarity, which can inform reef conservation efforts. The research team identified specific genes involved in immune response and stress-induced cell-death, suggesting that corals with certain genet...
A study published in Journal of Eating Disorders found that women's conversations about weight, known as 'fat talk,' were more prevalent during younger years. In contrast, discussions about aging, or 'old talk,' increased with age and were less frequent. Women who engaged in both types of talk tended to have a more negative body image.
A study found that genetic variation within a single tree allows it to produce branches with leaves resistant to herbivory, while others are more susceptible. The variations in genes related to terpene production influence the leaves' edibility.
Researchers found that adding simple movements to mental rehearsal improved performance by 45% for high jumpers, compared to 35% with internal visual imagery. Dynamic imagery also shortened the number of jumps required.
A new study on the Newt transcriptome has identified 826 proteins specific to urodeles and several newly discovered proteins that may play roles in regeneration. The data outline genes present only in regenerating tissues, which could be crucial for regenerative medicine research.
Research published in BMC Medicine found that caffeine from all sources reduces birth weight and increases pregnancy length by 5 hours per day. Caffeine intake from coffee was associated with an even longer gestational length, increasing risk of small for gestational age at birth by almost a third
Researchers sequenced genes responsible for light-sensitive pigment in 40 bird species, revealing at least 14 shifts between violet and ultraviolet color vision. This evolution is driven by single nucleotide changes in DNA, resulting in unique visual adaptations among birds.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that newborns of obese fathers have lower DNA methylation levels of the IGF2 gene, which codes for a growth factor important during fetal development. This can lead to increased cancer risk later in life.
Researchers discovered a novel syndrome caused by mutations in the ASXL3 gene, characterized by non-specific symptoms and intellectual disability. The study provides a molecular definition of this condition, which is difficult to distinguish from Bohring-Opitz syndrome, and highlights the importance of sharing genomic data.
A study published in BioMed Central's open access journal Carbon Balance and Management suggests that afforestation can lead to cooler summers and wetter conditions in regions like Europe. Planting trees can provide localized benefits by making the surrounding air moister and cooler, sequestering carbon and protecting biodiversity.
The new publication guidelines for systematic reviews cover two types of analysis: realist synthesis and meta-narrative reviews. These guidelines aim to provide a standard framework for researchers to report their methods and findings, ensuring thorough peer-review and consistency in methodology.
A study published in BioMed Central's Stem Cell Research & Therapy journal found that stem cells from bone marrow or fat improved brain and nerve repair after stroke in rats. The treated animals showed significant functional recovery, even without the stem cells migrating to the damaged area.
Researchers used dispensary records to measure the effect of forest fires on people with chronic lung diseases. The study found that even small increases in smoke were associated with higher salbutamol dispensations, highlighting the impact of pollution on public health.
A recent study published in Genome Medicine found great diversity in biobanks, with varying organizational structures, specimen types, and purposes. The research emphasizes the need for standardized policies to govern these collections and make samples available for research.
A new study published in BMC Microbiology reveals that children with eczema have a more diverse set of bacteria in their guts than healthy children. The types of bacteria present were also more typical of adult gut microbes, suggesting an early change towards adult-type bacteria may be a risk factor for eczema.
Researchers discovered that interfering with Hexokinase-2 reduces medulloblastoma's aggressiveness and allows long-term survival in mice. The enzyme plays a key role in aerobic glycolysis, a process also used by rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.
A meta-analysis found that current smokers with HIV were at double the risk of bacterial pneumonia than non-smokers, but stopping smoking decreased this risk by about a third. Stopping smoking reduced the risk of bacterial pneumonia by approximately 30-70% compared to non-smoking counterparts.
A study of over a thousand women reveals that both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism contribute to body dissatisfaction, increasing the risk of developing an eating disorder. Women who desired lower BMIs showed greater concern about making mistakes and self-doubt, highlighting the need for addressing 'all or nothing' attitudes.