Cinacalcet has little to no effect on mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease, but may prevent surgical parathyroidectomy. The treatment also comes with significant side effects, including hypocalcemia and nausea. The study suggests that routine cinacalcet therapy is not warranted.
The new series aims to help achieve a Grand Challenge in Global Mental Health by redesigning health systems to integrate mental, neurological, and substance use disorders with other chronic-disease care. Integration is essential for achieving desired outcomes for priority health programs.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that listeners gauge a speaker's body size from their voice frequency, quality, and formant spacing. Deep male voices and high-pitched female voices are perceived as more attractive due to their association with smaller body sizes.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that clenching the right fist before memorizing information strengthens the memory, while clenching the left fist before recalling improves verbal recall. Researchers suggest this effect may be due to brain regions associated with memory formation being activated by hand-clenching.
Research reveals Nipah virus can be carried by fruit bats on both sides of Wallace's line, which may have initially restricted the spread of avian flu to Australia. The finding extends the known regions where Nipah virus has been detected, including the island of Timor.
A study by UK experts found that the alcohol industry submitted policies in line with their interests, ignoring evidence-based approaches. The authors warn of conflicts between commercial and public interests, potentially compromising population health.
Long-term exposure to air pollution may accelerate atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Fine particulate air pollution was found to be associated with faster thickening of the inner two layers of the common carotid artery.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that white people with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are at increased risk of developing other forms of cancer in the future. The analysis revealed a 15% to 26% higher risk for men and women, respectively.
Research published in PLOS ONE found a decrease in media coverage of aggression in ice hockey in North American newspapers between 1998-2000 and 2009-2011. The shift in focus from violence to safety rules and equipment may contribute to cultural trends in the sport, influencing attitudes towards traumatic brain injuries.
A new text-mining algorithm helps identify the most relevant scientific research for a public database correlating environmental chemicals with their effects on genes and human health. The algorithm improved the process of prioritizing relevant articles by increasing productivity by 27 percent and novel data content by 100 percent.
Research by Ha and colleagues found that teens' likelihood to break up is independent of how well they handle conflicts, contradicting previous studies on adult relationships. The authors suggest differences in relationship goals among younger teen couples may be the reason for this finding.
A public-private partnership (PPP) successfully addressed the mental health needs of people in post-conflict northern Uganda, establishing five psycho-trauma centers and increasing clinic attendance from 300 to over 3,000. The most common diagnoses were depression, PTSD, epilepsy, and substance use disorders.
A multicenter study found that administering sodium bicarbonate during and after open heart surgery does not reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury, but may increase mortality. The authors recommend against using this treatment to prevent AKI in patients undergoing open heart surgery.
A Canadian study of over 1 million women found that pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension may double the chance of being diagnosed with diabetes years after pregnancy. Women with a history of these conditions, especially combined with gestational diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing future diabetes.
A recent study by Chinese Academy of Sciences and University of Calgary reveals a molecular feedback loop that governs the earliest steps of placenta formation, which is crucial for diagnosing and treating related pregnancy complications. The research found that this feedback loop involves Gcm1 and Fzd5 signaling cascades.
A study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found that offering packs of smaller drinks leads to increased soda consumption and higher business revenues. The results suggest that limiting larger servings of sugary drinks may have unintended consequences, such as increasing soda sales.
A study found that the shingles vaccine halves the occurrence of this painful skin and nerve infection in people over 65. However, vaccination rates are low in the US, particularly among black people and those with low incomes.
A new study has characterized cells responsible for driving calcium build-up in vessel walls, providing a potential therapeutic target. The researchers found that certain cells can differentiate into osteoclasts, leading to softening of the blood vessels, and that manipulating these cells could lead to a reduction in heart disease risk.
A recent study found that people with HIV who start treatment before their CD4 count drops below 200 cells per microliter have life expectancies around 80% of the general population. Long-term treatment can manage HIV as a chronic illness, suggesting revised estimates for life insurance companies and epidemiological models.
A new set of guidelines for abstracts in systematic reviews and meta-analyses aims to provide a robust summary of research. The PRISMA for Abstracts checklist helps authors present an explicit summary of results, facilitating quick assessment and efficient perusal.
Historic records indicate a complex ritual system surrounding shark fishing and making gear from shark teeth. Researchers analyzed 120 ancient weapons, identifying eight shark species, including two previously unknown to the Gilbert Islands, now likely extinct.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that freshwater river dolphins use lower frequency biosonar clicks, but their unique head anatomy may help keep signals focused. This study provides a valuable tool for conservation biologists to prevent species decline and estimate population sizes.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that Wikipedia users value community interaction more than political affiliations. Despite the increasing divide in U.S. politics, the study found no trends indicating a preference for interacting with like-minded individuals within the Wikipedia community. Instead, users engage with others from d...
Researchers identified a stable, specific 'breathprint' unique to each individual, with variations influenced by diet and health conditions. Breath analysis could become a valuable source of clinical information, similar to other bodily fluids.
The rapid development of synthetic biology presents new dialogue opportunities between conservation and synthetic biology communities to address ecological and ethical concerns. The authors highlight five emerging issues requiring discussion, including potential impacts on biodiversity and conservation strategies.
A team of researchers successfully replicated the behavior of a moving ant colony using miniature robots, called Alices. The robots navigated mazes by following chemical pheromone trails and directional random walks, demonstrating that efficient navigation can be achieved with minimal cognitive abilities.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the surface bacteria on fresh produce vary depending on the type of produce and cultivation practices. Different types of fruits and veggies have distinct bacterial communities, which may impact food spoilage rates.
Research found scale insects were 13 times more abundant on willow oaks in hot areas compared to cooler ones, with higher survival rates in hot greenhouses. The study suggests urban warming may lead to changes in pest abundance as natural forests also warm up.
A meta-analysis of 62 studies across 48 different species found that males who stick around to care for offspring are more successful when females are promiscuous. This suggests that males make complex calculations about the benefits and risks of paternal care, and that natural selection favors tolerance in certain situations.
A UK study published in PLOS Medicine found that hospital deaths decreased by half between 2005 and 2010, while home and hospice deaths increased. The study attributed this shift to improved end-of-life care initiatives, particularly for single people, the elderly, and those with certain cancer types.
Researchers have identified the long-unknown mating-type genes of Tetrahymena thermophila, a single-celled organism with seven sexes. The study reveals a random process of DNA rearrangements that determines sex in this organism, which may have potential human health implications.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that young children are more likely to die when their mother is seriously ill, with the highest risk occurring in the months leading up to and following her death. The researchers also discovered a significant increase in child mortality rates if the mother dies of AIDS-related causes.
A new study found that nearly half of Florida manatees seek power plant outfalls for warmth, while about 17% choose warm springs. Hot springs offered the best protection against cold weather, suggesting protecting access to these refuges is crucial for long-term survival.
A new study found that 3-year-olds endorse equal sharing norms, but fail to follow them until they reach 7-8 years old. Researchers gave stickers valued by children of all ages and asked about sharing, finding consistent endorsement across ages. However, actual behavior showed a gap between endorsed and followed norms.
A study analyzed mood words in 20th century books and found a decrease in emotional words overall, but an increase in fear since the 1970s. Books written in American English are significantly more 'emotional' than their British counterparts.
African experts argue that immunization systems are failing due to issues with vaccine supply, financing, and sustainability. The authors call for strengthened programs to address regional and country-specific problems and develop precise strategies to overcome challenges.
A study found that medicines intended for chronic use lack sufficient patients to evaluate safety and efficacy. The number of patients studied before regulatory approval was often lower than recommended guidelines specify.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics found that brown bears on Alaskan archipelago descended from polar bears through hybridization, not the other way around. The research used DNA sequencing to analyze the X chromosomes of the brown bears and found that 6.5% of them had recently come from polar bears.
Researchers found that one-sided cellphone conversations are more distracting and memorable for bystanders than chats between two people. Participants rated cell phone conversations as more distracting and recalled more words from them.
Researchers found that bottlenose dolphin leaders are more likely to lead relatives, suggesting individual choices play a role in leader selection. This study provides insights into complex social dynamics of bottlenose dolphins.
Research found that playing action games improved capacity to track multiple objects, while hidden object and match three objects players showed improvement in visual search tasks. Video games improve specific skills, not overall mental abilities.
A systematic review of 13 modelling studies found that pre-exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs is the most cost-effective strategy for preventing HIV infection in people at risk. The cost-effectiveness of this approach depends on factors such as drug costs, epidemic context, and individual adherence levels.
A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials found that adjunctive antipsychotic medications improve depressive symptoms but have limited effects on quality of life. The treatments are also linked to side effects such as weight gain, sedation, and akathisia.
Researchers Effy Vayena and John Tasioulas propose a framework for adapting standards of ethical oversight to participant-led health research, balancing autonomy with benefits. The proposed categories identify varying levels of risk to participants, aiming to prevent over-regulation and protect individual liberty.
The authors implemented an electronic data collection tool in a large referral hospital in southern Malawi, using the Surveillance Programme of IN-patients and Epidemiology (SPINE) system. This tool allows for accurate assessment of disease burden and monitoring of changing patterns of disease at the hospital.
Researchers found that describing blood donations as a way to prevent a death rather than save a life significantly increased the rate of donations. Volunteers presented with 'prevention of loss' messages were also more likely to expect larger donations.
Research shows that individuals with spinal cord injuries perceive their wheelchairs as a functional substitute for their affected body part. This perception is not limited by time since injury or experience with using the wheelchair, indicating a deeper integration of prosthetics into bodily awareness.
A 33,000-year-old Siberian fossil, known as the 'Altai dog', is found to be more closely related to modern dogs and prehistoric canids on the American continents than wolves. This challenges previous theories suggesting a recent emergence of modern dogs from wolf ancestors.
A new method better assesses pandemic risks by estimating transmissibility of emerging zoonotic viruses, such as the H3N2v-M virus, using routine surveillance data. This approach is simple and robust, but may not be suitable for non-subcritical outbreaks.
A study published in PLOS Medicine reveals that resistance to first line anti-malarial drugs is increasing on the Thai-Myanmar border, with a significant impact on the migrant population. The authors found that alternative treatments are urgently needed to replace the failing regimen.