Researchers found that women who read negative news had higher cortisol levels after a psychological stress test compared to men. Women also showed stronger emotional responses to the negative news they had viewed previously, suggesting a gender difference in how we react to negative news in the media.
Scientists have found that mice can change the pitch of their ultrasonic vocalizations to match others in social exposure. This limited form of vocal learning suggests a capacity for learning not previously known in mice.
Research on harvestman spiders found that single male parents of eggs suffer no long-term decrease in fitness compared to females or non-caring males. The study suggests that reduced mortality risk and genetic advantages of improving offspring survival may have favored the evolution of paternal care in insects.
A new study found that most parents of children are dissatisfied with the way clinicians communicate about suspected adverse drug reactions. Parents were unsure whether a child's reaction to a drug affected future use of the medicine, but those whose children had cancer expressed confidence in their clinicians' explanations.
A mathematical model suggests PrEP can be a cost-effective addition to existing HIV prevention strategies for MSM populations in Lima, Peru. However, significant funding would be required to generate substantial reductions in HIV incidence.
Most pregnancy-related infections are caused by four types of treatable conditions: genital tract, urinary tract, soft tissues, and abortion-related infections. Integrating targeted interventions into antenatal care services can help reduce maternal mortality.
Researchers estimate that modern humans and Neandertals interbred around 37,000 to 86,000 years ago, with the most recent encounters occurring well after modern humans migrated outside of Africa. This suggests that Neandertals had children with the ancestors of present-day people outside of Africa.
A panel of 13 blood proteins has been identified as potential biomarkers for detecting malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure. The discovery could lead to the development of more accurate and less invasive diagnostic tests, improving patient outcomes.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that manta rays are more likely to gather together under new or full moons and when wind speeds are lower. The researchers used a citizen science approach involving volunteer divers and tour operators to monitor manta ray behavior at Lady Elliott Island.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that rhesus monkeys prefer a highly-valued food item alone to the same item paired with a lower-value item. This behavior is similar to what has been seen in human studies, where participants rated a highly-valued item more highly than one with multiple items of lesser value.
A 1.5-million-year-old skull fragment from Tanzania shows signs of anemia caused by a nutritional deficiency, suggesting regular meat consumption in early hominids was common. The discovery supports the idea that early human ancestors were hunters and had a physiology adapted to regular meat consumption.
A Scottish study found people with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death compared to the general population. The researchers also discovered that women are more at risk than men, with higher rates of cardiovascular events and deaths from any cause.
The Ugandan government has created a comprehensive national mental health policy aimed at addressing the country's growing mental health crisis. The policy provides guidelines for mental health care and services, including hospitalization, treatment, and community-based interventions.
A study of Western Sahara refugees found that obesity affects more households than acute malnutrition, stunting, and underweight in children. The double burden of obesity and malnutrition is a significant issue in refugee populations, emphasizing the need for targeted food assistance programs.
A collaboration developed and studied a community-based first response training program in a remote Indigenous community in northern Canada. The program, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Northern Ontario Academic Medical Association, improved emergency care outcomes.
Researchers found that viewing objects associated with one gender can make viewers perceive an androgynous face as being of the opposite gender. The study suggests two possible explanations for this effect, including common brain regions involved in identifying both types of stimuli and a higher cognitive function of adapting to gender.
Researchers have detected male DNA in female brain tissue, a phenomenon known as microchimerism, which is common and affects multiple brain regions. The findings suggest that this long-lasting fetal DNA may be associated with altered risk of Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that certain cannabis withdrawal symptoms are more strongly associated with relapse than others. Participants experiencing physical tension, sleep problems, and anxiety were more likely to relapse during the abstinence period and consumed more cannabis afterwards.
A new study reveals that sundew plants use catapulting snap tentacles to propel prey into their leaf trap, enhancing digestion and capture efficiency. This unique mechanism increases the plant's ability to capture larger insects and improves overall carnivory capabilities.
The PLOS Medicine Editors report on the delays and changes in scope of the World Health Organization's (WHO) World Health Report 2012. The original report was planned for publication in 2012, but it has been delayed until 2013. The focus of the new report will be on universal health coverage, but its scope is still unclear.
Researchers found a short (7-day) course of amphotericin along with high-dose fluconazole for at least 2 weeks is the most cost-effective and least toxic treatment for cryptococcal meningitis. This regimen is significantly cheaper and less toxic than the current WHO-recommended treatment, which results in more deaths.
Large donors are forcing the World Health Organization to re-evaluate its priorities and agenda-setting process. This shift towards 'multi-bi financing' has raised concerns about the control of international agencies by participating governments.
Scientists tracked bumblebees to understand their route selection process. After an average of 26 attempts each bee refined its route through trial and error, selecting the most efficient path. The study revealed that bees don't easily forget a fruitful flower and can learn complex routes without visual cues.
Researchers developed an Audiobased Environment Simulator to help blind users learn about a new space using only audio cues. Blind participants played the virtual reality game and showed improved navigation skills in real-world environments.
Research published in PLOS ONE suggests that dyslexia results from phonetic system impairment, not phonological system impairment as previously thought. The study found Hebrew-speaking students had difficulty discriminating between similar speech sounds but retained ability to track abstract patterns.
A 6,500-year-old human jaw bone with a tooth showing traces of beeswax filling has been discovered, offering evidence of ancient dentistry in Europe. The beeswax was likely applied to reduce pain and sensitivity from a vertical crack in the tooth.
The Rasberry Crazy Ant, an invasive species in Texas, has been identified as Nylanderia fulva, which will aid in controlling its spread. The species is now known to be distributed more widely than initially thought and may have invaded all Gulf Coast states.
Researchers discovered that people's moral attitudes are more flexible than thought, with participants often constructing coherent arguments supporting the opposite of their original position. The study highlights the potential limitations of self-reported questionnaires in capturing complex attitudes.
Providing energy-dense food supplements to malnourished children has limited effect on reducing wasting, but increases height and hemoglobin levels. A cluster-randomized controlled trial found that adding Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food to a general food distribution had little impact on acute undernutrition.
A large analysis of over 100,000 participants found that statins have a very small effect on preventing venous thromboembolic events. The study suggests that high-dose and low-dose statins have no effect on blood clots.
A study has identified five genes responsible for human facial morphology, with three previously implicated in vertebrate craniofacial development and disease. The remaining two genes are new players in the molecular networks governing facial development.
Researchers found that 7 out of 10 top media-covered ADHD studies were refuted or strongly attenuated by later research. This phenomenon may cause significant distortion in health science communication if generalized to other health topics. The study highlights the potential for misleading early results to dominate public discourse.
Researchers found that women's disgust responses are weaker when they are sexually aroused. The study, published in PLOS ONE, used a combination of peer review and post-publication rating and commenting to maximize the impact of every report it publishes. All works published in PLOS ONE are Open Access.
A hands-on project for high school students in Portugal increased understanding of bacteria, antibiotics, and the dangers of antibiotic resistance. Students found the experience both enjoyable and useful, highlighting the benefits of incorporating hands-on activities into science education.
Researchers have discovered a new species of African monkey, the lesula, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species is threatened by local bush meat hunting and has a limited range of 6,500 square miles, making it vulnerable to extinction.
A modeling study published in PLOS ONE found that introducing small payments alongside punishment can create stable, righteous societies in the face of corruption. Once corruption is eradicated, it can be held at bay indefinitely even if power inequalities return.
The Borderea chouardii plant, critically endangered and found only on two cliff sides in the Pyrenees, employs a doubly mutualistic reproductive strategy with local ants. The plant's unusually long lifespan and climatically stable habitat contribute to its success.
Researchers analyzed 70 press releases and 41 associated news stories, finding that 33 contained 'spin' in press releases and 28 in study abstracts, potentially leading readers to overestimate treatment benefits.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that renal transplantation offers the best treatment option for improving quality of life in people with late-stage chronic kidney disease. In contrast, home-based automated peritoneal dialysis provides a better quality of life than continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.
A recent study suggests that funding agencies should focus on providing a stable blood supply in sub-Saharan Africa. The authors argue that current policies and practices are not suitable for the region's emergency blood transfusion needs. This could lead to long-term reliance on external funding, making services unaffordable.
Researchers tracked albatross movements using GPS to discover the 'dynamic soaring' technique, which allows birds to fly with minimal mechanical cost. This method may lead to advancements in robotic aircraft design, enabling them to harness wind energy without engines.
A study of 362 fathers in the Philippines found that close sleeping proximity was associated with greater decreases in testosterone levels as men transitioned to fatherhood. This is linked to lower overall testosterone levels compared to fathers who slept apart from their children, suggesting a potential impact on parenting behavior.
A multinational group of authors has found a strong association between Southeast Asian ovalocytosis and protection against malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax. The study suggests that P. vivax malaria may have contributed to shaping the unique host genetic adaptations in Asian and Oceanic populations.
A study of 46,201 adults found that HIV-positive men on antiretroviral therapy were 31% more likely to die than women, despite similar treatment responses. The researchers suggest that the observed differences may be due to background differences in mortality between men and women in the South African population.
A framework for point-of-care testing is proposed to address barriers in low- and middle-income countries. The authors emphasize the importance of focusing on point-of-care programs rather than technology itself.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that young children consider merit when sharing resources, taking into account the amount of work they contribute and their partner's contribution level. However, a self-serving bias was also observed, with few children giving away more than half of the reward even when their partner had worked more.
Research in southern Indian Ocean found increased bioluminescence correlates with higher foraging intensity in deep-sea predators, indicating that bioluminescence likely provides seals with valuable indications of prey occurrence. The study monitored diving behavior and light detector data from four female southern elephant seals.
The analysis of Sinocalliopteryx gigas' abdominal contents suggests that these dinosaurs were adept stealth hunters capable of tackling prey over a third their size. The study also found evidence of eating bird-like dinosaurs and primitive birds, providing new insights into their hunting behavior.
Medical humanitarian organizations face a clash of values with the mining industry, posing difficult alliances and challenges to intervene in areas occupied by extractive sectors. The article explores the consequences of environmental pollution, communicable diseases, violence, destitution, and compromised food security.
A large study found that using certain drugs, four or more effective drugs, and a duration of 7-8.5 months can lead to successful patient outcomes in MDR-TB treatment. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to limitations in the methods and data.