Better air quality indicators are needed to address the risks of global urbanization on health. The World Health Organization estimates that outdoor air pollution causes 1.34 million premature deaths annually, with many low- and middle-income countries lacking reliable data.
A new collection of articles introduces methodological innovations for estimating child mortality, crucial for monitoring progress toward the MDG goal. The UN IGME's evidence-based estimates are necessary for planning national and global health strategies.
Two parasitic wasp species show similar memory consolidation patterns when rewarded with different qualities. This suggests that higher rewards lead to better memory retention. The researchers propose that this behavior makes sense given the energetic cost of consolidating shorter-lasting memories into long-term ones.
Researchers found that both high and low mating rates are detrimental to female sea slug fitness, suggesting indirect benefits to traumatic mating. The study suggests that there may be additional fitness benefits beyond reproduction.
Researchers found that managers and non-managers exhibit differential brain activation patterns during decision-making, with managers showing a more heuristic, automated approach. This study provides insight into the neural basis of managerial decision-making and its differences from non-managerial decisions.
A systematic review found that approximately one in five elderly prescriptions are inappropriate, with medications like diphenhydramine and propoxyphene being used incorrectly. The study highlights the need for more accurate medication prescribing practices in primary care settings.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that patients with anorexia have difficulty judging their own body size, but can accurately estimate the size of others. The study suggests that individuals with anorexia may still hold a distorted perception of their own body shape even after recovery.
Researchers found that high baseline levels of neuronal activity in key brain regions may contribute to Alzheimer's development. The study suggests that brain dynamics could play a causal role in the disease.
In uncertain environments, organisms use molecular processes to make guesses about the future, according to a study. Genetic identical individuals exhibit variation in stress responses due to random decisions, which is beneficial as it reduces metabolic costs without compromising overall benefits.
A recent study of the Old Order Amish population found associations between certain bacterial species and metabolic syndrome, suggesting potential targets for medication, diet or lifestyle changes. The researchers identified specific species but not full gut communities linked to metabolic syndrome traits.
Research reveals that individuals who exhibit spiteful behavior are consistent in their actions over time, imposing maximum harm on others. The study, conducted by Erik Kimbrough and Philipp Reiss, used an artificial auction market scenario to test the frequency and extent of spiteful behavior among 48 student participants.
A new study investigates the relationship between beetle body size, horn size, and grip strength in males. The researchers found that male beetles have a stronger grip than females, likely due to their larger limb size.
The PLoS ONE Synthetic Biology Collection assembles articles on various facets of synthetic biology, a dynamically evolving research area that interconnects multiple disciplines. The collection aims to inspire further progress in the field by providing a dedicated repository for researchers.
A study published in PLOS Biology reveals how the brain's vascular network forms in zebrafish, driven by blood flow and influenced by a protein called Rac1. The researchers found that vessel pruning occurs at loop-forming segments, leading to a simplified final form of the vasculature.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that increased stress in men is associated with a preference for female body sizes ranging from normal to overweight. The researchers discovered that stressed men rated normal weight and overweight figures more highly than non-stressed men.
Wild meerkats employed nine separate learning processes to solve a foraging task, with social factors drawing them in and asocial processes aiding solution. This study provides insight into the relationship between social learning mechanisms and cultural development.
Archaeological tools from an ancient site outside Jerusalem provide insights into land use patterns and sustainable resource management during extreme climate change. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that Neolithic humans adapted to changing environments by clearing forests for fields and grazing lands.
A study analyzing malpractice claims in Australia found that doctors often fail to disclose significant risks to patients before treatment. The authors argue that this can lead to factual disagreements and disputes over informed consent, highlighting the need for improved communication between healthcare providers and patients.
A mobile HIV-testing clinic integrated with active tuberculosis case finding in underserviced areas of Cape Town demonstrated high feasibility, yield, and treatment success. The study found that the service was well-received by HIV-negative individuals with symptoms suggestive of TB, as well as all HIV-positive individuals.
A study by international researchers found that only one in seven authors involved in off-label marketing activities fully disclosed their conflict of interest in published articles. The analysis examined 26 whistleblower complaints and identified 91 doctors and scientists recorded as being involved, with 39 having authored publication...
Research published in PLOS ONE found that autistic children who received a pet scored higher in 'offering to share' and 'offering comfort' categories after the pet arrived compared to before. Participants who had lived with pets since birth showed weaker relationships with their pets.
A new study finds that American teens' low expectations of longevity before age 35 predict increased risk behaviors, such as substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. The research, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that monitoring survival expectations may identify at-risk youth.
Researchers have designed efficient enzymes that can metabolize cocaine, potentially preventing its physiological effects and aiding in treatment of drug dependency. The development of these enzymes is crucial for the creation of anti-cocaine medication.
A new genetic study suggests that ovaries can form new eggs throughout adulthood, increasing the number of oocytes with age. This finding contradicts the long-held assumption that females are born with a fixed number of eggs and supports postnatal oocyte renewal in mammals.
Young children exhibit similar associative learning and problem-solving skills to birds until around 8 years old. After this age, their performance surpasses that of the birds, according to a new study published in PLOS ONE.
A 500-year-old Incan mummy was found to have a bacterial lung infection at the time of death, according to a new study published in PLOS ONE. The researchers used proteomics to analyze immune system response from degraded samples and found that one mummy had a protein profile similar to those with chronic respiratory infections.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that monarch butterflies with darker orange wings flew significantly longer distances than those with lighter wings. The study suggests an association between pigment level and flight distance, paving the way for further research into butterfly wing color.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that hunter-gatherers, such as the Hadza tribe, expend a similar amount of energy daily as Western adults, contradicting the long-held assumption that their ancestors burned more calories. This similarity suggests that habitual metabolic rates are relatively constant among human populations.
Two independent research reports published in PLOS ONE show that chimpanzees use weight to choose the best hammer for cracking open nuts, a sophisticated tool use. In contrast, old world monkeys modulate their begging behavior based on whether an experimenter is paying attention to them, suggesting intentional communication.
Women experiencing high job strain are more than twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to those with low-strain jobs. A 10-year study found that elevated job strain has long-term cardiovascular health effects in women.
New research suggests that Neandertal arm morphology was caused by scraping activities such as hide preparation, not spear thrusting. This challenges the previous hypothesis that spear thrusting was responsible for the observed asymmetry in their skeletons.
Researchers have developed a new body shape index (ABSI) that combines BMI and waist circumference to predict mortality hazard independently of BMI. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 US adults, finding ABSI to be strongly correlated with death rate.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that public reporting of hospital-acquired infection data led to a significant reduction in C. difficile cases. The study showed a 26% decrease in C. difficile infections after mandatory hospital reporting was introduced in Ontario, Canada.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that non-inferiority trials, which involve switching HIV patients to a new antiretroviral therapy, may not be beneficial to participants. The authors argue that these trials often enroll patients who cannot benefit from the switch and do not capture or report all potential risks.
A community-based nursing program delivered in collaboration with existing healthcare services showed promise in reducing deaths from chronic illnesses among older adults. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, found a 25% lower relative risk of death among intervention group participants compared to the control group.
A social entrepreneurship approach for sexual health optimization is being explored, focusing on decentralized community delivery and multisectoral networks. The authors argue that this approach has great promise in delivering comprehensive sexual health interventions to most-at-risk populations.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals a significant association between menopausal hormone therapy and high blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Longer use of hormone therapy was found to increase the odds of developing high blood pressure, although this risk decreased with age.
Researchers have discovered ancient domesticated caprines at Leopard Cave in Namibia, dated to the end of the first millennium BC. The findings provide new insights into the origins of domestication and herding practices in southern Africa.
Current genomic research resources and bioinformatics methods are insufficient for personalized genomic medicine, citing shorter linkage disequilibrium regions and unprobed variants.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that sharing a meal with a former romantic partner is more likely to make the current partner jealous than other activities. The researchers also found no significant differences in jealousy reported by male and female participants.
A widely-held belief that certain eye movements indicate lying has been debunked in a new study published in PLOS ONE. The researchers found no correlation between eye movement direction and truthfulness, challenging existing approaches to detecting deceit.
A collection of articles investigates the impact of antiretroviral treatment on new HIV infections, exploring its potential epidemiological impact and affordability. The studies assess the utility of mathematical models and evaluate their consistency with real-world data.
A systematic review found that the level of evidence for emergency obstetric referral interventions is poor, making it difficult to determine their effectiveness. The design limitations of individual studies also hindered the assessment of referral interventions.
A case study on implementing the BasicNeeds model of mental health and development in Nepal found that user empowerment and community development are key to success. The model works in partnership with governments to provide essential services where mental health has not been a priority, leading to improved outcomes for users.
The article emphasizes the need for sustainable integrated vector management strategies to address insecticide resistance and control malaria. Researchers argue that such approaches, inspired by agricultural practices, can provide more effective and durable pest management.
Food expert Kelly Brownell argues that government regulation is necessary to counterbalance the food industry's influence. The industry prioritizes profits over public health, distorting science and compromising scientists to achieve its goals. Voluntary changes are insufficient to address the obesity crisis.
International experts warn of SA's unhealthy eating habits linked to big food corporations, urging gov action to make healthy foods more accessible and restrict high-calorie products. The authors suggest policy responses including public education and regulation of the industry.
Brazil has implemented legislation to shield its traditional food system from the influence of global corporations, aiming to improve public health and preserve cultural heritage. By law, schools must serve minimally processed meals sourced from local farmers, reducing the penetration of Big Food companies in Brazil.
A prospective cohort study found associations between plasma concentrations of saturated phospholipid fatty acids and increased risk of coronary heart disease. In contrast, n-6 polyunsaturated phospholipid fatty acids showed an inverse association with coronary heart disease risk.
A cluster-randomized trial found that urban women's groups in Mumbai slums discussed perinatal health, resulting in behavior change. However, there was no measurable impact on population-level perinatal health or mortality rates.