A study mapping sheep ancestry over 11,000 years reveals vast genetic diversity and adaptability to diverse environments. The research provides insights into the evolution of selective breeding for traits such as coat color and body size.
A large study found that mild cognitive impairment is consistently associated with higher disability and neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly anxiety, apathy, and irritability. The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment ranged from 0.8% to 4.3% in eight low- and middle-income countries.
A study of nearly 15,000 patients found that up to three-quarters of new C. difficile infections were not easily explained by conventional assumptions of ward-based transmission from symptomatic patients. This suggests that current interventions may not be effective in controlling the spread of C. difficile in hospitals.
Researchers develop a mathematical methodology to predict critical transitions in complex systems like fisheries and economies. The approach utilizes traditional intuition and understanding, reducing the need for large amounts of data, to enhance chances of 'seeing it coming'.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that people tend to mimic each other's eating behavior when dining with others, taking bites at the same time. The researchers observed 70 pairs of young women and recorded their bites, totaling almost 4,000, revealing a dynamic interplay between eating companions.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that circular RNA molecules are more abundant than previously thought, comprising a substantial fraction of all transcripts identified for many genes. This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the potential functions and relevance of circular RNAs in human biology and health.
Researchers found genetically identical clones of Posidonia oceanica seagrass in Mediterranean meadows, suggesting they are thousands of years old and have adapted to various environmental conditions. The findings raise concerns about the continued survival of this long-lived species.
A cross-sectional analysis found that strengthening mental health systems features can facilitate access to psychotropic medicines, while country development plays a different role in promoting affordability.
A new collection of articles in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases examines the use of genetically modified (GM) insects for controlling infectious diseases. The articles discuss technological advances, regulatory frameworks, and societal dialogue necessary for widespread application.
The Global Burden of Disease project reveals a mismatch between the world's health issues and published research, with certain conditions disproportionately affecting low-income countries. PLoS Medicine editors emphasize the need for research on understudied risk factors like unmet contraception needs and illicit drug use to address gl...
Researchers argue that focusing on small groups of households at high risk of malaria transmission is an efficient way to reduce transmission. This approach prioritizes the most infected and diseased households, benefiting the entire community.
Researchers have successfully decoded electrical activity in a human auditory system region, reconstructing words from normal conversation. This breakthrough could help patients with speech damage due to strokes or diseases like Lou Gehrig's, enabling them to communicate again.
The study found that commercial electronic prescribing systems substantially reduced procedural prescribing error rates in hospital patients, with a significant decline in serious clinical errors. However, the introduction of new system-related errors requiring close attention from designers and users.
Research followed 2000 British civil servants and found a robust association between overtime work and depression, with odds more than double for those working 11+ hours. The correlation was not affected by adjusting for confounders.
Researchers engineered bacteria to provide accurate 3D images of tumors in mice, revealing bacterial location within the tumor. This breakthrough enables targeted cancer treatment and diagnosis.
The CDC completed a comprehensive study of Morgellons, finding no infectious agent and no environmental link. The researchers enrolled 109 persons with symptoms, ruling out infection through extensive testing, and determined the fibers were fragments of cloth or debris.
A mathematical model proposes that NBA players should take higher-quality shots earlier in possessions to maximize scoring opportunities. However, current player behavior is often overly cautious, leading to missed chances.
A study of extreme coastal storms in the Western Mediterranean found that these events redistribute marine organic carbon, supporting life in deeper waters and enhancing carbon sequestration. The severe damage to coastal environments must also be considered when evaluating human-induced climate change's impact on ocean ecosystems.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that individuals with access to sanitation facilities are half as likely to contract roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections. Regular latrine use further reduces the risk of infection by an additional 5%.
A study in PLOS Medicine found that tobacco smoking and high blood pressure account for the majority of deaths among Japanese adults. Reducing exposure to these risk factors could extend life expectancy by 1.4 years, according to researchers.
The article proposes three areas of legal liability for ghostwriters: reliance on false safety and efficacy data, inducing government reimbursement under false pretenses, and anti-kickback statute violations. Guest authors' participation in ghostwritten articles may also lead to claims of fraud on the court against pharmaceutical compa...
A collaboration between researchers has shown that cell senescence occurs spontaneously in melanoma cells but does not stop their growth, which is sustained by a small population of cancer stem cells. The study explains why inducing senescence alone is difficult to treat cancer cells.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that dung beetles perform a specific dance before moving away from the pile, upon encountering obstacles, or when losing control of their dung ball. This behavior is crucial for efficient navigation and allows them to quickly move away from intense competition.
Researchers republished a 1996 behavioral priming study, but found the initial results were only seen when experimenters' expectations of participant behavior were manipulated. Environmental cues, including the experimenter's behavior, appear to affect participants' behavior.
Research found that clearing trees and shrubs within 40 meters of houses afforded the greatest protection against house loss during Black Saturday fires. However, intensive fuel reduction can be expensive and have environmental impacts, and is not a guarantee of safety.
A new study in mice reveals that limiting oxygen supply can alleviate cognitive impairment caused by radiation therapy. Mice exposed to radiation showed significant improvement in spatial learning after undergoing chronic hypoxia treatment.
A group of international health experts is calling for a special UN session to focus global attention on mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. The authors outline three broad areas of action needed, including enhancing access to evidence-based care and expanding knowledge about MNS disorders.
A population-based surveillance system has been set up to assess the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) on invasive pneumococcal disease and radiological pneumonia in children in The Gambia. Evidence of sustained reduction in these diseases due to PCVs is crucial for vaccine introduction and ongoing use.
A new study suggests that targeted mass vaccination with RTS,S in low transmission settings may be more efficient than national-level introduction via EPI programs. In high transmission areas, distributing the vaccine to three-month old infants is the most efficient strategy.
A study analyzing hospitalization data in the United States found that children with neurological impairment (NI) account for a significant proportion of inpatient resources. The impact of these children is growing within children's hospitals, necessitating a coordinated approach to ensure their needs are met.
Research suggests internet addiction disorder is characterized by impaired white matter fibers in the brain, affecting emotional regulation and cognitive control. This study provides a new approach to understanding IAD, potentially leading to novel treatments.
Researchers have discovered a new species of tiny frog, Paedophryne amauensis, which is the world's smallest vertebrate. The frog has an adult body size ranging from 7.0 to 8.0 millimeters, making it significantly smaller than the previous record holder, Paedocypris progenetica.
A brain training computer game called Brain Age can improve executive functions and processing speeds, but does not affect global cognitive status or attention. The study suggests that it may be possible to improve some cognitive functions quite rapidly with a relatively short training period.
A simulation model suggests that implementing latest WHO guidelines requires improving access to care and medications, increasing retention of women in care, and supporting adherence to drugs to eliminate pediatric HIV in Zimbabwe.
The authors propose transferring the public health responsibility for controlled medicines from the International Narcotic Control Board to the World Health Organization, citing restrictive drug laws as a major barrier to access. This shift would aim to create better legal frameworks that extricate pain treatment from drug prohibition.
A long-term study found elevated mortality rates among individuals who experienced venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism compared to controls. The research, published in PLoS Medicine, underscores the major consequences of venous thrombosis on both morbidity and mortality.
The study analyzes the impact of the 2001 Doha Declaration on compulsory licensing of pharmaceuticals, highlighting a need for systematic evaluation of global health agreements. The authors investigated trends in compulsory licensing since 1995 and found significant changes in response to the declaration.
A new study published in PLoS ONE found significant personality differences between men and women, contrary to previous underestimation. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 participants using a comprehensive personality test, revealing large discrepancies in traits such as warmth, sensitivity, and perfectionism.
The FGF20 gene is required for proper development of the mouse inner ear, and its inactivation leads to a loss of outer hair cells. Researchers found that FGF20 signaling must occur on or before day 14 of embryonic development to produce a normal inner ear.
A team of scientists has discovered communities of previously unknown species on the seafloor near Antarctica, clustered in hot, dark environments surrounding hydrothermal vents. The findings include new species of yeti crab, starfish, barnacles, and potentially an octopus.
A study of 3.8 million rave attendees in the Netherlands found that nearly 28,000 people experienced substance-related problems, with 16 cases being life-threatening. Most problems were associated with ecstasy or alcohol, while GHB usage required medical attention but showed no acute life-threatening effects.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that microbial communities on the skin influence attractiveness to mosquitoes. Individuals with lower diversity and higher abundance of bacteria were more attractive to Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquito, which plays a key role in malaria transmission.
The study emphasizes the importance of disclosing site investigators' recruitment performance to ensure transparency in multicentre clinical trials. By publishing this information, sponsors can provide insights into potential issues affecting recruitment, enabling a better understanding of treatment outcomes.
A large Swedish study found that having epilepsy is not directly linked to committing violent crime, contradicting common public opinion. However, individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury were more likely to commit violent crimes after diagnosis.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that reduced cognitive function in adolescence is associated with a higher risk of subdural hematoma later in life. On the other hand, higher levels of education and physical fitness were linked to a decreased risk of this condition.
A new form of occupational hazard is emerging among shift workers, as unhealthy eating patterns exacerbate the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The authors suggest that workplaces must lead the way in eliminating this hazard by promoting healthier habits and making it easier to eat well.
Researchers engineered Anopheles mosquitoes to produce higher levels of Rel2, an immune system protein that attacks malaria parasites. The study suggests that this approach could lead to the development of malaria-resistant mosquito populations.
A novel mouse model shows that peripheral viral infections can cause CNS disease through inflammation-induced neuropathology. Co-infection with two viruses led to symptoms and death in mice, shedding light on the phenomenon of 'mis-recruitment' of immune cells.
A complex genomic rearrangement causes a massive expansion of pigment cells in chickens, resulting in black skin and organs. Genetic studies in domestic animals have shed light on the process of evolution, with genomic rearrangements playing a significant role.
A new allocation framework reserves individual emissions paths for developing countries until certain development standards are reached, then requires reductions. Fair allocation of CO2 emissions and carbon budgets considering development dynamics may improve acceptance in climate negotiations.