Major global health foundations have links with pharmaceutical and food corporations that may benefit from foundation grants, raising conflicts of interest concerns. The analysis found all five largest US private/family foundations had endowment investments in these companies.
The quality of healthcare in both public and private sectors in low-income countries is poor, with many services scoring low on infrastructure, clinical competence, and practice. Improving the quality of care in both sectors can be a pro-poor intervention to improve health outcomes.
Scientists discover chimpanzees yawn more when watching familiar chimps than strangers, suggesting an underlying mechanism for empathy. The findings support the idea that contagious yawning is a measure of empathy and may be influenced by social biases.
Researchers have discovered two genes linked to caffeine consumption, revealing a genetic basis for individual differences in caffeine intake. The study found that individuals with specific genetic variants consumed significantly more or less caffeine than others, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in shaping daily habits.
A cross-sectional study found that pneumococcal conjugate vaccination in the UK reduced invasive disease in vaccinated children, but increased carriage of non-vaccine serotypes. The replacement serotypes had lower invasiveness, resulting in a net reduction in IPD.
A multifaceted intervention improved clinical knowledge, skills, and practices in pediatric care among Kenyan hospital staff. The study found higher completion of admission tasks and guideline-recommended practices in intervention hospitals compared to control hospitals.
A recent study analyzed data from almost 2,000 coral reef locations worldwide to determine the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The research found that biomass production decreases with increasing human density, especially in more diverse ecosystems.
A study published in PLOS Medicine analyzed whistleblower complaints related to 18 alleged cases of off-label marketing. The findings revealed common practices, including prescriber-related incentives and internal sales quotas, which can be challenging to regulate.
Scientists at UCSD and colleagues create a new type of genetic tag visible under electron microscopy, enabling detailed three-dimensional images of individual cells. The breakthrough enhances electron microscopy capabilities, allowing researchers to visualize proteins in unprecedented detail.
Researchers have developed a computational model to clearly identify significant genome variations, which will aid in understanding the impact of such variations on cell functions and treatment outcomes. The approach was tested using Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium responsible for hospital-acquired infections, and showed promising ...
A new therapeutic target for lung cancer has been identified by researchers at Seoul National University. The variant of the protein AIMP2 is highly expressed in lung cancer cells and has been shown to compromise the tumor-suppressing activity of AIMP2, suggesting its potential as a new treatment option.
The molecular disease model for melanoma (MDMM) classifies the disease into molecular subtypes and provides treatment guidelines for each subtype. The MDMM is maintained online and updated continuously based on input from the melanoma community.
Researchers found that viewers were heavily influenced by a continuous response tracking measure called the 'worm', which can compromise democratic decision-making. The study suggests that biased worms in live debates could determine election outcomes.
A study found that genetic mutations leading to HIV/AIDS resistance in infants may develop from maternal antiretroviral drugs via breastfeeding. The authors suggest monitoring infants exposed to breast milk with low levels of ARVs and tailoring treatment accordingly.
Scientists demonstrate a novel mechanism for Chagas disease's devastating effects: a parasite-driven autoimmune response that alters host genome. This chicken model reveals the origin of Chagas-like heart disease in the absence of parasitism, shedding new light on this lethal endemic infectious disease.
Two articles in PLOS Medicine emphasize the importance of addressing issues that restrict open access to information in developing countries. Experts propose improvements to journal quality assessment standards and increased collaboration between publishers, authors, and readers from these regions.
The Gulf Coast states and Washington D.C. are vulnerable to neglected infections of poverty due to extreme poverty and poor living conditions. Trichomoniasis and other vector-borne diseases are on the rise, highlighting the need for active surveillance programs and treatment/vaccination efforts.
Researchers identified a gene responsible for male production during environmental sex determination in Daphnia. The study suggests an ancient connection between genetic and environmental sex determination mechanisms.
Researchers found that zeta toxins convert a compound required for bacterial cell wall synthesis into a poison that kills bacteria from within. The toxin-antitoxin systems, which are normally dormant under normal conditions, can be activated to trigger programmed cell death in response to stress.
A study of pregnant women with autoimmune diseases found specific genetic mutations associated with preeclampsia. The research suggests new genetic targets for treatment and potential tests to identify women at risk of developing the condition.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that widespread implementation of seven prevention interventions and three treatment interventions could reduce child diarrhea deaths by up to 92% by 2015. This would save nearly 5 million lives at a cost of $3.24 per capita.
Researchers discovered that membrane potential-dependent modulation of recurrent inhibition is a key mechanism for maintaining dynamic balance of excitation and inhibition in the cortex. This finding has implications for understanding cortical rhythms and preventing abnormal cortical activities during seizures.
The BCG World Atlas offers detailed information on current and past vaccination policies across over 180 countries. This database aims to improve the care of patients with tuberculosis (TB) by providing useful resources for clinicians, policymakers, and researchers.
Researchers found a genetic link between Shar-Pei dogs' characteristic wrinkled skin and periodic fever disorder. The mutation is caused by an over-activation of the hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) gene, leading to excessive hyaluronan production.
A new evolutionary history of primates reveals complex patterns of species divergence and gene sequence evolution. The analysis provides a validated framework for understanding human adaptation and disease, and sheds light on zoonoses and primate conservation.
New research reveals no link between economic growth and child undernutrition rates in India, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions. Experts emphasize that poor health is linked to inequality, requiring inclusive growth strategies to address social determinants of health.
A research team led by Professor Kam-bo Wong engineered thermophilic enzymes to increase their activity at high temperatures without compromising stability. The findings provide insights into the design of biotechnologically important enzymes.
The Genetic RIsk Prediction Studies (GRIPS) Statement provides a checklist to enhance the transparency of study reporting in genetic risk prediction studies. This will improve the synthesis and application of information from multiple studies, increasing consistency and accuracy in clinical practice.
A study found that authors receiving industry funding were more likely to publish articles promoting menopausal hormone therapy, which may encourage physicians to continue prescribing the therapies. The study's authors caution healthcare providers to exercise caution when reading such articles.
A study in Uganda found that the standard TB retreatment regimen has low treatment response rates, particularly among HIV-infected and multi-drug resistant TB patients. Poor adherence, HIV infection, age, and duration of symptoms were associated with unsuccessful outcomes.
A complex genetic mutation triggered by a vitamin A-derived substance caused the development of bald necks in Transylvanian naked neck chickens. The mutation led to enhanced production of an inhibitory protein called BMP12, resulting in an outstanding bald neck.
Researchers have identified seminal fluid proteins that could affect the behavior and physiology of female mosquitoes, potentially leading to new control strategies. The study's findings may provide a foundation for innovative approaches to regulating mosquito reproduction, feeding, and mating behavior.
Researchers have found that mice exhibit complex vocalizations with age, suggesting potential for vocal learning. However, a cross-fostering experiment suggests that mouse songs may be genetically determined. The debate over nature vs. nurture remains unresolved, highlighting the complexities of scientific research.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which can accurately diagnose the condition in patients while they are still alive. The biomarker, transferrin, is significantly decreased in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with sCJD before the end stage of the disease.
Researchers argue that IRBs often neglect reporting and methodological quality in preclinical experiments, leading to inadequate risk-benefit assessments. A proposed solution suggests considering evidence on risks and benefits of agents targeting related biological pathways.
Despite economic growth, childhood undernutrition rates in India have remained relatively stable, with stunting prevalence decreasing and wasting rates showing minimal change. Direct investments in health interventions are necessary to address this issue, according to a new study published in PLOS Medicine.
Four new species of fungus have been discovered in the Brazilian rainforest, infecting ants and manipulating their behavior to secure prime locations for spore dispersal. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between parasites and fragmented habitats, providing tools for further research into disease dynamics.
Research by physicists and ecologists found that overcast skies are up to three times brighter than clear nights, amplifying ecological light pollution in urban ecosystems. The study highlights the need to consider cloud cover when assessing biological impact of light pollution.
A modeling analysis suggests that a combination of methadone substitution therapy and anti-retroviral treatment would have the greatest effect on reducing new infections and improving quality of life. Providing drug-substitution to just 25% of intravenous drug users today could lower HIV prevalence considerably.
A randomized controlled trial found that intensive adherence counseling reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure by up to 59%. Counseling also had no significant effect on mortality or CD4 counts. The study suggests that adherence counseling should be implemented in HIV clinics caring for large numbers of patients.
Elite suppressors have lower levels of integrated HIV DNA and more effective killer T cells, making them resistant to antiretroviral therapy. Researchers speculate that therapeutic vaccinations targeting elite suppressor-like immune responses may be effective against the treatment-resistant latent reservoir.
Researchers discovered unique spinal fluid proteins that differentiate neurologic post-treatment Lyme disease (nPTLS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), indicating central nervous system abnormalities. The study provides a starting point for diagnostic biomarkers and potential treatment targets.
Researchers found that hand-raised wolves can follow a gaze around an obstacle, indicating a more cognitively advanced task than previously observed. The wolves' ability to detour an obstacle suggests that gaze following is not exclusive to primates and corvids.
A team of scientists at Karolinska Institutet has successfully created an illusion of having three arms by using a realistic prosthetic arm. Healthy volunteers were tested and found to experience a third arm as part of their body image, even when it was threatened with harm.
A significant decline in new cases of sleeping sickness has sparked renewed efforts to eliminate the disease as a public health problem. Recent literature highlights promising signs of progress, including leadership from the WHO and coordinated control activities in endemic countries.
Recent meetings discussed regulatory challenges for dengue vaccines, including issues with funding, ethics and trials. A registry has been established to track systematic reviews, promoting transparency in healthcare decision-making.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that health behaviors play a weaker role in socio-economic disparities in mortality among European cohorts compared to British Whitehall II. The findings highlight the importance of understanding cultural differences in the social patterning of unhealthy behaviors.
Researchers identified a gene that allows the Rubella virus to block cell death and created a mutant version that slows its spread. This discovery could lead to new tools for preventing rapid disease transmission if applicable to other viruses.
Researchers developed a new approach to predict which flu strain will be prevalent in a given year by tracking pairs of genetic changes. This method offers insights into epistasis, where mutations interact with each other to affect the virus's fitness. By analyzing these interactions, scientists can gain early warnings of emerging muta...
African fossil sites between six and five million years ago show signs of a distinct history of increasing isolation, which may have been caused by global climate change. The modern African sub-Saharan mammalian community is believed to be the vestige of a once-wider-ranging fauna.