A study analyzing Iraqi civilian deaths between 2003-2008 found that unknown perpetrators inflicted most of the violence, including extrajudicial executions and suicide bombs. The 'Dirty War Index' highlights the impact on vulnerable subgroups like women and children.
A meta-analysis of 13 studies found that using cloth or paper to clean the vagina and intravaginal cleaning with soap increase the risk of HIV infection. The study also linked these practices to bacterial vaginosis and disrupted vaginal flora, which can lead to increased susceptibility to HIV.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology reveals that Break-induced Replication (BIR) is up to 2,800 times more likely to cause genetic mutations than normal DNA synthesis. The researchers found that this method of DNA repair can lead to sudden bursts of mutagenesis, increasing the risk of cancerous cell development.
A study by Kim Thomas and colleagues found that ion-exchange water softeners do not improve eczema severity scores or symptoms, such as sleep loss and itchiness, in children with moderate to severe eczema. However, parents reported small health benefits and over 50% chose to install a water softener due to perceived improvements.
A study by Physicians for Human Rights found that 91.9% of households in Chin State reported forced labor and other human rights violations. The authors conclude that widespread reporting of rights abuses may amount to crimes against humanity.
A systematic review of 54 studies found that higher adolescent drinking is associated with adult problems, but evidence for causality is limited. The authors recommend reducing late adolescence drinking to prevent long-term harms.
Researchers have identified a protein that corrects errors in the brain's neuronal connections during development. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) helps eliminate incorrect connections, establishing proper specificity in the cerebellum and potentially contributing to neurological disorders like autism.
New research suggests that measures of school effectiveness are partly influenced by genetic factors in students. The study found that changes in student performance over time must be explained not only by the quality of the school environment but also by genetic factors that children bring to the classroom.
Researchers have discovered that electrical stimulation of the anterior temporal lobes can increase an individual's ability to reach fresh insights and solve complex problems. This breakthrough could potentially revolutionize the way we approach creative problem-solving.
Two trials found that intermittent preventive treatment provided substantial additional protection against clinical malaria, severe malaria, and hospital admissions. A third trial demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based delivery by volunteer village health workers in rural areas.
Researchers identified four shared genetic risk loci for celiac disease and Crohn's disease, suggesting a common underlying mechanism. The study provides evidence that risk factors shared across related diseases can be identified by combining genetic data from clinically distinct conditions.
Scientists have discovered that bacterial and archaea microbes primarily acquire new genes through horizontal gene transfer, a process responsible for the diversification of protein families. This study highlights the importance of this process in microbial evolution and its role in shaping the biochemical diversity of life.
A six-year study of 12,059 volunteers found that high intake of trans-fats increased the risk of depression by up to 48%, while polyunsaturated fats and olive oil were associated with a lower risk. The researchers suggest that diet may play a key role in both depression and cardiovascular disease.
A study found that US death certificates exhibit racial stereotyping, with discrepancies in racial classifications varying across the population. The researchers' review of 22,905 death certificates revealed patterns reflecting long-running stereotypes about violence and alcoholism.
A new study reveals that a subspecies of grey wolf, previously thought to be a golden jackal, is actually a distinct species found in Africa. Genetic evidence confirms that the Egyptian jackal belongs to the grey wolf species complex.
The development of core outcome sets for clinical trials requires patient input to ensure relevant outcomes are measured. The study emphasizes the importance of involving patients and clinicians in the process, while minimizing participant attrition.
The MalERA initiative outlines priority research areas for eight thematic areas, including basic science and enabling technologies; drugs; vaccines; vector control; health systems; and more. The collection identifies common research priorities across themes, providing a roadmap for malaria eradication.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that only a third of births in rural Zambia occurred at a health facility, with half of mothers living over 25 km from basic emergency obstetric care. The level of care at the facility significantly influenced the odds of facility delivery.
Researchers found that vaccination can provide approximately 76% protective efficacy against cholera, and modeling suggests delayed responses can still have a benefit. The use of oral cholera vaccines during outbreaks is being reevaluated due to the changing nature of Vibrio cholerae.
Researchers discover naturally occurring viral infections in C. elegans, a millimeter-long worm used extensively for decades to study many aspects of biology. The findings provide insights into the way viruses and their hosts interact, shedding light on fundamental phenomena such as RNA interference and cell self-destruction.
A recent study on bedbugs has identified potential genes associated with pesticide resistance, shedding light on the mechanisms behind their increasing resilience to insecticides. The research may lead to the development of novel control methods that are more effective against these troublesome insects.
A team of European researchers has generated a comprehensive digital gene expression atlas for the developing mouse embryo, revealing tissue-specific and overlapping gene networks. The atlas includes data for over 15,000 genes in hundreds of anatomical structures and provides insight into developmental processes.
A systematic review of eHealth technologies found weak and inconsistent evidence supporting their use. The study highlights the need for further evaluation of these technologies to ensure they improve patient outcomes and are cost-effective.
A new nomogram developed by Matthias Egger and colleagues corrects mortality rate biases in HIV treatment programs, allowing for more accurate estimates of patients lost to follow-up. This method provides a valuable tool for programmatic mortality estimates, helping to keep the HIV treatment effort on track.
A simple, standardized TB screening rule has been developed for resource-constrained settings to identify people living with HIV who need further investigation for TB disease. The absence of common symptoms such as cough, fever, and night sweats can be used to identify individuals with a low probability of having TB disease.
Researchers found that prion-tainted aerosols can induce disease in mice by transferring to the brain and colonizing it. The study suggests airborne transmission of prions may be a risk, prompting potential regulations to minimize infection risks.
New findings reveal that broadly-reactive neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) develop earlier than previously thought, in some cases as soon as a year after infection. These antibodies target only a few regions of HIV, making it easier to design new immunogens and protocols for vaccine development.
A European study funded by the ECDC and coordinated by EpiConcept found that one dose of the pandemic flu vaccine provided good protection against H1N1 influenza, particularly in people under 65 and those without chronic conditions. The authors suggest that future studies should focus on the new trivalent vaccine for the 2010-11 season.
A systematic process defined research priorities to reduce birth asphyxia mortality, with a focus on delivery and implementation research. The study aims to reduce almost one million deaths from birth asphyxia by 2015.
A new analysis in PLoS Medicine prioritizes research questions for scaling up community-based interventions addressing prematurity and stillbirths. The top five priorities focus on equity, behavioral practices, and quality of care provided by community health workers.
A new IVF prediction model developed by Scott Nelson and Debbie Lawlor uses data from 144,018 IVF cycles to provide a more accurate assessment of likely outcomes. The model identifies factors such as maternal age, duration of infertility, and oocyte use that affect the chances of successful treatment.
Researchers have found that placebos work even when administered honestly, leading to improved symptoms for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The study suggests that the performance of medical ritual may hold significant benefits, independent of patient knowledge.
Native pollinators such as wild bees and wasps infected with RNA viruses, transmitted via pollen. Viral diseases may impact pollinator populations and ecosystem health.
Researchers found that patients who developed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after starting HIV therapy had specific biomarker patterns in their blood. The study suggests that prediction of IRIS or death may be possible with measurement of pre-antiretroviral therapy serum biomarkers.
The article presents a set of 10 guiding principles for health systems strengthening developed from a comprehensive review of the literature and consultation with experts. These principles aim to establish a common foundation for future discussions and strategies in global health systems strengthening.
The study found that earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy increased 5-year survival from 80 to 87% and showed substantially improved early clinical outcomes. In settings where ART initiation at 350/μl is already available, switching stavudine to tenofovir offers clinical benefit and is less costly than adding second-line regimens.
A systematic review found that prison TB spread significantly increases the incidence of TB in the general population. The average incidence of TB in prisons was 23 times higher than in the general population.
A study found that primate immune system differences explain why humans are more susceptible to certain viral infections, such as HIV and hepatitis B. Genomic comparisons revealed unique gene expression patterns in humans compared to chimpanzees and rhesus macaques.
Researchers found that papers with authors in the same building were cited 45% more than those in different buildings. The closer first and last authors are located, the more impactful the paper is, according to a new Harvard study.
Researchers used zebrafish to track the behavior of cancer cells and immune cells, discovering that cancer cells produce hydrogen peroxide to attract immune cells. This co-option of the immune system allows tumors to grow and spread, but blocking this interaction can prevent tumor formation.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that neonatal intensive care provides substantial population health benefits in Mexico relative to its costs, even for very premature babies. The study suggests that including neonatal intensive care in Mexico's Seguro Popular program is highly efficient in terms of overall benefits provided com...
A cluster-randomized clinical trial in Ethiopia found significantly higher nasopharyngeal pneumococcal resistance to macrolides in communities randomized to receive azithromycin compared to untreated control communities. This study highlights the impact of antibiotic selection pressure on developing antibiotic resistance.
A molecule dubbed 'longdaysin' has been discovered with potent effects on the biological clock, potentially treating severe sleep disorders. The researchers lengthened the biological clocks of larval zebra fish by more than 10 hours and plan to test the compound on mice in the near future.
A team of researchers has used a large database to create a new map of Great Britain, dividing the country into smaller regions based on human interactions. The analysis reveals unexpected patterns, such as a 'western crescent' centered on high-tech activities and Wales being well-integrated with its English neighbors.
A new computer model projects flu season severity by analyzing genetic and serological data, explaining over 90% of variation in severity. The study provides insights for informed decision-making in planning for influenza, including vaccine selection.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that second-hand smoke exposure doubles the likelihood of invasive meningococcal disease in children, with strongest effects seen in youngest age groups. The study suggests reducing second-hand smoke exposure can reduce deaths and illness caused by invasive bacterial diseases.
A study by Thomas Land and colleagues found that use of tobacco cessation medication led to reduced hospital admissions for heart attacks and coronary atherosclerosis within two years. Smoking prevalence among subscribers declined by approximately 10% after the adoption of comprehensive coverage of tobacco cessation medications.
Researchers have identified seven genetic variations associated with both ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn's disease, highlighting a potential new understanding of how AS develops. The study suggests that these immune cells may play a key role in the development of AS.
A cluster of articles in PLoS Medicine highlights the need to improve global health estimation and data measurement. Experts argue that the process has become overly politicized and that action is needed to address the most vulnerable populations' health needs.
A study by Sara Adar and colleagues found that long-term air pollution exposure is associated with narrowing of retinal arterioles, a microvascular change linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Short-term pollution exposure also showed weak associations with retinal vessel changes.