What makes flies attack?
New research reveals that pheromonal cues alone can label another fly as a competitor, leading to male aggression. Behavioral cues also play a crucial role, with males attacking both male- and female-like flies.
PLOS
Expanding tuberculosis control in China: Combining domestic and foreign investment
A combination of increased domestic funding and foreign loans led to a dramatic increase in tuberculosis case finding in China. The study highlights the importance of evaluating the links between financing for health and TB control.
Fecal immunochemical testing best and most cost-effective method for screening for colorectal cancer
Fecal immunochemical testing is the best and most cost-effective method for screening for colorectal cancer, reducing deaths by 69% among average-risk patients. Annual screening with this test can lower healthcare costs compared to other methods.
World Health Report 2010 balanced but incomplete account of how to achieve universal health coverage
The World Health Report 2010 identifies inefficiencies in healthcare systems, wasting 20-40% of expenditure, and recommends reducing reliance on out-of-pocket payments for healthcare. The report also acknowledges the challenges in implementing healthcare reform and managing chronic diseases.
Paleovirology expanded: Non-retroviral virus fragments found in animal genomes
Researchers found fragments of viruses, including hepatitis B and Ebola, integrated into the genomes of insects and animals. The discovery could provide insights into the evolutionary history of viruses and inform approaches for controlling disease.
You are not what you eat
A study led by Howard Ochman found that host species, rather than diet, have the greatest effect on gut bacteria diversity in great apes. The researchers discovered that bacterial populations assorted to species and matched the relationships of their host, indicating a long history of co-evolution.
Health professionals need to take action on water and sanitation issues
The global burden of disease associated with poor hygiene, sanitation, and water supply is substantial, accounting for nearly 20% of all child deaths worldwide. Four papers in the PLOS Medicine series highlight the need for urgent action to improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hand-washing practices.
Strengthening health systems research to achieve health-related Millennium Development Goals
Research into health systems aims to improve healthcare delivery, but lacks clarity due to multiple definitions. The article proposes working definitions for Operational, Implementation, and Health Systems research, which can be used to build on existing research and maximize its impact.
Disruptive behaviour disorders in male teenagers associated with increased risk of road crashes
A study by Donald Redelmeier and colleagues found that male teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, or oppositional defiant disorder are more likely to be seriously injured in a road traffic crash. The researchers suggest that practical recommendations, such as avoiding excess speed and using seatbelt...
Prescribed medicines are responsible for over 3 percent of road traffic crashes in France
Research published in PLOS Medicine reveals that prescribed medicines are responsible for over 3% of road traffic crashes in France. The study found that drivers taking level 2 and 3 medicines were at higher risk of being involved in a crash, with a fraction of crashes attributable to these medicines being 3.3%.
Keeping the daily clock ticking in a fluctuating environment: Hints from a green alga
Researchers have discovered a mechanism in green algae that allows its internal clock to synchronize with the day/night cycle despite large fluctuations in light intensity. The study found that the algae's clock is reset when it becomes out of phase, making it immune to strong daylight fluctuations.
Tetris flashback reduction effect 'not common to all games'
A study found that playing Tetris after viewing traumatic images reduced memory flashbacks in healthy volunteers. However, playing a word-based quiz game increased flashbacks. The researchers suggest that Tetris competes with the brain's perceptual information channel, reducing traumatic memories.
Why New York City is average: Researchers want to improve how we determine urban exceptionality?
A team of researchers proposes a new way to measure urban exceptionality, suggesting that traditional per-capita measures are flawed. They found that cities tend to be persistent in their performance, with features like wealth and safety pairing up, and highly exceptional cities being smaller and more monocultural.
BGI researchers sequenced the human methylome at single base-pair resolution
The study sequenced the human methylome from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, identifying allele-specific methylation differences associated with gene expression. The findings suggest that parental gene imprinting may be more common than previously thought, with implications for understanding human health and disease.
Human-specific evolution in battling bugs and building babies
Researchers identified significant qualitative differences in human and chimpanzee natural killer cell receptors, shaped by human-specific evolution. These distinctions affect the ability to fight infections like HIV/AIDS and malaria, as well as reproductive processes.
eHealth evaluation needs alternate approach
Researchers critique the limitations of scientific approaches to eHealth evaluation, advocating for a new set of guiding principles. The authors argue that current methods are often flawed and fail to capture the complexities of healthcare in digital environments.
How some brain cells hook up surprises researchers
Researchers discovered that microglia cells are constantly active and create and eliminate synapses, contributing to learning and memory. Microglia appear to be involved in creating or changing the extracellular space around synapses, affecting brain signaling.
Doctors and drug companies are still too cozy
A recent study in PLoS Medicine reveals that doctors' interactions with drug companies continue to influence prescribing practices, affecting quality and cost of care. The research suggests that these relationships can compromise the autonomy of medical professionals.
Bees reveal nature-nuture secrets
Researchers found that environmental inputs can modify bees' genetic hardware through DNA methylation, leading to distinct behaviors. The study, published in PLOS Biology, sheds light on the nature-nurture debate and highlights the importance of diet in shaping behavior.
Tamiflu is more effective at relieving flu symptoms than a combination of tamiflu and relenza
A randomized trial found that oseltamivir monotherapy was both virologically and clinically more effective than the combination of tamiflu and relenza. The study also showed that zanamivir monotherapy had similar effects to the combination
Better transparency needed on medical journals' competing interests
A study found that medical journals with higher levels of industry support had lower impact factors. The researchers suggest that journals should apply the same level of transparency to themselves as they do to authors. By disclosing sources and amounts of income, journals can improve trust and maintain their reputation.
WHO pesticide regulations should be based on toxicity in humans, not rats
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that agricultural pesticide poisoning is the single most common means of suicide worldwide, with significant variation in case fatality rates among different pesticides. The authors argue that basing regulation on human toxicity, rather than animal data, could help reduce suicides and improve pu...
Risk gene for severe heart disease discovered
A common variant of the HSPB7 gene is found to increase risk for dilated cardiomyopathy by nearly 50%. The study provides a first step towards supporting future preventive measures for this severe form of heart muscle disease.
How parasites react to the mouse immune system may help to shape their control
Researchers found that parasites can adjust their survival strategy in response to the host's immune system, leading to faster growth rates and increased reproduction. This insight may help inform the design of future vaccines against parasitic diseases such as elephantiasis and river blindness.
Can effective treatments be found for intracerebral hemorrhage?
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that evidence supports organized stroke unit care and secondary prevention with blood pressure lowering after ICH. However, more randomized controlled trials are needed to improve outcomes for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.
Associations between drug company information and physicians' prescribing behavior
A systematic review found associations between exposure to pharmaceutical company information and higher prescribing frequency, costs, and lower quality prescribing. However, the authors did not find evidence of net improvements in prescribing behavior.
New evidence of the power of open access
New evidence supports the power of open access in increasing citation impact for higher-quality research. The study found that mandatory and self-selected open access articles have similar citation impacts, contradicting the self-selection bias hypothesis.
Insight gained into age-related hearing loss
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School studied two closely linked genes that contribute to hearing function in mice, revealing separate maintenance pathways for β-actin and γ-actin proteins. These findings suggest important roles for each protein in maintaining auditory function during aging.
Economic advantage to pediatric ondansetron administration in emergency departments
A cost analysis of pediatric ondansetron administration found substantial economic benefits, including reduced financial costs and hospitalizations. The study suggests this treatment could be valuable in countries with limited resources, but oral rehydration therapy should remain the primary approach in less developed countries.
Prenatal treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis could reduce the risk of brain damage
An observational study found that prenatal treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis with antibiotics significantly reduced the proportion of infected fetuses developing serious neurological sequelae. The study estimated that treating three fetuses could prevent one case of brain damage, suggesting a potential preventive strategy.
Being more realistic about the public health impact of genomic medicine
Researchers argue that genomic risk prediction for population-level preventive healthcare is not yet supported by evidence. A cost-effective approach would require interventions for those at risk, but such an approach has yet to be demonstrated. The authors caution against widescale implementation of genetic screening for disease risk.
A field training guide for human subjects research ethics
The Field Training Guide, developed by Johns Hopkins researchers, aims to improve research ethics training for field workers. The guide addresses key aspects of human subject interaction and is freely available online.
2009 H1N1 pandemic -- what went right and what went wrong?
The 2009 H1N1 pandemic response was a mixed bag, with some key successes like swift international coordination and robust public health measures. However, there were also areas for improvement, such as limited preparedness at national levels and slower vaccine development.
Limited number of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes cause most invasive pneumococcal disease
Research study reveals that only a limited number of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes are responsible for most invasive pneumococcal disease globally. The top seven serotypes (1, 5, 6A, 6B, 14, 19F, and 23F) accounted for the majority of cases in every region worldwide.
Pharma must be held more accountable to its human rights responsibilities
The PLoS Medicine Editorial argues that drug companies' human rights responsibilities have not been adequately addressed, despite the need to make medicines available to those in need. The editorial highlights the importance of accountability and calls for an external body to monitor pharmaceutical companies' policies and practices.
Chest physiotherapy not effective in infants hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis
A randomized trial of chest physiotherapy in infants hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis found no reduction in recovery time. The study suggests that routine chest physiotherapy may not be necessary for this population.
19-million-year-old genomic fossils of hepatitis B-like viruses in songbirds
Researchers have discovered 19-million-year-old genomic fossils of hepatitis B-like viruses in songbirds, revealing a long-dated history of these viruses. The study provides new insights into the evolution of hepadnaviruses and their potential role in predicting human viral pandemics.
Cost-effectiveness of routine use of pooled nucleic acid amplification testing
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pooled nucleic acid amplification testing is not cost-effective at recommended antibody testing intervals, except for clinics serving men who have sex with men. However, decreasing the antibody testing interval to 6 months or 5 years made it cost-saving in all settings.
New gene associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease
A genome-wide association study has identified a gene, MTHFD1L, associated with an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with a particular variation in this gene may be twice as likely to develop the disease.
CRP genetic variants crucial in interpreting inflammatory disease activity
A study by Timothy Vyse and colleagues found that common CRP genetic variants are associated with acute-phase serum CRP concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This association may influence therapeutic decision making and lead to improved clinical interpretation of inflammatory disease activity.
Too many systematic reviews?
A growing concern is the increasing volume of clinical trials and systematic reviews published every day. The authors propose reducing unnecessary trials to prioritize truly systematic reviews, ensuring that patient needs are met through valid answers. Open access to these resources is also emphasized.
Stroke gene discovered
Researchers have discovered that an enzyme called NOX4 produces hydrogen peroxide after a stroke, leading to nerve cell death. Inhibiting this enzyme with a new drug reduces brain damage and preserves brain functions in mice with stroke.
Asian efforts in AIDS vaccine development step up
The formation of AVAN, the AIDS Vaccine for Asia Network, aims to accelerate research and development of an AIDS vaccine through government advocacy and improved coordination. With over 5 million people infected and 500 million at risk, regional efforts must be strengthened to combat HIV in Asia.
Community health workers can effectively manage children with malaria and pneumonia
A study by Kojo Yeboah-Antwi found that community health workers can safely provide integrated management of pneumonia and malaria to communities. The intervention resulted in a significant increase in appropriately-timed antibiotic treatment for non-severe pneumonia.
Newly identified genetic marker involved in aggressive Alzheimer's disease
Researchers identified a genetic marker associated with rapid progression of Alzheimer's disease, which may lead to drug treatment targeting tau accumulation. The discovery helps determine the rate at which Alzheimer's patients develop full-blown dementia after diagnosis.
Combined impact of lifestyle factors on mortality among Chinese women
A large prospective cohort study found that healthier lifestyle-related factors were independently associated with a lower risk of total and cause-specific mortality among Chinese women. These factors included normal weight, lower waist-hip ratio, exercise participation and higher daily fruit and vegetable intake.
Researchers find selfishness can sometimes help the common good
A study by Imperial College London and others found that a mix of cooperative and selfish yeast strains grew faster than a population of only cooperators. The 'cheats' ate broken-down sugar without producing it themselves, saving energy and improving efficiency when sugar was scarce.
Specialist health journalists write better news stories
A five-year analysis of Australian news stories found that stories written by specialist health journalists working for a single media outlet were of higher quality than those written by less experienced writers. The study highlights the importance of this source of health literacy as traditional media faces financial challenges.
The 'urban advantage' in health care is more complex than it seems
Research in 30 countries found substantial inequalities in maternal and newborn health, as well as access to healthcare. The study identifies two main patterns of urban inequality in developing countries, highlighting the need for improved access to care.
Wildflower 'armors' itself against disease
Scientists from Oxford University found that Alpine pennycress plants accumulate zinc, nickel, and cadmium to defend against bacterial infection. The study demonstrates a direct link between metal concentrations and resistance to disease.