A study of ghostwritten articles reveals how pharmaceutical companies like Wyeth promoted unproven hormone replacement therapy benefits and downplayed potential harms. The analysis shows that ghostwriting was used to mitigate risks associated with Prempro, a brand of menopausal hormone therapy.
A large Canadian study found a possible association between fetal radiation exposure and an increased risk of childhood cancer, but the link remains uncertain due to substantial variability. The researchers recommend continued beta hCG testing and lead apron shielding for pregnant women undergoing radiodiagnostic testing.
Researchers discovered a significant association between persistent statin use and reduced incidence of rheumatoid arthritis, compared to non-users. After adjusting for confounders, patients who used statins persistently had a lower risk ratio of developing rheumatoid arthritis, with no significant short-term effect.
The international consortium's completion of the turkey genome sequence promises to provide new insights into avian genetics and improve turkey quality. The sequence will enable scientists to better understand specific genes important in meat yield, health, and disease resistance.
Researchers developed models to investigate non-healing bone fractures, suggesting cell transplantation as a potential treatment. The study used an animal model and mathematical modeling to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that organic strawberry farms produced more flavorful and nutritious berries while leaving the soil healthier and more genetically diverse. The researchers also discovered that organic soils excelled in various key chemical and biological properties, including carbon sequestration and microbial biomass.
A new PLoS collection highlights ways scientists use a large tracking network to trace marine mammal movement. The system detects animals as they cross detection lines, providing data on their behavior and survival.
A new study found that physical activity can reduce the genetic predisposition to obesity by 40% in individuals with a higher genetic risk. The research, published in PLOS Medicine, suggests that even people at greater genetic risk of obesity can benefit from adopting a healthy lifestyle.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that social relationships have a significant impact on mortality risk, comparable to established risk factors like smoking. This highlights the need for healthcare policies to prioritize social connections in promoting public health.
Researchers have characterized two families of molecular odorant sensors in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, which mediate critical behaviors like host location. The discovery suggests that these mosquitoes use multiple olfactory signaling pathways to detect human-derived odors.
Fruit fly research found that starvation increases resistance to sleep loss, linked to a protein managing lipid storage. Disabling a specific gene produces effects similar to starvation, creating sleep resistance and preventing cognitive impairments.
A study found that up to 86% of people in low- and middle-income countries would be pushed into poverty if they purchased life-saving medicines. Generic versions of these medicines are generally more affordable than originator brand products.
Researchers at Georgetown University and the National Aquarium successfully extracted DNA from dolphin blow, providing an alternative to biopsies. The new method involves collecting exhalations from blowholes, eliminating harm to young animals and requiring less skill than traditional dart biopsying.
Researchers found that naringenin activates nuclear receptors, increasing fatty acid oxidation and inhibiting 'bad cholesterol' production. This compound mimics actions of existing drugs, offering a potential treatment for hyperlipidemia, type-2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
A new study has found that the antiviral gene TRIM5 plays a crucial role in suppressing the transmission of primate immunodeficiency viruses, including HIV-1 and HIV-2. The researchers used rhesus macaques with different versions of the TRIM5 gene to demonstrate its ability to block cross-species transmission of SIVs.
Researchers discovered a new strategy used by bacterial pathogens like Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Escherichia coli, which delay entry into cells to prolong extracellular existence and survive. This strategy involves triggering local strengthening of the cellular skeleton that resists pathogen entry.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that IT-based programs can support clinicians to close gaps in CVD care delivery, including risk assessment and patient self-management. The authors emphasize the need for a supportive social and political environment to fully realize the potential of these programs.
Researchers found that exercising obese rodents showed restored signals of satiety in hypothalamic neurons, leading to decreased food intake. The study's findings suggest a new paradigm for physical activity and weight loss, reinforcing the importance of regular exercise.
A review of population strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease concludes that screening and treating high-risk individuals may be ineffective in reducing health disparities. Instead, policy interventions to limit risk-factor exposure across populations appear cheaper and more effective.
A cognitive-behavioral intervention to reduce substance use and sexual risk behavior among men who have sex with men was partially successful, but further research is needed to identify better methods. After one year, participants reported a 32% reduction in unprotected anal sex and similar reductions in other risk behaviors.
Researchers found HIV-1 virus alters in semen versus blood through two distinct mechanisms, affecting its replication and transmission.
Researchers found that long-lived aspen clones experience reduced sexual performance and increased risk of extinction with age. The study, published in PLOS Biology, used molecular clock estimates to determine the age of individual clones and measured male fertility.
Researchers estimate ITN coverage in 44 African countries between 2000 and 2008, with some countries scaling up coverage to over 60%. However, others, such as Nigeria, remain undercovered. The study suggests increased development assistance for health is related to improved ITN coverage.
A recent study estimates that investigating allegations of scientific misconduct can cost up to $525,000 per case. The authors also found that annual reported cases in the US could exceed $110 million. By prioritizing prevention, academic institutions can reduce these substantial costs and promote a culture of integrity.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that probabilistic models are as effective as physician reviews in establishing cause of death from verbal autopsy data. The models were more internally consistent and faster, with no differences in public health policy conclusions. This approach is recommended for incorporating death data into ...
Severe inflammatory responses to initial UTI cause bladder damage and allow infection to persist longer. Immunodeficient mice lacking these acute inflammatory responses are protected from chronic bladder infection. Researchers hope to identify patients vulnerable to recurrent infection using markers discovered in the study.
Researchers have identified a novel mutation in a mouse gene that may contribute to the genetic roots of alcoholism. The mutation, called Lightweight, affects sensitivity to alcohol and voluntarily consumed more alcohol by mutant mice. Further studies are needed to determine if this pathway is relevant to humans.
Implementing electronic medical records (EMRs) in six antiretroviral treatment sites in Malawi improved quarterly cohort reports completion time from up to five days to minutes. The successful deployment of EMRs also prepared a foundation for a comprehensive electronic health record system for other chronic diseases.
A modeling study found that high malaria transmission areas in Africa require additional tools beyond current interventions like artemisinin-combination therapy and bednets. Targeting outdoor-biting mosquitoes with new strategies may be necessary for achieving elimination in these areas.
A randomized controlled trial found that adding raltegravir to standard antiretroviral therapy had no effect on low-level viral load in HIV-positive individuals. The study suggests that residual viremia may be due to the release of HIV from stable reservoirs, requiring new therapeutic strategies to cure HIV infection.
A study found that protein clumps are a normal part of aging and can influence neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery was made using the roundworm <i>C. elegans</i> and found that many common proteins in healthy individuals contribute to these clumps.
To eradicate malaria, it is essential to comprehend the private lives of mosquitoes beyond their usual habitats. The authors emphasize that current vector control measures are insufficient to break the Plasmodium falciparum transmission cycle in highly endemic areas.
A community-based maternal health delivery strategy, MOM, implemented in eastern Burma improved access to antenatal and postnatal care, skilled birth attendants, and family planning. The project increased women's participation in these services by up to tenfold, with modern contraception use rising from 24% to 45%.
A global distribution map of P. vivax malaria identifies regions with extremely low or unstable transmission, where control and elimination are relatively good prospects. The study estimates that 91% of exposed individuals live in Central and South East Asia.
A team of scientists has provided the first atomic-level glimpse of the proton-driven motor from ATP synthases, enzymes central to cellular energy conversion. The study revealed a water molecule in the critical rotor element of a bacterial nano-motor that shares common features with human mitochondria and bacteria.
The Census of Marine Life has published an inventory of species distribution and diversity in 25 biologically representative regions around the world. Crustaceans comprise about one-fifth of all species found, with only two percent being vertebrates.
A recent study found that human and other vertebrate genomes contain ancient sequences from deadly virus families, Ebola/Marburgviruses and Bornaviruses. These integrations were likely mediated by movable elements and may provide a selective advantage to the host species, potentially protecting against future infections.
A meta-analysis of social relationships and mortality risk found that individuals with adequate social connections have a 50% greater likelihood of survival. The study's results suggest that reducing mortality through enhancing social relationship factors may be a major opportunity to improve both survival and quality of life.
A study has identified the BRF2 oncogene as specifically associated with lung squamous cell carcinoma, potentially serving as an identification marker and novel therapeutic target. Genetic analysis found frequent activation of BRF2 in pre-invasive stages of the disease, suggesting its role in tumorigenesis.
A study of 1,945 middle-aged participants found that early repolarization patterns were associated with a nearly doubled risk of cardiac death among men and women aged 35-54. The pattern was also linked to an increased risk of all-cause mortality, particularly in men.
Research reveals that Australian marsupials descended from a single ancestral South American species, suggesting a simplified migration scenario across Antarctica. The study used retroposon markers to reconstruct the marsupial family tree and confirm this finding.
A new global atlas maps the distribution of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) to improve decision-making in control and elimination efforts. The atlas provides a reliable planning tool for national programs, increasing the impact of NTD control efforts.
Three unusual cases of patients with listerial meningitis were presented, highlighting that Listeriosis in developing countries does not follow the usual pattern. The cases did not match the typical profile of newborns or elderly individuals, suggesting a different risk factor profile in these regions.
The PLOS Medicine editors argue for a more integrated approach to addressing HIV in maternal and child health. Concurrent crises of maternal and child health and HIV require cooperation to address effectively.
Researchers identify genes causing sterility in yeast hybrids, shedding light on reproductive isolation mechanisms. A genetic mismatch between nucleus and mitochondria is found to be a common cause of sterility in yeasts.
The large-scale roll-out of adult male circumcision (AMC) in Orange Farm, South Africa has been successful in reducing HIV prevalence. The study's findings suggest that AMC can be a feasible short-term strategy for HIV prevention in low-income communities with high HIV prevalence.
A learning collaborative approach increases access to quality PMTCT care in Eastern Rwanda by testing multiple improvement ideas simultaneously. The method strengthens health systems and engages local health workers, ultimately increasing the health value delivered to families.
Children account for 18% of HIV-related deaths and 15% of infections annually, highlighting the need for improved testing. New approaches, such as routine newborn testing, could help detect more children with HIV in resource-limited settings.
Researchers found that genetic variation, known as gene expression noise, can lead to increased vigour in species hybrids. This study provides a new explanation for hybrid vigor, covering both natural and domesticated varieties.
Researchers discover Lgl and Mahjong proteins help identify how healthy cells fight cancer cells. Normal cells surround cancer cells, leading to their death, while cancerous cells break free and divide.