A gene mutation and exposure to cats at birth may increase a child's risk of developing eczema during their first year. Children with filaggrin gene mutations were twice as likely to develop eczema, while cat ownership further increased the risk for those with the mutation.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that a brief video intervention in clinic waiting rooms can significantly reduce the incidence of new sexually transmitted infections among patients. The Safe in the City video, which is available online, was shown to lower STD rates by nearly 10% compared to those who did not watch the video.
A new mathematical model could lead to personalized vaccines for CML patients, strengthening the immune system during its weakest point. The study uses data from four years of imatinib therapy and recommends 'cancer vaccines' to combat drug resistance.
Microbiologists track B. burgdorferi movement and interaction with vascular walls in mice to understand dissemination mechanisms, shedding light on disease processes. Real-time imaging provides critical insight into the complex process of spirochete spread.
A team of Swedish researchers characterized novel systems properties of insulin signaling in human fat cells through mathematical modeling. The study provided further insight into energy level maintenance via the hormone insulin, which is critical for preventing Type 2 diabetes. Insulin function impairment is a cardinal cause of the di...
Researchers have discovered a genetic variation in the plasminogen gene that affects susceptibility to invasive Aspergillus fumigatus infections. Genetic testing may help identify high-risk individuals and inform pre- and post-transplant care.
Researchers analyzed DNA haplotype data from Iceland's genealogical database to identify the origin of hereditary cystatin C amyloid angiopathy (HCCAA). The study found that carriers lived a normal life span for 200 years before experiencing shortened lifespans, highlighting the impact of dietary changes on the disease.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics reveals hundreds of biological differences between male and female brains, with some differences persisting for millions of years. The findings suggest that these sex differences may have functional implications for brain function and disease treatment.
A new study shows that shallow water corals originated from deep-sea animals that invaded and diversified in shallow waters. The researchers found evidence of this transition in DNA and fossils, revealing an arms-race between corals and their predators as they built skeletal defenses.
A new study on chimpanzees reveals that infant mortality rates cycle in phase with social play amongst infants, driven by the ontogeny of playfulness. This three-year cycle is self-organized and emerges naturally from the demography, developmental ontogeny, and social behavior of chimpanzees.
A study found that depression and antidepressants significantly increase the risk of falls among older people. SSRIs were associated with a 66% higher risk of falls. Effective prevention programs include home assessments and modifications to reduce hazards. Family members must be involved in fall prevention strategies.
Researchers used DNA barcoding to identify 190 species of Canadian freshwater fish, representing a significant advance for conservation practices. The approach was successful in 93% of cases, offering promise for species-level identification and management.
Chimpanzee females employ copulation calls strategically to minimize social competition, particularly with other females. This behavioral adaptation allows them to secure the protective support of high-ranking males, thereby reducing risks associated with female-female competition.
The study introduces HB-19, an experimental synthetic molecule that inhibits both tumor cell growth and angiogenesis. In mice models, HB-19 treatment suppresses tumor development and eliminates measurable tumors without toxicity.
Researchers suggest a new evolutionary model for male homosexuality, involving genetically-based 'sexually antagonistic selection' that promotes female fecundity. This model provides insight into the origins and dynamics of male homosexuality in human populations.
A new study found that Mexico's southern region has the highest rates of infectious and nutritional diseases, as well as non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The study also identified being overweight, high blood glucose, and alcohol use as major risk factors for these diseases.
A recent study highlights the need for better treatments for malaria in pregnancy, where the use of new medicines is often restricted due to limited clinical data. The authors argue that this 'catch-22' situation can lead to inferior drugs being prescribed, putting pregnant women's lives at risk.
Recent studies in Papua and New Guinea reveal P. vivax cases, particularly in young children, are more likely to develop severe disease and experience cerebral malaria.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that only 19% of women in the developing world have been screened effectively for cervical cancer. The study reveals significant inequalities in access to screening services between and within countries.
New research reveals that coronavirus replication relies on the host's secretory pathway and disrupts the Golgi complex, a crucial cellular process. The study found that inhibiting this pathway can slow down or prevent viral infection.
Researchers found that media reports on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) were often inaccurate or incomplete, lacking information on side-effects and costs. The study suggests clearer communication between scientists and journalists is crucial for accurate news reports.
Researchers from the University of São Paulo found tamoxifen to be an effective treatment against Leishmania amazonensis, one of the species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America. In a rodent model, infected mice treated with tamoxifen showed significant parasite burden reduction and delayed skin ulcer development.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, capuchin monkeys were found to reason about symbols in economic choices, showing a preference for items A and C over B, both with tokens and actual foods. This suggests that these animals can comprehend and use symbols, although their symbolic competence may differ from that of humans.
Researchers found that tennis players perform better in tasks requiring temporal processing, such as speed discrimination and detecting motion. However, the effects were small, suggesting that these skills are also used in daily life. Training these basic perceptual tasks may lead to improved tennis performance.
Researchers found that three-month-old infants are sensitive to emotional signals referring to objects in the world. Their brain activity shows heightened attention toward new objects when an adult expresses fear or neutral facial expressions towards them.
A team of scholars argues that modifying lethal injection protocols in US states could be tantamount to experimenting on prisoners without their consent. Guidelines for human research involving humans were developed to prevent exploitation of vulnerable populations like death row inmates, but many states fail to follow these guidelines.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that cocaine's byproduct inhibits nerve cell development by interfering with a specific protein, cyclin A. Treatment of pregnant rats with cimetidine counteracted this inhibition, suggesting potential treatments to protect fetal brain development.
A new study published in PLoS Biology uses magnetoencephalography to record brain activity as humans detect target tones in a complex auditory scene. The researchers find that the awareness of these sounds correlates with activity in high-level auditory regions, not the initial cortical region where sound is processed. This novel study...
Researchers have identified a specific Hox gene controlling pontine neuron migration in mice. The study shows that the gene regulates the responsiveness of neurons to chemical signals, guiding them towards their final destination in the brain. Further research is needed to understand the full extent of Hox genes' role in neuronal migra...
Researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center identified five proteins that may be useful tools in detecting early-stage pancreatic tumors. The panel of proteins discriminated between pancreatic cancer cases and controls in blood specimens, suggesting a potential role in early detection.
Sub-Saharan Africa faces frequent stock interruptions of essential drugs for managing non-communicable diseases. Implementing standardized approaches to NCD management, as seen in TB control, can improve patient care and outcomes. A five-point framework called DOTS provides lessons for NCD control.
Researchers identified Mfd as a key factor promoting fluoroquinolone resistance in Campylobacter. Eliminating Mfd from the bacteria resulted in a 100-fold reduction in antibiotic-resistant mutants.
International researchers discovered that Asian and European honeybees can share information and cooperate through dance language despite their geographical distance. The study showed that the two species can decipher encoded messages correctly after adjustment in a mixed colony.
Research reveals new neurons produced in cerebellum of young and adult rabbits, expanding understanding of mammalian neurogenesis. This breakthrough opens new avenues for brain repair and regeneration research in humans.
Research published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that co-infections of hookworm, schistosomes, and trichuris amplify the risk of anemia in children. The study suggests that combined treatment for some helminth species could reduce anemia burden in helminth-endemic areas.
Researchers found that New Zealand birds can change their nesting behavior in response to introduced predators, reducing the risk of predation. This adaptation allows island birds to survive even in areas with high levels of predator activity, providing new insights for conservation efforts.
Researchers found that honeybees use their right and left antennae to store different types of memories. Short-term memory is linked to the right antenna, while long-term learning relies on the left antenna. This lateralization may aid bees in learning new odours without interference from existing memories.
A parasitoid wasp induces its moth caterpillar host to stop feeding, remain close to the pupae, and defend against predators, resulting in increased pupae survival. The caterpillar's behavioral changes appear to outweigh potential risks of increased transmission for the parasite.
A study published in PLOS Medicine highlights the significant impact of surgical conditions on global health in Africa. The authors propose innovative strategies to improve access to essential surgical care, including donation programs and public-private partnerships.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine has found that circumcision is safe for both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected men, with a low risk of moderate or severe surgical complications. The study also highlights the importance of refraining from intercourse after circumcision to prevent transmission of HIV to women partners.
Research identifies PKG as essential molecule for malaria parasite's reproductive cycle. The protein is necessary for 'rounding up' transformation, allowing fertilization to occur.
A new study investigates the evolution of genomic imprinting in mammals, finding that different regions became imprinted at different times during mammalian evolution. This suggests that changes were in response to selection pressures and are adaptive.
A recent analysis found that most US health news stories have major failings in reporting, including inadequate discussion of costs, harms, and benefits. The study graded 500 US health news stories, resulting in a high rate of poor reporting, highlighting the need for improved standards in health journalism.
The Caribbean region has a high burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) due to poverty. A proposed $1 tourist tax could fund disease control efforts and is supported by industry donations of low-cost generic drugs.
A study found that childhood lead exposure is associated with decreased brain volume in adulthood, particularly in men. The greatest brain volume loss was seen in participants with the highest lead exposure in childhood. This suggests that early lead exposure may disrupt brain development and result in persistent alterations.
A new study has found that childhood lead exposure is associated with a higher risk of adult criminal arrests, including violent crimes. The research followed over 250 children who were exposed to high levels of lead during pregnancy and early childhood, tracking their outcomes into adulthood.
A new study published in PLOS ONE successfully extracted and analyzed authentic DNA from ancient Viking skeletons, avoiding contamination issues. The analysis revealed that the Vikings were genetically diverse and showed no evidence of extraneous DNA.
Researchers examine the impact of disease mongering on public discourse and its implications for healthcare policy. They argue that lax regulations risk exacerbating the problem, wasting valuable resources.
Researchers found an avian malaria parasite in a Spotted Owl from Oregon, sparking concerns about the bird's immune health and conservation status. The study highlights the need for further research into blood-borne pathogens in wild bird populations.
New research on azhdarchid pterosaurs suggests they were strongly adapted for life on the ground, with features such as long limbs, stiff necks, and padded feet. The study argues that these reptiles were specialized terrestrial stalkers, using their unique anatomy to pick up prey from the ground.