Researchers used fMRI to show that cocaine-related images stimulate activity in the limbic system, a brain network involved in emotion and reward, even when subjects are unaware they've seen anything. The study suggests new drug treatment strategies by targeting the brain's sensitivity to conditioned drug cues.
Chimpanzees were reluctant to engage in extreme deals involving valuable commodities like apple slices for grapes. Despite being trained, they preferred to keep what they had. The researchers found that chimpanzees lack social systems to enforce deals and property ownership norms, which likely contributed to their reluctance.
Mice fed human diet exhibit distinct liver gene expression profiles compared to those on a chimpanzee diet, suggesting dietary influences on physiological differences between humans and other apes. This study replicates previous findings in mice fed different diets.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that Nigerian children attending government-owned schools have a higher prevalence of intestinal worms than those attending private schools. The water supply and sanitation conditions were also poorer in the government schools.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to determine a person's birth date using eye lens proteins, which remain unchanged after childhood. This technique has potential applications in health science research and forensic analysis, such as studying cancer tissue regeneration.
Researchers investigated how cell signaling in the stroma of cervical cancer affects tumor growth, revealing a key role for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). A genetic variant impairing glycogen synthesis was also identified in human skeletal muscles and linked to decreased muscle glycogen content.
A study published in PLoS Medicine explores the brain drain of doctors from Pakistan to the West. The authors argue that some Pakistani medical graduates who emigrate for higher training abroad have every intention of returning to their homeland with new expertise and knowledge, which can benefit the country's healthcare system.
Chameleons use dramatic color changes to display to conspecific competitors and seduce potential mates. The study found that the degree of color change is associated with social signaling, not camouflage, challenging the long-held camouflage hypothesis.
Researchers have developed new tools to understand HIV immune evasion. Vaccination timing significantly affects the rate of immune escape in macaques, suggesting ways to improve HIV vaccines.
Researchers found that a protein produced by an immunity gene called ZAP has increased antiviral activity in humans, linked to evolutionary changes. The study suggests that studying evolutionary biology and virology can accelerate the discovery of viral-defense mechanisms.
Researchers propose that pika leptin's adaptive functional evolution may be driven by cold environmental stress, not hypoxia. This discovery has significant implications for understanding small mammals' adaptation to extreme environments and identifying new candidate therapies for human diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Researchers developed DNA sensors that can detect odors in the vapor phase with high specificity. The study demonstrated a previously unreported property of single-stranded DNA molecules, showing they can respond to odor pulses in a sequence-selective manner on solid surfaces.
Researchers found that strong Aha! sensations involve minimal metacognitive processes and unconscious restructuring, contrasting with conscious mental restructuring. The study provides new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive insight.
A study of 8,028 individuals found seasonal weight changes increase the risk for metabolic syndrome. Regular physical exercise counteracts this effect.
A new study in Zanzibar has shown the safety of delivering three antiparasitic drugs simultaneously to tackle three diseases. The co-administration of ivermectin, albendazole, and praziquantel was found to be safe and effective in reducing distribution costs and increasing community participation.
The pharmaceutical industry is failing pregnant women due to a lack of drug development for maternal health, with only 17 drugs in active development. This 'drug drought' is attributed to the high litigation costs associated with testing and developing drugs during pregnancy.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to explain infection patterns of Schistosoma japonicum. They found that transmission from snails to mammals was the primary factor in explaining differences among villages. Interventions targeting snail populations may be more effective than others, according to the study.
Researchers provide first genetic dissection of European American population structure, identifying key genetic variants that can correct for population substructure in disease association studies. By using a panel of 300 markers, researchers can determine whether observed associations are genuine or false-positives.
A team of researchers has discovered a means of inhibiting Entamoeba histolytica, a parasite that causes colitis and kills nearly 100,000 people each year. By targeting a protein called PATMK, the study successfully prevented the parasite from eating dead cells.
Scientists have discovered a way to eliminate the negative effect of M2 protein on anti-flu vaccination, increasing efficacy while maintaining safety. This breakthrough could lead to more effective and strain-specific vaccines against seasonal flu.
Researchers reveal a climate-driven phenomenon that reverses overexploitation of deep-sea resources, enhancing recruitment and total landings of the shrimp Aristeus antennatus. This finding has significant socio-economic impact and highlights the importance of considering global cascading effects on biological processes.
Researchers have developed a new laboratory mouse model that can be used to test the efficacy of pre-exposure antiviral drugs to prevent HIV infection. The BLT mice have human blood cells, liver, and thymus tissue, making them susceptible to vaginal infection with HIV.
A new phylogenetic analysis published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases provides insight into the origins of venereal syphilis. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding the evolution and transmission of this disease.
A study finds that Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization is linked to persistent S. aureus infections, highlighting a potential target for non-antibiotic interventions. Plague remains a current threat globally, with most cases occurring in Africa and Asia, primarily through contact with infected rodents and fleas.
Researchers found that TRADD is essential for the transformation of B lymphocytes by Epstein-Barr virus, and that it can be targeted for cancer treatment. The study reveals a unique interaction between the viral protein LMP1 and TRADD, which masks its apoptotic activity.
A comprehensive genetic analysis supports the 'Columbian theory' of syphilis's origins, suggesting the pathogen was introduced to Europe by Columbus and his men. The study found that the venereal syphilis-causing strains originated most recently and were closest relatives to strains causing yaws in South America.
Researchers analyzed E. coli adaptation in germ-free mice, finding rapid selection of bacteria carrying mutations in a master regulator controlling over 100 target genes. This suggests global regulators coordinate physiological activities necessary for adaptation to complex environments.
Researchers have identified a new clock gene, CRY2, that provides insight into the biology of monarch butterfly migration and evolution of circadian clocks. The discovery reveals a dual function of CRY2 as a core clock component and an output molecule linking the clock to the sun compass.
Research by University College London scientists reveals that BERT and ERNI proteins control brain development timing in vertebrates. By binding to the Sox2 gene, these proteins create a timing mechanism that gives the green light for neural cells to form the brain and nervous system.
A study found that adopting four healthy behaviors, including quitting smoking and exercising regularly, can add 14 extra years to a person's life. Researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 participants and found that those who adopted all four behaviors had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who did not.
A comprehensive gene atlas has been created to understand drug addiction, revealing five molecular pathways common to four different addictive substances. The atlas is based on an integrative meta-analysis of scientific literature and provides a more complete picture of the genetic factors underlying addiction.
A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that multiple Arp2/3 regulatory proteins play distinct roles in regulating actin networks, which are crucial for cellular processes such as cell migration and intracellular transport. The research provides new insights into the coordination of protein activities to generate complex actin networks.
A research study in Kenya and the US found that an HIV isolate contains mutations making it vulnerable to the immune system. This could lead to effective AIDS vaccines to combat new infections estimated at 2.5 million annually worldwide. The study proposes a vaccine strategy based on envelope protein modifications.
A new analysis found that US drug companies spent $57.5 billion on promotional activities in 2004, compared to $31.5 billion on industrial pharmaceutical research and development. The study confirms the public image of a marketing-driven industry and argues for transforming the industry towards more research and less promotion.
Research finds that multiple species of Chlamydiae bacteria are involved in trachoma, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment may not be effective, highlighting the need for new vaccine and treatment strategies.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that the number of X chromosomes determines the sex of a fruit fly embryo, contradicting previous findings. The researchers discovered that only two X chromosomes can produce a signal to feminize the embryo during a specific stage of development.
A new screening strategy has been developed to detect Chagas disease in children, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment in low-resource settings. The strategy uses data from insecticide spraying campaigns to target diagnostic testing, identifying over 83% of infected children.
Large numbers of poor Americans are suffering from parasitic infections like toxocariasis, cysticercosis, and toxoplasmosis. These neglected diseases disproportionately affect minority populations living in inner cities and poor rural areas, causing significant health issues such as lung disease, epilepsy, and congenital birth defects.
Researchers genetically engineered a mosquito to release sea-cucumber protein, which impairs malaria parasite development in the insect's gut. The study shows promise for preventing transmission of malaria by disrupting parasite growth and development.
A new study found that treating worms in people with HIV does not significantly slow down the progression to AIDS. While some studies suggested a beneficial effect on viral load, there was no improvement in immune status or clinical condition.
A new study reveals that picophytoplankton species' tolerance of high light can explain their ocean-wide distribution. Different regions have distinct abilities to cope with variable light through rapid repair, driven by nutrient availability.
Researchers have sequenced the high-quality draft genome of a Pinot Noir grape, providing insights into its relatively small genome and heterozygosity. The discovery offers a treasure trove of variation to investigate gene characteristics and evolution.
A study published in PLoS Genetics identified five seminal proteins necessary to elevate offspring production in mated females. These proteins modulate egg production, sperm storage and release, as well as female post-mating behavior and physiology.
Researchers found that monkeys and college students perform approximate mental addition with remarkable similarity. This cognitive ability likely reflects an evolutionary link between humans and nonhuman primates.
A study published in PLoS Medicine finds IBCs in cystitis patients, associated with E coli and filamentous bacteria, suggesting a need for longer antibiotic treatment. The researchers collected urine samples from women with cystitis and found IBCs in nearly one in five cases.
Researchers propose that ongoing cell differentiation patterns protect against somatic evolution, which can lead to cancer and senescent decline with aging. A computer simulation supports this hypothesis, suggesting these patterns are crucial for the origin and sustainability of multicellular organisms.
A new study has found that higher CO2 levels can lead to more plant litter, which in turn can boost the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. This process, known as the 'priming effect,' was observed in a tropical forest study.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that bears' selective feeding habits on salmon with less signs of senescence accelerates the aging process in these fish. The research suggests that predation pressure is a primary driver of senescence, rather than the physical characteristics of the prey.
Researchers discover that FOXA2 specifies the floor plate and induces dopamine neuron birth, leading to motor deficits and degeneration in mice. This study provides insights into dopamine neuron development and offers potential avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine found that consuming high amounts of red and processed meats increases the risk of developing bowel and lung cancer. The research, conducted by Amanda Cross and colleagues, analyzed data from a large US diet and health study involving nearly half a million men and women aged 50-71.