A new reporting guideline, ACCORD, has been developed to help researchers accurately and consistently report consensus methods in biomedical research. The guideline aims to improve the reliability of consensus-based recommendations by providing a standardized framework for reporting.
A new camera system records natural animal-view videos with high accuracy, enabling scientists to study animal behavior and navigation. The system uses four color channels, including UV light, to produce accurate video of how animals perceive colors.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024
A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge found that removing the largest individual serving size of wine from menus in 21 English licensed premises decreased total wine sales by 7.6%. Despite this, daily revenue remained unchanged, suggesting an increase in profit margins for smaller glasses of wine.
Sea otter recovery has buffered century-scale declines in California kelp forests, according to a new study. The research suggests that sea otters may be key drivers of changes in the ecosystem.
Repeated sexual rejection in fruit flies causes social stress, leading to increased aggression and reduced resilience to starvation and toxic herbicide exposure. The response is mediated by the brain's neuropeptide F signaling system, which also plays a role in reward- and stress-responses in other organisms.
The fungal pathogen Rosellinia necatrix produces antimicrobial proteins during host colonization, which helps it overcome the inhibitory effects of plant-hosted bacteria. This finding highlights the importance of antimicrobial strategies in plant-pathogen interactions.
Researchers have discovered that wastewater monitoring can detect norovirus outbreaks earlier than traditional surveillance methods, depending on the level of reporting. This novel approach has significant implications for public health strategies, enabling authorities to respond more swiftly and effectively to emerging outbreaks.
A recent survey of 17,230 children in India found that 60% have micronutrient deficiencies and 40% have anaemia. The study highlights the need for improved nutrition policies to address these issues and promote healthy growth among young children.
A recent study suggests that climate change may reduce life expectancy by approximately six months, with women and people in developing nations disproportionately affected. The study used a composite climate change index to analyze the relationship between temperature, rainfall, and life expectancy.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2024
A new database visualizes longitudinal viral respiratory infection data from a NYC cohort, offering insights into host response and illness severity. The Virome Data Explorer provides a publicly-accessible resource for researchers to analyze patterns and changes in infections, symptoms, and gene activity.
A third of surveyed UN staff in Geneva report experiencing racial discrimination personally, while a third witness colleagues being discriminated against. The study highlights the prevalence of racism within UN offices in Geneva.
A new study by David Atance and colleagues found that global mortality patterns are converging, with increased life expectancies and narrowing gender disparities. The researchers analyzed data from 194 countries and predicted continued convergence towards a unique pattern of mortality and longevity by 2030.
Climate change and sea level rise are expected to increase arsenic levels in Bangladesh's drinking well water, consumed by nearly all citizens. This could lead to health issues and increased risks of diseases such as cancer.
A recent meta-analysis published in PLOS ONE found that dancing is a highly effective intervention for reducing body fat in overweight and obese individuals. The study analyzed data from various dance interventions and concluded that they can lead to significant weight loss and fat reduction.
Social network analysis of sanctuary-living Grauer's gorillas reveals adult females are central to the group's dynamics and most gregarious. This study provides unique insights into the behavior of a critically endangered species and informs on their care and future release strategies.
Water bears' remarkable hardiness is linked to a molecular sensor that detects free radicals, triggering dormancy. Cysteine oxidation plays a key role in this process, enabling tardigrades to respond to environmental stressors.
A study of over 25,000 US dogs found that larger breeds face higher risks for certain conditions, while smaller breeds are more prone to ocular and cardiac diseases. The research provides insights into the disease patterns that may underlie the lower lifespan of larger dogs.
Children from diverse cultures can anticipate food choices made by others based on their preferences, a uniquely human trait. In contrast, non-human great apes lack this ability, suggesting a cross-cultural robustness of childhood theory of mind in humans.
A study reveals that mothers with high levels of dental plaque are 8 times more likely to transfer Candida albicans, a fungus involved in tooth decay, to their babies. This highlights the critical role of good oral hygiene for both mother and child.
Researchers analyzed survey data from nearly 5,000 first-year college students and found that those with higher levels of extraversion or agreeableness tend to feel a greater sense of belonging. In contrast, students with greater neuroticism experience lower feelings of belonging.
A new study conducted by Qianwei Liu and colleagues found that parents of children with cancer are more likely to attempt suicide during the first years after diagnosis. The risk is higher for parents whose child was diagnosed under 18 or had an aggressive form of cancer.
Breast cancer cells survive by consuming the extracellular matrix when nutrients are scarce. The process involves macropinocytosis and metabolic conversion of key amino acids to energy-releasing substrates. This mechanism could represent a novel therapeutic target.
New research reveals that exposing men to women's emotional tears can lower aggression and reduce revenge-seeking behavior. The study found that sniffing tears leads to reduced brain activity related to aggression, resulting in less aggressive behavior.
A study predicts tecovirimat administration impacts time to viral clearance in mpox patients, combining pre-clinical and clinical data. Early tecovirimat treatment shortens the time to mpox clearance in a human infection model.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 21, 2023
Researchers have identified a novel class of antibodies capable of neutralizing both certain H3 and H1 strains of the flu virus, with potential applications in developing more broadly protective flu vaccines. The findings could also contribute to reducing reliance on chicken egg-based manufacturing methods.
A survey study found that Ukrainian refugees in Vienna, Austria, had higher education levels, work experience, and willingness to stay compared to those in Kraków, Poland. In contrast, those in Kraków were more likely to plan a return to Ukraine.
A US epidemiological study found that increased waist measurements are linked to a higher risk of female infertility. Physical activity has been shown to potentially mitigate this risk, suggesting a potential protective effect.
Research found that having high cholesterol and blood pressure before age 55 significantly increases the risk of heart disease in later life. The study's results show a lasting impact on cardiovascular health, even if levels are lowered subsequently.
A study found that viewers' perceptions of Facebook users differed from users' self-perceptions, with multimedia views being more accurate than text-only views. The findings highlight the importance of understanding online self-presentation and impression formation.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found no association between assisted reproductive technologies and body mass index in children, except when using frozen embryos. The study analyzed data from Denmark and other countries, providing insights into the health outcomes of children born through assisted reproductive technologies.
A new study found that multiple members of the oxymonad lineage have lost their mitochondria, a crucial energy-producing organelle, approximately 100 million years ago. This discovery suggests that it's possible for eukaryotic organisms to thrive without mitochondria, paving the way for further research on their evolution and adaptations.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Vikings in Sweden had a high prevalence of tooth decay, with many exhibiting severe caries and other dental pathologies. The findings provide insights into the lives of these ancient Scandinavians and their attempts to treat dental issues.
A two-week yoga nidra intervention increased sleep efficiency and percentage of delta-waves in deep sleep, leading to improved cognitive abilities such as decision-making and abstraction. Cognitive tests revealed faster responses with no loss in accuracy.
Participating in baby massage has been linked to lower rates of postnatal depression and improved parent-child interactions. A systematic review found that mother-led infant massage can have a positive impact on maternal mental health and relationships.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that methane and nitrous oxide emissions from human breath could account for up to 0.1% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the potential impact of individual respiratory activity on climate change.
A recent study found that beef operations with lifelong grass-based diets may produce a 42% higher carbon footprint when considering soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity costs. This is in contrast to grain-finished operations, which have been previously shown to have a lower environmental impact. The study's findings emphas...
A study found that over 13% of cancer drug trials in China used suboptimal control arms, which may lead to biased results and patient harm. The researchers highlight the need for refining trial design to generate optimal clinical evidence.
A study of over 50,000 Korean adolescents found that those using smartphones for more than 4 hours a day had higher rates of stress, thoughts of suicide, and substance use. In contrast, lighter users showed no greater health risks compared to non-users.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that older adults with a fear of falling tend to be less physically active. The research tracked the physical activity and sedentary behavior of 90-year-olds, revealing an average daily step count of around 3,000.
Eurasian jays wait for higher-quality food when alone but choose low-quality reward with competitor birds present. Researchers studied delayed gratification in New Caledonian crows and Eurasian jays.
A Philippine sea cucumber species has been found to contain diverse classes of valuable small molecules with potential biomedical applications. These bioactive compounds, including terpenoid glycosides and saponins, have reported anti-cancer benefits.
Researchers analyzed skeletal remains of ancient Egyptian baboon mummies from the site of Gabbanat el-Qurud, finding lesions and deformations indicative of malnutrition and lack of sunlight. The findings provide insights into how baboons were kept in captivity before their eventual mummification.
A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found significant improvements in sleep efficiency and psycho-behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Light therapy also alleviated depression and reduced patient agitation and caregiver burden.
Researchers developed a protein-glutaminase treatment to improve the taste, juiciness, and digestibility of plant-based meat analogs. The treatment reduces beany off-flavors and enhances water/oil-holding capacity, making meat-free burgers more appealing.
A study in Denmark found that women experience a significant increase in mental health medication use after involuntary temporary work, but men do not. The research suggests that women may struggle more with the emotional and psychological impacts of temporary employment.
Regular aerobic exercise can help prevent and treat postpartum depression. Moderate-intensity exercises performed three to four times a week are particularly effective in reducing symptoms of the condition.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the effective tax rate paid by multinational corporations varies greatly across countries, with some paying as little as 1% of gross income and others up to 67%. This disparity highlights the need for better data on tax rates to inform policy decisions.
Researchers discovered ancient bird-like footprints in Southern Africa that date back over 210 million years, 60 million years before the earliest known bird fossil. The tracks were found at multiple sites and show a mix of dinosaur and bird-like characteristics.
Research found that higher cortical excitability is recorded during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle, suggesting a link between heartbeats and neural processing. This study has implications for treatments of depression and stroke, where TMS pulses stimulate nerve cells.
In a study of almost 20,000 post-mortem investigations, researchers found that 7 in 8 homicide victims in South Africa were male. Homicide rates peak on weekends and holidays, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this epidemic.