A study found that herpes simplex virus type 1 infection can cause impaired neuronal differentiation and abnormal brain structure in the human fetus, contributing to long-term neurological problems. The research also identified HSV-1-infected microglia promoting inflammation and suggesting new therapeutic avenues for targeting viral re...
A study found that EVE Online players' in-game social and economic behavior correlates with their home countries' aggressiveness and macro-economic environment. Players from more aggressive countries were less aggressive towards fellow players, while those from countries with higher unemployment rates traded more cautiously.
A study found that 14.6% of UK patients with new opioid prescriptions became long-term users, with risk factors including age, social deprivation, and history of self-harm or substance abuse. The study calls for safer prescribing practices to avoid addiction epidemics.
A US survey found that increased local case counts of a hypothetical disease led to higher vaccination rates. Older, wealthier participants and those with conservative views were more likely to get vaccinated. The study highlights the complex relationship between perceived risk and vaccine propensity.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that about 1/3 of young women in 43 LMIC have lost at least one sibling before the age of 25. Sibling loss was relatively more common in countries affected by conflict and war, while bereaved respondents in many studied countries still had a comparable number of remaining living siblings.
Researchers have discovered evidence of Byzantine and Early Islamic resource management practices through micro-geoarchaeological investigations of trash mounds in the Negev region of Israel. The findings provide insights into agricultural shifts during the Roman Imperial Period and Late Antiquity.
The study found that only four protected areas in Côte d'Ivoire still host forest elephants, with low density. Human population size, habitat degradation, and cocoa plantation conversion significantly impact elephant presence.
A new model can accurately identify children at highest risk of preventable death, considering multiple risk factors. The study found that socioeconomic membership and rural areas are significant predictors of mortality risk, highlighting the need for more targeted interventions.
A new set of assessment tools shows promise in capturing how the COVID-19 pandemic affects patterns of criminal activity. The toolkit uses resilience theory to examine the impact of exceptional events on crime patterns, with preliminary evidence linking the pandemic to increased domestic violence and declines in other forms of crime.
Research suggests that genetic information can lead to over-diagnosis of depression, as individuals are more likely to recall their symptoms as severe when aware of their genetic predisposition. The study also found no correlation between genetic info and the actual severity of symptoms.
A randomized clinical trial found that different fitness strategies were effective for distinct subgroups of participants based on their personality and behavioral characteristics. These subgroups included extroverted and motivated individuals, less active and less social participants, and those who were less motivated and at-risk.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that third-trimester ultrasound screening has limited effectiveness in predicting macrosomia and associated neonatal morbidity. The authors recommend caution before introducing universal third-trimester screening for macrosomia.
Children with multiple neurodevelopmental conditions experience greater school absenteeism, poorer exam attainment, and increased unemployment. The study highlights the need for interventions to address the unique challenges faced by these children, who often fall through the cracks due to a lack of recognition of their complex needs.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that restricting television advertising for food and beverages high in fat, sugar, and salt could lead to a significant reduction in childhood obesity rates. The research suggests that limiting ads between 5:30am and 9pm could result in a 4.6% decrease in obese children, equivalent to 40,000...
A new study predicts that investing $9.6 billion in personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers in low- and middle-income countries could save the lives of approximately 2.2 million healthcare workers and yield a substantial economic return of $755.3 billion, representing an 8,000% return on investment.
A new computational model suggests that certain protective mutations against malaria have not become widespread due to rapid immune system adaptation, making it less likely for these mutations to spread among the population. The study highlights the need for further genetic studies of populations living in regions impacted by malaria.
A new study found that heat exposure has a stronger effect on health in less developed cities of Brazil, resulting in higher hospitalization rates. The research highlights significant socioeconomic disparities in vulnerability to heat, particularly among children and adolescents.
A survey of North Americans and Europeans found that men and young people are less likely to comply with social distancing measures. The study highlights the importance of considering individual differences when developing public health policies.
A German study found that only 2.6% of asylum seekers received a diagnosis for depression, while 1.4% received a diagnosis for anxiety disorder and 2.9% for PTSD symptoms. Many diagnosed individuals did not receive treatment, highlighting the need for urgent improvements in mental health care.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that COVID-19 has a devastating impact on households with lower incomes, leading to large job losses and business closures. The economic disparities between rich and poor worsen as a result of the pandemic.
Experimental study reveals electric clothes dryers as a significant source of microfiber pollution. The devices emit fibers from laundry through their vents, contaminating the air and potentially harming ecosystems.
A study of over 24,000 trauma patients in four countries found that longer delays in treatment can increase the risk of disability or death. The authors suggest that rapid transportation may be associated with reduced risk of poor outcomes and urge emergency services staff to make the most of prehospital time.
Research finds that oral cancer is promoted by periodontal pathogens and can be inhibited by a bacteriocin, a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide. The study offers new insights into the development of oral cancer and suggests potential therapeutic applications for nisin, a commonly used food preservative.
A study found that 78% of people with sudden loss of smell had COVID-19 antibodies, highlighting the significance of this symptom. Loss of smell is a highly specific symptom of COVID-19 and should be urgently recognized globally.
The PLOS journal has developed 10 guidelines to help lab leaders create anti-racist environments, promoting diversity and inclusion. The rules include organizing discussions about racism, amplifying BIPOC voices, and adopting dynamic research agendas.
Coral Gardens Reef in Belize remains home to thriving Acropora spp. coral, providing an exception to the species' decline across the North Atlantic/Caribbean region. The reef has been consistently habitable since at least the 1980s and up to November 2019.
As Denmark's population ages, hospital care will face increasing demands, with the number of days spent in hospitals approximately doubling by 2050. The study highlights the need for a healthcare workforce trained in geriatrics to address the rising demand for geriatric care.
A new study sequenced the genomes of two millipede species, revealing vast differences in genome size due to unique gene structures. The research also identified genes involved in toxic secretion, supporting the idea that ozadene gland secretions protect against microbes and predators.
Researchers found that dietary fiber-derived fatty acids activate macrophage activity against Salmonella infection by binding to apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), triggering inflammasome activation. This new mechanism provides insights into the effects of dietary fiber on the immune system.
A recent study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to high rates of loneliness among UK adults, with 26.6% of respondents reporting loneliness. Risk factors included younger age groups, separation or divorce, and poor sleep quality.
A study found significant variation in commercial antibody kit performance, with some tests accurate as sophisticated laboratory technologies. Lateral flow immunoassays demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, offering potential usefulness in healthcare settings.
Child marriage primarily affects girls and occurs below 18 years old, contrary to common assumptions; a more accurate terminology is suggested to address female agency in marriage decisions.
A new ultra-affordable hearing aid called LoCHAid has been developed to combat age-related hearing loss, costing just $0.98 per unit. The device is designed to be marketable over-the-counter and can be repaired by minimally skilled users, making it accessible to those in low- and middle-income countries.
A recent study found that animals quickly lose their antipredator behaviors after interacting with humans, with domestication leading to the fastest changes. This loss can have significant implications for conservation and urban planning.
Analysis of US cellphone data finds areas with low social distancing levels, driven by demographic factors such as population density. The study suggests encouraging voluntary distancing could be an effective alternative to government restrictions, reducing disease spread.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that true asymptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2 comprise a minority of infections. The researchers estimated that 20% (95% CI 17-25) of COVID-19 infections remained asymptomatic during follow-up.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that rheumatoid arthritis patients with and without autoantibodies have distinct conditions. Longitudinal data from 1,285 RA patients showed improved disease activity but varying long-term outcomes depending on autoantibody status.
A study of over 3.5 million Nordic children found a slight increase in autism risk for each week of gestation before or after 40 weeks, regardless of sex or birth weight. The relative risk was highest for children born at 22-31 weeks and lowest for those born post-term (after 42 weeks), with an overall low ASD incidence of 1.44%.
A nationwide study of 5.8 million VA patients found that Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely to test positive for COVID-19, even after accounting for underlying health conditions and geographic location. The disparity in positive-test rates between White and minority groups was consistent across regions and over time.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals with multiple chronic conditions can still benefit from a healthy lifestyle, leading to up to 7.6 years longer life expectancy. The research analyzed data from the UK Biobank and found that abstinence from smoking had the largest survival benefit.
Researchers mined Twitter users' follower descriptions to characterize them in detail and analyze the impact of taxpayer-funded research on academia. The study found that hundreds of papers had audience sectors dominated by conspiracy theorists or science denialists, highlighting the need for scientists to monitor social media engagement.
A study of suspended fertility treatments during COVID-19 found that 86% of women reported negative mental health impacts and 52% experienced clinically significant depression. Protective factors like lower defensive pessimism, greater infertility acceptance, and better social support were associated with less decline in mental health.
A new study found that a Mediterranean-like diet partially modified the association between obesity and cardiovascular mortality. Higher body mass was associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, but adherence to healthy diets like Mediterranean-style eating reduced this risk.
Chinese workers have high awareness of COVID-19, but older and less-educated individuals require additional education to prevent misinformation. A large cross-sectional study in Shenzhen found most respondents knew basic information about symptoms and preventive measures.
A new study found that aged pet dogs experience declines in four out of six behavioral factors, including problem-solving, sociability, and boldness. The research suggests that further studies are needed to determine the potential links between aging, nutrition, and training on canine cognition.
Researchers have developed a simple manufacturing technology using chitin, a ubiquitous organic polymer, to build tools and shelters on Mars. This approach enables the rapid manufacturing of objects ranging from basic tools to rigid shelters, which could support humans in a Martian environment.
A study found that unemployed men, poor women, and unmarried individuals are more likely to have their remains go unclaimed after death. In contrast, long-distance migrants were not associated with this issue.
A study analyzed 700 state and local health agency tweets about COVID-19, finding that tweets with practical information and video attachments were more likely to be retweeted. The researchers identified a set of common keywords and phrases used in the tweets over time.
A new study reveals that microfibers from synthetic clothing released during washing exceed the amount entering waterbodies, with approximately 176,500 metric tons released annually. The majority ends up on cropland, highlighting the need for emission prevention and reduced wastewater treatment.
A new database of parliamentarians' tweets from 26 European countries has been compiled, enabling more standardized analyses of politician Twitter use. The database includes tweet IDs from May 2017 to present and could address challenges in cross-border research.