The elimination of human African trypanosomiasis as a public health problem is within reach, with fewer than 1,000 new cases reported in 2018. According to the study, the area at moderate or high risk of HAT has shrunk significantly since 2016.
Researchers found that spiracle fluttering in insects enhances oxygen diffusion, reducing water loss during respiration. This unique breathing mechanism allows for efficient oxygen uptake, benefiting the insect's survival.
A new study reveals that medical personnel working with COVID-19 patients in China have higher rates of anxiety, somatization, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms compared to the general population. The study collected data from over 30,000 healthcare providers during the pandemic's peak.
A new ground-based GCR Simulator developed by NASA enables the simultaneous study of mixed-field ions and their effects on human tissues. This breakthrough reduces animal testing costs and accelerates understanding of health risks faced by astronauts.
Research suggests pangolins may be natural carriers of Betacoronaviruses, increasing risk of animal-to-human transmission. The study does not support the idea that pangolins are an intermediate host for SARS-CoV-2.
Research finds giant T. rex relied on low-energy walking due to their massive size, contrary to previous focus on running speeds for theropod dinosaurs. The study analyzed limb proportions, body mass, and gaits of over 70 species, suggesting a trade-off between speed and efficiency in theropods.
A global survey of 533 workers from 49 countries found that most would continue to work when sick with flu-like symptoms, including fever. The study highlights the need for cultural change and sufficient sick leave to prevent transmission of respiratory diseases in workplaces.
Analysis of data from 147 countries found a strong association between rising incomes and increasing obesity rates, with an average increase in obesity rates for every 1% rise in GDP per capita. The study suggests that policy initiatives may be necessary to combat obesity in low- and middle-income countries undergoing income growth.
A novel neural circuit has been discovered in rats that responds to the sound of silence, triggering defense responses. The study found that a specific combination of brain regions, including those involved in sound processing and emotional responses, are necessary for rats to freeze in response to silent danger.
A new study has found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and smokers are at a higher risk of severe complications and mortality from COVID-19. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 patients with COVID-19 and found that COPD was associated with a 63% risk of severe disease and a 60% risk of mortality.
Researchers have discovered a new method to detect beer and other malted foodstuffs in archaeological finds. By analyzing the aleurone cell walls of ancient grains, scientists found a consistent thinning across five sites dating back to the 4th millennium BCE, indicating malting processes.
A new analysis of reef restoration projects in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary found that staghorn coral colonies survived for two years after outplanting, but declined over time. Large numbers of colonies need to be outplanted to ensure long-term survival.
A recent study found that genetic variations in a brain-cleansing water channel affect the depth of non-rapid-eye-movement sleep in humans. The study, published in PLOS Biology, suggests that these variations may influence how the body copes with sleep loss and potentially link to Alzheimer's disease progression.
Researchers developed a new method to define metropolitan areas based on census commuter data, identifying 182 clusters that account for over 90% of commuters. These clusters are larger than traditional regional definitions, suggesting important connections extending beyond expected boundaries.
A study found that popular methods for judging chicken doneness, such as checking color and texture, are not reliable indicators of safety. Researchers recommend focusing on the color and texture of the thickest part of the meat and ensuring all surfaces reach sufficient temperatures to guarantee safety.
Archaeologists analyzed deformed skulls at Mözs-Icsei d?l? cemetery, finding three distinct groups with varying cultural backgrounds. The community's diverse traditions suggest a brief period of collaboration between local Roman and foreign migrant groups.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology suggests that the re-emergence of bluetongue virus in France was caused by human activities, based on the virus' unusual genetic makeup. The research found a lack of mutations between outbreaks, indicating the virus may have been stored and then transmitted through artificial insemination.
A new systematic review highlights the importance of emotional and psychological support, community involvement, and personal growth for new mothers during the postnatal period. The study identified four recurring themes that shape a positive post-birth experience, providing insights for caregivers to improve maternal care.
A questionnaire survey identified potential separation-related problems in 30 out of 223 sampled cats, including destructive behavior, excessive vocalization, and depression. The study found that households with no female residents and those without cat toys were more likely to have cats with these issues.
Researchers found baloxavir treatment reduced infectious viral shedding and transmission of the flu virus among infected ferrets. The study suggests antivirals could reduce community-based viral spread and support the idea that decreasing viral shedding could also reduce influenza transmission in humans.
A new species of Triassic reptile discovered in Brazil is the closest known relative of tanystropheids, suggesting their ancestors may have lived on land before adapting to aquatic life. The discovery provides insights into the early diversification of tanystropheids and sheds light on their origins.
A new analysis supports prior reports that people with sickle cell disease experience lower rates of HIV infection. However, the molecular characteristics of immune system cells do not explain the reduced risk.
A new wireless biologging network enables high-resolution tracking of small animals, even in closed habitats. The system allows for fully automated tracking and proximity-sensing at high spatial and temporal resolution.
A new analysis of over 26,000 movies produced in the US from 1911 to 2010 reveals a sharp decline in female representation among actors, directors, and producers during the Studio System era. Female producers and directors may help further the careers of other women in the industry.
Researchers have identified a rare juvenile Homo naledi fossil, providing insights into the evolution of human development. The partial skeleton is estimated to be around 8-11 years old at death, displaying a unique mix of maturity patterns seen in modern humans and earlier hominins.
Two PLOS ONE studies use the SIRD model to forecast COVID-19 spread and examine patient CT scans for clinical features with mortality. The models predict a significant number of infections (45,000+ in Hubei) and deaths (2,700+) by February 29. In contrast, patients with severe lung features were more likely to die from the virus.
Researchers found that the abundance of Lactobacillus iners was associated with clearance of high-risk HPV infections, while Gardnerella bacteria were linked to progression to precancer. Monitoring Gardnerella and microbial diversity could help identify women at risk for pre-cancer.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that hotter temperatures increase the probability of reporting bad mental health in the US. People are willing to pay several dollars to avoid each additional hot day in terms of its impact on self-reported mental health.
The new dataset, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed 15,506 instances of social scientists' testimony and found that economists testified more than four times as often as political scientists and over 10 times as often as sociologists. Economists also represented think tanks, while anthropologists had the lowest rate of testimony.
Researchers found that rats prioritize providing food assistance to those in need, as indicated by the 'smell of hunger'. Seven volatile organic chemicals differed significantly between hungry and satiated rats, serving as a reliable cue for reciprocal cooperation.
Scientists create two innovative AST methods that can assess a pathogen's sensitivity to beta-lactams in just 30 minutes, targeting top CDC priorities. New phenotypic tests quantify small changes in nucleic acids after antibiotic exposure.
Researchers recorded 2,750 minutes of underwater sounds in five major river systems, identifying over 7,000 distinct sounds. Most were from unknown biological sources, while human-caused noise dominated the landscape, potentially harming aquatic ecosystems.
A study found that reef manta rays in New Caledonia are diving much deeper than previously recorded, with maximum depths exceeding 672 meters, and most dives occurring at night.
A new study engineered a form of botulinum toxin B with improved binding to nerve cells, increasing potency and reducing diffusion into surrounding tissue. The modified toxin demonstrated enhanced therapeutic potential and reduced adverse effects.
A new study reveals that maternal obesity triggers cellular stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, disrupting hypothalamic development and leading to offspring obesity. Bile acid treatment mitigates these changes, reversing obesity-related metabolic issues in mice offspring.
A new class of proteins, dubbed 'Hero', has been discovered that protects vulnerable proteins from aggregation and denaturation under extreme heat and other stresses. These flexible proteins may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Huntington's disease by preserving molecular order.
A new study found that news exposure closely linked with public attention to Zika in the US during the 2016 outbreak. The analysis showed synchronized patterns of Wikipedia page views with mentions of the virus in web and national TV news.
Researchers found over 50 dinosaur footprints on ancient coastal mudflats, including stegosaurian and theropod dinosaurs. The discovery expands the list of known dinosaurs living in the region during the Middle Jurassic Period.
A cross-sectional study of El Algar society in the Iberian Peninsula reveals similar diets but different management of livestock among communities, with a larger share of animal protein restricted to elite members. The analysis also shows a strong reliance on cereal farming and animal manure use.
Researchers surveyed remote South American kelp forests for the first time in 45 years, finding relatively unchanged ecosystems despite global threats from climate change and human activities. No signs of destructive sea urchin grazing were observed, but fish populations varied by location within the study area.
Researchers from ETH Zürich found that single-family households with behavioral change can achieve total self-sufficiency by 2050. However, multi-family buildings require advancements in photovoltaic technology to reach the same level of energy independence.
A study found that adolescents with divorced parents have lower GPAs, especially those with more educated mothers. The researchers controlled for paternal education and income measures, revealing a stronger association between divorce and reduced GPA among teens with highly educated mothers.
A recent study on Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh found that 64% had significant physical disabilities, while caregivers reported providing over 13 hours of care per day. Another study in the UK found that migrant mothers were less likely to visit emergency departments with their children, but those who did had higher utilization rates.
A new study in PLOS Biology identifies a regulator of jellyfish egg release, shedding light on the evolution of complex hormonal control in animals. The discovery sheds insight into how oocytes transform into eggs and may hold clues for understanding the link between sexual reproduction and nutrition in animals.
Research published in PLOS Biology found that the timing of meals affects metabolism, with eating breakfast promoting fat burning and late-night snacking delaying it. The study suggests that a daily fast between evening meal and breakfast can optimize weight management.
A recent study found that a bacterium specifically kills male African monarch butterflies, leading to highly variable warning patterns. The researchers discovered that the bacterium's interaction with the female butterflies' unique chromosome arrangement causes this variability.
People with higher obsessive-compulsive symptoms tend to distrust their past experience, leading to increased uncertainty and exploratory behaviors. This study found that individuals with OCD have difficulty trusting acquired knowledge, resulting in an excessive need for updated evidence.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of 24 strains of Burkholderia bacteria from the ISS water dispenser and found them highly similar to Earth-based strains. The bacteria are susceptible to common antibiotics, making them treatable in the event of an infection.
A new study provides alternative method for monitoring endangered lions, estimating an overall density of 8.53 lions per 100 square kilometers. The researchers found that prey density does not influence variations in lion density within the study site, and baiting lions for tourism perturbs their natural density patterns.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals the ancient hydrographic network of the Sahara, showing significant changes in climate and fauna over time. The Takarkori rock shelter, excavated by researchers, yielded fish remains that decreased in abundance as the region became more arid, replaced by mammal-heavy diet.