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The lunar cycle drives the nightjar's migration

Researchers found that the daily foraging activity of European nightjars more than doubles during moon-lit nights, leading to synchronized migrations about 10 days after full moons. This suggests that cyclic influences can synchronize pulses of migration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 15, 2019

Startled fish escape using several distinct neuronal circuits

Researchers identified a cluster of 38 neurons in the hindbrain that mediate delayed escape responses in zebrafish, characterized by flexible trajectories. This circuit may represent an evolutionarily ancient pathway for defensive responses to threats sensed via acoustic or vibrational cues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 15, 2019

Rotavirus infection may turn on type 1 diabetes

A new study suggests that rotavirus infection may trigger the development of type 1 diabetes. Researchers found a significant decrease in the incidence of type 1 diabetes in Australian children under four years old after the introduction of rotavirus vaccination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 10, 2019

How the influenza virus achieves efficient viral RNA replication

New insights into the influenza virus polymerase have revealed that its subunits co-evolve to guarantee proper levels of dimerization and optimal inter-subunit cooperation. This finding has significant implications for the development of novel antiviral drugs targeting viral RNA replication.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 3, 2019

How neuronal recognition of songbird calls unfolds over time

Scientists have created a novel approach to analyze neuronal response to different call meanings in songbirds. The analysis shows that initial responses contain information about the call's meaning, with additional information accumulating up to 600 milliseconds. Individual neurons play a significant role in categorizing call meanings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 26, 2019

Tripolye 'mega-structures' were ancient community centers

A recent study by Robert Hofmann and colleagues discovered that Tripolye mega-structures served as public spaces for ritual, economic, and decision-making purposes. The researchers found a hierarchy of mega-structures based on their architecture and location, indicating sequential decision-making at various levels of society.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 25, 2019

Outcomes of birth options after a previous cesarean section

A large cohort study found attempting a vaginal birth after previous cesarean section increases the risk of serious maternal complications, including uterine rupture and sepsis. The study suggests that planning another cesarean may be a safer option for women with a history of cesarean section.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 24, 2019

Alzheimer's drug also treats parasitic Chagas disease

Memantine, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease, has been shown to reduce parasite levels by 40% and increase survival rates of mice with Chagas disease. The treatment also lowered parasite levels in the hearts of infected animals, providing a promising alternative therapy for this neglected tropical disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 19, 2019

Cells that make bone marrow also travel to the womb to help pregnancy

Researchers discovered that bone marrow-derived cells contribute to embryo implantation and pregnancy by differentiating into decidual cells in the uterine environment. The study suggests a potential role of these cells in human implantation and pregnancy, potentially leading to new treatments for recurrent implantation failure and pre...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 12, 2019

Simple model captures almost 100 years of measles dynamics in London

A simple epidemiological model accurately predicts measles transmission dynamics in London over almost a century, accounting for historical events like the 1918 pandemic. The study's findings suggest long-term disease dynamics can follow simple rules, with implications for understanding other ecological phenomena.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 12, 2019

New research discovers the financial cost of trachoma surveys

Researchers analyzed costs of trachoma surveys in 11 countries from 2012 to 2018, finding a median survey cost of $8,298 USD. The studies also showed economies of scale from implementing surveys in a single year, with training and fieldwork accounting for major proportions of costs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 5, 2019

Squirrels listen in to birds' conversations as signal of safety

Eastern gray squirrels in Ohio parks exhibit decreased vigilance when hearing bird species' casual chatter after a simulated hawk call, suggesting they can tap into cues of safety. The findings support the idea that non-alarm sounds like bird chatter could be as important as danger signals for these animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2019

Mathematical model provides new support for environmental taxes

A new mathematical model developed by Fan et al. suggests that environmental taxes can stimulate economic growth, decrease emissions, and improve resource utilization in China. The model's findings support the use of carbon taxes as an effective strategy to promote environmentally friendly practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2019

PrEParing family planning clinics in Kenya to prevent new HIV infections

In a feasibility study, PrEP was successfully integrated into family planning clinics in Kenya, with 114 women out of 278 initiating PrEP experiencing no HIV infections. The study indicates that integration of screening for HIV risk and preventive treatment among young women in a family planning clinic setting is feasible.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 3, 2019

Social network interventions can lead to potential health benefits

A systematic review and meta-analysis of social network interventions found significant effects on various health behaviors and outcomes, including sexual health, alcohol misuse, wellbeing, and smoking cessation. The study suggests that social network approaches can be a promising tool for improving health behaviors and outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 3, 2019

Common stomach bacteria is attracted to bleach

Researchers found that Helicobacter pylori is attracted to bleach, relying on a protein called TlpD to navigate to sites of inflammation in the stomach. This attraction enables the bacterium to turn the body's defenses against it and colonize inflamed tissue.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 30, 2019

How visceral leishmaniasis spread through central-Southern Brazil

Visceral leishmaniasis has expanded to Central-Southern Brazil through three dispersion routes: Bolivia-Brazil gas pipeline, Paraguay, and western Santa Catarina State. The study highlights the lack of joint policies with neighboring countries as a risk factor for disease spread.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 29, 2019