A gene in mice affects both bacterial populations and bile acid levels, revealing novel interactions between microbes and metabolites. The research integrates genetic mapping with metabolomic data, providing insights into the complex factors shaping microbial communities.
Researchers developed a reporter system to permanently mark cells infected with chikungunya virus, revealing that marked cells containing most of the persistent RNA can survive for at least 112 days. Treatment with an antibody reduces the number of marked cells in muscle and skin.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals' vaccination attitudes are shaped by their proximity to a disease outbreak, particularly for those who distrust government medical experts. On the other hand, people with high levels of trust in government experts are not affected by disease proximity.
A music-based biofeedback system has shown promise in improving deadlift technique, achieving similar results to instructor feedback. The study found that recreational weightlifters who received real-time audio feedback improved their technique and reported increased clarity and enjoyment.
A study on a 9,000-year-old grave in southern Jordan provides new insights into emerging leadership in early farming communities. The authors propose that the presence of exotic items and proximity to other graves suggest a person who achieved individual prestige through trade networks while maintaining close status within the community.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology explores how texture affects the way we perceive speed when touching objects. The researchers found that finer textures produce more vibrations in the skin, leading to a greater perceived speed. This is because specific nerve fibers in the skin are highly sensitive to these vibrations.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that crows can deliberately control their calls, suggesting a high level of cognitive sophistication. The research used trained carrion crows to learn and respond to specific cues, revealing the birds' ability to exert control over their vocalizations.
A new tool called ProtFus screens scientific literature to validate predictions about fusion protein activity, which can help improve personalized cancer treatment. The tool identified 2,908 interactions across 18 cancer types, aiding in the study of alterations of protein networks for individual patients.
Researchers used mosquito genomes to track the Asian tiger mosquito's spread from Albania to Europe, the US, and Africa. Human activities like tire trade facilitated its rapid expansion, posing an increasing public health risk.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that nearly 30% of migrants through Mexico to the US experience physical, psychological, or sexual violence. Women and trans migrants are disproportionately affected by these incidents.
A large survey of adults in sub-Saharan Africa found that bribery is a major obstacle to healthcare access, with those who paid bribes four times more likely to report difficulties. The study suggests that efforts to address corruption may be needed to achieve universal health coverage.
Researchers discovered that Toxoplasma gondii requires linoleic acid to complete its sexual phase of life, a nutrient found at high levels in feline intestines. The finding may lead to the development of treatments to reduce the spread of toxoplasmosis from cats to humans.
The study analyzed skeletal remains from 37 localities across present-day Denmark, revealing a shift in human mobility at the beginning of the Nordic Bronze Age. Migrants came from diverse regions, including southern Scandinavia, the Italian Alps, and Cornwall in south England.
Researchers discovered two male skeletons from ancient Croatia with artificially deformed skulls, indicating possible cultural distinctions among diverse European groups. Genetic analysis revealed distinct ancestries, hinting at the use of cranial modification to signify social status during the Great Migration Period.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology has made significant progress in understanding chronic pain by integrating psychosocial factors and neurobiology. The researchers found two key traits - Pain-trait and Emote-trait - that are associated with back pain characteristics, as well as a link between socioeconomic status and chronic pain.
A new study suggests a possible link between environmental pollution and an increase in psychiatric disorders. Poor air quality was associated with higher rates of bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and personality disorders in both US and Danish populations.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that the M gene segment of influenza A virus restricts growth and transmission in human hosts. Excess production of the M2 protein resulting from avian-derived M segments interferes with cellular functions, highlighting the critical role of M segment gene expression in host adaptation.
Researchers developed a fruit fly strain that builds up uric acid when triggered by high-purine diet, revealing the insulin-like signaling pathway's role in regulating uric acid levels. This model could help identify new drugs for diseases linked to uric acid accumulation.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that women and men perform equally when required to switch attention between tasks or perform two tasks simultaneously. Multitasking imposes a substantial cost on both speed and accuracy for both men and women, with no difference between the two groups in the magnitude of the cost.
A randomized trial of 120 hospital patients found that virtual reality (VR) sessions significantly reduced severe pain scores compared to a relaxation program on TV. Patients who used VR reported higher satisfaction with the experience and no difference in opioid prescribing.
A recent study revealed that Neanderthals had an exceptionally high frequency of external auditory exostoses, also known as 'swimmer's ear', in their remains. This suggests that they spent a significant amount of time collecting resources in aquatic settings.
The study found that less than 5% of schooling fish needed to be flashing to maintain the group in dark conditions. Flashing may serve as a predator-avoidance strategy, with some fish flashing then rapidly changing direction before flashing again.
Researchers have developed a novel chemical treatment that can segregate X-bearing sperm from Y-bearing sperm, enabling dramatic alteration of the sex ratio in offspring. This technique has potential for simplifying sex selection in human assisted reproduction and artificial insemination.
Researchers identified a gene in fruit flies that helps prevent seizures triggered by environmental stress. In humans, mutations in the gene may be linked to seizures associated with Long QT Syndrome, suggesting a potential connection between brain and heart function.
A new analysis suggests that migration can promote cooperation among individuals by creating heterogeneous patterns in their spatial distribution. This allows populations to thrive despite the threat of exploitation, as defectors avoid cooperators or form communities with public goods.
ApoE promotes hepatitis B virus infection and production, but targeting it with inhibitors may serve as an antiviral strategy for chronic HBV infection. Research found that apoE is enriched on the virus envelope and its expression impairs HBV production.
Researchers identified thousands of host mRNAs targeted by gammaherpesvirus microRNAs, revealing significant conservation of miRNA targeting among viruses. The study provides new insights into the function of gammaherpesvirus miRNAs and their role in establishing lifelong infections.
A 289-million-year-old lizard-like animal exhibited a bone condition similar to Paget's disease, indicating early susceptibility to the disorder. The study provides evidence of an ancient case of a bone metabolic disorder, shedding light on the evolution of diseases in early life forms.
A new study published in PLOS ONE examines the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and multiple food environments. The research found that a greater number of fast-food restaurants near commute routes is associated with higher BMI.
Research reveals babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes treated with metformin have lower birthweight but increased weight at 18-24 months. Nutritional supplements for pregnant women improve infant immune response, highlighting the impact of mother's nutritional status on child health.
A new study examines the effects of feral hogs and elephants on livestock, finding significant impacts on farming livelihoods. The research highlights the importance of considering non-carnivore species in mitigating wildlife impacts, with potential consequences for conservation efforts.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that prior infection with either Zika virus or dengue virus has no apparent effect on the clinical course of subsequent infection with the other virus. This is a significant finding for the development of vaccines against both viruses.
A study of 18,424 Han Chinese adults found that regular jogging and other exercises like mountain climbing and yoga reduce BMI in individuals predisposed to obesity. These findings suggest that genetics are not destiny and that exercise can help mitigate genetic effects on obesity.
Wild gibbons require extensive forest territory for each group, making them vulnerable to habitat loss. Their large home ranges are also a challenge for conservation efforts, as they squeeze into fragmented forests too small to accommodate multiple competing groups.
Researchers fitted satellite transmitters to harbor seals, revealing their home ranges and habitats along the Oregon coast. The study found individual differences in behavior, with some seals ranging hundreds of miles from marine reserves.
A study published in PLOS Biology analyzed RNA transcripts from a 14,300-year-old canid preserved in Siberian permafrost, providing evidence that RNA from ancient animals may be well-preserved. The analysis revealed tissue-specific transcriptomes in the ancient wolf, with many liver-specific transcripts matching modern samples.
A systematic review found no evidence that brand-brand competition lowers existing brand-name drug prices in the US market. However, some studies suggest that such competition may help set new drug prices, but only for safer or more effective drugs with greater marketing.
A large cohort study found that babies with persistent fluid-filled areas in their kidneys during gestation are at higher risk of urinary tract problems and hospital admissions in early childhood. The study used data from over 21,000 children and showed a strong link between renal pelvis dilatation and increased risk of hospital admiss...
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that women who developed pre-eclampsia during pregnancy were nearly five times more likely to develop end stage kidney disease (ESKD) than those who did not. The study analyzed data from over 1 million healthy women and revealed a significant association between pre-eclampsia and ESKD risk.
Attending NHS health checks is associated with increased risk management interventions and decreased risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Health check participants had lower baseline BMI, blood pressure, and fewer smokers, and were more likely to receive weight management and smoking cessation advice.
Researchers found that CDC-developed Autocidal Gravid Ovitrap (AGO) traps successfully protected people from chikungunya virus infection in Puerto Rican communities. The study showed a significant reduction in CHIKV seropositivity among participants in intervention areas with AGO traps compared to those without traps.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that HIV-infected cells release a viral protein called Nef, impairing cholesterol metabolism and triggering inflammation in uninfected bystander cells. This impairment causes the formation of excessive lipid rafts and triggers inflammation, potentially contributing to various co-morbidities ass...
Research finds top universities globally struggle to implement diversity outreach initiatives, with varying levels of compliance across four areas. Despite progress in inclusivity, institutions still lag behind in addressing inequalities and promoting social justice.
The study reveals a crucial dependency on British and continental European trading sources for Scandinavian mixed-metal artifacts during the Nordic Bronze Age. Metal recycling was common, with smiths reusing imported and local metal objects to create new products.
A new approach predicts US population and income changes at the level of individual counties, enhancing understanding of potential climate change scenarios. The model accounts for labor migration and various social and economic factors.
A study by NOAA researchers has identified four Pacific salmon population groups as especially vulnerable to climate change, including Chinook in California's Central Valley and sockeye in Idaho's Snake River basin. The populations face threats from elevations in stream and sea surface temperatures as well as ocean acidification.
A study found that current fine particulate matter pollution in the US is associated with an estimated 15,612 female deaths and 14,757 male deaths, resulting in a loss of national life expectancy by 0.15 years for women and 0.13 years for men. Lowering PM2.5 pollution could benefit the entire US population and reduce health inequalities.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy may reduce weight gain and the risk of gestational diabetes, but has no overall impact on adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. The diet's high intake of nuts, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables was associated with these benefits.
The study evaluated eight serological tests for VL diagnosis, finding varying performances among non-HIV-infected patients. The ICTs performed best with high accuracy rates, while HIV-infected patients showed lower accuracy.
A computational simulation suggests that insects can use skylight properties to determine their compass direction with an error of less than two degrees. This discovery could inspire designs for new navigation tools for robots, potentially replacing GPS technology.