A new article recommends explicit management of conflict of interests, banning exclusive rights to research results, and enhanced informed consent to guide germline gene editing. The author argues that regulation and penalties are necessary to ensure public trust in science.
Researchers have identified a promising compound, golvatinib, that inhibits hepatitis A virus infection. The discovery was made possible by combining high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy and molecular modeling to understand the structural basis of neutralization.
Researchers reviewed 60 years of dengue literature to identify trends and knowledge gaps in the Philippines. The study found that the number of dengue publications increased, but there are still gaps in basic laboratory research and newer intervention measures.
Researchers analyzed ancient fire remains to uncover Neanderthal mobility habits and settlement patterns. The study found stratified hearths built on multiple topsoils over different periods, indicating at least four successive short-term Neanderthal occupations.
The Ohio River Basin's freshwater fish species richness has increased significantly over the past 57 years, with a positive trend observed from 1957-2014. This change is attributed to environmental modifications related to land use and hydrology alterations, resulting in more fish species feeding on plant matter and detritus.
A comprehensive survey of Pacific coral reefs has shown that green sea turtle populations are increasing, driven by warmer ocean temperatures and productivity. The study, published in PLOS ONE, provides critical insights into the density and drivers of sea turtle populations across the tropical Pacific.
Researchers have identified stem cells in hair follicles that can regenerate the myelin sheath coating neurons, potentially treating nerve injuries and demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis. The study found that these cells can enhance functional recovery from neuronal injury.
A study of restaurant staff in Germany found low levels of food allergy knowledge and negative attitudes toward serving customers with food allergies. Factors such as education level, management status, and restaurant size influenced staff attitudes towards food allergies.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to receive inadequate end-of-life care. They were also less likely to receive specialist palliative care, which can improve symptoms and wellbeing.
A global database of women scientists has been established to combat underrepresentation in the public sphere and promote diversity in science. The Request a Woman Scientist database now includes over 7,500 women from 174 scientific disciplines and 133 countries.
A randomized controlled trial found that texting patients with schizophrenia improved medication adherence by 27%, reducing relapses and re-hospitalizations. The LEAN program, which combines lay health supporters and mobile texting, was effective in resource-poor settings.
A 30-person study found that the brain implements mathematically optimal principles for perception in a 'middle ground' between opposing literature. The results suggest that human perception is based on imprecise sensory inputs, but still follows optimal strategies.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that hepatitis B viral protein HBeAg expands immune cells called MDSCs, impairing antiviral responses. The HBeAg-MDSC-IDO axis is a potential target for developing novel HBV therapeutics.
Children with more than two hours of screen time per day were five times more likely to report clinically significant externalizing problems and had a significantly increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In contrast, children who engaged in organized sports showed fewer behavioral problems.
Researchers estimate tweet infectivity from early retweets to predict virality, finding that infectivity is a key driving force in determining tweet lifespan. A hybrid model combining infectivity and community models yields the most accurate predictions, highlighting the complexity of social network interactions.
Analysis of human remains from a Pre-Roman Celtic cemetery in Italy shows variations in funerary treatment that may be linked to social status, despite no differences in living conditions. The study found distinct diets for men and women, as well as higher rates of dental enamel defects in the population.
A new species of Mongolian dinosaur, Gobihadros, has been discovered with complete skeletal remains. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of hadrosaurs during the Late Cretaceous Period.
Regular ultrasounds at 36 weeks' gestation can identify undiagnosed breech presentations, reducing the risk of complications for both mothers and babies. By performing these scans, hospitals could potentially save thousands of pounds annually while improving patient outcomes.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that oxytocin administration can block excess drinking in alcohol-dependent rats, suggesting a potential novel pharmaceutical intervention for treating alcohol-use disorder. Oxytocin also blocked altered GABA signaling in the brain region affected by alcohol dependence.
A case of tick-borne relapsing fever was reported in Sonora, Mexico, where the disease gets little attention. The patient's symptoms improved with doxycycline treatment, and spirochetes were detected in her blood, supporting the identification of an endemic focus for the disease.
A new study found that HIV-infected individuals have a longer lifespan of white blood cells called neutrophils, which may contribute to intestinal inflammation. Lactobacillus bacteria, commonly used in probiotics, could be an effective therapeutic strategy to reduce neutrophil-driven inflammation.
A large-scale screen of mouse mutants revealed 38 new genes involved in hearing loss, including those related to metabolic pathways and regulatory processes. These findings provide a rich source of therapeutic targets for the restoration of hearing.
Researchers Sophie Piper and colleagues used a coin toss to confirm whether a drug protects the brain against stroke, questioning the need for repeated experiments in mice. The study reveals high rates of false positive results and highlights the 'replication crisis' in scientific research.
A new study reveals how Salmonella bacteria flip an electric switch within immune cells, causing them to migrate out of the gut and into the bloodstream. This mechanism contributes to the severity of food-borne illnesses, with over 400,000 deaths worldwide each year.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that plant parts with longer lifespans, such as stems and roots, have lower mutation rates compared to those with shorter lifespans, like leaves and petals. The researchers also discovered that plants with more future prospects for mutations tend to have lower relative mutation rates.
Researchers develop a model to estimate TB drug distribution in lung lesions, revealing poor penetration into cavitary lesions. A clinical risk score is also introduced to identify HIV-positive patients at high risk of dying within 2 months of diagnosis.
Researchers discovered that owl monkey cytomegalovirus produces a CD48 decoy receptor called A43, which binds strongly to natural killer cells and blocks their interaction with CD48. This finding highlights the potential of using A43 as a therapeutic tool to manipulate aberrant immune responses.
A study found that gut microbes from high HIV-risk men who have sex with men drive immune activation in mice and HIV infection in cells. The researchers suggest that the gut microbiome might be a risk factor for HIV transmission in these individuals.
A genome-wide association study found that genetic variations linked to beauty also impact body mass in women and blood cholesterol levels in men. The study highlights the complex relationships between beauty and other human traits.
Researchers found that spider monkeys who were isolated produced whinnies with a lower fundamental frequency, which traveled longer distances and improved re-establishing contact with their group. Listeners responded more quickly to these lower-frequency calls.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that SPF moisturizer users incompletely cover their eyelid regions during application. The researchers compared sunscreen and moisturizer application and found significantly better coverage with sunscreen. This highlights the importance of using sunscreen for optimal sun protection.
Researchers developed a new statistical tool to observe interaction among variables influencing phytoplankton abundance over time. They identified a synergistic effect between water temperature and phytoplankton predation, providing insights into spatial synchrony of phytoplankton blooms.
A study predicts climate change will lead to increased and new exposures to humans of diseases carried by mosquito vectors, with poleward shifts in Aedes-borne virus distributions. The model suggests a middle-of-the-road temperature increase could produce the greatest expansion in viral transmission by Ae. albopictus.
A study on turtle ants found that gynes have larger brain volumes than soldiers and minor workers, while their brains differ in regions associated with cognitive processing. The authors suggest that these differences may aid in performing specialized tasks, and could provide insight into the evolution of caste specialization.
A PLOS Special Collection explores new steps in clinical research for optimal TB treatment, driven by WHO and IRD-France sponsorship. Experts outline best practices for future clinical trials to inform policy guidance.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that inflammatory monocytes facilitate the progression of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in mice, contrary to their expected role as immune cells. In the absence of these monocytes, murine survival is improved and fungal burden decreases.
A study in Ghana found that awareness of Female Genital Schistosomiasis is lacking, affecting disease control in girls and women. The researchers' findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address stigma and promote understanding of this chronic gynecological condition.
Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to selectively shut off a gene for female development, finding that diet has no effect on gonad size when the gene is turned off. This suggests that a specific genetic program must be switched on to permit nutrient level to affect gonad size.
A new study found that US museums have a lack of artistic diversity, with the majority of artists being white and male. The research suggests that museums can increase diversity without altering their collection missions or focus on specific time periods and regions.
A new species of Surazomus, a rare arachnid found in the Amazon, has been discovered with unique characteristics that provide insight into its mating habits. The species' male flagellum and female chelicerae anchor onto each other during copulation, offering clues about evolutionary changes within the genus.
A new model predicts that Brazilian deforestation could lead to a 1.45°C increase in local surface temperature by 2050, with tropical regions experiencing the greatest warming effects. Forestation has the potential to reverse these impacts, especially in tropical and temperate regions.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that people from North Africa were among the first to colonize the Canary Islands, arriving by 1000 CE. The researchers analyzed ancient mitochondrial genomes and identified lineages consistent with radiocarbon dating evidence, suggesting a complex and heterogeneous process of colonization.
New research reveals a previously unknown mechanism for microbes to conserve energy in lean times. By ejecting their flagella, bacteria can avoid switching to a stationary phase and prevent potential leakage of cellular contents.
A new study suggests that healthy food prescriptions for adults in Medicare and Medicaid could prevent millions of cardiovascular disease events and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The study found that programs incentivizing diet, particularly through fruit and vegetable purchases, could be highly cost-effective.
A study of a single male narwhal found that it spends over half its time diving to depths of over 700m in search of halibut, cod, and squid. The whale can also last for several days without eating, using stored energy reserves.
A recent study using a cholera vaccine cluster trial found that conventional fecal microbiological cultures identified only 66% of patients with cholera, suggesting widespread underestimation of global cases. The study supported the sensitivity of these culture methods, but no evidence of protection was found.
A new study reveals that protected areas can help large herbivores rapidly recover from war-induced declines. The study found that total biomass has substantially recovered since 1994, but species composition has shifted dramatically, with formerly dominant herbivores now outnumbered by smaller antelopes.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that most countries in sub-Saharan Africa are not reducing under-5 mortality rates at a sufficient pace. The authors used demographic data from 31 countries and predicted that only Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Senegal will meet the under-5 mortality target by 2030.
A new deep-mapping computer model detects visual changes to individual properties, allowing researchers to track gentrification in neighborhoods and cities. The model achieved 95% accuracy in detecting gentrification indicators, revealing detailed maps of spatial evolution of gentrification through time.
New research maps the distribution of destructive human activities impacting threatened birds, mammals, and amphibians globally. The study identifies hotspots of human impact, including South East Asia and South America, where tropical forests are rich in biodiversity.