A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that southwest Amazonia was a key region for early crop cultivation, with evidence of manioc, squash, and other crops dating back over 8,000 years. The findings indicate that people in the region transitioned to agriculture before 6,000 years ago, leading to landscape modification.
A study published in PLOS Medicine estimated that approximately 1 in 8 children aged 2-9 years in India have at least one neurodevelopmental disorder. The most prevalent disorders were hearing impairment and intellectual disability, with about one-fifth of affected children having two or more conditions.
Continuous glucose monitoring in healthy participants showed that large fluctuations in blood glucose occur more commonly than expected. Researchers identified three distinct glucose behaviors: low, moderate, and severe, with certain foods causing significant spikes. The study aims to provide actionable advice to shift individuals towa...
The review found that sexual transmission of Zika virus is more common from men to women than from women to men. The median serial interval and duration of ZIKV RNA persistence in semen were also longer than in the female genital tract.
A new framework, developed from analyzing three large-scale NTD intervention studies, provides actionable socio-anthropological approaches for understanding effectiveness factors. The framework identifies five domains to consider, including community agency and governance of interventions, to help NTD interventions succeed.
Research finds Candida krusei and Pichia kudriavzevii are genetically identical, both causing significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The study highlights the need for caution when using drug-resistant yeast strains in biotechnology and food applications.
Researchers found that fruit fly species from different backgrounds can communicate more effectively when they cohabitate and learn each other's visual and scent cues. The study suggests that variation in communication ability between species may be analogous to dialects, which can be alleviated through socialization.
Researchers found that roundworms create oocytes with two nuclei but destroy them through apoptosis, recycling mitochondrial material into new eggs. This process helps understand why animals target so many cells for destruction during egg formation.
A study found that elephants are responsible for 37% of seeds produced viable seedlings, while smaller forest animals like deer have lower effectiveness. This suggests that declines in megafauna populations could impact the tree's reproductive success and forest ecosystem dynamics.
Research suggests VMMC has already impacted Zimbabwe's HIV epidemic and will continue to provide significant health and economic benefits. By 2021, the program aims to reach 80% coverage among 15-29-year-olds and 30% among 10-14-year-olds.
A cluster-randomized trial in Western Kenya found that coupling free diagnostic tests with discounts on artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) boosted testing rates and improved the rational use of ACTs. The intervention increased malaria diagnostic testing by 50.5% and reduced misuse of antimalarial drugs.
A study found that Chinese tree shrews can actively feed on chili peppers without reducing their food intake, unlike mice. The researchers discovered that the tree shrew's TRPV1 ion channel has a mutation that reduces its sensitivity to capsaicin, making it less painful for them.
Researchers found at least one rhesus gammaherpesvirus in all but one tumor, with RLCV associated with cancer risk and RFHV levels increasing over time. The study suggests that gammaherpesviruses contribute to tumor development in SIV/SHIV-infected macaques.
Researchers found that short-sleeping fruit fly mutants are sensitive to acute oxidative stress, supporting the idea that sleep defends against oxidative damage. The study suggests a bi-directional relationship between sleep and oxidative stress, with sleep helping to reduce oxidative stress and vice versa.
Researchers have identified a human protein, DDX3, that is exploited by arenaviruses to promote viral growth and evade the immune system. This discovery suggests DDX3 could serve as a potential target for new anti-arenavirus strategies.
A study of European mothers has identified a gene involved in steroid signaling as a potential factor in early birth. Mutations in the HSPA1L gene are rare but may disrupt proper functioning of cells lining the uterus, leading to preterm labor.
A nationwide investigation utilizing citizen science highlights the value of public participation in tick-borne disease research. The study found ticks capable of carrying Lyme and other diseases in 83 counties where they had not been previously recorded.
Researchers update IDCs list, highlighting their critical roles in NTD research and epidemic preparedness. Countries like Brazil, Turkey, and China demonstrate higher prioritization on NTDs research.
Snort production is significantly associated with positive situations and internal states in horses, suggesting a potential tool for improving animal welfare practices. Horses living in naturalistic conditions emit more snorts than those in restricted environments.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that worker honey bees select royal subfamilies, not their own supersisters, to raise as emergency queens. This suggests that 'the good of the hive' overpowers individual genetic selfishness.
A new strategy prioritizes core habitat areas, corridors linking them, and hotspots for human-lion conflict to inform lion conservation actions in southern Africa. The study identified nine key dispersal areas and 27 potential hotspots for human-wildlife conflict, guiding conservation efforts.
Researchers discovered that Anaplasma bacteria alter the microbiota of mouse and shrew spleens, changing bacterial compositions. The study highlights wild animals as potential reservoirs for tick-borne diseases with public health importance.
Research predicts a disease burden of 125.8 million DALYs globally due to climate change-induced crop nutrient deficiencies, primarily affecting South-East Asian and sub-Saharan African countries.
The study analyzed 71 placental mammalian species and found that the genes RXFP2 and INSL3 were either lost or nonfunctional in four Afrotherian species, indicating a more recent origin of testicular retention. This suggests that molecular vestiges can be used to reconstruct evolutionary changes in body parts.
A new study found that 62% of armadillos in the Brazilian Amazon are infected with M. leprae, the bacteria causing leprosy. Residents who consume armadillo meat have higher levels of leprosy antibodies, highlighting the risk of transmission.
Two proteins, SmMBD2/3 and SmCBX, play essential roles in the biology of Schistosoma mansoni, particularly in egg production. Disrupting these proteins' activity could lead to new drug targets for controlling schistosomiasis.
A new study provides a reliable map of Javan leopard distribution, highlighting priority landscapes and fragmented habitats. The predictive model reveals the importance of connectivity between protected areas and human-modified landscapes for the long-term survival of the species.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that mice can stimulate local growth while suppressing overall growth, enabling damaged tissues to recover and achieve symmetrical adult form. The placenta plays a crucial role in regulating overall growth rate and body proportions during development.
A trial from Niger found that village-wide prophylactic antibiotics significantly reduced the spread of meningitis. The study showed a 60% lower number of new meningitis cases in villages with antibiotic distribution compared to those without, highlighting the effectiveness of mass prophylaxis as an epidemic response.
A study analyzing WTO trade challenges found 93 regulations were raised over 20 years, with high-income countries challenging 77.4% of low- and middle-income country rules. These challenges can exert pressure on policy makers to design regulations consistent with WTO rules.
A study found that elderly patients with hip fractures who received rehabilitation under Medicare Advantage programs had shorter hospital stays and less therapy time. These patients also experienced a lower rate of readmission to the hospital within 30 days and higher successful discharge rates to the community.
A special collection of papers published in PLOS Genetics explores the genetic basis of human facial formation, revealing advances in understanding facial development, birth defects, and normal facial variation. The research identifies numerous genes contributing to facial malformations and syndromes.
Researchers analyzed human remains from Colonial Mexico to determine the evolutionary history of syphilis. They found that two subspecies of T. pallidum, associated with syphilis and yaws, can cause similar symptoms, suggesting a more complex evolutionary history than previously thought.
New computational simulations suggest that antibiotic treatment can suppress resistant species via attack on sensitive partner species in mutualistic relationships, and spatial arrangement influences cross-protection. The study found that competing species are more susceptible to suppression than mutually interacting species.
New research found that replication under low RNA conditions alters disease features when transmitted back to hamsters, suggesting that RNA levels during replication influence prion adaptation. This study's findings may improve understanding of cross-species prion transmission and disease in mammals.
A new study reveals that caffeine promotes the movement of a regulatory protein into mitochondria, enhancing their function and protecting cardiovascular cells. The protective effect was reached at a concentration equivalent to consumption of four cups of coffee, suggesting the effect may be physiologically relevant.
Researchers have found that invasive Aedes mosquitoes in California are capable of transmitting the Zika virus, a significant global health threat. The study involved infecting various mosquito species with three different strains of ZIKV and found that up to 90% of infected Aedes mosquitoes transmitted the virus.
Researchers found that combining antibiotics with synthetic peptides can significantly reduce the number of infecting bacteria and the size of abscesses in mouse models. The peptides disrupt the bacterial response to stressors like antibiotics, amplifying their uptake and increasing treatment efficacy.
Researchers discovered that mice can learn to plan ahead and avoid future regret by skipping bad deals and taking extra time to make informed decisions. Over time, the mice's strategies changed from immediately going for the best option to planning ahead to prevent regret.
Researchers analyzed ancient tools found with a 5,300-year-old frozen mummy to understand the Copper Age mountain people's way of life. The study revealed that the tools were made from chert collected from distant outcrops, indicating long-distance cultural contacts.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that the average 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease varies widely among India's states, ranging from 13.2% to 19.5%. The researchers identified substantial variation in CVD risk both among states and across socio-demographic groups.
A study of 99,654 individuals found that lifetime light alcohol drinkers had the lowest combined risk of mortality or developing cancer. The risk increased linearly with lifetime alcohol consumption, with heavy and very heavy drinkers facing significantly higher risks.
Researchers identified over 8,000 endogenous retroviruses in 72 fish species, 4 amphibians, and 16 reptiles, greatly expanding the known diversity of retroviruses. The study suggests that retroviruses frequently switched between hosts and originated from aquatic environments.
Spiders sense wind characteristics before takeoff and launch when conditions favor a successful flight. Large crab spiders use up to 60 nanoscale fibers averaging 3 meters long to float on the wind.
A new mathematical framework predicts the efficacy of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications, helping streamline the development of new treatments. The framework integrates molecular factors that affect drug efficacy, allowing researchers to evaluate clinical efficacy prior to clinical trials.
In Tanzania, trichiasis surgery patients often refuse treatment because they believe the recovery period is long. However, studies show that the recovery time is actually short, typically a few days. A new study found that educating community health workers about the procedure reduced refusals and increased knowledge about the surgery.
Researchers recorded narwhals in East Greenland, capturing six hours of audio that revealed three types of sounds: clicks, buzzes, and calls. The study found that narwhals produce buzzes at greater depths than clicks, and that a particular fjord had high buzzing rates, suggesting a preferred feeding area.
Childhood vaccination exemptions are increasing in parts of the US, with higher rates linked to lower MMR vaccination coverage. The authors highlight a need for stricter legislative action to protect children from highly infectious diseases.
Researchers found that current dosing regimens for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria may be sub-optimal for children below 5 years of age and pregnant women. A revised 5-day treatment regimen is suggested to improve treatment efficacy and delay drug resistance development.
Researchers have found that active HIV in macrophages can cause learning and memory problems in mice, even with suppressed viral levels. The study suggests that macrophages may transport HIV to the brain, leading to cognitive impairment.