A new study reveals the vaginal tract harbors a more genetically diverse HIV-1 population than the blood, with an average of 5.7 variants vs. 1.7 in blood plasma. This finding supports the existence of a genetic bottleneck that filters out variants between the two compartments.
Researchers have developed a simplified musculoskeletal model that uses network science to predict how injuries in one area of the body can lead to increased strain on other areas. The model could help clinicians and physical therapists develop new treatments for injury prevention and management.
A study found an inverse correlation between waist circumference and fitness, suggesting that high fitness levels can reduce abdominal fat mass and low-grade inflammation. The researchers analyzed data from 10,976 individuals and found that higher fitness was associated with smaller waist circumferences and lower inflammation levels.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) treatment can reduce the fertility of adult house flies by interfering with gene expression. The treatment, which targets specific genes involved in the fly's reproductive process, resulted in reduced egg development and oviposition rates.
Research suggests that cervical dilatation during labor for vaginal births can progress more slowly than the widely accepted benchmark of 1 cm/hour in many women. Women giving birth to their first child and progressing at the slowest rates may take up to 7 hours to reach full dilation.
A retrospective cohort study found that women diagnosed with GDM have a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension. The study highlights the importance of targeted risk factor management to improve long-term metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes.
Researchers found that flowering plants' small cell size is made possible by a greatly reduced genome size, allowing for faster rates of water transport and carbon dioxide uptake. This discovery explains the rapid spread of flowering plants across the globe and their unparalleled success in ecosystems.
Researchers have mapped podoconiosis in Cameroon, a neglected tropical disease causing leg swelling, with an overall prevalence of 0.5%. The study suggests a nationwide distribution, highlighting the need for prevention and control strategies to beat this disabling disease.
A human protein called prohibitin may play a significant role in infection of the nervous system by EV71 virus. The study found that inhibitin is required for entry and replication of the virus within cells.
A new study found that different strains of the same bacterial species can trigger vastly different immune responses in humans. Researchers discovered that distinct genes in each strain contribute to this variability, and may help explain why individuals respond differently to the same pathogens.
Researchers discovered evidence of Phoenician settlement and integration with indigenous communities in Monte Sirai, as well as unique mitochondrial lineages indicating female mobility to Sardinia and North Africa. The study provides new insights into the inclusive nature of Phoenician society.
A new study demonstrates how climate change can drive the collapse of marine food webs by altering trophic flows and promoting cyanobacterial proliferation. This can lead to reduced food availability for top predators, negatively impacting marine species diversity and fisheries productivity.
The first human settlers on the Scandinavian peninsula followed two distinct migration routes, resulting in a genetically diverse population. Genetic variants linked to physical performance and reduced skin pigmentation were found, indicating adaptation to cold environments.
Building stronger health systems in Madagascar could significantly reduce plague outbreak severity, as recent epidemics have shown. Improvements include staffing, infrastructure, supply chain enhancements and surveillance data integration.
Exosomes from tick cells can transmit viral proteins and genetic material to vertebrate host cells, enabling the spread of brain-infecting viruses. This discovery suggests that tick-borne Flaviviridae viruses may use exosomes to drive transmission and dissemination within the vertebrate host.
Research found that frequent alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death among those in lower socioeconomic positions. Moderate drinkers had a lower risk than infrequent drinkers. The study's findings highlight the need to consider socioeconomic factors when making recommendations on alcohol consumption.
Researchers identified a cluster of genes associated with antidepressant response in a mouse model, which were validated in human patients. The study suggests that molecular signatures can predict individual responses to treatment, potentially improving the quality of care for depressed patients.
Researchers discovered a new protein, CTL1, essential for ion homeostasis in plants. It regulates vesicle trafficking and affects plant growth and development by controlling auxin transporters.
Researchers have identified 22 high-risk districts in Uganda where cholera outbreaks are more likely due to proximity to international borders and bodies of water. These districts are recommended for strengthened collaboration with neighboring countries to control the spread of cholera.
Researchers propose alternative therapies for mild infections to slow antibiotic resistance development, maintaining effectiveness for severe infections. This approach involves targeting milder bugs that can indirectly hinder the spread of resistant strains.
The PLOS Medicine collection addresses diverse topics in the field of STI prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Researchers investigate vaccine development, online testing services, healthcare provider perspectives, and antibiotic shortages.
Researchers found that human APOBEC3H strongly inhibited SIVcpz due to its resistance to Vif proteins. The study suggests that human APOBEC3H may protect against HIV-1 transmission from chimps, particularly in individuals with unstable forms of the protein.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that simulates tumor growth and predicts response to cancer drugs. The model uses parameters of tumor growth to forecast treatment effectiveness, potentially leading to new strategies for predicting tumor response.
Researchers estimate that vampire bat rabies causes between 505-724 cattle deaths annually in Peru, with significant financial losses for farming communities. Enhancing vaccination programs can reduce the disease burden and increase awareness can encourage preventative measures.
A new ancient dolphin species, Urkudelphis chawpipacha, has been discovered in Ecuador, with a fossilized skull featuring distinctive facial features. The species is believed to be an ancestor of the nearly-extinct Platanistoidea, or river dolphin, and may have lived during the Oligocene era.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that cell salvage did not significantly reduce the need for donor blood transfusions during caesarean sections. However, it showed promise in reducing transfusions in emergency caesareans. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings.
Researchers found that increasing distance between bacterial membranes can block protective response, making them vulnerable to antibiotics. This new insight could lead to novel treatments and make currently available antibiotics more effective.
A new PLOS Biology collection examines the divide between evidence and policy regarding toxic chemicals. The collection reveals barriers to developing health-protective policies despite clear scientific evidence of harm. Authors suggest ways to work toward more effective health-protective policy, including research on chemical exposure...
Researchers developed a mouse model to study PRV's pathogenesis, virulence, and treatment efficacy. The model showed that the lung was the primary target organ for replication and demonstrated protective effects of antiserum and non-lethal doses.
Researchers identified 126 genetic variations in wild fruit flies that affect sleep duration, with some individuals needing more or less sleep than others. The study suggests that multiple signaling pathways contribute to sleep duration and may explain why a single purpose for sleep has been difficult to pin down.
A new study analyzes summaries from the AnimalTestInfo website to identify potential targets for reducing harm to lab animals. The research found specific areas where the '3Rs' (replacement, reduction, and refinement) can be implemented to minimize animal testing.
Researchers developed micro-grippers that can navigate PacMan-like virtual mazes with up to 3.4 body-lengths per second. The grippers' shape and size were crucial for successful navigation.
Wild-derived house mice produce complex ultrasonic vocalizations during social and sexual interactions, exhibiting features similar to bird song. Researchers found that calling rates and frequencies were higher in both males and females when paired with the opposite sex than with the same sex.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that improved facility infrastructure does not necessarily lead to better healthcare quality in low- and middle-income countries. Despite moderate levels of infrastructure ratings, facilities delivered widely varying quality of care.
Despite growing scientific diversity, leading journals' editorial boards are predominantly composed of US and UK editors, with limited representation from emerging nations. This lack of geographic diversity can hinder the diffusion of knowledge and limit opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Researchers identified specific bacterial species in honey bee guts that break down flavonoids and trigger hormone production, impacting colony health. The study's findings could inform strategies to boost bee health and resilience.
Researchers found that the circadian clock regulates cell division and can act as a tumour suppressor. Disrupted clocks may contribute to cancer development. New findings suggest using chronotherapy to reset the biological clock for optimal therapeutic effects.
Scientists have developed a machine learning approach to identify distinct dolphin click patterns in large datasets. The algorithm, presented in PLOS Computational Biology, can distinguish between species in the wild and potentially aid remote monitoring of wild dolphins.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that metformin can prevent the development of multidrug-resistant breast cancer and reverse it after its onset. The research suggests that metformin has potential as a treatment option for aggressive breast cancer, warranting further investigation.
A new research agenda for malaria elimination and eradication has been laid out in a collection of review articles, outlining six key areas of research. The malERA effort aims to accelerate malaria elimination and transform the global malaria community's ability to eradicate it.
Researchers investigate pretreatment with etanercept to manage post-treatment inflammation in neurocysticercosis, a major cause of epilepsy worldwide. Etanercept suppresses inflammatory pathways involved in treatment-induced inflammation.
Scientists found that parasitic nematodes use odors from host mice as cues to position themselves where they have a higher chance of being eaten. The worms are attracted to fresh mouse feces and can migrate towards new hosts based on odorants produced by mammalian skin, feces, or urine.
Recent studies present promising methods for early HIV identification and treatment, including self-testing and expanding antiretroviral therapy eligibility. Researchers also explore curing HIV using stem cell transplantation and discuss the ongoing growth of the Russian HIV epidemic.
A new study sheds light on the origin of the SARS virus, finding that genetic recombination between viral strains in bats may have produced the direct evolutionary ancestor of the strain that caused a deadly outbreak. The study also identified strains capable of entering human cells.
Researchers developed a system that allows citizens to monitor water temperatures and noise levels in real-time, generating live music from the marine world. The Sonic Kayak project demonstrates potential for transdisciplinary research, merging biosciences, remote sensing, sound art, coding, and sports.
Researchers trained staff in Tanzania to assess facial cleanliness and found reliable measures of clean faces. These findings suggest adding facial cleanliness assessments to trachoma surveys in developing countries where the infection is a public health problem.
A new study found that breast cancer proteins can have altered functions in tumor cells due to changes in protein interaction networks. This shift affects the number of genes performing each function, not their expression levels. The study predicts patient survival and cancer subtype based on these functional shifts.
A 3D stem cell-derived intestine model has been developed that closely mimics the natural human response to gut infection. The model displayed key small intestine characteristics and exhibited an antibacterial response upon E. coli infection.
Researchers used drones to take aerial photographs of leopard seals, finding they can accurately estimate body size and mass. This non-invasive method could be used to assess body condition in other pinnipeds, tracking responses to environmental changes and managing marine ecosystems.
A study analyzing heritage data from the Digital Index of North American Archaeology predicts that sea-level rise will destroy vast numbers of archaeological sites and cultural landscapes in the southeastern US. Over 13,000 recorded sites are at risk, including over 1,000 listed on the National Register of Historic Places.