A randomized trial found that preventive antimalarial drugs for children up to 10 years old reduced malaria cases and deaths, especially among older children. The study also showed a significant reduction in severe malaria incidence.
Two studies support the feasibility and validity of minimally invasive autopsies in lower-income countries. High concordance rates were observed between diagnoses from simplified minimally invasive autopsy methods and complete autopsies, with high acceptability among participants in five settings across Africa and Asia.
A novel signaling pathway involving CDC-42 GTPase directs the movement of cells during intercalation, a process shaping skin tissue in embryonic C. elegans. The study identifies a key regulator determining polarity and guiding cell migration.
Researchers have developed a new mouse model that can be used to study the Zika virus and its effects on the body. The model, which employs mice with functioning immune systems, has been shown to develop symptoms of neurological disease after infection, providing valuable insights into potential treatments.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that flagellar motility of P. aeruginosa is the main factor required to induce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The researchers developed an assay to quantify the levels of P. aeruginosa flagellin and found that immotile strains failed to stimulate NET formation.
Researchers found high viral infectivity rates for dengue serotypes 2 and 3 compared to strain 1. The study also showed antibodies contribute to disease severity during secondary dengue infections.
Researchers discovered that cholera follows distinct outbreak patterns in different climate subzones of Cameroon, with varying relationships between rainfall, temperature, and disease transmission. Locally targeted interventions are necessary to control the spread of the disease, according to the study's findings.
A study reveals that neurons in the human eye work together to correct errors and improve visual signal accuracy. The research used a mathematical model to analyze retinal ganglion cell activity and found that collective signals are more reliable than individual cell signals.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling correlates closely with trawl catches of subarctic, deepwater fish species in Greenland. This non-invasive method detected a higher abundance of the Greenland Shark and identified 26 families of fish, including rays and halibut.
A new study analyzed tooth wear patterns on fossil teeth from East African hominins and found that Paranthropus aethiopicus and Paranthropus boisei had softer diets than previously thought. The researchers' findings contradict previous isotopic evidence suggesting these species ate high proportions of fibrous, abrasive C4 plants.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that tens of individuals in Sierra Leone showed no signs of Ebola disease but still tested positive for antibodies, suggesting a minority may contract the virus without symptoms. The discovery raises questions about the scope of the 2013-2016 outbreak and potential transmissio...
A study published in PLOS Biology investigated the role of noradrenaline, acetylcholine, and dopamine in handling uncertainty. The findings suggest that these brain chemicals enable our brains to learn changing relationships in our environment, predicting future events and executing fast responses.
A UK-based study found that a large proportion of people at risk for cardiovascular disease were not prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs, despite having a clinical need. The research suggests that improved prescribing practices could potentially prevent up to 12,000 strokes per year in the UK.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that Pavlovian approach can bias human information sampling, leading to irrational decisions. The researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 participants and identified three biases related to reward-driven behaviors, which were more pronounced with higher education levels and age.
Researchers found that some mutations enabling chloroquine resistance in malaria parasites also enhance their growth rates, contradicting previous findings. These mutations impact metabolic pathways and digestive processes, contributing to multidrug resistance phenotypes.
A study found that funding and promotion criteria prioritize novel findings over confirmatory work, leading to unreliable results. Researchers recommend a balance of exploratory and confirmatory studies for better scientific progress.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Diseases reveals that Chagas disease has a significant presence in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, affecting up to 30% of those infected with Trypanosoma cruzi developing fatal cardiomyopathy. The research estimates 4,600 people are currently infected and 1,300 at risk for cardiac disease.
Scientists have developed machine learning algorithms to recognize insect feeding patterns causing devastating damage worldwide, including citrus greening through probing on host tissues. The technology enables rapid screening and disruption of pathogen transmission, benefiting agriculture, livestock, and human health.
A new study published in PLOS Biology suggests that animal study registries could enhance the value and reduce waste in animal research by improving reporting and reproducibility. The study's findings also highlight potential benefits and drawbacks, including concerns about intellectual property theft and increased administrative burdens.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between increased smartphone screen-time and lower sleep quality. Over 650 adult participants recorded their daily screen-time using a smartphone application, revealing that longer screen-time periods were linked to poorer sleep quality and less sleep overall.
The study predicts that countries in Oceania and Southeast Asia will be most affected by 2050, with high human dependence on coral reefs also facing combined threats from climate change and ocean acidification.
Researchers recorded narwhal clicks in Baffin Bay, finding they have the most directional sonar signal of any species. Narwhals scan vertically with sound during ascents and descents.
A randomized trial found that providing pregnant and postpartum women with multiple HIV self-tests increased the likelihood of their male partners being tested for HIV. The study showed a significant increase in partner testing, with 90.8% of partners tested within three months of enrollment, compared to 51.7% in the control group.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that natural selection removed weakly deleterious Neanderthal gene variants from the human genome, as they were more effective in larger human populations. This loss of Neanderthal ancestry is attributed to historical differences in population sizes between humans and Neanderthals.
A Northwestern University study found that female faculty in STEM disciplines have similar collaboration patterns to their male counterparts, but are underrepresented in large teams and international collaborations. The research highlights the need for a level playing field to address unequal opportunities and promote diversity in STEM.
A vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis has been developed using sand fly saliva, which induced antibodies in mice and reduced parasite levels. The study also found lower antibody levels in humans with active cutaneous leishmaniasis.
A new study reveals that cholesterol selectively binds to specific regions of GPCR proteins, enabling them to form paired structures and sense external signals. This discovery could open up new avenues for drug discovery and understanding cancer metastasis and AIDS.
A recent study found that injury in schistosome parasites triggers stem cell growth, which restores aging tissue and aids the parasite's long-term survival. This discovery could lead to new ways to target these worms and improve our understanding of their infection mechanisms.
A new collection offers practical tools and guidelines for conducting clinical research on neglected tropical diseases in resource-constrained settings. The collection addresses key challenges, including infrastructure, culture, and ethics requirements, to improve patient management and population-based control and elimination.
Gene expression data from E. coli grown in space reveal reduced glucose uptake and increased extracellular acidity, suggesting altered bacterial behavior due to reduced transport of molecules.
Researchers analyzed 21 ochre-processing tools from the Porc-Epic Cave site, revealing a range of techniques to produce powder of varying color and coarseness. The findings suggest high behavioral complexity in ochre use, with finer powders suitable for body painting and coarser ones for functional uses.
Researchers found that pregnant women experience decreased drug exposure due to increased elimination, but few studies described clinical outcomes. The findings highlight the need for clinicians to be aware of these unique pregnancy-related pharmacokinetics and critically examine their implications.
The study reveals that the loss of cilia on facial cells impairs the function of developmental repressors, leading to increased Hedgehog signaling and facial widening. This discovery provides insights into the mechanisms of midfacial development and sheds light on the underlying causes of ciliopathies.
A national 10% tax on SSBs in Mexico may prevent 189,300 new cases of type 2 diabetes, 20,400 incident strokes and heart attacks, and 18,900 deaths among adults aged 35-94 over 10 years. The tax could save 983 million international dollars in healthcare costs due to prevention of diabetes cases.
The study found that being born at term but small for gestational age is the leading global risk factor for childhood stunting. Unimproved sanitation and poor nutrition also significantly contribute to stunting in children.
A study of 903 children with autism spectrum disorder found that they have more harmful mitochondrial DNA mutations than their unaffected siblings. These mutations can be inherited from the mother or result from spontaneous mutation during development, increasing the risk of neurological and developmental problems.
A new study found that pulses of glucose can reactivate the insulin clock in beta cells, which regulate blood sugar. The research suggests that controlled glucose solutions may be used to treat Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found resveratrol reversed mouse heart dysfunction by improving pumping efficiency and reducing oxidative damage. The study suggests potential for resveratrol and similar substances to treat Chagas cardiomyopathy in humans.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that Upper Paleolithic humans might have exploited cave lions for their pelts, leading to their eventual extinction. The researchers analyzed fossilized toe bones from the La Garma site and found evidence of human modification, which they believe could be part of a single lion pelt.
A study found dramatic declines in sunflower sea star populations due to sea star wasting disease, affecting the Salish Sea ecosystem's balance. The disease has effectively disappeared these key predators from the area.
A large-scale program combining interpersonal counseling, mass media, and community mobilization significantly improved breastfeeding practices in Bangladesh and Viet Nam. Breastfeeding rates rose from 18.9% to 57.8% in Viet Nam and from 48.5% to 87.6% in Bangladesh, with positive impacts on early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding.
STAT2, a protein associated with viral infections, also inhibits cell growth and regulates cellular processes. This discovery offers insights into overcoming limitations of interferon therapies and developing novel tools for studying STAT2 functionality.
A new study published in PLOS Biology shows that the adult brain retains residual capacity to process restored or artificial visual inputs. Blind individuals who received a prosthetic implant were able to recognize unusual visual stimuli and improve their perception over time with extensive training.
A single dose of dextrose gel can lower the risk of developing neonatal hypoglycaemia in newborns, according to a randomized study. The study found that babies who received one dose of 200 mg/kg dextrose had the lowest risk of hypoglycemia compared to placebo.
Researchers used electronic health records and genome sequences to identify two genetic variations linked to age-related hearing impairment. The study found novel variations near the ISG20 gene and within TRIOBP, a gene previously associated with another type of hearing loss.
Researchers developed a new type of nanoparticle vaccine that effectively vaccinated mice against one dengue virus serotype. The vaccine targets only one strain, but its development could pave the way for vaccines against all four serotypes, potentially offering better protection against life-threatening disease.
Researchers created a simple rule of thumb to help predators weigh the pros and cons of sharing information about prey locations. The model suggests that cooperation is beneficial when it takes longer to find and consume prey, such as large buffalo or rich fishing grounds.
A new treatment plan combining multiple targeted drugs for CML has the potential to increase life expectancy and reduce relapse risk. Mathematical modeling predicts optimal combination schedules based on tumor mutations, offering a personalized approach to cancer treatment.
Researchers identified a novel rare mutation in the TM2D3 gene associated with an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The variant is approximately 10 times more common in Icelanders than in the European population, yet remains rare and present in fewer than 1% of the Icelandic population.
A modified HIV-1 virus can integrate into the genome of the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni, a major species of schistosomiasis-causing flatworm. This finding could aid research into potential new treatments for schistosomiasis and related neglected tropical diseases.