Middle Stone Age humans developed intentional heat treatment of silcrete rock to facilitate the flaking process, which impacted all subsequent stages of silcrete tool production and use. The authors suggest that this technique may provide direct evidence of the extensive use of fire applied to a whole lithic chain of production.
A 'risky-and-reliable' plant use strategy balancing wetland plants and seasonal grasses may have enabled the adoption of a sedentary lifestyle, driving Neolithization in Jordan. Fossilized phytoliths found at a 19,000-year-old site suggest an alternative to expected Neolithization pathways.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests Grauer's gorillas are Critically Endangered due to a 77% population decline over one generation. The research identifies three key areas critical for the remaining population and calls for greater conservation efforts, including halting mining and protecting wildlife.
The European Union experiences a significant number of healthcare-associated infections each year, resulting in approximately 2.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The study found that these infections have a higher combined burden than other communicable diseases like influenza and HIV/AIDS.
A new study found that spraying barley crops with an RNA molecule inhibits fungus growth, while the plant's vascular system transports it to distant infection sites. The researchers also identified a key protein involved in the process.
A phylogenetic analysis supports transoceanic dispersal of Amaurobioides genus across Southern Hemisphere continents. The study suggests that an ancestral population existed on ancient supercontinent Gondwana and dispersed eastward during the Miocene era.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that shelter dogs spending more time resting during the day displayed better behavioral signs of well-being and performed better on a food reward test. The researchers suggest setting aside quiet time for dogs to rest may be beneficial for their welfare.
A study found that Blue tits' migratory behavior is driven by their need for energy and environmental information. Lean and late-migrating individuals tend to explore new environments quicker than larger birds or those with more fat reserves, suggesting that foraging may be primarily driven by energy requirements.
A 24-year study found that sudden blood pressure drops are associated with a 15% increase in long-term dementia risk. Orthostatic hypotension was linked to brief episodes of reduced brain blood flow, potentially leading to detrimental effects on brain tissue.
A modeling study suggests that supplementary vaccination campaigns triggered by measles outbreaks could prevent 28,613 cases over 15 years in high-incidence settings. Vaccination campaigns prompted by serological surveys could prevent more cases, but would need to occur annually in high-incidence settings.
Researchers found bumblebees can solve string-pulling task through social learning, with 60% of untrained bees solving it after watching others. The skill continues to spread even after the original string-puller is gone.
Researchers found that administering spermidine can prevent age-induced memory impairment by stopping synapses from narrowing their operational space. This study provides a new lead for treating age-associated dementia.
A new screening strategy could quickly identify drugs with antiviral potential by repurposing existing medications for other conditions. The research revealed 110 human genes that could serve as antiviral targets for specific existing drugs.
Researchers have identified a protein in mosquito saliva that binds to and inhibits the Dengue virus, reducing its transmission to human cells and mice. The study suggests that targeting this protein could provide a novel approach to preventing disease transmission.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that progesterone treatment reduces influenza infection severity by reducing inflammation and boosting lung cell production of amphiregulin. Progesterone also promotes faster recovery from the infection.
Researchers found that bonobos' diets differ with social rank in males and reproductive stages in females, revealing a high protein diet during pregnancy and an energy-rich diet during lactation. These findings suggest that the diet of great apes may be influenced by sociodemographic factors.
A chromosome anomaly in mosquitoes linked to cattle feeding behavior may hold the key to reducing malaria transmission. Researchers identified a specific chromosomal rearrangement associated with cattle feeding in Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes.
A new study estimates that human hookworm infection results in over 4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally, with China facing up to $6.7 billion in productivity losses annually. The infection is estimated to cost between $7.5 billion and $138.9 billion in productivity losses worldwide.
A new study reveals that genes within and outside the heart play a crucial role in determining the risk of congenital heart defects. The research found that Nipbl gene mutations can cause atrial septal defects, but only when combined with other genetic factors or environmental influences.
A new pathogen, Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis, has been identified as causing anthrax-like disease in chimps, gorillas, elephants, and goats across four African countries. The bacteria share distinct genetic and biological characteristics with Bacillus anthracis.
Researchers discovered that bats' adorable head movements synchronize with sonar vocalizations to track prey. The findings reveal how movement enhances signals used by sight and hearing in various species.
A team of researchers has discovered the three-dimensional structure of infectious prions, revealing a four-rung β-solenoid architecture that allows for replication. This finding rules out existing theories and proposes a novel templating mechanism involving protein-protein interactions.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that bandicoots in Tasmania avoid domestic dogs due to thousands of years of dingo coexistence, but not cats. Tasmanian bandicoots have been exposed to dogs for 200 years, while dingoes arrived in mainland Australia 4000 years ago.
Researchers have identified a unique set of protein markers in human hair that could be used to distinguish individuals. The findings demonstrate the robustness of these proteins and estimate that they would be sufficient to provide a unique pattern for an individual among a population of one million.
Patients registered to extended-access practices had a 26.4% relative reduction in ED visits for minor problems compared to those with routine access. This resulted in significant cost savings, but no overall reduction in ED visits.
A new metric, Relative Citation Ratio (RCR), quantifies article influence at the article level and field-independently. RCR overcomes issues with previous metrics by using citation rates to measure influence.
Researchers found that retroviral genes are essential for placenta development and contribute to male muscle mass. In mice, the inactivation of syncytins led to a fusion deficit during muscle growth, resulting in smaller fibers and less effective regeneration in males.
Researchers in Northwestern China report ongoing transmission of rabies, highlighting challenges in reservoir animals such as dogs and wild foxes. The study emphasizes the need for oral vaccines for these animals, citing limited evidence on vaccination dosing and scheduling.
Research reveals GBS produces membrane-bound vesicles containing toxins and immune-modulators that can attack the host, leading to inflammation of membranes surrounding the fetus. The study shows that these vesicles can induce preterm birth and fetal injury in mice, with approximately 60% of fetuses born prematurely.
Two studies reveal unique properties of cells in Drosophila larvae that exhibit resistance to cell death and participate in tissue regeneration. Cells from specific 'tumor hotspots' express conserved signaling pathways necessary for tumor formation, while deregulation of these pathways is implicated in human cancer therapy resistance.
A new mathematical model has successfully reproduced complex brain activity during deep sleep, revealing its role in memory consolidation. The thalamocortical coupling is crucial for this process, according to the researchers.
Researchers found that similarities between contact calls of female rhesus macaques were predicted by familiarity, not kinship. Call structure was similar among females with similar age or matrilineal membership, suggesting experience has a greater impact on acoustic similarity than genetic background.
Mass drug administration in Liberia reduced malaria incidence, but actual treatment compliance was low due to misconceptions about health interventions. The study found a significant decline in monthly malaria fever cases from 4.3% to 1.5% after the intervention.
A new bioethical framework proposes addressing ethical concerns in human-animal embryo research by prioritizing animal welfare. The framework aims to balance scientific progress with animal protection, enabling research that can help patients in need of organ transplants.
A randomized controlled trial of 795 UK dentists found that receiving a personalized report detailing past prescription rates reduced antibiotic prescriptions by 5.7%. Dentists who received additional written behavior change messages showed an even greater reduction in antibiotic prescribing rates.
A study found that medication abortions in Ohio required more interventions, side effects, and higher costs after an outdated protocol was implemented. Women who had abortions post-law period were three times more likely to need additional interventions.
A mathematical model suggests that alternating between erlotinib and evofosfamide could help prevent drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer patients. This treatment schedule is more effective than using either drug alone, according to a study published in PLOS Computational Biology.
A genome-wide association study identified genetic variants that contribute to the formation of healthy facial traits, including nose size and face width. The study confirmed previous findings and provided insights into the role genes play in facial development.
Scientists developed a reductionist approach to HIV vaccine design by engineering broadly neutralizing antibodies with minimized rare features. The resulting antibodies retained their specificity for HIV while exhibiting excellent neutralization breadth, offering promising leads for HIV vaccine development.
Researchers have discovered that flexible molecules can bind more effectively to proteins causing diseases like breast cancer. This finding could lead to the development of more effective pharmaceutical drugs. By maintaining molecular flexibility, scientists may be able to create stronger bindings with disease-causing proteins.
Researchers identified Mp1p as a key virulence factor in Talaromyces marneffei, allowing it to survive in macrophages and cause disease. The protein's homologs were also found to contribute to pathogenicity, highlighting a potential target for treatment.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that golden eagles are more abundant in open, elevated areas with high wind speeds. These areas provide better hunting opportunities and allow for efficient flight, suggesting a preference for landscapes with these characteristics.
Researchers created open-source, web-based visualizations of nocturnal bird migrations using weather radar networks. These new tools depict the timing, direction, and speed of bird movements at scales previously impossible to achieve.
A study found that providing antiretroviral treatment (ART) to both members of a couple and offering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to the HIV-negative partner significantly reduced HIV transmission rates, with a 96% decrease in transmission compared to expected rates.
A study reveals inadequate laboratory testing capacity and underutilization of existing technologies, limiting the ability to meet global HIV targets. This shortcoming affects countries' capacity to monitor HIV infection and provide antiretroviral therapy.
A longitudinal study found that children and adolescents with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience reduced longevity and significant psychosocial problems in adulthood. The study compared TBI cases to unaffected siblings, revealing strong associations between TBI severity, recurrence, and older age at first injury.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases suggests that treating cattle with fipronil can significantly reduce visceral leishmaniasis by killing sand flies. The treatment is most effective when applied regularly, but also depends on the timing relative to the sand fly lifecycle.
A study in mice found that recalling 'old' antibodies does not compromise the response against new flu strains. In fact, some 'original antigenic sin' antibodies are highly effective at protecting against secondary encounters with antigenically drifted viral strains.
Barbados bullfinches and Carib grackles can successfully pull strings to access food, but this skill is unrelated to performance on other cognitive tasks. The study also found that some birds improve their string-pulling ability with practice.
A study suggests that ancient Teotihuacan residents bred and managed rabbits and hares for their diet, which includes human-farmed crops. This finding indicates small mammal husbandry in Mesoamerica.