A dengue vaccine has the potential to substantially reduce disease burden if it induces long-lasting immunity. Researchers found that a durable vaccine, with booster doses, can reduce annual dengue incidence by up to 80% within five years.
A study suggests that women in Corded Ware culture were highly mobile, with 42% of individuals found to be non-local, indicating a pattern of female exogamy
A new study reveals how LuxO, a key response regulator in Vibrio cholerae's quorum-sensing cascade, regulates the pathogenicity of the disease-causing bacterium. The researchers discovered an unusual inhibitory mechanism that permanently switches on LuxO, opening doors for potential therapeutic interventions.
A new tool helps guide resource allocation for Zika virus interventions by analyzing health impact and costs. The tool suggests that proposed funds to combat Zika in the US and other countries would be cost-effective, particularly for measures reducing Zika infections.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment in men who have sex with men (MSM) speeds up the spread of antibiotic-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, contrary to intuitive expectations. The study suggests that increased screening and treatment may inadvertently drive resistance, highlighting the need for balanced treatment recommendations.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics has identified a single gene, RCAN1, that may contribute to insulin secretion problems in both conditions. Overexpression of this gene leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced insulin production in beta cells.
A new species of horned dinosaur, Machairoceratops cronusi, has been discovered in southern Utah with distinctive back spikes. The discovery increases known centrosaurine diversity and may provide insights into the early evolutionary history of horned dinosaurs.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that ocelot densities in the Brazilian Amazon may be stable but lower than predicted. The research used camera-trap surveys to estimate ocelot density in a pristine forest area and found an average of 25 ocelots per 100 km2, which is lower than expected for the region.
A new species of horned dinosaur, Spiclypeus shipporum, has been identified in Montana, featuring sideways-protruding horns and unique bony spikes. The fossil discovery provides insights into the Late Cretaceous period's dinosaur diversity and highlights the importance of dietary specializations.
Researchers found that hornbills' beaks account for up to 20% of their non-evaporative heat loss, helping conserve water in hot desert environments. This unique adaptation may provide an advantage over panting, a method used by birds to cool off.
A study found that pathogenic bacteria use Opa proteins to bind human CEACAM proteins on mucosal cells, making them stickier and less likely to detach. This prevents exfoliation, allowing the bacteria to gain extra time to colonize or penetrate the mucosa.
Researchers found that earthworms create the surales landscapes by depositing casts and building towers of dry habitat, which eventually form mounds. The study suggests that these worms engineer the ecosystem, creating habitats used by plants and other earthworms.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that Ontario's infant rotavirus immunization program significantly reduced hospitalizations for acute gastroenteritis by 71%, while emergency department visits dropped by 68%. The findings also suggest that herd immunity may have been created among older children and adults.
A genome-wide association study of 39 dog breeds with gliomas identified three candidate genes associated with the tumor's development. These genes - CAMKK2, P2RX7 and DENR - have also been linked to cancer in humans. Further research into these genes may provide insights for potential treatments of glioma in both species.
A new study found that badges acknowledging open practices significantly increase reported data and materials sharing, making research findings more accessible and reliable. The initiative, which awards badges to publications meeting specific sharing criteria, has been shown to improve the quality and availability of research data and ...
A recent study highlights the persistence of syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa, where rates have remained higher than in other regions. The research suggests that common risk factors, such as HIV prevalence and connected sexual networks, may be underlying causes of the spread of syphilis in these populations.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that wolf puppies do not follow the expected 50:50 rule in play interactions, instead showing more equal play with similarly aged partners. Adult wolves, on the other hand, exhibit self-handicapping behaviors to engage younger pups in play.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that gamma-retroviruses preferentially insert near cancer-associated genes, suggesting a new tool for identifying genes driving specific cancers. This discovery could lead to the identification of potential therapeutic targets.
A population study found that low birthweight babies had increased death rates from infancy to adolescence, with causes including perinatal events and congenital malformations. The study suggests focusing on upstream events to prevent low birthweight remains an important health goal.
A study found that human-specific variants of four microRNAs may have altered expression levels and gene targets compared to other great apes. The variations were linked to neural functions and development, suggesting a possible role in shaping human-specific traits.
Researchers identified two distinct neuronal cell lineages expressing Nplp1, driven by different spatiotemporal cues and converging on a common terminal selector cascade. The study provides new insights into neuronal cell fate specification and the role of feed-forward loops in regulating gene expression during development.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases describes a suitable small animal model for testing ZIKV interventions. The A129 mouse model accumulates virus in the brain and other tissues, exhibiting symptoms similar to those in humans.
Researchers have built a computer model that mimics bees' ability to detect motion and navigate complex environments. The model uses optic flow to control flight and avoid obstacles, paving the way for more efficient autonomous flying robots.
A study found that vaccination under the influence of estradiol enhances protection against genital herpes by shifting the immune response in the vaginal mucosa toward a more effective antiviral one. Estradiol accelerates and increases the response of T helper cells, promoting inflammation.
Researchers discovered that African trypanosomes use repetitive 70-bp regions to select new coat protein genes from an archive, evading host antibodies. This process could be crucial for reducing chronic infections of sleeping sickness if deactivated.
The 2013-2014 sea star wasting epidemic had a significant impact on the Oregon coast population, with up to 80% of sea stars dying during the outbreak. However, by spring 2015, the population was recovering in numbers, with study sites having up to 300 times as many new sea stars as in 2014.
A comparative analysis of three shark species in the Virgin Islands reveals distinct use patterns in deeper coral reefs. Lemon sharks show increased activity near group spawning aggregations, suggesting a link between fish prey location and shark movements.
A study suggests that current vaccines provide only partial protection against the G5 strain of Japanese encephalitis virus, and natural infection with a different strain may not offer protection. The findings indicate that an emerging crisis in South-East Asia is possible, warranting further research on vaccines.
The study found that sharing sanitation facilities with one or two households was associated with an increased risk of diarrhea in young children. Private household sanitation facilities were not found to be associated with this risk at all sites, suggesting a global health priority for access to these facilities.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens identifies a host gene involved in the formation of Hepatitis C virus particles. The gene, ABHD5, regulates the efficiency of virus assembly and release from human host cells. High levels of ABHD5 expression lead to fewer lipid droplets, while lower levels result in their accumulation.
A study by Fatima Maia and her team found that modifying household utensils can increase autonomy and self-esteem among patients with leprosy. Patients reported feeling joyful using modified tools like toothbrushes, pens, and mugs, while also experiencing frustration with remaining limitations.
A study found that Neandertals ate mainly meat in open environments and supplemented with plants, whereas modern humans retained a large proportion of plant-based foods. This difference may have given modern humans an advantage over Neandertals.
Researchers found that male peacocks vibrate their feathers at resonance, which enhances the vibrational amplitude and suggests energetically efficient displays. The iridescent eyespots stay stationary during displays due to locked barbs, keeping them in place as loose barbs shimmer in the background.
A study published in PLOS ONE identifies distinct patterns of seasonal influenza activity in the tropics and subtropics, grouping countries into eight geographical zones. These zones can inform targeted flu vaccination programs, providing valuable insights into optimal delivery timing and vaccine formulation.
A 500,000-year-old human femur discovered in Morocco shows evidence of being consumed by large carnivores like hyenas. The bone fragment featured fractures and tooth marks, suggesting carnivore chewing, which was likely made shortly after death.
A new study provides insights into the evolutionary trajectory of penguins in Australia, revealing a 20-million-year history of species dispersals. The research suggests that ancestors of modern little penguins arrived in Australia with the help of a strengthened Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
A new prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma, ITA.LI.CA, shows superior survival prediction in Italian and Taiwanese cohorts, integrating tumor staging, liver function, functional status, and alpha-fetoprotein level. The resulting score has concordance indices of 0.71 and 0.78 in internal and external validation cohorts.
Research suggests that child homicide is responsible for approximately 1% of all neonatal deaths in South Africa. The majority of these deaths occur among infants aged 0-6 days, with abandonment being the most common method of homicide.
A large case-control study found that statin use is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, but the difference in risk between statin users and non-users was not significant. Increased serum cholesterol levels were also independently linked to decreased risk of colorectal cancer.
Scientists have discovered a new species of titanosaurian dinosaur, Sarmientosaurus musacchioi, with a complete skull and partial neck fossil from Argentina. The study found that the brain was small relative to its body but showed greater sensory capabilities, including enhanced vision and hearing.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that women in sub-Saharan Africa who use modern contraceptives are more likely to undergo HIV testing than those who do not. The research highlights a missed opportunity to provide education and HIV testing concurrently with condom and pill provision.
Global norovirus experts identify key gaps in knowledge and provide information to further vaccine development. The most efficient approach is developing a vaccine for young children, with the greatest impact at the global level.
A study on live-bearing sea anemones found that offspring transition from using egg yolks to pre-natal and post-natal parental feeding during development. The researchers also discovered a possible link between size variation within the clutch and parent-offspring conflicts or sibling rivalry.
Dairy fats found on ancient pottery sherds suggest high alpine dairying began at least 3000 years ago. The findings provide early evidence of nutritious resources being produced and exchanged for socioeconomic development.
A case-controlled study of 23 young people with type I diabetes found that those who cared for pets had well-controlled blood sugar levels, 2.5 times more likely than non-pet owners. The researchers suggest that factors like household routines and responsibility may also support self-management of the condition.
Research finds that infants develop strong antibody responses to RSV F and G proteins after infection, while adult immunity weakens over time. The study suggests that future vaccines should include G proteins to boost anti-G responses.
Researchers found that young birds exhibit mature flight stroke early in development by leveraging leg and wing power, challenging existing ideas about flight origin. This discovery could provide insights into the evolution of flight in ancient theropod dinosaurs.
Analysis of muskoxen hair shows limited forage availability and reliance on body stores during extreme winters. The method provides a unique way to monitor remote tundra animals and understand the impact of climate change.
Fossils of an extinct 'storyteller' crocodylian from Peru show evidence of parallel evolution of river-dwelling lifestyle and protruding, telescoped eyes in South American and Indian species. The study suggests that these features evolved separately to help catch fish in habitats.
The article examines the association between for-profit nursing home ownership and care quality, concluding that the precautionary principle should be applied. Observational studies show that publicly funded care in for-profit facilities is inferior to public or non-profit facilities.