A new mouse model developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine enables the study of Zika virus infection and its effects on the brain. The model, which lacks key immune system components, allows for the testing of vaccines and antivirals against the virus.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that low body mass index increases risk of mortality after acute myocardial infarction, even after controlling for other health factors. The researchers analyzed data from 57,574 elderly patients and found underweight patients had a 13-26% higher risk of death compared to normal weight patients.
A multicenter cohort study found no differences in Apgar scores, cord pH, or postpartum bleeding between out-of-hours and in-hours deliveries. However, women who delivered out-of-hours had slightly lower rates of cesarean section and instrumental delivery.
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection can cause abnormal brain development in the fetus by activating a key signaling pathway. Studies have found that HCMV substantially reduces the rate of neurons generated by neural stem cells.
Researchers discover a 'green beard' system in fungi to decide on compatibility and actively seek out favorable cells. This mechanism is necessary and sufficient to determine 'self' identity, enabling cooperation between non-genealogical relatives.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that corrective eyelid surgery substantially increases the quality of life (QoL) for people with trachomatous trichiasis, even when vision is not improved. The surgery improves symptoms such as pain and irritation, and enables patients to work and earn an income.
Recent changes in Alaska's tundra landscape allowed moose to expand their habitat northward by hundreds of miles. The study found that increased shrub height and longer summers created a suitable environment for the iconic species.
Researchers discovered that Saharan silver ant hairs use total internal reflection to reflect sunlight, resulting in a bright silver color. This adaptation allows the ants to stay up to 2°C cooler under simulated sunlight, making them well-suited for desert survival.
A new malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, has been developed to combat the disease. Despite waning efficacy in infants and young children, researchers argue that the vaccine could still be used in targeted strategies to interrupt transmission in low-endemic areas.
Researchers analyzed data and samples from 364 patients with acute skin rash, detecting ZIKV RNA in 119 blood samples. The study found the virus was introduced to Brazil from Asia, with at least some cases transmitted locally through mosquito bites or person-to-person contact.
A mobile-phone-based system is demonstrating huge potential for improving public health service delivery in resource-poor settings. The system has facilitated ongoing data collection, greatly improving data quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness.
Research reveals typhoid toxin promotes long-term colonization without disease in infected hosts, reducing intestinal inflammation and altering gut microbiome. Chronic infection was not linked to cancer development, highlighting a novel immune modulating role for the toxin.
Researchers recorded footage of wild Bawean warty pigs using camera traps to estimate population size and habitat preferences. The findings suggest the species is endangered due to low population density and habitat loss.
The study suggests that population approaches requiring less individual agency, such as reducing salt in processed food, may be more effective and equitable in addressing diet-related obesity. These interventions can benefit a larger population without relying on individuals' personal and psychological resources.
A new Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions showed potential in assessing studies with higher risk of bias. Exclusion of high-risk studies altered estimates of clinically pertinent outcomes in two systematic reviews, highlighting the need for further testing of the new instrument.
Coral reefs in the South China Sea are facing severe damage due to dredging and land reclamation. The study reveals that seven atolls have lost ~11.6 km2 of reef area while gaining ~10.7 km2 of land between 2014 and 2015. The researchers call for international cooperation to conserve this critical ecosystem.
Researchers have created promising new cold-adapted vaccine strains that can grow at lower temperatures, making them ideal for mass production and distribution. These strains are highly unlikely to cause poliomyelitis in humans and can induce a potent immune response when inactivated.
Researchers have uncovered the first confirmed report of tadpoles from the Indian Dancing frog family, revealing unique adaptations such as muscular eel-like bodies and skin-covered eyes. These findings provide valuable information for conservation of ancient and endemic frogs in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
The Indian Purple frog's unique development allows it to cling to underwater rocks as a tadpole and then dig underground as an adult. This adaptation enables the species to survive in ancient streams.
A study applied WHO's NTD-DQA tool to Ghana's lymphatic filariasis program, finding over 60% of reported data had low accuracy. The researchers suggest ways to improve data quality and highlight the need for a comprehensive assessment to establish appropriate responses.
A study found that salmon are less aggressive in tanks with darker backgrounds, preferring dark grey and black over light grey and light blue. This suggests a simple environmental modification to improve fish welfare.
A new automated Ebola blood test has been evaluated in a field setting and shown to provide accurate results, potentially facilitating expanded access to testing. The test performed well on both whole blood and cheek swab samples, with high sensitivity and specificity.
A new study found that conservation research is predominantly conducted in less biodiverse countries, exacerbating the global biodiversity crisis. The study suggests that biases in the field of conservation science must be addressed to meet international targets.
By treating individuals with a combination of drugs having different mechanisms of action, the chances of a malaria parasite developing multiple genetic mutations needed to survive is substantially decreased. This approach prolongs therapy effectiveness and preserves first-line drugs for treating malaria.
A high-throughput RNA interference screen identified fibrillarin as a crucial host protein required for live henipavirus infection in human cells. This discovery suggests that methyltransferase enzymes, including fibrillarin, represent a potential target for the development of anti-henipavirus drugs.
A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals a vast diversity of RNA viruses that infect bacteria, with over 122 new types identified. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the ecological dynamics between bacteriophages and bacteria, and potentially developing new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
A simulation study published in PLOS Computational Biology estimated the true impact of infectious diseases like swine flu, which can be missed due to underreporting. The research shows that less than 10% of the Finnish population was infected with swine flu during the first two seasons in 2009-2011.
Researchers identified a human enzyme called fibrillarin as crucial for henipavirus infection, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target. The study's findings have implications for the development of an anti-henipavirus drug, and may also offer broader use against other paramyxoviruses.
Researchers found that human ancestors had impaired nasal air conditioning, but their pharyngeal cavities could compensate. This led to the diversification of early Homo and their ability to explore Africa's more severe climates.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that pit bulls wait three times longer to be adopted from shelters than lookalike breeds without the label. The 'pit bull' breed is often negatively perceived, leading to lower adoptability.
Researchers argue that mandatory FGM reporting as child abuse is not an effective solution and propose a three-step approach: educating health workers, women at risk, and incorporating antenatal screening. This proactive strategy relies on awareness, training, and proper documentation to make a positive change.
Researchers found that all ticks contained symbiotic bacterial species, while over half were infected with multiple pathogens. The study highlights the importance of accounting for interactions between symbionts and pathogens in tick-borne disease diagnosis and treatment.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that HIV infection disrupts the immune response to Mtb, making it harder for the body to control active TB. Researchers found that early HIV infection diminishes a specific component of the immune response called IL-10, leading to a weaker defense against Mtb.
Researchers propose a novel storage system using pre-cut filter paper to store dried cerebrospinal fluid samples. The method was tested on 132 samples, showing high accuracy in detecting Japanese encephalitis virus antibodies.
Scientists discovered a novel metal-binding activity in MamO, a protease that helps build magnetic nanoparticles using a unique motif. The study found that this process has evolved convergently throughout the evolution of magnetosomes.
A genetic analysis of critically endangered Orinoco crocodile hatchlings reveals that some clutches may be fathered by two or three male crocodiles. The study, published in PLOS ONE, found that half of the clutches were fathered by multiple males.
A study examines a lawsuit by Amarin Pharmaceutical that challenged the FDA's ban on promoting off-label uses of its product. The authors argue that such statements should be required to assert scientific facts beyond mere logical truth to regulate commercial speech about pharmaceuticals. They advocate for informative content based on ...
A study found that planned repeat C-sections are not associated with worse long-term health outcomes in children compared to vaginal births after cesarean sections. The only consistent difference was a slightly elevated risk for hospitalization with asthma in children born by C-section, but this was deemed clinically insignificant.
Researchers found that brain swelling in mice with experimental cerebral malaria starts in the olfactory bulb and spreads along a specific path called the rostral migratory stream. This path is used by immature nerve cells and immune cells, allowing the progression of inflammation into the central nervous system.
A study of over 550 Australian children found that girls were 19% less active than boys, with lower fitness levels and weaker home and school support. The authors suggest strategies to increase physical activity for girls should focus on home, school, and extracurricular activities
A new Pacific-Rim Trade Agreement may limit access to medicines for patients with diabetes. Research suggests that Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) blockers can have similar effects on cardiovascular and renal outcomes as other treatments.
A study found that infected brine shrimp were more resistant to arsenic toxicity, with increased fat-containing droplets and changes in oxidative stress markers. The researchers suggest that parasite infection may protect the shrimp against pollutants through a mechanism known as 'survival of the fattest',
Researchers developed a new method to produce coral snake antivenom using synthetically designed DNA, bypassing the need for venom collection from snakes. The approach resulted in a neutralization rate of 60% against coral snake venom, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods.
A cross-sectional survey found high prevalence of parasitic infection among urban farmers in Kampala, with an infection rate of 76%. The study highlights the need for increased public health protection measures and integrated sanitation safety planning for marginalized communities.
A mix of poor public health systems, high infectious disease rates, and inexpensive antibiotics contribute to increasing antibiotic resistance in India. Experts suggest regulating over-the-counter access to antibiotics, promoting behavior change, and improving the healthcare system to mitigate this growing threat.
A collection of papers from global health experts argues that investing in new health tools, delivery innovations, and disease control strategies can avert 10 million deaths annually. The collection focuses on five conditions disproportionately affecting the world's poorest people.
Researchers found that female alligators near wading bird nesting colonies had higher body condition than those without active colonies. The study suggests a beneficial interaction between birds and alligators, where birds provide protection and chicks become a food source for the alligators.
The Zika Response Working Group provides recommendations for countermeasures against the Zika virus, highlighting the need for open-minded responses and collaboration. Key findings include the potential of currently marketed drugs to have anti-Zika activity and the challenges of rapid vaccine development.
A novel psychiatric intervention called Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) has been shown to reduce the risk of suicide re-attempts by 80% in patients who have attempted suicide. The study found that ASSIP participants experienced a significantly lower rate of repeat attempts compared to those who received standard care.
The study found that monotherapy with favipiravir is unlikely to be effective in patients with very high viremia, but may offer benefits in those with lower viremia. The trial also highlighted the importance of adapting research protocols for emergency situations and integrated research into care.