A study published in PLOS Medicine found that while HIV mortality declined and life expectancy improved for all adults following ART scale-up, the improvements were greater for females than males. Female adult life expectancy increased by 13.2 years, while male life expectancy increased only 9 years.
The PLOS Genetics Research Prize 2015 was awarded to Barroso-Batista et al. for their study on the adaptation of E. coli to the gut, which found that clonal interference dominates early stages of adaptation. The research used mice as hosts and demonstrated high reproducibility in populations evolving in different mice.
Gammaherpesvirus co-opts host SINE RNA transcripts to activate immune response and boost viral transcription. This finding reveals a new role for SINE RNAs in the host-pathogen interaction.
A mass drug administration (MDA) program implemented in Southern Greece eliminated malaria cases for two years, preventing a resurgence of the disease. The MDA covered 87% of an immigrant population and was effective in minimizing the risk of drug resistance.
A new algorithm combines apparent motion of obstacles with a target direction to avoid collisions, resulting in the formation of common routes. This approach is inspired by insects' navigation and can be used for autonomous robots navigating complex environments.
Researchers trained pigeons to distinguish between benign and malignant breast histology and radiology images, showing their ability to generalize what they learned. The study suggests that pigeons could aid in understanding human medical image perception and performance assessment.
Researchers tracked whale sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, revealing they use both near-surface and deeper waters for feeding, with some staying at depth greater than 50 meters continuously for over three days. The study found complex patterns of habitat utilization likely driven by shifting ocean conditions and prey distribution.
A study found that Chukchi Sea polar bears spent more time on land during summer sea ice loss, with minimal access to preferred prey. The increased land use may lead to increased nutritional stress and human-polar bear interactions.
Researchers tested 20 pneumococcal serotyping methods, finding that a microarray analysis with culture amplification is top-performing but a cheaper method offers an affordable alternative. The study's findings aim to improve vaccine development and evaluation in low-income countries.
Researchers from Brown University found that bats' extra wing mass generates inertial forces to reorient themselves when landing, unlike other flying animals. The discovery may be useful in the development of human-made flying machines.
Researchers analyze Cryptosporidium parvum protein involved in energy metabolism, identifying it as a potential target for developing therapeutics. The study found that lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors can inhibit parasite growth and ATP production.
Over 600 southern right whale calves died at the Península Valdés calving ground in Argentina between 2003 and 2014 due to Kelp Gull harassment. The number of gull-inflicted lesions increased from 2% in the 1970s to nearly all mothers and calves by the 2000s.
A new short-crested lizard, Probrachylophosaurus bergei, has been found in Montana, exhibiting an intermediate nasal crest between non-crested ancestors and larger crests of adult Brachylophosaurus. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of dinosaur species and sheds light on the transitional forms between different groups.
Researchers simulated predator attacks on ant colonies, revealing coordinated responses to damage. When scouts were removed from the periphery, foraging arms retreated into the nest, while entire colonies fled when workers were removed from the center.
A new clinical score, L-TRiP(cast), predicts the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with a leg cast. The model was validated in two independent cohorts and identified high-risk patients with an accuracy of 80.8%.
Researchers develop 'kick and kill' strategy using Dual-Affinity Re-Targeting molecules to target HIV-infected cells and killer T cells. The study shows that the molecules can induce killing of infected cells and reduce detectable HIV expression in blood cells.
Researchers analyzed 118 proto-porcelain and 35 impressed stoneware sherds, finding distinct chemical profiles that suggest raw materials were sourced locally. The discovery sheds light on the origin of Chinese proto-porcelain and its glazing techniques.
Research in the Netherlands found that persistent HIV transmission clusters, many of which originated before 1996, continue to sustain the epidemic among men who have sex with men. The study highlights the need for new prevention strategies to combat further increases in infection rates.
A new study develops a live attenuated SARS-CoV vaccine that maintains genetic stability through targeted modifications of the E protein gene. Vaccinated mice show full protection against challenge with virulent SARS-CoV, demonstrating potential as an efficient and safe vaccine.
A recent study published in PLOS Computational Biology identifies molecular similarities between environmental allergens and parasitic worm proteins, suggesting that allergy is a flawed immune response. The research provides tools for predicting protein molecules that may cause allergic reactions and could lead to new treatments.
A study found that long-term aerobic exercise can prevent structural deterioration associated with old age in mice, improving blood-brain barrier function and reducing inflammation. Exercise was particularly beneficial for animals lacking the Apoe gene, a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
A research team developed predictive models of flu-like activity combining data from Google, Twitter, EHRs, and crowd-sourced flu data. Ensemble modeling outperforms individual data sources and rivals CDC's retrospective reporting accuracy.
Climate shifts may drive up temperatures in Hawaii, allowing mosquitos into high elevation habitats where native vegetation persists. 20 Hawaiian forest bird species risk losing more than 50% of their range under climate change scenarios.
Research in India and Democratic Republic of the Congo found that households with continuous piped water supplies had lower rates of dysentery and typhoid fever, but no association with overall diarrheal illness or child growth. Interrupting water supply can negate health benefits.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that people with PTSD have reduced SGK1 protein activity in their prefrontal cortices. Reducing SGK1 activity in rats led to PTSD-like behavior and induced learned helplessness, a key aspect of the disorder.
A new study found that a 2°C warmer climate may lead to rapid population extinctions in common lizards, with up to 30% of European populations at risk. The researchers used experimental conditions to simulate warmer climates and observed increased adult mortality, decreased population growth rates, and a shift in demographic strategy.
Researchers found developing resistance to miltefosine in patients with post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis, leading to higher relapse rates. The study suggests a pressing need for new therapies to combat drug-resistant strains of the disease.
A study reveals that Aspergillus fumigatus uses its sugar galactosaminogalactan to evade the immune system, making it more resistant to neutrophil killing and increasing its virulence. This finding suggests targeting GAG as a potential antifungal approach for human patients.
Researchers have discovered a candidate target for a dengue virus transmission-blocking vaccine, which interferes with the virus's infection of mosquitoes. The target protein, CRVP379, is required during DENV infection in mosquito cells and whole mosquitoes, and its expression levels correlate with the level of DENV infection.
Researchers propose that bats compare the loudness of echoes in both ears and turn away from the side receiving the loudest echo, avoiding obstacles. This simple algorithm is shown to be effective in steering bats away from obstacles in 2D and 3D environments.
A trial found that a collaborative care model using health risk assessment and counseling reduced the number of risk factors and preventative care deficits among older participants. The study demonstrated improved 8-year survival rates, with a mortality rate of 3.16 per 100 person-years in the intervention group.
Research in West African countries finds that co-infection with two species of schistosome does not affect treatment efficacy, but patterns of re-infection vary. Overall, the study suggests that further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of schistosome interactions.
A team of scientists has discovered a group of perinatal Saurolophus angustirostris dinosaurs found at the Dragon's Tomb site in Mongolia. The young dinosaurs, likely from the same nest, exhibit characteristics similar to those of adult Saurolophus angustirostris, including an upwardly directed snout and poorly developed crest.
A study published in PLOS Medicine identified genetic ablation of P2RX7 as a promising approach to treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy, improving muscle structure, strength, and reducing cognitive impairment and bone loss. The findings suggest that P2RX7 antagonists may also reduce certain DMD phenotypes.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that tougher guidelines on animal research can lead to improved outcomes for developing new medicines. The analysis found that only a minority of studies reported using random assignment and researcher blinding, which are essential to minimize bias.
Research found that carbohydrate-binding protein Gal-1 modified infection in heart muscle cells, highlighting its importance in response to parasite infection. Galectins, like Gal-1, play a role in regulating parasite interactions and may recognize glycans on the host cell surface used for invasion.
Researchers found that infected cells in breast tissues could transmit the influenza virus from mothers to breast-feeding infants and vice versa using a ferret model. The study also showed that mammary glands can harbor live influenza virus and produce it in milk.
A well-preserved 48-million-year-old horse-like fetus was discovered near Frankfurt, Germany, revealing significant details about the fossil record of a placental mammal. The study suggests that the reproductive system of early horses may have been highly developed during the Paleocene epoch.
Two new clinical decision instruments (DIs) can accurately identify blunt chest injury in patients. Chest CT-All correctly identified major or minor injuries 95.4% of the time, while Chest CT-Major identified major injuries with a high degree of accuracy. These DIs may reduce unnecessary scans by 25%-37%.
A randomized controlled trial in Peru found that deworming treatment had no significant impact on growth in pre-school children, similar to a placebo. The study highlights methodological challenges and the need for further research to accurately detect the true effect of deworming on growth in early childhood.
Researchers found that hibernating bats infected with the white nose fungus exhibited a partial immune response, including acute inflammation and wound healing. However, the influx of white blood cells into infected tissue was missing, which may be related to the unique characteristics of the Pd pathogen.
A new study provides the first direct window into the maturation of vision-related areas in the infant brain, showing that major motion processing areas are operational by 7 weeks. The study found similarities between infants and adults in terms of brain activity patterns, but also notable differences, particularly in the development o...
A cluster-randomized trial in rural Tanzania found that home-based counselling strategies had no effect on neonatal mortality, despite improvements in newborn care practices. Neonatal mortality decreased in both intervention and control groups, with better breastfeeding rates and handwashing practices reported in the intervention area.
A mouse model study published in PLOS Pathogens reports a causal link between prenatal malaria exposure and subsequent neurocognitive impairment in offspring. The research identifies key molecular mechanisms involved, including C5a signaling, which can be targeted to improve cognitive development.
Researchers found a promising target for new therapies in genes affected by praziquantel treatment, including a proton pump inhibited by omeprazole. Combining sub-lethal doses of praziquantel with omeprazole killed more parasites than praziquantel alone.
A recent study by international researchers has developed a predictive tool to assess the likely impact of a new influenza pandemic. By analyzing clinical episode data from military personnel, they estimated key parameters such as transmissibility and severity, enabling early mitigation strategies.
Researchers discovered that the parasite Brugia malayi releases microRNA-containing vesicles to infect human hosts. These vesicles activate a pro-inflammatory response in human macrophages, opening up new avenues for therapeutic targets and treatment strategies.
Research suggests that adipose tissue acts as an HIV reservoir, hosting virus-producing cells and contributing to chronic immune activation. The study found similar results in human patients undergoing surgery, highlighting the potential for modulating fat tissue to limit viral persistence and inflammation.
A 9,000-year-old case of human decapitation has been discovered in Lapa do Santo, Brazil, featuring amputated hands and v-shaped cut marks on the jaw and vertebrae. The remains are believed to demonstrate sophisticated mortuary rituals among hunter-gatherers in the Americas.
A large cohort study found that increased fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with lower weight gain in adults. The study of over 133,000 participants found that eating more fruits and certain non-starchy vegetables was inversely linked to weight change over 24 years.