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.
A clinical trial of romidepsin, an HDAC inhibitor, found that it can reverse HIV latency in individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy. The treatment did not negatively affect T-cell function, and increased plasma HIV-1 RNA was detectable in five of six participants.
A new study estimates that more than 1 million new cases of leptospirosis occur each year, resulting in nearly 59,000 deaths. The disease is spread through contact with contaminated environments and is particularly prevalent in urban slums.
Research teams discovered genes from parasitic wasps are present in butterfly genomes, acquired through a virus that integrates into DNA. This finding reveals naturally produced GMOs in butterflies, including the iconic Monarch species, and highlights potential risks of gene transfers in GM insects.
Researchers investigated whether rhythmic skills are linked together or separate, finding that beat tapping and rhythm memory are distinct abilities. The study suggests that these skills may track differently with specific language functions.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found that electronic reminders via medication monitors and text messages improved tuberculosis treatment adherence, with non-adherent rates decreasing from 29.9% to 17.0%. The study suggests innovative approaches to improve TB treatment outcomes in remote areas.
A cohort study found a modest association between SSRI use and violent crime among individuals aged 15-24, with increased risks of violent arrests and non-fatal injuries. In contrast, no significant associations were found for older adults, suggesting potential age-related differences in the link between SSRI use and violent behavior.
A new study by Malika Ihle and colleagues found that zebra finches choose mates based on stimulation, leading to increased reproductive success. The research suggests that this mate-choice process is essential for the survival of the species, as it maximizes gene perpetuation through successful offspring.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that monk parakeets use a complex system of mental math to determine their place in the pecking order. By analyzing aggression patterns, researchers discovered that birds can infer rank based on chains of interactions and adjust their behavior accordingly.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that barbastelle bats emit two different types of weak echolocation signals alternately through their nose and mouth. These 'stealth echolocation' signals facilitate prey detection while minimizing environmental disturbance.
Scientists have discovered a novel approach to study neural circuits that change behavior, using Caenorhabditis elegans worms. By flipping the sign of a synapse, researchers were able to completely reverse behavior, suggesting that neural wiring is remarkably stable and allows for changes in behavior.
A simplified 'Test and Treat' intervention was associated with increased engagement in HIV/AIDS care and a 62% reduction in mortality among participants. The program improved diagnosis, linkage to care, and treatment outcomes, with a significant increase in pre-ART CD4 testing and ART initiation.
A community-based prospective study in Blantyre, Malawi found that HIV self-testing (HIVST) was widely accepted and accurate, with 94.6% of participants reporting high satisfaction. The study also showed that HIVST led to a low incidence of partner violence and suicides, and agreed with repeat HTC results in 99.4% of cases.
Researchers found that two common antibiotic-resistant bacteria coexist peacefully in the gut, occupying distinct niches that satisfy their metabolic needs. Fecal transplants from healthy donors effectively cleared one pathogen, but not the other, highlighting potential for targeted therapies to eradicate specific superbugs.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that rodents behave like a self-organizing system when huddling together to regulate their temperature. This allows the group to better adapt to changing temperatures, with individual behaviors improving the ability of the whole group to regulate its temperature.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that our brains don't follow a predetermined priority order when categorizing scenery. Instead, they make the easiest judgments first, which can be overridden by manipulating the difficulty level of the task.
Antarctic fur seal pups identify their mothers by detecting the mother's vocal pitch at longer distances and using other components of the vocal signature at closer range. The study found that frequency modulations propagate reliably up to 64 meters, while amplitude modulations are degraded for distances over 8 meters.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that nearly 600 surveyed bird species in North America may lose more than half of their geographic range by the end of the century due to climate change. The researchers used correlative distribution modeling to assess potential range shifts under three different climate scenarios.
Trichoplax, a multicellular marine animal without organs, exhibits complex feeding behavior involving external digestion of algae. The organism's cells coordinate a sequence of behaviors, including gliding and secretion of granules that break down the algae, indicating local control and cellular communication.
A new study found that providing antiretroviral therapy programmes in the workplace can lead to significant cost savings for companies, particularly in South Africa where HIV prevalence is high. The study estimated that annual cost savings would decrease by 5% and average cost per HIV positive employee would decrease by 14%.
A patient with an immune deficiency has shed large amounts of live polio virus in their stool for over 20 years, posing a risk to global polio eradication. The highly mutated strain has acquired mutations that reverse the attenuating features of the vaccine strain, making it more difficult to neutralize.
A new modeling study suggests that a single dose of cholera vaccine could be as effective as the traditional two-dose regimen in preventing deaths. The researchers estimate that a one-dose campaign reaching half the population would have averted over 78,000 cases and prevented 738 deaths.
A genetic study found an association between reduced vitamin D levels and increased risk of multiple sclerosis. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, used a Mendelian randomization approach to examine the link between genetically lowered vitamin D levels and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis.
The study found that school breaks in Mexico were linked to two distinct waves of H1N1 influenza, with high humidity favoring rapid transmission in tropical states. The timing of these waves was influenced by regional variations in humidity and the reduction in transmission during summer break.
Researchers discovered that lentiviruses closely related to HIV have infected primates in Africa as far back as 16 million years. The TRIM5 protein, an antiviral gene, has evolved to protect host cells from infection and provides insight into the evolution of viruses.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that a mother's genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining her baby's birth weight and length, rather than their own height. The research also found that taller mothers tend to deliver babies at earlier gestational ages.
Researchers observed beak-to-beak mating, den co-occupancy, and extended spawning in captive adult Larger Pacific Striped Octopuses, supporting previously recorded anecdotes. These findings provide insight into the behavior of this species, which remains undescribed.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the Cape Parrot should be classified as a distinct species due to its genetically distinct markers. The research analyzed DNA samples from five Poicephalus species and found that the Cape Parrot shares common ancestry with other subspecies only at around 2 million years ago.
A new study proposes that the common baker's yeast genome was duplicated by mating between two distinct species, contradicting the current widely accepted theory. The researchers used advanced computational methods to study the origins of the whole genome duplication in yeast.
By expressing Pax6 in mouse basal progenitor cells, researchers mimicked the behavior of human brain cells, leading to increased cell division and a larger neocortex. This study contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms behind brain expansion and cognitive functions.
Scientists used Darwinian selection to evolve robot controllers that enable efficient self-organization of tasks. The new method allows the evolution of complex behaviors, surpassing previous complexity achieved in swarm robotics.
Researchers tested transgenic mice and rabbits for susceptibility to prions from various species, revealing that rabbits are susceptible to TSE after exposure to prions from other animals. The studies also showed that rabbit PRNP gene and its normal PrPC protein product do not provide absolute resistance to prion disease.
A modeling study predicts treating hypertension in China could prevent between 600,000 and 1,000,000 cardiovascular disease events annually. The intervention is projected to be borderline cost-effective, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $18,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained.
Researchers have found two combination treatments that effectively reactivated latent HIV in cells, providing novel opportunities for advancing HIV eradication strategies. Ingenol-3-angelate and PEP005, combined with JQ1, showed a 7.5-fold increase in viral reactivation compared to PEP005 alone.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology has developed a flu forecasting system that can predict the timing and intensity of influenza outbreaks in subtropical climates. The system was able to forecast peak timing and magnitude for 44 epidemics in 16 years, with an accuracy rate of 93%.
A study found that adults who text while being cognitively distracted exhibit a more cautious gait, including increased obstacle clearance and decreased ability to walk in a straight line. The researchers suggest this adaptation may help prevent accidents when faced with cognitive challenges.
Annual tobacco tax increases in New Zealand are projected to lead to significant health gains and cost savings, particularly among indigenous populations. The study found that Māori populations would experience a 3.7 fold increase in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) compared to non-Māori populations.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that imperfect vaccines can promote the evolution of nastier viral strains, increasing the risk of severe illness among unvaccinated individuals. The research highlights the importance of perfect vaccines in preventing not only disease but also transmission.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that older individuals are more susceptible to West Nile virus due to impaired immune responses. The researchers discovered that older mice had delayed antibody responses, reduced helper T cells, and lower chemokine levels, leading to higher viral loads and increased brain damage.
Research found that people with diabetes taking glitazone medications had a 28% lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study, conducted by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine researchers, also found that current users of the medication experienced a significant reduction in PD risk.
Researchers found that existing malaria infections in mosquitoes facilitate replication of secondary infections, leading to higher parasite loads. This could disproportionately contribute to malaria transmission, especially if control measures focus on reducing mosquito feedings.
Researchers found that Oriental honey buzzards prefer pollen-containing dough over pollen-lacking dough, even when the color is identical. The birds also preferred yellow-colored dough over black or green dough when both contained pollen, suggesting a role for vision in foraging.