The discovery of modified white-tailed eagle talons at the Krapina Neandertal site reveals evidence of jewelry-making skills among human predecessors. The findings indicate that Neandertals acquired eagle talons for symbolic purposes around 130,000 years ago.
A new study projects that large coastal populations in Asia and Africa will face the highest exposure to future sea level rise and storm surge flooding. Coastal areas with high population density, such as China, India, and Indonesia, are most vulnerable.
Researchers analyzed ear bone development in womb and fossilized whales, revealing parallel changes that indicate whales shifted from land to sea. The study provides insight into the evolutionary process of whale hearing, essential for protecting populations from ocean noise.
A 360-million-year-old tetrapod's skull has been reconstructed using high-resolution X-ray CT scanning, revealing a more crocodile-like structure than previously thought. The study sheds new light on the anatomy and ecology of early tetrapods, including their feeding habits and adaptations for life on land.
A historical analysis of internal sugar industry documents shows the industry influenced research priorities for the NCP, excluding research that could have harmed their interests. The study highlights an alignment of agendas between the NIDR and sugar industry in the early 1970s.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that higher levels of traffic-related air pollution at schools are linked to slower cognitive development in 7- to 10-year-old children. The researchers measured three cognitive outcomes and found a significant decrease in cognitive development among children attending highly polluted sch...
Researchers developed ultra-sensitive detection methods for malaria parasites, detecting 58% of infections in human blood samples at low concentrations. The new assays surpass current standards, identifying 16% more cases and reducing false negatives.
A new study suggests that adults over 30 only get the flu about twice a decade, according to researchers who analyzed blood samples from volunteers in Southern China. The study found that flu-like illnesses can be caused by many pathogens, making it difficult to assess infection frequency.
A new method for producing immunoglobulin G (IgG) from human plasma has been developed, allowing for the treatment of patients with primary immune immunodeficiency and fighting various infectious diseases. The minipool technology is simple, efficient, and cost-effective, making it ideal for use in developing countries.
Researchers found that 'mute' cicadas produce sound by banging their forewing costa against the operculum, a newfound mechanism. This discovery expands our understanding of acoustic signaling in cicadas without tymbal organs.
To make bovine TB vaccination viable, researchers recommend diagnostic tests must achieve high specificity to avoid increasing restrictions and financial burden. Achieving a specificity of greater than 99.85% is necessary to see benefits of vaccination.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that ants in white plaster nests filled specific corner areas with feces of the same color as their fed food, indicating potential 'toilets'. The ants also preferentially placed these toilets in corners, highlighting a unique aspect of ant sanitation.
Researchers found that neighboring birds sang at significantly different rates than non-neighboring birds, according to a study published in PLOS ONE. Great tits use their songs to signal territory boundaries, and the study suggests that neighborhood structure may shape variation in territorial birdsong.
A primary care nurse-delivered intervention increased physical activity among older adults, with significant increases at both 3 and 12 months. The intervention included individualized PA plans and pedometer feedback, leading to higher step counts and moderate-to-vigorous PA bouts.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pharmaceutical industry self-regulation in the UK and Sweden had significant violations, with nearly 20% of cases being serious breaches. The researchers analyzed complaints and rulings to find that charges incurred by companies were a small percentage of annual sales revenue.
The use of big data to detect disease outbreaks has the potential to strengthen global public health surveillance, but raises ethical questions about privacy, consent, and legitimacy. The authors propose a framework to address these challenges, including adapting requirements for public health contexts and ensuring methodological robus...
Researchers have visualized the molecular process behind a protein that punches holes into cancer cells, using edible oyster mushrooms as inspiration. The findings could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases, malaria, and pests in agriculture, while also introducing a powerful tool against infectious diseases.
New research reveals that established HIV epidemics conserve 'founder effects', slowing the spread of secondary strains. This means the dominant strains may not be the most transmissible, but rather lucky to have been picked up early in the pandemic.
Researchers at Ludwig Maximilians University have identified a novel chloroplast membrane protein that plays a central role in transporting fatty acids from chloroplasts into the cell cytoplasm. This discovery may lead to new strategies for producing biofuels, which are rich in TAG-rich plant oils.
A university partnership between Karolinska Institutet and Makerere University in Uganda has enabled students to tackle locally relevant health research questions while gaining international experience. The partnership has achieved zero brain drain, strengthening both institutions' global health initiatives.
A new cell sampling device accurately identified patients with reflux symptoms who warrant endoscopy to diagnose Barrett's esophagus, with a sensitivity of 87.2% in high-risk cases. The minimally invasive test was well-received by participants, with no adverse effects reported.
A meta-analysis of 18 studies found that injectable progestin DMPA is associated with a 50% higher risk of HIV infection among African women. In contrast, other hormonal contraceptives showed no significant increased risk.
Scientists create a chemical modified version of second messenger cAMP that selectively activates only Epac2, one of several proteins involved in insulin secretion. The analogue activates Epac2 more potently than cAMP itself, offering insights into the protein's function and potential as a pharmacological target.
A public health program promoting EPT increased treatment use, reducing chlamydia and gonorrhea rates, while also contributing to a state-wide reduction in both diseases.
A new study reveals that households affected by leprosy face significant financial burdens due to loss of earnings and treatment costs. The study found that patients with Erythema Nodosum Leprosum, a complication of leprosy, incurred losses equivalent to almost a third of their income.
Researchers found that a fatty acid called myristoleic acid can help decode weight control by analyzing the lipidome, gene expression, and phenotype of obese women. This comprehensive insight may improve obesity management by understanding how adipose tissue responds to calorie restriction.
Researchers estimate best times for mass drug treatment and house spraying to combat malaria, finding optimal seasons to target mass drug administration during the low season and house spraying just before the high season. The study's findings can help optimize combination of existing interventions and inform novel control measures.
The IPBES conceptual framework offers a new approach to understanding biodiversity loss by incorporating traditional knowledge and social sciences. The framework is built on six main elements: nature, human benefits, anthropogenic assets, indirect drivers of change, direct drivers of change, and good quality of life.
A new model developed by ecologists at the University of Georgia and Pennsylvania State University predicts that the Ebola epidemic in Liberia can be largely contained by June 2015 if hospitalization rates and safe burial practices are maintained. The model, which includes factors such as location of infection and treatment, hospital c...
Chikungunya's Asian tiger mosquito relies on road networks to disperse, posing a challenge for disease control efforts. The study suggests fumigating vehicles at checkpoints could prevent the spread of the vector and reduce its impact on human populations.
Researchers discuss the role of Malassezia yeasts as pathogens, highlighting common skin diseases such as dandruff and atopic eczema. The study also explores the potential link between Malassezia and skin cancer, as well as bloodstream infections in vulnerable populations.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that RSV infection may increase the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia, especially in infants. High RSV activity was associated with significant increases in pneumococcal disease among children under one year old.
Researchers found that a new malaria treatment combination of artemisinin-naphthoquine was non-inferior to existing therapy for uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, but more effective against another species. The study suggests this regimen could be considered for children in settings with multiple parasite species.
A 30-year study found that neonatal HBV vaccination significantly reduced the risk of primary liver cancer and other liver diseases in young adults. The study's results show that vaccination led to a 84% reduction in liver cancer incidence, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
A new study reveals that macrophages, a type of immune cell, play a crucial role in activating hair growth by surrounding and activating skin stem cells. This discovery may lead to the development of novel treatment strategies for hair loss in humans.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that animals can make efficient decisions by controlling the amount of effort invested within each unit of time, rather than just speed and accuracy. This ability allows them to adapt to changing environments and gain a fitness advantage over those with limited flexibility.
Researchers have found a combination of llama antibodies that can neutralize a wide range of circulating HIV viruses, offering a promising approach to developing an effective HIV vaccine. The study identified four broadly neutralizing antibodies induced by vaccination in llamas, which showed features similar to human antibodies.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that an artificial deep neural network performs as well as the primate brain at object recognition. This achievement could pave the way for significant advancements in artificial intelligence and our understanding of primate visual processing.
Researchers analyzed 5,040 evolutionary paths of human color vision, finding that 4,008 trajectories are terminated prematurely due to nonfunctional pigments. The study's findings emphasize the importance of understanding molecular evolution and genetic engineering in decoding protein mutations' effects.
A network of nine reference sites off Australia's coast provides multi-decadal data on the country's coastal waters. The network, known as IMOS National Reference Stations, allows scientists to track changes in oceanography and ecosystems.
A new species of short-necked marine reptile, Eohupehsuchus brevicollis, has been discovered in Hubei Province, China. The specimen features a short neck with six cervical vertebrae and broken digits, suggesting the break occurred prior to death.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that home-based HIV testing and counseling services can achieve higher participation rates among rural Africans. The researchers compared two community approaches: home-based and mobile clinic-based services. They found that the home-based approach reached more first-time testers, particular...
Researchers use light to control neurons in genetically-engineered mice, allowing for precise detection of odor dynamics. Mice demonstrate ability to discriminate between dynamic activities, suggesting neural population dynamics play a crucial role in the sense of smell.
Researchers identified two lipid metabolites, lysophosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin, associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease, while monoglyceride was linked to increased risk. The study's findings suggest that these blood lipid metabolites could serve as predictors for cardiovascular disease.
A study found that genetic variants in the IL-28B gene affect influenza vaccine responses. Individuals with at least one copy of the minor allele were more likely to achieve seroconversion after vaccination, particularly those on high doses of immune-suppressive drugs. Blocking the IL-28B receptor may boost the antibody response to flu...
A study published in PLOS ONE estimates that nearly 269,000 tons of plastic pollution are floating in the world's oceans, with an additional 5 trillion microplastic particles present. This research was conducted over six years across five sub-tropical gyres and coastal regions.
Researchers have identified the first definite horned dinosaur species from the Early Cretaceous period in North America, known as Aquilops americanus. This discovery sheds light on the biogeography of neoceratopsian dinosaurs and suggests a late Early Cretaceous intercontinental migratory event between Asia and North America.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that even within the normal BMI range, excess fat has a negative impact on cardiometabolic risk markers. The researchers used Mendelian randomization to assess the effect of BMI increases on metabolic abnormalities in 12,664 young adults.
A genetic variant linked to heavy smoking is associated with lower BMI in current smokers but higher BMI in people who have never smoked. This difference suggests the variant influences BMI via pathways other than smoking.
Researchers discovered that Ranbp9 controls the correct processing of mRNA molecules after their synthesis from thousands of genes involved in sperm production. This finding places Ranbp9 as a master regulator of sperm production.