Researchers found that people can guess how others learn about themselves, even without explicit communication. This skill increases the chances of success in competitive social interactions. The study also explores its potential impact on individuals with autism spectrum disorders and neuropsychiatric conditions.
A study reveals that white blood cells can cause increased blood pressure and impaired blood flow in the brain, leading to death from cerebral malaria in mice. The researchers used a mouse model of Plasmodium berghei ANKA-induced cerebral malaria to investigate the role of white blood cells in this disease.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a humpback whale population in the Arabian Sea has been isolated for approximately 70,000 years. The population is highly distinct from other global populations, with low genetic diversity and abundance estimates, raising concerns about its survival.
A study found that koalas selectively eat eucalyptus leaves with higher available nitrogen, indicating a preference for nutritious food. The researchers suggest that access to quality food plays a crucial role in shaping the distribution of koala populations in habitats with low nutritional value.
A new lung cancer risk model, PLCOm2012, refines decisions to screen individuals for annual CT scans, identifying a risk threshold for selecting high-risk smokers. The study found that this threshold resulted in higher sensitivity and specificity than the USPSTF criteria.
Polar bears may undergo 2-5 months of ice-free conditions by 2100, threatening their survival. Projected warming under business-as-usual climate projections could lead to significant habitat loss for nearly one-tenth of the world's polar bear habitat.
Researchers found that plasmid DNA attached to a rocket exterior survived suborbital spaceflight, re-entry, and landing conditions. The study showed that up to 53% of the DNA retained its full biological function, with 35% remaining functional after heating up to 1000°C.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals buried as potential 'vampires' in 17th-18th century Poland were likely local residents. The research used radiogenic strontium isotope ratios to determine the origin of the individuals, and the results suggested a predominantly local population. This suggests that these burials may h...
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 trials found that treatment for obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mandibular advancement devices (MADs) can lead to modest improvements in depressive symptoms. The benefits were more pronounced in those with higher baseline depression scores.
The genome of Strigamia maritima, a blind Scottish centipede, has been sequenced, providing insights into the genetic basis of centipede biology and the diversification of arthropods. The study reveals that these animals have lost genes encoding light receptors and circadian rhythm, suggesting alternative detection mechanisms.
Researchers have determined that the yellow fever virus replicates primarily in the liver, causing significant damage to liver cells. This knowledge could help identify an earlier clinical outcome measure of disease severity, enabling doctors to provide more aggressive supportive care for patients.
Researchers discovered that a key Ebola virus protein can trigger an excessive immune response, leading to massive inflammation and increased vascular permeability. This finding suggests a potential new target for reducing the severity of Ebola disease.
A model inspired by epidemic disease spreading is used to analyze over 700 Amyloid-beta protein imaging datasets, concluding that misfolded protein propagation can be mathematically described. The study identifies genetic and demographic factors influencing this phenomenon in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease progression.
A recent study found that tropical rickettsial illnesses, such as scrub typhus and murine typhus, can cause poor pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and premature birth. The study highlights the need for more research on the impact of these illnesses on pregnancy outcomes in South-East Asia.
Research suggests that Peruvian coastal waters provide suitable habitat for endangered South Pacific green turtles, with healthy populations found in two sites off the southern and northern coasts. The study highlights the importance of conservation measures to protect these vulnerable species from pollution, bycatch, and illegal catch.
A study analyzing Twitter data from over 700,000 tweets found that New Yorkers resumed normal mobility less than 24 hours after Hurricane Sandy. The researchers observed similar geographical and statistical distributions of locations before and after the hurricane, suggesting resilience in human movement during the disaster.
Florida harvester ants exhibit annual nest relocation behavior, constructing similar subterranean nests about once a year. The frequency and size of relocations vary among colonies, with smaller ones relocating more often than larger ones.
A systematic review found that computerized cognitive training (CCT) has a small overall effect on performance of cognitive tests, particularly for nonverbal and verbal skills. Training completed under supervision showed positive outcomes, while training alone was ineffective.
The study reveals that cooperation emerges when individuals assemble into groups that interact through repeated Public Goods Games. The authors propose an evolutionary game theory model, which suggests a large set of possible responses depending on previous levels of group cooperation. Ultimately, the most successful strategy is 'All-o...
A recent review reports on the devastating effects of the Syrian conflict on the healthcare system, including outbreaks of poliomyelitis, measles, and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Vaccination coverage has dropped dramatically, hampering efforts to combat these epidemics.
A team from Los Alamos National Laboratory successfully monitored and forecasted influenza, dengue fever, and tuberculosis outbreaks worldwide. The study demonstrates the potential of using public health data to build an operational disease monitoring system.
A digital sharing revolution tool, SiteFinder, facilitates research collaborations among tropical medicine researchers and their sites. The Global Health Network's platform ensures quality information and facilitates the sustainability of research capacity.
The article highlights the link between animal health, human health, and the environment in the emergence of infectious diseases. Key findings include the need to build capacity in developing regions and the importance of One Health approach.
Researchers analyzed whole-genome sequences of 17 supercentenarians, but found no rare protein-altering variants significantly associated with extreme longevity. One individual did carry a variant associated with a heart condition, which had little impact on their health.
Research on giant otters reveals a wide range of unique vocalizations used for communication. With 22 adult vocalization types and 11 neonate vocalization types, the study suggests an intricate relationship between vocalizations and social behavior.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a kindergarten program focused on executive functions improved academic learning and reduced achievement gaps. The program, Tools of the Mind, was shown to enhance working memory, attention control, and socio-dramatic play skills, leading to better reading and vocabulary results in first grade.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine has developed a 17-gene set to analyze peripheral blood samples and determine which patients are at risk of acute rejection after kidney transplantation. The test, called kSORT, was found to be highly accurate and clinically applicable, with an area under the curve of 0.93.
A new transdiagnostic psychotherapy approach, CETA, has been found to be effective in reducing depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms among Burmese trauma survivors living in Thailand. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction of symptoms over an average of 3 months.
Researchers found that FKBP51 regulates acute and chronic effects of antidepressants via autophagic pathways in mice and humans. Autophagy markers correlate with antidepressant treatment response in patients with depression.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology proposes a theoretical framework for understanding memory formation and modification. The researchers suggest that large prediction errors lead to memory formation, while small errors result in memory modification. Damage to the hippocampus can impair the brain's ability to carve memories.
Researchers analyzed the host range of canine parvovirus (CPV) and found that viruses in domestic dogs and raccoons could infect a wider range of wild carnivores than previously thought. The study identified specific genetic changes associated with host adaptation, suggesting that these mutations can overcome barriers to infection.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a small Polynesian population in New Zealand initiated rapid forest transition around 750 years ago, with drier forests shifting to shrub land over decades. The high rate of deforestation was likely due to native and previously burned vegetation vulnerability to fire.
A study found that adenotonsillectomy significantly decreased acute asthma exacerbations and episodes of status asthmaticus in children with asthma. The procedure may help alleviate underlying asthma severity by addressing related obstructive sleep apnea.
A randomized non-inferiority trial found that sublingual misoprostol was less effective than intramuscular oxytocin in preventing postpartum hemorrhage in Uganda. The study showed that women treated with misoprostol experienced more blood loss and side effects, while oxytocin was associated with fewer complications.
Researchers found that autophagy plays a central role in mediating the non-specific immune effects of BCG, leading to trained immunity. Monocytes from individuals with specific variants of the ATG2B gene respond with trained immunity, supporting the hypothesis that autophagy is clinically relevant.
Researchers at The University of Queensland found that animal brains can use a memory map to estimate location without external cues. Even in complete disorientation, the brain can accurately estimate location by self-motion cues such as walking. The study highlights the importance of understanding how the brain processes spatial infor...
A new species of leopard frog, Rana kauffeldi, has been identified in the New York City metropolitan area through a combination of acoustic and genetic data. The species is found in open-canopied wetlands with upland patches and its range extends from central Connecticut to northeastern North Carolina.
A comprehensive analysis of sex-specific differences in end-stage kidney disease treatment found that more men than women are on hemodialysis. Women's survival after hemodialysis is virtually equal to men's survival, but they were not receiving treatment as early, leading to higher mortality rates.
Research identifies DNA copy number variation (CNV) as the genetic cause behind two male pseudo-hermaphrodite horses' sex identity. The study provides the first hints about likely molecular causes and involvement of CNVs in equine disorders, with potential biomedical significance beyond horse racing.
A study found that a gut bacterium, Csp_P, can reduce infection of mosquitoes by malaria parasites and dengue virus. The bacterium directly inhibits these pathogens in test tubes and shortens the life span of mosquitoes that transmit both diseases.
Researchers observed large parties of chimpanzees foraging crops at night in maize fields of Kibale National Park, Uganda. Chimpanzees also presented few signs of vigilance and anxiety during nighttime crop-raids, indicating a high level of adaptability to human activities.
Researchers documented the care and release of over 840 and 480 hand-reared penguin chicks, with 91% and 73% released into the wild. Post-release survival rates were similar to naturally-reared birds, supporting the use of hand-rearing as a conservation tool.
A study found that thermal receipt paper can transfer high amounts of BPA to hands and blood levels after handling, particularly in women. This raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to BPA through daily activities.
A flexible approach to managing disease outbreaks, called adaptive management, allows for real-time updates to contain outbreaks more quickly and efficiently. This approach could lead to significant savings in livestock losses and improved outcomes in cases like foot-and-mouth disease.
A study analyzing 1.5 million births in US hospitals found significant variation in cesarean delivery rates, with rates ranging from 8% to 48% across hospitals. The analysis adjusted for maternal factors and hospital characteristics but did not account for parity or gestational age.
Most medical research findings are false due to biases and perverse incentives, notes John Ioannidis in PLOS Medicine. He suggests redesigning research careers and structures to encourage better work, with a focus on testing interventions for improvement.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that vegetative patients may have well-preserved brain networks similar to those of healthy adults, indicating possible covert awareness. This discovery could improve clinical assessment and help identify patients who might be aware despite being uncommunicative.
Researchers identify two microRNAs that suppress NB domain genes in resistant tomato cultivar Motelle, allowing it to fight off the wilting fungus. The findings shed light on the molecular basis of plant immunity and suggest a new approach for breeding disease-resistant crops.
An analysis of statements from 51 recognized civilian heroes found that most describe their acts as intuitive, rather than deliberate. This suggests that high-stakes extreme altruism may be largely driven by automatic, instinctual processes.
A 15-year study found thousands of birds are attracted to artificial lights during their first flights, leading to high mortality rates. Turning street lights off decreased the number of grounded fledglings, suggesting a link between light pollution and bird deaths.