The study found evidence of severe Chagas disease and suggests that the young Incan girl may have been victim of ritual homicide. The analysis of her mummy revealed massive skull and face trauma, indicating a pre-mortem injury, which is similar to previously described South American mummies.
Researchers found that waterbirds using different foraging strategies have evolved distinct tail shapes. Underwater foragers, such as cormorants and penguins, developed elongated tails with specialized vertebrae structures, while aerial birds had shorter, deflected tails.
Researchers found that pine tree sapwood can filter out more than 99% of E. coli bacteria from contaminated water, but has a particle size limit. The small-branch filtration system produced clean drinking water suitable for one person per day.
Women living in world regions with high HIV rates are at high risk of acquiring HIV during pregnancy and postpartum. The combined HIV incidence rate among pregnant/postpartum women was 3.8/100 person-years, significantly higher in African countries than non-African countries.
Researchers developed a vaccine against rodent skin papillomavirus that prevented benign and malignant skin tumors in vaccinated animals. The vaccine worked even when given to already infected animals and suppressed the virus in mice treated with immune-suppressive drugs.
Researchers observed that worker ants and broods were extremely resistant to submersion during floods. The ants protected the queen by placing her in the center of the raft, with workers using the brood's buoyancy and their own recovery ability to minimize injury or death.
Researchers found that patients with high tumor cell density in sentinel lymph nodes are more likely to die from melanoma within 5 years. A new model predicts patient survival more accurately, identifying those at high risk for progression and those with excellent long-term outcomes.
A study found that newborn mice's lung dendritic cells respond differently to RSV infection, leading to impaired CD8+ T cell responses. This understanding can guide vaccine approaches for infants to promote adult-like immune responses.
A new study in PLOS Genetics finds common genetic variants may indicate the presence of influential rare mutations that have yet to be discovered. This 'synthetic association' sheds light on the genetic make-up's large influence on cancer risk, highlighting the importance of identifying causal genetic changes.
High-resolution satellite images successfully counted southern right whales off the Argentinian coast, using automatic detection methods that outperformed traditional manual detection. The study's findings suggest this new approach could be applied to other whale species and marine mammal populations.
A new fossil specimen of the ancient Mesozoic marine reptile Chaohusaurus has revealed evidence of a live birth, suggesting that live births in land reptiles may have appeared much earlier than previously thought. The discovery provides the oldest vertebrate fossil to capture the moment of live-birth.
Researchers investigated expert and novice dart players' techniques for accurate throwing. The study revealed two strategies used by experts: (1) compensating with hand movement for variable release times, and (2) reducing timing variability by releasing the dart at a fixed time. Both strategies achieved consistent throwing.
Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified a protein that is essential for creating and maintaining long-term memories. The protein, Orb2A, must be tightly regulated to form only in specific neural circuits, and its conversion into a prion-like state can be triggered by nerve cell stimulation.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that type 2 diabetes may not be directly linked to substantial weight gain over time. Instead, researchers identified distinct patterns of obesity development, including stable overweight individuals and those who experience continuous weight gain before diagnosis. The findings highlig...
A 4-year follow-up study found that patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care units who require renal replacement therapy do not benefit from higher-intensity treatment. Albuminuria was common among survivors, indicating ongoing risk of chronic kidney disease and mortality.
Researchers identified four proteins involved in hantavirus entry into human host cells, all part of a protein complex regulating cholesterol production. Statins, commonly used to lower cholesterol, also showed promise in preventing viral infection.
A study found that female mice prefer songs from males of different families, suggesting an innate preference for avoiding close relatives. This preference is influenced by the female's reproductive cycle and scent-based cues from the male.
Scientists analyzed bryozoan species before and after a mass extinction event, finding no significant change in body length. Maximum colony size declined in three out of four surviving types, suggesting the Lilliput effect may not be universal across organisms.
Researchers studied peregrine falcons' diving flight using high-speed cameras and wind tunnel models. They found that feathers may pop-up to prevent local flow separation, enabling the birds to reach high speeds while maintaining maneuverability.
A cluster randomized trial found that an educational toolkit did not improve quality of care or outcomes for patients with diabetes. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, involved over 900,000 people aged ≥40 years with diagnosed diabetes in Ontario, Canada.
A large cohort study found that time spent with oxygen saturation below 90%, sleep time, number of awakenings, and periodic leg movements are associated with cardiovascular disease. The researchers developed a nomogram to predict CVD risk based on sleep study scores, but it requires validation.
A new study reveals the 3D structure of HIV infection in the gut, showing how the virus infects immune cells and spreads through tissue. The researchers used electron tomography to visualize the architecture of infected parts of the gut, revealing details on viral transmission events.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that architectural design characteristics, human use, and ventilation sources influence bacterial community structure in buildings. Dust samples revealed over 30,000 types of bacteria, with distinct communities found in high-traffic areas and restrooms containing organisms associated with the human gut.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that penguins' ability to respond to changes in sea ice concentrations is disrupted by extreme environmental events. Adélie penguins can cope with reduced summer sea ice, but extreme events like giant icebergs reduce their access to prey and overall efficiency.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that a school-based intermittent screening and treatment program for malaria had no health or education benefits in rural coastal Kenya. Despite high participation rates, the program did not reduce anemia or improve class attendance scores among children. However, the authors suggest that school...
A recent study reveals that the tropics are the main source of global mammal diversity, driven by higher speciation rates and lower extinction rates. The research, published in PLOS Biology, suggests that tropical regions have been a continuous source of biodiversity, allowing for repeated colonization of temperate regions.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 studies found that preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of developing asthma and wheezing disorders during childhood. Children born before 32 weeks of gestation were nearly three times as likely to develop these conditions compared to those born at full term.
A study in PLOS Genetics found that HIV drug resistance mutations can spread rapidly within a patient, leading to a homogeneous or heterogeneous viral population. The researchers estimate the effective population size of HIV to be around 150,000, which may help inform treatment strategies and predict resistance evolution.
Researchers tracked six dogs and their owner on group walks to measure social behavior and determine personalities. Dogs that consistently took the lead were more responsive to training, older, and more aggressive than those that followed.
Researchers found that a new adjuvant improved flu vaccine effectiveness in mice and showed promise for the elderly. The study also highlighted the importance of characterizing immune responses following intra-nasal vaccinations, particularly with novel adjuvants.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that texting alters posture and balance while walking, causing individuals to swerve and slow down. This behavior may impact the safety of people who text and walk at the same time, highlighting the need for greater awareness about phone use while navigating.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that multiple pigment cell types from different skin layers contribute to the formation of guppies' colorful spots. The research found that transparent, reflective, and iridescent cells called iridophores play a crucial role in these patterns.
Researchers discovered similar DNA organization in fish and mice, indicating a shared genetic mechanism for limb formation. The study suggests that digits evolved by modernizing an existing regulatory mechanism in fish, rather than through a radical change.
A meta-analysis of studies found that patients with normal blood pressure at home but elevated blood pressure when measured at a clinic have an increased risk of death and cardiovascular events. Home blood pressure monitoring refined risk stratification, particularly for individuals with high-normal or masked hypertension.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens has identified a key player in the movement of schistosome parasites: serotonin receptors. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing targeted treatments against this parasitic flatworm, which affects millions worldwide and kills an estimated 250,000 people annually.
Researchers used animal-borne cameras to monitor alligator behavior, revealing that time of day significantly affects prey capture success. Alligators are most successful in the morning while attacking prey below the surface.
A large study found that women who engaged in muscle-strengthening activities, such as weight training and yoga, had a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women who met current physical activity guidelines, including both muscle-strengthening and aerobic exercise, experienced the greatest benefit.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that cervical screening up to age 69 reduces cervical cancer risk, with benefits for women with normal screening results. Regular screening can save lives and reduce cancer rates beyond age 50.
The human Y chromosome contains unique genes that have likely been maintained by selection, suggesting it will stick around despite its small size. Genetic diversity on the Y chromosome is low, but researchers found that natural selection, particularly purifying selection, also contributed to this low diversity.
The study reveals approximately 400 years of intensive land use around Mahendraparvata, with significant changes in water management practices from the 12th century. Soil erosion and vegetation change indicate a marked environmental impact on the Phnom Kulen plateau.
Scientists analyzed volcanic rock samples from Turkey's Hasan Dagi volcano and found ages that overlap with the estimated time of a Çatalhöyük Neolithic site mural. The mural is believed to depict an explosive eruption of the volcano, which closely matches the dated timeline.
A sugar-sweetened beverage tax could mitigate the rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes rates in India by averting millions of cases. The study estimates that a 20% SSB tax would save 11.2 million cases of overweight/obesity and 400,000 cases of type 2 diabetes between 2014 and 2023.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant link between intimate partner violence and termination of pregnancy, with rates ranging from 2.5% to 30% among women seeking termination. The study suggests that termination services may be an appropriate setting for testing interventions to reduce intimate partner violence.
Researchers discovered that invariant natural killer T cells produce and release GM-CSF to control Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth. This finding provides insight into the immune system's ability to combat TB.
Researchers found that complex landscapes led to more complex organisms due to the cost of morphological complexity. The study used a program to simulate the evolution of virtual creatures in various landscapes.
A new malaria vaccine candidate, Quadvax, has shown promise in overcoming major limitations of earlier designs. By combining AMA1 proteins from multiple strains, scientists have created a more broadly protective vaccine that elicits antibodies against both variable and conserved epitopes on the AMA1 protein.
Researchers found that HrpA is essential for Lyme disease transmission and tick survival, enabling the bacterium to regulate its RNA and survive in mammalian hosts. The discovery provides significant insights into the complex life cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi and potential targets for future treatments.
A study by University of Iowa researchers identifies CHOP as a protein that promotes liver cancer in mice, linked to cellular stress from obesity, alcoholism, and viral hepatitis. Elevated CHOP levels are found in human liver tumors, suggesting potential targets for therapies.
A 20-year-old HIV-positive individual on antiretroviral therapy in the U.S. or Canada can now expect to live into their early 70's, surpassing life expectancy of the general population. The study analyzed nearly 23,000 individuals and found that life expectancy increased from 36.1 to 51.4 years between 2000-2002 and 2006-2007.
A systematic review of animal studies found that stem cell therapy can improve sensory and motor outcomes for spinal cord injury patients, with average improvements of 25% in both areas. The study's meta-analysis also revealed important lessons on how to design future animal studies.