A study published in PLOS ONE found that interactive farm hygiene lessons improved students' knowledge of germ spread and prevention, especially among girls. The lesson increased post-lesson scores by 21% for girls and 14% for boys, with a total increase of 13% in hand-to-mouth behavior awareness.
As chimpanzees grow from infant to juvenile, they develop increased susceptibility to human yawn contagion. Researchers found that yawning but not nose-wiping was contagious for juvenile chimpanzees, while infants found neither contagious. The results suggest a general developmental pattern shared by humans and other animals.
A systematic review of 81 diagnostic studies found that expert panels were often not properly blinded or described, leading to potential biases and poor reproducibility. The study highlights the need for improved reporting of expert panel diagnoses to ensure accurate and reliable results in diagnostic research.
A study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that approximately 405,000 Iraqi deaths were attributed to the 2003-2011 war and subsequent occupation. The research found that violent deaths were primarily caused by coalition forces and militia, with gunshots being the leading cause.
A new study predicts that climate change will significantly impact the world's oceans by 2100, affecting marine habitats and organisms. The study reveals that no corner of the ocean will be untouched by changes in temperature, acidification, oxygen depletion, and productivity, with massive disruptions to food chains, fishing, and tourism.
Historic global trends predict that global forest cover will decline by 10% over the next century unless new technologies boost yields or strategies to decrease food consumption are introduced. Reforestation may increase global forest cover to 35% within 70 years if food production and consumption stabilize.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that unpublished clinical trial reports provide more complete information on patient-relevant outcomes than publicly available sources. The study's findings highlight the importance of making clinical trial data publicly available to support informed decision-making.
The articles highlight the need for a shift away from leader-centric approaches and towards building trust with communities, prioritizing routine health services, and supporting frontline female health workers. This includes increasing investment and time to achieve stronger health systems and universal immunization in these countries.
A UK-based study found that expanding flu vaccination policies to include children aged 5-16 could significantly reduce the number of flu infections and deaths. The current policy targets adults over 65 and high-risk groups, which has shown success in reducing morbidity and mortality.
A new study found that scientists are unreliable judges of their peers' scientific output, with subjective post-publication peer review and impact factor being poor measures. The study suggests using a suite of article-level metrics to assess merit, which could have major implications for research assessment processes.
Researchers found insects adjust courtship and calling behaviors in response to changing air pressure, reducing risk of injury during high winds and rain. The study suggests these modifications may help insects predict adverse weather conditions, allowing them to modify their mating behavior accordingly.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy are more likely to have overweight and obese children. The study, which analyzed data from over 10,000 mothers and their children, suggests that measures to limit pregnancy weight gain may help prevent obesity in the subsequent generation.
A study found that oxytocin injections given by health workers without midwifery skills can reduce postpartum bleeding and mortality rates. The trial showed a significant reduction in postpartum hemorrhage among women who received the injection, highlighting a potential solution for preventing this deadly condition in rural communities.
The torrent frog's superior attachment abilities enable it to securely attach to extremely wet, steep, and rough surfaces. Researchers discovered that the frog uses its toes, belly, and thighs to adhere to the surface, with increased use of these areas on steeper slopes.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that combining acupuncture or counselling with usual care can significantly reduce depression symptoms in patients with recurring depression. The study also showed a reduction in serious pneumococcal infections, highlighting the importance of vaccination in reducing these diseases.
Shifting employee bonuses from self to others increases job satisfaction and team sales, according to research published in PLOS ONE. When employees spend bonuses on colleagues, teams perform better, leading to increased earnings as a whole.
Chronic Toxoplasma infection causes mice to lose innate fear of cats, which persists even after parasite clearance and inflammation markers are undetectable. The infection alters the brain's mechanisms underlying fear responses, leading to a lasting behavioral change.
Researchers used a mathematical method to simplify olfactory information into coherent categories, similar to compressing digital audio files. The team identified 10 basic odor qualities, including fragrant, fruity, and pungent smells.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that e-readers with short lines of text increased reading speed and comprehension among some dyslexic high school students. This suggests that the use of short lines on e-readers may help reduce visual distractions and improve focus for individuals with dyslexia.
A new protein in Australian tarantula venom has been found to be highly toxic to the cotton bollworm, a major pest affecting crop yields. The orally active insecticidal peptide-1 (OAIP-1) shows potency similar to synthetic insecticides, offering potential for bioinsecticide applications.
Wild male orangutans demonstrate remarkable planning skills by facing their intended travel direction and emitting specific vocalizations before embarking on journeys. Females within earshot often follow these planned paths, while subordinate males tend to avoid similar routes.
Researchers discovered three major river systems that likely existed in North Africa 130,000-100,000 years ago, creating fertile habitats for animals and vegetation. The Irharhar river may have been a viable route for human migration across the region.
Researchers found Pacific humpback whales increasing annually, doubling to 137 whales in 2011, with high survival rates among adults. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts due to increased vulnerability during critical refueling stages.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that higher aerobic fitness levels in 9-10-year-olds are linked to better recall of learned information. The study suggests that reducing physical education may not be the best way to ensure educational success among young people.
Researchers discovered unisexual reproduction in Cryptococcus neoformans, introducing genetic diversity and potentially driving disease outbreaks. Aneuploidy, a genetic change, led to beneficial, neutral, or detrimental changes in offspring fitness, including drug resistance and virulence.
A substudy within the Partners PrEP Study shows that high adherence to antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples. With over 99% adherence rate, only 14 participants became HIV-positive during an average follow-up period.
Transnational tobacco companies invested in smokeless tobacco products like snus in Europe for business gains, not health concerns. The industry's efforts to influence EU policy and maintain the status quo in favor of cigarettes have been revealed through internal documents.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that logging, agriculture, and natural reforestation have changed forest composition across nine states in the northeastern US. Beech trees decreased significantly, while fir, cherry, and maple trees increased in abundance.
Researchers found that dwarf lemurs experience REM sleep at high temperatures, while ground squirrels do not, suggesting a link between temperature and metabolism. The study confirms that hibernation is not a state of dormancy but rather a unique form of sleep.
A nationwide smoke-free legislation in Greece showed lower secondhand smoke concentrations after the ban, but levels increased again over time. The presence of ashtrays or their equivalents was strongly associated with higher secondhand smoke levels, suggesting that enforcement may be a factor.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that nearly 54% of individuals diagnosed with HIV presented late to clinics, with some populations experiencing increased late presentation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better health outcomes and reducing the risk of transmission.
International experts agree on priority areas for preconception care, including cost-effective integration into health programs, increasing healthcare provision through community workers, and reducing tobacco smoke exposure. The goal is to improve pregnancy outcomes by preparing women for optimal health before conception.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that community voluntary male circumcision services in Orange Farm, South Africa significantly reduced HIV infection levels. The study estimated that without circumcision procedures, the HIV rate among men living in this community would have been 15% in 2011.
Researchers have uncovered evidence of early Holocene hunter-gatherer settlements in the Bolivian Amazon, dating back approximately 10,400 years. The discovery of 'shell middens' reveals human presence in the region, with samples showing a mix of animal bones, freshwater snail shells, and pottery.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that fish larvae can smell the presence of coral reefs from far offshore and use this odor to navigate home. The study found that water temperature and current directions do not influence the orientation of larvae, but rather a proximal cue allows them to settle and find their way back.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that fast-food marketing aimed at children emphasizes giveaways and movie tie-ins more frequently than ads targeted at adults. The study also highlights the importance of aligning advertising to children with health promotion efforts to address concerns about obesity.
Current HIV elimination agenda focuses on mother-to-child transmission prevention, but neglects pediatric treatment, resulting in high morbidity and mortality among children. The paper argues for an expanded agenda to ensure all children receive antiretroviral therapy and care.
Patients with dementia have a higher rate of urinary and fecal incontinence diagnoses, which can affect treatment decisions. The study analyzed data from 54,816 people with dementia and found that those with both dementia and incontinence were more likely to receive medications and indwelling catheters.
Researchers discover REVs originated in mammals and spread to birds through medical intervention, revealing an unusual evolutionary history. The study suggests REVs were introduced into poultry and subsequently into avian cell culture systems, impacting wild birds and domestic poultry.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that native Brazilian fruits, including 'wolf apple', contain higher proportions of bioactive compounds and pigments than conventional Red Delicious apples, making them a potentially nutritious food source.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that prehistoric northern European societies used garlic mustard as a spice, flavored meats and starches. The findings suggest that the practice of using spices to enhance food flavor dates back at least 6,100 years.
Research reveals that smokers with more severe nicotine dependence tend to experience greater weight gain when quitting, even with nicotine replacement therapy. Factors such as serum triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol levels also play a significant role.
A global systematic review and meta-analysis found that newborns of mothers with bacterial infection or colonization are at higher risk for early-onset neonatal infections. The study analyzed data from 83 studies and found a significant association between maternal infection and newborn infection, with odds ratios ranging from 2.3 to 9.4.
The WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) was adapted for Nigeria to address the substantial treatment gap. The adaptation process involved a multi-step approach, including situational analysis, focus group discussions, and pilot testing, to contextualize the guide for the Nigerian context. The resultin...
Research reveals that male wild turkeys' sexual attractiveness is tied to how they use their genes, rather than physical differences. Dominant and subordinate males exhibit distinct genetic profiles, with dominant males showing higher male-like gene expression.
A new analysis of ostriches suggests that sauropod neck flexibility was probably lower than previously estimated due to the impact of soft tissues like muscle and cartilage. This reduced flexibility may have restricted the range of foods these dinosaurs could reach, leading to more active foraging.
Research finds that DNA-based familial search techniques can mistakenly identify second cousins and half-siblings as siblings, with a 3-18% chance of error for first cousins and up to 42% for half-siblings. This misidentification can lead to unnecessary investigations and exacerbate ethical concerns surrounding the use of these methods.
Research suggests climate change induced drought, famines and invasions led to the collapse of Eastern Mediterranean civilizations. The study analyzed pollen grains and sediments to uncover environmental changes that likely drove this crisis.
A study found that 75% of expert panel members had industry ties, with median seven companies represented, and 76% of recent guideline publications had a similar proportion. The study highlights the potential impact of conflicts on disease definition changes, sparking concerns about current processes.
Cervical cancer is a significant burden on women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries, with reduced reproductive capacity and associated health risks. Experts argue that cervical cancer screening and treatment should be included in the post-2015 development agenda for improving reproductive health outcomes.