Researchers found that loggerhead turtles rely on sight to identify and move towards gelatinous, floating prey like jellyfish and other organisms. They can snack on these low-energy foods approximately twice every hour, suggesting they may rely on such prey for energy more than previously thought.
A study found that only a few low-and middle-income countries have implemented robust national policies to prevent noncommunicable diseases, such as reducing fat and salt intake. The majority of these countries lack adequate strategies to promote healthier diets and physical activity.
Researchers found that including parasites in food web models changes the distribution of feeding links per species, average shortest feeding chain between pairs of species, and proportion of omnivores or cannibals. Most changes occur due to increased diversity and complexity, rather than parasite-specific effects.
A study of over 4,000 participants found that people who walk or cycle to work are less likely to be overweight or obese compared to those using public or private transport. The findings suggest active travel could reduce rates of chronic diseases in India.
Researchers have identified a fibrous dysplasia tumor in a Neanderthal rib from Croatia, dating back over 120,000 years. This discovery predates previous evidence of this type of cancer by tens of thousands of years, challenging the notion that bone tumors were rare in ancient human populations.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that mildly depressed individuals' ability to distinguish between high-fat and low-fat foods is affected by their mood. After watching a sad movie clip, participants with mild depression were unable to tell the difference between the two types of foods.
Small-scale farming households in India experienced improved calorie consumption and dietary quality after adopting genetically modified (GM) cotton. The technology enabled these households to afford more and better food, reducing food insecurity by 15-20%. GM crops may be an important component of a broader food security strategy.
Researchers found that describing feelings of anger leads to a smaller increase in heart rate compared to not reporting on it. The study suggests that the act of measuring emotions can change physiological responses, highlighting the importance of considering measurement effects in emotion research.
A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that a single mutation in the JAK2 gene reduces the ability of blood stem cells to self-renew without affecting their progeny daughter cells. This finding has implications for understanding how single stem cells contribute to tumor growth in cancers suspected to have a stem cell origin.
A new study found that increased serum iron levels are associated with a 3% relative reduction in the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research used a Mendelian randomization approach to investigate the link between iron levels and Parkinson's disease risk.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that evergreening strategies, which extend patent life of brand drugs, increased healthcare costs in Geneva, Switzerland. The researchers analyzed the cost of eight follow-on drugs and found that replacing them with generics could have saved €15.9 million to €14.4 million.
A new study highlights the need for more evidence on the health effects of household air pollution, with researchers identifying gaps in research priorities. The authors call for collaboration between researchers and policymakers to evaluate the impacts of improved stove and fuel programs.
Chimpanzees and bonobos display negative emotional responses to failed risk-taking decisions, including vocalizations and tantrums. The apes' emotional responses are influenced by individual differences and species-specific traits.
Disturbed body image in anorexia nervosa influences both conscious and unconscious actions, with affected individuals rotating their shoulders to fit through a doorway even when it's not necessary. Current therapeutic interventions should target the body in action to improve the experience of body size.
Research suggests that sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating emotional memories in healthy children but not those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Brain activity during sleep may exacerbate emotional problems in children with ADHD.
The first lab study of deep-sea vent worms, called Alvinella pompejana, reveals that they do not experience long-term exposures to temperatures above 50 C in their natural environment. The temperature optimum for survival is well over 42 C, making them one of the most heat-loving animals known.
A new study reveals that rare species perform unique ecological functions, even in highly diverse ecosystems. These species are irreplaceable and contribute to taxonomic richness, but their functional importance is largely unknown.
A systematic review found that women who have experienced domestic violence are more likely to develop perinatal mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. High levels of symptoms were linked to increased odds of experiencing domestic violence during pregnancy or over a lifetime.
A study by US and German experts analyzed secret tobacco industry documents to conclude that the companies have a history of intentional deception. The authors argue that regulatory bodies should not consider tobacco companies stakeholders due to their vested interests, which could manipulate scientific discourse and harm public health.
International researchers found that all seven psychotherapeutic interventions have comparable effects on depressive symptoms, regardless of patient group or therapy type. The therapies worked equally well for individual and group therapy, as well as internet-based interactions.
Researchers discovered a mutualistic relationship between ants and carnivorous pitcher plants, where ants help prevent nutrient loss to flies. The study found that ant colonies increase plant growth and capture efficiency by hunting mosquito larvae, demonstrating a novel type of nutritional interaction.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that captive-bred wallabies carry antibiotic resistance genes and may transmit them to wild populations. Nearly half of fecal samples from captive-raised wallabies contained bacterial genes resistant to streptomycin, spectinomycin, and trimethoprim.
Two new species of cave-dwelling short-tailed whipscorpions have been discovered in northeastern Brazil's limestone caves. The reddish-brown species were found to inhabit cool, humid environments, and are likely preyed upon by bats and other small insects.
Effective mental health interventions can be implemented by trained non-specialized providers in HIV care, reducing the opportunity costs of care. Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for successful integration of mental health services into comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment platforms.
A study by Jennifer M. Yeh and colleagues found that H. pylori and smoking trends accounted for almost half of the observed decline in intestinal-type noncardia gastric adenocarcinoma incidence in US men between 1978 and 2008, with projections suggesting further declines until 2040.
A novel transcriptome-based classification of colon cancer has been developed, improving disease stratification based on clinicopathological variables and common DNA markers. The analysis identified six molecular subtypes associated with distinct clinical and pathological characteristics.
The Ghana National Drugs Programme followed international recommendations on pediatric medicines, but faced challenges due to limited data on African settings. The programme ultimately included four out of five medicines in the national essential medicines list.
Adults with ADHD who received methylphenidate treatment for 12 months showed a 24% increase in dopamine transporter density. This finding may affect how well these individuals respond to the medication, suggesting that elevated dopamine transporter levels are a consequence of chronic treatment rather than a marker for the disorder.
Researchers found that depressed individuals express personal goals in vague terms, such as 'to be happy,' rather than specific objectives like improving a running time. This reduced specificity may be linked to the motivational deficits seen in depression, and could inform more effective psychotherapeutic approaches.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that malaria-infected mosquitoes are significantly more attracted to human odors than their uninfected counterparts. The study suggests that understanding the olfactory changes underlying infected mosquito behavior may help identify new compounds for developing mosquito traps.
A cluster randomized trial in Vietnam found community groups reduced neonatal mortality by half after three years, while also increasing antenatal care attendance. The study showed that community-based activities can be implemented at low cost and are effective in reducing neonatal mortality.
A study published in PLOS Medicine reveals that Mycoplasma pneumoniae is carried at high rates in the upper respiratory tracts of healthy children. The researchers found no significant difference in prevalence between asymptomatic and symptomatic groups, highlighting limitations in current diagnostic tests.
A global expert group recommends increased focus on implementing known interventions to combat childhood diarrheal diseases. Oral rehydration solutions and zinc supplementation are also emphasized for further research development. The report aims to inform Global Action Plan for Diarrhoea and Pneumonia efforts.
Collaborative care models integrate NCD care and mental health services in primary care settings, strengthening healthcare systems and reducing costs. Implementation of these models requires investments in human resources and research to address the global burden of mental health and non-communicable diseases.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found a link between the composition of an infant's gut microbiota and their growth rate. The researchers identified specific bacterial groups associated with expected or reduced growth rates, shedding light on the potential impact of early life gut microbiota on infant development.
Researchers analyzed starch granules from Neolithic stone tools and found they resembled those of sago-type palms, indicating a reliance on sago palms as a primary food source. The study also suggests that people ate bananas, acorns, and freshwater roots and tubers before rice cultivation began.
Research by Sophie Wuerger found that colour perception remains largely unchanged over the years, despite age-related losses in the optical media. The study revealed that certain neural pathways compensate for these losses, allowing colour functions to remain constant across time.
Research found distinct brain connectivity patterns for joyous, taunting and tickling laughter, with regions sensitive to social information activated differently. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying laughter perception and its implications for cognitive function.
A new PLOS Collection evaluates the effectiveness of maternal, newborn, and child health interventions in low- and middle-income countries. The study reveals that some coverage indicators can be measured accurately, while others require further investigation to ensure valid results.
A systematic review of longitudinal studies found that intimate partner violence nearly doubled the odds of subsequent depression in women. Conversely, women with depression were at increased risk of experiencing intimate partner violence.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that Europeans are closely related, sharing nearly the same set of ancestors within a thousand years. The researchers used DNA data from over 2,000 individuals to detect subtle local trends and historic migrations, revealing patterns of demographic shifts and cultural influences.
The VINARES initiative, launched in Vietnam, aims to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship and has shown encouraging impact. By galvanizing political and medical leadership, the program is providing a framework for long-term self-sufficient infection surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship.
Researchers found that older Africans face significant functional limitations, with women expected to spend 58% of their remaining life with limitations. Investing in health could boost economic growth by enabling older people to contribute to rural agriculture.
A study proposes that a group of carnivores died intentionally in an ancient Spanish cave due to a lack of exit points. The researchers suggest that the scarcity of herbivore remains indicates the cavity was clearly visible and avoided by these animals.
Researchers found that female cowbirds unable to recognize high-quality male songs alter flock behavior, affecting both males and females. The study highlights the interconnected nature of individual behavior and social environments in bird species.
A new framework combining engineering criteria with ecological and social concerns could minimize the impacts of hydrocarbon development in the Amazon. Extended Reach Drilling and other best practice components may reduce project-related deforestation by over 75%, according to a recent study.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that self-affirmation exercises can improve problem-solving skills and reduce acute stress. Students who performed a self-affirmation exercise scored higher on a subsequent problem-solving task than those who did not, suggesting that self-affirmation may be a useful buffer against chronic stress.
A new study found that a yeast colony dominated by non-producers is more likely to face extinction than one consisting entirely of producers. The researchers discovered that even a small proportion of 'cheaters' can disrupt the social unit's survival, highlighting the central dilemma in the evolution of cooperation.
Researchers discovered that Arabidopsis petals contain a hidden map that orients growth towards the edge, producing rounded shapes. This finding explains how different shapes are generated in plants and provides insights into evolutionary adaptability.
Individuals who experience an upper gastrointestinal bleed may be more likely to die from other causes, particularly malignant tumours and cardiovascular disease. A study published in PLOS Medicine found that the risk of death due to non-gastrointestinal causes was higher for those with an upper GI bleed.