Curated News: PLOS

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19-May-2022 3:45 PM EDT
Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections responsible for spreading of COVID-19 less than symptomatic infections
PLOS

Review of 130 different studies finds proportion of asymptomatic infection 50% or lower in most studies.

Newswise: More reptile species may be at risk of extinction than previously thought
23-May-2022 11:10 AM EDT
More reptile species may be at risk of extinction than previously thought
PLOS

Machine learning tool estimates extinction risk for species previously unprioritized for conservation.

Newswise: Researchers Identify Biomarker Panel That Could Help Predict Gestational Diabetes in Early Pregnancy
Released: 25-May-2022 5:35 PM EDT
Researchers Identify Biomarker Panel That Could Help Predict Gestational Diabetes in Early Pregnancy
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health Sciences

UCLA researchers have taken the initial step in identifying what may be an effective way to detect gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) earlier in pregnancy, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment for what is the most common disorder of pregnancy.

19-May-2022 12:45 PM EDT
Breastfeeding duration associated with cognition
PLOS

Link between breastfeeding duration and cognitive test scores later in childhood persists even after controlling for socioeconomics and maternal intelligence.

Released: 24-May-2022 5:25 PM EDT
COVID vaccine trial locations influenced in vaccine efficacy results
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

A new study by a University of Arkansas information systems researcher and his colleague at the University of Waikato in New Zealand shows that COVID vaccine trials conducted in geographic locations with low infection rates had higher efficacy results, compared to trials in locations with high infection rates.

18-May-2022 2:15 PM EDT
Data contradict fears of COVID-19 vaccine effects on pregnancy and fertility
PLOS

Study adds further evidence that vaccination is protective and safer than COVID-19 infection.

19-May-2022 11:00 AM EDT
Making the Most of Crowdsourcing Campaigns
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)

In a new study, an international team of researchers explored how crowdsourcing projects can make the most effective use of volunteer contributions.

Newswise: Avian influenza: How It’s Spreading and What to Know About This Outbreak
18-May-2022 4:20 PM EDT
Avian influenza: How It’s Spreading and What to Know About This Outbreak
Tufts University

A new study from Tufts University and other collaborators takes a data-driven look at influenza viruses circulating among different groups of birds and characterizes which types of birds are involved in spreading the virus. This paper publishes at a time when a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza has been spreading across North America.

   
Newswise: Some people fared better than others during COVID-19 pandemic due to genetics
11-May-2022 4:15 PM EDT
Some people fared better than others during COVID-19 pandemic due to genetics
PLOS

Genetic factors played a greater role in a person's overall wellbeing as the pandemic wore on.

Newswise: NBA sees rise in acts of symbolic violence
12-May-2022 9:25 AM EDT
NBA sees rise in acts of symbolic violence
PLOS

Basketball commentators also often voice support for physical violence and frame symbolic violence as harmless.

Released: 17-May-2022 2:30 PM EDT
Type-I interferon stops immune system ‘going rogue’ during viral infections
McMaster University

McMaster University researchers have discovered that Type I interferon (IFN) plays a key role in helping the immune system effectively target viruses, while stopping white blood cells from ‘going rogue’ and attacking the body’s own organs.

Newswise: Researchers Reveal Moral Distress Impact, Actions to Support Doctors During Pandemic
Released: 16-May-2022 3:15 PM EDT
Researchers Reveal Moral Distress Impact, Actions to Support Doctors During Pandemic
University of North Carolina School of Medicine

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organizations, leaders, researchers, and practitioners have attempted on the fly to deal with the inherent stresses, strains, and struggles related to an unprecedented healthcare crisis in modern times.

Newswise: Restaurant menu design could impact carbon footprint of dining
4-May-2022 10:05 AM EDT
Restaurant menu design could impact carbon footprint of dining
PLOS Climate

Study explores diners’ choices from menus with carbon labels and climate-friendly default options.

Released: 10-May-2022 4:55 PM EDT
What makes some more afraid of change than others?
Louisiana State University

Humans are undoubtedly altering the natural environment. But how wild animals respond to these changes is complex and unclear. In a new study published today, scientists have discovered significant differences in how the brain works in two distinct personality types: those who act fearless and those who seem afraid of new things.

   
Newswise: More Coronary Disease Among COPD Patients
Released: 9-May-2022 12:50 PM EDT
More Coronary Disease Among COPD Patients
University of Bergen

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often have other comorbid disorders, a new study from Norway shows.

Released: 4-May-2022 2:55 PM EDT
Mentioning 'white privilege' increases online polarization
University of Michigan

If there's an online discussion about race, using the term "white privilege" can create a polarized situation, say University of Michigan researchers.

3-May-2022 2:00 PM EDT
Patients with Past Cancer History Not Associated with Higher Risk of COVID-19-Related Death or Hospitalization
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Patients diagnosed with cancer more than one year ago and those not receiving active treatment were no more vulnerable to worse COVID-19 outcomes than patients without cancer, according to a new study led by UTHealth Houston.

Newswise: Links between paranormal beliefs and cognitive function described by 40 years of research
27-Apr-2022 10:40 AM EDT
Links between paranormal beliefs and cognitive function described by 40 years of research
PLOS

New evaluation of prior studies finds increasing quality and areas for further improvement.

26-Apr-2022 12:35 PM EDT
New Model for Antibacterial Mechanism: Toxic Misinformation
Brookhaven National Laboratory

Biologists have discovered an aberrant protein that’s deadly to bacteria. The discovery could help scientists unravel the lethal mechanism of certain antibiotics—and potentially point the way to future antibacterial drugs.

Released: 29-Apr-2022 11:05 AM EDT
Future Wearable Health Tech Could Measure Gases Released From Skin
Ohio State University

Scientists have taken the first step to creating the next generation of wearable health monitors.

Newswise: Additions to Natural History Collections Declining
Released: 28-Apr-2022 2:05 PM EDT
Additions to Natural History Collections Declining
Cornell University

A new study from the Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates reveals that new additions of vertebrate specimens to natural history collections are declining precipitously. The authors suggest that it is vital to maintain collecting efforts in order to address future unforeseen ecological issues.

20-Apr-2022 2:00 PM EDT
DNA Analysis Provides Insight into Associations Between Worse COVID and Other Conditions
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Through analyzing human DNA samples in a large biobank, Penn Medicine researchers found associations between genetic variants with severe COVID and conditions involving blood clots and respiratory issues

Newswise: Before Stonehenge monuments, hunter-gatherers made use of open habitats
21-Apr-2022 11:05 AM EDT
Before Stonehenge monuments, hunter-gatherers made use of open habitats
PLOS

Study investigates habitat conditions encountered by first farmers and monument-builders.

Newswise: Poor diet associated with increased diabetes risk across all gradients of genetic risk
20-Apr-2022 10:15 AM EDT
Poor diet associated with increased diabetes risk across all gradients of genetic risk
PLOS

A poor diet, irrespective of genetic risk factors, is associated with a 30% increased risk of diabetes

Released: 21-Apr-2022 3:05 PM EDT
Scientists use machine learning to identify antibiotic resistant bacteria that can spread between animals, humans and the environment
University of Nottingham

Experts from the University of Nottingham have developed a ground-breaking software, which combines DNA sequencing and machine learning to help them find where, and to what extent, antibiotic resistant bacteria is being transmitted between humans, animals and the environment.

Newswise: Does Medical Publishing Have a Bias Against Women Faculty?
18-Apr-2022 6:00 PM EDT
Does Medical Publishing Have a Bias Against Women Faculty?
Stony Brook University

A novel study that surveyed more than 1,000 author citations in the top three peer-reviewed international medical journals showed a significant disparity regarding women and men faculty and authorship. The findings will be published in PLOS ONE.

Newswise: Using bacteria to build settlements on Mars
Released: 20-Apr-2022 11:45 AM EDT
Using bacteria to build settlements on Mars
Indian Institute of Science Bangalore IISC

In collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), a team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has developed a sustainable method for making bricks out of Martian soil, using bacteria and urea.

Released: 12-Apr-2022 10:05 AM EDT
‘Live’ Polio Vaccine Fires Up Immune System Providing Protection From Sars-Cov-2 Infection
Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine

University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Institute of Human Virology contributes to Global Virus Network studies suggesting that the oral polio vaccine can protect people in developing nations that do not yet have access to COVID vaccines

Released: 11-Apr-2022 4:45 PM EDT
Researchers study how to unlock clinical risk-prediction models so they can be applied to multiple clinical settings
NYU Tandon School of Engineering

A team of NYU Tandon researchers investigated whether mortality prediction models vary significantly when applied to hospitals or geographies different from the ones in which they are developed. With electronic health records from 179 hospitals across the U.S. with 70,126 hospitalizations from 2014 to 2015 — they investigated whether data could explain variations in clinical performance based on factors like race.

Newswise: L.A.’s injury rate from e-scooters may exceed national rate for motorcycles
4-Apr-2022 9:00 AM EDT
L.A.’s injury rate from e-scooters may exceed national rate for motorcycles
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health Sciences

For a recent six-year period, the injury rate for riders of electric scooters in one section of Los Angeles was higher than the national rates for riders of motorcycles, bicycles and cars, and pedestrians.

Released: 1-Apr-2022 1:05 PM EDT
Novel nuclear microRNA is being developed for the treatment of cardiovascular disease
University of Eastern Finland

A novel angiogenic microRNA drug can be a new option for the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular disease, according to a new study published in PLOS ONE by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland together with international collaborators.

Released: 31-Mar-2022 6:00 AM EDT
‘Live’ Polio Vaccine Fires Up Immune System Providing Protection From SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Global Virus Network

Two new studies from the Global Virus Network (GVN) in partnership with the Petroleum Industry Health Organization of Iran provide evidence that getting the oral polio vaccine made from live, weakened poliovirus may protect people from COVID-19 infection by stimulating the immune system.

Newswise: The 25 Happiest U.S. City Park Systems, Ranked by Scientists
24-Mar-2022 10:50 AM EDT
The 25 Happiest U.S. City Park Systems, Ranked by Scientists
University of Vermont

Feeling unhappy? Go find a park—the bigger the better—and try taking a walk outdoors. That’s the takeaway of a major new study measuring the happiness effects of city parks in the 25 largest U.S. cities. The happiness benefit of urban nature on users was akin to the mood spike people experience on holidays like Thanksgiving or New Year’s Day. The research is the largest study of its kind—using massive amounts of data from social media—to quantify the mood boosting benefits on urban nature. The happiest place on Twitter? The great outdoors. The study will appear March 30 at 2 pm EST in PLOS One journal.

   
17-Mar-2022 2:15 PM EDT
Artificial sweeteners may not be safe sugar alternatives
PLOS

Study suggests association between consuming artificial sweeteners and increased cancer risk.

Released: 22-Mar-2022 11:20 AM EDT
White-tailed deer can transmit covid for five days after infection
Cornell University

A new Cornell University study finds North American white-tailed deer – shown in 2021 surveys of five states to have coronavirus infection rates of up to 40% – shed and transmit the virus for up to five days once infected.

Newswise: Competition among worm sperm speeds up evolution
Released: 21-Mar-2022 1:00 PM EDT
Competition among worm sperm speeds up evolution
University of Oregon

From elaborate dances to stunning plumage displays to dramatic head-butting, male animals have an array of ways to distinguish themselves from competitors while wooing a potential mate. But it’s not their only chance to prove their worthiness. Sexual selection can take place after mating, too, and new research from University of Oregon scientists suggests that it can have a surprisingly large impact on evolution.

Newswise: Researchers discover genetic cause of sometimes deadly esophageal disorder in dogs
9-Mar-2022 9:55 AM EST
Researchers discover genetic cause of sometimes deadly esophageal disorder in dogs
Clemson University

Researchers have discovered a genetic variation associated with an often deadly esophageal disorder frequently found in German shepherd dogs. Researchers have developed a genetic test for the disease that German shepherd dog breeders can use to reduce the risk that puppies in future litters will develop the disease.

Newswise: Hugging a “breathing” cushion to ease anxiety
2-Mar-2022 1:35 PM EST
Hugging a “breathing” cushion to ease anxiety
PLOS

Novel device shows promise in reducing anxiety for stressed students.

   
Newswise: Caribbean coral reefs have been warming for at least 100 years
2-Mar-2022 1:55 PM EST
Caribbean coral reefs have been warming for at least 100 years
PLOS Climate

A new analysis outlines 150 years of sea-surface temperature history throughout the Greater Caribbean region, highlighting significant warming trends that have disrupted coral reef ecosystems.

Released: 3-Mar-2022 2:05 PM EST
Study: Cities Not Fully Engaging Public Health Agencies in Climate Change Planning
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

In analysis of 22 large cities in 14 countries, more than one-quarter did not report involvement of a public health agency.

Newswise: How 22 large cities address public health in climate adaptation plans
24-Feb-2022 11:40 AM EST
How 22 large cities address public health in climate adaptation plans
PLOS

Cities which involve public health agencies – such as Barcelona and San Francisco – have very different plans.

     
Newswise: Cutting Through the Clutter
Released: 2-Mar-2022 9:05 PM EST
Cutting Through the Clutter
Harvard Medical School

Researchers develop tool that “audits” the results of studies that examine interplay between variables.

Released: 24-Feb-2022 1:40 PM EST
Smart packaging could improve how older adults take medication
University of Waterloo

Older adults are open to using smart packaging to improve their medication-taking experience, a new study finds.

15-Feb-2022 2:10 PM EST
Two studies find only small elevated risk of blood clots following AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination
PLOS

There is a slightly elevated risk of intracranial thrombosis events following vaccination with the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S COVID vaccine, according to two new studies publishing February 22nd in PLOS Medicine.

Newswise: How Bad is the Bloom? New Indexes Developed to Gauge Severity of Red Tides
Released: 22-Feb-2022 10:10 AM EST
How Bad is the Bloom? New Indexes Developed to Gauge Severity of Red Tides
Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System-Regional Association (GCOOS-RA)

Authors of a new paper recently published in the peer-review journal PLOS One have developed a new Bloom Severity Index and a new Respiratory Irritation Index for red tide blooms in the Gulf of Mexico — the first standardized and objective way to gauge how severe red tides are.

   
Newswise: Scientists persevere to show self-awareness is also for some fish
Released: 18-Feb-2022 3:05 PM EST
Scientists persevere to show self-awareness is also for some fish
Osaka City University

Mirror Self-Recognition (MSR) is seen as evidence for self-awareness and passing the mark test, in which animals touch or scrape a mark placed on their body in a location that can only be indirectly viewed in a mirror, is used to determine the capacity of an animal for MSR.



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