Press Releases
Interspecies interactions in gut microbiota may limit antibiotics’ efficacy against C. difficile
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium that can infect the large intestine. Symptoms range from diarrhea to life-threatening colon damage. A study published in PLOS Biology by Ophelia Venturelli at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA and colleagues suggests that interspecies interactions within the gut microbiome may impact the efficacy of antibiotics aimed at treating C. difficile infections.
Climate change may keep India from achieving its sustainable development goals
Study suggests recurrent heatwaves have greater socioeconomic impact than previously known
Heatwaves in India are increasing in frequency, intensity and lethality, burdening public health, agriculture, and other socio-economic and cultural systems. A study published in PLOS Climate by Ramit Debnath at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom and colleagues suggests that climate change caused heatwaves may impede India’s progress toward its sustainable development goals.
Concurrent climate events may increase risk of damage to interconnected services and sectors
Study suggests the cascading effects of heat and drought may destabilize on a system-wide level
Weather extremes can affect many different assets, sectors and systems of the human environment, including human security, health, and well-being. A study published in PLOS Climate by Laura Niggli at University of Zurich, Switzerland and colleagues suggests that the cascading effects of extreme weather and the interconnectedness of critical services and sectors has the potential to destabilize entire socioeconomic systems.
Genomic surveillance may help track pathogen evolution to prevent crop failures
Study identifies genetic lineage of wheat fungus and fungus-resistant wheat gene
Pests and diseases may reduce wheat yields by over 20% globally. A study published in PLOS Biology by Sergio Latorre at University College London, London, United Kingdom and colleagues suggests that genomic surveillance may be an effective disease management tool with the ability to trace the lineage of emerging crop diseases, and to identify genetic traits for breeding disease resistant lines.
Vegetation in western North American mountains moves up in elevation at high velocity
Study suggests some species are responding to climate change faster than previously thought
In both montane and non-montane regions, understanding the velocity of climate change and corresponding shifts in biota distribution have become important aspects of conservation planning. A study published in PLOS Climate by James R. Keller at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States and colleagues suggests that at high elevations in western North America, vegetation cover as a whole has moved upward at a rapid rate over the past several decades.
Anthropogenic climate change poses systemic risk to coffee cultivation
Study suggests the frequency of spatially compounded climate risks to coffee are increasing
Coffee is important to the economies of coffee producing regions. A study published in PLOS Climate by Doug Richardson at CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia and colleagues suggests that climate change may significantly reduce the area of land suitable for coffee cultivation.
Concentration of Microparticles in Lakes Reflect Nearby Human Activity and Land Use
Study suggests microparticle pollution in European lakes higher than previously reported
Predicting where anthropogenic debris accumulates in aquatic ecosystems is necessary for its control and environmental remediation, but plastic and fibre pollution in lakes is not well studied. A study published in PLOS Biology by Andrew Tanentzap at University of Cambridge, United Kingdom and colleagues suggests that microparticle concentrations in lakes are higher than previously reported, and that human activity and surrounding land use may be a strong predictor of microplastics and anthropogenic fibre lake pollution.
Strategic changes in research laboratory practices may reduce environmental footprint, increase financial savings
Laboratories may consume large quantities of plastics, generate waste, and emit greenhouse gasses. A report published in PLOS Sustainability and Transformation by Jane Kilcoyne at Marine Institute, Galway, Ireland and colleagues suggests that laboratories can significantly reduce their plastics and carbon footprint, and financial costs by transitioning to more efficient, sustainable laboratory materials and methods.
Three COVID-19 vaccines may provide greater protection from COVID-19 infections than two
Two vaccine doses provide only limited and short-lived protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection with the Omicron variant. A study published in PLOS Medicine by Mie Agermose Gram at Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark and colleagues suggests that a third COVID-19 vaccine dose increased the level and duration of protection against Omicron infection and hospitalization.
Some ethnic groups in UK with cardiovascular risk may be less likely to be prescribed statins
Study suggests South Asian and African/African Caribbean patients at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, but less likely to receive treatment
People of South Asian and African/African Caribbean descent are more likely than those of European ancestry to develop type 2 diabetes, as well as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) complications of diabetes. A study published in PLOS Medicine by Sophie Eastwood at University College London, United Kingdom, and colleagues suggests people of African/African Caribbean ethnicity with type 2 diabetes and people of South Asian ethnicity were less likely to receive guideline indicated statins than people of European ethnicity.
New research maps COVID-19 dispersal dynamics in New York’s first wave of epidemic
Study suggests borough of Queens was major hub of COVID-19 transmission
During the first phase of the COVID-19 epidemic, New York City experienced high prevalence compared to other U.S. cities, yet little is known about the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 within and among its boroughs. A study published in PLOS Pathogens by Simon Dellicour at Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium, and colleagues describe the dispersal dynamics of COVID-19 viral lineages at the state and city levels, illustrating the relatively important role of the borough ofQueens as a SARS-CoV-2 transmission hub.
Parasites may accumulate in spleens of asymptomatic individuals infected with malaria
Study suggests immature red blood cells in spleen are targeted for invasion by P. Vivax
Malaria, a disease caused by parasites Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, (P. vivax) is associated with over 400,000 deaths each year. Previously, the spleen was assumed to mostly play a role in parasite destruction, as it eliminates malaria parasites after antimalarial treatment. A study published in PLOS Medicine by Nicholas Anstey at Menzies School of Health Research, Australia, and colleagues, suggests that in chronic P. vivax infections, malaria parasites survive and replicate via an undetectable lifecycle within the spleen.
SARS-Cov-2 infections may produce antibody responses in multiple virus proteins
Study suggests vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics are not limited to spike protein
All coronaviruses produce four primary structural proteins and multiple nonstructural proteins. However, the majority of antibody-based SARS-CoV-2 research has focused on the spike and nucleocapsid protein. A study published in PLOS Biology by Anna Heffron at University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, and colleagues suggests immune responses may develop to protect against other SARS-CoV-2 proteins.
Changes in how cholesterol breaks down in the body may accelerate progression of dementia
Study suggests that some cholesterol medications may impact signaling pathways in the brain, particularly in men
Cholesterol is impermeable to the blood brain barrier, yet high blood cholesterol is associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. However, the underlying mechanisms mediating this relationship are poorly understood. A study published in PLOS Medicine by Vijay Varma at National Institutes of Health, in Baltimore, Maryland, and colleagues suggests that disturbances in the conversion of cholesterol to bile acid (called cholesterol catabolism) may play a role in the development of dementia.
COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery by Age May Mitigate Deaths and Severe Health Impacts
Study suggests that prioritizing the elderly ahead of younger people may be most effective in reducing disease impacts
Strategic vaccine delivery is critical to reducing COVID-19 transmission, mortality and long-term health impacts. A study published in PLOS Computational Biology by Samuel Moore at University of Warwick, United Kingdom and colleagues suggests that prioritizing vaccine delivery to older age groups and the medically vulnerable has the greatest impact in minimizing loss of life.
Vitamin D may not provide protection from COVID-19 susceptibility or disease severity
Preliminary studies have suggested that increased vitamin D levels may protect against COVID-19. However, these studies were inconclusive and possibly confounded. A study published in PLOS Medicine by Brent Richards at McGill University in Quebec, Canada and colleagues suggests that vitamin D is not an effective therapeutic or preventive treatment against COVID-19.
Allocating COVID-19 vaccines based on socioeconomic factors may reduce mortality
Study suggests spatial relationship between COVID-19 mortality and population-level health factors
COVID-19 vaccination strategies in the US are informed by individual characteristics such as age and occupation. A study published in PLOS Medicine by Sasikiran Kandula at Columbia University, New York, United States and colleagues suggests that including socioeconomic indicators as prioritization criteria for vaccination may help minimize severe outcomes, particularly deaths.
Canadians who receive prescription opioids may experience gaps in access to primary care
Study suggests people treated for opioid use disorder may face difficulties finding new providers
Stigma and high care needs can present barriers to the provision of high-quality primary care for people with opioid use disorder (OUD) and those prescribed opioids for chronic pain. A study published in PLOS Medicine by Tara Gomes at Institute of St. Micheal’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada and colleagues suggests that people treated for an opioid use disorder were less likely to find a new primary care provider (PCP) within one year of termination of enrolment with the previous physician.
Delaying second dose of COVID-19 vaccines may be an effective public health strategy
Study suggests that prioritising widespread inoculation with available first doses may reduce new infections, hospitalizations, and deaths
Two of the COVID-19 vaccines currently approved in the United States require two doses, administered three to four weeks apart, however, there are few data indicating how best to minimize new infections and hospitalisations with limited vaccine supply and distribution capacity. A study published in PLOS Biology by Seyed Moghadas at York University in Toronto, Canada, and colleagues suggests that delaying the second dose could improve the effectiveness of vaccine programs.
Alzheimer’s disease research papers omitting “mice” from titles linked to misleading media coverage
There is increasing scrutiny around how science is communicated to the public, yet the relationship between how scientists report their findings and how media reports it to the public has not been extensively studied. A study published in PLOS Biology by Marcia Trionfol at Humane Society International, in Washington, D.C. and Fabio Gouveia at Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil suggests that when authors of scientific papers omit that a study was conducted in mice and not humans from the article title, journalists reporting on the paper tend to do the same.
HPV vaccine may not be cost-effective in populations of adults over 30
In the United States, vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is recommended for males and females up to age 26. However, the cost effectiveness and health impact of vaccination on older individuals are unclear. A study published in PLOS Medicine, by Jane Kim at Harvard University, United States and colleagues suggests that HPV vaccination of 30-45 year olds provides limited health benefits at a high cost.
Effective interventions may prevent disease transmission in changing climate
Aedes aegypti are the primary vector for mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue fever, however the effects of climate change-related weather anomalies on mosquito populations is not well understood. A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases by Cameron Nosrat at Stanford University, United States and colleagues suggests that early interventions may prevent disease transmission even as extreme climate events may increase the abundance of Ae. aegypti populations.
Orphan drug may help control transmission of African Trypanosomiasis
African trypanosomiasis is a disease transmitted by tsetse flies and is both fatal to humans and animals, however, there is no vaccine. A study published in PLOS Biology by Alvaro Acosta-Serrano at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom and colleagues suggests that the drug nitisinone (NTBC) could be repurposed to kill tsetse flies without harming important pollinator insects.
Fetal macrosomia screening may be limited in ability to predict associated perinatal complications
Delivering a newborn with macrosomia (weighing more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces as birth) may be associated with higher risk of adverse outcomes, including perinatal death and injuries related to traumatic delivery, such as shoulder dystocia. A study in PLOS Medicine by Gordon Smith at University of Cambridge and colleagues suggests that third trimester fetal macrosomia screening had a clinically insignificant effect on predicting shoulder dystocia.
Acute Loss of Smell May Predict Positive SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Status
COVID-19 can cause temporary loss of taste and smell, but the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies in people reporting these symptoms is unknown. A study in PLOS Medicine by Rachel Batterham at University College London and colleagues suggests that loss of smell may predict a positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody status, and that COVID-19 may commonly present in people experiencing a loss of smell and/or taste, but without cough or fever.
Cesarean section-born children may face higher risk of infection-related hospitalisation
Children born via cesarean section may be more likely to be hospitalised for infection during early childhood. A study published in PLOS Medicine by Jessica Miller at the University of Melbourne, Australia and colleagues suggests that compared to vaginally-born children, cesarean-born children may have a higher risk of infection-related hospitalization for up to five years of age.
Most people infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop symptoms
While some people who contract SARS-CoV-2 infections never experience any symptoms, there remains disagreement about what proportion of total infections these cases comprise. A study in PLOS Medicine by Diana Buitrago-Garcia at University of Bern and colleagues suggests that true asymptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2 comprise a minority of infections.
Delayed and weakened immune responses may drive SARS-CoV-2 mortality rates among men and the elderly
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infections tend to be more severe among older adults and males, yet the mechanisms underlying increased mortality in these two demographics are unknown. A study published in PLOS Biology by Nicole Lieberman at University of Washington and colleagues suggests that varying immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 due to age and sex may depend on viral load and infection time course.
High antibiotic prescription rates in low and middle-income countries may indicate misuse
Inappropriate use of antibiotics is an important driver of antimicrobial resistance, yet the extent of antibiotic prescribing in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is unknown. A study published in PLOS Medicine by Madhukar Pai at McGill University and colleagues found that approximately 50% of patients at primary care clinics in LMICs received at least one antibiotic, exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended proportion of 30%, suggesting widespread overprescribing of antibiotics in LMICs.
Mutually beneficial relationships between vaginal bacteria may facilitate imbalances of vaginal microbiome
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an imbalance of the vaginal microbiome that can lead to adverse health outcomes, yet the mechanisms underlying infection-causing pathogen colonization are poorly understood. A study published in PLOS Biology by Amanda Lewis at University of California, San Diego, and colleagues suggests that mutually beneficial relationships between different species of vaginal bacteria may encourage growth of potentially harmful pathogens, challenging previous belief that the suitable living environment supporting pathogen colonization is created by the absence of healthy bacteria.
Stepping-down asthma medication may significantly reduce costs without increasing adverse health outcomes
International guidelines for asthma treatment recommend clinicians find the minimum effective dose that can control symptoms, yet asthma patients are increasingly prescribed high doses of medication. A study published in PLOS Medicine by Chloe Bloom at Imperial College London and colleagues found that stepping-down medication doses did not increase asthma exacerbations and could significantly reduce medication costs.
Age, Education Level, And Religiousness Of Parents May Predict Vaccine Hesitancy
Parents who hesitate to vaccinate their children tend to share key demographic backgrounds and have attitudinal commonalities, which may help public health exports deploy more targeted, effective messaging to counteract anti-vaccination beliefs. A study published in PLOS One by Rebekah Reuben at University of Toronto and colleagues found that vaccine hesitant parents are younger, less educated, more religious, have significantly less trust in physicians and greater disgust sensitivity.
Sports settings may help engage Australian men in weight loss
Men in Australia are more likely than women to be obese, yet they are underrepresented in weight loss trials. A study published in PLOS Medicine, by Eleanor Quested at Curtin University in Perth, Australia and colleagues found that participants in a men-only, sports-based weight loss program increased physical activity and lost more weight than men who had not, suggesting overweight and obese men may benefit from similarly designed programs.
Risk Factors, Features and Outcomes associated with invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella in Vietnam
Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) infections occur when Salmonella bacteria, which normally cause diarrhea, enter the bloodstream and spread through the body. iNTS infections may cause illness and death in malaria-stricken children and HIV-infected adults in sub-Saharan Africa, but little is known about the prevalence and severity of iNTS in Asia. A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases suggests that iNTS disease, like in sub-Saharan Africa, is a severe infection with a high mortality rate in Vietnam.
Human hookworm infection exerts high health and economic burden
Hookworm affects approximately 500 million people worldwide, yet its global economic and health impact is not well understood. A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases suggests that the health and economic burden of hookworm infection is estimated to exceed those of a number of diseases receiving greater attention and investment. Sarah Bartsch from John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Peter Hotez from Baylor College of Medicine, and colleagues found that human hookworm infection confers a substantial global health and economic burden through loss of productivity, and years of life living with disability due to infection outcomes.
Seroprevalence and Disease Burden of Chagas Disease in south Texas
Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi infection) is a parasitic infection that can lead to fatal cardiac disease. While Latin America is known as an endemic area, there have been relatively few studies investigating the prevalence of Chagas disease in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. A paper published in PLOS Neglected Diseases led by researchers at the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine suggests that the disease burden in southern Texas is much higher than previously thought. Considering up to 30% of people infected with Trypanosoma cruzi can develop fatal cardiomyopathy, this study’s findings carry important implications to the health of the population of south Texas.