Trevor Shen Kuan Ng's Ph.D. thesis focuses on the mechanical properties of dough and its behavior under forces, providing valuable information for commercial bakeries. His research has led to a deeper understanding of gluten's role in dough elasticity and texture.
Researchers at MIT and Hong Kong University have developed a biodegradable liquid that can stop bleeding in wounded rodents within seconds by forming a protective barrier gel. This breakthrough could significantly impact medicine, particularly in emergency surgery situations.
A study published in JAMA found that psoriasis patients are at a higher risk of heart attack, particularly those with severe psoriasis. Younger patients with severe psoriasis had the highest relative risk of heart attack, similar to other major cardiac risk factors.
A three-year study funded by the CDC found a link between consuming poultry, handling raw poultry, and increased risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The investigation focused on the use of virginiamycin in poultry, which is linked to an increased risk of developing Synercid-resistant E. faecium.
A reduced-calorie orange juice beverage fortified with plant sterols lowered 'bad' cholesterol and inflammation in healthy volunteers. The study found a significant decrease in C-reactive protein levels, suggesting a potential benefit for heart disease prevention.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison found a link between dust storms and hurricane frequency in Atlantic, suggesting that dust may help suppress brewing hurricanes. The study suggests that long-term changes in hurricanes may be related to multiple factors.
Researchers found that seals can dive to over 1,000 meters and for more than an hour without shivering, allowing their bodies to cool and reduce oxygen demand. This adaptation helps seals conserve oxygen and minimize brain damage caused by hypoxia during long dives.
The Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN) has selected six studies to undergo whole genome analysis to identify genetic contributions to common illnesses. The studies focus on disorders of the brain, skin, and kidney, including depression, bipolar disorder, and diabetes.
A study published in the Journal of Surgical Research found that reducing surgical resident work hours did not significantly improve perceived quality of patient care. Residents reported fewer fatigue-related errors but more continuity and communication issues.
A study published in JAMA Network found that adults with psoriasis, particularly those with severe forms of the condition, are at a higher risk for heart attacks. The research also revealed that younger patients with severe psoriasis have a significantly increased relative risk compared to other major cardiac risk factors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found that lung cancer cells exploit the NRF2 gene to detoxify chemicals, including chemotherapy agents, rendering them ineffective. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies by blocking NRF2 activity, potentially improving standard chemotherapy drug efficacy.
Daily exposure to noise on subway platforms and cars can cause hearing loss, with average maximum levels exceeding recommended limits by up to 30 minutes. Researchers found that frequent long-term rides and other high-noise activities increase the risk of hearing damage.
St. Jude researchers discover that the Six2 gene prevents kidney stem cells from differentiating, maintaining a source of undifferentiated stem cells needed for kidney growth. The absence of Six2 leads to smaller, non-functional kidneys in developing mice.
Researchers at Rockefeller University developed a modified HIV virus that can infect both human and monkey cells, paving the way for more effective vaccine testing. By manipulating key proteins, they created a 'simian tropic HIV' (stHIV) that replicates vigorously in primate cells.
A new study by University of Florida researchers found that almost all decaffeinated coffee contains some measure of caffeine. This can be a concern for people with medical conditions like hypertension or anxiety disorders who are advised to cut their caffeine intake.
Researchers found that histamine receptor overactivation may cause low blood pressure during exercise recovery, leading to fainting. Antihistamine use before exercise significantly reduced post-exercise hypotension in a study.
Researchers at Harvard University found that the dynamic elastic and dampening roles of ankles, feet, and other distal extremities help legged animals maintain stability on uneven terrain after stumbling. By modulating limbs dynamically, selectively, and quickly, animals can recover from falls and maintain forward momentum.
A team of world-renowned scientists is conducting a 23-day research cruise to explore coral reef biodiversity in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. The census aims to provide baseline information on the diversity, distribution, and abundance of ocean life, with a focus on lesser-known species.
The new radiofrequency device-based approach significantly shortens the Cox-Maze procedure from over 90 minutes to just 30 minutes. The ablation technology disrupts abnormal electrical activity, normalizing heart rhythm and eliminating atrial fibrillation in over 90% of patients.
Researchers have developed a new technique to send secret messages over public internet lines using optical fiber networks, hiding the message in optical noise. The method uses commercially available equipment and is secure even if eavesdroppers know a secret transmission is taking place.
A new study from the University of Southern California found that post-menopausal women's hormone levels vary by ethnicity and race, potentially explaining differences in breast cancer rates. Native Hawaiians have a higher risk of breast cancer due to their high estrogen levels.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements slowed cognitive decline in a subgroup of patients with very mild Alzheimer's disease, while no effect was seen in those with more advanced disease. The study suggests that omega-3 supplements may be beneficial in halting initial progression of the disease.
A study in Scotland found that bar workers experienced significant reductions in respiratory symptoms and lung function after a smoking ban. After 2 months, 46.8% of participants reported no symptoms, showing a 32.4% decrease from baseline.
New research reveals that shorebirds' breeding systems are shaped by the battle over childcare responsibilities. The study found that parents with demanding young are more likely to stay together to help rear their offspring, while those with harder-to-raise young are more likely to fight for mating opportunities.
Researchers found that dopamine plays a critical role in regulating sleep and brain activity associated with dreaming. Animal models of Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia exhibited sleep disturbances when dopamine levels were reduced or increased, suggesting a link between dopamine imbalances and sleep problems in these conditions.
States with personal belief exemptions and easily accessible immunization exemptions experience higher rates of whooping cough, according to a study published in JAMA. The study found that states granting personal belief exemptions had higher exemption rates, leading to increased incidence of pertussis.
Research by Boston University links periodontal disease to increased stroke risk in older adults. The study suggests that periodontitis may be a marker for negative effects of risk factors common to both conditions.
Pollutants from Central American biomass burning influence air quality and climate in the United States, particularly visibility and surface air temperatures. The smoke plumes also trap aerosols in the lower atmosphere, worsening air quality.
A team from Rice University and UT-Houston report a unique grip of the protein calmodulin, which operates independently like a batter in a bunt. This new grip plays a key role in allowing muscles to contract and relax quickly.
The Burnham Institute for Medical Research will create a world-class neuroscience research center with a $12.7 million NIH grant. The center will bring together nearly 100 scientists from four San Diego institutions to study the nervous system and develop treatments for nervous system diseases.
Schema Therapy has been shown to be more effective than traditional Transference Focused Psychotherapy in treating Borderline Personality Disorder. The therapy achieved full recovery in about 50% of patients and significant improvement in two-thirds, with a lower dropout rate and lower cost.
A new study found that longer-lived rodents have significantly lower levels of a thyroid hormone that regulates metabolic rate. The study suggests an important regulatory role of thyroid hormone in longevity, with higher thyroid hormone levels correlating with shorter lifespans.