The Lancet Editorial argues that capital punishment is a cruel practice with no place in modern society, citing declining support worldwide. The use of lethal injection is facing major legal challenges in the US, further eroding its legitimacy.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found a link between microglia activation and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a new approach to fighting the disease. The study also shows promise for immunosuppressant FK506 as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers identified human pancreatic cancer stem cells, which can produce tumors in half of mice tested. These stem cells are highly tumorigenic and resistant to traditional therapy, making them a promising target for new treatments.
The International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control is a new, quarterly journal focusing on technological developments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It will include carbon capture and storage, transmission, and alternative mitigation options.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a new biomarker test that can predict the recurrence of bladder cancer in patients. The test uses molecular biomarkers to identify patients who are more likely to experience cancer recurrence, allowing for personalized treatment options.
A study by Chiara Cirelli and colleagues shows that the quality and intensity of wakefulness affect slow-wave activity (SWA) during subsequent sleep. High exploratory activity during wakefulness leads to increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, which in turn affects SWA.
Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered that combining helium with 40% oxygen improves the exercise tolerance of COPD patients, allowing them to increase their exercise capacity by an average of 245%. This treatment could have significant clinical implications for people with severe respiratory problems.
A new study at Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that women's conflicting attitudes towards participating in clinical trials are rooted in fears, distrust, and hopes for future benefits. The researchers called for greater involvement of academic medical centers with minority communities to address health concerns.
The Mayo Clinic suggests a reimbursement system based on value rather than traditional pay-for-performance, aiming to improve healthcare quality and reduce spending. The proposed system rewards hospitals for achieving good patient outcomes at lower costs, while penalizing those with worse outcomes.
Researchers at NIST create molecular nanomagnets that offer consistent design and high contrast, improving MRI imaging. The new agents can be turned on only when bonded to a target molecule or cell, with no toxicity issues.
Researchers found improvements in diet quality for heart disease prevention over the last two decades, with increased fruit, vegetable, and whole grain intake. However, concerns remain about sodium and energy balance. Additionally, African-American communities face low dairy consumption and inadequate nutrient intakes.
A new study published in the journal Sleep reveals that parasomnias are common and frequent in children. Pediatricians should actively involve parents in identifying symptoms and taking an active approach to helping their child overcome a sleep disorder. Home videos and sleep diaries can be useful tools for classifying parasomnias.
A Stanford-led study has identified a specific region on chromosome 15 that may be linked to severe depression. The research, which analyzed 650 families with a history of repeated bouts of severe depression, found highly significant evidence for genetic linkage to the condition.
AkaRx has licensed the tetrac patents for treating thyroid cancer, developing AKR-201 to suppress TSH production. The drug aims to reduce side effects of hyperthyroidism in patients with thyroid cancer
Researchers found that children with severe mood dysregulation exhibited different brain mechanisms, suggesting they may have a distinct illness requiring different treatments. The study suggests that biological measurements could be used to improve psychiatric diagnoses in children with pediatric bipolar disorder.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new method to rapidly assess the quality of carbon nanotubes by spraying coatings onto a quartz crystal, measuring resonant frequency changes to detect mass variations and gauge consistency among samples. The new technique outperforms standard analytic methods in speed and sample analysis.
Researchers modeled Martian radiation environment to determine if life can survive; three-dimensional models improve predictions for glacial isostatic adjustments. A new method using seismic noise images volcanoes in three dimensions, offering improved volcanic hazard assessment.
Researchers isolated bacteria from Stiffkey saltmarsh to identify dimethyl sulphide (DMS) production, a key gas in ocean formation and climate change. DMS also serves as a food marker for certain birds, aiding their navigation.
The online survey aims to learn how people of different nationalities behave while having fun in the sun, and their attitudes to tanning and skin cancer. Researchers have identified four high-risk melanoma genes that increase someone's risk of skin cancer.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have created a nanomachine that traps molecules as they move in a specific direction, powered by light. This breakthrough builds on previous work and could lead to lasers moving objects remotely using molecular force.
Researchers found that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation enhanced the expansion of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells, leading to increased tumor regression. The study suggests that this approach may improve treatment regimens for cancer patients.
Researchers describe a unified description of electron movements through certain proteins, uncovering key pathways that optimize energy harvesting in photosynthesis and animal cells. The study reveals complex routing options that allow electrons to take shortcuts, increasing the challenge for theoreticians.
A study published in the SLEEP journal found that brain areas hyperactivated during cataplexy in a narcoleptic patient resemble those active during normal REM sleep, but without other characteristic features. This discovery may help explain how narcolepsy's cataplexy symptom occurs.
Researchers at Université Laval found that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements while on a low-calorie diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study, which lasted 15 weeks, showed significant drops in LDL cholesterol and increases in HDL cholesterol.
Researchers have identified two ancient genes, Nax1 and Nax2, that enable salt tolerance in wheat by excluding salt from roots and leaves. The discovery paves the way for developing more resilient crop varieties to stabilize soil and provide income for farmers affected by salinity.
A new non-invasive prenatal testing method has been developed and tested on 60 pregnant women, identifying chromosomal abnormalities in 58 cases, including two trisomy 21 instances. While preliminary, the technique holds potential as a complement to existing prenatal tests with further refinement.
A new study by Washington University School of Medicine identifies distinct genetic signatures among pilocytic astrocytomas that relate to their brain region origin. This finding has significant implications for understanding the causes of pediatric brain tumors, which are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children.
The Tibetan antelope population may be increasing due to a combination of better enforcement and growing conservation ethic in local communities, according to WCS biologist George Schaller. He witnessed no direct evidence of widespread poaching during an eight-week expedition across Tibet's remote Chang Tang region.
Nine new projects and four renewals have been awarded large amounts of time on IBM Blue Gene/L systems at Argonne National Laboratory through the DOE INCITE program. Researchers will investigate topics such as protein structure prediction, foam formation, and nanoscale light manipulation to advance materials science and computing.
Researchers developed targeted muscle reinnervation to improve control of a motorized prosthetic arm, allowing for better functional movement and sensory feedback. The technique enables the re-routed nerves to grow into muscles, giving users improved control and potentially 'feeling' sensations with an artificial hand.
A prototype code of ethics for life sciences aims to shape ethical practice by defining principles such as objectivity, research freedom, and virtues like duty and integrity. The code is necessary due to the high stakes of scientific advancements in human history.
The latest issue of Cold Spring Harbor Protocols provides guidance on choosing plant tissues, designing test proteins, and setting up microscope equipment to detect green fluorescent protein (GFP) in plants. This information is essential for researchers interested in plant biology and imaging technologies.
A new comparative metagenomics method reveals that microbes evolve faster in some environments than others, with many lineages remaining loyal to their habitats over time. The study provides insights into the evolution of microorganisms in different ecosystems, shedding light on the invisible life on Earth.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison scientist has proven that composite materials can be stable even if one component is unstable, allowing for a wider range of properties and improved overall performance. This breakthrough could lead to materials with virtually limitless performance capabilities.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that sad people tend to overeat comfort foods, but those with nutritional information curtail their consumption. In contrast, happy individuals already avoid excessive eating and are not influenced by nutrition labels.
A study published in Inhalation Toxicology found that rats exposed to highway pollution showed a significant drop in heart rate and disruption of the autonomic nervous system. This discovery highlights the potential risks of air pollution on cardiovascular health, particularly for individuals with pre-existing heart disease.
First- or second-generation immigrants make up a disproportionate high percentage of Black student population at U.S. universities, with selectivity increasing proportionally. Despite this, Black immigrant students perform similarly to native counterparts in academic performance.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health confirms the association between passive smoke in the workplace and an increased risk of lung cancer. Researchers found a 24% increase in lung cancer risk among people exposed to passive smoke, with highly exposed workers facing a 100% increased risk.
A new study by the University of Missouri-Columbia found that kids who watched more TV were at greatest risk of becoming overweight. Family meal times were also linked to healthier eating habits, suggesting other benefits for weight prevention.
Researchers at Barrow will investigate gene defects in NF1 affecting nerve cell function and molecule movement. The grant aims to identify new targets for treating Neurofibromatosis 1, a genetic disorder causing tumors and developmental problems.
The Cornell-led International Tomato Sequencing Project will sequence the tomato genome and create a comprehensive database of genomic sequences, enabling researchers to study crop development and domestication. The project, funded by $1.8 million from the NSF, aims to tie together maps and genomes of all plants in the Solanaceae family.
A new study suggests that pre-dive intake of antioxidants Vitamin C and E can reduce alterations in cardiovascular function. This intervention showed a positive effect on vascular endothelial function, while other cardiac changes were unaffected.
Researchers at UCLA suggest that the brain uses physical changes to cells to monitor time, rather than a clock-like mechanism. The team's computer model showed that the brain-cell network can encode time through the context of preceding events, which was tested in a study with research volunteers.
Researchers found that early brain degeneration can be reversed if prions are depleted in neurons, leading to improved cognitive function and reversal of neurological pathology. This discovery opens new avenues for targeting neuronal prion protein as a therapeutic approach and may enable early intervention in human prion disease.
Researchers found that seeing leftover chicken bones on plates led to a 43% increase in eating, while those who ate off clean plates consumed less. The study suggests serving yourself onto a plate and stopping when it's empty can help prevent overeating at Super Bowl parties.
Young adults (19-25) prefer text messaging for its instant social interaction, a perceived economical cost, and fun technology. They send an average of 50 messages per month and spend $46 US per month on mobile phone services.
A new study published in The Annals of Pharmacotherapy found that phenylephrine may not be as effective as previously thought, with some studies showing no significant benefit. The study's findings suggest that higher doses of the drug could increase the risk of adverse effects, and the FDA is urged to require additional research.
A RAND Corporation study found that better outpatient medical care leads to improved health and quality of life for non-elderly patients with chronic illnesses. The study, which evaluated 963 adults over a 30-month period, showed that those receiving higher-quality care experienced less decline in health and function.
A review published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics confirms chromium picolinate's benefits in improving glycemic control and normalizing lipid levels. Higher doses of chromium picolinate are required for people with type 2 diabetes, and its greater bioavailability may explain its superior effects.
A Yale University study found that black women are more likely to experience inadequate communication of mammogram results, leading to reduced benefits. The researchers noted that cultural and social dynamics may contribute to these disparities.
Researchers found that mice deficient for SHP exhibited an earlier onset of fertility due to reduced repression on testosterone production and germ cell differentiation. This discovery may lead to exploration of SHP in human subjects with fertility issues.
Researchers used NASA's Aura satellite to track the origin and movements of water vapor in the atmosphere. They found that tropical rainfall evaporation and water
Researchers investigate fatigue in various populations, finding distinct definitions for tiredness, fatigue, and exhaustion. The study aims to prevent progression from tiredness to exhaustion, emphasizing the importance of recognizing changes consistent with fatigue and exhaustion.
Researchers studied emperor penguin breeding habits to understand how they conserve energy in extreme cold. The study found that deep body temperatures decrease during huddling, but core temperature remains constant, suggesting a trade-off between egg incubation and energy savings.
Using tropical fish, researchers discovered the brain processes sensory information to control movement. The study sheds light on the communication between the brain and body, potentially contributing to medical advances in humans.
A new compound, 2-5AN6B, has shown significant promise in inhibiting HIV replication in white blood cells from HIV-infected patients. The compound works by a different mechanism than current drugs, reducing the risk of mutation and improving treatment effectiveness.
Researchers found evidence of leech-borne transmission of a fungus-like organism infecting newts' muscles, which may affect their ability to reproduce. The infection is not fatal but can impact newt populations. Human activities, such as fertilizer use in wetlands, could lead to increased leech abundance and disease spread.
A study found a strong connection between muscle damage during vaginal deliveries and pelvic organ prolapse, which causes the uterus, bladder, or bowel to fall down. The research suggests that preventing these injuries can help reduce the rate of pelvic organ prolapse.
A Phase III trial of cellulose sulfate, a topical microbicide gel, has been halted due to preliminary results indicating an increased risk of HIV infection in women. The Independent Data Monitoring Committee will conduct a review of the data to better understand the findings and determine implications for future research.
A University of Washington study found that women living in areas with higher levels of air pollution have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease and dying from cardiovascular causes. Fine particulate matter, tiny airborne particles, were linked to a significant increase in cardiovascular disease events.