Researchers will create detailed computer models of a new proposed type of nuclear reactor, the sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR), which can burn highly radioactive materials and operate without using new fuel. The project aims to improve understanding of the physics of the system to design safer reactors.
The UK faces a growing obesity crisis with alarming statistics showing a 30-50% increase in obesity rates over the past decade. Experts call for a comprehensive approach to tackle the epidemic, including promoting healthy eating and exercise, and investing in meaningful interventions.
A Commonwealth Fund survey finds US adults are most likely to report medical errors, go without care due to costs, and support rebuilding the healthcare system. The US ranks last in saying only minor changes are needed, with high out-of-pocket costs and great problems paying medical bills.
Case Western Reserve researchers have bred a line of 'mighty mice' with the ability to run five to six kilometers at high speeds. The mice utilize fatty acids for energy and produce little lactic acid, allowing them to maintain endurance over extended periods.
Researchers developed a mouse model to predict the loss of orally administered drugs due to CYP3A metabolism. The study found that mice with human CYP3A expression in the intestine had higher docetaxol levels, while those with liver expression showed only slight decreases.
Five essayists have been chosen from a shortlist of 40 for their innovative approaches to addressing health inequities in developing countries. The winners tackle topics such as patent systems, food security, HIV/AIDS, and healthcare access in China.
Researchers identify novel TRF2 target promoters, distinguishing between three classes of genes dependent on TBP or TRF2. Depletion of TRF2 leads to reduced ribosomal gene transcription and chromosomal defects.
Scientists discovered that immune cells called macrophages play a role in age-related macular degeneration by failing to block abnormal blood vessel formation. In older mice, macrophages shift from M1 to M2 type, promoting disease progression.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a novel mechanism to predict survival in older women with early-stage lung cancer. Higher levels of aromatase, an enzyme that produces estrogen, are associated with more aggressive disease and lower survival rates in women over 65.
A study published in SLEEP found that a sleep-related breathing disorder, such as central sleep apnea (CSA) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), increases heart rate variability in heart failure patients. This association may reflect different pathophysiological mechanisms involved and could potentially inform treatment strategies.
Researchers developed an approach based on negotiation skills to manage conflicts between physicians, patients, and families. Clinicians can use skillful negotiation techniques to reach a balanced solution that satisfies all parties.
A recent study found that breastfed babies with asthmatic mothers had lower airflows and no improved lung growth, suggesting a potential link between breastfeeding and increased risk of asthma. In contrast, non-asthmatic mothers' milk may promote lung development.
Researchers have developed new designer toxins that can kill Bt-resistant insect pests, including the pink bollworm, a major cotton pest. The toxins work by modifying the way the insects' gut membranes respond to Bt toxins, rendering them ineffective.
Researchers have discovered a new potential cancer therapy that targets angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessels that feed tumor cells. Anti-PLGF inhibits the growth of VEGF(R)-resistant tumors without affecting healthy vessels, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers have identified multiple genes that confer broad-spectrum resistance to Turnip Mosaic Virus in brassicas like broccoli and cabbage. This discovery has the potential to develop resilient crop varieties that can withstand virus mutations.
Researchers at Penn University discovered that changing atomic mass reduces friction between sliding bodies, reducing energy loss and wear. This study provides a fundamental understanding of atomic-scale phenomena contributing to friction.
A study by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that nearly one in four children with heart disease are overweight or obese, highlighting the need for doctors to counsel families on safe exercise routines. The researchers also noted that discussions about weight control were relatively uncommon during cardiology clinic visits.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study finds that psychological factors, including traumatic life events like abuse, accelerate HIV disease progression and mortality. The research suggests that clinicians should screen patients for depression and trauma to improve health outcomes.
Stevens' China Program, an online teaching and learning program, has been named 'most outstanding' by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Over 160 students are now enrolled or have earned master's degrees in various fields.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that minority patients prefer optical colonoscopy (OC) over computed tomographic (CT) colonography for colorectal cancer screening. OC was associated with less discomfort, embarrassment, and pain compared to CT colonography.
A recent study published in Gastroenterology found that high glucose levels are a strong risk factor for colorectal cancer. Patients with elevated insulin and glucose levels had a 50% increased risk of recurrence of colorectal tumors. Maintaining a healthy glycemic index may help reduce this risk.
A four-year study involving 600 children and 80 parents found that having friends at the new school helped settle-in, get-on and become more independent. Friends provided a sense of security and support during challenging times.
New studies published in JGIM examine the consequences of language barriers for patients with limited English proficiency, finding measurable disparities in quality of care. Hospitals are often unable to obtain full informed consent from patients due to lack of professional interpreter services, while Hispanic patients are less likely ...
A new study challenges traditional notions of triage in disaster response by highlighting the importance of regional hospital capacity and field triage accuracy. The research suggests that levels of overtriage can be beneficial, harmless or detrimental depending on local resources and response times.
Arizona State University faculty members Matthew J. Fouch and Jenefer Husman received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for their innovative research in geophysics and educational psychology. The award recognizes their work on integrating geophysical data types to better understand Earth's interior.
A new study by Penn State University finds that colugos, also known as flying lemurs, are the closest living relatives of primates. The researchers used molecular and genomic data to analyze the evolutionary relationships among three groups: primates, colugos, and tree shrews.
The upgraded system increases computing power by a factor of five, enabling researchers to explore complex systems at unprecedented scale and speed. With this boost, Argonne's leadership in petascale computing is solidified, paving the way for breakthroughs in materials research, medicine, and other fields.
Scientists successfully rotate single electron's spin using electric fields, a crucial step for future quantum computing. This breakthrough clears the path for a more powerful and efficient quantum computer.
Researchers used computer simulations to show how electrons become one thousand times more massive in certain metal compounds at extremely low temperatures. This finding may provide new clues for understanding superconductivity and fabricating new superconducting materials.
A three-year study reveals that children engage more in learning when given responsibility for decision making and planning. The 'Greener Voices' project found that adults often make assumptions about children's involvement in gardening, neglecting their creative thinking.
New insights into the co-evolutionary relationship between sawflies and their parasites show that parasitism promotes ecological divergence in herbivorous insects. The study reveals a food web involving willow trees, sawflies, and parasites feeding on sawfly larvae.
The National Center for Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University will investigate the relationship between family structure and well-being. Researchers will examine various aspects of marriage, including its role in child development and the impact of cohabitation, to inform policies and promote healthy marriages.
Researchers studied voltage-gated potassium channels, revealing features that could lead to medical breakthroughs in synthetic drug design. In contrast, a study found that large lipid rafts are not observed in live cells due to protein obstacles.
Researchers found that using 0-8 millimeter pumice in pots higher than 15 centimeters significantly increases yields for gypsophila and cucumber plants. The most balanced and safe type of pumice, the two finest grades, provide optimal moisture retention.
New research estimates that US fires release around 290 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that large fires can release enormous pulses of CO2 rapidly into the atmosphere, complicating efforts to understand and combat global warming.
The domestic cat genome has been successfully sequenced, revealing approximately 65% of its euchromatic regions. The analysis identified 20,285 putative genes and hundreds of chromosomal rearrangements among mammals, shedding light on feline health and human disease.
A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that massage therapy decreases pain levels for patients after heart surgery. In a pilot study of 58 patients, those who received massage had mean pain scores less than 1 on a scale of 1 to 10, compared to an average rating of 3 among the control group.
A team of scientists has developed a tissue-engineered, organotypic 3D culture system of esophageal squamous cell cancer, revealing the genetic mutations and tumor microenvironment driving the disease. The model also highlights the critical role of stromal fibroblasts in cancer progression.
A recent study published in Nature finds good agreement between species richness of tropical forests and coral reefs and a simple mathematical model based on the neutral theory of biodiversity. The researchers argue that interactions between species can be largely ignored, contradicting previous claims from other scientific teams.
The US government is facing criticism for its lack of oversight on nanotechnology products, with expert Andrew Maynard warning of potential risks to the environment, health and workers. Maynard recommends establishing a clear risk research strategy and allocating funding for safety research and oversight.
Researchers found that support cells in developing ears show robust electrical activity similar to nerve cells, which helps explain how the auditory system generates brain activity without sound. This discovery may also contribute to tinnitus and sounds perceived from nowhere.
A team of researchers created the first fully functional radio from a single carbon nanotube, enabling tiny wireless communication devices. The nanotube radio works by detecting incoming radio waves and vibrating at its flexural resonance frequency to receive signals, offering a new approach to making radios.
A team of researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia has discovered a clean process for making gold nanoparticles using gold salts, soybeans, and water. The new process eliminates the need for synthetic or man-made chemicals, which can have negative environmental impacts.
The American College of Physicians has released comprehensive guidelines for diagnosing and treating stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A new study also found that a nutrient supplement can reduce the need for steroids in patients with stubborn ulcerative colitis. Additionally, an atypical antipsychotic drug has been shown t...
A study of over 11,000 men found that those receiving radiation seed implants had a significant reduction in mortality risk compared to those on watchful waiting/active surveillance within six months of diagnosis. Brachytherapy was shown to be as effective as radical prostatectomy and surgery in extending life expectancy.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute have solved the three-dimensional structure of a molecular complex of pRb and E1A, revealing how the viral protein disrupts normal cell growth. This discovery sheds light on related mechanisms used by other viruses to trigger cancers.
A new study by political scientists found that early voting measures have a negligible or negative impact on voter turnout. The study assessed three primary means of early voting and found that they result in a more accurate count, but do not increase turnout.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women who followed a combination of five or more lifestyle factors experienced significantly lower rates of infertility due to ovulatory disorders. The key factors included dietary choices and physical activity, with higher scores associated with a lower risk of infertility.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic variant, rs7008482, strongly associated with increased prostate cancer risk in African-American men. This variation is located within a gene involved in DNA repair and may confer an inherited predisposition to genetic instability.
Physicists at UC Berkeley have built the world's smallest radio using a single carbon nanotube, detecting radio signals through mechanical vibration. The nanoradio can tune in to FM broadcasts and even transmit music pieces from over a century old.
A new gene, GPD1-L, has been identified as responsible for a rare form of cardiac arrest known as Brugada syndrome. The mutation impairs the heart's natural electrical ability to beat in a coordinated manner and maintain a stable rhythm.
Researchers warn that Caribbean coral reefs will decline permanently unless measures are taken to address overgrowth with seaweed and protect key grazers like parrotfish. The study suggests a need for policy changes to control fish traps and promote reef regeneration.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that only 40% of heart attack patients received recommended aspirin therapy, and 69% of pneumonia patients got recommended antibiotics, highlighting racial, geographic, and financial disparities in access to care.
A new study using the Driving Reliability and Error Analysis Method (DREAM) found that four scenarios contribute to single-vehicle crashes: driver fatigue, loss of traction on slippery roads, overestimation of driving skills, and panicked steering. Vehicle safety features can now be designed to compensate for these unpredictable factors.
A recent study found that forest fires in boreal forests have a greater direct impact on carbon emissions than climate change. The researchers used a computer model to simulate the carbon balance of one million square kilometers of Canadian forest over the past 60 years, determining that fires are the primary driver of carbon emissions.
A University of Georgia study found that 17% of middle school students in rural areas drove after drinking. The study also revealed that nearly half of the students rode with a driver who had been drinking in the past 30 days. Researchers hope their findings will spur more research and awareness on this overlooked behavior.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Clemson University researchers nearly $1 million to develop polymer dot nanoparticles for tracking single molecules in live cells. This technology could help determine the body's defenses against viruses and bacteria, as well as pinpoint cancer cells for more effective treatment.
Scientists at Northwestern University are mapping parts of lethal bacteria in three dimensions, exposing a fresh opening into the bacteria's vulnerabilities. This view will enable scientists to create drugs to disable or vaccines to prevent deadly infectious diseases such as anthrax, plague, and Ebola.
Researchers have identified a unique pattern of gene expression in the blood that can indicate toxic levels of acetaminophen. This finding could lead to the development of a simple procedure for clinicians to estimate liver damage and prevent or treat resulting liver damage.
The University of Minnesota is building a new international physics laboratory near Ash River, Minn., to study neutrinos and their role in the Universe's formation and future development. The $45.6 million lab will be part of an estimated $250 million project funded by the Department of Energy.