A lack of access to clean energy causes 1.6 million premature deaths worldwide from household fuels annually, and 0.8 million from air pollution in cities. Improving energy access through renewable resources has the potential for major health dividends.
A study suggests that increasing active transport, like walking and cycling, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 while improving public health. Public policies promoting low-carbon transportation systems can bring substantial health benefits to all populations, especially the poor.
A Weill Cornell study finds that nicotine in cigarettes accelerates atherosclerosis, even at low levels, by activating the sympathetic nervous system and increasing heart rate. Mice exposed to low-nicotine cigarettes showed smaller atherosclerotic lesions than those exposed to regular cigarettes.
Researchers found that disrupting consumers with confusing sales pitches can increase sales by restating in a familiar way, boosting student interest groups and tuition increases. The 'disrupt-then-reframe' technique exploits the need for cognitive closure, making susceptible consumers more likely to freeze their judgments.
A new study by Dartmouth Medical School researchers has identified a crucial pathway for blood stem cell turnover, which could lead to novel strategies for treating rare and aggressive infant leukemia. The research reveals that the Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene plays an essential role in maintaining adult blood cells.
Researchers create DNA shells to coat particles' surfaces, allowing for precise control over their structure and properties. The technique enables applications in efficient energy conversion, drug delivery, and environmental monitoring.
Researchers in Australia identify two markers to isolate mesenchymal stem-like cells from endometrial tissue, which can differentiate into various cell types and repair prolapsed pelvic floors. The study opens up possibilities for using these stem cells for pelvic floor prolapse surgery and other gynaecological applications.
Studies have shown that hypertension awareness, treatment, and control are lower among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanics. However, a recent study found that Hispanic men and women responded as well or better than non-Hispanics when treated aggressively with medication. At four years, blood pressure was controlled in 72% of Hispanic w...
Researchers reanalyzed data from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, finding that prostate shrinkage may be responsible for the excess prevalence of high-grade cancer in the drug-treated group. Adjusting for changes in gland size due to finasteride use eliminated all excess high-grade tumors.
Researchers at Stanford University and UCSB found that older men's fertility contributes to human longevity by postponing the date with death. This effect has a spillover impact on women due to gene passing, benefiting the population as a whole.
Researchers will develop a faster, more sensitive biosensor to detect bacterial infections in human clinical fluid samples. The goal is to enable point-of-care diagnostics and aid antibiotic treatment selection within two hours.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that preventing or reducing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) decreases the risk of heart failure in high-blood-pressure patients. The study, led by Dr. Peter Okin, demonstrated a significant reduction in heart failure risk among patients with reduced LVH levels.
A new peanut butter-based program has shown remarkable success in treating severe malnutrition in children in Malawi, with 89% of severely malnourished children and 85% of moderately malnourished children recovering after treatment. The treatment, known as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), was implemented at 12 rural health centers...
Prof. Hugh Herr's groundbreaking work in biomechatronics has led to the development of new prosthetic innovations that enhance mobility and quality of life for thousands of people with physical challenges. His research focuses on human amplification and rehabilitation systems, enabling leg amputees to walk faster and more stably.
A study at McGill University Health Centre shows that combining methadone with innovative case management can provide relief for patients with chronic pain. The program, which includes regular phone calls and a pain diary, resulted in 57% of patients being satisfied or very satisfied after nine months.
Researchers found a planet orbiting a star near its end of life, providing insights into the potential fate of our own planet. The discovery suggests that planetary systems can survive the sun's expansion and helium flash, but larger planets may still be vulnerable.
Children’s Hospital Boston researchers have developed a solution to the repeat operations faced by infants and children receiving artificial heart-valve replacements. They created living, growing valves using tissue engineering techniques, which provide one-way blood flow from the heart’s right ventricle into the pulmonary artery.
Three species of Galapagos corals and 74 seaweeds were listed as threatened or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to climate change and over-fishing. The study highlighted the urgent need for marine conservation practice to address these environmental pressures.
A study by Haipeng Chen and Akshay R. Rao found that 59% of students miscalculated the discount when presented with a base price of $100 and a 20% plus 25% off deal, while those incentivized or presented with easier problems were less prone to errors.
CABI's work with the European Commission significantly reduced methyl bromide usage in the EU, from 5.7 million kg to 0.5 million kg, setting a precedent for global pesticide reduction.
A new microrobotic system for automated microinjection of zebrafish embryos has been developed, allowing for high-speed injection and successful rates close to 100%. The technology enables large-scale molecule screening for genetics and drug discovery applications.
Scientists at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh have identified a plasmid-deficient strain of Chlamydia that fails to cause disease in animal models. This finding represents a major step forward in developing a vaccine against chlamydial disease, with potential to protect against damage to reproductive organs and infertility.
A new study shows that tamoxifen, a breast cancer medication, dramatically reduces manic symptoms of bipolar disorder more quickly than many standard medications. Tamoxifen blocks an enzyme called protein kinase C, which is thought to be over-active during the manic phase.
Research finds that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can contaminate hospital surfaces and patient hands through stool samples, increasing the risk of infections. The study also reveals a significant link between intestinal colonization and S. aureus skin presence in hospitalized patients.
Research reveals ultraconserved non-coding RNAs may play a role in cancer development and could help diagnose the disease, determine prognosis, and even guide treatment. The study found specific activity patterns for these molecules in different types of cancer, suggesting they might serve as genetic markers.
The article suggests several policy options to address immigrants' limited access to health care, including expanding health insurance programs and improving language barriers. Researchers emphasize the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities to ensure better health outcomes for this growing segment of the U.S. population.
Researchers at MIT have found that the body's innate ability to adapt to recurring stimuli can be leveraged to design more effective and less costly artificial respirators. By taking into account a patient's natural breathing rhythm, doctors may be able to minimize the need for induced sedation or paralysis.
A study found that carvedilol did not significantly improve heart failure outcomes in children and adolescents. The researchers evaluated the effects of carvedilol on 161 children and adolescents with heart failure and found no statistically significant difference between treatment groups.
A team of researchers, led by Wake Forest University Professor Brad Jones, has developed a handheld device that can detect and identify radioactive particles. The device uses an atomic emission spectrometer to analyze environmental samples, providing rapid field testing capabilities.
A randomized controlled trial found that treating patients with chronic kidney disease with high doses of folic acid and B vitamins did not lower the rate of death or cardiovascular events. The study suggests that the underlying burden of disease may be too great to produce a measurable benefit from lowering homocysteine levels.
Researchers found that adult males share desirable fruits with females of reproductive age, particularly with a female involved in most consortships. This behavior is believed to be an attractive trait, drawing positive attention from females and securing social bonds through grooming and mating access.
Researchers found that uninsured or publicly insured patients with acute appendicitis are at a higher risk of perforation compared to those with private insurance. This unexpected finding suggests that insurance status may be a more significant factor in health outcomes than previously thought.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that higher education levels are associated with decreased cancer mortality rates among black and white men and women. The difference in mortality was greatest between those with 12 or fewer years of education and those with more than 12 years. This association is ...
A six-week survey of the Yangtze River found no Yangtze River dolphins, a species considered one of the world's most endangered. The baiji's decline is attributed to fishing nets and habitat degradation, raising concerns about human-caused extinctions of marine mammals worldwide.
A study found coyote densities are significantly lower in areas with wolves, indicating competition for resources. However, coyotes can survive by living in packs, reducing their vulnerability to wolves.
Fossils from Russia demonstrate that advanced hearing evolved much earlier than previously thought, around 260 million years ago. These early reptiles possessed a surprisingly modern ear with a large eardrum and bone structures similar to those found in modern animals.
A study by York University biologists Amro Zayed and Laurence Packer found that a single mated female solitary bee is likely the founder of an invasive population. This contradicts the 'propagule pressure hypothesis,' which suggests that more individuals introduced to an area lead to a higher success rate of invasion.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found no evidence that soft drinks alone contribute to children's weight gain. Instead, researchers discovered that overweight children consumed more food overall and had a greater tendency towards savory rather than sweet foods.
Researchers found evidence that the two sides of the retina interact to enhance shape recognition, coordinating their responses with unexpected temporal precision. This study challenges the traditional view that communication between brain hemispheres is necessary for shape recognition.
The John S. Dunn Gulf Coast Consortium for Chemical Genomics will establish a computational chemistry research program to predict molecular properties, design molecules, and discover small molecules affecting protein-protein interactions. The grant aims to improve computing methods and synthetic techniques for drug discovery.
The US continues to have the highest level of health spending among OECD countries, driven by higher prices and per capita incomes. The country has fewer healthcare resources and lower utilization rates compared to other developed nations.
Maternal and neonatal tetanus can be eliminated with effective action, including vaccination and proper care practices. However, sustaining elimination may require improvements in immunization and health services.
Penn State has taken over NASA's Aerospace Education Services Program, shifting its focus from one-time school visits to university-based summer courses. The program aims to make science come alive in students and teachers across the nation, using innovative technologies like GeoWall.
Uninsured community health center patients often have difficulty accessing specialty services even after a doctor determines they need them. In contrast, those with private insurance or Medicaid face fewer barriers to accessing these services.
A University of Minnesota study found that N-acetyl cysteine, a health food supplement, reduced urges to gamble in 60% of participants. This pilot study suggests the potential for this glutamate-modulating agent in treating various addictions.
The Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine is part of a national team researching ways to preserve or restore fertility in women with cancer. Researchers are studying methods to freeze and store ovary tissue and grow follicles in culture, aiming to help young cancer patients have children.
A comprehensive review of over 500 studies on aspartame found no evidence of cancer, neurological damage, or other adverse effects. The study suggests that aspartame is safe at current levels of consumption and may even aid in weight control and sugar-free diets.
A new UCLA study reveals that unstable lifestyles and lack of organization in HIV patients' lives can act as a barrier to regular medical care. The researchers developed a six-item scale to gauge the level of chaos in an adult's life, which found those with more chaos scored higher on the scale and had lower mental health status.
Researchers at UC Davis developed ConceptDoppler, a tool that clusters words by meaning and identifies keywords likely to be blacklisted in China's censorship system. The study found that keyword filtering encourages self-censorship due to the perception of surveillance, allowing users to avoid blocked topics.
The POX method produces high-temperature and pressure synthesis gas, enabling ten times more power generation and lower exergy losses compared to conventional methods. This process can drive a gas turbine for power generation and is more compact than existing steam turbine systems.
A simple questionnaire from the University of Oregon has increased referrals of mild developmental delays in year-old and 2-year-old children. The Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) showed a significant improvement in pediatrician diagnosis, with 44 additional patients eligible for monitoring.
A new American Cancer Society study reveals that having at least some education beyond high school is associated with a decreased risk of cancer death. The study found stronger associations between higher education levels and lower cancer mortality among black men, white men, and white women.
Scientists have found a third type of substorm onset using data from ESA's Cluster satellites and CNSA's Double Star mission. This discovery challenges existing theories about magnetic substorms and their effects on the aurora and GPS signals.
The University of Oregon has received a $1.6 million grant from the Keck Foundation to study biological interactions with nanomaterials. The researchers will investigate potential biological interactions and develop design rules for nanoparticles with enhanced biological properties.
A third of prostate biopsies detected cancer, with the risk increasing with each subsequent biopsy. Gene variants influencing innate immunity also linked to improved or poorer lung cancer survival in white patients. Brain tumor stem cells susceptible to a cancer-killing virus, offering new treatment hope.
Researchers found that nonassociative learning enables rats and mice to adapt to artificial rhythms in mechanical ventilation, reducing the need for sedation. Brain calculus involves mathematical calculations to process and filter information, allowing vital functions to learn and adapt.
Two studies found that finasteride reduces prostate cancer incidence, but increases detection of high-grade cancers. Analysis suggests increased detection rather than development of high-grade cancers. The findings have favorable implications for the clinical impact of finasteride.
A distinct neurobiology of human intelligence has been identified through a review of brain imaging studies. The Parieto-Frontal Integration Theory suggests that the frontal and parietal lobes are key areas involved in intelligent information processing, with some overlap with attention, memory, and language functions.
A new mechanism of neuronal conduction of excitation has been discovered, independent of action potentials, using ceramide production. This finding opens up new perspectives for research and breaks away from the classic concept of neuronal functioning.
A seven-year study of 460 Spanish children found that a diet rich in fish and fruity vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of childhood asthma and allergies. The study also reinforced earlier findings that a fish-rich diet during pregnancy can help protect children from asthma and allergies.