Researchers have visualized cold-sensing fibers led by the gatekeeper protein TRPM8, revealing a single pathway for detecting various types of cold. The study provides evidence that TRPM8 is involved in several cold-sensing mechanisms, including pain and sensation.
A study published in European Journal of Applied Physiology found a consistent correlation between actual and perceived exertion in people of all fitness levels. Researchers say an individual's sense of hard work matches the level of physical exertion measured by heart-rate and oxygen uptake.
A new study found that treating worms in people with HIV does not significantly slow down the progression to AIDS. While some studies suggested a beneficial effect on viral load, there was no improvement in immune status or clinical condition.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed an RNA interference therapy that corrects a genetic disorder causing growth deficiency in mice. The therapy successfully restored normal growth and function to the pituitary gland, which produces growth hormone.
A new study found that outcomes of high-risk cancer operations in 80-year-olds are considerably worse than reported, with higher mortality rates and lower survival rates. This limited information may lead to unrealistic expectations about the safety of these operations in the elderly.
A survey of 17- to 29-year-old university students found that users believed cannabis would help them fit in, feel relaxed, and forget their worries. Non-users cited work and study as strong reasons for not using cannabis.
A new Commonwealth Fund report analyzes 15 federal policy options to achieve significant short- and long-term savings and greater value in the US health care system. Combining universal coverage with policies aimed at reducing spending could result in substantial savings, including $88 billion from promoting health information technolo...
The Government of Bangladesh plans to expand the use of urea deep placement (UDP) technology on 1 million hectares of rice land, expected to boost dry season rice production by 548,000 tons. This technology cuts nitrogen losses significantly, allowing farmers to increase yields by 25% while using less than 50% as much urea as before.
A new study from Yale University suggests that preventing half of new XDR TB cases can be achieved through inexpensive infection control measures, including reducing hospital overcrowding and improving ventilation. This could potentially save millions of lives globally.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that early cholecystectomy significantly reduces hospital stays in patients with mild to moderate gallstone pancreatitis. The procedure can benefit both individual patients and hospitals by reducing hospital time by three or four days.
Richard D. Smith, Battelle Fellow at PNNL, has been named to the prestigious Scientific American 50 list for his contributions in developing a new approach to neurological diagnostics. His research may help identify early stages of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases by analyzing biochemical biomarkers.
A new study reveals that picophytoplankton species' tolerance of high light can explain their ocean-wide distribution. Different regions have distinct abilities to cope with variable light through rapid repair, driven by nutrient availability.
Stanford researchers have developed a new type of lithium-ion battery using silicon nanowires, which can store up to 10 times more electricity than traditional batteries. This breakthrough could make Li-ion batteries more attractive for electric cars and home energy storage.
Making preschool available to all children aged three and older in the US would improve school-readiness, fill gaps for working families, and lower high school dropout rates. The initiative would also reduce crime and boost the economy, according to Edward Zigler, Walter Gilliam, and Stephanie Jones.
The Argentine ant's invasive success is attributed to its adaptability and ability to outcompete native ants. As it displaces native species, the ants begin foraging lower on the food chain, exploiting honeydew excretions of aphids and scale insects.
Researchers have found a naturally occurring protein called CnAß1 that permanently activates calcineurin, increasing muscle stem cell proliferation and regeneration. This uncouples the protein's activity from injury signals, making it a promising candidate for treating muscle damage and wasting.
A $1.5 million grant renewal will support the first-of-its-kind study examining driving abilities in cognitively impaired elders. The study aims to understand the validity of road tests and develop computerized measures as a screening tool.
A study by Yale School of Medicine identified a genetic mutation that expands lesions in the aorta and promotes coronary atherosclerosis. The researchers found that mice lacking the Akt1 gene developed more severe aortic atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of this gene in regulating endothelial cell development
The International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors is a top advance, driving progress in microelectronics and materials science. Materials science studies materials used in devices and technologies, including polymers, semiconductors, and metals.
A study of Vietnam war veterans with brain injuries found that those with higher intelligence and education levels before injury experienced a slower decline in cognitive functioning. The researchers also identified genetic markers associated with cognitive recovery or decline after head injury.
Researchers at Yale University found that an antibody used to treat certain cancers and rheumatoid arthritis delays type 1 diabetes in mice. The treatment works by depleting B cells, which can continue to suppress the inflammatory response even after the antibody is no longer administered.
A Harvard University study found that living in a severely disadvantaged neighborhood decreases later verbal test scores by about four IQ points, equivalent to missing a year of school. This effect persists even after moving out of the neighborhood, highlighting the importance of addressing social factors beyond economic situation.
Researchers at University of Copenhagen have discovered a new material that can convert up to 30% of solar energy into electricity, twice the current conversion rate. The use of nanotechnology reduces production costs and minimizes energy loss in solar cell transportation.
Researchers found that a protein called hypoxia-inducible-factor (HIF-1) promotes the synthesis of fibrous connective tissue in kidneys, leading to reduced oxygenation and progression of chronic kidney disease. The study used mice with silenced HIF-1a to demonstrate the link between low oxygen conditions and CKD.
Researchers found that some morbidly obese patients have better cardiovascular disease risk profiles than those who are less obese. Bariatric weight-loss surgery may benefit individuals with a BMI as low as 30, not just those with higher BMIs.
The University of Maryland researchers have developed a 2D invisibility cloak that refracts visible light around an object, making it invisible. The cloak is created using a thin, transparent acrylic plastic layer with a gold film and can be integrated into a conventional optical microscope to view nanoscale details.
A study conducted by University College London found that unsupervised children engage in more physical activity, such as walking and playing, due to the ability to explore their local environment. This leads to improved social skills and overall well-being.
Researchers at Rutgers University have made a breakthrough in understanding the complex mechanisms behind cochlear implants. By studying the role of neurotrophin proteins, they may be able to develop a new generation of implants that can improve hearing for all patients, regardless of their level of impairment.
A 15-year study found women with low bone mineral density and a previous vertebral fracture had a higher risk of new vertebral fractures compared to those with normal bone density and no previous fracture. Women who experienced a new fracture were more likely to have a positive fracture history, weigh less, and report lower estrogen use.
The EPOXI mission will use the Deep Impact spacecraft to search for Earth-sized planets around five stars and conduct an extended flyby of Comet Hartley 2, studying its surface and composition. This new mission aims to better understand how solar systems form and evolve.
Researchers found that high blood folate levels can increase homocysteine and methylmalonic acid in individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency, worsening symptoms. This study suggests that excessive folate may compromise the body's ability to use vitamin B12 effectively.
Researchers argue that the accelerated uplift of mountains and highlands in East Africa blocked ocean moisture, favoring human ancestors who adapted to walking on two feet. The 'Wall of Africa,' spanning from Ethiopia to South Africa, played a significant role in shaping climate and vegetation.
Research published in Journal of Correctional Health Care explores the history and future of correctional health care in America's prisons and jails. Inmates often experience inadequate access to quality care, leading to poor health outcomes, and follow-up care after release is also a concern.
A University of South Florida fetal surgeon successfully treated a rare condition where placental blood vessels block the birth canal and can rupture during labor. The laser procedure sealed off the abnormal fetal blood vessels, eliminating prolonged hospitalization and allowing the pregnancy to progress with a vaginal delivery.
Researchers compared computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to conventional lungs scans for excluding pulmonary embolism. While CTPA detected more clots, it also resulted in a higher rate of venous thromboembolism diagnoses. The study suggests that CTPA may be a safe and reliable alternative to ventilation-perfusion scanning.
The $9.7 million VIRGO study aims to understand premature heart disease in young women, with 2,000 participants aged 55 and younger, compared to 1,000 men. Researchers will investigate genetic, demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral factors contributing to this high-risk group.
A recent study published in the journal Brain highlights the benefits of rehabilitation training after a cervical spinal cord injury. Researchers found that intensive training can promote natural recovery processes, leading to improved motor function and adaptation strategies for individuals with paraplegia.
A new research project funded by the National Science Foundation aims to improve weather models and analysis for industries such as food, clothing, and energy. The goal is to educate meteorologists on how to apply weather forecasts to real-world business decisions.
Researchers have sequenced the high-quality draft genome of a Pinot Noir grape, providing insights into its relatively small genome and heterozygosity. The discovery offers a treasure trove of variation to investigate gene characteristics and evolution.
Researchers at UT-Houston have discovered an association between genes regulating glucose metabolism and spina bifida, a birth defect that affects the spine. The study found variants in three glucose metabolism genes were linked to an increased risk of spina bifida.
A new brain imaging study has identified specific regions of the brain linked to cigarette cravings in smokers. The findings, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, may help predict relapse in smoking cessation treatment and inform the development of personalized therapy strategies.
Bystolic is a once-daily medication that can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other treatments to reduce blood pressure. It selectively blocks the effects of adrenaline at the heart and vasodilates blood vessels, offering a low incidence of traditional beta blocker side effects.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed new modeling tools to create accurate computer simulations of the human body during pregnancy. This breakthrough enables safer and more effective radiation therapy and nuclear medicine imaging procedures for expecting mothers.
Researchers have created a practical technique to replace silicon with graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, allowing for 10 times better information processing and radio transmission capabilities. This breakthrough could lead to the development of high-performance wireless devices within a few years.
Researchers designed a technique that uses the body's own cells and a virus to destroy cancer cells, which could lead to a new cancer vaccine. The study shows promising results in treating melanoma, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer by targeting tumor cells in the lymph nodes.
Two studies from the Peninsula Medical School found that moderate drinking is fine for over 65s, with some cases showing better cognitive and general health than abstinence. The research showed no increased risks of physical disability, mortality, or depression among moderate drinkers.
A bone mineral density test given 15 years earlier predicted a woman's risk of developing fractures to her spine over time. More than half of the women with low BMD and existing spinal fractures developed new fractures over the 15-year study period, highlighting the importance of BMD testing for women over 50.
A team of astronomers discovered a long-duration gamma-ray burst (GRB) in the middle of nowhere, thousands of light-years from the nearest galaxy. The GRB's afterglow was bright and fast-fading, but there was no dense gas or dust to absorb its light.
A national study found a disconnect between explicit and implicit preferences for Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The study, using an Implicit Association Test, showed that Clinton was the preferred candidate among 48% of participants, while Obama had 25% support.
A study by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, found that certain marine mammals have evolved to protect their brains from conditions of low oxygen. The amounts and kinds of globins in the brain correlate with physical activity patterns of various wild mammals.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) applauds the National Osteoporosis Society's (NOS) success in appealing the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's (NICE) Guidance on osteoporotic fracture prevention. IOF calls for continued efforts to ensure clinically appropriate treatments are made available.
A team of scientists developed a new type of explosive material using porous copper structures, which can be mass-produced like computer chips. This technology enables the creation of highly reliable and small detonators with built-in safe and arm capabilities.
A recent study found that maternal grandparents were more likely to maintain daily or weekly contact with their grandchildren than paternal grandparents. The research suggests psychological mechanisms rooted in evolutionary history, where women are always related by maternity, making family ties through the mother more significant.
A study found that 14% of patients with suspected STEMI did not have a clear culprit coronary artery, and 9.5% had no significant coronary artery disease. This may lead to unnecessary cardiac catheterization activation, which carries risks to the patient.
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has launched the 'Targeting Zero' initiative to eliminate healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which include C. difficile, UTIs, central line catheter-associated blood stream infections, and mediastinitis.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers suggests that colon cancer screenings may bring little benefit and pose harm to certain patients. The 'payoff time' method estimates the minimum time required for screening benefits to outweigh harms, revealing a significant gap in current guidelines.