A Mayo Clinic research study found that over one-third of young people who died suddenly and inexplicably had genetic heart defects. The defects were caused by mutations that impair the heart's rhythm center, leading to conditions such as Long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed models and algorithms that enable the simulation of cell division using the university's System X supercomputer. By characterizing protein interactions regulating the cell cycle, they aim to understand reproduction in human cells and combat cancer, tissue regeneration, and pathogens.
A new study at the University of Michigan Health System found that obese patients who underwent a procedure called transhiatal esophagectomy had outcomes similar to lean counterparts. The study suggests that the procedure is safe for obese patients, but results may vary in hospitals with lower volumes.
West-Siberian peatlands have counteracted the greenhouse effect by storing more CO2 than releasing methane over the past 10,000 years. A new calculation method reveals non-drained peatlands will become crucial net storage areas for atmospheric greenhouse gases even under global warming.
A study found that three-fourths of cardiovascular clinical trials published in leading medical journals did not provide sex-based analysis, highlighting the lack of data on women's heart health. Researchers urge more women to be included in trials and for journal editors to require sex-specific reporting.
Scientists probe the effects of nanotechnology on living cells, organisms, and the environment. Researchers like Maria Palazuelos test aluminum nanoparticles' absorption by cells, while others investigate copper nanoparticles' toxicity in fish. The goal is to understand nanoparticle-cell interactions to inform regulatory decisions.
A study by Stanford researchers found that while 41% of autism research deals with brain and behavior, only 11% of media coverage addresses these topics. Instead, 48% focus on environmental causes, such as the childhood MMR vaccine, highlighting a stark disconnect between scientific research and public perception.
Researchers found that listeners more quickly recognize verbs as genuine when they have a meaning related to the verb in the sentence. The activation of verbs follows the end of the main clause, whereas nouns remain active throughout the sentence.
A study by Kansas State University professor Richard Harris found that men and women have similar preferences when it comes to romantic films. Men rated romantic movies a 4.8 on a 7-point scale, while women gave them a 6. The study suggests that movie studios should market romantic movies to both male and female audiences.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Temple University Hospital a $1 million grant to participate in the Neurological Emergencies Treatment Trials Network. The five-year study series aims to facilitate high-quality clinical trials for various emergency neurological disorders, including traumatic brain injuries and seizures.
A historical analysis by Johns Hopkins researchers found that increased investment in HIV prevention programs led to a significant decline in new infections. The study suggests that increasing national investment in effective prevention services could further lower infections and save lives and dollars.
Chronic pain has increased by 26% among US workers over the past decade, with most employees experiencing moderate to severe pain while still attending work. Employers are encouraged to invest in workplace wellness programs addressing chronic pain, as only 22% currently include such components.
The Scandinavian Journal of Economics has published a special issue celebrating the rise of political economics, an interdisciplinary field that combines public choice, rational choice, and macroeconomics to study government policy. Key findings include models exploring the evolution of economic institutions, efficiency aspects of poli...
Research by Jorgen Johnsson and Fredrik Sundström found that naive fish benefited from the skills of pre-trained group mates despite having outdated knowledge on predation risk. Social learning improved foraging success, suggesting it can be a beneficial strategy even in uncertain environments.
Current drills may find essential signs of life on Mars but can't reach the living cells that could survive in ice at Elysium or recent craters due to radiation levels, scientists say. The team found that drilling depth required for finding living cells is much deeper than current probes can reach.
A nationwide study found that despite high insurance coverage rates, many individuals with MS struggle financially due to unaffordable healthcare costs. The study revealed a significant proportion of participants made lifestyle changes, skipped medication doses, or went without essential necessities to pay for healthcare needs.
Researchers have made new discoveries about cerebellar functioning in rats, shedding light on how the brain controls movements. The study found that specific modules of the cerebellum regulate reflex functions during walking and adapt to situations.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a new class of rapid tests that can carry out several biological tests simultaneously on a single drop using patterned paper. The tests are highly practical, inexpensive, and unaffected by contamination.
Dutch researcher Rachel van Ooteghem's innovative control system optimizes climate conditions in a solar greenhouse, leading to a 39% increase in crop yield and a 52% reduction in gas usage. The system uses sustainable energy and minimizes waste heat, resulting in lower costs for growers.
A recent study using MRI found that 26% of vaginally delivered babies had small bleeds in and around the brain. The bleeds were likely caused by pressure on the skull during delivery. Most bleeds resolve over time without issues, but larger ones may cause problems later in childhood.
Researchers identified 9 clinical variables that independently predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis in early arthritis patients. The formula allows physicians and patients to make evidence-based treatment choices, potentially avoiding serious complications associated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Scientists at Arizona State University are working on a new DNA sequencing project that combines physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology to dramatically lower the cost of genome sequencing. The goal is to make genome sequencing a routine diagnostic tool in medical care for diagnosing and treating common diseases.
The journal reviews new techniques and tools for chemical biologists to study biomolecules in action, including advances in fluorescence that allow precise observation of cells. Researchers can use these tools to probe the internal workings of cells and develop new therapies.
Researchers at the University of Southern California have identified approximately 350 genes influencing oyster growth rate, revealing new insights into hybrid vigor. This discovery has implications for efficient and sustainable domestication of oysters and other ocean species.
Researchers have created a virtual human metabolic network that allows them to quickly discover the effects of changing metabolic reactions on cell behavior. The tool can be used to study hundreds of human disorders and potentially tailor diets for weight control, as well as develop new cholesterol-lowering drugs.
A content analysis of television direct-to-consumer advertising found that emotional appeals can influence consumer decisions, but may also lead to misinformed choices. Meanwhile, cost-effectiveness analyses suggest that treatment options for acute otitis media and venous thromboembolism should prioritize symptom relief and cost consid...
Scientists have made significant discoveries about the energy-generating mechanisms of bacteria, specifically Vibrio cholerae. The study reveals that this pathogen uses a unique system involving the enzyme NQR to generate a sodium gradient, which powers essential cell functions like movement and flagellar rotation.
A University of Utah study found that a mutant gene that affects nerve-cell elasticity may have contributed to spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 (SCA5), a disease previously linked to President Abraham Lincoln's family. The discovery raises the possibility that Lincoln himself may have had SCA5.
Researchers have identified a group of proteins that may play critical roles in causing blood vessel leakage in the eyes of people with diabetic retinopathy. CA-1, an enzyme normally found in red blood cells, was found to increase blood vessel leakage and swelling in both the eyes and brain.
A Johns Hopkins study found that 31% of HIV-positive patients in Uganda had HIV dementia, a rate that challenges Alzheimer's and stroke dementia globally. The condition is treatable and potentially reversible with antiretroviral medication.
Tiny airborne dust particles from Africa's desert regions can alter surface and air temperatures globally, causing a 'teleconnection' effect. Researchers found that North African dust affects the Caspian Sea and central Asia while having a cooling effect on the region.
A review of nearly 500 articles found nearly one in 1,000 people have multiple sclerosis (MS) and 67 out of 1,000 elderly Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. The study also reported a 50% drop in traumatic brain injuries and updated rates for stroke, Parkinson's disease, and childhood disorders like autism and cerebral palsy.
Researchers used gene-expression profiling to identify donors with a strong reaction against recipient cells, leading to increased risk of graft-versus-host disease. Accurate MHC haplotype matching reduced mismatching-related risks.
A new study by researchers at the University of Miami reveals that nicotine can accelerate the progression of kidney disease in smokers. Human mesangial cells were found to express nicotinic receptors, which are activated by nicotine and lead to increased cell proliferation and fibronectin production.
The number of individuals with Parkinson's disease is projected to nearly double globally by 2030, with the majority of growth occurring in developing countries in Asia. This growth will be driven by increasing life expectancy and growing economies, which will lead to increased healthcare spending and a greater burden on societies.
The American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Physicians released new clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing and managing venous thromboembolism. The guidelines emphasize the use of clinical prediction rules, diagnostic tools like D-dimer and ultrasonography, and low-molecular weight heparin for patients with d...
Researchers at MIT found that the nanostructure of cement is responsible for its strength and durability, rather than the material itself. By understanding this organization, they aim to develop a new type of concrete with reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
The HealthGrades study reveals top hospitals have a significantly lower risk of mortality and complications compared to other hospitals. With an average 28% lower risk of mortality for certain procedures, these high-performing hospitals are setting a new standard for clinical excellence.
Jennifer Fewster, a UCF doctoral student, is studying giraffe excrement at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to understand what animals eat in the wild and improve captive nutrition. Her research could help conserve endangered herbivores by mimicking their natural landscape and food supply.
A nutrition specialist emphasizes that current approaches to treating severe malnutrition are ineffective, resulting in high mortality rates among children. Further research is necessary to develop adequate care for millions of young children affected by malnutrition.
The NHLBI has awarded 12 new contracts to the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) to investigate genetic and biological markers of common diseases in postmenopausal women. The studies will help explain hormone therapy findings and explore associations between physical activity, obesity, and inflammation with cardiovascular disease risk.
A Joslin Diabetes Center-led team identified a group of proteins that may play critical roles in causing blood vessel leakage in the eyes of people with diabetic retinopathy. One of these molecules causes retinal blood vessel leakage, contributing to swelling and vision loss.
Researchers used positron-emission tomography (PET scan) to diagnose a type of congenital hyperinsulinism, achieving an accuracy rate of 96% in locating the abnormal spot. The technology is highly effective in pinpointing focal lesions, guiding surgeons to curative organ-sparing surgery.
Researchers at UCSB's Solid State Lighting and Display Center have achieved lasing operation in nonpolar gallium nitride semiconductors, demonstrating the world's first nonpolar blue-violet laser diodes. These devices have numerous commercial applications, including high-density optical data storage for high definition displays and video.
A new research program will accelerate its work to improve African farmers' livelihoods with enhanced, drought-tolerant maize varieties. The initiative aims to reduce the impact of unpredictable rainfall and recurring drought on maize harvests, giving farmers a 25-30% yield boost.
Associate professor Ray Truant's lab has discovered molecular 'zip codes' in the huntingtin protein that dictate its location within brain cells. The research aims to redirect the mutant protein's accumulation and develop new drugs to treat Huntington's Disease.
A team of international experts, led by FSU's Dean Falk, has concluded that the 'Hobbit' is indeed a separate species closely related to Homo sapiens. The study found that the Hobbit's brain is highly evolved and unique, with advanced features distinct from microcephalic humans.
A new study found that human preferences for certain penguin species could impact their survival, with warm colors like red and yellow being more popular among humans. The research, conducted by University of Washington conservation biologist David Stokes, suggests that public opinion may play a significant role in conservation decisions.
A team of scientists led by Dr Tim Wright is studying the Ethiopian rift valley to track the movement of continents. Using satellite radar imaging and other geophysical techniques, they aim to understand how magma moves through the Earth's crust and create a 3D computer model.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a single protein, SH2B1, that plays a crucial role in controlling body weight, responding to insulin and leptin signals, and energy balance. The study found that restoring SH2B1 in brain cells corrects metabolic disorders and improves the brain's ability to regulate eating.
Scientists discover that seismic data cannot reliably map boundaries between rock units in young oceanic crust, altering views on new crust formation and life deep below the seafloor. Despite this limitation, seismic data holds keys to understanding fluid circulation and subsurface biosphere.
A study of over 2,300 individuals from 1,000 families found that family members with MS tend to have similar ages at disease onset, but not disease severity. The researchers also discovered no correlation between disease progression and severity among siblings or parents and children.
New research by Rice University scientists reveals that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) contributes to the speed of evolution, allowing life forms to adapt faster. The study proposes a mathematical model that accounts for HGT and its impact on the dynamics of evolution.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet identified a crucial role of Dll4 in blood vessel formation through angiogenesis. The study found that Dll4 signalling determines the number of sprouts and branches formed, which is essential for tissue health and disease prevention.
The Worldmapper project creates cartograms that rescale the size of territories according to various values like public health spending, malaria cases, HIV prevalence, and number of physicians. These interactive maps foster new perspectives on global health inequalities, emphasizing the need for action.
A new national research network, NETT, aims to improve treatment outcomes for neurological emergencies. The network will gather data from patients at multiple hospitals nationwide to test new treatments in real-world settings.
A new NIH-funded program co-directed by the Mailman School faculty will expedite clinical research, transforming how medical discovery is made. The center will centralize core resources for clinical researchers and enhance collaboration among scientific communities.
A novel transgenic mouse model shows that the circadian liver clock can drive gene expression in the absence of systemic cues, while systemic cues can also synchronize peripheral clocks. This suggests a complex interplay between local and systemic control mechanisms.
Children with sickle cell disease who experienced major complications such as pain and lung disease early in life are not at greater risk for stroke or death during later childhood, according to new research. Children hospitalized for chest problems early on are more likely to see those problems recur up to adulthood.
A Duke University-led team of physicists has pinpointed the critical density level where granular materials suddenly cease flowing and congeal, exhibiting a phase change analogous to freezing. The study provides unprecedented analysis detailing what happens as free-flowing grains begin to get jammed by each other.