Researchers have identified numerous variations in gene copy number that may contribute to cancer risk and other complex diseases. The study used a new technique to analyze gene copy number in mouse strains, revealing potential implications for human health and illness.
Researchers found that etanercept, a TNF inhibitor, had no impact on new cartilage or bone formation in mice with spontaneous arthritis. The study suggests that joint fusion and joint inflammation are separate processes, which should be considered as distinct therapeutic targets.
A recent study by NASA tracked aerosol sources and their impact on climate, finding that black carbon from Southeast Asian residential sources contributes significantly to Arctic warming. The researchers also discovered that biomass-burning aerosols produce cooling effects in the atmosphere, which partially offset greenhouse gas emissi...
Research found an invasive whitefly has a mutualistic relationship with plant viruses, increasing its population on virus-infected plants. This relationship allows the whitefly to displace native biotypes and cause disease pandemics.
A team of University of Michigan and Harvard researchers suggests abandoning the one-size-fits-all approach to health insurance by tailoring plans to individuals' specific medical needs. This value-based insurance design (VBID) approach aims to encourage patients to use evidence-based treatments, reducing healthcare costs in the long run.
Researchers found that low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses can cause mild illness in migratory swans, slowing down their migration and feeding patterns. This discovery highlights the impact of these viruses on wild birds and could affect the rate of spread of avian influenza.
Melvin Berger, a University Hospitals researcher, received a $250,000 grant to study the effectiveness of an under-the-skin pump versus an intravenous drip for treating patients with neurological diseases. The goal is to reduce side effects and increase patient treatment options.
A study validates the Infectious Disease Society of America's guidelines for classifying diabetic foot infections, confirming a simple system can predict hospitalization and amputation. The free online classification system will guide therapy and patient communication.
Research in Uganda found that microfinancing improved women's positions within families and communities, but not their independence. The benefit of microfinancing lies in strengthening self-esteem and enabling women to take more responsibility and have a higher status within marriages and the community.
Researchers found new genetic information in Salmonella serovar Typhimurium DT104 that enables its survival and infection mechanism. The extra genetic characteristics make the pathogen stronger and more infectious.
A group of 10 scientists will help increase public awareness and understanding of environmental health science. They will assist in identifying important new research findings about environment and health, and translate them into accessible articles for working reporters and the broader public.
A novel MR angiography technique highly accurately identifies blockages in brain-supplying arteries and produces superior results compared to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography.
New columnar discotic liquid crystals stabilized by hydrogen bonds exhibit highly stable mesophases and ease of processing, making them suitable for applications such as solar cells. The research demonstrates a synergy between bonding interactions to achieve well-ordered aggregates.
A breast cancer treatment based on MIT research is documented in a new book, including promising results from the latest clinical trials of the therapy. The technique uses microwaves to heat-and-kill-cells containing high amounts of water and ions, showing minimal side effects.
Researchers at UC San Diego have created an 'origami lens' that folds the telephoto lens, enabling the creation of ultrathin, high-resolution miniature cameras. This technology addresses performance issues in cell phone cameras and may be used for unmanned surveillance aircraft, infrared night vision, and other applications.
The James Webb Space Telescope's backplane has passed health tests, withstanding freezing temperatures and operating accurately. The successful test ensures the telescope can handle its space trip and work in space, paving the way for future scientific discoveries.
Research in Clinical Pediatrics indicates that parents want pediatricians to work with them to develop effective and personally tailored discipline practices. The study found factors such as child's age, family's race and ethnicity, and parental upbringing influences the types of discipline used.
Researchers studying mice and rats found that CLA supplementation led to rapid weight loss in mice but excessive liver fat accumulation, a common side effect of rapid weight loss. In contrast, rats on a CLA-supplemented diet showed decreased insulin resistance despite not losing weight.
Previous studies suggested that protected values lead to quantity insensitivity, but new findings reveal a different story. Morally-motivated decision makers may actually be more sensitive to consequences when considering net benefits.
A McMaster University researcher is warning men about osteoporosis, a bone-wasting disease that can severely affect them. One in eight men over 50 years old has osteoporosis, with higher risk groups identified.
A study published in Cell reveals that microtubules rely on a balance between molecular motors and brakes to form stable structures. This cooperation enables the creation of microtubule arrays with defined lengths, which is crucial for basic cellular functions such as cell division and transport.
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.