A recent MIT study warns that increasing levels of human-generated ozone will damage global vegetation, particularly crops, resulting in significant economic costs. By 2100, crop production is projected to decline by 10-12 percent, with the most affected regions being northern temperate areas.
Renal experts will discuss link between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CVD, consequences of acute kidney injury, racial disparities in kidney disease outcomes, and treatment of anemia in kidney patients. The ASN's Public Policy News Briefing aims to improve health outcomes by highlighting significant research impacting public health.
Synagis, a monoclonal antibody, is the standard of care for preventing severe RSV infections in high-risk infants. The new analysis found that preventing RSV early in life makes economic sense by reducing potential costs of future complications and improving quality of life.
A 53-million-year-old fossilized spider has been digitally dissected using VHR-CT, revealing internal organs for the first time. The technique has revolutionized the study of amber fossils, providing a unique window into past forest ecosystems.
Research by University of Illinois soil scientists found that nitrogen fertilizers lead to a decline in soil organic carbon, even after decades of use. The study's findings have troubling implications for corn production and highlight the need for site-specific soil testing to optimize fertilizer rates.
Scientists have found a way to prevent seizure-induced structural changes in brain cells, which can lead to cognitive impairments such as memory loss and reduced attention spans. The breakthrough discovery uses a drug called FK506, which blocks the breakdown of actin, a molecule essential for cell structures.
A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology recommends using immediate brain CT scans to screen patients with seizures in the emergency room. This helps doctors select the right treatment option, especially for young children and those with AIDS. The scans can detect abnormalities such as tumors, traumatic brain injury, or s...
Research from Duke University finds that optimism relates to various behaviors, including wise decision-making in small doses. However, extreme optimists display unwise financial habits such as working fewer hours, saving less money, and making impulsive investment decisions.
The Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology will conduct a one-year pilot study on ecosystem diversity in Kruger National Park using remote sensing and the Carnegie Airborne Observatory. This research aims to improve adaptive management and develop skills for park managers to undertake remote monitoring of ecosystems.
New research reveals fever responses differ among closely related mouse species, suggesting reproductive strategy plays a role. Fast-living mice tend to use fever less often than slow-living counterparts, highlighting the trade-offs between immune defenses and other physiological processes.
A recent study found that African-American women with early-stage breast cancer are more likely to experience cancer recurrence 10 years after diagnosis compared to Caucasian counterparts. The research also revealed that younger African-American women tend to have larger tumors and more aggressive tumors than their Caucasian peers, hig...
Researchers found that sedimentary zircon grains from Oregon basins have similar mineral ages to those in the Klamath Mountains and Sierra Nevada ranges. This suggests a Jurassic connection between these geological formations.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found a common nervous system receptor that inhibits its binding protein, leading to abnormal neuron growth and development. This unusual mechanism directs the formation of tens of thousands of neurons vital for odor detection.
Scientists analyzed neon and argon samples from NASA's Genesis mission to determine the isotopic composition of noble gases in the sun. The results show that the isotopic composition is consistent across different regimes of solar wind, indicating that measuring solar wind samples can represent the solar corona.
Research found that genetic variation affects sensitivity to the smell of sweat, with one gene (OR11H7P) associated with smelling sweat. Environmental factors also play a role in individual differences in olfactory acuity.
Researchers at the University of Georgia Cancer Center have synthesized a carbohydrate-based vaccine that successfully triggered a strong immune response to cancer cells in mice. The vaccine has shown promise in creating an antibody response that can kill cultured epithelial cells and stimulating an immune response in healthy mice.
A new study reveals that the intrinsic tendency of amyloid peptide Aß to aggregate determines its pathogenicity in Alzheimer disease. The researchers used a fruit fly model to identify the determinants of Aß's toxicity, finding a clear correlation between aggregation propensity and disease progression.
Researchers found that African-American college students reported poorer sleep quality, slept less time, and took longer to fall asleep compared to whites. These findings suggest that ethnic differences in sleep quality may be linked to higher blood pressure risk and 'blood pressure dipping',
A study found that a pharmaceutical monoclonal antibody can prevent pulmonary fibrosis, a serious side effect of radiation therapy for advanced lung cancer. This breakthrough may lead to more effective radiation therapies and extend patients' lives.
A study published in PLoS Biology investigates how bacterial cell colonies develop and self-organize to address environmental challenges. The research reveals that bacterial cells can coordinate their growth and movement to improve access to nutrients and facilitate efficient escape from crowded areas.
Researchers will use high-tech LifeShirts to monitor cardiovascular and respiratory systems, while thermal imaging cameras capture video of fire scenes. The goal is to improve firefighter safety and reduce deaths caused by heart attacks.
The Richard King Mellon Foundation Institute for Pediatric Research will strengthen pediatric research and advance children's health, with a focus on high-risk projects and innovative ideas. The institute aims to build upon Pittsburgh's existing reputation as a leading center for pediatric research.
A large retrospective study found that radiation seed implants (brachytherapy) are equally effective in curing localized prostate cancer in men aged 60 and younger. The study results suggest that younger men should be presented with all viable treatment options, including brachytherapy, regardless of age.
Engineers are developing new biological cements to repair burst fractures of the spine, a major leap forward in treatment. The novel cement materials mimic the chemical composition of bone and can be injected at the fracture site to stabilize the spine with minimal invasive surgery.
Researchers are investigating vinflunine as a potential treatment for advanced bladder cancer patients who cannot receive standard cisplatin and gemcitabine chemotherapy due to kidney problems. The Phase II study aims to determine if vinflunine can effectively treat the disease while minimizing side effects.
Researchers found that patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated with radiation and chemotherapy drug temozolomide can live up to four years after diagnosis, compared to three percent of those who received only radiation. The treatment has become the standard for GBM patients worldwide.
A new study by Fox Chase Cancer Center found that higher doses of radiation therapy for prostate cancer do not lead to decreased sexual function. The research used intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and showed no significant difference in sexual function scores between two treatment groups.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a new gene, JY-1, necessary for embryonic development in dairy cows. The discovery may offer insights into the cause of infertility in women, who also experience single egg release and individual births, unlike mice which release multiple eggs.
Researchers aim to determine who is at risk for colorectal cancer and tailor screening tests accordingly. Dr. Thomas F. Imperiale advocates for more targeted approaches, such as using easily accessible factors like age and family medical history.
A lack of civil registration systems in Africa and Asia hinders policymakers' ability to make informed public health decisions. Affordable solutions exist to collect vital statistics, which must be implemented urgently to address the 'scandal of invisibility'.
Researchers nationwide team up to develop means of concentrating and controlling optical energy for applications in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The grant aims to attract college students to participate in nanoscience research and explore novel devices such as mid-infrared 'superlens' that can resolve nanoscale features.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered that auditory and visual information are integrated in the brain before being sent to the cortex. The findings suggest that hearing and vision may be more closely linked than previously believed, with implications for understanding how we perceive the world around us.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville have found that tiny radioactive spheres can effectively treat cancer that has spread to the liver, halting tumor growth in 71% of patients. The treatment works by delivering radiation directly to tumors using millions of tiny polymer beads containing yttrium-90.
The Duke of York highlights a global shortage of trained anaesthetists, inadequate equipment, and poor healthcare facilities in the developing world. Effective anesthesia is crucial for universal human rights, including safe childbirth and relief from pain, but progress has stalled due to lack of investment.
A University of Michigan study found that conversing with others for just 10 minutes can improve memory and cognitive function. The research suggests that social interaction is an effective way to boost mental abilities, comparable to traditional mental exercises.
Researchers at Purdue and Duke universities developed a technique using a magnetic field to selectively separate tiny magnetic particles, representing a highly sensitive method for diagnosing diseases. The new system can diagnose multiple pathogens in a single sample with high accuracy.
Researchers found that injecting a dextrose solution under ultrasound guidance can reduce pain in patients with chronic Achilles tendinosis. After treatment, 20 of 30 patients remained asymptomatic, while nine had only mild symptoms.
A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science found that visual field loss is the primary component increasing the risk of falls in older adults. Mobility training may help reduce this risk by improving postural stability and mobility.
A recent survey of teachers found that neuroscience can make an important contribution to educational areas, with over 87% of respondents supporting its use. However, the scientific basis of some brain-based teaching methods is highly contentious and often misapplied.
African elephants led by older, more dominant matriarchs travel significantly fewer miles to seek food than subordinate groups. During the dry season, dominant groups trek an average of 4-5 kilometers per day, while subordinate groups cover 8-11 kilometers.
Researchers present a new framework for mapping mild cognitive impairment, including an online diagnostic algorithm. The framework characterizes different classifications of MCI and their patterns of etiology, cognitive decline, and clinical outcome.
A study by University of Chicago's Susan Kidwell reveals an inverse relationship between the extent of human impact and how well collections of dead shells reflect the current inhabitants of an ecosystem. This new tool can provide a deeper historical perspective on ecosystems, helping scientists understand the effects of human actions.
Researchers developed a magnetic separation technique that can sort beads hundreds of times smaller than the period at the end of a sentence. This method, called magnetophoresis, uses a rotating magnetic field and microchip to separate tiny magnetic beads based on size within minutes.
An international panel of researchers developed guidelines to prevent and treat venous thromboembolism, a deadly complication of cancer. The new guidelines recommend the use of anticoagulants in hospitalized cancer patients and suggest treating blood clots for at least six months afterwards.
Scientists at the Salk Institute report that ATM protein activation depends on both damaged DNA and surrounding flanking regions. This discovery reveals a new mechanism for efficient DNA repair, highlighting the importance of intact chromatin in activating the cellular response.
A study by UCLA researchers has identified brain circuits involved in hunger that are influenced by leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells. Leptin supplementation reduced activation in regions linked to hunger while enhancing activation in regions linked to inhibition and satiety in three adults with congenital leptin deficiency.
A research team led by Dr. Michael Starnbach is using genetically engineered mice to study the immune system's response to Chlamydia infections. They aim to understand which components of the immune system need to be stimulated to fight the infection, with the ultimate goal of developing a vaccine for adolescent girls.
Researchers discovered neurons in monkeys' prefrontal cortex respond to specific Arabic numerals and shapes, similar to children's activation patterns. This suggests the brain builds on existing numerical precursor systems to acquire symbolic numerical abilities.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals no significant improvement in life expectancy for RA patients over the past four decades. Researchers found a widening mortality gap between RA subjects and the general population, with cardiovascular deaths contributing to this trend.
A retrospective study found that patients taking statin drugs alongside high-dose radiation therapy had a 10% higher chance of being cured of prostate cancer at 10 years after diagnosis. The study also showed reduced rates of cancer spreading to distant parts of the body in men who took statins during radiation treatment.
A study found that 82% of entheses have a synovio-entheseal complex (SEC), which is involved in triggering inflammation in OA. The SEC's formation is linked to fibrocartilage degeneration and cell clustering, suggesting a novel mechanism for synovial inflammation.
Gene therapy administered intravenously protected healthy tissues in mice during whole-body irradiation, with 90% survival rate at 30 days. The therapy offered no harm to systemic function and could potentially provide wide-reaching public protection in radiation emergencies.
Researchers studying burrowing mammals, such as moles and mole rats, have discovered unique adaptations that enable them to dig efficiently in rocky soils. Convergent evolution plays a key role in the development of these specialized features, allowing these mammals to thrive in challenging environments.
A lack of reliable national statistics on births, deaths, and causes of death hinders global health development. The authors of a recent study found that only a few developing countries have improved their civil registration systems in the past 50 years.
Prostate cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy who walked five times a week maintained or gained bone density, while those who didn't exercise lost more than two percent of their bone density. A nurse-directed home-based walking program improved physical function and managed symptoms during radiation and hormone treatment.
Researchers found that women with early-stage breast cancer who received intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) had significantly fewer cases of serious dermatitis compared to those receiving conventional radiation. The study also showed that patients treated with IMRT experienced a shorter duration of dermatitis.
A new integrated approach to intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has been shown to provide high-quality care for head and neck cancer patients in community centers. The study found no significant differences in treatment outcomes or survival rates between academic and community centers.
A study by Dr. Philip Setel highlights the need for comprehensive civil registration in developing countries to track vital statistics, benefiting individuals and societies. The authors argue that affordable remedies exist to overcome stagnation, but their implementation is crucial for policy formation and accountability.
A study of 6,162 breast cancer patients found that smoking does not lead to more aggressive or advanced breast cancers at diagnosis. Researchers analyzed data from 1970 to 2006 and discovered no correlation between tobacco use and tumor stage or aggressiveness.
A lack of civil registration systems and vital statistics in many low-income countries hinders evidence-based decision-making. The authors propose three options to tackle this challenge: advocating for government support, establishing an international body, and leveraging new funding flows.