A research team has discovered forests of endangered tropical kelp in deep waters near the Galapagos Islands. The find suggests that marine ecosystems may be more resilient to climate change than initially thought, with kelp forests potentially harboring unique biodiversity.
A study published by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy found that capsule endoscopy identified Crohn's disease recurrence in 62% of patients, compared to 25% with colonoscopy. This led to changes in therapy for more than half of the patients studied.
A University of Utah-led study rebuts critics by showing that legalizing physician-assisted suicide did not result in disproportionate deaths among the elderly, poor, women, minorities, or chronically ill. In fact, patients with psychiatric illness were not more likely to die via assisted suicide.
A Queensland University of Technology research team has received $280,000 in funding to investigate how to make technology easier for older people to use. The study aims to improve the design of complex interactive devices, such as healthcare products, to reduce errors and save lives.
A preliminary laboratory study suggests that consuming large amounts of caffeine with acetaminophen can lead to toxic interactions and liver damage. The researchers recommend limiting caffeine intake while taking acetaminophen, particularly for vulnerable groups such as those taking certain medications or excessive alcohol.
Research by NSW DPI has identified the Whitefringed weevil larvae as the culprit behind small holes in leaky irrigation pipes. The larvae can chew through plastic piping using their dark brown pincers, leading to significant yield loss and water waste for lucerne growers.
Researchers at Yale have made two major breakthroughs in advancing quantum computing, enabling the transfer of information between distant qubits and paving the way for more complex quantum computers. By developing a superconducting communication 'bus,' they can now store and transfer information efficiently between qubits on a chip.
A study of 215 cancer patients found that acupuncture did not reduce nausea caused by radiotherapy, but patients believed it helped. The treatment had no statistically significant effect on nausea duration or intensity.
Researchers analyzed stalagmites from Borneo caves to reconstruct the tropical Pacific's climate history. Their findings suggest a more active role for the tropical Pacific in abrupt climate changes than previously thought, providing new insights into past climate trends.
A study suggests that patients with non-squamous histology achieve statistically significant higher survival when treated with ALIMTA in the second-line setting compared to those with squamous histology. The analysis also identified other predictive factors for potential benefit from treatment, including adenocarcinoma histology and go...
A recent Arctic heat wave has led to a significant revision of climate change forecasts and research findings. The extreme temperatures on Melville Island have caused widespread erosion, changed sediment loads, and impacted water quality, highlighting the urgent need for improved models predicting future climate change in the High Arctic.
University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers successfully blended modern semiconductor tech and nanomachines, opening doors to new tiny mechanical devices. The new work enables sensors capable of measuring single biological molecules and has implications for solar energy cells, battery technology, and highly sensitive light-emitting diodes.
A large study of European patients has identified promising biomarkers to distinguish between patients with a high likelihood and low likelihood of relapse, paving the way for more targeted treatment approaches.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a likely cause of kidney transplant rejection: antibodies attacking MICA antigens. The study found that patients who showed the most marked effect from these antibodies were those considered high-risk for clinical transplantation.
Research published in BMC Evolutionary Biology shows that a snake's intended prey affects the type and evolution of toxins in their venom. The study found that sea snakes have less diverse toxins due to their shared feeding behavior and diet.
Scientists at NIST have developed a new component for potential ultra-powerful quantum computers using a microfabricated aluminum cable with superconducting circuits. This 'quantum bus' can transport data between two or more qubits, enabling faster calculations and potentially solving complex mathematical problems.
Researchers from MIT and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals have shown that siRNA does not interfere with the microRNA pathway, achieving 80% silencing of target genes in mice and hamster liver cells. This approach could lead to treatments for a wide range of diseases.
Legalized physician-assisted dying in Oregon and the Netherlands shows only a few people choose this option, with most having cancer or severe illness. Vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities or mental illnesses are not overrepresented in deaths facilitated by doctors.
Women with metastatic breast cancer who have endured previous traumatic or stressful events see their cancer recur nearly twice as fast as others, according to a study. The median disease-free interval was 2.5 years for those with traumatic experiences, compared to 5 years for those without.
Researchers developed a simplified protocol to teach growers how to convert complex yield and soil data into pertinent information, enabling site-specific management decisions. By using this protocol, Australian growers improved their field management, including implementing site-specific nutrient and pest management treatments.
A team of researchers has created a method to assemble wire-like structures only a single molecule wide, paving the way for the development of smaller, faster electronic devices. The new template enables the creation of one-dimensional wires with minimal loss of electricity conductivity.
A three-year QUT study will guide schools on policies and practices to protect victims, educate students and families, and prevent liability. The research team will work with focus groups of students, teachers, principals, and parents to explore the incidence and consequences of cyber bullying.
A new report highlights the ongoing debate over climate change models, with scientists emphasizing the importance of understanding physical laws while acknowledging uncertainties. The Institute of Physics' report notes that while there is general consensus on climate causes, there is not unanimity among experts.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that a weak inhibitory cascade in mouse molars may cause the last molar to develop in humans. They developed a mathematical model predicting tooth proportions and numbers across various species, including humans.
A recent study on joint attention reveals its crucial role in understanding autism, suggesting impaired social skills and communication difficulties. The 'attention-systems model' proposes that joint attention is the result of two basic forms of attention interacting throughout development.
New nonviral gene delivery systems utilizing transposons provide a safer alternative to viruses, with potential benefits for treating fatal conditions such as cancer. The technology has shown promise in achieving stable expression of genes in animal cells and minimizing insertional mutagenesis risk.
Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified calpain-1 as a key enzyme in blood clot formation, which could lead to safer anti-clotting treatments. The study also found elevated protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B levels in mice lacking calpain-1, potentially providing insights into diabetes and obesity research.
Researchers found that aquatic life in Ward Hunt Lake has undergone significant transformations over the last two centuries, with abrupt changes in algae population and diatom presence. The lake's conditions have become more favorable for algae growth, raising concerns about climate change's impact on Arctic ecosystems.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine discovered a novel PLC-epsilon enzyme subtype that activates a second signaling pathway for cell proliferation. This finding may enable targeting the enzyme's second function to prevent pathological responses while preserving its critical physiological roles.
Stevens Institute of Technology has been recognized for its consistent success in technology education, with a focus on innovation and collaboration. The university's four schools are working together to address major thrust areas in the 21st century, including systems management, security, and multi-scale engineering.
Researchers at the University of Bonn found that majorite minerals act as oxygen reservoirs, releasing stored oxygen to form water and sustain life on Earth. This mechanism helps prevent the Earth from becoming as dry and inhospitable as Mars.
Researchers found that hybrid young salamanders survived more in the wild than pure native or introduced species, challenging prevailing scientific thought. The study raises questions about managing endangered populations and considers hybrids as threats to native salamanders.
Researchers found that safety measures introduced over the past decade have failed to reduce death rates and speed in Grand Prix motor racing. Experts recommend strengthening barriers, protective clothing for drivers, and improving cornering speeds to prioritize driver safety.
Researchers found that combining Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic strain with lower doses of hyperimmune bovine colostrum (HBC) provides protection against rotavirus infection, effective as high-dose HBC alone. This combination therapy could help relieve the immense disease burden posed by rotavirus in developing countries.
A comparative study of Black Caribbeans living in America found better health, higher incomes, and less discrimination than both black Americans and English Caribbeans. The research attributed these differences to economic inequalities and migration patterns.
Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered that a toxic protein in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's removes insulin receptors from nerve cells, rendering those neurons insulin resistant. This finding sheds light on the emerging idea of Alzheimer's being a type 3 diabetes.
The A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute supports fundamental research to advance understanding of human diseases. The institute's first five Taubman Scholars will receive flexible grants for promising disease-fighting research.
The experimental drug STA-4783 has been shown to delay cancer progression and prolong patient lives by inducing oxidative stress in cancer cells. In a randomized trial, patients treated with the combination of STA-4783 and chemotherapy lived up to 12 months after diagnosis, compared to 7.8 months for those receiving only chemotherapy.
A recent study shows that overabundance of a single microRNA, microRNA-10b, can cause tumors to spread to distant tissues in mice. Researchers found that this microRNA disrupts the normal migration process of cancer cells by targeting the HoxD10 gene.
A study presented at the European Cancer Conference found that axitinib shrank tumours and delayed disease progression in patients with advanced kidney cancer. The drug, which is also being tested in other types of cancer, showed promising results in a group of heavily pre-treated patients.
Researchers at Tufts University found that glycemic index values can vary significantly among individuals and even within the same person, with individual values ranging from 44 to 132. The study's findings highlight the need for more precise understanding of how glycemic index relates to chronic disease risk in diverse populations.
In the Wadden Sea, shore crabs use a takeaway meal strategy to avoid competition for food. They first attempt to catch prey at the richest food spot but then move it to a nearby poor spot with fewer competitors.
Massachusetts General Hospital researchers have developed a new method to treat liver failure by modulating the immune response. The approach uses mesenchymal stem cells to reduce inflammation and promote organ regeneration, showing promising results in animal studies.
A study found that the -765G>C COX2 polymorphism increases the risk of ovarian cancer by nearly two-fold in C allele carriers and nearly three-fold in women under 53. The mutation may enhance COX-2 gene expression, inhibiting apoptosis and promoting tumour proliferation.
Dutch researcher Micha Leeflang studied 107 of Joos van Cleve's paintings using infrared reflectography and dendrochronology to analyze his painting techniques, marketing strategies, and artistic success. The study found that Van Cleve employed a permanent group of assistants to maintain high-quality paintings.
A survey of elderly Spaniards found poor knowledge about cancer, with many believing it's contagious or a punishment. The study highlights the importance of improving cancer education programs for older adults.
Staphylococcus aureus infections rose from 250,000 in 1998 to 390,000 in 2003, resulting in significant economic burden on hospitals.
Researchers found a new chemotherapy regimen of irinotecan and cisplatin to be effective in treating childhood brainstem gliomas, with all six children showing significant tumor reduction. While the disease eventually progressed in three children, this is a promising breakthrough for a previously difficult-to-treat cancer.
New studies show that soft drink contracts in schools contribute to childhood obesity rates, with low-income areas having more fast-food options. Minority students face greater exposure to junk food through advertising and school policies.
A study found that children with a high genetic risk of developing type 1 diabetes who consumed more omega-3 fatty acids had a reduced risk of pancreatic islet autoimmunity, which is linked to the disease. The researchers concluded that higher total omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with a lower risk of IA.
Researchers have identified a new brain marker that may help diagnose Alzheimer's disease earlier, using fMRI to monitor changes in brain activation and deactivation. The study found that impaired deactivation in the posteromedial cortices was closely related to memory impairment and neuropsychological testing scores.
A study of the Hadza tribe found that males with lower vocal pitch had more surviving children, suggesting a link between voice pitch and fertility. The researchers believe that women may choose mates with deeper voices because they are perceived as better providers.
Researchers found a strong correlation between black hole presence and reduced star formation in heavy galaxies. The energy generated by massive black holes may heat up gas, preventing new stars from forming.
Women with anorexia nervosa exhibit distinct differences in brain activity related to taste recognition, suggesting a link between appetite regulation and self-awareness. This finding may shed light on the underlying causes of anorexia nervosa, including distorted body image and difficulty responding to hunger.
A new online game, Anti-Phishing Phil, has been developed by Carnegie Mellon University to educate people on how to identify fraudulent websites. The game improved players' accuracy from 69% to 87% in identifying legitimate and illegitimate web sites.
A computer simulation created by Georgia Tech and Emory researchers sheds light on how the nervous system adapts to sensory loss, enabling patients to regain balance despite impaired sensory information. The findings could lead to better diagnosis and rehabilitation for patients with balance problems.
A Brandeis study found that fewer than one in five patients receive cardiac rehabilitation services after a heart attack or coronary bypass surgery, despite its proven benefits. The use of cardiac rehab varies significantly by age, gender, and geography.
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease will be examined in a five-year project testing healthy adults aged 18-75. The study aims to identify markers sensitive to APOE, potentially leading to earlier detection and prevention of the disease.
A national survey found that only 6% of Americans have heard a lot about nanotechnology, with women and older Americans being the least aware. The public is seeking more information on health risks and benefits before purchasing nanotechnology-enhanced products.
Two studies find a direct link between increased elective caesarean sections and decreased weekend births in Switzerland and Germany. The research suggests that hospitals schedule births during the week when they are fully resourced and staff is working 'normal' hours, leading to fewer births on weekends.