A Yale University study reveals that cigarette smoke makes flu and other viral infections worse by triggering an exaggerated immune response. This overreaction leads to increased lung inflammation and tissue damage, making smokers more prone to severe illness and death.
A new study shows that giving children four xylitol gummy bears three times a day reduces harmful bacteria in their plaque after six weeks. The findings suggest that a clinical trial to develop a gummy-based caries prevention program is feasible.
Congenital Tufting Enteropathy (CTE) is a rare, congenital disorder affecting infants, causing severe diarrhea and growth failure. Researchers identified the Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule gene as the cause of CTE.
UC Irvine researchers found that CLOCK protein regulates body clock, working in balance with SIRT1 to modulate energy use. This balance is vital for proper metabolism, and disruption can lead to metabolic disorders. The study suggests that sleep and diet can help maintain this equilibrium.
A regimen of extended-dose nevirapine reduced the risk of infants contracting HIV via breastfeeding by 20% at six months of age. The study found a significant reduction in HIV transmission at six weeks of age, but access to safe replacement feeding remains crucial.
A recent study estimates that if couples stop using condoms, HIV incidence could easily quadruple over 10 years. The risk of transmission from effectively treated patients is low but non-zero, and transmission risks are higher in male homosexual partnerships.
The coercivity mechanism of HDDR Nd-Fe-B permanent magnetic alloy is greatly related to its microstructure defect at the grain boundary, according to the study. For a fixed lex, coercivity reaches maximum at 2r0/lex=1.67, controlled by pinning and nucleation mechanisms.
NIAID is reshaping its research enterprise to broaden HIV vaccine discovery activities, with a focus on laboratory, non-human primate, and clinical researchers. The Institute plans to develop new initiatives to support individual investigator-initiated grants in HIV vaccine discovery and other tactics to interrupt HIV transmission.
A recent study suggests that limiting fructose intake can lead to increased weight loss, as it is quickly converted into body fat in the liver. Dr. Elizabeth Parks' research found that even small amounts of fructose can contribute to greater triglyceride synthesis.
Studies show a significant increase in life expectancy among HIV-positive individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), with total life expectancy rising from 56.1 years to 69.4 years between 1996-99 and 2003-05. However, patients treated late in the course of their infection have worse life expectancy.
Researchers have found that cigarette smoke significantly worsens the consequences of viral infections in mice, leading to increased immune responses and airway damage. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying the negative impact of cigarette smoke on lung health and may have implications for human disease preven...
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered that cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections can cause longer hospital and intensive-care unit stays in patients without compromised immune systems. The study found that approximately 30% of ICU patients exhibited active CMV infection, leading to extended hospital stays.
Scientists have discovered the first mating pheromone in Caenorhabditis elegans, a tiny worm that sends signals to mate or hibernate. The newly found compound changes its behavior depending on concentration levels, affecting both reproductive and survival traits.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new thermoelectric material that can convert waste heat from engine exhaust into electricity, with twice the efficiency of current market materials. The material is effective between 450-950 degrees Fahrenheit and has potential applications in power generators and heat pumps.
The £28.5M funding will enable the co-ordination of data collection across existing birth cohort studies, allowing analysis across generations and investigating social, economic, and educational impacts on health and poverty. The new facility will expand the series by creating a new cohort to extend the study over 12 years.
Jülich scientists successfully measured atomic spacings down to a few picometres using new methods in ultrahigh-resolution electron microscopy. This allows for the determination of decisive parameters determining physical properties of materials directly on an atomic level in a microscope.
Researchers have discovered that hyperactive immune resistance contributes to age-dependent macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in Western countries. The study found that patients with AMD had an entire immune system hyperactive, which may lead to permanent inflammation and vision loss.
A study by Carnegie Institution researchers identified key links in the steroid signaling chain using proteomics. Key kinases called BSKs were found to respond to brassinosteroids, filling a major gap in understanding plant hormone regulation.
Scientists have identified the mechanism that triggers substorms in space, which wreaks havoc on satellites and power grids, according to UCLA professor Vassilis Angelopoulos. The THEMIS mission provided evidence that magnetic reconnection is the trigger for these spectacular brightening events.
A multi-institutional team has developed a powerful tool for genomic research and medicine, generating synthetic enzymes that can target specific DNA sequences for inactivation or repair. This new method, called OPEN, enables customized zinc-finger nucleases with high efficiency in many cell types.
A Harvard University study reveals that genes have evolved to minimize protein production errors, which can cause neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. The research found that natural selection favors the development of genes that prevent misfolded proteins resulting from translation mistakes.
A longitudinal study of 398 children found that attending schools with higher ethnic diversity reduces peer problems and prejudice. Children with an integrationist orientation, balancing their heritage with the host society, show significant improvements in self-esteem and social relationships.
The new telescope glasses offer a wide-field telescope made of straight and curved mirrors built completely within the spectacle lens, reducing the appearance of the device. This design enables the wearer to simultaneously view the magnified field above the unmagnified view of the uninterrupted horizontal field.
The new interdisciplinary journal focuses on sustainable energy solutions, with a rigorous peer-review process and rapid publication. The inaugural issue features articles on solar cells, hydrogen storage, and thermochemical biofuel production, among others.
A study found that large-volume breast reductions in morbidly obese women are as safe as for slimmer patients. Additionally, post-bariatric patients often experience nutritional deficiencies, which can impact wound healing and immune response, prompting plastic surgeons to recommend optimal nutrition.
A recent Ohio State University study reveals that a single typhoon in Taiwan buries as much carbon in the ocean as all other rains combined, with 500,000 tons of carbon being washed away during Typhoon Mindulle. This finding could help scientists develop better models of global climate change.
A new study by University of Missouri researcher Vicki Conn found that behavior-changing strategies, such as goal setting and self-monitoring, significantly increased physical activity levels among adults with chronic illnesses. These interventions were more effective than cognitive approaches in motivating patients to exercise.
A new software has been developed to delete confidential patient data from medical records, leaving essential information intact. The system was tested on a large database of nursing notes and successfully removed over 94% of sensitive information, with only 0.2% of useful content mistakenly deleted.
Black patients receiving kidneys from black cardiac donors showed better long-term survival compared to those receiving non-black donor kidneys. The study suggests that increased utilization of kidneys donated after cardiac death can help reduce racial disparities in kidney transplantation.
A new study reveals that Amazon River's nutrient-rich outflow supports unexpected plant life, trapping atmospheric carbon dioxide. The discovery may alter climate scientists' calculations and suggest alternative sinks for CO2.
A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that lower belly fat contains higher concentrations of adult stem cells than other body areas. This discovery holds promise for future treatments using stem cells to repair or replace damaged tissue, including conditions like breast cancer and Parkinson's disease.
A 10-year study found that middle-aged, white, and middle-class individuals are more likely to engage in sports, while younger people, particularly from lower-income backgrounds, show declining participation rates. Excess weight and socioeconomic factors also influence sporting activity.
A study found that patients receiving kidney transplants who took statin drugs had better survival rates compared to those who did not. Statin therapy was associated with a 36% lower risk of death in renal transplant recipients.
A study found that older people who engaged in endurance exercise training for a year had metabolically younger hearts. Women benefited more than men from the training, with improved glucose uptake and fatty acid metabolism.
A recent survey conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that nearly one-third of those affected by Hurricane Katrina report they are very prepared if a major hurricane were to strike their communities in the next six months. Key concerns include having enough fresh water and medical care, with 42% and 41% of respon...
A new series of reports from the University of Maryland's Center for Integrative Environmental Research projects long-term economic impacts of climate change on eight US states, with estimated costs ranging from $1 billion to billions. The studies highlight the need for state and local policy-makers to plan for additional changes ahead.
Researchers discovered a titanium compound that creates a wear-resistant nanoscale layer on engine parts, making it a potential substitute for traditional phosphorus-based additives. This breakthrough could lead to more environmentally friendly engine oils with improved wear resistance.
Peter J. Ell, director of the institute of nuclear medicine and chair of nuclear medicine at UCL, is awarded the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award for laying the foundations of nuclear medicine in Europe. The award recognizes his pioneering efforts in developing molecular imaging techniques, including SPECT.
A new technique developed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professor Mark Changizi harnesses the computing power of our visual system to generate perceptions of digital circuits. By using simple drawings and shading, the visual system can naturally carry out computations and generate outputs.
Researchers found inefficient pathways transmit information between brain regions, impairing social understanding and intention detection. The study suggests a lack of synchronization in the Theory of Mind network is responsible for social challenges in autism.
Researchers discovered a compound in human saliva, histatin, that accelerates wound healing. Histatin was found to close almost completely after 16 hours in the wound model.
A study suggests that eating less, especially junk foods, can reduce the US food system's energy consumption by 50 percent. Traditional farming methods, such as organic farming and reduced pesticide use, can also make a significant impact on energy efficiency.
The US EPA has funded three interdisciplinary teams to explore the links between biodiversity and human health, focusing on Lyme disease and West Nile encephalitis. Research will investigate how environmental factors and people's behaviors contribute to disease transmission.
Scientists at NIST have developed a technique to accurately measure the formation of protein clumps in biologic drugs, addressing a major concern for quality control and safety. The new method uses electrospray differential mobility analysis (ES-DMA) to quickly resolve particle sizes differing by as little as 0.2 nanometers.
A recent study found that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements increase levels of proteins associated with inflammation, delaying wound healing. The researchers discovered a gender difference in cytokine production, with men experiencing higher levels of inflammatory proteins than women.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that sorafenib increases overall survival by 44% compared to placebo in advanced liver cancer patients. The study also showed a significant delay in cancer progression.
Male fruit flies lacking the Gr32a gene become confused in matters of love, attempting sex with other males and females who have already mated. This study reveals the critical role of pheromone signals in determining mating status.
The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) will gain free access to large collections of information on drug properties and small molecules after receiving £4.7 million from the Wellcome Trust. This will enable academia to participate in early-stage drug discovery, potentially improving prediction of side effects.
Researchers found that active fire suppression may have reduced carbon storage in western US forests, while a new tracking method revealed the paths of giant volcanic clouds. Additionally, scientists warn of increased frost risks to plants due to changes in temperature fluctuations and average temperatures in a warming climate.
A University of Washington study reveals that dozens of toxic chemicals are emitted by top-selling laundry products and air fresheners, with none listed on product labels. The study highlights the need for better labeling and reduced exposure to potentially hazardous fragrances.
A study of 325 obese patients found they benefited from knee replacements, with improved mobility scores compared to a comparison group. The research suggests that obese patients can undergo the procedure without increased risk, making it unjustified to deny them the surgery.
Men who consume soy foods regularly have lower sperm concentrations than those who do not. The association is particularly strong in overweight or obese individuals. Researchers found that men with normal or high sperm counts may be more susceptible to the effects of soy foods, suggesting a possible increased risk of infertility.
The NIST model assigns a probable risk of attack to guide IT managers in securing their networks by analyzing all possible paths that system attackers could penetrate through. This allows decision makers to make wise decisions and investments to protect their network from data breaches.
Wealthy nations willing to spend $1 billion annually could prevent half a billion metric tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted globally over the next 25 years. The program, called 'avoided deforestation,' would put an end to a tenth of tropical deforestation, one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research discovered that biofilm bacteria use violacein, a pigment produced in response to threats, to neutralize attackers and trigger a suicide mechanism in phagocytes. This finding presents a new avenue for combating human parasites causing diseases like sleeping sickness and malaria.
Researchers discovered that a family of ascarosides controls both sexual attraction and long-lived dauer larva stages in C. elegans worms. This finding represents the first direct link between reproduction and lifespan through small molecules.
Researchers have overcome a major obstacle in producing transistors from networks of carbon nanotubes, paving the way for flexible electronics. The breakthrough allows for the creation of working nanonet circuits containing over 100 transistors.
A study published in Nature shows that parasites have substantial biomass in ecosystems, sometimes exceeding that of top predators by a factor of 20. This challenges the long-held assumption that free-living organisms like fish and birds dominate biomass in habitats.
Dan Shain's expeditions aim to study the reproductive behavior of giant earthworms and ice worms, shedding light on their unique adaptations. His research seeks to understand complex processes like cocoon secretion and movement patterns over geological time.
Researchers created a laboratory model to study Alzheimer's disease mechanisms at the molecular level. The model found that amyloid beta peptides cause a 'leaky' membrane, disrupting normal impulse transmission and leading to cell toxicity.