Recent studies suggest a possible link between long-term cell phone use and increased risk of brain tumors, prompting a call for collaborative research initiatives. Scientists emphasize the need for definitive evidence to determine the risks associated with electromagnetic field exposure from cell phones.
A new study found physical evidence of ancient drug paraphernalia in the Caribbean, dated between 400 and 100 B.C., suggesting that the artifacts were transported to the islands as heirlooms. The research team used luminescence dating to analyze ceramic inhaling bowls, which indicated that they were not made using local materials.
Patients who received beta-blockers before and during non-cardiac surgery had higher rates of heart attack (2.94%) and death (2.52%) within 30 days compared to those who did not receive them. The study suggests that a low target preoperative heart rate is essential for the protective effect of beta-blockers.
A study found laser therapies to be safer when used separately, with more effective leg hair removal. Alexandrite lasers showed long-term efficacy, but caused higher pain severity and hyperpigmentation compared to Nd:YAG lasers.
Asbestos export continues in Canada, violating its own limitations and the WHO's recommendation to end chrysotile mining. The practice contributes significantly to the global health crisis caused by asbestos-related diseases.
A team of scientists used a natural cosmic lens to capture an image of a distant galaxy in the early Universe. The image shows a massive reservoir of gas and a supermassive black hole feeding a burst of star formation, indicating that the galaxy has collided with another.
Researchers have identified three new candidate genes for schizophrenia that may contribute to a better understanding of the disease. These genes are associated with brain function and are present in only 1% of schizophrenia patients, suggesting they play a significant role in its development.
A study found that an educational booklet reduced indoor tanning by 35% in young women, while also improving attitudes towards healthier alternatives for changing appearance. The intervention had no impact on perceptions of skin damage or cancer risk, but still promoted a reduction in ultraviolet exposure behavior.
A recent study found that physically active individuals before suffering a stroke tend to have less severe problems and recover better compared to those who were inactive. The top 25% of people in the study group were two-and-a-half times more likely to suffer a less severe stroke.
Researchers discovered that spinner dolphins engage in a choreographed 'dance' to enclose prey, before darting in organized pairs to feed. The study's findings expand knowledge of spinner dolphin behavior and open new avenues for scientific inquiry into underwater ecosystems.
The Titan 80-300 Cubed microscope offers unprecedented resolution, allowing for the identification of atoms and probe electrons at the atomic level. This technology will enable advancements in fields such as materials science, energy production, and pharmaceuticals.
The book, 'In Their Own Words: Voices of Jihad,' provides an unusual window into the thinking of Islamic terrorists. It includes translations of writings and speeches from notable jihadis like Osama bin Laden and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Researchers found a greater diversity of animals in areas with deer populations than without. Higher deer activity creates nutrient-rich soil, attracting insects and larger predators like salamanders and snakes. This complex food web is often overlooked in traditional wildlife management practices.
A new study found that self-induced DNA breaks in immune cells activate genes responsible for their migration and homing to fight invaders. This discovery sheds light on a rare genetic disorder, ataxia telangiectasia, and may have implications for cancer research.
Researchers studied how our brains process faces and found that looking at the nose is crucial for face recognition. The study showed that making two fixations, rather than one, leads to better performance in recognizing faces.
Researchers found that most cases of strangulation occurred early in the morning, often in homes, and were more common among victims who had consumed excessive alcohol. The study revealed a significant correlation between sexual violence and female strangulation rates in South Africa.
A study published in Neurology found that people with more education and mentally demanding occupations had significantly less brain damage from Alzheimer's disease than those with less education and less demanding jobs. Higher education was associated with a stronger brain reserve, allowing it to compensate for damage and maintain fun...
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a strong association between proteinuria and the risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that markers of kidney dysfunction may be used as indicators for coronary heart disease risk, highlighting the importance of monitoring kidney function in patients with cardiovascular disease.
A new study reveals that poorer socioeconomic status increases mortality risk in non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients, while chemotherapy reduces the risk. Ethnic disparities are also observed, with African-Americans less likely to receive chemotherapy and living in poorer communities.
Researchers found that methylmercury harms T-lymphocytes, key cells in a seal's immune system, and similar results were also observed in human lymphocytes. The study suggests that mercury pollution may have already taken a toll on harbor seals' ability to fight infections.
A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that respiratory rhythms and cortisol levels can predict chronic insomnia in women with metastatic breast cancer. Breathing exercises such as yoga and meditation may help alleviate sleep disruptions, which are common among cancer patients.
Ripe bananas exhibit bright blue luminescence when exposed to UV light, attributed to breakdown products of chlorophyll. The intensity of the glow decreases as ripening progresses.
China faces a significant health and economic challenge due to rising chronic diseases, including high blood pressure and smoking. The country has an ageing population and increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, with tobacco use being a major factor in these trends.
The Lancet Series on Health System Reform in China discusses the need for an efficacy-driven approach in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research. Poor people rely heavily on herbal medicine, but many treatments lack reliable evidence of efficacy, exacerbating healthcare inequity.
The Chinese early detection system for infectious diseases has identified clusters of bird-flu in humans in real time, providing authorities with early warning of the start of a pandemic. The system has been instrumental in reducing the impact of infectious diseases, with significant gains in life expectancy and infant mortality rates.
Researchers have discovered a single vaccine that can protect chickens, cats, and humans against deadly bird flu pandemics. The vaccine uses a 'backbone' from the H9N2 virus to offer universal protection across multiple species.
Despite having more doctors than nurses, China struggles with uneven distribution and lack of employment for medical graduates. This maldistribution can be corrected through national policies that incentivize health professionals to work in rural areas.
The report aims to initiate collaboration between The Lancet, China Medical Board, and WHO to strengthen China's health system. Key findings include improved translational research capacity and increased international collaboration.
China's high out-of-pocket medical expenses hinder its progress in providing adequate health insurance coverage. The country needs to improve health insurance coverage and quality by tackling rising costs and the distribution of funds. Implementing a per-patient-episode system, like South Korea, may help reduce costs.
China has introduced new regulations for organ transplantation that ban financial rewards for donors and establish safeguards to prevent exploitation. The changes have led to a significant decrease in transplants from dead donors and an increase in living donor transplants.
China is facing significant challenges to health equity, with rural infant mortality rates nearly five times higher than in urban areas. The country has established health insurance schemes, but faces issues with market failures, inadequate government investment, and inequity in social determinants of health.
Injury-related deaths account for over 10% of all Chinese deaths, mainly due to traffic accidents, drowning, and pesticide poisoning. The authors suggest implementing low-cost prevention measures such as stricter driving laws, pesticide restrictions, and swimming education to reduce injury mortality rates.
Researchers discovered specific fatty acids contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression and proposed a therapeutic strategy by inhibiting an enzyme regulating fatty acid levels. Lowering the enzyme's activity improved cognitive deficits in mouse models.
In a breakthrough for ALS research, scientists successfully transplanted stem cell-like cells into rat models of the disease, slowing neuron loss and extending life. The treatment targets the cervical spinal cord, where motor neurons are most vulnerable to damage.
A team of researchers has discovered a mechanism for the rapid growth of infantile hemangioma, a common childhood tumor. The study found that endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels, are responsible for the tumors' growth and can be targeted with anti-VEGF therapy.
China has made significant strides in providing maternal and newborn health services, with coverage increasing from 20% in rural areas to 62% in 2003. However, the country still struggles with non-communicable diseases, smoking cessation, and affordability of healthcare, with 438 million people facing difficulties accessing care in 2003.
Paranoia is on the increase, with one in four people experiencing regular paranoid thoughts. Urbanization, poverty, and wealth inequality are linked to poor health and mental illness, fuelling a culture of paranoia. Dr Freeman calls for urgent action to stem the rise in paranoia at both individual and societal levels.
The Lancet Series on Health System Reform in China brings together scientific evidence on China's major health challenges and its health strategies. The series aims to foster collaboration between China, the World Health Organization, and international partners to strengthen the Chinese people's healthcare.
Researchers developed tiny polymer beads that release anti-inflammatory drugs, breaking down into non-toxic components. The particles reduce inflammation and scarring, cutting the area of scar tissue in half and boosting heart function by 10 percent weeks later.
Researchers have discovered that plants can send out an S.O.S. to their roots when attacked by pathogens, triggering a response from beneficial bacteria that brings relief. The study sheds light on the remarkable signaling system in plants, which rivals human and animal nervous systems.
A recent study published in Addiction Journal found that abstaining smokers who find the smell of other people's cigarettes pleasant are not more likely to relapse than those with a neutral reaction. The researchers concluded that finding cigarette smoke pleasant does not predict relapse.
Researchers found a correlation between motor task performance and myelin integrity, peaking in middle age before declining. Myelin breakdown may underlie cognitive decline and physical skills erosion, but therapeutic interventions could slow the process.
Fusionopolis is Singapore's second major R&D hub, featuring world-class research institutes and corporate labs. The development aims to break down barriers and foster multidisciplinary collaboration, driving breakthroughs in complex societal challenges.
Researchers discovered how a virus suppresses the immune system in mice, allowing it to persist and cause disease. The study's findings could lead to new treatments for immunosuppressive diseases like HIV and measles by targeting the interferon response.
Researchers at UC San Diego are developing algorithms and software to analyze proteins in biological samples, addressing a global computational bottleneck. The project aims to improve routine blood tests, vaccine development, cancer diagnostics, and other biomedical challenges by deciphering thousands of proteins.
Scientists have identified a new species of bacteria that can cause bone infections, offering hope for improved diagnosis and treatment. The discovery relates to Mycobacterium species, which also cause tuberculosis and leprosy, and may lead to the development of new drugs to combat resistance.
Researchers discovered that injecting human recombinant interleukin-6 improved insulin sensitivity and glucose absorption, increasing fat metabolism genes. A preliminary study suggests this molecule could help prevent diabetes and obesity in humans in the medium term.
The Mattel UCLA NanoPediatrics Program will explore the future of personalized medicine for children using nanotechnology. Researchers will develop new diagnostic tools and treatments to improve health outcomes for young patients.
Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center's Institute for Reproductive Health present studies on involving men in family planning and partner communication about sex. Their work aims to improve reproductive health outcomes by providing men with simple and effective natural options.
Over 8,000 scientists support creating marine protected areas for endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtles and hammerhead sharks. The International Union for Conservation of Nature's resolution aims to safeguard the critically endangered species from industrial fisheries by identifying and protecting their migratory routes.
A single molecule in the intestinal wall, activated by gut bacteria waste products, slows food movement and allows nutrient absorption, leading to weight gain. This discovery points to a potential method for controlling obesity by regulating energy intake.
Researchers create customizable biological computer using synthetic RNA that can detect tumor cells and respond to biochemical signals. The device has potential medical applications, including targeted gene therapies and cancer treatment.
A FSU researcher has made a significant discovery about the life-threatening mechanism of liver fibrosis, attracting a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The protein involved in scar formation could lead to treatment methods that slow down the disease process.
The March of Dimes has launched a national petition to reduce the rate of premature birth, which affects over 530,000 babies each year. The four-point petition calls for hospitals to review cesarean-section births and inductions before 39 weeks gestation to prevent early deliveries.
Researchers at Salk Institute boost reprogramming efficiency by over 100fold and cut time in half. They successfully generate patient-specific stem cells from a single human hair, providing a practical alternative to embryonic stem cells.
A study finds that White and Black Hispanics in the US are more likely to integrate with non-Hispanic Whites and African Americans, while Mexicans show consistent generational assimilation. This trend suggests a decrease in racial segregation and an increase in integration over time.
Researchers are developing methods to model pathways, interpret data, and derive therapeutic targets from biological networks. Biological systems are governed by vast networks of interacting molecules, and scientists are investigating signaling pathways for receptor tyrosine kinases.
Subhash Singhal, PNNL's fuel cell director, received the 2008 Grove Medal for his sustained contributions to fuel cell technology. The award honors achievements in fuel cell science & technology, recognizing Singhal's leadership and research.
A new research review concludes that the most important factor in successful therapy is a motivated and engaged client who can use therapy to build on their strengths. A strong relationship between therapist and client is also a key indicator of a positive therapeutic outcome.
Researchers from HZI and Rutgers University discover new mode of action against pathogenic bacteria, inhibiting RNA polymerase. The natural substances also kill bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics, making them promising candidates for development as novel medicines.