The partnership aims to improve decision-making by incorporating the value of ecosystem services into policy. Researchers will use computer models to predict impacts on ecosystem services from development options.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has joined a national consortium working to improve treatment and survival for patients with glioma, a type of malignant brain tumor. The Ivy Genomics-Based Medicine Project will use advanced molecular profiling and testing to identify personalized treatments for patients.
Researchers discovered that European starlings and zebrafinches control their songs with the fastest-contracting muscle type yet described. These songbirds can alter volume and frequency of their songs up to 250 times per second, providing precise control over their vocalizations.
Researchers found that UVA1 phototherapy is effective for patients with morphea and related diseases regardless of skin type. The study analyzed over 100 patients and showed no significant correlation between skin type and clinical improvement scores.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that keeping a food diary can double weight loss, with 69% of participants losing at least nine pounds. The study recruited a large percentage of African Americans and used a heart-healthy diet to achieve significant weight loss.
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology consensus statement highlights differences between unipolar and bipolar depression in diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment. The statement aims to optimize pharmacotherapy and clinical outcomes for patients with bipolar depression.
Researchers investigate how humans perceive humanoid robots and attribute mental qualities, finding increased brain activity in the medial prefrontal cortex. Participants enjoyed interactions more when robots displayed human-like features, suggesting a link between human-robot interaction and mentalizing.
Scientists have discovered a chemical mechanism by which argyrin destroys tumours and prevents protein breakdown, leading to reduced tumour growth and no side effects. Researchers are now working to optimize the molecule for clinical testing in the near future.
Researchers found a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in patients taking fish oil and red yeast rice supplements. The study suggests a comprehensive approach to lipid lowering could be effective for patients unwilling or unable to take statins.
Researchers found that adding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to clinical models did not significantly improve the accuracy of breast cancer risk predictions. In fact, SNPs were less able to accurately discriminate risk than established models using clinical factors.
Researchers found a genetic change in the dopamine transporter protein that makes it behave as if amphetamine is present, leading to altered dopamine signaling and contributing to ADHD symptoms. The altered function supports a role for dopamine signaling in the disease.
High blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of dementia, highlighting the potential benefits of antihypertensive treatment. Treatment of hypertension may be a key factor in preventing cognitive decline and dementia.
A Swedish study found that more than 40% of widowers were never informed about their wives' incurable cancer or received the news in the last week of her life. The study suggests room for improvement in healthcare provider communication with husbands, particularly those who did not receive information before the wife's death.
Chronic stress can affect the adult brain's ability to generate new cells. Stress is associated with reduced neurogenesis, a process critical for developing novel antidepressant drugs.
Research finds that many normal-looking sperm used in ICSI have DNA damage, decreasing pregnancy chances and increasing risk of miscarriage. The study urges for more careful selection methods to avoid problems in the future.
Researchers at MIT have achieved a significant advance in nanoscale lithographic technology, enabling the creation of finer patterns of lines over larger areas. The new technique has the potential to lead to commercialization of many new nanotechnology inventions that have languished due to manufacturing limitations.
A new UNC study reveals that stopping moderate drinking may lead to health problems, including depression and reduced brain capacity. Treatment with antidepressant drugs can prevent the development of depression and restore brain function.
The Orange County Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium is conducting a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of hypertonic saline solution in treating victims of severe traumatic injury. The study, which includes UC Irvine and other local hospitals, aims to improve survival rates from cardiac arrest and severe trauma.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center finds that more than three-quarters of bladder cancer patients are unaware of the link between smoking and bladder cancer. Quitting smoking can decrease the risk of developing bladder cancer by 40% within four years.
Researchers found that fossilized bird feathers contain pigments that once gave birds their color. The discovery enables scientists to predict the original colors of feathered dinosaurs using fossilized melanosomes.
Researchers from the University of Bristol found that mammals have two decision-making systems: a fast-but-inaccurate sub-cortical brain and a slow-but-accurate outer cortex. The study suggests that the older system may still be beneficial in modern situations, potentially preventing atrophy and smaller brains in future humans.
Researchers found that songbirds control their songs with superfast muscles that can produce work at frequencies over 100 Hz, a 100 times faster than human blink rate. This discovery suggests these muscles are more common than previously thought and provide precise control of song modulations.
Lubchenko aims to crack the mystery of electrical phenomena in amorphous materials using 'old-fashioned' math, as direct computer modeling and existing theoretical approaches have been unsuccessful. His research could lead to affordable solar batteries and expand the speed and capacity of computer memory.
Researchers discovered eight genes encoding proteins required for the malaria parasite to hijack and remodel human red blood cells. The proteins play a major role in the development of malaria, which kills millions of people annually. Understanding these proteins may lead to new therapeutic approaches, including drugs or live vaccines.
The study found that 34% of polyadenylated transcripts mapped to non-annotated genomic regions, indicating a large number of novel gene candidates. Additionally, the researchers identified 94,241 splice junctions, with 4,096 novel variants, highlighting exon skipping as the most prevalent form of alternative splicing.
Researchers identify key role of endogenous opioids in alcoholism-related cognitive impairment. Innovative therapies may improve or prevent alcohol-induced memory problems in patients with alcohol dependence.
A new Penn State study found that a variety of recruitment strategies are used to recruit and retain older workers, including employee incentives and flexible work schedules. Employers can benefit from tapping into the experience and knowledge of baby boomers and other older workers.
A Danish study of over 1,200 children found that those born from frozen embryos had higher birth weights and longer pregnancies compared to those born after fresh embryo transfers. The study also showed no increased risk of congenital malformations in the frozen embryo group.
Researchers studied skyscraper run-ups to understand how athletes perform under high-intensity conditions, revealing the importance of anaerobic energy metabolism in maintaining speed. The findings suggest that top performers can maintain their pace by strategically dosing their initial effort.
Researchers found that bold birds, who sing from exposed sites, are more likely to be explorers and risk-takers in the wild. These individuals have a higher mating success due to their attractiveness to females.
Researchers found that rats on diets enriched with industrial or natural trans-fats showed no significant changes in insulin or glucose responses. The study also confirmed these findings in cell culture studies, indicating that muscles can utilize trans-fatty acids without increasing the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Researchers found that brightly colored beetles and butterfly larvae are significantly more common on plants with compounds active against certain diseases, such as breast cancer and malaria. This discovery could speed up drug discovery and provide insight into the ecological relationships between tropical-forest plants and insects.
The researchers have developed a biologically engineered organism that can effectively deliver an antigen in the body using live salmonella bacterium. The new method is a major step forward in developing a means of biological containment for vaccine delivery, making vaccines more affordable for developing countries.
Researchers found two independent ways to modify metal work function using self-assembled monolayers, improving device characteristics. The study also showed that different metals have virtually identical work functions when covered with the same type of organic molecules.
A new study suggests that increasing dietary intake of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Potassium, in particular, has been shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, particularly in populations with low sodium consumption.
Researchers sequenced duckweed's genome to unlock its ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and alleviating world hunger. The plant can extract pollutants from wastewater, producing biomass faster than any other flowering plant.
A new study by Syracuse University and the University of Sheffield found that certain plant species can adapt to long-term climate changes in Northern England's grasslands. The experiment, which spanned 13 years, revealed that these plants can respond to slow-paced environmental shifts, thriving in their existing location.
Researchers have discovered a new reef structure off Brazil's coast that harbors an abundance of fish and unique species found only in Brazil. The newly mapped reef is more abundant in marine life than previously known reefs, posing conservation challenges due to over-fishing, coastal development, and climate change.
Researchers at UIC are testing new approaches to islet transplantation to improve insulin independence and glucose control for adults with difficult-to-control type 1 diabetes. The study aims to find the most effective combination of anti-rejection drugs to maximize islet engraftment and reduce toxic side effects.
Researchers found that farm-raised tilapia has very low levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. This combination may be detrimental to individuals with heart disease, arthritis, asthma, and other conditions. The study highlights the importance of balancing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intake.
Researchers found that reducing iron blood levels in men with peripheral arterial disease is associated with a decreased incidence of cancer. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that iron catalyzes the production of free radicals that damage cellular components, including DNA.
A study by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology found that IVF treatment does not lead to increased risk of cerebral palsy or other neurodevelopmental disorders in early infancy. However, sub-fertility itself may be associated with less-than-optimal neurological conditions.
For elderly men with localized prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy does not improve survival rates compared to conservative management. The study found lower 10-year prostate cancer-specific survival rates among those using PADT.
A study of 70 singleton babies born after preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening found no adverse effects on early growth and risk of congenital malformations. The procedure did not impact singletons' growth or medical outcomes, according to lead researcher Professor Maryse Bonduelle.
Researchers found a protein marker for schizophrenia risk in immune cells, with alpha defensin levels significantly elevated in patients and discordant twin pairs. This discovery could lead to the development of a simple blood test to evaluate schizophrenia risk.
USC School of Dentistry researchers found that aspirin can inhibit bone resorption and promote osteoblast formation in mice with osteoporosis. The study's findings suggest that aspirin may be a potential alternative to current treatments for osteoporosis, which affect both men and women.
A University of Sussex-led study found that the brain responds more strongly to piano sonatas played by musicians than by computers. The researchers discovered that the brain's electric activity increases when the music is performed with emotional expression, indicating a deeper understanding of musical meaning.
Two studies published in Health Affairs found that consumer-driven health plan (CDHP) participants are more likely to discontinue medications for serious chronic conditions. Researchers warn that this behavior may lead to higher healthcare costs and poor health outcomes.
Researchers are studying two myostatin inhibitors to optimize recovery of injured soldiers, with promising results in muscle regeneration and bone formation. The goal is to develop a stronger, more rapid recovery for victims of traumatic limb injuries.
A meta-analysis found the ankle brachial index (ABI) improves accuracy of cardiovascular risk prediction by identifying individuals at high risk for atherosclerosis. The ABI may help modify treatment recommendations in approximately 19% of men and 36% of women.
A U-M study found that breast asymmetry after cancer treatment significantly impacts a woman's quality of life, increasing the likelihood of depression, fear, and feelings of being less healthy. Women who experienced significant breast asymmetry were twice as likely to fear their cancer recurring than those with little to no asymmetry.
A commentary discusses common pitfalls of epidemiological research that lead to false-positive results, including chance, systematic errors, and inadequate accounting for confounding variables. To mitigate these issues, researchers should use more rigorous methods and evaluate results critically.
The American Society of Hematology has introduced a new grant program to provide protected research time for medical fellows, aiming to improve their training and skills. The ASH Research Training Award for Fellows supports junior researchers in pursuing careers in academic hematology.
The American Society of Hematology has launched an initiative to provide increased support for training programs in hematology-related disciplines. Three grant recipients will develop new curricula that integrate emerging technologies into traditional training programs, addressing the need for clinicians and clinical researchers with s...
A major international study found that many South-East Asian hospitals still employ worrying health care practices, including improper use of antibiotics and episiotomies. The study aims to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes by identifying gaps in knowledge and implementing evidence-based interventions.
Scientists have discovered how bird flu adapts in patients, offering a new way to monitor the disease and prevent a pandemic. The research found specific mutations in the virus that may allow it to adapt to humans, indicating a potential risk of a pandemic.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that higher education levels were associated with significant mortality reductions in four common cancers: lung, colorectal, prostate, and breast. Individuals with a college degree experienced greater declines in cancer mortality rates compared to those with less e...
Mothers and fathers of twin babies conceived through ART show higher rates of depression, anxiety, and social dysfunction compared to parents of singletons. Counselling and preparation before birth may play a role in mitigating these effects.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that paying rural landowners in Oregon to protect at-risk animals may not lead to increased carbon sequestration. In fact, conservation efforts may even harm species if they prioritize tree and plant growth over animal protection.
A large-scale study found that children conceived by donor insemination who are told about their origins at an early age experience fewer negative emotions compared to those told later in life. The study suggests that early disclosure is beneficial for donor offspring's feelings about their conception.