A recent study by Dr. Santosh Khokhar at the University of Leeds found that immigrant populations in Europe replace healthy components of their native diet with processed and fast foods, leading to higher levels of fat, salt, and sugar. Younger generations are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy eating habits, which can increase the r...
Using integrated pest management (IPM) can significantly reduce cockroach populations and associated allergen concentrations in schools. A new study found that IPM is more effective than conventional methods in reducing asthma incidences among inner-city children.
A new study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that camphor-containing products can cause seizures in children, particularly those from Hispanic communities. The cases highlight the importance of proper labeling and education about the hazards of camphor usage.
Researchers found that 80% of tested sea otters in Washington State had morbillivirus and 60% had Toxoplasma, with implications for the ecosystem's balance. The study highlights the need to monitor the health of the state's otter population, as they are 'sentinels' for environmental problems.
A team of scientists discovered that the Great Oxygenation Event coincided with the first widespread ice age on Earth. The oxygenation of the atmosphere led to a decrease in greenhouse gases, resulting in a significant drop in surface temperatures.
A team led by Li-Huei Tsai has pinpointed the exact gene responsible for reversing Alzheimer's-like symptoms in mice. The researchers found that drugs targeting HDAC2 reverse cognitive function and boost memory formation, offering new hope for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Recent studies analyze global warming trends, exploring decadal cooling periods and long-term climate change. Scientists also investigate recent solar radiation changes, finding complex mechanisms behind 'global dimming' and 'brightening.' Analysis of the Dust Bowl's atmospheric circulation reveals potential links to Midwest droughts.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found a link between genetic variations in the neuroglobin gene and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Neurobiology of Aging, suggests that lower levels of neuroglobin may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's.
SRI International has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant to develop new antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis. The project aims to identify small organic molecule metabolites essential for bacterial growth and survival.
Newly emerging biotechnology clusters globally showcase life science expertise across various disciplines. China's Shanghai and Beijing are home to the largest groupings of biotech companies, while Brazil has strong centers in Belo Horizonte, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.
A conference on prison pandemic preparedness in Georgia demonstrates effective training methods, including interactive approaches and experiential learning. The event fosters partnerships between correctional health and public health officials to enhance pandemic response capabilities.
A study by Florida State University researcher Chris Stallings reveals a 'sobering' decline of large predatory fishes in the Caribbean, mainly caused by overfishing. The research documents patterns across a greater geographic scale than previous studies, highlighting the impact on marine food webs and coral reefs.
A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that a person's susceptibility to biased economic decision-making is influenced by their genetic make-up. The research found that variation in the serotonin transporter gene affects how individuals respond to framing effects, with those carrying the 'short' variant being more...
Researchers found that heart attack patients who develop serious arrhythmia during procedures face a significantly higher risk of death for several months after the procedure. The study suggests that these episodes complicate outcomes and affect a patient's chance of a successful outcome.
A Universite de Montreal study reveals that sharing meals with others increases food consumption among elderly patients in hospital geriatric re-adaptation units. Nutritional deficiencies often occur when patients eat alone, highlighting the importance of social interaction during mealtimes.
Researchers found that people with periodontal disease have a higher percentage of TLR4-expressing B cells, which alter the immune response during inflammation. These cells activate monocytes but inactivate B cells, highlighting a new strategy for regulating systemic inflammation.
A study found that providing housing and case management to homeless adults with chronic medical illnesses significantly reduces hospitalizations and emergency department visits. The intervention resulted in a 29% reduction in hospitalizations, 24% in hospital days, and 29% in emergency department visits compared to usual care.
A novel gene called DEAR1 is associated with increased risk of local recurrence in young women with breast cancer. The discovery could lead to a new prognostic marker and guide treatment decisions.
Researchers found a strong association between microalbuminuria and venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Microalbuminuria was associated with a higher risk of VTE, even in the absence of traditional risk factors.
A study published in Menopause found a significant link between hot flashes and lower bone mineral density in women. Postmenopausal and premenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms exhibited lower lumbar and total hip bone mineral density compared to those without VMS.
The Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (IEDB) is the world's largest collection of scientific data on how the immune system responds to infectious diseases. With its 2.0 launch, researchers worldwide can now easily access and analyze over 95% of published information on immune epitope responses.
Vanderbilt University has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant to target the thermal receptors in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, disrupting their ability to find prey and potentially eradicating malaria. The project aims to identify small molecules that can block or over-stimulate these thermal detectors.
A human monoclonal antibody developed by Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories (MBL) neutralizes the Hepatitis C virus and prevents infection in a pre-clinical animal model. The antibody could be used as a therapy shortly before and after transplant surgery to prevent re-infection.
A recent study found that even mild prematurity increases risk of medically attended RSV infection, with highest risks among babies born between 33-36 weeks gestational age. This research contributes to growing evidence that late-preterm infants face greater morbidity and healthcare costs.
Two studies published in Gastroenterology found that statin use is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with diabetes. Additionally, statins appear to reduce the risk of cholecystectomy, surgical removal of the gallbladder, in women.
A new study reveals that adult children and parents generally experience tension and irritation, with parents generally reporting more intense tensions than children. The study found that parental perceptions of tension increase with the adult child's age, particularly about personality differences.
A new editorial in the FASEB Journal examines the risks of dietary supplements, highlighting regulatory loopholes that enable toxic substances to enter the market. Gerald Weissmann argues that these supplements represent unregulated drugs with tangible personal and professional consequences.
Researchers predict Yucca Mountain crest erosion due to local geology, potentially affecting repository stability. The study used a numerical landscape evolution model to explore the rate of erosional decay.
Researchers have identified a specific gene and protein that contribute to the development of deadly arterial plaques. Deleting this gene in mice resulted in smaller, less unstable plaques. The study suggests that therapies targeting cellular stress may be useful in treating heart disease.
Pfizer has launched an open access waiver fund to support automatic waivers of publication fees for authors from low-income countries, enabling them to publish research articles globally without financial barriers. This initiative aims to promote recognition and sharing of research conducted in developing countries.
Researchers from Swedish and German scientists found that better water management can significantly reduce future food crises by leveraging both green and blue water. This approach can lift billions out of water poverty and provide a new green revolution in poor countries, even if they face blue water scarcity.
Scientists capture the most comprehensive set of sonar images of Antarctica's seafloor around the Amundsen Sea embayment, providing new insights into past ice flow and potential future sea-level rise. The findings indicate that the controlling mechanisms of the Antarctic ice sheet are more complex than previously thought.
Researchers at Harvard University have demonstrated the activation energy of impurities in semiconductor nanowires is affected by surrounding dielectric, which can be modified to optimize device performance. The study confirms the dielectric confinement effect, a key phenomenon in doping and conduction in nanostructures.
In a new study, CSHL researchers found that non-germ line cells in the fruit fly ovary have developed an anti-transposon defense system distinct from their counterparts in germ line cells. These somatic piRNA pathways specifically target gypsy transposons and utilize only one Piwi protein to selectively suppress them.
A consortium of 29 EU and Chinese institutions will review TCM research, proposing guidelines and priority areas for future studies. The project aims to harmonize Western and Chinese approaches to medicinal therapeutics.
A new study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that moderate alcohol consumption increases mind-wandering, while reducing the likelihood of noticing it. This impairment affects an individual's ability to realize their mind has wandered, known as meta-consciousness.
The InDevR FluChip has been shown to detect and distinguish swine-origin H1N1 from human influenza viruses with high accuracy. The assay's robust performance is attributed to its targeted M-gene sequence, which codes for the virus' matrix proteins.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $122 million to fund Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) in seven states. These grants aim to expand research opportunities, increase the number of competitive investigators, and enhance biomedical research capacity.
A study found that half of patients with multiple CT scans within a year accrued additional radiation-induced cancer risks above baseline greater than 1 in 110. Researchers advise reviewing patient's CT imaging history and cumulative radiation dose before performing another CT exam.
Researchers found skin cells can become muscle-like and vice versa by changing who they associate with, providing insight into genetic reprogramming. This discovery may lead to more efficient ways to create stem cells and treat diseases like diabetes.
High emergent nature individuals possess strong traits of reflectiveness, creativity, and openness to experience. They can envision and evaluate successful product concepts through a combination of intuition and logical analysis.
Certain patients with heart attack who experience abnormal heart rhythms before or after a coronary artery intervention have a significantly higher risk of death within 90 days. VT/VF episodes were more common in late catheterization and associated with lower blood pressure, higher heart rate, and lack of beta-blockers.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that vaccination records may not accurately predict a child's protection from disease, even with valid written records. Serologic testing revealed immunization levels did not consistently match those of the written records.
The Stowers Institute's new whole-genome sequencing approach enables rapid identification of mutations in fruit flies, a crucial step towards discovering genes linked to human diseases. This innovation promises to accelerate the discovery process, making it faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods.
A new set of ocean observing data enhances the ability to track probable paths of victims and drifting survivor craft, improving search and rescue efforts. The data feeds into Coast Guard servers to improve environmental observations and supports oil spill response, harmful algal bloom monitoring, and water quality assessments.
Researchers identified small steps healthcare providers can take to improve compliance with immunization appointments, such as discussing vaccine importance and having open lines of communication. A significant association was found between missed visits and under-immunization, highlighting the need for educational campaigns and online...
Princeton University will establish an energy research center with a focus on next-generation fuels and advanced engines. The center aims to optimize the design of clean fuels for transportation vehicles, tackling challenges of energy sustainability and global warming.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that 3T MRI detected 66 malignant lesions, while mammography detected 54 and sonography detected 57. This suggests that 3T MRI is an important tool for early breast cancer detection and more accurate disease evaluation.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown form of potassium channel, Isoform 3.1, implicated in schizophrenia and linked to abnormal brain activity. Inhibiting this protein may correct disorganized brain activity without cardiac side effects associated with existing antipsychotic medications.
Studies found that even mildly premature infants have a higher risk of medically attended RSV infection, especially those exposed to supplemental oxygen. Researchers detected an increased risk even in babies born at 37 weeks.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a snippet of RNA called miR-7 that helps maintain uniformity in individuals. The study found that miR-7 is critical to the molecular network regulating uniformity, which can help regulate cancer cells' behavior.
Pfizer has partnered with BioMed Central to cover publication costs for its researchers, making their research results universally accessible. This move follows the lead of major funders such as the National Institutes of Health and Wellcome Trust, which have implemented policies for open access.
A one-year study found that a computer-based system significantly lowered high blood pressure in participants, reducing systolic and diastolic pressures by an average of 11.9mmHg and 6.6mmHg, respectively. The system's regular feedback and automated alerts encouraged patients to take their medication as prescribed.
UC Riverside entomologists discover that Argentine ants use a different mechanism to recognize dead nestmates, triggered by the dissipation of life chemicals. The researchers found that live ants produce both life and death chemicals, while dead ants only produce death chemicals, leading to their removal from the colony.
Research suggests that the new swine flu virus may induce a cytokine storm in otherwise healthy adults, causing fatal damage to lungs. Historical evidence also supports the possibility of severe infection and poor outcomes in young, healthy individuals.
The Lancet Editorial highlights the lack of evidence for some swine flu interventions, including culling pigs, restricting pork trade, and distributing facemasks. Experts emphasize the need for timely and accurate information dissemination to healthcare professionals, particularly in pandemic preparedness.
A new study by Uppsala University reveals a mechanism to delay the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Inhibiting drug efflux pumps can mask the effect of mutations that reduce antibiotic binding, providing clues to delaying resistance development.
A new study by Karolinska Institutet shows that extra support encourages more women to cycle to and from work, increasing daily physical activity levels. The intervention group achieved a larger proportion of cycling two kilometres or more per day than the control group.
A systematic review found that hospital volume is associated with short-term mortality rates for certain cancer types, but individual studies often fail to show this association. The review concludes that case volume may be an imperfect proxy for healthcare quality and highlights the need for more direct quality measures.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered a material with unique electronic properties, exhibiting mass-like behavior in one direction and mass-less behavior in another. The discovery has potential applications in spintronics technology and could lead to new electronic devices.