A study funded by NIH found that astrocytes, not neurons, contribute to the urge to sleep when wakefulness is prolonged. The release of adenosine from these support cells causes sleep-inducing effects that can be inhibited by caffeine.
Measuring glomerular filtration rates from routine blood work may not be a cost-effective way to identify people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The test can lead to 11,348 more false positive CKD cases than serum creatinine reporting.
Scientists have discovered that plums contain high levels of healthy nutrients, including antioxidants and phytonutrients associated with disease prevention. Unlike blueberries, which require multiple servings to reap benefits, plums can provide the full benefit in a single serving, making them an affordable option for consumers.
A study by University of Calgary researchers found that mountain caribou populations are remnants of a blending between two major subspecies of caribou during the last ice age. The analysis of DNA and tracking data showed that they are hybrids with genetic expressions of migratory behavior.
A phase 3 clinical trial has shown that ferumoxytol, a novel intravenous form of iron, is effective in treating iron deficiency in CKD patients on dialysis. The study found significant improvements in hemoglobin levels compared to oral iron supplementation.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund Inter-school Training Program in Metabolic Disease (BWF-ITP-MD) combines multiple disciplines to understand metabolic diseases, from molecular mechanisms to population health. The program aims to develop comprehensive insights and system strategies to curb the epidemics of obesity and diabetes.
Researchers have found that female hormones play a crucial role in the body's ability to regulate salt levels, potentially explaining why women are less prone to salt-sensitive hypertension. The study suggests that estrogen drives the beneficial action of ETA receptors, which increase sodium excretion without increasing blood pressure.
A study by Université Laval researchers found that omega-3 supplements significantly improved menopause-related mental health problems, including depression and hot flashes, in women aged 40 to 55. However, the effectiveness of omega-3s for more severe depressive symptoms was limited.
Researchers found that fat molecules clog up muscle cells' cytosol but not mitochondrion. By increasing mitochondrial ability to burn fat, muscles become more responsive to insulin. The discovery opens doors to developing new therapies for Type 2 diabetes.
The study found that institutions performing at least 20 lung transplants annually have the best overall patient survival rates and lowest number of deaths from the complex surgery. High-volume centers see over 95% chance of survival for organ recipients within the first month of recovery.
A new study reveals that younger individuals defined as low risk by conventional risk stratification methods may actually have a higher lifetime risk of heart disease. Those in the high-risk group had a greater subclinical disease burden and incidence of atherosclerotic progression, even at younger ages.
Researchers at Rice University and Duke University Medical Center found no increase in death rates after states dropped regulations on heart procedures. Dropping CON rules led to increased entry of new cardiac-care facilities, potentially raising costs per procedure.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered 102 inherited genetic variations that affect chemotherapy response in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These variations can help predict early treatment success and identify potential targets for novel drugs.
A study found that hospitals in states where Medicaid does not cover routine male circumcision are half as likely to perform the procedure, leading to increased risk of HIV infection among lower-income children. The study also highlights disparities in healthcare services for Hispanic communities.
Researchers developed intelligent materials that stimulate cell growth and development, eliminating pharmaceutical side-effects. The technology has the potential to revolutionize orthopedic, dental, and cardiovascular prostheses.
A study by Vanderbilt University researchers found a surprising link between brain iron levels and serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in neuropsychiatric conditions. The team identified multiple trait differences affected by the SERT GK/ER variation, including traits associated with alcohol consumption and brain dopamine signaling.
According to the HealthGrades Seventh Annual Hospital Quality and Clinical Excellence study, patients treated at top-rated hospitals experience a 27% lower risk of death compared to those at other hospitals. These high-performing institutions also have an eight percent lower risk of complications during their stay.
A study published in Health Affairs explores four payment reform options to address the issue of value in healthcare. The authors suggest that episode payments may be a promising near-term opportunity for payment reform in Medicare, which could lead to improved quality and access.
Research by Arizona State University scientists reveals that APEC can be transmitted from poultry to humans through shared genetic material, highlighting the need for a vaccine to prevent infections. The study identified key genes responsible for disease-causing effects and suggests these could be used to develop vaccine candidates.
A study found a potential genetic link between a germ-line mutation in the TTF-1 gene and an increased risk of developing multi-nodular goiter (MNG) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The researchers also explored the effects of early mammography on breast cancer risk in BRCA mutation carriers.
Research found that Helicobacter pylori can multiply in autophagic vesicles within macrophages, increasing resistance to antibiotics and evading the immune system. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the life cycle of H. pylori and potential new drug targets.
Physicists at the University of Texas at Austin have designed a system that uses fusion to eliminate most of the transuranic waste produced by nuclear power plants. This invention could help combat global warming by making nuclear power a more viable replacement for carbon-heavy energy sources.
Researchers find pseudogap co-exists with superconductivity, suggesting it may compete with the phenomenon. This discovery could lead to higher-temperature superconducting materials, bringing practical applications closer.
Ahmed Zewail is honored with the 2009 Othmer Gold Medal for his groundbreaking work in femtochemistry, enabling scientists to study reactions in real time. He is also a tireless advocate for science education, working globally to promote its value and accessibility.
The counterfeit drugs market is expected to be worth £55 billion by 2010, with nearly 62% of prescription-only medicines being fakes. Harmful ingredients found in counterfeit medicines include arsenic, boric acid, and leaded road paint, which can have devastating consequences for patients with potentially fatal conditions.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine reveals that Treg cells limit brain damage after a stroke by blocking neurotoxin production and modulating lymphocyte and microglia action. This discovery offers potential treatments for preserving crucial functions and treating other types of brain damage.
A twin study found that getting diabetes before 65 significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. The study also suggests that maintaining a healthy lifestyle during adulthood can reduce this risk.
A new mathematical model developed at Duke University could help robots navigate strange surroundings to find hidden explosives. The model, inspired by the popular board game CLUE, uses a strategy of selecting movements and optimizing information incorporation to achieve success.
A study identified 102 genetic variants associated with minimal residual disease and hematologic relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The findings suggest that inherited genetic variation affects cancer treatment effectiveness, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine approaches.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Triceratops used their three horns for battle scars, contradicting the notion that they only displayed them. The researchers found that the squamosal bone was injured 10 times more frequently in Triceratops than its closely-related dinosaur Centrosaurus.
Research at Kansas State University found that dog owners who don't wash their hands after petting their dogs or before cooking meals are more likely to spread antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria. Despite common bonding behaviors like sleeping with pets, these practices have no association with an increase in shared E. coli strains.
Researchers at Yale and the University of Tokyo demonstrated how pyrrolysine (Pyl), a rare amino acid, was incorporated into proteins. This discovery opens the door to engineering the genetic code and understanding the functions of modifications found in human diseases.
A new study suggests that a twist on old medical technology could save limbs by treating infections in soldiers with compound bone fractures. Colistin-laced bone cement may prevent the spread of deadly A. baumannii infections, which are widespread among US troops in Afghanistan.
A Phase III clinical study published online in Epilepsia found that Vimpat significantly reduced seizure frequency per 28 days from baseline compared to placebo. The study demonstrated efficacy in patients with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures, with higher rates of seizure reduction and complete seizure freedom among those receiving...
A review of studies on exercise and osteoarthritis found no harm in regular, low-impact physical activity. Vigorous exercise is beneficial for both physical and mental well-being, with body weight being the largest modifiable risk factor for knee OA.
Springer has partnered with Education Research Institutes in Seoul and Taiwan to publish the Asia Pacific Education Review journal, further expanding its education research portfolio. The partnership aims to enhance the journal's reputation and make it available to a worldwide audience.
One in eight physicians are inactive for at least a year and return to practice without competency testing. States lack regulation to assess clinicians' competence upon reactivation.
A new study of African-American women found that avoiding environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure early in pregnancy is crucial for reducing complications and improving outcomes. Social factors such as household smoking bans, the father's desire to have the baby, and social support play a significant role in ETS avoidance.
A randomized controlled trial found that alternating cycles of chemotherapy and radiation have similar outcomes to sequential chemotherapy followed by radiation in treating larynx cancer. The study showed no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the two treatment groups.
Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a program that analyzes animal behavior to understand and treat OCD. By comparing human behavior to animal rituals, the model identifies abnormal patterns and provides a tool for mental health practitioners. This innovative approach may motivate patients to correct their compulsive actions.
Researchers have discovered lignin, a key component of wood, in marine algae, challenging the long-held assumption that it is unique to land plants. The finding provides a new perspective on the early evolution of support tissues and may affect how land plants are distinguished from aquatic algae.
Probabilistic maps detail degree of hazard within broader zones, providing perspective on actual risk to users. Liquefaction probability is highest in some areas along major creeks with a water table close to the surface.
A new model predicts climate change and human water storage behavior will accelerate the spread of the disease-bearing Aedes aegypti mosquito. The study highlights the importance of water hygiene education to prevent mosquito establishment in areas where they are currently not found.
Climate change and mosquito adaptation could lead to the expansion of dengue fever vectors in Australia, increasing disease transmission risk. The researchers' Niche Mapper software predicts suitable habitats for the mosquitoes will increase across the continent by 2050.
Researchers demonstrate feasibility and safety of magnetic-anchor-guided endoscopic submucosal dissection (MAG-ESD) for large early gastric cancer in humans. The technique facilitates en bloc removal of lesions by providing retraction capability using magnets, simplifying the procedure.
A new research project aims to give children's voices to urban expansion in the UK. The project uses innovative technologies like GPS tracking and text messages to poll children on their daily activities and gather evidence on community design.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia evaluated 12 geoengineering schemes and found that stratospheric aerosol injections and sunshades in space have the greatest potential to cool the climate. However, these schemes also carry significant risks.
The UK has launched a £27M bioenergy research centre to develop sustainable fuels and reduce carbon emissions. The centre will focus on improving crop yields, changing plant cell walls, and analyzing the economic life cycle of bioenergy sources.
A study published in JAMA found that intensive treatment guided by N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels significantly improved hospital-free survival in heart failure patients under 75 years old. However, this benefit was not observed in patients over 75 years old.
Researchers have successfully created single-atom quantum dots that can be used to control individual electrons with minimal energy. This breakthrough brings quantum dot-based devices within reach, potentially transforming the development of ultra-low power computers.
A new study has found a possible connection between shorter menopause and faster progression of atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease. Women who transitioned more quickly through menopause were at higher risk for a higher rate of progression of preclinical atherosclerosis.
A Princeton study finds that climate change may reduce the competitiveness of some invasive plants, creating restoration opportunities in areas dominated by 'intractable' weeds. The study mapped invasion risk across millions of acres in the US West.
The Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University will participate in the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC), a UARC funded by the DoD, focusing on complex systems engineering issues. SERC aims to support defense system development and integration.
A recent study found that eating fast food more than twice a week negates the protective effects of breastfeeding on asthma in children. The research suggests high fat and salt content in fast food may contribute to increased asthma risk. Long-term breastfeeding duration also appeared crucial for reduced asthma risk
The Journal of Biology is introducing a new policy to reduce review time and improve the publication process. Authors will have more control over the review process, with an option to opt out of re-review after initial screening by editorial board members.
A study published in JAMA found that using N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) to guide therapy did not improve overall clinical or quality of life outcomes for older patients with heart failure. In contrast, the study showed improved survival rates and reduced hospitalizations for patients receiving BNP-guided therapy.
Researchers found that honey bees can reliably distinguish between patterns containing two and three dots, but struggle with four. The bees use a combination of working memory and memory rules to solve the problem. This remarkable cognitive ability challenges traditional views on the numerical competence of insects.
Resources for the Future launches Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership to explore incentives for slowing antibiotic resistance development and spread. The three-year initiative will build on the Extending the Cure project, focusing on five emerging economies with rapidly rising antibiotic use.
Researchers discovered that DNA component CpG can stimulate inflammation at low doses but block it at high doses through the enzyme indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase. This finding holds promise for treating cancer and infections by manipulating dosage to optimize immune response.
A study found that many young women who received chest radiation for a childhood cancer are not getting regular mammography screenings, despite being at an increased risk of breast cancer. Women aged 25-50 with a history of pediatric malignancy and chest radiation showed low rates of screening mammograms.