The University of Southern California will be the central clearing house for a national project to collect and integrate biomedical data, facilitating access to physicians and researchers. BIRNCC aims to create a nationwide computer network that accelerates collaborative biomedical research and translates basic science into treatments.
The Lancet Series on Trade and Health highlights the need for health professionals to engage in trade debates due to their impact on global health. The series proposes reforming trade regimes to enhance health outcomes, including compulsory licensing of essential medicines in resource-poor countries.
A recent study found that long-term exposure to marijuana can negatively affect human male fertility by increasing anandamide levels. Additionally, two papers investigate the effects of delayed fatherhood in mice, revealing abnormalities in offspring's behavior and reproductive fitness.
Researchers have found that certain measles virus vaccine strain derivatives can effectively infect, replicate in and kill prostate cancer cells. This type of treatment, called virotherapy, shows promise as a potential cure for locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.
Researchers at Rice University, Texas Children's Hospital, and The Methodist Hospital Research Institute will investigate the mysteries of tuberculosis, breast cancer, and childhood cancer. They plan to develop novel treatments using lasers for deaf patients and create an auditory prosthetic superior to existing cochlear implants.
The Lancet Series on Trade and Health emphasizes the need for stronger evidence to link trade and health outcomes. Building capacity to analyze these links and ensuring public health representation in negotiations are crucial. The series advocates for policy responses to mitigate negative effects and optimize health benefits.
Researchers discovered that evolutionary changes produced improvements in molecules generating electrical signals in nerves between 550 and 400 million years ago. These innovations contributed to the evolutionary success and diversity of vertebrate animals. The study also found that the same electrical signaling molecules are an effect...
The study suggests that trade liberalization can exacerbate poverty, income inequality, and economic insecurity, leading to poorer health outcomes. The authors highlight the importance of social protection policies to mitigate these negative effects on public health.
A recent study by Brigham Young University and Harvard School of Public Health found that reducing air pollution in the US increases life expectancy by nearly three years, with cleaner air contributing up to five months of that increase.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a new molecular mechanism that increases the risk of arrhythmias. They found that calcium-sensitizing drugs can cause arrhythmias by making heart muscle cells more prone to irregular rhythms.
Solarmer Energy Inc. is working on a new plastic solar cell technology that achieves 8% efficiency and has a lifetime of at least three years. The invention, PTB1, converts sunlight into electricity using a semiconducting material with a thickness of just 100 nanometers.
A new study by UC Berkeley and Harvard researchers finds that the hottest day of the year has shifted nearly two days earlier, with summer temperatures warming more than winter. The shift is related to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns and may be caused by human activity contributing to climate change.
The new mechanical design accommodates extreme bending and straining without reduction in electronic performance, enabling applications such as smart surgical gloves and eye cameras. The design uses semiconductor nanomaterials to offer high stretchability and twistability, making it suitable for various complex shapes.
The Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC) will support the development, integration, and testing of complex defense systems. Penn State's Applied Research Lab, College of Information Sciences and Technology, and Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies are involved in the center.
A new University of Delaware research study is exploring the emergence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a leading cause of seafood-borne illness worldwide. The study aims to determine the pathogen's virulence genes and develop an agent to treat contaminated oysters.
The AIAA Foundation recognized three students as 'best paper' winners for their research on spacecraft angular velocity, high-efficiency thrusters, and autonomous robotics. The award winners received cash prizes and commemorative certificates.
A study by the University of Leicester found that premature babies are exposed to potentially harmful excipients in liquid medicines, including ethanol, sorbitol, and Ponceau 4R. The researchers emphasize the need for more research on these chemicals and their effects on infants.
A University of Pittsburgh research team designed a propulsion system harnessing natural surface tension to propel small boats and robots. The technique uses an electric pulse to destabilize surface tension, causing the craft to move via the water's natural pull.
The authors argue that global health governance weaknesses hinder effective representation of public health interests in WTO decisions. To address this, they suggest strengthening WHO's influence through training and policy coherence on trade agreements.
A study published in JAMA Network found that abnormal diastolic function in the left ventricle is strongly associated with reduced maximum exercise capacity. Factors such as age, female sex, and body mass index also play a role in determining exercise capacity.
Researchers identify bacteria responsible for yellow band disease, a bacterial infection that sickens coral colonies and kills photosynthetic symbionts. Warmer temperatures exacerbate the disease's virulence, posing a grim prognosis for corals and their spread.
Researchers successfully used an engineered herpes virus to block tumor formation in mice by targeting and killing apparent cancer stem cells. The study suggests that early-stage cancer precursor cells with stem-cell-like properties may explain how some cancers form and are treatment resistant.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that the experimental drug RS5444 turns on the RhoB tumor suppressor gene in cancer cells, inhibiting cell growth and blocking tumor growth. This finding suggests that other cancers may respond to this therapy, offering new hope for deadly anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment.
Researchers found that African elephants in Tanzania's Mikumi National Park formed unusually small groups and chose to forge new bonds with unrelated females. The effects of poaching on group size, relatedness, and social bonding persist for up to 20 years after the killing has ended.
Researchers developed a measurement system and protocol to train Caucasian subjects to recognize different African American faces, reducing implicit racial bias. The training improved ability to tell apart individual African-American faces and increased positive associations with African-American faces.
Cachexia is a wasting disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated. It's often linked to an underlying disease and requires specialized care from a physician familiar with the condition.
The current policy in South Africa allows individual schools to decide whether or not to distribute condoms, leading to limited access for adolescents. The researchers argue that making condoms available in schools would increase access and prevent HIV transmission among the country's youth, who account for 34% of new HIV infections.
A new study found that binge drinking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of preterm birth, regardless of when alcohol consumption stops. Women who drank heavily or binged had a higher incidence of preterm birth compared to those who abstained from alcohol.
A study found that escitalopram improved symptoms in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder, but nonadherence reduced benefits. The medication was also associated with adverse effects such as fatigue and sleep disturbance.
A study found that escitalopram improved anxiety symptoms and quality of life in older adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The drug helped reduce anxiety and improve functioning, including daily activities related to work or family life. Benefits were modest, but the medication was well-tolerated overall.
Researchers created MARGO, a new quantitative tool that reconstructs sea surface temperatures during the Last Glacial Maximum. The study provides more exhaustive data than previous models and helps identify aspects to improve climate modeling, particularly in representing temperature gradients and ocean currents.
A study found that the pathogenic soil bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei is associated with land management changes such as livestock husbandry and residential gardening. The bacterium was more commonly found in areas with lower soil pH, irrigation, and presence of livestock animals.
A study by Durham University and the University of Reading found that loneliness has doubled from 16% to 30% among Chinese people aged 60+, with urbanization and nuclear family structures contributing to the issue. To tackle this problem, the authors suggest involving local communities in social activities and providing financial support.
A global study reveals that people with schizophrenia experience and expect significant discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment, relationships, and social interactions. The study, which analyzed data from 27 countries, found that negative experienced discrimination was common across all domains.
A study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that elderly people with damaged kidneys are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, including heart failure and stroke. Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems in these individuals.
Researchers found that native fence lizards are adapting to fire ant attacks by developing twitching behavior, running away, and longer hind legs. Lizards from sites invaded longest were more likely to perform these survival behaviors.
A study published in Hepatology found that people on low-carbohydrate diets produce more glucose from lactate or amino acids, burning liver fat for energy. This suggests that optimizing diet may help manage and treat diseases such as insulin resistance, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
A new species of fish from tropical South America has been discovered, confirming suspected roots to the loricariid catfish family tree. The species, Lithogenes wahari, shares traits with both the Loricariidae and Astroblepidae families, including bony armor and a grasping pelvic fin.
A study found that a daily nutritional supplement in Niger significantly reduced the rate of weight loss and wasting among children, with a 36% reduction in wasting and 58% reduction in severe wasting. The effectiveness of this program may depend on RUTF acceptability and public health systems.
A variant of the protein Nef has been identified as a potential target for HIV treatment, with the goal of suppressing its production to prevent AIDS progression. Researchers believe that a drug affecting Nef could provide protection against the virus and complement existing therapies.
A recent study by University of Alberta researcher Paul Veugelers found that body weight affects children's self-esteem, but low self-esteem does not lead to weight gain. School performance also has a significant impact on self-esteem, with students able to perform well despite low self-esteem.
A study led by Professor Derry Roopenian found that a blocked protein called Interleukin 21 prevents systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in mice. The researchers also demonstrated the importance of IL21 signaling in SLE progression, suggesting that interrupting this process could be an effective therapeutic option for human SLE patients.
Researchers from Monash University have designed microbot motors powered by piezoelectricity, allowing them to swim up narrow arteries and enhance surgical views. The innovative technology could revolutionize minimally invasive surgeries, making them safer and more effective.
A team of researchers highlights challenges and concerns with unlinked anonymous HIV testing in developing countries. They outline strategies to harmonize high-quality surveillance with international ethical standards, including reviewing justifications, providing confidential voluntary testing, and strengthening local capacity.
A global team of researchers has discovered an alteration in the ear's nAChR protein that contributes to protecting against permanent hearing loss by limiting sound. The study found that genetically altered mice with improved sound-blocking ability suffered less permanent hearing damage when exposed to loud sounds.
Researchers at University of Washington developed prototype malaria test printed on disposable Mylar card that can work months later without refrigeration. The test uses microfluidics and dry reagents stabilized with sugar to retain activity after 60 days.
A new study reveals the global trade in frog legs is threatening their extinction. The annual global trade has increased over the past 20 years, with at least 200 million frogs consumed every year, according to Associate Professor Corey Bradshaw.
Researchers have discovered a plant model that mimics human DNA patterns, allowing for the study of genetic diseases such as Huntington's and Fragile X syndrome over multiple generations. This breakthrough could pave the way for better understanding and potential treatments for these debilitating conditions.
Researchers found significant differences in microbial composition among obese patients, gastric bypass surgery subjects, and normal-weight individuals. The study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a key role in energy harvesting, making people more susceptible to obesity.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found hospital at-home programs produce similar health outcomes to inpatient care for select patients, including those with chronic pulmonary disease and stroke. Patient satisfaction is also high for treatment at home.
Researchers modelled gene evolution alongside language development, concluding that genetic adaptation to language is unlikely due to rapid cultural change. The study suggests that human language has evolved primarily through cultural conventions rather than biological adaptation.
A new, higher-yielding rice plant is being developed through a global consortium of scientists, which aims to increase yields by 50% while reducing fertilizer and water usage. The project has received a $11 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and has the potential to benefit billions of poor people worldwide.
A genome-wide association study has identified three genes associated with an increased risk of severe obesity in children and adults. The study, led by McGill scientists, found that these genes contribute to early-onset obesity in kids and morbid obesity in adults.
A three-year study using gene knock-out technology aims to discover why C. difficile causes severe disease and kills more people. The HYPERDIFF study will lead to better tests, treatments, and possibly a vaccine.
A recent study by Oregon Health and Science University and the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that fetal heath is affected by mother's diet, with high-fat diets increasing the risk of developing NAFLD and obesity-related diseases in offspring. Researchers suggest a healthy maternal diet is crucial for preventing these ...
A study found that a mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy can increase the risk of obesity-related diseases in her offspring. Reverting to a low-fat diet after a high-fat diet period reduced these risks.
Scientists have developed a method to test sperm quality before IVF treatment, increasing conception chances. The new process uses Raman spectroscopy to identify DNA damage in sperm, providing a non-destructive 'quality score'.
The revised RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours) guidelines aim to ease workloads in clinical trials by reducing the number of lesions to be assessed and providing new guidance on tumor burden measurement. The updated criteria also refine disease progression definitions and incorporate modern imaging techniques.
A Johns Hopkins study found that HIV-positive kidney transplant recipients can achieve one-year survival rates comparable to those without HIV, provided key risk factors for transplant failure are recognized and controlled. The study's results reflect the impact of newer antiretroviral therapies on reducing HIV-related deaths.
The Nile Delta fishery has grown significantly due to the influx of nutrients from fertilizers and sewage discharges, with 60-100% of production supported by these sources. This unexpected expansion raises questions about the value of anthropogenic nutrient inputs to ecosystems.