Astronomers have discovered that blue stragglers, which appear youthful despite being older than expected, steal mass from companion stars through stellar smashups. In a star cluster, binary systems brush up against each other, sometimes leading to collision-course orbits and the formation of more massive stars.
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital discovered that malaria parasites alternate between phases of rapid gliding and firm adhesion to surface. This 'stick-slip' mechanism enables the parasite to move rapidly over a long time, necessary for successful transmission of the disease.
A new study reports a significant surge in drug-resistant Acinetobacter infections among US hospitals, with over 300% increase in cases resistant to imipenem. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive solutions to address this growing public health threat.
A new study calculates that ecosystems will need to shift about 0.42 kilometers per year to keep pace with global climate change over the next century. Mountainous habitats can move more slowly, while flatter ecosystems must move rapidly.
Researchers have found that figitumumab has antitumor activity in Ewing's sarcoma, a cancer commonly affecting male teenagers. The drug targets the insulin-like growth factor signalling pathway, and initial studies have shown safety and efficacy in patients with refractory Ewing's sarcoma.
A study by K-State psychologists found that future-minded individuals are more likely to make positive decisions about their health. They tend to exercise more and smoke less than present-minded people.
This special issue of Disability and Health Journal explores the complex issues surrounding physician-assisted suicide, featuring articles from disability advocates who oppose legalization. The analysis highlights concerns about discrimination, health disparities, and the potential risks to people with disabilities.
Research by McMaster University scientist Mark Loeb found that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter increases the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in adults aged 65 and older. Exposure to air pollution may compromise lung immune defenses, making individuals more susceptible to pneumonia.
Researchers analyzed mink carcasses to determine diet and movement patterns, revealing a reliance on seafood and coastal habitats. The findings will aid in the eradication of this invasive species from native ecosystems.
A study found that acetaminophen reduced self-reported social pain and neural responses to social rejection in brain regions associated with physical pain. The findings suggest that acetaminophen may mitigate the distress of social rejection, potentially reducing antisocial behavior.
A study found that ethnic background, body mass index, and heart rate impact the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT scans. Researchers say advances in scanners can improve image quality for more accurate diagnoses.
Scientists in China have developed a new coating made from silica nanoparticles that makes wool superhydrophilic, allowing it to absorb moisture and release perspiration. This innovation could improve the natural qualities of wool, such as its lightness, softness, and warmth, while also enhancing its functionality.
A RAND study examines five directions for NATO to take: refocusing on Europe, the greater Middle East, fragile states, nonstate threats, or a global alliance of liberal democracies. The alliance may need to combine various roles to stay relevant and avoid overextending itself.
A study found that only 51.6% of eligible women completed a screening MRI, with claustrophobia as the primary reason for nonparticipation. Alternative methods like ultrasound may be considered for high-risk women who cannot undergo MRI screening.
Scientists developed a rapid, eco-friendly pesticide test using paper-based strips that change color shades depending on pesticide levels. The test accurately identifies minute pesticide amounts in minutes, making it suitable for developing countries or remote areas without access to expensive testing equipment.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine developed a new approach to treat and heal skin abscesses caused by antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria using nitric oxide-releasing nanoparticles. The therapy was shown to clear up infections and promote healing in mice, offering a potential breakthrough in treating MRSA infections.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists found that housing development around national parks and protected areas poses a significant threat to wildlife habitats. The research used data from the US Census and local sources to track changes in housing units near conserved lands since 1940, projecting growth rates until 2030.
The Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation has received $8.8 million in federal funding to develop a new bridge maintenance technology. The project aims to detect flaws in bridge decks early, extend bridge life, and reduce maintenance costs by analyzing ground-penetrating radar and seismic data.
Researchers found that darbepoetin alfa had no significant impact on cardiovascular problems or death rates in patients with chronic kidney disease and anemia. However, the study revealed a notable increase in stroke risk among those taking the drug, compared to placebo group members.
Researchers found that the ridges form from cutin polyester, not from underlying surfaces. The discovery could lead to enhanced pollination success and production of polyesters or related chemicals by genetically manipulating plants or microbes.
A study found that ultrasound-guided cortisone injections showed a clinically significant improvement in pain level for 72% of patients with gluteus medius tendinopathy. Patients were satisfied with the results, making this treatment method a promising option for treating severe hip pain.
A study found that emergency physicians and radiologists overwhelmingly prefer CT scans for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, citing its high accuracy and ease of access. However, approaches differ in imaging pregnant patients with radiation concerns.
Researchers developed non-invasive technology using nanoparticles that react with glucose molecules in tears, changing color to alert users. The innovation has potential applications beyond biomedical devices, including food packaging and biodegradable materials.
Researchers suggest progesterone as a viable treatment option for traumatic brain injuries due to its ability to protect damaged cells and reduce swelling. The hormone has been shown to improve behavioral outcomes and protect neurons after injury.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that rats use their taste system to smell with, and when the taste cortex is inactivated, their sense of smell alters. The researchers discovered state dependency in neural circuit function, where the sensory systems don't work in isolation from each other.
A new poll by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that three-quarters of parents who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for their children were able to do so. However, more than a third of parents do not intend to get the vaccine due to safety concerns. Overall, six in ten parents have gotten or expect to get their children vacc...
Researchers successfully treated psoriasis patients with a reduced dose of steroid medication using the placebo effect, improving treatment for chronic diseases. The new technique could maximize drug benefits, reduce side effects and increase patient adherence.
A new study identifies two antibiotics, linezolid and moxifloxacin, as effective against the virulent community-associated MRSA strain. Meanwhile, clindamycin and doxycycline are found to induce rapid resistance development in this new strain.
A special issue on climate justice explores the global implications of climate change on human health and the environment in disadvantaged communities. The collection of articles examines the disproportionate effects of energy production, environmental consequences, and healthcare utilization in low-income populations.
Researchers have discovered changes in the collagen component of bone that directly relate to bone health. The study uses atomic force microscopy to measure key features of collagen fibrils and found that normal bone contains a distribution of collagen fibril spacings, whereas diseased bone has a different spacing distribution.
Researchers found that students who listen to music with more references to marijuana are nearly twice as likely to have used the drug. The study suggests a real link between marijuana lyrics and use, but notes that other high-risk behaviors were not associated with increased exposure.
The BALANCE study shows that combination therapy with lithium plus valproate is more effective in preventing relapse in people with bipolar I disorder than valproate monotherapy. The benefit is significant and maintained for up to 2 years, regardless of baseline severity of illness.
Research published in PLoS Biology discovered the adaptation of African cichlid fish visual sensitivity to ecological factors such as diet and water clarity. The study showed that both changes in gene expression and sequence contribute to organismal diversity, with complementary effects.
Researchers have developed a method to calculate precisely the correct type and level of noise to add, improving detection of precancerous lesions and reducing false positives by up to 36%.
Researchers at University of California, Berkeley have discovered a new human reproductive hormone called gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), which has the opposite effect from gonadotropin releasing hormone. GnIH may lead to the development of novel contraceptives and treatments for cancer or other diseases.
Researchers have discovered a new model of fungal growth, known as the 'apical recycling model', which sheds light on how fungi cells shape and grow. This breakthrough has the potential to inform the development of new strategies for preventing and treating fungal diseases in plants and animals.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that a volunteer program providing low-risk outpatient surgical procedures can deliver safe and effective health care to patients in need. The program met six quality-of-care guidelines, including safety, efficiency, and patient-centered care.
The Pediatric Cardiac Genomics Consortium aims to identify genetic and epigenetic causes of congenital heart disease. The collaboration seeks to discover preventive strategies, targets for treatment, and better diagnostic information for families.
A new study found that MSH6 mutation carriers have a high risk of developing colorectal and endometrial cancers, as well as cancers associated with Lynch syndrome. The estimated cumulative risks to ages 70 and 80 years were 22% and 44% for colorectal cancer in men, and 26% and 44% for women.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that poverty and high school dropout rates have a significant impact on health, with poor individuals losing 8.2 years of perfect health. The study suggests that addressing poverty and education is crucial to improving population health.
Scientists at NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered a new pathway that protects epithelial and endothelial cells from uncontrolled tuberculosis infection by producing an enzyme that inhibits Th17 cell production.
Researchers have identified two new glycoproteins in spider web glue that can be used to develop a new generation of biobased adhesives. These proteins are produced from opposite strands of the same DNA sequence, making them a promising material for large-scale production and various applications.
Researchers found two brown dwarf-sized masses around an ordinary star, which is extremely rare. The discovery suggests that planets may assemble around stars more quickly and efficiently than thought possible.
A new method developed at Purdue University has shown that 70 of the rearranged distillation sequences can improve energy efficiency by 6-48 percent. This could save millions of dollars in energy costs annually for oil refineries, with potential savings reaching $12 million per year.
A 25 million-year-old fossil from Australia has provided new insights into the evolution of baleen whales. The discovery confirms Charles Darwin's hypothesis that early whales may have been suction feeders, with a possible precursor to filter-feeding in modern blue whales.
A study found that Medicare beneficiaries who attended more cardiac rehabilitation sessions had better outcomes, including a reduced risk of heart attack and death. Researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 patients age 65 and older, finding that those who attended all 36 sessions had the lowest mortality rates.
Researchers identified associations between genetic variations and brain surface area, suggesting a key role for microcephaly genes in human brain evolution. The study found significant links with regulatory regions of the CDK5RAP2 gene, indicating a need to focus on these processes for future research.
Developed by Arizona State University researchers, SPARKy is a smart, active, and energy-storing below-the-knee prosthetic that enables users to walk on various surfaces and navigate stairs. The device uses regenerative kinetics to store energy as the wearer walks, allowing for enhanced ankle motion and reduced fatigue.
The kinase IKK phosphorylates mutated Huntingtin protein to promote its removal, but also increases neurotoxicity in later stages of the disease. This dual role highlights the complexity of IKK's function in Huntington's disease.
Researchers found that restricting glucose intake extends normal human cell lifespan and impairs precancerous cell growth through epigenetic control. The study, published in the FASEB Journal, could lead to novel approaches to extend human lifespan and prevent cancer.
Researchers used high-resolution seismic data to analyze fault evolution across the Gulf of Corinth rift, revealing patterns of basin subsidence and fault activity. The study provides new insights into early rift history and the development of faults associated with the rift, shedding light on seafloor spreading mechanisms.
The MARES project aims to develop comprehensive ecosystem models and reach consensus on feasible management goals for the South Florida coastal ecosystem. Human dimensions science will be incorporated to study societal processes and their impact on ecosystem sustainability.
A study led by researchers at the University of Toronto and UC Berkeley found a 9% increase in disability rates among non-institutionalized adults 65 and over between 2000 and 2005. The trend is attributed to increasing obesity rates and lack of preventive services, which could lead to rising costs for Medicare and Medicaid.
A new UC Davis study found that ski slope grading is more damaging to ecosystems than clearing, affecting plant abundance and diversity. Graded runs require less snow to open but result in higher summer maintenance costs.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a gene therapy that can prevent the progression of emphysema by delivering therapeutic genes to lung tissue. The treatment achieved sustained expression of human alpha-1 antitrypsin protein, improving lung compliance and alveolar size in mice with emphysema.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered evidence of sophisticated human behavior dating back 750,000 years. The findings indicate a formalized conceptualization of living space, suggesting advanced social organization and communication skills.
Researchers found that endocannabinoids selectively enhance sweet taste by acting on tongue taste cells, which may help regulate feeding behavior. The study's findings also suggest potential therapeutic applications for metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have found a protein, TRPC6, that could hold the key to treating GBM, a type of malignant brain tumor. Knocking down this protein's expression can stop tumor growth and spread.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that urinary tract cancer is associated with the use of Chinese herbal products containing aristolochic acid. The risk increased with higher doses and was independent of arsenic exposure. The authors recommend continued surveillance and monitoring of patients who h...
Researchers identified a genetic cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a devastating kidney disease that forces children and young adults onto dialysis. The INF2 gene, which regulates actin in podocytes, may hold clues to developing treatments for the disease.