The UN has failed to uphold its founding principle of protecting civilians and ensuring medical attention for those injured during conflicts. The Editorial suggests that the medical profession could play a crucial role in advocating for humanitarian health needs, calling on governments and international organizations to take action.
University of Michigan researchers have identified the protein Mre11 as a 'caretaker' that repairs DNA damage, in addition to its existing role as a 'gatekeeper' signaling injury. This discovery may lead to new cancer treatments by predicting tumor sensitivity to radiation and therapies.
The American Mathematical Society presented several prestigious prizes to recognize exceptional contributions in mathematics. The winners include Luis Caffarelli, Richard Hamilton, and Maryam Mirzakhani, who were honored for their groundbreaking research and achievements.
International experts cite nutrient pollution as a major force behind increased harmful algal bloom events. The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science presents a compilation of research highlighting the role of nutrient pollution in driving these events.
Biologists at Washington University in St. Louis have found that plant enzymes Pol IV and V are specialized forms of RNA Polymerase II, essential for decoding genetic information in eukaryotes. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of RNA polymerases and their role in gene silencing.
A study using 3T MRI found 41 of 51 wrist ligament tears detected by arthroscopy. The imaging technique provides a roadmap for surgeons during procedures and may eliminate surgery for those with normal findings.
Researchers discover novel compound F15845 that targets persistent sodium current, causing permanent excess sodium influx in heart cells. The drug has shown promising results in animal studies, with acceptable bioavailability when given orally.
Astronomers are discovering that galaxies with actively forming stars have a bluish color, while those without do so appear red. The BAT Hard X-ray Survey of NASA's Swift spacecraft has found most nearby active galaxies to be spiral and irregular, with more than 30% being colliding.
Researchers used innovative brain-scan technology developed at UCLA to help diagnose brain aging, often before symptoms appear. The study combined PET scans with patient-specific information on Alzheimer's risk and found that older age correlated with higher concentrations of abnormal protein deposits in the brain.
NYU researchers found that Staphylococcus aureus can co-opt bacteriophages to transfer toxic genes to unrelated bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes. This discovery raises concerns about the potential for bacterial toxin exchange and antibiotic resistance.
Researchers from Loyola University Health System found no significant difference between African American women in metropolitan Chicago and Nigerian women in terms of calories burned during physical activity. The study suggests that dietary intake may be more important than energy expenditure level in the rising rates of obesity.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MR arthrography was more accurate than conventional MRI in diagnosing shoulder tears. The procedure improved detection rates for various types of tears, including labral and supraspinatus tendon tears.
Researchers at NC State University and CDC have isolated a new Bartonella species, B. melophagi, from human blood samples, linking it to human illness. The discovery expands the list of documented human pathogens and highlights the need for further research into transmission routes and disease development.
A team of scientists has created a movie tracking the expansion and changes of Cassiopeia A over time, revealing slower-than-expected energy loss. The visualization also shows high-velocity plumes from the explosion, challenging current theoretical models.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute develop a framework to evaluate the quality of protein interaction maps, finding that only 20-30% of interactions are captured by current techniques. The study also introduces a tool kit for verifying interactions and creates an expanded map of the interactome in Caenorhabitis elegans.
The Chronic Care Model has been shown to improve health outcomes and reduce costs for patients with chronic diseases. The model guides quality improvement efforts in medical practices, promoting team-based care, self-management support, and integrated decision support.
The University of California, San Francisco has partnered with Muhimbili University of Health Allied Sciences in Tanzania to develop strategies for training healthcare workers. The two-year grant aims to strengthen the academic environment and revise curricula to increase health professional output in Tanzania.
A recent study published in Development and Psychopathology found that mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have children with aggressive behavior. The risk is higher among low-income women and those with a history of anti-social behavior.
A recent study by the American College of Radiology found that digital mammograms require nearly twice as long to interpret as film-screen screening mammograms. The study identified factors contributing to the difference in time, including the interpreting radiologist's identity and age of available studies.
Astronomers have identified gas molecules in the host galaxy of a gamma-ray burst, providing insight into star formation when the universe was about one-sixth its present age. The study found hydrogen and carbon monoxide absorption lines, suggesting a thick molecular cloud similar to those that spawn stars in our galaxy today.
A new approach, High-fidelity Imaging Spectroscopy (HiFIS), can determine the chemical and structural properties of rain forests in unprecedented detail over broad swaths. The technology has received a $5.2-million grant to advance its development, enabling detailed chemical mapping of species.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that the COUP-TFII protein helps control fat cells and energy metabolism. Breeding mice with only one copy of the gene led to smaller fat cells and increased sensitivity to insulin, making it a potential target for diabetes treatment.
Researchers at University of Toronto have demonstrated a new technique to squeeze light to the fundamental quantum limit, increasing certainty in measurement. This finding has potential applications for next-generation atomic clocks, novel quantum computing and our understanding of the universe.
A large study of 704 babies found no cases of bacterial meningitis in children with simple febrile seizures. The researchers suggest that lumbar punctures may not be necessary for well-appearing children who have had a single, uncomplicated seizure.
A global study found a genetic mutation in the RANBP2 gene increases risk for ANE, a degenerative brain disease. The study identified 12 families with the mutation, which accounted for 75% of familial or recurrent cases.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that two FDA-approved drugs can restore leptin sensitivity in obese mice, potentially treating obesity. The drugs, PBA and TUDCA, act as ER stress reducers and sensitize the brain's hypothalamus to leptin.
A gene variant that protects against weight gain and insulin resistance becomes a bad actor on high-fat diets, new research suggests. Mice with the Ala12 variant show improved insulin sensitivity and better plasma lipid profiles on balanced diets but worsen these outcomes when fed a diet high in fat.
A recent study by University of Utah researchers identified bigger, older mice as the culprits behind hantavirus transmission. The study used fluorescent powders and radio transmitters to track contacts between mice, revealing that larger-bodied individuals were responsible for maintaining the disease in deer mouse populations.
UT Southwestern University Hospital has received awards for its successful efforts to increase organ donation rates, surpassing the 75 percent goal among eligible donors. The hospital achieved this feat through a combination of effective strategies and strong transplant team leadership.
Researchers analyzed the spectrum of a gamma-ray burst afterglow to probe the star-forming environment of a distant galaxy. They detected molecular gas and metals comparable to those of the Sun, providing insights into active stellar nurseries in galaxies 10 billion years old.
Researchers at McGill University discovered that clioquinol reverses Alzheimer's disease progression and may slow down the aging process by inhibiting CLK-1. The study suggests a potential new answer to the mechanisms behind three unrelated neurodegenerative disorders.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have successfully stopped and reaccelerated a stable ion through a newly constructed charge-breeder, bringing the CAlifornium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) Project closer to completion. This achievement is a significant step towards extending the reach of ATLAS to include potentially hu...
Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has discovered 12 new gamma-ray-only pulsars and detected pulses from 18 others. The finds are challenging our previous understanding of how pulsars work, with gamma rays now believed to originate far above the neutron star.
A study of 32 European countries reveals over 12,000 measles cases in two years, mainly among unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children. Suboptimum vaccination coverage raises doubts about the 2010 elimination goal, with countries like Switzerland and Germany struggling to achieve high coverage rates.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered that genetic predisposition and initial seizures can set the stage for later onset of epilepsy. The study used animal models to analyze seizure behavior and identified a genetic component that protects against long-lasting brain changes after initial seizures.
Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who received deep brain stimulation treatment had significant improvements in movement skills and quality of life after six months. However, the treatment was also associated with a higher risk of serious adverse events, including surgical site infections and nervous system disorders.
This Festschrift issue honors Dr. Judah Folkman's groundbreaking contributions to lymphatic research and biology. Leading scientists share their findings on the impact of his work, including increased lymphatic supply to cancerous lesions and new trends in cancer therapy.
A study found that 50% of school lunches provided inadequate nutrients, while young adults often can't find time to eat. The American Dietetic Association emphasizes the importance of consistent nutrition in child-care settings and supports businesses providing scheduled meal times for young adults.
According to Kansas State University researcher David Dzewaltowski, Wii Fit can be an effective tool to promote physical activity and create or maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, the game's health measurements, such as BMI calculation and fitness age measurement, have flaws and are not suitable for children.
University of Missouri researchers developed health-monitoring technology to support seniors living at home, detecting changes in behavior and physical activity through motion sensors. The system identified patterns that predict adverse health events, such as falls, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations.
A study of 1687 young adults found that those with more time for meals consumed healthier foods and fewer fast foods. The researchers suggest addressing time barriers to promote healthy meal behaviors among young adults.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility has awarded three contracts for a $310 million upgrade project, which will provide a cutting-edge facility for studying the building blocks of matter. The contracts are worth $1.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively, for construction and materials require...
A key gene has been identified as a factor in maintaining the potency of various stem cells, preventing them from differentiating into specialized cell types. The scrawny gene modifies chromosomal proteins to silence genes that would cause differentiation, ensuring stem cells remain undifferentiated.
Recent research provides valuable guidance on storing wheat-based infant formulas safely. Infants can benefit from the prevention of Cronobacter species growth by using fruit juices instead of water or milk, with optimal temperatures at 4°C.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that traditional risk assessment tools do not accurately predict coronary heart disease. The study analyzed 1,653 patients and found that 21% of those thought to need statin drugs did not require them, and 26% of those already taking statins had no detectable plaque.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nicotine gum can aid in gradual smoking reduction and cessation. The study showed a significant increase in odds of quitting (40-90%) and overall success rates (2-6 times) for participants using active nicotine gum, making it an effective treatment option f...
Children's researchers found that ER stress and unfolded-protein response block leptin action in the brain; chemical chaperones can re-sensitize the brain to leptin, leading to significant weight loss. Leptin-sensitizing agents may bring new hope for obesity treatment
A new study reveals that vision function decline is a primary reason older Americans decide to give up or restrict their driving. The most common predictors of stopping or decreasing driving were slow visual scanning and poor visuo-constructional skills, as well as reduced contrast sensitivity.
A recent study suggests that supermassive black holes formed first and grew before their host galaxies. The ratio of black hole mass to galactic bulge mass is nearly constant across different galaxy sizes and ages. This finding implies that the growth of black holes and galaxies was an interactive process.
A new study by Yale University researchers identifies a mechanism behind stroke in patients with sleep apnea, revealing impaired cerebral autoregulation and increased risk of death. Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, pauses in breathing and excessive daytime fatigue.
Research finds higher ladybug richness and abundance in organic olive groves, indicating respect for environmental conditions. The study suggests that ladybugs can serve as a useful bioindicator for evaluating agroecosystem health and sustainability.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a new line of bacteria responsible for the ripening process and flavor of French cheese Reblochon. The reblochoni microbes, part of the Actinomycetes group, outcompete traditional starter cultures to provide flavor.
Ancient flying reptiles employed all four limbs for take-off, defying conventional wisdom. The study reveals that pterosaurs had stronger front limbs than legs, allowing them to generate massive power without sacrificing size. This discovery sheds new light on the biology and evolution of these fascinating creatures.