A new study by University of Liverpool researchers suggests that children born to mothers taking sodium valproate during pregnancy may have lower IQ scores. The research found a correlation between exposure to the medication and cognitive function in young children.
Purdue University researchers have developed magnetically responsive gold nanostars that can be used to enhance contrast in biomedical imaging. The nanostars can be made to twinkle at precise frequencies, allowing them to stand out from noisy backgrounds and improving the clarity of images.
Neuroscientists have pinpointed the brain's MT+ area as responsible for processing 3-D motion. The region encodes two types of cues from moving objects, including binocular disparity and retinal motion, to create a 3-D perception.
The individual health insurance market is failing consumers, with 73% unable to purchase a plan due to high premiums. Adults with individual coverage face significant out-of-pocket costs and premium expenses, with half spending 10% or more of their income on these costs.
Healthy women pregnant with twins should gain between 37-54 pounds for optimal growth before birth and healthier mothers throughout pregnancy. The new guidelines are based on a woman's prepregnancy body mass index and aim to reduce premature, low-birth-weight births and neonatal morbidity.
A study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine has identified a peptide called humanin that improves insulin action and lowers blood glucose levels in diabetic rodents. Humanin also protects nerve cells from death associated with Alzheimer's and other brain diseases.
Researchers at Tufts University have created skin-like tissues using human embryonic stem cells, which can be used to treat oral and skin conditions. The breakthrough uses three-dimensional tissue engineering techniques to mimic the growth environment of human skin.
Researchers have identified 60 new microRNA genes in planarians that may play a role in regeneration. Additionally, they discovered millions of piRNAs, which are essential for genome stability and likely function similarly to mammals.
African American men are avoiding disease screening due to concerns that it may threaten their masculinity. The study found that they view being sexually active as an important component of their notion of masculinity, and health-seeking behaviors can interfere with this.
Researchers developed a cell phone microscope, CellScope, that captures color images of malaria parasites and tuberculosis bacteria labeled with fluorescent markers. The system uses compact microscope lenses attached to a cell phone and achieves a spatial resolution of 1.2 micrometers, comparable to standard light microscopes.
A new study suggests that preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may increase the risk of weight gain and memory decline in adulthood. The research used a mouse model to examine the effects of blastomere biopsy on fetal, neonatal, and adult development.
A new study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine reveals that 83% of undergraduate college students in the United States reported being exposed to secondhand smoke at least once in the past week. The study found correlations between exposure and demographics, lifestyle habits, and smoking behaviors.
Berkeley Lab researchers produced non-toxic magnesium oxide nanocrystals that emit bright blue light, which could be used in bio-imaging or solid-state lighting. The nanocrystals also have the potential to play a role in long-term storage of carbon dioxide, a key technology for mitigating global warming.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that California's horned lizard diverged into at least three new species when it moved north from Baja California. The findings provide clarity for conservation actions to follow, highlighting the importance of integrating genetic, anatomical and ecological in...
Genetic analysis reveals Australian Aborigines originated from south Asia, tracing back to Indian populations with exclusive mutations. This discovery supports archeological evidence of human occupation in Australia dating back to approximately 45 thousand years ago.
A study found that men who exercised regularly, drank moderately, didn't smoke, were not overweight, and followed a healthy diet had a lower lifetime risk of heart failure. The remaining lifetime risk was approximately 2-4% higher in men with hypertension compared to those without.
Researchers linked the Disc1 gene to schizophrenia, showing that its disruption affects brain cell migration and development. The study suggests that impaired brain connectivity may contribute to the disease.
A Scripps-led study reveals that improving ocean health can accelerate coral reef recovery after bleaching events. Corals from reefs with clean water and abundant sea life bounced back to normal growth rates within two to three years.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that fecal incontinence significantly impacts patients' quality of life, affecting lifestyle, coping behavior, depression, and embarrassment. The results show that over 22% of patients experience severe QOL effects due to FI.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that microcrystalline cellulose can partially replace silica as a reinforcing filler in tire manufacture, decreasing energy required and costs. The new material shows comparable traction on cold or wet pavement and provides higher fuel efficiency than traditional tires in hot weather.
A nationwide study found a significant rise in rock climbing-related injuries, with over 40,000 patients treated between 1990 and 2007. The majority of injuries were falls from heights above 20 feet, which increased the risk of hospitalization by 10 times.
A new epigenetic model suggests that environmental factors play a significant role in shaping disease risk and heritability. The study provides a theoretical foundation for future public health interventions to reduce genetic risk by limiting or eliminating epigenetic changes.
University of Missouri researchers extracted starch grains from 4,000-year-old gourds and squashes, revealing the types of foods consumed at feasts. The findings provide the earliest evidence of algarrobo and arrowroot consumption in Peru.
A national survey of US surgeons found that women are more likely to postpone childbearing or not have children due to work demands. The study suggests that flexible work schedules and on-site childcare facilities could help attract and retain female surgeons.
A large abdominal wall lipoma caused bowel obstruction in a patient with Proteus syndrome. Excision of the lipoma improved bowel passage and reduced symptoms. The treatment was successful, allowing the patient to continue medical treatment on an outpatient basis.
Researchers identified three cases of likely HIV transmission to infants via pre-chewed food, suggesting caution for HIV-positive caregivers. The study highlights the need for more data and education on culturally sensitive issues related to infant feeding practices.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a mutated gene linked to restless legs syndrome, affecting 5-11% of the population. The study suggests that this genetic mutation may be a key factor in understanding the condition, which causes unpleasant sensations in the legs at rest.
A study of 83,882 young adult women found that adopting six low-risk lifestyle factors was independently associated with lower risk of developing high blood pressure. The combination of normal BMI, daily vigorous exercise, DASH-style diet, modest alcohol intake, and folic acid supplementation resulted in an 80% lower risk of hypertension.
A study found that 41% of minimally conscious state patients were misdiagnosed as vegetative state, highlighting the need for standardized assessments. The use of a sensitive neurobehavioral scale can help reduce diagnostic errors and uncertainty.
The study found that winter chill in California will decline by up to 80% by the end of the century, making many tree crops unsuitable for growing. Growers may need to develop new tree cultivars and management strategies to mitigate the impact of reduced winter chill.
The study reveals the atomic structure of the hepatitis E protein shell, which could lead to new ways to stop the virus. Researchers have identified potential sites on the model for designing drugs that can interrupt the binding process and prevent the virus from attaching to cell receptors.
Researchers identify dysfunction in neural circuits of the brain that may contribute to the development of anorexia. Childhood personality traits and perfectionism are also found to be predisposing factors.
The NIMH is launching a large-scale research project to explore the effectiveness of early and aggressive treatment in reducing symptoms of chronic schizophrenia. The Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) project aims to develop and test interventions that incorporate diverse treatment approaches and are tailored to i...
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed a drug-dispensing contact lens that can gradually release medication to the eye. The prototype lens dispensed antibiotic ciprofloxacin for up to 30 days in laboratory testing, with potential applications in conditions like glaucoma and dry-eye.
The model system will help understand causes of myelin-related conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy and multiple sclerosis. Researchers plan to use the new model to explore origins of diabetic neuropathy and test new drug therapies.
Scientists at the University of Tennessee have found that a single mutation in the Bub1 gene can lead to an increased risk of pregnancy loss and disorders such as Down Syndrome. The study suggests that the mutation affects fertility and increases with maternal age, highlighting a potential genetic link to these conditions.
A new technique detects HIV early and monitors its development without refrigeration, making it more accessible in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found a strong correlation between viral load values in plasma and dried blood spots, paving the way for a new testing approach.
Researchers aim to develop an optimal early intervention strategy to treat first episode psychosis, reducing disability and mortality. The Recovery After Initial Schizophrenic Episode (RAISE) study will test culturally appropriate interventions in community-based sites.
A recent study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that children exposed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban areas had lower full-scale and verbal IQ scores compared to less exposed children. The effects were similar to those seen with low-level lead exposure.
Scripps Research scientists discover a new drug tafamidis that significantly halts disease progression for patients with Transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy. The drug targets protein misfolding, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for this rare inherited disease.
Researchers at Yale University developed a system to detect human skin vapors, revealing fatty acids as primary attractants for mosquitoes. The technology also enables dogs to identify their owners by detecting unique skin compounds.
A new tool called Vanish can make online personal data expire, becoming irretrievable from all Web sites and home computers. The system uses decentralized file-sharing networks to create a secret key and then encrypts the message with that key.
Two studies published in JAMA found that adopting a healthy lifestyle reduces lifetime risk of heart failure, with men who exercised regularly, drank moderately, and had a balanced diet having a lower risk. The studies also found an association between adherence to modifiable lifestyle factors and a significantly lower incidence of hyp...
A study by UFZ researchers found that air pollution caused by industry has more severe effects on children's health than vehicle exhaust fumes. The research revealed that around a quarter to a third of children in industrial areas experience respiratory problems, compared to half as many in suburban and rural areas.
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have received a $2 million grant to study lung cancer in nonsmokers. They will use a coordinated approach to discover biomarkers and develop a test to detect early-stage lung cancer.
A daily supplement of potassium citrate has been found to prevent kidney stones in children on the high-fat ketogenic diet, a common treatment for epilepsy. The study, published in Pediatrics, showed that those who received potassium citrate twice daily were seven times less likely to develop kidney stones.
Rice University has received $11.1 million in federal stimulus funding to construct the Brockman Hall for Physics, a new research facility supporting fundamental and applied physics research. The building will enable Rice to remain on the cutting edge of physical science research with state-of-the-art facilities.
Researchers developed a new method to predict economic variables using Bridge estimator models, outperforming traditional unit root tests. The tool can identify predictable economic variables, including currency exchange rates and GDP, revolutionizing forecasting models.
Research by the International Rice Research Institute has led to early rice harvests, reducing famine in northwest Bangladesh. The new methods allow farmers to plant rice earlier and use shorter-duration varieties, improving food security and reducing monga.
A multicenter study found that cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers Aβ42, T-tau, and P-tau can accurately identify patients with mild cognitive impairment who will progress to Alzheimer's disease. The study used a large group of patients with MCI and followed them for at least 2 years or until symptoms progressed.
Researchers found thermal hyperalgesia in IBS patients compared to controls, with higher sensitivity in those with high FBDSI scores. Controls were less sensitive than C-IBS and D-IBS, with no differences between the two IBS subtypes for pain threshold and tolerance.
The ESRC's new Strategic Plan focuses on delivering significant advances in methods, theory, and application of social sciences. The plan supports a broad portfolio of integrated activities, including world-class infrastructure and international leadership.
Researchers found a common genetic variation linked to aggression and destructive behavior in adults with developmental/intellectual disabilities. The study suggests that this variation may be associated with increased autism severity in individuals with the gene variant, highlighting the need for further research.
A UBC study proposes reducing fishing catch by just five percent to safeguard large areas of British Columbia's coastline. This approach, if implemented, could result in significant conservation gains and help achieve established conservation goals.
Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that an ancient form of barley could survive water stress better than modern varieties. The study found that a mutation in six-rowed barley led to its transformation into two-rowed barley, which was cultivated for over three millennia.
Research suggests that maternal nutrition, protein intake, and fat levels before conception can lead to epigenetic changes that affect fetal development and increase the risk of diseases later in life. Studies have shown that diet before pregnancy can cause abnormal growth, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems in offspring.
Astronomers observe Jupiter's new scar, a dark bruise about the size of the Pacific Ocean. The impact is believed to have been caused by a comet or asteroid, with reflective particles propelled high into the stratosphere.
Research suggests that corn yield stability improves when rotated with alfalfa, red clover, and timothy; dairy manure applications can support continuous corn in high-yielding years but hinder it in low-yielding years. Synthetic fertilizers or phosphorus-based manure negatively impact continuous corn yields.
A University of Washington study found five distinct patterns for depression symptoms in children, with some showing no or few symptoms in second grade. The researchers identify different risk factors for boys and girls, highlighting the importance of early intervention to prevent mental health concerns during adolescence.
Research by Singapore and NC researchers found that reducing p38MAPK levels delays aging of multiple tissues in lab mice. The study also discovered that partial inactivation of p38MAPK improves proliferation and regeneration of islet cells without affecting tumour suppressor function.
The American College of Clinical Pharmacology warns of the lack of supervision in direct-to-consumer genetic testing, emphasizing the need for clinical pharmacologists to educate patients on potential risks and limitations. Effective government regulation and professional guidance are crucial to ensure safe and informed decision-making.
A new study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that women who experienced non-natural menopause are at almost twice the risk of developing lung cancer compared to women who experienced natural menopause. The increased risk was particularly observed among women who had both their ovaries surgically removed.