A new study published in the British Medical Journal found that taking statin drugs does not lower the risk of pneumonia in elderly patients. In fact, the study suggests that people on statins may be at higher risk of developing severe pneumonia.
A new study in the International Journal of Exergy provides a formula to calculate wind turbine performance and optimize energy production. The formula offers a theoretical boost of 20% efficiency at varying wind speeds, reducing wasted energy by 80%.
A new CT scan method has been shown to be accurate in detecting colorectal cancer in individuals at increased risk. The study found a sensitivity of 85.3% and specificity of 87.8%, making it a potentially effective alternative to colonoscopy for screening.
Researchers at Harvard University have demonstrated that individual monkeys within the same species exhibit varying levels of cognitive ability. A study published in PLoS One found that general intelligence, or 'g' factor, accounted for 20% of the variation in performance among cotton-top tamarins.
Astronomers use ESA's XMM-Newton and Integral space observatories to study a magnetar outburst from the rare 'dead' star SGR 0501+4516. The outburst lasted over four months and released hundreds of smaller bursts, providing valuable insights into extreme matter conditions.
A meta-analysis of 14 studies failed to find an association between a genetic marker, stressful life events, and the risk of major depression. The study did find a significant association between the number of stressful life events and depression.
A study found similarities between a plant-dwelling bacterium and a hospital-resident pathogen, highlighting potential risks of using the former for biotech applications. The research suggests caution in using this strain due to its antibiotic resistance and ability to form biofilms.
A new study found that cannabis smoke damages DNA in ways that could potentially increase the risk of cancer development. The research, published in Chemical Research in Toxicology, used a highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to detect damage.
Mercury levels in the Mackenzie River delta have been dramatically increased, exceeding previous estimates by an entire year's worth of mercury. This is a significant concern for northern communities that rely heavily on Arctic fish species and Beluga whales as a food source.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that including socioeconomic status in the Framingham Risk Scoring tool can nearly double the number of patients at risk for death or disease. This could lead to increased eligibility for cholesterol-lowering medications and other treatments, with a potential 15% increase.
A fully automated procedure measuring brain structures is effective in predicting the progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. The technique can be used in clinics to measure brain atrophy and help physicians predict decline in MCI patients.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded over $1.25 million in combined new grants to eleven researchers in geriatric social work, aiming to improve the health and well-being of older people and their families. The Hartford Doctoral Fellows Program and Faculty Scholars Program provide training and funding for social workers wi...
Researchers identified backup genes with similar sequences that can replace failed master genes, explaining experimental results and highlighting the robustness of cells as computational devices. The study found that removing a master gene and its immediate backup has little effect, but removing both has significant consequences.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have discovered a way to unleash high-energy X-rays with relatively high intensity using longer wavelength lasers on heavier gaseous atoms. This breakthrough could lead to more powerful and precise X-ray machines, enabling real-time imaging of patients' hearts and microscopic structures.
The University of Nevada, Reno's Seismological Lab is conducting a seismic survey through downtown Reno to create an earthquake hazard map. The team, led by Professor John Louie, is using industry techniques to map suspected faults and confirm previous findings.
Researchers design a minimally invasive system combining ultrasound and chemotherapy to target brain tumors without surgery or radiation. The approach aims to provide real-time imaging and localized temperature increases to melt liposome shells and release chemotherapy directly to the tumor.
UCF researcher J. Manuel Perez's nanoparticles could potentially replace chemotherapy with targeted cancer treatment. The nanoparticles, carrying Taxol and other molecules, selectively target cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue intact.
A new x-ray imaging technique, diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI), has been developed to visualize individual amyloid beta plaques in the brain. The study successfully images these tiny structures in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, providing promising clues for early diagnosis and treatment.
A University of Colorado at Boulder team discovered a large manioc field in the ancient village of Ceren in El Salvador, which was buried under volcanic ash around A.D. 600. The cultivation system is believed to be the first evidence of intensive manioc farming at any New World archaeology site.
The Vision Revolution reveals how human vision has evolved to perform extraordinary feats, from color perception to X-ray vision and beyond. Changizi's groundbreaking research overturns basic assumptions about human vision, exploring its unique capabilities and their impact on our daily lives.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have discovered a mild and relatively inexpensive procedure for removing oxygen from biomass, potentially replacing traditional petrochemical feedstocks. The formic acid treatment converts glycerol into allyl alcohol, used to manufacture polymers, drugs, and other chemical products.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has named 17 early-career scientists as Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences, providing $240,000 over four years to fund their research on cancer, Parkinson's disease, birth defects, and epilepsy. The program has invested over $125 million in 460 scholars since its inception.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have identified a key regulatory gene network that plays a crucial role in the spread of common and deadly yeast infections. The study reveals how the Zap1 protein regulates biofilm matrix production, which helps pathogens thrive and resist treatment.
The Greater Boston coalition, representing over 35 organizations, has been awarded a $200,000 planning grant to develop a plan of action to align efforts and create concrete systems change. The initiative aims to improve healthcare quality, reduce disparities, and provide models for national reform.
A new analysis of data from 14 studies found a strong association between stressful life events and depression risk. However, the presumed high-risk version of the serotonin transporter gene did not show an increased risk for major depression alone or in interaction with stressful life events.
Researchers found online obituaries enable a community of mourners to share stories and condolences, but pose ethical concerns for newspapers about maintaining public memory and distinguishing between official and user-generated content. Online guestbooks allow readers to post comments and e-mail them to other mourners.
A new blood test has been developed to detect the p16INK4a biomarker, which is strongly correlated with chronological age and behaviors that accelerate aging. The test has been validated in a study of 170 healthy human volunteers, showing a strong correlation between biomarker expression and age.
A new review of existing research reveals same-sex behavior is a nearly universal phenomenon in the animal kingdom. However, researchers have focused primarily on understanding the genetic and neural mechanisms behind this behavior rather than its potential evolutionary consequences.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has named 10 promising young scientists as Pew Latin American Fellows in the Biomedical Sciences. The fellows will receive $60,000 in salary support and an additional $35,000 to purchase essential equipment upon returning to their home countries.
A new IUPUI study finds that living near a fast food outlet has little impact on childhood weight, contrary to traditional assumptions. Residing near recreational facilities, however, is associated with lower body mass indexes.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München have identified the enzyme TFIIH kinase as responsible for selectively phosphorylating RNA polymerase II, regulating the production of specific RNA molecules. This discovery sheds light on epigenetic mechanisms and their significance in cancer and disease.
A team of astronomers led by Nanda Rea used European Space Agency satellites to study the eruptions of a rare magnetar, SGR 0501+4516. The object underwent hundreds of small bursts over four months, emitting high-energy X-rays during its outburst phase.
Dr. Jeffrey Friedman of Rockefeller University identified leptin as the 'satiety factor' behind obesity and type 2 diabetes, shedding light on chemical and genetic factors involved in the condition. The discovery has opened possibilities for future pharmaceutical treatments, influencing research worldwide.
A meta-analysis of 190,000 patients from 56 studies found no overall differences in death and myocardial infarction between drug-eluting stents (DES) and bare metal stents (BMS), with significant reductions in target vessel revascularization procedures.
Guided fat precursor cells lead to wider nerves and less muscle atrophy in injured peripheral nerves of laboratory rats. The study demonstrates the potential benefit of adult precursor cells, such as those from adipose tissue, for nerve repair and functional recovery.
Researchers found that an opioid peptide, DADLE, protected against experimental stroke in rats, preventing cell death and behavioral abnormalities. The study suggests a new pharmacological target for stroke therapy.
A new study by The George Institute for International Health found Tai Chi to have positive effects on improving pain and disability among arthritis sufferers. Researchers are now conducting a trial to establish if similar benefits can be seen in people with chronic low back pain.
Research in the American Sociological Review finds that neighborhood violence plays a role in intergenerational transmission of disadvantage. Family and religious environments also deter delinquent behaviors among teens and young adults.
The Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award supports Sobrado's research on iron acquisition mechanisms by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Aspergillus fumigatus. The goal is to identify inhibitors that can be developed as antibiotics or antifungal agents.
Research confirms the transfer of zinc, cadmium, and copper from water to fish tissues in Huelva estuary. The study found positive correlations between metal levels in water and fish tissues, highlighting the impact of pollution on commercially important species.
A new study found that 69% of men and 42% of women in the Netherlands work overtime, with women working one-third fewer hours than men. The research suggests that this pressure harms employee well-being and may lead to demotions or firings for women.
Researchers have fabricated microscopic polymer beads that change color instantly in response to external magnetic fields. The beads exhibit excellent structural stability and are compatible with various dispersion media, allowing for tunable colors in different chemical environments.
A TGen-led team has identified five genetic biomarkers that may predict response to the anti-diabetes drug Actos, enabling personalized medicine for patients with type 2 diabetes. These markers were found in genes associated with PPARG function and include variants in a key drug metabolizing gene called cytochrome P450 3A4.
The GOES-O satellite will contribute to accurate NOAA forecasts for severe weather, including hurricanes that threaten at least 35 million Americans. The new satellite joins a system of weather satellites providing timely environmental information to meteorologists and the public.
A nutritional formula inspired by NASA's astronaut diet has shown to put 60-70% of children with Crohn's disease into remission. The treatment involves a specially-designed powder mixed with liquids to provide daily nutritional requirements, with success rates similar to traditional steroid-based drugs.
The new report emphasizes the urgent need for climate action, citing the Southwest as a region particularly susceptible to the effects of global warming. Rising temperatures and water scarcity are projected to exacerbate issues like wildfires, invasive species, and flooding, threatening agriculture, recreation, and urban areas.
Researchers have developed bio-friendly nanocrystals that act as individual investigators of activity within a cell. These nanocrystals can track proteins in real-time, allowing for the study of biomolecules one at a time. The breakthrough has significant implications for understanding complex biological systems.
A new study found that geoengineering solutions to counter global warming would have a minimal impact on ocean acidification, which threatens coral reefs and marine life. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is considered a more effective safeguard against climate change.
A new study published in Human Brain Mapping found that autistics are up to 40 percent faster at problem-solving than non-autistics, with improved perceptual abilities. The research used the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices test to measure hypothesis-testing and learning skills.
Researchers tracked three children with DiGeorge Syndrome after thymus tissue transplantation to measure the growth of T-cells and assess receptor diversity. The study found that factors regulating T-cell receptor diversity are a thousand times more common than those treating all T-cells alike.
Jeremiah T. Abiade received a Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award to increase electrical output of thermoelectric materials and devices. His research aims to enhance the thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT, for useful power output.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a mixed-fiber material combining chitosan from crustacean shells with industrial polyester for use in nerve repair. The material shows promise for repairing severed nerves and could be used in other biomedical applications.
A study by economists found that Russia's switch to a 13% flat tax decreased tax evasion, but the reform had little effect on taxpayers' real income. Taxpayers whose tax rates were cut saw their consumption increase by less than 4%.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council are partnering to fund $6 million in research for alternative, non-nuclear medical isotopes. The goal is to address the medical isotope shortage and support the production and clinical testing of these alternatives.
The study found that oral rivaroxaban reduced the risk of death, heart attack, or stroke by 21% compared to placebo, with a lower risk of clinically significant bleeding. The medication inhibits factor Xa and has been shown effective in preventing venous thromboembolism.
Researchers have developed novel compounds that absorb by cancer cells and release nitric oxide upon specific light wavelengths, inducing apoptosis and killing tumor cells. The compounds, called dye-sensitized ruthenium nitrosyls, offer a localized delivery of high concentrations of nitric oxide without causing inflammation.
A new study reveals that trans fats interfere with the regulation of blood flow by hindering key enzymes and reducing prostacyclin production. This can lead to increased inflammation, high LDL cholesterol, and calcified arteries, ultimately contributing to atherosclerosis and heart disease.
A new study suggests that common fish species, such as the nine-spined stickleback, can compare behavior and make choices based on personal experience, leading to better food supplies. This sophisticated social learning capability, called 'hill-climbing', challenges the idea that big brains are necessary for cumulative culture.
Researchers found that a novel therapy combining antibiotic-based hemoperfusion with conventional treatment significantly reduced mortality and improved blood circulation and organ function in patients with severe sepsis. The study's results suggest potential benefits for endotoxin-targeted therapy in septic shock.
Researchers found that individuating novel objects with unique names enhances holistic processing, a hallmark of face-like expertise. This technique can be learned quickly and applied to other objects, indicating that expert-level recognition is not solely the result of extensive practice.
A new combination therapy of daily consensus interferon and ribavirin has been found to be effective in some hepatitis C patients who have not responded to previous treatment. The study, led by a Saint Louis University researcher, showed a success rate of above 30 percent for patients with less severe liver damage.
Comparative effectiveness research can significantly improve health care quality and affordability if done correctly. Two key challenges are obtaining data earlier in the life cycle of new drugs and linking evidence to strategies that modify physician practice. The expert also highlights the need for a broader agenda, including lifesty...