A significant geographic variation was found in the use of carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting among Medicare beneficiaries, with different regions having varying rates of each procedure. Men and patients with a prior diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease were more likely to undergo carotid revascularization.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed adult mouse fat cells and neural cells to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) that can differentiate into various cell types. The study demonstrates that adipose tissue-derived cells are the most amenable to reprogramming, making them a promising source for clinical applications.
A new survey of child psychiatrists reveals that nearly one-third of school-aged and adolescent patients suffer from insomnia, leading to the widespread use of sleep medication. The study suggests that management of insomnia in this population is a common practice, although clinical approaches vary widely.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that maternal affection at 8 months predicts emotional distress in adulthood. The study tracked 482 participants from childhood to adult life, revealing a strong correlation between mother's warmth and child's emotional well-being.
New research reveals that some North American monarchs born in the Midwest and Great Lakes fly directly east over the Appalachians and settle along the eastern seaboard. The study suggests that the viability of east coast populations is highly dependent upon productivity on the other side of the mountains.
The new sewage treatment process uses low-oxygen conditions to encourage nitrous oxide production, which can be used as fuel. This approach could reduce costs and increase energy generation while eliminating greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that cardiopulmonary bypass during heart surgery for less complicated congenital heart defects in school-aged children does not affect their cognitive abilities. Researchers compared the outcomes of 35 children who underwent open-heart surgery with non-cardiac surgical patients and non-surgical...
A study found that nearly half of suicides among mental health patients occurred within a year of visiting an emergency department, highlighting the need for better screening and assessment practices. Frequent attendees were more likely to have a history of self-harm and alcohol misuse, underscoring their high risk group status.
Obesity rates among seniors in Latin America and the Caribbean have surged, leading to a significant increase in disability among elderly populations. Current trends suggest that unchecked obesity will result in larger numbers of people vulnerable to chronic medical conditions, straining healthcare resources in poorer countries.
A BU team led by Prof. Adrian Whitty aims to create 'drug-like' small molecule inhibitors targeting challenging protein-protein interactions with a $1.6M NIH grant. The goal is to develop new approaches for discovering inhibitors against intracellular proteins critical to human inflammatory diseases and cancers.
A new study reveals that a combination of common and rare genetic variants contribute to hypertriglyceridemia. Researchers found that patients with high triglycerides had excess rare variants in four genes, adding up to 28% of cases.
The CSIRO Australia team has found the remains of a massive 6 kg rat, which survived until around 1000-2000 years ago. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving biodiversity among rodents, such as rats, which play key roles in ecosystems.
A study of 872 individuals found that more education reduces dementia risk by improving brain coping mechanisms. Individuals with higher education levels exhibited similar brain pathology but better compensation for dementia effects.
Researchers discovered a non-human sialic acid sugar in biotech drugs that can provoke a strong immune response in some individuals, worsening chronic inflammation. A simple modification to the drug-making process could solve this problem by adding human sialic acid.
Unaccounted ecosystem feedbacks could significantly impact future climate change due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from wetlands, soils, and fires. These biogeochemical cycles may counteract the cooling effect of carbon uptake by plants, contributing to increased warming.
Researchers have witnessed how a key enzyme called photolyase works at the atomic level to repair sun-damaged DNA in a few billionths of a second. The discovery holds promise for future sunburn remedies and skin cancer prevention by allowing scientists to design drugs or lotions that heal sun damage.
Moreton Bay has shown coral survival and flourishing in about half of the past 7000 years, but human activities have negatively affected corals. The study's findings suggest that improving water quality and regrowing mangroves are essential for making Moreton Bay a suitable 'lifeboat' for corals.
A new diagnostic technique called microscopic-observation drug-susceptibility (MODS) has been shown to be significantly more sensitive and faster than conventional culture tests, diagnosing 70% more cases of pulmonary TB among children under 12. This is the best available test for confirming paediatric pulmonary tuberculosis in resourc...
Researchers have collected venom from Antarctic octopuses for the first time, discovering four new species and uncovering unique properties. The study provides insight into the adaptation of venom to sub-zero temperatures, which could lead to breakthroughs in pain management, allergies, and cancer treatment.
The MRC refused to fund IVF research that led to the birth of Louise Brown, citing concerns about embryo quality and patient safety. The researchers argue for more complex reasons, including strategic errors by Edwards and Steptoe in their funding application.
A new study finds that patients with arthritic back pain can experience significant pain relief after radiofrequency denervation without diagnostic nerve blocks. The procedure is safer and more cost-effective, allowing patients to return to work sooner.
Researchers have developed a method to remove contaminants from stormwater runoff using 'filter socks' containing compost. The socks captured silt, heavy metals, fertilizers, and petroleum products, reducing levels by up to 99%. Adding flocculation agents improved performance, removing nearly all pollutants and sediment.
A new report by FARA and Imperial College London reveals that crops can be produced for bioenergy on a significant scale in west, eastern, and southern Africa without harming food production or natural habitats. The study suggests that policies are needed to address potential conflicts, but views bioenergy as crucial to unlocking Afric...
The School of Science at IUPUI is launching a program to encourage science majors to become teachers, addressing the shortage in science educators. Through the Noyce Summer Internship program, freshmen and sophomores share their enthusiasm for science with middle school and high school students.
A new study published in the International Journal of Cancer has identified microRNA-138 as a gene that regulates cancer cell migration and may hold the key to reducing the spread of oral cancers. The research found that a reduced level of microRNA-138 is associated with enhanced ability of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells to spread.
Researchers at MIT have created a new technique using RNA to reprogram human skin cells into an immature state that can develop into any cell type. This approach holds promise for treating diseases by transforming patients' own cells into replacements, while eliminating the risks associated with current DNA-based methods.
A study by the Basque Center for Climate Change finds that CO2 reduction policies in Spain strengthen the services sector, while reducing industrial and energy sectors' impact. The policies encourage minor changes in consumption patterns and may lead to emissions reductions through tax creation.
Researchers have successfully used a continuous glucose monitoring device to treat dogs with diabetes, providing greater monitoring capabilities and alleviating the need for multiple blood samples. The device, commonly used in human diabetes treatment, helps veterinarians determine proper insulin dosages and manage diet-related factors.
The Geological Society of America recognizes Kateryna Klochko, who developed a new method to accurately reconstruct ancient ocean pH levels. The organization also honors Marilyn Suiter, a pioneer in promoting diversity and inclusion in geoscience education.
The XVIII International AIDS Conference presented strong scientific findings on HIV research and program scale-up, emphasizing the need for increased funding and human rights protection. Delegates renewed their commitment to securing universal access to prevention, care, treatment, and support.
A recent study analyzing the JUPITER trial found that HDL cholesterol levels are not predictive of residual vascular risk among patients treated with potent statin therapy. This suggests that caution should be displayed when interpreting the results and more data is needed to determine whether raising HDL levels is beneficial.
A new research paper proposes a six-step decision-making approach to facilitate shared decision-making between parents and physicians for infants born with genetic or anatomical anomalies in sexual development. The process aims to clarify reasons, identify gaps in understanding, and explore values underlying decisions. By working on th...
The European Society of Cardiology has launched a new cookbook featuring heart-friendly recipes created by leading cardiologists. The book aims to demonstrate that a diverse diet can be achieved without compromising on taste, and includes sections discussing heart health topics and alternative ingredients.
Eric J. Essene, George E. Gehrels, and Dana L. Royer received the Penrose, Day, and Donath Medals for their groundbreaking research in metamorphic petrology, U-Th-Pb geochronology, and paleoclimatology.
A study by USC researchers found significant national differences in the degree of conflict between older parents and their adult children. In contrast to European countries, US parents were more likely to experience disharmonious relationships with their adult children.
Researchers developed a non-invasive MRI method to visualize and quantify tumor angiogenesis, a crucial process for cancer growth. The new technique uses nanotechnology and MRI to detect early stages of blood vessel formation, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment adjustments.
Researchers found that inhibiting fatty acid synthase in macrophages significantly reduces atherosclerosis in mice, suggesting a potential treatment approach. The study identifies key factors that can prevent plaque buildup and may lead to the development of new drugs.
Dr Paola Borri's £1.1M award will support her research on optical nanoscopy, enabling detailed study of living cells without fluorescent staining. This technology holds promise for tackling biological and medical problems, such as HIV and cancer research.
Tropical Storm Bonnie strengthened into a tropical storm, bringing heavy rainfall to south Florida. The GOES-13 satellite provides visible images of the storm's cloud-covered center, and forecasts indicate it will pass near the Florida Keys and southern Florida before moving over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
The Geological Society of America recognizes outstanding service in the public interest and to the profession. Jonathan G. Price receives the 2010 GSA Public Service Award for advancing earth sciences, while David A. Stephenson is honored with the Distinguished Service Award for decades of dedicated service.
A teaching and research program will explore how conflict affects agriculture and natural resource management in conflict-ridden countries. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation Chair in Conflict and Development aims to promote scholarship and understanding of this critical issue.
Researchers found that relationships are a crucial factor in spirituality, with 87% of patients considering spirituality important in their lives. The study recommends focusing on presence, journeying together, and engaging in reciprocal sharing to improve spiritual care.
Researchers at the Energy Biosciences Institute developed a mechanistic model of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose, improving understanding of enzyme-substrate interaction. The model tracks individual cellulases and key cellulose surface properties, revealing critical factors affecting enzyme activity and sugar production.
The ACCORD Eye Study found that intensive blood sugar control and combination lipid therapy with a fibrate and statin slowed diabetic retinopathy progression by about one-third. This study provides evidence for the benefits of these therapies in slowing eye disease progression.
Forests have been shown to decrease blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension in natural settings, while also reducing depression, anger and ADHD symptoms.
A study by USC Marshall School of Business finds that luxury brands charge more for 'quieter' items with subtle logo placement and size, appealing to patricians. Counterfeiters predominantly copy lower-priced, louder luxury goods, while poseurs are more likely to express intent to purchase counterfeit bags.
The Sandia study projects the net effect of climate change on US states' agricultural and industrial bases, with some states like California, Pacific Northwest, and Colorado benefiting from reduced water availability. The study concludes that uncertainty in climate change validates the need to act protectively and proactively.
A USC team has produced flexible transparent carbon atom films for low-cost and convenient electrical power from the sun. Graphene-based solar cells have significant advantages in physical flexibility, potentially enabling printed-on-fabric applications.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists, led by Caltech's Nathan S. Lewis, will partner with institutions like Berkeley Lab to develop a method to produce fuels directly from sunlight. The goal is to simulate nature's photosynthetic apparatus for practical energy production.
Rice University scientists have created an eco-friendly method for mass-producing graphene oxide, a crucial component in various industries. The new process uses common chemicals to produce the material, eliminating toxic gases and making it safer for large-scale production.
A recent study published in Psychological Science suggests that genetics may play a role in how sensitive we are to social drinking cues. Volunteers with a specific variant of the dopamine D4 receptor gene were found to drink more when others consumed three or four drinks, but not when they only consumed one.
A study by a University at Buffalo professor found that family chats about societal issues can help students develop better reasoning and math skills. However, these chats are uncommon, occurring less than once a month for most children worldwide.
The lack of access to scientifically proven interventions for key populations at risk and the lagging scale-up of treatment regimens threaten future progress on AIDS. Organizers call for an end to passive neglect and active denial of life-saving health services, information, and tools.
A recent study reveals that a warming climate may cause African apes to lose up to 50% of their habitats due to increased time spent resting. Researchers found that climate change alone can lead to significant habitat loss, making it crucial to ensure safe havens for conservation efforts.
Georgian leaders sign Vienna Declaration to strengthen call for science-based drug policy, emphasizing harm reduction and evidence-based treatment. The declaration aims to improve community health and safety by incorporating scientific evidence into illicit drug policies.
Rochester Institute of Technology scientist Don Figer is developing a new detector technology that can directly image and characterize exoplanets, potentially finding smaller, rocky planets like Earth. This technology could reduce detection time by one-third and overcome current limitations.
Research shows that IBS is associated with both decreases and increases in grey matter density in key brain areas involved in attention, emotion regulation, and pain inhibition. These findings suggest a 'brain-gut disorder' component and move beyond the traditional view of IBS as a functional syndrome.
Researchers have developed a new ultrathin cooling technology that can efficiently cool 'power electronics' in military and automotive systems. The miniature device uses copper spheres and carbon nanotubes to passively wick a coolant, handling up to 550 watts per square centimeter of heat.
Chanthu, a tropical storm, made landfall in southeastern China and began to weaken, according to NASA infrared imagery. The storm's cloud temperatures and convection are decreasing, indicating reduced intensity.
The NPP satellite will collect and distribute remotely sensed data on land, ocean, and atmosphere, providing atmospheric and sea surface temperatures, humidity, and ozone measurements. The CrIS instrument will combine with the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder to provide global atmospheric temperature, moisture, and pressure profiles.