An independent panel by the NIH determined that mental stimulation, exercise, and dietary supplements have insufficient evidence to delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease. The panel emphasized the need for research on objective measures of cognitive function and collaboration between clinicians and researchers.
The VORTEX2 project, the most ambitious tornado study in history, aims to surround tornadoes with an unprecedented fleet of mobile radars and cutting-edge tools. The study seeks to improve tornado warnings and short-term severe weather forecasts by examining how tornadoes form and the patterns of damage they cause.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new type of control device that can tune interactions between quantum bits (qubits) and quantum buses, potentially speeding up the development of practical quantum computers. The 'dimmer switch' enables flexible control over interactions in intricate networks.
Scientists from Freiburg and Berlin have unraveled the secret of the Mx protein, which plays a crucial role in inhibiting influenza virus replication. The Mx protein forms a ring-structured macromolecular network that restrains and deactivates viral components, providing a defense mechanism against new flu viruses.
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital discovered that inhibiting communication between nerve cells accelerates odor discrimination in mice. The study confirmed the function of lateral inhibition, which enables quick and reliable recognition of similar smells, using genetic manipulation and electrophysiological measurements.
Research published in Thorax found tobacco use and brand appearances in 15 commercially successful UK films between 1989 and 2008. Despite a 80% decline in five-minute tobacco intervals, imagery persisted across all age categories, including those deemed suitable for children and young teens.
A study comparing lung cancer survival rates in England, Norway, and Sweden found that Swedes had the highest survival rates, with 16% of women diagnosed surviving five years. The difference in death rates was largely concentrated in the first year after diagnosis, suggesting a possible link between treatment activity and outcomes.
Scientists have discovered that changes in floating ice are causing sea levels to rise, resulting in a 2.6% increase of global sea levels. The study found that the loss of floating ice amounts to a sea level rise of 49 micrometers per year.
Researchers used neutron beams and atomic-force microscopes to study the behavior of IPMC actuators, finding that water molecules play a major role in their actuation. The team's findings could lead to the development of more powerful and efficient materials for robotics and other applications.
Researchers investigated the role of low-frequency auditory spatial cues in barn owls' ability to localize sounds. They found that these cues dominate azimuth representation, while high-frequency cues dominate elevation representation. These findings have implications for understanding sound localization in other species, including hum...
The University of Maryland Medical Center's Historical Clinicopathological Conference has re-examined Simon Bolivar's death, suggesting chronic arsenic poisoning led to a serious respiratory illness. Dr. Paul G. Auwaerter believes the symptoms align with gradual arsenic poisoning, contradicting the initial diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Researchers at JILA have demonstrated a new tool for controlling ultracold gases and ultracold chemistry by applying small electric fields. The study shows that the electric field spurs a dramatic increase in chemical reactions, with molecules reacting faster when approaching each other head-to-tail parallel to the applied field.
LA BioMed researchers created a collaborative team mentored approach to learning for assessing medical teaching methods. This new model enables large-scale studies to measure the effectiveness of educational programs, ultimately improving patient safety and medical outcomes.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have discovered how male common snipes use their outer tail feathers to produce a highly seductive drumming sound. By observing deformations in the feathers as they produce the sound, researchers found that the feathers flutter like flags in the wind.
A U Alberta-led team studied T cell activation using nanotechnology, revealing how CD45 molecule interacts with other molecules in the cell. This understanding could lead to controlling T cells and developing new treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Asteroid 24 Themis has been found to have a thin film of ice coating its surface, with complex, long-chained molecules detected as well. This suggests that water ice is abundant in the asteroid's interior and may be responsible for delivering water to Earth.
Researchers are developing a new test to identify the neurological origins of swallowing disorders, which affect millions of people worldwide. The test may lead to breakthrough treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Lou Gehrig's disease and ALS.
Researchers developed a novel microscopy technique that reveals the mechanics of blood cell membranes, leading to a better understanding of deformability and its relation to morphology. This discovery has important implications for screening and treatment of blood-cell-morphology diseases such as malaria and sickle-cell disease.
A new study has found that genetically short-circuiting the ability of cancer stem cells to absorb a key nutrient can kill many colon cancer cells. The approach targets tumor cell 'factories' and could potentially reduce recurrence rates of colon cancer. However, further research is needed to ensure the treatment does not harm normal s...
Researchers at NIST and University of Maryland have developed a microfluidic method called COMMAND to produce uniform liposomes with controlled sizes. The technique uses a microscopic fluidic device to mix phospholipid molecules, resulting in nanoscale vesicles that can deliver drugs directly to cancer cells.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and Jibbigo LLC have developed a new application that performs speech-to-speech translation between English and the Iraqi dialect of Arabic. The software is available on the iPhone App Store and operates as a freestanding communicator without internet connection.
Researchers have identified the molecular trigger for inflammation in large blood vessels, finding that cholesterol crystals activate an inflammasome complex within immune cells. This leads to a catastrophic chain reaction of inflammatory mediators and immune cell invasion, potentially destabilizing vessel walls.
Researchers found that curcumin nanoparticles, delivered via nanoparticles, increased the sensitivity of resistant ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation. The treatment enables lower doses of cisplatin and radiation, improving therapeutic outcomes without increasing toxicity.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have made a groundbreaking discovery about the Earth's core by analyzing seismic wave speed. The study reveals that the outer core is well mixed and lacks stratification, providing new insights into the planet's magnetic field and formation.
A study of young adults in Mexico City found that exposure to particulate matter and endotoxins can cause chronic inflammation in the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease. The research highlights the importance of understanding how air pollution affects the human heart, particularly in vulnerable populations.
A recent study suggests that the risk of brain hemorrhage from unruptured or accidentally discovered brain AVMs may be lower and less severe than initially believed. The Rush University Medical Center's ARUBA trial aims to determine whether a hands-off approach is sufficient for managing these malformations, or if intervention using en...
Researchers have developed a simple lottery game to assess spatial neglect in stroke patients, which can aid rehabilitation. The test evaluates physical and mental choices, indicating the extent of brain damage and providing insights for tailored treatment.
Dr. BP Agrawal's rainwater harvesting system and mobile health clinics improve global public health and quality of life for rural villagers in India. His innovative approach combines technology, culture, and community engagement to provide sustainable solutions to pressing water and healthcare issues.
The use and costs of diagnostic imaging for Medicare patients with cancer increased substantially between 1999 and 2006. PET scans saw the largest increase, accompanied by a reduction in conventional nuclear medicine tests and stabilized CT scans.
Researchers found that men with metabolic syndrome had twice as low blood H2S levels as lean men, while those with diabetes had four times lower levels. This reduction in H2S was associated with higher blood pressure, increased insulin resistance and damage to small blood vessels.
A coronary artery calcium score provides a better estimate of future heart disease events when added to traditional risk factors, especially for those at intermediate risk. The study found that the score accurately placed 77% of participants into high or low risk categories.
Researchers have provided evidence-based data on changes in drug metabolism in obese children compared to healthy weight children. They found that obese children metabolized caffeine and dextromethorphan at different rates, which could impact optimal drug dosing in pediatric patients.
A randomized trial found that high-dose B-vitamin therapy accelerated kidney function decline and increased cardiovascular events in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes. The study suggests that B-vitamin therapy may not be an effective treatment for slowing disease progression, and potentially poses risks for these patients.
Recent studies found that diverse microbial communities persist on spacecraft despite sterilization efforts. Escherichia coli was discovered to survive on Martian surfaces under shielded conditions or with thin dust layers.
The new clinics series provides comprehensive reviews of contemporary issues in cardiac electrophysiology, including epicardial interventions, advances in arrhythmia analyses, and antiarrhythmic drug therapy. These issues help electrophysiologists make informed clinical decisions for their patients.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab's ALS beamline 9.0.1 developed a method to image whole yeast cells with soft X-rays, achieving a resolution of 11-13 nanometers. This breakthrough enables the possibility of full 3D tomography of whole cells at equivalent resolution.
Alan McGaughey, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, has received a three-year grant to develop theoretical and computational tools for monitoring heat generation in devices. His work aims to help the Air Force reduce heat generation in operating electronics and control mechanical system tempe...
Researchers have uncovered a new pathway of microRNA generation, revealing why Argonaute2 proteins are necessary in mammals. This alternative route bypasses the Dicer enzyme, allowing Ago2 to directly mature and regulate genes.
Researchers found that lower oxygen saturation is associated with left ventricle hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in children with sickle cell disease. The study suggests that the beginning of adult heart disease may start in childhood, highlighting the need for further research.
A new genus and species of flying reptile, Aetodactylus halli, has been discovered in Texas, providing insights into the diversity of pterosaurs during the Cretaceous Period. The specimen is estimated to be around 3 meters long and had a unique jaw structure with 54 teeth sockets, differing from other ornithocheirid species.
A study found that consuming a non-spicy pepper analog increased fat oxidation and boosted metabolism, potentially aiding in weight loss. The research suggests that eating peppers could be a simple way to enhance weight loss efforts.
A new study suggests that an underlying cause of psychopathic behavior may be frontal lobe dysfunction, with participants showing striking similarities to those with brain damage. The research examined the emotional and cognitive aspects of Theory of Mind abilities in criminal offenders and patients with frontal lobe damage.
A comparative-effectiveness study confirms that ranibizumab eye injections in combination with laser therapy result in dramatic visual improvement for patients with diabetic macular edema. The treatment demonstrates substantial visual benefits, including a 50% improvement rate and prevention of blood vessel leakage.
Researchers have discovered a new avenue to overcome tuberculosis drug resistance by targeting an enzyme that breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics. Clavulanate and meropenem combination shows promise in sterilizing TB bacteria, including XDR-strains.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers reveals that young Americans are delaying adulthood due to economic challenges. Many are living at home longer and rely on their parents for financial support, a trend different from previous generations. The study highlights the need to strengthen institutions supporting young adults ...
Researchers found a high prevalence of complications in alcoholic cirrhosis patients at the time of diagnosis, with ascites and variceal bleeding being strong predictors of mortality. The study also showed that these complications do not follow a predictable sequence and cannot be used to determine the clinical course of the disease.
A new 16-year study found that a single flexible sigmoidoscopy examination in men and women aged 55-64 reduced bowel cancer incidence by a third. The test halved incidence in the lower bowel, leading to a 43% reduction in mortality. Researchers believe screening with this procedure could save thousands of lives.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found a potential new treatment for osteonecrosis, a debilitating disease caused by steroid use. Injecting ACTH significantly reduced bone death in rabbits with osteonecrosis, promoting increased blood flow to bone cells and preventing cell death.
A pilot program involving parents and their overweight or obese children found that a family-focused Weight Watchers approach reduced body mass indexes in children. The program's success rate was 67%, with sustained improvements over the course of a year, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in child health.
A new study found that looking at pictures of people with diseases triggers a stronger immune response, which may be beneficial for fighting off pathogens. The researchers suggest this response could have evolved as a way to prepare the body for potential infections when additional cues indicate a higher threat.
Researchers found that microbes become less efficient in converting carbon into CO2, leading to decreased carbon dioxide emissions from soils. As warmer temperatures persist, microbes decrease in number and eventually result in fewer emissions.
A binational team is monitoring the effect of the Yuma Desalting Plant on the cienega, which could affect endangered species and bird populations. The researchers are tracking water quality, water level, and vegetation to assess the impact of the plant's operation.
Researchers investigated the efficacy of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in intestinal elongation. The study found that grafts were completely absorbed within two to three months, with severe adhesions and inflammation hindering their use. Despite these findings, ADM is believed to have potential as a scaffold for tissue regeneration.
Researchers Monica Lamm and Theresa Windus are studying complex molecular binding and aerosol particles in the atmosphere using Blue Waters supercomputer, which will deliver better results for their studies.
A new reliable method for diagnosing fibromyalgia has been developed by analyzing patients' walk parameters. The study found that patients with fibromyalgia exhibit altered motion parameters associated with psychosocial and fitness aspects, providing a potential complementary diagnostic tool.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed HyperSafe software to secure hypervisors against malware attacks, ensuring the integrity of underlying systems. The new approach utilizes non-bypassable memory lockdown and restricted pointer indexing to prevent code modification.
Scientists investigated the evolution of grasses by sequencing the chloroplast DNA of Anomochloa, a small genus diverging from other grasses. The study found unique and mixed features in its chloroplast genome, questioning the classification of Anomochloa as a grass.
A Purdue University scientist has discovered a long-sought gene that controls soybean stem growth, allowing for the creation of new plant varieties with desirable characteristics. The gene, Dt1, was found to be responsible for determining whether a soybean's stem continues to grow after flowering.
A study found that adding calcium in coronary arteries to traditional risk factors improves classification of risk for predicting coronary heart disease events. The researchers used computed tomography to measure the buildup of calcium in plaque on the walls of the arteries, and found significant improvements in risk prediction.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that Alzheimer's pathology begins with Amyloid-Beta oligomers in the brain, rather than previously thought amyloid plaques. The study suggests that these clumps, not plaques, are toxic to brain cells and may be a major target for new treatments.