A new Houston study shows that a kid-friendly weight management program can lead to significant weight loss and improved physical quality of life for children. The 6-month program involved instruction-led sessions on nutrition and behavior-change skills, resulting in better outcomes compared to a self-taught approach.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a miniature device capable of converting ultrafast laser pulses into bursts of radio-frequency signals. This technology has the potential to enable all communications to be transmitted from a single base station, making wires obsolete. The approach uses microring resonators to filter out ...
Fresh spinach leaves stored under continuous light exposure show significantly higher levels of vitamins C, K, E, and folate, as well as healthful carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Continuous light exposure after nine days increases folate levels by up to 100% and vitamin K levels by 50-100%
A new study by Queen's University researchers found that antifreeze proteins can superheat ice crystals, stabilizing them above the melting point for hours. This discovery has implications for understanding ice recrystallization in nature and food storage.
A new hand-held device delivering magnetic pulses to the back of the head effectively treats migraine with aura in some patients, reducing pain and associated symptoms. The treatment is well-tolerated and non-inferior to sham stimulation for symptom improvement, making it a promising acute treatment option.
Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes discovered that SIRT3 plays a crucial role in regulating fatty acid oxidation and identified it as a potential therapeutic target. Mice lacking SIRT3 exhibited impaired fat burning and increased levels of fat and triglycerides, highlighting the enzyme's importance in energy metabolism.
A recent study examines sediments from the Chicxulub impact crater, finding evidence supporting K-T mass extinction theories. Another study investigates the formation of dikes in volcanic eruptions, shedding light on magmatic overpressure and eruption hazards.
A low-cost water purification technique using Moringa oleifera seeds can reduce bacterial contamination by 90-99.99% in untreated water. This technique has the potential to improve access to clean drinking water for millions of people in developing countries.
The 25th anniversary of antiretroviral drug development is celebrated with a milestone Special Issue in Elsevier's Antiviral Research journal, featuring review articles from key players in the field. HIV-1 has gone from being an 'inherently untreatable' agent to one eminently susceptible to approved therapies.
New research documents American pika's wider temperature tolerance than previously thought, with 12% of occupied sites below historic records. Rock formations buffer pikas from warming temperatures, suggesting a greater distribution in the region.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center suggests that mitochondria released into the bloodstream following physical injury elicit a sepsis-like immune response. This finding could lead to new strategies for managing trauma and developing tests to differentiate between infective and non-infective inflammation.
People with Parkinson's disease struggle to recognize emotions in others' faces and voices. Deep brain stimulation appears to exacerbate this issue, particularly with fear and sadness expressions.
Researchers found no strong connection between personality traits and university degree preferences among secondary school students. The study suggests that career guidance processes may need to be revised, taking personality questionnaires as less relevant information.
Researchers are developing new assessment tools in British Sign Language (BSL) to identify dementia among Deaf people, who often face unique challenges in accessing care and support. The study aims to improve early diagnosis and provide tailored services for this underserved population.
Recent biologging studies reveal surprising behaviors, such as Atlantic bluefin tuna's 5,000-foot dives and elephant seals' annual 40,000-mile migrations. The research also provides insights into ocean animals' physiological parameters, environmental preferences and conservation status.
Researchers have developed five new potato breeding lines resistant to powdery scab and black dot diseases, caused by fungi <i>Spongospora subterranea</i> and <i>Colletotrichum coccodes</i>, respectively. The lines consistently showed fewer disease symptoms than other tested varieties in three years of field trials.
A new federal center for Medicare and Medicaid innovation could spur significant delivery system change by implementing alternative payment structures through voluntary pilot projects. Such pilots would be particularly beneficial for health care organizations looking to reduce excess clinical spending.
Scientists have identified a specific N-glycan that enables arabidopsis plants to recognize and resist bacterial infections. This discovery could lead to the development of new plant varieties with built-in immunity against diseases.
Scientists have discovered a relic star from the early universe, which has a remarkably similar chemical composition to the Milky Way's oldest stars. The discovery supports the theory that our galaxy underwent a 'cannibal' phase by swallowing smaller galaxies and other galactic building blocks.
Belatacept, a new transplant drug, preserves kidney function while avoiding toxicity in patients, with similar graft survival rates to standard immunosuppressive drugs. The drug's side effect profile is more favorable, with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A study by University of Kansas researcher Jeffrey Hall found that online daters tend to lie about themselves in a way similar to those who meet in person, due to a desire to be liked and fit in. The most likely to lie are high self-monitors, who control their behavior to achieve social ends.
A University of Alberta study found that pharmacist interventions led to a 200% increase in patients getting further assessment and diagnosis for osteoporosis. Pharmacists can help with education and screening, addressing the silent disease that often goes undiagnosed after age 50.
A new study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that propofol administration by a trained professional results in a low rate of sedation-related complications. The study identified risk factors for complications and highlights the importance of proper training and patient selection.
A comprehensive clinical trial established an evidence-based approach for initial drug therapy of childhood absence epilepsy. Ethosuximide was found to provide the best combination of seizure control and fewest attentional side effects, making it a sensible choice for initial monotherapy.
A study published in Obesity found that community involvement can significantly reduce childhood obesity rates, with a 8.3% decrease seen in low-income minority schools compared to 1.3% in traditional programs. Researchers emphasize the need for environmental and societal level changes to address this issue.
Renato J. Aguilera has been recognized by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) with the William A. Hinton Research Training Award for his efforts to train underrepresented minorities in microbiology. This award highlights his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in scientific research.
Researchers found a proto-dinosaur called Asilisaurus kongwe, which lived about 243 million years ago and shared characteristics with dinosaurs. The discovery sheds light on the diversification of relatives of crocodilians and dinosaurs, suggesting rapid evolution and greater dietary flexibility.
A study published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that soccer training increases bone density, muscle mass, and postural balance in both young and older adults. The results suggest that soccer is an effective method for reducing the risk of falls and fractures, particularly among women and elderly men.
Atlantic longarm octopuses have evolved expert camouflage capabilities, including mimicking the appearance and swimming speed of peacock flounders. Researchers observed uncanny similarities in coloration, form, and movement between the two species, demonstrating an unusual form of disruptive camouflage.
Researchers at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory found evidence of hydrothermal vents near Antarctica, a discovery that could spur exploration of the distant mid-ocean ridge. The sites identified cover 340 miles of ridge line, offering a new area to study complex organisms and ocean chemistry.
Research by USDA scientists found that cows can efficiently graze pastures with easily accessible leaves, reducing the need for time and land. This approach enables ranchers to better estimate how long to leave cattle in a pasture and how large to make it.
A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been shown to prevent 74% of recurrent cases of pneumonia and meningitis in HIV-infected adults in Africa. The vaccine was particularly effective in patients with low CD4 counts, a group previously considered ineligible for vaccination.
Researchers found that HbA1c levels accurately predict future diabetes and stroke, heart disease, and all-cause mortality. The study identified people with HbA1c levels between 5.0 to 5.5 percent as within the normal range, while those at a level of 6.5 percent or greater are considered diabetic.
Researchers funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research are developing mini-thrusters that could enable small satellites to perform complex tasks like planetary searches. The technology also has potential applications in other areas, such as etching semiconductors and fabricating computer chips.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered two factors controlling the antibacterial activity of clay minerals, which can kill bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The study's findings suggest a role for acid-soluble metal species in mineral toxicity, but also present challenges for developing topical treatments.
Thomas M. Schmidt, a renowned microbiologist, has been honored with the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Graduate Microbiology Teaching Award. He is recognized for fostering an intellectually stimulating environment and inspiring rigorous thinkers through his clear explanations.
Researchers found that climate change is one factor contributing to the rise of malaria in highland areas, particularly in East Africa, Indonesia, and Afghanistan. However, they also identified other key factors, such as migration and land-use changes, that are likely driving the spread of the disease.
A study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics reveals Pycnogenol lowers urinary proteins and improves blood flow to the kidneys. Pycnogenol also reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as inflammatory markers.
A Cornell economist's study finds that programs like Coordinated Approach to Child Health offer the biggest bang for the buck, while others like walking school buses are ineffective. The researcher argues that government spending should focus on cost-effective initiatives to combat childhood obesity.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that women taking estrogen plus progestin hormone replacement therapy for 10 or more years have a 50% increased risk of developing lung cancer compared to non-users. The study also suggests that duration of use is associated with an advanced stage of cancer at diagnosis.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that surgical treatment soon after a biceps injury leads to faster and more complete recoveries. The study revealed that surgery offers significant improvements in elbow flexion and supination, with upper extremity endurance also enhanced.
Lieberman-Aiden's innovations include the 'Hi-C' method for three-dimensional genome sequencing, enabling new understanding of cell state, genetic regulation and disease. He also developed iShoe technology to diagnose balance disorders in the elderly, showcasing his groundbreaking work across genomics, linguistics and more.
Jennifer C. Hirsch, M.D., M.S., receives the Nina Starr Braunwald award for her work developing an assessment tool for infants' sensory and motor skills following congenital heart defects surgery. The award supports research and education for women in cardiac surgery.
Researchers found that lung cancer patients with optimistic attitudes had a six-month survival advantage over those with pessimistic attitudes. This study builds on existing research to investigate the effect of patient attitudes on outcomes in oncology populations.
Researchers will embed wireless sensors in residences of 50 older adults to detect subtle changes in everyday activities that indicate the onset of dementia or physical infirmities. The goal is to identify early decline and provide timely interventions to prevent institutionalization.
The discovery of Asilisaurus kongwe, a dinosaur-like animal, pushes back the age of known dinosaurs by 10 million years. Fossil evidence suggests that silesaurs, close relatives of dinosaurs, may have diverged from common ancestors by 240 million years ago.
Dr. Diggle's research focuses on the ability of pathogenic bacteria to coordinate cooperative behaviours to exploit their hosts. His work has been published in top journals Nature and Current Biology, and he will deliver a key lecture at the Society for General Microbiology Spring Meeting
Researchers at Charles Drew University and UC Irvine will develop a mobile app to collect daily observations on low-birth-weight babies and their parents. The system aims to improve healthcare outcomes by enabling earlier diagnoses and better quality of care.
Researchers identified two biomarkers in the blood that may accurately predict the spread of colon cancer, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment. The study found these biomarkers were significantly higher in metastatic cells than primary tumor cells.
A new HIV vaccine strategy, called 'mosaic vaccines,' has shown promise in expanding immune responses in rhesus monkeys. The approach uses computational methods to create small sets of highly variable artificial viral proteins that stimulate a strong immune response against the diverse forms of HIV.
Researchers identified a new drug target to inhibit genes vital for leukaemia cell growth, which could prevent disease progression. Targeting Stat5 may provide a novel therapeutic approach for treating acute and chronic leukaemias.
An editorial in NEJM suggests that norepinephrine is a safer option than dopamine for stabilizing blood pressure in shock patients, citing a European clinical trial. The study found no overall difference in death rates between the two treatments, but higher mortality rates in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with dopamine.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association rapid access journal report found that frequent exposure to secondhand smoke among 13-year-olds is associated with increased blood vessel wall thickness and functioning problems. This increases the risk of future blood vessel hardening and other heart disease factors.
A large 'red tide' is expected in the New England region this spring, posing a threat to the local shellfish industry. The prediction is based on a higher-than-usual abundance of cysts from the toxic alga Alexandrium fundyense on the seafloor.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that freezing breast tumors using cryoablation kills the cancer and generates an immune response that helps stop its spread, leading to improved survival rates. The rapid freezing technique appears to be more effective than slower techniques in killing metastases and improving survival.
Scientists discover a disused SCUBA tank filled with air in 1968, extending the longest record of greenhouse gases in the Southern Hemisphere. The find uses archived data to analyze propellants, refrigerants and aluminium smelter emissions not widely used in Melbourne at that time.
A Virginia Tech study found that women are more affected by air pollution during marathons due to their smaller tracheas, which can cause irritation. Higher levels of particulate matter in the air were associated with slower running times for women compared to men, who showed no significant impact.
A pilot study found that a college course focused on social issues related to food resulted in healthier diets than traditional health-focused courses. Students who took the 'Food and Society' course reported an improvement in their healthful eating diet score, increased vegetable consumption, and decreased high-fat dairy consumption.
Scientists have developed a new model using sea squirts to test anti-Alzheimer's drugs, which could lead to breakthroughs in disease treatment. The study found that dosing sea squirt tadpoles with a mutant protein resulted in aggressive plaque development and behavioral defects, which were reversed by an experimental drug.
A new tool has been developed to analyze and manage a wide range of ecological services in agricultural ecosystems. Ecosystems that maximize agriculture tend to have fewer hidden ecosystem services, such as water purification and climate moderation, compared to more diverse landscapes.