Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute have identified synthetic compounds that can mimic the effects of plant hormone abscisic acid, helping plants retain water during drought. These findings could lead to sprays that use a plant's natural defenses to improve drought tolerance and combat global food shortages.
Dr. Eric Deemer's $312,000 NSF grant aims to understand how stereotype threat affects women's motivation in science. The study will inform practical recommendations for pedagogical and career intervention strategies.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that front-line hotel employees who are envious of their co-workers' relationships with supervisors are less likely to help or volunteer for additional duties. Envy can create a hostile work environment and negatively impact customer satisfaction, the study suggests.
The AAO-HNSF miniseminars discussed presbycusis, a growing concern for older adults with hearing loss. The researchers also presented new medullary thyroid cancer guidelines, highlighting the need for familiarity with unique diagnostic and treatment paradigms. Additionally, safety concerns in pediatric ambulatory surgery were emphasized.
The Mayo Clinic Center for Social Media has launched a global Social Media Health Network, bringing together institutions from around the world to harness the power of social media in healthcare. The network aims to share best practices, develop training resources and facilitate growth of social media programs.
Researchers have found a gene associated with aggressive skin cancer, INPP5A, which could predict its onset and track its progression. The study suggests that targeting this gene may provide new ways to prevent and treat cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
A recent study by Professor Sonia Ghumman at the University of Hawaii at Manoa found that Muslim women who wear hijabs face significant workplace discrimination in the US. The survey revealed that 22% of respondents were personally denied work due to their attire, highlighting a pervasive issue of religious intolerance.
Tropical Depression 16 has strengthened due to cold cloud top temperatures, indicating stronger thunderstorms. The storm is expected to bring heavy rains and squally conditions to the Caribbean before moving towards Florida.
Scientists estimate that at least 183 million Americans have immunity to the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus due to exposure or vaccination. They predict the virus will persist in a form causing relatively few deaths, but caution against complacency and urge influenza vaccination for all ages.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests that infant immunity to hepatitis B lasts for at least 5 years after primary vaccination, making booster shots unnecessary. The research, led by Alessandro Zanetti, found that children vaccinated with hexavac maintained protective antibody levels for over 5 years.
Researchers detect five types of pharmaceuticals in Donana's waters, including anti-inflammatory drugs and hormones. The study suggests advanced technologies can remove these compounds from urban waste water.
Researchers found that individuals who don't speak English at home are less likely to receive colorectal cancer screenings compared to those who do. The study suggests that patient-provider language barriers and unmeasured differences in patient characteristics contribute to disparities in health care access.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found a positive correlation between investor risk tolerance and stock market returns, indicating investors buy stocks at high prices and sell at low prices. Improved financial education is recommended to help Americans overcome biases in investment decisions.
The study compares and contrasts various global PTSD treatment guidelines, highlighting differences that can lead to confusion. The researchers emphasize the importance of trauma-focused psychological interventions as the most effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder.
Researchers from the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp successfully restored a sleeping sickness parasite's susceptibility to drugs, potentially alleviating economic losses. The discovery involves combining antibiotics with an existing medicine, ISM, which could lead to more effective treatments for both cattle and humans.
A novel nanoscale protein measurement technology, NIA, can be used in clinical trials to learn how drugs work and tailor therapy for each patient. The test distinguishes tumor cells from normal cells using protein profiles in the RAS and MAP kinase pathways.
Engineered 'firefly' stem cells can help repair damaged hearts without cutting into patients' chests. Researchers can now track the cells' progress using a special camera lens that picks up the glow under a microscope.
A new species of parasitic wasp, Eurytoma erythrinae, has been released in Hawaii to combat the invasive Erythrina gall wasp, which harms endemic wiliwili trees. The parasite's high success rate has led to significant declines in tree damage.
The PLoS Medicine Editorial argues that drug companies' human rights responsibilities have not been adequately addressed, despite the need to make medicines available to those in need. The editorial highlights the importance of accountability and calls for an external body to monitor pharmaceutical companies' policies and practices.
A new study by USC researchers found that stressed men have diminished brain activity in regions responsible for understanding others' feelings, whereas stressed women show increased coordination. This sex difference is linked to the effects of stress on social behavior and empathy.
A study found that nearly three-quarters of pancreatic cancer tumours have high levels of a protein called P110γ, which could provide a new target for treatments. Blocking this protein stopped cancer cell growth in laboratory experiments.
A new study found that mice subjected to early weaning and maternal separation exhibited long-lasting hyperactivity and anxiety. The researchers hope to use this model to investigate the effects of childhood neglect on human behavior.
University of Michigan scientists have developed a new nanostructuring technology that enables the creation of ultra-small pixels for energy-efficient displays. The technology uses plasmonic structures to trap and transmit light, reducing absorption loss and increasing the efficiency of LED displays.
A Spanish study reveals that combining noise and chemical contaminants can exacerbate hearing loss in workers. While protective masks can filter particles, they have limited effect on toxic gas molecules.
Yang Hong's project aims to increase Pakistan's capacity to reduce natural disaster risks through training, research, and early warning systems. The goal is to strengthen the country's flood risk assessment and management system, supporting vulnerable communities.
A Phase I study has begun to evaluate a combination DNA prime/MVA vector boost vaccine regimen to protect against diverse subtypes of HIV-1. The study will enroll 92 participants and test two intramuscular delivery methods for the DNA prime, Biojector 2000 and CELLECTRA EP, to compare their effects on immune response.
A WCS study found that higher temperatures and rainfall in Argentina result in more parasitic fly larvae, leading to increased mortality and impaired growth for chicks. The researchers also found a positive correlation between climate variables and parasite loads on nestlings.
Researchers have identified a single biomarker that may predict resistance to tivozanib in patients with kidney and breast cancer. The biomarker reflects the presence of white blood cells inside tumors and is associated with clinical activity.
A population-based survey by Pitt's UCSUR found that African American seniors are twice as likely to be mentally abused and five times more susceptible to financial exploitation than elders of other races. The study collected data from face-to-face and telephone interviews with senior citizens in Pennsylvania's Allegheny County.
Individual cancer-causing mutations have a minor effect on tumor growth, increasing cell division rates and contributing to the accumulation of multiple mutations. The research suggests that significant tumor growth requires the slow accumulation of multiple mutations over years, explaining why many cancer-driving mutations are needed.
A randomized trial of chest physiotherapy in infants hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis found no reduction in recovery time. The study suggests that routine chest physiotherapy may not be necessary for this population.
The Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) supports the administration of epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis by trained non-medical professionals in emergency situations. This practice is recommended for organizations with staff who provide first aid, particularly those working with students at risk for anaphylaxis.
A crowdsourcing experiment, called the Challenge, has selected 12 pioneering ideas for attacking Type 1 Diabetes. These ideas were proposed by a diverse group of people, including patients, students, and researchers from various backgrounds.
A new study found that playing white noise in class can improve the memory of schoolchildren with difficulties in paying attention. The researchers discovered a significant improvement in performance for inattentive children and a decline in performance for attentive ones as noise levels increased.
The annual Stem Cells Young Investigator Award is presented to a young scientist who published an important paper in the journal. The award recognizes innovative young investigators making significant contributions to stem cell biology and applications.
Researchers from USDA's Agricultural Research Service found that subsurface injection of liquid manure can reduce ammonia emissions from dairy farms by 65% compared to surface broadcasting or shallow incorporation. This method limits manure nitrogen losses from volatilization, improving air quality and soil health.
Researchers found that over 70% of particulates released during fires are ultrafine and can be inhaled into the lungs. Firefighters are at a higher risk of heart disease due to exposure to these harmful particles, particularly those with low physical fitness or health.
Researchers have discovered 19-million-year-old genomic fossils of hepatitis B-like viruses in songbirds, revealing a long-dated history of these viruses. The study provides new insights into the evolution of hepadnaviruses and their potential role in predicting human viral pandemics.
Researchers presented studies on safe outpatient total thyroidectomy using a serum parathyroid hormone-based discharge algorithm, as well as the potential benefits of statins in treating chronic rhinosinusitis. Additionally, a study examined the impact of mobile phone use on auditory health and found increased risk of cochlea damage. O...
A new study published in Radiology suggests that radiologists can predict cardiovascular disease using incidental findings from routine CT scans. The study found that aortic calcifications were highly predictive of future cardiovascular events, and developed prediction models to identify patients at high risk.
Researchers identified 79 microRNAs linked to bladder cancer, showing promise for early detection through existing laboratory tests. The new method measures microRNA presence or absence in bodily fluids with high accuracy, comparable to current gold standard testing.
A team of scientists from Mayo Clinic, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and J. Craig Venter Institute are investigating the relationship between vaginal microbiota and preterm birth. They aim to identify microbial risk predictors for preterm birth using genomic information from the Human Microbiome Project.
The Program for Fertility Preservation at Women & Infants Hospital offers fertility preservation options to young cancer survivors, including freezing ovarian tissue and eggs for future use. This experimental program aims to provide hope and promise of fertility to those affected by childhood cancer.
A Concordia University study found that loners and antisocial kids who reject others are often bullied at school as a way to control renegades. The research team identified dominant children who use relational aggression to maintain their social status.
Researchers identified insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) overexpression in 25% of triple-negative breast cancers, correlated with gene amplification. IGF-1R blockade has been successful in sarcomas, and targeting this receptor may offer new therapeutic options for triple-negative breast cancer.
Researchers have developed tiny devices that convert waste heat into electricity using pyroelectric nanowires. The devices can generate an electrical current in response to temperature changes, offering a potential solution for powering small devices and biological applications.
Researchers have successfully slipped silver nanoparticles cloaked in HIV protein into the nucleus of cells, where they can detect subtle light signals and deliver payloads. This innovation has potential implications for disease treatment and basic scientific research.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pooled nucleic acid amplification testing is not cost-effective at recommended antibody testing intervals, except for clinics serving men who have sex with men. However, decreasing the antibody testing interval to 6 months or 5 years made it cost-saving in all settings.
A team of McGill University researchers has developed a method to study energy transport along individual conductive polymer molecules, enabling the development of new technologies. By visualizing energy transport in various conformations, they aim to improve sensors and hybrid organic-inorganic light harvesting materials for solar cells.
Targeting c-Met shows promise in treating HCC patients with positive tumors, according to a study. c-Met is overexpressed in metastatic liver cancer cells, driving growth and invasion.
A University of Montreal study found that teenagers who are well-accepted and sensitive to social codes are more likely to consume drugs and alcohol. The study, which tracked over 500 students from ages 10 to 15, showed a two-fold increase in consumption among the most popular kids with very popular friends.
Researchers have developed a biomarker panel that distinguishes prostate cancer from benign prostate disease and healthy tissue with high accuracy. The panel uses autoantibodies to identify proteins on the surface of cancer cells, enabling early diagnosis and potentially increasing cure rates.
Researchers found that downloadable LIA software reduces inappropriate shocks by 46% in patients with fractured leads. The study demonstrates the possibility of making other improvements to devices while they're implanted.
Dr. Casaburi will receive the award on Oct. 8 at the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's annual meeting in Milwaukee, recognizing his many contributions to the field of respiratory research and pulmonary rehabilitation. He is a leading researcher at LA BioMed, directing the Rehabilitation Clinical Tria...
A Mayo Clinic collaboration identified four genetic variants on chromosome 14 associated with aromatase inhibitor-induced arthritis. These findings provide a new clue for identifying women at risk and developing treatments, allowing more women to take lifesaving breast cancer therapy.
A comprehensive review of 10 studies involving 711 patients found no evidence that acupuncture aids in stroke recovery. The researchers concluded that the existing evidence is negative, calling for large-scale trials to better understand its effects.
The grant aims to strengthen Louisiana's biomedical research infrastructure and workforce by connecting undergraduate universities with research-intensive institutions. The program will provide research opportunities for students and faculty, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and increasing the state's research competitiveness.
Lima bean plants produce extrafloral nectar to attract ants, which defend against herbivores. Red light influences the production of this nectar through phytochrome, a photoreceptor that regulates the signaling molecule jasmonic acid. This light-dependent regulation enhances defense when herbivory is most likely.
A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals that streams in the Midwest are contaminated with insecticidal proteins from genetically modified corn, which can persist in the landscape. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of agricultural practices on freshwater ecosystems.
A new technique allows for fast and accurate detection of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and rock using a portable infrared spectrometer. This method reduces labor-intensive sampling and processing requirements, saving time and costs associated with assessing and remediating contaminated sites.