Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered how Mexican blind cavefish evolved adaptations to compensate for their loss of vision, including an enhanced vibration attraction behavior to detect food sources. This study provides new insights into the link between behavior, genetics, and evolution in these unique organisms.
A five-year analysis of Australian news stories found that stories written by specialist health journalists working for a single media outlet were of higher quality than those written by less experienced writers. The study highlights the importance of this source of health literacy as traditional media faces financial challenges.
Researchers are calling for a new focus on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic disorder causing sudden death in young people. A task force of cardiologists and cardiac biologists recommends studying the natural history of HCM, defining all genetic causes, supporting clinical trials, and preventing mutant gene expression.
Research in 30 countries found substantial inequalities in maternal and newborn health, as well as access to healthcare. The study identifies two main patterns of urban inequality in developing countries, highlighting the need for improved access to care.
A study of 71,243 Chinese women aged 40-70 found that those with higher cumulative scores for healthy lifestyle factors had a 43% lower risk of all-cause mortality. The strongest association was with cardiovascular disease deaths.
Four new studies reveal global fisheries' significant economic contribution of $225-$240 billion per year, while also highlighting the devastating impact of overfishing. The research shows that healthier fisheries could have prevented malnourishment in nearly 20 million people in poorer countries.
Researchers seek to replace lead-based PZT with a more environmentally friendly alternative that enables new applications in biological settings. Dragan Damjanovic proposes a novel approach based on polarization rotation and extension, which could lead to improved piezoelectric materials.
A study of residents found that 60% worked while sick at least once during the academic year, with 31% doing so more than once. Presenteeism can lead to exposure of patients and colleagues to communicable disease.
The commentary calls for a core medical school course that incorporates health policy, ethics, and evidence-based medicine to reflect economic influences on clinical decisions. This approach aims to improve physicians' critical capacity to assess factors affecting their decisions, as well as their social and ethical implications.
The Center for Astrophysics (CfA) will play a major role in NASA's Solar Probe Plus mission by deploying the Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) Investigation. SWEAP will directly sample the Sun's outer atmosphere, providing unprecedented insights into the Sun's effects on the solar system.
Researchers identified molecular changes and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with restrictive ventricular septal defect, a seemingly benign congenital heart disease. Early detection and treatment may prevent future complications and improve outcomes for these patients.
Researchers investigated whether recent experiences with clinical problems lead to availability bias, a key contributor to diagnostic errors. Structured re-analysis of case findings was found to counteract this bias and improve diagnostic accuracy.
A study by Michigan State University sociologist Aaron M. McCright found that women are more likely to believe in the scientific consensus on global warming than men. The research challenges common perceptions that men are more scientifically literate and suggests gender socialization as a possible explanation for the gender divide.
A study by University of Illinois College of Medicine researchers found that the order of third-year core clerkships affects performance on subject exams and overall grades. Internal medicine as the first clerkship was strongly associated with better outcomes, but not clinical performance or USMLE scores.
Studies have shown that hybrid cars achieve up to twice the efficiency in city driving, resulting in significant fuel consumption and CO2 emission reductions. Natural gas fueled vehicles also offer a comparable alternative with additional economy benefits.
Researchers at ASU's Biodesign Institute have developed new technologies to create a potential therapeutic that can protect soldiers against an unknown pathogen in just 7 days, significantly reducing the time needed for production. The project aims to utilize synthetic antibodies or synbodies to rapidly construct a custom-tailored ther...
A new study by the American Lung Association finds that helping smokers quit saves lives and offers significant economic benefits to states. States can expect a 26% return on investment for every dollar spent on smoking cessation treatments, with some states receiving even higher returns.
A new task force report reveals a possible connection between long-term bisphosphonate use and atypical femur fractures. The report recommends additional product labeling, international patient registry, and research to determine the relationship between the two.
A Mayo Clinic study of 4,400 medical students reveals that burnout is widespread and associated with dishonest behavior in patient care. Burned-out students were less likely to hold altruistic attitudes towards their role in society.
A study of US resident physicians found that reminding them of the sacrifices made for education increased the acceptance of gifts from industry. Most residents disagreed with suggested rationalization, but exposure to it further normalized gift perception.
Researchers have identified neuroimaging abnormalities in patients with rapid-eye-movement sleep behaviour disorder that predict the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found decreased striatal dopamine transporters uptake and midbrain hyperechogenicity to be risk factors for developing Parkinson's disease, dementia wi...
A new tool developed by Elizabeth Poposki measures preference for multitasking, which may help employers identify employees who can handle job demands without burnout. The study found that individuals who prefer to work on multiple tasks simultaneously enjoy the experience of multitasking more.
A new monoclonal antibody, RAB-1, has shown promising results in a Phase 1 study, achieving protective antibody levels comparable to the current standard of treatment. The therapy could potentially save tens of thousands of lives annually by addressing supply problems and side-effect issues associated with human rabies immune globulin.
A new study estimated human activities' impact on the North East Atlantic deep seafloor, finding bottom trawling has a greater physical footprint than other major activities. The research highlights the need for better data collection and management to protect seafloor ecosystems.
The CUNY Energy Institute has been awarded two grants totaling $4.6 million to develop low-cost, long-lasting energy storage systems and new capacitors for solid-state lighting. The projects aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce the need for excess generating capacity, enabling grid-scale energy storage.
Researchers from University of Houston team up with top institutions to develop approaches for improving reading comprehension skills among middle and high school students. The $20 million grant aims to provide clear guidance to teachers and schools about cognitive and motivational processes contributing to student reading.
A U-M study reveals that 53.3% of medical students with high depressive symptoms worry revealing their illness will be risky, while 62% believe seeking help means inadequate coping skills. The results highlight a concerning level of intolerance towards depression among medical peers.
Astronomers have found evidence for stellar cannibalism in the star BP Piscium, which appears to be an old red giant. The discovery suggests that stars like our Sun may engulf companion stars or planets as they age.
A study found that fourth-year medical students who participated in an educational intervention were more likely to seek, identify, and incorporate into care patient circumstances requiring variation from standard care. The intervention improved their skills in identifying patient context and decreasing contextual errors.
Leading international scientists propose a new approach to marine tenure to reverse the 'tragedy of the commons' and restore fish stocks. A successful experiment in Chile shows that co-operative models for fishery management can improve sustainability.
System 92L is developing a tropical depression signature with organized showers and thunderstorms. The system has a 40% chance of becoming a tropical depression over the next couple of days, posing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides in the Caribbean region.
A three-year grant from NIH will fund a UChicago-Argonne team developing single-cell confinement technology for cultivating microbes in the human gut microbiome. This project aims to overcome traditional cultivation limitations and target poorly understood sulfur-reducing bacteria associated with ulcerative colitis.
A study conducted by a joint team of researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found significant disparities in skin cancer knowledge among male and female medical students in Florida. The study revealed that men had lower knowledge levels, less appreciation for sun protec...
Researchers at VCU have identified a potential risk gene for schizophrenia, CMYA5, associated with cardiomyopathy. The study involved over 33,000 participants and verified the findings through multiple independent samples.
A Texas A&M University oceanographer is studying the impact of subsurface hydrocarbons near the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The research aims to understand the fate of the oil, its effects on marine life, and the role of methane in the global carbon cycle.
The Arizona State University Center for Photonics Innovation will focus on semiconductor photonic materials and devices, with applications in various fields. The center aims to engage researchers from diverse specialties, promote entrepreneurship development, and provide opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.
The ALIAS project, a three-year, 3.87-million-euro initiative, seeks to develop adaptable robots capable of serving as safe assistants for elderly people. The robots will monitor home environments, provide cognitive assistance, and facilitate social contacts, aiming to improve quality of life.
The Society for Nutrition Education honored several members for their outstanding work in nutrition education, including Suzanne Pelican for her 'WIN the Rockies' program. Mary Murimi received the SNE Mid-Career Award for her contributions to nutrition education and her leadership roles within the organization.
Researchers identified a novel structure in cells that serves as a control switch in the body's system for eliminating damaged cells, offering new therapeutic potential. Small molecules can regulate p53 protein production and protect healthy tissue from damage caused by radiation, chemotherapy, or other factors.
Researchers found that brain stimulation therapy improved motor function in 95% of patients with mild to moderate muscle weakness after an ischemic stroke. The treatment, using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), rebalances brain activity between the affected and unaffected hemispheres.
The Journal will provide a strong multidisciplinary forum to advance the understanding of therapeutic hypothermia. Novel findings from translational preclinical investigations as well as clinical studies and trials will be featured in original articles.
Researchers found hundreds of rhododendron species could be derived from hybrids, explaining rich biodiversity and ancient cross-breeding. Ancient pairings of wild plants led to development of new species over millions of years.
A University of Florida study found that only a third of respondents were upset by racial sentiments, while two-thirds took pride in a black candidate's ability to win the nomination and presidency. The study suggests that racism is still present but not as significant a factor in politics as it might be in other areas.
Researchers discovered an indirect approach to reducing JAK2 activity by targeting HSP90, which stabilized JAK2. This treatment normalized blood counts and improved survival in mouse models of myeloproliferative neoplasms. Inhibiting c-Met also decreased mTOR signaling and blocked cyst formation in a mouse model of autosomal dominant p...
Researchers found that video game players develop a heightened sensitivity to their surroundings, improving skills like multitasking and driving. They were up to 25% faster at making quick decisions than non-gamers.
A study published in CMAJ found that early surgery within 24-72 hours reduces the risk of death and postoperative complications. Hip fractures are associated with a mortality rate of 14 to 36%, but early surgery can decrease this risk.
Researchers have discovered two coordinated dance moves performed by skeletons inside neurons during long-term potentiation, a process linked to learning and memory. This finding provides insight into developmental disorders such as Williams syndrome, which affects cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
A team of UC Davis scientists discovered a novel mechanism behind Vioxx's link to heart attacks and strokes, finding that the drug increases a regulatory lipid that contributes to cardiovascular events. The research may pave the way for safer coxibs for millions of arthritis patients.
Researchers find a crucial protein involved in immune response also plays a role in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) progression. Suppressing the protein's activity eliminates leukemic cells, paving the way for potential new treatments.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified a novel molecular pathway underlying Parkinson's disease, which involves polyamines and toxic proteins in neurons. The study suggests that polyamine-lowering drugs may be able to slow the disease's progression and potentially lead to early detection tests.
Scientists from Oxford University found that Alpine pennycress plants accumulate zinc, nickel, and cadmium to defend against bacterial infection. The study demonstrates a direct link between metal concentrations and resistance to disease.
The USGI medical tissue anchors have demonstrated long-term durability beyond 1 year in various incisionless gastrointestinal procedures. The anchors enable surgeons to perform scarless surgeries through the mouth, reducing pain and hospital stays. No serious adverse events were reported during the 24-month follow-up endoscopies.
Scientists have identified two plant enzymes that make it easier to extract sugars from wood, straw, and other non-edible parts of plants. This breakthrough can lead to more efficient and sustainable production of biofuels with lower impact on the food chain.
Researchers identify hyperactive c-Met protein as key player in ADPKD cyst growth, leading to potential therapeutic target. Pharmacological inhibition of c-Met decreases mTOR activity and blocks cyst formation in mouse model.
CD82 and CD9 proteins are found to suppress tumor metastasis by releasing beta-catenin in exosomes, thereby inhibiting Wnt signaling. This mechanism may be compromised in certain cancers, where Wnt signaling is hyperactive.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a new approach to treating polycystic kidney disease by inhibiting c-Met receptor activity, reducing cyst size and number. The compound showed promise in animal models, potentially leading to clinical trials in humans.
Research reveals that farm management choices significantly influence arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi distribution, with organic farming showing higher AMF richness. This understanding can improve crop production and promote sustainable agricultural practices to address food security and climate change challenges.
Dr. Bogdan Strimbu, a Louisiana Tech University professor, organized a technical session at the IUFRO's XXIII World Congress in Seoul, South Korea. The session focused on the significance of mixed species forest ecosystems in social, economic and environmental areas.
Healthcare professionals need specialized training to deliver end-of-life discussions, while a network of colleagues provides ongoing support for communication and decision-making. This approach helps sustain terminally ill patients and their loved ones, rather than leaving them feeling abandoned or overwhelmed.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that overexpressing microRNA-21 promotes the formation, growth and survival of new tumors in mice with non-small-cell lung cancer. The study suggests that inhibiting miR-21 could be a therapeutic approach to treating the disease.