African children with sickle-cell disease are at increased risk of bacterial illness, especially invasive pneumococcal disease. Vaccines against pneumococcus can improve quality of life and save lives among these vulnerable children.
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology found that deep brain stimulation improves quality of life, mobility, and activities of daily living in advanced Parkinson's disease patients, while also reducing dyskinesia and off time. However, the procedure carried a higher risk of serious adverse events.
The National Cancer Institute Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer is making significant progress, promising earlier disease diagnosis, targeted treatments, and improved survival rates.
Studies find that civic engagement is associated with lower violent crime rates and all-cause mortality rates in communities. A robust civic climate, including institutions like churches and civic associations, and mechanisms like voting, is key to understanding community social problems.
Researchers discovered water ice and organic molecules on asteroid 24 Themis, suggesting it may have delivered water to Earth 4 billion years ago. The findings support the theory that asteroids could have brought water to our planet after its formation.
Almost 50% of AIDS patients died from AIDS, but non-AIDS related deaths increased after four years of treatment with ART. Lifestyle-related causes like suicide and liver disease were common non-AIDS deaths.
Researchers at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics are developing a genetic test to predict hyperbilirubinemia, which causes 85% of hospital readmissions in newborns. The test also identifies genetic markers that determine the effectiveness of steroid therapy for asthma patients.
A recent study published in Nature found that rapidly melting sea ice is a major cause of warming in the Arctic. The research, conducted by the University of Melbourne, discovered a positive feedback loop between sea ice melting and atmospheric warming, leading to increased warming rates in the region.
Researchers found evidence of four 'megafloods' in Glacial Lake Atna, which breached ice dams and released up to 1,400 cubic kilometers of water. The floods formed massive dunes over 110 feet high, with some still visible on topographical maps.
Eliminating malaria from Hispaniola would demonstrate the feasibility of global eradication efforts. The authors recommend advanced mosquito control methods, diagnosis systems, and community education to combat the parasite. Success requires unwavering political will from both governments.
Researchers at NIST and Georgia Tech have developed a new technique to analyze multilayer graphene, revealing the rotational orientation of graphene sheets and mapping stress fields. The method uses atomic scale moiré patterns to measure strain in graphene layers with high sensitivity.
A new method has been developed to predict which women with DCIS are at high risk of developing more invasive tumors. The study found that two factors - the method of detection and biomarker expression - can identify patients who are most likely to develop invasive cancer within eight years.
Experts will present on techniques using digital technology to separate conjoined twins, develop facial prostheses, and analyze anthropologic specimens. The symposium aims to enhance outcomes through the use of digital tools, such as radiographic data and tactile medical modeling.
The gypsy moth continues to spread across the US, resistant to effective pesticides. Despite decades of pesticide use, the insect remains a threat to forests and urban landscapes.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a synthetic enzyme that can selectively bind with proteins and attach tags for identification. The method has shown promise in identifying signaling proteins involved in health and disease, including those related to cancer.
A daily dose of specific vitamin E significantly improved NASH features in adults, while Actos showed promise but was associated with weight gain. Researchers acknowledge the need for long-term treatment and monitoring to assess benefits and risks.
Researchers from the University of Granada developed new farmland afforestation techniques that enhance young plant survival and development in Mediterranean environments. These techniques focus on relationships between land and plant to promote successful implementation of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.
Researchers found that combining regional hyperthermia with chemotherapy increases local progression-free and disease-free survival rates in high-risk sarcoma patients. The treatment has shown promise, but the safety profile remains a concern.
The reports examine the implications of producing biofuels from various sources, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural systems. Sustainable biofuels are based on production that does not negatively affect ecosystem health, and options include thermochemical, biochemical, and direct combustion methods.
A study by Cornell Food and Brand Lab found that people who ate organic cookies labeled as organic believed they contained 40% fewer calories than the same cookies without a label. This phenomenon is known as a 'health halo,' leading consumers to overeat.
A team of researchers at NIST developed methods to accurately measure the length of nanopores, which could enable rapid DNA analysis. They created 'molecular rulers' using exotic techniques, including a molecular-scale version of ice fishing, to calibrate tailor-made nanopores.
A systematic review of the literature found that uninsured patients are less likely to receive critical care services and face worse clinical outcomes. Uninsured patients were also more likely to experience discharge delays and have life support withdrawn.
A review of available breast cancer risk assessment tools reveals their limitations, particularly in assessing individual risks. The models rely heavily on known risk factors, with up to 60% of breast cancers arising without them.
Scientists sequenced the genome of the spontaneously hypertensive rat to understand causes of human hypertension. The study identified 788 genes mutated in SHR, including those related to ion transport and immunological processes, which may be causally associated with the disease.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are studying the feasibility of placing large wind turbines on deep-ocean platforms. The project aims to assess the potential for offshore wind power generation in the United States, which could fill a significant portion of coastal states' electricity needs.
A researcher at North Carolina State University has developed a revolutionary computer chip storing an entire library's worth of information on a single square inch. The breakthrough uses magnetic nanodots, allowing for precise orientation and reliable data reading/writing.
A recent study by researchers at UCLA Health Sciences has found that over a third of drinkers aged 60 and older consume excessive amounts of alcohol, posing health risks. The study also highlights demographic factors, such as age, education level, and income, that contribute to at-risk drinking among the elderly.
A NIST research team has found that using volumetrics can improve the accuracy of CT scans for diagnosing lung cancer, allowing physicians to notice smaller volume changes. This method could potentially cut diagnosis time from six months to four weeks.
Michigan State University has established a new Center for Women's Health and Reproduction Research with $6.8 million in funding from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Asgi T. Fazleabas, a leading infertility researcher, will lead the center and bring expertise to women's reproductive health.
Scientists have successfully applied optical coherence tomography (OCT) to analyze the layers of easel paintings, revealing evidence of forged signatures and alterations. This non-invasive technique overcomes previous limitations, offering a new way for art conservators to detect changes in artworks.
A recent MS study analyzed identical twins to identify environmental factors contributing to the disease. The research found that environmental factors play a significant role in multiple sclerosis development, with genes influencing but not determining individual susceptibility.
Research published in BioMed Central's Population Health Metrics journal found Canadians live longer and healthier lives compared to Americans. Canada's universal healthcare system and lower levels of poverty contribute to the disparity in life expectancy between the two countries.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that identifies the top 10 locations for tsunami detection buoys and sea-level monitors in the Indian Ocean. This could save time and money, as well as provide warning to more people in the event of a devastating tsunami.
Researchers found that the brain's frontal cortex plays a key role in processing abstract knowledge, enabling individuals to adapt behaviors based on past learning. The study used fMRI to investigate how the brain achieves flexibility in solving unfamiliar problems.
Research suggests that epigenetics plays a key role in the development of degenerative diseases. Environmental influences can alter gene expression, which can be passed on to offspring and impact life and death. HDAC inhibitors, found in foods like broccoli and garlic, may help prevent cancer by silencing tumor suppressor genes.
The developing world is projected to generate twice as much electronic waste (e-waste) as developed countries by 2030, with 400-700 million PCs discarded annually. Technological advances have led to a rapid decline in consumer electronics lifespan, prompting concerns about environmentally safe disposal methods.
A weed calculator developed by ARS scientist Matt Rinella predicts that eliminating leafy spurge and spotted knapweed could raise up to 200,000 cows a year in the western US. The calculator allows ranchers to estimate weeds' economic impact and make informed management decisions.
A new study by University of Missouri researchers found that fibromyalgia diagnoses can trigger increased emotional withdrawal, mental strain, and marital instability in both the diagnosed spouse and their partner. The condition is linked to higher levels of depression, fatigue, and feelings of helplessness.
Several FDA-approved vaccines are effective in protecting women against cervical cancer-causing HPVs, which can be transmitted through sexual contact. The study found that nearly all U.S. states offer HPV vaccination to adolescent girls in juvenile justice facilities.
A new experimental model using pigs with a CF-causing gene mutation has provided valuable insights into the development of lung disease in people with cystic fibrosis. The study's findings suggest that infection precedes inflammation in CF lungs, supporting early and aggressive treatment to delay or prevent lung disease.
Researchers discovered the structure of dynamin, a protein that pinches off tiny pouches from cells' outer membranes, revealing how vesicles form and advancing knowledge of endocytosis. The findings may lead to better ways for delivering drugs.
Researchers from Oregon State University are exploring the link between epigenetics, diet, and disease prevention. They found that HDAC inhibitors, found in foods like broccoli and garlic, can stop degenerative processes and turn off tumor suppressor genes.
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.