Recent research on the Darfur conflict identifies diseases as the main cause of death, particularly diarrhoea, affecting displaced populations. Adequate humanitarian assistance is essential to prevent and treat these potentially fatal diseases.
Researchers found HIV reduces brain blood flow even among young patients, accelerating the aging process. Blood flow in HIV brains is comparable to that of uninfected individuals 15-20 years older.
A mussel-inspired sealant has been developed for repairing defects in human fetal membranes, showing promise as a biocompatible and effective solution. The sealant, inspired by the sticky properties of mussels, can seal tiny holes in the membrane without causing cell death.
Researchers developed a new technique to manage dams in the Columbia River basin for a warmer future climate. The approach reduced summer losses in hydropower due to climate change by about a quarter, while bolstering flows for fish and minimizing flooding.
The past year was tied for the second warmest since 1880, while January 2000 to December 2009 was the warmest decade on record. Global temperatures have increased by about 1.5 degrees F (0.8 degrees C) since 1880.
A study reveals that the absence of SIRT6 triggers a switch from cellular respiration to glycolysis, leading to increased glucose uptake and reduced mitochondrial energy production. This switch may contribute to tumor growth and provide new insights into treating type 2 diabetes.
A new five-year study will examine the connection between asthma symptoms, sleep quality, and academic performance in urban elementary school children aged 7-9. The researchers aim to understand how family and cultural risks contribute to these associations.
Researchers at University of Florida have developed a tiny new sensor that can detect glucose levels in the breath and pH levels, offering a potential solution for non-invasive diagnosis and treatment. The sensor is made from widely used technology already in cell phones and other devices, making it inexpensive to produce.
A new report from the Center for Services Leadership provides valuable insights on how top companies deliver exceptional customer service. Key findings include the importance of services in driving economies and the need for businesses to focus on creating and delivering customer-centric service solutions.
A groundbreaking study aims to quantify the carbon footprint of airport journeys and identify innovative ways to reduce emissions. The research, funded by EPSRC, will explore measures such as audio/video facilities, public transport hubs, and car-sharing services.
Researchers found that semi-arid forests can counteract global warming by absorbing and retaining heat, but this effect may be cancelled out by other processes. The 'air cooling' system in these forests efficiently reduces infrared radiation, leading to a net warming effect.
A study of college students found that wearing face masks and practicing hand hygiene reduced influenza-like symptoms by 35-51%. The use of hand sanitizer did not add significant benefit, suggesting that mask-wearing alone is enough to limit the spread of flu.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used zebrafish to identify novel compounds that selectively target bone-related diseases and cancer. By leveraging the zebrafish model, they discovered potent BMP inhibitors with improved selectivity, bypassing off-target effects.
Dr. Kilduff recognized for his role in discovering the neuropeptide hypocretin and developing therapeutics for sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and insomnia. He has published over 200 research papers and received funding from government agencies and private foundations.
Research at the University of California, San Diego, reveals that obesity is a tumor-promoting factor for liver cancer, primarily through chronic inflammation caused by cytokines like IL-6 and TNF. This effect may be preventable with anti-TNF drugs, which also reduce liver fat accumulation.
Researchers found a solid statistical link between higher concentrations of PFOA in blood and thyroid disease in adults. Individuals with the highest PFOA concentrations were more than twice as likely to report current thyroid disease.
A new scientific paper provides strong evidence that humans caused the extinction of Australia's megafauna, rather than climate change. Direct dating methods show that humans and megafauna co-existed for a short time, supporting the argument that hunting led to their demise.
Scientists recreated conditions for layer-by-layer crystalline growth using micron-sized particles, discovering that random motion affects crystal growth. The study's findings may lead to better control over the growth of thin films used in electronic component manufacturing.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified a novel mechanism that triggers brain damage during stroke, which they believe can be blocked using a high-potency reagent. This breakthrough may provide a new therapeutic target for stroke therapy, offering hope for patients affected by this devastating disease.
Researchers found Fusobacterium nucleatum in the lungs and stomach of a stillborn baby, linked to its mother's pregnancy-associated gum disease. The study suggests that oral bacteria can be transmitted from mother to fetus through the blood, emphasizing the importance of good oral health care during pregnancy.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that acute adverse reactions from gadolinium-based contrast agents used during MRI are rare, occurring in only 0.16 percent of all administrations. The majority of reactions were mild, while six moderate and two severe reactions were reported.
Biomedical scientists identify a way to block the 'cell death signal' that triggers brain damage during strokes. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets for stroke therapy and potentially improve treatments for other neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family examines the importance of fathers in child development, challenging the long-held assumption that children need both a mother and a father. The research found that children raised by same-sex parents do as well on average as those raised by opposite-sex parents.
Researchers have identified a new form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy caused by recessive ANO5 mutations, which lead to abnormal membrane repair of muscle fibers. This discovery may lead to better treatments for all muscular dystrophies where such abnormalities play a role.
Outfielders may not predict a ball's landing point based on its flight path, but instead track the ball's motion to catch it. The study found that outfielders adjust their movements depending on the ball's elevation angle and bearing.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified a new gene, DOR, that facilitates the formation of autophagosomes and plays a crucial role in the cellular recycling program. The study suggests potential avenues for developing new therapies for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases by modulating autophagy.
A study by NC State researchers found that a protein called TAB2 activates inflammation but also brings together molecules to turn it off. This finding challenges previous understanding of the protein's role in immune-system responses.
Researchers are exploring ways to increase iron and zinc quantities in white flour using high-intensity x-rays. This approach aims to develop nutritious grain varieties that can help address global dietary deficiencies.
A long-term study of over 1,000 New Zealanders found that children who later developed schizophrenia showed early cognitive deficits in verbal and visual learning, reasoning, and processing speed. These deficits persisted as they grew, with the children losing mental age at a rate comparable to those without schizophrenia.
Researchers from Oklahoma State University outline a teaching method that uses rapid computer game creation to bridge the digital divide. This approach circumvents traditional barriers to computing, such as prior knowledge of programming, and fosters critical and creative thinking skills.
A recent study found that mountain plant communities are susceptible to invasion by exotic species, contrary to previous beliefs. The research highlights the ease of propagule movement, low biological resistance, and increased transport between high-altitude areas as key factors contributing to these invasions.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology suggests that human running speeds can exceed 28 mph due to limitations imposed by muscle fiber contractile speed. Researchers found that elite sprinters' foot-ground contact times are brief, implying a biological limit on how quickly muscles can generate forces.
The Lancet Editorial highlights how aid agencies often prioritize their own interests over helping individuals, with a focus on raising funds and media coverage. This critique emphasizes the need to examine the industry's operations, beyond financial scrutiny.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that proper daily maintenance of central lines was key in preventing infections in children. The study showed a 43% drop in bloodstream infections from catheters by following simple rules for catheter care, including regular cleaning and hand washing.
The Nicotiana attenuata tobacco plant has developed a clever strategy to combat herbivorous caterpillars: it opens its flowers in the morning instead of at night. This change in flower phenology also attracts a new pollinator, the local hummingbird, which is satisfied with just nectar rewards.
A $1.4 million research collaboration aims to develop RFID technology to notify subway vehicles of track inspectors' exact location, enhancing worker safety. The project, involving McMaster University and industry partners, is expected to create up to 100 jobs upon successful completion.
Women in occupied Palestinian territory are more likely to experience intimate-partner violence if their husbands have been directly or indirectly exposed to political violence. The study found that economic effects of the occupation also contribute to this relationship.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered that corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a part in the pancreas, increasing insulin secretion and promoting beta cell division. This finding may provide new insights into diabetes, particularly type 1, and suggest novel targets for drug intervention.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that longer intervals between symptom onset and antiviral treatment were associated with more severe H1N1 disease necessitating ICU admission. People of First Nations ethnicity were also at a higher risk of severe H1N1 infection compared to other ethnic groups.
A new study published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association found that a higher degree of obesity increases the risk of stroke, regardless of race, gender, or how obesity is measured. The study analyzed data from 13,549 middle-aged men and women and found significant disparities in stroke rates between whites and blacks.
Researchers discovered that algae, specifically Karlodinium veneficum, emits toxins to stun and immobilize its prey, which could lead to new ways to slow bloom growth. By reducing nutrient load and promoting filter feeders like the Eastern oyster, blooms may be reduced.
A new study by Imperial College London discovered a virus called vaccinia spreading four times more quickly than previously believed. The virus uses a novel mechanism to spread rapidly between cells, making it harder to target with antiviral drugs.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that musculoskeletal issues are the leading cause of medical evacuation from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Psychiatric diagnoses also increased over four years, despite mental health teams. Most evacuated personnel do not return to duty.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a method to control crystal growth, enabling the creation of smooth crystalline films. These films are crucial for producing defect-free semiconductors, a key component in modern computers and cell phones.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests that limiting the depth of sedation during procedures could safely cut the risk of postoperative delirium by 50 percent. Lighter sedation was associated with a one-day reduction in the duration of delirium in those patients who still emerged from surgery confused and disoriented.
Researchers discovered that soil clings to precipitation after a dry summer and holds it tightly, preventing it from mixing with other water. This challenges conventional thinking on watershed function and has implications for understanding pollutant movement and nutrient transport.
The foundation provides three-year fellowships with $140,000 each to support groundbreaking projects in basic and translational cancer research. The recipients aim to pursue careers in cancer research by investigating key topics such as epigenetic alterations, protein function, and cellular behavior.
Researchers found that slime mold can self-organize into a nearly identical network to Tokyo's rail system, suggesting improved technological systems. The model captures the basic dynamics of network adaptability through interaction of local rules.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found a significant decline in US birth weights over the past 15 years, with full-term births averaging 79 grams less than expected. This trend is concerning, as low birth weight has been linked to increased risk of death and chronic diseases in adulthood.
A new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that digital mammography significantly lowers radiation doses (22%) compared to conventional film mammography. This reduction could be greater for women with larger and denser breasts, leading to improved cancer detection rates.
A large-scale population-based study found that specific sub-class of dihydropyridine cardiovascular medications decreased the risk of Parkinson's disease by 26-30%. The study suggests that these medications' ability to cross the blood-brain barrier may be key to their neuroprotective effects.
A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that sexually reproducing organisms accumulate fewer harmful DNA mutations than asexually reproducing ones. This suggests that sexual reproduction provides a protective advantage against genetic damage.
A study published in The Lancet found that non-battle-related disorders, such as musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, are the leading cause of medical evacuation from the front line. The study also identified factors associated with return to duty, including senior officer status and non-battle related injuries.
Researchers at Arizona State University and UC Irvine found varying fault movement in Carrizo Plain stream channels, contradicting previous assumptions of constant slip. This new information affects earthquake forecasting and understanding the potential for damaging earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault.
Researchers detected ocean internal tides using seismic imaging, revealing a new tool for studying ocean mixing. Meanwhile, Arctic ice was found to be 'rotten' due to uniform temperature, threatening marine ecosystems and climate science.
A new study found that older adults can effectively link relevant and irrelevant pieces of information together, granting them a memory advantage over younger counterparts. This hyper-binding ability allows older adults to retain more information from previous experiences.
Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a mechanism regulating vital immune functions in healthy individuals. A link between nutrition and immune defense was found via the insulin signaling pathway, with low insulin levels activating FOXO transcription factor to switch on immune defense proteins.
McGill researcher discovers a link between contaminated chicken and E. coli bacteria causing urinary tract infections in young women. The study highlights the need for better food safety measures and antibiotic use regulations in agriculture.
Researchers at University College London have identified 'grid cells' in the human brain for the first time, which may help explain how we create internal maps of new environments. These specialized neurons are involved in spatial memory and have been previously discovered in rodent brains.
A study found that nearly a quarter of the variability in achievement among video gamers can be predicted by measuring specific brain structures. Players with larger nucleus accumbens, caudate nucleus, and putamen performed better in training periods.