A study found that physicians' understanding of patient health beliefs is generally poor, but significantly improves when patients are more actively involved in consultations. Healthcare providers can better tailor treatment recommendations by encouraging patients to express their beliefs and concerns.
A team of scientists at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory found that the anomalous winter was caused by two colliding weather events: El Niño and a strong negative phase in the North Atlantic Oscillation. This event led to more snowfall on the East Coast and northwest Europe, contrary to climate change predictions.
A new device developed at the Weizmann Institute uses sniffing technology to enable communication and wheelchair steering for severely disabled individuals. The device was tested on healthy volunteers and quadriplegics, showing promising results in mastering the skill, which can also be used as a 'third hand' for surgeons and pilots.
The Fermilab experiments have excluded a quarter of the expected Higgs mass range, with a new mass range established at 158-175 GeV/c^2. The Standard Model predicts a mass range of 114-185 GeV/c^2.
A research group at UCLA has devised a new method for securing location-sensitive data by leveraging quantum mechanics. This approach eliminates the need for distributing and storing keys, making it more secure than classical methods.
Researchers used brain potentials to study the influence of context on letter recognition. The study found that linguistic context impacts access to single abstract representations, which are partially independent from physical properties. This suggests a complex processing mechanism for word recognition.
A University of Illinois study reveals that child custody evaluators' beliefs can be broadly categorized into two groups, with one prioritizing safety for women and children. Situational violence is the most common type, but intimate terrorism is also prevalent, involving control through threats and monitoring.
The Marilyn B. Gula Mountains of Hope Foundation has donated $50,000 to the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) for advanced breast cancer research and treatment. The donation will support groundbreaking research into the genetic components of common and complex diseases, including advanced breast cancer.
A study of over 2,600 parents and children across six nations found that long-term caretaking duties can strain relationships, while apathy is more detrimental than conflict. Cultural values and economic development play a significant role in shaping the dynamics of intergenerational family relationships.
A Northwestern University study found that many college students trust websites and search engines ranked high on Google, prioritizing brand recognition over factual accuracy. The study involved 102 students who showed a strong preference for Google and other top brands, even when given hypothetical information-seeking tasks.
A study published in Nature found that high doses of corticosteroids given repeatedly over several weeks may help individuals with lupus by killing off the cells producing interferon alpha. This approach is more effective than standard treatment, which can lead to long-term side effects.
A new study found that newer epilepsy drugs with a higher risk of depression, such as levetiracetam and topiramate, were associated with an increased risk of self-harm or suicidal behavior among people with epilepsy. In contrast, older drugs did not show this increased risk.
The study reveals that incorporating NASA products into the BASINS model significantly improves water quality model performance. By capturing the effects of water flow during storm periods, the NASA data systems provide a more accurate representation of non-point pollution and improve estimates of water quality.
The University of Toronto team has broken world records in the search for new particles at the LHC, confirming the Standard Model theory. The team set new limits on the mass of excited quarks, excluding their existence below a certain threshold and reconfirming allegiance to the Standard Model.
Researchers identified a way to predict which cancer patients will respond to everolimus, a treatment targeting the protein mTOR. The presence of KRAS gene mutations is associated with lack of response to treatment, suggesting that looking for PIK3CA and KRAS mutations can help predict patient outcomes.
A study confirms the benefit and safety of extending alteplase treatment for stroke to 4.5 hours, but emphasizes that patients should be treated as early as possible. The study found that delayed treatment within this time window resulted in higher rates of symptomatic haemorrhage and death.
A University of Michigan biologist and a colleague at the University of California, Berkeley, found that shade-grown coffee farms support native bees that pollinate native trees and enhance genetic diversity. The study suggests that these bees play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in tropical regions.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new, carbon-based nanoscale platform to electrically detect single DNA molecules using graphene nanopores. The platform exhibits high resolution and may provide a way to distinguish among DNA bases, enabling a low-cost, high-throughput DNA sequencing technique.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to predict ventricular function during the cardiac cycle, offering a simpler alternative to existing models. The model, comprising five parameters, may improve treatment options for patients with heart disease and integrate into multi-scale models of working hearts.
The novel peptide LifeAct allows for the visualization of actin in living cells, facilitating research into various diseases. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve our understanding of actin's role in fundamental processes and its involvement in diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and invasive tumors.
Engineers at the University of Strathclyde have proven Dr. Robert L Forward's 1984 theory on improving satellite telecommunications by displacing geostationary orbits north or south of the equator. This achievement could lead to increased communications capacity and new Earth observation orbits.
Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lighting Research Center finds that extended daylight hours in spring delay melatonin onset, leading to teen sleep deprivation. Teenagers should increase morning daylight exposure year-round and decrease evening daylight exposure to ensure sufficient sleep before school.
Researchers developed a system using Random Forests, Logistic Model Tree, and Neural Network to diagnose heart problems with high accuracy. The study used publicly available heart rate data and achieved a classification accuracy of 98.17%.
Undergrad engineers at UCR are researching water quality, wildfires, and materials for new medical devices. The Summer Bridge program aims to increase STEM diversity and support Hispanic and low-income students.
Researchers have developed a new drug that targets peripheral CB1R, reducing glucose and fat levels in the blood without causing weight loss or neurological side effects. This approach aims to reduce health risks associated with obesity, but caution is needed to ensure the drug does not access the brain.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover that flushing phenomenon triggered by nicotinic acid is caused by activation of Langerhans cells and keratinocytes, leading to inflammation and skin redness. Development of novel 'flush inhibitors' could improve treatment outcomes for cardiovascular diseases.
A significant geographic variation was found in the use of carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting among Medicare beneficiaries, with different regions having varying rates of each procedure. Men and patients with a prior diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease were more likely to undergo carotid revascularization.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed adult mouse fat cells and neural cells to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) that can differentiate into various cell types. The study demonstrates that adipose tissue-derived cells are the most amenable to reprogramming, making them a promising source for clinical applications.
A new survey of child psychiatrists reveals that nearly one-third of school-aged and adolescent patients suffer from insomnia, leading to the widespread use of sleep medication. The study suggests that management of insomnia in this population is a common practice, although clinical approaches vary widely.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that maternal affection at 8 months predicts emotional distress in adulthood. The study tracked 482 participants from childhood to adult life, revealing a strong correlation between mother's warmth and child's emotional well-being.
New research reveals that some North American monarchs born in the Midwest and Great Lakes fly directly east over the Appalachians and settle along the eastern seaboard. The study suggests that the viability of east coast populations is highly dependent upon productivity on the other side of the mountains.
The new sewage treatment process uses low-oxygen conditions to encourage nitrous oxide production, which can be used as fuel. This approach could reduce costs and increase energy generation while eliminating greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that cardiopulmonary bypass during heart surgery for less complicated congenital heart defects in school-aged children does not affect their cognitive abilities. Researchers compared the outcomes of 35 children who underwent open-heart surgery with non-cardiac surgical patients and non-surgical...
A study found that nearly half of suicides among mental health patients occurred within a year of visiting an emergency department, highlighting the need for better screening and assessment practices. Frequent attendees were more likely to have a history of self-harm and alcohol misuse, underscoring their high risk group status.
Obesity rates among seniors in Latin America and the Caribbean have surged, leading to a significant increase in disability among elderly populations. Current trends suggest that unchecked obesity will result in larger numbers of people vulnerable to chronic medical conditions, straining healthcare resources in poorer countries.
A BU team led by Prof. Adrian Whitty aims to create 'drug-like' small molecule inhibitors targeting challenging protein-protein interactions with a $1.6M NIH grant. The goal is to develop new approaches for discovering inhibitors against intracellular proteins critical to human inflammatory diseases and cancers.
A new study reveals that a combination of common and rare genetic variants contribute to hypertriglyceridemia. Researchers found that patients with high triglycerides had excess rare variants in four genes, adding up to 28% of cases.
The CSIRO Australia team has found the remains of a massive 6 kg rat, which survived until around 1000-2000 years ago. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving biodiversity among rodents, such as rats, which play key roles in ecosystems.
A study of 872 individuals found that more education reduces dementia risk by improving brain coping mechanisms. Individuals with higher education levels exhibited similar brain pathology but better compensation for dementia effects.
Researchers discovered a non-human sialic acid sugar in biotech drugs that can provoke a strong immune response in some individuals, worsening chronic inflammation. A simple modification to the drug-making process could solve this problem by adding human sialic acid.
Unaccounted ecosystem feedbacks could significantly impact future climate change due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from wetlands, soils, and fires. These biogeochemical cycles may counteract the cooling effect of carbon uptake by plants, contributing to increased warming.
Researchers have witnessed how a key enzyme called photolyase works at the atomic level to repair sun-damaged DNA in a few billionths of a second. The discovery holds promise for future sunburn remedies and skin cancer prevention by allowing scientists to design drugs or lotions that heal sun damage.
Moreton Bay has shown coral survival and flourishing in about half of the past 7000 years, but human activities have negatively affected corals. The study's findings suggest that improving water quality and regrowing mangroves are essential for making Moreton Bay a suitable 'lifeboat' for corals.
A new diagnostic technique called microscopic-observation drug-susceptibility (MODS) has been shown to be significantly more sensitive and faster than conventional culture tests, diagnosing 70% more cases of pulmonary TB among children under 12. This is the best available test for confirming paediatric pulmonary tuberculosis in resourc...
Researchers have collected venom from Antarctic octopuses for the first time, discovering four new species and uncovering unique properties. The study provides insight into the adaptation of venom to sub-zero temperatures, which could lead to breakthroughs in pain management, allergies, and cancer treatment.
The MRC refused to fund IVF research that led to the birth of Louise Brown, citing concerns about embryo quality and patient safety. The researchers argue for more complex reasons, including strategic errors by Edwards and Steptoe in their funding application.
A new study finds that patients with arthritic back pain can experience significant pain relief after radiofrequency denervation without diagnostic nerve blocks. The procedure is safer and more cost-effective, allowing patients to return to work sooner.
Researchers have developed a method to remove contaminants from stormwater runoff using 'filter socks' containing compost. The socks captured silt, heavy metals, fertilizers, and petroleum products, reducing levels by up to 99%. Adding flocculation agents improved performance, removing nearly all pollutants and sediment.
A new report by FARA and Imperial College London reveals that crops can be produced for bioenergy on a significant scale in west, eastern, and southern Africa without harming food production or natural habitats. The study suggests that policies are needed to address potential conflicts, but views bioenergy as crucial to unlocking Afric...
The School of Science at IUPUI is launching a program to encourage science majors to become teachers, addressing the shortage in science educators. Through the Noyce Summer Internship program, freshmen and sophomores share their enthusiasm for science with middle school and high school students.
A new study published in the International Journal of Cancer has identified microRNA-138 as a gene that regulates cancer cell migration and may hold the key to reducing the spread of oral cancers. The research found that a reduced level of microRNA-138 is associated with enhanced ability of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells to spread.
Researchers at MIT have created a new technique using RNA to reprogram human skin cells into an immature state that can develop into any cell type. This approach holds promise for treating diseases by transforming patients' own cells into replacements, while eliminating the risks associated with current DNA-based methods.
A study by the Basque Center for Climate Change finds that CO2 reduction policies in Spain strengthen the services sector, while reducing industrial and energy sectors' impact. The policies encourage minor changes in consumption patterns and may lead to emissions reductions through tax creation.
Researchers have successfully used a continuous glucose monitoring device to treat dogs with diabetes, providing greater monitoring capabilities and alleviating the need for multiple blood samples. The device, commonly used in human diabetes treatment, helps veterinarians determine proper insulin dosages and manage diet-related factors.
The Geological Society of America recognizes Kateryna Klochko, who developed a new method to accurately reconstruct ancient ocean pH levels. The organization also honors Marilyn Suiter, a pioneer in promoting diversity and inclusion in geoscience education.
The XVIII International AIDS Conference presented strong scientific findings on HIV research and program scale-up, emphasizing the need for increased funding and human rights protection. Delegates renewed their commitment to securing universal access to prevention, care, treatment, and support.
A recent study analyzing the JUPITER trial found that HDL cholesterol levels are not predictive of residual vascular risk among patients treated with potent statin therapy. This suggests that caution should be displayed when interpreting the results and more data is needed to determine whether raising HDL levels is beneficial.
A new research paper proposes a six-step decision-making approach to facilitate shared decision-making between parents and physicians for infants born with genetic or anatomical anomalies in sexual development. The process aims to clarify reasons, identify gaps in understanding, and explore values underlying decisions. By working on th...
The European Society of Cardiology has launched a new cookbook featuring heart-friendly recipes created by leading cardiologists. The book aims to demonstrate that a diverse diet can be achieved without compromising on taste, and includes sections discussing heart health topics and alternative ingredients.
Eric J. Essene, George E. Gehrels, and Dana L. Royer received the Penrose, Day, and Donath Medals for their groundbreaking research in metamorphic petrology, U-Th-Pb geochronology, and paleoclimatology.