Scientists have discovered a relic star from the early universe, which has a remarkably similar chemical composition to the Milky Way's oldest stars. The discovery supports the theory that our galaxy underwent a 'cannibal' phase by swallowing smaller galaxies and other galactic building blocks.
Belatacept, a new transplant drug, preserves kidney function while avoiding toxicity in patients, with similar graft survival rates to standard immunosuppressive drugs. The drug's side effect profile is more favorable, with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A study by University of Kansas researcher Jeffrey Hall found that online daters tend to lie about themselves in a way similar to those who meet in person, due to a desire to be liked and fit in. The most likely to lie are high self-monitors, who control their behavior to achieve social ends.
A University of Alberta study found that pharmacist interventions led to a 200% increase in patients getting further assessment and diagnosis for osteoporosis. Pharmacists can help with education and screening, addressing the silent disease that often goes undiagnosed after age 50.
A new study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that propofol administration by a trained professional results in a low rate of sedation-related complications. The study identified risk factors for complications and highlights the importance of proper training and patient selection.
A comprehensive clinical trial established an evidence-based approach for initial drug therapy of childhood absence epilepsy. Ethosuximide was found to provide the best combination of seizure control and fewest attentional side effects, making it a sensible choice for initial monotherapy.
A study published in Obesity found that community involvement can significantly reduce childhood obesity rates, with a 8.3% decrease seen in low-income minority schools compared to 1.3% in traditional programs. Researchers emphasize the need for environmental and societal level changes to address this issue.
Renato J. Aguilera has been recognized by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) with the William A. Hinton Research Training Award for his efforts to train underrepresented minorities in microbiology. This award highlights his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in scientific research.
Researchers found a proto-dinosaur called Asilisaurus kongwe, which lived about 243 million years ago and shared characteristics with dinosaurs. The discovery sheds light on the diversification of relatives of crocodilians and dinosaurs, suggesting rapid evolution and greater dietary flexibility.
A study published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that soccer training increases bone density, muscle mass, and postural balance in both young and older adults. The results suggest that soccer is an effective method for reducing the risk of falls and fractures, particularly among women and elderly men.
Atlantic longarm octopuses have evolved expert camouflage capabilities, including mimicking the appearance and swimming speed of peacock flounders. Researchers observed uncanny similarities in coloration, form, and movement between the two species, demonstrating an unusual form of disruptive camouflage.
Researchers at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory found evidence of hydrothermal vents near Antarctica, a discovery that could spur exploration of the distant mid-ocean ridge. The sites identified cover 340 miles of ridge line, offering a new area to study complex organisms and ocean chemistry.
Research by USDA scientists found that cows can efficiently graze pastures with easily accessible leaves, reducing the need for time and land. This approach enables ranchers to better estimate how long to leave cattle in a pasture and how large to make it.
A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been shown to prevent 74% of recurrent cases of pneumonia and meningitis in HIV-infected adults in Africa. The vaccine was particularly effective in patients with low CD4 counts, a group previously considered ineligible for vaccination.
Researchers found that HbA1c levels accurately predict future diabetes and stroke, heart disease, and all-cause mortality. The study identified people with HbA1c levels between 5.0 to 5.5 percent as within the normal range, while those at a level of 6.5 percent or greater are considered diabetic.
Researchers funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research are developing mini-thrusters that could enable small satellites to perform complex tasks like planetary searches. The technology also has potential applications in other areas, such as etching semiconductors and fabricating computer chips.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered two factors controlling the antibacterial activity of clay minerals, which can kill bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The study's findings suggest a role for acid-soluble metal species in mineral toxicity, but also present challenges for developing topical treatments.
Thomas M. Schmidt, a renowned microbiologist, has been honored with the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Graduate Microbiology Teaching Award. He is recognized for fostering an intellectually stimulating environment and inspiring rigorous thinkers through his clear explanations.
Researchers found that climate change is one factor contributing to the rise of malaria in highland areas, particularly in East Africa, Indonesia, and Afghanistan. However, they also identified other key factors, such as migration and land-use changes, that are likely driving the spread of the disease.
A study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics reveals Pycnogenol lowers urinary proteins and improves blood flow to the kidneys. Pycnogenol also reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as inflammatory markers.
A Cornell economist's study finds that programs like Coordinated Approach to Child Health offer the biggest bang for the buck, while others like walking school buses are ineffective. The researcher argues that government spending should focus on cost-effective initiatives to combat childhood obesity.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that women taking estrogen plus progestin hormone replacement therapy for 10 or more years have a 50% increased risk of developing lung cancer compared to non-users. The study also suggests that duration of use is associated with an advanced stage of cancer at diagnosis.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that surgical treatment soon after a biceps injury leads to faster and more complete recoveries. The study revealed that surgery offers significant improvements in elbow flexion and supination, with upper extremity endurance also enhanced.
Lieberman-Aiden's innovations include the 'Hi-C' method for three-dimensional genome sequencing, enabling new understanding of cell state, genetic regulation and disease. He also developed iShoe technology to diagnose balance disorders in the elderly, showcasing his groundbreaking work across genomics, linguistics and more.
Jennifer C. Hirsch, M.D., M.S., receives the Nina Starr Braunwald award for her work developing an assessment tool for infants' sensory and motor skills following congenital heart defects surgery. The award supports research and education for women in cardiac surgery.
Researchers found that lung cancer patients with optimistic attitudes had a six-month survival advantage over those with pessimistic attitudes. This study builds on existing research to investigate the effect of patient attitudes on outcomes in oncology populations.
Researchers will embed wireless sensors in residences of 50 older adults to detect subtle changes in everyday activities that indicate the onset of dementia or physical infirmities. The goal is to identify early decline and provide timely interventions to prevent institutionalization.
The discovery of Asilisaurus kongwe, a dinosaur-like animal, pushes back the age of known dinosaurs by 10 million years. Fossil evidence suggests that silesaurs, close relatives of dinosaurs, may have diverged from common ancestors by 240 million years ago.
Dr. Diggle's research focuses on the ability of pathogenic bacteria to coordinate cooperative behaviours to exploit their hosts. His work has been published in top journals Nature and Current Biology, and he will deliver a key lecture at the Society for General Microbiology Spring Meeting
Researchers at Charles Drew University and UC Irvine will develop a mobile app to collect daily observations on low-birth-weight babies and their parents. The system aims to improve healthcare outcomes by enabling earlier diagnoses and better quality of care.
Researchers identified two biomarkers in the blood that may accurately predict the spread of colon cancer, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment. The study found these biomarkers were significantly higher in metastatic cells than primary tumor cells.
A new HIV vaccine strategy, called 'mosaic vaccines,' has shown promise in expanding immune responses in rhesus monkeys. The approach uses computational methods to create small sets of highly variable artificial viral proteins that stimulate a strong immune response against the diverse forms of HIV.
Researchers identified a new drug target to inhibit genes vital for leukaemia cell growth, which could prevent disease progression. Targeting Stat5 may provide a novel therapeutic approach for treating acute and chronic leukaemias.
An editorial in NEJM suggests that norepinephrine is a safer option than dopamine for stabilizing blood pressure in shock patients, citing a European clinical trial. The study found no overall difference in death rates between the two treatments, but higher mortality rates in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with dopamine.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association rapid access journal report found that frequent exposure to secondhand smoke among 13-year-olds is associated with increased blood vessel wall thickness and functioning problems. This increases the risk of future blood vessel hardening and other heart disease factors.
A large 'red tide' is expected in the New England region this spring, posing a threat to the local shellfish industry. The prediction is based on a higher-than-usual abundance of cysts from the toxic alga Alexandrium fundyense on the seafloor.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that freezing breast tumors using cryoablation kills the cancer and generates an immune response that helps stop its spread, leading to improved survival rates. The rapid freezing technique appears to be more effective than slower techniques in killing metastases and improving survival.
Scientists discover a disused SCUBA tank filled with air in 1968, extending the longest record of greenhouse gases in the Southern Hemisphere. The find uses archived data to analyze propellants, refrigerants and aluminium smelter emissions not widely used in Melbourne at that time.
A Virginia Tech study found that women are more affected by air pollution during marathons due to their smaller tracheas, which can cause irritation. Higher levels of particulate matter in the air were associated with slower running times for women compared to men, who showed no significant impact.
A pilot study found that a college course focused on social issues related to food resulted in healthier diets than traditional health-focused courses. Students who took the 'Food and Society' course reported an improvement in their healthful eating diet score, increased vegetable consumption, and decreased high-fat dairy consumption.
Scientists have developed a new model using sea squirts to test anti-Alzheimer's drugs, which could lead to breakthroughs in disease treatment. The study found that dosing sea squirt tadpoles with a mutant protein resulted in aggressive plaque development and behavioral defects, which were reversed by an experimental drug.
A new tool has been developed to analyze and manage a wide range of ecological services in agricultural ecosystems. Ecosystems that maximize agriculture tend to have fewer hidden ecosystem services, such as water purification and climate moderation, compared to more diverse landscapes.
A large study of nearly 6,000 Wisconsin women found that bisphosphonate drug use for more than two years was associated with a nearly 40% reduction in breast cancer risk. The protective effect was observed only among non-obese women.
A study of Medicare data found that elderly ICU patients who survive hospital discharge have a high rate of death in the following years, particularly those receiving mechanical ventilation. Discharge to skilled care facilities also increases long-term mortality.
A research team has revised estimates of glacier melt in Alaska, finding that glaciers contribute about one-third less to sea-level rise than previously estimated. The new calculations put the rate of melting at around .0047 inches per year, down from the original estimate of .0067 inches.
A study led by Markus H. Schafer found that people's subjective age has a stronger influence on cognitive abilities during older adulthood than their chronological age. Those who felt young for their age were more likely to have greater confidence about their cognitive abilities a decade later.
A Purdue University study reveals that high humidity in bathrooms and kitchens can cause vitamins and health supplements to lose their potency. Storing products in dry conditions, below their deliquescence relative humidities, can help maintain their effectiveness.
A study found that individuals with a low ankle-brachial index (ABI) did not significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events with aspirin use. Alternative therapies, such as statins or more potent antiplatelet agents, may be considered for these high-risk patients.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) is a brain region that helps people control their emotional reactions to negative facial expressions from their romantic partners. The LPFC activity was found to predict self-regulation after an interpersonal conflict in daily life.
The European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics will be published by Springer starting in 2010, covering aspects of drug delivery and bioavailability. The journal focuses on pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and drug development, publishing original articles and conference proceedings.
Research by National Jewish Health faculty presents promising findings on vitamin D's effectiveness in boosting corticosteroid efficacy for asthma treatment. Additionally, early results show oral immunotherapy with egg-white solid to be effective in desensitizing children with egg allergy.
A team of climate researchers analyzed geochemical and pollen data from lake sediments in Central and Eastern Europe, discovering a short warming event at the end of the last interglacial period. This finding suggests that such short warm periods may be common during transitions between glacial epochs.
Researchers found barnacle communities flourish in vertical-upwelling zones with strong currents, contradicting previous theories. The study's findings suggest that barnacles latch onto rock walls due to constant bouncing against rocky surfaces, ultimately leading to the formation of thriving crustacean populations.
A new University of Illinois study shows that soluble fiber can strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. The research found that mice fed soluble fiber were less sick and recovered faster from illness compared to those fed insoluble fiber.
Researchers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have unveiled the downstream processes of ion channel inactivation. Two studies show that Cav1.3 channels undergo distinct molecular endpoints during Ca2+-dependent and voltage-dependent inactivation, with a 'shield' mechanism repelling lid closure.
Researchers found that changes in traditional foods can damage their perceived quality and image. The study analyzed consumer perceptions of 'traditional' and 'innovation' across six European countries.
Engineers at UCLA have developed a rapid method to detect bacterial contamination in coastal waters, reducing testing time from days to under an hour. The new method uses magnetic beads and enzymes to analyze fecal bacteria levels in real-time, providing up-to-date data on water conditions.
UCI researchers found that learning activates neuron receptors that promote brain growth and limit memory impairment associated with aging. The study suggests that staying mentally active as we age may keep neuronal BDNF signaling at a constant rate, limiting cognitive decline.
A University of Alberta researcher has identified a way to lower the amount of fat in the blood and improve glucose metabolism. The study found that decreasing the activity of an enzyme called triacylglycerol hydrolase (TGH) can also protect against diabetes and increase physical activity.
A Temple University study found that leading early childhood education programs like Head Start face barriers to addressing childhood obesity, including lack of funding and knowledge. The researchers suggest increasing federal resources for healthy meals, staff training, and parent support to overcome these challenges.