Scientists at the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow are using a £1 million grant to investigate the causes of serious diseases like heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health finds that high body mass index (BMI) is primarily a problem among wealthy women in developing countries. The study analyzed data from 54 low- to middle-income countries and found an association between BMI and wealth, with richer women more likely to be overweight.
Research published in FASEB Journal suggests that a fetal liver gene called Npas2 is a key regulator of the circadian system, which is altered by maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy. Improving diet can partially restore circadian machinery and reduce risk of childhood diseases related to obesity.
A new study published in Molecular Ecology found that hares with genetic variation at a specific gene locus have higher reproductive success, including increased fertility and fecundity. The research suggests that variability at the individual level can provide advantages for survival and reproduction.
Researchers at Brandeis University developed a chemical rope to stabilize the SOD1 protein, which causes familial ALS. The approach potentially solves the instability problem, even at high temperatures.
A new test for salmonella in poultry and eggs can produce faster and more accurate results than most currently available tests. This could have prevented contaminated eggs from being shipped to stores and kept consumers safe.
The National Science Foundation has signed a five-year, $34.5-million agreement with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to operate the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica. The observatory records rare collisions of neutrinos with ice, providing insights into these elusive sub-atomic particles.
A study found that allotment gardeners, especially those over 60, exhibit increased levels of physical activity and better overall health compared to their non-gardening counterparts. The research also suggests that having an allotment can promote healthy aging and lifestyle habits.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a new way to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by treating municipal wastewater solids at higher temperatures. This approach can destroy up to 99.9% of bacterial genes that confer resistance, making it a potential tool in the fight against superbugs.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that aerosol transmission of influenza may have occurred in a Hong Kong hospital. The authors identified an unbalanced indoor airflow that spread infectious aerosols across the ward, infecting nine patients.
Researchers discovered a protein called glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) that can predict brain injury and death in children on ECMO. High levels of GFAP were found to be associated with an increased risk of brain bleeding, swelling, stroke, and death.
A recent study found that most depression patients (56%) discontinue their treatment within the first four months of medication, while less than a quarter complete therapy for more than 11 months. The researchers suggest that acute depression stages and lower adherence rates are common factors contributing to treatment dropout.
A team of researchers has successfully treated beta-thalassemic mice by increasing hepcidin levels, which limits iron overload and markedly reduces anemia. This approach suggests a new therapeutic strategy for patients with beta-thalassemia, potentially mitigating iron overload and anemia.
A new evidence-based clinical practice guideline aims to reduce pain and distress of immunization in children, based on 71 studies involving 8050 children. The guidelines suggest various strategies to alleviate pain, including breastfeeding, topical anesthetics, and vaccine administration technologies.
A Mayo Clinic study found that aggressive surgery to completely remove low-grade brain tumors (gliomas) in children offers the highest chance of overall survival. If complete removal is not possible, adding radiation therapy yields similar results.
A study using fat yet muscular mice aims to understand how more muscle can reduce cardiovascular risk in obese individuals. The research suggests that increased muscle mass improves blood vessel function, glucose disposal, and heart health.
Infants have more efficient bacteria to digest milk due to specific bacterial strains dominating their digestive tracts. These strains, such as Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, enable efficient growth on human milk oligosaccharides.
A recent study found that lower-income families enrolled in high-deductible health plans are more likely to delay or forego medical care because of the costs. Despite this, they did not report any difficulties understanding their plans. The study suggests that physicians play a crucial role in helping patients navigate these challenges.
A team led by Sanjeevi Sivasankar at Iowa State University has developed a new instrument that can study individual biological molecules, advancing biomedical research, drug discovery, and cancer diagnostics. The instrument combines technologies to observe single molecules with high resolution.
A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that lower-class individuals are better at reading emotions than their upper-class counterparts. The researchers found that people from higher social classes performed worse on emotion perception tasks, suggesting they rely less on others for emotional support.
Dr. Oliver Daumke has won the Bayer Early Excellence in Science Award for his work on G proteins, which play a crucial role in cellular signaling pathways and immune response. His research holds promise for developing new strategies to treat diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and flu.
Researchers found that HIV protease inhibitors block glucose transport, leading to insulin resistance. The discovery provides potential for safer antiviral drugs and better understanding of glucose transport in health and disease.
A large study found implanted devices for heart failure patients are successful in 'real world' use, with survival rates comparable to those in clinical trials. Remote monitoring networks improved patient outcomes by providing earlier diagnoses and empowering patients to take charge of their health care.
A six-month exercise program improved leg strength and flexibility in patients with post-thrombotic syndrome, a frequent complication of deep vein thrombosis. The study's findings support the potential benefits of exercise training for managing this condition.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered that the uptake protein ZIP acts like a door, facilitating zinc entry into cells. Zinc is crucial for cellular growth and health, and understanding its uptake could lead to breakthroughs in biomedical and energy research.
Researchers have identified six subtypes of childhood brain cancer medulloblastoma with distinct molecular profiles, allowing for more precise and individualized treatment. The study's findings could lead to the development of biomarkers for improved patient outcomes and more effective treatment strategies.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that dual antiplatelet therapy increases the risk of bleeding, particularly nosebleeds or minor hemorrhages. The study compared emergency department visits for hemorrhage-related adverse events among patients taking dual antiplatelet therapy versus those taking warfarin.
The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) presented a record-breaking turnout of 22 scientific posters on cutting-edge salivary diagnostics research. Key findings included emerging technologies and translational applications in the field, marking a significant milestone for the organization.
A Georgia Tech-led team has won the Association for Computing Machinery's Gordon Bell Prize for its world-record-setting blood-flow simulation of 260 million deformable red blood cells. The application achieved 700 teraflops on Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Jaguar supercomputer.
A large study found that high blood levels of alpha-carotene were associated with a lower risk of death from all causes. Higher alpha-carotene concentrations also appeared to be linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Researchers at Purdue University have identified the last undiscovered gene responsible for producing phenylalanine, a crucial amino acid in plant proteins and flower scent. This discovery could enable the control of phenylalanine production to boost plant nutritional values and improve biofuel feedstocks.
Current global climate models predict varying levels of warming, with disagreement mainly stemming from different representations of clouds. Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa have assessed model performance in simulating clouds, presenting a new approach to determining expected cloud feedbacks in a warmer climate.
Researchers have developed a method to estimate human age from blood samples, which could be used to identify missing persons or solve crimes. The technique is based on the analysis of T cell receptors and has been shown to be highly accurate, with an error margin of nine years.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created a new computer method to measure mechanical stress in fat cells, which can help control the amount of fat produced by these cells. The study has direct applications in weight loss programs, treating bedsores, and managing chronic diabetes.
Researchers at Rockefeller University Press have successfully reprogrammed human skin cells to produce platelets that can be used in patients with thrombocytopenia. The breakthrough method involves culturing these cells in a cocktail of platelet-promoting factors, resulting in platelets that function like normal healthy platelets.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a low-cost, high-performance paper-based display technology that could enable the creation of disposable e-readers. The technology uses electrowetting devices and has been shown to be equivalent in performance to glass, which is the gold standard in the field.
Boston University researchers developed a simple diagnostic tool that can quickly identify Ebola and Marburg viruses in blood samples. The biosensor is ultra-portable, fast, and can detect viruses with little to no sample preparation.
Researchers found that local populations of Joshua trees and their pollinating moths are not as biologically diverse as expected, contradicting previous theories. The study suggests that co-evolution between the species can actually decrease diversity within each species.
A six-month music-based multitask exercise program improved gait, balance, and reduced falls in community-dwelling elderly individuals. The study found a significant reduction in falls and risk of falling among participants, suggesting that this program may be useful for fall prevention and rehabilitation.
Researchers discovered that muscle cells in developing fly embryos send 'finger-like' protrusions into neighboring cells to facilitate fusion. The actin-rich fingers help form a small pore connecting the two cell types, eventually fusing them together.
A study from the University of California, Riverside and Boston University found that perceptual training can improve visual performance in elderly adults. The researchers used a texture discrimination test to demonstrate that repeated performance of visual tasks can lead to improved vision.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center discovered that the gene AEG-1 promotes cancer cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy by regulating protective autophagy. Inhibiting AEG-1 expression may lead to effective treatments for aggressive cancers, such as breast and prostate carcinomas.
A study found that using true whole-body field view in PET/CT imaging can lead to more accurate staging and restaging of cancer patients. This increased accuracy can result in changes to treatment plans and the selection of biopsy sites, ultimately reducing unnecessary invasive procedures.
A sugar found in mouse breast milk promotes colitis in offspring, according to a study published online. Newborn mice fostered by mothers lacking one particular milk sugar were less susceptible to inflammation-induced colitis later in life.
Researchers have discovered that neurons in the sensory information pathway change their firing levels to enhance discrimination between different sensations. This modification allows brains to switch from detecting an object to identifying it more accurately.
High-throughput DNA sequencing of gut bacteria confirmed that antibiotic treatment disrupts bacterial patterns, which precedes VRE colonization and bloodstream invasion. Monitoring fecal bacteria content could identify patients at high risk of life-threatening infections.
The number of US research doctorate degrees awarded grew to 49,562 in 2009, up 1.6% from the previous year. Doctorates in science and engineering fields increased by 1.9%, largely driven by growth in female recipients.
Researchers study how changing winds in the Southern Hemisphere affect ocean carbon storage and atmospheric carbon dioxide. A new study finds large methane releases from ocean sediments during glacial periods could have impacted ocean chemistry and contributed to climate changes.
Children who experience parental divorce are over twice as likely to suffer a stroke at some point in their lives, according to new research. This association remains strong even after adjusting for various risk factors, suggesting a potential link between early family disruption and cardiovascular health.
A new review suggests that excessive amounts of fructose may play a role in high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. The study recommends restricting added sugars containing fructose for patients with CKD to lower the risk of these health conditions.
A Johns Hopkins study found that delayed HIV treatment adds tens of thousands of dollars in care costs and reduces survival rates. Patients who wait too long to receive treatment require more expensive antiretroviral therapy, antibiotics, and hospitalizations.
A large cohort study found that women with depression were 29% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and those with diabetes had a 53% higher risk of developing depression. The association remained significant even after adjusting for lifestyle factors, suggesting a bidirectional relationship between the two conditions.
A new study suggests that a personalized multimedia program can reduce falls among older hospital patients without cognitive impairment. The program, which combines videos with one-on-one follow-up, was associated with fewer falls and lower injury rates compared to usual care.
The World Health Report 2010 identifies inefficiencies in healthcare systems, wasting 20-40% of expenditure, and recommends reducing reliance on out-of-pocket payments for healthcare. The report also acknowledges the challenges in implementing healthcare reform and managing chronic diseases.
Researchers at MIT have created computer models that show a face shield can significantly reduce traumatic brain injury by impeding direct transmission of blast waves to the face. The study's findings offer a potential solution for preventing head injuries sustained by US troops during explosions.
A recent study published in Cancer found that clinical stage does not predict recurrence risk for patients with localized prostate cancer after having their prostate removed. Despite frequent errors in assigning stage, there was no association between clinical stage and prostate cancer recurrence.
Two papers review cases of vascular trauma in battle-injured service personnel, highlighting high lethality of torso injuries and the importance of limb salvage. Additionally, a study on primary blast injury to the abdomen finds that abdominal PBI has significant potential for death and illness, with key findings on incidence rates and...
Researchers have developed a new imaging technology that combines photoacoustic tomography with gold nanobeacons, allowing for unprecedented detail in visualizing blood vessel formation. This breakthrough has the potential to help healthcare providers diagnose diseases earlier and more accurately.
Researchers at Georgia Tech propose using flexible wings driven by a simple sinusoidal flapping motion to mimic insect wing strokes. The study found that such wings can generate lift comparable to insects with more complex stroke regimes.
Astronomers Andrey Kravtsov and Nick Gnedin's simulations reveal why galaxies were less efficient at making stars in the early universe. The team's model explains the connection between dust, gas, and star formation, shedding light on the evolution of spiral galaxies.
A new study found that black children are more likely to have the high-risk form of neuroblastoma and show signs of resistance to modern treatment. The study also showed disparities in outcome according to race, with black patients having a lower survival rate than white patients.
Research from Michigan State University finds that late-preterm babies are between two and three times more likely to have lower IQs and higher levels of attention problems at age 6. The study controlled for maternal IQ and demographics, suggesting that factors other than genetics may contribute to the increased risk.
Researchers have found a finely tuned process that enables plants to adjust their genes to daylight patterns, shedding light on human responses to disrupted daily rhythms. This discovery could provide new insights into coping with jet lag and shift work.
Researchers have successfully integrated ultra-thin layers of indium arsenide onto a silicon substrate to create nanoscale transistors with excellent electronic properties. The devices exhibited superior performance in terms of current density and transconductance compared to silicon transistors.
A new study published in Springer's journal Applied Research in Quality of Life found that 56% of software engineers suffered from insomnia, leading to lower quality of life and physical and mental health issues. Suitable awareness programs and lifestyle management should be implemented to address this issue.
Professor Bertil Andersson, a renowned biochemist, received the Wilhelm Exner Medal for his groundbreaking work on artificial leaves. He will become president of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore next year, transforming it into a research-intensive university.
Scientists have discovered a previously undiscovered trigger mechanism that monitors the structure of the cell's nucleus and delays cell division if it's not correct. This discovery may shed light on how cancer starts and could lead to new research into cancer prevention.
Researchers found that listeners can effectively tune out sounds that don't conform to their brains' expectations, showcasing the efficient processing of predictable sounds. The study demonstrates how the mind quickly acquires and uses knowledge about the world's structure and redundancy to improve perception.
A new study by University of California, Riverside scientists found that a hybrid electric tugboat reduces emissions of soot by 73%, oxides of nitrogen by 51%, and carbon dioxide by 27%. The study's findings are significant due to the heavy impact port pollution has on regional air quality.
The Florida Keys bonefish census showed a 25% decline in bonefish population, with only about 240,000 fish found compared to an 8-year average of 316,805. The decline may signal broader ecosystem problems and requires careful future monitoring.
A new study estimates that the global polio eradication initiative could provide net economic benefits of at least US$40-50 billion if transmission of wild polioviruses is interrupted within the next five years. The study found that investments made since 1988 and anticipated through 2035 will prevent over 8 million cases of paralytic ...
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that targeted breast ultrasound was highly accurate in detecting breast cancer in women under 30. The study's high sensitivity and negative predictive value support its use as the primary imaging technique for young women with focal breast concerns.
A recent study found that inactivated flu vaccines are effective in preventing influenza in infants under 2 years old. The research suggests that most countries' current vaccination guidelines should be reassessed to prioritize infant protection against the virus.
New research finds nearly 25% of overweight and 16% of normal-weight reproductive-age women misperceive their body weight, leading to unhealthy weight loss behaviors. Clinicians are recommended to calculate BMI, screen for misperceptions, and counsel patients to address this issue.
Researchers studied Chrysopelea paradisi snakes as they glided from a branch to the ground. The analysis revealed that the snakes never achieved equilibrium gliding state, but were instead pushed upward due to aerodynamic forces. This temporary effect would eventually cause the snake to hit the ground.