Joslin researchers found that brain cholesterol synthesis decreases in mouse models of diabetes, affecting nerve function and potentially leading to increased appetite and weight gain. The study suggests a link between diabetes and altered brain function, including changes in Alzheimer's disease risk and diabetic neuropathy.
A USGS study reveals that growing corn for biofuels production has significant effects on water quality and quantity in northwestern Mississippi. Increased irrigation withdrawals from the MRVA aquifer contribute to declining water levels, while nitrogen fertilizer use can lead to low dissolved oxygen conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Hastings Center has issued recommendations on growth attenuation, a controversial procedure used to restrict the growth of profoundly disabled children. The guidelines prioritize parental autonomy while establishing safeguards to ensure the child's well-being.
A new study reveals how diabetes disrupts brain cholesterol synthesis, leading to neurologic complications such as depression and increased Alzheimer's disease risk. Insulin therapy restores normal cholesterol production in the brain.
Advanced riders with formal training demonstrated better road positioning, hazard perception, and progress through bends compared to novice and experienced riders without training. The study suggests that formal advanced training can improve safety on the roads.
The Megaframe Imager, a new ultrafast camera, uses an extremely sensitive SPAD device to detect viral DNA binding events at low target concentrations. This technology has potential applications in biological processes, automotive collisions, and astronomical observations.
The US Department of Energy is awarding time on two world-leading supercomputers to 57 innovative research projects. These projects aim to advance scientific discoveries in areas such as renewable energy solutions, understanding environmental impacts, and developing new technologies like rechargeable batteries and hydrogen fuel. The pr...
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a protein called Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4) protects against the severe inflammatory response caused by high levels of saturated fat. Mice deficient in this protein showed massive lymph node expansion and died after consuming a diet high in saturated fats.
A study reviews nuclear power economics and concludes that the current fuel cycle is unsustainable due to uncertainty about waste management. Reprocessing and recycling of spent fuel is an alternative, but its implementation is controversial due to proliferation risks and high costs.
Researchers used a new brain imaging technique to test an investigational drug for Parkinson's disease, finding it may be effective when combined with levodopa. The study suggests the method could speed drug development and improve treatment outcomes.
A new report commissioned by The National Academy on an Aging Society finds that older adults with diabetes have a lower life expectancy than those without the disease. The analysis, based on data from the Health and Retirement Study, reveals a significant increase in diabetes prevalence among boomers and seniors.
A study of 200 top-selling children's liquid medications found high variability in labeling and measuring devices, with nearly all products containing at least one inconsistency. The researchers highlight three critical areas for improvement: standardized measuring devices, consistent dosing directions, and standardized measurement units.
Scientists discovered a mysterious high-altitude sulphur dioxide layer on Venus that can help explain its formation. The new findings also suggest that injecting large quantities of sulphur dioxide into Earth's atmosphere to mitigate climate change may not be as effective as thought.
Research shows anti-microbial medications are a leading cause of drug-induced liver injury, with women and minorities disproportionately affected. Liver transplantation offers excellent survival rates, but further investigation is needed to understand the impact of alcohol use and diabetes.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that IBD patients with hospital-acquired infections experience increased mortality and prolonged hospital stays. The majority of infections among hospitalized IBD patients are health-care associated, with severe liver disease patients being at highest risk.
A Columbia University engineering team has discovered how pure graphene breaks under tensile stress, revealing a novel soft-mode phonon instability that leads to mechanical failure. This finding is significant for understanding the behavior of low-dimensional systems like graphene and could lead to new ways to engineer its properties.
A two-part treatment using injections of a patient's own blood and steroid, combined with dry-needling, has shown significant improvements in functionality and pain reduction for patients with hamstring tendinopathy. The study found that this treatment approach outperformed traditional steroid therapy alone.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System found significantly reduced vitamin D levels in patients with metabolic syndrome living in Northern California. The study suggests that supplementation with vitamin D may reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, contradicting previous assumptions about adequate sun exposure in sunny latitudes.
A team of astronomers used the Moon to search for ultra-high-energy neutrinos from distant regions of space. They reported their findings in the December edition of the journal Astroparticle Physics, setting a new upper limit on the amount of such particles arriving from space.
Research by University of Minnesota psychologists shows that invisible emotional and practical support from partners significantly reduces anger, anxiety, and increases self-efficacy. The study provides new insights into the dynamics of social support in couples.
Active surveillance outperforms initial treatment for low-risk prostate cancer, providing a higher quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and reducing adverse effects of treatment. The optimal strategy depends on individual patient preferences for surveillance or treatment.
A new study by Binghamton University researchers suggests that individual differences in sexual behavior could be influenced by genetic variation, particularly the dopamine receptor D4 polymorphism. This gene is linked to sensation-seeking behavior, such as alcohol use and gambling, and may contribute to promiscuity and infidelity.
Exposure to arsenic in rural Bangladesh is poisonous to the nation's economy, reducing labor supply by 8 percent. The study also shows that women are working fewer hours outside the home while men are working more to compensate for the lack of healthcare access.
A recent study from Université de Montréal found that using alternative therapies for asthma can result in a two-fold higher rate of poor asthma control in children. The study assessed over 2000 families with children and found that use of alternative therapy was associated with reduced effectiveness of conventional asthma treatment.
A cluster of articles in PLoS Medicine highlights the need to improve global health estimation and data measurement. Experts argue that the process has become overly politicized and that action is needed to address the most vulnerable populations' health needs.
A new study reconstructs America's colonial hydrology, revealing the integral role of water resources in shaping human settlement patterns. By integrating modern scientific data with historical records, researchers have gained insights into the evolution of watersheds and ecosystems.
Researchers found reduced enzyme activity in young adult brains carrying the APOE4 gene, a common Alzheimer's risk factor. The study suggests mitochondrial changes contribute to disease risk, providing a potential target for prevention therapies.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a technique to probe the temperature rise in the vicinity of RF-actuated nanoparticles. The study found that the measured temperature rise was consistent regardless of whether the sensors were mixed with or covalently bonded to the nanoparticles.
Researchers discovered that exposure to high levels of air pollution narrows tiny blood vessels in the retina, increasing the risk of heart disease. Exposure to even small amounts of pollution can cause a 3% increase in heart disease risk for women living in polluted areas.
Boa constrictors use a unique concertina mode of locomotion to grip and climb ropes of different diameters, adapting their movement based on environmental conditions. The study provides insight into the animals' musculoskeletal design and its relation to their natural habitat.
Researchers found that law firms led by managing partners with powerful faces in college were more profitable, and that facial cues can predict success across a lifespan of approximately 20 years. The study used ratings from judges to measure perceived power and correlated them with firm profits.
A new study by Milton Diamond and colleagues found that legalizing child pornography in the Czech Republic led to a significant decrease in reported cases of child sex abuse. The study's findings also suggest that potential sexual offenders use child pornography as a substitute for sex crimes against children.
A University of Pittsburgh study will test a technology-enhanced weight loss program using text messaging reminders and wearable exercise monitors. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of this intervention with a standard behavioral weight loss program.
Researchers developed a novel approach to space electronics using silicon-germanium technology, enabling reliable performance in extreme temperatures and radiation conditions. The new capabilities reduce weight, size, complexity, power, and cost while increasing reliability and adaptability.
Dual-physician marriages are increasing, but surgeon-surgeon marriages face greater challenges in balancing personal and professional lives. Surgeons married to fellow physicians experience higher rates of career conflicts, work-home conflicts, and decreased mental quality of life.
Researchers have identified fragile regions in mammalian genomes that are prone to genome rearrangements, disrupting genes and altering gene regulation. The new Turnover Fragile Breakage Model suggests these regions undergo a 'birth and death' process over evolutionary timescales.
A large Scottish study has found tricyclic antidepressants increase CVD risk by 35%, while SSRIs show no association. Lifestyle changes can offset medication risks.
A recent study has found that individuals with obstructive sleep apnea are more prone to developing aggressive atherosclerosis, putting them at risk for impaired blood flow and cardiovascular events. The study used coronary CT angiography to reveal significantly higher prevalence of non-calcified and mixed plaque in OSA patients.
The study used fMRI to capture brain activity while patients experienced pain with and without acupuncture. Results showed significant reduction in activation of pain-processing areas under acupuncture, supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving pain.
Researchers have identified two FDA-approved cancer drugs that can inhibit NOD2's activity, offering a new avenue for treating Crohn's disease and sarcoidosis. The medications target the NOD2:RIP2 pathway, potentially alleviating symptoms and improving outcomes for patients with these conditions.
A study finds that South African children caring for AIDS-sick parents experience high levels of mental illness, including depression and anxiety. The young carers' education is also affected, with 41% missing school to care for their sick parents.
Dr. Arjun Deb received the prestigious Louis N. and Arnold M. Katz Basic Science Research Prize for his groundbreaking research on Wnt1-mediated dynamic injury response in epicardium activation and mammalian cardiac repair. His work has significant implications for understanding adult stem cell biology and organ regeneration.
Researchers found that African Americans have a higher prevalence of non-calcified plaque, which is more vulnerable to rupture and causing cardiovascular events. The study suggests that coronary CT angiography may be a more effective screening tool for this patient group.
An experimental immunotherapy using a protein called MAGE-A3 is being tested to prevent lung cancer recurrence in patients who have undergone surgical removal of their tumor. The therapy has shown promising results in clinical trials, offering a potential new weapon against non-small cell lung cancer.
A University of Leicester-led project uses space technologies to analyze Renaissance Tomb-Monuments in Suffolk, unlocking their mysterious past. The research employs techniques from Space Science, including 3D scanning and non-destructive materials analysis, to solve complex historical problems.
Researchers have developed a new technique using rotating light to observe nuclei indirectly via orbiting electrons, providing complementary information to conventional NMR. This method uses Optical Faraday Rotation and can magnify the signal by creating a long optical path in a short tube.
A study by Neus Palomeras and Eduardo Melero found that top innovators with expertise in key areas are more likely to leave, while those in large groups are less appealing to competitors. This research suggests that companies can design policies to retain talent by recognizing the characteristics of researchers most likely to leave.
Despite economic uncertainty, global health donors have continued to increase funding, with the US and private donors driving major increases. However, growth rates slowed between 2008 and 2010, and some countries with high disease burdens receive less funding than those with stronger economies.
A new study by ecologists at Rice University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, challenges standard assumptions about biodiversity loss on ecosystems. The research suggests that changing dietary needs within species have important implications for ecosystem health, making natural ecosystems less stable than previously tho...
Researchers found that 25% of top-selling pediatric oral liquid medications lack dosing devices, while 99% have directions on labels and device markings that don't match. The study recommends standardizing abbreviations and ensuring matching instructions and devices to reduce parent confusion and ensure safe medication use.
Critically ill patients with bloodstream infections and pneumonia face a greatly increased risk of dying, but the impact of antimicrobial resistance on patient outcomes is relatively small. The study analyzed data from over 500 intensive care units in ten European countries, finding that infections directly worsen outcomes for patients.
A UC Davis study found that children with autism have more trouble fueling their cells due to dysfunctional mitochondria. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 10 children with autism and 10 typically developing children, detecting mitochondrial dysfunction and changes in mitochondrial DNA.
Researchers found a molecular 'switch' called SMRT that turns off protective cellular activities against aging and metabolic diseases. The discovery could lead to new treatments for conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Researchers discovered that children with full syndrome autism have impaired mitochondrial function and mitochondrial DNA abnormalities, which may contribute to brain dysfunction. The study suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction could amplify and propagate brain problems in autism.
Researchers discovered SRC-1, a steroid receptor coactivator, plays a crucial role in regulating the liver's glucose production. The study found that mice lacking SRC-1 have impaired glucose production, leading to hypoglycemia.
A new data-driven statistical model incorporating the surrounding landscape, pollinating insects, and human seed dispersal accurately predicts gene flow between crop plants. The study finds that human farming activity has a significant impact on gene transfer rates, while the influence of pollinators is relatively small.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that emergency department doctors are less likely to prescribe pain medication to patients with a history of crime, drug abuse, or poor health status. The researchers surveyed 398 physicians and analyzed the data to identify social biases in prescription practices.
Chronic pain affects up to 30% of adults in Europe, impacting everyday lives and workability. Patients find managing pain requires adapting lifestyle, discovering new ways to express themselves, and engaging in activities that bring joy and social interaction.
A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America found that excessive internal abdominal fat may harm bone health in women. Research revealed that women with more visceral fat had increased bone marrow fat and decreased bone mineral density.
Engineers Sunghwan Jung and Navish Wadhwa found that silicone oil jets do not coalesce when impacted at a specific angle, due to the lubrication effect of air between them. This study sheds light on non-coalescence behaviors in various engineering systems.
A new study by UC Davis researchers found that children with autism have deficits in cellular energy production, suggesting a strong link between autism and mitochondrial defects. The study's lead author suggests that deficiencies in mitochondria may contribute to cognitive impairments associated with autism.
A new study reveals that a key muscle protein is necessary for exercise but not normal muscle development. PGC-1-deficient mice exhibit mitochondrial problems but remain insulin-sensitive and do not develop diabetes.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center discovered that diabetes can reduce brain cholesterol synthesis, which could impact brain function and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. This finding has broad implications for people with diabetes and may also play a role in diabetic neuropathy.
Researchers found that drinking sweetened lemonade boosted glucose levels, reducing aggressive behavior in college students. The study suggests a link between low glucose metabolism and increased aggression and violence, particularly among individuals with diabetes.
A study by Sara Adar and colleagues found that long-term air pollution exposure is associated with narrowing of retinal arterioles, a microvascular change linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Short-term pollution exposure also showed weak associations with retinal vessel changes.
Researchers from Arizona State University have discovered a calcium-driven pump mechanism in endolithic cyanobacteria, which dissolves carbonate substrates. This finding has implications for coral reefs and mussel aquaculture, addressing a long-standing geochemical paradox.
Global heterogeneity in HIV-1 strains affects properties like viral fitness and transmissibility. New forms will continue to emerge, necessitating updated prevention and control strategies.
Scientists from Donostia-San Sebastian and Kiel universities develop method to control atom count in molecular unions, improving electric current flow. This breakthrough enables precise characterization of nanometric systems, resolving a key problem in nanotechnology.
A new study found that college students who exhibit narcissistic tendencies are more likely to cheat on exams and assignments. Narcissists were motivated by the desire to show off to others and didn't feel guilty about their actions.
A new scoring system for diagnosing Wilson's disease in pediatric patients has been developed, demonstrating 93% positive and 92% negative predictive values. The test's effectiveness was tested on children with mild liver disease and asymptomatic individuals, showing no significant improvement from the penicillamine challenge test.
Researchers are conducting a large-scale clinical trial to investigate whether treating people with HIV soon after infection can limit damage to the immune system. The SPARTAC trial, which began in 2004, is following 371 individuals across eight countries and has the potential to change how HIV is managed worldwide.
Four Argonne researchers will conduct advanced simulations and analysis using the DOE's INCITE program to advance scientific discovery. They will investigate topics such as battery technology, biomolecular modeling, nanoscale materials, and reactive gases to improve our understanding of clean energy, health, and disease.
New research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham suggests that Celebrex may help prevent some non-melanoma skin cancers. The study found that celecoxib was highly effective in preventing cancer development from pre-cancerous actinic keratoses lesions, especially in patients with large numbers of lesions.
Researchers found that certain mutations in the virus render it ineffective against drugs, but also impair its ability to kill immune cells. This discovery may lead to a new diagnostic tool and more effective treatments for HIV patients.
Researchers have successfully fabricated a hybrid system using nano-diamonds and photonic crystals, paving the way for multi-qubit systems on a single chip. This achievement brings the dream of a quantum computer closer to reality, with potential applications in various fields of science and engineering.
Researchers at Hebrew University have discovered that basic assumptions about friction are wrong, providing a new means for replicating how earth ruptures develop and possibly enabling prediction of severe earthquakes. The findings offer unprecedented predictive power, estimating both rupture mode and extent of future earthquakes.
The International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) and the Global Health Informatics Partnership (GHIP) announce a strategic alliance to enhance global health information and communication systems, create learning modules for public health and clinical workers, and support local centers of excellence in health informatics. The pa...
Researchers discovered that corn rootworm larvae's nasty blood repels certain predators like ground beetles and ants. However, wolf spiders have a hearty appetite for the insects, making them an important predator in controlling corn rootworm populations.
The Genome 10K Project aims to sequence the genomes of 10,000 vertebrate species, including humans. The project will focus on 101 species, chosen for their phylogenetic diversity and scientific interest, and will be sequenced within the next two years.