A study examining placebo treatments in asthma patients found that they were equally effective as albuterol inhalers in relieving patient-reported symptoms. However, there was no objective impact on lung function, highlighting the subjective nature of the placebo effect.
The US phase-out of 100-watt bulbs is driving growth for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which have become ubiquitous in everyday life. LEDs now replace fluorescent lights as backlights in cell phones and laptops, and are poised to become an alternative to incandescents and fluorescents in home lighting.
The study found that self-seeding winter cereal cover crops produced consistent growth using wheat cover crop and mechanical seed dispersal. This technique can lower costs and risks while extending ecological functions of cover crops beyond their normal termination dates.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are developing a novel 3D surface imaging technology to help cancer patients and children make informed decisions about reconstructive surgeries. The technology uses algorithms to analyze patient data and provide personalized simulations, aiming to improve cosmetic outcomes.
A new study found that hospital patients who had conversations about religion and spirituality with their healthcare team were the most satisfied with their overall care. Despite 20% of patients wanting these discussions but not having them, having a conversation led to higher patient satisfaction rates.
The Partners PrEP Study and the CDC's TDF2 study found significant reductions in HIV infections among participants taking antiretroviral drugs. The VOICE study will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis, with a focus on its impact on women and the optimal treatment approach.
A Concordia University study found that higher cigarette taxes prompt low-and middle-income earners to quit smoking, but not wealthier smokers or those in their 20s to 40s. The research team analyzed data from Statistics Canada's National Population Health Survey and found that the middle-aged group is largely unresponsive to taxes.
Scientists discovered a novel compound, piperlongumine, that selectively targets cancer cells' response to oxidative stress, inducing cell death without harming normal cells. The compound's effectiveness surpassed that of a commonly used chemotherapy drug, paclitaxel.
A North Carolina State University researcher is working on a project to develop new testing technologies for evaluating gear worn by wildland firefighters. The goal is to create clothing that provides better balance between comfort and thermal protection. The team will use an instrumented manikin called RadMan to study radiant heat and...
Two Baylor professors developed 12 lessons using a Coke bottle to teach small business owners about demand, product placement, and marketing. The lessons were successful in attracting an audience and led to positive changes in one of the entrepreneurs' businesses.
A subset of fungus-farming ambrosia beetles is in the early stages of a global epidemic threatening economically important tree species. The beetles kill trees by triggering a strong immune response from the tree's own system, causing it to die of thirst.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have restored breathing function in an adult rodent model of spinal cord injury by biologically regenerating lost nerve connections to the diaphragm. The enzyme-based technique showed promising results, with 80-100% breathing function restored and maintained for six months.
A study published in Cancer Research suggests that stem cell therapy can improve cognitive function in patients with brain cancer who experience radiation-induced learning and memory loss. The treatment involved human neural stem cell transplants, which led to significant improvements in cognitive function compared to control rats.
Researchers found burrowing parrots originated in Chile and successfully crossed the Andes on a single occasion over 120,000 years ago. This species expansion is significant for conservation actions, as it shows how animal species overcome natural barriers to find suitable habitats.
A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that combining two flu strains, H1N1 and H9N2, can create a new, potentially deadly virus. The study suggests that this 'viral sexual reproduction' process could lead to the emergence of a new influenza pandemic.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that community members link adolescent girls' increased HIV vulnerability to weak structural support systems. The study's findings highlight the need for policies and interventions to strengthen cultural, economic, educational, and legal structures to protect girls.
Scientists have determined the atomic architecture of a sodium channel, which generates electrical signals in excitable cells. This achievement opens new possibilities for designing drugs for pain, epilepsy, and heart rhythm disturbances, with potential breakthroughs in treatments for neurological disorders.
Researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine successfully converted skin cells into fully functional neurons using two specific gene snippets, known as microRNAs. This breakthrough finding opens up new avenues for studying neuronal development, modeling disease processes, and testing treatments.
The Partners PrEP Study demonstrates that antiretroviral medication tenofovir significantly reduces HIV infection risk in individuals at high risk. The study found that those who received daily tablets containing tenofovir or a combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine experienced fewer HIV infections than those who received a placebo.
Researchers at UCI have found a new method for predicting how influenza proteins evolve, allowing for potential pharmaceutical exploitation. This approach could aid the development of new drugs targeting so-called 'flu protein pockets'.
A recent study suggests that keeping up with general health factors, such as denture fit, vision, and hearing, may reduce the risk of developing dementia. The study found that each health problem increased a person's odds of developing dementia by 3.2 percent compared to those without such problems.
A team of researchers has discovered that stored transfusion blood can accumulate 'free' hemoglobin and microparticles that react quickly with nitric oxide, leading to blood vessel constriction and hypertension. The findings suggest that a new approach to blood storage may be necessary to prevent complications.
The IAS and NIDA have awarded fellowships to young researchers from China and Indonesia to study the linkages between drug use and HIV. The fellowships will support research in clinical science, law, and public health to improve strategies targeting HIV infections related to drug use.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that ovarian cancer cells secrete chemical signals suppressing the immune system while promoting blood vessel growth. This discovery could lead to more effective cancer treatments by combining therapies targeting angiogenesis with those blocking immunosuppressive T-reg cells.
Researchers found that organic triticale fields had five times as many plant species and 20 times more pollinating insects than conventional fields. The organic fields also had three times as many natural enemies of aphids and five times fewer aphids, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in managing pests.
Scientists have created a new approach for producing large quantities of human-derived gelatin, potentially replacing up to 300,000 tons of animal-based gelatin. The novel method involves inserting human gelatin genes into yeast, allowing for controllable features and scalability for commercial use.
Soil microbes release more methane and nitrous oxide when atmospheric carbon dioxide increases, counteracting the cooling effects of plant growth. This feedback loop suggests that nature is not as efficient in slowing global warming as previously thought.
A new patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model has shown significant improvement in diabetes management, increasing adherence to evidence-based care guidelines and clinical outcomes. The study found a notable increase in patients receiving essential services such as yearly exams and vaccinations, leading to better health outcomes.
Researchers at California Institute of Technology have discovered that optimizing wind turbine placement on a given plot of land can increase power output by an order of magnitude. By positioning turbines in close proximity and using vertical-axis wind turbines, the team found that energy loss due to aerodynamic interference between ne...
A study at Ohio State University found that omega-3 supplements decreased anxiety and inflammation in healthy medical students by 20% and 14%, respectively. The results suggest that increasing omega-3 intake through diet may be a more effective approach than supplementation for overall health benefits.
Researchers found evidence of a trial effect during earlier periods but not later ones, attributing the lack of demonstrable effect to improved antiretroviral therapy and changing attitudes towards HIV.
A new species of blind beetle, Paralovricia beroni, has been discovered in Bulgarian caves and clarifies questions about its systematic position within the Carabidae family. The discovery provides insight into the paleogeographic history of the Balkans, revealing a previously unknown subtribe Lovriciina.
Researchers at MIT have successfully demonstrated a software tool called Deck operations Course of Action Planner (DCAP) that aims to ease interaction with autonomous systems on aircraft carriers. The tool provides automated planning, enhanced information displays, and new user interface approaches to increase efficiency and safety in ...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that a single drug can induce bone marrow cells to quadruple platelet production. The study found that inhibiting myosin-II with the drug belebbistatin increases megakaryocyte growth, allowing them to produce more platelets in a soft environment.
A study published in Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing found that heart failure patients who followed doctor's advice for self-care had lower levels of myocardial stress and systemic inflammation. This suggests that effective self-care behaviors can influence health outcomes through multiple cardioprotective means.
A study by UAB researchers reveals that adopted children who spend more time in a center are more likely to experience behavioral problems, depression, and weaker social skills. Resilience variables help counteract negative effects, but Eastern European children tend to have more difficulties adapting.
Scientists have discovered a pair of white dwarfs that are spiraling into each other at breakneck speeds, allowing them to test Einstein's theory of general relativity. The merger could also shed light on the origin of underluminous supernovae.
Researchers found that media portrayals of chimpanzees can create widespread misunderstandings about the species' conservation status. The study reveals that viewing images of chimpanzees with humans can lead to a decrease in perceived endangerment and increase the likelihood of owning them as pets, despite their dangerous nature.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that mass media portrayals of chimpanzees contribute to widespread misunderstandings about their conservation status and nature. The research demonstrates the significant role media plays in creating negative outcomes for individual animals and potentially undermining critical conservation efforts.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that neighboring ependymal cells maintain a structure that keeps neural stem cells
A study by Loyola University Health System researcher Holly Kramer found that a large waist circumference doubles the risk of dying among kidney disease patients. Waist circumference was more strongly linked to mortality than BMI, a commonly used measure of obesity.
A Northwestern University meta-analysis reveals that leadership continues to be viewed as culturally masculine, perpetuating barriers to women's advancement. The study finds that women are seen as less qualified or natural in leadership roles, and adopting masculine behaviors can lead to being viewed as inappropriate.
MUTE's low curb weight of 400 kg enables efficient energy consumption, while its active torque vectoring differential enhances cornering ability and safety. The vehicle's design optimizes suspension, damping, and axle kinematics for improved handling.
Researchers found that 22 non-native species in Chile pose a high risk to Argentina, with yellow glandweed being the most dangerous. The study highlights the need for cooperation between neighboring countries to counter invasive plant species and prevent severe damage to agriculture.
Researchers discovered that gold bridges composed of a single atom are stiffest, contrary to everyday intuition. This finding is crucial for understanding the behavior of tiny components in devices like computer circuits.
Leptin's antiobesity effects are attributed to modulation of inhibitory output via GABA neurons, which suppress appetite and energy expenditure.
Research by University of Edinburgh found that ultrafine particles from diesel exhaust fumes can impair blood vessel function, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study suggests that environmental health measures to reduce emissions could save lives.
A recent study from MIT shows that estrogen dramatically lowers the rates of stomach cancer in male mice treated with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The researchers found that estrogen interferes with the recruitment and activity of immune cells, promoting inflammation and ultimately leading to gastritis and cancer.
Researchers recorded tsunami airglow signature using camera system in Maui, Hawaii, one hour before the event. The observation confirms a theory that tsunamis can produce atmospheric gravity waves detectable by satellite imaging.
Scientists have developed a tiny fiber-optic biosensor to detect elevated PSA levels in cases of breast cancer. The biosensor's sensitivity and specificity are comparable to those found in current screening methods for breast cancer.
Misdiagnosis of spider bites is delaying appropriate treatment for common conditions, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Lyme disease. The use of antivenom is also putting patients at risk due to a lack of well-conducted research and conflicting animal study results.
Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia developed a method to evaluate coastal storm vulnerability, finding that one-third of the region's coasts are at risk of severe flooding and erosion. The study used wave data from 1958-2008 to assess the vulnerability of a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism of resistance to daptomycin in enterococcus strains, which can be attributed to mutations in the cardiolipin synthase gene. This finding provides valuable information on how antibiotics work and could lead to the development of better treatments for resistant infections.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that combining short-term hormone therapy (ADT) with radiation therapy significantly improves overall survival rates for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The treatment also resulted in a 10% reduction in disease-specific deaths among high-risk patients.
MIT researchers have developed a novel method for storing solar energy by modifying carbon nanotubes with azobenzene, resulting in an efficient and cost-effective solution. The new material has a high volumetric energy density comparable to lithium-ion batteries, making it promising for applications such as heating and energy storage.
Researchers discovered that colonizing rice plants with fungal spores from naturally salt-tolerant plants enhances their ability to withstand cold, salt, and drought. This emerging strategy, called symbiogenics, could help mitigate climate change impacts on global food security.
A comprehensive review of respiratory illnesses in the Middle East highlights diverse conditions such as pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchial diseases, and chest traumas. The study attributes these disorders to environmental factors, infections, and unique cultural conditions.
A surprisingly healthy population of rare snow leopards has been discovered in northeastern Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor, according to a new study. WCS-trained community rangers used camera traps to document the presence of snow leopards at 16 different locations across the region.
Researchers at Caltech propose a new wind farm design that places turbines close together, reducing inefficiencies and environmental impacts. The approach uses vertical-axis wind turbines, which provide benefits in turbulent winds, simple designs, and lower profiles.
Researchers have identified a key regulator of the plant's daily growth cycle, which shares similarities with human circadian rhythm genes. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of how clock genes regulate cell division in humans and provide new avenues for developing disease therapies.