Researchers identified seven new DNA variants associated with increased prostate cancer risk, accounting for 25% of familial cancer risk. The study, conducted by an international consortium, used genome-wide association studies to identify genetic variants linked to the disease.
Scientists from Spain and France have obtained single-crystal X-ray diffraction images of sepiolite, a lightweight porous mineral used in cat litter. The study opens the path to industrial synthesis and further improvement of its properties, which could lead to edible product applications.
New research from St. Michael's Hospital suggests that consuming two ounces of nuts daily can effectively control glycemic and serum lipid levels for people with Type 2 diabetes. The study found that nut consumption reduced HbA1c levels by two-thirds, a clinically meaningful improvement without weight gain.
Researchers leverage supercomputers to investigate dark energy, a mysterious force driving the universe's expansion. They develop new models that allow for more accurate analysis of subtle dark matter clustering features, such as Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO), crucial for constraining cosmological parameters.
The ENJOY House, a collaborative effort between Rutgers and NJIT, features integrated systems, rainwater collection, and a fully powered photovoltaic system. Construction began after a ground-breaking at NJIT, with the team aiming to complete the house by the end of summer.
A collection of articles in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine explores the health consequences of prolonged sitting time, independent of physical activity levels. Key findings suggest that sedentary behavior is a distinct health risk, with implications for workplace environments and children's health.
The University of Houston is transforming the Third Ward into a cultural center with a $100,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant. The project will feature public art installations, new media initiatives, and community engagement to enhance quality of life in the area.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers has discovered a genetic risk factor for sudden cardiac death, specifically a DNA sequence called the BAZ2B locus. Having one copy of this variant increases the risk of SCD by double that of someone without it, while having two copies nearly quadruples the risk.
In a study published in Psychological Science, researchers found that goalies are more likely to dive right when their team is behind and under time pressure. This bias may be due to biological factors, such as the brain's tendency to go towards the right side.
Researchers have found that human Sertoli cells can proliferate in vitro and retain their functionality, making them suitable for therapeutic applications. The cells have also been successfully used as delivery systems for therapeutics in the deep lung areas, potentially providing an effective treatment alternative.
A study published in Cell Transplantation investigated the optimal routes for transplanting neural stem/progenitor cells in animal models of spinal cord injury. Intralesional injection was found to be the best method, with high cell survival rates and no complications. This method holds promise for treating other disorders
A new study reveals that nearly all high-grade noninvasive bladder cancer patients do not receive complete care as recommended by current guidelines. This suboptimal care has serious consequences, including increased risk of recurrence and progression to invasive tumors.
Research published in BMJ Open found a strong association between contact allergies and reduced rates of breast, non-melanoma skin, and brain cancers. However, higher rates of bladder cancer were detected among those with contact allergies.
A new study has linked out-of-body experiences to neural instabilities in the brain's temporal lobes and errors in the body's sense of itself. Healthy individuals who experience OBEs showed signs of neuroelectrical anomalies and biases in body representation.
A study by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals that presenting positive information first, followed by a minor negative detail, can boost consumer appeal. This approach, known as the 'blemishing effect,' can be used in marketing to improve product perception and drive sales.
A three-year study of 668 adults found that surrogate decision-making significantly delays writing DNR orders, leading to shorter time frames between decision and cardiac arrest, reduced palliative care, and less time for families to cope with death. Surrogate decision-makers may struggle with complex ethical and communication issues.
Rural workers lack access to paid sick days, forcing them to choose between caring for themselves or family members, risking job loss. The lack of paid sick time disproportionately affects rural workers, particularly those in private sectors and part-time jobs.
Researchers extracted the plant's physiologically active components and found that 200 and 400 mg/kg doses produced analgesia comparable to aspirin. The extract may be acting through both peripheral and central pain mechanisms.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded over $14 million in grants to three research teams focused on developing strategies to eradicate HIV reservoirs. The grants aim to develop proteins that directly attack these reservoirs, as well as study immune cells' resistance to the virus.
A team of researchers led by UCSF and the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute aim to eradicate HIV from the body using a combination regimen. They will define HIV's reservoir, understand its creation and maintenance, and test potential treatments.
Research reveals high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in psoriatic arthritis patients, but lacks correlation between vitamin D levels and disease activity. Vitamin D insufficiency was more common in northern regions during winter months.
Perlecan domain V protects nerve cells from death and promotes blood vessel growth after stroke, enhancing brain repair. Elevated levels of perlecan domain V were detected in rodent models of stroke, suggesting it may provide a nontoxic therapy to improve stroke outcomes.
The World Health Organization has stated that alcohol is carcinogenic in both animals and humans. Several studies have linked alcohol consumption to an increased risk of cancers in the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon-rectum, and breast cancers. New international guidelines are needed to address this issue.
Researchers have discovered that a protein in blood vessel walls plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Malfunctioning of this protein, Kv7.4, contributes to high blood pressure and can be targeted by new treatment strategies.
A GLBRC study links agricultural landscape simplification to crop pest abundance and increased insecticide use. Perennial bioenergy crops, such as switchgrass and mixed prairie, may mitigate negative effects.
The waiting list for organ transplantation is often artificially inflated, with inactive patients representing a significant proportion of those listed. This can lead to a mismatch between the needs of patients and the availability of organs, ultimately affecting patient outcomes and resource allocation.
Researchers have discovered that malaria parasites employ camouflage to avoid detection by the immune system in pregnant women. This allows the parasite to infect the placenta, putting both the mother and unborn child at risk. The study provides insight into the complex ways in which malaria evades the human immune response.
Researchers have identified a way to exploit brain's self-repair mechanism to protect nerve cells and enhance brain repair after stroke. Estradiol has been shown to protect male rats against beta-cell failure in rodent models of type 2 diabetes, suggesting estrogen receptors as a viable therapeutic target.
Climbing the social ladder may reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure among those born into disadvantaged backgrounds. Researchers found that upwardly mobile adults had a 20% lower risk of hypertension, while those who fell further down the social ladder were at increased risk.
A study published in CMAJ examined the incidence of thyroid dysfunction in patients taking brand-name versus generic amiodarone formulations. The results showed no significant difference in rates of thyroid dysfunction between the two groups, with comparable incidence rates for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
A new Cardiff University study aims to develop a vaccine patch targeting immune cells in the skin to boost the body's response and prevent HIV transmission. The research uses microneedles to modulate dendritic cells, increasing their potency and inducing immunity.
The federal and state laws governing the tip credit, tip pooling, and service charges are complex, with varying requirements for employers. Employers must carefully review their policies to ensure compliance and avoid costly class action lawsuits.
Researchers found that obese patients developed respiratory insufficiency (RI) and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) less frequently, with lower in-hospital mortality rates. Fatty tissue may act as a sink for inflammatory proteins, neutralizing them and reducing the inflammatory process.
The National Science Foundation awards four grants to create a national resource of digital data documenting existing biological collections. This will increase accessibility to valuable information and stimulate new research across multiple fields of science.
The University of North Carolina will lead a national effort to find a cure for AIDS by developing ways to purge the latent HIV virus from patients' immune systems. The five-year grant aims to better understand where and how the virus is established, and how to eliminate it.
A University of Georgia study reveals that 82% of Georgia hospitals lack palliative care services, despite its growing importance nationwide. The researchers found that only 18% of hospitals have palliative care programs and many healthcare providers are unaware of the concept.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a novel subtype of breast cancer that grows in response to androgen but not estrogen. The study reveals the signaling pathways involved in its growth and demonstrates that drugs capable of blocking these pathways can inhibit tumor growth.
Researchers from British Antarctic Survey discovered 12 previously unknown volcanoes in the Southern Ocean, with 5km diameter craters and 7 active volcanoes. The findings provide new insights into underwater volcanic activity and its potential hazards like tsunamis.
Researchers found that African-Americans with glaucoma have significantly higher oxygen levels in their eyes compared to Caucasians. This suggests that excess oxygen may damage the drainage system and lead to elevated pressure, causing optic nerve damage and vision loss. Further study is needed to confirm this association.
Research from Northwestern University found that 50% of college drinkers report at least one alcohol-induced memory blackout in the past year. Students who experienced these blackouts were more likely to suffer alcohol-related injuries, highlighting the need for better screening and interventions.
A new $20 million, five-year study will test transplantation of gene-modified immune cells to deny HIV entry into the body's blood cells. Researchers aim to develop tools to eradicate existing reservoirs of infection and potentially eliminate the disease.
Researchers discovered that specific microRNAs play a crucial role in melanoma metastasis by suppressing the immune system and promoting cell invasion. The study found that these miRNAs can serve as biomarkers for more aggressive tumors, suggesting new therapeutic targets for battling the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Indonesia is paying a high price for failing to give local communities enforceable rights to contested forests, causing significant economic losses and deforestation. The country continues as an outlier in the region, with less than 1% of its forestland legally recognized under local control.
A study led by USC researchers found that Chinese youth who reported frequent vegetable consumption and physical activity were more likely to be overweight. The analysis of 9,023 questionnaires revealed paradoxical relationships between weight, sleep duration, diet, and socioeconomic status in Chinese adolescents.
Researchers found that virtual reality (VR) and physical reality exercises can increase movement speeds in PD patients, especially when moving targets are provided. The study shows promising results for VR as a tool to improve movement in persons with PD, similar to the benefits of physical reality cues.
Physicists at UC Riverside have discovered a new way to create positronium, an exotic atom made up of an electron and its antimatter twin, the positron. This method allows for the production of positronium at almost any temperature, including very low temperatures, making it easier to detect.
The Resilience Capacity Index (RCI) measures a region's ability to adapt to stress, identifying strengths and weaknesses. Northeastern and Midwestern regions tend to be more resilient due to high scores for affordability, health-insured population, and metropolitan stability.
The 'July Effect' is associated with increased patient mortality and lower efficiency in teaching hospitals. Researchers found that the sudden changeover of medical trainees leads to disruptions in established teams, resulting in longer hospital stays and surgical times.
Research found that pet owners had greater self-esteem, were more physically fit, and less lonely compared to non-owners. Pet ownership also benefited individuals experiencing rejection by providing a sense of comfort and companionship.
A new study reveals that urban vegetation in Leicester stores 231,000 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to 3.16 kg C per square metre of the city. Planting more trees, particularly large ones, could increase this pool by 12%.
The Sandia Cooler technology significantly reduces the energy needed to cool processor chips in data centers and large-scale computing environments. It achieves this by efficiently transferring heat across a narrow air gap, minimizing boundary layer thickness and fouling problems.
The European Science Foundation has released the 2011 revised lists of European Research Index for Humanities, showcasing top-tier journals in the field. The index aims to promote research excellence and national importance of humanities research across Europe.
A new owl study uncovers the advantage of stereopsis, revealing its ability to discriminate between objects and background. The findings debunk the long-held consensus that the evolutionary advantage of seeing in stereo must be depth vision, suggesting a more nuanced role for binocular disparity.
A large-scale study by the University of Michigan found a link between phthalates and BPA exposure and decreased thyroid hormone levels in adults. The study suggests that exposure to these chemicals may have significant health implications, particularly for fetal and child development.
Researchers found that 4-month-old babies associated sounds with larger and smaller objects, indicating an early capacity for conceptual development. The study used nonsense syllables and visual stimuli to test the babies' perception of physical properties of speech.
A study by Understanding Society reveals that individuals with long-term debilitating physical illnesses exhibit similar mental well-being as those without such conditions. The research, based on data from 40,000 UK households, also shows that over half of those experiencing high levels of distress report positive overall mental health.
Researchers discovered a genetic switch controlling limb development in ancient fish, suggesting that the recipe for limb development is conserved across species. The discovery challenges previous findings and provides new insights into the evolution of limbs in tetrapods.
New research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea can cause changes in blood vessel function, reducing blood supply to the heart. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been shown to improve blood supply and function in study participants.
A comprehensive review of 172 research papers found a significant association between smoking during pregnancy and an increased risk of birth defects. Missing or deformed limbs, clubfoot, facial disorders, and gastrointestinal problems were among the most common malformations linked to maternal smoking.
A new study by University of Guelph researchers found that parents are just as likely as their teenagers to disclose personal information on Facebook. The study also revealed that both parents and teens share and show more about themselves than they might in other social settings, driven by psychological factors.