A realistic look at nanomedicine reveals both promise and perils. While dozens of nano health care products are in use, the field also poses risks of nanoparticle toxicity and unintended interactions.
A national study has found that LGBT seniors face unique challenges in aging, including higher rates of disability, depression, and loneliness. The study highlights the need for prevention and intervention strategies to address their specific needs.
A new study reveals that US teens are at a higher risk of dying from heart disease due to high blood sugar levels, obesity, and poor diets. The research found that only zero children or adolescents met the criteria for ideal cardiovascular health.
A study published in Neurology found that people with a history of stroke or diabetes who received clot-busting drugs had better outcomes than those who did not. The use of these drugs can limit damage and disability due to blood clots, and current guidelines should not exclude individuals from receiving this therapy.
A recent survey of Italian high school students found that both underweight and overweight teens consume more illegal drugs than their normal-weight peers. The study suggests that social factors such as self-esteem and friendships play a key role in the relationship between abnormal weight and substance abuse.
A group of researchers at UCSF has discovered why the bite of a small Texas coral snake can be so painful. The venom contains toxic chemicals that bind to acid receptors on human nerve endings, triggering severe pain signals to the brain.
Kessler Foundation received a $250,000 grant from the Wallerstein Foundation to study hidden disabilities that complicate recovery after stroke. Researchers aim to find better treatments for these often-overlooked disabilities, which can prolong hospitalizations and increase the risk of injury.
A new study found that people in a good mood tend to use more direct language when thinking of pleasurable goods. Meanwhile, utilitarian consumption like banking and insurance is met with polite language, leading to higher compliance rates for assertive messages. The research has implications for campaigners and public message composers.
Researchers found pneumonia to be the most common serious infection after heart surgery, occurring in 6% of patients. The study also revealed that most infections occur about two weeks after surgery, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers found that pluripotent stem cells respire at the same level as differentiated body cells but produce very little energy. UCP2 protein blocks respiration substrates from entering mitochondria, allowing glycolysis to dominate. The study suggests that changes in metabolism drive cell differentiation.
Three Indiana high school students co-authored a paper on waveguide lattices with localized eigenstates published in Physical Review A. The students, mentored by IUPUI assistant professor Yogesh Joglekar, advanced to the national finals of the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology.
A study found contrasting patterns of malaria drug resistance in human blood and mosquito midgut samples, with pyrimethamine-resistant parasites dominating human blood and cycloguanil-resistant mutants prevalent in mosquitoes.
A study by Promothesh Chatterjee and Randall L. Rose found that consumers who use credit cards focus more on product benefits than those who pay cash, while cash users tend to prioritize costs.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that high-dose niacin did not further reduce cardiovascular events in patients with stable cardiovascular disease and low HDL levels. The trial, AIM-HIGH, involved 1,718 patients who received extended-release niacin or a placebo for two years.
Professor Boppart discusses the importance of federal funds for research in medical imaging, enabling diagnosis and improving healthcare. He highlights the potential of optical coherence tomography to reduce re-operations and develop compact imaging devices for primary care physicians.
A comprehensive training program for healthcare staff significantly reduced adverse events, including birth trauma, by more than half. The two-year study also showed improved staff perceptions of safety, patient satisfaction, and documentation rates.
A new diagnostic test for coronary artery disease is associated with a higher rate of subsequent invasive cardiac procedures and higher health-care spending. The study found that patients who underwent coronary CT angiography were nearly twice as likely to have a subsequent cardiac catheterization as those who had a stress test.
Researchers identified a key interaction between BRCA1 and RHAMM proteins regulating epithelial cell polarity, found altered in some breast cancer patients. The discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms driving breast cancer development.
A study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology found that moderate beer consumption can lower cardiovascular disease risk by up to 31% compared to non-drinkers. The research also revealed a dose-dependent effect for beer, with maximum protection observed at approximately one English pint per day.
Researchers found that metaphorical associations with weight are just as influential as physical weight on consumer judgments. In experiments, participants who were primed to think about weight responded similarly to those who physically carried heavy loads.
A study from Lund University has discovered a molecular link between type 2 diabetes and cancer, highlighting the role of the TCF7L2-p53-p53INP1 pathway in protecting pancreatic beta cells. The risk variant of TCF gene is common and linked to both diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Researchers build a simple model system to study laws of 'absorbing states' in active systems, where energy is continuously consumed but movement stops. Complex structures form with perfectly shaped rings made up of millions of individual fibers.
The National Institutes of Health's Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases (TRND) program has announced its next round of drug development projects. Six new projects will focus on treatments for rare and neglected diseases, including musculoskeletal disorders, cognitive dysfunction disorders, and parasitic worm infections. The TR...
Mayo Clinic has been awarded a $1.25 million grant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop online medical education in Ethiopia.
A large study found that 53% of male breast cancer patients experience tamoxifen-related side effects, leading to early discontinuation. The study suggests that these patients may be at increased risk of cancer recurrence.
A new study by Steve Franzel and colleagues found that only 40% of expert farmers are effective disseminators, highlighting the importance of selecting farmer trainers based on their teaching skills. The study, conducted in Kenya with 225,000 smallholder farmers, suggests that extension programs should prioritize trainer selection over...
Despite fears, there's no evidence a supereruption is imminent; supervolcanoes are exceedingly rare and occur in clusters. Scientists closely monitor volcanically active areas, and there's no sign of a looming eruption.
Researchers have discovered that citrus products can provide cows with good roughage and vitamins, reducing the risk of foodborne pathogens. The study found a tenfold reduction in Salmonella populations in sheep's intestinal contents after feeding them dried orange peel pellets.
A study by LeBoeuf and Norton found that people tend to overemphasize the impact of events on their lives. In experiments, participants were more likely to attribute a large cause to an event when it led to significant consequences. This bias can lead to negative attitudes towards unrelated entities.
Researchers found that silibinin from milk thistle prevents lung cancer growth by inhibiting COX2 and iNOS production. This natural compound may be as effective as current treatments for lung cancer, targeting promising therapeutic targets STAT1 and STAT3.
The DOE's Office of Science has awarded almost 1.7 billion processor hours to 60 high-impact research projects addressing national and global challenges, with applications including earthquake hazard forecasts, wind turbine efficiency, and laser energy coupling for ignition targets. These awards accelerate development costs and speed d...
A new vaginal ring combining dapivirine and maraviroc is being evaluated for its safety and effectiveness as an HIV microbicide. The study, MTN-013/IPM 026, aims to assess the ring's ability to prevent HIV infection in women through vaginal sex.
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that complete strangers can pick up on who is trustworthy and kind in just 20 seconds based on facial expressions and body language. People with a specific variation of the oxytocin receptor gene, known as the GG genotype, displayed more trustworthy behaviors.
Researchers from North Carolina State University are working on a 3D CPU design to achieve up to 25% reduction in energy consumption and improve performance. The goal is to overcome challenges such as heat dissipation and incompatible chip designs, enabling the manufacture of more efficient and powerful computing devices.
A new study found that evacetrapib, a CETP inhibitor, significantly increased HDL-C levels and decreased LDL-C levels in patients with sub-optimal lipid profiles. The medication was effective when used alone or in combination with statin medications, producing dose-dependent increases in HDL-C.
A study published in The Lancet shows denosumab can delay time to bone metastasis in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Denosumab significantly increases bone-metastasis-free survival by over four months compared to placebo, with improved outcomes also seen in delayed first bone metastasis.
A new study shows that giving stroke patients and their families control over their recovery process can significantly improve physical health scores and reduce disability. The 'Take Charge' session improved patients' quality of life by six points, while the inspirational DVD upped the result by one point.
Doris Santoro argues that rigid curricula and high-stakes testing undermine a teacher's ability to respond to students' needs. The author emphasizes the distinction between burnout and demoralization, highlighting the need for policymakers to promote quality teaching.
Researchers have discovered that ancient stars in the Milky Way's halo contain abnormally large amounts of heavy elements like gold and uranium. By analyzing the motions of these stars, they found evidence suggesting that exploding supernovae may have sent jets of enriched gas into space, creating the heavy-element rich stars.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have discovered that ionized plasmas can kill bacteria in water for up to a week, making it a potential cheap and effective sterilizer for developing countries. The plasma-generated molecules create a cocktail of highly reactive chemicals that attack and destroy microbes.
Research suggests that systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels within the normal range may not be protective against recurrent stroke in patients who have experienced an ischemic stroke. The study found that SBP levels below 120 mmHg or above 140 mmHg were associated with a higher risk of subsequent stroke. Lowering SBP levels to less tha...
Researchers found that trees can increase their carbon intake during cloudy conditions due to even light distribution among leaves. This process helps forests maintain high productivity despite reduced sunlight.
A Finnish study published in the European Heart Journal found that combining antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs increases the risk of sudden cardiac death during an acute coronary event. The study suggests a need to improve screening for cardiovascular risk factors in psychiatric patients and avoid combining these medications.
Researchers Jordan Etkin and Rebecca K. Ratner found that consumers who believe they are close to their fitness goals prefer a limited variety of products. In contrast, those who feel further from their goals are more motivated by a larger selection of options.
Elena Litchman leads a $2 million NSF grant to study Lake Baikal's adaptation to climate change. The research aims to understand how the lake's endemic species will respond to rising temperatures and human-induced stress, with potential implications for global ecosystems.
A University of Cincinnati study found that a small group of landlords own many properties with high crime rates, suggesting that property owners themselves may be the root cause of the problem. The researchers recommend focusing on educating and targeting these landlords to reduce police calls and crime in the area.
Ben-Gurion University researchers have made a significant breakthrough in male fertility, producing normal sperm from mouse cells. The study, published in Asian Journal of Andrology, outlines the generation of spermatozoa from mouse testicular germ cells under in vitro culture using a three-dimensional Soft Agar Culture System.
The Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) can reduce a standard 50-gallon bag of waste to a half-pint jar of harmless ash. Developed by the Office of Naval Research, MAGS is environmentally friendly and fuel efficient, using thermally converted energy from biomass.
Researchers found that adolescent male hamsters showed signs of depressive-like behaviors, lower body mass, and changes in brain cells after early-life sexual experience. This suggests that sex during adolescence may be interpreted by the body as a stressor, leading to lasting negative effects on adult body and mood.
A new international study found that patients with very low systolic blood pressure levels may actually increase their chances of experiencing a recurrent stroke. The research, led by Bruce Ovbiagele, suggests that the relationship between blood pressure and stroke risk is more complicated than previously thought, with timing also play...
Researchers found a link between genetic variants in cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) and increased susceptibility to alcohol dependence. Specific CNR1 polymorphisms were more frequent in patients with alcohol dependence than those who abused alcohol.
The widespread use of antibiotics in animal farming creates an environment for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to multiply and spread to humans. Studies show that up to 90% of antibiotics given to livestock are excreted into the environment, contributing to resistance genes and promoting infection risk.
Researchers used genetic tools to investigate how stress affects brain function and identify potential targets for treating stress-related disorders. The study provides clues on how different types of stress alter genes and brain function, shedding light on behavior and mood changes in stress-related illnesses.
A study by MIT cancer biologists reveals that platelets release chemical signals inducing tumor cells to become more invasive and form new tumors. The findings suggest that direct physical contact between platelets and tumor cells is necessary for metastasis, highlighting potential targets for drug development.
Researchers have created a self-assembling platform for biosensors using synthetic DNA and carbon nanotubes. The technology allows for the creation of highly efficient sensors for detecting various compounds, including glucose, with potential applications in diabetes management and personalized medicine.
Harvard researchers develop a single-layer quantum-dot light-emitting device (QD-LED) that enables more effective control over electrical current flow and allows for diverse applications. The new architecture uses an insulating egg-crate structure to optimize the device's performance.
A new study reveals that only 30% of US state police agencies have automated external defibrillators in their vehicles, despite the lifesaving devices being available for nearly $1,000 each. Training for officers in AED use is common, but equipment availability remains a significant issue.
Recent studies shed light on how brain structure, genes, and chemicals interact to affect behavior in individuals with autism and fragile X syndrome. The research findings offer new tools for understanding these conditions, paving the way for effective education, early intervention, and potential treatments.
A study found that individuals who were legally permitted to drink before the age of 21 remain at elevated risk for suicide and homicide as adults, particularly women born after 1960. The study suggests that higher minimum legal drinking ages may be preventing approximately 600 suicides and 600 homicides annually.
A recent study has found that PROMETAT, a popular but controversial treatment for methamphetamine addiction, is no more effective than placebo in reducing methamphetamine use. The study, funded by the company behind the treatment, Hythiam, suggests that the program may not be an effective solution for those struggling with addiction.