St. Michael's Hospital has received funding to develop a human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) vaccine that could eliminate latent HIV reservoirs. The project aims to target persistent viruses hiding in the body, with the goal of eliminating HIV from infected individuals.
A Virginia Tech research team has created a microelectromechanical system to detect trace amounts of toxins in breath on the parts per billion scale. The study aims to monitor patient exhaled breath to identify and quantify environmental exposure risks, providing valuable data for limiting harmful contaminant exposure.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute and MIT have developed a novel surface that enables tripling of human embryonic stem and induced pluripotent stem cell growth in culture. This breakthrough eliminates the need for mouse feeder cells, reducing contamination risks and increasing efficiency.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that Delaware's fire service program is a model for comprehensive fire prevention. The researchers highlight the importance of community involvement, partnerships with schools and local businesses, and policy advocacy efforts to advance fire safety initiatives.
A landmark survey of 1,006 mothers found that only 24% discussed their decision to stop childbearing with their OB/GYNs. Women were largely unaware of non-surgical permanent birth control methods like the Essure procedure, which has a 99.8% effectiveness rate.
A new study finds that White and Hispanic teens are more likely to abuse drugs than African-American teens, with marijuana being the most heavily used substance among teenagers. The study also reveals significant disparities in substance use disorders across racial and ethnic groups.
Electrons in graphene exhibit Klein tunneling, allowing them to pass through energy barriers regardless of width and height. This phenomenon has been observed experimentally in graphene.
University Hospitals neurosurgeons champion brain bypass in select patients with complex brain aneurysms or cerebrovascular disorders. The procedure can reduce stroke risk and improve symptoms in young patients with moyamoya syndrome.
A new national study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that wealthier Americans and those with private health insurance fare better in physical functioning. The study found that the disadvantage for the poor snowballs over time, leading to steeper declines in their health as they age.
A large population-based study found that babies who rise two or more major percentiles in weight-for-length on growth charts before age 2 are more likely to be obese at age 5 and 10. The study suggests assessing weight gains during the first two years, especially in the first 6 months, to identify early risk factors for obesity.
A new 19-year study from Oregon State University reveals that fatherhood leads to significant decreases in crime, tobacco, and alcohol use in men. This finding suggests that becoming a father can be a transformative experience for men engaging in high-risk behavior.
A novel sewage digestion system designed by Duke University's Marc Deshusses has the potential to revolutionize sanitation in developing countries. The system captures methane gas produced during waste breakdown, using it to kill pathogens and destroy harmful bacteria.
A study published in Science reveals that animal and plant populations need to move at similar rates to keep up with climate change effects in the ocean and on land. The analysis shows that marine life would need to relocate fast, even in biodiversity hot spots like the coral triangle region.
Dr. Andrés Finzi's 'Reverse Fusion' project aims to deliver toxic genes to HIV-infected cells to eliminate them. The approach targets the virus's unique key and lock, using modified envelope glycoproteins and receptors to deliver a Trojan horse that eradicates infected cells.
A new invention by Michigan State University professor Syed Hashsham enables the instant identification of plant diseases using a low-cost handheld device. This technology uses genetic analysis and can identify pathogens, their genotype, and amount in under 30 minutes, speeding up treatments and preventing pathogen spread.
A pair of postdoctoral researchers at Penn State suggest that we have not looked in enough places to ensure the absence of extraterrestrial artifacts. They used a probabilistic method to determine if sufficient searching has been done, finding it challenging to rule out their presence.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that banning all sugar-sweetened beverages in schools reduces in-school access and purchase, but not overall consumption among adolescents. Approximately 85% of students reported consuming sugar-sweetened beverages at least once a week, regardless of policy.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new technique for fabricating nanoscale structures by controlling the temperature of a tiny soldering iron. This method, called thermal dip-pen nanolithography, allows for precise control over feature size and shape on various substrates.
Scientists identified a molecule that manipulates plant development to favor insect hosts, increasing leafhopper reproduction and pathogen transmission. This phenomenon demonstrates the extended phenotype, where an organism's impact on its environment extends beyond biological processes.
Researchers discovered negative thermal expansion in ScF3 through computer simulations and neutron scattering experiments. The material shrinks as it heats up due to unique atomic vibrations.
A Tel Aviv University researcher warns that live virus polio vaccine evolution can continue to threaten global eradication efforts. The expert recommends maintaining herd immunity, environmental surveillance, and switching to inactivated vaccines.
A study of Nobel Laureates from 1901 to 2008 found that the majority of breakthroughs in chemistry and physics were made after age 40, with great achievements by age 30 nearly never occurring. The trend toward youthful achievement in early 20th century physics may be attributed to the development of quantum mechanics.
Researchers found inconsistent best-estimate clinical diagnoses for autism spectrum disorders across 12 university-based sites, highlighting regional variations and implications for diagnostic frameworks. The study suggests moving towards dimensional descriptions of core features, rather than existing subgroupings.
A nationwide investigation found that simultaneous infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) increased the risk for flu-related mortality 8-fold among previously healthy children. The study, led by Children's Hospital Boston, tracked 838 children admitted to pediatric ICUs and found that co-infection with MRSA w...
A recent study by the National Institutes of Health has discovered a correlation between high blood pressure and stroke risk factors with cognitive impairment. The research, which followed over 30,000 participants, found that age, left ventricular hypertrophy, and high blood pressure were independent predictors of cognitive decline.
Researchers have developed a computer algorithm that can analyze brain scans to predict the severity of future psychotic episodes. The study found that the algorithm was able to differentiate between patients who would develop continuous psychosis and those with more benign forms in seven out of ten cases.
Pridopidine, a novel dopidine, appears well-tolerated and warrants further investigation for patients with Huntington's disease. The drug improved voluntary motor function and reduced chorea symptoms in a phase 3 trial.
University of Alberta researchers create a miniature model of oil-trapping rock layers using core samples from drilling sites. The 'reservoir on a chip' model helps energy companies determine optimal water and chemical concentrations for maximum oil recovery.
A British team has discovered over 100 fortified farms and villages with castle-like structures in Libya's south-western desert, uncovering new evidence of a lost civilization. The Garamantes were highly civilized, living in large-scale fortified settlements, predominantly as oasis farmers.
A three-year $600,000 grant will explore how adaptive technology can make personal health records accessible to people with disabilities. Project staff will systematically observe consumers and develop guidelines and recommendations for better accessibility.
A study published in Journal of Marketing Research found that credit card bill notes displaying the minimum required payment amount can reduce monthly payments by up to 24% for US and UK consumers. Increasing the minimum payment amount or disclosing future interest costs does not encourage larger payments.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital found that patients with advanced liver disease have significantly higher healthcare costs compared to those with early stages of the disease. The average annual cost for patients with end-stage liver disease was estimated to be $59,995.
The Scott & White Cancer Research Institute has received a $3.5 million grant from the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas to develop new cancer treatments. The funds will be used to upgrade facilities and support the production of promising drug candidates, enabling rapid transition from laboratory to clinical trials.
Researchers have discovered that connexin 36 protects mouse pancreatic beta-cells against immune molecules prevalent in type 1 diabetes. Additionally, a study found that PTHrP drives breast tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis in mice, suggesting it as a potential therapy target.
A study by Harvard researchers found that cooked meat delivers more energy than raw meat, contradicting current food labeling. This discovery supports the idea that cooking allowed early humans to extract more energy from their diet, contributing to evolutionary adaptations such as increased brain size and long-distance running ability.
A recent study published in the Journal of Urology found that prostate cancer patients who undergo radical prostatectomy experience fewer complications and shorter hospital stays at teaching hospitals compared to non-academic institutions. The study suggests that the characteristics of teaching hospitals, including higher subspecialty ...
Researchers at Brown University have created an unprecedentedly detailed description of a kinase complex, which could lead to new therapeutic drugs for diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer. The team discovered a unique binding site, called KIS, that plays a crucial role in the complex's formation.
Climate change is expected to force sea creatures to migrate several hundred kilometres to find suitable habitats, driven by rising water temperatures and seasonal changes. This poses significant challenges for marine biodiversity hotspots and fisheries management.
A Scripps Research Institute scientist has successfully produced a simpler relative of Taxol called eudesmane and created a retrosynthesis pyramid to produce target compound. The researchers hope that the innovation will lead to understanding of nature's processes and develop more widely applicable techniques.
Researchers have identified two peptides that target an enzyme in cancerous cells, leading to a rise in tumor suppressor protein p53 levels and cell death. The discovery shows promise for new cancer treatments.
The ICRISAT-led team has completed the genome sequence of pigeonpea, a legume crop grown by millions of poor farmers worldwide. With this breakthrough, scientists can now identify genes for drought tolerance and improve crop productivity, tackling pests and disease constraints in production.
A recent HIV study has identified SAMHD1, a protein that prevents the virus from replicating in certain cells. The research provides a blueprint for designing new drugs to treat HIV infection.
Researchers at University of Toronto have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the alignment of energy levels in advanced materials, enabling more efficient organic solar cells and OLEDs. This discovery is crucial for developing sustainable technologies that can secure our energy future.
A study found that patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who responded well to etanercept treatment had lower disability scores, younger age at onset, and fewer disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs used before treatment. These factors are associated with a better long-term outcome.
A study used the Sleeping Beauty transposon system to profile genes driving colorectal cancer, identifying over 200 genes that can be disrupted. These findings provide strong evidence for driver mutations in human tumours and lay the foundation for more effective targeted treatments.
A new device combines optical frequency-domain imaging and near-infrared fluorescence to provide simultaneous structural and molecular images of internal arterial surfaces. This integrated approach can assess key factors linked to the risk of clot formation, enabling a 'stent checkup' for patients at risk.
Researchers at Uppsala University have examined the mechanism of gene transcription and found that genes active in the brain are transcribed with a special mechanism. During fetal development, there is a larger proportion of RNA molecules containing introns compared to fully developed brains.
Researchers discovered a novel microbe that produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, in Arctic permafrost. The microbe's genome revealed genes for nitrogen fixation, making it a potentially key player in the Earth's carbon cycle.
A team of researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) has an unexpected role in regulating cell proliferation and tumor formation in brain cancer. PKM2's ability to bind to beta-catenin in the cell nucleus is essential for its function, and its levels are correlated with brain t...
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a computational method to quickly identify metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with high potential for natural gas storage. The new algorithm rapidly generates and tests hypothetical MOFs, leading to the discovery of over 300 promising structures.
A new study finds weak evidence supporting exercise referral schemes as a means of increasing physical activity and improving health outcomes in sedentary individuals. Despite the importance of physical activity, the study highlights the need for targeted and effective schemes to address the growing public health issue.
Research identifies autoimmune diseases as a possible underlying cause of non-healing wounds. Patients with these conditions often experience significantly larger and more difficult-to-treat wounds that require skin grafts or amputations.
Nanotechnology researchers at Georgia Tech have compared two techniques for chemically doping sheets of graphene for device and interconnect fabrication. Edge treatment, which reacts with defects created when the material is cut, was found to be thousand times more efficient than surface treatment.
A study found that lupus patients with low socioeconomic status often miss appointments due to transportation and childcare issues. The researchers suggest improving transportation services or temporary childcare as a potential approach to ensure these patients receive necessary care.
A Mayo Clinic study found that dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) CT scans can accurately identify patients with gout, even in those who receive negative results from traditional joint fluid analysis. This non-invasive method is particularly helpful for diagnosing people who cannot undergo the standard test.
A new study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients who undergo total knee replacement surgery have lower expectations about their postsurgical outcomes compared to osteoarthritis patients. This can lead to worse outcomes due to reduced motivation for rehabilitation, resulting in decreased function and overall quality of life.
Women with lupus can safely carry out pregnancy thanks to recent advances in rheumatology research, according to a study led by Jane Salmon. The study found that 80% of patients had a favorable pregnancy outcome when they had inactive lupus at the time of conception.
A multicenter NIH-funded study found that most women with stable lupus can have successful pregnancies, with 80% of patients experiencing favorable outcomes. The study's findings highlight the importance of timing and avoiding pregnancy during periods of increased disease activity.
Women under 50 with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to break bones than their counterparts, according to a Mayo Clinic study. Researchers found that even in younger patients, the condition increases fracture risk, particularly in women.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery suggests that mental health is a risk factor for disease flares in patients with vasculitis, a devastating form of the disease characterized by inflammatory destruction of blood vessels. Patients who experience stress are 19% more likely to experience a flare-up.