Four Michigan State University researchers are working on new projects to combat cystic fibrosis, using funds from the $110,000 grant from Hunt for a Cure. The studies aim to develop new treatments and prevent bacterial infections, with a focus on understanding the role of molecules, genes, and biofilms in the disease.
A study from Rhode Island Hospital found that emergency department staff perceptions of their roles significantly impact patient satisfaction. The researchers used a web survey to identify gaps in key indicators of patient satisfaction, with staff reporting changes or reconsidering their role responsibilities.
New research from NC State University sheds light on how blow flies survive when buried underground during their development. The study found that blow flies can survive burial and provides additional information for murder investigations, helping forensic entomologists determine body burial times and potential relocations.
The Alliance for Person-Centered Accessible Technologies (APAcT) program will produce a new generation of experts trained in assisting individuals with disabilities. The program combines faculty and staff from Arizona State University and California State University, Long Beach, to provide students with diverse research experiences.
A new study by University of Guelph professor Merritt Turetsky and colleagues found that draining northern wetlands leads to severe peatland wildfires, releasing nine times as much carbon into the atmosphere. This discovery highlights the importance of cumulative impacts on peatland ecosystems and their role in the global carbon cycle.
A large prospective cohort study found that low levels of alcohol consumption are associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk, and this association persists even after controlling for drinking patterns and age. Women who consumed at least 30 grams of alcohol daily had a significantly higher risk of breast cancer.
Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of suffering depression in old age. Self-determined motivation and perceived competence are key factors in persuading elderly people to exercise more.
Crop sensors outperformed farmers in choosing nitrogen rates for corn fields, resulting in average yield increases of almost 2 bushels per acre. The technology reduced excess N applied by 25% without harming yields, offering a potential solution to environmental concerns about fertilizer pollution.
A recent study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that mild fever-range hyperthermia enhances the generation and differentiation of CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells, which can destroy virus-infected cells and tumor cells.
The Christchurch earthquake ruptured a previously unmapped fault, causing widespread liquefaction-induced damage. Eight papers focus on structural and geotechnical damages associated with strong ground motion shaking.
A recent study by the American College of Radiology found that many radiologists disagree on managing incidental findings on body computed tomography (CT) scans. Despite advances in CT resolution and increasing utilization, published guidelines are still emerging, leading to a lack of agreement among radiologists.
The New York University College of Nursing will use the grant to develop a simulation-based teaching strategy called D-SETS, which aims to increase cultural competence among nursing educators. The project also focuses on minority recruitment and retention to address the shortage of diverse nursing faculty.
A recent study found that women having a coronary angioplasty (PCI) procedure have more health issues compared to men. However, the study did not find that they had a higher mortality rate after the procedure.
The Ontario Genomics Institute's Toronto Centre of Genomic Services (TCAG) has received a $5 million injection to continue providing cutting-edge genomic services. Led by Dr. Stephen Scherer, TCAG supports over 1,600 labs worldwide in various disciplines.
Scientists have identified small-molecule drug candidates that activate the TMEM16A channel, promoting salt and water movement in cells. The discovery could lead to new therapies for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, dry eye, and slow-transit constipation.
A study found that environmental growth of Acinetobacter baumannii was detected in 48% of patient rooms, with surfaces like supply cart handles and floors being most commonly contaminated. Patients with recent or remote MDR-AB colonization or infection showed similar levels of environmental contamination.
The article reveals how Los Alamos' decline is linked to misguided policies and mismanagement, rather than a culture of arrogance. The lab's scientists faced harsh conditions, including polygraph tests and shutdowns, after media scrutiny of one individual's actions was misconstrued as institutional failure.
A person-centered approach to healthcare significantly shortens hospital stays by up to one-third while enhancing daily functional capacity. However, the study highlights difficulties in adopting this model due to rigid healthcare structures.
Scientists at Virginia Tech and Purdue University have identified a distinct transporter, NUP1, used by tobacco plant cells for nicotine metabolism. This discovery provides new insight into the production of medicinal alkaloid compounds and could enable bioengineering of medicinal plants to produce optimal amounts.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a promising new treatment for iron overload disorders using minihepcidin peptides, which mimic the natural protein hepcidin to lower iron levels in the blood. The study provides hope for individuals affected by hereditary hemochromatosis and beta-thalassemia.
A new iPhone application called GlassesOff uses brain training to delay the need for reading glasses by translating blurry images into clear ones. Users can read two lines lower on an eye-test chart after just 40 uses of the app, according to trials with average age users.
Researchers have identified a potential oral therapy for HSAN1, an inherited nerve dysfunction characterized by progressive muscle control loss. Oral administration of L-serine reversed deoxysphingolipid accumulation and reduced neuropathy severity in mice and humans with the disease.
The National Academy of Sciences has awarded a $225,000 grant to GameDesk to develop an interactive game that engages students physically and mentally in difficult science topics. The Science in Motion project aims to create educational geoscience games that support students' comprehension of cause-and-effect relationships.
A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that hospitalized diabetic patients who experience acute kidney injury are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The research followed 4,082 patients with diabetes over 10 years, revealing that multiple episodes of acute kidney injury inc...
Research shows poor sleep quality during pregnancy increases risk of preterm birth. Early intervention through improved sleep habits may help reduce this risk. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep disruptions during critical pregnancy periods.
The study found that Ocrelizumab led to a 89% reduction in brain lesions and reduced the number of new multiple sclerosis attacks over 24 weeks. This suggests targeting B cells could help treat MS.
Researchers at UC San Diego used functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess how memories are formed and compared recollected and familiar items. The data showed that the hippocampus is actively involved in both strong recollections and familiarities, challenging earlier assumptions about their separate functions.
Researchers used genetically modified mice with human-like enzymes to assess the health risks of food mutagens from well-done meat and fish. The results showed a significant increase in intestinal tumors after consuming substances from meat crust, highlighting the need for better models to predict human health effects.
Researchers used Twitter data to track flu-like illness rates in UK regions and detected emerging epidemics. The study gathered over 50 million geo-located tweets and applied machine learning algorithms to identify keywords associated with elevated flu severity.
A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that bisexual men often feel uncomfortable accessing sexual health services due to fear of disclosure and stigma. A more general approach, framed as 'men's health' or 'men's sexual health,' is likely to be more effective in reaching these individuals.
A new algorithm developed at MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics can dramatically speed up MRI scans, cutting the time patients spend in the machine from 45 to 15 minutes. The algorithm uses information gained from the first contrast scan to produce subsequent images, significantly shortening the acquisition time.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas and Washington State University have discovered a way to break down and capture individual hydrogen atoms using an aluminum alloy. This breakthrough could lead to a robust and affordable fuel storage system, enabling the widespread use of hydrogen as a renewable energy source.
A new DIY screen for cervical cancer has been shown to be highly effective at detecting the disease in women who cannot access a traditional smear test. The test picked up over four times as many cases of cervical cancer and three times as many pre-cancerous conditions, with higher uptake among women compared to traditional screening.
Research shows that repeated administrations of radionuclide therapy with 188Re-HEDP improve overall survival rates, reducing pain in prostate cancer patients with hormone-refractory bone metastases. The study found significant increases in post-treatment survival for patients receiving two or three therapies.
Researchers found that inhibiting Notch signalling converts triple-negative breast cancer cells into hormone-receptor positive cells, making them dependent on estrogen. This technique has potential for combination therapy, where a Notch inhibitor is used to make all cancer cells hormone-sensitive.
A clinical trial of resveratrol supplements has shown significant metabolic shifts in obese men, comparable to calorie restriction. The study found improved measures of metabolism, lower blood sugar levels, and a drop in blood pressure, with no apparent side effects.
The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) has successfully completed its first round of thermal vacuum testing at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The test evaluated the fully-assembled instrument at its normal operating temperature, achieving results that surpass expectations in some areas.
Chromosomes use centromeres to initiate synapsis, a process that ensures proper matching of chromosomes during meiosis. This discovery sheds light on a critical step in the complex process of meiosis, which is essential for genetic diversity and reproduction.
Diagnosis-related malpractice claims have risen by 40% since 1996, with total payouts increasing from $21.7 million to $91 million in 2010. Improving notification reliability and work flow through semi-automated systems can enhance patient safety.
Research at National Institute for Physiological Sciences found abnormal 'oscillatory' electrical signals in subcortical nuclei cause severe motor deficits in Parkinson's disease. Chemical inhibition of the subthalamic nucleus improved motor impairments by reducing oscillations, providing clues for new treatments.
A study found that organ transplant recipients have a doubled cancer risk compared to the general population, with increased risks for various types of malignancies, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lung cancer. The increased risk is attributed to immunosuppression and oncogenic viral infections.
A new study explores the challenges of making sense of conflicting reports from parents, teachers, and children about a child's behavioral problems. The research reveals that clinicians can benefit from considering these discrepancies as valuable information to improve treatment outcomes.
UCLA researchers developed a new therapy based on small molecules that mimic the effects of hepcidin, a hormone regulating iron flow in the body. The findings could lead to new drugs to help prevent iron overload conditions.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered odorous house ants in Hawaii, forming large megacolonies that are outcompeting native species. The invasive ants are thriving in Hawaii's climate, which allows them to eat and expand faster than in their native range.
A paradigm shift is needed to prioritize health equity in social determinants of health research, according to a recent study. The authors recommend four priority areas for future research and suggest refining norms and standards for monitoring health inequalities.
A new species of gall maker was discovered in the aphid genus Aleurodaphis in China's Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. The species, Aleurodaphis sinojackiae, forms leaf galls on Jack trees and has distinctive wax gland arrangements, shedding light on the unique characteristics of this plant lice.
Researchers found a vast network of recent gene exchange connecting bacteria from around the world, exchanging 10,000 unique genes via horizontal gene transfer. This exchange is linked to human disease and antibiotic resistance, with 60% of transfers including antibiotic-resistance genes.
A study from Arizona State University found that the hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in Depo Provera shots impairs memory in rodents. The researchers also measured GABA's impact on brain function, which may contribute to memory loss.
A recent study by researchers at Rice University finds that people participating in online communities tend to make riskier financial decisions. This is attributed to the false assumption that fellow community members will come to their aid when needed.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital have identified a potential new cause for unexplained miscarriages in mice, finding that massive clotting in the placenta can destroy the placenta and block blood flow to the fetus. The study suggests two possible treatments to prevent these miscarriages and has broader implications for heart attac...
Efforts to dismantle clean air laws threaten public health, and experts urge physicians to educate Congress on the critical role of regulation in preventing air pollution's negative effects. The Clean Air Act authorizes the EPA to reduce airborne contaminants, and its amendments have been passed with bipartisan support.
Scientists have developed a technique using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to view proteins tagged with gold nanoparticles in whole, intact cells. This method offers ten times better resolution than optical microscopes and could help study cancer processes and understand how viruses hijack healthy cells.
Scientists have discovered that Alzheimer's protein tangles involve at least three different proteins, including neurofilaments and vimentin, in addition to the previously identified tau protein. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the disease's progression and potential new drug targets.
Researchers found that 10-month-old infants can understand another person's thought process, even if it diverges from their own knowledge. This discovery sheds light on how humans acquire knowledge and develop communication skills.
Researchers demonstrate a new technique to study the impact of swimming jellyfish on ocean climate, using Self-Contained Underwater Velocimetry Apparatus (SCUVA) to track water movement. The study suggests that combined ocean life movements could have a significant impact on global climate.
Academics and activists warn that proposed reforms could lead to greater exclusion of disabled children from mainstream schools. The proposals aim to give parents more control over funding for their child's support, but critics argue this could result in further marginalization.
A novel cocktail of neutralizing reagents has been developed to treat proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a sight-threatening complication after retinal detachment surgery. The approach targets growth factors and cytokines that promote PVR, with promising results in animal models.
Researchers discover a compound that prevents Type 1 diabetes in mice and has similar effects on human cells from diabetic patients. The finding signals a new direction in fighting the disease and other autoimmune disorders.
Joshua Gans, a Rotman professor, has received a three-year grant to analyze the economic drivers of scientific contributions and their impact on knowledge sharing. The project aims to provide insights for policy areas such as openness in science and promoting information through digital means.
A new study has found that listening to Mozart while performing colonoscopy can increase adenoma detection rates in physicians. The study, which used a randomized controlled trial, compared music with no music and found significant improvements in adenoma detection rates for two endoscopists.