Researchers report significant and sustained clinical improvements in 42% of patients with chronic gout resistant to conventional therapies. Pegloticase lowers uric acid levels and resolves painful swollen joint nodules, improving physical function and quality of life.
UCLA researchers have developed a plasmonic-enhanced polymer tandem solar cell that improves power conversion efficiency from 5.22% to 6.24%, thanks to the incorporation of gold nanoparticles. The enhancement effect is attained through local near-field enhancement, showing great potential for future development.
Researchers have developed a new method to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) that is faster and cheaper than current methods. The method uses microcalorimeters to detect the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, allowing for rapid diagnosis and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new method for producing antibody-like binding agents, called DNA synbodies, which can be rapidly optimized for high affinity. The technique uses pre-existing ligands to create artificial antibodies capable of detecting diseases, offering a promising alternative to traditional mo...
Researchers have devised a new technique that simplifies the improvement of drugs and other products by adding a CF3 molecule. This method reduces the need for high-heat equipment and metal catalysts, making it safer and more accessible to chemists.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that thyroid cancer treatment varies greatly depending on where patients receive care. Radioactive iodine treatment is being used more frequently overall, but hospital factors play a significant role in its use, accounting for 29% of variation.
A study by Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center found that high parity was associated with a 50% increase in the incidence of estrogen-receptor negative (ER-) breast cancer, but only among women who had not breastfed. Breastfeeding was also linked to a reduced risk of ER- breast cancer, particularly in African-American women.
Recent studies in California's Poison Lake chain, the Kyushu region of Japan, and the Cuyama River in California have revealed diverse volcanic formations and complex tectonic interactions. In California, research suggests that discrete batches of basalt erupted along a short normal fault zone, while in Japan, volcano-tectonic processe...
Researchers found that adolescents and young adults with persistent, microscopic blood in their urine had a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease over a 20-year follow-up period. The study included data from 1,203,626 individuals and revealed a significantly increased risk of ESRD associated with the condition.
Researchers confirm vitamin D's role in slowing down colon cancer cell growth and proliferation. The study found that a lack of vitamin D increases the aggressiveness of colon cancer, highlighting its potential as an anti-tumor agent.
Alex Romanenko, a Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory scientist, has been awarded $2.5 million to expand his research on superconducting radio frequency cavities made of niobium metal. His work could lead to the development of more efficient and powerful accelerators for medicine, energy, and discovery science.
A new study found that stress experienced by young female rats can affect their future offspring, causing behavior impairments. However, providing an enriched environment can ameliorate some of the negative effects. The study also showed that offspring raised in enriched environments can offset inherited effects.
A recent NIH award of $1.39M will support a study led by Dr. Lori A. Pile to investigate the alteration of chromatin structure during cell division, which is crucial for normal cell growth and cancer development. The findings aim to refine cancer treatments currently undergoing clinical trials.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found flexible-fiber CO2 lasers to be safe and effective in endoscopic assisted transsphenoidal craniotomies, with low complication rates. The study demonstrated the utility of this technology for treating pituitary tumors and other sellar lesions.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have defined the structure of one of the cell's most basic engines required for cell growth. The study reveals a series of redundant mechanisms that assure production of critical cellular building blocks while avoiding missteps, which could lead to disease.
A team of researchers has identified five genetic variants that play a key role in the progression and mortality of prostate cancer. The discovery could lead to the development of a simple blood test to determine which patients need aggressive treatment versus conservative care.
Researchers found that bumblebees significantly reduced flight distances by learning and memorizing individual flower locations, prioritizing the shortest route. This innovative approach demonstrates that bees can solve complex routing problems without a sophisticated cognitive representation of space.
Researchers created a prototype of an acoustic cloak by arranging cylinders around an object, demonstrating that sound waves maintain their original wave-front pattern as they pass around the object. The proposed technique could enable better soundscapes in urban environments and quieter helmets for ear protection.
A team of researchers at DOE's BioEnergy Science Center has pinpointed the single gene controlling ethanol production capacity in a microorganism. This breakthrough discovery could lead to developing biomass crops that produce higher concentrations of ethanol at lower costs, addressing our reliance on imported oil.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center identified a molecular mechanism that regulates blood vessel formation. The Semaphorin-PlexinD1 signaling pathway, which limits VEGF growth, shows promise as a future therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a new function for the harmonin protein, which is mutated in Usher syndrome. The protein plays a critical role in transmitting sound information to the brain.
A new device, developed by Scottish researchers, can reliably detect explosive vapors using a compact silicon-based micro-system. The device measures the change in electron lifetime, less affected by environmental factors, making it more reliable than previous devices.
Researchers found that while deep brain stimulation has increased acceptance among referring physicians for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, only half of recommended patients are appropriate candidates for immediate therapy. This suggests that physicians have become more aware and accepting of the treatment, but may re...
Agricultural Research Service scientists found that using strip tillage and placing fertilizers directly below the seed increased corn grain yields on eroded slopes by 12-26% over two years. This innovative technique supports Idaho's growing dairy industry and promotes international food security.
A 10-year analysis of national intelligence reforms finds that a groundbreaking plan was hindered by budgetary and structural limitations. UC researchers argue that the DNI office created an anchor for the US Intelligence Community, but organizational culture and bureaucracy have slowed transformational change.
A new study published in Archives of Dermatology found that beta-blocker propranolol was more effective than oral corticosteroids in treating infantile hemangiomas, with higher rates of lesion clearance and fewer adverse effects. Propranolol treatment also led to significant cost savings.
Researchers explore ways to boost fiber optic communication capacity to meet growing internet traffic demands, including space-division multiplexing and mode-division multiplexing. Studies aim to increase fiber capacity by up to seven-fold, enabling exponential growth in optical communication systems.
A new study demonstrates the benefits of self-affirmation in improving relational security and social behavior for insecure people. Participants who completed a self-affirmation task showed improved relationships and behaviors over two months.
A study by researchers from the University of Montreal found that children of depressed mothers have an enlarged amygdala, which is linked to emotional responses. This change may be associated with increased reactivity to stress in these children.
Researchers found high serum BDNF levels among alcohol-dependent individuals, which may predict relapse. Abstinence and non-abstinence conditions showed increased BDNF levels over time, indicating neurological transformations reflected by peripheral BDNF levels.
Researchers found that mothers of young children experience 'nagging' from their kids due to commercial TV characters and advertisements. Mothers cited strategies like limiting exposure, explaining choices, and setting rules to deal with nagging, which can impact childhood obesity rates.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a unique computational method to analyze the H1N1 virus, identifying key mutation strategies that led to the 2009 pandemic. This method reveals crucial differences between the pandemic strain and common seasonal H1N1 strains, shedding light on potential vaccine development.
Egyptian fruit bats use an internal map to locate individual trees based on visual landmarks like lights or hills. The bats can bypass familiar trees to reach their favorite feeding site, suggesting a large-scale navigational mechanism beyond simple visual cues.
A team of researchers has discovered that a genetic mutation in the CDKAL1 gene can lead to misreading of specific parts of the insulin-producing gene, resulting in decreased insulin production and impaired cell function. This finding sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of Type 2 diabetes.
A study from North Carolina State University reveals that work experience primarily benefits men in finding new jobs through social connections. Women, despite having work experience, do not reap the same social benefits and are no more likely to find a job through informal recruitment than formal searches.
A global study found that seven out of 61 species are threatened, with the southern bluefin tuna being one of them. The main factors contributing to this are the fish's high dollar value leading to heavy fishing pressure and their slow reproduction rate.
Watching TV for six hours a day may shorten life expectancy by almost five years, according to research. Sedentary behavior is associated with a higher risk of death from heart attack or stroke, and TV viewing accounts for substantial sedentary activity.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that 19% of younger siblings of children with autism developed autism, with males having a significantly higher risk than females. The study also showed an increased risk for male infants with two older siblings who have autism, at over 32%
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a new treatment target for human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of severe lung infections and estimated 10% of colds. The study found that RSV interacts with healthy cells by binding to a molecule called nucleolin, allowing it to decrease or increase infection.
A study published in CMAJ found that type of cardiac arrest and underlying medical condition predict long-term survival rate. Patients with pulseless electrical activity or asystolic arrest, longer resuscitation duration, and advanced age are at high risk of death.
Researchers at The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have discovered that green tea polyphenols can control a deadly congenital disease by hijacking the ADP activation site. This finding has also been validated in two types of tumors, glioblastomas and tuberous sclerosis complex disorder, suggesting potential for drug development.
A new study found that parents of nut-allergy sufferers often encounter hostility and scepticism from friends, family, and even restaurant staff, making it difficult to find safe environments for their children. The research highlights the need for better public education about the dangers of nut allergy.
A new study by University of Illinois marketing expert Tiffany Barnett White found that brand-conscious consumers view negative information about their beloved brands as a threat to their self-image. They defend the brand and re-write history to maintain a favorable self-evaluation, extending to multiple markets such as sports teams.
Research by University at Buffalo professor Lora Park found that women who prioritize romantic goals over academic pursuits exhibit less interest in STEM fields. Women's socialization to be romantically desirable conflicts with traditional masculine scripts for intelligence and achievement, leading to decreased math and science interests.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a hybrid cell as the origin of childhood eye tumor retinoblastoma, which has been linked to multiple developmental pathways being turned on simultaneously. The study also found that blocking certain chemicals reduced growth in human retinoblastoma cells, providing a potent...
The Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment has begun taking data to establish the last known mixing angle, θ13, with unprecedented precision. This breakthrough could explain why there is more matter than antimatter in the universe.
The National Institutes of Health has renewed funding for a research project at Virginia Tech to develop computational models to assist policymakers and researchers in making better-informed decisions about emerging infectious diseases. The project aims to refine existing models to provide software tools that can help public health off...
Researchers found moderate drinkers were 23% less likely to develop cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Moderate drinking was more beneficial than beer or spirits, but the finding was based on a relatively small number of studies.
A study of 3,223 participants found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), particularly in cases not exposed to UV radiation. Despite this association, the relationship between vitamin D and NMSC remains complex due to inconsistent evidence.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have identified the small tumor protein (sT) as the oncoprotein that triggers Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), a rare but deadly skin cancer. The discovery could improve diagnosis and understanding of MCC, potentially shedding light on other cancers.
Researchers found that making goal attainment visual provides motivation, even in abstract contexts. Studies showed that participants who could easily visualize their progress were more energized and motivated to reach their goals. The study suggests that visualization can be a powerful tool for increasing motivation and commitment.
A study of seven patients found that wearing a custom-designed pressure device on the ear at night supplemented surgical excision and steroid injection to effectively treat auricular keloids. The device showed safety and efficacy, with no itch, pain or abnormal sensations reported by treated patients.
A study reports that children living near lead battery manufacturing and recycling operations in developing countries have significantly higher blood lead levels, associated with lifelong health problems. The industry is expected to nearly double in size over the next five to 10 years, posing significant risks to workers and communities.
Recent studies and guidelines suggest that traditional Chinese medicine may be effective in treating seasonal flu, while delayed surgery for hip fractures may not necessarily lead to poor outcomes. Additionally, new guidelines from the USPSTF recommend against bladder cancer screening in asymptomatic adults due to inadequate evidence. ...
Researchers used a global circulation model to demonstrate how atmospheric waves affect Titan's weather patterns, leading to sharp and surprising cloud shapes. The study reveals that these waves can cause intense precipitation, shaping Titan's surface through erosion.
Chronic pain affects an estimated 500,000 Canadians aged 12-44 and 38% of seniors living at home, highlighting the need for better care strategies. Experts recommend a broad approach to increase pain management expertise through education, technology, and supported self-care.
A novel gene therapy approach combining with radiation therapy has been found to be safe and effective in treating glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly form of brain cancer. The treatment stimulates an immune response against the tumor, producing an 'immunogene therapy' effect.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have devised a gene therapy cocktail that can treat some inherited diseases caused by misfolded proteins. The approach uses an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to deliver two payloads simultaneously: one disables the mutant protein and another provides a new gene to replace its activity.
A new urine-based test has been found to be more accurate than traditional prostate cancer screening methods, detecting the disease in 100% of cases while minimizing false positives. The PSA/SIA assay works by analyzing changes in PSA protein structure associated with cancer.
Researchers found that pupils with autism stuck rigidly to tasks in the order they were given, despite potential time savings. Difficulty with prospective memory also contributed to their challenges, and the study suggests ways to address these issues through task modification and training.