A new Johns Hopkins study reveals that uninsured trauma patients are 60% more likely to seek follow-up care in the emergency department (ED) for minor medical needs. This is despite having access to free follow-up appointments. Patients living in poor neighborhoods and those with Medicaid or Medicare are also more likely to use the ED.
The Universe Awareness program, endorsed by the IAU, has won the Science Prize for Online Resources in Education (SPORE) award. The program uses astronomy to inspire children and foster global citizenship, with a focus on underprivileged backgrounds.
Researchers discovered that chaperonins are necessary for KN1 protein trafficking between plant cells via plasmodesmata, which helps establish and maintain stem cell populations. This signaling pathway is vital for plant development and growth, allowing cells to communicate and influence each other.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki identified specific mutations in the MED12 gene as the cause of fibroid tumorigenesis in 70% of studied tumors. This discovery provides hope for targeted therapies and a deeper understanding of fibroid development.
The Lancet editorial emphasizes the need for a Framework Convention on Obesity Control to address the growing epidemic. It highlights the importance of accurate monitoring and evaluation, system-wide approaches, and government leadership in combating obesity.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully re-engineered the genetic code of bacteria to synthesize special forms of proteins that can mimic natural or disease states. This new technology enables the production of human proteins with their naturally occurring phosphorylation sites, a crucial step in understanding disease processes.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine approved five UC Davis Health System teams with research planning grants worth up to $20 million each. These grants aim to develop human clinical trials for treatments of Huntington's disease, critical limb ischemia, airway disease, HIV/AIDS and osteoporosis.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of a complex between an influenza B virus protein and its human protein target, resulting in suppression of the cell's natural defenses. This discovery could lead to the development of antiviral drugs against influenza B virus.
Researchers have engineered new sensors that can detect estrogenic compounds in human cells, which is crucial for understanding the potential health risks associated with these substances. The sensors, developed by a team led by Huimin Zhao, were found to reliably detect estrogenic compounds within hours, even at low levels.
A collaborative study of African-American women's breast cancer will investigate genetic and non-genetic risk factors using a large population of 11,000 participants. The researchers aim to discover prevention methods for this deadly disease.
Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered a freshwater species of zooplankton, Daphnia magna, that can eat the B. dendrobatidis fungus devastating amphibian populations worldwide. The finding offers a promising biological control method to combat this deadly disease.
The global obesity epidemic has grown over four decades, with high-income countries experiencing a rise in the 1970s and 80s. Low-income and middle-income countries are now also affected, particularly women from wealthy urban environments. The authors argue that policy-led solutions, such as government regulations and healthy public se...
Physicists at City College of New York develop a new way to map spiraling light, which can harness untapped data capacity in optical fibers. The Higher Order Poincaré Sphere model reduces complex light patterns to single equations, enabling novel physics and engineering efforts.
A new study found that cumulative benefits of physical activity across adulthood are associated with improved midlife physical performance and strength. Leisure time physical activity is crucial for maintaining physical performance and muscle strength in older adults, promoting functional health and quality of life.
A study by Elaine M. Wong and colleagues found that CEOs with wider faces relative to their face height had significantly better firm financial performance. However, the effect was mitigated when top management teams took a simplistic view of the world. Companies where managers saw complexity, the CEO's face shape was less important.
The Lancet Obesity Series identifies effective policies to reduce obesity, including taxes on unhealthy food and restrictions on TV advertising. Governments are urged to prioritize prevention programs and monitoring to tackle this complex and intractable problem.
A new study found that a nasal spray containing capsaicin from chili peppers reduces symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. The study showed participants experienced faster relief after using the spray, on average within one minute.
The survey found increased tolerance for non-majority viewpoints, but a lingering reluctance to extend freedoms to Muslim extremists. Education and changing attitudes across generations have driven this trend, with younger generations less threatened by certain groups than their parents.
A study at the University Geriatrics Institute of Montreal found that older brains are wiser than young ones, allowing for comparable performance in certain tasks. The researchers discovered that older adults' brains learn to better allocate resources and make more adjustments only when necessary, resulting in improved cognitive function.
A new math-based model has been developed to predict pressure profiles, liquid/gas volumes, and flow rates in deep-water wells. The model aims to mitigate the risk of blowouts and gas kicks, which can occur when the pressure applied to balance hydrocarbon pressure is not sufficient.
Researchers have developed a new imaging method, spatial light interference microscopy (SLIM), that can measure cell mass with high accuracy. SLIM offers insights into the debated problem of whether cells grow at a constant rate or exponentially.
Researchers analyze asteroid dust brought back by Hayabusa spacecraft, confirming stony asteroids are birthplace of most meteorites. The discovery sheds light on the history of early solar system events and provides a new understanding of the origin of ordinary chondrites.
A Cleveland Clinic researcher has received a $1.1 million grant to investigate why females are disproportionately affected by lupus. The study will explore the role of immunosuppressive cells in the development of the disease and its impact on males.
The São Paulo state government has implemented a bill setting clear requirements for ecological restoration projects, aiming to increase their success rates. However, critics argue that such detailed regulations may not be sufficient to achieve effective ecosystem restoration due to the complexity of the issue.
Researchers at the University of Southampton are developing a novel device to directly sequence single DNA strands, aiming to improve genome analysis. The new method could provide faster and cheaper DNA sequencing, eliminating complex biochemical processes.
Researchers have imaged individual cancer cells and their routes as they spread in a mouse model of glioblastoma multiforme. The novel cryo-imaging technique provides unprecedented insights into how tumor cells invade and disperse.
Researchers have found that Parkin, a protein linked to early-onset Parkinson's disease, regulates how cells take up and process dietary fats. This discovery suggests that defective Parkin may contribute to the development of some cases by changing fat levels in the body.
Scientists at the University of Strathclyde have developed a program to test plant extracts for their ability to stop ovarian cancer cells from growing. Initial tests show promising results, with several plant extracts killing tumor samples taken from cancer patients.
A well-preserved fossil of a shrew-like mammal discovered in northeast China provides new information about the earliest ancestors of placental mammals. The discovery, dated to 160 million years ago, fills an important gap in the fossil record and helps to calibrate modern DNA-based methods of dating evolution.
The study discovered that pericytes can stimulate new blood vessels and aid in the recovery of a heart attack by transferring microRNAs to endothelial cells. This novel mechanism could lead to the development of new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association has funded 40 new research initiatives targeting nearly two dozen progressive neuromuscular diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). New projects are underway in the US and internationally to find effective treatments for these diseases.
Astronomers caught the PTF 11kly supernova within hours of its explosion, observing it with multiple telescopes and making it one of the most-studied supernovae in history. The early detection allows researchers to study the outer layers of the supernova and gain new insights into its origin.
A new NASA study disputes previous claims that droughts led to reduced global plant productivity and threatened food security. The research found that modeling errors and the use of corrupted satellite data contributed to exaggerated claims.
The study predicts a significant increase in obesity rates in the US and UK, with an estimated 65 million additional obese adults in the US and 11 million more in the UK by 2030. This would lead to increased healthcare costs and a higher risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer.
Researchers develop new X-ray technique HARPES to study electronic structures below material surfaces, enabling better performance in nanoscale devices. The technique uses hard x-rays to probe deeper into materials than current ARPES methods.
USDA scientists have developed a new biorefinery yeast that can ferment plant sugars into cellulosic ethanol despite the presence of toxic compounds. The yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain NRRL Y-50049, has shown remarkable tolerance to furfural and HMF, two compounds that inhibit yeast growth and reduce ethanol yields.
A study by Concordia University economists found that workers in high-stress jobs visit doctors more often, with a 26% increase in healthcare utilization. The study also estimated that workplace stress costs US companies $68 billion annually and reduces productivity by 10%.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University found that silencing the hormone receptor GCC affects appetite in mice, inducing obesity, while mice expressing the receptor know when to stop eating. This new neural-gut axis provides a potential therapeutic target for controlling appetite and obesity.
Astronomers have detected a planet orbiting a rapidly spinning pulsar, dubbed PSR J1719-1438. The discovery suggests that the planet is composed primarily of carbon and oxygen, likely forming a diamond-like material due to its high density.
Researchers analyzed molecular markers in three Italian pine vole species, revealing 'hidden' chromosome variations that distinguish them from one another. These findings provide insights into the evolution of this rodent group and may improve their taxonomy.
A new web-based bodyweight simulation model simulates physiological differences between people based on sex, age, height, and weight. It provides a rough dieting rule for typical overweight adults: every 10 calories per day reduction in energy intake results in about 1 pound of weight loss over 3 years.
Researchers found that interbreeding with archaic humans introduced beneficial variants of immune system genes, such as HLA-B*73, into modern human populations. These gene variants are now more common in West Asian and East Asian populations, where they provide an advantage to modern human fitness.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests that temporary emergency department staff are more likely to be involved in medication errors that harm patients. The research found that temporary workers' unfamiliarity with hospital systems, protocols, and procedures increases the risk of serious medical errors.
A new study by Nicolas Lehner and Christopher Howk reveals that massive clouds of ionized gas in the Milky Way's halo are a reservoir of fuel for galactic star formation. The researchers measured the distances to these clouds using the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope, confirming models that predicted gas falli...
Researchers have identified a potential new target for treating obesity by studying the molecular control of appetite in mice. Nutrient intake triggers the secretion of uroguanylin, which is then converted to uroguanylin and binds to GUCY2C receptors, leading to decreased food intake.
A study analyzing medication trials published in high-impact general medicine journals found that surrogate outcomes, composite outcomes, and disease-specific mortality are used, which can be misleading. These outcome measures may not accurately reflect a medication's impact on important clinical outcomes like heart attacks or strokes.
A recent study by LSUHSC research team identified significant differences in metabolic markers between healthy and obese 7-to-9-year-old children. The findings suggest that obesity in this age group may disrupt normal metabolism, impairing glucose tolerance and increasing the risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life.
A multicenter study of over 3,000 preterm infants found that those monitored with the Heart Rate Observation System experienced a greater than 20 percent reduced mortality rate. The HeRO monitor detects early signs of distress and provides a new tool for clinical assessment.
Researchers at SUNY Downstate have developed a diagnostic test to measure the risk of folate receptor autoantibodies, associated with neural tube defects, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental diseases. The test aims to identify women and children at risk for these conditions, potentially preventing neural tube defect...
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present awards recognizing key achievements in space science and technology, program management, and sustained service. The AIAA Sustained Service Awards will be presented to Guy Jette and Peter Kurzhals for their contributions.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a practical method to synthesize huperzine A, a natural enzyme inhibitor that has been used to treat Alzheimer's disease in China. The compound shows promise in combating the effects of chemical warfare agents and may offer improved therapeutic benefits compared to existing treatments.
Researchers discovered that measles virus can target tumors through the PVRL4 receptor, a marker found on lung, breast, colon, and ovarian cancer cells. This approach could be used to fight various types of cancer, with ongoing experiments testing its effectiveness in mouse tumor models.
During the 2007-2009 financial crisis, hedge funds sold their stocks rapidly in response to falling values, withdrawing nearly three times more money than mutual fund investors. This led to lower returns for mutual funds and exacerbated the losses suffered by ordinary investors.
Astronomers have discovered a unique spiral galaxy with massive jets, providing insights into the formation of galaxies and clusters in the early universe. The galaxy, dubbed Speca, has been found to exhibit three distinct episodes of jet activity, shedding new light on the processes that shaped these ancient structures.
A new study finds that irrigation increases global agricultural productivity by an amount equivalent to the entire US agriculture sector, leading to significant carbon uptake. Adding even small amounts of water can have a bigger impact than larger amounts in wetter regions.
A new paper calls for coordinated global effort to monitor and prevent childhood obesity, citing taxes on sugary drinks and marketing restrictions as effective cost-saving strategies. International organizations must work with governments and private sector to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity among children.
Research reveals that E. coli O157 can persist in the environment for over 15 weeks, making it essential for everyone to take precautions when visiting rural areas or consuming contaminated food and water. Farmers, visitors, and governments must adopt strategies to reduce risks and promote awareness about the dangers of this bacteria.
Scientists identify uroguanylin as a potential target for controlling appetite and obesity. They also found a link between Parkinson disease and fat levels in the blood, with implications for treating this neurodegenerative disorder.
A new gene, MCF2L, associated with osteoarthritis has been identified through a genome-wide association scan using the 1000 Genomes Project data. The variant is found on chromosome 13 and regulates nerve growth factor (NGF), suggesting that MCF2L plays a role in the development of osteoarthritis.
New HIV cases linked to infected, medicated partners in gay community, suggesting a need for revised public health approach towards HIV counselling and education. The study reveals that existing HIV drug therapies can't prevent transmission from aware, medicated individuals.
Hurricane Irene's diameter is nearly one-third the length of the U.S. Atlantic coastline, with winds extending 255 miles from its center.
The study reveals a spectacular degree of evolutionary divergence in the satyrine butterfly genus Calisto, with 34 species and 17 subspecies identified. This radiation is believed to have occurred over a period of 4-8 million years, driven by ancient dispersal events rather than plate tectonics.
A Danish research group has discovered a significant decline in malaria mosquito populations in certain Tanzanian villages without organized mosquito control. The researchers attribute the decrease to changes in precipitation patterns, which may be linked to global climate change.
Researchers found that life expectancy in deprived areas of Brazil increased at three times the rate of more affluent areas, narrowing the gap to 4.2 years by 2005. This decline in social inequalities in life expectancy corresponds to a significant increase in life expectancy between deprived and affluent areas.
Researchers identified parkin as a regulator of fat uptake by liver cells, impacting blood fat levels and potentially linking to Parkinson's disease. The study found that increased parkin protein levels are associated with high-fat diets and mutant human cells.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have higher self-efficacy for physical activity are more likely to achieve their goals. Achieving these goals is associated with reduced arthritis pain and increased health-related quality of life.
A new study by Niels van de Ven and colleagues found that people tend to overestimate the length of their outward journey, making the return journey feel shorter. The researchers believe this is due to prior expectations rather than familiarity with the route.
Researchers found that smokers who light up within 30 minutes of waking have a higher risk of developing lung and head and neck cancers. This increased risk is independent of smoking frequency and duration, suggesting that nicotine dependence may play a role in cancer development.
Researchers used text mining to analyze electronic health records and identified co-occurrence of diseases and clustered patients into groups with similar clinical features. The study also mapped disease correlations to the genetic level, potentially revealing a genetic cause behind some diseases.
The MINOS experiment's new result brings neutrino and antineutrino masses more closely in sync, lessening the potential ramifications of previous differences. This development is promising for future neutrino experiments like NOvA and MINOS+, which will further investigate and potentially close the mass difference.
A Louisiana State University researcher is leading a multi-university team to investigate how disaster-impacted communities cope with disruptions and recover from past calamities. The study aims to identify traditional elements of resilience that enable coastal societies to bounce back after traumatic events.
Scientists have successfully tested a bivalent vaccine that protects against both rabies and Ebola in mice, offering a promising solution for Africa's healthcare challenges. The vaccine is built on the same platform as the approved rabies vaccine and has several advantages over existing Ebola candidates.
A new study found that school-based mental health screening for teens can effectively identify adolescents at risk and connect them with follow-up care. The screening, provided by TeenScreen, identified nearly three-quarters of high school students at risk who weren't receiving treatment.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that fludrocortisone, a drug commonly used to treat orthostatic intolerance, reduced debilitating chronic nausea in patients. The study involved 17 children who experienced significant improvements in nausea after treatment.
A recent study used genomics to unravel the immune response to the flu virus, finding significant and complex differences between those who got sick and those who remained asymptomatic. The research may lead to new therapies to prevent illness by detecting early warning signs of infection.