A team of medical engineers at TUM has developed a sensor chip that measures oxygen levels in tumors and transmits data wirelessly to doctors. This technology aims to make cancer therapies more targeted and less aggressive for patients.
A common antibiotic has been found to help reduce severe wheezing and acute symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a large multicenter clinical trial. Patients who received the antibiotic experienced a 27% reduction in acute flare-ups compared to those who received a placebo.
Researchers found that transitional cues significantly improve children's ability to switch tasks on their own. Providing reminders, such as auditory cues or visual signals, can help kids adapt to changes in rules or requirements.
Scientists at WashU Medicine reveal that CD8 alpha+ dendritic cells (CD8a+ DCs) help fight infections, but can also be hijacked by bacteria like Listeria to cause harm. The trait that makes these cells both an asset and a liability is the way they alert other immune cells.
A new UBC study reveals that single parents and male gay couples are nearly 25% and 15% more likely to be rejected by landlords, respectively. The study found geographic variation in discrimination rates, with certain neighborhoods exhibiting increased levels of bias towards single parents.
Researchers have discovered a key mechanism controlling the segregation of genetic material from parent to daughter cells. The study found that degradation of CenH3 protein is essential for limiting its presence at centromeres and that this degradation is mediated by protein partner Ppa.
A new study found that African Americans are more likely to develop kidney failure due to high levels of protein in the urine. The study analyzed data from 27,911 individuals and found that African Americans were four times more likely to develop kidney failure than whites.
A Swedish study published in American Heart Journal found that genetic factors are the primary cause of coronary heart disease, rather than family lifestyle. Adopted individuals with at least one biological parent having coronary heart disease had a 40-60% higher risk of developing the condition.
A University of Alberta study finds that unconscious feelings about objects in the environment influence long-term goal pursuit. The unconscious continues to positively value objects related to goals, even after success or failure, making it a key motivator. Participants reacted neutrally to objects after a failure, indicating a shift ...
A comprehensive review of research literature highlights the need for child-care facilities to support healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. The study suggests that significant improvements in these behaviors depend on combined strength of interventions and supportive policy changes.
Research by Imperial College London found that babies and toddlers with congenital heart disease have higher levels of toxins in their blood after surgery, leading to longer intensive care stays. The study suggests a link between gut bacteria, bacterial fragments called endotoxins, and poor clinical outcomes.
A recent study by Dr. Kenneth E. Anderson found that there is no significant nutritional difference between eggs produced by hens in range or cage environments. Cholesterol levels in both types of eggs were significantly lower than previously believed, prompting a revision in USDA guidelines.
Researchers predict 65 million more obese adults in the US and 11 million more in the UK by 2030, leading to increased medical costs and preventable diseases. Annual spending on obesity-related diseases is estimated to increase by $48-66 billion/year.
Linguistic researcher Marianne Pouplier aims to clarify why certain sound patterns are rarely encountered in languages, proposing an empirical approach using ultrasound imaging and perceptual tests.
Super Typhoon Namadol has strengthened to a Category Four typhoon with winds near 135 knots (155 mph), while Tropical Storm Talas is expected to intensify further due to favorable conditions. The storms are forecast to bring heavy rainfall and rough seas to the Philippines and Japan.
A recent UC Davis study found that people with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to develop heart disease, even after long-term improvements in other risk factors. The researchers suggest that access and adherence to treatments may not account for the differences.
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...