Researchers at the Jewish General Hospital and University of Calgary conducted a large-scale phase 3 trial showing Fidaxomicin significantly reduces CDI recurrence rates. The new antibiotic demonstrates improved cure rates compared to existing licensed treatment vancomycin, offering hope for patients struggling with recurrences.
Researchers use X-ray laser to determine 3D structures of proteins and capture single-shot images of viruses, paving the way for snapshots and movies of molecules and microbes in action. The technique has the potential to decipher tens of thousands of protein structures and study infectious diseases.
The 2011 Waseda University World e-Government Ranking shows Singapore at the top, followed by USA, Sweden, and other developed countries. The survey monitored e-Government development of 50 countries, with new additions such as Czech Republic and Uzbekistan.
A simple one-minute test can detect concussions in athletes, capturing impairments of eye movement, attention, and brain function. The King-Devick test has the potential to become a standard sideline test for athletes.
A gene mutation linked to schizophrenia has been identified and shows potential for treating the brain disorder with existing compounds. The mutation impacts a neuropeptide receptor VIPR2, which plays a crucial role in brain development and behavior.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed new artificial composites inspired by nature's toughest material, nacre. The study reveals the secret to its remarkable properties and demonstrates how to replicate them in man-made materials.
Anthropologists at University of Toronto discover earliest cemetery in the Middle East, with graves containing human remains and those of a red fox. The discovery suggests that humans may have kept foxes as pets or had early attempts to tame them, but no successful domestication.
Researchers have developed a 3D model of Human 5-Lipoxygenase, the molecule responsible for creating inflammatory compounds that provoke asthma. This breakthrough could lead to more effective and targeted asthma medications with fewer side effects.
Researchers find that weak electrical fields in brain help neurons fire together, even if they're not physically connected. The findings suggest an additional form of neural communication through extracellular space.
A recent study by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital has found that the protein RIP1 plays a dual role in sepsis, promoting both cell death and survival. The study suggests that RIP1 is necessary for survival during septic injury, and its pro-survival trigger may hold key to developing new treatments for sepsis.
The Boston College bioinformatics lab has created a detailed map of genomic structural variants, a layer of DNA that distinguishes individuals. This analysis of 185 human genomes supports the 1000 Genomes Project and provides new insights into genetic selection, variations, and disease susceptibility.
New research suggests that measures of school effectiveness are partly influenced by genetic factors in students. The study found that changes in student performance over time must be explained not only by the quality of the school environment but also by genetic factors that children bring to the classroom.
Researchers found that breast cancer treatment contributes to weakened bones in middle-aged women, leading to hip fractures. Six breast cancer survivors were studied over a year, showing difficulty with daily activities despite not having osteoporosis.
New research from Karolinska Institutet shows that nitrate improves mitochondrial function in humans, consuming less oxygen and producing more ATP per molecule. This finding has significant implications for sports physiology and may also have positive effects on diseases involving mitochondrial dysfunction.
UBC food scientists have identified the Maillard reaction as the main source of antioxidants in dark roasted coffee beans. The study found that coffee beans lose 90% of their chlorogenic acid during roasting, leading to increased antioxidant activity.
A new online database has brought together documentary evidence of theatres and society in early-modern London, highlighting examples of violence, kidnapping, and rioting at theatres. The Early Modern London Theatres (EMLoT) database contains transcribed documents relating to eight theatres north of the Thames.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that poor adolescents living in communities with high social cohesiveness are less likely to smoke and have lower body mass indexes. This suggests that social capital may help mitigate the negative effects of childhood poverty on health outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Louisville developed an exercise program that improved leg strength and functional ability in patients with severe knee arthritis before knee replacement surgery. The study found significant gains in strength, but not in walking speed or other functional tasks.
A new special issue explores the interconnectedness of life on Earth through biogeochemical cycles. Key findings highlight the crucial role of microbes like chemolithotrophic microbes in transforming raw materials into biomass, supporting complex food webs.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have introduced a buffer made of argon that allows GaN devices to handle much higher voltages, reducing electrical resistance by a hundredfold.
A recent study found that people taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis treatment live an extra five years compared to those not receiving the medication. This significant benefit is attributed to bisphosphonates' ability to reduce toxic metal release, which may contribute to improved health outcomes.
Scientists have successfully imaged an intact virus using extremely intensive and ultra-short x-ray pulses from the world's first X-ray free electron laser. This breakthrough technology enhances the possibilities of imaging individual biological molecules too small to study with conventional microscopes.
Academic Medical Centers must adjust to new healthcare reform laws and adopt accountable care models. They need integrated systems, financial risk assessment, robust health IT platforms, and a culture shift towards quality care contributions.
Researchers at NIST developed a method to produce nanoparticle clusters in controlled sizes, stable over time. The study found that larger clusters may be less toxic to human cells due to slower dissolution rates.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that only one in five South Asian immigrants over 50 had a recent Pap test, compared to 79% of Canadian-born women with high-income neighborhoods and primary care doctors. The low screening rates may be due to cultural factors and lack of awareness about the importance of the test.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a framework called CrowdForge that breaks down complex tasks into simple, independent micro-tasks. The study found crowdsourced articles rated higher in quality and had lower variability compared to individual-authored articles.
Scientists evaluated steady fault slip rate over 25 thousand years along the Altyn Tagh fault, providing constraints for Quaternary slip history. Chironomids were used to record terrestrial temperature changes in Arctic interglacials of the past 200,000 years.
A recent study found that more than half of clinical trials exclude people based on their age or age-related conditions. This exclusion leaves healthcare providers in the dark when determining which treatment will best serve their patients.
A field study has been conducted to investigate the causes of winter inversions in urban areas like Salt Lake City, which can trap pollutants and lead to poor air quality. The researchers used a range of methods, including weather balloons, cars, and gliders, to collect data on temperature, wind, and moisture.
A new fungus has killed over 1 million bats in the eastern US, with the disease expected to spread to California in the next several years. UC Davis experts are calling for a national response to combat the threat, which could have significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health's Undiagnosed Diseases Program have identified a novel disorder characterized by progressive and painful arterial calcification affecting the lower extremities. The condition, associated with mutations in the NT5E gene, has been observed in nine individuals from three unrelated families.
University of Maryland researchers introduce a technique called RAPID lithography that uses visible light to create tiny integrated circuits comparable to shorter wavelength radiation. This breakthrough could lead to substantial savings in cost and ease of production for companies like Intel.
A four-gene signature has been identified as a reliable predictor of metastatic prostate cancer, outperforming traditional methods in accuracy. The discovery could lead to the development of gene-based tests for determining prostate cancer's potential to spread.
A review of vegetarianism's biochemistry finds vegans at elevated risk for blood clots and atherosclerosis. Key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 can mitigate this risk with dietary supplements or fortified foods.
A Mayo Clinic research team has pinpointed the function of the MMSET gene, revealing how it enables disease-causing mutations to occur. Normally-functioning MMSET plays a restorative role within the genome, but when impaired, cells lose the correct response to DNA damage.
A comprehensive analysis of human genomes identified 28,000 structural variants, including over 1,000 gene-altering mutations linked to diseases. The findings shed light on why some parts of the genome mutate more frequently than others.
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility reveals that the health of a woman's uterus is more relevant than egg quality for a successful pregnancy outcome. The research found that babies born from frozen embryo transfer cycles had markedly greater birth weights compared to those born through standard IVF.
Scientists have used rare Martian meteorite samples to reveal that a collision on Mars caused water to flow near the planet's surface. The research found veins created during an impact, which suggests that buried ice melted and deposited minerals such as clay and serpentine.
Entomologists presented various methods of bed bug control, emphasizing prevention and non-chemical approaches. The summit highlighted the need for continued research into bed bugs, with a focus on improving public awareness and community involvement in control efforts.
Researchers found that obese mothers who lost weight before pregnancy had healthier male offspring with reduced triglycerides and insulin resistance. The study suggests pre-pregnancy dietary intervention can reverse adverse metabolic effects of maternal obesity on offspring.
A large-scale study found a significant genetic component in the development of symptomatic lumbar disc disease, with individuals with the condition more likely to have family members with disc disease. The study's findings support a genetic basis for the disease, although shared environmental risks cannot be ruled out.
Scientists report that red mud's high alkalinity and salt content are the main threats to crop growth, not toxic metals or radioactivity. Adding gypsum can reduce alkalinity and accelerate salt removal, recommending long-term monitoring of metal levels in crops.
New nanoparticles designed to target fibrin in blood clots can be seen with a new type of CT scanner, providing early detection and potential treatment options for heart attacks. This technology has the potential to save lives by quickly identifying unstable plaque and guiding targeted treatments.
A Cedars-Sinai research team has received a $1.9 million grant to develop a new pharmaceutical discovery process using pluripotent stem cells, aiming to find a treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Another team will create a new imaging system to monitor stem cell treatments in real-time, providing insights into tissue regeneration.
A multi-agency project investigates the effects of air pollution on California's precipitation, with research flights documenting cloud microphysics and aerosol impacts. The goal is to improve climate projections and planning for water and energy resources.
A research study published in Nature found that IGF-II protein increases in the brain of rats after a learning session, reinforcing memory and preventing forgetfulness. The protein is essential for memory formation and consolidation, making it a potential target for therapies enhancing cognitive function.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that nearly 90% of patients experienced at least partial relief from migraine headaches after five years. The surgery targets 'trigger sites' in the muscles or nerves producing pain, with significant improvements in quality of life.
Researchers from Kansas State University discovered that people's enjoyment of movies depends on both the content and their co-viewer. The study found that graphic sex scenes in particular cause discomfort for parents and teens, leading to awkward interactions.
Researchers have created a new framework for analyzing key genetic variations that were previously overlooked. The study analyzed the genomes of 185 individuals and identified 22,025 deletions and 6,000 other structural variants.
A team at Sanford-Burnham identified specific microRNAs that enhance the reprogramming process from skin cells to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Adding these miRNAs increases cell survival and improves iPS cell generation.
Cyclone Yasi made landfall in Queensland, Australia, bringing heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge. The satellite imagery captured a clear eye of the cyclone before it made landfall.
Researchers have discovered that electrical stimulation of the anterior temporal lobes can increase an individual's ability to reach fresh insights and solve complex problems. This breakthrough could potentially revolutionize the way we approach creative problem-solving.
A new study has identified DUO1, a genetic hierarchy that governs sperm cell production and fertility in flowering plants. The research found that DUO1 acts as a master switch to ensure twin fertile sperm cells are made in each pollen grain.
Five scientists with novel approaches to fighting cancer have been awarded the Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award, receiving a total of $2.25 million over three years. The recipients aim to significantly impact cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through their pioneering ideas.
A massive winter storm hit the US, with some areas receiving record-breaking snowfall. The GOES-13 satellite data suggests that Punxsutawney Phil may not have seen his shadow, potentially altering the traditional Groundhog Day prediction.
Turtle populations are affected by global warming, habitat destruction and hunting, threatening nearly half of all species. The Year of the Turtle campaign aims to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts.
A study published in Neurology found that older people with metabolic syndrome are 20% more likely to experience cognitive decline on memory tests. Higher triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol were linked to poorer memory scores.
The Kepler-11 system features five inner planets with masses between 2.3 and 13.5 times that of Earth, orbiting within 50 days, and a sixth planet with an orbital period of 118 days. The planets' densities suggest they may be mostly water or hydrogen-helium gases, defying expectations for small hot planets.
Researchers at University of Leicester introduce the Anthropocene, a geological epoch marked by significant human impact on the environment. The studies highlight effects of population growth, megacities, and fossil fuel use on global warming, sea level rise, and biodiversity.
Researchers have developed a new assay test that can detect minute amounts of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease-causing prions in human blood, making it possible to screen donated blood before acceptance. This could lead to improved and earlier diagnosis for patients and a better understanding of the prevalence of the disease.