The Lupus Research Institute has awarded $3.6 million in grants to support cutting-edge research on the devastating disease. Investigators will explore how the immune system goes awry and develop novel approaches to correct manifestations that cause tissue and organ damage.
A new study suggests that grey matter volume in the cerebellum predicts cognitive ability, particularly in older adults. The study found a stronger relationship between brain volume in the cerebellum and general intelligence in men compared to women.
Researchers at Georgia Tech created an industrial-quality prototype system that automatically inspects buns exiting the oven, adjusts oven temperatures, and minimizes waste. The system uses digital cameras to capture images of buns and adjusts temperature in real-time to produce consistent color, size, shape, and seed coverage.
A University of Missouri chemist has discovered a method for manufacturing certain pharmaceutical drugs using pressurized carbon dioxide at room temperature. This new approach could streamline production processes and reduce the need for expensive and time-consuming methods currently used in the industry.
The U.S. Geological Survey has launched an updated version of its Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA) website, featuring improved data collection and dissemination technologies. Verified sighting records are now immediately available on the site's home page, allowing for more efficient monitoring of pollinator populations.
A study of over 120,000 adults who were treated for trauma found that 16 percent died within 3 years of their injury, compared to an expected population mortality rate of 6 percent. Trauma patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities had a significantly increased risk of death.
A recent study found that only 2% of meta-analyses reported funding sources, while 62.5% of included RCTs had pharmaceutical industry funding. Author financial disclosures were also underreported. The lack of transparency may compromise readers' understanding and appraisal of the evidence.
Researchers found a delay in detecting CADASIL, a vascular brain disorder, and diagnosed it as multiple sclerosis in some patients. The study suggests that CADASIL often goes misdiagnosed due to similarities with MS in brain MRIs and symptoms.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a novel technique for identifying anonymous email authors with high accuracy. By analyzing unique patterns in a suspect's emails, they can create a 'write-print' that is like a fingerprint, allowing investigators to determine the author's gender, nationality, and education level.
A study by the American Heart Association found that brief video training significantly improves hands-only CPR performance, with over 90% of trained participants attempting CPR in an emergency. The training also showed improved compression rates and depths compared to untrained individuals.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new manufacturing method that employs an ultrafast pulsing laser to create high-quality microchannels in thin-film solar cells. This technique could significantly increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of solar cells, enabling widespread adoption.
A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that online nutrition education courses can be effective, with students able to gain knowledge and achieve learning outcomes similar to face-to-face learners. However, the study also identified areas for improvement, including the need for more engaging and interactiv...
A new study at UCSF reveals that brain implant surgeries can dramatically improve life for people with severe cervical dystonia. The procedure targets a previously untested part of the brain, showing promise in reducing pain and spasms while improving quality of life.
Dr. Paul Tesar's research enhances understanding of pluriportent stem cells used to study debilitating diseases. His findings have potential to prevent or repair damage caused by disease, aging, and injury.
A survey of patients with epilepsy found that they ranked memory loss as their second-most important concern, while doctors ranked it 12th. Practitioners were more concerned about unexpected seizures, which was also the top concern for both groups.
New study reveals humpback whale wintering grounds extend throughout Hawaiian Islands and into NWHI, contradicting previous assumptions. The discovery provides insights into the species' migration patterns and geographic expansion.
A new evidence-based model of geriatric care management, GRACE, optimizes the health and functional status of community-dwelling lower-income older adults. GRACE improves health and quality of life, decreases emergency department visits and hospital admission rates.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a direct link between cholesterol levels and the immune system's response to viral infections. By lowering cholesterol, the body can starve viruses of the nutrients they need to grow, potentially enhancing the immune system's ability to fight off infections.
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have discovered a drug that turns on a protective gene, protecting brain cells from degeneration. The drug, phenylbutyrate, has been shown to prevent the progression of Parkinson's disease in mice and is now being tested in humans.
A recent study by a team of investigators found that financial conflicts-of-interest are being hidden in published drug research through meta-analyses, which combine results from multiple individual trials. The study highlighted the lack of transparency in reporting funding sources and author-industry ties in these analyses.
A study of 90 animal thigh bones reveals how trabeculae lattice structure supports loads in different species, leading to potential development of new, lightweight materials. The research found that trabecular struts vary in geometry depending on animal size, and could be used to create stronger, lighter bodywork for vehicles.
Researchers found that graphene oxide's solubility is not as expected, with most oxygen content being loosely bound and easily removable by a wash with base. The study reveals that models for graphene oxide structure need revisiting, affecting synthesis and application of chemically modified graphene.
A University of Michigan study found that more people believe in 'climate change' than 'global warming', with a difference driven by partisan orientation and question wording. Overall, 74% believed climate change was real when referred to as such, while 68% did so when called global warming.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital found that homeless patients cost an additional $2,559 per hospital stay compared to housed patients, after adjusting for age and illness severity. This excess cost is largely due to the severity of psychiatric illnesses among homeless individuals.
A study found that sleep deprivation leads to increased activity in brain regions assessing positive outcomes and decreased activity in those processing negative outcomes. As a result, sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to choose options with potential gains over those with potential losses.
Research from North Carolina State University found that closely contested games result in a significant increase in traffic fatalities, with nail-biter games being the most dangerous. The study, published in Journal of Consumer Research, suggests that competition-induced testosterone may play a role in this increased risk.
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, is the oldest known US wild bird, returning to Midway at age 60 to raise her chick. She has likely raised over 30 chicks in her breeding life, demonstrating remarkable longevity and parenting skills.
Researchers found that left-handed individuals showed no asymmetry in hand preference, suggesting a possible explanation: hemispheric specialisation for speech and language. Right-handed participants had trouble with bimanual tasks when using their right hand, indicating a bias towards choosing the correct hand.
Research suggests that punishing boys for their negative emotions can lead to increased anxiety and behavior problems. Parents who punish toddlers for becoming angry or scared can hinder their child's ability to regulate and express emotions.
The SMArt platform and interface aim to promote innovation in health information technology by facilitating the development of medical applications that are scalable and substitutable. The $5,000 competition will drive competition, innovation, and increased efficiency in healthcare technology.
A new study finds that frequent work-related contact at home takes a greater toll on women, who feel guilty about dealing with work issues even when they don't interfere with their family lives. This guilt is linked to the emotional consequences of blurred boundaries between work and family life.
Researchers found that bursts of brain waves known as 'sleep spindles' may network between key brain regions to clear a path to learning. This networking helps shift fact-based memories from the hippocampus to the prefrontal cortex, freeing up storage space for new data.
A study found that colonoscopy has prevented a substantial number of deaths from colorectal cancer, but many more could have been prevented. The analysis estimated that approximately 13,800 to 22,000 colorectal cancer deaths could have been prevented in 2005.
A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists found that no-till production systems can significantly reduce soil erosion and enhance efforts to protect water quality. The research compared runoff, soil erosion, and crop yields in conventional and no-till winter wheat-fallow systems.
Researchers found that tumors with defects in DNA repair systems are less likely to recur post-surgery, reducing the need for chemotherapy. The study suggests testing for defective DNA mismatch repair and KRAS gene mutations to guide treatment strategies.
University of South Florida researchers have found that the blood-brain barrier is structurally and functionally damaged in mice with Sanfilippo syndrome type B. This damage may lead to destruction of the central nervous system equilibrium and accelerate neuropathological changes in the disease.
Researchers are conducting a pilot study to test image-guided neurothermal ablation, a new procedure using local radiofrequency energy to treat premature ejaculation. The treatment aims to provide an outpatient option for symptom control with limited side effects.
The Sea Grant programs have awarded over $1.1 million for six projects studying the effects of nitrogen, red tide, and climate change on Long Island Sound's ecosystem. Research results will provide valuable information to resource managers throughout the watershed.
A cohort study found that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection decreases the percentage of metastases in colorectal cancer patients, while increasing extrahepatic metastases. This suggests HBV may serve as a prognostic factor for hepatic metastasis formation in CRC patients.
Research by the University of Warwick's Institute for Digital Healthcare and UCL Medical School finds that open-source software can provide higher security and quality through public disclosure and community review. This contradicts the common misconception that open-source software is inherently riskier due to its transparency.
Researchers found that upregulation of HER3 receptor limits effectiveness of targeted therapies in HER2-positive breast cancers. Targeting both HER2 and HER3 together with these agents improves clinical utility. Combination therapy also shows potential in treating other cancers.
A new NIH study aims to determine the risks and benefits of early antiretroviral treatment in asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals with high CD4 counts. The study will compare immediate treatment to deferred treatment until CD4 counts fall below 350 cells/mm³.
The USDA Forest Service and University of Florida have published a new book detailing the viability of using wood as an energy source in southern wildland-urban interface areas. The book provides recent research on woody biomass production, conversion to energy, and economic analysis of bioenergy development.
A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found that one in five children in Sweden is overweight, with urban areas experiencing lower rates of obesity compared to smaller towns and rural areas. The study also highlights the link between low levels of education and overweight children.
Groundwater depletion in California's Central Valley poses a significant threat to the state's economy and food security, with two-thirds of the loss attributed to central valley groundwater depletion. Conversely, corals are expanding their range poleward in temperate areas as seas warm, indicating rapid modifications to coastal ecosys...
A new research center at MSU will study air pollutants' impact on cardiometabolic syndrome, a collection of risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The team aims to understand how air pollution promotes the development of these conditions, particularly in vulnerable populations.
A pioneering study shows tissue-engineered urethras, made with the boys' own cells, are functional and viable within 3 months. The grafts have lasted at least six years and maintained adequate outflow, offering a new alternative for reconstruction.
The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) has developed a primary standard for the measurement of short-lived radioactive thoron, allowing for accurate calibration of thoron measuring instruments. This enables the estimation of risks associated with thoron exposure through its progenies.
Researchers found that weak supporting evidence can make people less likely to believe in an outcome, even if they have no evidence at all. This effect, known as the 'weak evidence effect,' influences professional persuaders and public perceptions of policy.
The University of Michigan Health System has received a major grant to expand its Project Healthy Schools program, which focuses on reducing childhood obesity and promoting heart-healthy lifestyles among sixth-grade students. The program aims to create environments that encourage physical activity and healthy eating habits.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that residential treatment for tobacco dependence significantly increases the chances of long-term abstinence. Compared to standard outpatient treatment, residential patients showed a higher success rate, with 52% still not smoking after six months.
The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have beneficial effects on waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol levels, triglycerides, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism. A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the diet can help prevent metabolic syndrome and its components.
A UCLA research team has developed a device using Velcro-like nanoscale technology to efficiently identify and capture circulating tumor cells, or CTCs, in blood samples. The new approach captures a greater number of CTCs than existing methods and could enable early detection and diagnosis of cancer.
Tuft cells are a rare fifth type of intestinal cell with distinct features and a novel protein signature. They secrete opioids and produce enzymes that synthesize prostaglandins, suggesting potential roles in inflammation and tumorigenesis.
Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine successfully blocked harmful immune cells from entering the brain in mice with a condition similar to multiple sclerosis. The breakthrough discovery, made using an anti-cancer drug, prevents symptoms and provides early evidence for a potential new treatment.
A recent study found that metal and concrete tile roofs produce the highest quality rainwater for indoor domestic use, while asphalt and green roofs contain high levels of dissolved organic carbon. The research highlights the importance of considering roofing material when harvesting rainwater for potable use.
The study found that otters are more common in areas with moderate human impact, where water quality has improved and prey species like fish and crayfish are abundant. The researchers suggest conserving aquatic habitats to encourage greater distribution of the species.
Researchers discovered a critical link between respiratory syncytial virus and oxidative stress, which causes lung inflammation and damage in children. The study found that the virus blocks the activity of Nrf2, a protein needed for antioxidant enzymes, leading to increased reactive oxygen species and cell killing.
A study by Helmholtz Munich reveals that neuropilin-1 regulates nerve fiber interaction to form correct trajectories. The researchers found that motor axons also play a crucial role in establishing spinal nerves, challenging previous assumptions.
A small clinical trial suggests traditional Chinese acupuncture can curb the severity of menopausal hot flushes and other symptoms. The treatment showed cumulative benefits, with significant improvements in somatic and psychological symptoms but minimal impact on urogenital symptoms.