The ALICE RAP project aims to redefine the concept of addiction in Europe, considering economic, health, and social consequences. It will analyze the potential of new approaches to govern and manage addiction using foresight methodologies.
The CDC study found that a significant proportion of respondents had traveled to countries with reported prion diseases, increasing the risk of exposure. Hunting and venison consumption were also associated with increased risk of prion disease exposure, particularly in areas with chronic wasting disease.
The National Physicians Alliance recommends limiting antibiotic prescribing, avoiding imaging for low back pain, and not ordering cardiac screening tests in low-risk patients. The suggestions aim to make primary care more affordable and efficient while improving patient health.
Scientists have identified the molecular structure of proteins enabling bacterial cells to transfer electrical charge, opening the door to efficient microbial fuel cells. The discovery could also lead to the development of microbe-based agents for oil and uranium pollution cleanup.
Women who gained 2-3 BMI units between the first and second pregnancy were more likely to develop GDM in the second pregnancy. Conversely, women who lost over 6 pounds between pregnancies reduced their risk of developing GDM by approximately 50%. The association was strongest in women who were overweight or obese in their first pregnancy.
A recent study using data collected between 2006 and 2007 found evidence for 10 free-floating planets roughly the mass of Jupiter, suggesting they are common. The discovery supports the 'ejection' scenario where planets are kicked out from their solar systems due to close gravitational encounters with other planets or stars.
A new study by American Cancer Society researchers found that long-term regular acetaminophen use was associated with a 38% lower risk of prostate cancer. The study suggests that acetaminophen may provide biological clues about prostate cancer development, warranting further research.
Regular cultural activities like visiting museums and theatres improve mental health in adults, with receptive cultural activities showing greatest benefits for men. Engaging in creative or active cultural activities also has positive effects on perceived health and well-being.
A new study reveals that babies born at 39 weeks have a significantly lower risk of death compared to those born earlier, with mortality rates declining by up to 50% per week after 37 weeks. This research supports the importance of continuing pregnancy until 39 weeks for optimal baby health.
Researchers found that game-worn football faceshields are more susceptible to breaking than new ones, especially when subjected to lower forces of impact. The study recommends routine inspection and replacement of used faceshields to prevent potential eye injuries.
Researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre have identified a protein called PINK1 as a potential trigger for heart failure. The absence of this protein causes heart cells to produce less energy, leading to cell death and hypertrophy.
Dr. William R. Ward has made fundamental contributions to understanding how planets and satellites form and dynamically evolve, including the giant impact theory of lunar formation and Mars' polar axis oscillations
The Hubble Space Telescope has observed the historic variable star V1, which helped confirm the size of the universe and its expansion. The observations, conducted in collaboration with amateur astronomers, provide new insights into the properties of Cepheid variables and their role in measuring distances to galaxies.
A Penn-led study has identified common clinical activities where changes in practice could lead to higher quality care and better use of finite clinical resources. The 'Top 5' list for internal medicine includes practices such as not overimaging, not overscreening, and using generic statins.
Researchers replicated inflammatory gene changes of human kidney progression from mild to severe diabetic nephropathy using a mouse model. The study could lead to new understanding and potential treatments for diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of kidney failure.
Researchers analyzed 119 clinical trials to determine the magnitude of placebo effect and no treatment effect on headache recovery rate. The study found a high overall recovery rate of 36% in 'no treatment' control groups.
Survivors with pre-existing mental conditions, such as schizophrenia and dementia, are vulnerable to long-term harm after disasters. Disaster-response planners must prioritize their needs alongside those of physically injured individuals.
According to a new study from Tufts University researchers, whites now perceive anti-white racism as a bigger problem than anti-black racism. Whites agree that anti-black racism has decreased over the last 60 years, while also believing that anti-white racism has increased and is now prevalent.
Researchers have identified a novel hepatitis C-like virus in dogs, providing new insights into the origins of the human disease. The discovery offers renewed hope for developing a model system to study HCV's mechanisms and may lead to the development of drugs and vaccines.
A common CT scan test could help identify individuals with diabetes at high risk of early death, who may benefit from targeted medical care and interventions. Researchers found that those with higher levels of calcified plaque buildup in their blood vessels were more than six times more likely to die prematurely.
Tropical Storm Songda has strengthened over the past few days, with maximum sustained winds reaching 69 mph. The storm is expected to continue intensifying, but its center will remain offshore from Luzon, Philippines. Gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and rough surf are forecast for the western side of the storm.
A collaborative research proposal by Hebrew University and University of Kentucky teams explores the role of small non-coding RNAs in regulating genetic information. The study aims to understand how organisms interpret genomic information, potentially leading to new therapies for human diseases.
Electrical engineers at Duke University have created a unique metamaterial that theoretically enables efficient wireless power transmission to small and large devices. The material refocuses energy transmitted between devices, reducing power loss and enabling longer-distance energy transfer.
Researchers found that just four percent of galaxies are similar to the Milky Way, with two satellites as bright and close by as the Magellanic Clouds. The study used data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and computer simulations to understand how the Milky Way fits into the broader context of the universe.
A cognitive psychologist urges memory researchers to consider the complexity of human memory, arguing that simple experimental tasks can oversimplify its nature. He highlights the importance of involuntary reminding, which creates a coherent record of our interactions with the environment.
Researchers have developed a new microchip that can quickly and inexpensively assess immune function by examining biomarkers from single cells. The technology has the potential to be used routinely to monitor immune system performance and evaluate the effectiveness of certain classes of therapeutics, such as vaccines and immunotherapies.
Men with COPD who use inhaled anticholinergic drugs are at higher risk of developing urinary retention. Researchers found that this risk is significant in men who have used IACs for a month or less and those with enlarged prostate glands.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered that innate immune system proteins can induce bacterial cell walls to self-destruct. The proteins, called Peptidoglycan Recognition Proteins (PGRPs), target bacteria by exploiting a defense mechanism used by the bacteria themselves.
An analysis of ancient Nubian-era mummies found that human alteration of the environment contributed to the spread of schistosomiasis, a water-borne parasitic disease infecting an estimated 200 million people today. The study suggests that ancient individuals were capable of altering their environment in ways that impacted their health.
A new nano-complex dietary supplement developed at Hebrew University can significantly reduce fat and sugar absorption in the body. The researchers found that taking this complex before a high-fat and high-sugar meal reduced bad cholesterol production by 42% and increased insulin sensitivity by 64%.
Researchers discovered a protein isolated from beneficial bacteria, called p40, that supports intestinal epithelial cell growth and function, reducing inflammatory responses. Oral consumption of p40 prevented and treated colitis in animal models, providing a potential new therapeutic option for IBD.
A randomized, controlled trial found that patient navigators can significantly improve CRC screening rates among low-income, black, and non-English-speaking patients. The study suggests that focusing on these populations with patient navigation may be an effective approach to reducing screening disparities.
A subset of severe asthmatics harbor infectious C. pneumoniae in their lungs, resulting in antibody production and increased asthma severity. Antibiotic treatment can significantly improve symptoms and even lead to a complete abolition of asthma symptoms.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found shave biopsies to be a safe and accurate method for initial evaluation of melanoma. The study analyzed 600 consecutive patients who underwent shave biopsies, revealing that 97% of the results were accurate in determining T-stage and depth data.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that low-risk patients who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) screening were more likely to receive medications and undergo additional testing. However, their cardiac event rates did not significantly differ from those who did not undergo screening.
The grant enables scientists to monitor the world's oceans and track changes in coastal or maritime systems, supporting a more sophisticated understanding of global climate change. Dr. Stamnes' algorithms will also aid in exploring issues related to polarization, scattering, and refraction of light in atmosphere-ocean systems.
A Johns Hopkins study found that CT angiography in low-risk patients without symptoms leads to more aggressive care, including more drugs and tests, but no difference in heart attack or cardiac death rates. The test's benefits are unclear, and guidelines suggest it should not be used for screening in low-risk patients.
Key findings from the Commonwealth Fund/Modern Healthcare Health Care Opinion Leaders Survey include widespread support for states to implement key health reform law provisions early with full federal support. The survey also highlights concerns about barriers to implementation, such as capacity of state agencies and budget pressures.
A Johns Hopkins team has identified a newly discovered protein called Iduna that protects the brain against stroke and neurologic disorders. The protein works by interrupting a cascade of molecular events that result in cell death, and its presence increases three- to four-fold in preconditioned mouse brain tissue.
Researchers estimate 500 HIV-infected, but otherwise healthy deceased donors per year could donate organs due to federal ban. Reversing the ban could improve survival rates and reduce wait times for HIV-infected patients with kidney or liver failure.
Mycorrhizal fungi can increase plant growth with less phosphate fertilizer, solving a pressing challenge for global food production. Researchers have discovered that using mycorrhizal fungus gel can produce the same yield as traditional farming with up to half less phosphate fertilizer.
A team of NIH scientists has identified the most proteins produced by Brugia malayi, a parasitic worm that causes lymphatic filariasis. The findings may lead to the development of new vaccines and treatments for the disease, which can cause severely disabling swelling in the lower limbs.
A team of researchers has pinpointed genome regions that contribute to the debilitating lung disease associated with cystic fibrosis, providing insight into its causes and potential diagnostic markers. The study also points to new therapeutic approaches for related diseases such as COPD.
A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln economist Seth Giertz found that male disability applicants rejected for federal benefits tend to have lower earnings and labor force participation rates. Rejected applicants also work less despite being in better health than accepted applicants.
A University of Miami economist applied modern-day game theory techniques to examine famous military bluffs and find that bluffing was the optimal strategy in each situation. The study used signaling games to model the legends of Li Guang and Zhuge Liang, finding that uncertainty was key to avoiding confrontation.
The Heat Wave system uses heated, humidified air delivered through an oxygen mask to rapidly transfer heat to the blood via convection. Tests show it's more effective than current treatments, decreasing treatment time for hypothermic patients to just four hours.
Researchers found that targeting patient navigation to black and non-English speaking patients increased CRC screenings by 33.6% compared to usual care. These patients were also more likely to undergo colonoscopy and have adenomas detected.
Scientists have discovered a protein involved in drug resistance in breast cancer, which could be targeted for new treatments. Blocking the production of this protein in human cells made them more responsive to anti-oestrogen drugs.
Mainz University's Gutenberg Research College awards fellowship to Stuart Parkin, renowned experimental physicist and IBM Fellow. The award enhances postgraduate research in spintronics, a key area of focus for both institutions.
Astrocytes, the most common cell in the human nervous system, have been cultivated in a lab dish using embryonic and induced human stem cells. This breakthrough allows researchers to better understand their functions and develop new therapies for neurological disorders such as dementia and Parkinson's disease.
Recent meta-analyses show telemedical monitoring can improve overall survival by 17-47% in CHF patients. Two trials presented at the Heart Failure Congress 2011 found benefits in specific subgroups, including those with prior decompensation and no depression.
Researchers from IDIBAPS have conducted a study on HIV-infected patients with undetectable viral load, finding that they can induce a broad and strong humoral immune response. The percentage of treated and untreated patients generating broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies was very similar, suggesting a potential preventive vaccine ba...
Researchers found that episodic tremors can reverse direction and travel back through fault lines much faster than the original rupture. The event was observed in the Pacific Northwest region, particularly in Washington state, and released as much energy as a magnitude 6.8 earthquake.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used undifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cells to study dyskeratosis congenita, a rare genetic disease. They found that the activity of telomerase, an enzyme critical to aging and cell renewal, is correlated with the severity of symptoms.
A UBC-led team has developed an automated microfluidic cell culture platform to study hundreds of hematopoietic stem cells at the single cell level. The new tool provides insights into HSC survival and growth factor requirements, with applications in drug development, clone selection, and culture optimization.
A new computer model simulates how Gulf currents enabled marine microorganisms to degrade oil spills more quickly. The 'dynamic auto-inoculation' process activated microbes, increasing bacterial populations and degrading hydrocarbons.
A study found that infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori can lead to Parkinson's disease symptoms in mice, and researchers suggest that this may be due to a modified cholesterol produced by the bacteria. The findings could have implications for understanding the development of neurodegenerative disorders.
A recent study published in Nature Immunology has discovered a novel mechanism by which tumor necrosis factor (TNF) suppresses inflammatory responses. The researchers found that TNF activates the glycogen synthase kinase 3-alpha protein and upregulates the A20 gene, leading to reduced inflammation.
A genome-wide association study found a novel risk variant on chromosome 17q21 that is common in African American men but rare in other populations. This discovery builds on previous research identifying a risk region on chromosome 8q24, suggesting a genetic contribution to racial disparities in prostate cancer risk.
Researchers used whole genome sequencing and social network analysis to track a tuberculosis outbreak in British Columbia, identifying key individuals as superspreaders and behaviors contributing to the outbreak. The technique allowed public health officials to reconstruct outbreaks and understand how pathogens move through populations.