A new UTHealth trial aims to help pregnant women quit smoking by testing the safety and efficacy of bupropion, a medication that has been shown to almost double the success rate of smoking cessation in nonpregnant smokers. Pregnant women who smoke are at risk for premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
The FASEB MARC Program has selected two award recipients for the 2011 GSA Mouse Genetics conference, recognizing poster/platform presenters and faculty mentors from underrepresented minority groups. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research by providing travel awards totaling $3,300.
A new review challenges the idea that holistic processing comes with expertise, finding that both novices and experts use holistic processing for different reasons. Researchers tested people in music, Chinese characters, and face recognition, revealing strategic and automatic processing.
Researchers develop a new method to visualize lipid distribution in the human brain, revealing detailed information about neurodegenerative diseases. The study uses imaging mass spectrometry and functional autoradiography to identify 43 types of lipids in three distinct brain regions.
A team of scientists at Karolinska Institutet has identified a key component in mitochondria's function, which combines with another protein to control ribosome formation and energy production. The discovery sheds light on the regulation mechanisms involved in inherited and age-related diseases.
Researchers analyzed data from studies on atrial fibrillation, finding that AFib significantly increases the risk for stroke, heart failure, and death. The studies suggest that AFib has a substantial economic impact on the US healthcare system, warranting further investigation to understand its true costs.
Researchers at MIT have found a way to manipulate the electrical and thermal properties of materials by changing external conditions such as temperature. The technique can change electrical conductivity by over 100 times and heat conductivity by threefold, making it suitable for various applications including electronic circuitry and t...
Scientists have discovered a new plant fossil that sheds light on the phylogenetic age and ecology of the horsetail plant genus Equisetum. The fossil, dated to 150 million years ago, reveals that the genus has maintained its successful set of tools for extreme environments over millions of years.
New research from the University of Cincinnati suggests that small business owners who consult with outside advisors are more likely to achieve revenues sooner. By seeking input from respected colleagues, business owners can bring fresh perspectives and information into their decision-making process, leading to better outcomes.
Virginia Tech researchers aim to fuse top-down and bottom-up approaches to study cells, combining computational models with experimental analysis to understand cellular responses.
A new study finds that breast shields can significantly reduce skin entrance radiation dose to the breast by up to 38% without increasing overall radiation dose. This technique is considered the best method for protecting women from radiation exposure during chest CT examinations.
Researchers found that leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) can manage chronic asthma equally successfully as steroid inhalers when used in addition to steroid inhalers. This could provide an alternative for patients who struggle with inhaler use due to side effects or preference
The study shows that small firms can access foreign markets through intermediaries, enabling them to become direct exporters in the future. Intermediate firms facilitate direct export participation by smaller firms, especially in high-trade-cost markets.
Researchers from Jena and Prague reveal that four scientists 'rediscovered' Mendel's laws in 1900: Hugo de Vries, Carl Correns, Erich von Tschermak-Seysenegg, and Armin von Tschermak-Seysenegg. New correspondence has corrected the traditional view of genetics' early history.
A comprehensive study of 20th century children's books found a significant bias towards tales featuring men and boys as lead characters. The findings suggest that even when animal characters are involved, they tend to be male, perpetuating the underrepresentation of females in literature.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new system for harnessing the sun's heat to generate electricity, producing power with an efficiency roughly eight times higher than previous devices. The system uses flat, stationary panels and eliminates the need for tracking systems, making it potentially less expensive to produce.
A retrospective cohort study found that early antiretroviral therapy (cART) reduces mortality among HIV-infected adults with tuberculosis. Additionally, the inclusion of five psychotropic medicines in emergency health kits addresses a fundamental inequity in mental healthcare during humanitarian emergencies.
A new study in Cell Metabolism reveals the microbiome's significant effects on metabolism in mice, highlighting butyrate as a primary energy source for colon cells. Butyrate levels have been linked to dietary and clinical implications, including colorectal cancer prevention.
A new study suggests that individuals with autism have a weak mirror neuron system in their youth, but it increases with age and becomes unusually high thereafter. This delay in development may be related to increased capacity for social function or responsiveness to rehabilitative treatments.
The European Commission has allocated an additional 30 million euros to COST, increasing the total budget to 240 million euros for the second half of the EU Seventh Framework Programme. This funding boost is a recognition of COST's governance and potential to drive excellence and innovation in Europe.
A new study found that nicotine can induce long-lasting changes in the brain's reward system, similar to cocaine. The researchers discovered that a receptor called D5 dopamine plays a key role in this process.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have successfully transformed 'bad' white fat into 'good' brown fat in rats, reducing their calorie intake and weight. This breakthrough finding could lead to new obesity treatments for humans by targeting the transformation of white fat into brown fat.
Scientists discovered that ancient rainforests had more veins per unit area in leaves of flowering plants, allowing for increased water availability and carbon capture. This finding suggests that improved plumbing systems in these plants contributed to the evolution of modern rainforest ecosystems.
Prima Limited has donated $5 million to support the endowment funds of Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore, and Singapore Management University. The gift will fund new chair professorships, research symposia, and student programs at each institution.
The University of Illinois has established an innovative research-based program, the Illinois Transdisciplinary Obesity Prevention Program (I-TOPP), to tackle child obesity prevention. I-TOPP combines a Ph.D. and master's in public health degree to develop novel hypotheses and approaches.
A new study found that radiologists using MRI can correctly identify the primary site of cancer in 79% of cases, even when biopsy results are inconclusive. This improves patient outcomes by providing more accurate treatment options.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that simple exercise can improve lung function and overall fitness in children with cystic fibrosis. Patients who increased their exercise capacity by 10 or more walking intervals showed significant improvements in lung function scores.
Researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a new curtain fabric that is lightweight yet absorbs sound. The new textiles absorb five times more sound than conventional translucent curtains, making them suitable for various rooms such as offices and auditoriums.
A University of Illinois professor chaired a committee that recommends providing at least 50% of normal caloric intake, including higher protein, to reduce inflammation and promote brain repair in TBI patients. The guidelines aim to improve recovery rates for veterans and individuals with other traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers found a single trial supporting aripiprazole for maintenance therapy, but its limitations constrain interpretation. The trial had short duration and low participant completion rates, casting doubt on its effectiveness.
A new study from Rhode Island Hospital estimates that over 1 in 10 catheter-related bloodstream infections due to Staph aureus in hospitalized adults are caused by infected peripheral venous catheters. The study highlights the substantial medical burden of complications from these infections.
A recent study suggests that eliminating CT venography of the pelvis can significantly reduce a patient's exposure to excessive radiation dose. The study found that only 0.3% of patients presented with isolated pelvic VTE after pulmonary embolism was ruled out.
Researchers found that employees initially assigned to powerful supervisors had a better experience when participating in work-family programs. This
A new mouse study has found that maintaining body fat rather than losing it can lead to longer lifespan in mice. The findings contradict the widely held view that weight loss is essential for extending life, suggesting that individuals with difficulty losing weight may benefit from dietary restriction more.
Researchers found that ordered vacancies in iron pnictides can give rise to superconductivity, providing a potential explanation for the similar behavior between different compounds. This discovery has implications for the broader use of these materials on an industrial scale.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals a substantial decrease in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, while rates of utilization of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have remained unchanged. The data analysis showed a 15% drop in annual CABG surgery rates between 2001 and 2008.
A new experimental drug, PCI-32765, has shown promising results in selectively targeting and killing malignant B cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. By inhibiting key signaling molecules and promoting apoptosis, the agent reduces the risk of life-threatening infections associated with current CLL therapies.
Researchers discovered that lopinavir selectively kills HPV-infected non-cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells relatively unaffected. The study suggests a potential treatment for HPV-related cervical cancer using locally applied lopinavir cream or pessary.
A new study of marine snails reveals a significant boost in metabolism between 200 and 80 million years ago. The researchers suggest that this change was driven by the shift from plant-based to predatory diets, which led to an evolutionary arms race.
Research reveals that immigrants and their U.S.-born children prioritize unhealthy American foods to prove their American-ness and avoid social exclusion. This behavior can lead to poorer health outcomes due to the prevalence of high-calorie, fatty American meals.
Researchers have sequenced the genomes of two rust fungi that infect poplar trees, a promising bioenergy feedstock. The study reveals the characteristics of these pathogens and their methods of attacking host plants, providing key findings for developing disease control strategies.
Researchers suggest dependent individuals may exhibit proactive behavior to impress authority figures and maintain relationships. This new perspective offers a shift in how therapists treat dependent patients, focusing on turning unhealthy dependency into healthy one.
A study published in the Journal of Business Research found that Chinese adolescents are heavily influenced by their parents, while Canadian teens are more likely to make independent decisions. Parenting practices and cultural values play a significant role in shaping teen outlooks and decision-making patterns.
A new study found that the brain has an automatic reaction to unfairness in financial fairness games, linked to increased amygdala activity. Targeting this region can reduce aggression and increase tendency to accept unfair distributions of money.
GEN reports on innovative approaches to detect cancer at an early stage, with potential benefits of reduced invasive biopsies and imaging studies. Researchers are validating biomarkers like CA125 and matrix metalloproteases in urine for ovarian cancer detection.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that 15% of US nursing homes receive deficiency citations for infection control. The research team discovered a strong correlation between low staffing levels and the receipt of an infection control deficiency citation.
Scientists have created a chemically synthesized siRNA molecule that decreases RhoA protein production, promoting tissue healing and reducing pain after spinal cord injuries. The minimally-invasive treatment shows promise for treating over 250,000 people living with spinal cord injuries in the US.
A large cohort study found a significant association between lower urinary sodium excretion and an increased risk of cardiovascular death. In contrast, higher sodium excretion was not associated with increased hypertension or cardiovascular disease complications. The study's findings challenge current recommendations on reducing salt i...
Researchers at Hebrew University discovered that insufficient building blocks in cancer cells lead to DNA damage. External supply of DNA building blocks can reactivate normal DNA synthesis and reduce cancerous features.
The invention of optogenetics enables scientists to control and observe brain circuits using genetically encoded molecules targeted by light. This technique reveals how entire neural circuits operate, allowing researchers to determine the roles of specific neurons in various behaviors and brain functions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed climate change scenarios to predict excess deaths per year attributable to heat waves. The study found that the city of Chicago could experience between 166 and 2,217 excess deaths per year due to heat waves, with mitigation efforts expected to reduce this impact.
UCLA researchers have discovered a novel method to stimulate the immune system against lung cancer by delivering an immune-stimulating protein via nanoscale containers called vaults. The approach showed potent inhibition of cancer growth in pre-clinical studies and has the potential to be a game-changer in cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a cost-effective tool to detect cardiotoxicity, a common side effect of drugs. The webcam-based biosensor enables real-time monitoring of cardiac cells' beating rates and could accelerate the drug discovery process by identifying toxic effects early on.
Researchers have proposed a new approach to ranking the relevance of research papers using social bookmarking tools. The CiteRank algorithm combines similarity and static rankings to enhance search results. It was found that users preferred recent papers but also rated highly classic papers based on priority rating.
TZDs act on PPARγ, enhancing sodium transport and water reabsorption, but also have direct effects on kidney channels, explains a recent Cell Metabolism study. The findings may lead to combination therapy and selective PPARγ modulators to prevent massive fluid retention.
Scientists used simple robots to test how altruism evolves over generations. The results matched Hamilton's rule, suggesting that helping relatives increases their chances of passing on genes. This study has implications for swarm robotics and the evolution of cooperation in nature.
A recent study found that only about half of new drugs approved by the FDA had available comparative effectiveness data. The researchers analyzed data from 2000 to 2010 and found significant variability in the availability of this information, with some therapeutic indications having much higher rates of availability than others.
Researchers analyze carbon isotope ratios in fossil teeth to reveal Paranthropus boisei's diet was 77% C4 plants, similar to grazing animals like warthogs and hippos. The findings contradict the common view of the hominid feeding on nuts and seeds.
A new program called Helping Babies Breathe is teaching basic techniques to resuscitate newborns immediately after birth, resulting in a 50% decrease in mortality rates. The program focuses on simple interventions like drying the baby, keeping them warm, and suctioning their mouth within 'The Golden Minute'.
Research suggests that recreational Ecstasy use is associated with chronic changes in brain function, particularly increased brain activation in visual processing areas. The study's findings may have implications for the potential therapeutic benefits and risks of Ecstasy use, as well as its impact on mental health over time.