A recent study published in Critical Care Medicine found that patients with severe smoke inhalation injuries experienced increased inflammation and spent more time on ventilators and in intensive care. The study also found that the severity of smoke-inhalation injury may play a role in the overall pulmonary inflammatory response.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully loaded over 2 million gold nanorods into a single cancer cell, opening up new possibilities for targeted cancer treatments. The breakthrough involves using a new molecule to replace toxic CTAB with MTAB, allowing for the safe and efficient loading of nanoparticles into cells.
A European consortium, led by EUREKA, has developed global standards for 4G technology, which will enable new ecosystems for mobile systems and devices. The consortium brought together major telecommunications companies and research institutes to create faster and more reliable wireless internet connections on smartphones.
A study published in Nature found that forests are warmer than open areas north of 45 degrees latitude due to higher nighttime temperatures and sunlight absorption, but cooler south of 35 degrees latitude. Forests also have climatic benefits for maintaining or increasing forest cover in southern latitudes.
A national study found supervised exercise to be more effective than stenting or medication for improved walking ability in patients with peripheral artery disease. The CLEVER trial showed that supervised exercise improves treadmill walking performance and quality of life, while stents may have mixed benefits.
Researchers found that responders with high exposure to the dust cloud had high-risk features of atherosclerosis and impaired vascular reactivity. The study used MRI imaging to evaluate cardiovascular risk in WTC first responders.
Researchers have found a body of liquid water on Europa, similar to the North American Great Lakes, which could support life. The newly discovered lake is covered by floating ice shelves that facilitate nutrient and energy transfer between the surface and a vast ocean below.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that amino acids, found in proteins like egg whites, stimulate orexin neurons more than other nutrients. This discovery has implications for understanding obesity and sleep disorders.
Blood disorders are a significant public health concern, affecting at least 1 million Americans, with limited understanding of their magnitude. A proposed public health framework aims to address the needs of people with rare blood disorders, including early screening, education, and access to care.
The new US Carbon Cycle Science Plan aims to expand research on the human impact of carbon cycling and climate change. It emphasizes communication and accessible research for policy makers and the public, with a focus on strengthening observation networks and developing numerical models.
Researchers at Brown University discovered that frogs' stretchy tendons are the key to their impressive jumping abilities. The study shows how the leg muscle shortens and loads energy into the tendon before releasing it to propel the frog forward, enabling them to jump much farther than expected.
A new model explains the emergence of complex insect societies by positing that workers' selfish interests drive colony formation. This hypothesis suggests that at the early stages of social evolution, workers and queens act primarily in their own self-interest, rather than altruistically helping relatives.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has released its latest science and technology strategic plan, emphasizing the importance of autonomous systems and speed-to-fleet in meeting future naval requirements. The plan also highlights initiatives to increase the talent pool of future naval scientists and engineers.
Researchers at University of Guelph discovered a peptide that regresses established late-stage tumours in mouse models of ovarian cancer, improving survival rates. The peptide enhances chemotherapy drug delivery, allowing for lower doses and reduced side effects.
Researchers discovered that targeting host enzymes with imatinib reduces M. tuberculosis load and enhances traditional antibiotics' effectiveness. This approach limits infection and may reduce antibiotic-resistant strains.
A newly discovered fossil of a mosasaur, with well-preserved soft tissue, is providing scientists with unique insights into the biology of an extinct marine lizard. The study found that the mosasaur was able to minimize its frictional drag in the water and relied on its tail for propulsion.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a garlic oil component that can deliver the benefits of hydrogen sulfide to the heart. At low concentrations, diallyl trisulfide has been shown to protect the heart from damage by reducing damaged tissue and lowering reactive oxygen species.
Michael Mann, renowned climatologist, will receive the Hans Oeschger Medal from the European Geosciences Union. The award recognizes his groundbreaking work on Earth's climate system, including the 'hockey stick' chart and advocacy for climate action.
Researchers surveyed over 5,000 people in the Fukushima region and found that almost all had safe contamination levels. The exposure gradually decreased over time, with indoor air having one-tenth the radiation dose of outdoor air.
A study found that women and young men make up a substantial portion of heart attack patients without known coronary disease. These groups are less likely to receive preventive medications, which could reduce their risk of heart attacks.
A new study finds mycophenolate mofetil superior to azathioprine as a maintenance therapy for lupus nephritis, with improved patient outcomes and reduced side effects. The study included 227 patients from 19 countries and showed that mycophenolate mofetil was more effective in treating the condition.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center found that patients with excess vitamin D levels had a two and a half times greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The study suggests that communication between patients and healthcare providers is critical to determine safe doses of vitamin supplements.
Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging data from 406 adult human twins to confirm the long-standing idea that human cortical regionalization is similar to and consistent with patterns found in other mammals. The study found genetic influences on brain development progress along an anterior-to-posterior scale, with differences base...
BGI unveils new global collaborative projects including the Million Genomes Project, Rice Genome Project, and 1% Danes' Genome Project. These initiatives will advance our understanding of species genome, agricultural productivity, and human disease. The projects aim to sequence millions of genomes to improve crop yields, develop person...
Professor Doug Hilton has received the 2011 Research Australia Leadership and Innovation Award for his pioneering work on blood formation and signalling. His efforts led to thousands of Australians attending 'Rallies for Research' in support of maintaining medical research funding, ultimately protecting public health care.
Invasive species like ship rats and non-native birds can become essential to ecosystems when native pollinators disappear. Researchers found that these 'alien' species perform similar functions as extinct native pollinators in New Zealand's North Island.
A recent study by Queen's University found that TV viewing, but not computer use, predicted higher cardio-metabolic risk in children. This suggests that limiting screen time, particularly TV viewing, may be an effective way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in young people.
Higher quality livers come from ducks with active fat-storing cells, while lower quality livers have cells struggling with high fat levels. Analyzing liver proteins revealed a key factor in determining foie gras quality.
A study found that tripling the standard daily dosage of clopidogrel for patients with a genetic variation improving response to the medication significantly reduced platelet reactivity. Higher doses also improved platelet reactivity in those without the variant gene, guiding further clinical studies.
A new study found that false confessions are a common cause of errors in evidence, with 25% of exonerated individuals having made false confessions. The study suggests that juries and judges may be misled by false confessions, leading to miscarriages of justice.
Researchers have created a computer model that can study interactions between molecules, such as those between a drug and its target. The software, developed by Georgia Tech Professor David Sherrill's team, allows for faster analysis of larger molecules than any other program in existence.
Flu strains migrate globally, evolving along the way, contradicting the theory that they come from tropical areas. Influenza viruses in tropical regions show relatively low levels of genetic diversity and no seasonal fluctuations.
Scientists have developed new approaches to boost the effectiveness of enzymes involved in breaking down toxic pollutants such as PCBs. By modifying amino acids and updating mechanisms, researchers can create more flexible mutant enzymes that can metabolize a wider range of substrates.
According to Northwestern University researchers, over 83% of men and 72% of women will be overweight or obese in 2020. The implications of not improving cardiovascular health by 20% could lead to a reversal of declining rates of sickness and death from cardiovascular disease.
A study published in Annals of Oncology found that nearly half of male breast cancer patients on tamoxifen experience significant side effects, including weight gain and sexual dysfunction. The research highlights the need for better understanding and awareness of treatment risks and benefits.
New research reveals a significant pattern of antibiotic overuse in the southeastern United States, with higher rates than other regions. The study highlights increased use of fluoroquinolones and declining market share for penicillins, which could accelerate resistance to these powerful drugs.
A new mathematical model developed by Stanford University scientists can help guide attempts to improve blood-based tumor detection methods. The model predicts that tumors can grow for 10 years or longer before detection using current blood tests, but may allow early detection within a shorter timeframe with the right biomarker.
A new Cornell University review article finds that powerful environmental cues are subconsciously bending willpower every day. Portion size emerged as one of the most powerful links to overeating, with package size playing a significant role.
Researchers found that psoriasis patients have a higher number of smaller LDL particles and reduced HDL efflux capacity compared to controls, suggesting an underlying mechanism by which the inflammatory skin disease impacts cardiovascular health.
A Yale-led team found that deforestation in northern latitudes has a net cooling effect due to increased albedo from snow cover and reduced absorption of solar radiation. Temperatures decrease by an average of 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit north of Minnesota.
Researchers discovered a surprising link between deforestation and temperature changes, finding that areas north of 45 degrees latitude experience cooling effects due to increased albedo. However, this effect is not observed at lower latitudes, where deforestation may actually contribute to warming.
The first-ever issue of Public Policy & Aging Report on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) aging explores gaps in policy and research on LGBT older adults. The report highlights significant barriers they face, including poor health outcomes and social isolation, and proposes alternative policy solutions.
A drug-coated balloon inserted into a narrowed bare metal stent restores blood flow by reducing scar tissue development, as effectively as drug-eluting stents. The treatment reduces the body's reaction to a metal jacket in arteries, offering an alternative to traditional stents.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique called Arterial spin labeling (ASL) to measure changes in brain function, potentially replacing the current standard PET scan. The study found that ASL-MRI is comparable to FDG-PET in detecting Alzheimer's disease and has the advantage of being non-invasive and widely available.
A new review of research into childhood obesity and metabolic disease in adulthood suggests that treating obesity during childhood can remove the risk of lasting harm. However, the study also found that being overweight or obese as a child may actually increase the risk of health problems later in life.
Researchers at Wayne State University will study a novel antibiotic, daptomycin, to treat vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infections and decrease mortality. The goal is to determine the optimal doses of daptomycin to achieve greater bactericidal activity and prevent resistance.
Researchers discover a novel combination of a sugar molecule and two cell-killing drugs that induces programmed cell death in various types of cancer cells. The treatment, which works by depriving cancer cells of their energy source, shows promise in treating leukemia, hepatocarcinoma, lung, breast, and cervical cancers.
Research finds that exposure to PCB 126 affects turtles' growth, leading to lower bone density, thinner eggshells, and softer shells. The study provides insights into the environmental impact of PCBs on humans.
John E. Wennberg, MD, MPH, received the first MacLean Center Prize in Clinical Ethics and Health Outcomes for his pioneering research on clinical medical ethics and health outcomes. His studies have revealed patterns of practice variation and the importance of patient engagement in decision making.
Researchers reveal the geological history behind the formation of the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, which took place over the last billion years. The discovery sheds light on mountain building and ice sheet evolution within continental interiors.
Scientists identify a gene that controls hemicellulose acetylation, a major obstacle to producing biofuels from non-food sources. Blocking this enzyme could lead to a 10% reduction in bioethanol price and pave the way for more cost-effective production of biofuels.
Researchers found a rare gene called NRXN3 plays an important role in brain development and neuron functions, linked to impulsivity and substance abuse. The study suggests this genetic connection may be more prevalent among men than women.
The APS/DFD Virtual Press Room features a gallery of evocative images and animations that bring the science of fluid dynamics to life. These visual representations provide important scientific insights into complex flow phenomena.
A new device developed at the University of Colorado Cancer Center uses gold nanoparticles to detect lung cancer in exhaled breath, distinguishing between small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancer. The device has shown promising results in preliminary studies, with the potential to revolutionize lung cancer screening and diagnosis.
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that perceived racism can cause mental health symptoms similar to trauma in black Americans. Researchers analyzed 66 studies and found a robust link between racism experiences and self-reported depression and anxiety.
Scientists have developed a new smart polymer that breaks apart into small pieces in response to harmless levels of irradiation, paving the way for safe medical applications of tissue-penetrating light. The material has potential for use in diagnosing diseases and engineering new human tissues in the lab.
The technology allows for creating detailed objects from various materials, including plastics, metals, and foods like chocolate. Engineers can print designer chocolates, gourmet meals, and medical devices with embedded proteins and cells.
A UTHealth study reveals that patients who call 911 for heart attacks arrive at hospitals 30 minutes faster but still have higher mortality rates due to being more critically ill. The study found that those who call 911 are three times more likely to die, highlighting the need for improved pre-hospital treatment.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has released a new clinical practice guideline for treating supracondylar humerus fractures in children. The guideline recommends stabilizing the fracture with pins and treating circulation problems, while emphasizing the importance of evaluating each child's individual circumstances. The fu...
Experts from the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine will discuss advances in personalized medicine for neuromuscular care, as well as treatment strategies for traumatic brain injuries. They will also explore the integration of handheld technologies into practice management.
Researchers found that partying, drinking, and work trigger smoking recall among college students, who tend to start smoking at the beginning of the semester and on weekends. The study suggests targeting interventions during these periods for maximum impact.
Researchers at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have discovered the SHARPIN protein, which regulates human cell activity and movement. The study's findings may have significant implications for conditions such as Crohn's disease, psoriasis, rheumatism and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at Arizona State University have created a new compound crystal material that can enhance the capabilities of computers, improve internet efficiency, increase solar cell conversion rates, and improve solid-state lighting. The new material contains 1,000 times more erbium atoms than previous compounds, providing superior opt...
A study published in The Lancet found that around 1 in 12 adolescents self-harm, with girls being more likely to do so. Most participants who self-harmed as teens stopped doing so by their early twenties.
A recent study of young chimpanzees reveals that they engage in playful behavior during infancy and develop complex social play patterns, similar to those of human children. The research also found that both humans and chimps prefer peer play partners and use facial expressions to communicate and build social networks.
The genome of Medicago, a legume model, reveals insights into the evolution of nitrogen-fixing symbioses that can be partly attributed to a 58 million-year-old genetic event. The study found additional genes specialized for root nodulation and interaction with symbiotic bacteria.
A Kansas State University research group has developed a program to prevent childhood obesity by targeting young children and their parents through child care. The HOP'N Home program, which includes elements such as adult-led activities and snack time, aims to promote healthy eating and physical activity among 3- to 5-year-olds.
A modified Story Memory Technique was found to be effective in improving learning and memory deficits in people with multiple sclerosis. The treatment group showed greater activation in a widespread cortical network, indicating improved cognitive function.
Paul Kubes, a University of Calgary researcher, has won the 2011 Canada's Health Researcher of the Year award for his groundbreaking work on visualizing the mammalian immune system. His research focuses on understanding sepsis and its relationship to other diseases such as stroke, cancer, and diabetes.
Researchers found that taking a probiotic before radiation therapy can protect the intestine from damage in mice, and may help prevent similar problems in human patients. The probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG protected the lining of the small intestine in mice exposed to radiation.
Researchers at Arizona State University are working on a project to improve the performance of technology in extreme environments, supported by a $1.7 million grant from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The team is focusing on specialized materials that can withstand high radiation and extreme temperatures.
Research finds areas with highest amphibian species richness are most vulnerable to threats. The study suggests multiple drivers of extinction may accelerate population declines over the next decades.
A CU-Boulder study of twins reveals that genetic factors are playing a larger role in smoking habits, with identical twins more likely to quit together. The study suggests that current anti-smoking policies may be less effective and could benefit from a shift towards treating smoking as an addiction.
A study found that Transcendental Meditation significantly decreased psychological distress in at-risk minority secondary school students. The technique showed a 36% reduction in overall psychological distress and improved trait anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Researchers developed a novel compound that blocks bacterial adhesion to bladder walls, alleviating weeks-long infections in mice. The treatment has the potential to treat antibiotic-resistant UTIs and may be effective against other types of infections.
The Royal Arch Masons have awarded a $100,000 grant to Autism Speaks to investigate auditory processing disorders in children with autism. The grant aims to create better outcomes for children at risk of developing both ASD and CAPD by addressing precursor symptoms of auditory processing disorders.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine discovered that cancer cells use autophagy, a natural recycling process, to obtain energy. By blocking this process, the study found that tumor growth and metastasis can be stopped, providing potential new strategy for cancer treatments.
A new study examines changes in siblings one year after their brother or sister dies from cancer, finding positive and negative shifts in relationships and personality. Siblings reported greater maturity, compassion, and life priority changes compared to parents.
The BBVA Foundation-funded Tumor Biomarkers Research Program aims to develop targeted therapies for various types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, and lung cancer. The program will utilize biomarkers to identify unique molecular characteristics in each patient's tumor.
A NYU Steinhardt professor has received a $720,000 grant to investigate the link between insulin and obesity-related cancers. Her research aims to understand how insulin affects cancer cell growth and development, particularly in relation to carbohydrate diets.
Hepcidin, a hormone that regulates iron levels, may be targeted to treat atherosclerosis. Suppressing hepcidin reduces iron levels in white blood cells, promoting reverse cholesterol transport and interfering with atherosclerosis progression.
A special issue of Arthritis Care & Research provides over 250 patient outcomes measures for assessing adult pain, including tools for measuring sleep, fatigue, physical function, and depression. The updates aim to improve the care of patients with rheumatic conditions.
Researchers developed a new model that considers colonization and extinction rates at both breeding and non-breeding sites for migratory species. This approach can help conservators better understand the population dynamics of species like piping plovers.
A realistic look at nanomedicine reveals both promise and perils. While dozens of nano health care products are in use, the field also poses risks of nanoparticle toxicity and unintended interactions.
A national study has found that LGBT seniors face unique challenges in aging, including higher rates of disability, depression, and loneliness. The study highlights the need for prevention and intervention strategies to address their specific needs.
A new study reveals that US teens are at a higher risk of dying from heart disease due to high blood sugar levels, obesity, and poor diets. The research found that only zero children or adolescents met the criteria for ideal cardiovascular health.
A study published in Neurology found that people with a history of stroke or diabetes who received clot-busting drugs had better outcomes than those who did not. The use of these drugs can limit damage and disability due to blood clots, and current guidelines should not exclude individuals from receiving this therapy.
A recent survey of Italian high school students found that both underweight and overweight teens consume more illegal drugs than their normal-weight peers. The study suggests that social factors such as self-esteem and friendships play a key role in the relationship between abnormal weight and substance abuse.
A group of researchers at UCSF has discovered why the bite of a small Texas coral snake can be so painful. The venom contains toxic chemicals that bind to acid receptors on human nerve endings, triggering severe pain signals to the brain.