Researchers found that more than one-quarter of Canadian adults will be diagnosed with hypertension by 2012/13. Higher rates were observed in women older than 65 and in the Atlantic provinces.
A new mathematical model predicts individual patient responses to therapy and identifies optimal treatments for advanced prostate cancer. The model incorporates personalized data, including tumor cell characteristics, to provide more accurate treatment decisions.
A new method for counting molecules has been developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, allowing for the accurate measurement of RNA and DNA molecules in cells. This breakthrough enables the counting of absolute numbers of molecules, rather than just relative differences between samples.
A recent study found that South Asian patients are almost three times as likely to require repeat angioplasty and urgent treatment compared to White European counterparts. Despite higher rates of social deprivation and younger age at onset, the two groups showed similar long-term death rates.
Researchers discovered a powerful connection between loss of wildlife access and micronutrient deficiencies in children. Losing access to wildlife induces a 30% relative increase in anemia prevalence among pre-adolescent children. Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent severe health consequences.
The PlayScape outdoor laboratory will feature a tree house, sensory garden, bird-watching hideaway, and more, providing a unique learning environment for children aged three to five. The project aims to enhance learning through nature-based activities and promote environmental stewardship.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a second faulty gene, sequestosome1, contributing to the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS. The study provides new insights into the disease's progression and potential targets for drug therapies.
A team of researchers has developed an artificial neural network model to predict the location of fossil sites. The software uses satellite imagery and maps to identify productive areas in the Great Divide Basin, Wyoming, and has already accurately pinpointed 79% of known fossil sites.
Researchers have found that thyroid cancers with BRAF mutations are exquisitely dependent on the BRAF signaling pathway for viability. Treatments targeting this pathway can restore radioiodine incorporation, suggesting a new therapeutic approach for patients with BRAF-positive papillary thyroid carcinomas.
Researchers created a multilayered silicon structure with air-trapping features that improve water repellency, also absorbing light in the infrared range. This biologically-inspired surface has potential uses in electro-optical devices and chemical sensors.
Researchers have discovered a defect in the cell-targeting ability of Helicobacter pylori bacteria that leads to reduced inflammation in the stomach. The study found that the bacteria's chemotaxis, or movement towards specific chemicals, plays a crucial role in triggering chronic inflammation.
Certain IBD patients may have an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer, particularly those on thiopurine immunosuppressants. Researchers emphasize the need for dermatologic screening and sun protection in these patients.
Mortality rates for patients with oral cavity and pharynx cancer have decreased significantly between 1993 and 2007. The largest declines were observed among black men and women with at least 12 years of education, suggesting that improvements in detection, treatment, and risk factors contribute to these decreases.
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that people tend to avoid learning about complex social issues like energy consumption and the environment. This avoidance can lead to increased dependence on and trust in the government to deal with these issues.
Georgia Health Sciences University researchers aim to identify early events in Sjögren's syndrome development to improve diagnosis and treatment. The study focuses on immune cells, particularly dendritic cells and T cells, to understand how the disease unfolds.
Researchers found that sustainability science has become a cohesive global field, doubling in size every 8.3 years, with contributions from over 2,200 cities and 174 countries. The most productive city for sustainability publications was Washington, D.C., surpassing major tech hubs like Boston and the Bay Area.
The UC Arlitt Center is investigating how children learn through creative play in natural playgrounds, examining behavior patterns and scientific thinking. The two-year grant will focus on over 200 children aged three to five.
The university has established a new safe practices room to train nursing students in injury prevention techniques. The room features various stations for practicing communication handoffs, medication safety, and lifting patients, with the goal of preventing errors that could harm patients or nurses.
Researchers discover intact Sex Pistols graffiti on a London flat's walls, arguing it's a powerful representation of punk rebellion. The find challenges traditional notions of heritage and suggests a new approach to conservation.
Scientists at Tel Aviv University re-created the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus to study the presence of lightning sprites. The research aims to understand electrical and chemical processes on other planets, potentially indicating the presence of extraterrestrial life.
Researchers discovered that cancer drug cisplatin binds up to 20-fold more to RNA than DNA, suggesting a new approach for reducing toxic side effects. The study found platinum was retained on RNA and bound quickly, with specific locations targeted.
A recent survey found near unanimous agreement among climate scientists on human-caused global warming, but many Americans believe most scientists disagree. This misperception reduces certainty about global warming and climate policy support. Correcting this misunderstanding is crucial to addressing the issue.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed smartphone-based systems to track military targets and locate remote objects through sound or sight. The technology utilizes smartphone sensors and wireless networks to provide precise locations, holding promise for both military and civilian uses.
A 14mm ridged lesion in the Maba cranium, a 126,000-year-old East Asian human fossil from China, suggests evidence of interhuman aggression and human-induced trauma. The wound's remodelled and healed condition indicates survival of a serious brain injury.
The new guidelines recommend no routine mammography screening for women aged 40-49, and extend the screening interval to every 2-3 years for women aged 50-74. The task force also advises against routine clinical breast exams and breast self-exams in asymptomatic women.
The Kilobots are a collective of quarter-sized robots that can be programmed and operated by a single user, making it easy to test collective algorithms on hundreds or thousands of robots. Researchers aim to advance the understanding of collective behavior and its potential to deliver solutions for various challenges.
A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that individuals with acne treated with oral antibiotics are more likely to report symptoms of pharyngitis, or sore throat. The researchers also discovered a lower association between topical antibiotic use and pharyngitis, as well as no link to group A streptococcus colonization rates.
TDRS-K is scheduled to launch in fall 2012 and will undergo environmental testing before being shipped to the launch site. The satellite's successful completion of this phase will ensure it meets its functional and performance requirements, providing reliable services to NASA's Space Network.
A U-M study reveals Hemoglobin A1c test fails to identify children with diabetes, highlighting the need for improved nonfasting testing strategies. Researchers recommend using a nonfasting one-hour glucose challenge test or random glucose to identify children at risk of developing diabetes.
A retrospective case series review found that carbon dioxide laser ablation had lower recurrence rates compared to radiation therapy, with minimal morbidity. The treatment option is particularly advantageous for large lesions in cosmetically sensitive regions of the head and neck.
A recent study found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment and no memory problems who had the Alzheimer's biomarkers were more likely to have a lower BMI than those without the biomarkers. This association suggests a systemic metabolic response to the disease, possibly related to damage in the hypothalamus.
A team of scientists created a genetically modified zebrafish model that can visualize early events in human atherosclerosis. The model, which is efficient and cost-effective, allows researchers to test the potential effectiveness of new antioxidant and dietary therapies.
Researchers found that technology-rich environments, including tablet PCs and collaborative software, improved retention rates and reduced student withdrawals. Students preferred the interactive approach over traditional lectures, leading to better understanding and retention of technical information.
A health supplement commonly used by bodybuilders, L-tyrosine, has shown rapid and dramatic improvement in muscle wasting disease Nemaline Myopathy (NM) in laboratory tests on mice. Trials suggest it could also be effective for a range of other muscle-wasting diseases, offering new hope for treating children affected by the condition.
A study published in Human Brain Mapping found that damaged corpus callosum and impaired interhemispheric communication hinder motor skill recovery in stroke patients. The researchers used imaging methods to show increased activity on both sides of the brain and lower tapping speed in stroke patients compared to healthy controls.
A study by Christopher Golden found that lost access to bushmeat led to a 30% relative increase in malnutrition among children under 12, with iron deficiency anemia being the most prevalent form of malnutrition globally. The research suggests a balance between conservation and human health is needed.
A study found that post-mortem imaging can identify cause of death in two-thirds of cases, with CT being more accurate than MRI. However, common causes of sudden death are frequently missed, and further development is needed to address these weaknesses.
Researchers at University of Missouri have found that targeting synthetic RNA to a specific gene can significantly lower the severity of Spinal Muscular Atrophy in mice. The study shows promising results with improved motor skills and increased weight in affected animals.
A novel antibacterial protein, Avidocin, demonstrates potential for preventing and treating E. coli O157:H7-induced diarrhea and intestinal inflammation in an animal study. The protein also carries fewer bacteria in the feces of infected animals, making it a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a highly efficient method for producing transparent electrodes using silver nanowires in combination with other nanomaterials. The new electrodes are flexible and highly conductive, overcoming the limitations of indium tin oxide (ITO) materials.
CNR Rao's research on metal oxides, nanomaterials and graphene has enabled him to become one of the world's most respected scientists. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2011 Ernesto Illy Trieste Science Prize.
Researchers developed a machine learning-based system to automatically recognize users' emotional states and adapt dialogues accordingly. The system can detect negative emotions like anger, boredom, and doubt using acoustic parameters, and predict user intentions to improve dialogue flow.
Monica Perales' book 'Smeltertown' is an extraordinary study of industrial might, labor exploitation, and human resilience on the US-Mexico border. The award recognizes her gift for oral history and its exploration of the intersection of work, city, and community building.
Researchers have developed a promising replacement for plastics using amorphous bulk metallic glass (ABM) alloys. These alloys offer excellent electron emission properties and robust thermal stability, making them suitable for various applications such as field emission devices, electron microscopes, and modern display devices.
A new study by Yale researchers found that meditation decreases activity in the default mode network, a region linked to daydreaming and psychiatric disorders. Experienced meditators also show increased present-centered awareness, indicating improved mental control over 'self'-centered thoughts.
Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a genetic method to boost algae biomass by 50-80 percent, enabling the production of more efficient biofuels. The breakthrough involves expressing two genes that increase photosynthesis in the plant, leading to increased organic matter production.
Physicists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf develop new theoretical model for predicting hot electron density and temperature after laser interaction. This allows precise calculation of hot electron energy, enabling optimization of future experiments and medical applications.
Preemies with AB blood type are nearly three times as likely to die from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) as those with other blood types. Changing blood transfusion practices could significantly reduce NEC incidence by providing specific blood types.
A new model developed by European Commission scientists allows for the first time an overall view of bluefin tuna habitats in the Mediterranean Sea. The model uses satellite remote sensing data to identify preferred habitats and track changes over time, providing valuable insights for sustainable fisheries management.
Researchers at University of Georgia discovered that GAUT1 and GAUT7 proteins form a critical part of pectin-synthesizing protein complexes in plant cells. This fundamental discovery opens a new door to converting plants to biofuels and other carbon-based products.
A new therapeutic target, EGFR, has been identified for treating Cushing disease. Clinical trials are necessary to investigate the effects of gefitinib in patients with this condition.
A UCI-led team has identified a new means of enhancing anandamide's effects, which could lead to the development of safe painkillers. Blocking FLAT protein increases anandamide's potency and may offer a promising alternative to existing pain medications.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that female students who were more optimistic achieved significantly higher grades than their less optimistic peers. In contrast, male students who were too optimistic struggled with overconfidence and lower grades due to a lack of conscientiousness.
Researchers used state-of-the-art instrumentation to track wave motion and measure liquid velocity, discovering that orbital shaking enhances mixing near the glass wall. The study suggests optimal shaking diameter and rotation speed for improved mixing and oxygenation in bioreactors.
A team of researchers has created a computerized contact lens that can stream real-time information across the wearer's field of vision. The device, currently with a single pixel, could display short emails and text messages in the future.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to grow sweet potatoes in space that requires minimal growing space. The new technique involves training the plant's main vine to wrap around a cone or cylinder cage, allowing for vertical growth and increased crop yield.
Researchers have discovered the molecular sensor that detects wound-induced hydrogen peroxide, orchestrating the marshaling of immune cells. This finding has broad implications for cancer biology, wound healing and infection fighting.
A 70-million-year-old nest containing 15 juvenile Protoceratops dinosaurs has been discovered in Mongolia, revealing new insights into postnatal development and parental care. The analysis suggests that the young dinosaurs remained in the nest for an extended period and were cared for by their parents.
A new study from the University of Hawaii Cancer Center found that PEA-15 protein enhances tumor formation in kidney cells carrying a mutation in the cancer-promoting gene H-Ras. The discovery suggests caution in pursuing PEA-15 as an anti-cancer therapeutic, highlighting its dual role in cancer growth and suppression.
Researchers developed a new technique to improve X-ray crystallography, allowing for three to five times better signal levels than standard methods. This enables the study of large molecules with greater depth and understanding while minimizing radiation damage.
Researchers identified a new immune system defect in aged mice that makes them more susceptible to severe respiratory viral infections. Inhibiting the immune molecule PGD2 can reverse this defect, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for older patients with severe respiratory viral infections.
A team of Wisconsin scientists reports that lab-grown neurons can successfully fuse with the brain's wiring and send/receive signals. The study uses optogenetics to modulate transplanted cells, opening doors for light-based stimulation technology in treating neurodegenerative disorders.
A Wayne State University research team is working on a roadmap for identifying novel therapeutic targets to restore function to the mutated CFTR protein in cystic fibrosis patients. The goal is to alleviate severe lung and bowel problems associated with the disease.
A commentary by Michael Stefanek advocates for cancer screening reform to educate the public about potential harms and benefits. Conflicting guidelines and new technologies may lead to overtreatment or under-treatment, and false positives and negatives are a concern.
A new system for classifying exoplanets could catalogue newly discovered worlds with potential for life. The methodology uses two indices to describe a planet's Earth-like features and chemical/physical parameters conducive to life.
A new study finds that government scoring systems for nursing homes do not accurately evaluate the quality of care for residents with behavioral and psychological symptoms related to dementia. The study suggests that facilities with high numbers of cognitively impaired residents receive lower scores despite providing better care.
In the first three quarters of 2011, west coast log and lumber exports exceeded 2010 levels, primarily due to increased demand from China. The total log shipment value reached $1,036 million, while lumber export value surpassed $528 million, both surpassing previous years.
Financial incentives are effective for altering simple behaviors like immunization take-up and attendance at health services, but less effective for complex behaviors such as smoking. Regular reinforcement with social support and skill training significantly increases success rates.
A study published in The Journal of Cell Biology found that poor recycling of the BACE1 enzyme could promote Alzheimer's disease. Reduced levels of the retromer component VPS35 led to enhanced BACE1 activity and increased Abeta protein formation, contributing to disease progression.
Matthew Ritsko, a Financial Manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, won the 2011 Presidential Securing Americans' Value and Efficiency (SAVE) award for his proposal to create a 'lending library' of space tools and hardware. The idea garnered over 19,000 votes from more than 48,000 Americans.
Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis prioritize treatment location, probability of benefit, and method of delivery over treatment outcome attributes. The study highlights the significance of incorporating patient preferences in shared decision-making to optimize treatment adherence and outcomes.
A team of researchers has discovered that a thin layer of air trapped between the drop and the surface plays a crucial role in splashing. The study reveals a transition regime between spreading and splashing, observed by changing impact velocity or ambient pressure.
A recent Van Andel Research Institute study found that decanoic acid acts as a modulator of PPAR receptors, which play a key role in glucose and lipid metabolism. The findings suggest that decanoic acid could be used to design better and safer PPARγ-based drugs for diabetes treatment.
A team of scientists, led by Syracuse University chemist Robert Doyle, has successfully delivered the appetite-suppressing hormone PYY into the bloodstream orally using a vitamin B12 vehicle. The study demonstrates the potential for a natural weight loss supplement in the form of chewing gum.
A new projection suggests global food demand could double by 2050, putting a significant strain on the environment. If poor nations adopt high-yielding technologies and efficient nitrogen fertilizers, however, this burden can be reduced to half a billion acres.
Researchers have identified long-sought genes in sensory hair cells of the inner ear that are essential for converting sound waves into electrical signals. By introducing these genes into deaf mice, scientists were able to restore electrical signals and potentially reverse a type of deafness, paving the way for a gene therapy trial.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a method to make 3D objects invisible using carbon nanotube forests. By growing a forest of low-density aligned carbon nanotubes on top of an object, it can absorb light and scatter reflections, effectively camouflaging its structure.
A new study reveals that nearly 40% of seniors receiving home health care are taking potentially inappropriate medications, often due to inadequate communication between physicians. The study highlights the need for improved medication coordination and enhanced physician communication in home health care settings.
McGill researchers have created a unified theory of ecosystem change that considers complex interactions between predators and prey in space and time. Generalist species like foxes play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by connecting different food webs.
A toxicologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is urging governments and industries to adopt more evidence-based risk assessments for nuclear radiation and chemical exposure. He argues that the current linear no-threshold model has questionable scientific foundations and should be objectively assessed.
Researchers at UT Dallas are studying the brain's response to noise-induced tinnitus, discovering that plasticity in the hippocampus can lead to long-term effects. Exposure to loud noises induces changes in brain function, which could lead to new medical interventions.
A team of scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute has developed a new method for delivering cancer drugs directly to tumors, reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness. The technique uses a tumor-homing peptide that targets blood vessels feeding tumors, allowing the drug to be administered with minimal impact o...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a surprising topological semimetal through simple system studies. This new quantum state shares properties with a quantum Hall state but is driven by interaction rather than an applied magnetic field.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that certain mutations can be maintained in populations if they have a heterozygote disadvantage, reducing their spread. This could help achieve safer release of genetically modified animals, such as mosquitoes resistant to malaria.
A University of Southampton professor has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) grant to realise tools for fast, low-cost point-of-care clinical diagnostics and chemical analysis in water pollution and food safety. The £2.6m programme aims to advance biophotonics research in near- to mid-infra-red devices.
Rainfall is suspected to trigger the spread of foliar diseases, affecting agriculture and forestry. Researchers studied a single rain droplet's impact on leaves, finding two patterns of droplet ejection that lead to disease transmission. The study provides guidance for farmers on optimal plant spacing to prevent disease spread.
A team of Michigan State University scientists has discovered that certain body parts are more sensitive to environmental changes than others. The research, led by Alexander Shingleton, uses fruit flies to study the genetics of body growth and development.
A new study published in the Journal of Vision increases our understanding of how the brain processes facial structure and recognizes family resemblance. Researchers found that people can pick out family members despite underlying differences, such as gender or age, by comparing faces to an average face for that gender.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that black senior citizens are 26% more likely to undergo riskier surgery and spend more time in the hospital recovering from intestinal surgery. Despite equal health insurance coverage, black patients experience higher mortality rates and greater healthcare costs.
Researchers identify a new way to boost the aged immune response to flu viruses by inhibiting PGD2. They also discover that targeting BRAF in thyroid cancers could restore the efficacy of RAI therapy. Additionally, exploring EGFR as a therapeutic target for Cushing disease may provide new treatment options.
A new study found that psychological factors, such as pain catastrophisizing and anxiety sensitivity, affect IBS symptoms but not overall severity. GI symptoms like pain, bloating, and defecation explain most of the variance in IBS severity scores.
A new electrochemical-stimulation method could potentially aid in helping patients suffering from nerve paralysis and chronic neurological conditions. The device works by manipulating the concentration of charged ions surrounding the nerve, reducing the risk of unwanted muscle contractions.
A study examining racial disparities in surgical outcomes for patients with diverticulitis reveals that black patients are at a higher risk of urgent/emergency surgery, in-hospital mortality, and increased hospital charges. Black patients also experience longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates within 30 days of discharge.
The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) on NASA's Curiosity rover measures the Martian surface radiation environment, shedding light on habitability and planning for future human missions. RAD's data will help scientists assess conditions favorable for life and determine required radiation shielding.
A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that bushmeat consumption had a positive effect on children's nutrition, raising concerns about the impact of conservation efforts on local communities. The study estimated that a loss of access to wildlife as a food source would lead to a 29% increase in child anemia.
Researchers have identified two key proteins, TMC1 and TMC2, that are crucial for the inner ear's transduction channel. The study suggests that TMC1 is essential for hearing, while TMC2 is not, but can substitute for it in the vestibular system.
Researchers have developed a system to measure the mechanical properties of living cells, which could lead to new ways to diagnose diseases and understand biological processes. The technique uses an atomic force microscope to study three types of cells, including bacteria, human red blood cells, and rat fibroblasts.
Researchers at UTD have successfully produced thermally modulated transparent carbon nanotube sheets, creating a 'mirage effect' similar to an 'invisibility cloak'. This breakthrough could lead to applications such as photo-deflectors and switchable transparency materials.
A study of 189,533 patients found that a BMI below 23.1 increased mortality risk by 40% compared to mid-range BMIs. Patients undergoing certain procedures, such as exploratory laparotomy, were also at higher risk of death.
Hurricane Kenneth formed as a tropical depression on November 19 and strengthened into a hurricane by November 21, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm is expected to turn west and slow down, with heavy rainfall occurring around its center.
Engineers have created a prototype air sampling system that can quickly blow particles off the surfaces of shoes and suck them away for analysis. The system uses air jets to dislodge particles from shoe surfaces, ensuring all liberated particles are transported in the appropriate direction.
A study found that families of hospitalized children can provide valuable information about adverse events, but this information is not always documented by health care professionals. The study included 544 families and reported 321 adverse events, with most going unreported by the hospital.