A new invention by Michigan State University professor Syed Hashsham enables the instant identification of plant diseases using a low-cost handheld device. This technology uses genetic analysis and can identify pathogens, their genotype, and amount in under 30 minutes, speeding up treatments and preventing pathogen spread.
A pair of postdoctoral researchers at Penn State suggest that we have not looked in enough places to ensure the absence of extraterrestrial artifacts. They used a probabilistic method to determine if sufficient searching has been done, finding it challenging to rule out their presence.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that banning all sugar-sweetened beverages in schools reduces in-school access and purchase, but not overall consumption among adolescents. Approximately 85% of students reported consuming sugar-sweetened beverages at least once a week, regardless of policy.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new technique for fabricating nanoscale structures by controlling the temperature of a tiny soldering iron. This method, called thermal dip-pen nanolithography, allows for precise control over feature size and shape on various substrates.
Scientists identified a molecule that manipulates plant development to favor insect hosts, increasing leafhopper reproduction and pathogen transmission. This phenomenon demonstrates the extended phenotype, where an organism's impact on its environment extends beyond biological processes.
Researchers discovered negative thermal expansion in ScF3 through computer simulations and neutron scattering experiments. The material shrinks as it heats up due to unique atomic vibrations.
A Tel Aviv University researcher warns that live virus polio vaccine evolution can continue to threaten global eradication efforts. The expert recommends maintaining herd immunity, environmental surveillance, and switching to inactivated vaccines.
A study of Nobel Laureates from 1901 to 2008 found that the majority of breakthroughs in chemistry and physics were made after age 40, with great achievements by age 30 nearly never occurring. The trend toward youthful achievement in early 20th century physics may be attributed to the development of quantum mechanics.
Researchers found inconsistent best-estimate clinical diagnoses for autism spectrum disorders across 12 university-based sites, highlighting regional variations and implications for diagnostic frameworks. The study suggests moving towards dimensional descriptions of core features, rather than existing subgroupings.
A nationwide investigation found that simultaneous infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) increased the risk for flu-related mortality 8-fold among previously healthy children. The study, led by Children's Hospital Boston, tracked 838 children admitted to pediatric ICUs and found that co-infection with MRSA w...
A recent study by the National Institutes of Health has discovered a correlation between high blood pressure and stroke risk factors with cognitive impairment. The research, which followed over 30,000 participants, found that age, left ventricular hypertrophy, and high blood pressure were independent predictors of cognitive decline.
Researchers have developed a computer algorithm that can analyze brain scans to predict the severity of future psychotic episodes. The study found that the algorithm was able to differentiate between patients who would develop continuous psychosis and those with more benign forms in seven out of ten cases.
Pridopidine, a novel dopidine, appears well-tolerated and warrants further investigation for patients with Huntington's disease. The drug improved voluntary motor function and reduced chorea symptoms in a phase 3 trial.
University of Alberta researchers create a miniature model of oil-trapping rock layers using core samples from drilling sites. The 'reservoir on a chip' model helps energy companies determine optimal water and chemical concentrations for maximum oil recovery.
A British team has discovered over 100 fortified farms and villages with castle-like structures in Libya's south-western desert, uncovering new evidence of a lost civilization. The Garamantes were highly civilized, living in large-scale fortified settlements, predominantly as oasis farmers.
A three-year $600,000 grant will explore how adaptive technology can make personal health records accessible to people with disabilities. Project staff will systematically observe consumers and develop guidelines and recommendations for better accessibility.
A study published in Journal of Marketing Research found that credit card bill notes displaying the minimum required payment amount can reduce monthly payments by up to 24% for US and UK consumers. Increasing the minimum payment amount or disclosing future interest costs does not encourage larger payments.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital found that patients with advanced liver disease have significantly higher healthcare costs compared to those with early stages of the disease. The average annual cost for patients with end-stage liver disease was estimated to be $59,995.
The Scott & White Cancer Research Institute has received a $3.5 million grant from the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas to develop new cancer treatments. The funds will be used to upgrade facilities and support the production of promising drug candidates, enabling rapid transition from laboratory to clinical trials.
Researchers have discovered that connexin 36 protects mouse pancreatic beta-cells against immune molecules prevalent in type 1 diabetes. Additionally, a study found that PTHrP drives breast tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis in mice, suggesting it as a potential therapy target.
A study by Harvard researchers found that cooked meat delivers more energy than raw meat, contradicting current food labeling. This discovery supports the idea that cooking allowed early humans to extract more energy from their diet, contributing to evolutionary adaptations such as increased brain size and long-distance running ability.
A recent study published in the Journal of Urology found that prostate cancer patients who undergo radical prostatectomy experience fewer complications and shorter hospital stays at teaching hospitals compared to non-academic institutions. The study suggests that the characteristics of teaching hospitals, including higher subspecialty ...
Researchers at Brown University have created an unprecedentedly detailed description of a kinase complex, which could lead to new therapeutic drugs for diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer. The team discovered a unique binding site, called KIS, that plays a crucial role in the complex's formation.
Climate change is expected to force sea creatures to migrate several hundred kilometres to find suitable habitats, driven by rising water temperatures and seasonal changes. This poses significant challenges for marine biodiversity hotspots and fisheries management.
A Scripps Research Institute scientist has successfully produced a simpler relative of Taxol called eudesmane and created a retrosynthesis pyramid to produce target compound. The researchers hope that the innovation will lead to understanding of nature's processes and develop more widely applicable techniques.
Researchers have identified two peptides that target an enzyme in cancerous cells, leading to a rise in tumor suppressor protein p53 levels and cell death. The discovery shows promise for new cancer treatments.
The ICRISAT-led team has completed the genome sequence of pigeonpea, a legume crop grown by millions of poor farmers worldwide. With this breakthrough, scientists can now identify genes for drought tolerance and improve crop productivity, tackling pests and disease constraints in production.
A recent HIV study has identified SAMHD1, a protein that prevents the virus from replicating in certain cells. The research provides a blueprint for designing new drugs to treat HIV infection.
Researchers at University of Toronto have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the alignment of energy levels in advanced materials, enabling more efficient organic solar cells and OLEDs. This discovery is crucial for developing sustainable technologies that can secure our energy future.
A study found that patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who responded well to etanercept treatment had lower disability scores, younger age at onset, and fewer disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs used before treatment. These factors are associated with a better long-term outcome.
A study used the Sleeping Beauty transposon system to profile genes driving colorectal cancer, identifying over 200 genes that can be disrupted. These findings provide strong evidence for driver mutations in human tumours and lay the foundation for more effective targeted treatments.
A new device combines optical frequency-domain imaging and near-infrared fluorescence to provide simultaneous structural and molecular images of internal arterial surfaces. This integrated approach can assess key factors linked to the risk of clot formation, enabling a 'stent checkup' for patients at risk.
Researchers at Uppsala University have examined the mechanism of gene transcription and found that genes active in the brain are transcribed with a special mechanism. During fetal development, there is a larger proportion of RNA molecules containing introns compared to fully developed brains.
Researchers discovered a novel microbe that produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, in Arctic permafrost. The microbe's genome revealed genes for nitrogen fixation, making it a potentially key player in the Earth's carbon cycle.
A team of researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) has an unexpected role in regulating cell proliferation and tumor formation in brain cancer. PKM2's ability to bind to beta-catenin in the cell nucleus is essential for its function, and its levels are correlated with brain t...
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a computational method to quickly identify metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with high potential for natural gas storage. The new algorithm rapidly generates and tests hypothetical MOFs, leading to the discovery of over 300 promising structures.
A new study finds weak evidence supporting exercise referral schemes as a means of increasing physical activity and improving health outcomes in sedentary individuals. Despite the importance of physical activity, the study highlights the need for targeted and effective schemes to address the growing public health issue.
Research identifies autoimmune diseases as a possible underlying cause of non-healing wounds. Patients with these conditions often experience significantly larger and more difficult-to-treat wounds that require skin grafts or amputations.
Nanotechnology researchers at Georgia Tech have compared two techniques for chemically doping sheets of graphene for device and interconnect fabrication. Edge treatment, which reacts with defects created when the material is cut, was found to be thousand times more efficient than surface treatment.
A study found that lupus patients with low socioeconomic status often miss appointments due to transportation and childcare issues. The researchers suggest improving transportation services or temporary childcare as a potential approach to ensure these patients receive necessary care.
A Mayo Clinic study found that dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) CT scans can accurately identify patients with gout, even in those who receive negative results from traditional joint fluid analysis. This non-invasive method is particularly helpful for diagnosing people who cannot undergo the standard test.
A new study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients who undergo total knee replacement surgery have lower expectations about their postsurgical outcomes compared to osteoarthritis patients. This can lead to worse outcomes due to reduced motivation for rehabilitation, resulting in decreased function and overall quality of life.
Women with lupus can safely carry out pregnancy thanks to recent advances in rheumatology research, according to a study led by Jane Salmon. The study found that 80% of patients had a favorable pregnancy outcome when they had inactive lupus at the time of conception.
A multicenter NIH-funded study found that most women with stable lupus can have successful pregnancies, with 80% of patients experiencing favorable outcomes. The study's findings highlight the importance of timing and avoiding pregnancy during periods of increased disease activity.
Women under 50 with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to break bones than their counterparts, according to a Mayo Clinic study. Researchers found that even in younger patients, the condition increases fracture risk, particularly in women.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery suggests that mental health is a risk factor for disease flares in patients with vasculitis, a devastating form of the disease characterized by inflammatory destruction of blood vessels. Patients who experience stress are 19% more likely to experience a flare-up.
A new study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Annual Meeting recommends innovative interventions to help single parents manage their child's symptoms and keep asthma under control. Food allergy diagnosis is also highlighted as a crucial step in providing proper disease management.
Researchers found that patients taking anti-TNF medications for rheumatoid arthritis had a higher rate of post-surgical flares, but no significant increase in infections or complications. The study suggests that adjusting medication withdrawal timing based on individual half-lives may minimize disease flares
A Mayo Clinic study finds that dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) CT scans can accurately diagnose gout in patients who test negative for the condition. The scans are valuable for diagnosing people with joint fluid that cannot be obtained or fluid analysis comes back negative, especially during acute gout attacks.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that proactive screening for hepatitis C among the birth cohort (1945-1965) is cost-effective and can identify over 800,000 currently unidentified cases. This strategy could save thousands of lives each year compared to current case identification methods.
Researchers have developed a theory for a quantum cloning machine that can produce four approximate copies of an initial quantum state, overcoming previous limitations to two or three copies. This advancement has significant implications for message encryption systems and analyzing security using shared secret quantum keys.
A study by the Bank of Spain and Pablo de Olavide University found that public sector salary changes directly affect the private sector. The researchers analyzed data from four EU countries, including Italy, Spain, Germany, and France, to determine the extent of this influence. They also highlighted the role of institutional design, su...
UBC researchers have created a monitoring technique for brain aneurysms using platinum implants as antennas to detect blood levels and indicate implant failure. This approach may enable patients to check their condition at home, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Researchers created a dry tape inspired by insects' hairy feet, showing improved adhesive properties and resistance to peeling. The tape can be reused thousands of times without losing its grip, making it suitable for various applications.
The Toxoplasma parasite affects dopamine production in infected brain cells, leading to increased dopamine levels and changes in behavior. This discovery may provide new insights into treating human neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, ADHD, and Parkinson's disease.
Research at Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that Bacteroides fragilis causes colon inflammation and increases activity of a gene called spermine oxidase (SMO), leading to DNA damage and tumor formation. A compound blocking SMO enzyme activity prevented DNA damage in cells.
A new study from NYUCN found that nursing error disclosure is a challenging process for nurses in nursing home settings. The study highlights the need for improved communication processes and policies to enhance patient safety culture.
Researchers measured gaseous nitrogen emissions in US lawns, finding denitrification removes excess nitrogen. Nitrogen removals were equivalent to 15% of annual fertilizer inputs, with most retained in lawn soils. The study's results are encouraging but highlight the need for further work on optimal soil management conditions.
A study published in BioScience found that US East and Gulf Coast ports are disproportionately affected by unmanaged ballast water, allowing invasive species to harm local ecosystems. The West Coast is better protected due to more stringent open-ocean exchange practices.
University of Toronto researchers identify a new class of compounds with phthalimido molecular fragments, exhibiting unique electro-chemical properties. These compounds have the potential to execute all three tasks needed for a functional organic solar cell, including absorbing light, moving electrons and transporting holes.