Medical benefits of infant male circumcision are clear, with substantial protection against certain STIs. Experts counter misinformation on circumcision's effects on sexual satisfaction and performance. They defend parental rights to make informed decisions about their children's health.
A team of researchers suggests that pumice, a glassy and porous rock, could have given rise to early life forms. The authors propose four properties of pumice that would enable it to support the emergence of life and create an ideal habitat for microorganisms.
A study published in JAMA found that hospitals' compliance with the Children's Asthma Care measures had no impact on patient outcomes, including return to the hospital for another asthma attack. The researchers concluded that these measures may not be suitable for public reporting, accreditation, or pay-for-performance policies.
Researchers reveal new insight into global photosynthesis, estimating a 25% increase in the chemical process governing CO2 absorption and release. The study provides a benchmark for models simulating carbon cycling through plants.
Researchers have uncovered a compound monogenetic volcano at Ilchulbong, Jeju Island, revealing multiple magma pulses and vent shifts. Additionally, petrographic analysis of Enkingen impact breccias indicates significantly more than previously estimated impact melt volume.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that interactive video games safely enhance physical therapy for ICU patients, boosting their interest in therapy and motivation to do more. The study suggests that video game therapy activities can improve muscle weakness and balance in critically ill adults.
Researchers found that narcoleptic patients have a deficiency of the neuropeptide hormone orexin, leading to impaired brown fat activity. This can result in excessive weight gain despite reduced caloric intake.
Researchers have identified estrogen receptors in specific brain areas that influence metabolism, weight gain, and fertility. Deleting these receptors from mice resulted in significant weight gain and metabolic changes.
Researchers will investigate the Hanna Shoal ecosystem in the Chukchi Sea to understand its high productivity and potential impact from climate change. The study aims to inform offshore oil drilling operations and protect the Arctic ecosystem, with data integration for future environmental assessments.
A newly published Cochrane systematic review reveals that the transtheoretical model stages of change (TTM SOC) method is ineffective in achieving significant weight loss. The study found that TTM SOC resulted in only 2kg or less weight loss, and no conclusive evidence of sustained weight loss was observed.
A recent MRI study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that depression frequently uncouples the brain's 'hate circuit', which includes regions involved in risk and action responses, reward and emotion processing. This disruption may lead to impaired ability to control social interactions and increased self-loathing.
The project will virtualize evidence-based teaching methods using Peer Instruction (PI) and other innovative practices, making them accessible to educators globally. Researchers aim to create a centralized training platform, PORTAL, to support instructors in improving their teaching techniques.
A 16-year study confirms the accuracy of autism diagnosis in children with Down syndrome using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The research found that clinicians can use the DSM to identify autism spectrum disorders in these individuals, providing them with targeted educational and intervention services.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have identified CCT enzyme as a key regulator in fat storage. The research suggests new directions for treating excess fat storage and obesity. By understanding how the body stores fat safely, researchers can explore new treatments for conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
A study by UTHealth suggests that Alzheimer's disease may arise from an infectious process similar to other neurological diseases. Researchers injected brain tissue from a confirmed Alzheimer's patient into mice, which developed plaques and brain alterations typical of the disease.
A recent study of Glover's Reef Marine Reserve in Belize found that coral communities showed no significant improvement despite 10 years of protected status. The research revealed declines in coral cover and abundance of juvenile corals, with macroalgae dominating the reef and impeding coral growth.
A survey of radiation oncologists and healthcare professionals reveals that fears of getting into trouble and embarrassment are the primary barriers to using online error-reporting systems. Despite this, most respondents recognize the value of reporting errors and near-misses for improving care and patient safety.
A new report by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute identifies gaps in Panama's forest monitoring, making it difficult to track emission reductions from REDD+ activities. The study emphasizes the need for low-cost, verifiable forest monitoring techniques to verify the effectiveness of conservation strategies.
Researchers found that timid fish are more likely to be caught using angling techniques near rocky outcrops or submerged vegetation, while bolder fish are targeted by beach seining. The study's findings suggest that boldness can influence an individual's capture technique and habitat preference.
The USDA has awarded $40 million to the Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA) and the University of Washington to produce domestic aviation fuel using sustainable wood biomass. The projects aim to overcome technical barriers, such as lignin breakdown, to make woody materials viable for biofuel production.
Researchers at IRCM identified a new gene modulating bone mass and potentially leading to osteoporosis. This breakthrough may help identify individuals with a greater predisposition to the disease.
Researchers at Rice University have created a tiny 'electron superhighway' that could be useful for building a quantum computer. The device, which acts as an electron superhighway, is one of the building blocks needed to create quantum particles that store and manipulate data.
A study by the University of Manitoba and the Manitoba Metis Federation found a 25% higher stroke rate among Metis compared to other Manitobans. The research identified a link between Metis-specific health issues, such as smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure, which increase stroke risk.
A structural variation in the paracingulate sulcus (PCS) may explain why some people are better at distinguishing real events from imagined ones. Adults with an absent PCS were significantly less accurate on memory tasks, despite their own confidence in their memory abilities.
A study using MRI techniques has identified patients with recent strokes who can benefit from timely thrombosis treatment. The technique, combining diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), enables the pinpointing of the stroke's onset time, which is crucial for determining treatment efficacy.
Obese mice fed green tea supplement gained weight 45% more slowly than control group, suggesting EGCG limits fat absorption and enhances fat use. Green tea did not suppress appetite and a person would need to drink ten cups daily to match study amount.
Researchers studied lungfish to understand pelvic fin muscle development and its connection to the emergence of hind legs. The team found a transitional mechanism in bony fish that paved the way for tetrapod physiology, highlighting the importance of understanding evolutionary pathways in land adaptation.
A new study found that Telestroke technology provides high-quality care for rural patients, administering stroke drug tPA at the same rate as urban centers. Effective use of Telestroke resulted in a 50% decrease in emergency room transfers and $1 million in health-care savings over four years.
Researchers from Nagoya University used a micro putter to test the adhesion of yeast cells on various surfaces. They found that dead cells stuck less than living cells, supporting the 'cell adhesion model'. This study could lead to new methods for evaluating cell health and developing effective treatments.
A UCLA study found that hysterectomized women have higher brain iron levels than non-hysterectomized women, comparable to men. This may explain why men develop age-related neurodegenerative diseases earlier than women. The research suggests that reducing peripheral iron levels could lower disease risk and improve brain health.
Patients with advance directives specifying limits in treatment had significantly lower end-of-life Medicare spending and greater odds of hospice use than those without, particularly in high-spending regions. The study suggests that advance directives may be most impactful in regions where treatment norms are more aggressive.
A new study by University of Michigan sociologists reveals that children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods face significant challenges in achieving high school graduation. The research found that black children are seven times more likely to experience long-term residence in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have created an anti-fouling coating that prevents barnacles from forming colonies, using macrocyclic lactones to shut down their growth. The coating is environmentally friendly and can fully replace copper-based coatings in use on boats.
The Louisiana Tumor Registry will collaborate with state pediatric organizations and the pediatric oncology community to rapidly collect and report pediatric cancer cases. The new database will be a valuable tool for researchers and health professionals working to control cancer in children.
Scientists have found that nicotinamide mononucleotide, a naturally occurring compound, can reverse diabetes in mice by improving glucose tolerance and reducing cholesterol levels. The study suggests that this compound may one day be used to treat or prevent type 2 diabetes.
A study published in Journal of Political Economy finds that a population-centered approach to counterinsurgency in Iraq is effective in reducing violent attacks. The study analyzed nearly $3 billion in spending on small local projects like digging wells and paving roads, which were shown to reduce violence.
Researchers used DNA to identify microbes consuming methane, ethane, and propane after the oil spill. Temperature played a crucial role in bacterial growth and response to the spill.
A UNC-led study shows that patients with high-risk non-melanoma skin carcinomas of the head and neck may benefit from concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, achieving better outcomes compared to radiation alone. The study provides preliminary data on the feasibility of combining chemotherapy with radiotherapy.
The University of Missouri Extension has received a national grant to promote healthy diets and physical activity through two projects: Missouri Farm to Institution Project and Livable Streets. The programs aim to provide tools and support for schools, hospitals, and institutions to serve locally grown produce and educate citizens to a...
Researchers found that 95% of people aged 65 have brain small vessel disease, while a quarter of healthy seniors have silent strokes. Regular exercise can delay onset of late life dementia, says Dr. Sandra Black.
Scientists at Sanford-Burnham discovered that orexin activates calorie-burning brown fat in mice, suggesting potential for new obesity treatments. The hormone is associated with increased energy expenditure and weight loss.
Researchers found that non-English speaking patients had significantly worse treatment outcomes compared to those who spoke English, despite similar racial backgrounds. The study highlights the importance of interpreter services in cancer care for linguistically diverse patients.
An interdisciplinary UNH team has been awarded a $5 million NSF grant to investigate the complex physical processes linking the dynamic Sun-Earth system. By analyzing polar ice cores for nitrate spikes, they aim to unravel the history of ancient solar activity and establish the range of extreme solar events.
A new study correlating circadian clocks with transplant success found that arteries of mice with dysfunctional internal clocks became diseased within weeks after transplantation. Transplanted blood vessels from healthy mice remained healthy in mutant mice, suggesting optimal organ function may be key to successful transplants.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that same-day discharge after coronary artery stenting is safe for low-risk patients, but not commonly practiced. The study of over 100,000 patients suggests that better risk assessment tools are needed to identify high-risk patients who require hospital overnight stay.
A new study suggests that culling Tasmanian devils cannot control the spread of facial tumour disease and may even increase its transmission. Alternative strategies such as setting up insurance populations, finding genetic resistance, and developing a vaccine are being explored to save the iconic marsupial
Home-based supervised oral HIV self-testing has been shown to be feasible in high-HIV-prevalence settings in urban Africa. The study found strong community readiness for this approach alongside other HIV counseling and testing strategies.
A Yale research team discovered a mechanism that enables fat cells to expand when excess metabolic energy is present, helping them store and use fatty acids efficiently. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular balance and preventing the breakdown of fat storage capacity in obese individuals.
Fox Chase researchers have developed a new nomogram that uses factors like PSA level, Gleason score, and interval to biochemical failure to estimate a patient's five- and 10-year risk of death. The tool helps doctors identify patients at highest risk of dying from prostate cancer.
A study published in European Neuropsychopharmacology found that administering a single dose of cortisone up to six hours after traumatic event reduces the likelihood of developing PTSD by 60%. This natural approach may circumvent the harm caused by other pharmaceuticals and prevent the consolidation of traumatic memories.
A recent study of over 7,800 ICU patients in 33 countries found that those receiving at least two-thirds of their prescribed calorie intake had reduced mortality rates. The optimal caloric intake was approximately 80-85% of total prescribed calorie intake.
Scientists are developing a vaccine against East Coast fever, a destructive disease in eastern and central Africa, with the potential to also protect US cattle. The collaboration aims to control tick-borne diseases, supporting international food security.
A University of Michigan study found that advance directives can lead to lower Medicare expenditures for end-of-life care, particularly in regions with high spending. Patients with treatment-limiting advance directives were less likely to die in hospitals and more likely to receive palliative hospice care.
Saul Perlmutter, a physicist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, won the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics with colleagues Brian Schmidt and Adam Riess. Their groundbreaking work discovered the accelerating expansion of the universe through observations of distant supernovae.
Researchers found that Fox Chase Cancer Center's pathologists can better predict prostate cancer recurrence using their own Gleason scores than those from other institutions. This accuracy enables doctors to advise patients on the best treatment options and outcomes.
A new drug combination of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel has shown impressive results in a clinical trial for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The study, led by Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, found that about half the patients showed reductions in tumor size and about 50 percent lived at least a year.
A new study from the University of Adelaide reveals a strong link between cardiovascular disease in both parents and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in their daughters. Mothers with PCOS are more likely to have high blood pressure, while fathers are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
Researchers are developing biodegradable medical implants that degrade naturally in the body, promoting tissue regeneration. These implants have wide range of applications including repairing knee and hip joints, ligaments, and spinal injuries.
A new study finds that health and forensic DNA databases are growing to mirror racial disparities in arrest practices and incarceration rates. Underrepresented groups, such as African Americans and Latinos, face more severe disparities in forensic DNA databases compared to health DNA databases.
A low-cost electronic tablet, called I-slate, has been proven to be an effective learning tool for Indian children. The device is designed to be solar-powered and cost less than $50, providing immediate feedback on correct and incorrect answers to math problems.