A new study found that prescription drugs accounted for 55% of ED visits and 76% of hospital admissions, with opioid-containing pain medications being the biggest contributor. The authors attribute the increase in exposure to a greater availability and access to medications in children's homes.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a $3.54 million grant to fund translational bioengineering research that employs engineering techniques to develop healthcare improvements. The award will support research partnerships between clinicians and engineers, with the ultimate goal of accelerating new technologies into patient care.
Research reveals that immunotherapies like CTLA4 strengthen the immune system's attack on cancer by blocking proteins that prevent T cells from activating. The study also shows that these therapies can keep tumors from benefiting from IDO, an enzyme used to suppress the immune response.
Researchers found a six-fold increase in pancreatitis cases and a higher rate of pancreatic cancer among patients using sitagliptin and exenatide. The study also suggests a possible link between these drugs and an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
A new study published in Autism Research found that parental age, maternal ethnicity, and paternal age are associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID), while household income has no significant link. The research also identified demographic risk factors such as male gender and...
Researchers found that high calcium intake increases prostate cancer risk among African-American men genetically predisposed to poor calcium absorption. This study provides insight into the link between diet and disease, suggesting personalized prevention strategies may be possible in the future.
Researchers uncover the complete skull and lower jaw of a previously unknown woolly rhino species, dating back to the Pliocene epoch. The discovery sheds light on the creature's diet and adaptation to its environment, revealing it ate high-altitude grasses before adapting to lower elevations during the Ice Age.
Researchers develop a method using flashes of light to observe quantum features of large objects with unprecedented resolution. By analyzing the dynamics of such behavior, pulsed quantum optomechanics provides a path for investigating whether macroscopic mechanical objects can be used in future quantum technologies.
Researchers found that temperature affects RNA structure, hiding or showing particular sequences that influence the recognition of intronic endings. This allows for alternative protein isoforms to be generated in response to changing temperatures.
Recent studies by Sanjay Kalra demonstrate that ALS damages neurons in cognitive and behavioral areas of the brain, contradicting previous assumptions. MRI scans reveal decreased levels of neural markers NAA and increased mIns, indicating biological changes responsible for behavioral symptoms.
The SILCS Diaphragm, a single-size contoured diaphragm, has shown effectiveness rates similar to traditional diaphragms, and is easy to use and comfortable to wear. This new contraceptive method offers women more control over their reproductive health, particularly in low-resource settings.
The University of California, Riverside has received a three-year NSF grant to establish the FORWARD project, aiming to recruit, retain and develop leadership skills of women faculty in STEM disciplines. The program will also create a statewide network for professional and personal support.
New research modifies soybean seed to increase phosphorus content, improving animal nutrition and reducing feed costs. The study suggests that low phytate soybean seeds may cause low vigor seedlings, which can be easily addressed through seed treatments.
A University of Oklahoma graduate student has received the EPA's STAR Fellowship Award to develop a low-cost method for removing fluoride from drinking water in rural Ethiopian communities. Her research aims to address severe overexposure to fluoride, which can cause bone damage and tooth discoloration.
NASA satellite imagery revealed 'hot towers' around Hurricane Maria's center, indicating its inner strength and potential intensification. Cloud temperatures also showed strong convection and powerful thunderstorms, with cloud-top temperatures as cold as -63F/-52C.
Researchers identified a new type of T cell that can produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that blocks inflammation. This discovery suggests a novel approach to treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases by targeting the nerves and T cells.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover a "hidden" code linked to DNA that allows plants to develop and pass down new biological traits rapidly. The epigenetic code is found to evolve more quickly than the genetic code and strongly influence biological traits.
Tropical Storm Sonca is bringing moderate to light rainfall as it passes east of the southern island of Chichi Jima. The storm's western quadrant has dry air that suppresses thunderstorm development.
A species of mosquito capable of transmitting West Nile virus has been found on Galapagos Islands, posing a significant risk to the archipelago's unique wildlife. Strict insect control measures and further research are recommended to prevent the disease from reaching the islands.
A $37 million grant has been awarded to test a combination prevention strategy to prevent HIV in African countries. The PopART project aims to reduce new HIV infections through community-wide testing, medical circumcision, and immediate ART for those testing positive.
Researchers found that people born after World War II are more likely to engage in heavy episodic drinking and develop alcoholism. The study highlights the need for specific public health prevention and intervention efforts, particularly for young women who face unique health risks due to their smaller body size.
Researchers at Uppsala University have identified a rare, previously unknown group of bacteria that could be the origin of mitochondria. The study suggests that these bacteria evolved from ocean- and earth-dwelling bacteria with larger genomes, explaining their success in global carbon cycles.
Research finds children with autism and GI disturbances have changed genes involved in digestion, altering intestinal bacteria. These changes may contribute to behavioral disturbances in some cases.
A NASA team will attempt to send a balloon with an instrument payload to measure gamma rays from the Crab Pulsar, 6,500 light years away. The mission aims to study the polarization of gamma rays, which can provide clues about the source's mechanism.
A new laser technology has been developed by Michigan State University researchers to detect roadside bombs with high sensitivity and selectivity. The laser can canvas large areas and distinguish between explosives and similar compounds, making it a potential game-changer for detecting improvised explosive devices.
Tropical Storm Roke is consolidating with strong convection and cold cloud-top temperatures, indicating its potential for further strengthening. The storm's environment is favorable for development due to light wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures.
Researchers found that virtual stroke care using two-way audio-video telemedicine is cost-effective for rural hospitals without a neurologist on staff. The study suggests that improved reimbursement rates and equipment costs could greatly diminish the disparity in stroke care between urban and rural areas.
The Pitt team discovered molecular changes in the brains of women with major depressive disorder, including reduced BDNF and GABA gene expression. These findings replicate changes seen in a mouse model, providing new insights into depression's biological mechanisms.
A new durum wheat line, DGE-1, has been developed with enhanced scab tolerance through the incorporation of a specific wheatgrass chromosome. Researchers used molecular markers to identify and transfer the resistance genes from the added wheatgrass chromosome into related durum wheat chromosomes.
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has been awarded a $11.3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to establish a center for research on gastrointestinal cancers. The center will focus on translational research to develop new tests, treatments, and prevention methods for colon and esophageal cancers.
A new study reveals a dramatic increase in medication poisoning cases among young children, with opioids and sedatives being the most commonly ingested substances. The PROTECT Initiative aims to improve storage devices and child-resistant closures to reduce the risk of accidental overdoses.
A study by University of Texas Medical Branch researchers has identified fortilin as a key protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting p53, a tumor suppressor. This finding may lead to new treatments for cancers and atherosclerosis.