New research reveals that birds pollinate Babiana plants with specialized perches, and these perches can be smaller or larger depending on geographical location. This unique adaptation allows the plant to adopt different mating strategies depending on the availability of sunbird pollinators.
A recent study published in PLoS Medicine found that ownership of at least one insecticide-treated bed net reduces malaria infections and child deaths by 20% and 23%, respectively. The study analyzed data from 29 health surveys in 22 sub-Saharan African countries, providing strong evidence for the effectiveness of bed nets.
A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that oxycodone is not safer for breastfed infants than codeine, contradicting previous assumptions. The research surveyed 533 women who took codeine, oxycodone, or acetaminophen during breastfeeding and reported symptoms of central nervous system depression in their children.
Early results suggest that virtual reality (VR) human-computer interfaces can improve arm function and daily activities in adult stroke patients compared to traditional therapy. VR training has been found to have positive effects on these outcomes, but more data is needed to assess the long-lasting benefits of this approach.
JDRF-funded researchers identify a protein and chemical compound that stimulate beta cell growth, providing a new drug target for diabetes treatment. The discovery may lead to the development of tests to measure beta cell number using Tmem27 fragments as a biomarker.
A Cochrane Review analyzed 35 Cochrane Reviews of randomized trials to evaluate the effectiveness of 46 different drug/dose combinations against acute pain. The review found that no single drug provides high levels of pain relief for all patients, but some options have a solid evidence base
A new article in PLOS Medicine suggests that improvements in advocacy, national planning, resource allocation, long-term investments, and health system strengthening are needed to tackle non-communicable diseases. The authors argue that lessons learned from the global AIDS response can inform a successful NCD response.
A new study by the American Psychological Association suggests that volunteering to help others can lead to a lower risk of mortality. Volunteers who reported altruistic values or social connections as their main motivations lived longer than those with self-centered reasons for volunteering.
Researchers found that increased autophagy in germline-less worms led to higher activity of a fat-digesting enzyme, extending their lifespan. The study suggests that recycling fat is beneficial for worms, and may have implications for human diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed a new material, SLUG-26, that can trap negatively-charged pollutants from water. The material, which has a high capacity for holding onto negative ions, could be used to treat polluted water through an ion exchange process.
Researchers developed a typology to guide cost-effectiveness analysis of cervical cancer screening and vaccination strategies. They found that targeting racial subgroups with greater inequalities improved health outcomes, reduced cancer incidence, and was more effective and less costly than current methods.
A Cochrane Systematic Review found that micronutrient powders can reduce anaemia and iron deficiency in infants aged six to 23 months, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The intervention resulted in a 31% reduction in anaemia risk and a 51% reduction in iron deficiency risk.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to phthalates is associated with decreased mental and motor development in preschoolers, as well as increased behavioral problems. The researchers measured metabolites of four phthalates in maternal urine and evaluated associations between prenatal exposures and child development at age 3.
Researchers found that a species of cavefish, Phreatichthys andruzzii, has an unusual circadian clock that ticks at an extremely long period, unaffected by eye loss. The study suggests that the fish's clocks can be regulated by feeding behaviour, but not light exposure.
The Biophysical Society has honored five researchers with its top awards for 2012, recognizing their innovative work on membrane proteins, lipid interactions, and single-molecule biology. The awardees include Charles R. Sanders, Huey W. Huang, Lucy R. Forrest, Sunny Xie, and Vijay Pande.
The Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders will provide funds for four cores to support collaborations between programs and help jump start new investigations. The Center aims to enhance research productivity of investigators in musculoskeletal tissue injury and repair.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have successfully demonstrated nanoscale spin waves, which could replace microwave technology in mobile phones and wireless networks. The study opens up new possibilities for magnonics, a field that uses nanoscale magnetic waves.
The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine have developed a special issue to examine violence prevention. The issue highlights the complexities of violence and its deep impact on society, with significant monetary effects estimated at over $70 billion annually.
The Stevens team uses holographic lithography to create uniform arrays of metallic nanostructures, enabling the production of high-quality, large-scale plasmonic nanogap arrays. This breakthrough technique reduces costs and infrastructure, paving the way for applications in miniaturized photonic circuits and ultrasensitive sensing.
Researchers will focus on predictive molecular signatures and biomarkers to screen high-risk populations and provide effective treatment strategies. The collaboration aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs in the fight against colorectal cancer.
Researchers found that stage 3 comprehensive, multidisciplinary intervention programs can lead to successful outcomes and cost savings. The investment in services is recovered in 6.5 years for privately insured patients and 3.5 years for Medicaid-insured patients.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow have created a safer oral version of the sleeping sickness drug melarsoprol, increasing its solubility and releasing it slowly in the gut. The new treatment retained its ability to kill the infection and cured mice infected with the parasite after a seven-day daily dosing schedule.
Adding azithromycin to daily treatment for COPD reduces acute exacerbations by 27% and improves quality of life. The study, funded by NHLBI, recruited 558 participants who took azithromycin for a year.
Scientists at UCSF discover that fetal tissue, called mesenchyme, secretes chemicals essential for mature beta cell formation. This breakthrough may lead to new ways of addressing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, including generating fully functional beta cells from stem cells or increasing beta cell numbers in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that Geobacter bacteria can generate electricity while cleaning up uranium contamination in soil. The nanowires on the surface of these tiny micro-organisms play a key role in this process, effectively immobilizing uranium and preventing its mobility.
Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center found a biological switch that converts white fat to brown fat, leading to reduced abdominal fat mass and improved metabolism. The discovery uses environmental enrichment to activate a nerve and biochemical pathway that stimulates the transformation.
Most US medical schools provide inadequate mental health coverage to their students, with co-pays and coinsurance rates as high as 20%, discouraging them from seeking necessary treatment. This can have serious consequences for the students' well-being and ultimately affect patient care.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that only 33.3% of medical schools spent any time on LGBT health-related content during clinical training, despite the unique health risks faced by these patients. Almost all medical students are being taught to ask about sexual history, but the conversation needs to go deeper.
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center will develop two cassava varieties resistant to CBSD and CMD, aiming to improve crop yield in Sub Saharan Africa. The project has received $11.9 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Monsanto Fund, Howard Buffett Foundation, and USAID.
A new study has found that retired racing greyhounds' blood pressure increases significantly when taken to a veterinary clinic, but returns to normal at home. The 'white-coat effect' was observed in 22 greyhounds, with systolic pressures averaging 30 points higher in the hospital than at home.
A UK study reveals that long-term complications after bariatric surgery should be thoroughly assessed and investigated. A Finnish study finds that bariatric surgery is a more cost-effective way to treat morbid obesity than non-operative care, with reduced healthcare costs and improved quality of life.
A study by Sanford Burnham Prebys reveals that CDP138 is a crucial protein for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in muscle and fat cells. The researchers found that optimal insulin response requires the correct insertion of GLUT4 into the cellular membrane, with CDP138 playing a key role.
Multiple lifestyle improvements can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by up to 80%, according to a study of over 100,000 men and women. Additionally, researchers warn that Babesia, a parasitic disease, poses a threat to the nation's blood supply, highlighting the need for donor-screening strategies.
McMaster researchers discovered that mice without essential exercise genes have impaired muscle function and lower mitochondrial levels. The study highlights the importance of AMPK enzyme in exercise regulation and its potential implications for individuals with mobility issues or obesity.
A group of researchers argue that ranking drugs by harm is conceptually flawed, as it combines individual harms and societal impacts. They propose more refined tools for policymakers to assess the likely changes in different types of harm associated with each change in drug policy.
Research reveals that Helicobacter pylori causes DNA breaks in gastric mucosa cells, triggering genetic mutations and cell death. The study's findings suggest that prolonged infections can lead to exhaustion of the cell's repair response, exacerbating gastric carcinogenesis.
Researchers identified a protein that helps maintain mouse stem cell pluripotency by activating signal pathways via CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). This finding offers insights into cultivating human iPS/ES cells without feeder cells, reducing the risk of contamination and health risks.
A team of researchers led by Michael Hammer found evidence of hybridization between modern humans and archaic forms in Africa. Contemporary African populations contain small proportions of genetic material brought in by an archaic population that split from the ancestors of anatomically modern humans about 700,000 years ago.
A nationwide study confirms that children exposed to tobacco smoke miss more days of school than those living in smoke-free homes. Household smoking is associated with higher rates of respiratory illnesses and increased economic costs due to lost wages and time for caregivers.
A long-term study found that even mild cognitive impairment substantially increases the risk of death, with a strong impact comparable to other chronic diseases. The study, which followed nearly 4,000 patients over 13 years, suggests that recognition of cognitive impairment in primary care practices should be given higher priority.
Biologists found that male and female digit proportions are determined by the balance of sex hormones during early embryonic development. The study provides a genetic explanation for links between finger proportions and traits such as sperm counts, aggression, and health problems like autism and breast cancer.
A landmark study reveals that mental disorders have become Europe's largest health challenge, affecting 514 million people. The study highlights a significant treatment gap and calls for increased funding and improved care to address the critical challenges facing mental and neurological disorders.
Researchers have identified a system for targeted amplification of gene clusters in bacteria, which can significantly increase the production of antibiotics. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the commercial production of antibiotics and may also uncover new, undiscovered antibiotics.
Researchers have developed a special type of biopolymer that protects probiotic bacteria from the acidic stomach environment and delivers them safely to the intestines. This innovation could lead to better quality probiotic food products and increase calcium absorption, benefiting gut health and bone structure.
Researchers have developed a zero-birefringence optical temperature sensor that can deliver precise temperature readings down to individual milli-kelvins. The device is resistant to vibration and cheaper to manufacture than previous alternatives, making it suitable for use in challenging environments.
A study found a link between a serotonin transporter gene variant and PTSD risk, suggesting the gene may predict symptom development after trauma. The researchers also discovered that this gene is associated with depression following life stress, highlighting its potential role in mental health.
Researchers led by WHOI determined the blown-out Macondo well spewed nearly 5 million barrels of oil at a rate of about 57,000 barrels per day between April 20 and July 15, 2010. The study also found that the well released 100 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas.
A new study published in Neurology found that psychogenic non-epileptic seizures may be misdiagnosed for up to five years in veterans compared to one year in civilians. The delay is largely due to limited access to epilepsy monitoring units, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have identified the key features in yeast cells that allow them to colonize human tissue, paving the way for new treatments. A new class of medicines and vaccines is being developed to combat drug-resistant fungal infections.
Crowd-sourcing efforts identified key disease-causing genes in the E. coli O104:H4 strain, which carries a high number of genes involved in disease. The outbreak, affecting over 16 countries, has been linked to contaminated beansprouts and resulted in thousands of cases and multiple deaths.
Researchers have developed a gene for an improved bacterial enzyme that targets tumour cells while leaving healthy tissue unscathed. This therapy uses Clostridium sporogenes to deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to the site of solid tumours.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have demonstrated a microscale device made of graphene that can tune its response to light at terahertz frequencies with exquisite precision. The device uses an array of graphene ribbons to control collective oscillations of electrons, or plasmons, which absorb different frequencies of light.
A potential vaccine against tuberculosis has been found to completely eliminate the disease-causing bacteria from infected tissues in mice. The vaccine uses a modified strain of bacteria that triggers a specific immune response, providing longer protection and bactericidal immunity.
Teenagers frequently take medications without targeted information about risks and benefits. Pharmacists need to enhance communication to address anxiety, confusion, and misconceptions. Effective communication can also promote family well-being in vulnerable populations.
Scientists have created a new class of materials that exhibit both magnetic and superconducting properties, revolutionizing the field of electronics. By sandwiching two nonmagnetic insulators together, researchers discovered a material where the interface between the two has both magnetic and superconducting regions.
Researchers at Kyoto University have designed an inexpensive new material capable of quick and accurate detection of carbon dioxide gas. The compound gives off variable degrees of visible light in correspondence with different gas concentrations, enabling the development of easy-to-use monitoring devices.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have successfully produced stem cells from two endangered species, a drill and the northern white rhinoceros. These cells could enable lifesaving medical therapies or offer the potential to preserve or expand genetic diversity by offering new reproduction possibilities.
A group of mutations in the interleukin-7 receptor gene have been identified in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Researchers found that certain pharmaceutical drugs already in clinical use can eliminate these cells, providing a potential therapeutic approach against leukemia.
Researchers have solved the debate on which bird digits exist, finding that precursor cells in pb can form a thumb despite pa cells dying off during development. The study, published in Nature, reveals new insights into embryonic development and vertebrate evolution.
A new TB vaccine candidate has shown promising results in animal studies, inducing a robust T-cell response that could protect against the disease. The vaccine, developed using a closely related species of bacteria, proved both potent and safe, with vaccinated mice living up to 135 days versus 54 days for control mice.