Researchers at Purdue University have created a type of turfgrass that is safe for grazing animals but toxic to certain insects. The fungus, called Neotyphodium, produces compounds that kill insects while protecting the grass from animal harm. This breakthrough could lead to reduced pesticide use and promote sustainability in agriculture.
A University of Maryland study found that young women with early-stage breast cancer who undergo lumpectomy and radiation have similar survival rates as those who undergo mastectomy. The analysis of nearly 15,000 patients showed no difference in overall or breast cancer-specific survival between the two groups.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic defect linked to Leigh syndrome, a devastating mitochondrial disease. The finding offers promise for improved diagnosis and potential treatments.
A new study found that 46% of African-American adolescent girls report unprotected sex due to partner abuse, highlighting the relationship between HIV and partner abuse. Developing clinic-centered interventions can inform more tailored prevention methods to address condom coercion and silence in relationships.
Researchers analyzed Billboard Hot 100 song lyrics from 1959 to 2009, finding a significant increase in sexually explicit references over time. The study suggests degrading music can negatively impact teens' self-worth and lead to poor body image, depression, and substance abuse.
Eight young investigators from Australia, China, India, and Japan received IOF Young Investigator Awards for their exceptional work on bone health. The award winners presented their research at the joint Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis and Bone Meeting & ANZBMS Annual Meeting.
A study by the University of Granada found that people's attitude towards their past experiences significantly influences their perception of health and quality of life. Individuals with a negative view of the past tend to have worse physical and mental health indicators, including depression, anxiety, and reduced physical strength.
The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has received a $11 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease to coordinate a Harvard-wide project on antibiotic resistance. The goal is to develop new antibiotics to treat highly resistant infections caused by staph and other related bacteria.
Cells can switch between sender and receiver mode, inhibiting their own signals while allowing them to receive information from other cells. This mechanism could lead to the development of cancer drugs that target specific cell communications, potentially stopping uncontrollable proliferation.
Physicists confirm neutrino mass exists, even if infinitesimal, after decades of discussion. Experimental evidence includes neutrino oscillations, which suggest mass is necessary for such transformations.
A clinical trial shows that chondroitin sulfate significantly decreases pain, improves hand function, and relieves morning stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis of the hand. The study found that 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate improved grip strength and reduced pain compared to a placebo group.
The mission has provided sharper views of the lunar surface, including the trails left by astronauts and the tracks laid down by the lunar rover. The higher resolution allows scientists to retrace the astronauts' steps with greater clarity to see where they took lunar samples.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that patients in integrated healthcare systems with electronic health records and linked pharmacies are more likely to collect their new prescriptions for diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure medications. The study revealed primary non-adherence rates of 7% for blood pressure medication, 11% fo...
The Ohio Third Frontier Commission has awarded $2.5 million to advance two significant imaging research projects at the Philips Healthcare Global Advanced Imaging Innovation Center, a collaboration among University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University.
A new study found that persistent HPV infections are associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer. The researchers suggest that re-testing every two years for HPV-positive women can provide useful guidance on the duration of infection and its risk.
A Texas A&M University professor has published a study suggesting that clouds only amplify climate change, rather than causing it. Decades of data support the mainstream view that human activity is the primary driver of warming.
A recent study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers has revealed a surprising connection between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, two critical cell organelles. Mitochondrial defects have been linked to various diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System used bone marrow-derived adult stem cells to promote bone tissue growth after cervical disc removal. The procedure, part of a nationwide clinical trial, aims to relieve chronic, debilitating pain by eliminating friction between vertebrae and nerve compression.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that 51.5% of US internal medicine residents reported burnout symptoms, with those owing over $200,000 in debt experiencing lower quality of life and test scores. The study also revealed a link between resident distress and lower-quality patient care.
Astronomers propose a new way to search for supernova precursors by studying the spin of white dwarfs. This process could lead to a time delay of up to a billion years before the explosion, allowing for detection by upcoming surveys.
Researchers found a strong association between high-quality medical care and improved health and school engagement in undocumented children. Children with regular access to healthcare reported better academic performance and missed fewer school days due to illness or injury.
A new feeding program at Nationwide Children's Hospital has improved oral feeding skills for premature infants, allowing them to be discharged earlier and without feeding tubes. The study found that 51% of infants were successfully feeding upon discharge and 84% at 1 year of age.
Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough that could allow wireless phone companies to double throughput on their networks without adding a single cell tower. The new 'full-duplex' technology uses an extra antenna and computing tricks to enable simultaneous transmission and reception on the same frequency.
Fungi such as Candida albicans are resisting the latest antifungal drugs due to their ability to alter cell wall structure. The use of echinocandins, which target beta-glucan enzyme, is being re-evaluated in light of this resistance.
A multi-country analysis shows that ITN ownership reduces child malaria parasites by 20% and child deaths by 23%. The findings support the widespread provision of ITNs as a key intervention in controlling malaria.
Research from the University of Gothenburg found that chemotherapy can cause significant language difficulties in cancer patients, including trouble with sentence completion and word order. The study used a unique questionnaire to assess everyday life difficulties, resulting in an 80% response rate and a long follow-up period.
Mayo Clinic researchers analyzed over 600 studies on simulation-based training, finding it consistently better than no instruction for various learners and clinical topics. Simulation allows for practice without harming patients, repeated training to become more proficient, and structured learning for effective learning outcomes.
Researchers found insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of financial incentives in improving primary care services. Despite hundreds of schemes worldwide, there is a risk that these incentives may not produce any effect or have negative outcomes.
Researchers found that a socially engaging environment can convert white fat to brown fat, leading to increased energy expenditure and weight loss. The study suggests that social isolation may contribute to obesity, highlighting the importance of social engagement in maintaining a healthy metabolism.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that medical students' unconscious biases towards race and social class do not directly affect their treatment decisions. Despite this, the researchers argue that training and experience may be reinforcing negative stereotypes, highlighting the need for interventions to address racial bias in hea...
Researchers at Penn State University have invented a method using magnetic fields to purify hybrid nanoparticles, which are composed of two or more kinds of materials. This technique will help improve drug-delivery systems, drug-targeting technologies, medical-imaging technologies, and electronic information-storage devices.
Researchers developed a genetically modified Mycobacterium smegmatis vaccine that induces strong immune response in mice, protecting them from TB infection. The vaccine effectively lowers TB bacteria levels by 1,000 times compared to the current BCG vaccine.
Researchers at MU have developed two motion-sensing systems using video gaming technology to monitor seniors' behavior and detect increased risk for falls or early symptoms of illnesses. The Kinect uses infrared light to create a depth image, while Doppler radar recognizes changes in walking and movement patterns.
Researchers found that 51% of all ADRs among adult out-patients were preventable, with a higher rate among the elderly. Preventable ADRs can take many forms, including internal bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Researchers at UCLA found that brain cancer stem cells can change their metabolic state from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, allowing them to evade treatment. This unique ability makes glioma stem cells resistant to conventional treatments, highlighting the need for new therapies targeting these cells specifically.
A USDA aerial photography survey found that the invasive leafy spurge weed is displacing native mountain big sagebrush seedlings in Idaho. The survey used high-resolution digital cameras to sample large areas of the western US.
A recent study in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that exercise plays a crucial role in recovery from peripheral arterial disease after treatment. Interventions such as angioplasty and stenting can also help restore blood flow, improving walking ability and overall quality of life.
Purdue researchers develop new type of graphene inverter that works at room temperature, enabling transistors to amplify signals and control switching. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of ultrafast devices with simplified circuits for broader digital applications.
A new University of Toronto study highlights the need for improved communication with high-risk communities about HIV vaccine trials. Researchers found that misinformation, distrust, and misunderstanding persist, affecting participants' willingness to participate.
A new study of 54 nations found that more progressive taxation is associated with greater personal well-being and life satisfaction. The researchers analyzed data from the Gallup Organization and found that citizens in nations with more progressive taxes reported having more satisfying experiences and fewer discomfiting ones.
Researchers from National University of Singapore and Tsinghua University found that 88% of nature-derived drugs come from previously known drug-producing families. The study suggests focusing on these pre-existing families to discover new drugs, leveraging knowledge of clustered distribution patterns like oil fields.
A recent study argues that existing financial protection measures are insufficient and advocates for new indicators to identify those unable to afford healthcare. The findings highlight the need for improved measurement of financial protection in health systems to better support vulnerable populations.
A recent USC study found that the brain prioritizes winning in a social setting over individual success, leading to increased risky and competitive behavior. This phenomenon is linked to the activation of the striatum and medial prefrontal cortex regions of the brain.
The study combines advanced supercomputing with a quarter-century of worldwide news to forecast human behavior. It predicts civil unrest, country stability, and the movement of individuals across the globe.
A new study suggests that offshore manufacturing plants, even those run by U.S. pharmaceutical firms, are more likely to have quality problems than those on the mainland US. The researchers found that cultural differences, primarily language and values, were the primary cause of these differences.
A new study by Queen's University researchers found that one-third of Canadian adults experience a sore throat, cold or flu each month, with women more likely to self-treat and consult doctors. The study estimated annual economic costs of colds in Canada at $40 billion, highlighting the need for preventative measures.
A study found that expressing nitrous oxide emissions per unit of crop yield, rather than on a more conventional per area basis, produced significantly different results. Emissions were 52% higher under no-till compared to conventional tillage for the same amount of grain.
NASA satellites have been monitoring Hurricane Katia's transition, capturing clear images of its cloud patterns and spiral shape characteristic of strong storms. The storm has undergone eyewall replacement, with a double-eyewall formation indicating it is likely to maintain major hurricane status.
A UCLA study reveals that the loss of a critical protein regulating estrogen and immune activity can lead to metabolic syndrome, characterized by Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer. The research found that this protein's absence promotes increased fat accumulation, inflammation, and glucose intolerance in female mice.
Researchers at OHSU's ONPRC have developed a new contraceptive that directly targets the key enzymes responsible for releasing an egg from the ovary. This approach aims to prevent pregnancy while minimizing systemic effects and improving effectiveness compared to existing hormonal birth control methods.
Researchers found that children with malaria are more susceptible to bacteraemia due to the infection itself, not a natural protection from the sickle cell gene. Malaria prevention strategies may also reduce invasive bacterial infections, with an estimated 50% of cases in endemic areas attributed to Plasmodium falciparum.
A global study reveals that cheap, preventive medicines are underused to prevent heart attacks and strokes. The study found that women take these medicines less frequently than men, and low-income countries have the lowest usage rates. Generic preparations with expired patents should be prescribed more widely to patients at risk.
A new University of Michigan Health System study found that the degree and duration of obesity in adolescents and young adults significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study also revealed that black and Hispanic individuals are more susceptible to diabetes for a given amount of excess weight over time.
Scripps Research scientists have identified a specific region of the β2-adrenergic receptor where changes in structure lead to altered signaling function. The study's findings could lead to the development of highly selective therapeutic drugs targeting this receptor.
The USGS presented several studies on various fish-related topics, including the benefits of habitat restoration for juvenile salmon and the importance of targeting younger silver carp to control their population. Climate change may impact smallmouth bass populations, with warmer temperatures affecting growth in southern climates.
Researchers from Lund University have developed a method using ultrasound to improve the quality of transplanted blood stem cells. This improvement could lead to better treatment outcomes and reduced risk of graft-versus-host disease and infections.
Women who drink one drink a day during midlife may have better overall health when older than those who don't drink or consume more alcohol. Regular moderate consumption is linked to lower risk of chronic diseases and cognitive impairment.
The Wellcome Trust report highlights progress in human functional brain imaging, including breakthroughs in statistical and computational modeling. The review emphasizes the need for continued funding and collaborations to translate findings into clinical applications.
Researchers have discovered that certain transposon elements can coordinate their movement with DNA replication, allowing them to spread more rapidly through genomes. P elements, one such transposon, tend to insert themselves near the beginning of genes and at regions functioning as starting sites or origins for DNA duplication.
The use of illicit stimulants among university students is a growing concern, with potential side effects including irregular heartbeat, overdose, depression, addiction, and death. Universities must engage in focused health education campaigns to debunk myths and expose risks, and address the root cause of stimulant use.
Nonaspirin NSAIDs increase the risk of miscarriage by 2.4 times compared to control groups. The study found a class effect on the risk associated with diclofenac and other nonaspirin NSAIDs, suggesting caution when using these medications during pregnancy.
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.