The study reveals that musculoskeletal and mental behavioral disorders are the leading causes of disability worldwide. Lower back pain, depression, iron-deficiency anaemia, and neck pain were found to be among the top sequelae responsible for the greatest overall health loss in both 1990 and 2010.
A study published in Medical Care finds that negative news coverage of nursing homes outweighs positive stories by five to one. Negative articles often focus on negligence, fraud, or industry issues, while positive stories discuss quality of care and community impact.
NIST scientists discovered a simple and fast process to deposit uniform, ultrathin layers of platinum atoms on a surface. By increasing the voltage beyond normal levels, they created a hydrogen layer that quenches further metal deposition, allowing for precise control over film thickness.
A survey of 1,293 neurologists found that nearly 29% have experienced burnout, while 45.8% are concerned about it. The neurohospitalist model offers advantages like high-quality care and improved continuity, but also challenges such as long work hours and poor reimbursement.
Tropical Cyclone Evan's eye-like structure was observed on Dec. 11 by TRMM's Precipitation Radar, indicating powerful storms and heavy rainmakers. By Dec. 13, Evan had intensified, with maximum sustained winds reaching 90 knots, and its eye being approximately 6 nautical miles wide.
The insurance industry is taking a proactive role in addressing climate change by managing risks and investing in emission-reduction technologies. The sector has developed new products and services to encourage sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient homes and renewable energy investments.
A study co-authored by University of Kentucky sociologists examines the relationship between racial and gender discrimination and suicidal ideation among low socioeconomic status African American women. The research found that moderate levels of eudemonic well-being, self-esteem, and active coping are protective against suicidal ideation.
New research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy confirms that time restrictions on alcohol advertising actually increase teen exposure. Alcohol companies move their ads to late-night programming when most teens are watching, increasing ad exposure for high-risk youth.
Scientists have identified how the RecA protein guides a broken DNA strand to its matching sequence on double-stranded DNA, allowing for rapid repair. This discovery explains how DNA repair occurs quickly and highlights the importance of this process in maintaining genome stability.
A team of scientists has made a breakthrough in understanding how materials behave under stress, leading to the creation of stronger and longer-lasting materials. Nickel nanocrystals have been found to deform permanently under intense pressure, which could help physicists and engineers create more resilient materials.
A new, patented sensor-housing technology allows for long-term automated monitoring of greenhouse gases in cold environments, providing energy savings and stability. Developed by Professor David Risk, the technology can detect CO2 levels without halting injections or using secondary wells.
Blocking the endothelin receptor reduces cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease independent of blood pressure. The findings suggest that blocking the receptor may provide heart-related benefits to these patients, who have a higher risk of developing heart problems due to their condition.
Researchers have identified a new mutation in the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency gene that could lead to better diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The finding extends understanding of Alpha-1 at the molecular level, potentially leading to new drug development.
Researchers discovered that paroxetine protects endothelial cells from damage caused by high sugar levels in diabetes, preventing hyperglycemia-initiated reactive oxygen species damage. The drug also restores blood vessel function in animals with diabetes, suggesting potential as a new therapy for diabetic complications.
A new study reveals that many Amazon tree species are likely to survive human-caused climate warming in the coming century. However, researchers warn of the impact of extreme drought and forest fires as temperatures rise. Conservation efforts should focus on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and preventing deforestation.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a rare type of cancer suppressor that can trigger cell death when targeted. By inactivating this gene, cancer cells are destroyed while healthy cells remain intact.
New genetic analysis reveals that many Amazon tree species are likely to survive man-made climate warming in the coming century. The study finds that these trees have previously survived warmer climates and are expected to endure higher temperatures. However, droughts and forest fires remain major threats to the Amazon's future.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield recreated randomly distributed sticky spots in stem cells to maximize adhesion and act as internal scaffolding. The findings will help inform biomaterials development for optimal stem cell growth.
A new study estimates that a 6,000-hectare forest hosts around 25,000 arthropod species, with some species found in just one hectare. The research also found that the diversity of arthropods can be accurately predicted from plant diversity.
A recent study found that rural US residents are less likely to follow colorectal cancer screening guidelines due to the time required for travel and limited access to healthcare. The researchers also noted that lack of health insurance and primary care provider shortages contribute to this disparity.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists identify EZH2 as a key player in prostate cancers that no longer respond to hormone-blocking treatments. The researchers suggest that drugs targeting EZH2's unexpected function could be an effective new treatment strategy for these aggressive cancers.
Non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, accounted for nearly two-thirds of all deaths globally in 2010. Ischaemic heart disease and stroke were responsible for one in four deaths, a significant increase from the previous decade.
The Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 reveals massive shifts in health trends worldwide, with people living longer but sicker. Chronic diseases and injuries are now the primary causes of death, driven by a growing global population.
A Cedars-Sinai physician-scientist is leading a research study on Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, the most common inherited neurological disorder, using induced pluripotent stem cells. The goal of the study is to determine if personalized stem cell lines can be generated for individual patients and potentially cure the disease.
Scientists found a unique lipid compound that amplifies sound and efficiently transmits it to the ear drums of insects, similar to toothed whales. The discovery opens up possibilities for new systems in ultrasound technologies.
Only a small fraction of new medicines developed between 2000 and 2011 were for the treatment of neglected diseases, highlighting significant gaps in innovation. Despite this, some progress has been made through drug reformulations and repurposing of existing drugs.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that high-dose vitamin D supplementation reduced symptoms of respiratory tract infection by almost a quarter and antibiotic use by nearly half in patients with frequent infections. However, the treatment had no significant impact on otherwise healthy individuals.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which Ebola virus alters and evades the immune response of its infected host. The secreted protein can selectively drive induction of antibody responses to itself while competing for antibodies to the viral surface protein, enabling repeated or sustained infection.
A study found that disordered mineral metabolism worsens with progressive chronic kidney disease and is linked to a higher risk of kidney failure among African Americans. Measuring mineral metabolites may be a useful way to determine CKD patient prognosis, while targeting these metabolites could help slow disease progression.
A simple screening test of musculo-skeletal fitness has proved remarkably predictive of all-cause mortality in a study of over 2000 middle-aged and older men and women. High scores indicate lower risk of death, with those requiring more hand or knee support showing a 2-fold higher death rate.
Researchers at Rice University have created a method to trigger biochemical reactions remotely on demand by exposing plasmonic gold nanoparticles to near-infrared light, enabling chemical processes to occur at lower temperatures. This technology has great potential for industrial applications, including energy savings and more sustaina...
Three new species of slow loris were identified, revealing distinct differences in body size, fur thickness, habitats, and facial markings. This reclassification may increase legal protections for the endangered or threatened animals, as well as highlight the cruelty of keeping them as pets.
The Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP) has selected Environmental Engineering Science as its official journal, promoting innovative solutions to environmental problems. The journal will publish state-of-the-art studies on air, water, and land contamination and waste disposal.
A new policy brief reveals that workplace injuries and illnesses among low-wage workers result in significant economic losses and severe personal consequences. The study estimates that such injuries and illnesses cost the nation over $39 billion annually, with workers often facing reduced paychecks and struggling to make ends meet.
A team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital has discovered that intestinal immune cells collect and process antigens from both the bloodstream and the intestine, inducing the production of T cells that suppress inflammation. This regulatory system is crucial for preventing autoimmune disorders and inflammatory bowel disease.
A new study found married women experience less intimate-partner violence, substance abuse and post-partum depression compared to cohabitating women. Married couples tend to have fewer psychosocial problems regardless of their relationship duration.
The Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 found that people worldwide view different health conditions similarly, regardless of culture or individual circumstances. The study used surveys to calculate disability weights and healthy life expectancy, revealing that global population is living longer but spending more years in poor health.
Researchers investigate four hydrothermal vent sites off Antarctica's coast to understand animal communities and their unique ecosystems. The team uses a deep-diving ROV to study the interactions between animals and the vents, which are super-heated to around 300 degrees Centigrade.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke found that people over 65 with high psychosocial distress are at increased risk of stroke. The study followed 4,120 participants for 10 years and found that those with the most distress had three times the risk of death from stroke.
Researchers discovered that genetic mutations are only one piece of the puzzle, and biological factors and cell behavior contribute to tumour growth and therapy failure. The team found that some cancer cells were responsible for keeping cancer growing, while others were transient and stopped within days.
A Regenstrief Institute study found that over two-thirds of generic drugs have differing safety-warning labels from brand-name equivalents. The majority of discrepancies were small, but nine percent showed significant differences in side effects.
Boston College researchers create a yolk-shell nanocrystal structure with a porous 'skin' that can filter molecules based on size or chemical makeup, allowing greater selectivity in chemical reactions. The new catalyst exhibits unprecedented control and precision, paving the way for expanded applications of heterogeneous catalysis.
The sixth SystemsX.ch tender approved 15 projects with CHF 60 million available, focusing on biological processes and medical applications. Switzerland reiterates its pioneering role in systems biology through collaborations between researchers from various institutions and companies.
Researchers from Italy have developed a wearable system that uses strain sensors to monitor human trunk movements and estimate flexibility. The device will enable remote monitoring of physiotherapy exercises at home or during everyday tasks, providing an advancement in portable rehabilitation tracking.
The University of Illinois is developing ozone-resistant corn strains with the potential to increase yields and reduce costs, as estimated losses due to ozone damage in US corn production could be around $700 million. The research aims to improve crop resilience to environmental stressors.
A new study has identified toll-like receptor 12 (TLR12) as crucial for combating the deadly parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The findings suggest that TLR12 promotes survival in infected animals and could lead to the development of a vaccine against this parasite.
Researchers at UCL have identified over 200 gene locations linked to Crohn's Disease, a complex condition with a significant genetic component. The study uses a new method to analyze the human genome and provides evidence that specific clinical sub-groups may carry different risk genes.
University of Illinois researchers have developed a new design for three-dimensional rolled-up inductors, reducing their footprint to 45 microns by 16 microns while maintaining performance. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, high-performance electronics and enable the development of new integrated circuit elements.
A UK-wide partnership is launching a research priority setting project to identify the most pressing questions in childhood neurodisability treatment. The project aims to prioritize unanswered questions on the effectiveness of treatments, taking into account the views of young people, families, and healthcare professionals.
New research shows that elderly individuals mount normal immune responses to virus infections, retaining T cell functionality. This finding has important implications for vaccination strategies in the elderly.
Researchers use harmonic generation microscopy to create high-resolution maps of skin cells, revealing increased sizes of basal keratinocytes and nuclei with natural aging. The findings provide an index for scoring natural or intrinsic skin aging, which could help monitor skin health and test effectiveness of anti-aging treatments.
Researchers have discovered that congenital heart defects could be linked to the development of cells in the embryo as early as 12-14 hours after fertilization. The study's findings provide new insights into the causes of cardiac malformations and may lead to better treatments for affected families.
Researchers discovered how Yersinia pestis avoids triggering the immune system's early alarm, establishing a stronghold without self-destructing. This finding may lead to new vaccine development and treatments for inflammatory disorders, such as stroke, heart attack, lupus, and autoimmune diseases.
The US Navy is accelerating its research efforts in the Arctic due to rapid changes in sea ice coverage. The recent summit brought together top officials from various government agencies to share scientific ideas and form new partnerships. Experts warn that these changes could have global environmental and socio-economic consequences.
The University of Washington has been awarded a $4 million grant to develop bacteria that can turn methane in natural gas into diesel fuel. The team aims to capture wasted natural gas and use bacteria to convert it into energy-rich molecules, which will then be converted into diesel.
A University of Oklahoma study analyzed ancient DNA from human fecal samples to understand changes in the human gut microbiome. The results suggest that the last 100 years have seen a major shift in the human gut microbiome, with broader implications for modern health.
The study found that conifers' genomic structure has remained stable for at least 100 million years, leading to their resemblance with ancient fossils. This stability allows conifers to thrive in cold climates without undergoing significant evolutionary changes.
Swift Transportation has donated $15,262 to The Waylon Fund for Diabetes Research at TGen to advance biomedical research and predict patient risk factors. This donation aims to spur innovative treatments for Type 2 diabetes.
Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults, including task switching, selective attention, and working memory. The evidence suggests that regular physical activity can attenuate age-related decline in these areas, providing a simple means for people to optimize their brain power.
The eLife journal has launched its new website, offering a fresh approach to presenting scientific content. The site features clean and distraction-free design, allowing authors to showcase their research in full and readers to delve deeply into the work.