A Colorado School of Public Health researcher found that a new federal disclosure law has little effect on the prescribing of certain medications, including statins and SSRIs. The study suggests that transparency is important but may not be enough to deter physicians from accepting payments from pharmaceutical companies.
Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute store and replay two separate images, a feat of cinematography, using a room-temperature vapor of atoms. The new storage process has great promise for quantum information and may lead to the development of a random access memory for continuous variable quantum information.
Scientists develop a synthetic peptide that disables cancer cells' survival defenses by targeting protein targets, suppressing cancer growth in mice. The compound's synergistic anti-cancer activity with other drugs holds promise for treating relapsed and refractory blood cancers.
Researchers at UCLA have identified the genetic mutation responsible for IMAGe syndrome, a rare disorder that stunts infants' growth. The discovery could lead to new ways of blocking rapid cell division and offers a new tool for diagnosing children with IMAGe syndrome.
A comprehensive review by Charlene Krejci found female hormones fluctuate throughout women's lives, allowing bacteria to grow and exacerbate conditions like bone loss and pre-term births. Women need to be vigilant about maintaining healthy teeth and gums to prevent or lessen severity of these health issues.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University's ONPRC have discovered a new method for creating vaccines that is thought to be safer and more effective than current approaches. The approach uses hydrogen peroxide to inactivate viruses for use as vaccines, showing protective vaccine-induced immunity against three diseases: West Nile...
A Cornell University study found that the perceived benefits of family meals on teen well-being may not be as strong or lasting when controlled for other aspects of the family environment. Family resources and relationships are key factors in facilitating regular family dinners.
The American College of Physicians Task Force recommends updating hormone therapy guidelines due to significant adverse events. Exercise and vitamin D supplementation are effective at reducing falls, but multifactorial risk assessment is not recommended for all elderly patients.
A study published in Neurology found that exposure to solvents can lead to cognitive impairment in less-educated individuals, while those with higher education levels remain unaffected. The study, which analyzed data from 4,134 workers, suggests that improving early education may protect against future cognitive decline.
A new study published in Obesity found a correlation between PCB exposure and increased distribution of body fat to the abdomen. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 70-year-olds and found that high levels of PCB189 were related to a high proportion of visceral fat.
Researchers at Yale University found that intensively controlling glucose levels did not definitively reduce the risk of impaired kidney function, dialysis, or death from kidney disease. The study suggests that patients may not be better off with this approach and questions the benefits of aggressive glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes
Research shows that lung transplant patients receiving organs from smokers tend to survive longer than those waiting on the list, with significant benefits for patients with septic lung disease and fibrosis. The UK's current selection policy of including both smoking and non-smoking donors improves survival rates and should be continued.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis has been shown to prevent HIV infection before exposure, with a 39% reduction in rates found in one recent trial. A four-week duration of therapy is recommended, based on evidence from macaque models of transmission.
Researchers warn of rapid groundwater depletion in California's Central Valley and the High Plains, posing risks to US food production. The study suggests that unsustainable irrigation practices may lead to economic challenges for farmers, particularly in the southern High Plains.
Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered that conical cells on plant petals provide crucial grip for bees, increasing pollinator preference. The study reveals that these cells help bees land on flowers even in windy conditions.
A VTT researcher has provided an explanation for sliding friction between solid objects, attributing it to surface energy of materials. The discovery enables quantitative calculation of the friction coefficient and potential manipulation of friction by selecting specific surface materials.
Researchers discovered that giant cells called titan cells protect the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans during infection, shielding it from the immune system. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for infections caused by Cryptococcus, a deadly concern for immunocompromised individuals.
A new NIH-funded study examines the use of mobile technology to improve diet and physical activity behavior in adults. The study found that a combination of mobile technology and remote coaching holds promise in encouraging healthier eating habits and reducing sedentary leisure time.
A new study demonstrates that female choice and faithfulness played a crucial role in human evolution, leading to the emergence of the modern family. The transition from promiscuity to pair-bonding was characterized by a reduction in male-to-male competition in favor of providing for females and close parental involvement.
Researchers at McGill University discovered that heart muscle fibers are arranged in a special 'minimal surface' called the generalized helicoid. This finding offers significant new understanding of heart-wall muscle fiber geometry and could be used to guide tissue repair after heart attacks.
A study found that over 8% of VA patients with diabetes may be over-treated, while 6% are under-treated. An individualized approach could help identify the right treatment plan for each patient.
A new study by archaeologists from the Universities of Bristol, Cardiff and Oxford found that Neolithic farmers buried with distinctive stone adzes had access to better land than those without. The analysis revealed sex-biased mobility patterns and status differences among early European populations.
A groundbreaking study found that marine reserves can restock fish populations in areas open to fishing. The research tracked the dispersal of baby coral trout and stripey snappers from reserve sites, finding that up to 30km away, a significant proportion settled on reefs open to fishing.
Researchers at NYU developed a method to replicate the mechanical properties of tissues using an oil-in-water solution, mimicking cell-to-cell adhesion. This breakthrough has potential industrial applications in biocompatible products and pharmaceuticals.
A new study combines archaeology and geoscience to reveal that climate change was a key factor in the collapse of the ancient Indus civilization around 4000 years ago. The research suggests that weakened monsoon rains led to reduced river dynamics, contributing to the decline of cities and the shift towards small farming communities.
A Northwestern University study found that simply changing one bad habit, such as spending less time on the couch, can have a domino effect on other unhealthy behaviors. The most effective way to rehab a delinquent lifestyle requires two key behavior changes: cutting time spent in front of screens and eating more fruits and vegetables.
A randomized controlled trial found that using mobile technology, remote coaching, and financial incentives improved patients' diet and activity levels. The study's interventions leveraged handheld technology to make self-monitoring more convenient and extend decision support into life contexts.
A new stem cell technique allows for efficient generation of abundant cardiomyocytes, critical heart muscle cells. This method is more efficient and robust than existing methods, promising a uniform alternative for research and pharmaceutical applications.
Researchers have developed engineered microvessels that can grow small human blood vessels in a 3-D structure, allowing for the study of disease progression and development of efficient therapies. The system shows promise in studying various diseases, including cancer, malaria, and clotting disorders.
Researchers at Arizona State University and NASA have developed a new technique for detecting bone loss using isotope analysis. This method is more sensitive than current X-ray methods and poses less risk to patients, making it a promising tool for early detection of diseases such as osteoporosis.
Researchers found that reducing TB infections in geographic hotspots can significantly reduce citywide transmission rates by up to 29% over 50 years. Controlling these hotspots may have a similar impact on long-term, community-wide TB incidence as achieving the same targets in the remaining population.
The study found that local variation in neighborhood immunity significantly alters the risk of dengue infection, even in highly mobile and dense urban populations. Infection with dengue provides lifelong immunity to the infecting serotype, but susceptibility returns, increasing the risk for severe disease.
A meta-analysis of seven clinical trials found that intensive glucose control reduces microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes patients, but lacks evidence for reduced risk of significant clinical renal outcomes. The study suggests a reevaluation of the benefits of intensive glycemic control in preventing renal disease.
Research identifies CDKN1C gene mutation as cause of IMAGe syndrome, a rare developmental disorder affecting fetal growth and organ size. The study also reveals the gene's role in regulating cell growth and division, with implications for understanding tumour development.
The end-Permian crisis, the most dramatic biological crisis in Earth's history, lasted for around 10 million years to fully recover. Life recovered slowly due to intense environmental shocks and grim conditions on Earth.
Researchers found that terrestrial species are less responsive to warm temperatures than marine species, which allows them to expand their ranges towards the poles. Climate change is also causing rare heat waves to set boundaries on where species can live.
A new computer model has pinpointed promising materials for efficient carbon capture, potentially reducing parasitic energy costs by 30%. The model has been integrated into power plant design software, allowing researchers to quickly test and optimize material properties.
Researchers discovered that T cells employ a Lévy walk strategy, characterized by short and long movements, to track down parasites like animal predators. This insight into immune-cell movement patterns can inform novel approaches to combat diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.
A new protein-based antiviral approach has been developed to combat deadly flu epidemics, neutralizing vulnerable sites on H1N1 and H5N1 viruses. This innovative method uses manufactured genes as therapeutics, designed using computer-aided design and optimized through DNA deep sequencing.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a new type of carbon nanotube that can enhance catalytic activity without compromising electrical conductivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient fuel cells and metal-air batteries, reducing reliance on expensive platinum catalysts.
Researchers have developed a super-sensitive test that can detect signs of a disease in its earliest stages, enabling more reliable diagnosis. The new biosensor test uses nanoscopic-sized gold stars to detect specific molecules associated with diseases like prostate cancer.
Researchers found that modern birds are living dinosaurs with skulls similar to those of their juvenile ancestors. By analyzing fossil evidence and CT scans, they discovered that a change in developmental timing led to the evolution of birds, enabling them to retain physical characteristics of baby dinosaurs into adulthood.
Researchers discover mutation on same gene responsible for Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, a disease characterized by rapid cell division and large size. The finding enables early diagnosis and treatment of IMAGe syndrome, a rare disorder stunting infants' growth.
A Yale study found that public consensus on climate change is shaped by cultural values, not science literacy. Members of the public become more divided on climate change risks as they become more science literate and numerate.
Researchers have developed a closed-loop fabrication method to tailor graphene into desired edge structures and shapes. The technique uses interaction forces as real-time feedback, allowing for precise cutting control. This innovation has the potential to fabricate large-scale graphene-based nanodevices at low cost with high efficiency.
The study used proteomic techniques to analyze the effects of grafted methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) on plasma protein adsorption. Results showed that the polymer-mediated surface camouflage prevented immune recognition signals, enhancing biocompatibility and reducing alloimmunization.
A new study published in The Lancet found that intravenous magnesium sulphate does not reduce poor outcomes after haemorrhagic stroke. No difference was observed between patients receiving magnesium and those receiving placebo.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new infant formula using hazelnut oil that better mimics the structure of human milk. This design improves the digestion and absorption of essential fatty acids, including DHA and ARA, which are crucial for infant development.
Researchers at UC San Diego have received over $12 million in new grants from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to develop stem cell-based treatments for various diseases. The awards will support projects that aim to repair gene mutations, find new drugs and regeneratin spinal cord injuries.
A study found that early physical therapist treatment for low back pain was associated with reduced risk of subsequent healthcare utilization and lower overall healthcare costs. Patients who received early care from a physical therapist had lower rates of surgery, injections, and opioid use, as well as reduced medical costs.
Women referred to the telephone-based nurse management program had a lower risk of high baby birth weight and were more likely to have postpartum glucose testing, leading to earlier identification and management of postpartum glucose intolerance or diabetes. The study suggests that this program can improve outcomes for women with gesta...
A survey of primary care doctors found that many resist stopping routine PSA testing due to patient expectations and malpractice concerns. Researchers are working on a decision-making tool to help doctors make informed choices about prostate cancer screening.
Scientists analyzed magma chamber crystals and correlated them with seismic signals from Mount St. Helens' 1980 eruption, revealing a clear connection between crystal growth and volcanic activity. This study could improve eruption forecasting by providing insights into the timing of magma input and pulses of seismicity.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a small inherited change in DNA responsible for overactivating the BAALC gene, which is associated with poor treatment response in acute leukemia. The study found that high levels of RUNX1 protein are linked to high BAALC gene expression.
Workers' compensation insurance is not used enough to cover workplace illnesses and injuries. Nearly 80% of these costs are paid by employer-provided health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other disability funds. The resulting low premiums provide little incentive for companies to promote workplace safety.
Researchers developed a computer software that combines ancient practices with modern medicine by analyzing images of the tongue, indicating potential health issues. The software distinguishes between tongues showing signs of hot or cold zheng, which is associated with various symptoms such as fever, chills and loose stool.
The University of Miami's R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program will receive a $40,000 grant from Wells Fargo to enhance marine conservation science education and research. The program aims to inspire youth to learn STEM skills and adopt conservation attitudes, as well as raise awareness about marine ecology and shark species.
The study reveals a prevalence of 70.4% for contraceptive use during the first sexual encounter among Spanish women, with notable differences observed between regions and socio-economic groups. Factors such as education level and geographical location significantly impact contraceptive use in this context.
Researchers have identified a key player in the mechanism that tells plants when to flower, involving a protein called FKF1 and the plant's circadian clock. This discovery may lead to improved crop yields and better understanding of plant biology.
A new high-throughput method identifies promising electrocatalysts for water oxidation, enabling the efficient storage of solar energy. The technique uses ultraviolet light and a fluorescent paint to test metal-oxide electrocatalysts, accelerating the discovery process.