Researchers have found that nearly 4 out of 10 women at health facilities have a malaria infection, with an estimated 25 million pregnancies at risk each year. The new treatment combines anti-malarial and antibiotic therapy to prevent and treat these conditions simultaneously, which could save thousands of lives.
Scientists at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência have identified a new phosphate transporter in plant root cells that plays a crucial role in phosphorus uptake when Pi is scarce. The discovery provides insight into how phosphate transport systems can be manipulated to counteract stressful conditions and potentially improve crop yields.
Researchers found two specific gene variants associated with faster motor decline in Parkinson's patients. These variants can now help doctors predict disease progression, allowing for targeted therapies and faster results on efficacy of drugs.
A study found that neighborhoods with higher densities of on-premise alcohol outlets, such as bars and restaurants, have higher rates of violent crimes compared to those with lower densities. In contrast, off-premise outlets like liquor stores and convenience stores showed a weaker relationship between outlet density and crime.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have discovered alpha-synuclein protein in the intestinal wall of patients with early Parkinson's disease, but not healthy subjects. This finding may lead to pre-motor diagnosis and accurate biomarkers for tracking its progress.
Researchers at MIT demonstrate that network coding and error-correcting codes can be handled separately in wired networks, increasing capacity. In contrast, wireless networks pose challenges due to interference, but upper and lower bounds on capacities are calculated, providing a guide for future research.
A new UCLA study reveals that a high-fructose diet can slow the brain and impair memory and learning. However, adding omega-3 fatty acids to the diet may help minimize this damage.
Scientists have discovered that mice lacking Snf2l gene have larger brains, more cells and actively dividing brain stem cells, providing a new approach to stimulate brain regeneration and understand developmental disorders. The research may lead to potential treatments for conditions like autism and Rett syndrome.
High doses of beta-carotene, selenium, and folic acid have been shown to increase cancer risk in a recent study. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has warned that these supplements should not be taken beyond their recommended daily allowance.
Researchers measured environmental air pollutants and biomarkers for systemic inflammation and thrombosis before, during, and after the 2008 Olympics. Concentrations of particulate and gaseous pollutants decreased substantially, but ozone concentrations increased.
Pazopanib nearly tripled progression-free survival in patients with metastatic soft-tissue sarcoma whose disease has progressed following standard chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 15 months, and common side effects included fatigue, diarrhoea, and hypertension.
A large cohort study found that history of palpitations and hypertension are significant risk factors for atrial fibrillation in both men and women. Palpitations increased the risk of AF by 62% in women and 91% in men, while hypertension doubled the risk in women and increased it by 40% in men.
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that apigenin slows breast cancer cell growth by inducing cell death, inhibiting proliferation, and reducing gene expression. Apigenin-treated mice showed smaller tumors and restricted nutrient flow to cancer cells.
A systematic review found high prevalence rates of malaria and STIs/RTIs among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. The pooled prevalence estimates indicate that 32% of peripheral malaria and 25.8% placental malaria were present, while bacterial vaginosis affected 50.8% of the population.
An international convention on global health R&D is recommended by the WHO expert group to secure a systemic solution. The proposed convention aims to create a formalized platform for R&D coordination, pooling financial investments and holding countries accountable for their actions.
A new study published in Psychological Science finds that both men and women perceive images of sexy women's bodies as objects, while they view sexy-looking men as people. This study contributes to our understanding of objectification and its impact on human perception.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found a potential treatment for craniosynostosis and acanthosis nigricans, two birth defects associated with Beare-Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome. Inhibiting the protein p38 improved skull and skin defect outcomes in mouse models.
A Penn State study found that 57.6% of patients prescribed antipsychotic medications in 2003 did not have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, highlighting potential savings through reduced off-label use. The study suggests that Medicaid programs may benefit from reducing non-FDA-approved use of these medications.
Studies by University of Gothenburg researcher Daniel Gustafsson reveal that body lice can spread more easily than wing lice, defying expectations. Genetic data shows that almost identical body lice are found on most sandpipers worldwide, highlighting the importance of migration patterns and host bird size.
Using the foxtail millet genome as a reference, researchers have developed genetic tools for switchgrass, a promising biofuels feedstock. The high-quality genome allows for efficient transformation methods and understanding of adaptation mechanisms, making it an ideal model system for studying grasses.
A new laxative-free CT colonography technique has been shown to be effective in detecting high-risk polyps, with an accuracy comparable to traditional colonoscopy. The procedure uses computer-aided systems to virtually cleanse and analyze images, reducing discomfort and preparation requirements.
A large study published in CMAJ found that back pain symptoms improve significantly in the first six weeks, but pain and disability may persist even after one year. Patients with acute low-back pain experience a 90% reduction in pain intensity at one year, while those with persistent low-back pain see only a 50% improvement.
Researchers at JBEI have identified a tropical rainforest microbe that can endure relatively high concentrations of an ionic liquid used to dissolve cellulosic biomass. The discovery holds broad implications beyond the production of advanced biofuels, offering a potential solution to reduce biofuel production costs.
The new Bio4D software program will manage biological repositories for genetic and genomic research, including blood, DNA, and tissue samples. It aims to accelerate discovery in the laboratory and help translate information to oncologists working with clinical patients.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine developed a bio-hybrid device that acts as an 'inflammation thermostat' to control systemic inflammation in sepsis. The device loads human liver cells engineered to produce anti-inflammatory proteins, which balance inflammation and immune responses.
Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have discovered a bacterium that can tolerate toxic chemicals used in biofuel production, allowing for more efficient processing. This breakthrough has the potential to greatly benefit industrial processes and improve the efficiency of biofuel production.
A $1.5 million NIH grant will support a four-year research project led by Frances Sladek to characterize SNPs' effects on nuclear receptors and predict disease susceptibility and response to drug treatments. The study aims to bring personalized medicine closer for patients.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new UV disinfection technology using LED lights that can kill pathogens like bacteria and viruses. The technology has potential applications in drinking-water treatment and sterilizing surgical tools.
Researchers found no link between beta blocker use and colorectal cancer risk, even after considering patient characteristics. Long-term use or subtypes of beta blockers showed no reduction in colorectal cancer risk.
Scientists from University of Utah and Harvard develop method to detect changes in CO2 emissions of 15% or more using three monitoring stations. The method is a proof-of-concept step towards verifying compliance with future greenhouse gas treaties.
A new study by Dr. Gary Pickering and colleagues from Brock University found that changes in food temperature alter the intensity of sour, bitter, and astringent tastes but not sweetness. The research involved 74 participants who tasted sweet, sour, bitter, and astringent solutions at varying temperatures.
Iowa State University and Salk Institute researchers discovered the function of three plant proteins involved in regulating fatty acid accumulation and temperature stress mitigation in plants. The study's findings have major implications for sustainable food production, biorenewable chemicals, and fuels.
Researchers found that a comprehensive care management program for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may not be safe or suitable for patients, as it led to excess mortality. In contrast, laxative-free colonography proved accurate in detecting most significant lesions and eliminated a major barrier to colon cancer screening. ...
A new study finds that nearly 9% of the Western Hemisphere's mammals may be unable to keep pace with climate change. Climate change projections suggest that many species will experience severe range contractions due to slow dispersal rates.
Research finds that sleepwalking is more prevalent among US adults than previously thought, affecting up to 8.4 million people. The study also shows an association between nocturnal wanderings and certain psychiatric disorders.
Researchers created an innovative biomimetic model of the human immune system called MIMIC®, enabling faster and more effective vaccine development. The MIMIC platform provides a novel in vitro model for evaluating human immune responses against candidate drugs, adjuvants, and vaccines.
Researchers created a website called Twipolitico that analyzes tweets to track the presidential race. The site utilizes machine learning algorithms and natural language processing techniques to analyze sentiment and topic trends in real-time, providing valuable insights for candidates and strategists alike.
A study published in Pain found that previous painful experiences with needles enhance unpleasantness of pain when viewing needle pricks. Clinicians may advise patients to look away during injections to reduce pain intensity.
A study published in Nature reveals the cellular secrets of plant fatty acid production, highlighting a key enzyme that can be engineered to increase oil content in crops. The findings have significant implications for food security, renewable energy, and biomedicine, potentially leading to higher-yield crops and new bio-renewable fuels.
Researchers found excess protein in urine dipstick tests predicted renal failure in 55% of sepsis patients. The test is widely available and inexpensive, providing early diagnosis of renal failure.
The inaugural issue of Disruptive Science and Technology explores new paradigms in scientific publishing, treatments for sepsis, and temperature regulation, among other topics. The journal provides a custom-designed forum for world-class papers that challenge the status quo and bring about new innovations.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine reports that gastric feeding tubes may not prevent but rather increase the risk of pressure ulcers in people with advanced dementia. The analysis of thousands of nursing home patients found that those with a feeding tube were 2.27 times more likely to develop a stage II ulcer, and ...
Researchers at NYSCF have successfully grown compact bone tissue using human embryonic stem cells, which can be used to repair and replace damaged bone in patients. The breakthrough could lead to personalized bone grafts that avoid immune rejection.
A team of scientists led by Washington University's Jeffrey I. Gordon will investigate the complex relationship between diet, gut microbes and immune system in severely malnourished children. The research aims to discover novel dietary and microbial therapeutics to target infants and children living in countries with rampant malnutrition.
Current colorectal cancer screening guidelines for individuals with first-degree relatives having precancerous colon polyps are not based on well-designed studies. A new systematic review calls for new research to measure the risk and identify modifying factors.
A study by Guido Frank and colleagues found that anorexic women's brains are overactive in response to food cues, while obese women's brains are underactive. This suggests a link between brain function and eating behavior in these conditions.
Researchers at CNIO successfully test first gene therapy to combat aging, extending mouse lifespan up to 24 percent and improving health. The therapy delivers a 'rejuvenating' effect using telomerase enzyme, repairing or delaying DNA damage.
Research reveals that salmon raised in hatcheries can harm wild populations through competition for food and habitat. This has significant implications for long-term survival of wild salmon species, highlighting the need for caution and further research to ensure sustainable fisheries management.
A new article by UCSF researchers outlines a 10-year plan to fight depression, emphasizing the need for routine access to prevention interventions. The authors suggest identifying high-risk individuals and reducing new cases of depression by half.
The Office of Naval Research has launched an initiative to develop a web-based application, ICODE MDA, to enhance maritime domain awareness and combat piracy, drug smuggling, and other threats. The project partners with Chilean researchers to create software for automation, small-target detection, and intent detection.
A new study found that the annual number of battery-related emergency department visits among children younger than 18 years of age more than doubled from 2,591 in 1990 to 5,525 in 2009. The majority of cases involved products not intended for young children, such as watches and remote controls.
A new University of Illinois study shows that human milk oligosaccharides produce short-chain fatty acids that feed a beneficial microbial population in the infant gut. The composition of bacteria changes over time, with different HMO components producing distinct patterns of short-chain fatty acids.
A new study describes a compound that selectively kills cancer cells by restoring the structure and function of mutant p53. This finding supports the development of rationally targeted cancer therapies and has potential for treating 30,000 patients annually in the US.
Researchers conducted a 10-year retrospective study on HIV patients in San Francisco, finding that they suffered sudden cardiac death at a rate four times higher than the general population. The study suggests that HIV changes the electrophysiology of the heart, increasing the risk of conduction abnormalities and sudden death.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that persistent pain and hyperalgesia are generated by the same nerves but through different mechanisms. The discovery could lead to more effective painkillers with fewer side effects.
A randomized controlled trial found smoked cannabis to be effective in reducing spasticity and pain in people with treatment-resistant multiple sclerosis. However, the study also showed that smoking cannabis was associated with acute cognitive impairments.
A team of scientists has identified the genetic cause of Hamamy syndrome, a rare birth defect marked by abnormal facial features and heart defects. The discovery links the disease to a mutation in the IRX5 gene, which is highly conserved across animals.
Researchers developed a genetic test to predict ocular melanoma tumor spread, classifying tumors with over 97% accuracy. The test identified two classes of tumors: those unlikely to spread (class 1) and those more likely to develop metastatic cancer (class 2).
A new biohybrid device can reprogram the inflammatory response at the whole-organism level, offering a foundational concept for genetically modified cells and tailored clinical applications. This innovation holds potential to prevent sepsis and other life-threatening complications associated with acute inflammation.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center identified microRNA-3151 as a new independent prognostic marker in certain patients with acute leukemia. The study found that overexpression of miR-3151 leads to poor treatment responses and shorter survival periods, independent of other gene mutations.