The NIH awards a five-year contract of up to $19.4 million to the Malaria Host-Pathogen Interaction Center (MaHPIC) at Emory University to study malaria parasite interactions with human and animal hosts. The project will integrate data from various research areas, including metabolomics, lipidomics, and mathematical modeling.
Safety-net hospitals provide head and neck cancer surgical care to vulnerable populations without increased short-term mortality, morbidity, or costs. The study found a disproportionate amount of care provided to uninsured or underinsured patients, highlighting the need for healthcare reform to address economic challenges.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that limiting neurosurgery residents' work hours hasn't decreased complication rates, but actually increased them in teaching hospitals. Complication rates remained stable in non-teaching hospitals.
Scientists develop a device that can form and control sound bullets in water, with potential uses for underwater imaging and biomedical applications. The device, inspired by Newton's cradle, focuses high-amplitude pressure pulses into compact sound bullets that can be tightly focused on a target area.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine has identified a new cause of hydrocephalus, a devastating neurological disorder affecting newborn babies. By bypassing a faulty cell signaling defect with a drug treatment, researchers were able to reduce the severity of the condition and improve patient outcomes.
New research reveals the benefits of gratitude for social and personal well-being, as well as its cultural variations. Additionally, studies show that weight stigma can negatively affect health and performance, while questioning traditional assumptions about monogamy's benefits.
A new study review from the University of Kentucky found that music therapy can reduce pain, anxiety, and recovery time for surgery patients. Patients who received music therapy were less anxious before procedures, recovered more quickly, and required less sedative medication.
A study of 13,451 US adults found unemployment, job losses, and short work periods were associated with increased risk for acute myocardial infarction. The risks were highest within the first year of unemployment, but also linked to multiple job losses, regardless of time unemployed.
The Indianapolis Discovery Network for Dementia's collaborative approach combines human interaction with technology to improve dementia care. The network has developed innovative tools, such as the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale and the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor, which are now in worldwide use.
A new study at the University of Cincinnati uses computer-based simulation modeling to estimate the operational disruption and lost opportunity costs of introducing HIV testing into emergency departments. The research aims to provide valuable guidance for hospitals and policymakers on implementing HIV screening programs.
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that less than half of Ontario youth aged 15-19 with a psychiatric diagnosis received follow-up care within a month after discharge. This lack of timely aftercare is linked to demographics, diagnoses, and socioeconomic status.
Scientists have developed a method to generate steam using sunlight and nanoparticles, which can be used for purification of drinking water, sterilization of medical instruments, and sanitizing sewage. The approach produces steam with virtually no wasteful heating of the surrounding liquid, achieving an energy efficiency of 24%.
Researchers describe a new method for invisibility cloaking using ocean floor topography to shield floating objects from waves. By manipulating internal waves, objects can be protected from surface waves, offering potential benefits for offshore structures and fishing.
Drs. Christophe Benoist and Diane Mathis were awarded the 2012 Naomi Berrie Award for their contributions to understanding type 1 diabetes. They elucidated key immunological mechanisms, including T-cell priming and central tolerance, which may lead to prevention or reversal of the disease through immunization.
Two new research projects have been awarded £12.2 million in funding to tackle Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus and emerging poultry viruses. The projects will focus on developing novel solutions for disease control, including the use of weakened viruses to prompt an immune response.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine identified a genetic factor KLF4 that prevents blockages from forming in blood vessels. The study found that a shortage of KLF4 makes the lining more prone to plaque buildup and clot formation, while sufficient levels protect against toxins and disease.
Researchers at Columbia University have launched a pilot facility in Ghana to convert fecal sludge into biodiesel fuel, producing renewable, cost-effective sustainable energy. The project aims to create an economically sustainable approach to waste management, eliminating the sanitation crisis in developing cities.
A Mayo Clinic case study validates teleconcussion as a useful means to assess concussed patients in rural Arizona. The program uses telemedicine technology to bring concussion expertise to underserved areas, addressing the lack of access to neurological expertise in metropolitan areas.
Two new clinical practice guidelines from six organizations address testing for patients with stable ischemic heart disease (IHD), recommending thorough history and physical examination prior to additional testing. A separate study found that adding testosterone to sildenafil therapy does not improve erectile function in men with low t...
An experimental study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid found that income redistribution in the welfare state is not based on a consensus to relieve misfortune, but rather due to fear of unequal treatment. The researchers concluded that the social contract supporting the welfare state is fragile and lacks a Hobbesian element.
A recent study suggests that diagnostic tests are frequently repeated among Medicare beneficiaries, with 55% of those undergoing echocardiography having a second test within three years. This finding raises questions about the routine repetition of diagnostic tests and their impact on healthcare costs and patient health.
The North American Oak Skeletonizer has invaded Europe on planted Northern Red Oaks since 1989. The moth's arrival is attributed to air transport of cocoons from NATO aircraft, leading to the discovery of this previously unknown species in Europe.
Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of nanoparticle called lava dots, which are hollow and coated versions of quantum dots. The particles were discovered using a 'molten-droplet synthesis' technique and can be used as catalysts for hydrogen production, chemical sensors, and solar cells.
Researchers are studying different methods to kill sand flies, including screening insecticides and developing diagnostic tools. Sand fly resistance to pesticides is also being studied, which could help protect military personnel and others affected by this pest.
Astronomers have discovered a super-Jupiter orbiting the star Kappa Andromedae, with a mass about 12.8 times greater than Jupiter's. The object's ambiguity between being a planet or brown dwarf allows researchers to explore theoretical limits of planetary formation.
A 40-year study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that smokers who reduced their cigarette consumption saw a 15% reduced risk of mortality and a 23% reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality. Formerly heavy smokers had the most to gain from smoking reduction.
A study of Danish soldiers found that childhood experiences of family violence and emotional problems predicted the onset of PTSD. The researchers suggest that social support and camaraderie during army life minimized mental health benefits for these soldiers, leading to increased symptoms after deployment.
A study of postdischarge complications after general surgery procedures found that 16.7% of patients experienced a complication, with the majority occurring within 30 days of discharge. Proctectomy, enteric fistula repair, and pancreatic procedures had the highest postdischarge complication rates.
Robert E.W. Hancock, a UBC microbiologist, has received the Prix Galien 2012 Research Award for his groundbreaking research on complex interactions between antibiotics and bacteria. His work focuses on developing new therapeutic approaches to infectious diseases like malaria.
A study by Temple University found a significant association between decreased kidney function and reduced global cognitive ability, abstract reasoning, and verbal memory. Researchers tracked 590 individuals over five years to examine the longitudinal impact of renal decline on cognitive functioning.
A biodegradable nanoparticle has been shown to halt multiple sclerosis in mice by tricking the immune system into stopping its attack on myelin. This technology also shows promise for treating Type 1 diabetes and airway allergies such as asthma.
Research published in Nature Climate Change finds that outdated UN climate negotiation structures hinder progress, particularly for poor countries. The study recommends capping delegation numbers to ensure broad representation and improve decision-making.
A Stanford/Yale study reveals that induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are not as genetically unstable as previously thought. The research found that the perceived changes in iPS cell genetic makeup were actually accurate reflections of existing, but previously undetected, genetic variations among human cells. This discovery is ...
Researchers used optogenetics to map the neural mechanisms underlying motivation, revealing multiple switches that control behavioral patterns. They identified key regions in the brain stem and prefrontal cortex involved in motivation, shedding light on the causes of depression and psychomotor retardation.
Researchers have developed a novel treatment that selectively inhibits the part of the immune system responsible for attacking myelin, reducing inflammation in autoimmune disorders like MS. The therapy uses microscopic particles to induce tolerance in animal models, showing potential for treating MS, type I diabetes, and food allergies.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new algorithm called ReFIT that greatly improves the speed and accuracy of thought-controlled computer cursors. The system, which was tested on rhesus monkeys, can control the cursor with speeds approaching those of real arms, while previous systems saw decline in performance over time.
A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that children who attended daycare were 50% more likely to be overweight or obese between ages 4-10. The study suggests that diet and physical activity are key factors to reduce weight problems in children, regardless of whether they attend daycare.
By fabricating graphene structures atop nanometer-scale steps etched into silicon carbide, researchers have created a substantial electronic bandgap suitable for room-temperature electronics. The bandgap allows for the fabrication of transistors and other devices, potentially opening the door for developing all-carbon integrated circuits.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered that genetic variations are common in the body's tissues, with 30% of skin cells harboring copy number variations. This finding has significant implications for genetic screening and our understanding of human development and disease.
A study has identified two genetic factors linked to sagittal craniosynostosis, a condition causing premature skull closure. The findings may lead to prenatal screening and diagnostic tests or early interventions to prevent the condition.
Bochum clinicians successfully performed MRI scans on 326 children without sedation, achieving a 97% diagnostic relevance rate. The BLADE technique was used to minimize blurring and maximize image quality, allowing for successful examinations in 41% of three-year-olds, 91% of four-year-olds, and 98% of patients over five years old.
A UCSF study suggests an association between attentional state and length of telomeres, finding that those who report more mind wandering have shorter telomeres, while those who are more present in the moment have longer telomeres. Mindful meditation interventions may promote health by increasing activity of telomerase.
Researchers have developed a super hydrophobic coating that prevents water from sticking to an airplane's surface, reducing the risk of ice formation. The coating, containing microscopic particles of Teflon-based material, reduces energy needed to detach water, making it easy to remove.
Children who learn to swim early achieve better visual-motor skills and excel in literacy and numeracy. The comprehensive three-year study found significant differences between swimming and non-swimming children, regardless of socio-economic status.
Research shows that exposure to fine air particulate matter may be an environmental risk factor for reduced cognitive function in older adults. Cognitive decline was associated with every ten point increase in fine air particulate matter exposures, equivalent to aging three years.
The Skynet Junior Scholars program will train middle school educators to engage youths in telescopic observations of planets, asteroids, and galaxies. The program aims to introduce students to potential STEM careers during the critical middle school years.
Researchers reveal that a soccer 'knuckleball' shot causes a zigzag trajectory due to aerodynamic lift forces, not deformations at the site of impact. The study sheds light on the phenomenon's unpredictability and potential role in historic experiments trying to prove the Earth's rotation.
A MSU team is working to collar Baird's tapirs in Nicaragua to monitor their movements and determine how they can co-exist with local farmers. The research aims to find a balance between the animals' survival and crop protection.
A $20 million remote sensing instrument package built by CU-Boulder is being integrated onto a NASA Mars spacecraft. The package, designed to study the Martian atmosphere, will provide global context and help scientists rewrite textbooks about the upper atmosphere of Mars.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that a protein known for causing cancer cells to spread is also involved in brain repair. The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests new avenues for treating degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's.
The Rice team's device can modulate a signal at more than 10 gigabits per second, making it suitable for real-time video processing and high-speed data throughput. This breakthrough has the potential to scale up the capability of optical information processing systems by several magnitudes.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that experienced Brazilian mediums show lower brain activity in certain areas during psychography, a form of writing believed to be guided by spirits. The findings suggest an absence of focus, self-awareness, and consciousness during the trance-like state.
Josiah Tlou, a renowned educator and international expert, has been named Distinguished Global Scholar by the National Council for the Social Studies. His contributions include developing social studies curricula in Malawi and promoting education through partnerships with USAID and UNICEF.
Stephon Alexander, a prominent physicist at Dartmouth College, has received the Edward A. Bouchet Award for his work on theoretical cosmology and its impact on early universe studies. The award recognizes his efforts to promote diversity in physics research.
A parasitic worm, prevalent in Southeast Asia, is believed to cause infections that contribute to liver cancer. The grant-funded research aims to understand how the worm's granulin secretion enhances tumorigenic environments and may lead to the development of a treatment.
A growing body of literature suggests that alterations in regulatory T cell function may contribute to the development of sepsis. Manipulating these cells may offer a promising approach to treating patients with septic shock. The Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research reviews the current understanding of this complex immune response.
Researchers compare three immunoassay methods to detect EBV infection in patients with mononucleosis or immunosuppressed adult liver transplant recipients. The study suggests that molecular tests identifying early protein markers may have value for diagnosing active infection.
Researchers study 'The Cheerios Effect' to understand colloidal self assembly and its applications in pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and more. The team uses acrylic shapes and laser cutting to visualize particle motion related to meniscus dynamics.
A novel brain mechanism has been identified that mediates the inhibition of critical breathing muscles during REM sleep, causing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. This inhibition affects the airspace behind the tongue, leading to self-suffocation episodes, which can occur hundreds of times a night.
A new four-year program aims to draw young artists into science careers by integrating art, biology, and physics. The project, Project STEAM, offers summer academies, science cafés, and activity kits to inspire interest in science among art-interested students, particularly girls.