Researchers found that epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a compound in green tea, can reduce blood glucose levels when combined with starchy foods. This suggests that drinking green tea with meals containing starch may help control typical blood sugar increases.
Researchers developed an energy-harvesting device that uses piezoelectricity to convert heartbeat-induced vibrations into electricity. The device can generate enough power to continuously operate a pacemaker without the need for battery replacements.
A crowdsourcing contest led to the identification of over 1,400 automated external defibrillators in public places, providing crucial data for quick bystander response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Public education remains a key priority to improve use of AEDs.
A Japanese study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2012 found that family members were least likely to administer CPR after a cardiac arrest, but most likely to receive telephone instructions. Researchers attributed this to cultural and demographic issues in Japan, including a large gender gap.
Suicide rates in the US rose sharply from 1999 to 2010, with a quadrupled increase from 2008 to 2010, accounting for around 1500 additional deaths per year since 2007. Rising unemployment is believed to be a major contributor to this trend.
Daniel J. Rader, MD, has been awarded the American Heart Association's (AHA) Clinical Research Prize for developing new methods to identify factors regulating fat particle metabolism and testing their impact on atherosclerosis. His research focuses on genetic and pharmacologic regulation of lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis.
A new study maps England's heart disease rates, showing a growing gap between rich and poor communities, especially among those over 65. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address social determinants of health and improve cardiovascular care in vulnerable populations.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that cardiac bypass surgery is superior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for adults with diabetes and multi-vessel coronary heart disease. After five years, the CABG group had fewer adverse events and better survival rates than the PCI group.
Researchers at NYU used computer simulations to study the stability of DNA lesions caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can lead to cancer. The study found that some PAH-derived lesions stabilize the DNA they damage, making it difficult for repair proteins to mark them for repair.
A University of Alberta researcher warns that couples should address relationship doubts before getting married. The study found that more confident couples spent more time together and stayed happy over a four-year period.
Studies by University of Illinois researchers Jesse Preston and Daniel Yang found that asking people to think broadly about a subject can lead to increased moderation in political beliefs. The research used techniques known to induce an abstract mindset, such as viewing images or reading ambiguous articles in different formats.
A new study tested Cope's Rule, which suggests that small animals evolve into bigger ones, on non-avian dinosaurs. The research found that some groups of dinosaurs, such as ceratopsids and hadrosaurs, tend to increase in size over time, while others, like four-legged sauropods, show no upper limit to their body size.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that using a specific frame to describe income inequality can influence people's views on redistributive tax policies. Participants who were told that the rich make more than the poor showed less opposition to raising taxes on the wealthy, while those in control conditions and tho...
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that about half of addiction counselors in the US now find moderate drug use acceptable as an intermediate goal, while one-third consider it acceptable as a final goal. However, for clients with severe dependence, limits on consumption are still widely rejected.
Researchers found that synchronized electrical signals between two key hubs in the brain's working memory circuit carry information about short-term visual memories. The study uses synchronized oscillations to distinguish between object identity and location, potentially overturning prevailing theory on how visual information is encoded.
The Biophysical Society has named Klaus Schulten, Louis De Felice, and Peter von Hippel as recipients of the 2013 Distinguished Service Award, Emily M. Gray Award, and Founders Award respectively. These honors recognize their contributions to advancing knowledge in biophysics.
A University of British Columbia study reveals that conservatives and liberals share a surprising level of common moral ground, particularly on issues of fairness and care for humanity. The research suggests that progress on divisive social issues is more likely when framed in these terms.
Researchers have revised the timeline of our solar system's formation using uranium and lead isotopes in primitive meteorites. The study reveals that chondrules formed during the first three million years, contrary to previous assumptions. This new understanding paints a more familiar picture of planetary system development.
A Penn State study found that enrolling uninsured adults in Medicaid would increase costs by 13% due to their higher disease burden. Extending Medicaid coverage may not be the most cost-effective solution, suggesting strengthening current safety-net providers might be a better approach.
A father-son team has developed a mathematical model to balance costs and benefits of different disaster protection strategies. The approach considers optimization techniques and helps communities make informed choices about protection measures.
A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center reveals that men with employment-contingent health insurance are more likely to feel 'locked' into remaining at work after a health shock, while those on private or spouse's insurance plans face fewer risks. The Affordable Care Act may alleviate this issue, providing ...
A study of almost 1,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer found that active surveillance can reduce or avoid side effects such as incontinence and impotence. Many low-risk tumours are slow-growing and may never develop symptoms during a lifetime.
The Geological Society of America has organized a break-out discussion panel to address the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy on rapid sea-level rise and its impacts. Geoscience experts will discuss the changes caused by the storm to the U.S. East Coast, tying into scheduled presentations on the topic.
Researchers developed a new method to study cellular transport dynamics, providing more comprehensive information than existing methods. The dispersion-relation fluorescence spectroscopy (DFS) approach labels molecules of interest, analyzing spontaneous fluorescence intensity fluctuations to quantify mass transport dynamics.
Researchers found that global warming prevented plant and animal species from fully recovering from the largest mass extinction in Earth's history. The study, led by Ohio State University doctoral student Alexa Sedlacek, suggests that life on Earth today may face similar problems in trying to recover from current climate change.
A recent study by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) reveals that young blackbirds can become 'drunk' on fermented rowan berries. The birds exhibited symptoms similar to those of human intoxication, including unsteadiness, loss of coordination, and tendency to fall over.
A new MRI model reveals why images are sensitive to nerve fiber direction and allows for detailed information about fiber size and direction. This discovery will help clinicians recognize lesions and tailor scans to patients with specific needs.
Recent presidents earn high grades for economic performance, while some historical figures receive failing marks. A new study analyzing data from 1789 to 2009 assigns a grade point average to each president, providing an objective measure of their economic success.
Researchers have identified a specific cellular mechanism that may help overcome endocrine therapy-resistance in patients with estrogen-positive breast cancers. A novel molecular 'crosstalk' point between estrogen and HER2 signaling pathways has been found to drive tamoxifen resistance, according to new findings.
Climate change, fire suppression, and invasive species are threatening mountain meadows in the Pacific Northwest. These ecosystems, once carpeted with grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers, are declining rapidly, with some areas experiencing a 35% increase in tree occupation over just 57 years.
Sandy's remnants continue to linger over a large area in eastern Canada and the northeastern US, with low-pressure areas stretching from Newfoundland and Labrador west over Quebec, Ottawa, and Toronto. The National Weather Service projects that the low-pressure area will shift offshore by November 6.
Researchers found that individuals who dwell on daily stressors and become increasingly upset are more likely to suffer from chronic health issues. The study suggests that learning how to manage stress is key to maintaining good health.
Researchers found that cannabis users with schizophrenia have higher brain activity and correct answers than those without prior cannabis use. The study suggests that cannabis use can imitate the cognitive weakness leading to schizophrenia in non-psychotic individuals.
A four-year health care project in India's poorest district resulted in a half-fall in infant mortality and a three-quarters reduction in women's death from pregnancy and childbirth complications. Nurse-based clinics expanded access to healthcare, changing attitudes towards patients and leading to increased check-ups and hospital births.
Researchers at the University of Vienna have achieved a world record in entangling twisted light quanta, demonstrating a new method for gyrating photons. This breakthrough could lead to entangling and twisting macroscopic objects in two different directions.
Recent studies suggest that hypertension and diabetes are more prevalent in black versus white donors, but the risk attributable to donation remains unknown. Individuals with prediabetes can safely donate kidneys without increasing their risk of developing diabetes or kidney failure.
The Biophysical Society has recognized five individuals with its 2013 awards for their significant contributions to biophysics and biomedical research. Carol Robinson and Joseph Zasadzinski received awards for their innovative work on mass spectrometry and lipid structures, respectively.
A recent study led by Caltech researchers provides new insights into the process of neural crest cell development. The team discovered that DNA-methyltransferase (DNMT) enzyme acts as a switch to determine which cells will remain part of the central nervous system and which will become neural crest cells.
A large-scale study of over 34,000 individuals has identified 71 new genetic regions linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increasing the total number of discovered regions to 163. The findings highlight the complex interplay between the immune system and microbial infections in IBD.
Research at CARB has shown that plants use protein receptors to detect modified Nod factors, leading to root nodule development and nitrogen production. Legumes employ a sophisticated detection system to distinguish between pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms.
A promising stem-cell-based approach has been successfully demonstrated in non-human primates, where transplanted spermatogonial stem cells produce functional sperm. Cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy often become infertile due to treatment damage, but preserving and transplanting SSCs may restore fertility.
Scientists at National Jewish Health identified a novel target for treating peanut allergies by inhibiting Pim 1 kinase, which increases in the intestines of allergic mice. Treatment with a small molecule inhibitor reduced allergic symptoms, including diarrhea and histamine levels.
A new test has been found to be more effective and cheaper than traditional cytology testing for women following pre-cervical cancer treatment. The study suggests that using HPV testing as a 'test of cure' can help avoid recurrence of cervical cancer and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
Research found that church-affiliated teens are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in college, with mentors playing a significant role in their educational success. The study's findings highlight the importance of religious participation and spirituality in achieving higher education attainment.
A Johns Hopkins study found that sticking to a medication regimen reduces debilitating delusions and hallucinations in individuals with schizophrenia. Regular visits to a mental health professional also increase survival rates, suggesting that adhering to treatment plans can improve life expectancy for those affected by the illness.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays a key role in maintaining arterial softness. The protein is associated with the production of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins, which contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.
Researchers have designed a compound that suppresses symptoms of Huntington's disease in mice by targeting mitochondria, potentially leading to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The synthetic antioxidant XJB-5-131 improves mitochondrial function and enhances neuron survival.
A new computer program has been developed to improve genetic test results for Lynch syndrome, a hereditary predisposition to colon cancer. The program helps assess the risk of colon cancer development by evaluating missense substitutions in mismatch repair genes.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed a new medicine to treat patients suffering from homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a rare and deadly cholesterol disorder. Lomitapide substantially reduced LDL cholesterol in patients by up to 50% and improved therapeutic goals for some patients.
Researchers identified a family with two of three children affected by CDD, both carrying a rare DGAT1 gene mutation. The study suggests targeting DGAT1 could cause severe diarrheal disorder in individuals with the mutation.
Scientists have discovered how antibiotics work inside tuberculosis bacteria cells using mass spectrometry. The study's findings suggest that current drugs can be improved by modifying their molecules to withstand bacterial degradation, paving the way for more effective treatments.
Researchers used PET scans to visualize the effect of caffeine on brain adenosine receptors for the first time. The study found that up to 50% of A1 adenosine receptors were occupied by caffeine in regular coffee drinkers, suggesting a potential link to neurodegenerative diseases.
A study examines parental behaviors that create anxious children, revealing a link between parents' social anxiety and their offspring's angst. The research identifies specific behaviors, including lack of warmth and criticism, which can increase anxiety in children.
Researchers have created a plentiful supply of glial progenitor cells, which produce myelin, by mastering the chemical symphony that instructs them to divide. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for diseases like multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.
A combination of an anti-HER2 drug and an angiogenesis inhibitor significantly improves survival in a mouse model of brain metastatic breast cancer. The treatment extends patient survival by slowing the growth of brain tumors, making it a promising approach for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who develop brain metastases.
A new study explores the impact of the interleukin-1β gene on brain function alterations associated with schizophrenia. The research found that patients with schizophrenia who were homozygous for the C allele showed reduced prefrontal cortex activation, while healthy volunteers did not differ by genotype.
A Michigan State University-led team is working with Puerto Rican police to improve homicide investigation techniques, aiming to solve more homicides and reduce the murder rate. The goal is to increase clearance rates from 25% to 65% and lower the homicide rate below 20 per 100,000 people.
Researchers found that targeting CD22 protein on lung cancer cells reduces tumor growth and metastasis in mouse models, leading to improved survival rates. The discovery may lead to the development of a novel therapy for non-small cell lung cancer.
Tropical Depression Nilam has covered southern India with its clouds, stretching from Chennai to Kerala, according to NASA's MODIS image. Heavy rainfall is expected over Rayalaseema, Karnataka, and south coastal Andhra Pradesh before the storm dissipates.
Scientists have discovered that a gene switch regulates the expression of genes and promotes cancer development, according to a study published in Science. The study found that removing a specific region containing a genetic variant increased resistance to tumor formation in mice.