A team of researchers has found evidence for a dramatic rise in early oxygen levels around 2.3 billion years ago, followed by an equally impressive fall. This drop in oxygen may have ushered in low-oxygen concentrations that set the stage for the evolution of eukaryotic organisms and eventually animals.
Researchers found a direct relationship between telomere length and pancreatic cancer risk: shorter telomeres increase the likelihood of developing the disease. The study used data from over 1,500 individuals, including those with pancreatic cancer and healthy controls, to demonstrate this link.
The new journal will publish innovative research, interviews, roundtable discussions, and briefs on emerging space-based technologies and initiatives. It aims to facilitate collaborations among industry, academia, and government agencies, advancing knowledge and society through space exploration.
A new paper by a Michigan State University professor argues that medical organizations should consider the varying degrees of health risk within racial groups when making recommendations. He suggests adding phrases to dietary guidelines and screening recommendations to be more specific and socially responsible.
A significant solar flare occurred on Oct. 22, 2012, peaking at an X1.8-class intensity, impacting radio communications for about an hour. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association categorized the radio blackout as R3 on a scale from R1 to R5.
Researchers found that Avastin increases survival in around 10-15% of bowel cancer patients by targeting the growth-promoting VEGF165 protein. Patients with lower levels of VEGF165b benefited from the treatment, while those with higher levels saw no improvement.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that provider-initiated HIV testing does not negatively impact clients' consent practices, confidentiality, and referral to care. The research suggests that various modes of access can be scaled up without compromising individuals' rights.
The University of Houston's Graduate Design/Build Studio has received the Mayor's Proud Partner Award for its sustainable design and construction of a solar-powered outdoor classroom. The studio, part of UH's Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, collaborated with local organizations to create the eco-friendly pavilion.
A new genus of ferns has been discovered, with 19 species named after pop star Lady Gaga. The 'Gaga' ferns were recognized for their unique characteristics, including fluid definitions of gender and a distinct DNA sequence spelling GAGA.
A team of neuroscientists proposes a new method to assemble the 'connectome' via genetic barcoding, which uses high-throughput DNA sequencing to probe neural connectivity at the resolution of single neurons. This approach promises to be much faster and cheaper than current methods.
Researchers at Duke University have observed the deformation of water droplets within polymers when exposed to high electric voltages. The droplets transform from a spherical shape to a tubular shape, leading to material failure and potential applications in tunable lenses for eyes.
Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute have developed a statistical model that can replicate chaotic flows in two dimensions, providing a better understanding of turbulent behavior. This breakthrough enables more accurate weather forecasting by accounting for motion patterns in the atmosphere, which are largely two-dimensional.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center studied the relationship between sunlight exposure patterns and timing to understand its contribution to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Blistering sunburns and working outdoors were found to be associated with both types of skin cancer.
A study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that cooperative family interactions and differing parental feeding patterns are crucial to a family's success. Small to medium-sized broods did best when mothers provided most food, while larger broods thrived with fathers as main feeders.
Researchers have provided a mathematical formula to describe the processes that dictate how cauliflower-like patterns form and develop. The formula was derived from thin films grown using chemical vapour deposition, which successfully predicted the final cauliflower-like patterns by comparing them to actual plants.
Researchers at Kansas State University are using the new mass spectrometer to analyze plant responses to heat, cold, and other stresses. By studying Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant species, they aim to improve crop plants' ability to withstand environmental stress.
A University of Houston geologist is leading an international team on a two-month, $10 million expedition to drill into the Pacific Ocean's lower crust. The voyage aims to distinguish between competing theories on magma intrusion, shedding light on volcanic seafloor spreading and oceanic processes.
The report highlights poor road safety, traffic congestion, and air pollution in Africa, with urban populations expanding at unprecedented rates. It makes recommendations for sustainable transport policies based on five central principles to maximize accessibility and equity.
A new report by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute suggests that declining medical imaging use may be driving up hospital stays and medical costs in the US. This trend could have negative consequences on patient safety and access to care if not addressed through policy changes.
Astronomers discovered a quasar hidden behind a dusty galaxy, where no starlight is visible due to intense dust blocking. The James Webb Space Telescope will help detect the underlying stars, which were not seen by Hubble.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are 12 times more likely to develop autism. The findings suggest a shared genetic root cause between the two conditions, shedding light on their genetics.
Researchers have developed self-powered sensors that can harness heat from nuclear reactors to transmit data, addressing a critical monitoring issue. The sensors use thermoacoustic technology, exploiting the interaction between heat and sound waves to operate without electronic power or moving parts.
Researchers at CHEST 2012 present a promising new antidote, cobinamide, to reverse cyanide toxicity in smoke inhalation victims. The study showed that intravenous cobinamide reversed cyanide toxicity without adverse effects, offering hope for mass casualty exposure scenarios.
Tropical Depression 18 (TD18) formed in the southwestern Caribbean Sea on Oct. 22, according to NASA's TRMM satellite. The depression has a 'hot towering' thunderstorm indicating potential intensification within 6 hours.
A team of researchers at the Weizmann Institute has discovered how immune cells produce a wide range of receptors to fight different diseases. By analyzing the genetic sequences of lymphocyte receptors in mice, they found that the flexibility and length of DNA segments play a crucial role in determining the likelihood of two distant se...
A new study found that sleep architecture, not just duration, affects hunger and food intake in healthy adults. Researchers discovered that shorter stages of deep sleep and less REM sleep are associated with higher hunger levels and increased calorie consumption from fat and carbohydrates.
A new study suggests that COPD readmissions are more common among patients with advanced disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, alcohol abuse, or those using supplemental oxygen. Researchers found these unmodifiable risk factors to be associated with a higher likelihood of 30-day readmission.
A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder team analyzed extensive climate datasets and violent conflicts in East Africa, finding moderate increases in temperature reduce conflict risk slightly, while very hot temperatures increase it. Socioeconomic factors have a much greater impact on conflict risk than climate change.
A new study found that many high school football players are not concerned about concussions and don't report their symptoms due to fear of being excluded from play. The survey showed that only a marginal change in behaviors and concerns for health consequences has occurred despite increased media attention.
A proposed state-based national conservation-support network aims to improve coordination of resources and planning among states, regions and nationwide. The network would facilitate the resolution of large-scale conservation challenges and advance collaborative conservation.
A new study reveals that consumers are less satisfied when they receive products with easily countable rewards, focusing instead on the value. In contrast, rewards that are harder to quantify, such as free products or vacation packages, lead to more satisfying experiences as consumers focus on the unique aspects of their own experience.
The quality of care for patients hospitalized with VTE significantly improved between 2005 and 2009, likely due to the implementation of VTE treatment guidelines. The study found a decrease in in-hospital mortality and length of stay, while total cost per case remained stable.
A 10-minute stress reduction technique, called Tension Tamer, was tested on 334 patients in a heart health program. The study found that 65% of participants improved their perceived stress levels by an average of 6.6 points, while those who didn't improve showed worsened stress levels.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that brachytherapy, a low-complication-rates treatment for early-stage breast cancer, actually results in more complications than whole-breast radiation one year after treatment. The use of brachytherapy was associated with a 16.9% higher rate of wound and skin complications.
A study used next-generation sequencing to identify tuberculosis genes in a 19th-century skeleton, revealing a historic strain of the disease. The technology saved time and accurately identified DNA, paving the way for further research into the disease's evolution.
A study of 564 US hospitals found patients treated in magnet hospitals had a 14% lower risk of death after surgery. Magnet hospitals are recognized for high-quality patient care, nurse education, and innovation, leading to better outcomes.
Treating chronic hepatitis C with antiviral drugs could reduce liver cancer risk by half, according to a meta-analysis of published research. In some cases, treatment can even prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer worldwide.
Two studies explored racial disparities in IBD symptoms and therapy, finding that African Americans are more likely to have extra-intestinal manifestations, joint symptoms, and pyoderma gangrenosum. Researchers also reported a higher prevalence of severe fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease among African Americans compared to Caucasians.
Researchers found that asking two simple questions about bed-partner interactions significantly improved the prediction of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnoses. The study showed increased likelihood of snoring and apneic spells as disease severity increased, supporting the use of this test in pre-diagnosis screening.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that states with booster seat laws have a 20% lower rate of death/incapacitating injuries for children ages 4-6, and a 33% lower rate for 7- to 8-year-olds. Booster seats are crucial in preventing accidents, especially among young children.
A new electrical stimulation treatment has shown promising results in resolving gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. The treatment involves implanting a device that uses low-energy electrical pulses to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, which can help prevent acid reflux.
Exposure to secondhand smoke in cars and bars significantly affects airway resistance and impedance within 20 minutes. The study found that short-term exposure to concentrated smoke particulates led to immediate physiologic changes in normal airways.
A study published in Current Biology found that fear can alter basic aspects of how we perceive the world around us. Researchers used an experiment to test the effect of fear on time-to-collision judgments, showing that participants tended to underestimate collision times for threatening objects.
A recent University of Michigan poll reveals that one-third of parents with young children in child care are worried about losing their job or pay due to missing work to care for sick kids. Finding alternative or back-up care is also difficult for nearly two-thirds of these parents.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against the use of estrogen and progestin for chronic disease prevention in postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapies may reduce fracture risk but increase risk for stroke, thromboembolic events, and urinary incontinence. The recommendations aim to balance benefits with risks.
Advanced endoscopic tools and techniques, such as POEM for achalasia treatment and pCLE for IBS diagnosis, show promising results. These innovations aim to improve diagnosis and treatment options for gastrointestinal disorders.
A soft chest band worn for 8 hours a day showed significant antitussive effect in patients with persistent dry cough. Over 1 year, 88% of patients improved their cough scores and 59% were able to reduce the cough frequency.
Researchers found that only 10% of patients received sedentary behavior counseling, while 53% received physical activity counseling. Sedentary behavior has been linked to increased risk for chronic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A new study reveals that climate change will have devastating effects on the Baltic Sea, including a decline in species diversity and a rise in eutrophication. Researchers found that reducing nutrient run-off from land may help mitigate these changes.
A new study reveals that consumers use different naive theories to interpret the same information, influencing their perceptions of product quality and value. The findings suggest that subtle tactics used by companies can backfire if they assume a single naive theory is driving consumer evaluation.
A study found that at-risk teenagers, who cycle through the juvenile justice system, have a favorable attitude towards accessing their health records online. The researchers propose implementing online health records for these teens to address inconsistent healthcare and improve access to medical information.
Amanda Botticello received a $736,216 NIH grant to investigate the role of environmental factors in rehabilitation outcomes for spinal cord injury. The study aims to identify community-level factors that threaten physical, psychological, and social gains during rehabilitation.
A study published in Neurology found that people over 70 who exercised regularly showed less brain shrinkage and had more grey matter than those who did little exercise. Regular physical activity was also linked to fewer damaged areas in the white matter of the brain.
A new inhibitor has been shown to decrease relapses in ex-smoker rats by preventing the interaction of two neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. The study found that long-term nicotine exposure causes these receptors to interact, leading to increased cravings.
A new study by The Journal of Urology reports that outpatient urological surgical procedures performed in ambulatory surgery centers and physician offices are significantly less costly than hospitals. On average, payments for these procedures were up to a third lower when done outside hospital settings.
A study by multiple institutions found that roflumilast increased lung function in moderate and severe COPD patients, with significant improvements in FEV1 after 6 months. Roflumilast was compared to placebo, showing consistent increases in lung function across treatment groups.
Researchers have shown how living organisms evolve new functions from limited genes by duplicating and mutating existing genes. The 'innovation, amplification and divergence' model explains how a newly duplicated gene sticks around long enough to pick up a useful new function.
Researchers presented new insights on esophageal cancer prevention with statins, which showed a 30% reduction in incidence. Additionally, mortality rates from upper gastrointestinal bleeding decreased by 45%, while novel treatments for GERD and IBS were introduced, including electrical stimulation of the esophagus.
A dedicated critical care ultrasound training program significantly improves physician trainees' knowledge of ultrasonography and image acquisition skills. The program resulted in notable improvements in confidence levels and bedside performances among participants.
The SwRI Solar Instrument Pointing Platform (SSIPP) is a portable unit that will fly on new commercial manned suborbital craft, providing a stabilized view of the Sun to small instruments. SSIPP aims to reduce costs and accelerate innovation in space instrumentation by delivering common infrastructure and conditioned optical beams.