Astronomers detect the lightest exoplanet ever found around a Sun-like star, orbiting about six million kilometers away from the star. The newly discovered planet has a mass similar to Earth and orbits Alpha Centauri B every 3.2 days.
A University at Buffalo study found that obese teenage males have up to 50% less total testosterone than their lean peers, increasing their potential for infertility as adults. The researchers believe that lifestyle changes and weight loss may help restore testosterone levels in obese teen males.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered new components of the DNA damage response network, including proteins that could be targeted as sensitizers for chemotherapy. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies and accelerated treatment for cancer.
A new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that high-dose micronutrient supplementation has no effect on HIV disease progression in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. The study also showed that high doses of multivitamins increased the risk of liver problems and other serious conditions.
New research reveals early childhood trauma shapes the brain, leading to changes that can last a lifetime, including increased risk of mental disorders and heart disease. The studies found specific changes in targeted brain regions and emphasize the importance of preventing early life abuse and neglect.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara aim to create a synthetic patch of fresh cells to replace malfunctioning ones in the eyes, treating age-related macular degeneration. The Garland Initiative, funded by philanthropist Bill Bowes, will advance regenerative bioengineering and cellular therapies for diabetic retinopathy.
Researchers have discovered that anti-cancer drugs can induce the growth and repair of muscle tissue by activating a specific cell-signalling pathway. This process involves the fusion of muscle cells to create new muscle fibres or repair damaged fibres.
A five-year grant will support early-career scientists and clinicians in a yearlong research fellowship at 17 sites in 13 countries. The program aims to enhance career trajectories, strengthen global health research, and bolster networking among participants.
Researchers at Durham University found that channel width plays a crucial role in controlling ice stability and rate of mass loss from ice sheets and glaciers. The study's simulation of past ice-sheet retreat and collapse over a ten thousand year period in Antarctica provides new light on what makes ice stable or unstable.
A new 90-day intravaginal ring delivers steady doses of antiretroviral drug tenofovir to prevent HIV transmission in women, promising improved adherence and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers found that young male orangutans migrate across the island to increase breeding chances and preserve genetic diversity. The study suggests protecting mountainous regions with no viable populations to maintain genetic exchange and promote species survival.
The Lupus Research Institute has awarded $1 million to University of Massachusetts Medical School faculty for research on toll-like receptors in lupus. The award will explore the role of TLR proteins in the disease and identify new targets for therapies.
A study found that a gene variant producing efficient arsenic metabolism is common among Atacameño Indian villagers in Argentina, reducing health risks associated with high levels of arsenic. The research suggests human evolutionary adaptation to environmental toxins may vary among populations.
A novel 90-day intravaginal ring has been developed to deliver tenofovir, the only topical prophylactic shown to reduce HIV transmission, for up to 90 days. The ring overcomes limitations of standard technology and can be modified to deliver multiple drugs.
Studies reveal that diet influences brain mechanisms linked to obesity, diabetes, binge eating, and high-calorie meal cravings. Researchers aim to develop new treatments and raise awareness about the mental health implications of dietary choices.
A Johns Hopkins analysis found that three in 10 kidney transplant recipients require hospital readmission within 30 days. The study highlights the need for better outpatient management systems to prevent costly and potentially preventable return visits.
A recent analysis of survey data shows that feelings of political empowerment among black Americans have decreased significantly since Obama's election, with conservatives and born-again Christians being the most affected. Education remains a key predictor of freedom perceptions among blacks.
A team of IRCM researchers has discovered a critical mechanism of epigenetic cell programming in the pituitary gland. By reprogramming cell identity using the Pax7 gene, they identified cells expressing Pax7 protein in Cushing's disease tumours, which could lead to new pharmacological treatment options.
A recent study published in the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that older black patients are three times more likely to suffer poorer outcomes after surgery, including death, when cared for by nurses with higher workloads. The study assessed nearly 548,000 patients and showed a significant increase in mortality rate...
A recent study published in The BMJ found that muscle relaxants given to patients during general anesthesia are associated with an increased risk of serious breathing problems after surgery. Giving drugs to reverse the muscle relaxants after surgery may increase the risk further. Strategies to prevent lingering effects after surgery ne...
Current resources and strategies for helping smokers quit are available, but often underutilized. The author recommends combining behavioral support with nicotine replacement therapy to improve success rates. Many smokers may not be aware of the support offered by free nationwide toll-free numbers like 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have designed a new CO2 thickener that can increase the viscosity of pure CO2 by 100 times, allowing for more efficient oil extraction. This affordable technology has the potential to transform enhanced oil recovery methods, eliminating water injection and increasing oil production.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that maternal stroking can reverse the negative effects of prenatal stress, increasing gene activity related to stress response. The researchers followed first-time mothers and their children for seven months, discovering a link between maternal touch and infant emotions.
Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of how abnormal red blood cells disrupt circulation in sickle cell disease. The study found that hemoglobin abnormalities play a crucial role in occluding vessels, highlighting potential targets for new treatment strategies.
Extradural brain stimulation has been shown to be safe and effective in improving movement disorder symptoms for patients with Parkinson's disease. The technique, called EMCS, provides a less-invasive alternative to electrical deep brain stimulation (DBS) and led to small but significant improvements in voluntary movement control.
Researchers will analyze water chemistry and pipe materials under controlled conditions to determine the effects of pipe material, water flow, and chemistry on building plumbing microbiomes. The study aims to improve public health by identifying factors that control microbe growth in water systems.
Hurricane Rafael's large span covers several hundred miles and dwarfs Bermuda, with the National Hurricane Center predicting 2-4 inches of rainfall and tropical-storm-force winds. The merging of systems is expected to cause Rafael to transition into a powerful extra-tropical low moving eastward over the far north Atlantic.
Researchers discover fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) increases insulin sensitivity and blocks the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling pathway, leading to a 30-40% increase in average life span in mice. FGF21 overproduction also results in lean mice with no ill effects from reduced bone density.
Researchers have discovered a novel function of non-coding antisense RNA, which enhances the translation of protein coding mRNAs by increasing association with ribosomes. This finding has significant implications for therapeutic applications and challenges current understanding of non-coding RNAs.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that the characteristic shape of a man's urine stream can be used to diagnose urinary problems, including those associated with prostate enlargement. The study found a strong correlation between the shape of the urine flow pattern and the maximum urine flow rate.
A new study published by the Wellcome Trust found that children with ADHD perceive medication as improving their ability to make moral choices. The study also highlights the need for better informed children to discuss their condition with trusted professionals.
Scientists have discovered a complete geomagnetic field reversal 41,000 years ago in Black Sea sediments, which was associated with rapid climate changes and a massive volcanic eruption. The reversal lasted only 440 years and led to a significant increase in radiation exposure due to a weaker magnetic field.
Professor Fredrik Bäckhed and his team will study intestinal flora in newborn children to discover new methods for treating childhood obesity. The researchers aim to determine whether intestinal bacteria from non-obese children can be used to develop new prevention strategies.
Case Western Reserve University researchers have won a $1.2 million grant to develop technology for mass-producing flexible electronic devices. The team aims to create flexible electronics that can be worn on the skin, foldable devices as thin as plastic wrap, and implantable nerve-stimulating electrodes.
Researchers found vitamin D supplementation improved SLE symptoms by increasing beneficial CD4+ cells, Treg cells, and decreasing effector Th1 and Th17 cells. Vitamin D also reduced memory B cell and anti-DNA antibodies in patients.
Researchers at Drexel University identified the physical forces in red blood cells and blood vessels underlying the symptoms of sickle cell disease. They found that rigid sickle cells do not get stuck in narrow capillaries, but instead cause partial obstructions in wider vessels.
A novel drug mimics a naturally occurring molecule found in coffee and blueberries, increasing survival in animal models after radiation exposure. The treatment is non-invasive and can be applied directly to the skin, providing an effective solution for treating radiation exposure.
A study found that enzyme levels in routine blood tests are a better predictor of liver cancer risk than hepatitis infection or other factors. The research used data from over 428,000 people and predicted 91% of liver cancer cases.
Obese children with lower extremity pain have worse physical function and poorer psychological health compared to their obese peers without pain. Physical fitness levels also show a decline in those reporting lower extremity pain, suggesting potential impact on exercise regimes.
A common birth control device has been shown to be effective in treating early-stage endometrial cancer, particularly in morbidly obese and high-risk patients. The intrauterine device releases progestin levonorgestrel, successfully used as a contraceptive for the past decade, and successfully reversed abnormal cell growth in all patients.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have successfully shut down breast cancer and leukemia in mice by targeting abnormal proteins that control cell growth. The study found that inhibiting cyclin D1 or D3 proteins halts cancer growth, while normal cells remain unaffected.
Researchers found that genetic imbalances in most cases determine the evolution from noninvasive to invasive disease. The study identified patterns consistent with known aberration profiles for breast cancer, including the loss of tumor suppressor CDH1 and gain of oncogene MYC.
Researchers at Harvard University found that certain atmospheric particles can resist chemical aging in a jelly-like phase, challenging current climate models. This discovery may impact the formation of clouds and light absorption.
Researchers found that viruses work together to break down plant defenses, causing more severe disease. This phenomenon has important implications for controlling these viruses.
A Mayo Clinic study found that people aged 70 and older who consume high amounts of carbohydrates have nearly four times the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment. In contrast, those with diets high in fat and protein relative to carbohydrates are less likely to experience cognitive decline.
A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics suggests that exercise can improve inhibitory control and academic performance in children with ADHD. The study found that after just 20 minutes of physical activity, kids with ADHD were better able to focus on tasks and ignore distractions.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have discovered stem cells that play a crucial role in new blood vessel growth, offering new opportunities in treating cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other conditions. The discovery could lead to more effective treatments if these cells can be isolated and efficiently produced.
A recent study found that annualized death rates were 4.6-fold higher for female alcohol-dependent individuals and 1.9-fold higher for males compared to the general population. The study also revealed that females with AD had significantly lower life expectancy, with a mean age at death of 60 years.
Tropical Storm Maria is weakening due to increased wind shear and cool ocean temperatures, but will continue moving north-northeast over open waters. The storm's circulation is consolidating, with tightly curved bands of thunderstorms around the center.
A new genetic test has been developed to predict which patients with heart failure will respond best to the beta-blocker drug bucindolol. The test, based on two specific genes, analyzes a small blood sample and can identify individuals who are likely to benefit from the treatment.
Scientists at the University of Leeds found that prion protein regulates zinc absorption in brain cells, linking it to memory and learning capabilities. The study may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have identified a critical brain receptor that regulates extinction learning, which helps addicts stop drug use. By stimulating this receptor, drugs or molecular pathways could boost the effectiveness of exposure therapies and reduce craving and relapse.
The boreal forest in northern Alberta showed increased biodiversity up to 50% human disturbance, but then plant species decreased. Researchers found native species were replaced by invasive weeds from Europe and other alien ecosystems.
Researchers found that fruit flies can shift their preference towards more nutritional food sources in as little as four hours when hungry. Blocking insulin signaling increased the flies' preference for nutritious sugars, highlighting the importance of metabolic roles in feeding behavior.
Tropical Storm Anais saw light to moderate rainfall southeast of its center due to northwesterly wind shear. The storm had weakened since the previous day with no heavy rainfall areas detected.
Researchers found a carbon-dioxide-sensitive neural circuit in ancient fish that likely evolved into the lungs of vertebrates. This discovery sheds light on the origins of air breathing and its role in vertebrate evolution.
Researchers found that releasing green leaf volatiles increases plant fitness by attracting enemies of herbivores and boosting reproduction. This natural defense mechanism can improve agricultural yields without harming the environment.
A recent study found that a family history of alcoholism may exacerbate the damaging effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on children's neural functioning, particularly in spatial working memory. The research suggests multiple developmental mechanisms, including insult from PAE and functional differences based on FHP, leading to SWM im...
Renowned immunologist Dan R. Littman, MD, PhD, has been elected a member of the Institute of Medicine for his seminal contributions to immune recognition, HIV pathogenesis, and commensal bacteria in immune system development. His work has major impact in both immunology and virology.
A new dissolvable oral strip has been developed to immediately relieve pain from burns caused by hot foods and liquids. The strip, containing benzocaine and a therapeutic polymer, is applied directly to the burned area and quickly dissolves for instant pain relief and promotes healing.