The UK Space Agency has granted nearly £6 million to support four major research and development consortium projects led by Astrium Ltd, Avanti Communications Ltd, DMC International Imaging Ltd, and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. The projects focus on developing commercial products and services using space technology and data.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed greener solar cells that use bacteria to improve efficiency and reduce toxicity. The new technology, led by Ayomi Perera, combines a less toxic dye with a harmless bacterium to generate electricity from sunlight.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that obese dieters who reported eating less fat and exercising more were more likely to lose weight. Diet foods and products were less successful, while prescription weight loss medications showed an association with successful weight loss.
Researchers identified peroxiredoxin 2 as a key protein in predicting pulmonary metastases in breast cancer patients. The protein protects tumor cells from oxidative stress and promotes growth and proliferation in the lung. Modulating PRDX2 levels may provide a new therapeutic approach to prevent lung metastases.
A new study on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Canadian First Nations people reveals distinct genetic variations and immune response patterns compared to white populations. The research found lower numbers of genetic variants involved in recognizing bacteria, potentially impacting the disease's progression.
The Kansas State University Rural Grocery Initiative is helping rural communities across the US reopen grocery stores using $409,000 grant funding. The initiative has already established stores in several Kansas towns and is providing guidance on creating new stores through a tool kit with community assessments and financial support.
A new breast cancer rehabilitation model proposes a prospective surveillance approach to address physical issues, promoting reduced impairment, improved function, and increased exercise participation. The model aims to integrate disease treatment with rehabilitation and exercise interventions for better survivorship care.
Researchers developed a new method to identify antigens that induce autoimmune reactions by generating cells emitting green fluorescent light when stimulated. The technique uses genetic engineering techniques and is highly sensitive, allowing for the analysis of millions of antigens in hours.
A nationwide Danish registry study found no significant association between losartan and increased all-cause mortality in heart failure patients compared to candesartan. However, lower doses of losartan were associated with increased mortality risk, while high doses showed no increased risk compared to candesartan.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children with cerebral palsy experienced the highest blood loss during corrective spine surgery, while those with idiopathic scoliosis had the least. The study analyzed 617 cases of children aged 10-18 and revealed a link between underlying conditions and blood loss.
The article cites a Royal Society report predicting Chinese scientists' publications output will surpass US-based scientists by 2013. Major investments in discovery and innovation are building capacity in Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London reveals that people with diabetes face numerous challenges in self-managing their condition, including social and environmental factors. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to better support patients in managing their disease.
A new study by Brown University researchers reveals that Medicare spends significantly more on hospitalizations before patients enter a nursing home, with an average cost of $29,743 per patient. Once the patient becomes a permanent resident, costs drop to under $19,000. The study suggests that reducing hospitalizations before nursing h...
A new study finds that mothers of children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are more critical than parents of other children, which can lead to poorer treatment outcomes. The research suggests that parental criticism is not a characteristic of the parent in general, but rather a specific response to their child's anxiety.
Scientists at the University of York discovered that bacteria release long protein chains to form biofilms on implanted devices, making infections difficult to treat. This understanding could lead to new treatments and prevention methods for cardiac device infections.
Research by psychologists at the University at Buffalo found that certain genes associated with niceness can influence behavior, particularly in response to perceived threats. The study suggests a genetic component to kindness, which can vary depending on individual experiences and perceptions of the world.
Patients with pseudo-seizures, also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), often misdiagnosed due to stress-triggered symptoms. Research suggests that these patients lack effective coping mechanisms and are more distressed by stressful events than those with epilepsy or healthy individuals.
A Caltech-led team used a framework to analyze fossil occurrences and sedimentary rock records to determine that habitat loss due to falling sea levels and cooling of tropical oceans were the primary causes of the Late Ordovician mass extinction. The study largely ruled out a hypothesis suggesting a record bias as an explanation for th...
Researchers have developed a miniature sensor that uses self-sealing valves to collect pristine atmospheric samples, improving computer climate models. The novel design employs an inexpensive microvalve situated above the sample chamber, allowing for low-cost distribution and minimizing contamination.
Researchers found that EKG abnormalities in healthy elderly individuals increased the risk of heart attack. The study, which followed 2,192 adults aged 70 and older for eight years, suggests that EKGs could be used to detect heart disease earlier in patients without chest pain or symptoms.
The study found that woodpeckers' cranial bones have a higher ultimate strength than larks, thanks to more plate-like spongy bone. This structure helps resist deformation during pecking, reducing stress on the brain. The beaks of both birds exhibit similar ultimate strengths.
Leading experts argue that full clinical study reports of authorized drugs should be made publicly available to allow independent re-analysis. The authors use Tamiflu as an example, highlighting discrepancies in regulatory evidence and advocating for open access to clinical trial data.
Studies use GIS-based research to determine how geographic location affects physical health, finding connections between walkability, access to healthy food, and obesity rates. The findings suggest that addressing environmental factors through policy changes could be an effective way to prevent childhood obesity.
The American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) annual meeting featured new research on pediatric ear, nose & throat health. The Presidential Keynote Lecture focused on personalized medicine, highlighting the importance of variation in practice and unwarranted interference. Innovative treatments for laryngotracheal stenosis (LT...
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has received a $70,450 NSF grant to improve middle and high school science education. The program includes two workshops and annual mini-grant opportunities for teachers to develop hands-on curricula.
A new study examines the relationship between personality traits, emotional strategies, and gender in memory recall. Researchers found that men who were high in extroversion remembered more positive life events, while women who were high in neuroticism ruminated on negative memories.
A new study found that neighborhoods with walkable environments and access to healthy food have a significant impact on childhood obesity rates. Children living in these neighborhoods had 59% lower odds of being obese compared to those in less favorable areas.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a key component regulating pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal disease with currently no cure. The researchers found that the CLYD gene serves as a crucial negative regulator, halting disease progression and potentially opening new avenues for treatment.
German researchers report success with TAVI in patients with low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis. Surviving patients showed significant improvement in heart function and exercise capacity, despite high mortality rates within the first six months.
Research finds frequent dental X-rays in childhood and young adulthood may increase risk of developing meningioma. Patients who had yearly or more frequent bitewing exams were 1.4-1.9 times more likely to develop meningioma compared to controls.
A French research team analyzed data from over 13,000 patients to investigate the long-term effects of metformin. The study found no significant impact on mortality or cardiovascular risk with metformin compared to other drugs.
A national study reveals women are less likely to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, increasing their risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The study found that women got only about 18 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise daily, compared to men who averaged 30 minutes.
A Boston University study found that two-thirds of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in Massachusetts reported receiving positive support from their parents after coming out. This support was associated with lower rates of mental health and substance abuse problems. The study suggests that parental support may play a crucial role in pr...
Researchers at Brown University found that bats use a unique wing motion to reduce energy expenditure, drawing their wings inward on the upstroke. By flexing their heavy, muscular wings, bats conserve up to 65% of inertial energy, a significant advantage in flight.
A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery in Patagonia, uncovering fossilized bones and unique eggs of an enigmatic birdlike dinosaur. The finding provides new insights into the evolution and diversity of basal alvarezsaurids, revealing that these creatures persisted in South America until Latest Cretaceous times.
A study by Yale researchers found that about 25% of classic autism diagnoses and 75% of Asperger's Syndrome diagnoses may not meet the new DSM-5 criteria. The study suggests that higher-functioning individuals with intellectual disabilities may be more likely to qualify for a diagnosis.
A growing global cancer epidemic threatens low- and middle-income countries with devastating health consequences. Canada has the capacity to provide leadership and action to tackle this crisis.
A recent study by University of Granada researchers links marriage, high socioeconomic status, education, job, per capita income, and welfare to better health. The study reveals that family environment plays a significant role in an individual's health, accounting for over 30% of variations in health status.
A study published in Cancer found that frequent dental x-rays are linked to an increased risk of developing meningioma, the most commonly diagnosed primary brain tumor in the US. Patients who received bitewing exams or panorex exams on a yearly or more frequent basis were at higher risk of developing meningioma.
A recent study in Brazil found that severe food insecurity is associated with increased symptoms of sexually transmitted infection and decreased condom use among women. The authors argue that addressing food insecurity could have beneficial implications for HIV prevention by reducing risk avoidance behaviors.
A study published in Nature Communications found that sAPP-α, a secreted portion of APP, acts as an essential stop-gap mechanism to regulate APP production. Monitoring and correcting low sAPP-α levels or enhancing its association with BACE1 may help prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease.
Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea in babies worldwide, resulting in over 450,000 deaths annually. Canada should ensure all infants are vaccinated and support GAVI funding to sustain the vaccine's sustainability.
A University of Missouri research team is conducting a two-year study to reclaim developed flood plain land and keep waterways free of pollutants. The project uses 777 willow trees to filter water and potentially produce a cash crop for farmers.
A study shows a botanical formula significantly suppresses tumor growth in aggressive human prostate cancer cells, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness. The formula inhibits several genes related to cancer proliferation and increases the expression of cancer-fighting genes.
A new web-based tool has been developed using machine learning techniques to diagnose autism in young children quickly and accurately. The tool uses a short survey of seven questions to achieve nearly 100% accuracy, reducing the time for diagnosis from hours to minutes.
A study by North Carolina State University has found that feral pigs in the state are exposed to Brucella suis, a harmful bacteria that can be transmitted to people through unsafe butchering and consumption of undercooked meat. The bacteria can also spread in pig populations, causing abortions in affected swine.
Researchers use infrared spectroscopy to study processes at surfaces of oxides used as catalysts, finding oxygen defects act as active centers and increase catalytic activity. The method allows for precise measurements of vibration frequencies, revealing defect densities in real catalyst powders.
MIT researchers develop techniques to address limitations of current bus-based communication systems in multicore chips. Virtual bypassing and low-swing signaling allow for faster data transmission and reduced energy consumption, promising significant improvements in chip efficiency.
A study by Aaron Sell explores how fighting ability drives men's behavior and attitudes, including political orientation. Physically strong men are more likely to support the Republican position on foreign policy.
Researchers found that low levels of plastin 3 are linked to movement problems in spinal muscular atrophy, a fatal genetic disorder. Adding plastin 3 back to motor neurons in zebrafish restored some swimming abilities and suggests that the protein's decrease contributes to the disease's characteristics.
Hispanics face disadvantage relative to whites under the Texas top 10 percent policy, according to a Princeton University study. The study found that affirmative action policies are more efficient in diversifying college campuses than racial quotas.
Scientists have mapped the physical architecture of intelligence in the brain using a large pool of volunteer participants with brain injuries. The study identified specific brain regions and connections essential for general intelligence, planning, and executive function.
A study found that older adults with major and minor electrocardiographic abnormalities were associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease events. The addition of ECG abnormalities to traditional risk factors improved the prediction of CHD events.
A new genetic study reveals that head and body lice are the same species, despite their distinct characteristics. The research compared protein-coding genes expressed during both life cycles, finding only minor differences in sequences.
A North Carolina State University researcher has created a more efficient cooling method for electronic devices using a copper-graphene composite. The new material cools devices up to 25% faster than current materials and reduces costs by replacing expensive copper with graphene.
Research conducted by Oregon State University reveals that the loss of predators in the Northern Hemisphere has led to an increase in populations of moose, deer, and other large herbivores. This surge in population density is crippling young tree growth and reducing biodiversity, contributing to deforestation and reduced carbon sequest...
Researchers used public databases to find a novel gene associated with type-2 diabetes, which shows increased activity in fat tissue. The findings suggest that CD44, a cell-surface receptor, plays a major causal role in the disease's development.
Researchers at Penn Medicine caution against blocking the effects of PGD2 on DP1 in patients prone to cardiovascular disease, particularly those taking niacin. This is due to concerns that it may enhance platelet activation and lead to increased risk of heart attacks.
Researchers found that a monkey's social status affects its immune system, allowing for accurate predictions of an individual's rank. The study used microarrays to analyze gene expression levels and showed that inflammation patterns change along with social rank.
Researchers have made significant advancements in treating autoimmune diabetes by harnessing the power of gut bacteria. Additionally, studies on cancer treatment and tumor growth have revealed that vascular normalization can prevent dangerous side effects while enhancing anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, scientists have discovered a coo...