A long-term study by the LTER Network reveals that cool, wet areas are vulnerable to climate change, while dry forested ecosystems conserve more water as temperatures rise. The research provides valuable insights for effective management of public water supplies and informing policy decisions.
A study of 35 headwater basins in the US and Canada found that warmer temperatures do not always lead to decreased streamflow rates. In fact, water flow decreases only at sites with winter snow and ice, while warmer and drier ecosystems show less impact.
Researchers have discovered that Rev-erb proteins play a crucial role in controlling the body's internal clock and fat metabolism. When both proteins are not functioning, the liver fills with fat, leading to metabolic disorders. The study highlights the importance of understanding the circadian rhythm of metabolism.
An international team of scientists developed a game to train epidemiologists on mathematical models for studying outbreaks. The game, Muizenberg Mathematical Fever, simulates real-life epidemics and demonstrates the importance of collaboration between bio-mathematicians and classical epidemiologists.
Dr. Neng Chen received the 2012 Richard King Trainee Award for her high-quality research published in Genetics in Medicine. The award encourages and recognizes outstanding publications by ABMG trainees.
A Stanford study reveals that an invasive heart test is being dramatically overused, particularly among patients who recently underwent similar tests. The study found that the procedure, left ventriculography, was performed as an add-on during coronary angiograms at a rate of 81.8% in some cases, despite less-invasive methods available.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch identified sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with hospital readmission in post-acute stroke patients. Patients with better motor and cognitive abilities were less likely to be rehospitalized, while those reporting depressive symptoms and lower social support were most...
Researchers discovered that the Nrf2 protein plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress, which is often exploited by cancer cells to become resistant to treatment. By selectively inhibiting Nrf2, cancer cells may become more susceptible to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
A new study found that long-term survivors of acute lung injury (ALI) experience significant neuropsychological impairment, including cognitive decline and mental health issues. The study suggests that hypoxemia may be a contributing factor to these impairments.
Researchers discovered that individuals with unacknowledged attraction to the same sex and authoritarian parents are more likely to exhibit homophobic attitudes. The study suggests that homophobia can be a manifestation of internal conflict and repression, particularly in those who deny their own sexual orientation.
A study found that over 10 years, 30.8% of women had diagnostic mammograms, while 61.5% underwent ipsilateral invasive procedures following BCS. The high rates may be due to concerns about recurrence, and the authors highlight the need for better prognostic biomarkers to minimize overtreatment.
Barone, a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine student, was honored for her research on treating genetic disorders in the pediatric setting. She will receive travel costs to the ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting thanks to Signature Genomics' generous support.
The US Pharmacopeial Convention's new database highlights olive oil, milk, and honey as top adulterated ingredients. Food fraud, a collective term for substitution or misrepresentation of food products for economic gain, poses significant risks to consumers.
Researchers from Notre Dame's Eck Institute for Global Health have developed a novel method using a gene chip to identify malaria drug resistance. This technology enables real-time response and modification of treatment strategies to combat emerging resistance.
Researchers found that older adults who experienced moderate psychological distress were seven times more likely to experience functional limitation than those without distress. Engaging in physical activity can help achieve greater independence and positive health gains for active older adults.
A new population of lab mice developed by Tel Aviv University offers 1,000 genetic strains for research into human diseases. This increase in genetic diversity enables researchers to identify gene associations within two to three years, compared to the previous 10-15 year timeframe.
A McGill University team has developed a new microarray technology that can accurately measure multiple proteins in a droplet of blood to detect breast cancer. The test, which uses a 'fingerprint' approach, showed promise in classifying patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Researchers found EPR to be 30-46% better at identifying nonmelanoma skin cancer cases compared to claims data. The study suggests using EPR as an alternative for effectively tracking these cases, potentially improving disease burden estimates.
Researchers at Salk Institute find that two cellular switches play a crucial role in maintaining normal sleeping and eating cycles and metabolism. The discovery suggests a powerful link between circadian rhythms and metabolism, potentially leading to new treatments for disorders such as sleep problems, obesity, and diabetes.
A joint study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Arizona State University found fluoroquinolone antibiotics in 8 of 12 feather meal samples, despite a 2005 FDA ban. The study suggests continued use of banned antibiotics in poultry production, contributing to antibiotic resistance.
A Princeton University study found that socioeconomic differences account for 80% of the life-expectancy divide between black and white men, and 70% for women. Socioeconomic factors such as income and education are significant contributors to the racial gap in mortality.
A recent US study found that teens in areas of high income inequality are more likely to have a baby. Low-income teens are more likely to give birth rather than investing in their own economic progress. The study suggests that teen childbearing is a symptom, not a cause of poverty.
A genetics study identifies key genome region underlying artemisinin resistance in malaria parasite, increasing concern about its spread to India and Africa. The region may provide a tool for mapping resistance, but containing its spread is expected to be challenging.
Researchers have developed a new type of human stem cell called endodermal progenitor cells, which can differentiate into multiple cell types, including functioning pancreatic beta cells. The cells show promise for modeling human diseases and may offer a potential source for future diabetes treatments.
Human embryonic stem cells are regulated by three genes: Nanog, Oct 4, and Sox 2. These genes control self-renewal and differentiation, essential for treating diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The study highlights the importance of human research over mouse models.
A new study from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons analyzes current security measures on patients who have had a total hip replacement. The authors conclude that full body scanners can be a viable option for some travelers, but may cause delays and inconveniences.
Researchers found a rapid sea-level rise of ~14m following the onset of the first warm period of deglaciation. Coral samples from Tahiti's reefs provide valuable insights into past sea-level changes and inform climate modeling.
Research reveals a heightened sensitivity to cheap, high-calorie foods in individuals prone to obesity. Brain imaging studies show that obese individuals exhibit greater brain activation in response to sweet or fatty food cues.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have derived a population of pure lung and thyroid progenitor cells in vitro that successfully mimic the developmental milestones of lung and thyroid tissue formation. The purified cells can be used to develop new gene and cell-based therapies for lung diseases.
A new study reveals that artemisinin-resistant malaria has emerged and increased rapidly along the Thailand-Myanmar border, with parasite clearance half-lives lengthening from 2.6 hours in 2001 to 3.7 hours in 2010. The proportion of slow-clearing infections increased from 0.6% in 2001 to 20% in 2010.
Researchers studying human origins face uncertainty due to lack of agreement on interpreting marks on fossil bones. Creating standards for analyzing Pliocene bones is crucial to determine when early hominids began using tools, a fundamental step in human evolution.
Northwestern University scientists develop gold nanostars that target cancer cells' nucleus, releasing a killing drug. The nanoparticles are attracted by a protein on the surface and change shape after drug release, causing cell death.
A study by The Commonwealth Fund found that consumers nationwide could have received nearly $2 billion in rebates if the Affordable Care Act's medical loss ratio rules had been in effect in 2010. This would have resulted from insurers issuing rebates or reducing premiums to meet minimum quality and care standards.
Researchers found a causal connection between early problems with visual attention and later dyslexia diagnoses. Visual attention deficits were more predictive of reading disorders than language abilities at the prereading stage.
Researchers from the University of Leeds and CSIC-University of Granada have discovered a way to produce bassanite, a precursor phase to gypsum precipitation, at room temperature. This process could lead to significant cost savings in the production of plaster and potentially reduce environmental impacts related to gypsum disposal.
A quantitative analysis of Google search queries found a link between online behavior and real-world economic indicators, suggesting countries with higher GDP are more focused on the future. The study used Google Trends data from over 45 billion searches in 45 countries to calculate a 'future orientation index' that correlates with GDP.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) awarded four grants to investigators in 2012, supporting research on point-of-care focused cardiac ultrasound and detection of physiologic changes within the median nerve. Funding aims to advance medical ultrasound technology and education.
A group of scientists and educators has proposed a new approach to teaching science in US schools, emphasizing eight fundamental concepts and the practice of inquiry. The 8+1 Science concept aims to help students understand how scientific laws and principles apply across different disciplines.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet suggests that measuring executive functions can predict a player's success in soccer. The researchers found a correlation between high scores in cognitive tests and better performance on the pitch, supporting the idea that game intelligence is not just innate but can be developed.
Researchers found that gene sweeps can sweep through populations on their own, similar to sexual eukaryotes. This suggests a unified method of evolution for prokaryotes and eukaryotes, challenging traditional views of species classification.
A recent study published in the Lancet found a critical point in global efforts to control and eliminate malaria due to artemisinin resistance in western Thailand. Researchers identified a major region of the malaria parasite genome associated with artemisinin resistance, raising hope for effective molecular markers to monitor its spread.
A new study by Rice University scientists found that nature conspires to keep most of Earth's copper buried dozens of miles below ground. The researchers examined arc magmas and discovered sulfides, which are minerals containing reduced forms of sulfur bonded to metals like copper.
Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered that deaf children who express ideas in gestures different from ASL signs are ready to learn math. The team found that students with more gestural mismatches before a lesson were more likely to improve after it.
A new model based on game theory and social learning can predict the patterns of vaccine scares, explaining why vaccine uptake takes time to recover after a scare. The model highlights the interplay between disease dynamics and vaccination behavior, suggesting that herd immunity can lead to complacency among unvaccinated individuals.
The Multi-Mode Sensor Seeker (MMSS) sensor uses high-definition cameras, mid-wave infrared sensors, and laser-radar to autonomously identify small boats on the water, reducing workload for Sailors.
A large multicenter trial found that surgical management had no significant impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 14 months of age for infants with single-ventricle heart defects. Instead, innate patient characteristics and general medical morbidity during the first year of life played a crucial role in shaping these outcomes.
The Pacific Northwest Tsunami Evacuation Zones online portal and free apps provide an at-a-glance view of tsunami hazard zones along the coasts of Oregon and Washington. Planning tools like this are essential to safeguarding lives and property.
Scientists compiled core samples from around the world to reconstruct global temperature and find a strong correlation between rising CO2 and warming at the end of the ice age. CO2 trails Antarctic warming but precedes global temperature change, supporting its role in climate change.
Dr. John Whyte is the recipient of Kessler Foundation's 2nd Annual Joel A. DeLisa, MD Award for his contributions to rehabilitation strategies and outcomes for people with severe brain injury. The award includes a $50,000 grant for his research activities.
Researchers at University of Cambridge use light to guide electrons through a barrier, creating new particles that interact strongly. This breakthrough has potential to lead to practical devices using quantum mechanics visible to the eye.
A new study published in Physics in Medicine & Biology found that obese patients receive up to 62% more radiation during CT scans than normal-weight patients. This increase is due to excess fat tissue, which can reduce the quality of medical images unless adjusted accordingly.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health finds a link between imidacloprid and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in honeybees. The researchers discovered that even low levels of the pesticide can cause hive collapse, highlighting the potential impact on agriculture.
Researchers developed a new model that predicts the flow of granular materials like sand, considering the size of individual grains. The model improves on existing continuum models by accounting for grain size effects, which were previously overlooked.
A study found that women with false-positive mammography results have a statistically significant higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who test negative. The long-term excess risk underscores the need for regular screenings despite potential anxiety from false-positive experiences.
A study by Brown University psychologist Fiery Cushman found that 44% of baseball fans approved of a pitcher targeting an innocent player to avenge a teammate. The researchers suggest this 'vicarious punishment' may be driven by honor or deterrence, rather than moral responsibility.
A new study calculates that obese patients receive 62% more radiation during a CT scan than normal-weight patients. New phantoms created by Rensselaer engineers can help physicians configure and optimize CT scanning devices to minimize radiation exposure.
A moderate bloom could cause the closure of shellfish beds along an estimated 126-250 miles of coastline. The forecast is based on computer simulations modeling meteorological and oceanographic conditions that impact the size of the bloom.
A new study found that 84% of female dialysis patients experienced sexual problems, which are often overlooked by clinicians. The study also highlighted the impact of various factors such as age, education level, and presence of depression on sexual dysfunction in these patients.
People of African descent may be at risk for cardiovascular disease despite normal triglyceride levels, highlighting a paradox known as the TG paradox. Researchers call for further study and development of new screening guidelines to better identify metabolic syndrome in this population.
A study found that dialysis patients with deteriorating mental health have a higher risk of developing heart problems and dying prematurely. The research suggests that addressing kidney disease patients' mental health may help prevent heart complications and even death.