Scientists have identified a new gene, RORA, linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting that it may play a role in the development of the condition. The study found a significant association between variations in the RORA gene and PTSD, highlighting a potential new avenue for research on how the brain responds to trauma.
A UCSF study reveals TXNIP's role in amplifying stress in the earliest stages of diabetes, leading to pancreatic cell death and insulin production loss. The molecule is central to the inflammatory process, making it a promising new drug target for preventing or stalling diabetes.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that greening vacant lots reduces violent crime and makes residents feel safer. Residents living near greened vacant lots reported feeling significantly safer than those near non-greened sites.
The GW School of Nursing has received a three-year grant worth nearly $1 million to diversify its nursing workforce. The program aims to recruit and retain more students from underrepresented groups, including people of color and those living in rural Virginia. To achieve this, the school will launch marketing and recruitment campaigns...
Research suggests that high working memory capacity enhances performance in mathematical problem-solving by facilitating focused attention. In contrast, excessive focus may hinder creative problem-solving due to the need for novel approaches and diverse information combinations.
The SingHealth Duke-NUS Scientific Congress recognized outstanding research in basic, translational, clinical, and health services and systems fields. The event honored researchers who presented breakthrough studies on post-surgical scarring, pre-eclampsia, virtual reality rehabilitation for stroke patients, and more.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that dividing tasks among individuals is efficient for multicellular life. They used digital organisms to demonstrate how task switching costs led to the evolution of division of labor, enabling complex tasks and dependent relationships.
Biotech Boulevard features companies making a mark on the global bioindustry through novel therapeutics and technologies. The microsite provides a platform for discovery, investment, and collaboration among these promising young companies.
A program with color-coded labels improved healthy food purchases among employees from diverse backgrounds, including reduced red item purchases and increased green item sales. The study found significant changes in beverage purchases, especially among black and low-income individuals.
A study by international researchers found that only one in seven authors involved in off-label marketing activities fully disclosed their conflict of interest in published articles. The analysis examined 26 whistleblower complaints and identified 91 doctors and scientists recorded as being involved, with 39 having authored publication...
Researchers at Wayne State University are searching for potential drug targets to treat Barth Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the heart muscle and energy metabolism. Led by Miriam L. Greenberg, the team hopes to identify new treatments by restoring the TCA cycle metabolites affected by cardiolipin deficiency.
A study of over 7000 children found that those with a healthy diet from six months to two years old had an IQ up to two points higher by age eight. Conversely, children fed junk foods during this period had IQs up to two points lower.
Two studies reveal new genetic mutations in GlyT2 gene that cause startle disease, characterized by exaggerated response to noise and touch. The mutations affect glycine signaling, leading to an abnormal startle response. Discoveries triple the number of known cases with these mutations.
New-onset diabetes in normal-weight adults is associated with significantly higher mortality rates compared to overweight/obese individuals. The study found that older adults and non-white participants are more likely to experience normal-weight diabetes, highlighting the need for targeted health screenings.
A recent study published in Nature found that many tropical protected areas are struggling to sustain their biodiversity, despite being our best hope for preserving tropical forests. However, the research also highlights the importance of eliminating threats outside park boundaries and maintaining existing parks.
Climate change expected to affect California's hydropower production, leading to reduced generation and revenue losses. The state may lose up to 20% of its hydropower generation under dry climate change, with high-elevation reservoirs struggling to store water for summer months.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a method to model an organism's metabolism and gene expression simultaneously. The technology enables detailed calculations of the total cost of synthesizing chemicals, including biofuels, by accounting for material and energy requirements.
Scientists discovered that exposure to pathogens causes significant changes in a plant's epigenetic code, which helps the plant develop resistance. These epigenetic changes are linked to genes responsible for coordinating stress responses, suggesting the epigenome plays a role in disease resistance.
New research published in Addiction suggests that plain packaging of cigarettes can draw attention to health warnings and deter young smokers. The study found that students who were occasional or had tried smoking before paid more attention to the health warnings on plain packs.
A recent study found that average total cholesterol levels among US children and adolescents decreased between 1988-1994 and 2007-2010. Additionally, there was a decrease in prevalence of elevated non-HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides among this age group.
A recent study reveals that historical cross-breeding of bison with domestic cattle has left a lasting genetic legacy in modern bison herds. The research, published in Conservation Biology, found that bison with a particular domestic cattle genetic trait were consistently smaller and lighter than those with true bison mitochondrial DNA.
African farmers face devastating losses due to cassava brown streak disease. Researchers have made progress in developing virus-resistant cassava using RNA interference technology, pointing towards improved cassava productivity and economic growth for the region.
The seafood industry frequently employs a combination of fishing and aquaculture techniques, making traditional categories insufficient for accounting for its growth potential and environmental impacts. Hybrid classification schemes can help improve the accuracy of data on seafood production and enhance sustainable supply management.
Ecologists have developed a Europe-wide online tool, iBatsID, that can accurately identify 34 different bat species across the continent. The tool uses echolocation calls to distinguish between species, with most accurate identifications reaching over 80% accuracy.
Researchers developed a technique using ultrafast lasers and advanced optics to capture billions of images per second, enabling the reconstruction of 3D shapes hidden from sight. This technology may prove invaluable in disaster recovery situations and noninvasive biomedical imaging applications.
Researchers at Cornell University used a new technology to measure pupillary changes in response to erotic videos, revealing that pupils widened most for people who found the videos attractive. The study confirms previous research suggesting women have a different type of sexuality than men and provides insight into male bisexuality.
Researchers analyzed data to determine if a higher diagnostic cutoff of A1C level should be used to diagnose diabetes in blacks than in whites. The study found that black people may be more vulnerable to high A1C status, and could benefit from earlier monitoring for early diabetic complications.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that vaginal delivery is comparable to cesarean delivery for early preterm births presenting head first. However, breech presentations resulted in high failure rates and significantly lower neonatal mortality with planned cesarean delivery.
A Yale study found that safety-net hospitals in urban metro areas provide quality care comparable to non-safety-net hospitals. The study's findings suggest that expanding insurance coverage can help safety-net hospitals achieve better outcomes for patients with heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and pneumonia.
Research suggests racial/ethnic disparities exist in the use of cranial CT scans among children with minor blunt head trauma, particularly for those at lowest or intermediate risk. Children from white non-Hispanic backgrounds may be more likely to undergo the procedure, while those from black or Hispanic backgrounds have lower odds.
A study of 32,002 men found that weight training was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Men who engaged in both weight training and aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes per week had the greatest reduction in risk.
A team of researchers from Disney Research developed simplified equations for governing the behavior of light, leading to practical improvements in 3D photorealistic rendering techniques. This allows for faster and more accurate simulation of physical lighting in virtual environments.
Curiosity rover successfully landed on Mars in August, beginning its primary mission to assess the planet's surface radiation environment. Researchers will use the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) instrument to measure energetic particle species and provide insights into potential habitability.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researcher S. Jay Olshansky found that Americans with lower levels of education have life expectancies similar to those in the 1950s and 1960s. Highly educated individuals live significantly longer, with the most educated white men living 14 years longer than the least educated black men.
A new line of defense against E. coli O157:H7 has been discovered through a Kansas State University study. The commercial cattle vaccine significantly reduced E. coli shedding in feces by more than 50%, making it an effective tool for improving food safety.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that long-term use of blood pressure medications increasing sun sensitivity is associated with a higher risk of squamous cell lip cancer in non-Hispanic whites. The risk appeared to increase with longer duration of medication use, and was not explained by cigarette smoking.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a blood biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for the debilitating neurological disease, which affects approximately 30,000 Americans.
Researchers analyzed medical group practices providing care for over 133,000 diabetic patients and found a significant reduction in healthcare costs with improved quality of care. The study suggests that investing in quality care can lead to cost savings without compromising patient outcomes.
A study published by the University of Notre Dame found that reducing lies in daily interactions is associated with improved physical and mental health. Participants who stopped telling both major and minor lies reported significant improvements in health and relationships.
A randomized clinical trial found that treatment with growth hormone-releasing hormone improved cognitive function in both healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment. The study also showed increased insulin-like growth factor 1 levels, which may play a role in brain health.
A University of Oklahoma research team has been awarded a $9.7 million NIH grant to study human diseases associated with aging, osteoporosis and diabetes. The grant will provide significant resources for investigators to pursue structure-based biomedical studies.
US-born Latina women are at higher risk of having children with retinoblastoma due to factors like poorer diets and smoking during pregnancy. In contrast, Mexican-born Latinas are at lesser risk, possibly due to healthier behaviors after immigration.
Researchers at Scripps Florida are developing novel biochemical tests to identify inhibitors of the autophagy pathway, which can help overcome drug resistance and improve treatment efficacy for various cancers. The goal is to enhance the action of conventional anti-cancer therapeutics by targeting the critical on-off switch ULk1.
A learning health system combines practice and research to rapidly apply best evidence in real-time clinical care. Group Health Cooperative's experience demonstrates the importance of strong leadership support, partnership between research and clinical operations, and effective communication for successful implementation.
A new study finds that many hospitals, including Denver Health, continue to engage in 'patient dumping' - turning away or transferring uninsured patients with emergency medical conditions. The researchers argue that the law needs stronger enforcement and a simplified reporting system to curb this practice.
A new bird species, the Sira Barbet, has been discovered in Peru's cloud forest with distinct color patterns and unique genetic characteristics. The team used mitochondrial DNA sequences to confirm its status as a new species within the barbet family.
Scientists explore the interconnectedness of ecological relationships and evolutionary history to better understand species distribution, adaptation, and coexistence. The research reveals complex feedbacks between ecological and evolutionary processes, shedding new light on the patterns and processes of biodiversity.
Tropical Storm Florence developed over the eastern Atlantic, strengthened briefly, and then weakened due to dry air and Saharan dust. NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared images of the storm on August 4 and 5, showing a larger spiraled storm with diminishing thunderstorms.
A study from University of Illinois economics professors demonstrates a new method to analyze relationships among voters' issue preferences, candidates' policy positions, and voter behavior. The researchers found that policy divergence has increased significantly since the 1970s, particularly on cultural issues.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that ranolazine can significantly reduce arrhythmias triggered by carbon monoxide exposure. The anti-angina drug works by targeting a sodium channel in the heart, potentially protecting against cardiac events caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Researchers at the University of Vienna have discovered that non-entangled states can outperform entangled counterparts for remote state preparation under certain conditions. High quantum discord is a key factor in achieving this outcome.
A new study by Professor Kimberley Scharf suggests that having more Facebook friends can reduce the likelihood of sharing information about charitable causes, as people rely on others to pass on information. In smaller, closer-knit groups, people are more likely to give to charities.
A University of Utah study found that agroforests with shade-grown coffee and cacao promote greater bird diversity compared to open farmland. The findings suggest that as forests are converted to open agriculture, bird species providing ecosystem services like insect control, seed dispersal, and pollination may decline.
A third of Earth's organisms live in rocks and sediments, but their lives have been a mystery. Scientists have now shed light into this dark world by studying methane-exhaling microbes in hot undersea volcanoes. The research reveals that these microbes thrive in environments with low hydrogen levels and have symbiotic relationships bet...
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that levetiracetam, an FDA-approved anti-epileptic drug, reverses memory loss and alleviates other Alzheimer's-related impairments in mice genetically modified to simulate key aspects of the disease. The study shows how levetiracetam suppresses abnormal brain activity and restores memory function.
A new UV dosimeter monitor is set to be commercially available, helping prevent sunburn and over-exposure to ultra-violet radiation. The device, developed at the University of Strathclyde, provides a visual warning when risk levels increase, allowing users to enjoy the sun safely.
A new study found that inhibiting myostatin promotes muscle growth without incorporating satellite cells into myofibers, raising hopes for treating muscular diseases. The research team identified a specific type of cell targeted by myostatin, paving the way for potential drug development.
Off-label drug use is a widespread practice in medicine, with roughly 1 in 5 prescriptions filled for an off-label use. Patients may not be aware when their prescribed medications are being used off-label, as there is no requirement for physicians to disclose this information through informed consent.
A new sequencing approach using long-range PCR and Next Generation Sequencing has been developed to provide a more effective method of BRCA1/2 mutational analysis. The method was successfully tested on 12 familial breast cancer patients, identifying all expected variants with high accuracy.
A new study by Oregon State University found that preschool-age children's ability to pay attention and persist on tasks is a key predictor of college completion. Children who were rated higher by their parents on these skills at age 4 had nearly 50% greater odds of getting a bachelor's degree by age 25.