Researchers have developed long-lasting flu vaccines that target more constant proteins with less evolutionary flair, reducing the virus' ability to spread and mutate. These universal vaccines could make a bout with influenza less severe, making it easier to control the virus' spread.
Planarian worms, a species of flatworm, have been found to maintain telomere length indefinitely, allowing them to regenerate tissues and cells without aging. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying their immortality and may shed new insights into alleviating aging in human cells.
Researchers at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have challenged the long-held concept of surface tension on solid materials. They found that excess surface tension on a solid material does not exist and is incompatible with thermodynamic theory.
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has been granted two US patents on novel Shigella protein antigens and methods, paving the way for an effective and low-cost vaccine against bacillary dysentery. The vaccine has the potential to provide cross-protection across species and serotypes of Shigella.
A meta-analysis of 159 studies found rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) can confirm the flu, but not rule it out; RIDTs are more accurate in children than adults and better at detecting influenza A virus; this suggests routine implementation of RIDTs during flu season could improve patient care.
Scientists at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a key protein, Fur, that controls the expression of hundreds of genes in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a pathogen responsible for the second most common infectious disease worldwide. This novel pathway may lead to new treatment methods and therapeutic interventions for gonorrhea.
A meta-analysis of eight clinical trials suggests that initial stent implantation for patients with stable coronary artery disease is not associated with improved outcomes compared to initial medical therapy. The study found no significant reduction in mortality, nonfatal heart attacks, or angina after a mean follow-up of 4.3 years.
The Global Carbon Project has opened its first UK office at the University of East Anglia, providing objective scientific data on CO2 emissions and 'sinks' worldwide. The new office will support the annual publication of the project's global carbon budget, which quantifies global CO2 emissions in the previous year.
Researchers have discovered a new species of turtle, Polysternon isonae, that lived with dinosaurs in Isona, Spain. The fossil remains found are rare and provide valuable information about the morphology and size of the animal.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum are developing an aqueous lithium-ion battery that could improve the performance, lifespan, and price-performance ratio of existing batteries. The goal is to produce a more efficient and cost-effective energy storage device for use in power supply systems.
Researchers found that Aurora-A phosphorylates p73, preventing it from detecting DNA damage and triggering programmed cell death. This allows cancer cells to resist chemotherapy and radiation treatment, making them harder to treat.
Researchers found that morning temperatures played a significant role in football player deaths, with the eastern US seeing higher heat index values. The study also highlights the importance of proper training and emergency management to prevent heat-related illnesses.
A new report from Drexel University School of Public Health identifies patterns in the misuse of illicit drugs among young adults who also misuse prescription drugs. Common prescriptions for opioids, tranquilizers, and stimulants preceded illicit drug use, while using both types of drugs simultaneously was common.
Astronomers have identified a new type of black-hole-driven outflow that explains the link between galaxy mass and star velocity. Ultra-fast outflows are common features of black-hole-powered galaxies, influencing galactic shape and star formation.
Researchers refuted the neurodegenerative hypothesis, which suggested myelin damage occurred without an immune system attack. The study found that immune defense played a role in triggering MS-like autoimmune disease.
A two-year behavioral program implemented by health educators in physician offices resulted in significant, yet modest, reductions in waist circumference among obese patients. The intervention showed greater reductions in men, while women experienced smaller and less sustained reductions.
System 92S is a low-pressure area that has been watching by NASA satellites for days, with cloud temperatures cooling and storms intensifying as it moves over northern Madagascar. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts a high chance of development into a tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours.
Researchers at UCLA find hyperconnectivity in depressed brains, suggesting a malfunction in regulating brain networks. This dysregulation may explain multiple symptoms of depression, including anxiety and memory issues.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 681,000 children found that obesity is associated with asthma, but the link varies by race and ethnicity. Hispanic youth had the strongest association between body mass index and asthma, while African Americans had a weaker connection.
Researchers found that organic matter from tree trunks, leaves, and kukui nuts supports abundant macro-invertebrates, which serve as food for bottom fish species. The 'canyon effect' is obliterated at intermediate depths due to oxygen minimum zones.
Myotonic dystrophy is caused by a mutation that causes toxic RNA to accumulate in cells. Antisense oligonucleotides have been shown to be effective in cell culture and mice by degrading the toxic RNA. The treatment will need to be refined for systemic delivery to patients with myotonic dystrophy.
A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology suggests that Arctic sea ice decline is driving snowier winters in the Northern Hemisphere. The research found a link between diminishing Arctic sea ice and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to increased cold surges and heavy snowfall in Europe and the US.
A German research team has created a record-speed wireless data bridge that transmits digital information up to 20 billion bits per second, surpassing current state-of-the-art systems. The bridge operates at 200 GHz and remains operational under adverse atmospheric conditions.
A nationwide study found that mirroring a customer base improves consumer satisfaction and employee productivity, resulting in significant annual gains. Higher racioethnic matching boosts the bottom line due to increased customer identification, reduced mistreatment, and better service for similar customers.
A telephone-based counseling program using motivational interviewing showed modest improvements in medication adherence for certain subgroups, such as younger patients and those without previous fractures. However, the overall effect was no statistically significant improvement in adherence rates compared to a control group.
Researchers have discovered a modified bone drug that can effectively kill the malaria parasite in infected mice, working at very low concentrations with no toxicity observed. The new compound, BPH-703, targets a key enzyme essential for the parasite's survival and immune evasion.
A study on Kenyan reefs found that the loss of predatory fish leads to an explosion in sea urchin populations, damaging the reef structure and reducing crustose coralline algae growth. This reduces coral recruitment by lowering juvenile coral densities on fished reefs.
A recent MU study found that many newer-generation video games equate religion with violence in game narratives. The study analyzed five recent games, including Mass Effect 2 and Assassin's Creed, which closely tie religion to violent plotlines.
The Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) has updated recommendations for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), expanding its use to a larger group of patients with mild heart failure symptoms. CRT devices synchronize the left ventricle's contraction, improving efficiency and survival in moderate or severe heart failure patients.
Researchers found two forms of an enzyme in fructose metabolism, one causing fatty liver and obesity, the other protecting against these conditions. The study provides new insights into the cause of metabolic syndrome, a condition affecting over 25% of adults in the US.
A matched cohort study found that certain commonly prescribed sleeping pills are associated with a significantly increased risk of death and cancer among users. The study linked these drugs to a more than fourfold increased risk of death, even at relatively low doses.
A new UK-based study will compare gastric bypass and stomach band surgeries to determine which is most effective in improving patients' quality of life and reducing healthcare costs. The BY-BAND study, led by the University of Bristol, aims to enroll over 700 participants and follow their outcomes for up to three years.
A new study found that patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who have not responded to interferon treatments experience significant long-term benefits when switching to imatinib. Up to 93% of patients survive at least eight years, compared to only three to six years prior to imatinib.
In 2009, US greenhouse gas emissions from power generation decreased by 8.76 percent, primarily driven by the lower price of natural gas compared to coal. A new econometric model developed at Harvard University suggests that a carbon tax could further reduce emissions with negligible impact on electricity prices.
Researchers from Carnegie Institution have identified a type of amoeba with two photosynthetic compartments that originated from an endosymbiotic cyanobacterium. The study sheds light on the early stages of chloroplast evolution and provides insight into how eukaryotic cells 'enslave' bacteria to form organelles.
Researchers at Old Dominion University found that visually presented alerts are considered more trustworthy and lead to faster identification of friend or foe. The study used a virtual reconnaissance mission with undergraduate students, who showed quicker reaction times for visual alerts.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers links hearing loss to a three-fold increased risk of falling among the elderly. The findings suggest that people with hearing loss may have reduced awareness of their environment and an increased cognitive load, making them more prone to falls.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that women who underwent chemotherapy with the CMF regimen between 1976 and 1995 scored slightly lower on cognitive tests compared to those without a history of cancer. The differences were subtle but statistically significant, affecting word learning, memory, and information ...
The study reveals four distinct age distributions in basin sediments, tracing stages of basin formation and reflecting long-term secular variation. These findings shed light on the dynamic interplay of orogenic, erosional, and sediment-transport systems that shaped the region's geology.
Research at Yale University reveals that prostate cancer treatment is often not necessary for older men with short life expectancy. The study found that cancer treatment became more common among men with moderate-risk tumors and shorter life expectancies, despite being unlikely to benefit from it.
A recent study from UC Berkeley found that individuals from the upper class are more likely to exhibit unethical behavior, including cutting off others on the road and deceiving job candidates. The researchers attribute this tendency to a positive attitude towards greed, which primes participants to engage in self-serving behaviors.
A meta-analysis of 26 studies found that adults with mental illnesses are nearly four times as likely to experience violence, and those with intellectual impairments are 1.5 times more likely to be victims. The study highlights the need for improved identification and response to violence against people with disabilities.
A new study by Gustavo Carlo found that Mexican-American college students' family and peer attachments are associated with prosocial and physically aggressive behaviors. College students with strong relationships reported less physical aggression and higher empathy levels.
Researchers identify RORalpha as critical for nuocyte development and allergic-like inflammation, offering new therapeutic strategy targets. The discovery has the potential to treat asthma and other allergic diseases, addressing growing global prevalence.
Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered a process where salty soils in the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica can absorb moisture from the air. This phenomenon has implications for the potential for life on Mars, as similar conditions are present on the Red Planet.
Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine highlight the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment of flu. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) are found to be accurate at diagnosing the flu but not ruling it out, requiring follow-up testing.
A study published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research finds that socioeconomically disadvantaged patients actually sue physicians less frequently than other patient groups. This disparity is attributed to unconscious biases and limitations in accessing legal resources, which can affect the quality of medical care and the doct...
Research reveals that bacteria can cause disease through frontal attack or stealthy manipulation of the host's immune system. Bacteria that destroy phagocytes have low infectivity, while those with high growth rates and quorum-sensing capabilities are more infectious.
Research reveals that childhood maltreatment and parental loss can lead to epigenetic changes in the glucocorticoid receptor gene, increasing stress sensitivity and blunted cortisol responses. This association has significant public health implications, suggesting potential treatments to reverse epigenetic effects of childhood adversity.
A study published in Neurology found that people with lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids had lower brain volumes equivalent to about two years of structural brain aging. Omega-3 deficiency was also linked to poorer performance on tests of visual memory and executive function.
The National Academy of Inventors held its inaugural annual conference, featuring USPTO Director David Kappos' address on patent process improvements. Kappos discussed the agency's efforts to reduce the patent backlog and emphasized the importance of innovation in fostering economic growth.
A new infection-control protocol for children healing from cardiac surgery reduced sternum infections by 61 percent, according to a two-year study. The protocol included preoperative baths with skin disinfectant and administration of antibiotics before surgery.
Researchers from National University of Singapore and Nanjing University establish a new scalar curvature flow method to solve the prescribing scalar curvature problem. The method adapts Hamilton's Ricci flow approach and infinitely dimensional Morse theory to tackle the problem, providing a stronger conclusion than previous methods.
A Scripps Clinic study found that sleeping pill users are at a 4.6 times higher risk of death, with rates of new cancers being 35% higher among regular users. The research suggests alternatives to hypnotic medications and emphasizes the importance of treating underlying psychological disorders.
A University of British Columbia study found traces of listeria in 20% of ready-to-eat fish products sold in Metro Vancouver. The bacteria can multiply during handling and storage, posing health risks to vulnerable individuals.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that work-focused psychotherapy can help employees return to work faster and improve their mental health over time. Employees who received this therapy were able to fully return to work on average 65 days earlier than those in standard therapy, with significant impro...
The 9th annual Seena Magowitz Celebrity Golf Classic raised funds for pancreatic cancer research at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). The event supported new international clinical trials and initiatives against pancreatic cancer.
Researchers at Saarland University developed a software system that automatically tests web applications for malfunctions and security vulnerabilities. The system, called 'Webmate,' generates test scenarios based on the application's components and user interactions, helping developers identify and fix errors.
A new study published in The Lancet shows that TAK-875, a novel oral medication, significantly improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. The results suggest that targeting free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) may be a viable therapeutic target for treating type 2 diabetes.
Research reveals that a significant proportion of vegetarians and patients with dietary restrictions are unwittingly consuming animal gelatin in medicines. Most patients prefer medicines containing only vegetable products, but over half would take a drug with an animal product if no alternative is available.
A study by Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology reveals a potential new strategy to boost efficacy and break down resistance in patients with HER2 positive breast cancer. The combination of two drugs shows promise as a third treatment option, offering hope for patients with advanced tumours.
Researchers used eye-tracking to measure relationship between cognitive and social disability in children with autism spectrum disorders. The study found that children with ASD were less likely to look at others' eyes and faces, but varying observation patterns were associated with different levels of social disability.
Vascular Magnetics, spun off from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, is developing a drug delivery system that uses magnetically targeted nanoparticles to treat peripheral artery disease. The company has raised $7 million in funding and plans to begin clinical trials in 2014.
Research reveals that individuals with substance use disorders achieve higher abstinence rates when accessing drug-free recovery housing and day-treatment programs following detox. Participants who received housing showed a 37% abstinence rate, while those receiving housing plus treatment had a 50% abstinence rate.
Researchers have reconstructed the giant prehistoric New Zealand penguin, Kairuku, from two separate fossils, providing new insights into its body shape and uniqueness. The reconstruction reveals a slender body, long flippers, and short legs, standing around 4-feet-2 inches tall.
A recent study analyzing the causes of women's trafficking in China reveals a staggering 30 million males unable to find female partners. The authors attribute this issue to a decades-long imbalance between births, which has created a lucrative market for human trafficking.
New Johns Hopkins research shows that providing recovery housing coupled with day treatment significantly increases the chances of remaining drug-free six months later. Participants who received housing and day treatment had a nearly 10 times higher chance of staying abstinent than those released from detox with minimal assistance.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found a strong link between irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) and cognitive decline, dementia, and loss of independence in daily activities. Researchers analyzed data from two large trials and found that patients with atrial fibrillation were 34% more likely to experienc...
Researchers discovered that IL-8 monomers and dimers interact differently with cell-surface molecules in different body tissues, influencing neutrophil recruitment. This fundamental mechanism regulates neutrophil function and could help control runaway inflammation and related tissue damage in diseases such as sepsis.
Coyotes in North America shrunk from 15-25 kg to 10-18 kg between 11,500 and 10,000 years ago. This sudden shrinkage was likely due to dwindling food supply and changing interactions with competitors, rather than warming climate.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and Notre Dame have determined the origin of charge-carriers in gallium manganese arsenide, a material promising for spintronic devices. The study reveals that holes controlling Curie temperature are located in an impurity band, opening possibilities to expand its width and boost performance.
Researchers in British Journal of Ophthalmology reveal that self-inflicted blinding is a rare complication of severe psychosis, such as schizophrenia. The phenomenon has been mistakenly attributed to sexual guilt and the Oedipus complex, but cultural beliefs are not a plausible explanation for this behavior.