Researchers at Wake Forest University developed Power Felt, a thermoelectric device that converts body heat into an electrical current. The technology has potential uses in various applications, including powering mobile devices during emergencies or boosting battery power in vehicles.
A newly approved drug for metastatic melanoma has nearly doubled median survival times, changing the way this deadly form of skin cancer is treated. The drug, Zelboraf, blocks a mutated BRAF protein and has been shown to have a significant impact on patient outcomes.
Researchers evaluated a teaching program for breaking bad news to patients, finding that medical students reported improved comfort in addressing difficult topics. The program involved videotaped sessions with standardized patients and post-interview discussions, which were found to be highly beneficial.
Research reveals that plastic nanoparticles impact fish feeding behavior and metabolic parameters, including weight loss and cholesterol levels. The findings have implications for assessing nanoparticle risks in aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine discovered a novel genetic factor linking the body's natural circadian rhythm to heart electrical activity. This discovery provides insights into day-night variation in arrhythmia susceptibility and may lead to innovative approaches for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Neuroscientist Joseph LeDoux suggests that studying animal survival instincts can provide insights into human emotions. By analyzing brain functions used for survival, researchers may gain new understandings of both humans' and animals' emotional responses.
A Kansas State University researcher is studying the aesthetic approach to celebrate prairie landscapes, challenging conventional perceptions of beauty. By taking an artistic perspective, she found new ways to appreciate the prairie's unique qualities, such as its temporal and spatial experiences.
A randomized controlled clinical trial found that varenicline significantly improved the walking ability of patients suffering from SCA3, a genetic disorder causing progressive difficulty with coordination. The drug was effective in improving symptoms associated with standing and walking straight.
A Rhode Island Hospital study found that presentation formats, presenter characteristics, and patient characteristics significantly impact decision-making for patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. The study showed that qualitative formats without numbers or statistics led to higher surgery choices, while younger age, male gender...
Scientists have found that predator/prey relationships are crucial for maintaining stability and diversity in complex ecosystems, contradicting earlier modeling results. The research provides a new framework for understanding ecosystem responses to environmental change.
A new study suggests that reading news articles linking alcohol to crimes or accidents increases support for enforcing alcohol laws. Participants who read articles mentioning alcohol's role showed higher support for laws regulating serving intoxicated people and sales to underage youth.
Researchers have developed a model gastric system to evaluate probiotic survival, finding that some bacteria strains thrive in fermented milks. The study suggests that certain lactococcal and enterococci strains can resurrect their viability in the small intestine.
Researchers have discovered unexpected superconductivity in a type of compound at higher pressures, contradicting earlier findings. The study reveals a transition temperature that disappears and reappears under extreme pressure conditions, sparking further research into its causes.
The Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences has published the first-ever data on head impacts from youth football players. The new study, called Kinematics of Impact Data Set (KIDS), aims to map the head impact exposure of youth football players across all age groups from 6 to 18 years.
Researchers found elevated levels of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in individuals at risk for heart disease and diabetes, indicating a key role in the inflammatory response. The study suggests that suppressing TLR activity may be effective in treating these conditions, providing new insights into the development of metabolic syndrome.
A new research study has found that jellyfish populations have increased in some regions but decreased or fluctuated in others, contradicting previous theories. The study's lead researcher hopes to shed light on the issue by analyzing a global database of jellyfish data since 1750.
Two tiny molecules, miR-21 and miR-29b, have been found to strengthen the aorta during bulge growth, reducing abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice. The team believes this could lead to a new treatment for the disease.
Research found that micronutrient supplements before pregnancy alter gene methylation in offspring, impacting their immune system. The study's findings have significant public health implications for regions with food security issues.
Researchers have discovered that toxins released by diseased brain cells trigger a vicious circle of immune system activation, leading to high levels of free radicals that attack healthy nerve cells. The discovery may lead to targeted therapies to slow down these diseases.
A recent study found that news coverage emphasizing the role of alcohol in violent crime and fatal injuries can increase public support for alcohol-control laws. The study revealed that most news reports on these topics fail to mention alcohol, leading to a lack of awareness about its contribution to accidents and violence.
The NYU College of Nursing has implemented a new clinical teaching model using high-fidelity human patient simulation, increasing faculty capacity by 30% while reducing student-to-teacher ratios. This approach provides a safe learning environment for students to practice skills and critical thinking.
The ACGME's new accreditation system will evaluate residents' core competencies in six areas: patient care, medical knowledge, and interpersonal skills. Teaching institutions must develop learning outcomes and submit reports every six months to document resident progress.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that blacks with higher education levels are less likely to seek mental health services than their white counterparts. Cultural barriers such as stigma, lack of knowledge, and trust play a significant role in this disparity.
A new study has identified a mutation in the Abraxas gene as a potential contributor to breast cancer susceptibility. The Abraxas protein interacts with BRCA1 and its mutation impairs DNA repair, increasing cancer risk.
A Purdue University study reveals that hermetic grain storage bags work by depriving weevils of water through metabolic processes, not just oxygen deprivation. The bags' effectiveness in reducing insect infestations has saved West and Central African farmers hundreds of millions of dollars.
A new study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers reveals that the size and curvature of nanosurfaces significantly impact protein orientation and stability. This discovery is crucial for controlling protein function in various biological applications, such as biosensors and tissue engineering.
A recent study by Columbia Business School researchers suggests that using a broadened set of information on new recruits, including nontraditional predictors of effectiveness, can help identify effective teachers. The results found that collecting such measures could explain 12 percent of the variance in teacher effectiveness.
Researchers have completed the first comparative analysis of all available and in-development antimalarials, identifying potential transmission-blocking medicines. The study reveals that some existing antimalarials can target multiple stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle.
A new study published in PLoS ONE reveals how two individual but very similar proteins cooperatively adjust calcium levels inside heart cells, which may degenerate in heart failure. This dual regulation may lead to irregular heart rhythms and increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
A new study found surprising diversity in a single neural connection in flies, challenging the idea that structure is key to understanding function. The research suggests that genetic drift or natural selection may have shaped these diverse connections, leading to rapid evolution.
A study found that the ventral striatum in the brain drives motivation during actions requiring physical and mental effort. The researchers discovered a general motivational system, activating both cognitive and motor parts of the brain depending on task difficulty.
A UK study provides insight into the relationship between manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and cancer progression. The research found that MnSOD expression was suppressed early in skin carcinogenesis but increased at late stages, highlighting its role as a p53-regulated gene.
A new study by University of Nottingham researchers found that systematically collecting family medical history is a significant tool in helping GPs spot patients at high risk of heart disease. The study identified an additional five percent of patients who would benefit from prevention measures, highlighting the potential for low-cost...
Scientists have identified two new possible antibiotics, fasamycin A and B, that work against deadly resistant microbes like MRSA. The metagenomics method allowed researchers to analyze substances made by soil bacteria's DNA in the lab, enabling the discovery of these potential life-saving medications.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that removing polyps by colonoscopy prevents not only colorectal cancer development but also deaths from the disease. Patients who underwent the procedure had a 53% lower death rate from colorectal cancer compared to those without removed polyps.
A recent study published in Radiology found that mammography-detected breast cancers in women between the ages of 40 and 49 have a significantly better prognosis compared to non-mammography detected cases. This is attributed to earlier detection and treatment, resulting in lower recurrence rates and mortality.
Researchers at Saarland University introduced XML3D, a new HTML extension that simplifies the illustration of complex products on the Internet. Using XML3D, customers can interact with 3D models and visualize product details.
Researchers discovered that urban birds' songs are altered by city structures, which reflect and distort noise, affecting their ability to communicate effectively. This study, published in PLOS ONE, challenges the previous assumption that birds sing louder to drown out noise.
Professor John Ashton's essay in The Lancet argues the Health and Social Care Bill will recreate the divide between those who can afford healthcare and the poor. He calls on NHS managers and ministers to listen to his concerns about the bill's impact on public health.
A Nationwide Children's Hospital study found that muscle regeneration may create an ideal environment for rhabdomyosarcoma to arise. The research uses mouse models of muscular dystrophy to investigate the growth of eRMS, a fast-growing and highly malignant tumor subtype.
A benchmarking study found substantial progress in implementing previous guidelines, but many countries struggled with task. The new European Guidelines on CVD Prevention will be shorter and more accessible to engage health professionals.
Researchers have developed a light-controlled neural inhibitor that can inhibit pain-sensitive neurons. The compound QAQ acts as a photosensitive switch, and its conformation can be altered by light, enabling it to bind to specific receptors on nerve cells.
Scientists used satellites to measure nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions from oil sands mining in Alberta, Canada. The levels of these pollutants are comparable to those over a large power plant or medium-sized cities.
The Affordable Care Act may increase convenience for veterans, but also cause fragmentation in care, leading to more emergency department use and hospitalizations. The new insurance options may shift care from VA facilities to private practice physicians, potentially resulting in decreased use of critical services.
A recent review highlights the growing concern of counterfeit medicines being sold online and turning up in legitimate supply chains. The study found that nearly 75 billion dollars worth of fake drugs are sold globally each year, putting millions of lives at risk.
A survey found that 75% of institutions surveyed do not include patent and commercialization considerations in their tenure and promotion criteria. However, there are good arguments for adding these activities to the criteria, as it could inspire innovative activities earlier in a professor's career and increase research dollars.
Scientists have discovered the deepest terrestrial animal, a springtail insect, at 1,980 meters below ground surface. Four new species were also identified, shedding light on unique adaptations of cave-dwelling animals in extreme environments.
Despite harsh winter conditions, microscopic creatures in the Arctic food chain remain active, with zooplankton feeding at low rates. This discovery has implications for climate modeling and understanding of ecological balance, particularly in commercial fisheries.
A new project has been awarded £4 million to develop a 'click' technique for DNA and RNA assembly, which could make biotechnology research cheaper and more efficient. The technique enables the production of useful DNA structures on a larger scale than current enzyme-based technologies.
A new study found that overweight and obese adults with chronic kidney disease who attempt to lose weight through diets and diet pills may cause further kidney damage. The study highlights the need for safe weight loss strategies that protect kidney function.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to precisely control the width and composition of nanowires as they grow, enabling complex structures optimally designed for specific applications. This technique could facilitate new semiconductor devices with better functionality than conventional thin-film devices.
Researchers from UT Austin are part of a $3 million NSF Delta research collaboration to build comprehensive computer models for predicting river delta evolution. The project aims to understand how deltas respond to human activities and learn to direct delta evolution.
Log and lumber exports from Washington, Oregon, northern California, and Alaska increased by 42 percent in 2011, totaling 1,992 million board feet. The total value of exported logs increased by 54 percent to $1,297 million, while the total value of exported lumber increased by 35 percent to $687 million.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that computer-assisted decision tools in electronic health records substantially improve the identification and diagnosis of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased sharply, with at least 18 percent of 12- to 19-year-olds now considered obese.
Researchers discovered that reduced expression of OGFr accelerates tumorigenesis in human ovarian cancer. The OGF-OGFr axis plays a fundamental role in regulating cell proliferation.
Researchers have designed a new chemical compound that binds 1,000 times more effectively to the target protein in the brain than current drugs, reducing cell death by 40% in animal models. The compound also improves motor function and passes through the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a protein mutation that disrupts the protective function of DJ-1, a key player in preventing neuronal death in Parkinson's disease. This finding may lead to new treatment strategies by targeting this error in the protein.
A study found that a strain of MRSA bacteria acquired resistance to antibiotics on farms and can now infect humans. The researchers sequenced the genomes of 88 different S. aureus isolates and found that the MRSA strain ST398 likely evolved from an antibiotic-sensitive human strain.
Women with a history of endometriosis are at a significantly higher risk of developing three specific types of ovarian cancer. The study found that endometriosis is linked to a more than threefold chance of developing clear-cell ovarian cancers and over double the risk of developing endometrioid tumours.
Stanford engineers developed a tiny, self-propelled medical device that can travel through the bloodstream using wireless power. The device has an antenna small enough to fit in the bloodstream and can propel itself at speeds of over half-a-centimeter per second.