Astronomers will use a new telescope called X-Calibur to study the polarization of X-rays, providing information about cosmic sources that is not available elsewhere. The instrument will be sensitive to hard X-rays and will be flown at an altitude of 40 kilometers, allowing it to focus on celestial objects with high accuracy.
A new review of imaging studies confirms that positron emission tomography (PET) safely and accurately detects dementia, including the most common form among the elderly, Alzheimer's disease. The study found that combining PET with a biomarker called 18F-FDG can pinpoint key areas of metabolic decline in the brain indicating dementia.
A study found that uninsured patients receiving imaging services in a hospital setting received the same quantity and value as insured patients. Despite this, uninsured individuals were less likely to undergo interventional procedures but more likely to receive computed tomography studies.
Researchers have found that newly formed plant species exhibit highly unstable genomes, which may lead to improved fertility and yields in crops such as wheat, corn, and broccoli. The study's findings could inform the development of polyploid crops with higher fertility and performance.
The article highlights the importance of justification and optimization of pediatric CT protocols to reduce radiation dose. Experts recommend using lower tube current, restricting scan length, and employing image post-processing techniques to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality.
Researchers at Northwestern University identified nine core genes that protect cells from protein misfolding, a common cause of over 300 diseases. They also discovered seven classes of small molecules that restore proper protein folding and reduce disease progression.
A new UCSF analysis of tobacco industry documents reveals that Philip Morris USA manipulated data on the effects of additives in cigarettes, including menthol. The researchers found that hundreds of additives should be eliminated from cigarettes due to their potential to increase health risks for smokers.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' special issue reviews 2011's top threats, including Iran's nuclear program, Fukushima's aftermath, and a growing partisan divide in US climate policy. The Doomsday Clock Symposium evaluates the world's progress on biological threats and nuclear disarmament.
Research reveals that a poor maternal diet can affect fat storage in later life, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other age-related diseases. The team identified a molecule called miR-483-3p as the key player in this process, which suppresses a protein called GDF3.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have produced neuron-by-neuron maps of the mouse brain's visual processing system, laying the groundwork for decoding brain circuitry using genetic research techniques. The study revealed specialized roles for different areas in processing visual information, including direction and fine detail.
Christian Davis Furman, a leading geriatrician at UofL, has been chosen for the CMS Innovation Advisors Program to enhance healthcare delivery and reduce costs. She will receive a stipend of up to $20,000 to support her activities during the one-year program.
A prospective surveillance model for breast cancer treatment has been shown to significantly reduce costs and improve outcomes. The model, which involves early identification and intervention of lymphedema-related impairment, has been associated with direct treatment costs of $636.19 per year compared to traditional care at $3,124.92.
A new species of Amomum (Cardamom) has been discovered in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. The plant is characterized by its distinctive ligules and small flowers, and is considered critically endangered due to conservation efforts.
Men in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial had no evidence of a mortality benefit from annual PSA testing compared to usual care. The study found a higher percentage of deaths from other causes among prostate cancer patients diagnosed with PSA screening, indicating over-diagnosis.
A large cohort study found that statin use was associated with an increased risk of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) in smokers, with a 60% higher odds of ILA compared to non-statins users. Statins also exacerbated lung fibrosis in mice and enhanced Nlrp3-inflammasome activation.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell highlights the possibility of reversing ageing in the central nervous system for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The age-associated decline of remyelination, a regenerative process, can be reversed using inflammatory cells from young mice.
Researchers at Washington University have characterized a protein crucial to the life of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. The enzyme, phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase (PMT), is an ideal target for new antimalarial drugs due to its unique characteristics and lack of homologues in humans.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that defects in myelin sheath regeneration surrounding nerves can be at least partially corrected following exposure to young immune cells. This suggests that regenerative therapies may work throughout the duration of MS, regardless of age. The findings provide new hope for treating this disease.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed an implantable biofuel cell that converts a cockroach's internal chemicals into electricity. The device can provide enough power to control the bug or transmit sensor data, and has shown promise for long-term use without harming the insect.
Older people tend to be happier due to focusing on positive events and emotions, but direct links between these strategies and mood changes are lacking. More research is needed to clarify the relationship between cognitive processes and happiness in older adults.
Robert Alfano, CUNY Distinguished Professor of Science and Engineering at CCNY, receives the Britton Chance Biomedical Optics Award for developing non-invasive optical biopsy methods that provide molecular information on cancer cells. His techniques can eliminate wait times and reduce physical trauma of surgery.
A large percentage of patients with mild-to-moderate asthma have persistently non-eosinophilic disease, which does not respond to current treatments. Repeated sputum analysis revealed that only 36% of asthmatics without inhaled corticosteroids and 17% using ICS had eosinophilia.
New research confirms that annual prostate cancer screening does not reduce deaths from the disease, even among men in their 50s and 60s with underlying health conditions. The study found that six years of aggressive screening led to more diagnoses of tumors but not fewer deaths.
A malignancy-risk gene signature developed for breast cancer has been found to have predictive and prognostic value for patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer. The signature was able to distinguish between low and high malignancy risk groups, correlating with good or poor overall survival rates.
A study by Eric Hehman and colleagues found that group status influences integration preferences. When blacks were the dominant group, they preferred assimilation, while whites did not support pluralism as much. The researchers suggest understanding these feelings to coexist in diverse nations.
Scientists at the University of Notre Dame have successfully engineered silkworms to produce fibers with the strength and elasticity of spider silk. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new materials for sutures, wound dressings, artificial limbs, and other textiles. The researchers used a transgenic engineering approach ...
The JIPM authors refute Greenpeace's claim that genetically modified corn caused the western bean cutworm to spread. Instead, they cite various ecological and agronomic factors, such as conservation tillage, reduced insecticide use, and climate change, which may have contributed to the WBC's range expansion.
The Wildlife Conservation Society won the grand prize with its solution, Bycatch Escape Gaps for Fish Traps in Curaçao and Kenya, receiving a $20,000 prize. The two runners-up received prizes of $5,000 each for their respective solutions. The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on February 8.