Researchers discover tick bites trigger alpha-gal antibodies in patients, leading to delayed anaphylaxis after eating red meat. The study highlights a previously unknown food-induced severe allergic reaction due to a carbohydrate, not protein.
The NIH is funding the creation of tissue chips with living cells and tissues to model human organs and predict drug safety. These chips will be tested with compounds known to be safe or toxic, ultimately advancing research to help identify reliable drug safety signals.
The XCELL trial confirms nitinol stenting is safe and effective in improving wound healing, providing pain relief, and promoting amputation-free survival for patients with critical limb ischemia. The procedure reduces major adverse events and offers improved limb preservation rates compared to open surgery.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases lung cancer risk through a novel mechanism involving long-term oxygen depletion and HIF-2a tumor growth signaling. COPD-induced signals may be susceptible to prevention or treatment with VEGFR-2 and EGFR inhibitors.
SRI International researchers are developing a topical microbicide gel to prevent HIV and HSV-2 infections in women. The novel product will utilize a patented bioadhesive polymeric platform for sustained drug delivery, aiming to limit the risk of drug resistance.
David Tilman's essay in Daedalus highlights the challenges to Earth's biodiversity due to human population growth, emphasizing the need for sustainable food and energy systems. The essay explores how loss of biodiversity affects ecosystem function and productivity.
A large clinical trial testing a vaginal ring containing dapivirine, a potent antiretroviral drug, is underway in Africa to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission among women. The trial aims to enroll 3,500 women across several African countries.
A new study reveals that Native-Americans' high rates of diabetes may be attributed to their ancestors' high-fiber diet, which was rich in foods like maize and sunflower seeds. This diet, characterized by low fat and glycemic index, could have given rise to 'thrifty genes' that now contribute to the disease.
The 'Control-Alt-Hack' game allows teenage and young-adult players to defend against digital threats in a social and entertaining way. The game incorporates real-world scenarios and skills, dispelling stereotypes about computer science professionals.
Emerging techniques to pull carbon dioxide from the air can help stabilize the climate, but lower-cost technology is a stumbling block. The techniques address sources of CO2 that other types of carbon capture and storage cannot, and have the potential to lower atmospheric CO2 levels significantly.
Researchers used GPS to measure short-term changes in Greenland's ice loss, finding a link between ice and atmospheric pressure. The study, published in PNAS, uses the Greenland bedrock as a 'bathroom scale' to weigh ice mass.
Researchers have observed a dramatic increase in Greenland's ice sheet surface melting, with nearly the entire ice cover experiencing melting. The melting event was linked to an unusually strong heat dome over Greenland, causing temperatures to hover above freezing for several hours.
Researchers have discovered a way to make plants resistant to parasitic dodder vines by attacking the junctions where they tap into their hosts. The technique, using RNA interference, has shown promise in preventing dodder from spreading and can potentially be applied to other parasites like Striga.
The Results for Development Institute has announced the winners of its 2012 Innovative Secondary Education for Skills Enhancement (ISESE) Competition, recognizing promising models to equip youth with skills for success in today's global economy. The competition identified and explored innovative models of skills delivery at the seconda...
A new study led by Carnegie Mellon University found that mindfulness meditation training decreases loneliness in older adults. The research also showed that the training lowered inflammation levels and altered gene expression, suggesting a promising approach for reducing disease risk in older adults.
A series of 18 articles in ZooKeys examines recent advances in imaging systems, data gathering techniques, and collaborative approaches to digitization. These efforts aim to create a global virtual natural history museum, providing unprecedented access to biodiversity records and research opportunities.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully synthesized a material with a similar structure, mechanical behavior, and optical appearance to natural nacre, also known as mother of pearl. The new coating has potential applications in coating applications due to its cheap ingredients and ability to be easily automated.
Mount Sinai researchers found that neutrophils boost antibody production and reprogram B-cells to create a potent immune response. This discovery has significant promise for developing vaccines against blood-borne infections and HIV.
A study found that higher population density of neurosurgeons in the US is associated with lower mortality rates from motor vehicle accidents, which are often caused by traumatic brain injuries. Rural areas tend to experience more MVA-related deaths due to slower medical response times and reduced access to trauma resources.
The 2011 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey reveals that psychological distress and suicidal ideation are concerns, especially among female students. Bullying and anti-social behaviour remain issues, with girls reporting being twice as likely to be cyber-bullied.
A Vanderbilt-led team is developing a microbrain bioreactor to improve drug testing by replicating the human brain's complex chemical communication and molecular trafficking. The device will test new therapies for stroke, obesity, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have identified RhoC as a key driver of breast cancer stem cell metastasis. High levels of RhoC are associated with worse patient survival rates. Targeting this molecule may lead to more effective treatments for certain types of cancer, potentially managing cancer stem cells and invasive behaviors.
A new study found South Asians have higher levels of blood sugar than white Europeans, independent of risk factors. This suggests that South Asians should be monitored more closely for type 2 diabetes, as the diagnosis is already higher in this ethnic group.
NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite identified 'hot towers' in Typhoon Vicente, indicating rapid intensification. The storm intensified by 50 knots within six hours, with sustained winds reaching 120 knots.
A population-level approach to preventing cardiovascular disease could reduce deaths by up to 50%, according to the European Society of Cardiology. The organization recommends changes in agricultural policies, taxation, and advertising to support healthy diets, physical activity, and reduced alcohol consumption.
A study by Florida International University reveals that employers use Facebook to assess job candidates, potentially creating a new digital divide. The findings raise ethical questions about the role of social media in hiring processes.
Scientists used C-14 dating and soil analysis to determine the age of Croscat Volcano's last eruption. The study reveals that the region experienced mild temperatures and increased rainfall around 13,270 years ago before the volcanic activity began.
A new combination of drugs to treat tuberculosis shows promise, killing over 99% of patients' TB bacteria within two weeks. The treatment could also be used for patients infected with drug-resistant forms of the disease.
A large systematic review of 12,000 papers found that improved endoscopy equipment, more endoscopic surgery, and larger tissue samples are crucial for effective management. The review used the Delphi process to reach consensus on key findings, which should guide clinical practice and inform future research.
The International Society for Advancement of Cytometry presented its 2012 awards to Dr. Leon Terstappen and Dr. Robert Leif, recognizing their innovative work in cytometry technology. The awards also honored Drs. Jan Visser and Peter Lansdorp for their significant contributions to the field and society.
A multi-institutional initiative seeks to improve the genetic basis of drought resistance in a grass closely related to current biofuels feedstocks and food crops. Researchers will dissect the genetic basis of drought tolerance in these plants, with the goal of developing crops that can endure harsh conditions.
Infants as young as one year old can detect how speech communicates unobservable intentions, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. By recognizing patterns in spoken descriptions, infants can acquire knowledge about matters beyond their direct experiences.
Three scientists, Drs. David Smith, Samuel Friedman and Jeremy Luban, will study how to prevent transmission among the newly infected and identify genetic influences in disease progression. Their research aims to develop novel systems for mapping patterns of new HIV infections and preventing stigmatization.
A 32-country study found that linagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, is effective in improving glycaemic control without weight gain or increased risk of hypoglycemia. The extended trial demonstrated sustained glucose control for up to 102 weeks treatment duration.
By 2040, parts of Washington State could lose up to a third of their carbon stores due to increasing wildfire risk. This would significantly impact the region's ability to act as carbon sinks and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study published in Climate of the Past indicates that CO2 levels and temperature rises follow each other closely in terms of time. The research, conducted at the University of Copenhagen, suggests that the processes in the deep-sea around Antarctica play a key role in the CO2 increase.
NASA successfully tested a hypersonic inflatable heat shield, surviving re-entry at 7,600 mph. The Inflatable Reentry Vehicle Experiment (IRVE-3) demonstrated the technology's potential for planetary entry and descent or cargo return from the International Space Station.
New lipid screening guidelines for children are overly aggressive, according to UCSF researchers. The recommendations fail to weigh health benefits against costs and have the potential to label millions of healthy children with so-called dyslipidemia.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that strobe eyewear training enhances visual short-term memory by disrupting vision and forcing participants to adjust their processing. The effects of improved visual memory retention were observed even after removing the eyewear, lasting up to 24 hours.
Researchers have discovered a powerful class of antioxidants that can block the development of Parkinson's disease by bolstering the natural antioxidant Nrf2. The synthetic triterpenoids increased Nrf2 activity, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in brain cells, which are characteristic of Parkinson's.
Researchers found that vivid memory and real perceptual experience share striking similarities at the neural level, but not in every detail. The study used fMRI to analyze brain activity while participants watched video clips and then recalled them, finding a 91% match in sensory and motor areas of the cerebral cortex.
Researchers demonstrate a minimally-invasive method to deliver drugs and particles to the eye's suprachoroidal space, targeting diseases like macular degeneration. The technique has the potential to reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes for chronic eye diseases.
A study found that YouTube videos showing the Epley maneuver, a simple treatment for BPPV, are highly accurate and widely used by healthcare providers and people with vertigo. The videos have also helped to educate patients about how to treat this disorder.
A recent study found that premature babies born in high-tech, high-volume hospitals have a higher chance of survival compared to those born in non-specialized facilities. The research, analyzing over 1.3 million births, revealed a 300% improvement in survival rates for preterm infants.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that aspirin use may protect against Barrett's esophagus (BE), the largest known risk factor for esophageal cancer. High-dose aspirin was significantly associated with decreased BE risk, but caution is advised due to potential cardiovascular benefits.
A new study suggests that raisins can provide the same workout boost as sports chews, promoting higher carbohydrate oxidation and faster running times. Raisins offer an added benefit of providing fiber and micronutrients like potassium and iron.
Researchers found a significant association between total hip and knee replacement surgeries and an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during the first two weeks after surgery. The risk remained elevated for six weeks, with the strongest association in patients over 80 years old.
A new study suggests that loss of microRNA-122 leads to liver cancer and that restoring this molecule may slow tumor growth. The researchers developed a model where mice lack miR-122 and develop liver cancer, which can be treated by restoring the molecule.
Scientists have discovered a potential cause of Earth's 'icehouse climate' cooling trend, linking it to changes in seawater sulfate content. The study proposes that times of high sulfate concentrations correlate with global cooling, while low concentrations correspond to greenhouse periods.
A 3-week research expedition, GLAD experiment, will map surface currents that transport pollutants. The study aims to improve oil spill and at-sea emergency response by investigating pollutant transport and deposition along the Gulf of Mexico.
Washington University's engineers will work on low-cost solar cells and systems, while Indian partners deploy the technology. The initiative aims to leapfrog energy production technology, moving directly to solar in under-electrified areas of India.
A recent survey conducted at the University of California, Berkeley, found 48 distinct bird species within a 84-acre area, surpassing previous records from 1913 and 1938. The study suggests that urban green spaces can serve as islands of diversity, supporting a wide range of bird species.
A community health campaign in Uganda tested 4,343 people for HIV and offered testing, treatment, and prevention services for malaria, tuberculosis, diabetes, and hypertension. The campaign demonstrated the feasibility of rapid testing and linkage to care in resource-poor settings.
Researchers found that pyrite, also known as fools' gold, plays a significant role in regulating atmospheric oxygen levels. The formation and burial of pyrite has been more important than previously thought, accounting for over 80% of sulfur removed from the ocean.
A new study analyzing public basking shark sightings suggests an increase in the number of animals recorded in British waters since the 1980s. The researchers found a rise in medium and large-sized sharks, indicating an aging population, and identified three hotspots off South West England, Western Scotland, and the Isle of Man.
Global food output has doubled in the past half-century, yet hunger and malnutrition continue to plague the world's poorest populations. The researchers propose an ambitious plan to remake the way food is grown, processed, distributed, sold, and consumed, focusing on innovations that take into account farmers' needs, nutrition-related ...
Researchers track changing aridity patterns across the Northern Hemisphere using fossil mammal data, while also studying a change in volcanic behavior at Pisciarelli, Italy. In the Atacama Desert, they discover new barrier islands and explore periglacial weathering mechanisms.
Researchers found that two closely related sea star species diverged around 6,000-22,000 years ago, ruling out slow genetic changes over time. The boundary between cold and warm water in the Coral Sea may have isolated a small population of ancestral sea stars.
A recent HPTN study found significantly higher rates of new HIV infections among young black gay and bisexual men in the US compared to white MSM. The study's findings highlight the need for urgent action to stem the spread of HIV among this population.
A study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers shows that extracting carbon dioxide directly from the air using newly-developed adsorbent materials is economically feasible. The technique could be used to supplement capture of CO2 from power plant flue gases, with estimated costs of $100 per ton. The method has the potential to...