Research reveals that gut microbes fine-tune body weight by extracting energy from food, with changes in diet and environment significantly altering their composition. The study suggests that therapeutic modification of the gut microbiome may offer a promising approach to treating obesity and related health conditions.
Researchers found that people who restrict their caloric intake for seven years have better heart rate variability, a measure of the heart's ability to adapt to physical activity and stress. This is associated with improved cardiovascular health and may indicate a longer lifespan.
Recent studies in Current Directions in Psychological Science investigate the role of retrieval-based learning, attention to information in working memory, accurate personality judgment, and the use of neuroeconomic games to examine social decision making in children with externalizing disorders. These findings provide insights into th...
Researchers developed a new model of fluid dynamics and heat flow in human tears, revealing the cooling effect on tear film after each blink. The model accurately predicts the rate of cooling for both healthy individuals and those with dry eye conditions.
A simple blood test can identify people at high risk of dying within a month after non-cardiac surgery. The test called Troponin T measures protein markers of heart injury and is strongly associated with 30-day mortality.
Lt. Col. Dore Gilbert, a California-based dermatologist, received the Members Making a Difference award for his service in the U.S. Army Reserve providing skin cancer screenings and supporting patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
A Northwestern University study found that phone therapy retains more patients and improves depression outcomes compared to face-to-face sessions. The randomized control trial included 325 primary care patients with major depressive disorder and showed that phone therapy reduced dropout rates by 12 percentage points.
A survey by MIT reveals that 95% of major Latin American cities are planning for climate change, compared to only 59% in the US. Cities worldwide are taking proactive steps to adapt to global warming, often due to natural disasters and changing climate conditions.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that nearly all minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged families in urban areas had access to the internet. More than half expressed interest in receiving electronic health information from emergency departments, with email being the preferred method of delivery.
The new program will focus on interdisciplinary research, translational engineering, and industrial experiences to prepare students to think like entrepreneurs. Students will participate in curriculum modules, mentored laboratory research projects, and team projects to develop their collaboration and innovation skills.
A new blood test discovered circulating tumour cells can predict progression-free survival and overall survival in early-stage breast cancer patients. The presence of CTCs is associated with worse survival rates, but the correlation increases when concentrations are higher.
Researchers used diamond anvil cells to apply extreme pressure to argon, heating it with microsecond laser bursts to 2,500 degrees K. The results confirmed kinetic theory as a better model for argon's thermal conductivity than Green-Kubo formalism.
A study published by the University of Houston found that wearing progressive addition lenses slowed myopia progression in children. The research suggests that understanding why different types of lenses affect myopia progression can lead to the development of more effective treatments.
Researchers at The Miriam Hospital found a 20 percent increased risk of developing blood cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma in patients with type 2 diabetes. Analyzing over 17,000 cases worldwide, they concluded that preventing diabetes may also lower the incidence of these malignancies.
Fruit flies developed insulin resistance by overloading on carbs and protein, mimicking Type 2 diabetes. The flies' lifespan shortened and fertility decreased with both diets, offering a new model for studying human disease.
Researchers found that olfactory neural stem cells can be derived from a patient's own cells and have shown promise in pre-clinical models of disease. They demonstrated multipotency by acquiring the phenotype of resident cells, making them a potential source for cell therapy.
A new telehealth program by the University of Alberta helps rural COPD patients in northern Alberta communities. The program uses telehealth technology to conduct pulmonary rehab sessions and provide consultations with pulmonologists, resulting in improved quality of life and increased exercise tolerance after two months.
By combining modeling, simulation, analysis, and visualization, researchers can identify potential binding sites on a virus. The work of discovering a breakthrough new drug begins with analyzing the virus, bacteria or mutation that causes the illness, and creating a three-dimensional model to understand its structure and shape.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that anxious girls' brains respond more intensely to mistakes, suggesting a potential link between worrying and brain function. The study may help identify girls prone to anxiety problems.
The study found that daily bathing of patients with disposable cloths containing chlorhexidine gluconate reduced MRSA transmission rates from 4.99 cases per 1,000 patient days to 0.88 cases per 1,000 patient days, a significant 82% decrease. This intervention was effective in preventing MRSA infections in a geriatric setting.
Researchers at two structural genomics centers determined 1,000 protein structures from infectious disease organisms, providing crucial insights into the deadliest diseases. The knowledge gained will aid in developing new interventions and therapeutic agents for drug-resistant strains of TB, MRSA, and other pathogens.
A re-analysis of data from the InterAct case-control study found that waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, independent of body mass index (BMI). Waist circumference was a stronger risk factor in women than in men.
A novel assay analyzes fetal cell-free DNA in maternal blood to screen for trisomy 21 and 18. The test is nearly 100% accurate, with a low false positive rate of 0.03%. It has the potential to replace current aneuploidy screening methods.
A University at Buffalo study finds that synapses in the cochlear nucleus are bundled together by plasticity, allowing for efficient transmission of sound information. This organization enables specialized bushy cells to develop unique sensitivities to sound characteristics.
Researchers will directly examine biological aging in schizophrenia using psychiatric and medical interviews, as well as laboratory techniques. The study aims to unravel biological mechanisms underlying faster aging in patients with schizophrenia.
A natural milk ingredient called nicotinamide riboside has been found to protect against obesity in mice. It works by boosting levels of NAD+, a molecular sidekick for SIRT1, which helps with metabolism and longevity.
Researchers have successfully split a single atom into its two halves, pulled them apart and reunited them again. This achievement showcases the potential of quantum mechanics in simulating complex systems, such as topological isolators and photo¬synthesis.
International expert Jerome Singh argues that climate change deliberations must consider the human health implications of climate change, highlighting the need for ethically sound principles to guide policy-making. The author proposes a multi-disciplinary synergized framework incorporating bioethics, public health ethics, and global he...
A study has identified an antitumor molecule originating from a cancer-causing gene that inhibits pro-cancer action of the oncogene. The finding could lead to discovering other oncogenes and anti-oncogenes, contributing to tumor development.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that factors predicting publication success in scientific research differed from those predicting later scientific impact. Accepted abstracts were more likely to be based on basic research, have a large patient number, and be prospective study designs, while full-text publica...
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers have simulated and quantified early stages of radiation damage in materials. They used a new method to predict the effect of radiation on complex materials, including those for nuclear applications, space industry, and medical purposes.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new method to accurately measure dinosaur weight, reducing estimates for a Brachiosaur skeleton from 80 tonnes to 23 tonnes. The team's laser scanning technique provides a more accurate estimate of body mass, suggesting dinosaurs were not as massive as previously believed.
A new study reveals the immune system and inflammation may play a significant role in Lou Gehrig's disease, specifically targeting motor neurons for clean-up by macrophages. Resolvin D1, an omega-3 fatty acid derivative, was found to curb inflammation and block harmful proteins, offering a potential new approach to treating ALS.
The Missouri Botanical Garden will support the development of a comprehensive online resource for plant species, improving access and analysis for scientists and conservationists. The $3 million gift from Monsanto Company will fund the garden's contributions to this international endeavor from 2012 to 2015.
A Rice University study identifies over a dozen Gulf Coast bridges at risk of severe damage in a hurricane with stronger winds than Hurricane Ike. The research helps public safety officials plan emergency responses and identify potential fixes for existing bridges.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 6,000 individuals found a low short-term risk of developing shingles recurrence among those with healthy immune systems. The study's findings suggest that the risk is low regardless of vaccination status.
Marta Fairclough, associate professor at University of Houston, receives Fulbright grant to study Croatian as a heritage language in Croatia. The six-month project aims to document her own learning experience and shed light on the importance of teaching heritage languages.
A study of 8,466 police responders found that 5.4% had full PTSD, while 15.4% exhibited subsyndromal symptoms associated with elevated rates of comorbid psychiatric disorders and functional difficulties.
A pilot trial found that PharmaNAC, an antioxidant supplement, reduced irritability and repetitive behaviors in children with autism. The study suggests that PharmaNAC may be a valuable tool to treat these symptoms, which are common in autism.
A Tel Aviv University researcher found that cardiac patients living in high-pollution areas were 43% more likely to have a second heart attack, and 46% more likely to suffer a stroke. Long-term exposure to air pollution was linked to increased risk of mortality and recurrent vascular events.
Recent studies investigate the effects of Obama's presidency on racism in US politics, with experts analyzing topics such as citizenship, belonging, and racial identity. The findings suggest that Obama is often viewed as black rather than multiracial, highlighting the persistence of racial schemas in shaping public perceptions.
Researchers at HZB have discovered that the alum preservative used on Viking artifacts has led to acidic reactions, destroying cellulose fibers. They are now developing new materials to preserve these cultural treasures.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital and Auburn University found a significant association between restrictive food intake and an increased number of suicide attempts in individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The study also suggests that those with a history of BDD-related excessive exercise had lower rates of suicide attempts.
A recent study from the University of Georgia found that sexual imagery in magazine ads has increased over 30 years, particularly in alcohol, entertainment, and beauty advertising. The study shows that sex is most effective for low-risk, impulse-purchased products.
Researchers used echocardiograms to spot early heart disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The study found that the condition is often underestimated by traditional risk assessment tools.
Researchers found that estrogens convert from one form to another in anoxic conditions, stalling biodegradation and complicating detection. The study reveals a reverse transformation process, where estrone reverts to alpha- and beta-estradiols, inhibiting further degradation.
The photon sieve, a variant of Fresnel zone plate, focuses light through diffraction to create high-resolution images. The technology has been successfully demonstrated in ground tests and is set to be deployed on a Cubesat satellite, offering a game-changing solution for space-based imaging.
A University of Houston civil engineering researcher has received a $2.6 million grant to develop 'smart' cement that can monitor the health of offshore wells during construction and operation. The new material will retain its piezoresistive nature after hardening, allowing for easy detection and localization of structural problems.
A new study found that early childhood neglect may increase the risk of adult skin cancer recurrence, particularly in individuals who have experienced severe stress. The research suggests that early life experiences can affect immune response, making people more susceptible to certain types of cancers.
Researchers developed a technique to genetically differentiate Plasmodium falciparum parasites, linking infection with new parasites to the risk of clinical disease. This tool could help evaluate new prevention strategies and vaccines, as well as understand how anti-malarial treatments work.
A new study reveals that protein knots, a complex structure, are strongly conserved in nature, suggesting they have specific functional advantages. The researchers found that knotting patterns are highly conserved, with flexible points of entry, which may contribute to the stability and function of proteins.
Neuroscientists at Caltech found that the primary somatosensory cortex processes both physical and emotional aspects of touch, with brain activity reflecting emotional significance even before actual contact. This finding has implications for understanding autism, sexual abuse, and physical trauma.
Researchers found that autologous lung-derived mensenchymal stem cell transplantation improved functional outcomes in sheep with emphysema, with increased blood perfusion and ECM content. The study suggests a practical alternative to conventional stem cell therapy for treating emphysema.
A new program, RACE-ER, has been implemented to improve heart attack treatment times and patient survival rates. The initiative, which involves all hospitals and emergency services in North Carolina, has reduced the time from diagnosis to treatment from 103 minutes to 91 minutes.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that cold exposure stimulates brown fat energy expenditure with fewer other systemic effects, suggesting a promising approach to treating obesity. The study disproves the use of ephedrine as a weight loss drug, which has side effects.
A Mayo Clinic-led study found that high doses of American ginseng reduced cancer-related fatigue in patients more effectively than a placebo. The herb showed significant improvement in general exhaustion at eight weeks, with no apparent side effects.
To slow resistance of western corn rootworm beetles to genetically protected crops, much larger 'refuge' acreages of conventional crops have to be planted, two experts warn. Increasing refuge requirements can delay pest resistance and sustain the benefits of Bt corn.
Researchers will observe the Arc of Venus, a glowing rim around Venus, to learn about its atmosphere and super-rotation. The phenomenon reveals temperature and density structures in Venus' middle atmosphere, shedding light on the planet's mysterious evolution.
Researchers developed a screening tool to predict microcystin levels in lakes prone to blue-green algal blooms. The tool uses phycocyanin measurements and water transparency to provide a quick and affordable assessment of the toxin's presence.
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have developed a powerful new tool for analyzing kinases, which are enzymes involved in various cellular processes. The software promises to improve data accuracy and understanding of biology, representing important treatment targets for diseases.