The American College of Physicians Task Force recommends updating hormone therapy guidelines due to significant adverse events. Exercise and vitamin D supplementation are effective at reducing falls, but multifactorial risk assessment is not recommended for all elderly patients.
A study published in Neurology found that exposure to solvents can lead to cognitive impairment in less-educated individuals, while those with higher education levels remain unaffected. The study, which analyzed data from 4,134 workers, suggests that improving early education may protect against future cognitive decline.
A new study published in Obesity found a correlation between PCB exposure and increased distribution of body fat to the abdomen. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 70-year-olds and found that high levels of PCB189 were related to a high proportion of visceral fat.
Researchers at Yale University found that intensively controlling glucose levels did not definitively reduce the risk of impaired kidney function, dialysis, or death from kidney disease. The study suggests that patients may not be better off with this approach and questions the benefits of aggressive glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes
Research shows that lung transplant patients receiving organs from smokers tend to survive longer than those waiting on the list, with significant benefits for patients with septic lung disease and fibrosis. The UK's current selection policy of including both smoking and non-smoking donors improves survival rates and should be continued.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis has been shown to prevent HIV infection before exposure, with a 39% reduction in rates found in one recent trial. A four-week duration of therapy is recommended, based on evidence from macaque models of transmission.
Researchers warn of rapid groundwater depletion in California's Central Valley and the High Plains, posing risks to US food production. The study suggests that unsustainable irrigation practices may lead to economic challenges for farmers, particularly in the southern High Plains.
Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered that conical cells on plant petals provide crucial grip for bees, increasing pollinator preference. The study reveals that these cells help bees land on flowers even in windy conditions.
A VTT researcher has provided an explanation for sliding friction between solid objects, attributing it to surface energy of materials. The discovery enables quantitative calculation of the friction coefficient and potential manipulation of friction by selecting specific surface materials.
Researchers discovered that giant cells called titan cells protect the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans during infection, shielding it from the immune system. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for infections caused by Cryptococcus, a deadly concern for immunocompromised individuals.
A new NIH-funded study examines the use of mobile technology to improve diet and physical activity behavior in adults. The study found that a combination of mobile technology and remote coaching holds promise in encouraging healthier eating habits and reducing sedentary leisure time.
A new study demonstrates that female choice and faithfulness played a crucial role in human evolution, leading to the emergence of the modern family. The transition from promiscuity to pair-bonding was characterized by a reduction in male-to-male competition in favor of providing for females and close parental involvement.
Researchers at McGill University discovered that heart muscle fibers are arranged in a special 'minimal surface' called the generalized helicoid. This finding offers significant new understanding of heart-wall muscle fiber geometry and could be used to guide tissue repair after heart attacks.
A study found that over 8% of VA patients with diabetes may be over-treated, while 6% are under-treated. An individualized approach could help identify the right treatment plan for each patient.
A new study by archaeologists from the Universities of Bristol, Cardiff and Oxford found that Neolithic farmers buried with distinctive stone adzes had access to better land than those without. The analysis revealed sex-biased mobility patterns and status differences among early European populations.
A groundbreaking study found that marine reserves can restock fish populations in areas open to fishing. The research tracked the dispersal of baby coral trout and stripey snappers from reserve sites, finding that up to 30km away, a significant proportion settled on reefs open to fishing.
Researchers at NYU developed a method to replicate the mechanical properties of tissues using an oil-in-water solution, mimicking cell-to-cell adhesion. This breakthrough has potential industrial applications in biocompatible products and pharmaceuticals.
A new study combines archaeology and geoscience to reveal that climate change was a key factor in the collapse of the ancient Indus civilization around 4000 years ago. The research suggests that weakened monsoon rains led to reduced river dynamics, contributing to the decline of cities and the shift towards small farming communities.
A Northwestern University study found that simply changing one bad habit, such as spending less time on the couch, can have a domino effect on other unhealthy behaviors. The most effective way to rehab a delinquent lifestyle requires two key behavior changes: cutting time spent in front of screens and eating more fruits and vegetables.
A randomized controlled trial found that using mobile technology, remote coaching, and financial incentives improved patients' diet and activity levels. The study's interventions leveraged handheld technology to make self-monitoring more convenient and extend decision support into life contexts.
A new stem cell technique allows for efficient generation of abundant cardiomyocytes, critical heart muscle cells. This method is more efficient and robust than existing methods, promising a uniform alternative for research and pharmaceutical applications.
Researchers have developed engineered microvessels that can grow small human blood vessels in a 3-D structure, allowing for the study of disease progression and development of efficient therapies. The system shows promise in studying various diseases, including cancer, malaria, and clotting disorders.
Researchers at Arizona State University and NASA have developed a new technique for detecting bone loss using isotope analysis. This method is more sensitive than current X-ray methods and poses less risk to patients, making it a promising tool for early detection of diseases such as osteoporosis.
Researchers found that reducing TB infections in geographic hotspots can significantly reduce citywide transmission rates by up to 29% over 50 years. Controlling these hotspots may have a similar impact on long-term, community-wide TB incidence as achieving the same targets in the remaining population.
The study found that local variation in neighborhood immunity significantly alters the risk of dengue infection, even in highly mobile and dense urban populations. Infection with dengue provides lifelong immunity to the infecting serotype, but susceptibility returns, increasing the risk for severe disease.
A meta-analysis of seven clinical trials found that intensive glucose control reduces microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes patients, but lacks evidence for reduced risk of significant clinical renal outcomes. The study suggests a reevaluation of the benefits of intensive glycemic control in preventing renal disease.