Researchers at TUM discovered that macrophages can originate from two distinct cell lines: one from hematopoietic stem cells and the other from yolk sac cells. The study reveals that yolk sac-derived macrophages migrate to organs during embryonic development and remain there, while blood-circulating macrophages are replaced by stem cells.
A research group from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has identified genetic mutations in the GUCY2C gene that cause intestinal blockages in newborns from two Bedouin tribes in Israel. The mutations may have evolved to protect against diarrheal diseases in the harsh desert climate.
A new study by the University of California Santa Barbara found that female brown-headed cowbirds prefer less intense wing-spreading displays as courtship behavior. This suggests that current physical condition may not be the most reliable measure of male quality for females to use when choosing a mate.
A new University of Michigan Health System study found that middle-aged and older adults with diabetes showed strong survival rates, even those living in nursing homes or with multiple health issues. The study suggests that interventions can prevent or delay diabetes complications.
Research at Dartmouth-Hitchcock investigates the use of stem cells to treat lower-limb peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition affecting 9 million US patients. The study shows significant improvement in blood flow and reduced risk of amputation among patients who received stem cell therapy.
A study published in Nature shows that relatively few amino acid mutations enable avian H5N1 influenza virus to transmit in mammals. This breakthrough has significant public health benefits and contributes to understanding the pathogen's transmission dynamics.
A team of astronomers led by Suvi Gezari has identified a star rich in helium gas that was ripped apart by the gravitational forces of a supermassive black hole. The star's remains were seen falling into the black hole, while the rest was ejected at high speeds, providing insights into the harsh environment around black holes.
The US has the highest preterm birth rate among 130 countries, with 12.0 preterm births per 100 live births. Nearly half a million babies are born too soon in the US each year, resulting in significant human and economic costs.
Researchers found that increased fructose consumption depletes cellular energy in obese and diabetic individuals, leading to decreased ATP stores and increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Measuring uric acid levels may help doctors predict the presence and monitor the severity of this condition.
The Regenstrief Institute's Aging Brain Care Program is launching a global initiative to provide collaborative dementia care. The program's tools and resources aim to reduce emergency room and hospital visits by up to 45%, improving the quality of care for those with dementia.
A new study finds that plant responses to climate change are advancing at a rate four to eight times faster than predicted by experiments, according to natural observations. This could lead to major changes in ecosystems, pollination of crops, and water supplies, emphasizing the need for accurate predictions.
A U-Mich study tracks changes in retirement plans after the Great Recession, finding that people who postponed retirement also expected to leave less for their heirs. Most respondents planned to work an additional 1-3 years due to financial losses, but few aimed to recoup their entire economic loss
Research suggests that brief prenatal exposure to plant estrogens may affect a woman's fertility as an adult. Exposure to estrogenic chemicals in the womb or during childhood has been shown to alter immune response genes and compromise oviduct support for preimplantation embryo development, leading to infertility.
Individuals with epilepsy have a higher risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as an increased likelihood of developing psychosis. A Finnish study found that families with a history of epilepsy were more likely to experience both conditions.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma investigate the green pigment in nitrite-cured bacon, discovering its chemical composition and potential health effects. Further research is needed to determine if 'nitrite burn' poses a risk to human health.
Scientists discovered that liquid crystals can spontaneously create nanoscale morphologies, leading to new classes of materials with unique properties. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in fields such as biosecurity, healthcare, and biology research.
Two UC Davis faculty members, Frederic Chedin and Noriko Satake, received Individual Biomedical Research Awards to explore novel approaches to understanding autoimmune diseases. Paula Goines, a postdoctoral researcher, will also receive funding for her work on autism research using nerve cells grown from adult stem cells.
A team of scientists from Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that during the mating season, female gobies become increasingly aggressive and eager to mate, while males become more coy. As a result, females assume the dominant role in courtship, with males often surrounded by harems of willing partners.
A systematic review of 50 years of data found antipsychotic drugs significantly reduce relapse rates and hospitalizations in patients with schizophrenia. However, they also experience more adverse side effects, including movement disorders and weight gain.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that blood drive donations increased by 15 to 20 percent when incentives such as gift cards were offered. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 blood drives and a field experiment, suggesting that rewards can attract more donors.
Researchers at UC Irvine found that moderate to severe COPD patients with low heart disease risk had a significantly better prognosis. The study suggests addressing cardiac risk factors can improve outcomes in people with COPD, and highlights the importance of cardiovascular health for lung disease patients.
Scientists are targeting thunderstorms in Alabama, Colorado, and Oklahoma to discover the influence of thunderstorms on air just beneath the stratosphere. The Deep Convective Clouds & Chemistry (DC3) Experiment will explore how thunderstorms affect climate by forming upper-atmosphere ozone, a greenhouse gas with a strong warming effect.
A comprehensive study reveals that biodiversity loss has comparable effects on ecosystems to climate change and pollution. This analysis highlights the urgent need for strengthened local, national, and international efforts to protect biodiversity and its benefits.
A new study reveals that just a handful of heavyweight trees per acre are responsible for nearly half the biomass in a temperate forest, highlighting their crucial role in photosynthesis and carbon sequestration. The research found that these large trees can dominate even when dead, with snags accounting for 60% of total biomass.
A new study suggests that pre-operative bladder function tests are not necessary for women undergoing surgery for stress urinary incontinence. Women who had only an office check-up had equally successful outcomes as those with both tests, indicating that these tests provide no added benefit for surgical treatment success.
The Chromosome-Centric Human Proteome Project (C-HPP) is an ambitious international initiative that aims to identify and profile all human proteins. The project, which involves 20 scientific teams, will focus on 'missing' proteins and determine their functions in health and disease.
A study published in American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that over 50% of wheelchair users experience a breakdown within six months, with a significant increase in health and safety consequences. The researchers suggest that changes in reimbursement policies and lax standards testing may be contributing factors.
A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene finds that dengue fever inflicts a $37.8 million burden on Puerto Rico each year, with households accounting for almost half of the costs. The study suggests that investing in traditional surveillance and prevention could save $5 for every $1 invested.
A pioneering study found that increased maternal choline intake during pregnancy can decrease children's chances of developing hypertension and diabetes. The researchers believe choline alters gene expression patterns involved in cortisol production, potentially reducing stress-related diseases.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have found that the JAM-A protein helps prevent unwanted blood clots, which are a major contributor to heart disease and stroke. The study suggests that the protein may serve as a biomarker for predicting risk of these conditions.
A study by McGill University researchers calculates that each kilometer of a deep underground mine could produce 150 kW of heat, enough to warm 5-10 Canadian households. The team develops a general model for predicting geothermal energy potential in other mines.
A study of over 20,000 older patients with non-small-cell lung cancer found that younger patients were more likely to receive treatment than their older counterparts. The research suggests that age alone is not a reliable indicator for cancer treatment decisions, and other health factors should be considered.
A new study finds that biodiversity loss can reduce plant growth by 5-10% in ecosystems, comparable to climate warming and pollution effects. Stronger efforts are needed to protect biodiversity and its benefits.
Dr. Ashok Gadgil has developed safe drinking water solutions like UV Waterworks, which provides clean water at a price of just two cents per 10 liters. His Berkeley-Darfur Stove increases fuel efficiency, saving households over $300 per year.
New research found post-term children are almost twice as likely as term-born children to have behavioural and emotional problems, including ADHD. A U-shaped association was discovered between gestational age at birth and behavioural problems in early childhood.
Researchers at MIT and NUS have developed a microfluidic system that uses natural margination to separate red blood cells from unwanted cellular components. The system demonstrates highly efficient removal of bacteria and inflammatory cells, with potential applications in treating sepsis.
A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine revealed that PRDM16 is essential for the normal development of the embryonic palate. The gene was found to regulate over 100 genes involved in diverse processes such as chromatin remodeling and muscle/bone development.
Research by IRB Barcelona scientists reveals that glycogen accumulation in neurons is toxic, causing brain damage and reducing lifespan in both flies and mice. This finding has significant implications for understanding Lafora progressive myoclonic epilepsy and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study found that only 41.7% of stroke patients underwent brain imaging within the recommended 25 minutes of their arrival at a hospital, leading to potential delays in treatment. Certain individuals, including those with diabetes or certain cardiac conditions, were less likely to receive timely scans.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a biosynthetic polyphenol that improves cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer's disease. The compound reduces brain neuropathology by preventing abnormal protein accumulation, promoting plasticity and benefits in learning and memory functions.
Researchers applied financial portfolio theory to NIH funding allocation decisions, suggesting potential efficiency gains and improved public health outcomes. The study found that optimized funding allocations may yield more desirable results, with a 28% to 89% greater decrease in years of life lost.
Long-term historical observations reveal plants leafing and flowering sooner due to rising temperatures, contrary to results from controlled environmental warming experiments. This discrepancy suggests that estimated ecosystem changes may be far greater than current estimates based on experimental data.
The study found that Chile's sandy beaches experienced lasting changes due to the earthquake and tsunami, with uplifted beaches showing rapid recolonization of intertidal species. The data provides insight into human-altered coastal landscapes, which could inform future projects.
A study published in the Anesthesia-Analgesia Journal found that Pressure Right's acupressure device enhanced the efficacy of a popular antiemetic drug combination in reducing PONV among high-risk patients. The device resulted in higher patient satisfaction and lower emesis rates compared to a sham device.
Researchers found that motivation, a basic building block of human emotion, is computed mainly in the right hemisphere of the brain for left-handers, contrary to previous studies. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, which often involve targeting the left hemisphere.
A new study from the University of California - Davis Health found that flash-heating breastmilk can reduce the risk of HIV transmission to infants in sub-Saharan Africa. The technique involves heating breastmilk to a high temperature without destroying its nutritional properties, making it safe for babies beyond six months.
A UNC study successfully delivers therapeutic doses of a cancer drug using nanoparticle carriers, overcoming pharmacologic challenges that led to its abandonment. The study demonstrates improved efficacy and reduced toxicity for the abandoned drug.
Researchers found that male pseudoscorpions treated with tetracycline suffered reduced sperm viability and passed this toxic effect on their untreated sons. This transgenerational effect has significant implications for human health and food animal production.
A study of 50 plant studies across four continents found that experimentally induced shifts in plant timing are underestimated by at least fourfold compared to long-term records. Long-term historical records consistently show a 5-6 day advance per degree Celsius, with potential consequences for species diversity and ecosystem services.
Researchers at IDIBELL discovered that combining two mTOR inhibitors can stop liver cancer growth and destroy tumor cells. A clinical trial is underway to evaluate the efficacy of this combination in humans.
Researchers discovered how ARTD1's DNA recruitment is regulated during inflammation, influencing gene expression and inflammation. The protein is cleaved by caspase 7 into two pieces that can no longer bind to DNA, leading to more efficient gene expression.
A new study finds low-dose whole-body CT is nearly four times better than standard imaging for detecting multiple myeloma disease. The study detected 968 lesions compared to 248 using standard imaging, potentially leading to altered treatment plans.
A University of Michigan study found African-Americans with HIV have lower adherence rates to antiretroviral therapy compared to other patients. Untreated depression also hinders adherence in low-income HIV-infected patients regardless of race, but antidepressant treatment nearly doubles optimal ART adherence.
A landmark clinical trial found that aspirin and warfarin are equally effective in preventing a combined risk of death, stroke, and cerebral hemorrhage in heart failure patients. The WARCEF trial, which involved over 2,300 patients, showed that the overall risks and benefits of the two medications are similar.
Robert M. Townsend, a prominent development economist at MIT, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. He is recognized for his outstanding contributions to understanding financial systems and their impact on developing economies.
A study found that genetic variations in an odor receptor gene affect responses to cooked meat, shedding light on controversies surrounding androstenone content. Researchers investigated participants' responses to different pork samples, revealing a significant impact of the gene variant on taste perception.
Researchers found that people who experienced childhood emotional maltreatment tend to have unstable and unsatisfying romantic relationships. This is due to self-criticism stemming from the abuse, which can lead to internalized behaviors and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Researchers will examine two key regions: Sub-Saharan Africa and the Circum-boreal regions, including Europe, US, and Canada. The team aims to answer questions about societal resilience and infrastructure vulnerability.
A study on Rwanda found that HIV/AIDS funding has no adverse effects on non-AIDS health services, and may even improve overall quality of care. The research suggests that comprehensive HIV/AIDS interventions can provide better preventive care, including superior delivery of childhood vaccinations.
A new study reveals that black pepper's piperine interferes with genes controlling fat cell formation, potentially leading to a metabolic chain reaction. This finding may lead to wider use of piperine or black-pepper extracts in fighting obesity and related diseases.