Two studies examined the effectiveness of CPAP treatment in reducing cardiovascular outcomes in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Despite finding no significant reduction in hypertension or cardiovascular events, the studies suggest that OSA may be an independent risk factor for developing new-onset hypertension.
NASA satellites captured Tropical Storm Bud in the eastern Pacific Ocean on May 21 and May 22, revealing a well-formed storm. Forecasters expect Bud to strengthen into a hurricane due to light wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures.
A new European Union-funded project at the University of Leicester will analyze the growth in tours of urban poverty areas, also known as slums, favelas or townships. The study aims to determine whether slum tourism can help tackle global inequalities and injustices.
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck successfully produced the first Bose-Einstein condensate of erbium, a complex element with strongly magnetic properties. This achievement expands the possibilities for studying fundamental questions in quantum physics and offers new insights into quantum magnetism with cold atoms.
Research has found that inhaled anticholinergics are associated with an increased risk of potentially dangerous heart arrhythmias among young asthma patients. The use of these medications for routine asthma management may be linked to a higher risk of arrhythmias, particularly among active users of ipratropium.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that hydrogen availability significantly affects graphene oxide's properties, which can be controlled through chemical and thermal treatments. Understanding this control is crucial for realizing potential applications, such as nano-electronics and energy storage.
Children born with cleft lip and/or palate face significant medical complications, including respiratory, feeding, speech, and hearing difficulties. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in managing these patients.
A study found that critically ill patients taking antidepressants in ICU had higher mortality rates, with risk increasing by 73% compared to those not on the medication. The risk was highest among patients with acute coronary syndrome and those who had undergone cardiac surgery.
A study of over 3,000 dairy herds in England and Wales found that liver fluke infection reduces the sensitivity of skin tests used to diagnose bovine TB. This means infected cattle may not be identified by current surveillance schemes, contributing to the disease's spread.
A study published in CMAJ found that excess maternal weight before and during pregnancy is a significant predictor of larger-than-average babies. Researchers analyzed data from 472 women and found that maternal glucose levels and lipid levels also play a role, but to a lesser extent.
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have designed a programme called Mírate bien to train cognitive perceptions and restructure self-image. The pilot experience shows early signs of improvement in students' physical self-concept, highlighting the potential tool for building awareness about its implications.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a method to safely remove gold plating from fossils without damaging them. This innovative technique uses industrial electro-plating and polishing methods with liquid salts called 'ionic liquids', which are environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
A new clinical trial is testing a combination of fulvestrant and ganetespib, an HSP90 inhibitor, to treat recurrent or metastatic estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The goal is to make tumor cells more susceptible to hormonal therapies.
A new study by Rice University's Baker Institute examines how the US has adapted its cyber policy in response to pivotal events such as the Arab Spring revolutions, Internet crackdowns, and social media use. The research highlights the increasing importance of digital international communications to US foreign policy.
A large study found that mothers who received the H1N1 flu vaccine during pregnancy were 34% less likely to have a stillbirth, 28% less likely to deliver before 32 weeks, and 19% less likely to give birth to a child with low birth weight. The study also showed no adverse outcomes for vaccinated mothers and their babies.
Canada provides scant support for large randomized controlled trials compared to Western countries, hindering effectiveness of medical therapies and procedures. Experts recommend increasing funding to remove bureaucratic barriers and conduct local studies due to unique social and health contexts.
Recent advances in nanopore sequencing, developed by Stuart Lindsay, demonstrate improved DNA reads and can pinpoint individual bases with greater than 90% accuracy. This technology has the potential to become ubiquitous at a cost below $1000 per genome.
Alberto weakened from a tropical storm to a tropical depression as seen by NASA's Aqua satellite. The National Hurricane Center expects it to continue moving northeast and speed up, eventually becoming a post-tropical remnant low pressure area.
Researchers found that patients prefer colonoscopy over computed tomography colonography, despite its more invasive nature. The study highlights the importance of a patient's experience in the process of colonoscopy and suggests that colonoscopy is the preferred test for screening average-risk patients.
A new study suggests that MTV shows '16 and Pregnant' and 'Teen Mom' send mixed messages about teenage pregnancy. The study found that frequent viewers whose fathers communicated openly with them about sex were less likely to have recently had sex, while those whose fathers rarely did so were more likely.
Scientists have determined the genetic sequences of all 12 available strains of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which acquired resistance independently after acquiring a specific transposon. The findings may lead to new ways to prevent and treat infection by MRSA, VRSA, and VRE.
The UC San Diego Superfund Research Program has received a $15 million grant renewal to continue studying the molecular and genetic consequences of toxicant exposure from Superfund sites. The program aims to develop novel biological models to define how toxicants cause disease and find effective ways to remediate.
Research in Psychological Science explores public reaction to task force recommendations, citing factors such as anecdotes and perception of medical treatments. The study suggests that changing the public's view on prostate-cancer screenings may require pictorial displays to help evaluate data more effectively.
A new report in Perspectives on Psychological Science explores the tradeoffs of reforms to eyewitness identification procedures, finding that reducing false identifications can also lower correct identifications. Reforms aim to minimize suggestive practices and increase reliability, but may compromise accuracy.
A new project, WhaleWatch, uses satellite data and migration models to identify high-risk areas for whale entanglement and ship strikes. The study aims to provide key information on whale migration patterns and inform management policies.
A North Carolina State University study analyzed Twitter posts about the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant after the 2011 disaster, finding that while people shared information quickly, it often lacked context and analysis. The study suggests that social media haven't significantly changed the content of our communications, but rather ho...
Research at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre reveals that high-fat diets can cause chemical reactions in the brain similar to illicit drugs, leading to depression. Mice studies show signs of anxiety and depression after a higher-fat diet, with altered brain chemistry and hormone levels.
Key figures like Egypt's Esraa Abdel Fattah and Tunisia's Lina Ben Mhenni used social media to organize protests and bridge with mainstream media. The study highlights the crucial role of women in the Arab Spring revolutions, transcending traditional gender roles and communication methods.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin developed a patented technology to reduce cerebral oedema by safely manipulating blood vessels in the brain. The technique, 'Neuronal Barrier Modulation,' has shown promising results in animal models and is planned for Phase I clinical trials.
A new study has found that vitamin C supplementation in pregnant women who are unable to quit smoking significantly improves pulmonary function in their newborns. Daily use of vitamin C (500 mg/day) improved peak tidal expiratory flow and respiratory compliance, returning them nearly to the levels seen in non-smokers.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that catastrophic nuclear accidents are more likely to happen than previously assumed. The study reveals that half of the radioactive caesium-137 would be spread over an area of over 1,000 kilometres away from the reactor, contaminating Western Europe once in 50 years.
Researchers developed a new model to understand collective behavior of defects during ion bombardment, revealing three mechanisms: dual layer formation, subway-glide mode growth, and adatom island eruption. This breakthrough enables predictive design capability for controlling surface patterns and stresses in nanotechnology products.
Longitudinal studies suggest that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption may lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia by approximately 35-45%. Moderate drinking patterns may also offer cardiovascular benefits. However, further research is needed to understand the optimal pattern of drinking for protection against cognitive decline.
Fine-scale measurements can be incorporated into models to reduce wildfire hazard in the southeast, according to a new study published in Forest Ecology and Management. The research focuses on methods that incorporate hundreds of fuel observations into tools used by managers to assess wildfire potential.
A new tool has been developed to help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about which drugs to include in health care formularies. The tool, consisting of a checklist with 48 questions, evaluates the evidence of need, efficacy, medication safety, and other factors.
Inhibition of PBEF has been shown to prevent and reverse monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats, suggesting its potential as a therapy. The study's findings imply that targeting PBEF activity could provide a new approach to treating patients with PH.
Researchers from Sichuan Agricultural University and BGI reported the atlas of DNA methylomes in porcine adipose and muscle tissues, providing a valuable epigenomic source for obesity prediction and prevention. The study found that different methylated regions in promoters play a more important role in regulating gene expression and ar...
A novel pancreatic cancer vaccine, Algenpantucel-L, has shown promising results in a Phase 2 study, improving 12-month disease-free and overall survival rates. The vaccine is designed to trigger the patient's own immune system to destroy cancer cells.
The Lifelong Mobility Project, led by Mercyhurst College's David Dausey, aims to increase mobility for disabled children in developing nations. The project uses the 4R model to recycle, reuse, repair, and retrofit wheelchairs, reducing waste and increasing access to education and social opportunities.
A Swedish national cohort study of over 3.5 million people found that genetics, high fetal growth rate, and family history contribute to NHL incidence in adolescents. Low birth order and older maternal age also play a key role.
Researchers have restructured their virus-tracking software to allow for modular development and integration with other applications. The new implementation enables public health scientists to update maps on the evolution and spread of pathogens, facilitating better deployment of resources to protect citizens and forces in the field.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have successfully generated neuronal cells from stem cells of Fragile X patients, paving the way for restoration of normal gene expression. The study identified a chemical compound, 5-azaC, that can clear methyl groups and reactivate FMR1 gene expression in both stem and neuronal brain cells.
A genetic marker, rs2036527, associated with smoking quantity has been found in African Americans, predicting the number of cigarettes smoked per day. This discovery may help guide public health decisions related to smoking and lung cancer risk.
A $3.3 million NSF PREM grant creates a collaborative research partnership between UCSB and UTEP to advance materials science and engineering research, broadening participation of underrepresented minorities in the field. The program enables joint research initiatives and global internship opportunities.
A new bright yellow frog species, Diasporus citrinobapheus, has been found in western Panama with a unique characteristic of dyeing its captor's fingers yellow when handled. The researchers studied the frog's body structure, coloration, and vocalizations to confirm its validity as a new species.
Researchers identified novel biomarkers in rat feces after radiation exposure, which persisted for at least 21 days. These findings hold promise for rapid, accurate diagnosis of radiation exposure, enabling timely resource allocation for patients in need of intervention.
Researchers are developing protein microarray technology to identify early signs of diseases such as diabetes and cancers. This technique allows for the simultaneous analysis of thousands of proteins, facilitating high specificity and reduced cost.
A multicomponent intervention that included staff training and supportive materials reduced the rate of physical restraint use in nursing homes. The study found a significant decrease in physical restraint prevalence after 6 months, with results still showing lower restraint use at 3 months.
Research reveals a 'stained glass ceiling' limits Romney's chances due to unpopularity of Mormons and lack of social contact. Public attitudes toward Mormons must change for Romney's religion to no longer be a hurdle.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed skin cells from elderly heart failure patients into healthy, beating heart muscle cells that can integrate with existing heart tissue. The study uses human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to repair damaged hearts, offering a potential new treatment option for heart failure patients.
A case study reported a severe anaphylactic reaction to bee pollen in a woman with seasonal allergies. The authors warn healthcare providers and patients about the potential risk of allergic reactions to bee pollen supplements, particularly among individuals with no known allergy history.
A new study by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that residents of Lower Manhattan who suffered home damage following the 9/11 attacks are more likely to report respiratory symptoms and diseases. The study analyzed data from over 71,000 survivors of the World Trade Center attacks, including those with ...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center isolated antibodies from breast milk that can generate neutralizing antibodies to help inhibit the HIV virus in infants. The study's findings may help develop immune system prophylaxis during breastfeeding for mothers infected with HIV-1.
A recent study has found that sarcoidosis accounts for 25% of all deaths among black women with the disease, emphasizing the need for early detection and treatment. The study also highlights the severity of pulmonary disease in black women with sarcoidosis, with respiratory failure being a leading cause of death.
Research by the University of Exeter finds that light pollution is transforming communities of insects, with more predators and scavengers found near artificial lights. This could have a knock-on effect on entire ecosystems, including birds and mammals that rely on these species for food.
A new study at Oregon Health & Science University finds that daily Vitamin C supplementation improves pulmonary function tests in newborns born to pregnant smoking women, potentially altering the fetal origins of respiratory disease. The treatment may block some effects of smoking on lung development.
Scientists at IDIBELL have found a new checkpoint in cell cycle control through the joint action of two proteins, RPL11 and RPL5, which disrupts ribosomal biogenesis. This leads to the activation of p53 protein and cell cycle arrest.
A revised definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) includes a distinction between severe and less advanced cases, allowing for earlier detection and intervention. The new guidelines are based on evidence from over 4,000 patients and have the potential to improve treatment outcomes.
A parasitic flatworm called Fasciola hepatica hinders the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle by reducing the sensitivity of skin tests. This study found that liver fluke infection can create false negatives for TB, allowing infected cattle to continue transmitting the disease.
Researchers discovered that astrocytes, which normally nourish and protect neurons, deliver a lethal package containing ceramide and PAR-4 when neurons start producing excessive amyloid protein. This process may contribute to brain-cell death and shrinkage in Alzheimer's disease.