A team of researchers used advanced soil analysis to uncover evidence of ancient Maya maize production in lowland areas, but also found signs of erosion in steeper soils. This study demonstrates the power of modern soil science in understanding past civilizations' treatment of the land and its impact on food security.
A Johns Hopkins doctor argues that comprehensive guidelines for physicians on disclosing conflicts of interest on social media are lacking. Electronic tags and online profiles could help address this issue, DeCamp says, as physicians' posts can be re-tweeted and potentially biased by financial conflicts.
Joint BioEnergy Institute researchers identify a gene in rice plants that improves extraction of xylan and release of sugars needed for biofuels by over 60%. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of advanced biofuels.
A study by Jay Teachman found that veteran populations are becoming more concentrated in rural areas surrounding military bases. This has led to a decrease in contact between veteran and non-veteran populations, with the proportion of veterans in America declining by an average of 15.54% since 2000.
The UT Arlington physics team has developed a novel thermoelectric generator using copper sulfide nanoparticles and single-walled carbon nanotubes. The technology, which can convert both light and thermal energy into electrical current, shows increases of up to 80% in light absorption compared to earlier methods.
Researchers have found that targeting human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) can effectively eliminate HIV-infected cells using immune responses. This discovery could lead to the development of novel HIV vaccines by leveraging HERV-targeted T-cells.
Researchers identified 70 genetic mutations in Burkitt lymphoma tumors, including a new mutation that accelerates tumor growth. The findings could lead to the development of new treatments or targeted therapies for cancer patients.
Researchers identified a genetic variant on chromosome X that predicts high-risk men who drink heavily are at risk for developing chronic pancreatitis. The discovery enables doctors to identify patients with early signs of pancreatitis or acute attacks, allowing them to take preventative action and give the pancreas a chance to heal.
A novel approach to cataract surgery using binaural beats audio therapy significantly reduces patients' anxiety, with consistent results in heart rate and blood pressure. The study highlights the potential for this simple, inexpensive method to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
A new approach to hysterectomy allows for essentially scar-free surgery using robotic arms in a thin incision. The technique provides improved access for surgeons, enabling clearer views of anatomy and reducing the risk of injury to vital structures.
Researchers at Ghent University have developed a simplified model to measure the absolute density of OH radicals in plasma, improving the accuracy of radical treatment for medical applications. This breakthrough could stimulate tissue regeneration and induce targeted antiseptic effects without harming neighboring tissues.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that physicians who commit suicide often have known mental health problems but fail to seek treatment due to stigma and lack of confidentiality. The study highlights the need for greater effort to address job stress, under-diagnosis, and treatment of depression among physicians.
Scientists propose using ultraprecise atomic clocks to directly measure the Earth's true physical form, the geoid, which is currently determined indirectly through satellite tracking. This method has the potential to map the interior of the Earth to great depths, enabling more accurate exploration and discovery of subsurface structures.
A study found that 8-week meditation training can alter brain function even outside of meditation. Different forms of meditation may have distinct effects on the amygdala, a key structure for emotion processing.
A new study found that adding Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin to chemotherapy treatment improved the effectiveness of cancer treatment without increasing side effects in older AML patients. The results show a 22% lower risk of relapse and a 13% lower mortality rate compared to standard treatment.
The US will need 52,000 additional primary care physicians by 2025 due to population growth and aging, with a projected 25% increase in the workforce. Researchers also examine the benefits of starting prostate cancer screening at age 40 versus 50 and argue that guidelines should be evidence-based to prioritize proven services.
A new $3 million study will investigate biological markers measuring treatment efficacy for Chagas disease. The research seeks to develop a robust test to expand treatment options and accelerate clinical trials for this potentially fatal neglected tropical disease.
A new study reveals that cilia play a dynamic role in guiding neuronal migration during brain development. In mice with deleted Arl13b gene, interneurons fail to migrate properly due to abnormal cilia function.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience identified two brain regions involved in making rapid judgments about potential partners. The paracingulate cortex and rostromedial prefrontal cortex are active when people consider physical attractiveness and individual compatibility, respectively.
The University of Southampton is leading a €11.6 million EU-funded research project to develop new crops that can withstand drought, addressing the impact of climate change on crop productivity. The project aims to characterise DNA variation in under-utilised crops and harness this knowledge to produce better crops.
A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges long-standing theories on marine methane oxidation. They found that a single microorganism, an archaeon, can perform both methane oxidation and sulfate respiration without the need for bacterial collaboration.
A new study found that black patients with kidney cancer have a survival disadvantage compared to white patients, even when diagnosed at early stages or receiving less aggressive treatment. The study analyzed nearly 40,000 renal cell carcinoma patients and confirmed poorer survival rates for blacks.
The ICTS will focus on translating genetic and genomic research into patient care, developing new therapeutics, and disseminating research findings. The grant supports Washington University's strengths in genetic and genomic research and its efforts to advance clinical and translational research.
Two studies estimate the cost of delivering HPV vaccines to girls in Tanzania, finding costs substantially higher than existing infant immunization schedules. However, integration with existing health systems may improve affordability and effectiveness of HPV vaccination programs, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
A dance intervention program improved the self-rated health of Swedish girls with internalizing problems, such as stress and psychosomatic symptoms. The study found that 91% of girls rated the dance intervention as a positive experience.
A new study by the University of Cambridge reveals substantial inequalities in cancer stage at diagnosis, which can impact survival. The research highlights the importance of awareness campaigns to improve early diagnosis for specific patient groups, including those living in poorer neighborhoods or with different tumour sub-types.
A new statistical image analysis method can assist in grading breast cancer by automatically segmenting tumour regions and detecting dividing cells. The method, developed at the University of Warwick, promises to bring objectivity and automation to the cancer grading process.
Researchers found that inhibiting PI3-kinase can convert BRCA-proficient triple-negative breast cancers into BRCA-deficient ones, making them sensitive to PARP inhibitors. This combination treatment showed promising results in preclinical studies and is now being tested in a clinical trial.
Researchers found that intravaginal immunization significantly increased immune cells in the vaginal mucosa, enhancing local immune response. This site-specific vaccination technique may be useful in developing effective STD vaccines.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that quality of life is highest among couples who adopted, followed by those with children through IVF. The study suggests considering adoption as a fertility option for couples seeking medical help.
Researchers at MIT developed a microfluidic device that captures circulating tumor cells using DNA 'tentacles' inspired by jellyfish. The device increases flow rates 10 times higher than existing ones, enabling rapid processing of blood samples and potential monitoring of cancer patients.
A recent hypothesis suggests that humans are losing intellectual and emotional capabilities due to the susceptibility of genes involved in brain function to mutations. The author estimates that within 3000 years, we have sustained two or more harmful mutations affecting our stability.
The University of Nottingham has been awarded £2.9m to develop low-carbon fuel and address global challenges through synthetic biology. Researchers aim to convert carbon monoxide into useful chemicals and fuels without competing with food resources.
A team of researchers discovered genetic evidence of blending between Europeans and Asians in ancient Scythian warriors living in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia. The study reveals that local Central Asian populations blended with European lineages due to technological advancements from the Scythian culture.
A large community-based cohort study found that fasting duration showed little association with lipid subclass levels, including total cholesterol and HDL. The authors conclude that fasting for routine lipid level determinations is largely unnecessary.
A study of 1,268 elderly patients receiving home healthcare found that social environmental factors, particularly informal care provided by family members or caregivers, contribute to the risk of repeated hospital admissions. Patients with good social support are more likely to maintain their functional ability and remain at home.
Researchers have discovered six major earthquakes above 7 magnitude on the Alhama de Murcia fault, revealing 'convincing evidence' of higher maximum earthquake magnitudes than previously thought. The study provides a detailed paleoseismic record of the fault's activity over hundreds of thousands of years.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made significant progress in fabricating advanced nanomaterials with improved properties. The controlled assembly of nanostructures enables the creation of self-assembled films with novel and unprecedented properties suitable for various electrical and electronic applications.
A study led by the University of Michigan found that doctors tend to spend excessive time on early cases and rush at the end of the list, leading to miscommunication and preventable medical errors. Researchers suggest prioritizing handoff conversations for the sickest patients first to improve patient care and reduce errors.
A study by Pitt researcher Samuel King found that students relying on calculators to solve mathematical problems often lack a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts. The research suggests that using calculators as a substitute for mathematical thinking can lead to surface-level learning, rather than true comprehension.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that introducing a novel word for an impending event enhances infants' tendency to imitate unconventional behavior. Infants as young as 14 months old coordinate their insights about human behavior and language to discover which actions are worth imitating.
A University of Michigan study found that 115,000 women lose their private health insurance every year after divorce, leading to depression for more than two years. Women in moderate-income families face the greatest loss of insurance coverage, while full-time work and education can serve as buffers against losing health insurance.
A new study by Rice University sociologists reveals that children living in poorer neighborhoods are nearly 30% more likely to be obese than those in more affluent areas. The research found that neighborhood poverty and lower education levels are associated with increased child obesity risk, while a higher proportion of foreign-born re...
A study of ER docs and pediatricians found a need for concussion-specific training and infrastructure to support optimal patient care. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia created a new 'medical home' model for managing pediatric concussions, incorporating standardized clinical decision support tools and patient education.
A majority of smoking parents admitted exposing their children to tobacco smoke in their cars, highlighting the need for stricter smoke-free policies for families. Pediatricians should counsel parents on creating a no-smoking policy in the car to reduce children's exposure to tobacco smoke.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center discovered that high levels of interleukin-15 can cause large granular lymphocytic leukemia, a rare and usually fatal form of cancer. The study led to the development of a treatment with no discernible side effects.
A recent study has identified a fusion gene responsible for almost 30% of a rare subtype of childhood leukemia with an extremely poor prognosis. The finding offers new insights into the disease and paves the way for more effective therapeutic interventions.
Researchers found that L-DOPA can compensate for lost dopamine in motor pathways, improving symptoms. However, it also increased dopamine in reward pathways, which may have unanticipated effects on emotion and attention.
Students Sangkyun Cho, Jay Hyug Choi and Victor Hyun Oh developed a plan to convert farm waste into paper for under-equipped schools in developing nations. Their design uses no electricity and can be built by impoverished villagers, addressing the lack of basic supplies like paper.
Researchers designed an experiment to replicate natural erosion, finding that water flow acts as a shearing force against objects, shaping them into unique forms. The study's findings suggest that water works as a sculptor to naturally mold materials into new shapes.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that homes with more housing quality code violations were less likely to have a working smoke alarm and safe hot water temperatures. The study, which surveyed low-income families in Baltimore, highlights the importance of improving home safety measures to reduce burn injuries among children.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America proposes guidelines to minimize the risk of infection from contaminated ultrasound gel. The guidelines suggest using sterile, single-dose ultrasound gel in invasive procedures involving non-intact skin or fresh surgical wounds.
Research on emerging tick-borne diseases reveals an expanding list of illnesses, including babesiosis and encephalitis-causing infections. The range of these diseases is growing, posing a threat to human health in the northeast United States.
Researchers investigated intravaginal immunization and its potential to enhance local immune systems against sexually-transmitted diseases. Additionally, a study on HERV-targeted immune responses found that targeting cellular immune responses could eliminate HIV-infected cells.
A new study refutes the notion that frequent headaches in children are often caused by vision or eye problems. In fact, researchers found no significant correlation between headaches and the need for vision correction. Most children's headaches improved on their own over time, regardless of whether they received new glasses.
A new study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery found that wearing helmets significantly reduces head injuries and saves lives among skiers and snowboarders. The research suggests that helmet use does not increase the risk of injury, contradicting long-held myths.
A recent study found that individuals with alexithymia often experience loneliness and difficulty communicating intimately in their marriages. People with this condition tend to struggle with emotional regulation, leading to lower marital quality.
A study by Oregon State University researcher Michelle Barnhart found that society devalues old age, leading to negative stereotypes and conflicts. Elderly consumers use various strategies to negotiate their identity with others, including verbal arguments or independent activities.
George Washington University has received a $2.3 million contract to assess the baseline characteristics and outcomes of training medical residents in community-based settings. The goal is to strengthen primary care workforce access, particularly for people living in underserved neighborhoods.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University and the University of North Carolina discovered a way to create a safer live vaccine for SARS and novel coronaviruses by disabling the ExoN proofreading protein. The new approach accelerates viral mutation, crippling its ability to cause disease in animals.
Scientists at Vienna University of Technology propose a new measuring method using the forward calorimeter at CERN, enabling the creation of the world's most precise stopwatch for light pulses. This could revolutionize quark-gluon plasma physics and open up new avenues for nuclear research.
A team of researchers found that tumour cells form alliances with surrounding healthy cells, called stroma, to colonize other organs during metastasis. This discovery could lead to a test to predict relapse and tailored treatment regimes for patients.
A study found that US women who can produce the compound equol experience larger reductions in menopausal vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes, when consuming more soy. Equol has been linked to reduced symptoms in Japanese women and postmenopausal women taking supplements containing it.
A mathematical model analyzes the impact of disease, animal migrations, and Allee effects on biodiversity. The study finds that population extinction is possible even when a healthy population is subject to small perturbations, highlighting the importance of considering global survival in ecosystem resilience.
Archaeologists uncover unique sacred compound at Tel Beth-Shemesh, shedding light on early power struggles between Philistines and local populations. The site's desecration suggests a deliberate attempt to erase a sacred site by the invading Philistines.
A new study calls for a global system to monitor infectious diseases in companion dogs and cats, which can transmit zoonotic diseases to humans. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends a coordinated global disease monitoring system for veterinarians working with small companion animals.
A national study found that high school field hockey players competing in states with mandated protective eyewear have significantly lower rates of head, eye, and facial injuries compared to those without mandates. Protective eyewear was shown to virtually eliminate injuries to the eye orbits, eyeballs, eyebrows, and eyelids.
The UK has launched a new Enterprise Research Centre to study factors affecting business investment, performance and growth in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The centre will provide evidence for policymakers and SME managers to make informed decisions for growth.
A new framework developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota provides a tool for assessing and valuing the services clean water provides, including recreation, beauty, navigation, and hydropower. The framework can be applied to on-the-ground decisions around water issues, yielding a more accurate picture of costs and benefits.
A novel microchip device, inspired by sea creatures' long appendages, can detect and capture rare cancer cells from whole blood patient samples. The device's three-dimensional DNA network targets specific molecules, allowing for efficient cell capture and high purity.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology reveals a significant link between head injuries and pesticide exposure to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. People with Parkinson's were found to be three times more likely to have had a head injury and exposure to paraquat, a common herbicide.
Patients with mental illness experience shorter waits for assessment and admission during crowded periods, but still face delays compared to other patients. The presence of psychiatric teams may help identify higher priority cases.
A study found that most patients believe healthcare workers should wash their hands before and after patient care, but only a minority feel comfortable asking them to do so. The study suggests that patient empowerment is key to improving hand hygiene behaviors among healthcare workers.
Researchers found that prophylactic use of probiotics significantly reduces the incidence of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) in adults and children taking antibiotics. In contrast, epidural corticosteroid injections offer only short-term relief from sciatica pain and disability for patients with this condition.
Kent Campbell, PATH's Malaria Control Program director, received the LePrince Medal for his work on controlling malaria in Africa. Through his leadership, more than one million child deaths have been prevented, and Zambia became the first country to achieve high coverage with malaria control tools.
A hospital in Roanoke, VA established a treatment protocol for dozens of patients with suspected fungal meningitis, using IV voriconazole and amphotericin-B. The clinical course and long-term neurological consequences are still being studied.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a new hereditary form of hypothyroidism caused by mutations in the immunoglobulin superfamily, member 1 (IGSF1) gene. This sex-biased condition affects males more frequently than females and has significant implications for thyroid hormone deficiency diagnosis and treatment.