Researchers at UCSF discover an 'immune exchange' between the brain and blood that allows disease-causing B cells to move in and out of the brain, providing a potential key to unlocking better treatments and diagnostics. The study suggests that targeting specific B cells could lead to precision therapies tailored to each patient's needs.
A study published in the journal Alcohol found that patients with higher blood alcohol levels were less likely to die from injuries, even among those with severe injuries. The protective effect was observed across various injury types and increased with higher blood alcohol concentrations.
A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found no elevated 10-year risk of heart disease for people who became ill during the Walkerton E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. The study involved 898 adults who consumed polluted drinking water and monitored their cardiovascular health over time.
Rice University scientists have developed a super-efficient solar-energy technology that converts sunlight into steam directly, with an overall energy efficiency of 24 percent. The 'solar steam' method uses nanoparticles to heat water instantly vaporizing it and creating steam from nearly frozen water.
Researchers unveil creative technologies to capture kinetic energy in Florida's oceans, convert waste thermal energy to electricity, and develop nanophosphor-based grow lights. These innovations could change our sources of energy and improve indoor agriculture.
Researchers studying Martian meteorites found that the planet formed from similar building blocks to those of Earth. However, the composition of water on Mars differs significantly from that of Earth, suggesting a distinct geologic history. The study provides new insights into the origin and evolution of water on the Red Planet.
Dr. Aristotle Voineskos has won the prestigious Polanyi Prize for his research combining brain imaging and genetics to improve diagnostic classification and treatment strategies for severe mental illness.
A team of NASA engineers has created a low-cost, easy-to-apply sprayable paint that adsorbs gaseous molecules and prevents them from adhering to instrument components. The new technology overcomes limitations of existing techniques, providing a more effective solution for protecting sensitive satellite instruments and spacecraft.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that 1.5% of discontinued medications are refilled by pharmacies, causing potential harm in 12% of cases. The researchers highlight the need for improved communication between providers and pharmacies to reconcile medication lists.
A future without climate policy would be catastrophic, with coral reefs collapsing and the Greenland ice sheet melting in thousands of years, says a World Bank report. The poorest nations would be hit hardest, with heat waves, sea-level rise, and yield failures becoming the new normal.
Researchers at Yale University have found that smoking during pregnancy is associated with lower reading scores in children. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 children and found that those exposed to high levels of nicotine scored 21% lower on reading accuracy and comprehension tasks.
Owls' unique wing structure and plumage have inspired researchers to create quieter conventional aircraft. By studying the owl's ability to fly silently, scientists hope to develop aircraft with reduced noise levels, benefiting both humans and wildlife.
The pear genome sequence offers a valuable resource for breeding improvement and studying evolutionary history, with similarities to apple and strawberry genomes. The sequence reveals diverse genetic information, including repetitive sequences and transposable elements, shedding light on the crop's unique characteristics.
After 121 years, researchers have correctly identified the 'grave robber' fossil as a unique branch in the evolutionary tree. The discovery pushes back the endpoint for the fossil's lineage by 45 million years and shows that this family of mammals survived the extinction event that marked the end of the Age of Dinosaurs.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry published a series of articles assessing the cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel superfamily, which includes GABA A and glycine receptors. These proteins target neurotransmitters to regulate functions such as muscle contraction, anxiety, and pain.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a new real-time tracking technique that can better predict and track tumor motion during radiotherapy, sparing healthy tissue. The technique has shown to deliver higher levels of radiation to moving tumors while reducing dose to critical organs.
A study found that pregnant women with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood had a 61% lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis, compared to those with low levels. However, the mother's vitamin D level did not affect her child's risk of developing MS.
Researchers analyzed 80 Norse skeletons to find that they mainly consumed seals, which made up 50-80% of their diet. This challenges the prevailing view of Norse as farmers and suggests a more adapted and flexible way of life.
Researchers found that certain 'checkpoint mutants' ignore the normal signal to stop replicating DNA after losing nucleotides, instead continuing to unwind and create damaged DNA strands.
Stowers Institute researchers unveil role of MLL3 and MLL4 genes, frequently mutated in certain cancers. The study sheds light on the misregulated mechanism governing histone interactions, which may play a crucial role in cancer pathogenesis.
A Scripps Research Institute team has identified a key factor controlling damage to brain cells in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. The discovery, led by scientist Bruno Conti, points to the IL-13 receptor as a potential target for new treatment options.
The Canadian premiers' commitment to reduce generic drug prices is a significant change. The government should learn from past attempts and aim for universal public coverage for medications.
A new factor of genetic susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease has been identified through a large-scale international study. Mutations in the TREM2 gene on chromosome 6 are associated with a five times greater risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers.
Scientists have developed a new tool that can deliver precise points of light to a 3-D section of living brain tissue, allowing for unprecedented control over individual neurons. This technology, called optogenetics, has the potential to treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.
The university will utilize new state-of-the-art equipment to develop applications such as smart sensors and biomedical devices. Researchers aim to transform the manufacturing industry through applied research, education, and industrial outreach.
A large international study shows that children with psoriasis are twice as likely to be overweight or obese as healthy children, and US children with severe psoriasis have four times the odds. Lifestyle interventions, such as increasing exercise and decreasing caloric intake, are crucial to reducing the risk of metabolic diseases.
A recent study reveals that more than half of retired people aged 65 and over report sleeping at least 7.5 hours per night, contradicting common stereotypes about elderly sleep patterns. The study, led by Timothy H. Monk, Ph.D., found that most seniors do not have reliably earlier bedtimes than younger adults and often experience dayti...
Researchers found that half of Medicare patients waited at least 32 days after their first doctor visit to undergo breast cancer surgery. Wait times varied by demographics and procedure type, but overall outcomes do not appear to be affected.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden suggests that digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) used on standard hand radiographs can help identify patients at higher risk of hip fracture. DXR is a technique comparable to more costly methods and may be used preventively to identify people at risk for osteoporosis.
Researchers use Multi-Object Double Spectrograph to determine composition of Type Ia supernovae, finding them likely caused by interaction between two white dwarfs. This discovery sheds light on the expansion and acceleration of the universe, opening new ideas in understanding.
A genetically-engineered vaccine aims to prevent HIV infection by continually producing disease-fighting cells. The new approach could provide long-term protection and potentially be adapted for use against other infections.
Professor Catherine Seavitt Nordenson suggests using soft infrastructure to mitigate flood damage without harming outlying areas. Techniques include restoring wetlands, creating reefs and artificial islands, and seeding oyster beds to absorb water and dissipate wave energy.
The NIH awards a five-year contract of up to $19.4 million to the Malaria Host-Pathogen Interaction Center (MaHPIC) at Emory University to study malaria parasite interactions with human and animal hosts. The project will integrate data from various research areas, including metabolomics, lipidomics, and mathematical modeling.
Safety-net hospitals provide head and neck cancer surgical care to vulnerable populations without increased short-term mortality, morbidity, or costs. The study found a disproportionate amount of care provided to uninsured or underinsured patients, highlighting the need for healthcare reform to address economic challenges.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that limiting neurosurgery residents' work hours hasn't decreased complication rates, but actually increased them in teaching hospitals. Complication rates remained stable in non-teaching hospitals.
Scientists develop a device that can form and control sound bullets in water, with potential uses for underwater imaging and biomedical applications. The device, inspired by Newton's cradle, focuses high-amplitude pressure pulses into compact sound bullets that can be tightly focused on a target area.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine has identified a new cause of hydrocephalus, a devastating neurological disorder affecting newborn babies. By bypassing a faulty cell signaling defect with a drug treatment, researchers were able to reduce the severity of the condition and improve patient outcomes.
New research reveals the benefits of gratitude for social and personal well-being, as well as its cultural variations. Additionally, studies show that weight stigma can negatively affect health and performance, while questioning traditional assumptions about monogamy's benefits.
A new study review from the University of Kentucky found that music therapy can reduce pain, anxiety, and recovery time for surgery patients. Patients who received music therapy were less anxious before procedures, recovered more quickly, and required less sedative medication.
A study of 13,451 US adults found unemployment, job losses, and short work periods were associated with increased risk for acute myocardial infarction. The risks were highest within the first year of unemployment, but also linked to multiple job losses, regardless of time unemployed.
The Indianapolis Discovery Network for Dementia's collaborative approach combines human interaction with technology to improve dementia care. The network has developed innovative tools, such as the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale and the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor, which are now in worldwide use.
A new study at the University of Cincinnati uses computer-based simulation modeling to estimate the operational disruption and lost opportunity costs of introducing HIV testing into emergency departments. The research aims to provide valuable guidance for hospitals and policymakers on implementing HIV screening programs.
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that less than half of Ontario youth aged 15-19 with a psychiatric diagnosis received follow-up care within a month after discharge. This lack of timely aftercare is linked to demographics, diagnoses, and socioeconomic status.
Scientists have developed a method to generate steam using sunlight and nanoparticles, which can be used for purification of drinking water, sterilization of medical instruments, and sanitizing sewage. The approach produces steam with virtually no wasteful heating of the surrounding liquid, achieving an energy efficiency of 24%.
Researchers describe a new method for invisibility cloaking using ocean floor topography to shield floating objects from waves. By manipulating internal waves, objects can be protected from surface waves, offering potential benefits for offshore structures and fishing.
Drs. Christophe Benoist and Diane Mathis were awarded the 2012 Naomi Berrie Award for their contributions to understanding type 1 diabetes. They elucidated key immunological mechanisms, including T-cell priming and central tolerance, which may lead to prevention or reversal of the disease through immunization.
Two new research projects have been awarded £12.2 million in funding to tackle Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus and emerging poultry viruses. The projects will focus on developing novel solutions for disease control, including the use of weakened viruses to prompt an immune response.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine identified a genetic factor KLF4 that prevents blockages from forming in blood vessels. The study found that a shortage of KLF4 makes the lining more prone to plaque buildup and clot formation, while sufficient levels protect against toxins and disease.
Researchers at Columbia University have launched a pilot facility in Ghana to convert fecal sludge into biodiesel fuel, producing renewable, cost-effective sustainable energy. The project aims to create an economically sustainable approach to waste management, eliminating the sanitation crisis in developing cities.
A Mayo Clinic case study validates teleconcussion as a useful means to assess concussed patients in rural Arizona. The program uses telemedicine technology to bring concussion expertise to underserved areas, addressing the lack of access to neurological expertise in metropolitan areas.
Two new clinical practice guidelines from six organizations address testing for patients with stable ischemic heart disease (IHD), recommending thorough history and physical examination prior to additional testing. A separate study found that adding testosterone to sildenafil therapy does not improve erectile function in men with low t...
An experimental study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid found that income redistribution in the welfare state is not based on a consensus to relieve misfortune, but rather due to fear of unequal treatment. The researchers concluded that the social contract supporting the welfare state is fragile and lacks a Hobbesian element.
A recent study suggests that diagnostic tests are frequently repeated among Medicare beneficiaries, with 55% of those undergoing echocardiography having a second test within three years. This finding raises questions about the routine repetition of diagnostic tests and their impact on healthcare costs and patient health.
The North American Oak Skeletonizer has invaded Europe on planted Northern Red Oaks since 1989. The moth's arrival is attributed to air transport of cocoons from NATO aircraft, leading to the discovery of this previously unknown species in Europe.
Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of nanoparticle called lava dots, which are hollow and coated versions of quantum dots. The particles were discovered using a 'molten-droplet synthesis' technique and can be used as catalysts for hydrogen production, chemical sensors, and solar cells.
Researchers are studying different methods to kill sand flies, including screening insecticides and developing diagnostic tools. Sand fly resistance to pesticides is also being studied, which could help protect military personnel and others affected by this pest.
Astronomers have discovered a super-Jupiter orbiting the star Kappa Andromedae, with a mass about 12.8 times greater than Jupiter's. The object's ambiguity between being a planet or brown dwarf allows researchers to explore theoretical limits of planetary formation.
A 40-year study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that smokers who reduced their cigarette consumption saw a 15% reduced risk of mortality and a 23% reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality. Formerly heavy smokers had the most to gain from smoking reduction.
A study of Danish soldiers found that childhood experiences of family violence and emotional problems predicted the onset of PTSD. The researchers suggest that social support and camaraderie during army life minimized mental health benefits for these soldiers, leading to increased symptoms after deployment.
A study of postdischarge complications after general surgery procedures found that 16.7% of patients experienced a complication, with the majority occurring within 30 days of discharge. Proctectomy, enteric fistula repair, and pancreatic procedures had the highest postdischarge complication rates.