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.
A large-scale genome-wide association study found three genetic regions associated with lung cancer risk in Asian female never-smokers. The discovery provides evidence that common inherited genetic variants contribute to an increased risk of lung cancer among this population.
A study of 57 children and their families found that early life stress may sensitize girls' brains for later anxiety, with higher cortisol levels and reduced communication between brain areas associated with emotion regulation. The findings suggest a developmental pathway through which early stress may drive these changes.
Scientists have discovered a new method for identifying genes in animals, which could increase genetic information by 70-80%. This technique allows for direct observation of genes and proteins, enabling more efficient study of animal diseases and viruses.
A CSHL-led team has identified a novel gene, TERMINATING FLOWER (TMF), regulating the timing of flowering in plants. This discovery reveals a previously unknown pathway involved in the process, allowing plants to control flower production and increase agricultural yields.
A recent study found that individuals with glaucoma are at a higher risk of being involved in accidents due to their limited peripheral vision. The research recommends mandatory visual field testing for drivers to ensure road safety.
A study by University of Hawaii researchers found that future sea level rise will double previous predictions of flooding, with low-lying coastal areas vulnerable to 'groundwater inundation.' Groundwater levels near the surface threaten coastal communities more than previously thought.
Two studies highlight the strong indicators of vision problems in veterans with traumatic brain injury and stress disorder, including chronic vision disorders and dry eye syndrome. The studies found that these conditions can persist for years after the initial injury and may be more prevalent than previously recognized.
A team of researchers has identified two genetic factors behind facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a rare form of inherited muscular dystrophy. The study found that a combination of genetic variants on chromosomes 4 and 18 cause the production of muscle-damaging toxins, leading to symptoms of the disease.
Research shows socially isolated animals produce less myelin in the prefrontal cortex, a region responsible for emotional and cognitive behavior. The study also found that social isolation disrupts oligodendrocyte cell development, leading to changes in gene transcription.
A new study by Columbia University researchers identifies two genetic networks affected in schizophrenia, which also show a connection to autism. The analysis reveals that many genes mutated in schizophrenia are organized into these networks, involved in processes like axon guidance and chromosomal modification.
Researchers identified a new mechanism allowing the toxic DUX4 protein to be produced in skeletal muscle, causing progressive muscle weakness. Mutations in the SMCHD1 gene cause chromatin relaxation, leading to DUX4 production.
A new report provides guidance on family involvement in serious case reviews following a child's death or serious injury due to abuse or neglect. The research explores personal experiences of professionals and families, making recommendations for best practice.
Researchers highlight underestimation of climate change's impact on cultural life, emphasizing importance of considering emotional well-being and community attachment in policy responses. The study shows that ignoring cultural factors can lead to ineffective responses and catastrophic consequences.
Scientists have found that Antarctic sea ice cover has increased, but with regional gains and losses offsetting each other. The changes are attributed to wind-driven changes in the Antarctic region, which affects both ice drift and air temperature.
Researchers have uncovered a system of active gas springs in the Haifa Bay seabed, at relatively shallow depths. The discovery poses significant ecological risks and highlights the need for thorough research to prevent infrastructure failures and mitigate climate change impacts.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that a primary treatment for wet macular degeneration is effective even in patients with macular traction problems. This breakthrough may help physicians not give up on treating such patients, and understand the need for more doses of medication.
Using LCLS at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, researchers successfully stripped most electrons from xenon atoms, creating a highly charged state. This discovery could aid in studying extreme states of matter or avoiding damage in samples.
A novel blood test detects and monitors brain cancer biomarkers using nanotechnology and NMR technology, offering a promising diagnostic tool for glioblastoma multiforme patients. The study demonstrates excellent detection accuracy and potential for quick results from small blood samples.
Researchers at EPFL have created a device that can transform light energy into clean fuel, neutral carbon footprint hydrogen, from sunlight, water, and metal oxides like iron oxide. The technology has great potential to enable economically viable methods for solar hydrogen production.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that deleting the Arntl clock gene in fat cells causes mice to become obese due to a shift in eating timing. Supplementing with fish oil-like fatty acids can rescue this phenotype.
The new electrode is 10 times smaller than its competitors, with a conductive gel pad that cozies up to soft cell membranes, reducing inflammation and improving signal clarity. Long-term testing showed promise in stabilizing immune responses, paving the way for future brain-machine interfaces.
Researchers at Duke University have created a more efficient cloaking device by reducing reflections and increasing wave transmission. The new design uses a diamond-shaped pattern with copper strips to guide electromagnetic waves around an object, eliminating loss due to reflections.
Griffith University researchers have developed a device capable of amplifying the information in a single photon without adding noise, preserving quantum information. The breakthrough has far-reaching implications for quantum technologies, including improved quantum cryptography and long-distance communication.
Scientists from Michigan State University predict climate change will kill off swaths of bamboo, making prime panda habitat inhospitable by 21st century. The study suggests proactive planning to protect areas with suitable food sources and creating natural bridges for pandas to escape bamboo famine.
Researchers found that limiting carbohydrates to dinner reduced hunger scores, improved anthropometric outcomes, and lowered inflammatory markers in obese individuals. The innovative dietary pattern led to changes in hormonal secretion patterns favoring satiety and reducing metabolic risks.
Researchers discovered that wild birds were previously exposed to the West Nile virus before their arrival in Greece during autumn migration. The study found 14 positive serum samples from birds up to 8 months prior to the human outbreak, and genetic determinants of increased virulence were present in these samples.
A recent study found that digital tablets can significantly improve reading speed and comfort for people with moderate vision loss. Using a tablet with a back-lit screen resulted in the fastest reading speeds, with participants increasing their reading speed by 15 words-per-minute on average.
Using the world's most powerful X-ray laser, researchers observed an unprecedented charge state by ejecting dozens of electrons from a xenon atom. The discovery reveals new insights into heavy atoms and could have practical applications in research and industry.
A comprehensive report reveals that incarceration rates for African American males are a major contributor to health problems, substance abuse, and economic disparities. The study suggests that investing more resources in education and treatment could significantly reduce these costs and improve lives.
University of Utah medical researchers have identified a new pathway to block inflammation while minimizing the risk of infection, which could lead to more effective treatments for conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and traumatic brain injury. The discovery has vast potential for developing safer anti-inflammatory medicines.
The material combines a plastic polymer with nickel particles, allowing it to heal efficiently while maintaining conductivity. The researchers tested the material by cutting it multiple times, finding it could regain up to 75% of its strength within minutes.
A low-cost hospital-based exercise program improved pain, balance, and overall well-being in participants with osteoarthritis. The study showed a significant reduction in pain intensity and improvement in daily activities.
New research suggests that statins can decrease inflammatory and thrombotic proteins in individuals with antiphospholipid antibodies, reducing the risk of blood clots and other complications. A prospective study found that fluvastatin significantly decreased protein levels in patients with APS, offering a potential new treatment option.
A new study estimates that antiphospholipid antibodies are associated with pregnancy loss, stroke, myocardial infarction, and deep vein thrombosis in up to 60,000 cases each. The research provides a rough snapshot of the prevalence of autoimmune antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with various health conditions.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery has revealed that corticosteroids are more effective than the expensive treatment hylan G-F 20 in providing pain relief to patients with thumb arthritis. Clinically meaningful pain relief was achieved with all three treatments, including a placebo injection.
Studies found that lupus patients who underwent knee replacement surgery experienced few adverse events, with outcomes similar to those of osteoarthritis patients. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients also performed similarly after joint replacement surgery, with no significant differences in operation time or post-surgical complications.
Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are at higher risk for cancer, broken bones increase cardiovascular disease and death, and corticosteroids remain a common treatment despite newer options. Gut bacteria also holds promise as an anti-inflammatory treatment for autoimmune disorders.
Patients who make $35,000 a year or less show improved pain management and knee function after two years following knee replacement surgery. Contrary to expectations, lower-income patients exhibit better outcomes than wealthier peers.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery reveals that morbidly obese patients have similar pain and function outcomes to non-obese patients after total knee replacement surgery. The research challenges the long-held assumption that obesity is a contraindication to joint replacement, with patients achieving great outcomes.
A study by UCSF analyzed emergency department visits and found that many minor genital injuries can be prevented through educational and product safety approaches. The research identified specific age groups and consumer products as risk factors, offering insights into preventing such injuries.
A team of Japanese scientists discovered that receiving a compliment activates the same brain area as cash rewards, leading to improved performance in exercises. The study suggests that praising someone can be an effective strategy for improving performance in the classroom and during rehabilitation.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute identify a new pathway regulated by HDAC4 that plays a major role in information processing. This discovery offers insight into how imbalances in this pathway contribute to cognitive abnormalities in humans.