The Access to Medicine Index ranks pharmaceutical companies on their efforts to improve access to medicine in developing countries. This year's report finds that 17 out of 20 companies have improved their performance since 2010, with GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson emerging as leaders. The industry is becoming more organized in i...
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have deciphered the genetic code of wheat, enabling breeders to produce varieties with disease resistance and drought tolerance. The team's breakthrough analysis of over 90,000 genes will help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions.
A recent CAMH Monitor survey found that 9% of young adults in Ontario drive after using cannabis, compared to 6% who drive after drinking. The survey also revealed declining rates of non-medical opioid use and increasing concerns around mental health.
Scientists have unlocked key components of the genetic code of bread wheat, providing a strong foundation for accelerating wheat improvement through advanced molecular breeding and genetic engineering. The analysis enables breeders to select plants with desirable combinations of genes using genetic landmarks in the wheat genome.
A 12-year analysis of Mexican banking data shows that cities and villages with higher credit-to-savings ratios have better quality of life and more educated citizens. The data also reveal that non-banking institutions play a crucial role in rural areas, offering financial services to populations with lower education levels.
A national study found that college students think 25 years old is the ideal age to get married, differing from their parents' views. According to the research, parental generation is showing a 'slow down' mindset more than young adults.
A survey found that 80% of parents with a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would pursue genetic testing to identify risk in younger siblings. The average lag from initial suspicion to diagnosis was almost three years, with many families experiencing anxiety due to the increased risk of recurrence.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has released a 20-year updated version of the US National Solar Radiation Database, providing critical information for solar system designers. The updated database features improved cloud algorithms and an enhanced State University of New York model for gridded data based on satellite observations.
Tropical Storm Bopha intensifies in western North Pacific, developing a distinct tail-like band of strong thunderstorms. The storm is expected to become a typhoon by Thursday afternoon, Nov. 29.
Recent NIST experiments suggest that QED may not accurately account for the behavior of atoms in exotic states. The research found that highly charged ions exhibit different photon emission colors than predicted by QED, sparking further investigation.
The study reveals 94,000 to 96,000 genes, an abundance of gene fragments, and 132,000 SNPs, providing insights into bread wheat's evolution and future breeding strategies. The hexaploid genome has undergone rapid changes, including loss of gene family members during domestication.
A recent analysis of voter polls indicates that most Obama supporters favor implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and want to ensure continued federal efforts to provide health insurance coverage. However, this sentiment contrasts with views from Republican voters, who are more likely to oppose parts of the ACA's implementation.
A peer-reviewed study found that most houses have levels of at least one flame retardant exceeding federal health guidelines, with hormone disruptors, carcinogens, and chemicals of unknown safety profiles detected. The study highlights the need for safer alternatives to phase out hazardous chemicals.
Astronomers used the Hobby-Eberly Telescope to measure a massive black hole in galaxy NGC 1277 with a mass 17 billion Suns, rewriting theories on black hole formation. This unusual finding comes from a survey of the most massive galaxies in the universe.
A NASA study using TRMM satellite data found that 2010 was the deadliest year for rainfall-triggered landslides, with 1,765 fatalities and $759 million in damages. The research used a global database of landslide events and satellite-based rainfall information to identify areas with high landslide risks.
Scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered that carnosic acid, a component of rosemary, promotes eye health and protects retinas from degeneration. The findings suggest a possible new approach for treating age-related macular degeneration.
Researchers challenge a long-held hypothesis on water's surface charge, finding that intrinsic properties of water molecules are responsible. Using advanced techniques like nonlinear optics and light diffusion, scientists detect negative charges even in the absence of impurities.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that combining better physical fitness and statins significantly improves survival in people with unhealthy blood fat or cholesterol levels. Moderate intensity physical activity can be achieved through walking, gardening, and gym classes, making it a feasible option for many middle-aged adul...
Researchers find that leakage of fibrinogen into the central nervous system activates immune cells called microglia, leading to nerve damage. Targeting the interaction between fibrinogen and microglia may be an effective alternative for treating multiple sclerosis.
The GOES-R Series Program has completed a successful review, demonstrating readiness to launch the new series starting in late 2015. The new satellites will provide improved weather forecasts and warnings, with enhanced imaging and atmospheric observations.
New research suggests that sea levels are rising at a rate of 3.2 mm per year, 60% faster than the IPCC's central projections, based on satellite measurements and analysis of global temperatures and sea-level data over the past two decades.
A Tel Aviv University team uses NASA satellites to measure pollution hovering over world's megacities, tracking pollution trends for 189 megacities. The method provides standardized global testing of pollution levels, holding countries accountable for their emissions and encouraging environmentally friendly practices.
A recent study found that male malaria parasites can adapt faster to their surroundings, making them harder to treat. Targeting the slower-reproducing female parasites could lead to more effective long-term treatments and prevent parasite breeding.
Three new arthropod species have been found in the Maestrazgo caves in Teruel, Spain. These ancient organisms have survived for thousands of years with unique adaptations to their isolated environment. The researchers' study expands knowledge of biodiversity and highlights the importance of studying cave-adapted animals.
The Journal of Nursing Research has achieved an initial Impact Factor of 0.688 and a ranking of 73 out of 97 journals in the Nursing Science Category, and 70 out of 95 journals in the Social Science Category. This recognition indicates that the journal produces high-quality research contributing to the science of healthcare and nursing.
The study investigates how orangutans use their vision to search for food and navigate their surroundings, shedding light on their cognitive abilities and behavior. The research also aims to develop enrichment programs for captive animals, helping to reduce boredom and promote natural behaviors.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discover a novel cell signaling process that improves immune cell function, potentially leading to new treatments for cancer and infectious diseases. The study identifies a key regulator of immune function and suggests the development of drugs that enhance Natural Killer cell activity.
A new method developed by Princeton researchers provides a more accurate account of Greenland's complex ice melt by 'seeing through' data noise. The technique reveals that the annual acceleration in ice loss is much lower than previously estimated, with some areas showing no ice mass loss.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a method that drastically reduces E. coli numbers on spinach leaves by over 99.9%. The technique combines continuous ultrasound treatment with chlorine washing, achieving a four-log reduction in pathogenic bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered that a common canine virus, parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), can be used as a vector to deliver vaccines against deadly human diseases such as H5N1 flu, HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. A single dose vaccine using PIV5 has protected mice from seasonal flu and bird flu.
The installed price of US solar photovoltaic systems decreased by 11-14% in 2011 and 3-7% in California's first half of 2012. Module prices fell precipitously since 2008, while non-module costs like installation labor and marketing declined by 30% from 1998 to 2011.
A study in California found that children with pertussis had lower odds of having received all 5 doses of the DTaP vaccine series. The risk increased as the time since last vaccination lengthened, indicating a progressive decrease in estimated vaccine effectiveness each year after the final dose.
A team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Temple University discovered an essential mechanism that regulates calcium uptake into mitochondria, crucial for ATP synthesis. The newly described protein MCUR1 interacts with MCU to establish proper calcium levels under normal conditions.
A new study published in The American Journal of Pathology found that topical application of simvastatin significantly accelerates wound healing in diabetic mice by increasing angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. This is attributed to the increased number of infiltrating macrophages producing VEGF-C, suggesting a simple strategy with po...
Researchers successfully grew forests of carbon nanotubes on a sheet of graphene, creating a seamless three-dimensional structure with a massive surface area. This hybrid material offers great potential for electronic components like fast supercapacitors.
A Norwegian study of 963 children aged 14 and 15 found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were seen in roughly 33% of respondents who said they had been victims of bullying. The research also showed that girls are more likely to display PTSD symptoms than boys.
Researchers at UNC and Harvard have discovered a new alternative mechanism for activating the Ras protein, which plays a crucial role in cellular growth control. The discovery, published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, shows that modification of Ras with ubiquitin can activate it, leading to cancer formation.
A new study finds that evangelicals have become more devout since the early 1990s, while Catholics report the lowest proportion of strongly affiliated followers among major American religious traditions. This shift could present challenges for the Roman Catholic Church, particularly in terms of church participation and social support.
A study of four commonly prescribed antipsychotics in older adults with psychosis or dementia found that these medications lack safety and effectiveness. The study suggests that off-label use should be short-term and undertaken with caution, emphasizing the need for alternative treatments.
A new study by USC and University of Oxford researchers indicates that large amounts of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in food supplies worldwide may contribute to the rising global epidemic of type 2 diabetes. Countries using HFCS had a 20% higher prevalence of diabetes than those not using it.
A Swedish study found commonly used heart failure and high blood pressure medications can benefit patients with a rare type of heart failure. The use of ACE-inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers lowered mortality rates by 10% in HFPEF patients.
Resolving conflicts over end-of-life care is crucial for patients and their loved ones. Mayo Clinic experts recommend choosing objective surrogates to represent patients and involving third parties when necessary.
Researchers developed a microneedle technique to dry and stabilize the measles vaccine, showing it remained effective for at least 30 days. The method could provide a new tool for international immunization programs against measles, which killed nearly 140,000 children in 2010.
A new prevention program helps elementary-school aged siblings learn to get along, leading to improved future health and well-being. The SIBlings Are Special (SIBS) program teaches positive communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, resulting in reduced aggressive behaviors and increased self-control.
Harry W. Green II, a distinguished professor at UC Riverside, has been awarded the 2012 Roebling Medal by the Mineralogical Society of America. He is recognized for his novel approach to geophysics using transmission electron microscopy, which has borne significant fruit in understanding natural deformations and mineral reactions.
Researchers developed a new thermoelectric material using common materials found in dirt, improving efficiency and reducing production costs. The material has potential applications in waste heat recovery from industrial power plants and conversion of vehicle exhaust gas heat into electricity.
The Nautilus supercomputer at the University of Tennessee's RDAV Center has been upgraded with four new SGI UV 10 units, adding 128 cores and 512 GB of memory. This upgrade will enable more researchers to use high-performance computing (HPC) for data analysis.
A new computerized approach called model-based design and verification has the potential to radically change how complex machines are built. This technology translates mechanical systems into data that can be mixed and matched in sophisticated computer systems.
A Kansas State University-led research team is studying the potential of social media to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. By analyzing human behavior and identifying key groups to reach with health information, researchers hope to develop a more robust preventative society against infectious diseases.
A University of Kentucky study found that digoxin, a widely used heart medication, increases the possibility of death in patients with atrial fibrillation. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, analyzed data from 4,060 AF patients and found a 41% increase in deaths from any cause.
NASA's Aqua satellite captures infrared image of Tropical Storm Bopha on Nov. 27, indicating a lot of power and cold cloud tops with temperatures below -63F. The National Weather Service issues warnings and watches for affected islands, as the storm is expected to continue intensifying.
Two studies investigate heart failure therapies, finding varying outcomes regarding mortality rates among older patients. RAS antagonists are associated with improved survival in patients with preserved ejection fraction, while aldosterone antagonist therapy shows limited effectiveness.
A new species of blunt-headed vine snake has been discovered in Ecuador's Chocó region, characterized by its thin body and unique features. The discovery expands the number of species in this group to seven and highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity hotspots.
The University of Tennessee's Beacon supercomputer, powered by Intel Xeon and Xeon Phi processors, achieved a world-record efficiency of 2.499 billion floating point operations per second per watt. The system used only 44.89 kW of power to produce 112.2 trillion calculations per second.
A new study published in Circulation reveals that the arginase enzyme may play a key role in the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with type II diabetes. Inhibiting this enzyme improves blood vessel function in diabetics with angina, but has no effect on healthy individuals or those without angina.
A recent study found that 70% of women with breast cancer have both breasts removed despite a very low risk of recurrence in the healthy breast. The study suggests that concern about recurrence drives the decision, but this procedure is often associated with higher morbidity and unnecessary complications.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new, simple and sensitive method to diagnose malaria infections using an enzyme-based technology called REEAD. This method can detect relatively low infection counts and also identifies resistant Plasmodium parasites, making it suitable for large-scale screening projects.
A University of Utah study supports the theory that men help their sisters' children because they are more likely to carry genes from their mother. The new mathematical model relaxes assumptions previously made, showing that men are more likely to share genes with their sister's kids than under the old theory.
A study of 250,000 women found that repeated CT and nuclear imaging increased breast cancer risk, especially in younger patients. The risk was highest among young women who received multiple scans, with estimates suggesting a 20% increase in 10-year breast cancer risk.
A new study suggests that the human mind can cope with a maximum of four chunks of information before confusion sets in. Professor Gordon Parker from the University of New South Wales re-analyzed experiments and found that this number is more accurate than previously thought.