Researchers discovered that influencing macrophage cells after injury can increase nerve regeneration rates by up to 20 times. The technique uses interleukin-4 cytokine to convert macrophages into a 'pro-healing' phenotype, promoting natural repair mechanisms.
A new study confirms a link between indoor tanning and non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly among those exposed before age 25. The research estimates that indoor tanning accounts for hundreds of thousands of new cases each year in the US alone.
A new study from the Netherlands found that digital mammography improves breast cancer screening detection rates, particularly for high-grade lesions. While there was a slight increase in clinically insignificant disease diagnoses, the benefits of digital mammography outweighed the risks.
A study by Temple University researchers found that free room giveaways are less profitable than alternative comps such as free travel and parking. In fact, casinos could see an $8.45 return on every dollar spent on their own travel and parking promotions compared to only a $2.51 return on room, food, or beverage giveaways.
Researchers identified epigenetic changes that occur in adult stem cells to generate different body tissues. The study shows that laboratory-created muscle and bone cells resemble those found in nature and are biologically secure for implantation.
A CU-Boulder-led team will examine social, ecological, and economic aspects of natural gas development. The project aims to provide a framework for society to evaluate the trade-offs associated with the benefits and costs of natural gas development.
A study found that mexiletine improved patient-reported stiffness and symptoms of myotonia in patients with nondystrophic myotonias, a rare genetic disorder. The medication was associated with significant improvements in quality of life scales and quantitative measures of myotonia.
A recent study confirms indoor tanning significantly increases non-melanoma skin cancer risk, especially among young people. Researchers estimate over 170,000 new cases annually in the US.
A recent study found that low serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) are associated with Alzheimer's disease in men, but not women. IGF-1 may be a potential treatment target for early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have made a breakthrough in helping infertile, premenopausal women produce enough eggs to become pregnant. By stimulating ovarian cell production using an in vitro rat model, they were able to generate early-stage eggs that could be fertilized.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that beta-blocker use was not associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events among patients with coronary artery disease or at high risk for but without established CAD. However, the study did reveal that among patients with recent MI (one year or less), beta-blocker use was linked ...
The Alberta Provincial Stroke Strategy has led to increased brain scans and targeted patient care for stroke patients. Researchers found a 18% increase in swallowing screen usage and a 27% rise in designated stroke unit care, resulting in fewer health complications.
A Scottish study found people with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death compared to the general population. The researchers also discovered that women are more at risk than men, with higher rates of cardiovascular events and deaths from any cause.
NASA's TRMM satellite captured the heaviest rainfall east of Tropical Storm Maliski's center, falling at rates up to 2 inches per hour. The storm has become less organized and is expected to strengthen before passing Iwo To.
A new research project led by associate professor David Nogués-Bravo will test historical data on species extinction to improve prediction methods for climate change. The study aims to protect threatened species and inform decisions to prevent extinctions.
A new acoustic cell-sorting chip developed by Penn State researchers can sort cells into multiple channels, paving the way for smaller and more efficient analytical devices. This technology has the potential to replace bulky and expensive current methods, allowing for easier analysis of blood and genetic testing.
The BMJ Group has launched a dedicated US edition of bmj.com, prioritizing clinical and journalistic content relevant to US physicians and researchers. The site now features a homepage with direct-relevance articles and channels prioritizing content of interest to US readers.
Researchers found that oxygen isotopes in tree rings preserve the isotopic composition of rainwater, providing a valuable historical archive of rainfall in the Amazon. This new method allows for better understanding of long-term hydrological patterns and natural variability of the climate system.
A fossilized graptolite has provided evidence that early organisms developed specialized roles and cooperated to construct their homes, much like modern builders. The ancient animals displayed complex structures, including slender branches and hourglasses, indicating an elaborate division of labor.
A new study by The Endocrine Society reveals that low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased mortality in African American and Caucasian older adults. Vitamin D insufficiency was found to be common among African Americans, and its impact on remediating low levels may be greater for this population.
Researchers at Wake Forest University have designed a targeted therapy that delivers a sneak attack on breast cancer cells, similar to a Trojan horse. The new platinum-based molecule has shown promising results in treating non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, with potential applications for breast cancer treatment.
Engineers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have created a new handheld scanner that enables primary care physicians to image various sites in 3-D, including bacterial colonies and retinas. The device uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology to produce real-time images.
Researchers at UCI have developed a genetically modified mouse model to study degenerative diseases like Lou Gehrig's, Paget's and dementia. The model will allow researchers to study disease progression in vivo and develop novel treatment strategies.
Tropical Storm Gaemi shows signs of strengthening with powerful thunderstorms and a band wrapping into the low-level center. NASA satellite imagery reveals the storm's disorganization but expects it to become more circular over the next couple of days.
A new Hopkins study found that monthly injections of ranibizumab improve eye chart test results, build driver confidence, and keep those with wet AMD driving longer. This treatment may help elderly individuals maintain their independence by continuing to drive despite vision loss.
Research suggests that metropolitan areas with state-mandated comprehensive planning and higher per-capita income tend to have more sustainable transportation practices. These areas experienced a smaller decline in transportation ecoefficiency between 1980 and 2008 compared to others.
A new type of firework has caused severe eye injuries and blindness in children and adults at public events, including bonfire night celebrations. Doctors call for stricter controls on the use and distribution of fireworks to prevent such accidents.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researcher W. Curt LaFrance Jr. compared diagnosis and treatment practices for PNES in the US and Chile. Increasing access to video-EEG is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of PNES, which are often misdiagnosed as epilepsy.
A team of researchers created the most detailed, three-dimensional rendering of the pulmonary acinus, a complex region in the mammal lung. The model, derived from mice, can help scientists understand where and how lung diseases emerge and how drugs are delivered.
The UC Davis smartphone application, React Labs: Educate, allows instant live polling for the first time on a large scale. Over 12,000 students nationwide will field test the app during the three scheduled debates, enabling real-time reaction to presidential candidates.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that the hairs in the inner ear not only move sideways but also change in length when stimulated by sound waves. This finding provides new fundamental knowledge about the mechanisms of hearing and may help develop a new treatment for impaired hearing.
The HPV Chemicals Challenge Program initially had the potential to use 3.5 million animals but ultimately reduced the number to 127,000 through PETA's involvement and implementation of animal-saving measures. The program's data collection process was found to be lengthy, disorganized, and inefficient.
Researchers have gained insight into the microscopic mechanics of a sea urchin's spine, which enables it to absorb impacts and stresses while maintaining strength. The unique structure of the spine allows for an advantageous blend of elasticity and brittleness.
Researchers at Rice University have designed transparent, two-terminal, three-dimensional computer memories using silicon oxide and graphene. The devices show promise for electronics and sophisticated heads-up displays, with a working yield of about 80 percent.
Researchers at Brown University are studying new optical materials to overcome size limitations in light-matter interactions at the quantum scale. Harnessing this power could enable technologies like high-capacity optical memory and secure encryption.
Scientists at the University of Akron have discovered that cobweb spiders use two different designs to create adhesives with varying strengths, one for firm attachments and another for weak ones. This intelligent design strategy could lead to the development of synthetic adhesives with biomedical applications.
A novel MRI technique using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) successfully characterizes 46% of non-malignant breast lesions as benign, reducing false-positive findings and preventable biopsies. DWI differentiates high-risk lesions requiring additional workup from other non-malignant subtypes.
Tropical Storm Nadine's center maintains a visible eye in infrared imagery, indicating its ability to withstand weakening winds. The system is expected to approach the Azores by Oct. 3, while System 96L shows potential for development into a tropical depression.
A new report from the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene confirms that microbial exposure is crucial for regulating the immune system. Losing touch with these 'old friends' may be behind rises in allergies and chronic inflammatory diseases such as Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers found that VEGF-modified bone marrow stem cells sustain pancreatic recovery in a laboratory mouse model of insulin-dependent diabetes. The study provides new insights into mechanisms involved in regeneration of insulin-producing cells and offers evidence for using diabetic patients' own bone marrow as a source of treatment.
A recent study found that African American diabetic patients experienced higher rates of end-stage renal failure but lower rates of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke compared to white diabetic patients. The study also showed female diabetic patients had lower rates of complications than male patients.
A long-term study conducted in Belize found that manatees can indicate the overall health of marine ecosystems. The researchers tracked over 200 manatees for nearly a decade, monitoring their behavior, life history, and health. The study provides insight into the baseline health of this species threatened by human activities.
A study by ESRC found that social scientists with PhDs are more likely to be in senior positions and make valuable contributions to policymaking. They bring a deeper understanding of research methodologies and can deliver pragmatic solutions.
Research reveals that gene length is crucial for protein expression, with shorter genes utilizing specialized terminators to avoid repression. This finding highlights the importance of gene ends in regulating gene activity.
The NSF has awarded $12 million to two sustainability research networks, one focusing on natural gas development effects and the other on sustainable climate risk management strategies. The networks aim to maximize benefits while minimizing negative effects on human communities and ecosystems.
A University of Minnesota study found that plants' ability to absorb CO2 may be restricted by nitrogen availability in typical soils. The research, published in Nature Climate Change, used a 13-year experiment at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve and suggested that limited fertility can reduce carbon sequestration capacity.
Researchers found that usually only three members of the group participate in the 'conversations', which help explain the group's ability to work together. The study also indicates how this behavior uses rumbles in a structured way to transmit signals, avoiding mass chaos at watering holes.
Researchers at the University of Manchester tested replicas of ancient Egyptian artificial toes, finding they may have been used as practical tools to help people walk. The tests showed that volunteers were able to achieve significant flexion with the prosthetic devices, indicating their potential use as early prosthetics.
Widespread telestroke adoption could provide optimal care to more Canadians, but current usage is limited. Research shows improved outcomes and cost savings in provinces like Alberta, where telestroke ensured rural patients received tPA at the same rate as those treated in larger centres.
A recent study published in JAMA found that vitamin D supplementation did not significantly reduce the incidence or severity of colds in healthy adults. The researchers studied 322 participants who received either a monthly dose of 100,000 IU of vitamin D3 or a placebo for 18 months.
Researchers discovered polymorphisms in HIV-1 that improve resistance to drugs, even without the medication. This finding has significant implications for treating HIV-1 infection, as it suggests newly infected individuals can be drug-resistant before treatment.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $17.6 million in grants to researchers exploring how humans and the environment interact, with a focus on invasive species, climate change, and sustainability.
The Ugandan government has created a comprehensive national mental health policy aimed at addressing the country's growing mental health crisis. The policy provides guidelines for mental health care and services, including hospitalization, treatment, and community-based interventions.
Researchers analyzed 12 genes and found no correlation with intelligence in nearly every case, contradicting previous studies that identified specific genes linked to intelligence. The study suggests that the genetic roots of intelligence may be more complex than previously thought.
A study of 486,000 head impacts in 450 athletes found that concussions diagnosed by trainers had a wide range of symptoms and symptoms onset times. The authors highlight the heterogeneity in concussion diagnoses and emphasize the need for further investigation to determine predictors of long-term risks.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a unique microscale optical device that can amplify optical signals, potentially increasing internet download speeds and reducing power consumption. The device uses the force generated by light to control a mechanical switch, enabling high-speed data transmission.
A recent UC3M study suggests that relative earnings affect job performance and happiness. When comparing oneself to peers who earn more, individuals tend to be unhappier and work longer hours. The researcher attributes this effect to social comparisons, highlighting the importance of considering colleague earnings when setting salaries.
A study found that over a third of refugee children showed signs of malnutrition and 15% of women experienced nutritional deficiencies during development. The population's diet is suboptimal for health due to excessive sugar consumption, starchy foods, and lack of fresh produce.
Two Calgary-based support programs are helping stroke patients by providing valuable resources and peer-to-peer connections. The In-Patient Support Program in Recovery from Stroke (I.N.S.P.I.R.E.S) connects hospital patients with peers who have experienced a similar recovery process. Meanwhile, the Patient and Family Passport for Strok...
Researchers have developed specialty contact lenses that can induce changes in eye growth and refractive state to reshape the eye in the desired way. These lenses successfully reduced the elongation of the eye causing myopia progression, providing a potential breakthrough in treating nearsightedness.
A Canadian study found that smoking after a stroke significantly affects problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Patients who quit smoking achieved the same scores as lifetime non-smokers, emphasizing the importance of quitting for cognitive health.
A $250,000 NSF grant will support the largest indoor hydroponic gardening initiative for youths in Boston's history. The program, led by Professor Michael Barnett, will teach 600 students about science, nutrition, and economics through soil-free gardening technology.
A study by Washington State University finds that genetically modified crops have led to a 25% increase in herbicide use, driven by the emergence of glyphosate-resistant weeds. The annual herbicide usage has grown from 1.5 million pounds in 1999 to 90 million pounds in 2011.
A Swedish study of over 45,000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis found an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, a blood clot that forms within a vein. The risk remained elevated for up to 10 years after diagnosis.
A study of Western Sahara refugees found that obesity affects more households than acute malnutrition, stunting, and underweight in children. The double burden of obesity and malnutrition is a significant issue in refugee populations, emphasizing the need for targeted food assistance programs.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals a strong correlation between low vitamin D levels and increased brain lesions in people with multiple sclerosis. Higher vitamin D levels were associated with lower risk of new lesions and active disease spots.
A collaboration developed and studied a community-based first response training program in a remote Indigenous community in northern Canada. The program, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Northern Ontario Academic Medical Association, improved emergency care outcomes.
Researchers successfully integrated a single functionalized photosynthetic protein system into an artificial photovoltaic device, retaining its biomolecular properties. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for light-driven, highly efficient single-molecule electron pumps to act as current generators in nanoscale electric circuits.
A recent study by University of Missouri anthropologist Robert Walker found that violent conflict accounted for 30% of all deaths before contact with Europeans in Amazonian tribal societies. The study suggests that developing a shared sense of global community could help reduce major episodes of violence.
Researchers from the University of Vienna and Université Libre de Bruxelles have shown that in quantum mechanics, a single event can be both a cause and an effect of another one. This challenges our understanding of causality and has far-reaching implications for foundations of quantum mechanics, quantum gravity, and quantum computing.
A new study found that consuming one apple a day for four weeks lowered blood levels of oxidized LDL by 40 percent. The polyphenols in apples played a significant role in this effect.
Jenny Ross, a UMass Amherst biophysicist, has won the 2013 Margaret Oakley Dayhoff Award for her substantial contributions to biophysical research. The award recognizes her study of microtubules, which provide structure to cells and are crucial in various cellular processes.
Researchers have developed a new class of antibiotics that disarm pathogens instead of killing them, effectively treating antibiotic-resistant infections. By blocking the synthesis of endotoxin, a toxic product shed by bacteria, these antibiotics prevent inflammation and protect against potentially lethal infections.
Leading doctors challenge the assumption that more is better in US healthcare, citing $800bn annual cost due to unnecessary care. They identify factors such as malpractice fears, biased research, and financial conflicts of guideline writers contributing to overtreatment.
A study published in JAIDS found that starting antiretroviral therapy reduces food insecurity and improves physical health among HIV-infected Africans. Food insecurity is linked to higher rates of opportunistic infections, poorer immune responses, and increased risk of death.
Governor Romney's plan would increase uninsured in every state to 72 million, while the Affordable Care Act reduces it to 27 million; children and low- and middle-income Americans particularly affected
New guidelines urge better screening and treatment of sleep apnea to prevent stroke, with at least 60% of stroke patients experiencing the condition. Untreated sleep apnea increases second stroke risks and complicates rehabilitation outcomes.
A University of Washington bioengineer has developed a way to make regular paper stick to medically interesting molecules using a chemical trick. The new technique uses minimal equipment and can be used for any type of medical test, making it a potential cheap and easy solution for global health research.
Research identifies NF1 as a driver in more than 25% of non-inheritable breast cancers, associated with increased Ras activity and decreased NF1 levels. This finding may guide clinicians to targeted treatments for patients with NF1 mutations.
Researchers found local configurations of atoms that tend towards a more ordered structure compared to looking at the whole structure. The underlying order in metallic glasses may hold the key to creating new alloys with specific properties.
Two outstanding studies won top honors at the Canadian Stroke Congress, one discovering brain recovery abilities after stroke and another developing a diagnostic tool predicting clinical outcomes. The studies aim to improve treatment decisions and patient care.