Tropical Storm Son-tinh made landfall in northern Vietnam and is curving to the northeast, tracking over southern China. The storm's powerful thunderstorms are reaching high into the troposphere, dropping heavy rainfall at rates of 50 mm/2 inches per hour.
PARG, a molecule involved in DNA repair, has been found to regulate gene expression and modulate cell transcriptional activity. This discovery highlights the potential of targeting PARG in cancer treatment.
The Geological Society of America awards Bill McKibben its highest honor, the President's Medal, for his life's work on climate change and environmental protection. McKibben has written over a dozen books on the environment, founded the grassroots climate campaign 350.org, and continues to be an outspoken advocate for action.
Scientists have synthesized a new material with promising superconducting transition temperatures of 44 Kelvins, improving upon traditional copper-based high-temperature superconductors. The material, LixFe2Se2(NH3)y, displays an intercalation of potassium or rubidium, achieving a superconducting temperature of 32K.
Comprehensive smoke-free laws resulted in rapid decreases in heart attack hospitalizations (15% reduction), stroke hospitalizations (16% decrease), and respiratory disease hospitalizations (24% drop). The most effective laws covered workplaces, restaurants, and bars, demonstrating the importance of inclusive legislation.
A study by Mayo Clinic found that an oral rinse of antidepressant doxepin significantly eased pain associated with oral mucositis in patients receiving radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck. The treatment was well-tolerated, with common side effects including stinging and burning sensations.
A study in Olmsted County, Minn., found a significant decline in myocardial infarction incidence after smoke-free workplace laws were implemented. The incidence of sudden cardiac death also decreased by 17 percent during the same period.
The American College of Rheumatology recommends using musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) to diagnose and manage rheumatic diseases. MSUS can provide a faster, more accurate diagnosis, better measurement of treatment success, reduced procedural pain, and improved patient satisfaction.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism by which STAT3 helps prevent axon degeneration, a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. CNTF treatment stimulated STAT3 to inhibit stathmin, leading to increased axon growth and reduced breakdown in ALS patients.
Researchers found that maternal smoking during pregnancy increases lung function issues in children and grandchildren due to increased levels of proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The effects are so long-lasting that stop-smoking education for expectant mothers is necessary.
A study found 174 cases of sudden cardiac death in Ontario between ages 2-40, with heart disease present in 72% of cases. The majority of events occurred at home, not during sports or exercise. Researchers advocate for screening and education to detect warning signs like fainting.
Researchers discovered epigenetic marks drive development of three deadly white blood cell cancers, including BCR-ABL1-positive B-ALL. The study identified key biomarkers and potential treatments, such as targeting the CD25 protein and blocking cancer-driving genes like BCL6.
In an editorial published in CMAJ, Dr. Ken Flegel argues that a mandatory flu vaccine for healthcare workers is necessary due to the high risk of transmission and severe illness. With 55% of physicians not getting vaccinated, hospitals are at risk of outbreaks, emphasizing the need for compulsory vaccination rates above 90%.
A nationwide population-based study found that adolescents' being overweight and obese during their teenage years are linked to a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the following 25 years. Researchers also noted an increased risk for diabetic ESRD, with risks increasing six-fold and 19-fold among overweight and...
Dr. Peter F. Buckley received the 2012 Cancro Academic Leadership Award for his work in advancing child and adolescent training experiences through a recovery-oriented model of care. He led the rebuilding of the MCG Department of Psychiatry, developing innovative programs that focus on recovery from mental illness.
Neutron scattering experiments have provided new insights into the origin of AmB's side effects, revealing that it interacts differently with fungal and animal cell membranes. The study suggests that AmB can open up holes in fungal cells but is unable to do so as readily in human cells, leading to harmful side effects.
Researchers found that human math abilities are connected to a primitive sense of magnitude, while animals rely on instincts. The study showed that people with better math skills can distinguish between smaller numbers.
A systematic review of over 200,000 participants found that maternal overweight and smoking during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of childhood overweight. High birth weight and early rapid weight gain also contribute to this risk. Breastfeeding can help mitigate this risk to some extent.
Researchers have identified potential new prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for adult B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A study found that changes in the epigenetic code are linked to aggressive traits in the disease.
A study of 5,671 Brazilian children aged 5-12 found that those with migraines had lower school performance compared to those without headaches. Children with chronic or severe migraines were more likely to experience poor performance.
A research team from Sheffield Hallam University argues that introducing abstinence education into UK schools may not be an effective substitute for comprehensive Sex and Relationship Education. Comprehensive SRE has been shown to increase the age of first sexual encounter, reduce risks of unprotected sex and STIs, and provide skills a...
NASA used CloudSat and Aqua satellites to study Hurricane Sandy's structure and behavior, revealing a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph. The storm's large wind field and heavy precipitation associated with its outer bands posed significant challenges for the eastern US coast.
A new therapy for a rare form of cystic fibrosis has been developed using an unconventional approach. The drug, VX-770, was found to open both normal and mutant CFTR channels without the need for ATP, a molecule that normally regulates channel activity.
Researchers discovered that babies born to mothers who lost weight after bariatric surgery have fewer cardiovascular risk factors than siblings born before the surgery. The metabolic changes and weight loss post-surgery positively affect inflammatory disease-related genes in offspring.
Researchers identify shared biological risk factors for smoking and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. A specific gene variant is found to be associated with both conditions, potentially serving as a gateway to smoking in adulthood.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered how ingesting too much silver leads to argyria, a rare condition where skin turns grayish-blue. The study shows that silver nanoparticles are broken down into silver salt in the stomach, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream and deposited in the skin.
A University of Cincinnati study found that adolescent males are at a higher risk of reporting long-term use of over-the-counter drugs compared to their female peers. The study, which analyzed data from over 54,000 students, highlights the growing concern of over-the-counter drug abuse among young people.
Researchers successfully grew and sorted induced pluripotent stem cells for use in cartilage repair and studying osteoarthritis. The breakthrough uses adult stem cells converted into embryonic-like stem cells to produce cartilage tissue.
A new quick-release medical tape minimizes skin tissue tearing upon removal, addressing a significant issue in neonatal care. The innovative three-layer design incorporates an anisotropic adhesive interface, allowing for strong adhesion and safe removal.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) suggests using evidence-based performance measures to assess the use of low-value interventions, such as routine X-ray or advanced imaging methods for uncomplicated low back pain. This approach aims to improve health care quality by changing clinician behavior through feedback and public reporting.
Researchers found oxidative stress in an animal model of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, which may benefit from antioxidant treatment. The study identifies potential alterations in gene expression pathways that could modify disease development.
The TRMM satellite provided valuable insights into Hurricane Sandy's properties, including a weak eyewall with modest precipitation and relatively light updrafts. The satellite also detected vigorous storm cells in the super-sized rainband extending to the west and north of the hurricane's center.
A study by the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition found that dogs regulate their macronutrient intake, preferring a fat-rich diet. The research also showed that some dogs consume more than twice as many calories as required when given excess food, highlighting the importance of responsible feeding measures.
A $2.6 million NSF-funded study will investigate the impact of a redesigned Advanced Placement (AP) science curriculum on student outcomes and educational progress. The research, led by University of Washington's Associate Professor Mark Long, aims to inform educators and policymakers in strengthening STEM teaching.
A recent study using computer modelling shed light on the origin of sight in animals, including humans. The researchers found that the ability to detect light developed over a span of 11 million years from a 'blind' opsin ancestor.
A recent study proposes redirecting $750 billion in wasteful healthcare spending towards various initiatives, including businesses, education, infrastructure, and job retraining. The potential outcomes include reducing deficit, funding preschool programs, improving transportation projects, and promoting rural development.
A Montreal Heart Institute study found that middle-aged people with increased cardiovascular risk showed significant improvements in cognitive functions after four months of high-intensity interval training. The participants' waist circumference and trunk fat mass decreased, while their VO2max and insulin sensitivity increased.
Researchers found that radiation therapy significantly improved overall and breast cancer-specific survival rates for elderly women with early-stage ER-positive breast cancer. The study analyzed data from over 29,000 women and showed that radiation treatment increased median survival by nearly four years compared to surgery alone.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine finds that per capita Medicare spending on the elderly has grown nearly three times faster in the US than in Canada since 1980. The authors attribute this difference to Canada's single-payer system, which includes fewer administrative costs and a greater emphasis on primary care.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that only 4.8% of web sites describing prostate cancer were written below a high school reading level, highlighting the need for easier-to-read patient education materials.
A four-month high-intensity interval training program improved cognitive functions in previously sedentary adults. The exercise increased blood flow to the brain, leading to sharper thinking, recall, and decision-making abilities.
A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that high birth weight, rapid weight gain, and maternal smoking are significant risk factors for childhood obesity. Conversely, breastfeeding and delayed introduction to solid food may reduce the risk.
A new model of mindfulness proposes a framework of complex brain mechanisms, including self-awareness, regulation, and transcendence. The S-ART framework explains the neurobiological mechanisms underlying mindfulness practice, reducing biases and negative thoughts while enhancing positive relationships with oneself and others.
An autism intervention program that emphasizes social interactions has been found to improve cognitive skills and brain responses to faces, a building block for social skills. The program improved attention and cognition brain activity to social stimuli, making the brain function patterns more similar to typical developing children.
A group of researchers has identified four specific transcription factor genes that control processes related to heart and head muscle formation. This basic research will provide a road map to ultimately allow scientists to grow the cell types needed to repair such defects from stem cells generated from a person's own body.
A new approach to HIV vaccine development is underway, aiming to induce protective antibodies without increasing HIV-specific T helper cells. The project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, seeks to build on earlier studies showing that certain antibodies can protect against HIV infection.
A team of researchers has analyzed bacterial communities on rocks similar to those found in Mexican marshes, providing insights into the Martian environment. The study reveals two distinct communities, one adapted to lack of nitrogen and another without phosphorus, offering clues about potential nutrient limitations on Mars.
A new study by Michigan State University finds that community colleges in the US have made significant strides in global workforce development since 2008, with 85% offering basic international business courses. The study also highlights the importance of investment in faculty and the growing demand for international business education.
Researchers have identified a new molecular marker, β2-syntrophin, which can help differentiate between low-risk and high-risk types of prostate cancer. This breakthrough discovery could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
A study by University of Illinois professor Amit Kramer reveals that pay satisfaction is a significant factor in determining work-family conflict. The research suggests that even highly compensated employees experience high levels of work-family conflict due to perceived pay inequity among colleagues.
A Kansas State University-led research project is developing quality control tests for freeze-thaw durable concrete railroad ties. The team adds surfactants to the concrete to create pressure release valves, protecting it from damage.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that nearly a quarter of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis used complementary and alternative therapy (CAT) to manage their condition. The majority reported improvements in pain intensity, sleeping patterns, and activity levels after using CAT.
Researchers Aparna Baskaran and Cristina Marchetti found that a uniform nematic state can be disturbed by density fluctuations associated with an upward current of active particles. This phenomenon is self-regulating and universal.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati found a common bond between school bullies and their victims: alcohol abuse. The research analyzed data from over 54,000 students and discovered that bullying was associated with increased odds of recent alcohol use and heavy drinking among males and females.
A study found that local farmer's markets and community-supported agriculture programs primarily attract a higher-income, privileged consumer base. The research highlights the need for broader access to fresh foods through alternative payment plans and strategic efforts. Alternative payment models exist, but their adoption is limited.
Rice University chemist Zachary Ball and collaborators aim to create a drug that's effective against an 'undruggable' protein by using metal-based pins. They're attempting to answer whether new technologies can inhibit traditionally undruggable target molecules, including transcription factors required for cancer.
A UT Austin study aims to quantify methane emission rates from natural gas production sites using direct measurement techniques. The study brings together industry stakeholders and researchers to better understand and manage emissions from well sites.
Researchers from Nova Scotia found that peer mentoring programs significantly increase school day physical activity levels among elementary students. The Heart Healthy Kids Lunch program, which included games led by trained peer mentors, resulted in an average increase of over 1,000 steps per day.
The University of Granada Research Group on Decision and Optimization Models won the Simulated Car Racing Competition with their Soft Computing-based modular architecture. This technology enables efficient control of cars in the presence of other competitors, allowing for a stable performance despite not being the fastest car.
Researchers found that pre-Cretaceous ecosystem changes and environmental factors led to more fragile communities in late Cretaceous North America. The study's findings suggest that human-made changes to modern ecosystems could worsen their ability to withstand disturbances, emphasizing the importance of understanding ecological function.