Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a new technique using a cold plasma jet to kill bacteria in biofilms, making it effective against complex organised communities of bacteria. The approach has the potential to control hospital superbugs, including multidrug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
Research by CSIRO scientists reveals a southward shift in the subtropical dry-zone is driving autumn rainfall decline across south-eastern Australia. The expansion also affects southern-coastal Chile and southern Africa, with some regions experiencing increased rainfall during April-May.
A 1.5-million-year-old skull fragment from Tanzania shows signs of anemia caused by a nutritional deficiency, suggesting regular meat consumption in early hominids was common. The discovery supports the idea that early human ancestors were hunters and had a physiology adapted to regular meat consumption.
Tropical Storm Nadine is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to the Azores on Oct. 3 and early Oct. 4, according to NASA data. The National Hurricane Center forecasts some weakening over the next two days, but Nadine will still be a tropical storm when it moves near or over the Azores.
The funding will support clinical trials of wireless biosensor systems and rapid pharmacogenomic diagnostic tests to track heart attacks and Type 1 diabetes. Scripps Digital Medicine aims to revolutionize healthcare with breakthrough technologies, including DNA sequencing tools.
A new species of plant-eating dwarf dinosaur, Pegomastax africanus, has been discovered in southern Africa. The species had a unique combination of features, including a short parrot-shaped beak and stabbing canines that were likely used for self-defense and competitive sparring.
A Michigan State University study found that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of thin-ideal internalization, with heritability at 43%. Environmental influences also contribute to the pressure, but non-shared factors have a greater impact.
New research findings show that rural colon cancer patients are more likely to receive late-stage diagnosis and inferior treatment, leading to poorer outcomes. Rural residents also have higher odds of dying from colon cancer than urban patients.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have discovered a promising treatment for Rett syndrome by reversing abnormalities in brain activity with an FDA-approved anesthesia drug, ketamine. This study provides new evidence that drug treatment can improve neurological function in individuals with Rett syndrome.
A home-based computer software, ClockMe System, allows adults to screen themselves for early signs of dementia. The system scores the participant's clock-drawing test and records the duration and timing of the test, providing valuable insight into thought processes.
The Autonomous Aerial Cargo Utility System (AACUS) aims to deliver supplies quickly and safely in hostile conditions using autonomous robotic helicopters. With a smartphone-like device, warfighters can control the aircraft's takeoff, flight, and landing.
A new study published in The Lancet found that widespread diabetes screening programs do not reduce overall mortality rates. The study, which included over 20,000 patients, also showed no significant difference in mortality rates between screened and non-screened groups.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new technology that can identify potential biomarkers for ulcerative colitis in animal models. The study focuses on protein arginine deiminases (PAD) and their role in diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at UT Dallas have successfully controlled the size of graphene nanopores, enabling potential low-cost DNA sequencing. The achievement could lead to improved disease diagnosis and treatment by allowing tailored drug development based on an individual's genetic code.
A recent study found that a newly proposed mental disorder diagnosis, attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS), may not be necessary due to overlap with existing conditions. Researchers evaluated 1,200 patients and found that APS did not identify a single patient who didn't meet the criteria for another existing diagnosis.
Transplant recipients and lymphoma patients are at higher risk of developing melanoma, which can be fatal if not detected early. They should be aware of their skin changes and consult a dermatologist regularly.
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.