A new study by Dr. Peter Kronenberg and Prof. Olivier Traxer found significant discrepancies between advertised and measured laser fiber diameters, with some fibers being up to double the thickness promoted. The study's findings highlight the importance of accurate technical specifications in urology surgery.
Scientists have made the first experimental determination of the proton's weak charge, combining new data with published results. The result provides a rigorous test of the Standard Model and constraints on potential new physics at the Large Hadron Collider.
A new study reveals that stronger westerly winds around the South Pole can explain 80% of the increase in Antarctic sea ice volume over the past three decades. This is achieved through the creation of thicker, longer-lasting ice and exposure to blistering cold winds.
Researchers have developed a method to isolate and grow pancreatic stem cells from mice, which can differentiate into hormone-producing beta cells or pancreatic duct cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new therapeutic interventions for pancreatic diseases like diabetes.
A new gentler chemistry method developed by the University of Copenhagen aims to create safer pharmaceuticals. The method allows for dual functionalization of peptides, reducing the risk of side effects and increasing the predictability of medicinal effects.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have cracked a centuries-old puzzle about the Earth's core by linking inner-core superrotation to outer-core behavior. The study reveals that the planet spins faster in one direction due to its geomagnetic field, generating eastward motion and westward drift.
Researchers will study TSPO's role in microglia and astrocytes to understand its function in brain injury and inflammation. The goal is to discover new therapeutic targets for treating inflammation and brain injury.
The Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism aims to provide a forum for discussing dimensions involved in decision-making regarding outdoor recreation activities. The journal publishes peer-reviewed research on aspects of outdoor recreation planning and management.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created a computational model that accurately simulates the complex twists of RNA as it folds into a critical hairpin structure. The new model can simulate the folding of three known versions of a tetraloop, accurate to within one ten-billionth of a meter.
Scientists evaluated spinach nutrient uptake and water use to improve nitrogen fertilizer management, recommending soil NO3 testing at planting and midseason application. The study found that optimal fertilizer timing and rate can significantly reduce nitrate losses from production fields.
Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute found that adding sugar cane ash to cement makes it stronger, more durable and crumbles less. The ash helps bind water in the cement, saving energy and reducing pollution from cement production.
The SDSU-Imperial Valley School of Nursing program is expanding its efforts to recruit and retain minority nurses. With a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the program will provide scholarships and stipends to 70 nursing students over three years.
A survey of young breast cancer patients found that nearly all chose prophylactic mastectomy to reduce risk of contralateral breast cancer, despite knowing it doesn't improve survival rates. The study highlights the need for better risk communication strategies to help patients make informed decisions.
Researchers from China's Tsinghua University and the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have demonstrated high-temperature superconductivity in a topological insulator. This breakthrough is essential for creating 'fault-tolerant' quantum computers, which can solve complex problems much faster than current m...
Researchers analyzed customer behavior in pubs and clubs to determine effective signals for ordering a drink. They found that positioning themselves directly at the bar counter is a successful signal, while avoiding these behaviors indicates non-ordering intentions.
Researchers found that six out of ten claims made by TV drug ads are potentially misleading, leaving out important information or exaggerating benefits. The study analyzed advertisements for prescription and over-the-counter drugs aired between 2008 and 2010 and found that most claims were either false or misleading.
Researchers developed an iPad app to teach spatial visualization, a key skill for doing well in science, math, and engineering. The app uses 3D computer graphics and touchscreen technology to help students visualize objects in 3D and learn how they look from different perspectives.
A study of residents in Olmsted County, Minn., over 15 years found the incidence of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson disease dementia (PDD) to be higher among older adults. The study also identified age-related increases in both DLB and PDD rates.
The study, conducted by UC Davis and EWC researchers, found that starting mammography screening biennially at age 50 is strongly supported by the model results. This approach aims to maximize impact on reducing breast cancer deaths while working within limited program funding.
The OceanCube Observatories are designed to understand changes in species, nutrients, and energy within a controlled cube-shaped volume of water. The system provides real-time data on temperature, salinity, and other chemical, biological, and physical data critical to understanding coral reef ecosystem health.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women with acute coronary syndromes are more likely to present without chest pain, despite it being the most common symptom for both sexes. The study also showed that women without chest pain had fewer symptoms overall compared to those with chest pain.
High drug expenses in Canada hinder treatment access and outcomes due to copayments and limited coverage. A universal drug program could address these issues with a national agency implementing a comprehensive solution.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that automated telephone calls increased controlled hypertension among patients, especially those with multiple chronic conditions. The program also showed benefits for female patients with higher incomes and improved health outcomes for both patients and healthcare systems.
Cancer cells exploit a vicious cycle of mucus production to protect themselves from the immune system and promote tumor growth. Researchers at Rice University have identified a potential therapeutic target in rosiglitazone, a diabetes medication that can attenuate this cycle.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute developed new compounds that show 10-200 times greater potency than vinblastine and overcome drug resistance. These improvements aim to boost the effectiveness of vincristine against childhood leukemias and Hodgkin's disease.
Tropical Storm Humberto regained strength after weakening to a remnant low pressure area due to wind shear. NASA's Global Hawk Aircraft gathered data on the environment of the storm, with findings to be analyzed as part of the HS3 hurricane mission.
Researchers have discovered that a drug increasing sudden cardiac death risk interacts with mistranslated protein-coding genes in heart muscle. The study provides insight into how cardiac death risk might be increased by these drugs, opening the way for further research.
Researchers found that individuals behave more selfishly when interacting with men with wider faces, leading to a social feedback loop. The study's findings suggest that people may need to reconsider how they use power and make helpful decisions.
A study published in HortScience found that flame cultivation can be a promising alternative to traditional weed control methods for cranberries. The method was tested on three types of handheld propane torches and showed minor response differences between cranberry varieties.
A team of astronomers from UC Riverside and three other universities will conduct a large survey of galaxies using the MOSFIRE instrument. The survey will study how galaxies evolved over time, including their conversion of gas into stars and the formation of heavier elements.
New research published in The Lancet finds that caseload midwifery is just as safe as standard maternity care, with similar outcomes for women of any risk. Women who received caseload midwifery care had lower costs and improved breastfeeding rates.
Researchers from the University of Guelph compared 55 years of Wisconsin and Ontario data to determine associations between weather and crop yields. Key findings indicate that hot days during June-July-August and rainfall were significant factors affecting yield, with heat tolerance being crucial for breeding purposes.
Researchers from McMaster University found that pregnant women's nesting behavior is an adaptive mechanism to protect and prepare for childbirth. Women exhibit selective company choices and intense cleaning and organizing, peaking in the third trimester.
Innovative food ingredients showcase significant health benefits, including reduced sodium intake and improved bowel health. Studies demonstrate the potential impact of sodium reduction technology and added fibre on reducing hypertension and increasing calcium absorption.
A novel biomarker, 2-aminoadipic acid (2-AAA), has been identified that can predict diabetes risk up to 12 years in advance. Individuals with high levels of 2-AAA concentrations had a fourfold risk of developing diabetes compared to those with lower levels.
Researchers have identified a metabolite as a biomarker of diabetes risk, revealing that individuals with increased levels are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the study found that a specific genetic mutation affects muscle performance in elite endurance athletes by altering calcineurin signaling.
The study found a significant decrease in invasive MRSA infections nationwide from 80,461 in 2011 to estimated 30,800 in 2005. This represents a 27.7% decline for healthcare-associated community-onset infections and a 54.2% drop for hospital-onset infections.
A recent study by the University of York found that copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps offer no meaningful benefits for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Participants who wore these devices reported no significant improvements in pain, swelling, or disease progression compared to a placebo.
A study by McGill University Health Centre found that one in five young women (under 55) experiencing a heart attack do not exhibit chest pain as a symptom. The absence of this common indicator did not correlate with reduced disease severity, highlighting the need for more nuanced assessments and training for healthcare professionals.
Researchers found a widespread neural network responsible for human imagery manipulations, resembling the 'mental workspace' theorized to facilitate creative thinking and problem-solving. The discovery may help advance artificial intelligence by understanding how humans create new ideas and think flexibly.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed an early-warning system to predict fishery collapse decades in advance, enabling conservation measures to be taken. The 'Eventual Threat Index' uses minimal data to identify conditions that would eventually cause a species to be overharvested.
Researchers found that Noggin accelerates and increases the differentiation of neural precursors, outperforming basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Noggin's greater effect was observed in inducing neural precursor differentiation from human embryonic stem cells.
Scientists have created a vulnerability map to help governments and organizations invest in protected area establishment and restoration efforts in the most vulnerable regions. The map assesses ecosystems' intactness and stability under future climate change predictions, identifying southern Asia, Europe, and Australia as high-risk areas.
Scientists found that continent nuclei formed as a byproduct of mountain-building processes, stacking up slabs of cold oceanic crust to create thick 'keels' in the mantle. This process supported the overlying crust and enabled continents to form.
A recent study has identified a rare gene mutation linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 50. The C3 gene variant contributes to AMD risk by interfering with the complement pathway's normal function.
Researchers used whole genome sequencing to identify unique mutations and a previously undescribed disease gene NEK2 associated with retinitis pigmentosa. The study highlights the importance of rare structural DNA variations in Mendelian diseases.
A survey of young women with breast cancer found many overestimate the benefits of prophylactic mastectomy, despite knowing it has little impact on survival rates. The study suggests that improving risk communication and addressing anxiety are crucial to helping patients make informed decisions.
The American College of Physicians outlines a team-based model of healthcare with 13 principles to encourage effective teamwork and collaboration. Highly-functioning teams assign responsibility based on patient needs, prioritize culture, communication, and mutual respect.
Researchers found that patients with pre-existing dementia who developed delirium while hospitalized had a 25% chance of dying within 30 days. Early detection and treatment of delirium can improve patient functioning and reduce mortality rates.
Wayne State joins other universities in improving STEM teaching methods to support high-talented students and increase graduation rates. The project aims to enhance faculty skills and track student progress to address attrition from STEM majors.
A new study from Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center found no evidence to support suggestions of increased risks of certain birth defects associated with antihistamine use in pregnancy. The study considered over 20,000 new mothers and commonly-used antihistamines available OTC or by prescription.
Despite Kaesong industrial zone reopening, North Korean scholar Dr. Sang-Yi O-Rauch expects no improvement in human rights due to the regime's control and terror system. The country's brutal oppression of its people is rooted in Kim Jong-un's power struggle, with an estimated 200,000 people detained in camps.
Scientists found that vaccinating cattle against E. coli O157 could reduce human cases of infection by nearly 85%, a significant improvement over previous estimates. The researchers used veterinary, human, and molecular data to estimate the impact of vaccinating cattle and predict that it would have a major public health benefit.
In a Pfizer-sponsored clinical trial, varenicline was found to help smokers with depression quit smoking, with 36% of participants quitting during treatment and 20% remaining abstinent after 40 weeks. The study suggests that varenicline may improve efforts by depressed smokers to quit tobacco use.
Researchers from China Medical University discovered that overexpressing the cytoglobin gene in SH-SY5Y cells enhances their resistance to cobalt chloride-induced hypoxia. This breakthrough finding has significant implications for developing gene therapy treatments for hypoxic-ischemic neurological diseases.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that high school seniors commonly engage in binge drinking, with 20.2% reporting five or more drinks in a row. Young men and white students are more likely to binge drink, while parents' education level is associated with the frequency of drinking.
Researchers have created a new map of bird brains based on a decade-long exploration of gene expression across eight species. The findings suggest that bird brains have commonalities with human brains, including columnar organization and forebrain regions similar to mammals.
UCLA researchers have created a portable smartphone attachment that can detect single viruses, bacteria, and nanoparticles using a cellphone-based imaging platform. The device weighs less than half a pound and can be used for sensitive detection of sub-wavelength objects in field settings.
Researchers found an association between living near pig farms and manure fertilizers with community-acquired MRSA infections. Approximately 11% of cases could be attributed to crop fields fertilized with swine manure.
A recent clinical study found that arginine therapy significantly reduces the need for pain medication and lowers pain scores in children with sickle cell disease. The treatment also shows promise as a potential cure for acute pain episodes, with no safety concerns reported.