A large DNA-sequencing study of anorexia nervosa has linked the eating disorder to variants in a gene coding for an enzyme regulating cholesterol metabolism. This finding suggests that anorexia could be caused by disruption in normal cholesterol processing, affecting mood and eating behavior.
A recent study published at the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that patients treated with ceftaroline fosamil (CPT-F) for MRSA pneumonia had a significantly lower mortality rate of 13% compared to standard treatment with vancomycin, which has a reported mortality rate of 32% after 28 days.
A study by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that patients with longer-lasting chest pain are more likely to have a heart attack. Patients with chest pain of short duration, less than 5 minutes, are unlikely to have a heart attack and have a good prognosis at 30 days.
A large study found that 4% of head-trauma scans have unexpected results, ranging from benign to life-threatening cancers. Doctors should weigh patient rights against financial costs and anxiety when dealing with incidental findings.
A team of researchers from the University of Manchester used next generation sequencing techniques to analyze sub-fossilized insects in copal and found no evidence of ancient DNA. The study suggests that DNA survival in resin inclusions is unlikely, raising doubts about claims of DNA extraction from fossil insects in amber.
C-Voltaics, a University of Houston start-up, won the Young Technology Award for its nanotechnology-based coatings that protect various products from environmental hazards. The company's product has shown significant potential for investment returns and audience interest.
Researchers link brain atrophy to cognitive decline in Type 2 diabetes, challenging previous assumptions. Brain atrophy is found to be the primary cause of cognitive impairment associated with T2DM, exceeding cerebrovascular lesions.
A new meningitis vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of all cases of meningitis by 94% and carriage prevalence of the epidemic strain by 98%, according to a recent study. The vaccine was found to be highly effective in vaccinated regions, with no cases of serogroup A meningitis identified.
A new study found that some parts of Europe have experienced a significant warming trend in extreme temperatures, with the hottest days getting 4 times hotter than the global average. This research has important implications for decision-making and planning, highlighting the need for local climate knowledge to address climate change.
A substudy found that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can be highly effective in preventing HIV infection with high adherence rates. Participants who received counseling and support showed 100% efficacy, while those who did not showed significantly lower rates of adherence.
Researchers at UC Irvine have created new memories by directly altering brain cells in the cerebral cortex, producing specific memory content with long-term retention. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for learning and memory disorders.
A UMass Amherst polymer scientist is working on a four-year, $1.08M grant to develop new ways to control the process of reading precise nucleotide order in DNA chains as they pass through a nanopore. The goal is to create cheaper, faster and more accurate gene sequencing for medical research and healthcare.
Researchers found that stress-related proteins were induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury, exhibiting a protective effect on neurons. Heat shock cognate protein 70 expression was also detectable in glial cell and Schwann cell nuclei after the injury.
Research found that older adults retain ability to make accurate judgments about others' emotions using acquired knowledge. When partners were separated, both older and younger adults were equally good at estimating how their partner was feeling.
A new study by the American Chemical Society found that state e-waste recycling bans have been largely ineffective in reducing electronic waste disposal. However, providing more information to women and older people could increase the effectiveness of these bans and recycling programs.
Researchers at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory discovered a new zeolite catalyst that breaks down nitric oxide into water and atmospheric nitrogen, reducing pollution. The catalyst uses copper as its added metal and takes an unusual side-on approach to binding with nitric oxide.
A recent study on adolescent perceptions surrounding physical activity found that teens are aware of the mental benefits of exercise, including increased confidence and self-esteem. Teens also perceive elements like leadership skills development and character growth to be beneficial, equally common among boys and girls.
Researchers at Oxford University Press UK identified the tannosome organelle, responsible for producing complex chemicals used in plant defense and protection. This discovery sheds light on the synthesis of tannins, a key component in making tea and red wine taste their distinctive way.
Researchers uncover new geological phenomena, including mirror-like faults, petit-spot volcanism, and water in nominally anhydrous minerals. These discoveries shed light on the complex processes shaping our planet's surface.
A UNSW-led team is mapping the location of giant gas clouds in our galaxy, which can be up to 100 light years across. The research aims to understand how these clouds form and play a key role in the cosmic cycle of birth and death of stars.
Researchers found that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells demonstrate excellent glioma-specific targeting capacity after intratumoral injection or contralateral ventricular administration in vivo. These findings suggest a promising therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma treatment.
Boston Scientific will provide a $600,000 unrestricted grant over three years to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Research and Technology Initiative. This funding will support research in technology, innovation, and education in gastroenterology and hepatology.
A novel avian-origin H7N9 influenza A virus has been found to attach moderately or abundantly to the epithelium of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. This pattern suggests that the emerging H7N9 virus may transmit efficiently in humans and cause severe pneumonia.
Scientists have discovered life forms dating back nearly a hundred thousand years in subglacial lake sediments, challenging our understanding of what can survive in extreme environments. The discovery, made in Lake Hodgson on the Antarctic Peninsula, reveals diverse microorganisms that could hold clues for survival on other planets.
Heavy rainfall was detected south of Tropical Storm Humberto's center with rain rates reaching 2 inches per hour. The storm strengthened to near 65 mph winds and is expected to turn northwest before moving north, posing threat to the Atlantic Ocean season.
A pay-for-performance program in EHR-enabled small practices improved cardiovascular care processes and intermediate outcomes, with higher changes for patients with diabetes or hypertension. The study suggests that these practices can respond to incentives and improve quality in the context of robust clinical management tools.
A study found that using electronic health records (EHRs) for patients with diabetes resulted in a modest reduction in emergency department visits and hospitalizations. However, EHR implementation did not affect office visit rates.
A recent study published in JAMA found that a combination of pentoxifylline and prednisolone did not improve 6-month survival rates in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. Despite being the only and most successful medical treatments available, corticosteroids and pentoxifylline provide only modest improvements in mortality.
A new study found that Minnesota's Performance-based Incentive Payment Program improves critical areas of nursing home care, including falls, quality of life, and rehospitalizations. The program promotes local solutions to local problems and focuses on provider-initiated and evidence-based practices.
Consumers compare prices differently depending on their self-perceived power status, with those feeling powerful experiencing unfairness when paying more than others. The study suggests marketing strategies to engage customers of different power statuses.
Researchers found that promoting positive emotions can positively influence a depressive-to-happy state, as well as increasing life satisfaction. Individuals with self-fulfilling profiles, characterized by high positive affect and low negative affect, tended to be happier and more satisfied with their lives.
A new study found that a prescribing protocol with automatic stop dates and pharmacist support significantly reduced antibiotic use and side-effects. The protocol led to a near 20% reduction in antibiotics prescribed and a 40% reduction in related side-effects.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a way to control the speed and direction of motion of microscopic structures in water using chemotaxis. By adding a chemical catalyst, they can propel matchstick particles towards a specific location, demonstrating a versatile method for directing colloidal motion.
A study of hospital discharges for subarachnoid hemorrhage reveals racial and ethnic disparities in mortality rates and need for institutional care. Hispanic patients were least likely to die or require institutional care, while Asian/Pacific Islander patients were most likely to experience poor outcomes.
Researchers found that heart disease patients with positive attitudes exercised more and had a lower risk of dying during the follow-up period. Positive mood and exercise also cut the risk of heart-related hospitalizations.
A study by Ashlee Humphreys and Kathryn A. LaTour found that changing industry labels from gambling to gaming affects consumer perceptions, making them more inclined to participate in online betting. The researchers analyzed language usage in newspapers and conducted experiments to explore the impact of framing on consumer judgments.
Researchers found that predators can learn to find certain types of camouflaged prey faster than others. Moths with high contrast markings were initially better at evading predation, but humans learned to find them slower than those with low contrast markings that matched the background.
Honeybee decline poses significant threat to US fruit and vegetable production, with estimated annual losses of $15 billion. The cause of colony collapse disorder (CCD) remains unknown, but factors such as pesticides, parasites, and diseases are being investigated.
Researchers mapped carbon footprints of 434 UK municipalities, finding that lifestyle, education, and household cars significantly impact CO2 emissions. The study reveals the UK's municipalities have high territorial emissions, despite lower overall carbon footprint compared to global production.
Researchers developed a mutant MERS virus that replicates but cannot spread, making it a potential vaccine candidate. The virus is engineered to produce antigens to train the human immune system to fight MERS-CoV infection. Additional mutations are needed to ensure safety and effectiveness.
A study involving 83 physicians and 42 healthcare personnel found that modest monetary incentives resulted in a significant 8.36% increase in patients with controlled blood pressure. However, combined team incentives had no significant effect on physician behavior.
A California-based group has developed a website to address the implications of breast density notification laws, which require patients with dense breasts to receive written notification. The group recommends an individualized risk-based approach to guiding decision-making on supplementary screening.
Researchers discovered unisexual reproduction in Cryptococcus neoformans, introducing genetic diversity and potentially driving disease outbreaks. Aneuploidy, a genetic change, led to beneficial, neutral, or detrimental changes in offspring fitness, including drug resistance and virulence.
Researchers have found that electroacupuncture treatment can improve visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by reducing P2X4 receptor immunoreactivity in the colon and spinal cord. This study provides medical support for the central mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture treatment.
Scientists at Princeton University discovered that herpes viruses may cause repetitive nerve cell firing, leading to persistent itching and pain. Understanding this mechanism could lead to improved treatments for shingles, oral, and genital herpes.
Fluent bilinguals have both languages active at all times, regardless of conscious use. This suggests that they control parallel language activity and select intended language without conscious thought.
A study published in JAMA found that individual financial incentives significantly improved blood pressure control, with an 8.36% increase compared to no incentive group. The use of guideline-recommended medications showed no significant difference between intervention and control groups.
A study found that observing someone being flattered triggers social comparison and envy, leading consumers to choose more expensive items. Researchers Elaine Chan and Jaideep Sengupta conducted experiments in clothing stores to investigate reactions to salespeople's flattery.
A new study published in JAMA found that a 'pay for performance' program rewarding doctors on quality of care yields better health outcomes than traditional fee-for-service models. The program improved blood pressure control rates among patients with diabetes, with significant benefits observed in high-risk populations.
A new study found that granting wishes to seriously ill children and their families has a positive effect on wellbeing. Parents reported feeling distracted, creating an important memory, and experiencing mixed emotions.
The food industry is embracing sustainable packaging, but challenges remain in developing materials that are recyclable, compostable, renewable energy-produced or edible. Despite progress, structural integrity and water/oxygen barriers pose significant hurdles for edible packaging.
The Rim Fire has burned over 254,000 acres in California, with pockets of unburned vegetation continuing to burn. Scientists are studying the fire's remains to determine vulnerable areas to mudslides once the rainy season begins.
Researchers identified seven potential candidate genes as targets for melanoma immunotherapy, including cancer-testis genes and melanoma-related genes. The NCI is currently conducting clinical trials using this technology to treat various cancers.
A new study published in Radiology found that whole-body MRI can accurately predict the risk of heart attack and stroke in diabetic patients. The study revealed that patients with detectable vascular changes on whole-body MRI faced a cumulative risk rate of 20% at three years, increasing to 35% at six years.
A new electronic decision support tool has been shown to reduce deaths from pneumonia in emergency departments. The tool uses patient data to predict severity and provide personalized recommendations for treatment, leading to improved hospital admission rates and adherence to guidelines.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered a previously unrecognized type of pathology in Alzheimer's brains that sequesters proteins involved in RNA splicing. This finding could lead to new biomarkers, diagnostic approaches, and therapies by explaining how genes contribute their effects in the disease.
A UT Arlington engineer has received a $142,223 National Science Foundation grant to develop a system that uses complex data analysis to ensure consistency in various manufacturing processes. By examining this data, researchers can identify irregularities and help manufacturers adjust their variables for more consistent systems.
Research shows that orangutans and gorillas can form concepts beyond perceptual similarity, matching images by taxonomic class. This finding suggests a shared conceptual process with humans and refutes the notion that biological categories depend on scientific knowledge or labels.
Researchers have discovered that fungal sex can generate genetic diversity in organisms like Cryptococcus neoformans, enabling the creation of drug-resistant and virulent strains. This discovery sheds light on how pathogenic microbes evolve to cause diseases.
A substudy within the Partners PrEP Study shows that high adherence to antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples. With over 99% adherence rate, only 14 participants became HIV-positive during an average follow-up period.