A new study reveals blind mole-rats are highly resistant to carcinogens and have anti-cancer activity in fibroblast cell culture, unlike lab mice and rats. The findings suggest that hypoxia tolerance, longevity, and cancer resistance are tied together through evolutionary adaptations.
Researchers suggest that anti-PD-1 antibodies could be effective in treating hepatitis C and other persistent viral infections. The study found that animal models with HCV infection showed improved immune function after treatment with PD-1 blocking antibodies.
Researchers developed an animal model simulating eye complications associated with Graves' disease, paving the way for better treatments. The condition causes the thyroid gland to become overactive and produce too much thyroid hormone, leading to eye problems like swelling of tissue behind the eyes causing them to bulge outward.
A recent study published in ESC Congress 2013 found that lead extractions are primarily driven by mechanical issues rather than infections. The European Lead Extraction ConTRolled (ELECTRa) Registry, which analyzed over 1,200 patients, showed that 52% of lead extractions were due to non-infectious causes, such as lead malfunctions.
Researchers identify role of BDNF in controlling brain activity during seizures, potentially leading to new anti-epileptic therapies with fewer side effects. The discovery could help patients who do not respond to current treatments.
Research presented at the ESC Congress found that low body mass index (BMI) is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension and glucose intolerance. Patients with lower BMI had a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those with middle or higher BMI, according to the study.
Researchers suggest that trypophobia may stem from a specific visual feature common to poisonous animals, including high contrast energy at midrange spatial frequencies. Studies exploring the phenomenon are underway to shed light on its ingrained nature in everyday objects.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a groundbreaking technique for manufacturing nanostructures, enabling smaller and better electrical and optical devices. The breakthrough involves using Scotch Magic tape to create extremely thin gaps through metal layers, with widths controlled on the atomic level.
Researchers at Rice University have created a supercapacitor that operates reliably at temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius, overcoming key limitations of conventional energy storage devices. The device uses a clay-based membrane electrolyte, which provides high thermal stability and conductivity.
A long-term study found that infants and children with congestive heart failure and genetic disorders have the lowest transplant-free survival rates. Children diagnosed after one year old with unknown cause have the best outcome, a 97% rate of transplant-free survival.
New research shows that female birds maximize offspring health by mating with multiple males, increasing disease resistance through 'cryptic female choice'. This internal mechanism favors sperm from genetically different males, boosting MHC diversity and enhancing disease resilience.
A study found that nursing homes serving predominantly black residents tend to struggle financially and provide lower quality care, with black residents relying on Medicaid for reimbursement. The researchers suggest addressing the issue through financial incentives and restructuring Medicaid to provide better reimbursement rates.
Tropical Storm Toraji is expected to make landfall in Kyushu and move back over open waters in the Sea of Japan. Strong wind shear from the southwest and interaction with the land are not expected to intensify the storm before it makes landfall.
A new recombinant antibody can detect and isolate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord blood, a nonembryonic source with promising applications in tissue engineering and blood stem cell transplantation. The antibody recognizes an i blood group antigen present on MSCs.
Children with inherited metabolic diseases, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or multiple risk factors have worse prognosis. Younger age, lower weight, congestive heart failure, and abnormal left ventricle structure are significant risk factors for death or transplantation.
A new study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women, but the relationship varies depending on factors such as race/ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and breast density. The study suggests that HRT may be used for some women without increasing thei...
Scientists have developed an atom-based analogue for electronic devices using ultra-cold bosonic atoms and quantum dots. The transport of single particles through the chain of quantum dots enables current production in systems with reduced dimensionality.
Researchers develop microcapsules containing BCNU for targeted brain cancer therapy, improving drug delivery and reducing side effects. The uniform spheres provide precise control over drug release, enhancing treatment outcomes.
Scientists identified mechanisms necessary to live without insulin, a breakthrough that could lead to alternative treatments against diabetes. Researchers found leptin regulates glucose levels and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia, offering hope for patients.
Tropical Storm Kiko formed on Sept. 1 and intensified quickly, with maximum sustained winds reaching near 70 mph. However, cooler waters and wind shear weakened the storm, leading to its dissipation by Sept. 4. Meanwhile, another low-pressure system is forming near Mexico's southwestern coast.
Researchers have identified a mechanism by which Sirt1 promotes neural activity in the brain, leading to significant delays in aging and increases in longevity. The study found that mice with increased Sirt1 expression in their brains exhibited dramatic physical changes, including improved muscle structure and vigor.
Scientists estimate a minimum of 320,000 viruses in mammals, which could provide critical information for early detection and mitigation of disease outbreaks. This undertaking would cost approximately $6.3 billion, but limiting discovery to 85% of total viral diversity could bring the cost down to $1.4 billion.
Research by Cardiff University's Dr Surhan Cam found that women with degrees were around 40% - 50% more likely to be under-employed than those with no qualifications. Qualified men were also equally at risk of under-employment as unqualified ones.
UC Riverside researchers have created a novel transparent skull implant made of yttria-stabilized zirconia, allowing doctors to aim laser-based treatments without repeated craniectomies. This technology has strong potential for positive impact on patients with life-threatening neurological disorders.
A team of researchers found multiple roundworm eggs in soil samples taken from Richard III's pelvis, indicating a genuine infection. The presence of no eggs in skull soil and few in surrounding grave soil suggests the infection was internal, not from external contamination.
A new study revolutionizes species identification in taxonomy by introducing a modern revision of millipedes using innovative illustration techniques. The 'revolving SEM images' technology allows for a more detailed understanding of complex morphological features, enabling taxonomists to recognize subtle differences between species.
A University of South Florida-led study suggests that the stress-related protein FKBP51 contributes to the acceleration of Alzheimer's disease. The research found that FKBP51 levels increase with age and partner with Hsp90 to make tau more toxic, leading to brain cell death.
This special issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment brings together diverse perspectives on addressing global environmental challenges. The issue highlights socio-ecological drivers of environmental injustice, explores ways to encourage behavioral change, and emphasizes the role of religion in promoting Earth Stewardship.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that community voluntary male circumcision services in Orange Farm, South Africa significantly reduced HIV infection levels. The study estimated that without circumcision procedures, the HIV rate among men living in this community would have been 15% in 2011.
A recent study published in the journal Age and Ageing found that stressful life events significantly raise the risk of falls in older men. The research, conducted on 5,994 community-dwelling men over 65, showed that men who experienced serious financial problems or the death of a loved one were more likely to fall.
Scientists estimate a minimum of 320,000 unknown viral agents in mammals alone, potentially causing emerging diseases like SARS and Ebola. The study provides a new strategy to identify total viral diversity and estimate costs of discovery.
Researchers sequenced 147 Mycobacterium bovis genomes to track bovine TB outbreaks, revealing local transmission mechanisms drive the spread of the disease. The study provides unprecedented insight into how the disease spreads and will inform control methods.
Researchers found that coal soot reduced Alpine glacier ice by shrinking them, despite cooler temperatures. European glaciers retreated an average of nearly 1 kilometer between 1860 and 1930 due to industrialization, contradicting previous natural climate shift assumptions.
Researchers from the University of York and Czech institutions discovered five new species of Vesper bats in Senegal, showcasing unexpected genetic diversity. The discovery confirms that West Africa may represent a bio-geographic hotspot with many more species to discover.
The nationwide HBV immunization program, launched in 1984, successfully lowered chronic HBV carrier prevalence, HCC incidence, and mortality of infant fulminant hepatitis in vaccinated birth cohorts. Long-term high-coverage immunization was associated with increased herd immunity and lower IFH mortality rates.
A study by Helmholtz Munich found that increased body weight deteriorates physical health, but improves mental well-being in women. The researchers analyzed data from over 3000 people, revealing the complex relationship between body weight and overall health.
Peritoneal dialysis has been shown to reduce glutamate levels in the blood following a stroke event, potentially preserving brain tissue and function. In a rat model of ischemic stroke, peritoneal dialysis reduced tissue damage in the brain.
A new study suggests that zebrafish carrying a Scn1a mutation can serve as a model for Dravet syndrome, allowing researchers to quickly identify potential treatments. The study found that clemizole, an FDA-approved drug, was effective in inhibiting seizure activity in the mutant fish.
The ATOMIC-AHF study found that omecamtiv mecarbil showed greater dyspnoea relief in the highest dose cohort compared to placebo, with significant dose-related and plasma concentration-related trends. The study also revealed increases in systolic ejection time and reductions in heart rate without decreasing blood pressure.
A new study found that combining multiple medications into one pill improves medication adherence and reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study involved 2,004 participants in the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, and India, with polypill users taking medications regularly by a third more than usual care.
A new biomarker strategy using troponin and copeptin has the potential to change clinical practice with high patient safety, according to the BIC-8 trial. The strategy significantly increased emergency room discharge rates among patients with suspected ACS.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine has published a new issue focusing on the latest research and treatment developments in spinal cord injury. The issue includes articles on various topics such as botulinum toxin use, urology, neuroscience, rehabilitation psychology, and more.
Researchers found that weight loss significantly improved vascular function in obese individuals, particularly those with high insulin levels. The study suggests that reversing insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction may represent key therapeutic targets for cardiovascular risk reduction.
A variant of FGF21, LY2405319, has been shown to improve metabolism in obese humans with type 2 diabetes by reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. The hormone also reduced body weight and fasting insulin, and increased adiponectin.
The University of Tennessee is working with local community partners to improve disaster preparedness and community wellness in Clay County, Kentucky. The project aims to address health and disaster readiness needs through a comprehensive assessment and implementation of solutions.
A study by USC researchers found that 20% of tweets contain location data, including active location monitoring and ambient location data. The researchers developed an app, Twitter2GIS, to analyze metadata and map user locations.
Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research discovered a protein called Abcb4 in zebrafish embryos that transports and expels toxic chemicals, protecting the embryo. However, certain environmental chemicals render this protective mechanism ineffective, making fish embryos more sensitive to toxic substances.
A study comparing TAVI and redo cardiac surgery in high-risk patients found comparable long-term survival rates. The TAVI procedure was shown to be a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, suitable for elderly or high-risk patients with failed bioprostheses.
Researchers from The University of Manchester have identified two new proteins that could predict women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia in their first pregnancy. These proteins, PSG5 and PSG9, were found to be as good a predictor of disease risk as the current best marker, placental growth factor.
Researchers found that non-human primate vocalizations promoted object categorization in 3- and 4-month-old infants, similar to the effects of human speech. By six months, however, this effect disappeared, suggesting a specific link to human language has been established.
A University of Michigan biologist and colleague challenge the notion that genetic reproductive barriers are a driving force behind speciation. Their study found no evidence that genetic barriers to reproduction predict the rate at which new species form in nature.
A new Australian study uses a novel modelling tool to calculate the 'material footprint' of 186 countries over two decades, revealing that pressures on raw materials do not decline with economic growth. The results confirm that decoupling of natural resources from economic growth has been exaggerated.
Scientists have discovered a molecular signalling pathway that helps oral epithelial cells resist Candida infection. The PI3 Kinase pathway is activated within minutes of fungal encounter, protecting against future damage. Boosting this pathway may lead to novel therapies against Candida infections.
A nationwide study found that pacemaker patients without cardiovascular disease have a survival rate comparable to the general population. The study's results provide a new reference point for the prognosis of modern pacemaker patients, suggesting that cardiovascular disease is a primary factor in determining life expectancy.
The ASSURE study found that the experimental apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) inducer RVX-208 failed to incrementally impact atherosclerotic plaque, despite promising earlier findings. The lack of efficacy was attributed to adverse events and liver enzyme elevations in the treatment group.
Researchers found that losartan significantly reduced aortic enlargement after three years compared to those who did not receive treatment. The study confirms previous findings in mouse models and suggests the drug may postpone or prevent aortic rupture in Marfan patients.
A new species of fungus has ravaged fire salamander populations in the Netherlands, killing over 90% of the original population. The fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, can rapidly kill fire salamanders and is thought to have originated from elsewhere in the world.
Researchers at the University of Iowa used fruit flies to study hearing loss caused by loud noise. The study found that the molecular underpinnings of hearing loss in fruit flies are similar to those in humans.
A UCLA/USC study finds that a patient-centered model with round-the-clock access and coordinated care improves patient satisfaction to 65% and physician satisfaction to 51%. The Galaxy Health program also shows promise for encouraging more medical school graduates to enter primary care.
A UK-based study of over 12,000 faecal samples found that the cytotoxin assay is the most reliable indicator of true C-Diff infection. This discovery highlights the importance of using accurate diagnostic tests to prevent deaths and hospital transmissions caused by C-Diff.