A new study by UC Irvine and others reveals that warm ocean waters are responsible for most of the continent's ice loss, accounting for 55% of shelf loss from 2003 to 2008. Ice shelves are melting at a rate twice as fast as the Antarctic ice sheet itself.
New research highlights the risks of austerity measures on Spain's healthcare system, particularly for elderly, disabled, and mentally vulnerable individuals. The study reveals increased rates of depression, alcohol-related disorders, and suicides since the financial crisis began.
A new rodent study found that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder share common molecular vulnerabilities. Low-dose thyroxin treatment appears to alleviate some effects of alcohol exposure on offspring. The study suggests a potential biochemical marker for identifying children at risk for ASD.
A recent study by Jay Storz and colleagues at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that the effects of individual mutations depend on the context in which they occur. The researchers used protein engineering to synthesize hemoglobin proteins with each naturally occurring mutation in all possible multi-site combinations, revealing t...
A new study by the University of Michigan Health System has identified a potential therapy to prevent muscle atrophy after ACL tears. By blocking the hormone myostatin, researchers aim to restore athletic and functional abilities in the short term and prevent osteoarthritis in the long term.
A new study by Henry Ford researchers reveals that a specific microRNA released by stem cells via exosomes contributes to better neurological recovery after a stroke. The study provides fundamental insight into how stem cells affect injured tissue and offers potential for developing novel treatments.
Researchers from La Jolla Institute, Dana-Farber and BloodCenter of Wisconsin are launching Phase II clinical trials to investigate a potential new therapy for reducing sickle cell anemia symptoms. The trial is testing Lexiscan, an existing drug with anti-inflammatory effects.
Researchers found that short post-meal walks were as effective at reducing blood sugar over 24 hours as a 45-minute sustained walk. The most effective time for walking was after the evening meal, which helped curb high blood sugar levels that often last into the night and early morning.
Two studies assess joint replacement outcomes in patients with RA, overturning the common belief that RA patients have worse outcomes after a total knee replacement. RA patients who undergo hip replacement show similar improvements in function and pain as osteoarthritis patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have identified a new mechanism of PZA drug resistance, which could lead to the development of new antibiotic therapies. The study found that mutations in the panD gene may also be involved in PZA resistance, providing new insight into how this mysterious drug works.
A Stanford/Packard study found that a short self-defense course can dramatically reduce the vulnerability of adolescent girls to sexual assault in Kenya. The 12-hour training program taught verbal and physical self-defense techniques, resulting in a significant decrease in rape cases among participants.
Scientists have developed a cheap and sustainable material made of clay and papaya seeds that can remove heavy metals from drinking water. The 'hybrid clay' has shown strong potential to replace commercial activated carbon in wastewater treatment in developing countries, making clean water more accessible to millions.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have demonstrated experimentally that ultra-thin glass fibers can store quantum information long enough to be used for entangling atoms hundreds of kilometers apart. This is a fundamental building block for a global fiber-based quantum communication network.
A subgroup analysis from a phase III clinical trial found that eribulin demonstrated a greater potential benefit in overall survival compared to capecitabine for women with previously treated metastatic breast cancer. Specifically, patients with multiple organs involved, those who had not received chemotherapy for six months or longer,...
The Ehux genome reveals variability that explains its ability to thrive in diverse ocean conditions, influencing global carbon cycling. The pan-genome analysis sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of physiological and morphological variations among isolates.
A team of evolutionary biologists discovered that male guppies can continue to reproduce for at least 10 months after they die, with stored sperm surviving inside females. This phenomenon increases population size and genetic variation, allowing populations to survive and thrive in environments where males are scarce.
Researchers develop an engineered virus that can deliver genes to difficult-to-reach cells in the retina, restoring vision to patients with inherited defects and degenerative illnesses. The new therapy is surgically non-invasive and takes only 15 minutes to administer.
The lack of hard data on drug safety during pregnancy is leading to a doubling of deaths among mothers with underlying health conditions. Pregnant women are hesitant to take medications due to concerns about their developing baby, while doctors are also reluctant to prescribe due to limited evidence.
Researchers tracked carbon dioxide movement and concentration using the world's deepest Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) system. The system provided time-lapse images of CO2 injection into a geologic formation, offering insights into geological sequestration techniques.
The critically endangered Chinese species Passiflora kwangtungensis has been rediscovered in Hunan Province, highlighting its high population size decline and limited genetic diversity. The plant's rarity is attributed to deforestation and geographical isolation, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
Young zebra finches can learn their fathers' songs via their brothers, and this learning process is similar to human speech acquisition. The study found that juvenile siblings with no father exposure learned the same song as those exposed to a brother's song for a short period.
Scientists discovered a set of core genes that mix and match with variable genes allowing Emiliania huxleyi to adapt to different environments. This discovery may help understand how rising industrial carbon emissions affect climate and ocean health.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that patients with timely access to GP appointments made fewer A&E visits. The study analyzed data from a national survey of patients' experiences of GP practices in 2010-11, revealing a 10.2% lower rate of A&E visits for the best-accessed practices compared to those with the worst access.
The TEDDY study has identified a unique perspective on which molecular and environmental factors contribute to type 1 diabetes. By parsing genetic mutations, scientists can better predict disease progression and identify potential protective factors.
The number of children admitted to hospital for obesity-related conditions quadrupled between 2000 and 2009, primarily due to complications such as asthma and pregnancy. Teenage girls were disproportionately affected, with a significant rise in bariatric surgery procedures.
Research shows free bus travel for teens in London led to a doubling of short journeys taken by bus, while walking decreased, but cycling declined. This shift reduced road traffic injuries and had a positive impact on the environment by decreasing car usage and distances traveled.
Tropical Depression Yagi has weakened due to cooler waters and an upper-level low pressure area, causing it to lose its circulation and become elongated. Its maximum sustained winds dropped to 30 knots on June 12, leading to forecasters predicting dissipation by June 13.
A study found specific patterns of brain activity can indicate whether a patient will respond to medication or psychotherapy for depression. Low activity in the anterior insula region was associated with remission through CBT, while high activity was linked to improved response to medication.
A new study analyzes geologic records to predict megathrust earthquakes along Canada's west coast. The research identified 22 earthquake shaking events over the past 11,000 years, with a recurrence interval of about 500 years. This study helps Canadian coastal communities improve hazard assessments and emergency preparedness plans.
Researchers found that seniors' saliva contains more efficient germ-fighting proteins that bind to influenza, helping them fight off the disease. The study's findings may provide useful information for understanding age-related diseases and developing prevention strategies.
A new biomarker has been identified to predict which type of depression treatment is most likely to be successful, either therapy or medication. The study used pre-treatment brain scans to identify a pivotal predictor of outcomes from two standard forms of depression treatment: cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or escitalopram.
A head-to-head trial shows that subcutaneous abatacept is as effective as adalimumab in clinical and functional outcomes for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. The study found comparable efficacy and safety profiles between the two treatments, with fewer injection site reactions in the abatacept group.
According to Concordia University professor Gad Saad, the drive to consume is rooted in a shared biological heritage. He found that four key Darwinian factors - survival, reproduction, kin selection, and reciprocal altruism - shape narratives in consumer products like movies and song lyrics.
A recent study found that only 25.2% of newly graduated physicians work as primary care doctors, with significant shortages in rural and underserved areas. The study's findings suggest that the current graduate medical education system is not meeting the nation's need for more primary care physicians.
A Penn Study found that sperm of stressed male mice had an impact on their offspring's brain development and stress response. Male and female offspring showed a reduced stress reaction, which can lead to mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
The CHERISH trial demonstrates the effectiveness of tocilizumab in reducing symptoms and signs of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Patients with polyarticular JIA achieved significant clinical responses, including ACR30/50/70 responses, with as many as 65% attaining an ACR70 response.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that green coffee bean dietary supplements do not protect against obesity-related disorders when given at higher doses. The research linked chlorogenic acid to an unhealthy build-up of fat in the liver.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with a significantly higher risk of sudden cardiac death. The study, which followed over 10,700 participants for an average of 5.3 years, revealed that people with sleep apnea were almost twice as likely to exp...
A study published in Traffic Injury Prevention found that bicycle helmets certified to Australia's national standard significantly reduce linear and angular head accelerations and impact force. Helmet use greatly reduces the risk of head, skull and brain injury by up to 9.5 times.
Apremilast administered to patients with psoriatic arthritis showed significant clinical responses beyond 24 weeks, with up to 65% achieving ACR20 response rates at week 52. The novel PDE-4 inhibitor was well-tolerated with an acceptable long-term safety profile.
Penn State researchers found that cocoa powder supplement reduced inflammation and fatty liver disease in mice fed high-fat diet. The study suggests cocoa's polyphenolic compounds may improve gut barrier function and reduce insulin levels.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method to create highly permeable and selective membranes for molecular-level separation, using ultraviolet irradiation. The process increases the density of the membrane surface, allowing for improved separation of molecules with varying sizes.
Scientists have discovered a remarkable diversity of flying reptiles, including 30 species and five genera, from the Cretaceous period in England. The fossils show varying head crests and teeth sizes, suggesting different feeding preferences.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that high levels of BPA in urine were associated with a double risk of obesity in girls between 9 and 12 years old. The study suggests that BPA could be a potential environmental obesogen, contributing to the worldwide obesity epidemic.
Psoriatic arthritis patients treated with ustekinumab showed significant and sustained improvements in signs and symptoms, even in those previously treated with biologic agents. The treatment was well-tolerated with no deaths or serious adverse events.
A study published in PLOS ONE found a strong correlation between high elevation and the presence of ejective consonants in languages. Languages with ejectives are predominantly spoken in regions above 1500m, with a positive correlation seen across all major land masses.
A Baylor University study found that 'spiritual' young people are more likely to commit property crimes, while those who identify as religious show lower levels of crime. The researchers analyzed data from over 14,000 individuals and found a link between spiritual but not religious status and increased property crime rates.
Researchers found a strong correlation between high altitude and spoken languages that use ejective consonants. Ejectives are absent in the English language, but were found in languages spoken on or near five out of six major high-altitude regions.
A study found that cervical spine surgery at teaching hospitals had higher mortality and complication rates compared to non-teaching hospitals, likely due to the complexity of procedures and riskier patient populations. However, after adjusting for these factors, the difference in outcomes was no longer significant.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that analyzes electro-magnetic waves for detecting multiple sclerosis changes in fine detail. This method provides a more powerful tool for evaluating new treatments and could lead to smaller studies.
The European Rheumatology Research Foundation was launched to support high-quality, peer-reviewed research on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The foundation aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of SSc by introducing revised classification criteria.
A team of researchers has successfully measured heat transfer at the atomic scale, enabling insights into the relationship between heat dissipation and electronic structure in devices. This breakthrough could help overcome technological hurdles in creating smaller and more powerful electronics.
The Massachusetts public health experience provides valuable insights into the role of public health in healthcare reform. Public health officials learned to fight for a decision-making role, analyze data, and defend traditional services while contributing to cost reduction and quality improvement efforts.
RA patients identified seven key categories essential for adopting and maintaining physical activity, including personal incentives, peer support, and professional coaching. The study aimed to develop an internet-based physical activity intervention that caters to these needs, promoting exercise habits among RA patients.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have found a way to make a material expand instead of compress under pressure. This counterintuitive discovery could lead to the creation of new porous framework materials with unique properties.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara developed a new method to control crystallization of organic semiconductors, increasing yield to near 100 percent with a low-cost, sugar-based additive. This breakthrough enhances performance, makes technology cheaper and more accessible.
A new microscopy technique developed by NIST researchers uses cathodoluminescence to image nanoscale features with high resolution. The technique combines the benefits of optical and scanning electron microscopes, evading traditional limitations such as diffraction and sample preparation requirements.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have created elementary magnetic moments in graphene and controlled their switching. This breakthrough has significant implications for spintronics, enabling active devices with improved performance.
A study of 1300 German teens found that exposure to tobacco ads boosts the risk of starting to smoke by almost 40%, while increasing daily smoking chances by 30%. The analysis controlled for other influential factors, suggesting a direct link between tobacco ad exposure and smoking behavior.
Research on weakly electric fish reveals the complexity of their electrocommunication methods, including multiple neural coding systems and diverse behavioral responses. The study sheds light on the evolution of these unique sensory systems in different species.