A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that consuming 400mg of caffeine six hours before bedtime can significantly reduce total sleep time by over one hour. Participants remained unaware of this disruption.
A Phase 2 clinical trial in Bolivia found that experimental drug candidate E1224 showed good safety and efficacy in clearing the Chagas parasite, but had little sustained efficacy as a single medication. Standard therapy benznidazole was effective but associated with side effects.
A comprehensive study reveals unprecedented genetic variation in ovarian cancer, highlighting potential new pathways for therapeutic intervention. The research suggests that sampling and sequencing of multiple disease sites may be required for effective targeted treatments.
A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute has developed a novel system to image brain activity in worms. The technology can be used to study the genetics and neural circuitry associated with animal behavior and screen early stage compounds aimed at treating autism, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other brain disorders.
Joost van der Westhuizen, a former World Cup-winning rugby star, is partnering with the University of Edinburgh's Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research to raise awareness and funds. The collaboration aims to share knowledge and expertise to benefit MND patients.
A NYU study found child restraint laws across many states have gaps, leaving passengers vulnerable to vehicle-crash injuries. The laws often lag behind medical guidelines and fail to distinguish between child seats.
Researchers investigating dengue fever's presence in two US cities, Key West and Tucson, found similarities in resident behavior and mosquito population sizes despite differing climates. The study aims to understand why dengue is not more common in Tucson, where mosquito control campaigns are less intensive.
The Metro Academies Initiative has earned a national recognition for its success in retaining and graduating underrepresented students. The program will expand to serve more students from diverse backgrounds by launching new academies across the institution.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a new technique to create protein-based drugs using evolutionary engineering. The method involves generating millions of variants of a protein, selecting those with improved properties, and repeating the cycle until the desired function is achieved.
The Philippines has experienced devastating heavy rains from Super Typhoon Haiyan and Tropical Storm 30W, resulting in over 2300 confirmed fatalities. The storm surge caused catastrophic flooding, with waters rising up to 5.2 meters in Tacloban.
Researchers will investigate how acetylcholine affects brain cell activity and communication within networks to refine the development of therapeutic cholinergic agents. The goal is to improve treatment efficacy for dementia and related cognitive disorders.
Researchers found that probiotic Enterococcus faecium reduced pathogenic E. coli strains in piglets' intestines, promoting gut balance and reducing antibiotic use. The study suggests probiotics could substitute for antibiotics as growth promoters.
Researchers found that natural selection acts on evolvability, favoring traits that enable rapid adaptation and evolution in pathogens like Lyme disease bacteria. This is evident through increased genetic diversity among unexpressed cassettes, which offer a window into past natural selection for more evolvable VlsE protein.
Despite a quarter century of evolution, bacteria in Richard Lenski's lab continue to adapt and become more fit. Researchers used a 'frozen fossil record' of bacteria samples from different generations to measure their trajectory, finding that they never reach a fitness peak but instead follow a power law function.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed tiny protein tubes called Janus nanotubes, which can accurately channel drugs into cells. These nanotubes have a tubular structure that allows small molecules and ions to pass through, making them promising for water purification and drug development.
Researchers found that the brain processes visual input at a level of understanding its meaning, even if we never consciously perceive it. The study used EEG monitoring to show that participants' brainwaves showed a signature, or N400 waveform, when viewing objects hidden in silhouettes.
EPFL researchers found that copper is essential for malignant cell energy production and that reducing its intake can slow down tumor growth. Copper deficiency resulted in lower respiration enzyme activity and increased glycolysis in tumors.
A new report from the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth reveals that current codes and regulations do not protect consumers from risky content and messages in alcohol ads. The study found numerous ads promoting unhealthy consumption, objectification of women, and associating alcohol with active lifestyles.
Using a unique 'virtual toothpick' tool set, NASA's Vivek Dwivedi monitors the progress of atomic layer deposition (ALD) in real-time, optimizing conditions to deposit ultra-thin films. This innovation enables more cost-effective experimentation with ALD for various space applications.
Three researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have been awarded ARC Future Fellowships to study how the body controls errant immune cells causing type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease. They aim to develop new treatments using cell signalling pathways and targeted vaccines or drugs.
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Josѐ A. Vazquez emphasizes the need for improved education on antibiotic use to combat multidrug-resistant organisms. The overuse of antibiotics in hospitals and communities contributes to resistance, which can spread through casual encounters.
A multi-institutional study recommends cutting inpatient mortality for pediatric cardiac surgery patients by limiting clinical experience to less than two years. Nurse education preparation at the baccalaureate level or higher also improved mortality rates.
Scientists have used genetics to analyze DNA and discover an influx of European genes into Caribbean populations after Columbus' arrival. The results demonstrate how deciphering genetic echoes can illuminate human history, highlighting differences in susceptibility to diseases among populations.
Researchers used genetic engineering to precisely study a key protein's role in familial Alzheimer's disease, discovering that simple loss-of-function doesn't contribute to the inherited form. The findings could help elucidate Alzheimer's mechanisms and inform drug development.
Washington State University researchers discovered a 400-fold increase in electrical conductivity of strontium titanate when exposed to light. This phenomenon, known as persistent photoconductivity, could lead to significant improvements in electronic device performance and capacity, especially with the development of holographic memory.
A team has achieved a world record 39 minutes for a fragile quantum state to survive at room temperature, paving the way for ultrafast quantum computers. The discovery demonstrates robust and long-lived qubits that could enable efficient quantum calculations.
Researchers at NC State University developed a new technology to transmit power wirelessly from a stationary source to a mobile receiver, overcoming previous limitations in efficiency and safety. The system can now efficiently recharge electric vehicles as they drive by, with the goal of increasing power transmission to 50 kW.
Two new studies reveal that location plays a significant role in determining drowning survival rates, with rural residents facing a higher risk of drowning. The research emphasizes the need for improved water safety measures and CPR training to reduce drowning incidents.
Researchers have identified a novel toxin produced by bacteria that can inhibit bacterial growth by blocking DNA replication machinery, providing new therapeutic avenues for developing next-generation antibiotics.
A new sequencing method identified a set of genes used by microglia to sense their environment, called the 'sensome'. As aging increases, microglia's expression of neuroprotective genes becomes more active while toxic actions are downregulated. This discovery may lead to better understanding and treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study from The Miriam Hospital found a negative association between alcohol consumption and condom use among college women. Women who smoked marijuana with established romantic partners also used condoms less often, highlighting the importance of understanding factors predicting condom use.
Researchers argue that separate targets for gross deforestation and reforestation would increase progress toward forest conservation and climate change goals. Monitoring changes in forest cover using satellite data is now technically feasible, but resource allocation remains a challenge.
Ancient European wolves are genetically linked to modern dogs, contradicting earlier research suggesting a Middle Eastern origin. Dogs derived from wolves that inhabited Europe and are now extinct.
Researchers at UT Austin have grown centimeter-size single graphene crystals on copper using surface oxygen, increasing crystal size by 10,000 times. The crystals exhibit exceptional electrical properties, including high carrier mobility, which is crucial for electronic devices.
Researchers from ETH Zürich and University of Calgary demonstrated the sharing of light between two artificial atoms in a one-dimensional system. This effect has significant implications for future applications in advanced quantum devices.
Researchers develop a silicon-based water splitter coated with an ultrathin layer of nickel, achieving stability for over 80 hours without corrosion. The innovative device uses light to split water into oxygen and hydrogen, offering a sustainable alternative for clean energy production.
A team of researchers identified the TBC1D20 gene as responsible for Warburg Micro syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by severe physical and mental impairments. The study found that five distinct mutations in the gene cause the disease, with implications for understanding human development and related disorders.
Researchers are creating new statistical tools to analyze massive amounts of cancer data and identify hidden relationships between biomarkers. The goal is to develop a framework that can combine continuous and noncontinuous variables, allowing for more accurate insights into the complex nature of cancer.
Researchers found that lower doses of primaquine are as effective as higher doses in reducing malaria transmission, and may play a crucial role in malaria elimination. The study suggests that low-dose primaquine is safe in G6PD-normal individuals and could be used to block malaria transmission.
A groundbreaking global study on preterm birth and disability has found baby boys are at a higher risk of death and disability due to preterm birth than baby girls. The study reveals that boys are 14% more likely to be born preterm than girls, with disabilities ranging from learning problems and blindness to deafness and motor problems.
Danish researchers have identified a clear link between narrowed heart valves and high levels of lipoprotein(a) in the blood, which may help prevent valvular heart disease. The study found that people with very high levels of lipoprotein(a) are two to three times more likely to develop aortic stenosis.
Researchers study stingray movement to develop more efficient unmanned underwater vehicles, allowing for deeper ocean exploration and rescue efforts. The unique swimming style of stingrays may lead to breakthroughs in submarine design, inspired by nature's optimal swimming gait.
Researchers found that queen bees signal detailed information about their mating state and reproductive quality to workers, influencing colony dynamics. This honest communication may help explain the rapid rates of queen loss and turnover reported by beekeepers.
The number of diving ducks migrating to Lough Neagh for winter has dropped from 100,000 to less than 21,000 over a decade. The lake's ecosystem has changed dramatically since 2000/01, leading to a decline in insects and snails, which are essential food sources for water birds.
A joint experiment between Chinese and American scientists successfully demonstrated a tokamak fusion reactor's ability to maintain high fusion performance for extended periods. The experiment exploited plasma self-generations of electrical current, reducing the need for external coils and increasing cost-effectiveness.
A new study on cocaine has found a way the drug breaks down proteins in the body, which could be used to detect it in biofluids for weeks or months. The research contributes to a more comprehensive picture of cocaine's toxic effects and may lead to improved tests for its detection.
A recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that competitive gymnasts have a higher exposure to potentially harmful flame-retardants than the general population. The average concentration of PentaBDE in gymnasts' blood sera was 4-6.5 times higher than in general U.S. population groups.
Researchers found that brainwaves indicate the brain processes and understands hidden objects in everyday life, despite the subjects not consciously perceiving them. The study challenges existing models of how the brain processes visual information, suggesting a more complex role for the brain in interpreting visual input.
A small proof-of-concept study found that intranasal insulin can improve cognitive function in patients with type 2 diabetes. The treatment worked by improving vascular functions and regulating signaling among neurons, leading to better learning and memory performance.
Researchers have developed phononic properties to control sound and heat, leading to innovative technologies such as acoustic cloaking, thermoelectrics and thermocrystals. These advancements hold promise for reducing energy consumption, environmental noise and transforming waste heat into electricity.
A study analyzing over 1 million hospital admissions found that over 50% of nonsurgical patients were prescribed opioids, with high doses and late discharge increasing the risk of adverse events. Regional variation in prescribing rates was also observed, with a 37% difference between the highest and lowest regions.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed a new protein fusion that combines HIV and MLV replication proteins to create a safer viral vector for gene therapy. This fusion protein reduces the risk of cancer-causing mutations when integrated into human cells, paving the way for more effective treatments for blood diseases.
Researchers at Brown University have identified a small molecule compound called Retro-2 that successfully controls the spread of three polyomaviruses in human cell cultures. The compound protects up to 90.5% of cells from infection, offering new hope for treatment options.
Researchers found that simple compression bandages are as effective as expensive daily lymphatic massages in treating breast cancer-related arm swelling, known as lymphedema. The study followed over 100 women with breast cancer and found no difference between the two treatments.
A recent study found that feral cats in urban areas tend to avoid core activity areas of urban coyotes, which can be up to 40% of their home range. This avoidance is likely due to the threat posed by coyotes, leading to a reduced impact on wildlife in urban green spaces.
Researchers at the University of Washington have found that tree cover causes snow to melt more quickly in warm climates. In contrast, open areas tend to keep snow on the ground longer into the spring and summer. The study used temperature data from around the world to support its findings.
Physicists at the University of Warsaw and Hanover demonstrate that experimentally available squeezed states are optimal for improving the precision of measurements in gravitational wave detectors. This breakthrough improves sensitivity by up to 30%, allowing for more accurate detection of subtle spacetime vibrations.
A UT Arlington professor will use a $450,000 NSF grant to study the interaction between metals and organic compounds, aiming to create more energy-efficient and sustainable chemical reactions. The research may lead to new technologies for producing valuable industrial chemicals such as ethylene oxide and alcohols.
A rainforest microbe, Enterobacter lignolyticus SCF1, breaks down lignin by breathing it, potentially improving biofuel production. The microbe's enzymes degrade 56% of lignin in 48 hours, opening up new possibilities for efficient and sustainable biofuels.
Researchers at the National Spherical Torus Experiment have successfully created giant plasma bubbles using a method called Coaxial Helicity Injection, which harnesses the power of magnetic reconnection. The simulation results shed light on the complex mechanisms behind this phenomenon, revealing how forces and currents interact to gen...