A study found that antimicrobial therapy was a significant risk factor for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in a Greek NICU. Adherence to infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship policies are crucial to prevent VRE outbreaks.
Researchers have identified a novel biomarker, nerve growth factor (sNGF), linked to the body's response to stress and resilience. Higher sNGF levels during stress are associated with lower negative emotions and lower problem behaviors, suggesting its potential as a protective marker.
Researchers developed a clinical tool to predict the risk of end-stage renal disease among liver transplant recipients. The Renal Risk Index calculates a score based on recipient characteristics and identifies factors associated with increased risk, such as BMI over 35 and hepatitis C diagnosis.
Ezgihan 'Izzy' Baydar, a UT Arlington aerospace engineering student, has been awarded a NASA fellowship to pursue her research on making air intakes more efficient in jet engines. The three-year fellowship includes $135,000 funding and summer internships at the NASA Glenn Research Center.
Research by the University of California, San Diego reveals that Mexican women with more children and those who breastfeed for extended periods are at a higher risk of developing triple negative breast cancer. This contradictory finding challenges existing knowledge about breastfeeding's benefits in reducing breast cancer risk.
The US Department of Energy has launched guidelines for home energy professionals, including standard work specifications and professional certifications. The new standards aim to improve the quality of weatherization services and provide better career paths for workers.
Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute have developed a highly programmable platform for creating synthetic cellular structures with complex membrane compositions. The approach enables the assembly of multi-layered membranes resembling the cell nucleus envelope, offering new insights into biological function and evolution.
Research highlights oats as a nutritious whole grain with a wide spectrum of biologically active compounds, including carotenoids, tocols, flavonoids, and avenanthramides. These polyphenols possess anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects, potentially benefiting human health.
Researchers at Northwestern University have determined how to control bilayers' crystallization by altering the acidity of their surroundings. This discovery sheds light on cell function and could enable advances in drug delivery and bio-inspired technology.
The MGC Herbarium is a vital repository for Mediterranean plant diversity, containing over 76,000 vascular plant species, with 63% georeferenced and 97% taxonomically identified. The herbarium's data is accessible through the GBIF portal, supporting biodiversity research and conservation efforts.
Scientists identified four genes with altered expression in head and neck cancer, linked to specific DNA methylation marks. These epigenetic markers could enable non-invasive tests for early pre-cancer screening using saliva or blood serum.
Researchers used computer modeling to predict electronic and optical properties of silicon structures with potential applications for solar energy collection. The study found that amorphous quantum dot chains significantly increase light absorption with increased interactions between individual nanospheres in the chain.
A new computational tool called ExpressionBlast enables searches based on experimental values, revealing links between diseases and treatments. Researchers used the tool to uncover clues about SIRT6, a potentially important drug target involved in immune response, metabolism, and gender-specific gene regulation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has shed new light on the relationship between type 2 diabetes and mitochondrial function. Researchers found that heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) is crucial for appropriate mitochondrial function and insulin responses, while leptin plays a key role in regulating HSP60.
Researchers at Emory University discovered that hemin injection causes labored breathing and rapid death in sickle mice, but not in control mice. Hemopexin treatment was effective in preventing hemin-induced lung injury. These findings suggest targeting hemin and TLR4 signaling may be a valuable approach for treating acute chest syndrome.
Massachusetts Eye and Ear researchers discovered that higher brain levels can accurately predict sound source location from electrical activity in a small population of neurons. The findings have implications for designing devices to improve hearing in noisy environments, such as restaurants or with cochlear implants.
A RAND Corporation study finds that out-of-pocket medical expenses will decrease for most consumers who become newly insured or change their health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Low-income people in states without expanding Medicaid may see higher health spending compared to those with expanded Medicaid.
A new study found that papers with shared data received increased citation numbers for at least five years, with data reuse on the rise over time. The researchers concluded that actual data reuse contributed significantly to the citation difference.
A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology found that people's preferences for a robot's appearance change depending on its intended use. Older adults tend to prefer human-like robots for social interactions, while younger participants prefer robotic faces for decision-making tasks. The research suggests that the design of an ass...
Researchers will analyze reviews and manipulate demographic factors on grant proposals to determine if biases exist in the NIH's peer review system. They aim to understand mechanisms behind proposal decisions and identify potential causes of disparities in funding rates among different groups.
A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that chain restaurant menus did not become significantly healthier between 2010 and 2011, despite efforts to increase nutrition. The average calorie and sodium content of main entrées remained largely unchanged, with only slight decreases in some cases.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield's Institute of Railway Research are working on the UK's first Tram-Train scheme to address interface issues. The team has developed a new wheel profile design that minimizes wear rates and maintains safety against derailment.
Researchers at CU-Boulder and MIT have developed a new technique to integrate light-based communication into microprocessors, promising exponential improvement in computing speed. This innovation could lead to extremely energy-efficient computing and the continuation of Moore's Law, which has driven rapid advancements in electronics.
Researchers from Argentina, Bangladesh, Philippines, South Africa and Egypt have been honored by TWAS for their work in popularizing science. Diego Andres Golombek and Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan are among the winners, who employed various media to engage the public and advocate for science education.
A TGen-led study has identified genetic loci associated with total bilirubin levels, steatosis, and mild fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The study found evidence for new genetic factors that may help identify patients at risk of developing severe forms of fatty-liver disease.
A comprehensive analysis of hormone therapy trials did not support its use for chronic disease prevention. The study found that menopausal hormone therapy may be suitable for managing symptoms in some women.
A study by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that women with PCOS who ate a big breakfast had improved glucose levels, insulin resistance, and fertility rates. This suggests that timing of calorie intake may play a crucial role in overcoming reproductive difficulties.
A new study finds that high blood glucose levels before and after surgery significantly increase the risk of wound-related complications in diabetic patients. Tight control of glucose levels during surgery is recommended to reduce these risks.
A nationwide study in Denmark found an increase in bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and subsequent survival rates, with a significant rise in 30-day and 1-year survival rates. Bystander CPR was positively associated with improved outcomes.
A University of Houston researcher has won a $330,000 NSF grant to develop signal-processing techniques that interpret electrical activity recorded by deep brain stimulation probes. This technology aims to provide real-time feedback to neurosurgeons, allowing them to guide probe placement and perform surgeries faster and more accurately.
A conservative approach to removing lymph nodes during breast cancer surgery is associated with less harm and similar results to more radical procedures. The study found that avoiding axillary surgery can reduce complications and morbidity in patients.
Dr. Augusto Ochoa, Director of LSUHSC's Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, has been awarded a $2.5 million NIH grant to develop new treatments for severe viral diseases, including herpes infections and cancers caused by viruses. The research aims to manipulate the immune system's response to these diseases.
The METOCARD-CNIC study found that metoprolol significantly reduces infarct size and improves heart contractility. The treatment's cost-effectiveness is estimated to save thousands of euros per patient over time.
A Canadian research team, led by a UC Riverside expert, has won the Hult Prize to develop insect-based meals for impoverished regions. Insects are excellent low-cost sources of protein and essential nutrients.
Researchers at IUPUI have achieved a drastically reduced measurement of the Casimir effect, a fundamental quantum phenomenon experienced between two neutral bodies in a vacuum. The study uses nanostructured metallic plates to suppress the force to a much lower rate than ever recorded previously.
A study has identified that dissolved oxygen in ethanol causes cracking of steel, leading to pipeline integrity issues. By removing dissolved oxygen, researchers have found a solution to prevent stress corrosion cracking, enabling safe ethanol transportation via pipelines.
Melinda Daniels joins Stroud Water Research Center to lead climate-based water-sustainability research project and advise the US Army Corps of Engineers on environmental impacts. She will investigate water sustainability in the Smoky Hill basin and develop a policy optimization strategy.
A telestroke service increased the rate of effective tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke treated at community hospitals. This improvement in care resulted from the use of remote presence technology, allowing stroke specialists to consult on patient care without specialized equipment.
A study of 41,133 mothers and children in Arkansas found that high pregnancy weight gain increases the risk of obesity in children through age 12. Researchers suggest that limiting pregnancy weight gain could help prevent childhood obesity.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that mice on high-fat diets developed abnormally high numbers of pancreatic lesions, which are precursors to pancreas cancer. A normal diet was shown to have a significant impact on reducing the risk of this deadly disease.
Losartan opens up collapsed tumor blood vessels, improving chemotherapy delivery and oxygenation. Combining losartan with standard treatments delays tumor growth and extends survival in animal models.
A collaborative study between Spain and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found that administering beta-blocker medication to heart attack patients while in transit can significantly reduce heart damage. The study showed metoprolol therapy resulted in smaller infarcts and improved heart contractility.
The American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society have released a policy statement aiming to reduce health disparities in respiratory health. The statement emphasizes the disproportionate impact of respiratory diseases on socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, particularly children.
The global supply of illicit drugs has likely not been reduced in the past two decades, with street prices falling and purity/potency increasing. This study analyzed data from seven international surveillance systems to conclude that law enforcement efforts are failing to curb supply and contribute to violence and public health issues.
The new journal aims to cover topics where technology, fuels, and resources intersect with social processes and influences. It will examine communities of energy users, people affected by energy production, and social institutions.
A study of over 14,000 children found that autistic kids had poorer sleep quality, including shorter total sleep duration and more frequent wake-ups at night. The researchers suggest that this may be due to impaired melatonin production, which could impact neuronal development.
New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that cocaine makes quiescent CD4 T cells more susceptible to HIV infection. The study found significant infection and new virus production in treated cells compared to untreated ones.
A new report from ECCO highlights the growing burden of cancer worldwide, with India, China, and Nigeria expected to see dramatic increases in cases due to population growth and lifestyle changes. The report calls for a major public-private partnership to improve cancer care and outcomes globally.
The trial aims to assess whether treating HIV-infected individuals as a form of prevention can substantially reduce new HIV infections across communities. The study will measure the impact on 52,500 adults over three years in 21 communities with a population of 1.2 million.
A 40-year study of Swedish women found that experiencing multiple stressful life events in mid-life increases the risk of developing dementia in late life. The research, published in BMJ Open, suggests that stress management and behavioral therapy may help mitigate this risk.
Researchers at Cornell University and Universidad Industrial de Santander developed a cheap process to remove toxic textile dyes from water using natural fibers embedded with nanoparticles. The method, tested on various pollutants, shows promise as a low-cost filtering unit prototype.
Researchers have discovered that animals deposit marks to show their presence and retreat from similar marks, revealing the importance of spatial overlap in understanding epidemic disease spread. This finding has significant implications for bio-inspired technologies and animal sociality.
Locust swarms threaten food security in Asia, Africa, and Australia, costing billions of dollars in lost harvests. A new ASU-led project studies human behavior, market forces, and ecological systems to minimize locust outbreaks.
Researchers estimated that approximately 0.60 Gray of the daily radiotherapy dose is 'wasted' due to overnight and weekend tumor growth, suggesting shorter treatment schedules may be more effective against breast cancer recurrence. This finding supports current trends to deliver shorter radiotherapy schedules.
A new study found that over half of Ontarians with major depression did not use physician-based mental health services, highlighting a gap in accessing clinician-based care. Research suggests that women are more likely to seek help and that cultural and stigma barriers may contribute to underutilization.
An observational study found that estradiol was associated with less risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli compared to conjugated equine estrogens. Women prescribed estradiol had fewer adverse vascular events than those prescribed Premarin, a patented drug.
The incidence of baby bed-sharing has more than doubled since 1993, with black and Hispanic infants at higher risk of SIDS. Healthcare provider advice plays a key role in educating caregivers about safe sleep practices.
A recent study tested fiber-optic sensors on a 36-km stretch of high-speed commuter railroad lines in Hong Kong, detecting over 10 million measurements and identifying anomalies such as excessive vibrations and mechanical defects. The system saves the rail company around $250,000 annually in maintenance costs.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that high blood sugar levels can cause irregular heartbeats, or cardiac arrhythmia, by activating a protein called CaMKII. The researchers found that O-GlcNAc, a sugar molecule, attaches to CaMKII and causes it to become overactive, leading to pathological changes in the heart's calcium signal...
A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that about half of global warming occurs within the first decade after an instantaneous step increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, while about one-quarter occurs more than a century later. The research brings together results from leading climate models, revealing...