Researchers found that modifying rice crops to resist herbicide triggers gives weedy neighbors a fitness boost, enabling them to grow faster and produce more offspring. The study suggests this method could be used to enhance crop yields, but raises concerns about potential problems with weedy relatives.
A mathematical model accurately matches the historical record on the emergence of complex states in ancient societies. Simulated warfare drives the formation of large-scale complex societies.
Researchers found that Siberian hamsters' seasonal timekeeping is influenced by DNA methylation, which regulates reproductive competency. Exposure to short daylight periods decreases DNA methylation in the hypothalamus, stimulating a gene that shuts down reproduction.
Researchers have found no significant evidence of an increased risk of birth defects in babies born to mothers who received the H1N1 influenza vaccine during pregnancy. The study, which followed over 1,000 pregnant women across the US and Canada, also found that vaccinated women were more likely to deliver earlier, but only slightly so.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have found that a specific diet immediately before spawning significantly impacts the fatty acid content of red drum eggs. This discovery could lead to improved survival rates and reduced resource usage in fish farming, benefiting both the environment and the state of Texas.
Researchers develop new technique to find coherent ocean eddies, equivalent to black holes, which can moderate the negative impact of melting sea ice. These 'eddy-black holes' can also transport warm and salty water, influencing climate change and ocean currents.
A new University of Notre Dame study reveals the molecular genetic and physiological basis for metabolic diseases related to circadian function. The research found that a specific gene, Id2, plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and circadian control of feeding and locomotor activity.
A study found that frequent bedsharing between mothers and infants was associated with longer breastfeeding durations. However, researchers also warned about the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) related to bedsharing.
A new study found that neighborhoods with more banks and fewer fast food outlets have lower obesity rates among high school students. The research suggests that the retail environment plays a complex role in shaping health outcomes.
Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have uncovered a new mechanism by which influenza viruses infect cells, utilizing the protein neuraminidase instead of hemagglutinin. This discovery may have implications for developing immunity against the flu and could lead to new treatments.
A systematic questionnaire has been devised and evaluated to identify pre-school children with an increased risk of long-term post-traumatic disorders within a few days of an accident. The questionnaire recorded high accuracy, identifying 85% of children who would later develop PTSD.
Researchers at Tecnalia developed a new approach to improve web page search results by analyzing image content. The method relies on the subject matter of web pages inferred from images and analyzed by search engines to decide relevance.
Researchers have developed a novel molecular probe detectable by PET imaging, providing the first non-invasive visualization of myelin integrity in the entire spinal cord. The discovery brings new hope for accurate diagnosis and prognosis, allowing clinicians to monitor disease progression and evaluate therapy efficacy.
A Stanford University study projects a significant increase in severe thunderstorms across the US, with an estimated 40% rise in eastern US storms by late 21st century. The research suggests global warming will drive more days with high convective available potential energy and sufficient wind shear to form severe thunderstorms.
A clinical trial found that a booster dose of the new meningitis B vaccine at 40 months of age can overcome waning immunity induced by infant vaccination, showing high antibody levels in 89%–100% of children against most strains.
A two-item questionnaire, including PHQ-9 and PHQ-2, effectively screened for depression in radiation therapy patients. The study found that these questions were as useful as the entire PHQ-9 in identifying depression, with an area under the curve of approximately 0.83.
Severe sepsis increased by about 10% per year, affecting about 1 in 11,000 women; many cases occur in women with no known risk factors, highlighting the need for improved detection of sepsis.
Researchers have developed a new implantable device that reduces symptoms of central sleep apnea by 56% and improves sleepiness and quality of life. The device, which stimulates the diaphragm to breathe during sleep, has shown significant promise in treating this condition.
Researchers found that reducing radiation dose to stem-cell niches surrounding hippocampus preserves memory without increased risk of relapse. This technique, if validated, will help maintain quality of life for brain cancer patients.
Researchers are working on a new treatment approach to block kidney and lung damage, as well as pain associated with sickle cell disease. The study aims to explore the therapeutic possibilities of endothelin antagonists, which selectively block the endothelin A receptor, and bosentan, which blocks both A and B receptors.
A recent 12-country study found that binge-eating disorder is associated with substantial lifelong impairments, including depression, anxiety disorders, and work disability. The study suggests that early detection and treatment of eating disorders during adolescence may help prevent subsequent mental and physical disorders.
Scientists validate a proposed system for detecting preclinical Alzheimer's disease in cognitively normal elderly individuals, finding that it is common and associated with future mental decline and mortality. The new findings offer reason for encouragement, showing that the system can predict which individuals will develop symptoms of...
The Rim Fire has made significant progress in containment, currently standing at 84%. Officials estimate full containment will be achieved on October 1, 2013. The fire has burned approximately 402 square miles and destroyed numerous structures, with total damages estimated at $122 million.
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered a repurposed FDA-approved drug that can halt the growth of and eliminate brain tumor cells from adult human patients. The treatment targets a specific mutation in the IDH1 gene, which is found in 70-80% of lower-grade gliomas.
Researchers from UT Arlington used mathematical modeling to simulate foreign-body reactions to implants, finding results consistent with lab tests. The model aims to improve biocompatibility and identify optimal treatments for severe inflammation and fibrotic capsule formation.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that married patients with cancer live longer than unmarried patients, with cancers diagnosed at an earlier stage. Social support from spouses is thought to be driving this improvement in survival rates.
Research links male violence with drinking in public places and female violence with quiet evenings at home. The study suggests that certain drinking contexts can trigger partner aggression.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine studied 589 adults and found no association between marijuana frequency and health status, healthcare utilization, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or medical diagnoses.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that blood transfusions were needed in less than 3% of pediatric non-cardiac surgeries. In many cases, unnecessary testing and supply waste occurred due to precautionary measures. The study suggests that surgeons should assess each patient's specific needs for blood screening instead...
A new study suggests that managed-care residents with advanced dementia are more likely to have a do-not-hospitalize order in place and fewer hospital transfers for acute illness. This research found no appreciable difference in survival outcomes between the managed care and fee-for-service groups.
Green energy development, lifelong education, and entrepreneurship are top priorities for emerging economy nations, according to US expert Jerry Hultin. Investments in these areas can drive economic breakthroughs and promote sustainable growth.
EcoHealth Alliance has been awarded a three-year, $2 million grant by the US Agency for International Development to address land use alteration as a significant driver of disease emergence and climate change in Asia. The project aims to capture the value of ecosystems in mitigating disease emergence and enhance carbon storage.
A UC Santa Barbara research team has demonstrated a nanomechanical transducer that provides strong and coherent coupling between microwave signals and optical photons. This breakthrough enables the translation of electrical quantum states to optical quantum states, paving the way for secure communication and quantum teleportation.
A new study published in CANCER journal found that many newly diagnosed older breast cancer patients experience difficulty with daily tasks. The research suggests that therapy to improve physical function could benefit these patients, particularly African-American women who are four times more likely to have functional disability.
A global analysis of Kawasaki disease cases found a seasonal occurrence shared by regions across the Northern hemisphere, with peak cases in winter months. The study suggests that large-scale wind currents may play a role in transmitting the suspected infectious agent.
Researchers found that mild hypothermia improved behavioral scores and increased surviving neurons in rats with TBI. The treatment also reduced harmful protein levels linked to brain injury and cognitive dysfunction.
A large European study suggests men with type 1 diabetes have better blood sugar control than women, especially in older age groups. Women tend to have higher HbA1c levels due to lower hemoglobin levels, which could explain the difference.
A large study found that married cancer patients live markedly longer and are more likely to receive appropriate therapy compared to unmarried patients. Social support from spouses plays a critical role in improving outcomes for these patients.
A shorter course of androgen suppression therapy prior to radiation therapy yields favorable outcomes and fewer adverse effects for intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients. The study confirmed a disease-specific-survival rate of 95 percent when patients received fewer weeks of neoadjuvant total androgen suppression.
The American College of Physicians recommends treating obstructive sleep apnea with weight loss and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy as initial treatment. For patients who do not tolerate or comply with CPAP, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) is an alternative therapy option.
A simple two-question survey was found to be as accurate as a nine-question screening test in detecting major depression among cancer patients. The survey, based on the Patient Health Questionnaire, assesses a patient's interest in activities and feelings of hopelessness over the past two weeks.
Scientists at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute identify IRF4 protein as key regulator of elite killer T cells, which recognize and fight infections. Enhanced IRF4 production boosts immune response against HIV and other chronic infections.
During the Last Glacial Maximum, extreme climate change led to massive changes in Australia's landscape and human populations. Aboriginal communities contracted into localized 'refuges' with reliable water and food supplies.
A study by American Society for Radiation Oncology found that proton therapy can prevent costly side effects in children with medulloblastoma, making it both cost-effective and cost-saving compared to photon therapy. Proton therapy reduced the risk of hearing loss, secondary malignancy, and heart failure.
A multi-institutional study found that sulfasalazine does not reduce diarrhea in patients receiving pelvic radiation therapy, and may even increase the risk. The study, which enrolled 87 patients, used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to evaluate the effectiveness of sulfasalazine versus placebo.
A team of UCLA scientists successfully modeled and explained the unprecedented behavior of a previously unknown third radiation ring around Earth. The region was found to consist of different populations driven by various physical processes, with ultra-relativistic electrons posing significant hazards to satellites.
Researchers found that alefacept preserved the body's ability to produce its own insulin, with fewer episodes of hypoglycemia, while selectively targeting disease-causing T cells. The study suggests a potential new strategy for treating type 1 diabetes by restoring balance between immune cells.
A new study found that artificial sweeteners are less effective at reducing calorie intake because they don't provide the same energy reward as sugars. The brain prefers sugars over artificial sweeteners due to the release of dopamine, a chemical necessary for reward signalling.
A randomized controlled trial of 147 women with stage IIIB cervical cancer found that adding cisplatin to radiation therapy and high-dose-rate brachytherapy improved disease-free survival and reduced late toxicity, while maintaining acceptable acute toxicity levels.
Studies published in PLOS ONE reveal epigenetic changes in boys with chronic aggressive behavior, related to the prenatal environment and self-control genes. The research suggests that these changes may be reversed through preventive intervention from an early age.
Researchers used the 2009 pandemic to study why some people resisted severe illness, finding that those with more virus-killing immune cells were protected. A vaccine targeting these cells could prevent flu viruses from causing serious disease.
Patients under 50 years old have improved OS after SRS, with no greater risk of new brain metastases. SRS alone is a favorable first-line therapeutic option for younger patients.
This study uses ecological niche factor analysis to predict amphibian richness hotspots in Southern and Central China, providing insights into potential conservation strategies. The research estimates diversity over spatial quadrates incorporating climatic and geophysical information.
A Northwestern University study found that fear memories can be reduced in people by exposing them to the memory over and over again while they slept. This breakthrough potentially offers a new way to enhance daytime treatment of phobias through exposure therapy with a nighttime component.
Researchers create sensory illusion where subjects believe an artificial finger is their own, finding that brain uses muscle signals alone to build body representation. The discovery provides insight into clinical conditions like stroke, schizophrenia, and phantom limb syndrome.
Researchers have identified exactly how propofol interacts with brain cells to achieve a pain-free state. The study's findings may help design new versions of the drug that reduce risks and improve patient safety. By understanding how propofol works, scientists can develop alternative anesthetics with fewer side effects.
A team of researchers at the Vienna University of Technology has created a new class of thermoelectric materials with exceptional properties. The material's unique crystal structure and trapped magnetic atoms create a high voltage when hot and cold objects are connected, making it more efficient than previous materials.
Researchers identified propofol's binding site on brain cells, paving the way for the development of new anesthetics. The study's findings could lead to safer and more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
A phase II study found that alefacept treatment significantly reduced insulin use and hypoglycemic events in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetics. The therapy targeted memory T-cells, preserving regulatory T-cells.
Researchers discovered that mothers show increased activation in the dopaminergic system of the caudate nucleus when exposed to newborn odors, a key finding suggesting biological underpinnings for maternal functions. The study's results imply a neural response linked to maternal status.