Research finds an association between a rare pregnancy condition called chorangiosis and full-blown malaria in pregnant women. The study suggests that active malarial infection enhances blood vessel growth in the placenta, potentially leading to complications like low birth weight.
The USPSTF reviewed evidence on suicide screening and treatment for adults and adolescents, finding that primary care-feasible screening tools can identify adults at increased risk for suicide but have limited ability to detect risk in adolescents. Treatment with psychotherapy reduced the risk of suicide attempts by 32% in high-risk ad...
Researchers discovered three unique genetic variations that influence body size and obesity in men and women of African ancestry. These gene variants, studied in a large-scale analysis of over 30,000 individuals, suggest a greater role for genes in causing increased BMI in African-Americans compared to Caucasians.
A Harvard-led team of researchers has created a new type of nanoscale device that converts optical signals into waves traveling along a metal surface. The device can recognize specific polarized light and direct it in one direction or another, opening the door to precise manipulation of light at subwavelength scales.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute developed a powerful technique to identify RNA cytosine methyltransferases (RMTs) targets in human RNA. The new method reveals previously unknown RMT targets for NSUN2, implicated in mental retardation and cancers.
A new poll shows that many parents are giving young kids medicines that they should not use, despite FDA warnings. The medications can cause serious side effects in children under 4 years old, including allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
A UCLA study identified a small molecule that destroys 'problem' pluripotent stem cells, which can develop into unintended cell types. MitoBloCK-6 causes these cells to die by triggering apoptosis, leaving only differentiated cells behind.
A team from the University of Exeter has developed a method to make bacteria produce diesel on demand, using special strains of E. coli. The resulting diesel is almost identical to conventional diesel fuel and can be used with current supplies without modification.
A recent study by the Colorado School of Public Health found that health impact assessments can identify potential health risks associated with natural gas development. The assessment identified health effects such as headaches and respiratory issues in a western Colorado town, highlighting the importance of considering public health i...
Research found that specific DNA regions contribute to prostate cancer development and early death, with patients having two of these changes at high risk. The study identifies key genes PTEN and MYC as linked to prostate cancer lethality.
A team-based approach to primary care delivers improved patient outcomes, enhanced practice workflows, and increased physician satisfaction. By sharing responsibility and consulting with each other regularly, healthcare teams can provide more sensitive and responsive patient-centered care.
Three studies found that consuming tree nuts was associated with a better nutrient profile, lower body weight and a decrease in several cardiovascular risk factors. Tree nut consumers had higher intakes of essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, magnesium, and monounsaturated fats.
Diagnostic errors accounted for the largest fraction of malpractice claims and the highest total payments, resulting in severe patient harm and death or disability almost twice as often as other error categories. The majority of diagnostic errors were missed diagnoses, with outpatient care being more common than inpatient care.
A team of researchers has developed a method using black holes to measure the universe's rate of expansion with high accuracy. The method uses radiation emitted by material surrounding black holes, allowing for distance measurements of billions of light years and providing insights into the universe's past.
Research finds that palliative radiotherapy significantly improves the quality of life for elderly patients with painful bone metastases. The treatment, which involves a single fraction of radiotherapy, has been shown to be effective in all age groups, including those over 75, despite some variability in response.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that consuming grapes reduced inflammation and fat storage in obesity-prone rats. Grape intake also improved antioxidant defense, particularly in the liver and kidneys.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a method to assess tamoxifen's effect on breast cancer, using mammograms. Women showing a 20% reduction in breast density have a 50% reduced risk of dying from breast cancer over 15 years.
A team of scientists used a new approach to study aerosols, finding that biological activity in sea spray reduces its ability to form clouds. The study isolated marine aerosols, demonstrating the impact of biological mixtures on climate properties.
Researchers discovered a genetic circuit in bacteria that enables individual freedom while ensuring the collective good. The circuit allows each bacterium to weigh its decisions based on stress levels and peer signals, striking a balance between selflessness and selfishness.
Researchers caged dead zebras to study anthrax spread and found that scavengers' role is less significant than previously believed. The study suggests re-evaluating practices aimed at keeping scavengers away from anthrax carcasses.
Two large patient databases show comparable rates of adverse outcomes with or without nitrous oxide; a significant reduction in the risk of death after surgery for patients receiving nitrous oxide. The findings remain unchanged on propensity score analysis, highlighting some limitations in the study data.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that individuals living in greener areas reported less mental distress and higher life satisfaction. The association held even after accounting for other factors that contribute to life satisfaction.
Researchers found that partial sleep deprivation led to less healthy vascular function and impaired breathing control. After a short period of normal sleep, vascular function returned to baseline, suggesting an adaptive response. The study suggests a mechanism behind the connection between sleep loss and cardiovascular disease.
A new method to predict which patients with heart disease benefit more from surgery versus angioplasty has been developed by Stanford researchers. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that individual characteristics such as gender, age, and diabetes history significantly impact the effectiveness of these procedures.
Researchers found improved laxation with minimal gastrointestinal tolerance issues after consuming 20g of added fibre per day. Soluble fibre dextrin also promoted satiety for up to 8.5 hours after consumption. Additionally, PROMITOR Soluble Corn Fibre increased calcium absorption in adolescents by 12%.
A study of 32,383 participants found that prolonged surgical delay after hip fracture significantly increases long-term mortality risk in older adults. The researchers suggested that early surgery may help mitigate this risk and improve patient outcomes.
A study published in Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found that facial dog bites in children often result in permanent scars, requiring repeated revision surgeries. Most bites are classified as 'provoked' and occur when the child is playing or interacting with the dog.
A comprehensive study of global temperature change over the past 1,000 to 2,000 years found pronounced regional differences. The research, led by Northern Arizona University's Darrell Kaufman, provides insight into climate variability and its impact on societies and ecosystems.
Spanish scientists have developed a formula that accurately calculates an individual's speed based on stride length, with a margin of error of 10-15%. The equation was tested using data from professional athletes and students, demonstrating its applicability in various environments.
A UCSB researcher has identified a protein molecule that helps maintain adult stem cells in fruit flies, revealing insights into regenerative medicine. The study found that this protein, castor, plays a critical role in specifying brain cell types during embryonic development and maintaining follicle stem cells throughout life.
The study highlights the importance of sustainable land management in reducing deforestation and preserving ecosystems. Agricultural intensification, combined with policies and incentives, can minimize environmental degradation and secure the health of forests and streams in the Amazon and other tropical regions.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine suggests that Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria is likely the cause of bacterial vaginosis, a condition linked to preterm birth and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. The condition affects one in every three women and often does not cause significant symptoms.
Participants who substituted white button mushrooms for meat lost seven pounds and showed improvements in body composition compared to those on the standard diet. The study found that mushroom substitution resulted in lower calorie and fat intake, as well as a reduction in waist circumference and body mass index.
A new report sets 13 achievable standards for best practice in implementing fracture liaison services worldwide to identify and treat patients at high risk of secondary fractures. The initiative aims to provide essential resources, establish mentoring programs, and promote global recognition for fracture liaison services.
Research by NC State University scientists found pesticide exposure causes more male offspring and reproductive problems in female Daphnia, a keystone species impacting population dynamics. Exposure levels as low as 71 nanograms per liter had significant impacts on reproductive health.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine discovered that eating mushrooms containing Vitamin D2 can increase and maintain vitamin D levels comparable to taking supplements. The study found that ingesting mushroom powder containing Vitamin D2 was as effective in raising and maintaining healthy adults' vitamin D status.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to measure nanometer-scale infrared absorption in semiconductor plasmonic microparticles. This allows for direct observation of plasmonic behavior within microparticle infrared antennas, enabling confirmation of theoretical models and design parameters.
A matched cohort study found that MACE service patients had lower adverse event rates and shorter hospital stays compared to usual care. Functional status did not differ between groups, but MACE service showed better Care Transition Measure scores.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University found that emotional intelligence (EI) is a strong predictor of clinical performance in dental school. Students with high EI scores achieved better grades and demonstrated stronger communication skills in the clinic.
Dr. Lawrence Witmer's Visible Interactive Dinosaur (VID) project aims to digitally recreate the tissues stripped away by time, creating the most realistic dinosaur renderings. The project has dual purpose of helping paleontologists and educating the public about physiology and anatomy.
The NASA Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) satellite uses its Thermal Infrared Sensor to measure the temperature of the Salton Sea, detecting cooler areas as dark and warm areas as bright.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison successfully transplanted human embryonic stem cells into mouse brains to repair damaged neural circuits. The study demonstrates the potential for stem cell therapy to treat neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and depression.
Researchers have identified a new type of immune cell in the skin that plays a role in fighting parasitic invaders and could be linked to eczema. The discovery sheds light on the causes of allergic skin diseases and offers new hope for treating hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
A UC Berkeley study shows how the brain dynamically reallocates resources based on behavioral demands, optimizing performance. When searching for a person or object, various brain regions are activated, including those normally dedicated to abstract thought.
The study found that delivering physical activity and dietary interventions simultaneously may result in the most positive sustained outcomes across two important health behaviors. Participants who received simultaneous advice successfully increased both their dietary and physical activity levels to national recommendations by 12 months.
A study found that low-dose aspirin slowed the growth of two breast cancer lines in lab tests and reduced tumor growth in mice. The compound also inhibited tumor cells from spreading and enhanced the effect of tamoxifen, a common drug therapy for hormone-receptor positive breast cancer.
Research finds that individuals living in urban areas with green space report less mental distress and higher life satisfaction. The effect is significant even after accounting for income, employment, marital status, physical health, and housing type.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a three-dimensional image of beta-arrestin1, a protein that regulates GPCRs, revealing a striking difference in its active and inactive states. This finding suggests the presence of a general molecular mechanism controlling the activation of beta-arrestin1.
A large-scale genetic study has associated nine new genetic regions with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare autoimmune liver disease. The study definitively proves PSC is a distinct disease, despite its genetic relationship to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have developed a computer-based method to analyze biological data and identify unique factors for 166 different human cell types. These master regulators determine cell development and distinguish between cell types, paving the way for potential cell replacement therapies.
A study by Dr. Susan K. Wood found that social stress can lead to inflammatory changes in the brain, increasing vulnerability to depression and heart disease. The research identified specific genes and proteins involved in this process, shedding light on potential targets for treatment.
Dr. Johnathan D. Tune has been recognized with the Henry Pickering Bowditch Lecture Award for his groundbreaking work investigating the mechanisms connecting obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. His research, conducted using obese pigs, has identified key targets to potentially treat or slow down heart disease.
Antibiotic overuse and misuse are creating conditions for the emergence of superbugs in border communities like Eagle Pass, Texas. Collaborating with officials to develop an outreach model to mitigate antimicrobial resistance, scientist Subburaj Kannan emphasizes the need for government action and public awareness.
Researchers found that 2 days of staging at a moderate altitude is as effective as 4 days in preventing acute mountain sickness, allowing soldiers to ascend safer and quicker. The study used male soldiers ascending Pike's Peak in Colorado, with 73% showing symptoms of AMS on direct ascent versus 30-40% on staged ascents.
A new study has reconstructed regional temperature patterns covering all seven continents and found that Earth's current warmth is not seen in the last 1,400 years. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, reveals a natural cooling trend reversed by industrial greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers Arshad Desai and Christopher Campbell found that Aurora B kinase congregates on microtubules instead of the centromere, ensuring required tension is achieved on chromosomes. This discovery challenges prevailing model for how dividing cells monitor chromosome distribution.
A study found that intranasal delivery of neuropeptide Y reduced anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and hyper-arousal in rats exposed to single prolonged stress. This provides proof-of-concept for potential non-invasive prophylactic treatment for PTSD.
Researchers investigated the recreational use of HIV antiretroviral drug efavirenz, which is commonly used to treat HIV. Studies found that its diversion for psychoactive effects can lead to adverse neuropsychiatric complications and potentially create resistant strains of the virus.
A randomised trial found that intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) significantly reduced skin telangiectasia and improved cosmetic effect in patients with early breast cancer. IMRT delivers an even dose of radiation, reducing undesirable side-effects.
A commonly used drug, ACE inhibitor, can limit radiation damage to the lungs and heart in cancer patients. The study found that this treatment improved the heart's function and decreased fibrosis in the heart after irradiation.