Researchers are using fossilized tree pollen and mammal fossils to understand how plants and animals responded to past climate changes. They aim to develop better models to predict forest responses to future climate changes.
Researchers have discovered a cell-permeable peptide that reduces nuclear NF-ĸB activity in vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophages of aortic plaques. The peptide also inhibits lesion development in mice with a high-fat diet.
A new study examines the effectiveness of parent-based interventions in preventing alcohol use among college students. The results show that teens who perceive their friends as more approving of alcohol consumption are more influenced by parental communication about drinking. PBIs can be effective even among those feeling high peer pre...
A team of scientists has identified a new type of gamma-ray burst that lasts for several hours, challenging previous theories. The ultra-long bursts are thought to occur in the violent death throes of a supergiant star, with a massive explosion taking time to propagate through the star.
A public-private partnership (PPP) successfully addressed the mental health needs of people in post-conflict northern Uganda, establishing five psycho-trauma centers and increasing clinic attendance from 300 to over 3,000. The most common diagnoses were depression, PTSD, epilepsy, and substance use disorders.
Researchers propose strategies to enhance the therapeutic effects of interferon in cancer treatment. They explore mechanisms of interferon signaling that lead to tumor cell death and suggest directions for future research, such as alternative methods of delivering interferon-activated immune cells.
Researchers found Tylenol reduces psychological effects of fear and anxiety, suggesting the drug inhibits distress signals to the brain. The study built on previous research that acetaminophen can reduce social pain, advancing understanding of how the human brain processes different types of pain.
The study found that women with more advanced breast cancer at diagnosis, higher body mass index, and more positive lymph nodes were at increased risk of developing lymphedema. Genetic markers associated with the development of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors were also identified.
A recent NREL survey found that 95% of 100% biodiesel (B100) samples met ASTM International fuel quality specifications, representing a dramatic improvement from previous years. The increase is attributed to stricter quality requirements and the voluntary BQ-9000 quality management program.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed microbatteries that out-power supercapacitors, offering both power and energy. The batteries can charge 1,000 times faster than competing technologies, enabling devices to be smaller and more powerful.
Research argues that conventional wisdom on obesity causes may be incorrect and that a hormonal disorder could be the real culprit. The author of a new article calls for rigorous trials to determine the true cause of obesity.
A special issue of Medical Acupuncture explores the basic science and mechanisms of action underlying medical acupuncture. The study found associations between neurotransmitters in the brain and patient responses to traditional vs. sham acupuncture, suggesting improved outcomes with matched treatments.
Researchers at UC Davis found major security issues in popular Android apps like Handcent SMS, WeChat, and Weibo, which can be exploited by malicious code. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to access personal data and forge fake messages.
A new study finds that aerobic exercise benefits brain white matter integrity, even in individuals with heavy alcohol consumption. Regular exercise appears to counteract negative neural changes associated with aging and disease. The study suggests that exercise may prevent or repair alcohol-related neurological damage.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that ParentCorps, a family-focused program developed at NYU Langone, improves early academic achievement and overall school performance among minority pre-kindergarten students. The program helps parents and teachers engage with families early on in their children's education, using scientifica...
Joanna Berzowska's project harnesses power from the human body to create garments with complex, surprising transformations. The technology is woven into the fibre itself, enabling innovative 'smart textiles' with potential applications in fashion and beyond.
A new review from the University of Luxembourg suggests that social media can provide valuable additional support for older people with sickness and diseases. The study highlights the potential benefits of social media, including enhanced feelings of control and self-efficacy, as well as access to health-related information and social ...
Researchers found that shock wave-facilitated cell therapy improved left ventricular ejection fraction and reduced major adverse cardiac events in patients with chronic postinfarction heart failure. The treatment used high-dose ultrasound to precondition the target heart tissue before administering bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells.
Scientists developed an adhesive patch that uses swellable microneedle tips to secure skin grafts firmly in place over wounds. The invention offers a trauma- and infection-prone alternative to traditional staples and sutures.
A team of researchers at Virginia Tech has successfully transformed cellulose into starch, a process that could provide a previously untapped nutrient source from plants not traditionally thought of as food crops. This breakthrough opens the door to creating food from any plant, reducing land use and water consumption.
A new study found that criminal background checks and pre-admission screening questions are ineffective in predicting students who will commit crimes on college campuses. Only a small fraction of students with prior criminal records were identified as likely to engage in misconduct during college.
A study found that circumcision significantly alters the penis microbiome, with a reduced bacterial load and fewer anaerobic bacteria. This change may explain why circumcision offers protection against HIV and other viral infections.
Thin film solar cells can be removed from a silicon substrate by dipping them in water at room temperature. The cells can then attach to almost any surface after exposure to heat of about 90°C for a few seconds.
Magnet hospitals demonstrate improved patient outcomes through investments in nursing education and work environment. Lower mortality rates and reduced failure-to-rescue rates are attributed to Magnet designation.
A new study suggests that nearly half of all deaths from prostate cancer can be predicted before age 50, based on PSA levels. Focusing testing on men at highest risk may improve the benefits and harms of screening.
Scientists have demonstrated a process where quantum dots can self-assemble at optimal locations in nanowires, improving the efficiency of solar cells, quantum computing, and lighting devices. The breakthrough enables precise positioning of quantum dots relative to the nanowire's center, leading to high optical properties.
A recent study found that children with migraines are more likely to have experienced infantile colic as infants. The researchers also discovered a correlation between pulsatile pain and infantile colic in migraine sufferers. Longitudinal studies are needed to further explore the association between colic and childhood migraines.
A multicenter study found that administering sodium bicarbonate during and after open heart surgery does not reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury, but may increase mortality. The authors recommend against using this treatment to prevent AKI in patients undergoing open heart surgery.
A new tool allows surgeons to track surgical devices in real-time while minimizing patient radiation exposure by using a computer program that determines the fewest number of X-rays needed. The algorithm takes into account the type of procedure and required precision, providing precise location data with minimal radiation use.
Researchers found that male moths lose the ability to measure pheromone blend ratios as they fly upwind, leading them to rely on their initial impression. This allows males to mate with females of different strains, resulting in hybrid moth populations.
Researchers have created a new type of semiconductor technology based on two-dimensional nanocrystals, which can be used to create smaller transistors. The material has a bandgap, allowing it to switch on and off, making it suitable for digital transistors.
A University of Leeds-led study found that closing hospital windows to reduce energy consumption can increase airborne infection risks by fourfold. Alternative ventilation systems, such as small extractor fans, can mitigate these risks and improve patient safety.
A common EKG test may predict serious cardiovascular illness in people with left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), a previously thought benign condition. The study found those with LAFB had a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and death.
Two new species of Ypsolophid moths have been discovered in the Russian Far East by Russian scientists. The discovery adds to the existing 30 known species of Ypsolophids worldwide, highlighting their thermophilic nature and increasing global biodiversity awareness.
A study of over 310,000 bowel cancer patients in six countries found that UK patients were more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage than others, resulting in lower survival rates. Improved diagnostic investigation and treatment are seen as key factors to increase UK survival rates.
A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that portion sizes significantly affect food intake, even with mindful eating education. Despite teaching participants about external factors influencing eating habits, they consumed more food when given larger portions.
A multicenter study found that 84% of lung cancer patients taking crizotinib have low testosterone levels, with 80% experiencing symptoms such as sexual dysfunction or depression. The study suggests that hormone replacement therapies may alleviate these symptoms and provide a new treatment option for affected patients.
New research suggests that Tylenol can alleviate existential pain and anxiety by inhibiting brain signals associated with distress. The study found that participants who took Tylenol were less harsh in setting bail after writing about their own death, compared to those who took a sugar pill.
Biofuels have significant ecological impacts due to high-intensity agriculture practices that contribute to water pollution and loss of biodiversity. Cellulosic ethanol, made from grasses and perennial native crops, may offer a more sustainable alternative with reduced resource competition and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
A CU-Boulder study found that regular aerobic exercise is associated with less damage to the brain's white matter among heavy alcohol users. The study suggests that exercise might repair the damage caused by heavy drinking and could be a promising treatment approach for alcohol problems.
A genome-wide association study identified a novel genetic locus linked to both the onset and mortality of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study found that a variant in the TOLLIP gene was associated with an increased risk of death, suggesting an abnormal immune response may be central to the disease.
New York University College of Nursing's Dr. Sherry Deren received a five-year, $6.7 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse for continued funding of the Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR). The Center will enhance translation and implementation of research findings to maximize public health impact.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal has found no evidence that digoxin increases mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed data from over 3,400 patients and found that digoxin was not associated with an increased risk of death or hospitalization.
A study by the University of Zurich found that climate variability accounts for 54% of global vegetation activity changes. Human activity caused over 30% of changes, with regions such as Tanzania and Zimbabwe experiencing declines in vegetation activity. The research team will further investigate interactions between humans and climate.
New research by Daniela Kaufer and Elizabeth Kirby found that acute stress doubles the proliferation of new brain cells in the hippocampus, leading to improved mental performance two weeks later. The study suggests that moderate stress can help individuals perform better when alert, but excessive stress can be harmful.
A Canadian study of over 1 million women found that pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension may double the chance of being diagnosed with diabetes years after pregnancy. Women with a history of these conditions, especially combined with gestational diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing future diabetes.
Researchers have developed a method to create and control plasma, which could transform American energy generation and storage. The device can hold its own self-magnetic field and travel through regular air without containment, paving the way for significant advancements in energy technology.
A recent study by Chinese Academy of Sciences and University of Calgary reveals a molecular feedback loop that governs the earliest steps of placenta formation, which is crucial for diagnosing and treating related pregnancy complications. The research found that this feedback loop involves Gcm1 and Fzd5 signaling cascades.
A new study using fMRI brain scans aims to detect memories and identify lies. Researchers have successfully decoded patterns of brain activity associated with recognition, but struggled to determine actual past experiences. The technology's limitations raise questions about its use in legal settings.
A new study finds that women with RA exposed to methotrexate have lower induced abortion rates compared to unexposed women. However, those exposed to anti-TNF medications, such as Enbrel and Humira, may have higher abortion rates.
Three unusually long-lasting stellar explosions discovered by NASA's Swift satellite represent a previously unrecognized class of gamma-ray bursts. Dying supergiant stars hundreds of times larger than the sun are likely the cause, producing powerful jets that propel matter at nearly the speed of light.
A study published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that women with HIV have an elevated resting energy expenditure compared to healthy women. The study also showed that this effect persists even among those on effective antiretroviral therapy, suggesting a direct impact of HIV infection on metabolism.
Achieving widespread reductions in preventable hospital readmissions among Medicare beneficiaries may take longer than anticipated. Fostering collaborative relationships among providers across care settings is key to reducing preventable readmissions, according to researchers analyzing the State Action on Avoidable Rehospitalizations i...
The altered El Tor strain has acquired two additional signature mutations that may further increase virulence and is evolving to be more like an 1800s version of cholera. This unique pattern of infection accounting for the severity of disease noted during the Haiti cholera outbreak may be triggered by these genetic changes.
Researchers found that HIF1 and HIF2 are overexpressed in melanoma tumors, promoting the spread of cancer through the lymphatic system. Suppressing these transcription factors reduced the rate of metastasis in mouse models.
While computer-based decision support systems can help reduce testing costs by 9%, they are unlikely to overcome the root causes of unnecessary medical testing and cultural issues within the healthcare system.
The NASA Wind spacecraft has detected 'SLAMS' waves in the region between the Earth's magnetosphere and the sun, showing that these structures may accelerate narrow jets of charged particles. The discovery provides new insights into how radiation and energy from the sun can cross the magnetosphere and impact near-Earth space.
A nationwide program by the Society of Neurological Surgeons has been shown to retain knowledge and skills acquired by PGY1 residents through hands-on learning. The program, which includes patient care and surgical simulations, has demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving residency experiences and patient outcomes.
A recent study found that UK tobacco companies absorb increasing taxes on ultra-low-price cigarettes, maintaining prices and market share. This strategy undermines the effectiveness of cigarette taxes in reducing smoking rates.
A study in Medical Care found that startup companies founded by physician entrepreneurs produce high-quality patents for class III medical devices. The researchers suggest that stricter policies on financial relationships between physicians and medical device manufacturers could slow innovation. This could have unintended consequences,...