Despite a decline in spontaneous stillbirths, stillbirth rates in British Columbia, Canada, have increased by 31% over the past decade, according to a study published in CMAJ. The increase was mainly due to prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy terminations of fetuses with congenital anomalies.
A study at Capital Breast Cancer Center (CBCC) found that low-income and minority women screened for breast cancer had a high rate of medical follow-up after a positive mammogram. The researchers credit CBCC patient navigators with playing a key role in ensuring the high follow-up rates.
A randomized study found that Transcendental Meditation (TM) significantly reduces posttraumatic stress symptoms in African refugees, with dramatic reductions observed after 30 days of practice. PCL scores improved dramatically, with the TM group reaching a non-symptomatic level and remaining low at 135 days.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which the human papilloma virus (HPV) causes head and neck cancer and designed a drug that blocks this mechanism. The findings could lead to a safer, more effective therapy for HPV-caused cancer, potentially reducing the need for high-dose chemotherapy.
New research reveals that the Gulf of Mexico has a robust natural capacity to clean up oil spills, with certain bacteria consuming and breaking down crude oil in as little as one day. This discovery suggests that the need for heroic measures to speed up oil degradation may be unnecessary.
A study found that states with stricter school meal nutrition standards had better weight status among students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches, compared to those without such standards. The association was particularly strong among low-income students.
Researchers at University of Nottingham found autistic children copy useful actions only, while typically developing children copy both necessary and unnecessary actions. This study offers new insights into social development in children with autism.
The study suggests that oil-eating bacteria in the Gulf are more resilient and abundant than previously thought, enabling natural clean-up. The discovery provides new insights into the Gulf's ability to recover from oil spills, potentially reducing the need for heroic measures.
Controlling the shape of nanometer-sized catalytic particles is crucial for optimizing their activity and selectivity in applications such as catalytic converters, fuel cells, and chemical catalysis. Surface diffusion plays a key role in defining these shapes. The research found that varying temperature and deposition rate can control ...
Scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center have identified several dozen transcripts known as lincRNAs that are dysregulated in breast cancer. The study found that these lincRNAs are differentially regulated within breast cancer cell lines, indicating their potential role in tumorigenesis or regulation of other cancers.
A new study finds that importing freshwater to irrigate crops has dramatically increased the natural saltiness of Saharan groundwater, endangering date palm farming. The researchers discovered a previously overlooked low-saline water source that dilutes the saltiness of nearby groundwater aquifers.
A study by Krystal Warmoth found that older adults who categorize themselves as old and frail experience a cycle of decline, leading to reduced physical activity, poor health, and stigmatization. This self-fulfilling prophecy can result in a lower quality of life.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel approach to protecting against the dengue virus using mutated antibodies. The new therapy has shown significant promise in neutralizing all four serotypes of the virus and could be ready for human trials within two to three years.
The World Heart Federation has published a new position statement outlining five strategic targets to achieve its goal of reducing premature deaths from rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among individuals aged <25 years by 2025. The targets include comprehensive register-based control programmes, global access to benzathine penicillin G, a...
The new software tool, CANARY, uses data from existing CT images to match each pixel of the lung nodule to one of nine unique radiological exemplars. This classification method has an excellent correlation with microscopic analysis and may help address issues with current screening methods.
The Dutch Delta Program Commissioner won the 2013 INFORMS Edelman Award for his work on preventing flooding using operations research techniques. The project resulted in €7.8 billion less investment costs while strengthening the country's defense against devastating floods.
Researchers developed an immersive video game, CodeSpells, that teaches Java programming to students aged 10-12. The game's interactive nature and creative freedom help children learn coding skills in a fun and engaging way.
A team of researchers has developed a verification method to detect software bugs in surgical robots, ensuring their safety and effectiveness. The method, based on theorem-proving techniques, identified a critical flaw in the control algorithm for a robot assisting skull-base surgery, allowing the development of a new safe algorithm.
A new study found that higher levels of mercury exposure in young adults increase their risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. The study, led by Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington epidemiologist Ka He, established the link between mercury and diabetes in humans.
Researchers found that ATRX deficiency leads to increased DNA damage and telomere dysfunction. Mice lacking neural ATRX exhibited systemic endocrine dysfunction and shortened lifespans, mirroring human premature aging disorders.
Researchers used supercomputer simulations and atmospheric conditions to determine that Byrd indeed neared the Pole, but likely flew within 80 miles of it before turning back. The analysis questioned whether Byrd could have completed a 1,500-mile round trip in just 15 hours and 44 minutes.
The Office of Naval Research has launched a collaborative initiative to use synthetic cells to help Sailors and Marines execute their missions. Researchers are developing genetically programmed cells that can detect chemicals and respond to signals, enabling the creation of 'smart' hybrid biological-robotic systems.
The American College of Physicians suggests that men between 50-69 discuss potential benefits and harms of the PSA test before screening. The risks include problems interpreting test results, biopsy complications, and treatment side effects. ACP recommends against testing in men younger than 50 or older than 69 with low life expectancy.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that the month of birth affects immune system development and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in UK babies. Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in May-born babies compared to November-born babies, while autoreactive T-cells were higher.
Kenneth Tsai, M.D., Ph.D., has been awarded the Sixth Annual Landon Foundation-AACR INNOVATOR Award for Cancer Prevention Research. The project aims to map the molecular path from normal skin to squamous cell carcinoma, with the goal of identifying biomarkers and targets for chemoprevention and therapy.
Researchers at UCSB have discovered a key role for rearrangement hotspots (Rhs) proteins in bacterial intercellular competition. These proteins enable certain bacteria to compete with members of their own species by delivering toxic tips into neighboring cells, leading to cell death.
A study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that oceanographic reorganisations and biological processes linked to airborne dust in the Southern Ocean drove past rapid fluctuations in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The research found large changes in chemical stratification of the Southern Ocean on millennial timescales, highligh...
Researchers identify ATRX as a crucial gene in maintaining genomic stability, preventing chromosomal mutations and rearrangements that can cause disease and aging. Atrx deficiency in mice leads to increased DNA damage, endocrine dysfunction, shortened lifespans, and degenerative phenotypes similar to human premature aging disorders.
The study identified the DNA transcription factor SRF and its cofactors MRTF-A and MRTF-B as critical regulators of vascularization in the postnatal mouse eye. Loss of Srf led to microaneurysms and excess blood vessel formation similar to human retinal diseases.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences demonstrates that social networks like Twitter and Facebook can coordinate people during critical situations. However, the strategy's success is highly dependent on the users' ability to quickly disseminate information and have a large number of social links.
A multistate, hospital-based quality improvement program reduced the rate of elective early term deliveries from 27.8% to 4.8%, resulting in more babies staying in the womb longer. The project saw a decrease in births before 39 weeks and an increase in full-term births.
Researchers at WashU Medicine successfully manipulate immune cells using light to move them towards a beam of light, holding potential for controlling insulin secretion or heart rate. The study uses genetic engineering techniques to introduce a light-sensitive protein into immune cells, enabling them to sense and respond to light signals.
Ford was recognized by INFORMS for its widespread use of analytics and operations research to drive business success. The company's application of advanced analytical methods has transformed it into a data-driven organization, supporting strategic and tactical decisions across multiple departments.
Researchers discovered that knocking out the ∆N isoforms of genes p63 and p73 can restore tumor suppression in mice lacking p53. This allows other family members to compensate for the loss of p53, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.
Nine undergraduate students presenting their research using Drosophila as a model organism discussed cell death, immunity and neural development. The students won the Victoria Finnerty Undergraduate Travel Awards to attend the 54th Annual Drosophila Research Conference in Washington, D.C.
Cuts in federal funding for nanotechnology research could slow progress toward commercializing sustainable new energy sources and impact the field's global competitiveness. Young scientists may struggle to launch research programs, while established ones will have to trim their programs due to funding constraints.
The American Cancer Society has awarded 175 national research and training grants totaling $79,073,250. The grants will fund investigators at 93 institutions across the US, with a focus on esophageal cancer, retinoblastoma, childhood cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer.
A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that identifying migraine triggers is challenging due to daily fluctuations of variables such as weather, diet, hormone levels, and stress. The researchers suggest that patients need more formal experiments and work with their doctors to devise a plan to test triggers.
Researchers found that prolonged seizures in children are associated with developmental delays and impairments within six weeks of the event, which persist at one year. The study suggests that seizures may have a long-lasting impact on future development through reorganization of functional brain networks.
Researchers explore the potential of EVs as biomarkers, delivery vehicles, and immune modulatory tools for brain cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Extracellular vesicles may provide a way for tumor cells to alter the microenvironment, enabling growth and spread while evading immune responses.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that cells with low helicase-like transcription factor (HLTF) expression are more likely to respond to autophagy inhibition. This finding could lead to the development of a predictive biomarker for patients who may benefit from this treatment approach.
Geladas' vocal lip-smacks exhibit speech-like undulating rhythms, matching human speech patterns. This finding supports the idea that lip-smacking could be an evolutionary step toward human speech.
A UNC School of Medicine study found that cold perception is enhanced when nerve circuitry for heat is inactivated, impacting how people with chronic pain experience temperature sensations. The research also has implications for why some patients taking pain relief drugs shiver before hyperthermia sets in.
The ACS Climate Science Toolkit was launched to enhance understanding and communication of climate change science, developed for scientists to educate the public. The toolkit provides resources, including a package of 'Climate Science Narratives,' for individual scientists to communicate with various audiences.
A study found modest but meaningful improvements in children with fragile X syndrome who received minocycline treatment. The antibiotic yielded significant improvements in anxiety and mood-related behaviors, while behavior problems and verbal functioning showed little change.
Research reveals that older patients have higher expectations of their care and believe they are being met. GPs' patients tend to have higher expectations and better outcomes, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, adequate information, and good clinical outcomes in meeting patient needs.
A new NIH grant will help Dr. Daniel Geschwind expand his research on the genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders to include African American populations. The study aims to identify gene variants associated with autism in individuals of African ancestry and test their relevance in European populations.
Harold McGee's presentation explores the partnership between cooks and chemists in modernist cooking, producing innovative flavors and textures. The symposium also highlights Shirley O. Corriher's work in communicating chemistry to the public through her books and dynamic presentations.
A study from Rice University reveals that public awareness of sexual-orientation employment-antidiscrimination laws is heightened in communities with such legislation. Gay and lesbian job applicants experience less interpersonal discrimination when protected by antidiscrimination law, even when controlling for religious views.
A new study suggests that swallows and martins in Europe build their nests close to humans to reduce the risk of cuckoo parasitism. By breeding indoors, these birds can avoid ejecting model cuckoo eggs from their nests, thus reducing the likelihood of cuckoo parasitism.
A large-scale study identified seven new gene loci linked to obesity, showing a significant overlap with genetic mechanisms causing milder forms of overweight. The research included over 260,000 participants and demonstrated that extreme obesity shares similar genetic factors as normal or slightly elevated BMI.
Researchers developed a dual CAR approach that allows engineered T cells to selectively target tumor cells while sparing normal tissue. This innovative approach uses two separate antigen-specificity proteins, one for starting and another for boosting the immune response.
A researcher debunks the myth that temperature alone determines perfect eggs, highlighting the importance of cooking time. He also discusses how scientific misconceptions in cooking can be clarified through research, promoting a better understanding of chemistry and its applications.
Researchers found that Paragazole increases the sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer cells to chemotherapy by inducing expression of estrogen receptors. The drug outperforms chemotherapy alone in a range of breast cancer cell lines, offering new hope for treatment options.
Scientists have developed a method to infuse fruit juice into chocolate, reducing its fat content by up to 50%. The process creates a smooth texture and prevents 'sugar bloom' on the surface of the chocolate.
Researchers found that fine particles in air pollution shade corals from sunlight, cooling surrounding waters and reducing growth rates. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, links coral growth to particulate pollution in the atmosphere.
Research from Nobel laureates presented at the American Chemical Society meeting includes advances in green chemistry and understanding of molecular structures. The work has significant implications for industries such as medicine and energy production.
Researchers discovered a genetic deletion in the SMIM1 gene responsible for the Vel blood group, allowing for more accurate DNA testing and reducing the risk of severe reactions during blood transfusions. The study also sheds light on how this gene influences red blood cell traits and haemoglobin levels.
Stress circuits in the brain can self-tune following a single stress, preparing for subsequent challenges. Unique time windows exist after brief stress challenges, where learning is increased or decreased.
Researchers have made significant progress in engineering blue-green algae to produce nanocellulose, a 'wonder material' with great strength and potential applications in biofuels, biomaterials, and more. The team successfully engineered the algae to produce fully functional nanocellulose.