Research by University of Exeter scientists reveals that hydrogen sulfide gas reduces inflammation and swelling in arthritic joints. The study suggests H2S-based compounds may be effective in treating arthritis without uncomfortable side effects.
Researchers uncovered how an enzyme co-factor bestows specificity on a class of proteins with nonspecific biochemical activity, expanding scientists' view of co-factors role in disease. The discovery suggests manipulating co-factors could alter protein activity, potentially treating diseases.
Scientists have discovered new fossils showing that dinosaur predecessors were more widespread than thought after the mass extinction event. The findings suggest that archosaurs, a group including crocodiles and dinosaurs, diversified in Tanzania and Zambia before becoming more widely distributed.
Researchers found that voters who remained optimistic about the outcome of a ballot measure were more likely to cast ballots, but also experienced greater disappointment when the measure failed. This study sheds light on how voter expectations change in the weeks leading up to Election Day and the impact on voting behavior.
The US can reduce serious injury and death by optimizing rear seat design with technologies like load limiters and pretensioners, as well as modifying the geometry of the rear seat. The report also recommends policies and programs to increase rear seat restraint use.
Researchers at University of Arizona's Tumamoc Hill have digitized 106 years of growth data on individual plants, offering new insights into how ecosystems behave. The permanent research plots represent the world's longest-running study monitoring individual plants.
Researchers discovered BB FCF as a selective inhibitor of Panx1, a protein involved in inflammation and cell death. The study suggests that BB FCF could aid in the development of pharmacological tools to inhibit Panx1, potentially treating conditions such as Crohn's disease and AIDS.
A new study suggests that people may hold extreme policy positions due to an illusion of understanding, which is debunked when they're asked to explain the policies. The researchers found that participants softened their positions after explaining the policies, indicating a potential psychological process to combat political polarization.
A study published in Obesity found that the body's internal clock regulates hunger, increasing appetite for sweet, starchy and salty foods in the evenings. This natural tendency can lead to weight gain due to impaired sugar tolerance and energy storage in the evening, rather than expending energy after a morning meal.
Using grocery delivery services can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, with trucks producing 20-75% less CO2 than personal vehicles driven to and from stores. Clustering customers together also leads to significant savings for companies, with up to 90% less emissions.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new super-resolution optical microscopy technique that can image synthetic nanostructures and molecules without the need for fluorescent dyes. The technique, called saturated transient absorption microscopy (STAM), uses a trio of laser beams to selectively illuminate molecules, allowing...
Children between 16 and 36 months are vulnerable to accidental strangulation from window blind cords. The risk is due to their relatively large heads, softer windpipes, and limited muscular control, making it harder for them to disentangle themselves.
Researchers at Queen's University have developed a new smartphone called MorePhone that can visually signal incoming notifications, reducing the likelihood of missed messages. The device uses a thin, flexible display and shape memory alloy wires to create visual cues, such as bending corners to convey different types of messages.
Fossil records from Tanzania and Zambia reveal a lineage of animals thought to have led to dinosaurs, contradicting previous assumptions about their predecessors' fate. The discovery provides new insights into the recovery of animal communities after the mass extinction.
A new UCSF study urges doctors to consider patient risks and benefits when treating benign skin cancers in elderly patients, who may endure complications but not live long enough to benefit from treatment. The study found that most non-melanoma skin cancers were treated surgically, despite limited life expectancy or tumor recurrence ri...
A large study found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with a 10% increased risk of adverse outcomes after surgery, including bleeding and transfusions. The study suggests that patients on SSRIs should discuss their medication with their surgeon or primary care physician before undergoing surgery.
Researchers at NYU have created a novel way to enhance MRI by reducing interference from large macromolecules that can obscure images. This method has the potential to improve MRI for cartilage as well as brain tissue, allowing for more accurate diagnoses.
A USGS study found that green sea turtles are using protected areas in Dry Tortugas National Park and the surrounding Florida Keys Marine National Sanctuary. The turtles primarily used shallow seagrass beds and degraded coral reefs for feeding.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a new material called MeTro gel that mimics the elasticity of human tissues. The material was used to create artificial heart tissue with beating muscle cells, which could potentially advance treatments for heart disease.
Researchers develop new methods to visualize calcium signals in entire astrocytes, revealing their role in modulating synaptic activity and regulating local blood flow. These findings pave the way for future exploration of astrocytic physiology.
Michel M. Modo and Thomas B. Freeman received the 2013 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair for their groundbreaking work in neurorestorative biology, stem cell transplantation, and Parkinson's disease research. The awards recognize their outstanding contributions to advancing neural therapy and brain repair.
Green tea extract was shown to reduce body weight gain and insulin resistance in mice, especially when combined with polyethylene glycol. This compound prolonged gallated catechin absorption, limiting glucose uptake and improving glucose tolerance.
Researchers developed a microchip to study the mechanical challenges faced by pollen tubes as they navigate through female flower tissues. The study found that when the grip around the tube was too tight, it triggered the release of sperm cells, which is essential for fertilization and seed set.
A new study published in PLOS ONE tracks the movements of individual humpback whales to their singing patterns on a Northwest Atlantic feeding ground. The researchers used passive acoustic tracking to localize whale songs and relate them to specific behaviors, providing valuable insights for marine mammal conservation and management.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that fracking is associated with stress and various health concerns in Pennsylvania residents. The survey of 33 participants revealed that stress was the most commonly cited concern, with many reporting feelings of being taken advantage of or misled by the gas drilling industry.
Researchers developed a statistical modeling approach to assemble and evaluate the fitness of individual neurons, identifying diverse yet robust populations as the most successful. This method can help understand the importance of neuronal diversity and predict how alterations in neuron variability impact function.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a 4,378% increase in upper arm lift procedures for women over the past decade, with over 15,000 procedures performed in 2012. Women's desire for toned arms is fueled by celebrity influence and sleeveless fashion, with Michelle Obama and Jennifer Aniston being top inspirations.
A recent analysis published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine found that emergency care cost estimates are too low, with costs ranging from 4.9-5.8% of total healthcare spending. The study suggests that an alternative accounting method, Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (ABC), could provide a more realistic measure of ED costs.
Healthcare providers prefer robotic assistants for tasks such as housework and reminding patients when to take medication. However, they prefer human assistants for activities requiring direct physical interactions, like bathing and feeding.
Researchers developed a structural comparison map for small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), enabling quick identification of protein structures under various conditions. This technique highlights factors making the biggest difference in structural conformations, allowing for high-throughput screening and tracking of trends.
A study published in PNAS Early Edition identifies a cellular change in the brain that accompanies obesity, involving a switch in neurons within the hypothalamus. Activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors stimulates orexin A release, increasing food consumption. The findings suggest potential targets for new treatments to address obesity.
Researchers at UNC have identified a key regulatory switch that controls the development of blood vessels. Disrupting this gene, CASZ1, can prevent proper vessel formation and lead to cardiovascular disease. Further study may reveal new therapeutic targets for treating cardiovascular disease.
Researchers discovered cicadas can use jumping droplets to remove contaminants from their wings, offering an alternative to conventional self-cleaning methods. This phenomenon works without relying on external forces or gravity.
Fossils from 1,900 million-year-old rocks in Lake Superior's Gunflint chert provide evidence of ancient heterotrophy. The team discovered microbes consumed other bacteria, producing a 'rotten egg' whiff similar to modern bacterial activity.
Northwestern Medicine researchers developed a proactive risk assessment method to evaluate and improve door-to-balloon time for STEMI patients. By identifying high-risk steps and implementing changes, they achieved significant improvements in door-to-balloon times, with an average reduction of 20 minutes.
Rice University researchers have discovered that the liquid crystal phase of silicone becomes significantly stiffer when subjected to repeated compression. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for self-healing materials, as well as biocompatible materials that mimic human tissues. The stiffening effect is reversible and occur...
Research finds that low birth weight contributes to approximately 10-15% of later intellectual disability cases. Medical interventions, such as intensive care technologies, may increase ID prevalence, contrary to previous therapies like newborn screening.
Researchers from the University of Illinois found that using common components can reduce product line cannibalization, allowing firms to redesign their product lines and improve profits. This challenges traditional marketing wisdom that differentiation is key.
Researchers at UCLA found that individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) have abnormal brain connections, which may impair information processing. The study suggests that these patterns in the brain relate to impaired symptoms, particularly compulsive behaviors.
Researchers have discovered a method for physical diagnosis of schizophrenia by collecting tissue from the nose through a simple biopsy. This finding could lead to a more accurate diagnosis and early detection of the disease.
Academic physicians call for guidelines to reduce cheating among medical students, citing concerns over patient safety and public trust. Historical test questions are used throughout higher education, but reproduce-and-share practices threaten this integrity.
Patients receiving SSRIs before surgery had higher odds of in-hospital mortality and bleeding events. The study, which included over 530,000 patients, suggests that patient factors or SSRIs themselves may be responsible for the increased risks.
A new study by the University of Leicester found that women from deprived areas have poorer breast cancer survival rates due to late-stage diagnoses. The research suggests that prioritizing early detection in these areas can significantly improve survival chances and reduce deaths.
Research found pregnant women with mid to high levels of anti-tTG antibodies are at risk for having reduced fetal weight and birth weight. Fetuses of women with positive anti-tTG weighed 16 grams less during the second trimester, while those with intermediate anti-tTG levels were 53 grams lighter.
A new US inventory of crop wild relatives has identified nearly 4,600 species, including close relatives of sunflower, bean, sweet potato, and strawberry. The findings highlight the need for conservation efforts to protect these species from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution find that adult mice ovaries lack germ-line stem cells for egg production, debunking previous claims of continuous follicle turnover and resupply by adult stem cells. The study uses lineage-tracing technique to show primordial follicles are highly stable, with no detectable stem cell activity.
Researchers found that mothers use more complex language when reading wordless picture storybooks with their toddlers compared to vocabulary books. This exposure lays the foundation for later reading development and language skills.
Researchers at UCSB's Koegel Autism Center successfully treat autism in infants by replacing distressing games with preferred activities and teaching parents how to implement the protocol. The study found significant improvements in infant reactions to stimuli, with two out of three infants having normal reactions and one showing very ...
Giant Axonal Neuropathy is a rare and lethal genetic disorder affecting central and peripheral nervous systems, caused by mutations in the gigaxonin gene. The study identifies gigaxonin's role in regulating intermediate filament turnover and suggests potential therapeutic targets for related neurodegenerative diseases.
A study found that patients taking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonists are at risk of developing acute liver injury, with most cases involving autoimmunity or hepatocellular injury. The condition is typically resolved after discontinuing the drug, but some patients may experience recurrence.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that programmers' knowledge and skills increase with age, particularly in recent technologies. Veteran programmers have a significant edge over younger peers in certain areas.
Young men who are obese in their early 20s are significantly more likely to develop serious health issues by middle age. They are eight times as likely to get diabetes and four times as likely to experience a potentially fatal blood clot compared to normal-weight peers.
Cancer research studies tend to be smaller and less robust than for other diseases, raising questions about treatment effectiveness. The analysis found disparities between cancer types, with some receiving more attention than others.
In a study of the I Love Bees game, researchers discovered that players formed teams and adopted a military-like leadership hierarchy, suggesting that game designers should not over-design leadership structures. The findings highlight the power of games to inspire collaboration and teamwork.
The thymus teaches the immune system to ignore essential gut bacteria, reducing the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers found that regulatory T cells come from the thymus and can recognize both self- and non-self-antigens.
A new study by MIT researchers shows that people make mental edits when processing confusing information and use specific strategies to make sense of language. They also adapt their approach when presented with increasingly nonsensical sentences, inferring lower amounts of 'noise' in the language.
A study suggests that foreign-born US children have significantly lower odds of developing allergic diseases such as asthma, eczema, and food allergies. However, prolonged residence in the US increases their risk of developing these disorders, particularly after 10 years.
Researchers sequenced soft-shell turtle and green sea turtle genomes to study evolutionary history and development of unique anatomical features. They found evidence that turtles diverged from archosaurians around 267.9-248.3 million years ago and developed superior olfaction ability.
Research found that pregnancy decreases breast cancer risk in humans and mice by down-regulating genes involved in growth factors and immune system. The study also revealed a permanent alteration in mammary tissue stem cells, preventing runaway cell growth characteristic of cancer.
Research published in BioMed Central's Stem Cell Research & Therapy found that injecting human stem cells into mice with tumors slowed down tumor growth. The study suggests that stem cells may restrict oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tumor, limiting cell division.