The study found that between 2006 and 2010, HIV/AIDS deaths increased in 98 countries, with a growing share of the burden shifting from Eastern Africa to Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, countries where HIV/AIDS is not the leading cause of disease burden saw a larger share of the overall burden.
A study by Boston University researchers found that vigorous physical activity was associated with a lower risk of obesity among young African-American women. The study, which followed 20,259 women for 14 years, revealed that increasing levels of vigorous exercise resulted in a 23% lower incidence of obesity.
Researchers found that neurotic men born after 1957 have fewer children, while extraverted men and conscientious women tend to have more. The study suggests personality effects may be contributing to the decline of fertility rates in Europe.
Low-cost intervention holds potential to eradicate debilitating tropical disease. Insecticide-treated bed nets reduce transmission of lymphatic filariasis to undetectable levels in the absence of additional medication.
A recent study published in PLoS One reveals that impaired autophagy is linked to age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of visual impairment. The researchers found that the lysosomal clean-up mechanism, or autophagy, plays a crucial role in clearing harmful protein accumulations behind the retina, which lead to vision loss.
Researchers at MIT have identified a key brain circuit that controls anxiety levels, providing new insights into the development of effective treatments. The study found that manipulating this circuit can boost or reduce anxiety in mice, suggesting a promising avenue for future research.
Researchers found common genetic factors underlying alcoholism and certain eating-disorder symptoms, including binge eating and purging habits. The study included nearly 6,000 adult twins and suggests that some genes influencing alcohol dependence also influence binge eating in men and women.
Research published in the journal Heart suggests that flu jab reduces heart attack risk by 45% in middle-aged individuals with narrowed arteries. The study found that flu was an underlying cause of heart attacks in hospital patients, and that vaccination may be protective.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that prehistoric northern European societies used garlic mustard as a spice, flavored meats and starches. The findings suggest that the practice of using spices to enhance food flavor dates back at least 6,100 years.
Researchers at Helmholtz Association's HZB have identified a new area of application for X-rays in solid state physics, leveraging nonlinear physical effects. They observed the interaction between soft X-rays and solids, enabling enhanced color analysis and structural properties correlation.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the rise of early Appalachian Mountains and cooling oceans allowed invasive species to upset the North American ecosystem 450 million years ago. This geological shift triggered evolutionary changes in ancient seas, leading to a change in survival patterns among native organisms.
Researchers created ring-shaped complexes of protein and pigments that absorb more sunlight than natural ones. The designs use a combination of synthetic and natural pigments to capture a broader spectrum of light, allowing for efficient energy harvesting.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a biofertiliser that enables crops to be grown on coal waste, achieving nearly twice the weight and yield of those grown in garden soil. The additive boosts plant nutrition, regulates water, and maintains an ideal environment for growth.
Research reveals that smokers with more severe nicotine dependence tend to experience greater weight gain when quitting, even with nicotine replacement therapy. Factors such as serum triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol levels also play a significant role.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study reveals that prescribing atypical antipsychotic medications to children with behavioral problems or mood disorders triples their risk of developing type 2 diabetes within a year. The risk persists even after medication discontinuation.
A family history of diabetes is associated with an increased risk of prediabetes, especially in non-obese individuals. The study found that family history increased the risk of isolated impaired fasting glycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance by 37% and 25%, respectively.
Despite ample evidence supporting its effectiveness, psychotherapy is on a decline in the US. This stems from a lack of definition, adoption, and articulation of its own evidence base, whereas medications have done so. Research shows that many therapists prioritize personal experience over evidence-based treatment.
International experts propose alternative testing strategies to replace animal-based tests for nanomaterials. Rapid cellular screening and computer modeling can gather certain information about the health and environmental effects of engineered nanomaterials.
Fires in Idaho and Montana continue to burn, with the Gold Pan complex fire expanding to 27,000 acres. The Lolo Creek complex has grown to 8,600 acres in difficult terrain.
Research published in Psychological Science found that fans of losing teams consume more saturated fats and sugars after a defeat, while supporters of winning teams opt for healthier options. Writing down personal values can counteract this effect and improve eating habits.
Researchers used clustering techniques to analyze 300 patient cases and identify specific risk factors associated with heart attack risk. Key findings include the importance of age, gender, and lifestyle habits in determining cardiac risk levels.
Researchers found a genetic match for MERS in an Egyptian Tomb Bat near the first known case of the disease in Saudi Arabia, pointing to bats as the likely animal origin. The study suggests that an intermediary animal may also be involved in human transmission.
Recently published studies in Chernobyl and Fukushima Exclusion Zones reveal high frequencies of tumors, cataracts, and growth suppression in birds and pine trees. Lack of funding for independent scientists hinders understanding of radiation's impact on life.
Astronomers have developed a new technique to measure the surface gravity of distant stars, which is crucial for calculating their physical properties and evolutionary state. The technique has been shown to be more accurate than existing methods and can significantly improve estimates of exoplanet sizes.
Tropical Storm Pewa has passed over Wake Island, located just north of the Marshall Islands. The storm was captured on NASA satellite imagery and is expected to intensify again while moving northwest, potentially becoming a typhoon over the next five days.
Researchers have identified unique chemical markers that can distinguish authentic Kopi Luwak from adulterated or fake versions. The development marks the first scientific method to authenticate the world's most expensive coffee.
A study found that piglets receive maternal IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies against Cystoisospora suis in the colostrum, which decline after two weeks. High levels of these antibodies are associated with reduced severity of neonatal diarrhoea.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University created hybrid molecules combining turmeric's curcumin with the anti-nausea drug thalidomide, killing multiple myeloma cells more effectively than individual compounds. The study suggests a novel strategy for developing new cancer treatment agents.
Scientists at McGill University have identified a unique 'on/off' switch for a major neurotransmitter receptor in the brain, known as the kainate receptor. This discovery highlights a new target for drug development to treat diseases such as epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
A new gamma-activation analysis (GAA) technique can detect gold more accurately and quickly than traditional methods, allowing mining companies to recover small traces of gold worth millions of dollars. This could save the Australian mining industry hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
A new technique from Case Western Reserve University's Capadona Lab enables gauging property changes during implantation and measuring on a micro-scale. This allows for crafting devices that can withstand physiological conditions in the brain for longer-term use, solving a major challenge in bioengineering.
A new study suggests that ancient cycad lineage is pre-adapted to grow in groves, potentially relying on the extinct megafauna dispersal mechanism. Cycads are found in highly clumped, dense populations, with limited seed dispersal, suggesting they may be maladapted to current dispersers.
A recent study found that glucagon, a hormone involved in regulating appetite, fails to induce feelings of fullness in obese individuals. However, it successfully suppresses hunger pangs in people with type 1 diabetes, according to researchers from The Endocrine Society.
Researchers tested haloperidol, a commonly used antipsychotic, in 141 critically ill patients on artificial ventilation. The study found that haloperidol had no effect on reducing delirium or mortality rates, but may help reduce sedation requirements. Non-pharmacological interventions are more effective in preventing delirium.
A new gene therapy study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, shows reversal of Rett symptoms in fully symptomatic mice by delivering a healthy MECP2 gene to cells throughout the body and brain. The treatment improved motor function, tremors, seizures, and hand clasping in 65% of cells.
Three federal agencies are collaborating to survey coastal waters and shorelines along the East Coast, updating land maps and nautical charts. The efforts aim to support resilience and cost-efficient rebuilding of communities affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed a new material, 3D graphene, that can replace the expensive metal platinum in dye-sensitized solar cells. The new material shows high conductivity and catalytic activity, converting nearly 8% of sunlight into electricity.
A coronal mass ejection (CME) struck Earth on August 20, 2013, affecting satellite systems and power grids. The CME's magnetic fields altered the shape of Earth's magnetosphere, causing geomagnetic storms that can degrade communication signals.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham identified a genetic mutation causing blue eggs in native South American and European breeds. The mutation triggered an accumulation of biliverdin, a green-blue pigment, in the eggshell. This finding could inform future research on agricultural breeding techniques.
A new book by CSIRO Publishing sheds light on the critical role of Aboriginal people in the exploration of Australia during the Burke and Wills expedition. The book highlights the cross-cultural differences and perspectives between European explorers and Indigenous inhabitants.
A team of scientists has developed a software that uses pulsar navigation to determine the position and velocity of spacecraft. By observing the timing of pulses from specific pulsars, the software can provide accurate location data for deep-space missions.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered that bacterial toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus cause lethal effects on the heart in infective endocarditis and sepsis. The study found that blocking superantigen action could be a new approach to treating deadly staph infections.
University of Warwick researchers have successfully tied liquid crystals into knots using a miniature Möbius strip made from silica particles. The study, published in PNAS, explores the potential applications of these intricate knotted fields in designing new metamaterials and photonic devices.
A third tropical depression has formed in the Central Pacific Ocean, with Tropical Depression 03C (TD03C) moving west-northwest at 16 mpg/26 kph. The system is expected to cross the International Dateline, falling under the forecast authority of the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Researchers developed a nonlinear model to study aircraft landing gear dynamics, identifying conditions for shimmy oscillations. The model provides insights into stability and design features, aiding in optimizing aircraft performance.
Researchers found that food-restricted mice exhibited increased susceptibility to cocaine and other illicit drugs due to heightened dopamine neuron firing in the substantia nigra region. This association may help develop new treatments for psychostimulant abuse by targeting adaptations in brain function.
Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Trami and monsoon rains caused severe flooding in the northern Philippines, including Manila, resulting in three deaths and two missing. The storms enhanced each other's rainfall, bringing heavy downpours to the region.
John Foster, a renowned peridynamics expert, will lead a $7.5 million Department of Defense project to advance peridynamic theory and improve material modeling. The five-year initiative aims to enhance the understanding of heterogeneous materials under stress.
Researchers discovered a new genome-wide significant locus associated with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, a serious gastrointestinal condition. The study also found an inverse relationship between low cholesterol levels at birth and increased risk of IHPS in infants.
A new study has found that two forms of iron are needed to control cystic fibrosis lung infections. Targeting both ferrous iron (Fe(II)) and ferric iron (Fe(III)) was more effective in preventing biofilm formation than targeting only one form.
Research reveals honeyguides lay eggs resembling host bee-eaters' eggs to avoid destruction by rival females. This mimicry helps conserve reproductive success in competitive environments.
NASA's Operation IceBridge will now operate from McMurdo Station in Antarctica, expanding its reach and measuring previously inaccessible areas. The new setup aims to improve knowledge of the continent's ice mass balance.
A new study published in Neuron sheds light on the complex processes of brain integration, revealing differences in excitatory and inhibitory cells and superficial and deep layers of the cortex. This breakthrough understanding is essential for designing future strategies to stimulate brain repair and re-create precise circuits.
Researchers found that patients who are retired and/or disabled, working part time, or working full time are more likely to be placed on a transplant waiting list than unemployed patients. Transplant centers may restrict access due to concerns about post-transplant medical care costs and noncompliance with treatment.
A culturally tailored HIV prevention program has been shown to significantly reduce unprotected sex among bisexual black men. The innovative approach, MAALES, takes a holistic approach to minimizing behaviors that could put men at risk for HIV.
Manuela E. Gomes, a Portuguese researcher, has received the 2013 TERMIS-EU Young Scientist Award for her contributions to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Her research focuses on bone and cartilage tissue engineering strategies, including scaffold materials, stem cells, and dynamic cell culturing systems.
A breakthrough discovery reveals that high levels of the eIF4E protein can promote cancer by unwinding complex mRNA knots, allowing ribosomes to translate genetic code into proteins that trigger tumor growth. This understanding may lead to highly specific cancer treatments targeting growth-promoting cells.
Researchers found that genetic variations in two bitter taste receptor genes can explain differences in the perception of artificial sweeteners like Ace K. Additionally, studies on stevia extracts revealed that RebD is perceived as less bitter than RebA, suggesting potential opportunities for developing new sweeteners.
New findings reveal how hair cells amplify sound at specific frequencies, a process missing in current hearing aids. The discovery may inspire the development of next-generation cochlear implants with location- and frequency-specific amplification.
Kaiser Permanente Northern California's hypertension program, launched in 2001, nearly doubled the rate of blood pressure control among adult members with diagnosed hypertension. The program achieved sustained success through a comprehensive registry and frequent quality reports, leading to improved patient outcomes.