A new study investigates the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in airway smooth muscle contraction, revealing its potential as a therapeutic target for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The research suggests that PKC activation could contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness and exacerbate lung diseases.
A new study estimates that LDCT screening for lung cancer can delay or prevent approximately 12,000 deaths each year in the United States. The potential benefits of widespread LDCT screening are significant, given that half of current smokers will die from smoking-related diseases.
A study by UC Riverside researchers shows that hummingbirds produce two trails of vortices, one under each wing per stroke, to hover and control flight. This bilateral vortex structure provides more maneuverability for the bird but increases energy consumption.
A study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research suggests that man-made climate change traps giant waves in the atmosphere, leading to extreme weather events. The researchers found that prolonged periods of heat stress can occur when warm air is unable to escape, resulting in devastating consequences.
Researchers found that cattle temperament affects how animals respond to stressors like weaning, transportation, and vaccination. Temperamental cattle have reduced fat stores and lower marbling, impacting the final quality grade of beef.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have isolated natural compounds that can help keep bread fresh without changing its flavor. The compounds, known as hydroxy fatty acids, also show antifungal activity and have potential to replace or complement fungicides used in treating crop seeds.
A new study suggests that future evidence for extraterrestrial life might come from dying stars, specifically from planets orbiting white dwarfs. Detectable oxygen in the atmosphere of these planets could indicate the presence of life, and a recent simulation indicates JWST can detect this with only a few hours of observation time.
Researchers sequenced primitively eusocial wasps' transcriptomes, finding workers have an active genetic profile while queens have a restricted one. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of sociality and the origin of alternative phenotypes.
Research from the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol shows that most babies who are slow to put on weight in the first nine months of life have caught up to within the normal range by the age of 13. However, those who show slow weight gain later in infancy tend to remain lighter and shorter than their peers.
Engineers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new technique to analyze polymer photovoltaic cells, enabling deeper understanding of their structure and efficiency. The technique, SERGIS, has been used to map the size and distance between crystallites in PCBM material, key properties for improving solar cell efficiency.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers has identified specific small molecules in the blood that can accurately measure damage to the body after ionizing radiation exposure. The findings suggest that these microRNA markers could help doctors identify individuals at risk for acute radiation syndrome and plan personalized ra...
A study by Brigham Young University economists found that girls outperformed boys in math competitions when the format was changed to a longer, multi-round competition. The study suggests that encouraging girls to stay in the competition and giving them time to acclimate can help them excel.
A study of over 750,000 births in Denmark found that mild maternal hypertension early in pregnancy benefits the fetus, but late-pregnancy hypertension has negative health consequences for the child. Mothers with minor increases in blood pressure in the first trimester have babies with better health outcomes.
A new case study by the University of Alberta's ISTAR Institute shows that fluency shaping can significantly improve a child's speech in individuals with Down syndrome who stutter. Four months of treatment led to a 98.6% improvement in Sarah's fluency, enabling her to function better socially and academically.
People of high socioeconomic status are more likely to receive appointment offers and prioritized access to primary care, even in a single-payer universal health insurance system. Researchers found that physicians' offices discriminate against those with low socioeconomic status, despite equal reimbursement for each patient.
A study led by Field Museum curator Dr. Jonathan Haas reveals that maize was a primary component of people's diets in coastal Peru around 3000-1800 B.C. The research, published in PNAS, analyzed microscopic evidence found in soil, stone tools, and coprolites from ancient sites.
A recent study from the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business reveals that female-female workplace conflicts are often perceived as more negative than male-male or male-female conflicts. Participants rated all-female conflicts as more likely to negatively influence job satisfaction and team repair, despite finding ...
Dr. Jatinder Bhatia, a renowned pediatric researcher, has received the Founder's Award from the Southern Society for Pediatric Research for his groundbreaking work in neonatology and nutrition. His research interests include protein and lipid requirements of premature infants and liver dysfunction.
A new study found that low-birth-weight newborns with enlarged ventricles on an ultrasound are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with autism later in life. The research suggests that an early brain abnormality may indicate a higher risk of developing autism.
Cyclone Haruna is being blown apart several hundred miles away from La Reunion Island due to increasing wind shear. The storm's eye has elongated as a result of wind shear, causing the main precipitation to be pushed south of the center.
A new study reveals that China's nitrogen emissions increased by 60% annually from the 1980s to 2000s, leading to decreased air quality, acidification of soil and water, and reduced biological diversity. The country's rapid industrialization and agricultural expansion are major contributors to this pollution problem.
Experts have disabled a unique member of signalling proteins essential for malaria development, arresting its life cycle in the mosquito. This breakthrough discovery could help design new drugs to control malaria transmission.
A unique study highlights the importance of universal newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a life-threatening disorder affecting cortisol production. Screening improves survival in both boys and girls, contradicting previous beliefs that boys were at higher risk of delayed diagnosis.
A new study found that 75% of women who had arm node removal surgery worried about getting lymphedema, despite only 19% developing it. Most patients adopted multiple risk-reducing behaviors, which were not supported by data.
Healthcare workers who wear special fitted face masks are less likely to get clinical respiratory and bacterial infections. The study, published in the American Journal of Critical Care Medicine, found that continuous use of N95 masks provides significant protection against both types of infections.
A meta-analysis found that increased fascin-1 is associated with increased risk of mortality in breast, colorectal, and oesophageal carcinomas. Fascin-1 was also linked to disease progression and metastasis in some cases, but not others.
Tropical Storm 18S formed over the weekend of Feb. 23-24 with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots (40 mph) and powerful thunderstorms around its core. The storm is currently headed in a similar direction to Cyclone Rusty, which is nearing landfall in northwestern West Australia.
High estrogen levels during IVF pregnancy increase the risk of small birth weight and preeclampsia. Freezing embryos for later transfer when hormone levels were lower reduced the incidence of these complications in a small study.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that adult, non-sexual stem cells in S. mansoni can migrate to various parts of its body and replenish tissues. This finding may provide insight into the parasite's extraordinary staying power.
University of Illinois researchers found that dietary fiber, particularly pectin, negatively impacted birds' ability to digest nutrients, while adequate threonine levels improved growth performance and intestinal morphology. Chicks fed high-threonine diets showed increased cytokine responses to coccidiosis infections.
Researchers found that BPA suppresses a vital nerve cell function gene and raises concerns about the chemical's impact on central nervous system development. The study suggests that BPA could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like Rett syndrome, which is characterized by mutations in the MECP2 gene.
A Missouri survey found that 65% of tanning salon operators would allow children aged 10-12 to use tanning beds, despite evidence showing a link between tanning bed use and an increased risk of skin cancers. Many employees claimed no risks or benefits from indoor tanning, but these claims are false.
Researchers at UH Cancer Center identify RSK2 protein as key player in cancer cell migration and metastasis. The discovery may lead to selective treatments targeting specific tumor types, improving treatment outcomes.
A randomized controlled trial found that a youth development intervention significantly increased consistent condom use and reduced sexual risk behaviors among high-risk adolescent girls. The study also reported improvements in family connectedness and self-confidence to refuse unwanted sex.
A new research project by the University of Nottingham aims to help UK households cut their energy bills by identifying troublesome appliances. By analyzing data from smart home sensors, researchers hope to provide personalized recommendations for behavior change, maintenance, or purchasing to make targeted savings.
The University of Oregon's Network Startup Resource Center is expanding its work in Africa, providing technical training and infrastructure support to universities and research institutions. The grant from Google.org will help connect more African universities and researchers to the global research network fabric.
A randomized controlled trial found that acupuncture with intense stimulation (de qi) improves facial muscle recovery, disability, and quality of life in patients with Bell palsy. The study suggests de qi is a key factor in achieving therapeutic effects in this condition.
Research suggests that large-scale wind farms' generating capacity may peak at between 0.5 and 1 watt per square meter, significantly lower than previous estimates. This limitation could impact the feasibility of scaling wind power to meet a third of global energy needs within the next half-century.
A new kind of fluctuation analysis reveals three atmospheric regimes: weather, macroweather, and climate. Macroweather has different types of variability than both weather and climate, making climate modeling more precise. This recognition may open up new approaches for predicting the climate.
A significant majority of uninsured and underinsured patients use email and text messaging in their everyday lives, but many clinics do not offer patient portals or secure messaging. Patients are interested in using electronic communication with providers, which could improve clinical communication and efficiency.
Cyclone Rusty is a large tropical cyclone approaching Western Australia, causing warnings and alerts for residents. The storm's slow movement will result in higher than usual rainfall and flooding, as well as very rough surf and coastal erosion.
Researchers from the University of Leeds used the abdominal fetal ECG device developed by The University of Nottingham to create a comprehensive model of a fully functioning fetal heart. The study found that human hearts develop more slowly compared to other mammals, with little organisation in their walls until 20 weeks into pregnancy.
PatientsLikeMe will develop open-participation research platform with RWJF grant, generating meaningful health outcome measures aligned with patient needs. Researchers can pilot, deploy, share, and validate new ways to measure diseases.
A new class of diabetes drugs has been linked to a doubling of the risk of pancreatitis in people taking them. Researchers found that patients who took glucagon-like peptide-1-based therapies were twice as likely to be hospitalized with acute pancreatitis as those on other medications.
The Cohen Veterans Center will conduct biomarker research to accurately diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), with potential treatments including targeted medications and therapies. The $17 million gift is believed to be the largest private donation to PTSD research.
Researchers developed a model that calculates how temperature changes affect parasite metabolism and life cycle, helping to predict disease ranges. The Princeton metabolic model can identify prospects for nearly any disease-causing parasite, even with limited knowledge of the organism.
Researchers at MIT have detected fluctuating charge-density waves in high-temperature superconductors, a key finding that could help understand the phenomenon and potentially lead to room-temperature superconductors. The new technique sheds light on the exotic state of matter, which has remained poorly understood despite intense research.
Adolescents who volunteered regularly for 10 weeks showed improved cardiovascular health by having lower levels of inflammation and cholesterol. The volunteers also experienced increased empathy, altruistic behavior, and mental health benefits, which contributed to their improved heart health.
Researchers will use a novel model and emerging technology to study astrocytes in autism spectrum disorders, providing a framework for future strategies. The grant supports Trapp's work on mechanisms of neurodegeneration and repair in multiple sclerosis and related conditions.
OHSU scientists have made a breakthrough by growing human liver stem cells in culture, demonstrating their therapeutic potential. The study's findings suggest that these cells can be infinitely expanded and converted into functional liver cells, offering new hope for treating chronic liver diseases.
Researchers found that prenatal DHA supplementation increased mean birth weight and gestational age, reducing the risk of very low birth weight and early preterm delivery. The study supports the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy to improve infant health outcomes.
A study led by Dr. Stephen Hwang of St. Michael's Hospital found that family physicians' offices in Toronto tend to give preference to patients with chronic health conditions and high socio-economic status. The researchers telephoned office staff playing the role of individuals seeking primary care, and observed a significant differenc...
A new study found that exposure to airborne dust in urban areas leads to an increase and decrease in childhood blood lead levels, respectively. The research suggests that focusing on primary prevention of lead-contaminated soils may be a more effective approach to improving child health than current efforts.
Researchers found that using the method-of-loci technique improved recalling positive memories for individuals with depression, potentially elevating their mood. The study suggests this memory strategy may be an effective tool in managing depression.
The EAU has made its patient information available in Spanish and Greek to cater to patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This move aims to provide trustworthy information on urological diseases to all European patients, with translations coordinated by national societies.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that cortisone increases the risk of acute pancreatitis. Patients treated with cortisone are recommended to avoid alcohol and smoking to minimize the risk. The study found a 70% higher risk of developing acute pancreatitis among those taking cortisone tablet form.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against daily supplementation with vitamin D ≤ 400 IU and calcium ≤ 1,000 mg for fracture prevention in postmenopausal women. Daily supplementation has no net benefit and increases the risk of kidney stones, according to a systematic evidence review.
Research at Arizona State University has found that children with autism have higher levels of several toxic metals in their blood and urine compared to typical children. The study's findings suggest a strong association between toxic metal levels and variations in autism severity.
Two new species of Dianous and two new species of Stenus have been discovered in the Liupan Shan Natural Reserve. The beetles possess a unique ability to glide on water due to special gland secretions.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have found a telltale molecular marker for Onchocerciasis in patients' urine, detectable during active infections. The biomarker could form the basis of a non-invasive, portable test with significant advantages over current diagnostic methods.
A pilot study shows that qigong therapy significantly reduced cocaine cravings and depression symptoms in individuals undergoing residential substance abuse treatment. This promising treatment approach may have profound consequences in drug rehabilitation programs.
Researchers found that injecting NAC prior to harvesting significantly improves graft survival, with suboptimal organ usage showing higher benefits. The study suggests using NAC during organ procurement to reduce damage and improve transplant outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a 22-year record of atmospheric chemistry in Antarctic snow, revealing clear connections between oxygen anomalies and global El Nino events. This breakthrough enables the reconstruction of paleoclimate cycles, providing new insights into Earth's climate history.
A new study projects that most coral reefs will experience annual bleaching events by 2045, with a quarter experiencing them up to five years earlier. Reducing carbon emissions can delay these events in nearly a quarter of reef areas for over two decades.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to repair lung damage caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by tweaking gene expression. They found that epigenetic regulators, including HDAC2, play a critical role in regulating lung development and regeneration.
A modified Newcastle disease virus has been developed to target prostate cancer cells without harming normal cells, offering a new treatment option for hormone-refractory patients. This oncolytic virus uses a retargeted design to minimize off-target losses and reduce the amount of virus needed for treatment.
A global survey reveals that environmental issues, particularly climate change, are a low priority for people in the US and around the world. In the surveys, the economy ranked highest in concern, with environmental issues ranking sixth.