A study found a 14-fold increased risk of narcolepsy after receiving the AS03 adjuvanted pandemic A/H1N1 2009 vaccine, with vaccination within six months associated with an even higher risk. The authors suggest that the true risk may be lower due to delayed diagnosis.
A new University of Michigan study found that the protein HER2 plays a role even in breast cancers traditionally classified as HER2-negative. The research suggests that the drug Herceptin may have a greater impact on treating breast cancer and preventing its spread, particularly when given early to prevent tumor recurrence.
Researchers studied wind erosion and sediment traps in the Qaidam basin, rain erosion on Kauai, new insights from the Petrified Forest, a forearc sliver in Costa Rica, and bending and buckling mountain belts. Erosion rates on Kauai vary across a steep rainfall gradient, with modern rates no more than 2.3 times faster than past rates.
Researchers evaluated an afterschool program called the Good Behavior Game, finding that high organizational ability and community involvement are key to its effectiveness. The study suggests that combining these elements can lead to improved implementation of evidence-based practices in afterschool settings.
Harvard researchers show that insulin-like peptides play a crucial role in regulating learning and memory by fine-tuning neuronal activity. The study reveals a bidirectional regulation of learning, with some peptides inhibiting learning while others facilitate it.
A study found that morning sickness lasting all day is often linked to hormonal and genetic factors, with ethnicity and diet also playing a role. Women who have experienced hyperemesis gravidarum in previous pregnancies are at higher risk of severe nausea during subsequent pregnancies.
Researchers found that ship noise increases crab metabolic rate, indicating elevated stress, and larger crabs are affected most strongly. This study highlights the importance of reducing noise in busy shipping areas to protect commercially important crustacean species.
The new forum will examine key issues affecting MOOC success, such as completion rates and course content security. Established thought leader Jack M. Wilson is Editor-in-Chief of the journal.
A recent study published in the BMJ found that home-based telehealth had no effect on quality of life, anxiety, or depressive symptoms for patients with chronic conditions. The study, which involved over 1,500 participants, suggests that concerns about telehealth's potential benefits are unfounded.
Scientists have developed a web-like scaffold coated with long-sugar molecules that enhances stem-cell cultures and encourages the formation of neuronal cell types. The results, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, are promising for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.
Researchers warn of catastrophic loss as nesting sites show 78% decline over 27 years. Conservation efforts face challenges due to feral pig predation and climate change.
Research found that obesity increases the risk of colorectal cancer with a specific molecular characteristic, known as CTNNB1-positive cancer. Physical activity, on the other hand, was linked to a lower risk for this type of cancer.
A Norwegian study examines the cases of soldiers convicted for sexual violence during the Bosnian War, highlighting three categories of perpetrators: romantic heroes, opportunists, and repentant sinners. The research emphasizes the importance of clear training and leadership to prevent such behavior.
The Brazilian Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases has moved to BioMed Central's open access publishing platform, expanding the publisher's portfolio to 250 journals. The journal will publish research on all aspects of toxins, venomous animals, and tropical diseases.
Women with Lynch Syndrome have a 50-60% lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer, but an 11% risk of breast cancer, 11% risk of kidney cancer, and 9% risk of bladder cancer. This study expands the spectrum of cancers associated with Lynch Syndrome.
Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that makes glioblastoma resistant to mTOR inhibitors, leading to the development of a new treatment approach. The novel combination therapy combines an mTOR inhibitor with low-dose arsenic to reverse resistance and induce tumor cell death.
Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health, receives the highest honor from SOPHE for his work in disease prevention, health promotion, and eliminating health disparities. His efforts catalyze action across public and private partners to strengthen the nation's public health systems.
Researchers recommend 'low-intensity' interventions like self-help books and websites as a first step in treating depression. These interventions can provide significant clinical benefits, especially for patients with more severe depression at baseline.
Paulo Oemig, a NASA Goddard educator fellow, has been chosen as the new teacher liaison for space education. He will use Space Foundation-provided training and resources to integrate space principles into the classroom.
NREL Engineer Ian Metzger named ASHRAE's New Face of Engineering, recognized for increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment. The Research Support Facility in Golden, Colorado, also won an ASHRAE Technology Award for its net-zero design, using 50% less energy than traditional commercial buildings.
Functional bowel disorders affect 50% of patients consulting a gastroenterologist. Recent research suggests that gut microbiota plays a significant role in these conditions. The AGA reports on the latest findings and potential therapeutic avenues.
A research project led by Dr Laura Azzarito found that young people from ethnic minorities, especially girls, are more likely to be physically inactive and unhealthy due to negative stereotypes. The study used visual diaries to capture their experiences with physical activity, revealing visible gender, race, and social class boundaries.
Researchers created a high-resolution atlas of the human heart using 3D images from 138 people, demonstrating its feasibility for comparing individual cases and differentiating healthy from pathologies. The study provides a statistical description of the heart's shape and variations, offering an advantage over existing cardiac models.
Researchers found that superbugs like E. coli require a balance between two proteins, RbfA and KsgA, to produce proteins. Disrupting this balance could potentially kill the bacteria without harming humans.
The Dynamic Gastric Model simulates human stomach processes accurately, enabling drug and food testing. A new £900k project will refine the model to predict nutrient and drug availability in humans.
Scientists have identified a complex of three molecules that regulates the production of defective Huntingtin protein, a key contributor to Huntington's disease. By targeting this complex with pharmaceuticals, it may be possible to directly affect the production of defective proteins and treat the underlying causes of the disease.
A new study found that infants of African ancestry are more likely to be born prematurely and have low birth weights, compared to those with European-only ancestry. The researchers attribute these disparities to differences in geographic location and access to prenatal care.
A two-year study found that gastric bypass surgery reverses diabetes by uniquely restoring pancreatic function, particularly in reducing belly fat. The study showed a remarkable 5.8-fold increase in overall pancreatic cell function in patients who underwent gastric bypass.
A new study by the University of Notre Dame examines the impact of bridal registries on traditional wedding rituals and gift-giving practices. The research reveals that these registries have become a lucrative industry, with $19 billion in gifts purchased by invited guests in 2010.
BMC Psychology is the first solely dedicated open access psychology journal, covering all aspects of psychology. The new journal will practice open peer review and welcome submissions of replications and null findings in addition to positive results.
Researchers implemented small changes to school cafeterias, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption by 18% and 25%, respectively. These low-cost interventions, called the smarter lunchroom makeover, preserved student choice while promoting healthier habits.
Fecal microbiota transplantation has been shown to be highly effective in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infections, with over 90% of patients being cured within a short period. The treatment offers a rapidly acting alternative to standard antibiotic treatments.
NASA's Aqua satellite data reveals Tropical Cyclone 18S continues to experience wind shear, pushing precipitation away from its center. The storm's main convection is being hindered by strong easterly vertical wind shear, affecting its ability to consolidate and intensify.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) had a significant impact on Colorado's economy in FY 2012, with a total economic benefit of $814.8 million. The laboratory supported approximately 2,300 jobs and invested heavily in construction, including a new parking garage and energy-efficient building.
The Harvard Wyss Institute's Lung-on-a-Chip has won a UK award for its potential to revolutionize drug development by reducing animal testing. The device, which mimics the complex functions of the human lung, has been used to study a life-threatening condition and identify potential new therapies.
A novel screening method using genetically engineered baker's yeast identifies chemical compounds that target disease-causing parasites without harming human hosts. The approach has shown promise in identifying potential anti-parasitic compounds with high sensitivity, reducing costs, and increasing reproducibility.
Scientists develop a method to preserve quantum bits (qubits) for longer periods, using hole spins instead of electron spins. This breakthrough brings the researchers closer to creating the first viable high-speed quantum computer.
A new imaging technique using infrared digital holography allows firefighters to see through thick veils of smoke and walls of flame to find people in need of rescue. The system can capture a live, 3-D movie of the room and its contents, enabling the detection of moving people.
The HPS2-THRIVE study found that vitamin niacin combined with statin treatment increases adverse side-effects, including skin flushing and gastrointestinal problems. Patients taking the experimental treatment were four times more likely to stop due to skin-related reasons.
For most patients with small aneurysms, surveillance intervals can be extended, reducing the number of scans from 15 to 7 per year, without significantly increasing rupture risk. The study found that men's rupture risk increased by a factor of 1.9 for every 0.5-cm increase in baseline AAA diameter.
Researchers have discovered that nuclear envelope proteins vary greatly between cells in different organs of the body, interacting with specific proteins to cause illness in some organs but not others. This variation may provide insights into rare muscle diseases like Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy and other heritable conditions.
A University of Utah study found a significant genetic connection to surgical site infections (SSIs) in families, suggesting personalized health care through genome analysis could be available soon. Researchers analyzed 651 hospital patients with SSIs and matched controls using the Utah Population Database.
A study found that bariatric surgery outcomes improved across all hospitals, including both high-quality centers of excellence and non-excellence hospitals. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services policy restricting coverage to COEs had no measurable impact on complication rates or reoperation needs.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and Harvard found that women who consumed more non-heme iron had a 30-40% lower risk of developing pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). High intake of zinc was also associated with lower risk. In contrast, high potassium intake was linked to higher PMS risk.
A new study suggests that more than three-quarters of people in England drink in excess of the recommended daily alcohol limit, leading to a significant increase in binge drinking among men and women, particularly those on high incomes.
Cyclone Rusty intensified as it approached landfall in Western Australia, with NASA satellites observing increased power and cloud height. The storm's slow movement meant more rainfall, flooding potential, and rough surf along the Pilbara coast.
A national survey of medical students found that many continue to receive industry-sponsored gifts, even as institutions restrict access to pharmaceutical sales representatives. The study suggests a need for further measures to reduce bias in medical education.
Researchers believe blocking the sodium transporter HVI may stop the vicious cycle of excessive sodium, free radicals, and hypertension. If successful, targeted treatment could help reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Researchers found that moderate pain can be perceived as comforting when it's the lesser of two evils. The brain processes pain differently depending on context and expectation. This study may lead to new ideas for treating chronic pain and substance dependence.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a simple atrial fibrillation risk prediction model for women, improving accuracy over existing methods. The model considers six easily obtainable factors: age, height, weight, blood pressure, alcohol consumption, and smoking history.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that syphilis infection during pregnancy causes approximately 520,000 harmful outcomes each year. Despite this, only a quarter of these outcomes can be prevented by early testing and treatment.
Researchers have discovered that saw-scaled viper venom contains both anticoagulants and coagulants, which can be used to develop new treatments for blood disorders. The venom's toxic clotting factors were found to be lethal to mice, making them a promising area of study.
A researcher believes that individual countries can eliminate malaria and then coordinate efforts to achieve global eradication. The study found that countries that have eliminated malaria within their borders tend to maintain stable, low transmission rates.
Researchers have documented two new species of Hydnum, commonly known as ox tongue mushrooms, in the Iberian Peninsula. The discovery sheds light on the high genetic diversity of the Hydnum genus, which has been understudied due to its edible properties.
The Collaboration on Mobility Training (COMIT) study aims to maximize independence among wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. The five-year study will examine the impact of web-based training and group sessions on wheelchair skills and maintenance.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a genetic variation in CD33 that significantly affects the clinical outcome of AML patients who received gemtuzumab ozogamicin chemotherapy. This discovery may help predict which patients are most likely to benefit from the treatment and improve therapeutic efficacy.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that police and firefighters are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders after exposure to traumatic events. Protective services workers who recently joined the profession were more likely to develop mood or alcohol use disorders.
A new stretchable lithium-ion battery has been developed by Northwestern University researchers, enabling true integration of electronics and power into a small, stretchable package. The battery can be stretched up to 300 percent of its original size without losing functionality.
A specialized receptor in blood vessels senses molecules created by gut microbes, increasing blood pressure. The finding suggests a complex system involving gut bacteria and blood vessel regulation.
Renowned scientists at South Carolina College of Pharmacy, John Lemasters and Rick Schnellmann, have received national recognition from the Society of Toxicology for their groundbreaking work in toxicology research and education. The awards recognize their significant contributions to advancing our understanding of toxicology and promo...
By changing the speed of light in an array of superconducting quantum-interference devices (SQUID), researchers can extract microwave photons from the vacuum's quantum noise. This breakthrough could help solve the riddle of the universe's birth and develop powerful quantum computers.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that people with persistent negative attitudes towards feared objects or events are more likely to experience a return of their fear after exposure therapy. The study developed a tool to evaluate attitudes immediately after treatment and suggests that attitude change is key to lasting recovery.
A study published in the Journal of Urology analyzed 25 years of data after radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients and found that follow-up evaluations are necessary for 15 years after treatment. The study also confirmed using radiation therapy results in comparable disease-free survival rates to radical prostatectomy.
Researchers John Wong, Ronald Berger, and Hien Nguyen receive awards and funding to develop life-saving technologies. The Life Prizes aim to accelerate the translation of promising research into commercial applications, speeding up the delivery of innovative medical solutions.
A recent study published in BMC Psychology found that people with HIV have difficulty recognizing facial expressions, particularly fear, and are more likely to experience memory problems. The researchers suggest that this impairment can be debilitating and impact daily life and personal interactions.
A new microscopy technique has allowed scientists to observe protein clusters in living cancer cells, enabling direct measurement of drug effects on target proteins. This breakthrough could significantly improve cancer treatment by reducing collateral damage associated with traditional therapies.
Researchers at Michigan State University have successfully engineered a plant with oily leaves, which could boost biofuel production and improve animal feeds. The breakthrough uses an algae gene involved in oil production to store lipids or vegetable oil in the plant's leaves.
Researchers identified a critical fictive temperature (CFT) that determines glass ductility, suggesting any glass can be made ductile or brittle by adjusting cooling rates. The study applies to all glasses, not just metallic glasses, and has implications for designing ductile glasses.
Research at Baylor College of Medicine found that bone marrow cells producing BDNF travel to the hypothalamus, where they fine-tune appetite. A bone marrow transplant restoring the gene for BDNF can normalize appetite and reduce overeating in mice with insulin resistance.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a group of progenitor cells in the inner ear that can become sensory hair cells and supporting cells. These findings may lead to new ways to treat hearing loss and deafness, and could potentially aid patients with damaged or impaired sensory hair cells.
A study found that long-term treatment with spironolactone did not improve symptoms or quality of life in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. However, it improved left ventricular diastolic function and reduced potassium levels.
A new study from Rice University found that same-sex couples who live together have worse health than married opposite-sex couples, with similar health to those living apart. The research highlights the importance of considering the unique challenges faced by this population in discussions of relationships and health.
A recent study found a small but statistically significant increase in the incidence of advanced breast cancer among young women aged 25-39 years, without a corresponding increase in older women. This trend is concerning due to the poor prognosis and lower survival rates associated with younger patients.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have developed a product based on their enzymes, discovered in bark beetles from trees in the Lake Tahoe area. The enzymes have potential applications in pest control and chemical production.
A Johns Hopkins study of patients with acute lung injury found that one in three ventilated ICU patients developed PTSD symptoms lasting up to two years. The researchers suggest that preventing and treating PTSD in these patients is crucial, as it can impair quality of life and slow recovery.
Scientists have underestimated the impact of large numbers of wind turbines on energy production within large farms, suggesting a more limited capacity than previously thought. The new modeling results indicate that wind power production may be as low as 1 watt per square meter at wind farms larger than 100 square kilometers.