A new online resource called PREPARE has been developed to help people make complex medical decisions through user-friendly content, videos, and a step-by-step process. The website addresses key aspects of advance care planning and decision making, providing concrete examples and tools for patients and their families.
Genetic sequencing technology is altering cancer diagnosis and treatment, but traditional specimen handling methods slow progress. Scripps physicians propose freezing tumor tissue to preserve DNA coding, potentially leading to better diagnoses and treatments.
MIT researchers have developed a coated surface with nanostructured patterns that increase the heat-transfer coefficient, allowing for more efficient condensation and reducing the need for expensive manufacturing processes. The technology has been shown to improve heat transfer in industrial plants by up to 30%.
Researchers found evidence that some feathered dinosaurs, such as oviraptors, used their tail feathers to attract mates and engage in visual exhibitions. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of feathers in dinosaurs and their similarity to modern birds.
Researchers at University of Warwick discover a dysfunctional monthly fertility window can cause recurrent miscarriage. Prolonged inflammation in the uterus can lead to embryos implanting out-of-phase, resulting in miscarriage.
A comprehensive study analyzed 232 papers on prostate cancer treatments and found that surgery is the most cost-effective option, saving lives at a lower cost than radiation therapy. The analysis also showed that treatment plans for localized prostate cancer vary dramatically across different centers.
Spanish researchers have discovered a diverse range of bacteria in breast milk, including over 700 species. The study found that mother's weight and labor type affect microbiome diversity, with heavier mothers having fewer bacteria in their milk.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has been selected to provide a low-rate crosslink wireless communications platform for the DARPA System F6 Program. The K-band space crosslink radio supports continuous data links among cluster members and high-rate point-to-point data links.
Vegetated drainage ditches have been shown to effectively capture herbicides and insecticides from field runoff, reducing their impact on downstream waterways. This innovative solution provides a cost-effective way for farmers to manage agricultural pollutants and protect natural resources.
Researchers found a significant link between climate and infant brain infections, with rainfall affecting the number of hydrocephalus cases. The study suggests that environmental conditions can quench bacterial infections, making some cases potentially preventable if understood better.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University used Waze GPS data to identify intersections with the highest number of accidents, revealing police response time variability and underutilized resources. The study suggests that leveraging geosocial networks can improve road safety by providing real-time traffic and accident reports.
Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine and others have successfully reprogrammed scar tissue in rats' hearts using a cocktail of three genes. The addition of a VEGF gene enhances this effect, improving heart function and reducing scar tissue.
Researchers discovered a key protein receptor plays a crucial role in motivation during physical exercise, explaining why many people struggle to stick to their fitness goals. The CB1 cannabinoid receptor regulates the brain's reward system, controlling how long individuals engage in voluntary physical activity.
Researchers discovered a new way to regulate calcium signaling in worms, revealing the crucial role of microRNA-786 in dictating when and where the primary calcium spike occurs. This finding may have significant implications for understanding calcium signaling processes in humans.
Sanford-Burnham researchers discover that protein p62 plays a crucial role in balancing metabolism in fat tissue. When p62 is missing, the body's metabolic balance shifts towards 'bad' white fat and away from 'good' brown fat. This finding indicates that p62 could be an attractive target for new therapies aimed at curbing obesity.
The University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center will continue the Jin Shin Jyutsu program in 2013 thanks to a $25,000 grant. The program, which uses ancient touch therapy, has shown significant improvement in pain, stress, and nausea for patients.
A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma reveals that the premotoneuronal system in the cervical spine may be involved in permanent limb impairment after spinal cord injury. The research proposes a potential target for therapeutic strategies to promote recovery and repair.
Researchers have identified the importance of Plvap/PV1 gene in forming endothelial caveolae diaphragms, which maintain basal permeability and homeostasis of blood plasma. The study found that PV1 is crucial for the survival of vascular endothelial cells and preventing protein loss.
Scientists successfully regenerate patients' immune cells using stem cell technology, creating long-lived and targeted cells to combat cancer and viral infections. The findings could lead to the development of strategies to rejuvenate exhausted immune responses.
Scientists analyzed fossil corals to expand El Nino-Southern Oscillation information, helping assess accuracy of climate models for 21st century change in the tropical Pacific. The study detected a modest increase in 20th century ENSO strength, but also found higher levels of variability 400 years ago.
A new study questions the need for routinely obtaining repeated CT scans in patients with mild head trauma, suggesting that it is unnecessary when patients are unchanged or improving neurologically. The study found that only two patients had a change in treatment based solely on routine repeated CT scans.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered a key role for IL-33, a molecule that influences embryo implantation, in women who experience repeated miscarriages. The study suggests targeting these molecules could lead to new treatments for preventing miscarriage.
A new rat model simulates traumatic muscle tissue loss in humans, enabling the testing of tissue engineering solutions. The model shows successful repair using a biological scaffold, providing valuable insights for developing treatments.
A study published in PLOS Genetics reveals that insulin and IGF1/IGF2 growth factors play a vital role in sexual development. In the absence of these hormones, embryos fail to differentiate into male or female, highlighting their essential role in primary sex determination.
A dopamine-receptor gene variant is associated with living a longer life, according to a study led by UC Irvine and Brookhaven researchers. The variant, DRD4 7R allele, blunts dopamine signaling and enhances individuals' reactivity to their environment.
In 18th century Guatemala City, economically independent single women played a key role in shaping devotional networks and spiritual geographies. They positioned themselves as pious benefactors, bestowing patronage on priests while also invoking their assistance for worldly matters. These relationships highlight the agency of ordinary ...
Researchers achieved a feat in synthetic chemistry by inventing a method to synthesize polyhydroxylated steroids, used in heart-failure medications and other drugs. The new strategy enables rapid modifications of hydroxylated steroids, which could help pharmaceutical chemists tweak natural toxins like ouabain.
Researchers have developed a new method for precisely altering the genomes of living cells, enabling targeted gene insertion and deletion with increased accuracy. This breakthrough technology has far-reaching potential applications in biofuel production, disease research, and therapy development.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have identified a mechanism underlying statin-induced muscle pain, which may be related to low energy production in muscles due to Q10 depletion. Statins, commonly used to treat high cholesterol levels, can affect skeletal muscle function and lead to muscle weakness and pain.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that using alcohol-impregnated disinfection caps on central line hubs reduced CLABSI cases by 52%. The intervention also led to significant reductions in infection rates and estimated annual preventable cases, suggesting a promising approach to improving catheter care.
Researchers Dominique Brossard and Dietram Scheufele warn that online science news can narrow public discourse and color opinions, particularly through comments sections. They argue that scientists need to engage in active discussions across disciplines to effectively reach large audiences and ensure the dissemination of unbiased infor...
A new UC Davis study reveals that workers earning the lowest wages are at a higher risk of developing hypertension, particularly among women and younger workers. The research found that doubling wages can decrease the risk of hypertension by up to 30%.
A study of an isolated Bolivian society found that five widely accepted personality traits may not be universal, instead revealing a unique 'Big Two' structure including prosociality and industriousness. Researchers suggest expanding beyond Western populations to better understand personality development.
Researchers from Scotland have demonstrated a way to sort embryonic stem cells based on their electrical properties. The method uses electric fields to differentiate between undifferentiated and differentiated stem cells, which can be useful for biomedical research and potential treatments of diseases like Parkinson's.
Astronomers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and Penn State have released a vast image gallery featuring ultraviolet and optical images captured by the Swift satellite's Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope. The collection includes early images, stunning views of galaxies, and rare types of stars.
Researchers have developed a novel application of spintronics that converts magnetic energy to electric voltage efficiently and directly. The device utilizes magnetic nanostructures and manipulates magnetization dynamics to generate alternating current (AC) voltages from direct current (DC) magnetic fields.
Researchers from Polytechnic University of Valencia and University of Oxford found that hot chocolate tastes better in orange or cream coloured cups. The study suggests that the colour of the container can influence consumers' perception of taste and aroma.
Scientists find that impacting small asteroids delivered dark, carbonaceous material to the protoplanet Vesta. The material, found in craters and meteorites, suggests a link between giant impact basins and the delivery of essential building blocks for organic molecules.
Rice University researchers have found a way to selectively heat diverse nanoparticles using short laser pulses. They demonstrated the effect in common gold nanoparticles, nanoparticle clusters, and mixed nanorods and nanoshells, showing narrow photothermal spectra and spectral selectivity.
Scientists have identified a rare form of active 'jumping genes' in mammals, specifically in bats. This discovery opens up new avenues for studying evolution and developing tools for gene therapy.
A new study on guppies reveals that bigger brains come at a cost, with larger brain sizes associated with reduced reproductive output and smaller guts. The research supports the idea that relative brain sizes among species are shaped by a balance between selection for increased cognitive ability and the costs of a big brain.
A Caltech-led team estimated that there are at least 100 billion planets in the galaxy, with one planet per star, based on their analysis of the Kepler-32 system. The planets in this system are typical of those found around M-dwarf stars and may represent the majority of planets in the galaxy.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a new tool using optofluidics to observe individual bacteria, revealing that persistent populations are dynamic and can adapt through mutation. This challenges traditional theories of bacterial resistance, offering new insights into the evolution of antibiotic efficacy.
A new study in the Bering Sea found that predator-prey relationships prioritize prey density over total biomass. This discovery challenges conventional management methods, which often rely on biomass data.
Tropical Depression Sonamu forms in western North Pacific Ocean, located about 185 nautical miles northwest of Zamboanga, Philippines. The storm is expected to cross southern Palawan before moving into the open waters of the South China Sea.
Researchers have identified a new class of Martian meteorite that likely originated from the Mars' crust, containing an order of magnitude more water than any other Martian meteorite. The unique meteorite, dubbed Northwest Africa (NWA) 7034, has similarities to but is distinct from other Martian meteorites known as SNC.
A study published in Cell Reports found that the position of a gene within chromatin affects its expression, contradicting the concept of a singular 'histone code'. The researchers inserted the same gene into 90 different locations in yeast chromosome and discovered significant differences in gene activity.
The bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis causes excess IL-10 production, inhibiting T-cell function and leading to infection. Early intervention is crucial to prevent chronic periodontal disease.
A study by KIT scientists found that time pressure increases excitement in auctions, leading to higher end prices. Emotional responses, such as measured heart rates and skin resistances, play a significant role in bidders' decisions.
Researchers found that benomyl exposure can trigger a cascade of cellular events leading to Parkinson's disease, even in individuals without prior pesticide exposure. The study suggests developing new drugs to protect ALDH activity may slow disease progression.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have identified a persistent error in computer simulations of molecular-scale motion, known as 'shadow work.' By accounting for this error, accurate calculations can be recovered. The research has implications for fields such as medical and biological research, new materials, and quantum mechanics.
New study finds Western Antarctica warming at three times the global average, with potential for catastrophic consequences on sea levels. The region's ice shelves are vulnerable to melting, contributing significantly to sea level rise.
A team of researchers found that partially filled spheres exhibit a predictable first bounce but a thud-like second bounce. This phenomenon occurs due to the transfer of energy from the ball-liquid system into a liquid jet, which dampens the rebound force.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a new molecular pathway that promotes accelerated growth of pancreatic tumors, and discovered ways to disable it. The findings suggest using the drug bortezomib as a potential strategy for treating pancreatic cancer.
A collaborative project by RDAV and University of Tennessee artist Evan Meaney has won the jury prize for Distributed Microtopias exhibition at FLEFF. The 'Null_Sets' artwork visualizes data size and structure using an open-source script, exploring the gap between data and information.
Researchers have developed a technique to overcome inhibitory plant compounds, allowing PCR to successfully amplify DNA from problematic plants. The additive TBT-PAR, containing trehalose, bovine serum albumin, and polysorbate-20, enhances PCR for DNA extracted from various plant species, including tropical and temperate species.
Researchers discovered that bacteria can survive antibiotic exposure through random pulses of the enzyme KatG, which activates the drug isoniazid. This finding may aid in designing new antibacterial treatments, particularly for drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Cyclone Dumile made landfall on La Reunion and Mauritius, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas. The storm's eye had formed by Jan. 2, with satellite imagery showing a ring of coldest clouds around the center.
John Baez and John Huerta's paper, 'The algebra of grand unified theories,' received the prestigious prize for its groundbreaking work on group representation theory in particle physics research. The Levi L. Conant Prize recognizes outstanding expository research published in top mathematical journals.
Researchers used brain scans to study how children's brains develop intellectual abilities like reading and math while watching Sesame Street. The study found that children whose neural maps resembled those of adults scored higher on standardized tests, suggesting that the brain develops along predictable pathways as we mature.