A multicenter European study found that short-term hormonal therapy for transsexualism is effective and safe, with few side effects. The treatment, which involves large doses of male or female sex hormones, was shown to be effective in changing the external characteristics of trans individuals.
Research suggests that social stress can lead to increased metabolism in breast fat cells, which in turn stimulates nearby pre-cancerous cells to proliferate more rapidly. This local effect of fat cells in the breast may contribute to the development of triple-negative breast cancer.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has released a summary report highlighting the need for improved policies to address drinking behaviours in Ontario. The report recommends 10 policy improvements to decrease alcohol-related harms and costs in the province.
Marc Torrent, a researcher at the Medical Research Council, has been recognized for his outstanding work on antimicrobial regions in proteins and aggregation properties of antimicrobial peptides. His algorithm prediction tool is being applied to full genomes to identify new peptide leads.
A study by Dr. Daniel Boduszek reveals substantial empirical evidence linking psychopathy to increased criminal behavior and recidivism. The research also identifies the Interpersonal-Affective traits of psychopathy as a key factor in instrumental violence among offenders.
A personality test conducted on grey mouse lemurs found distinct personalities among the animals, with some exhibiting shy behavior and others being bold. The study aims to improve breeding programs and reintroduction efforts for these endangered primates.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used MRI to measure aortic atherosclerosis and found that thicker walls were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks. A smaller plaque buildup was linked to increased risk of peripheral vascular occlusion, stroke, and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
A UT Arlington environmental engineer is investigating the best methods to add monochloramine to water in the pipeline to eliminate biological growths and invasive species. The research aims to ensure efficient water delivery and last-long duration for the pipeline, benefiting over 4.4 million people in North Texas.
Researchers discovered that glycans can order the random network of water molecules above them, creating clusters or layers. This effect may help synovial fluid lubricate joints and influence how receptors recognize glycan coats on cells.
A team of neuroscientists mapped brain-cell activity in fruit flies to understand smell recognition. They found that a small number of neurons are required to distinguish between different odors, suggesting the importance of sparseness in signal transmission.
Consumers prefer appetizers served first when dining with others, as the beginning of the experience influences their overall judgment. This study highlights the importance of considering social context in consumption experiences, such as restaurants and museums.
Researchers have synthesized peptides that change shape upon irradiation with light, allowing control of protein-protein interactions and endocytosis. These molecules have immediate applicability for studying cancer cells and developmental biology, paving the way for optopharmacology and personalized medicine.
Researchers found that interactions between tau and amyloid-beta proteins in the brain may worsen Alzheimer's disease progression. The study identified the presence of these protein complexes in human brain tissue and mouse brains with Alzheimer's, suggesting a potential key to understanding the disease.
Research suggests that improved training in communication and interpersonal skills may help improve health, immune function, and reduce the spread of HIV. Patients who feel respected by their physicians are more likely to keep scheduled appointments and adhere to medical regimens.
A research team at UCSF has found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide during infancy is strongly linked with later development of childhood asthma among African Americans and Latinos. The study indicates that traffic-related pollution might be a cause of the disease, calling for tightened U.S government standards for annual exposure to NO2.
A survey of adult South African men found that approximately one in 20 reported consensual sex with a man, while one in ten reported being sexually assaulted by another man. The study highlights the need for targeted HIV prevention messages and addressing male-on-male sexual violence.
University of Granada Professor Javier Alba-Tercedor has won the Best Film award for his detailed images of a domestic fly's inside using microtomography. The high-resolution scans were made possible by a Skyscan 1172 micro-CT instrument, achieving 1.4 µm per pixel resolution.
A recent study by Indiana University found that while academics' TED Talks receive more comments and views than non-academics', the videos do not lead to an increase in citations among peers. The researchers suggest the Matthew Effect may be at play, where already recognized scholars are chosen for TED presentations.
Researchers found that taking calcium before exercise results in less of a decrease in blood calcium levels and slightly lower parathyroid hormone levels compared to taking it after exercising. This could help maintain stable blood levels during exercise and potentially mitigate bone loss.
Researchers discovered novel cellulose-degrading enzymes in marine wood borer gribbles, which can thrive in industrial settings. The enzymes hold promise of efficiently breaking down biomass into sugars for biofuel production.
A social media campaign on Facebook increased organ donor registrations 21-fold in a single day, with over 57,000 users sharing their status and more than 13,000 new online registrations. The effect continued for two weeks, with the number of new donors still climbing at twice the normal rate.
A meta-analysis study found that insulin degludec has a similar or reduced risk of recurrent hypoglycemia compared to insulin glargine. The study, involving nearly 3,400 adults with type 2 diabetes, suggests that insulin degludec may offer benefits in reducing the major side effect of insulin therapy.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have found that Eylea can effectively treat wet AMD patients who were previously unresponsive to Avastin and Lucentis. After three monthly injections, half of the eyes treated with Eylea showed reduced fluid accumulation, while one in five experienced improved vision.
A study led by Royal Holloway University researcher Carolyn McGettigan discovered brain regions involved in impersonations and accents. The team found that voice changes engage the left anterior insula and inferior frontal gyrus, while accent comparisons activate areas in the posterior superior temporal/inferior parietal cortex.
Joshua Obar has been honored with the ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on immunological memory responses. His work focuses on understanding how latent viral infections affect CD8 T cells and the formation of immune memories.
A study by the University of Exeter found that older male burying beetles invest more in parental care than younger counterparts, as they have less chance of reproducing again. This investment is driven by a desire to reduce the likelihood of female infidelity.
Researchers have identified a 30km-long fault zone near Istanbul as a potential starting point for a strong earthquake. The area, located just 15-20km from the historic city center, has shown no seismic activity in recent years.
A new study has compared the effectiveness of two diagnostic procedures for sarcoidosis: endosonography and bronchoscopy. The researchers found that endosonography resulted in a significantly higher diagnostic yield, detecting granulomas more often than bronchoscopy.
The E2e Project, a joint initiative of the Energy Institute at Haas and MIT's Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, aims to evaluate and improve energy-efficiency policies and technologies. The project seeks to provide valuable guidance to government and industry leaders, as well as consumers, on how to make smart choices.
A large study found similar genetic variations in overweight newborns and obese adults, suggesting a common genetic background. This discovery may lead to earlier identification of high-risk newborns and interventions to prevent obesity later in life.
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a single advanced building control that can customize fan speed to actual need, resulting in an 18% slash in energy demand. The technology has the potential to save tens of thousands of dollars annually for large office buildings.
A Georgetown University expert says graphic tobacco warning labels can survive a First Amendment challenge if they depict health consequences and are supported by scientific evidence. The FDA must provide clear evidence of the labels' impact on smoking rates to prevail in court.
Sexual minority youth are at greater risk of suicide than their heterosexual peers. Psychologists must be well-prepared to treat these youth with specialized training and knowledge. The necessary background includes familiarity with human sexuality, ethical issues, and clinical skills for managing suicide risk.
A study found that multiple islet autoantibodies predict a high rate of progression to type 1 diabetes, particularly among younger children and females. The researchers analyzed data from three cohort studies involving over 3,000 genetically at-risk children.
Researchers have found that the rice blast fungus uses two distinct secretion systems to invade plant tissue, shedding light on a devastating crop disease. The discovery is a step towards controlling blast disease, which destroys enough rice to feed 60 million people annually.
Researchers have shed light on how the rice blast fungus invades plant tissue by evolving two distinct secretion systems. Understanding this process is crucial in controlling the disease and will help prove pivotal in blast disease control.
The NIH is funding collaborations between academia and industry to explore new uses for existing compounds in eight disease areas, including Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. The initiative aims to accelerate the development of new treatments by leveraging existing research and development.
A study of over 2,000 adults found that increased abdominal aortic wall thickness and plaque buildup are associated with future cardiovascular events. MRI measurements can help identify individuals at risk of these events.
A study led by UC Irvine researchers found that the herbal extract Rhodiola rosea increases fruit fly lifespan by an average of 24 percent. The extract works independently of dietary restriction and affects different molecular pathways. Additionally, it delays physical performance loss and extends the lives of old flies.
CNIO researchers describe molecular bases of resistance to PARP inhibitor drugs in familial breast and ovarian cancers. Secondary mutations in genes like 53BP1 or PTIP can compensate for BRCA1/2 mutations, rendering drugs ineffective.
A team of chemists used the Jülich supercomputer to simulate chemical reactions and found that beyond a certain force, additional mechanical energy does not significantly accelerate reaction rates. Instead, forces above this threshold can create unfavorable spatial structures that block access to reactant molecules.
A breakthrough discovery by scientists at Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC has provided a biological rationale for fibromyalgia. Researchers found an increase in sensory nerve fibers around specialized blood vessel structures in the skin of female patients with fibromyalgia, which may be driving the reported symptoms.
Mount Sinai researchers discover that diabetics using glucose meters at appointments have improved disease control. A study found that patients with controlled diabetes had a lower Hemoglobin A1c level compared to those without monitored glucose levels.
Scientists have discovered 16 new species of Lepidium flora in New Zealand, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. The plants' decline is attributed to habitat loss, ecosystem disruption, and over-collection by botanists.
The University of Cincinnati's Center for Environmental Genetics will continue to conduct innovative research on how environmental agents interact with genetic and epigenetic factors to influence disease risk and outcome. The center supports state-of-the-art core facilities and technologies, including bioinformatics, integrative techno...
The average UK salt content of packaged bread fell by 20% from 2001 to 2011, reducing the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Despite this progress, significant variations in salt levels among different products persisted.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute developed a system to track mouse behavior, revealing signs of leadership and a class system in groups of normal mice. In contrast, experiments with autistic-like mice showed little emergence of dominant leaders or social structures.
Researchers found that two proteins affect responses to wakefulness and sleep deprivation. The study suggests that assessing quality of wakefulness before bedtime could lead to new ways of treating sleep disorders.
A low-pressure area has formed near the Philippines and is expected to develop into Tropical Depression 4 in the coming days. The system, named System 91W, is currently located about 355 miles east-southeast of Manila and is moving northwards.
Research suggests prenatal BPA exposure causes increased inflammation in fat tissues after birth, leading to obesity and metabolic syndrome. The study found that prenatal BPA exposure interacts with postnatal diet to modulate inflammatory mechanisms in fat deposits.
A recent study published in Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences explores the threat posed by shale gas fracking to biodiversity. The research reveals potential impacts on ecosystems, including salinization of soils, surface waters, and fragmentation of forests.
A study by Michigan State University found that there is a sweet spot – a group size at which the action is most effective. This sweet spot can increase and be more effective until free-riders weigh down the effort's momentum, while small groups can be powerful until individuals become overwhelmed.
Researchers develop a platinum-nickel nano-octahedra material that accelerates hydrogen and oxygen conversion to water, saving 90% of typical platinum usage. The unique atomic structure enhances reactivity while limiting lifetime.
A new minimally invasive procedure called CELS allows doctors to remove large and hard-to-reach polyps while keeping the colon intact. The procedure has been shown to have lower complication rates and shorter hospital stays compared to standard surgery.
A Yale project has made all of Medtronic's clinical trial research data for a bone growth product available for independent reanalysis. The project, known as the Yale University Open Data Access Project (YODA), aims to address the problem of unpublished and selectively published clinical evidence.
A study of 596 parents found significant differences in perceived positive effects of TV viewing between parents of ethnically/racially diverse children and non-Hispanic white children. Children watched an average of 462 minutes of TV per week, with African American kids watching more than other racial groups.
A new study in mice finds that low testosterone worsens obesity-related brain damage, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Obese mice with low testosterone showed more body fat, higher blood sugar levels, and poorer glucose tolerance than those with normal testosterone.
A new study from the University of New Hampshire finds that sibling aggression is associated with significantly worse mental health in children and adolescents. The study analyzed data from a national sample of 3,599 children and found that even mild instances of sibling aggression can lead to increased mental health distress.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found a molecular pathway that prevents the death of immature ovarian eggs due to chemotherapy, potentially preserving fertility and endocrine function. Adding a specific chemotherapy drug combination may protect young women's reproductive health during cancer treatment.
A two-year study by Oregon State University and the University of Pittsburgh found that bullfrogs can both carry and die from a deadly chytrid fungus. The research suggests that bullfrogs may not be the primary hosts for this pathogen, contrary to previous assumptions.