Researchers have isolated viruses that specifically target the highly infectious hospital superbug C. diff, which can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration. The discovery could lead to a new treatment for this condition, with the potential to revolutionise the way it is treated in clinics.
Researchers have developed a simple and reliable urine test to detect blood clots, which can cause life-threatening conditions. The test uses synthetic biomarkers that can sense vascular diseases remotely from the urine.
A study found that stroke patients who participated in cardiac rehabilitation programs for six months showed significant improvements in walking function, with average gains of 21% in limb strength, 19% in walking speed, and 16% in walking distance. Early referral to the program was crucial for better results.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a link between abnormal brain waves and schizophrenia symptoms in mice. The study found that mice lacking the brain protein calcineurin exhibit hyperactive brain-wave oscillations during rest and impaired mental replay, mirroring some schizophrenia symptoms.
In a breakthrough study, researchers found that brain neurons can regulate their own activity to maintain a constant level of activity even after significant changes, such as sensory organ loss. This allows for regeneration and adaptation, essential for healthy brain function and recovery from injury.
A new study found that financial deprivation can lead to a decline in ethical principles, resulting in workplace sabotage and theft. People who experience financial loss are more likely to judge others' unethical behavior more leniently.
A study found that nearly all nurses who used mobile devices to look up drug information prevented at least one adverse event. The use of these tools improved patient safety and reduced healthcare costs, with estimated savings of $4 billion annually.
Scientists have discovered a critical clue about why some people can control HIV without taking antiviral drugs. These 'controllers' have an extra helping of the immune protein APOBEC3G, which blocks HIV from spreading within the body.
A recent study on gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology found that it can reduce particulate matter emissions to meet new California and EPA standards. GDI vehicles tested over a lifetime of 150,000 miles hovered near or below the limit set by the new regulations.
Insomnia affects up to 54% of US military personnel and veterans since 2001, with deployment-related stressors contributing to chronic sleeplessness. Behavioral interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy show promise in reducing insomnia's effects.
Researchers at Salk Institute create technique to activate proteins in brain using light, allowing precise control over neuronal activity and enabling study of specific proteins. The method expands genetic code of mammals and opens possibilities for optically regulating protein modifications and interactions.
Researchers have identified a variant of common soil-based pathogen Clostridium perfringens type B as a potential multiple sclerosis trigger. The bacterium produces a toxin that targets damaged tissues in MS patients, with levels of epsilon toxin antibodies found to be 10 times higher in MS patients than healthy controls.
Researchers created a heat-resistant thermal emitter that can convert heat into infrared light, enhancing the efficiency of solar cells. The new material remains stable at temperatures up to 2500 F, surpassing earlier prototypes.
Researchers at Brandeis University observed a neural firing-rate set point in neocortical neurons, which remains stable even during sensory deprivation or sleep. This homeostatic mechanism could lead to new approaches for neurological disorders.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that interactive farm hygiene lessons improved students' knowledge of germ spread and prevention, especially among girls. The lesson increased post-lesson scores by 21% for girls and 14% for boys, with a total increase of 13% in hand-to-mouth behavior awareness.
The Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute has received a $24 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support its work over the next five years. The funding will accelerate the translation of laboratory research into clinical use, medical practice, and health policy.
Scientists have re-examined the evolutionary origin of our skeleton and discovered that it originated from the armor of mud-slurping ancestors. The study found that conodonts evolved tooth-like structures within their own lineage, rather than inheriting them from a common ancestor with other vertebrates.
Research finds that Haitian teens in rural areas have a strong sense of family obligation and attachment to their culture, which protects them from the effects of poverty. They also report having a positive parent-child relationship due to their cultural values.
Researcher Chad Forbes aims to understand how stereotype threat impacts women in STEM fields, leading to job dissatisfaction and decreased performance. He's using a combination of neuroscience and social psychology to develop strategies to reverse this trend.
A Mayo Clinic psychiatrist argues that mass shootings are carefully planned and can be executed within a short time frame, making it difficult to restrict access to firearms for the mentally ill. The expert suggests that gun restriction among suicidal people works, but not necessarily in cases of mass shootings.
Researchers from Brown University traveled to Calaveras County to study the Guinness Book of World Records' top frog jumper, Rosie the Ribeter. They found that bullfrogs at the Jubilee surpassed the old research-grade mark of 1.3 meters a striking 58 percent of the time, with jumps reaching up to 2.2 meters.
A recommended nomenclature for 2D carbon materials has been published by the Editorial Board of Journal Carbon, aiming to standardize definitions and promote precise ideas. The new guidelines suggest using 'graphene materials' as an overarching term, including morphological descriptors for shape and size.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood suggests that children born to teen moms have similar spatial and non-verbal skills as those born to older mothers, after accounting for factors such as socioeconomic status and perinatal care. However, a slight difference in verbal skills scores remained.
A study by University of York scientists has found that wild chimpanzees produce alarm calls intentionally to warn others of danger, similar to human language. The research suggests that language may have originated from a multimodal vocal-gestural communication system.
The study found that nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine led to significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival compared to gemcitabine alone. Participants who received nab-paclitaxel also experienced a delay in tumor growth and higher survival rates, with 35% surviving over 1 year.
A team of Swiss researchers has developed a method to extract DNA from cultured pearls, allowing for the identification of species and authentication of luxury jewelry. This technique, which is non-destructive and non-invasive, uses genetic fingerprinting to differentiate between pearls from various oyster species.
A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers suggests that narrow-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) light could dramatically reduce surgical wound infections. The researchers found that 207-nm UV light was as effective at killing MRSA bacteria as a conventional UV lamp, but resulted in less damage to human skin cells.
Researchers at Cardiff University have created a peptide linked to a light-responsive dye that triggers cell death in cancerous cells. The new pathway activation technology, called transient photoactivation, enables scientists to precisely define the area where peptides should act, leading to more effective treatment strategies.
A study suggests that Indi's blood test can accurately distinguish between benign lung nodules and early-stage lung cancer by detecting a specific combination of proteins in the blood. The test, powered by advanced protein detection technology, has a 90% accuracy rate and could complement current clinical risk factors.
Researchers studied elephant vocal folds to understand how they produce infrasonic calls. They found that elephant vocal folds are orientated at a very acute angle in relation to the air stream, whereas in humans they are almost perpendicular.
Researchers at MIT have created a noninvasive diagnostic test that detects blood clots in urine, enabling early detection and treatment of life-threatening conditions such as strokes and heart attacks. The test uses nanoparticles to detect thrombin, a key factor in blood clotting, allowing for rapid screening and diagnosis.
A new study published in Health Affairs examines the pursuit of improved physical and mental health through various initiatives, including expanding home-delivered meal programs for seniors. The study also explores the economic benefits of biosimilars and how delaying aging could increase life expectancy by an additional 2.2 years.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison team developed a model to forecast the impact of future policies on urban development and agricultural cultivation on aquatic ecosystems. The study found that crop cover is projected to decrease in some regions, while urbanization may exacerbate biodiversity loss in others.
A UMD-led study reveals the US economy's high resource dependence on oil, making it susceptible to 'peak oil' threats. The research team identifies sectors such as iron mills, chemical manufacturing, and air transport that could put the entire economy at risk.
A study found that elderly patients with severe injuries, such as falls or motor vehicle accidents, are often undertriaged and sent to non-trauma centers despite having a higher risk of mortality. Trauma centers provide specialized care, resulting in lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays.
Researchers at RIKEN-MIT Center for Neural Circuit Genetics have uncovered a faulty brain mechanism underlying schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders in humans. Mice genetically engineered to display symptoms of schizophrenia exhibit abnormal neural activity in the default mode network, which processes memories and recall.
A new USC study found that the brain activates more strongly to watching hateful people suffer compared to likable individuals. The 'pain matrix' of the brain is thought to be involved in processing complex social situations, and this study suggests it may prioritize monitoring enemies over loved ones.
NYU-Poly professors Juliana Freire and Thanasis Korakis are recognized for their work on big data analysis and developing solutions to improve home wireless performance. They will receive one-year grants supporting their research, which aims to unify data selection and visual analysis to analyze complex urban data sets.
A study by Professor Ian Spence found that drivers are distracted even when using voice-operated devices, increasing the risk of accidents. The researcher's study suggests that safety should be a top concern for internet access in vehicles.
Microbiologists at UNH are investigating the evolution of beneficial microbes in bioluminescent squid, seeking to understand how these relationships form and function. The researchers will study the genetic basis of adaptation and explore how selection acts on bacteria with different evolutionary histories.
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that HIV-negative partners who know they are protected from HIV transmission do not engage in significantly more risky sexual behavior. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 participants and found no increase in unprotected sex, despite knowledge of protection.
Patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer are at higher risk of complications if they have low albumin levels before surgery. A study found that patients with low preoperative albumin levels had twice the risk of experiencing postoperative complications within 30 days after the operation.
Researchers have developed a new therapy that targets the C9ORF72 gene mutation causing dementia and ALS. The stem cell-based approach manipulates brain cells in test tube studies, discovering compounds that counteract the genetic glitch.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center discovered a mechanism by which Staphylococcus aureus bacteria attack and kill off immune cells. The toxin selectively binds to surface receptors on different types of white blood cells, including neutrophils and T-cells.
A Johns Hopkins-led analysis suggests that taking certain blood pressure medications may reduce the risk of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease by at least 50 percent. The study found that diuretics and ACE inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk in people over 75 with normal cognition.
Researchers discovered 127 genes that appear to drive the development of a range of tumors in the body across 12 major cancer types. The study found common links among genes in different cancers, as well as mutations exclusive to particular cancer types.
The Curiosity rover's direct measurement of argon gas on Mars pinpoints the origins of Martian meteorites, shedding light on atmospheric loss. The discovery provides a clear signature of the planet's history and supports previous findings of atmospheric decline on Mars.
Researchers found that producing music decreases perceived physical strain and increases muscle effectiveness during exercise. This breakthrough insight sheds light on the therapeutic power of music and its role in human society.
Researchers measured levels of proteins in cerebrospinal fluid to predict cognitive impairment, identifying biomarkers that signal potential development of Alzheimer's disease up to five years before symptom onset. The study offers a potential tool for guiding earlier use of treatments and testing new drugs.
Mr. Stan Pittman has been honored with the William B Heroy Jr. Award for his over a decade-long service to the AGI community, including financial roles and educational contributions. He is also recognized for his 55-year career in petroleum geology.
Researchers at Kyoto University successfully induced direct conversion of human dermal fibroblasts into induced chondrogenic cells, displaying the gene pattern of chondrocytes. Transplanted cells generated hyaline cartilage tissue in immunodeficient mice without forming tumors.
A study found that treating asymptomatic urinary tract infections with antibiotics does not decrease the risk of bloodstream infection or mortality. Only a small percentage of patients who developed bacteria in their blood had it originating from the urinary tract.
Researchers used playbacks to examine the effects on wrens and antpittas, finding that repeated playbacks can stress birds and lead to wasted energy. Habituation occurred after daily playback for two-and-a-half weeks, suggesting minimal impact on wren behavior.
A new study reveals that body mass index (BMI) is not an effective predictor of mortality in bariatric surgery patients. Researchers found that sex, smoking status, and diabetes are better indicators of risk. The study suggests that the current practice of prioritizing bariatric surgery for obese women may be misguided, as men who are ...
A study published in Neurology found that elderly individuals with hardening of the arteries are more likely to have beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study also showed that increased arterial stiffness was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia.
Dr. Ellery Frahm's study challenges a widely held theory, suggesting ancient Syrians produced their own obsidian tools locally rather than importing from Turkey. This finding has implications for understanding how early cities developed and the geographic origins of raw materials.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have created software that uses a swarm of insect cyborgs to map unknown environments, such as collapsed buildings. The biobots' random movement is exploited to create a rough map of the area, which can help first responders navigate and identify potential hazards.
Women prefer low-pitched voices, even if they're perceived as cheats, to attract men for brief, short-term relationships. Researchers at McMaster University discovered that masculine voices are linked to an increased likelihood of infidelity in long-term partnerships.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) awarded five people Advocacy Travel Awards to support their attendance at the 2013 World Conference on Lung Cancer in Sydney. The awards provide conference registration, accommodations, a free IASLC Membership, and a travel stipend.
A clinical study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases shows that an oral cholera vaccine (ShancholTM) provides sustained protection against cholera in humans for up to five years. This breakthrough finding has significant implications for vaccination strategies and cost-effectiveness in developing countries.
A study published in Medical Care suggests that doctors will continue to accept new Medicaid patients after the ACA expansion, but may be less likely to accept uninsured patients. The researchers found that changes in Medicaid coverage did not significantly affect doctors' acceptance of new Medicaid patients.
A study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that cats from multi-cat households do not exhibit higher stress levels than those from single-cat households. The researchers discovered that a cat's personality, as classified by its owner, plays a significant role in determining its stress response to stroking.
The American Geosciences Institute has launched a national center focused on geoscience education, providing an extensive collection of resources, research, and career information. The Center's website offers over 2,000 annotated resource entries, including curricula, classroom activities, and virtual field trips.
Researchers identified frequent genetic alterations affecting sister chromatid cohesion and segregation, leading to chromosomal instability and aneuploidy in bladder cancer. The study provides evidence for a novel therapeutic approach using targeted therapies.
Research shows that high-quality preschool programs can have significant impacts on children's early learning, reduce disparities, and benefit middle-class children. Coaching teachers to implement engaging curricula is key to quality education.
A new microfluidic device can quickly identify harmless bacteria and those that produce biofilms, which are associated with disease. This breakthrough could enable faster diagnosis and more effective treatment of conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital have found that enriched bone marrow stem cells secrete hormones that replicate the positive impact of stem cells on treating animals with chronic kidney disease and heart failure. The discovery opens up a potential new treatment approach by eliminating the need to inject stem cells.
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Zurich allows them to display viral DNA in host cells at single-molecule resolution, revealing unexpected insights into its distribution and cell response. The technique uses click chemistry to label viral DNA without affecting its biological functions, enabling scientists to s...
A study published in BMJ Open found that the number of newly diagnosed autism cases in the UK has leveled off after a five-fold increase during the 1990s. In contrast, US data show a 78% rise in prevalence among 8-year-olds between 2004 and 2008.
New research reveals that cuckoos employ 'Batesian mimicry' by mimicking local bird of prey species with striped feathers, allowing them to frighten hosts into leaving their nests exposed. A wide range of cuckoo species have adapted different plumage patterns depending on their geographical location.
A rare inherited disorder has been linked to a recessive gene mutation that affects the synthesis of asparagine, a nutrient crucial for normal brain development. The mutation causes a defect in the body's production of asparagine, leading to abnormal brain growth and developmental delays.
The New York Stem Cell Foundation has awarded $10.5 million to seven researchers to advance their studies in stem cell biology and neuroscience. The new NYSCF – Robertson Investigators will receive funding over five years to expand their laboratories and train other scientists.
John Munz, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at UTHealth Medical School, has been awarded the Howard Rosen Table Instructor Award. His exceptional teaching skills and devotion to patient care have earned him recognition within the medical community.
A study found that children born to teenage mothers have delayed speaking skills at age five, likely due to limited opportunities for education and well-paid jobs. Parenting involvement, such as playing and reading with the child, was predictive of higher-level development.
Research in mouse whiskers reveals a surprise -- at the fine scale, the sensory system's wiring diagram doesn't have a set pattern. The results highlight a 'one-to-many, many-to-one' nerve connectivity strategy that allows for a large repertoire of textures and forms.
A Dartmouth study sheds new light on the Wari civilization's expansion, suggesting they focused on colonization practices rather than centralized control. The researchers found that Wari power was limited to specific regions and did not emanate continuously outward from a key administrative center.
As chimpanzees grow from infant to juvenile, they develop increased susceptibility to human yawn contagion. Researchers found that yawning but not nose-wiping was contagious for juvenile chimpanzees, while infants found neither contagious. The results suggest a general developmental pattern shared by humans and other animals.
Researchers found that methylphenidate and atomoxetine, two FDA-approved ADHD medications, increase brain activation when making fine temporal distinctions. This improvement in brain function is linked to improved behavior in children with ADHD.
A Princeton University study found that plants have prevented climate change by absorbing 186 billion to 192 billion tons of carbon from the atmosphere since the mid-20th century. This 'carbon sink' has kept global temperatures cooler by one-third of a degree Celsius, preventing catastrophic climate change.
The lab of Dr. John Martin at City College of New York has received $3.7 million for studies on movement control and recovery after brain or spinal injury. The research aims to repair damaged nervous systems and develop therapies for humans with mobility impairments.
Researchers at Caltech's intermediate Palomar Transient Factory have detected a rare type of supernova in a nearby galaxy, providing evidence for the theory that it originated from a Wolf-Rayet star. Additionally, they found the afterglow of a gamma-ray burst, precisely locating its position using optical telescopes alone.
A new study from the University of Southern California has found that a genetic mutation associated with Alzheimer's disease can double the rate of brain tissue loss. This means that individuals carrying this mutation may experience symptoms earlier than expected, highlighting the need for targeted clinical studies and treatments.
Researchers from Brown University recruited frogs from the fair and compared their jumps to those in the lab. Most professional and rental frogs outperformed lab frogs, revealing a non-linear relationship between sample size and jump distance.
Researchers from Europe focus on conceptual issues, multigenerational perspectives and cross-cultural approaches to understand intergenerational relations. The book highlights new questions arising from the economic crisis, such as resource distribution and investment in education and healthcare.
Researchers have developed a device that can sort human cells based on their stiffness, which may help doctors diagnose diseases more accurately. The technology uses microfluidic channels and ridges to separate cells into two streams depending on their mechanical properties.
A national survey found that most Americans incorrectly believe miscarriage is rare and misunderstand its causes, leading to feelings of guilt and isolation. Rescue karyotyping provides critical information about the cause of miscarriage, which can reduce negative feelings.
Researchers from Harvard and MIT found that data visualizations with recognizable images, such as photographs and logos, and unusual types of charts like tree diagrams and network diagrams, are more memorable. This challenges the conventional wisdom that traditional charts are more effective.
Researchers have linked a new stripped-envelope supernova, named iPTF13bvn, to its star of origin using novel astronomical survey software. The team also pinpointed the first afterglow of a gamma-ray burst that was found by the Fermi satellite.
The American Chemical Society is researching everyday household products' safety, but significant progress is needed. The EPA relies on multiple sources to assess chemical risks, including computer programs, buying trends data, and laboratory tests.
A recent survey found that most master's graduates participated in at least one internship experience, leading to employment within the geosciences industry. Bachelor's and doctoral graduates, on the other hand, had lower participation rates and less favorable career outcomes.
Researchers suspect that killer whale menopause is related to the animals' social structure, where older females help protect and care for offspring and grandoffspring. The study aims to uncover why these whales evolved this trait, which may also shed light on human menopause.
Astronomers at Queen's University Belfast have found that small and dense neutron stars with gigantic magnetic fields power the most luminous supernovae. Contrary to existing theories, these stars' findings suggest a new explanation for the brightest exploding stars in the universe.
A study by UCL researchers found that abnormal levels of female hormones are a possible explanation for why women with BRCA1/2 mutations develop breast and ovarian cancer. The research suggests that targeting these hormones could lead to new ways of preventing cancers in high-risk women.
Researchers have discovered how an ALS mutation kills neurons and developed a therapeutic strategy to block this neurodegeneration. They used human skin cells from patients and converted them into neurons, finding that the abnormal genetic expansion causes cell death, dysregulated gene expression, and RNA toxicity.
Research finds that animal populations can significantly influence carbon storage and exchange in regional ecosystems, often rivaling the impact of fossil fuel emissions. This underplayed role highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the indirect effects of animals on the carbon cycle.
Researchers have found that spraying broccoli with a plant hormone called methyl jasmonate boosts the levels of an enzyme that helps rid the body of carcinogens. Sulforaphane, a byproduct of glucosinolate breakdown, is a major contributor to this effect.
Researchers used GPS sensors to track fishers' movements and discovered they chose routes that deviated from predicted models, highlighting the importance of considering animal behavior in landscape planning. This approach could lead to more accurate corridor predictions and improved species conservation.
A new Pain and Interoception Imaging Network (PAIN) will feature hundreds of brain scans and clinical information to tease out similarities and differences between chronic-pain conditions. The database aims to improve research and treatment development for conditions like migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
A new study by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München researchers has uncovered a novel effect that can stabilize quantum systems against decoherence. In principle, this effect offers a means to protect the integrity of quantum information and brings practical quantum computing closer to reality.
Researchers have discovered a 520-million-year-old fossilized nervous system in an extinct marine arthropod, revealing a spider-like brain structure. The ancient creature, Alalcomenaeus, had a central nervous system similar to that of horseshoe crabs and scorpions, linking its ancestors to the modern chelicerates.
A study found that lawsuits related to procedures when non-physicians operate the laser are increasing, particularly outside traditional medical settings. Non-physician operators, including nurse practitioners and medical assistants, were involved in 75.5% of hair removal lawsuits from 2004 to 2012.
Researchers found that older participants experienced more tip-of-the-tongue moments, but these experiences were not associated with actual memory problems. The study suggests that these frustrating occurrences are largely independent of each other.
Researchers have identified a biomarker for sepsis in the blood that can be screened for at a patient's bedside, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment. This breakthrough has the potential to save thousands of lives by reducing diagnosis time from up to two days to just two hours.
A study of over 32,000 participants found that traumatic life events are the biggest cause of anxiety and depression. The research highlights the importance of a person's thinking style in determining their level of stress and anxiety.
Scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center and USDA have discovered that avian influenza virus can be detected based on odor changes in infected birds. The study identified specific chemical compounds associated with the odor changes, which may also serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases in humans.