A recent study published in Pediatrics found a strong link between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and increased risk of behavioral problems in children. Maternal psychological distress also played a significant role, with children experiencing anxiety, depression, attention problems, and aggressive behavior.
PET scans can identify patients with more aggressive tumors, enabling intensified treatment for locally advanced lung cancer. The study found a strong correlation between radiation dose intensity and local control of the cancer.
Scientists used state-of-the-art genome sequencing and bioinformatics to resolve the long-standing question of ants' evolutionary relationships. The study found that ants are more closely related to bees than to most wasps, with ants forming a sister group to the Apoidea family within Hymenoptera.
Scientists at USC created a mathematical model to predict the biological process creating antibody diversity. The research, a collaboration between Myron Goodman and Chi Mak, explains how an enzyme initiates hypermutations in immunoglobulin genes, generating robust immune systems.
A study finds that chronic myeloid leukemia cells with activating beta-catenin mutations are highly aggressive and resistant to Imatinib. Combined treatment with drugs restoring IRF8 expression and inactivating beta-catenin may prevent fatal leukemia progression.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new eco-friendly material for better power-converting magnets in wind turbines and electric cars. The material reduces neodymium-iron-boron production costs from $60 per kilogram to around $10 per kilogram, improving the magnetic remanence of the resulting magnets.
A virtual simulation program is being developed to train home health workers in recognizing and responding to risks. The program will use realistic scenarios and interactive elements to equip workers with the skills to evaluate home environments and adapt their tasks to protect themselves.
Research finds abusive mothers experience stress and physiological responses when attempting warm parenting, leading to increased hostility. The study suggests a biological basis for aversive parenting patterns, making it harder for interventions to succeed.
Scientists create tiny houses for bacteria using a novel 3D printing technology, enabling precise control over bacterial interactions and growth. The method reveals that certain bacterial communities become more resistant to antibiotics when contained together, providing new insights into infection mechanisms.
A team of UAlberta medical researchers has developed a potential new treatment for atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm problem affecting 1 in 200 people. The new drug, based on the resveratrol compound found in red wine and nuts, regulates electrical activity in the heart and reduces abnormal heart-rhythm episodes.
Researchers discovered that neuroactive stress steroids trigger changes in the brains of methamphetamine-dependent rats during withdrawal. Flumazenil reversed these changes and prevented anxiety by reducing expression of a4βδ GABARs, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for stress-triggered anxiety.
A study analyzing 11 years of data found that less than 1% of NHS doctors prompt performance concerns each year. Doctors in the late stages of their career are six times more likely to be referred for remedial help, highlighting a need for greater attention to mental wellbeing among staff.
The USPSTF found no conclusive evidence to support routine blood pressure screening in asymptomatic youth. However, there is a growing concern about the increasing rates of childhood obesity and its potential impact on adult cardiovascular health.
A systematic review of 12 trials found that probiotics reduced crying in six out of the 12 trials. Probiotics were effective in treating colic in breastfed babies, but had limited effectiveness in formula-fed babies. Larger and more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
New research reveals that sea lampreys utilize bile salts as pheromones to entice mates, akin to humans' evolution of perfume. This scent has evolved to serve as the invasive species' primary sex signal, distinguishing it from native fauna.
New research reveals that blocking cell death proteins can prevent abnormal heart muscle thickening in animal models. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for treating certain forms of heart disease, including hypertension and genetic conditions.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that individuals on the extreme ends of the political spectrum are equally likely to believe their opinions are superior to others', but for distinct political issues. Conservatives tend to feel more confident in their views on issues like voter ID laws and tax rates, while liberals ...
A study found that the median thyrotropin level at levothyroxine treatment start declined from 8.7 to 7.9 mIU/L, indicating potential overtreatment. Researchers suggest that up to 30% of persons receiving levothyroxine therapy may have been prescribed it without an accepted indication.
Researchers have found that a selective GABA inverse agonist can potentiate learning and memory performances in mice with Down's syndrome, reversing learning impairments. The drug also restored normal levels of gene expression in disregulated pathways, suggesting its therapeutic potential.
The study reveals that JC polyomavirus uses specific serotonin receptors to gain entry into cells, contrary to initial hypotheses. This discovery could lead to improved treatment options for patients with PML by informing how existing drugs work.
A new Stanford study proposes that an iron melt network played a key role in forming the early Earth's internal structure, lending credence to a theory first proposed nearly half a century ago. The team recreated ancient Earth conditions and found evidence that percolation, previously thought impossible, could have helped funnel molten...
A Duke University study discovered that people with extreme political views tend to feel superior about their beliefs, regardless of whether they are liberal or conservative. The research found that those at the extremes of both sides experience 'belief superiority' when discussing certain hot-button issues.
A new diagnostic test for detecting BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations has been developed using second-generation sequencing technology. The test is as sensitive as standard methodology but has the potential to improve efficiency and productivity in genetic testing laboratories.
The five-year collaborative research alliance will focus on detecting adversaries and attacks, measuring and managing risk, and altering environments to achieve best results at the least cost. Researchers will develop predictive models to make real-time decisions that lead to mission success.
Researchers have discovered a link between prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke and increased risk of allergies in children. High levels of microRNA-223 were found in pregnant women exposed to cigarette smoke, correlating with low regulatory T-cell numbers in their babies' cord blood.
Accountable care organizations, formed by consolidating doctors and hospitals into large networks, are more common in regions with payment risk sharing at hospitals and larger integrated hospital systems. These organizations aim to improve quality and cut costs without offering lower premiums to consumers.
Scientists have developed a way to generate electric current by rubbing or tapping paper made of everyday materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene and plastic sheets. The created energy can be used to power devices like LED arrays, e-ink displays, and sound buzzers.
A study published in JAMA found that emergency surgery, advanced cardiac disease, and a revised cardiac risk index score greater than 2 are strongly associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after noncardiac surgery. The study suggests delaying necessary noncardiac surgery may pose a clinical dilemma for patients.
A recent study analyzing Swedish news articles found that words related to happiness often appear with personal pronouns and names, highlighting the importance of relationships in collective happiness. The research also found that words like iPhone and Google rarely appear with the word for happiness.
A new study challenges the use of post-operative blood clot rates as a hospital quality measure, citing surveillance bias that can lead to inaccurate results. The study found that hospitals with higher imaging rates for VTE detection actually had better adherence to prevention measures and unexpectedly higher risk-adjusted VTE rates.
Researchers found that RhoA is necessary for proper regulation of cytokinesis in hematopoietic progenitor cells, which produce specific types of blood cells. The study showed that RhoA deficiency causes hematopoietic failure and defective blood cell production.
The concept of food addiction is being debated as a potential mental disorder, with some studies suggesting that certain obese individuals exhibit addictive-like behavior towards food. However, more evidence is needed to support inclusion in the DSM, and experts caution against over-diagnosing disorders.
A new robot-vision algorithm based on the Bingham distribution can identify object orientations more accurately than existing algorithms, with a 50% improvement in cases of poor visual information. The algorithm combines probabilities from different sources and has been successfully tested in cluttered scenes.
Researchers using Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR systems highlighted the technology's potential to transform clinical applications. Studies demonstrated increased precision, accuracy, and sensitivity compared to real-time PCR methods, particularly in detecting rare cancer mutations and genomic alterations.
Researchers discovered that mammalian cells prefer disc-shaped nanoparticles over rod-shaped ones under typical culture conditions. The study's findings could help design better therapies for various diseases by understanding how nanoparticle shape affects transport into cells.
Researchers used brain imaging and fossil evidence to confirm earlier studies on somatotopic maps in humans and monkeys. Early hominids evolved dexterous fingers when still quadrupeds, while bipedal locomotion led to a separate adaptation of the big toe for balance control.
Researchers suggest targeting the glutamatergic system as a viable target for antidepressant drug development, with potential to rapidly alleviate symptoms of depression. A phase II trial demonstrated a surprisingly rapid antidepressant effect in humans, and further studies indicate extended efficacy.
A study found that binge drinking slows bone healing by impairing the formation of hard bony tissue and recruiting stem cells to the injury site. Alcohol also increases oxidative stress, which can lead to weaker bones.
A massive DNA study has uncovered 157 genetic changes that alter cholesterol and blood fat levels, potentially leading to new medications. Triglycerides play a larger role in heart disease risk than previously thought, and the research provides strong foundation for further investigation.
Researchers at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research identified the cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) as a key player in triggering inflammation during hemorrhagic shock and sepsis. Blocking CIRP activity may improve patient survival rates, according to preclinical studies.
Researchers have discovered vast channels beneath an Antarctic ice shelf, stretching hundreds of kilometers. The channels' formation is linked to meltwater flowing under the grounded ice sheet, shedding light on how ice responds to environmental changes.
Researchers found that the extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is activated in response to chronic drug use and plays a key role in long-lasting behavioral adaptations. ERK activation can be prevented by pharmacological blockade, suggesting a potential target for treating addiction.
Researchers have identified six new disease-related genes for Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that affects moisture-producing glands. The findings provide a first step towards understanding how genetic variants alter immune system functions and may lead to the development of therapeutics.
A study of identical twins with significant weight differences found that in half of the pairs, the obese twin had a poorer blood fat profile and increased risk of diabetes. In contrast, the other half showed no difference in metabolic health between the two twins, shedding light on the 'metabolically healthy obesity' phenomenon.
Researchers found that epigenetic changes in the brain are associated with Alzheimer's disease, offering potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Epigenetic markers such as DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation increased with age, correlating with AD pathology.
Researchers discovered that the extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is activated in specific brain areas after exposure to addictive drugs. The study suggests that ERK activation is necessary for long-term synaptic plasticity and may be a suitable target for therapeutic interventions.
A new study suggests that genetically modified Bt sweet corn can reduce the need for traditional insecticides, resulting in increased marketability and profitability for farmers. The research found that Bt sweet corn outperformed non-Bt varieties in controlling pest infestations, even with conventional insecticide applications.
Researchers at Jülich's Institute of Energy and Climate Research have successfully recreated the natural conditions for isoprene degradation, demonstrating efficient hydroxyl radical regeneration. This process takes place faster than previously thought and produces fewer climate-damaging ozone molecules.
Scientists have developed a new method to visualize gene activity in single cells, revealing strong variability in gene expression and spatial organization between cells. The method allows for the parallel measurement of gene activity and transcript molecules in thousands of single cells, providing novel insights into cell behavior.
Research found that pesticides can subtly impact individual bees, leading to colony failure. The study provides an important breakthrough in understanding the causes of declining bee populations and offers insights for policymakers.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a class of inhibitory neurons called VIP interneurons, which specifically suppress activation of other inhibitory neurons. These VIP neurons modulate the balance between excitation and inhibition in the cerebral cortex.
A skin infection linked to aquariums is frequently under-diagnosed due to its delayed appearance. Researchers say patients often fail to remember the source of exposure, leading to delayed treatment and ineffective use of antifungal agents.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that obesity increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease by suppressing an important cellular process called autophagy. Restoring this process may help protect kidney health in obese individuals.
A study found that Haitians rely heavily on traditional healers and religious leaders for health information, but struggle with Western medicine and vaccination uptake. The research highlights the need for more coordinated efforts to provide healthcare to the Haitian population.
A randomized trial assessed whether wearing gloves and gowns for all patient contact in ICUs reduces MRSA or VRE acquisition. The study found a lower risk of MRSA acquisition alone, but no overall reduction in the composite rate of both bacteria.
A Dartmouth researcher found that oxygen can keep dying heart cells alive by providing spikes of oxygen. This discovery could lead to new treatments for congestive heart failure, which is often caused by cell death due to lack of oxygen. The research suggests that controlled breathing exercises may also have health benefits.
A study of 20 ICUs found that healthcare workers' universal gowning and gloving reduced MRSA acquisition by 40%. Handwashing frequency increased, but no adverse events were reported. The findings suggest that adopting such policies can help decrease healthcare-associated infections.
Researchers have solved the mystery of how the sodium-potassium pump distinguishes between sodium and potassium ions at the molecular level. The new protein structure shows how smaller sodium ions are bound and transported out of the cell, while larger potassium ions are blocked.
IU researchers and collaborators found two new targets, Rac GTPase and Pak, that can be inhibited to kill leukemia cells. The study aims to improve treatment options for patients with mast cell leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.
Researchers claim NASA portrayed astronauts as pioneering cowboys in its images of the moon landing, promising a future that never materialized. The study analyzed over 400 memory cards from visitors to the National Space Centre and found half contained a reference to the moon landing as a glimpse into a future that never came true.