Researchers have found that electroacupuncture treatment can improve visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by reducing P2X4 receptor immunoreactivity in the colon and spinal cord. This study provides medical support for the central mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture treatment.
Scientists at Princeton University discovered that herpes viruses may cause repetitive nerve cell firing, leading to persistent itching and pain. Understanding this mechanism could lead to improved treatments for shingles, oral, and genital herpes.
Fluent bilinguals have both languages active at all times, regardless of conscious use. This suggests that they control parallel language activity and select intended language without conscious thought.
A study published in JAMA found that individual financial incentives significantly improved blood pressure control, with an 8.36% increase compared to no incentive group. The use of guideline-recommended medications showed no significant difference between intervention and control groups.
A study found that observing someone being flattered triggers social comparison and envy, leading consumers to choose more expensive items. Researchers Elaine Chan and Jaideep Sengupta conducted experiments in clothing stores to investigate reactions to salespeople's flattery.
A new study published in JAMA found that a 'pay for performance' program rewarding doctors on quality of care yields better health outcomes than traditional fee-for-service models. The program improved blood pressure control rates among patients with diabetes, with significant benefits observed in high-risk populations.
A new study found that granting wishes to seriously ill children and their families has a positive effect on wellbeing. Parents reported feeling distracted, creating an important memory, and experiencing mixed emotions.
The food industry is embracing sustainable packaging, but challenges remain in developing materials that are recyclable, compostable, renewable energy-produced or edible. Despite progress, structural integrity and water/oxygen barriers pose significant hurdles for edible packaging.
The Rim Fire has burned over 254,000 acres in California, with pockets of unburned vegetation continuing to burn. Scientists are studying the fire's remains to determine vulnerable areas to mudslides once the rainy season begins.
Researchers identified seven potential candidate genes as targets for melanoma immunotherapy, including cancer-testis genes and melanoma-related genes. The NCI is currently conducting clinical trials using this technology to treat various cancers.
A new study published in Radiology found that whole-body MRI can accurately predict the risk of heart attack and stroke in diabetic patients. The study revealed that patients with detectable vascular changes on whole-body MRI faced a cumulative risk rate of 20% at three years, increasing to 35% at six years.
A new electronic decision support tool has been shown to reduce deaths from pneumonia in emergency departments. The tool uses patient data to predict severity and provide personalized recommendations for treatment, leading to improved hospital admission rates and adherence to guidelines.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered a previously unrecognized type of pathology in Alzheimer's brains that sequesters proteins involved in RNA splicing. This finding could lead to new biomarkers, diagnostic approaches, and therapies by explaining how genes contribute their effects in the disease.
A UT Arlington engineer has received a $142,223 National Science Foundation grant to develop a system that uses complex data analysis to ensure consistency in various manufacturing processes. By examining this data, researchers can identify irregularities and help manufacturers adjust their variables for more consistent systems.
Research shows that orangutans and gorillas can form concepts beyond perceptual similarity, matching images by taxonomic class. This finding suggests a shared conceptual process with humans and refutes the notion that biological categories depend on scientific knowledge or labels.
Researchers have discovered that fungal sex can generate genetic diversity in organisms like Cryptococcus neoformans, enabling the creation of drug-resistant and virulent strains. This discovery sheds light on how pathogenic microbes evolve to cause diseases.
A substudy within the Partners PrEP Study shows that high adherence to antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples. With over 99% adherence rate, only 14 participants became HIV-positive during an average follow-up period.
Researchers identified a molecular memory switch in the basolateral amygdala that controls opiate addiction memories. The switch is triggered by exposure to heroin and involves two distinct signaling pathways controlled by ERK and CaMKII molecules.
A study found that using electronic health records (EHRs) with computerized and automated growth monitoring led to a higher detection rate of growth disorders in children. The system referred abnormal data for review, resulting in 28 new diagnoses compared to 4 in the control period.
A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that the body's production of fructose from non-fructose containing carbohydrates may be a key factor in obesity and insulin resistance. Researchers found that mice converted glucose to fructose in the liver, leading to the development of fatty liver and insulin resistance.
Researchers have developed two rapid tests to monitor resistance spread and screen new drugs for malaria. The simple tests can predict whether a patient has slow-clearing, drug-resistant parasites in just 72 hours.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that bilingual education programs have a positive impact on non-targeted students, including those who speak native English. The program improved test scores in math and reading for both Spanish-speaking and native English-speaking students.
Scientists have identified over 40 microbes in giant panda feces that can break down lignocellulose, a key step in producing ethanol and biodiesel from non-food plant material. This discovery could help shift production away from food crops and toward sustainable biofuels.
Researchers found that a combination of interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin reduced viral replication and lung damage in monkeys infected with the MERS-CoV virus. The treatment worked by moderating the immune response and promoting repair of damaged lung tissue.
A Rutgers University professor's advanced analysis of cerebrospinal fluid has found that multiple sclerosis may originate in the gray matter of the brain, challenging long-held assumptions about the disease. This new understanding could lead to more effective treatments and earlier diagnoses.
A study at the European Respiratory Society Annual Congress found that a music video produced by Dr. Tapas Mukherjee increased awareness of new guidelines for managing acute asthma. The video was shared on social media sites, leading to improved knowledge among healthcare professionals.
Researchers found complex oxygen-rich compounds and polyethers in the Sutter's Mill meteorite, expanding our understanding of extraterrestrial organic molecules. The discovery suggests a greater availability of these molecules for molecular evolution and life on Earth.
A new study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found significant racial and ethnic differences in outcomes following a type of stroke called subarachnoid hemorrhage. Hispanic patients were more likely to survive, while Asian/Pacific Islanders were more likely to die from the condition.
Research by Susanne Waiblinger found that introducing young dairy goats into the adult herd after parturition reduces social stress. Lactating mothers and their kids appear to be a calming influence on other goats, with reduced aggressive behavior.
A Binghamton University researcher has received funding to develop a more accurate way of determining a patient's risk of heart attack or stroke. The goal is to identify which plaques are stable and which ones are dangerous, allowing doctors to make informed decisions.
A study of over 850,000 Danish children found a significant increase in ADHD medication use from 2003 to 2010. The prescription rates of stimulant medications for ADHD, ASD, and other psychiatric disorders rose by 61%, 16% and 3% respectively during this period.
A new simple and rapid test can clearly identify artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites in people with the disease. The test was developed using ring-stage survival assays (RSAs) and shows promise for use in field-based settings to monitor artemisinin resistance.
Researchers have developed edible films to keep produce fresh for longer periods, improving food safety and convenience. The technology uses invisible, colorless, odorless coatings made from natural materials like carnauba wax and vitamin C to prevent spoilage and discoloration.
Professor Yasuhisa Asano received the 2013 Enzyme Engineering Award for his contributions to microbial degradation and transformation of nitrile compounds. He has engineered enzymes for large-scale production of amino acids, nucleic acids, and other biotechnological tools.
Archaeologists at the University of Bonn have discovered a 1,400-year-old mass grave containing 24 skeletons from the Maya civilization. The remains show signs of violent death and dismemberment, including decapitation and hatchet marks.
Researchers have developed a tri-linear interpolation algorithm for accurate white matter fiber tracking, resulting in longer tracked fibers with smoother orientations. This method achieved reliable tracking results that aligned with actual brain anatomy and disease conditions.
Medical scientists at the University of Alberta have made a key discovery about how the immune system kills healthy cells while attacking infections. Their research could lead to better solutions for cancer and anti-viral treatments by manipulating the immune system response to block collateral damage.
The landmark study discovered four novel gene variations linked to blood pressure in African-Americans, which also show associations across other populations. Genetic factors account for 40-50% of individuals' susceptibility to hypertension.
Researchers found that atorvastatin treatment decreased levels of inflammatory markers, thrombogenesis, and hyperlipidemia, suggesting its anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects. This study expanded the use of atorvastatin for acute ischemic stroke treatment by measuring multiple biomarkers.
A new study by Oxford University found that while obesity increases the risk of complications in childbirth, the risks are not the same for all obese women. Healthy first-time mothers of normal weight face a higher risk of medical interventions and complications than 'very obese' but otherwise healthy women having their second or subse...
A new study finds that figurative language in advertising can be effective, but its impact on attitudes depends on the product type. For hedonic products like truffles and ice cream, consumer reviews use more emotional language than utilitarian products like laundry detergent.
A University of Tennessee professor helped discover that a near-Earth object is actually a comet, not an asteroid. The body, 3552 Don Quixote, contains water ice and has a coma and tail, suggesting it may be the source of Earth's water.
A new study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics finds that gas flaring from oil extraction in the Arctic accounts for 42% of black carbon concentrations. Residential combustion emissions also play a significant role in black carbon pollution, contributing to the warming effect on ice and snow.
A new analysis finds that patients with chronic kidney disease are being prescribed statins inappropriately, despite no proven benefit. The study recommends lower dosages for early-stage kidney disease to minimize risks such as muscle pain and diabetes.
A Northern Arizona University-led team used the Spitzer Space Telescope to detect cometary activity in asteroid (3552) Don Quixote, a near-Earth object that was previously thought to be dead. The discovery suggests that water and carbon dioxide ice deposits may still exist on other near-Earth asteroids.
Researchers are identifying genetic biomarkers in patient blood samples to predict aggressive breast cancer progression. Large oncosomes, tumor-derived vesicles, may serve as valuable insights into disease progression.
Scientists like David Shiffman and Emily Darling document how tweeting supports scientific communication and outreach. They argue that a little effort on Twitter can provide enormous value for connecting with a diverse audience and sparking interdisciplinary collaborations.
Experts warn that UK and US policies to screen for pre-dementia may lead to unnecessary investigation and treatment. Up to 65% of people aged over 80 may be incorrectly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
A study in the Journal of Consumer Research examines how low-income consumers negotiate their social status within a resource-restrained and stigmatized community. The research reveals five distinct social groups with varying moral values and approaches to life in the trailer park.
A team of researchers has developed a unique $24 million project to create a 'body on a chip' that can model the human response to harmful agents, accelerating the development of new therapies. The miniaturized system of human organs will predict the effects of chemical and biologic agents and test potential treatments.
Transnational tobacco companies invested in smokeless tobacco products like snus in Europe for business gains, not health concerns. The industry's efforts to influence EU policy and maintain the status quo in favor of cigarettes have been revealed through internal documents.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected powerful thunderstorms with cloud-top temperatures of -63F/-52C, indicating strong uplift and potential for heavy rainfall. The Global Hawk unmanned aircraft is gathering data on the storm, which is expected to pass over or near Bermuda, producing rainfall amounts of 3-5 inches and a storm surge of 2-3 feet.
Researchers at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network have discovered a novel protein called Butyrophilin 3A1 that activates human gamma delta cells, which then coordinate an immune response to clear infections. This breakthrough opens doors to developing new treatments for cancer therapy and infectious diseases.
Astragaloside IV, a compound from traditional Chinese medicine, enhances sciatic nerve repair through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Upregulation of growth-associated protein-43 is associated with this process.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that federal, state, and local laws give only partial support to diabetes guidelines and evidence-based interventions. To address this, the authors suggest six specific actions to improve law's role in preventing and controlling diabetes.
Researchers found that replacing positive and negative needleless connectors with zero fluid displacement connectors reduced CLABSIs by 60% and 94%, respectively. This simple change saved an estimated 13 lives and over $3 million in healthcare costs.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute successfully erased dangerous drug-associated memories in mice and rats without affecting other memories. The study's findings suggest a clear method to disrupt unwanted memories while leaving benign ones intact.
A new study investigates why gorgonian corals, which can form a 'canopy' over reefs, appear to be proliferating in certain places. Preliminary data suggests that gorgonian coral density has been increasing on shallow reefs surrounding St. John, even as stony corals have declined.
A new study examines the combined effect of two risk factors on preeclampsia: maternal-fetal HLA gene sharing and seminal fluid exposure. The findings suggest that women with high levels of HLA similarity and low semen exposure have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism of DNA repair that operates differently from previously thought. The research reveals how proteins BRCA1 and TopBP1 communicate, which could lead to more targeted cancer therapies. Researchers aim to explore ways to exploit these findings for improved treatments.