A University of Michigan researcher challenges the widely held notion that biofuels like ethanol are carbon neutral, arguing that plants used to make fuel do not remove additional CO2 from the atmosphere. He suggests reforestation and protecting forests as more effective ways to address climate change.
A recent study found a modest connection between low testosterone and an increased risk of developing or dying from heart disease. However, treating low testosterone with hormone replacement therapy did not have any beneficial effect on cardiovascular health.
A new study found that cross-ethnic friendships in urban middle schools help youths feel less vulnerable and safer. This research suggests that diverse classrooms with opportunities for students from different ethnic groups to interact can lead to reduced loneliness and victimization.
A new study found that only 12 out of 92 eligible patients received an implantable cardiac defibrillator after being medically evaluated. The majority who qualified did not receive the treatment, highlighting a need for further analysis to determine why this occurs.
Researchers develop a technique using smartphones to capture high-quality fundus images, aiding in the diagnosis of eye diseases. The method uses inexpensive apps and readily available instruments, making it accessible for smaller practices and third-world countries.
A new genus of electric fish, the Akawaio penak, has been identified in the upper Mazaruni River in northern Guyana. The discovery represents a significant finding for biodiversity research, as the region is a hotspot for unique and isolated species.
Typhoon Usagi maintained its inner-core structure with a ~50 km eye wall before landfall on Sept. 22, 2013. Radar data showed updrafts fell short of forming lightning in the inner core.
Researchers found that targeting a specific fungal component could render Candida albicans harmless, providing a potential new approach for treating deadly infections. By inhibiting the acidification of the fungal vacuole, the fungus can no longer form deadly filaments, allowing it to coexist peacefully with humans.
Researchers found that CVID patients with a single altered TACI allele maintain some residual B cell responsiveness, promoting autoantibody development. In contrast, individuals with two mutated copies of TACI have complete impairment of B cell responses, likely preventing autoimmunity.
A study from Linköping University found that Greek students reported poorer health and higher stress hormone cortisol levels than Swedish counterparts, despite lower perceived stress. The research suggests the social crisis in Greece is having biological effects on its residents.
Duojia Pan received the Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research for his groundbreaking work on cell signaling pathways and organ growth. His research has led to a deeper understanding of the Hippo pathway, which regulates tissue growth in animals.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that high levels of microRNA-31 in primary tumor cells predict lymph node metastasis and poor survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Low expression levels were associated with excellent survival.
A study of 1038 patients with type 1 diabetes reveals that social deprivation and poor blood sugar control are independent risk factors for mortality. Those with higher HbA1c levels and lower socioeconomic status were more likely to die from complications related to the disease.
A new study found that smoking boosts the risk of infection, pneumonia, and death after elective colorectal procedures. Smokers are more likely to experience complications and have longer hospital stays compared to non-smokers.
A recent study found a significant increase in young adults with oropharyngeal cancer, attributed to the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly among Caucasians. In contrast, African Americans face poorer survival rates despite lower incidence rates. The study's findings highlight the need for increased awareness and screening for HP...
A new study found that between 11% and 22% of French horn players showed some form of hearing loss typical of NIHL. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to prevent noise-induced hearing loss among professional orchestral musicians.
A study by University of California, Riverside researchers found that older adults' experience and knowledge compensate for declining fluid intelligence. They performed better than younger participants in temporal discounting, financial literacy, and debt literacy.
A new Dartmouth-Finnish study found that high-latitude moth populations are less susceptible to temperature changes, suggesting they may be partly buffered from the effects of rapid climate warming. The findings are important because moths are a key food source for birds and other predators.
A Mayo-led study has found that sulfasalazine, a commonly prescribed medication for inflammatory bowel disease, fails to reduce diarrhea in patients receiving radiation therapy. The study suggests that the medication may actually increase the risk of diarrhea when used during pelvic radiation therapy.
Psychology researcher Nilanjana Dasgupta aims to identify solutions to the 'leaky pipeline' issue, where women and minorities lose interest in STEM subjects. The study explores classroom dynamics and peer relationships to enhance STEM teaching practices and attract more girls and students of color.
A study published in Clinical Endocrinology found a strong association between the FTO gene and hip fracture risk in women. Women with the high-risk genotype had an increased risk of hip fracture of up to 16%, whereas those with low-risk genotypes had a lower risk of about 10%.
The study finds that high levels of wind and solar power reduce fossil fuel costs by $7 billion per year, while incurring cycling costs of $35 million to $157 million. Cycling increases operations and maintenance costs by $0.47 to $1.28 per megawatt-hour of generation.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that vitamin D supplements do not reduce bone turnover or protect bone health in postmenopausal women. In contrast, calcium supplements significantly reduced bone turnover and decreased the risk of osteoporosis.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new steering technology that eliminates valves and uses advanced algorithms to precisely control hydraulic pumps, resulting in a 43% increase in fuel efficiency. The system also shows improved machine productivity and reduced operator fatigue.
A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that environmental enrichment can help counteract brain atrophy in people with chronic moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study, led by Dr. Robin Green, suggests that increased physical, social, and cognitive stimulation can slow down brain shrinkage.
Astronomers have found the most crowded galaxy in our part of the universe, M60-UCD1, packed with an extraordinary number of stars. The ultra-compact dwarf galaxy is estimated to be about 10 billion years old and has a density of stars about 15,000 times greater than Earth's neighborhood.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that young women are better equipped to deal with the negative effects of insulin resistance. This biological ability may explain why women typically develop heart disease 10 years later than men.
Researchers at Harvard University investigated the process of villification, which shapes gut villi, and found similarities in its principles across different animal species. They discovered that mechanical forces from muscle layer differentiation drive early villus growth.
A new study suggests that warning consumers about potentially harmful side effects can improve their opinions and increase product sales. Researchers found that when warnings are delayed, they can actually make products seem more trustworthy to consumers.
TNO researchers Alexander Toet and Maarten Hogervorst win the Rudolf Kingslake Medal for their work on statistical mapping approach for night-vision applications. The paper presents an overview of their progress in achieving color constancy and computational simplicity.
Researchers found that tempol, an anti-oxidant drug, reduces weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. The drug targets the gut microbiome, specifically reducing Lactobacillus levels and increasing tauro-beta-muricholic acid, which inhibits FXR and regulates metabolism.
In a surprising twist, males prefer novel partners, whereas females tend to mate with their 'brothers-in-law', suggesting smell plays an important role. This unique preference could have implications for our understanding of mating behaviors in other species.
A study of Stage T1aN0 breast cancer patients found no significant increase in deaths from cardiac disease or secondary malignancies among those receiving external beam radiation therapy (XRT). Women who received XRT had better survival rates and fewer deaths from all causes compared to non-XRT groups.
Research published at EASD annual meeting shows having children lowers mortality in people with type 1 diabetes, particularly for women. Mortality rates are significantly higher among women with diabetes compared to controls, but having offspring reduces this disparity.
COHRED and Pfizer support MARC Phase II, an interventional approach to address ethical review bottlenecks in the African research landscape. The project aims to connect networks, foster innovation, and drive high standards for clinical trials globally.
An interdisciplinary team from Jülich and Aachen produced robust magnetic molecules with neodymium, enabling direct electrical readout. These molecules could replace conventional electronic components, reducing energy consumption and increasing data processing capabilities.
Researchers using Van Allen Probes discovered ultra-fast particles driving a previously unknown configuration of three bands in the Earth's radiation belts. Computer simulations show that one common acceleration method doesn't apply to these particles.
Scientists analyze data collected from a spring 2011 cruise to determine the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on deep-water communities in the Gulf of Mexico. The study found severe reduction of biological abundance and biodiversity impacting an area around 9 square miles around the wellhead.
ASU researchers are part of a $28 million NSF-FESD grant program to study the Great Oxidation Event and ancient climate change. They aim to understand the role of Earth system dynamics in human evolution, using a combination of models, geochemical proxies, and laboratory experiments.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that combining acupuncture or counselling with usual care can significantly reduce depression symptoms in patients with recurring depression. The study also showed a reduction in serious pneumococcal infections, highlighting the importance of vaccination in reducing these diseases.
A University of Missouri researcher has found evidence suggesting the Late Cretaceous Period was ice-free, despite initial thoughts of a continental ice sheet. The study uses fossilized shells to analyze oxygen and carbon isotope ratios, providing insights into past temperatures and environmental conditions.
A new study uses a computer-based decision support system to deliver personalized evidence-based recommendations for pediatricians, increasing the likelihood of accurate ADHD diagnoses. The system, CHICA, also prompts physicians to screen for anxiety and depression.
Researchers have developed a new theory to analyze interacting nuclear spins in solvents, revealing that the Nuclear Overhauser Effect is long-range due to electromagnetic radiation frequency. This breakthrough improves understanding of molecular structures and dynamics, opening up new applications for NMR spectroscopy.
The recently discovered ultra-compact dwarf galaxy M60-UCD1 has a density of stars about 15,000 times greater than in the Milky Way. The galaxy's central bright X-ray source suggests a massive black hole weighing 10 million times the sun's mass.
Research found that artificial lighting and noise cause blackbirds in city centers to become active earlier, starting their dawn song up to five hours before sunrise. This alters their natural cycles, affecting their ability to defend territories and interact with humans during rush hour.
Researchers at National Ignition Facility have made significant progress in creating a self-sustained fusion reaction, but still face challenges to overcome before achieving the highly stable and precisely directed implosion required for ignition.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology shows that abiraterone acetate significantly delays pain progression and quality of life deterioration when taken with prednisone. Patients experienced a more than eight-month delay in pain progression and a four-month delay in quality of life decline.
Researchers have found that past weight loss can contribute to disordered eating by increasing the severity of symptoms in individuals with anorexia nervosa. The study's findings suggest that taking into account a person's historical and current body weight is crucial for effective treatment.
Researchers developed a portable ventilation pump for large animals, improving the safety of veterinarians treating patients in the field. The device is easy to use and inexpensive, allowing veterinarians to provide emergency first aid without relying on conventional equipment.
A new study found that responsive interactions are crucial for toddlers' language learning, particularly when compared to video instruction. When conversing with a person or in a live video chat, children learn new words and use them to label actions.
Research led by Robert Gros and Marco Prado found that heart cells release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to regulate heart activity, in addition to nervous systems. The findings suggest that this non-neuronal system may play a crucial role in counterbalancing sympathetic activity and boosting parasympathetic signaling.
The discovery of two new fossil jaws in Vellberg, Germany, provides evidence that the ancestors of lizards, snakes, and tuatara were alive during the Middle Triassic period. The findings suggest that lepidosaurs first appeared after the end-Permian mass extinction event, around 240 million years ago.
The American College of Rheumatology has released new guidelines for the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The update includes over 1,200 clinical scenarios and covers various medication options, including biologics. The new recommendations aim to enhance care for children with this disabling disease.
Research by Dr Norman Mangner found that obese children exhibit early stages of atherosclerosis and insulin resistance, increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease. Adopting a healthy lifestyle from childhood is essential to prevent these conditions and reduce the risk of heart disease.
The QUT-developed Semaphore program enables researchers to simulate fluxes of carbon and nitrogen, providing guidelines for reducing greenhouse gas footprint. The program reduces transaction costs and testing time, allowing landholders to adopt effective strategies for minimizing emissions.
A University of Michigan study explores how divorce and remarriage impact caregivers, finding that adult stepchildren can be a source of stress. The research highlights the need for tailored interventions to address the unique needs of re-partnered older adults in complex family situations.
A study in JAMA found that repeating bone mineral density (BMD) tests every 2 years provides little additional value for assessing fracture risk. The study, conducted on a cohort of older men and women with untreated osteoporosis, showed that BMD change provided little information beyond baseline BMD for clinical management.
A recent study published in JAMA found that repeating bone mineral density (BMD) tests after four years offers limited value in assessing bone fracture risk in seniors aged 75 and older. The study suggests that updating clinical characteristics in the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) instead of repeating BMD tests may be a more eff...
A new study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research reveals that a simple measurement of the sweat gland activity can determine if a person is suicidal, confirming previous research. The test found a strong correlation between hyporeactivity and suicide in depressed people, with 97% accuracy.
Researchers have identified distinctive epigenetic modifications associated with Parkinson's disease that can be easily analyzed in blood samples. These changes replicate the epigenetic status of brain tissue cells, potentially simplifying early diagnosis of the disease.
Researchers found that cuckoo finches with multiple eggs in a nest confuse host parents, making it harder to distinguish their own eggs from imposter eggs. This strategy combines with egg mimicry to increase reproductive success. The study highlights the cunning tactics of brood parasites like the cuckoo finch.
A new study published in Child Development found that playing with blocks improves preschoolers' spatial skills, which support later math-related learning. Low-income children, who often lag behind in spatial skills, can particularly benefit from block play to close the gap.
A simple 'traffic light' test developed by the University of Southampton has shown promise in reducing harmful drinking rates and potentially preventing hundreds of alcohol-related deaths. The test, which costs £50, can detect hidden liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in high-risk populations and advises patients to reduce or avoid drinking.
A majority of underage students in Ontario who smoke or drink obtain their substances from friends or family members. The survey found that males are more likely to buy cigarettes from corner stores than females, while females are more likely to receive alcohol from a friend or family member.
A new CU-Boulder-led study suggests that a microbial clock, tracking bacterial changes after death, could be a powerful tool for estimating time of death. The researchers were able to pinpoint the time of mouse death within four days using high-tech gene sequencing techniques.
Researchers at Uppsala University found that combining two test methods can provide better asthma diagnosis. The combination of exhaled nitric oxide and blood eosinophil counts increases the likelihood of individuals reporting asthma symptoms or attacks.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a comprehensive dataset containing millions of chemical analyses from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The dataset, which includes data on underwater hydrocarbon plumes and dispersants, is now publicly available online.
A recent study found a rise in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among adults aged 80 and older, with significant increases in those with reduced kidney function. The study suggests that targeted efforts to address CKD are necessary for this age group.
Typhoon Pabuk has an unusually large eye covering about 30 nautical miles, three times larger than a previous typhoon in China. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts Pabuk to track parallel to Japan's coast while gaining frontal characteristics.
A study by Aarhus University researchers found that global forests are being cleared and restricted to steep terrain, leading to reduced biodiversity. The shift is driven by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and efficient land use practices.
A University of Michigan study found that following a low-sodium DASH eating plan for 21 days can lower blood pressure similar to taking anti-hypertension medicine. The diet improves left ventricular relaxation and reduces diastolic chamber stiffness, leading to better heart function.
Researchers identify two rare gene mutations that increase generation and accumulation of toxic amyloid beta protein, impairing neural cell growth. The findings suggest the enzyme ADAM10 as a promising therapeutic target for treatment and prevention.
A new Penn Medicine study shows that proton therapy significantly reduces side effects in pediatric head and neck cancer patients. The results, which followed 25 patients aged 1-21, found no evidence of disease in 76% after 13 months, with only mild side effects such as fatigue and dermatitis.
A study found that combining intensive diet and exercise leads to greater improvements in knee pain and function compared to diet alone or exercise alone. Participants who lost weight through diet and exercise had less knee pain, better function, and faster walking speed.
Researchers found a molecular mechanism linking mechanical ventilation to hippocampal damage and mental impairment in ICU patients. The study suggests that elevated dopamine levels may contribute to the development of neurobehavioral disorders in patients exposed to mechanical ventilation.
Researchers found that SLC30A8 zinc transporter is crucial for insulin clearance by the liver and signals to stop releasing insulin. The study also discusses the dynamic regulatory role of zinc in insulin regulation.
A study by researchers at the University of York found that combining acupuncture or counselling with usual care improved depression symptoms in patients after three months. The study showed significant reductions in average depression scores for both acupuncture and counselling interventions, but not between the two groups.
A new study by NYU Steinhardt researcher Niyati Parekh suggests that disturbances in body insulin and glucose levels are associated with an increased risk of obesity-related cancers. The research, which analyzed data from the Framingham Heart Study, recommends lifestyle changes to alleviate these disturbances as a cancer control tool.
Researchers discover how anxiety affects olfactory processing, linking emotional centers of the brain. Neutral smells become distasteful under anxiety, leading to a vicious cycle that can heighten distress and lead to conditions like anxiety and depression.
NOAA's Marine Debris Program awarded $967,000 to 11 groups for locally driven marine debris prevention and removal projects. The projects will remove derelict fishing nets, litter, lumber, tires, and other harmful marine debris from shorelines and coastal waters.
A systematic review by the University of Southampton found that people taking antidepressants are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, although the exact cause is still unknown. Different types of antidepressants may carry varying risks, and further research is needed to determine their individual effects.
A UK study found improved life expectancy for people with type 1 diabetes, particularly among younger individuals. The research suggests that this improvement should be reflected in life insurance policies, but gaps in life expectancy remain between the T1DM population and general populations.
The study found that sensor-augmented pump therapy significantly reduced the rate of severe and moderate hypoglycemia among patients with type 1 diabetes, particularly those with impaired awareness. The technology demonstrated potential to reduce the duration and frequency of significant hypoglycemia.
A study found that dextrose gel treatment can almost halve the likelihood of hypoglycaemia treatment failure in at-risk babies. Babies treated with dextrose gel were less likely to be admitted to intensive care and formula fed, reducing hospital admissions and costs.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found stereotactic body radiotherapy to be a viable option for elderly patients with localized pancreatic cancer, offering a six-to-seven-month increase in lifespan and minimal side effects. The study also showed that two patients lived nearly two years after treatment.
A UN-backed report highlights the need for a 'total economic approach' to tackle global land degradation, which affects 24% of usable lands and results in estimated annual losses of $40 billion. Adopting sustainable land management practices could raise crop supplies by an estimated 2.3 billion tonnes worth $1.4 trillion.
A recent genetic study challenges the long-held assumption that the Neolithic age marked the beginning of a global population explosion. Researchers found evidence of significant human population expansion dating back to the Paleolithic era, around 60,000-80,000 years ago.
Adult childhood cancer survivors who underwent nephrotoxic therapies or kidney surgery had worse kidney function that did not recover over time. The study found a significant decline in glomerular function after treatment and a higher risk of premature chronic renal failure.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a novel immunotherapy approach that demonstrates substantial tumor regression in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The treatment combines gemcitabine with an agonist CD40 antibody and uses real-time FDG/PET-CT imaging to monitor tumor response.
Researchers found that genetic loss of a proton pump in beta-intercalated cells leads to increased prostaglandin E2 production, promoting hypokalemia and hypercalcemia. Pharmacologic inactivation also results in dRTA-like symptom development.
Researchers develop mouse model of hereditary spastic paraplegia linked to changes in endoplasmic reticulum structure associated with REEP1 mutations, which impair ER function. The new model provides insight into how ER morphology affects axon loss in HSP.
Researchers evaluated nine commonly used anaesthetics and found that several cause stress responses in zebrafish. Etomidate was deemed the most suitable for future routine use, improving the welfare standards of millions of fish used in scientific research worldwide.
A fleet of underwater robots, known as gliders, is being deployed by NOAA and partners to collect ocean data off the East Coast. The gliders will help scientists improve storm intensity forecasts and understanding of hurricanes.
Researchers develop mouse models of hereditary spastic paraplegia and distal renal tubular acidosis to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases. The studies reveal key roles for REEP1 in ER shaping and β-intercalated cells in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.
Iowa State University researchers have discovered the binding site of a protein that loosens plant cell walls, allowing plants to grow. The discovery uses advanced NMR technology and could lead to more efficient bioenergy production.
A neuroimaging study found that individuals with psychopathy fail to activate brain areas associated with empathy and concern for others when imagining others in pain. This atypical pattern of activation suggests that psychopaths may not care for others, but could be triggered into emotional response through cognitive-behavior therapies.
A clinical decision rule, known as the Ottawa SAH Rule, has been developed to identify neurologically intact patients with headache in the emergency department who have subarachnoid hemorrhage. The rule uses five variables from a patient's history and examination to predict diagnosis, showing 100% sensitivity but only 15.3% specificity.
The Sociogenomics Initiative RCN will bring together researchers from prominent US and Canadian universities to study the genomic mechanisms underlying social behavior. The network aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of social behavior in molecular terms through large-scale collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches.