The global supply of illicit drugs has likely not been reduced in the past two decades, with street prices falling and purity/potency increasing. This study analyzed data from seven international surveillance systems to conclude that law enforcement efforts are failing to curb supply and contribute to violence and public health issues.
The new journal aims to cover topics where technology, fuels, and resources intersect with social processes and influences. It will examine communities of energy users, people affected by energy production, and social institutions.
A study of over 14,000 children found that autistic kids had poorer sleep quality, including shorter total sleep duration and more frequent wake-ups at night. The researchers suggest that this may be due to impaired melatonin production, which could impact neuronal development.
New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that cocaine makes quiescent CD4 T cells more susceptible to HIV infection. The study found significant infection and new virus production in treated cells compared to untreated ones.
A new report from ECCO highlights the growing burden of cancer worldwide, with India, China, and Nigeria expected to see dramatic increases in cases due to population growth and lifestyle changes. The report calls for a major public-private partnership to improve cancer care and outcomes globally.
The trial aims to assess whether treating HIV-infected individuals as a form of prevention can substantially reduce new HIV infections across communities. The study will measure the impact on 52,500 adults over three years in 21 communities with a population of 1.2 million.
A 40-year study of Swedish women found that experiencing multiple stressful life events in mid-life increases the risk of developing dementia in late life. The research, published in BMJ Open, suggests that stress management and behavioral therapy may help mitigate this risk.
Researchers at Cornell University and Universidad Industrial de Santander developed a cheap process to remove toxic textile dyes from water using natural fibers embedded with nanoparticles. The method, tested on various pollutants, shows promise as a low-cost filtering unit prototype.
Researchers have discovered that animals deposit marks to show their presence and retreat from similar marks, revealing the importance of spatial overlap in understanding epidemic disease spread. This finding has significant implications for bio-inspired technologies and animal sociality.
Locust swarms threaten food security in Asia, Africa, and Australia, costing billions of dollars in lost harvests. A new ASU-led project studies human behavior, market forces, and ecological systems to minimize locust outbreaks.
Researchers estimated that approximately 0.60 Gray of the daily radiotherapy dose is 'wasted' due to overnight and weekend tumor growth, suggesting shorter treatment schedules may be more effective against breast cancer recurrence. This finding supports current trends to deliver shorter radiotherapy schedules.
A new study found that over half of Ontarians with major depression did not use physician-based mental health services, highlighting a gap in accessing clinician-based care. Research suggests that women are more likely to seek help and that cultural and stigma barriers may contribute to underutilization.
An observational study found that estradiol was associated with less risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli compared to conjugated equine estrogens. Women prescribed estradiol had fewer adverse vascular events than those prescribed Premarin, a patented drug.
The incidence of baby bed-sharing has more than doubled since 1993, with black and Hispanic infants at higher risk of SIDS. Healthcare provider advice plays a key role in educating caregivers about safe sleep practices.
A recent study tested fiber-optic sensors on a 36-km stretch of high-speed commuter railroad lines in Hong Kong, detecting over 10 million measurements and identifying anomalies such as excessive vibrations and mechanical defects. The system saves the rail company around $250,000 annually in maintenance costs.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that high blood sugar levels can cause irregular heartbeats, or cardiac arrhythmia, by activating a protein called CaMKII. The researchers found that O-GlcNAc, a sugar molecule, attaches to CaMKII and causes it to become overactive, leading to pathological changes in the heart's calcium signal...
A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that about half of global warming occurs within the first decade after an instantaneous step increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, while about one-quarter occurs more than a century later. The research brings together results from leading climate models, revealing...
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center studied 120 men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer and found that neither soy protein nor an antidepressant provided relief from hot flashes. The study highlighted the need for treatments specifically developed for men with hot flashes.
The study, involving 180,000 students across 34 countries, found that strong parental support and early literacy activities are crucial for academic success in reading, math, and science. Researchers discovered that students from homes with educated parents and access to reading materials tend to perform better in school.
Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine have discovered that combined radiation and burn injuries trigger 100 times greater bacterial leakage across the intestinal lining, leading to sepsis and death. This finding could lead to new treatments for survivors of nuclear disasters.
Lihong Wang has received a $3.5 million NIH grant to translate his single-cell label-free photoacoustic microscopy technology into the clinic for cancer screening, detection, prognosis, and monitoring.
According to a new hypothesis, black holes may have distinct features, dubbed 'hair', which are influenced by the surrounding matter. This concept contradicts the traditional 'bald' model proposed by Roy Kerr in 1963.
Cassini's Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) detects propylene, a chemical used in food-storage containers and car bumpers, on Titan's lower atmosphere. The detection fills a mysterious gap in Titan observations dating back to NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales discovered the genetic secrets of Antarctic extremophiles that can thrive in extremely cold and salty water. The study found that these microorganisms engage in extensive DNA swapping, enabling them to coexist despite their vastly different niches.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $5.9 million grant to the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth for its Lung Biology Center of Biomedical Research Excellence. This funding supports cystic fibrosis research and translates basic science into clinical applications.
Researchers at Virginia Tech aim to improve understanding of how environmental conditions affect the influenza virus's ability to survive and infect others while airborne. The project seeks to clarify why humidity affects the virus's transmission.
Researchers have developed a new blood test that can detect cancer metastasis in dogs by analyzing cell-free DNA in blood plasma. The test has shown promising results in detecting minimal residual disease and tracking tumor progression, with potential implications for human cancer treatment.
A national study of 2 to 5 year olds shows that psychotropic prescription use has leveled off since 2006. The likelihood of receiving behavioral diagnoses increased during this time but was not accompanied by a corresponding increase in psychotropic prescriptions.
Researchers discovered that aspirin improves survival in patients with colon cancer whose tumour cells express Human Leukocyte Antigen class I (HLA class I), a cell-surface protein involved in the immune system. The study found that HLA class I could be used to predict which patients benefit from aspirin therapy.
A CU Cancer Center study found that young patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have a higher risk of treatment failure and worse survival rates compared to middle-aged patients. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 patients and showed a significant increase in disease progression and death among those under 40.
A clinical trial suggests that combining radiotherapy with an anti-cancer drug called APG101 blocks a cell-signalling pathway crucial for glioblastoma development. The treatment showed promising results, with patients receiving the combination therapy living longer than those treated with radiotherapy alone.
Aaron Esser-Kahn, Sunil Gandhi, and Ali Mortazavi will each receive $2.3 million to fund their projects, focusing on vaccine development and neural plasticity. Their work aims to improve human health by transforming scientific fields.
A study by Brown University researchers found that Medicare Advantage health plans significantly understated their rate of high-risk medication prescriptions. The average plan reported a 5.8 percentage point difference in favor, resulting in about 500,000 more seniors receiving high-risk medications than reported.
A new study aims to investigate the potential of exercise in treating and preventing heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFPEF). The OptimEx study will examine the effects of different exercise protocols on HFPEF, including their impact on pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical outcomes.
Researchers developed nanowires that block lithium diffusion, promoting layer-by-layer lithiation and potentially minimizing cracking and improving durability. This breakthrough could lead to more effective electrode architectures for lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a microfluidic chip that can capture elusive circulating tumor cells from blood, supporting their growth for further analysis. This technology has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment by providing accurate prognoses and testing treatment options on cultur...
Researchers have gained a better understanding of how cells deal with DNA damage that can contribute to cancer and other diseases. The study identified new prospects for developing cancer therapies by targeting the protein nucleolin to enhance sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation or chemotherapies.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified a crucial protein called dBigH1 that regulates zygotic genome activation in the fly Drosophila. This discovery has significant implications for understanding embryonic development and potential connections to infertility, gestational disorders, or early miscarriage.
Research from Aarhus University shows that exposure to a farming environment can prevent or dampen hypersensitivities and allergies, even in adults. The study found that working in farming environments stimulates the immune system, dampening its response to environmental irritants, which may trigger hypersensitivity.
People are increasingly using virtual tombs, tattoos, and mourning apparel to honor the dead. According to Baylor researcher Candi Cann, these 'do-it-yourself' memorials offer personal alternatives to traditional rituals.
Researchers at UCLA have created a synthetic metabolic pathway that converts all six glucose carbon atoms into three molecules of acetyl-CoA without losing any as carbon dioxide. This breakthrough could lead to a significant increase in the production of biofuels, with potential applications in biorefineries and photosynthetic microbes.
A new tool has been developed to resolve the structure of membrane-embedded and membrane-associating proteins by exploiting the unique water dynamics gradient across and above the lipid bilayer. This breakthrough can help determine the location and structure of protein segments at the surface of membranes.
A team of neuroscientists has identified a specific area in the visual cortex called V4 that is involved in creating illusory contours. The brain's neural activity in this region correlates with the perception of these illusions, which are thought to be an evolutionary adaptation for detecting predators or prey.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which damaged mitochondria signal their own destruction, allowing cells to thrive. The 'eat me' signal involves cardiolipins and a protein called LC3, opening doors to potential research into cures for Parkinson's disease.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine compared the cardiovascular safety of conjugated equine estrogens (CEEs) and oral estradiol. The research found a greater risk of venous thrombosis associated with CEEs, but no increased risk of heart attack or ischemic stroke.
Tropical Depression 22W is taking a different route than Tropical Depression 21W and heading northwest towards Koror, Palau. Favorable environmental conditions will allow the depression to strengthen into a typhoon over the next two days.
Researchers found that C6' treatment reversed abnormal nitric oxide signaling in mice with and without sickle cell disease, resulting in normalized erectile functioning. The compound's potential extends beyond treating priapism to vascular and circulatory disorders.
A study published in Pediatrics shows a significant increase in emergency room visits for children with sports-related traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. The number of admissions also rose, with patients with less severe injuries being treated in the hospital more frequently.
A team of scientists has developed a process to connect an autism-linked gene to its function. They found that mutations in the NHE9 gene cause communication problems among brain cells, contributing to autism. The study used a step-wise strategy to screen variants and identified changes that affect endosomal pH, altering cell traffic.
New research from the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol suggests that fish accounts for only seven per cent of mercury levels in the human body. This finding has significant implications for official advice warning against eating too much fish during pregnancy, which may need to be reviewed.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has discovered that two sets of nerve receptors in the skin convey information about fine textures through vibrations. This finding suggests that humans can discriminate between different fine textures, such as silk and satin, through these subtle vibrations.
A new study suggests that regular leisure-time exercise can significantly lower the risk of developing high blood pressure. Researchers found that individuals who exercised for four hours or more per week had a 19% lower risk compared to those who exercised less than one hour per week.
People with poorly controlled diabetes are at risk of experiencing hypothermia, frostbite, and dehydration when traveling to high altitudes. Insulin needs may also increase or decrease due to environmental extremes, exercise, and dietary changes.
Researchers discovered haloarchaea dominate Deep Lake's microbial community, exchanging DNA among species and genera. The microbes' ability to share genetic information enables specialization, coexistence, and adaptability.
The TRMM satellite observed a 'hot tower' near the center of Tropical Depression 11, indicating it would strengthen into Tropical Storm Jerry. The storm later strengthened with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph.
The study reveals that membrane proteins use a dynamic, constantly changing state to transport proteins across the outer membrane without requiring energy. This finding provides an exceptional insight into the transport mechanism and has implications for understanding protein folding and transport in bacteria.
Researchers analyzed data from 33,488 live births to find that early-term births (37-38 weeks gestation) are associated with higher risks of birth complications, including hypoglycemia, respiratory support, and NICU admissions. Cesarean deliveries among early-term births also pose a significant risk for NICU admissions and morbidity.
Research found that patients with more primary care visits have lower colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates. Increasing access to primary care may reduce the national burden of CRC.
Researchers at Rice University used synthetic biology to study how biochar affects microbial communication. Biochar was found to interfere with certain conversations between microbes, potentially impacting plant growth.
A Commonwealth Fund survey finds that over three-quarters of US adults are aware of the ACA's individual mandate, while only four in ten know about new health insurance marketplaces and premium subsidies. Broad support for expanding Medicaid is also evident, with 68% of adults favoring it in their state.
Researchers at DESY's PETRA III light source have created a 4.3nm-wide X-ray beam, ten thousand times thinner than a human hair, using a Fresnel lens made from nanometre-thin layers.
Typhoon Wutip made landfall near Dong Hoi, Vietnam, with a 10-mile-wide eye, prompting evacuations of over 140,000 people. The storm's heavy rains are expected to cause flooding and landslides in Vietnam's central highlands.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on Tropical Depression Sepat, revealing some strong thunderstorms and cold cloud tops near the center of circulation. The storm is expected to track over a pool of cooler waters, hindering its development, and may briefly strengthen into a tropical storm before weakening again.
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison discover that zinc ions play a crucial role in maintaining protein stability. A shortage of zinc can cause proteins to misfold and clump together, leading to cell death. Researchers identify a 'protein chaperone' called Tsa1 that prevents protein aggregation and maintains cellular balance.
The NIH has awarded $17 million to support genomics research in Africa, enhancing the continent's research capacity and training African genomic scientists. The new grants will study various health conditions important in Africa, including neurological disorders and respiratory diseases.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have created a comprehensive roadmap of the protein interactions that enable cells in the pancreas to produce, store and secrete insulin. The finding makes possible a deeper scientific understanding of the insulin secretion process and how it fails in insulin disorders such as type 2 diabetes.
A study found that bed sharing increased among black and Hispanic families, with black infants sharing beds most often. The percentage of black infants usually sharing a bed increased from 21.2% in 1993 to 38.7% in 2010.
Experts advocate for widespread screening of 'Baby Boomer' generation in Canada due to high prevalence and lack of awareness. Early treatment makes hepatitis C curable, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
The Change AGEnts Initiative aims to create change in healthcare practice that improves the health of older adults. The project, funded by a $5 million grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation, brings together researchers, clinicians, and health system leaders to develop and implement evidence-based models.
Researchers found JAM-A facilitates immune cell recruitment to arteries, promoting plaque formation. Reducing JAM-A levels can slow lesion growth, but deleting the molecule from monocytes causes damage and increases plaques.
Charles P. O'Brien, a leading expert on alcohol dependency, is being honored with the French Legion of Honor Medal for his pioneering work in addiction treatment. He has made significant contributions to the field through his research, advocacy, and leadership.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute will study the role of the c-KIT gene in melanoma, a devastating skin cancer that often develops resistance to treatment. The new funding will support studies using a novel melanoma mouse model to test whether active c-KIT can initiate melanoma.
Researchers found evidence of massive ice sheets over 1km thick in the Arctic Ocean, contradicting previous assumptions that glaciations only occurred on continents. The discovery reveals four or more generations of ice masses in the region, covering an area as large as Scandinavia.
Researchers have successfully grown large numbers of patient-specific brain cells in the lab using small biopsies, which express natural protective agents. These cells may be used to treat a range of neurological conditions and could potentially cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver targeted therapies.
Researchers at the University of Washington have created a programming language for chemistry that allows scientists to design and build custom DNA molecules with specific functions. This new approach enables flexible control over chemical reactions, which could lead to innovative medical applications such as smart drug delivery systems.
A study analyzing UK music charts over four decades found a significant increase in alcohol references, with almost one in five top 10 songs featuring alcohol-related lyrics. Researchers warn that these messages may be reaching larger audiences than traditional advertising, posing a concern for young people's drinking behaviors.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that older adults are more risk-averse than their midlife counterparts when choosing between possible gains, but more risk-seeking when choosing between losses. The study suggests important policy implications for decision-making across the lifespan.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a technique that induces egg growth in some infertile women, allowing five of them to produce viable eggs for in vitro fertilization. The successful pregnancy and birth represent a breakthrough for women with primary ovarian insufficiency, who often rely on egg donation.
New tools developed by MIT researchers allow people with minimal programming skills to rapidly build cellphone applications for disaster relief, utilizing the App Inventor and RDF standards. The apps can monitor multiple data sources, display information on Google maps, and enable users to annotate or supplement the data.
Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic Texans under 76, with lower rates of breast and colon cancer screenings. Despite advanced cancer stages at diagnosis, Hispanics experience higher survival rates than non-Hispanic whites.
A study found that nearly two-thirds of young children in low- and middle-income countries can recognize cigarette brand logos. The researchers suggest stronger regulations, including larger graphic warning labels and bans on tobacco advertising, to reduce the ability of tobacco companies to market their products to children.
Biologists have developed a new technique to determine if seagrasses contain sulfur, indicating stressed seabeds. This method reveals the health state of plants, aiding restoration efforts for lost or diminished seagrass meadows.
A University of Tennessee professor is leading a research project to study lucinid clams, which play a crucial role in detoxifying coastal environments. The study aims to uncover the genetic, taxonomic, and functional diversity of modern lucid chemosymbioses and their responses to environmental changes.
A study published in Nature Communications found that brief, reversible hearing loss during childhood can disrupt the processing of sound in the brain, leading to persistent hearing deficits. Researchers identified two critical periods after hearing onset that regulate how sounds from each ear are fused into a coherent representation.
A new study found that when ICUs are busy, doctors discharge patients more efficiently without negatively impacting patient outcomes. This suggests that strained resource settings prompt providers to critically re-evaluate patient needs and transfer patients who can be managed outside the ICU.
A team of IUPUI researchers will investigate the impact of staff burnout on mental health treatment and outcomes, implementing an intervention program that incorporates traditional stress-reduction techniques and cognitive behavioral practices. The goal is to reduce burnout and improve clinician engagement in patient care.
Researchers from ETH Zurich found that vitamin niacin and its metabolite nicotinamide increase lifespan by promoting the formation of free radicals in roundworms. This contradicts common textbook opinion on antioxidants' role in health.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Rui Yao found that over 90% of future retirees are contributing only a minimal amount to their retirement funds. This is concerning given the uncertain future of social security benefits and the need for individuals to save more for their own financial security and the country's sake.
Researchers have found that tungsten is leached from sediment into groundwater based on pH and oxygen levels. The study suggests that iron oxide particles play a key role in regulating tungsten concentrations in groundwater, with higher pH levels leading to more tungsten entering the water.
The AGI report documents common traits among geoscience graduates, including the importance of field experiences and K-12 Earth science exposure. The study aims to address the question of whether new graduates are ready for lucrative career opportunities in the geoscience workforce.
Research suggests that testosterone promotes generosity and reciprocity when there is no threat of competition, helping to maintain social relationships. In the absence of competition, participants with increased testosterone levels chose to give more money back to investors than those with placebo treatment.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh are proposing a new field of 4D printing, which enables materials to modify their structures over time in response to external stimuli. The team aims to develop adaptive composites that can reprogram their shape, properties, or functionality on demand.
Researchers have developed a protocol to verify quantum computer results without using additional quantum computer resources. The test involves inserting 'traps' into tasks, which the user knows the result of in advance, allowing for reliable verification of the quantum computer's accuracy.
A clinical trial found that cediranib, a biological therapy, extended the time before ovarian cancer recurred and increased overall survival by up to 30% compared to chemotherapy alone. The treatment showed incremental improvements in progression-free and overall survival.
Research by UCL Eastman Dental Institute reveals high levels of poor oral health among elite athletes, including 55% with dental caries and 28% affected by oral health issues. The study highlights the need for improved oral health support for athletes to optimize their performance.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that an essential protein evolved chiefly by changing its movement, rather than structure. This finding has implications for designing more effective antibiotics and drugs targeting the protein dihydrofolate reductase.
New research reveals that waviness in vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes leads to reduced stiffness due to tiny kinkiness in their structure. This finding has potential applications in thermal interface materials and heat transfer, where the compliance of the nanotubes can help connect to silicon chips and copper heat spreaders.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered a unique way in which naked mole rats build proteins, leading to nearly perfect protein structures and reduced error rates. This breakthrough could one day lead to pharmaceutical treatments that improve protein synthesis in humans.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that most Massachusetts primary care malpractice claims (72.1%) are related to diagnosis errors, primarily failures to diagnose or delays in cancer diagnosis. Primary care malpractice cases tend to be more difficult to defend and result in more settlements.
Research on an aerosol that induces a rapid immune response to prevent viral respiratory infections and asthma attacks has earned major funding from the National Institutes of Health. The NIH-funded project aims to translate preclinical findings to clinical trials to prevent asthma attacks.
Researchers found resistance genes for five common antibiotics and the Clostridium botulinum toxin gene in vacuum dust, which could lead to infant botulism infections. The study suggests that vacuum cleaners can act as a vehicle for indoor bioaerosol exposure.
Scott Hansen, a Scripps Research Institute scientist, has won the NIH New Innovator Award to study mechanosensation, particularly touch and hearing. The award provides $2.8 million in research funding over five years to explore the molecular mechanisms behind sensing touch.
Two University of Utah researchers, Adam Frost and Ryan O'Connell, received the NIH Director's New Innovator Award to launch innovative biomedical research projects. The awards support visionary investigators pursuing science with high potential to transform scientific fields and accelerate health improvements.