A variant of FGF21, LY2405319, has been shown to improve metabolism in obese humans with type 2 diabetes by reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. The hormone also reduced body weight and fasting insulin, and increased adiponectin.
The University of Tennessee is working with local community partners to improve disaster preparedness and community wellness in Clay County, Kentucky. The project aims to address health and disaster readiness needs through a comprehensive assessment and implementation of solutions.
A study by USC researchers found that 20% of tweets contain location data, including active location monitoring and ambient location data. The researchers developed an app, Twitter2GIS, to analyze metadata and map user locations.
Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research discovered a protein called Abcb4 in zebrafish embryos that transports and expels toxic chemicals, protecting the embryo. However, certain environmental chemicals render this protective mechanism ineffective, making fish embryos more sensitive to toxic substances.
A study comparing TAVI and redo cardiac surgery in high-risk patients found comparable long-term survival rates. The TAVI procedure was shown to be a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, suitable for elderly or high-risk patients with failed bioprostheses.
Researchers from The University of Manchester have identified two new proteins that could predict women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia in their first pregnancy. These proteins, PSG5 and PSG9, were found to be as good a predictor of disease risk as the current best marker, placental growth factor.
Researchers found that non-human primate vocalizations promoted object categorization in 3- and 4-month-old infants, similar to the effects of human speech. By six months, however, this effect disappeared, suggesting a specific link to human language has been established.
A University of Michigan biologist and colleague challenge the notion that genetic reproductive barriers are a driving force behind speciation. Their study found no evidence that genetic barriers to reproduction predict the rate at which new species form in nature.
A new Australian study uses a novel modelling tool to calculate the 'material footprint' of 186 countries over two decades, revealing that pressures on raw materials do not decline with economic growth. The results confirm that decoupling of natural resources from economic growth has been exaggerated.
Scientists have discovered a molecular signalling pathway that helps oral epithelial cells resist Candida infection. The PI3 Kinase pathway is activated within minutes of fungal encounter, protecting against future damage. Boosting this pathway may lead to novel therapies against Candida infections.
A nationwide study found that pacemaker patients without cardiovascular disease have a survival rate comparable to the general population. The study's results provide a new reference point for the prognosis of modern pacemaker patients, suggesting that cardiovascular disease is a primary factor in determining life expectancy.
The ASSURE study found that the experimental apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) inducer RVX-208 failed to incrementally impact atherosclerotic plaque, despite promising earlier findings. The lack of efficacy was attributed to adverse events and liver enzyme elevations in the treatment group.
Researchers found that losartan significantly reduced aortic enlargement after three years compared to those who did not receive treatment. The study confirms previous findings in mouse models and suggests the drug may postpone or prevent aortic rupture in Marfan patients.
A new species of fungus has ravaged fire salamander populations in the Netherlands, killing over 90% of the original population. The fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, can rapidly kill fire salamanders and is thought to have originated from elsewhere in the world.
Researchers at the University of Iowa used fruit flies to study hearing loss caused by loud noise. The study found that the molecular underpinnings of hearing loss in fruit flies are similar to those in humans.
A UCLA/USC study finds that a patient-centered model with round-the-clock access and coordinated care improves patient satisfaction to 65% and physician satisfaction to 51%. The Galaxy Health program also shows promise for encouraging more medical school graduates to enter primary care.
A UK-based study of over 12,000 faecal samples found that the cytotoxin assay is the most reliable indicator of true C-Diff infection. This discovery highlights the importance of using accurate diagnostic tests to prevent deaths and hospital transmissions caused by C-Diff.
A study found that transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can be successfully performed in high-risk patients with bicuspid aortic valves, with a higher rate of aortic regurgitation. Despite this, the procedure resulted in similar mortality rates as those with tricuspid aortic valves.
A recent analysis of 1432 patients found that women had a lower all-cause mortality at one year compared to men. Women's higher survival rate was attributed to their longer life expectancy and lower rates of comorbidity, with a hazard ratio of 0.75.
A gap in earnings between male and female US physicians has persisted for two decades, with no improvement in recent years. The study found that the gender pay difference decreased outside of the healthcare industry but remained consistent within it.
A Kansas State University study shows that the Clean Air Act has helped forest systems recover from decades of sulfur pollution and acid rain. The research found a clear shift in tree growth and physiology since the Clean Air Act was passed in 1970, with significant improvements seen after 1982.
The smart phone app uses data from over 100,000 heart attack patients to calculate the risk of repeat attacks within three years. This enables clinicians to tailor treatments to individual patients, reducing the risk of side effects and improving patient outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that maternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with an increased risk for child maltreatment. Mothers with comorbid PTSD and depression showed the highest levels of physically and psychologically abusive behaviors, highlighting the importance of measuring PTSD symptoms when a...
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine estimated the total annual costs for five major health care-associated infections (HAIs) at $9.8 billion. Surgical site infections were found to be the most costly HAIs, with central line-associated bloodstream infections coming in second.
Patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk have similar rates of cardiovascular events when treated with alogliptin compared to placebo, according to the Examination of Cardiovascular Outcomes with Alogliptin versus Standard of Care trial. The findings provide reassurance for clinicians treating patients with type 2 dia...
A Dartmouth-led team reveals that an asteroid impact in Quebec led to a global climate shift 12,900 years ago, causing the extinction of large mammals and prompting humans to adopt a hunter-gatherer diet. The study provides conclusive evidence linking extraterrestrial activity to environmental transformation.
A risk score calculation developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers can help doctors predict which patients with rhabdomyolysis are at risk for severe kidney failure or death. The model uses routine clinical variables to identify patients who may benefit from different treatment options.
A study of 4,000 volunteers from 19 countries found that East Asian cultures value action and inaction more equally, whereas Mediterranean societies overvalue action. This balance is beneficial for public service announcements and health awareness messages.
A Facebook intervention led to increased HIV testing among high-risk men, with a peer-led group showing significant results. The study found that more participants requested an HIV testing kit after 12 weeks compared to the control group.
A new study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a proven drug effective for adults and children with sickle cell anemia reduced hospitalizations and medical costs for young children by 21% annually.
A Mediterranean-type diet was not associated with a delay in the clinical onset of Huntington's disease, according to a study. High dairy consumption and caloric intake were found to increase the risk of phenoconversion. The study suggests that modifying specific components of the diet may help delay the onset of the disease.
Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that metabolically healthy women with a normal weight and those who are overweight but metabolically healthy have similar cardiovascular disease risks. The study followed over 260,000 women for an average of 5 years after childbirth.
Scientists used X-rays to determine that Gardiner's frogs use their mouth cavity and tissue to transmit sound to their inner ears. The frogs' unique auditory system allows them to hear other frogs despite lacking a traditional middle ear.
A recent study published in The Economic and Labour Relations Review reveals the exploitation of Indian immigrant workers in Australia on 457 visas. The researchers found that workers are often forced to work long hours for low pay under substandard conditions, with little choice but to sign revised contracts or face deportation.
Researchers discovered that the giant Triassic amphibian Metoposaurus had a two-seasonal climate and needed water for its lifestyle. The species used broad, flat head and forearms to burrow under the ground during dry season, while its growth pattern revealed unique adaptations.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University reveals the SRY gene master switch is vulnerable to change, allowing for variability in male development. This could explain why human males develop near the edge of sexual ambiguity, making them more prone to dramatic changes in fetal development.
The LEGATO project aims to advance long-term sustainable development of irrigated rice fields. New insights were presented on the future of rice ecosystem services, highlighting the importance of continuous discourse and local knowledge integration.
The Rim Fire has grown to become the fourth largest fire in California's history, spanning over 231,000 acres. Burnout operations have shown success on the northern and southern portions of the fire.
Researchers found that brain patterns for both tasks correlated, suggesting they use the same area of the brain. This study provides evidence for the co-evolution of language and tool-making skills, a theory proposed by Darwin.
Scientists have uncovered strong evidence that soot from industrial Europe caused the abrupt retreat of mountain glaciers in the European Alps. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, resolves a longstanding debate about why the Alps glaciers retreated beginning in the 1860s.
Researchers at KU Leuven have identified a series of chemical compounds that are highly potent inhibitors of dengue virus replication. The compounds will be further developed by Janssen into a first-in-class drug candidate for the prevention and treatment of dengue infections.
A team of Penn biologists offers a mathematically based explanation for why cooperation and generosity have evolved in nature. Generous strategies, which involve cooperating with opponents but also forgiving defectors, are shown to be the only approaches that resist defectors over the long term.
Dr Robert Gess discovered a 350 million year old fossilized scorpion in the Eastern Cape, named Gondwanascorpio emzantsiensis. This find confirms that land-living invertebrates existed in Gondwana during the Devonian period.
An international study found that people in high-income countries have lower risk factors for cardiovascular disease but fewer cases of serious heart conditions. In contrast, those in low-income countries face more severe cardiovascular problems despite having fewer risk factors.
A new study shows that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can stage the degree of damaged heart tissue and help predict whether treatment will be successful. Patients with early-stage atrial fibrosis have a higher chance of being cured, while those with late-stage fibrosis have a lower success rate.
The study found that edoxaban was non-inferior to warfarin in treating VTE, but efficacy was superior in patients with pulmonary embolism and right ventricular dysfunction. Edoxaban also showed reduced bleeding rates in high-risk sub-groups.
Researchers found that platelets activate a screening process allowing lymphocytes to exit the bloodstream without causing bleeding. This discovery opens avenues for further research into the role of platelets in vascular health and inflammation.
The TASTE trial found that aspiration of the blood clot causing a heart attack does not improve survival rates compared to balloon dilation and stenting alone. The study enrolled over 7,200 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) from Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland.
A new study reveals that global warming is causing crop pests to spread towards the North and South Poles at an alarming rate. Currently, 10-16% of global crop production is lost to pests, with losses from fungi alone amounting to enough to feed nearly nine percent of today's global population.
Researchers suggest that extreme events like tropical storms and cloudy weather can trigger coral regrowth on degraded reefs. By adopting a more resilient management approach, it may be possible to restore living coral cover to these systems.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that listening to favorite music improves endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), leading to increased exercise capacity. The combination of music and exercise training resulted in the most significant improvement in endothelial function.
A randomized study found that prasugrel pre-treatment in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) significantly increases the risk of life-threatening bleeding without reducing major ischemic events. This shift away from pre-treatment may lead to changes in treatment strategies.
A study of 2,589 patients found that mechanical chest compressions with defibrillation did not improve survival rates compared to manual CPR. However, the device was deemed safe and showed promise in increasing efficiency and safety for emergency personnel.
A new study reveals that the average height of European males has grown by 11cm between the mid-nineteenth century and 1980. This increase is attributed to factors such as decreased infant mortality rates, smaller family sizes, increased income per capita, and better living conditions.
The PRAGUE 14 trial found no correlation between pre-surgical interruption of antithrombotic therapy and perioperative cardiovascular or bleeding complications. Instead, factors like high platelet count, prosthetic valve presence, age, and acute surgery were identified as independent risk factors.
Researchers found that antibiotics create a nutrient surplus in the gut, allowing pathogens to establish themselves. The study suggests that friendly gut bacteria compete with pathogens for nutrients, and when this defense falters, harmful microorganisms can thrive.
Researchers discover how Helicobacter pylori suppresses human beta defensin 1 production, allowing bacteria to colonize and cause tissue damage. The study found that patients infected with H. pylori had ten times less hβD1 than uninfected patients.
Life expectancy among women aged 50 years and older has increased significantly in developed countries over the last 20-30 years due to improved measures for reducing noncommunicable diseases. Despite this progress, the study highlights a growing gap in life expectancy between rich and poor countries.
The discovery enables rapid localization and measurement of cells within living environments at the nanoscale, such as changes to a single cell in response to chemical signals. The ultra-sensitive nanoparticles, or SuperDots, can detect individual particles with thousand times more sensitivity than existing materials.
A case study published in the Medical Journal of Australia reveals that life insurance companies have made incorrect risk-assessment judgments based on genetic information. The authors call for a more collaborative approach between industry, government, and researchers to address these issues.