A large case-control study found that long-term benzodiazepine use is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that the strongest association was seen with long-acting benzodiazepines, emphasizing the need for careful balance between benefits and risks in elderly patients.
Researchers discovered that as mice age, their primary DNA repair process fails and is replaced by a less effective mechanism, leading to increased mutations in critical tissues. This finding may explain why damaged DNA contributes to aging-related illnesses like cancer.
A large-scale study of over 7,000 women found that sustaining a desire for children after failed fertility treatment is linked to worse mental health. Women who still wished to have children were up to 2.8 times more likely to develop clinically significant mental health problems than those who did not sustain a child-wish.
Scientists replicated the structure of compound eyes to create miniature devices that emit light uniformly in all directions. The findings have potential applications for extremely wide field-of-view detectors, enabling new technologies.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism to inhibit proteasomes, a target for cancer therapy, paving the way for more effective and less toxic chemotherapy drugs. A series of molecules based on this mechanism have been developed, and their potential is being tested.
Researchers at Northwestern University identify a critical chemical signaling pathway for the healthy functioning of Schlemm's canal, a key factor in developing glaucoma. They are now developing an eye drop that activates regrowth of the clogged vessel to lower pressure and restore normal drainage.
A study analyzing reanalysis of RCT data found that about one-third led to changes in findings, with some altering patient groups or treatment effects. The results underscore the importance of standardizing data sharing and reanalysis practices for individual and public health.
The NIH has launched a new online database, ClinRegs, to provide up-to-date information on country-specific clinical research regulatory requirements. This resource enables users to explore and compare regulations across different countries, streamlining the planning and implementation of international research projects.
The researchers create a structure containing 100 billion atoms that act as a single artificial atom, linking it to a superconducting wire with photons. This leads to strong interactions among the photons, mimicking phases of matter studied in condensed matter physics.
A new study using data from over 3000 children found that factors such as birth weight, gestational age at birth and lung function, growth and other measures at 8 years can predict lung function during mid to late teenage years. The researchers discovered that weight at birth had a small effect on lung function in teen years.
Scientists used fossil records and evolutionary models to show that sloth lineages increased in size by over 100 kilos every million years. This fast rate of evolution suggests environmental factors or competition with other species favored larger body sizes before they died out.
A study of newly-licensed RNs found that 17.5% leave their first nursing job within the first year and 33.5% leave within two years. The research team suggests that standardizing turnover data can help identify reasons for RN turnover and inform management strategies.
Researchers have discovered bacteria that can survive in highly alkaline conditions expected in radioactive waste disposal sites and use isosaccharinic acid as a food source. These microbes may prevent the release of toxic radionuclides into the environment, offering a potential solution for safe nuclear waste disposal.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles discovered a protein in breast milk called neuregulin-4 (NRG4) that appears to protect against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially lethal intestinal disorder. Formula feeding is a known risk factor for NEC, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding.
A six-month infant intervention program eliminates symptoms of autism and developmental delay by 3 years old. Parents played a crucial role in the success of this early treatment.
A long-term study of over 200 wild female baboons found that females who socialized with both males and females lived the longest. Socializing with males gave females a bigger longevity boost than socializing with other females.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that sharing painful experiences can lead to increased cooperation and bonding within groups. Researchers found that participants who underwent painful tasks reported higher levels of group bonding and were more willing to cooperate with their group members.
A study found that measles illness lasts for almost 14 days and causes people to miss nearly 10 days at work or school on average. The analysis also showed that the average number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost due to measles is 0.019 per patient, equivalent to 6.9 QALYs.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new way to preserve the flexibility and resilience of the brain, targeting areas affected by Alzheimer's disease. The breakthrough involves stabilizing microtubules, which provide a cellular skeleton for nerve cells, promoting neuroplasticity.
The NSF grant will expand Climate Central's efforts to produce and deliver localized climate science content and professional development opportunities to TV meteorologists. More than 150 weathercasters are participating, and the goal is to add an additional 200 weathercasters to the project.
Researchers have developed a new technology to create artificial membranes on silicon surfaces, mimicking those found in living organisms. The process uses commercial chemicals and is the first time anyone has made an artificial membrane without mixing liquid solvents together.
Researchers found significantly decreased estrogen receptor beta expression in autistic male brains, which may explain the disorder's higher prevalence in boys. Estrogen receptor agonists could potentially reverse autism's behavioral deficits, such as reclusiveness and repetitive behavior.
Temple University researchers discovered a promising new target for treating end-stage heart failure by blocking the vasopressin type 1A receptor, which interferes with the heart's ability to receive important signals. The finding could lead to more effective therapies and improve symptoms in patients with heart failure.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a successful method to keep blood vessels in lab-built kidneys open and flowing, overcoming a major challenge in the quest for human transplants. The new approach has shown promise in keeping vessels open for four hours, paving the way for longer-term studies.
A team of European researchers has successfully synthesized germanene, a 2D material with impressive electrical and optical properties. The material was synthesized by depositing individual germanium atoms onto a gold substrate under high temperatures and in an ultra-high vacuum, revealing its characteristic honeycomb structure.
Researchers applied evolutionary game theory to analyze disease outbreaks, identifying four key outcomes influenced by government response and healthcare provision. The approach has been tested with actual data from the 2009 influenza outbreak and may inform quarantine measures for future pandemics.
A phase Ib clinical trial found that olaparib tablets were safe and effective in heavily pretreated ovarian cancer patients, particularly those with BRCA mutations. The treatment regimen provided a response rate of 66 percent and no grade 4 toxicities, making it a promising option for improving cure rates and quality of life.
The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project has discovered hundreds of new archaeological features using remote sensing techniques and geophysical surveys. The project has revealed detailed maps of burial mounds, Bronze Age settlements, and Iron Age fields, providing a new understanding of the development of Stonehenge over 11,000 years.
A recent study by researchers found no conclusive evidence to support the use of new hip and knee implants, highlighting concerns over inadequate regulatory oversight. The review of 15,384 implants in 13,164 patients revealed higher rates of repeat surgery associated with some devices.
A nationwide team of experts led by UT Southwestern hematologist Dr. George Buchanan developed the first comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for managing sickle cell disease from birth to end of life. The guidelines consist of over 500 specific directions for physicians caring for patients with sickle cell disease.
Brown dwarf W0855, located just four light-years from our Sun, exhibits frozen clouds of sulfide and water in its atmosphere. This breakthrough finding, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, provides crucial insights into the atmospheric composition of exoplanet candidates.
A proportion of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cases may be linked with unknown asbestos exposure according to the results of a new study. This would mean that current treatment strategies for IPF need to be altered as people with a history of asbestos exposure are not currently eligible for new treatments.
A study published in Appetite found that elderly people with fair or poor appetites had higher risks of mortality than those with good appetites. Those with poor appetites consumed a less diverse diet, leading to lower energy and nutrient intake.
Researchers found heme oxygenase-1 deficiency in HIV-infected brains associated with cognitive decline and increased viral load. Increasing heme oxygenase-1 expression may offer protective benefits against HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
The $21 million SOCCOM program will create a biogeochemical and physical portrait of the Southern Ocean using hundreds of robotic floats deployed around Antarctica. The project aims to improve our understanding of the ocean's carbon, nutrient, and oxygen content, and its importance to Earth's climate systems.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have defined the composition of the human cytoplasmic dynein-2 complex, essential for normal human development. This discovery sheds light on ciliopathies, a range of diseases caused by dysfunctional cilia, and could lead to new treatments.
The Jeffrey Modell Foundation has awarded a research grant to a Belgian laboratory led by Adrian Liston to develop a gene therapy for children suffering from IPEX syndrome. The gene therapy aims to correct the mutation responsible for the disease, offering a potential cure for this rare and fatal autoimmune disorder.
Researchers at Rice University have created a multiuser, multiantenna transmission scheme for the UHF band, which can serve multiple users simultaneously over long distances. The new technology combines proven technologies like MIMO to boost data rates without increasing power or channel usage.
A research team led by Alberto Fernandez-Nieves has figured out how to convert the standard chaotic waveform to a stable helical form. By controlling the viscosity and speed of the secondary liquid surrounding the jets, they were able to stabilize the structure associated with the whipping behavior.
Tropical Depression 14W made landfall in southeastern China on September 8 after forming in the South China Sea. NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data showing a powerful storm with cold cloud top temperatures near -63F/-52C.
Research from USC and NHM found that whale pelvic bones serve a purpose and are influenced by sexual selection. The study compared the size of pelvic bones to testis size, revealing a correlation between more competitive mating environments and larger pelvic bones.
Researchers found that mussels on restored oyster reefs can filter up to two-fold more plankton than oysters alone, significantly enhancing water quality. This discovery could increase the 'return on investment' for oyster-reef restoration projects.
A Baylor University study found that seminaries provide inadequate training for pastors to recognize serious psychological distress and refer individuals to professionals. Most counseling classes focused on premarital or family counseling, with limited elective options available for mental health courses.
The likelihood of young adults having a usual source of care decreased, but insurance coverage and access to care improved. Individuals with insurance were more likely to have a usual source of care and afford necessary healthcare services.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that coral trout are as proficient as chimpanzees in determining when to collaborate and selecting the most effective partner. The study showed that the fish can learn quickly and make informed decisions about their collaborators, mirroring human-like abilities.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that patients with advanced dementia are still being prescribed medications with little to no proven benefit. The study analyzed data from over 5,400 nursing home residents and found that nearly 54% received at least one questionable medication.
Researchers have developed a method to isolate and separate para and ortho water molecules, which differ in their nuclear spin states. This breakthrough could provide new insights into various phenomena, including the study of interstellar ice and protein structures.
Researchers found that coral trout can choose the best moray partner for hunting, and even learn which one is more helpful. They use intentional communication to manipulate the behavior of suitable species to achieve a common goal.
Dr. Helen May-Simera receives Sofja Kovalevskaja Award to investigate signal processing in the retinal pigment epithelium and its relation to cilia dysfunction. She will lead a junior research group at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, enhancing focus on molecular biology of cilia.
A neuroimaging study reveals that severe obstructive sleep apnea causes significant damage to brain white matter integrity in multiple brain areas. However, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been shown to reverse this damage and improve cognitive function, mood, and quality of life after just 12 months of treatment.
A new cancer drug targeting mitochondrial function has been proven safe and showed some efficacy in a Phase I clinical trial for leukemia patients. The drug selectively shut down energy production in cancer cells, which can reproduce faster and repair damage from chemotherapy.
A new partnership between NSF, NCI, SU2C, and The V Foundation will explore transformative, theoretical biophysics for cancer research and treatment. This collaboration aims to merge life sciences with physical, computational, and engineering sciences to develop innovative approaches.
Researchers identified a shared gene responsible for flashy markings in two butterfly families, tracing it back to their ancient ancestors. This finding suggests that simple traits may follow a single evolutionary road, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of evolution.
Zubarev's team is refining methods to produce more gold nanorods using ascorbic acid, with potential applications in medical diagnostics and photothermal therapy. The NSF grant extension will support further research into processing and incorporating nanorods into metamaterials.
Research by University of Southampton finds improved midwifery services lead to virtuous cycle of increased demand, deployment of more midwives, better services, and improved outcomes. The study's findings highlight the crucial role of initial investment, women's demand for care, and health professionals in driving this cycle.
A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension suggests that sodium intake has a minimal impact on blood pressure. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables was shown to significantly lower blood pressure, while increased physical activity showed no noticeable effect.
Researchers have successfully tested a new vaccine regimen that provides rapid protection against Ebola virus in monkeys, with some animals remaining protected for up to 10 months after vaccination. The experimental ChAd3 Ebola vaccine demonstrated strong immune responses in both single-dose and prime-boost regimens.
Researchers identified lactic acid bacteria in honey that effectively counteracted severe human wound pathogens and persistent horse wounds. The bacteria produce a broad spectrum of antimicrobial compounds as needed, depending on the threat.
Improving agricultural productivity in Africa could lead to an increase in global deforestation rates and carbon emissions. However, the study found that if markets become more integrated, the negative effects of a green revolution in Africa will diminish over time.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a novel approach to killing colon cancer cells by using an antibody that targets the GUCY2C receptor, which is over-produced and exhibited on the surface of cancer cells. The immunotoxin selectively destroys colon cancer cells while sparing surrounding tissue.