The San Antonio Life Sciences Institute has awarded over $750,000 in grants to researchers studying the intersection of immunity, microorganisms, and cancer. These collaborations aim to address public health issues and diseases with global impact, such as diabetes and cancer.
A new University of Akron study reveals that increased workloads and less satisfying job duties during the Great Recession had little direct effect on the health of workers who survived job cuts. Instead, these workers were already accustomed to coping with stressful environments.
A study by UCLA and RAND Health found that providing futile treatment in the ICU sets off a chain reaction, delaying critical care for other ill patients. The study shows that on 16% of days when ICUs were full, one patient received futile treatment, causing others to wait longer for admission.
A new variety of Philippine tarsier has been genetically confirmed, shedding light on the species' taxonomic diversity and distribution. The discovery highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered primate's genetic diversity and habitats.
Tropical Storm Lowell has strengthened in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with powerful thunderstorms surrounding its center and cloud top temperatures near -63F. The storm is expected to continue strengthening due to moderate shear, high moisture, and warm water conditions.
NASA's TRMM satellite detected an isolated area of heavy rain remaining in Tropical Storm Karina, indicating a weakening uplift in the storm. The storm is forecast to turn westward and slow down soon, with two computer models predicting it will weaken to a tropical depression in about 72 hours.
According to a Penn State Abington sociologist, most women believe love is necessary for maximum sexual satisfaction in both relationships and marriage. The study found that love makes sex physically more pleasurable and increases feelings of trust and agency.
Scientists identify a molecule that blocks the effect of jasmonic acid, a plant hormone involved in flower formation, root growth and defence against herbivores. The discovery was made using a biological selection process involving intact plants.
Researchers have discovered indirect evidence of higher-mass strange baryons in heavy-ion collisions, which lower the temperature at which other particles 'freeze out' from quark-gluon plasma. This finding provides crucial insights into nuclear physics and the formation of matter.
A study published by Henry Ford Hospital researchers found that deaths from complications following urologic surgeries increased as procedures shifted from inpatient to outpatient settings. High-risk patients, including older and sicker individuals with public insurance, were more likely to die after potentially preventable complications.
The prestigious Hartford/VA Scholars Program has selected three new researchers to focus on improving health outcomes for older veterans. The scholars will receive career development and mentorship support for their projects, which include examining physical activity among veterans and post-traumatic stress disorder in older veterans.
Researchers at TUM have mapped a new signaling mode for brassinosteroids, which regulate cell elongation and division. The study shows that brassinosteroids trigger a multi-level cascade of reactions controlling the activity of the CESTA transcription factor.
The VCU Massey Cancer Center has been awarded a $4.4 million grant to establish a statewide cancer clinical trials network in Virginia, focusing on minority access and addressing cancer disparities. The network will provide cancer patients with opportunities to participate in clinical trials in their local communities.
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) affects 1 in 58,000 infants, but recent screenings have detected nearly double the previously estimated incidence. The study found that infant screening programs can detect SCID early, allowing for timely treatment and improved survival rates.
A new study by researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and York University found that cardiac rehabilitation programs in Canada are generally strong but require improvement in specific areas. The study identified key quality indicators that can be used to address gaps and improve patient outcomes.
Princeton researchers find that bursting bubbles inject tiny oil droplets into water when covered with a layer of oil. The discovery provides new insight into the mixture of non-soluble liquids and has potential applications in industries such as drug manufacturing and oil spill cleanups.
The University of Houston's Comprehensive Student Success Program has been recognized for its success in improving grades and retaining students in introductory biology courses. The program includes curricular enhancement, peer-led recitation sessions, and field trips, resulting in a 14% increase in successful completion rates.
Adolescents with parents who spend more time at home tend to have better eating behaviors and exercise habits. Parents' availability can also play a crucial role in shaping their children's health, with fathers' presence being particularly important.
A UK study published in the BMJ Group reveals a significant association between active commuting methods (walking, cycling, or using public transport) and lower BMI scores. For men, this equates to a difference of nearly half a stone in weight, while for women, it's around 5.5lb, compared to those who used private transport.
A study by UCSF researchers found that hospital workers exposed to antibacterial soap had significantly higher triclosan levels in their urine compared to those using plain soap and water. Washing with antibacterial soap accounted for even higher triclosan levels than brushing with toothpaste containing triclosan.
Researchers found that black students from low-income backgrounds are more likely to attend college than their white counterparts, despite having fewer resources. The study highlights the importance of cultural capital and family involvement in promoting college enrollment.
Scientists have identified key regions of the Cwp84 enzyme that could be targeted by drugs to prevent Clostridium difficile colonization and toxin production. The research may lead to the development of a new type of anti-colonization inhibitor to treat C. difficile infection.
Researchers have developed graphene-infused rubber bands that can measure breathing, heart rate, and movement, enabling affordable remote healthcare monitoring. The technology has the potential to revolutionize remote healthcare, particularly in developing countries where access to medical care is limited.
Researchers used a modeling study to identify environmental conditions that trigger cholera epidemics near Lake Kivu, predicting potential warning time for health managers. By analyzing satellite data and precipitation patterns, they found the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and human mobility are key factors.
Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy that protects mice from a life-threatening heart condition caused by muscular dystrophy. The therapy targets a different gene involved in the heart's response to stress and shows significant improvements in overall heart health.
A recent study published in BJU International found a significant increase in preventable deaths following common urologic procedures in the US. The study analyzed discharge records of patients undergoing urologic surgery between 1998 and 2010, revealing that mortality rates remained stable while failure to rescue rates increased.
Researchers found that intermediate sea levels and ice volumes triggered abrupt climate swings, with temperatures changing dramatically over a few decades. This discovery can help explain the rapid climate changes known as Dansgaard-Oeschger events during the last ice age.
The new program uses a statistical model to accurately predict IDH1 mutation likelihood and requires only four questions from healthcare providers. The app aims to conserve research dollars by helping researchers narrow down which tumors should be tested as data.
A team at the University of Leeds used a standard TENS machine to apply electrical pulses to the tragus, reducing nervous signals that can drive failing hearts too hard. The stimulation changed the influence of the nervous system on the heart by increasing heart rate variability and suppressing sympathetic nervous system activity.
Scientists have identified a novel gene that predicts both breast cancer relapse and response to chemotherapy, enabling doctors to classify patients for more effective treatment. The discovery could help reduce metastasis and increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a method to multiply natural killer cells from patients with leukemia in the lab. These autologous NK cells can be used to destroy cancer cells, potentially providing a less toxic and more effective treatment for pediatric leukemia.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that the Guiding Stars System brands items with zero, one, two or three star rating leads to a decline in sales of less healthy foods. Sales of healthy food purchases rose by 1.39% while 'junk food' sales fell by 8.31%. This trend may be due to consumers making healthier choices.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital finds that patients with frequent ED visits for acute heart failure syndrome account for disproportionate costs and service utilization. The research highlights the need for better outpatient care to prevent repeat ED visits and reduce hospitalizations.
The NIH grant funds four collaborative projects, including those led by Dr. Robert Callender and Dr. Vern Schramm, who are working to understand the physics of atomic motions in enzymes. By doing so, they aim to design new classes of pharmaceuticals that can alleviate disease by targeting specific enzyme-substrate interactions.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that targeted cognitive training can improve attention and memory in healthy seniors and those with specific brain damage. The researchers developed a predictive model to map the effects of this training on brain function, suggesting potential for improving daily lives.
A team of researchers has developed a method to determine the absolute value of charge formation efficiency in organic photovoltaic cells, enabling high-throughput screening of materials. The technique, combining two types of spectroscopy, reveals a high charge formation efficiency even at low temperatures.
Researchers create implantable tissue scaffold coated with bone growth factors that induce rapid formation of new bone. The scaffold induces the body to rapidly form new bone that looks and behaves like original tissue.
A new vaccine, rBCG30, offers superior protection against tuberculosis in animal models and cross-protection against leprosy. Boosting rBCG30 with the Antigen 85B protein significantly enhances its effectiveness against leprosy.
A study found that hospital admission blood glucose levels can predict the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over three years. The risk increases linearly with increasing blood glucose level at admission, with a 1% risk for patients with low glucose and up to 15% for those with high glucose.
Researchers used laser optical tweezers to study interactions between malaria parasites and red blood cells, revealing new insights into the disease process. The study found that attachment is mediated by multiple weak interactions, which could potentially be blocked by a combination of drugs or antibodies.
A study analyzing over 3 million infants screened for SCID found an incidence rate of 1 in 58,000 births. The survival rate for SCID-affected infants is high at 87%, with further improvements seen when transplantation, enzyme replacement, and gene therapy are used.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that male stickleback fish with bigger brains are more likely to care for their young. The research compared regular male sticklebacks to white sticklebacks, which do not care for offspring, and found a link between brain size and parental behavior.
Seroprevalence of HSV-1 remains stable, while HSV-2 decreases significantly among all races, with a greater decline for white women than black women. The study found no association between the decline in HSV-2 prevalence and a decrease in neonatal herpes cases.
A team of researchers from San Diego State University overcame numerous challenges to successfully sequence DNA samples in real-time at sea. Despite equipment failures, space constraints, and shark encounters, they managed to collect and analyze data on the Line Islands, developing new research questions and hypotheses along the way.
Scientists used zebrafish as a model to study the regulation of stem cells in nerve tissue, discovering a previously unknown process that may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. They found that reducing miRNA-132 levels in zebrafish impairs stem cell development and blocks further maturation into nerve cells.
Researchers have identified a biomarker, STAT3 protein, strongly associated with basal-like breast cancer, a highly aggressive and resistant carcinoma. This finding suggests a potential target for new therapeutics designed to treat this deadly cancer subtype.
Researchers find that El Niño and La Niña events, as well as weakened solar activity and aerosol concentrations, contributed to the recent slowdown in global warming. The study suggests that short-term climate fluctuations can be explained by natural factors without contradicting long-term warming trends.
A newly discovered ovoid structure in the Nakhla Martian meteorite contains a variety of minerals and shows evidence of shock events, sparking debate about its formation and potential for life on Mars. The study suggests that subsurface hydrothermal alteration could support niche environments conducive to life.
A new study by CU Denver researcher Zaneta Thayer found that poor women experience higher cortisol levels during pregnancy, giving birth to infants with elevated cortisol responses to stress. These early life disparities can lead to serious disease later in life and highlight the need for stress reduction and social support.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that GAL-021, a novel therapeutic drug, may reverse or prevent respiratory depression in patients taking opioid medication without compromising pain relief. Researchers also found that GAL-021 had no adverse effects on non-respiratory variables such as sedation or blood flow.
A postdischarge intervention that included automated telephone calls and free medication resulted in higher sustained smoking cessation rates at six months than standard advice. The study found that more participants achieved biochemically confirmed past 7-day tobacco abstinence and reported continuous abstinence for 6 months.
The Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology published a position stand on childhood physical activity, emphasizing the need for balance between benefits and risks. Key recommendations include assessing healthcare provider-prescribed restrictions before changing physical activity levels.
Researchers at Michigan State University developed a transparent luminescent solar concentrator that can be used on buildings, cell phones, and other devices. This technology absorbs specific nonvisible wavelengths of sunlight and converts it to electricity.
Researchers at the University of Akron discovered that nurses motivated primarily by personal satisfaction, lifestyle, and patient interaction experience lower stress levels, improved health, and increased job commitment. In contrast, those driven mainly by a desire to help others are more susceptible to burnout.
A new study from Georgetown University's Institute for Reproductive Health reports on the successful large-scale implementation of the Standard Days Method in Rwanda, a highly effective fertility awareness-based family planning method. The study highlights the importance of systematic monitoring and evaluation in scaling up health inno...
A study of 56,666 patients with stroke found that weekend nurse staffing was strongly associated with mortality outcomes, regardless of the day of admission. Patients admitted to hospitals with lower nurse-to-patient bed ratios had a higher risk of death, highlighting the importance of adequate staffing levels on weekends.
A study published in JAMA found that a program providing extended support to hospitalized smokers increased the six-month success rate of quitting by over 70%. The program used interactive voice response technology and stop-smoking medication to provide sustained care after discharge.
A UTSA research team will study the energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of radiant barrier retrofits in 10 historic homes. The study aims to provide clear financial estimates for homeowners, reducing unnecessary energy waste and costs.
A new study found that physically fit children have more fibrous and compact white-matter tracts in the brain, linked to faster nerve activity. The researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to analyze water diffusion into tissues, revealing significant fitness-related differences in brain integrity.
A new study reveals that marine crocodilian diversity is closely tied to sea temperature, with colonisation events occurring during global warming periods. The research suggests that environmental temperatures constrained the evolution and lifestyle of modern crocodilians.