A Northwestern University-designed intravaginal ring provides both antiretroviral drug and contraceptive protection for months, addressing a significant need in women's reproductive health. The device, known as the tenofovir levonorgestrel IVR, has been engineered to deliver controlled doses of these medications over an extended period.
The Yangambi km5 banana variety produces toxic metabolites that kill the nematode Radopholus similis, a major roundworm pest. This discovery could lead to the development of edible and pest-resistant banana varieties, as well as new pesticides against nematodes.
A new program from UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute prepares students with autism for life after high school by focusing on emotions, friendships, and literacy skills. Early results show improved social interactions and confidence among participants.
Researchers develop a sponge-like gel that compresses and induces transplanted cells to form minerals and begin tooth development. The bioinspired material could one day help repair or replace damaged organs, such as teeth and bone.
New research from Concordia University suggests that bilingual children, like monolingual peers, prefer interactions with those speaking their mother tongue with a native accent. This bias may be related to children's preference for familiarity, according to the study.
Scientists at Empa have developed a material that can adapt its vibration properties electronically, allowing for the precise control of wave propagation. This breakthrough enables the creation of mechanical components with freely programmable properties, revolutionizing fields like mechanical engineering and plant construction.
Researchers discovered 3D plumes of brain activity propagating through the avian brain, differing from mammalian slow-wave-sleep patterns. This finding suggests alternative computational properties and challenges the layered organization assumption.
New research from North Carolina State University suggests that it is not yet possible to tell if microscopic structures in fossilized feathers are melanosomes, which contain pigment, or ancient bacteria. Researchers used various microscopy techniques to examine the structures and compared them to melanosomes found in living birds.
Researchers have created a hydrogel actuator that can change shape in response to changes in pH, using mussel protein-inspired chemistry. The device has the potential to be used for drug delivery and could be programmed to adopt various shapes by adjusting the placement of ions, composition, and voltage.
Researchers genetically engineered T cells to resist HIV infection by inducing the CCR5-delta-32 mutation. The study showed promising results with reduced viral loads and persistent modified cells in patients.
Tropical Cyclone Faxai weakened as wind shear stretched it out, with maximum sustained winds dropping to 50 knots/57.5 mph. The storm was expected to become extra-tropical by the end of March 5 as it embedded into a westerly flow.
Researchers at USC have validated the quantum nature of D-Wave processors using elaborate tests on its functional qubits. The results consistently agree with quantum models but contradict classical models, indicating the presence of quantum effects.
Researchers found that the C9orf72 mutation alters DNA shape, leading to cell death and abnormal protein processing. The mutation also affects nucleolin, a key protein involved in stress response, causing cells to become stressed and die.
A new criminal offence of wilful neglect is needed in the healthcare sector to address appalling care and provide a clear message. Existing regulation is not up to the job, and patients can only seek redress through civil courts, which have limited scope.
Eight international scientists propose eight sustainable livestock strategies to cut costs while boosting the quantity and quality of food produced. These include feeding animals less human food, raising regionally appropriate animals, and tailoring practices to local culture.
A new study disputes the idea that humans experience six basic emotions universally, citing context-dependent expression recognition. Researchers found that facial expressions and vocalizations were not consistently labeled with emotion words across cultures, suggesting cultural categories may be at play.
A study found that adolescent girls who avoided painful thoughts and emotions were more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after child maltreatment. In contrast, those who openly discussed their experiences had lower PTSD symptoms.
Researchers identified compounds in hop leaves that could prevent bacterial adhesion and toxin release, potentially repurposing a discarded byproduct. The study found three new compounds and substantial amounts of proanthocyanidins, which are healthful antioxidants.
A new tool called REALPHY reconstructs evolutionary trees from sequencing data without errors and biases. The method is simple enough for biologists to use, generating accurate phylogenies quickly.
The American Educational Research Association has selected 22 scholars as 2014 AERA Fellows, recognizing their significant contributions to education research. The new fellows join the ranks of 557 current AERA Fellows and will be inducted on April 4 during the AERA 2014 Annual Meeting.
Researchers from the University of Granada have patented a technique that allows for real-time and non-invasive measurement of phosphate ions inside osteoblasts, precursors to bone cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs against osteoporosis.
A new study conducted by Brigham Young University professor Niwako Yamawaki found that nearly half of Hirono's survivors experienced clinically concerning PTSD symptoms. Eating right and exercising regularly were identified as key factors in fostering resilience among disaster survivors.
A new study by IIASA researchers suggests that increasing labor force participation by as little as 1 or 2 percentage points could allow pension ages to be reduced by one year without increasing the burden on the working population. This approach is considered more palatable politically than raising retirement age, which has proven unp...
The University of Notre Dame has established a state-of-the-art research center for drug discovery and development, with the aim of improving lives worldwide. The Warren Family Research Center will support the translation of basic scientific discoveries into new therapeutics.
Researchers will develop and test new vaccines and broad-spectrum treatments for Ebola and Marburg, which are considered high-risk bioterrorist pathogens. The grant aims to address the critical problem of no approved treatments or vaccines for these deadly viruses, with potential applications in post-exposure treatment.
Researchers found that injecting a virus directly into one melanoma tumor can induce a potent anti-tumor immune response, destroying both infected and non-infected tumors. This combination therapy overcomes the limitations of oncolytic virotherapy and checkpoint blockade.
Research finds children with respiratory tract infections attending nursery may contribute to illness spread; parents consider work and care responsibilities when deciding.
Researchers found relatively low iron amounts and minimal sulphur compounds in the Ghost wreck, suggesting it might not face the same preservation issues as the Vasa. Three studied ships, including the Crown, display more aggressive sulphur compounds and higher iron concentrations.
A new study suggests that Alzheimer's disease contributes to nearly as many deaths in the United States as heart disease or cancer. Researchers analyzed data from 2,566 participants aged 65 and older, finding a significant association between dementia diagnosis and increased mortality.
A single gene, doublesex, regulates complex wing patterns and structures required for mimicry in swallowtail butterflies. This study reveals that the gene's known role in sexual differentiation has been co-opted to control wing pattern.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a key protein target for shutting down the growth of prostate cancer cells. ERG protein is transformed into cancer cells by an enzyme called USP9X, but a molecule called WP1130 can block this process.
A team of University of Leicester academics helped develop NICE guidelines to prevent diabetes in black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. The new guidance emphasizes the importance of body mass index as a signal for preventive action, aiming to reduce the incidence of diabetes by increasing physical activity and healthy diet.
A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that preserving a fallopian tube following an ectopic pregnancy has no significant benefit for fertility prospects. The research, published in The Lancet, compared outcomes between two surgical treatments: salpingectomy and salpingotomy.
A new study by Bowling Green State University researchers links adolescent relationship violence to increased symptoms of depression among both victims and perpetrators. The study found that high levels of discord within intimate relationships have a similar negative effect on the emotional well-being of young men and women.
A new meta-analysis by IOF-IFCC found moderate but significant associations between bone turnover markers s-CTX and s-PINP, and risk of future fractures. The study confirms the clinical performance of these markers for fracture risk prediction in untreated individuals.
A new analysis confirms that behavioral measures used in the VOICE study did not accurately predict women's use and nonuse of HIV prevention products. Biological measures, such as drug levels in stored samples, provided a more accurate picture of adherence.
Researchers use computational fluid dynamics to study respiratory disorders and provide surgeons with more accurate treatment approaches. The method leads to better surgical outcomes, reduced surgeries, and improved patient recovery.
Two new HIV prevention products, a combination antiretroviral vaginal ring and a film releasing the drug dapivirine, show safety and hold promise for further development. The products aim to provide an array of options for women-initiated prevention tools against HIV.
A new study from Aarhus University suggests that screening for breast cancer primarily detects indolent cancer cases, which would otherwise have been fatal. Despite detecting more early-stage cases, the number of advanced stages has remained virtually unchanged.
Researchers at the University of Vienna developed a new, atom-economical chemical synthesis for α-arylated Carbonyl derivatives. The method eliminates the need for additional reagents, reducing product contamination and labor-intensive reaction conditions.
Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences, a comprehensive pedagogical text, has been recognized with the 2014 Most Promising New Textbook Award. The award acknowledges the book's innovative approach to introducing research methods, integrating statistical analyses and real-world examples.
A new RAND Corporation report assesses value-based purchasing programs and finds mixed results on improving quality and reducing costs. Newer payment models like ACOs and bundled payments face challenges in designing strong financial incentives for change.
A new study found that carotid artery MRI can accurately predict future cardiovascular events, including strokes and heart attacks, in people without a history of cardiovascular disease. The presence of a lipid core in the internal carotid artery was significantly associated with an increased risk of subsequent events.
A recent study on the Save Darfur Cause on Facebook found that only a small percentage of members donated or recruited others, despite the campaign's large online presence. Meanwhile, those who joined independently were more likely to engage in activism, highlighting the potential for individual actions to drive collective change.
A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that eating fish comparable to those in Japan may ward off heart disease due to high omega-3 fatty acid intake. The study tracked nearly 300 men for five years, finding a significant protective effect against coronary artery calcification.
Tropical Cyclone Kofi was captured by NASA's Terra satellite on March 3 as it became an extra-tropical storm. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument showed good circulation despite the storm's transitioning phase.
Clemson University has received a $5.3 million NSF grant to create a national network of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Research and Education Facilitators. The project aims to empower local campus researchers to effectively use advanced cyberinfrastructure, particularly those in the 'long tail' of users.
A study published in JAMA found that a program designed to move families out of high-poverty neighborhoods had reduced rates of depression and conduct disorder among girls, but increased rates among boys. The study suggests sex differences in the effects of housing mobility on mental health outcomes.
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully converted patient skin cells into human brain cells, offering a new model for studying and developing treatments for early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study found that preventing amyloid-beta imbalances can reduce levels of distorted tau protein.
Patients receiving nivolumab survived for an average of 16.8 months, with 62% alive one year after treatment initiation and 43% alive two years later. The drug also shrank tumors in 31% of patients, with some able to remain on the treatment for up to two years.
Researchers created temperature maps to study how RIP bands influence cigarette burn rate and chemical composition. Temperature differences were found between RIP and regular cigarettes, potentially affecting PAH levels.
Research finds that chemotherapy induces epigenetic changes in breast cancer patients' blood cells, leading to inflammation and symptoms like fatigue. The study identifies eight sites of methylation altered by chemotherapy, correlating with increased inflammatory signaling proteins.
Researchers have identified two new biomarkers for acute kidney injury (AKI) in urine, allowing for earlier detection and treatment. The markers, TIMP-2 and IGFBP7, were validated using clinical adjudication and tested in independent labs.
The e-Care study found that secure online access to a dietitian increased patient satisfaction and weight loss in overweight patients with hypertension. Patients reported improved blood pressure and heart risk trended lower, but differences were not significant.
A major winter storm brought snow and freezing rain to the US east coast on March 2-3, with data from NOAA's GOES-East satellite compiled into a video by NASA. The storm's movement was tracked using MODIS instrument data, providing a clear picture of its path.
A study found that a lower ratio between the length of the index and ring fingers is associated with a higher risk of developing severe osteoarthritis in the knees. This association was stronger for total knee replacements than hip replacements, suggesting hormonal influences may play a role.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new method of light-matter interaction analysis, which appears to be a good way of helping make better semiconductor nanowires. The technique uses Rayleigh scattering to probe band structures and electron-hole dynamics in single indium phosphide nanowires.
A new study published in JAMA Network found that the opening of a casino is associated with a lower rate of overweight children in the surrounding community. The study analyzed data from 117 school districts in California and found that every 1 casino slot per capita gained was linked to an increase in average per capita annual income,...
A randomized trial in India found that community-based care led by lay health workers was more effective than standard facility-based care in reducing disability and psychotic symptoms, with patients almost three times more likely to continue taking their antipsychotic medication. However, costs were higher in the intervention group.
The study reveals that UCP2 is involved in increased metabolism in embryonic stem cells and cancer cells, while UCP4 is associated with nerve cell metabolism. The findings suggest that UCP proteins can be used to detect diseases at an early stage, such as cancer and neurodegenerative illnesses.