Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center found a strong, protective relationship between cholesterol efflux and cardiovascular risk. The study revealed that measuring cholesterol efflux provides significantly different information than traditional HDL cholesterol levels.
A cell study has uncovered a gene mutation that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body, leading to diseases like Lupus and Motor Neurone Disease. Researchers found that a defect in an alarm system protects the body from viruses and other infections.
Researchers discovered contaminating bacterial and viral sequences in animal and plant genomes, highlighting the importance of careful screening. The study found unexpected DNA mixtures, including cow and sheep DNA in a supposedly finished genome, emphasizing the need for rigorous data analysis.
A recent study found that pregnant women with non-complex congenital heart disease had very low risks of arrhythmias and other heart-related complications during labor and delivery. However, these women were more likely to undergo cesarean section and remain in the hospital longer than expected.
Radiologists have issued a special report on radiology preparedness for handling cases of Ebola virus, outlining protocols and recommendations for healthcare administrators. The report emphasizes the importance of clear communication, proper equipment use, and specialized isolation units to prevent infection of medical personnel.
A study found that childhood adversity negates the protective effects of a specific gene variant on heavy alcohol consumption and symptoms of problem drinking. The research used data from European-American men, highlighting the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors in understanding alcohol use disorders.
A new study has found that the climate of a large swath of the western United States during the Jurassic period was more complex than previously thought. Geochemical analysis of ancient soils revealed an abrupt change from dry to wet environments, contradicting the long-held assumption of a gradual transition.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that children exposed to antibiotics in the second or third trimester of pregnancy had a higher risk of childhood obesity at age 7. Additionally, delivery by Caesarean section was also associated with a higher risk of childhood obesity.
Researchers analyzed thousands of newspaper articles to reveal a significant decline in Queensland's pink snapper fishery catch rates, from hundreds of fish per hour to just one-ninth of historical levels. This study provides unparalleled insights into the history of the fishery and helps understand changes over time.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that police officers are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death when performing physically demanding and stressful duties. The research analyzed over 4,500 US police officer deaths and found a significant association between these tasks and cardiovascular deaths.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have made a significant discovery in bio battery technology, enabling the generation of clean energy from bacteria. The study reveals how electrons hop across bacterial proteins and find that the rate of electrical transfer is dependent on protein orientation and proximity.
A brief coping strategies therapy significantly improves dementia carers' mental health and quality of life, reducing depression and anxiety by 7 times. The START programme is a cost-neutral intervention that can be widely available to support family carers.
A recent Danish study establishes a causal relationship between low vitamin D levels and increased mortality, with a 30% higher risk of cancer-related deaths. Vitamin D deficiency is often associated with poor bone health, but this study highlights its role in other diseases and mortality rates.
A pilot study found using a smartphone app for education and feedback about heart-healthy behavior decreased the risk of heart disease in young black women. The treatment group showed improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels, stress, anxiety, and healthy habits compared to the control group.
New wearable baby monitors are marketed as a solution to reduce parents' fears of SIDS, but no medical evidence supports their effectiveness. Experts call for prominent disclaimers and caution against relying on these devices for health benefits.
A new computational model helps researchers rationally design and select protein molecules to create effective biologic drug therapies with reduced side effects. The model reveals that the length of a DNA linker influences how well fusion protein components attach to their intended receptors.
Researchers found that social media campaigns with emotionally driven content, infographics, and peer influencers led to higher engagement rates. The study used a paid pilot campaign on Facebook, followed by influencer-led content for a month, resulting in improved attitudes towards organ donation.
A University of Illinois study found that combining video and lecture-demonstration training methods significantly narrowed the gender knowledge gap. Video training alone improved women's knowledge scores but did not close the gap between them and men.
Research from North Carolina State University found that warmer urban temperatures limit the impact of parasitoid wasps on scale insect populations, allowing them to thrive and produce more eggs. This phenomenon, known as phenological mismatch, is a result of changing life cycles between species.
Researchers have identified key components in oats that trigger an immune response in some people with coeliac disease, potentially leading to better tests and new treatments.
New nanoparticles can perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescent imaging simultaneously, allowing for the tracking of specific molecules produced in the body. The particles were demonstrated to detect vitamin C in mice, showing strong fluorescent signals where vitamin C is present but little MRI contrast.
A Danish/Norwegian research team has discovered new details about celiac disease, potentially leading to the development of a drug against the disease. The study reveals how antibodies react to an enzyme in the body and how it changes shape in response to environmental stimuli.
Researchers developed a genetic test that can predict acute rejection up to three months in advance. The non-invasive test measures gene expression levels and can identify patients at high risk of rejection, allowing for tailored immunosuppressive therapy.
Research found that people with asthma had a 27% higher incidence of Crohn's disease, while those with COPD had a 55% higher incidence compared to the general population. The study highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of bowel diseases in airway patients.
A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a novel blood vessel receptor that causes relaxation in response to light. This finding may lead to the development of new therapeutic options for vascular diseases, such as Raynaud's phenomenon.
A specialized ambulance staffed with a neurologist and equipped with a computed tomographic scanner increased the percentage of stroke patients receiving thrombolysis within the golden hour, reducing time to treatment by 24.5 minutes. This approach improved short-term outcomes without increasing risks for mortality.
A new computer model developed by researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory predicts that warming temperatures will return less soil carbon to the atmosphere than previously thought. The model takes into account the complex interactions between soil microbes and their surroundings, which vary over time and place.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researcher Timothy Roberton found that a lack of trust among community members and frontline health workers contributed to the spread of Ebola. In Guinea, villagers refused to listen to public health messages, ignoring advice on how to protect themselves from the disease.
Research finds middle managers are less likely to share their ideas with superiors as organizational hierarchy increases, leading to a lack of control and evaluation apprehension. The study suggests that top management can adjust the idea funnel to promote or counterbalance employee behavior.
A new virus, Sea Star Associated Densovirus (SSaDV), has been identified as the cause of a widespread disease affecting sea stars along the Pacific Coast. The study found that the virus was present in museum specimens dating back to 1942 and had likely existed at low levels for over 72 years.
The pharmaceutical industry has stepped up its efforts to improve access to medicine in developing countries, with many companies introducing innovative access-oriented business models and expanding generic version production. Despite progress, some companies lag behind, including Sanofi and Pfizer, which fell down the rankings signifi...
Researchers developed an advanced imaging system to identify cells storing memory in a tiny worm, offering a new way to investigate molecular substrates of memory. The study may lead to understanding how memory loss occurs in humans and potentially develop therapies for memory disorders.
Researchers found that businesses with more natural land cover, such as tall grass and trees, are more welcoming to raptors. Minor landscape changes can attract this wildlife, making areas more suitable for raptor presence.
Researchers at Penn have engineered a nanowire system that can combine two light waves to produce a third with a different frequency, using an optical cavity to amplify the intensity of the output. The system achieved high efficiency in mixing frequencies, enabling fundamental computation capabilities.
Researchers have found that selenium and selenoproteins are at elevated levels in large, healthy ovarian follicles, playing a critical role as an antioxidant during follicle development. This discovery could lead to better understanding of how to optimize selenium levels to improve women's chances of conceiving.
A new study by researchers from the University of North Texas found that Hispanics were hospitalized significantly fewer days during a 12-month period compared to non-Hispanic whites and blacks, and were more likely to survive hospital stays. This discovery contributes to the Hispanic Mortality Paradox, where Hispanics tend to outlive ...
Researchers find plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid effective in preventing cardiovascular disease, potentially reducing heart disease risk. Dietary recommendations should be amended to increase ALA consumption, according to experts.
A study found that programming electronic health records to make generic drugs the default choice increases generic medication prescribing rates, leading to cost savings and reduced healthcare spending. The intervention was effective in both ambulatory clinics and did not require additional effort from physicians.
Scientists have pinpointed a novel role of FMRP in the embryonic development of the brain cortex, leading to delays in proper formation and affecting postnatal life and brain connectivity. The study may provide insights into cellular mechanisms affected in patients with Fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorders.
A new study found that eels' biting behavior led to remarkable diversification of skull shapes, whereas suction feeding constrains most fish. The research mapped out evolutionary relationships among eel species and their relatives to understand the factors promoting morphological diversity.
Researchers found that small financial incentives doubled smoking cessation rates among socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers. The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, suggests that such programs could be a cost-effective solution to reduce smoking-related illnesses.
Researchers have discovered a single mutation in a gene that explains a significant proportion of unsolved cases of progressive myoclonus epilepsy. The mutation disrupts brain signal transmission, leading to epileptic seizures and muscle twitching starting in childhood.
A University of South Florida-led team has discovered that subtle shifts in the earth's offshore plates can predict the size of future disasters. The researchers used high precision GPS to measure slight shifts on a fault line in Costa Rica, finding that slow slip events can release stress and strain before major earthquakes and tsunamis.
Researchers at TSRI found a link between the reward and stress systems in the brain, suggesting that specific neurons play a key role in nicotine addiction. By targeting these neurons, scientists hope to develop drugs or genetic therapies to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Researchers found that smartphone apps designed for weight loss were unlikely to produce substantial weight loss in obese patients, highlighting the need for more engaging and time-efficient tools. Meanwhile, a study showed that offering a one-in-ten chance of winning $50 increased colon cancer screening rates by 20% compared to other ...
Researchers found no significant reduction in cardiovascular events, but a lower incidence of nonfatal heart attack and transient ischemic attack. Aspirin increased the risk of extracranial hemorrhage requiring hospitalization.
RIT professor Thomas Gaborski is using ultra-thin nano-membranes and adipose stem cells to create functional vascular networks necessary in engineering tissue, skin, and organs. His research aims to address the critical shortage of donor organs and alleviate organ rejection by utilizing a person's own stem cells.
Researchers found that Hispanic women with five or more live births are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Diastolic dysfunction, an abnormal relaxation phase of the heart, was common among these women, with 85% showing signs, according to the study.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers suggests that people who cook meals at home tend to eat healthier and consume fewer calories. Those who frequently cook at home also tend to rely less on frozen foods and fast food, even when eating out.
The first tropical cyclone of the Southern Indian Ocean cyclone season has formed over 300 miles from Diego Garcia. The storm, named Adjali, is moving east-southeast at 3 knots and expected to intensify before weakening around La Reunion Island.
A new gene has been identified as the genetic cause of a progressive form of epilepsy in nearly one-third of patients. The mutation affects a potassium channel encoding gene KCNC1, which disrupts signal transmission in the brain and causes epileptic seizures and myoclonus.
Researchers found a significant association between vital exhaustion and an increased risk of developing first-time cardiovascular disease. Vital exhaustion, characterized by fatigue, irritability, and demoralization, was linked to a 36 percent higher risk of heart disease in healthy individuals.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center found that routine heart imaging screenings for diabetic patients at high risk of heart disease did not prevent heart attacks, hospitalization, or cardiac death. High-quality diabetes management remains the most effective way to avoid these events.
A new study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that black and white heart failure patients have similar rates of atrial fibrillation, contradicting previous studies. The study suggests that physicians should monitor all heart failure patients for atrial fibrillation regardless of race.
A Rutgers-led study measures symmetry in elite track and field athletes, finding that symmetrical knees are associated with better times. The researchers discovered that the knees of Jamaican sprinters were more symmetrical than those of non-sprinting Jamaicans, with the most symmetrical knees belonging to 100-meter specialists.
Rice University scientists have developed a novel cathode for dye-sensitized solar cells using graphene/nanotube hybrids, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The new material has a huge surface area, allowing for more efficient electron transfer and better contact with the electrolyte.
Scientists found that ancient rivers, streams, and lakes on Mars were likely formed during brief periods of volcanic activity, warming the planet enough for water to flow. This challenges previous climate models suggesting a cold and ice-covered world, instead proposing a more complex history with episodic heating and melting.
Researchers at McGill University found that infant experiences shape the unconscious brain, influencing adult development even after years of disuse. The study used functional MRI scans to compare brain activation patterns in girls with unilingual French-speaking families versus those adopted from Chinese-speaking families.
A study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adding one gram of turmeric to breakfast improved working memory in older adults with pre-diabetes. The spice's active compound, curcumin, has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and improve cognitive function.
A UCL-led experiment found that people are willing to inflict an average of 20p per shock on themselves and 40p per shock on strangers in exchange for money, highlighting a surprisingly optimistic view of human nature. This contradicts previous studies claiming humans prioritize their own interests over others.