Weeds introduced to the UK centuries ago are still adapting and changing, with some species showing significant increases in leaf area and plant height. Researchers found that 70% of weeds in New South Wales have undergone substantial changes since introduction.
The SENSEI Instrument project aims to create a camera system that captures the entire surrounding environment, including the size and mass of objects. This technology will provide detailed information on marine life, such as coral reefs and kelp forests, and enhance our understanding of cultural heritage sites.
Researchers at Notre Dame designed a highly accurate traffic prediction model that considers both time-based and distance-based costs. The model outperformed previous models when predicting commuter flows, demonstrating its potential to predict the impact of network disruptions.
Using community pharmacies to identify undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases at an early stage could save the NHS £264 million annually. The service has already been successful in screening over 238 people, identifying those at higher risk of COPD and providing lifestyle advice.
A new study by Penn and Dresden researchers has identified the protein Del-1 as a key player in blocking multiple sclerosis relapses in mice. The protein, also found to prevent inflammation and bone loss in gum disease, shows promise as a potential therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
This special issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry provides an overview of recent advances in understanding and treating bipolar disorder. Key findings include the role of white matter disease, stress and HPA axis function, effectiveness of lithium, stimulants for depression, functional remediation, and issues in network meta-analysis.
A new study found that fast-food outlets within 500m of non-white ethnic minority groups and socially deprived areas are associated with increased risk of Type-2 diabetes and obesity. The research suggests that for every two additional fast-food outlets, one extra diabetes case can be expected.
Researchers found that popular diets such as Atkins, South Beach, and Weight Watchers result in modest weight loss at one year, but no significant impact on cardiovascular risk factors. The study suggests that a broader lifestyle intervention involving doctors and other health professionals may be more effective for long-term weight loss.
New findings suggest that microbiome studies may have prematurely proposed links to disease due to laboratory contamination. The study found that DNA extraction kits, chemical reagents, and environmental contaminants can introduce bacteria into samples, affecting results.
Researchers found that fine particles eroded from riverbanks were the main source of phosphorus in Lake Pepin sediment before 1850. After 1850, riverbanks absorbed P from polluted river water, contributing to increasing phosphorus concentrations. Upgrading sewage treatment plants is crucial to controlling phosphorus pollution upstream.
Researchers mapped ETEC bacteria's genetic composition to reveal its spread and identify potential vaccine targets. The study suggests a single bacterium has divided worldwide, leading to the development of a globally beneficial vaccine.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that North Atlantic tropical cyclones significantly affect the Midwest, causing flooding in states hundreds of miles inland. The study used USGS stream gauge data to show a strong correlation between inland flooding and tropical cyclone passage.
A new study found that false beliefs about weight loss pills lead to overeating and unhealthy behavior. The study suggests that consumers who believe in the effectiveness of weight loss pills consume more cookies when given free access.
A new study reveals that emotional awareness training can significantly improve food choices, even without nutritional knowledge. Trained participants were more likely to opt for healthy snacks and experienced weight loss over three months.
Researchers found that groundwater temperatures have warmed significantly over the past forty years, echoing global warming trends. The warming is attributed to climate change and has been observed in groundwater close to the surface, with a certain time lag.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that TAK-733, a next-gen melanoma drug, exhibited anti-cancer activity in 10 out of 11 patient tumor samples grown in mice. The drug showed significant shrinkage in tumors up to 100%, regardless of BRAF mutation status.
A large-scale study has found that higher-scoring GP practices tend to have predominantly higher-scoring doctors. This variation in scores is often masked by the current practice-level scoring system, which may lead to undetected doctor skill gaps.
A Michigan State University study explores how attitudes about knowledge and power drive the wolf debate, identifying four themes: mistrust among decision-makers, special interest groups disenfranchising voters, political influencers overriding science, and local sources of information being ignored.
A novel medical-imaging technology called TexRAD has been shown to enable early diagnosis of bowel-cancer patients not responding to standard cancer therapy. The technology analyzes the texture of tumors, distinguishing patients with good prognosis from those with poor prognosis.
Researchers found that salivary mucin MUC5B limits biofilm formation by keeping S. mutans suspended in the liquid medium, preventing cavities. Boosting native defenses may be a better way to fight dental caries than relying on exogenous materials.
A study by home health care nurses found that Depression Care for Patients at Home (Depression CAREPATH) had no effect on the full sample of patients, but showed benefits among those with moderate to severe depression. The intervention improved depression scores in patients with a score of 10 or greater, particularly at three months.
A Taiwanese study found that ACE-inhibitors use was associated with a 57% reduced risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in patients prescribed more than 449.5 cumulative defined daily doses. The research used data from over 14,500 individuals and suggested long-term exposure to ACEIs may be inversely linked to ALS risk.
A new genome sequencing technology has identified over 26,000 previously unknown genetic variants in the human genome. These discoveries have significant implications for understanding the causes of genetic conditions and may lead to breakthroughs in personalized medicine.
Scientists at Carnegie Institution for Science have discovered crucial biochemical pathways in single-cell alga Chlamydomonas that allow it to generate energy from stored sugars without taking up oxygen. This process is essential for the survival of many aquatic and terrestrial organisms, but its mechanisms are poorly understood.
A newly discovered signaling pathway in brown fat cells stimulates glucose uptake, potentially treating type 2 diabetes. The mTORC2 pathway, involving protein kinase mTOR, enhances GLUT1 transport to the surface of brown fat cells.
A gene that regulates blood vessel constriction is linked to aberrant blood vessel growth in premature babies, leading to vision loss. The finding suggests a new therapy to prevent damage and highlights endothelin's role in both blood pressure regulation and blood vessel formation.
Researchers developed a standardized approach to reducing cardiac monitor alarms, resulting in an 80% reduction in daily alarms and a 95% increase in caregiver compliance. The process increased staff's ability to address significant alarms promptly, improving patient safety.
A study by Linköping University found that a single compound in blood, trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal, is as attractive to large carnivores as the entire blood smell. Researchers discovered this through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques.
Researchers used robotic ocean gliders to study the transport of warm water near the Antarctic coast, discovering that swirling ocean eddies play a key role in this process. The findings will aid in determining how rapidly ice is melting and contributing to rising ocean levels.
A new study from the University of Washington and MIT reveals that global warming is not solely caused by carbon dioxide's 'blanket' effect, but also involves shortwave radiation. The research shows how CO2 initially traps heat, but as the planet warms, it absorbs more solar radiation, leading to continued warming.
Researchers have solved a decades-old mystery by uncovering the formation of massive DNA molecules, dubbed 'neochromosomes', in some tumours. These giant chromosomes are formed through catastrophic chromosomal shattering and genetic amplification, ensuring the cancer's survival.
The FITOVID project aims to reduce fungal disease treatment in vineyards by applying less product and using new technologies for early detection. Researchers test alternative strategies, including 'zero waste' products, to boost sustainable management of pests and diseases.
Crescendo Bioscience will showcase new clinical data on Vectra DA at the 2014 ACR Annual Meeting, highlighting its value in assessing RA disease activity and predicting patient risk of joint damage. The company will present two oral presentations and four poster presentations.
The American College of Physicians recommends a systematic approach to discussing end-of-life care goals with patients, aiming for better quality of life and longer survival rates. The guidelines also highlight the importance of training clinicians, identifying at-risk patients, and using structured communication formats.
A study by Dr. Marcelo Urquia found that using birthweight curves tailored to specific ethnic groups can help identify babies who are at risk of adverse events, such as premature death or complications during delivery. The new charts can provide more accurate measurements and trigger fewer unnecessary medical interventions.
A new set of guidelines for platelet transfusion aims to reduce bleeding in adult patients, while a multidrug regimen shows higher remission rates for lupus nephritis patients in a randomized controlled trial.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are exploring a new method to treat high-saline water from hydrofracturing and other processes by utilizing waste heat from thermoelectric plants. The goal is to develop a cost-effective technology that can recover clean water and reduce waste disposal costs.
A new study reveals that iron fertilization in the Southern Ocean may reduce the biological carbon pump's ability to transport carbon dioxide into the deep ocean. This process, which draws carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the sea, is crucial for mitigating climate change.
A large study found that using world region-specific birth-weight curves for immigrant mothers and their babies can predict adverse outcomes more accurately than Canadian curves. This method may help avoid unnecessary interventions and reduce parental stress.
A team at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a population of neurons that can process multiple behaviors at once, blurring the lines of specialization. This finding raises questions about how information is encoded in the brain and may lead to new approaches in understanding cognition and mental disorders.
Researchers at INSERM have developed an innovative approach to produce human motor neurons from stem cells in just 14 days, nearly twice as fast as before. This breakthrough could lead to rapid progress in understanding and treating diseases like infantile spinal muscular amyotrophy and ALS.
Most organizations prioritize analytics maturity, but few have a plan to assess their analytics best practices. INFORMS' survey reveals that only 18% of respondents have an analytics maturity model in place, with many citing lack of resources or affordability as barriers.
A study found that hospitalized cardiac patients exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and subsequent heart attacks. Only 17.3% of patients recalled being asked about their SHS exposure by healthcare professionals despite the known risks.
Researchers connect ancient clay tablet data to climate records, suggesting that drought and overpopulation weakened the empire's economy and destabilized its political system. The study draws parallels between the Assyrian Empire's collapse and contemporary issues in the region, highlighting the importance of considering long-term sus...
A new study has found that the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan (HA) in the cervix provides protection against infection, which can lead to preterm birth. Mice unable to produce HA had abnormal cervical structures and higher preterm birth rates in response to infection.
University of Michigan researchers demonstrate how chains of self-assembling particles can form and extend when exposed to an alternating electric field. This innovation could enable electronics that rewire on demand and pave the way for development of tiny, mobile robots with potential applications in medicine and manufacturing.
A new high-resolution mapping strategy has identified opportunities to preserve tropical carbon stocks in the fight against climate change. The approach prioritizes carbon conservation efforts throughout tropical countries and provides detailed information on landscape characteristics.
Support for plain packs increased significantly after implementation, rising from 28.2% to 49%, with those who wanted to quit being more likely to accept them. Smokers with a higher desire to quit and low heavy smoking index were also more supportive of plain packs.
A University of Michigan study found that patients cared for by nurses with bachelor of science degrees had better care, fewer readmissions and shorter stays. The research estimated that these improvements could save around $5.6 million annually.
A recent Tel Aviv University study found that obesity leads to a breakdown of the body's protective self-tolerance, creating an environment for autoimmune diseases. The research also highlights the importance of vitamin D supplements in alleviating symptoms and improving prognosis for patients with multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have demonstrated that noise in microwave amplifiers is limited by self-heating at very low temperatures. The study, published in Nature Materials, shows that phonon radiation in the transistor is responsible for limiting noise.
A new RAND Corporation report highlights the ongoing struggles of military veterans in finding civilian employment, despite businesses reporting they make excellent employees. The study found that challenges remain for both veterans seeking jobs and employers trying to hire them.
A new study found that child-mortality rates declined the fastest among the poorest families in developing countries, resulting in a narrowing gap between wealth groups. The study also identified four factors contributing to this convergence: government effectiveness, rule of law, corruption control, and regulatory quality.
Research suggests that guidelines limiting duration of overseas deployment in UK troops may have prevented 138 cases of PTSD, among other mental health issues. The Harmony Guidelines, introduced in 2006, limited tours to 13 months or less over a 3-year period.
A new study reveals that playing action video games boosts learning capabilities by fostering better templates in the brain. Action gamers excel at tasks due to their improved ability to build and fine-tune models of the world, leading to accelerated learning curves and lasting effects.
A new study reveals that informed bladder cancer patients are more motivated to quit smoking, which can prolong their lives. Physicians can significantly impact this by educating patients about the link between smoking and their disease.
Researchers from RIKEN found that a subtle change in the Lon enzyme allows bacteria to quickly adapt between low-oxygen gut environments and high-oxygen outside conditions. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets for enteric diseases.
The discovery of two Ice Age infant remains at the Upward Sun River site in Alaska offers a rare glimpse into the lives of early human societies. The burials, dated to around 11,500 years ago, include grave offerings such as hafted compound weapons and provide insights into funeral practices and social organization.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study links hotter temperatures to the risk of armed conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa. The research team found a clear signal that higher temperatures increase conflict risk, particularly for communal incidents.
Researchers have discovered a novel enzyme production strategy in shipworms that breaks down wood, shedding light on the potential for these bivalves to produce biofuels. The study's findings could provide valuable insights and tools for biomass-based industries.