A new genetic operating system enabled the emergence of bilateral animal body plans by facilitating the formation of a mesoderm layer, which is absent in radial organisms. This 'operating system' was linked to an ancient protein called TRF2, found in bilateral animals but not non-bilaterian animals.
A new national study finds that holistic review increases diversity in incoming classes while maintaining academic standards. Nearly 40% of schools reported an increase in average GPA, with no change to measures of academic quality or student retention.
A study comparing bioprosthetic and mechanical aortic valve replacements found no significant difference in 15-year survival or stroke rates between the two groups. Bioprosthetic valves were associated with a higher likelihood of reoperation, but lower major bleeding rates.
A study of 9,288 Ontario students found that teenagers with traumatic brain injuries, especially girls, reported significantly higher rates of harmful behaviors. The research highlights the importance of monitoring adolescents with TBI and providing support to prevent mental health issues and addiction.
Researchers have found a targeted treatment, afatinib, that can stop the growth of aggressive womb cancer cells and shrink tumours. The drug targets faults in the HER2 gene, which lie at the heart of the cancer cells, offering new hope for patients with this rare but deadly form of cancer.
The new guidelines from the American Thyroid Association reaffirm levothyroxine as the gold standard treatment for hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine has been thoroughly tested and found to be very effective in reversing symptoms of hypothyroidism in most individuals.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism, 'stable energetic embedding', where atoms and molecules become trapped within ice. This discovery has significant environmental, scientific, and defense-related implications.
UConn scientists have found a way to prevent Monk Parakeet nests from causing power outages and public hazards on utility poles. By blocking the pathway to their nests, researchers can keep these invasive birds from building huge nests that weigh up to 200 pounds and cost electric utility companies millions of dollars annually.
A new BU study found that prenatal exposure to tetrachloroethylene in drinking water may increase the risk of stillbirth and placental abruption. The study, which compared over 2,000 pregnancies, found a significant association between PCE exposure and an elevated risk of these pregnancy complications.
Research finds that alcohol increases sensitivity to rewarding social behaviors like smiling in men, shedding light on risk factors for problem drinking among men. The study suggests that social context plays a crucial role in understanding drinking behavior, highlighting the importance of social motives and bonding.
Research by University of Exeter Medical School reveals that systematic testing for Lynch Syndrome in younger bowel cancer patients would identify two-thirds with the condition, avoiding 40 further cases. The test is expected to save lives, money and resources by identifying those at higher risk of developing cancer.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that healthy Americans who undergo colonoscopies do so too frequently, with many receiving repeat screenings long before they should. The study suggests that endoscopists should adhere to national guidelines more closely.
Long-term PPI use is associated with a higher risk of severe hypomagnesemia, particularly among patients receiving diuretics. Researchers estimate that one excess hospitalization for hypomagnesemia may occur among 76,591 outpatients during the first three months of PPI treatment.
A study published in JAMA found that acupuncture did not improve chronic knee pain or function in patients over 50 years old. While acupuncture showed modest improvements in pain at short-term follow-up, these benefits were not sustained at one year.
A two-year international project will analyze wave energy transformations between sea and cliffs, using laser technology to compile detailed profiles of coastal rock surfaces. The study aims to improve predictions of coastal erosion and provide a greater understanding of potential threats to rocky coastlines.
Researchers found that soil bacteria produce volatile compounds that make up part of the distinctive truffle smell. The study, published in Environmental Microbiology, sheds light on how symbiosis between fungi and microorganisms benefits both partners.
New estimates show that preterm birth complications and pneumonia are the leading causes of death in children under five years, responsible for nearly 2 million deaths in 2013. The largest single cause, preterm birth complications, accounted for 965000 deaths.
Researchers confirm the diathesis-stress model for low birth weight populations, showing they catch up but don't outperform normal-weight peers. A new differential susceptibility model suggests vulnerable children can thrive under optimal conditions, even with risk factors.
The NIH is developing an advanced electrode array system that will enable researchers to better understand how the brain works through unprecedented resolution and scale. The system, which will pack over 1,000 tiny electrodes, will allow scientists to simultaneously study thousands of neuronal cells in various brain regions during comp...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a hybrid cardiac patch using biomaterial from patients and gold nanoparticles. The patch can improve heart function after heart attacks without triggering an immune response.
The report shows an almost doubling of dementia in people with Down syndrome and significantly reduced rates of heart attack and hypertension. People with ID experience unique health challenges, including poor bone health and low physical activity levels.
Researchers have uncovered how pacemaker neurons are synchronized at dusk and dawn to maintain proper functioning of biological clocks. This understanding enhances knowledge of sleep-wake cycle regulation and offers promise for addressing related afflictions.
Researchers tracked the spread of novel tool-use behaviors among Sonso chimpanzees, demonstrating that wild chimpanzees learn and adopt new skills from each other. The study provides strong evidence for social transmission and cultural diversity in wild chimpanzee communities.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) outperform other primary care practices in granting new patient appointments to Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured patients. FQHCs also provide lower-cost visits, with nearly 70% offering such services for $100 or less.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that increasing pollution levels just below the current 'safe' standards would cause an estimated 6,000 extra deaths annually in Australia. The health statistician calls for thorough cost-benefit analyses to inform decision-making on new infrastructure projects.
A genetic test for Lynch Syndrome could help reduce the risk of bowel, womb, and ovarian cancers in families. The test would identify individuals who are at higher risk and provide them with risk-reducing measures such as more intensive surveillance to spot recurrences and new cancers early.
Researchers at EPFL propose a feasible experiment to show entanglement in the macroscopic realm, leveraging optomechanics and nanostructures. The experiment involves converting light into mechanical vibrations, which exhibit entangled behavior.
The Mediterranean is invaded by over 1,000 alien species, including fish and algae, threatening native biodiversity. Invasive species disrupt delicate balances in ecosystems, causing devastating effects on animal species.
Research reveals that diverse guard-crab species and size classes offer different kinds of effective protection against coral predators. The study found that even small crabs defend against snails, while larger crabs ignore them.
A public-private partnership aims to develop better-run clinical trials and identify effective measures of brain injury and recovery. The collaboration will analyze data from thousands of patients using biomarkers, imaging equipment, and software.
Researchers demonstrate that collective movements of small zooplankton create large-scale current patterns affecting ocean circulation. The findings suggest that these organisms could contribute trillion watts of power to the ocean.
A UMD-led research team will investigate how large networks of neurons process sensory information, focusing on the auditory cortex. The goal is to identify key groups of neurons that change over time and develop new imaging technologies and data analysis techniques.
New research suggests that early exposure to THC may cause long-term damage to the immune system, leading to increased risk of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. Studies involving adolescent mice found that THC treatment resulted in severe alterations of immune responses in adulthood.
A virtual ward, which provides community-based care for high-risk patients after discharge, did not reduce hospital readmissions as hoped. Despite a large sample size and multiple sites, the study found no significant difference in readmission rates at various time points.
A study found that endoscopists recommended shorter follow-up intervals than guidelines support, resulting in frequent colonoscopy overuse. This leads to potential excess healthcare spending of $1 million or more per year.
A study of obese adults with obstructive sleep apnea found a significant correlation between tongue size, fat content, and increased risk. The research proposes that enlarged tongues with high-fat deposits may impair airway function, leading to sleep apnea.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $18 million in grants to research nine teams of scientists working on 2-D atomic-layer research and engineering. These researchers aim to create new devices for photonics, electronics, sensors and energy harvesting by exploring the properties of two-dimensional materials.
Tropical Storm Phanfone shows fragmented bands of thunderstorms, with light to moderate rainfall and isolated heavy rain areas. NASA's TRMM satellite provides details on the storm's movement, intensity, and projected path.
BioMed Central partners with the University of Michigan to launch an open-access journal focused on clinical research surrounding diabetes and endocrine diseases. The new journal aims to promote better care for patients by sharing new knowledge, both research and clinical, on various aspects of endocrine disorders.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new approach to discovering potential cancer treatments, replicating the native environment of cancer cells. They identified an antibody, 4C3, that stops breast cancer tumor growth in animal models and are investigating its potential as a treatment for human patients.
Research reveals that young men and women who had a heart attack have poorer health and quality of life if they have limited social support, including friends, family, and emotional connections. This study provides new insights into the importance of social support for younger patients after a heart attack.
A new study suggests that targeted admission of medical and nursing students from rural areas could provide a solution to the current Ebola outbreak in western Africa. The study found that students from rural areas are more likely to want to pursue rural careers, making them ideal candidates for recruitment.
A recent study found that adhering to healthy lifestyle habits such as a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and not smoking can significantly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. The study estimated that nearly half of all diabetic pregnancies could be prevented through these low-risk lifestyle factors.
A new study by UC Irvine researchers reveals the crucial role of glycosylation in determining how T cells are created and selected. The findings provide insight into a vital process that determines the body's ability to fight infection.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have demonstrated a new kind of building block for digital integrated circuits using 3D arrangements of nanometer-scale magnets. The 'majority logic gate' can serve as a programmable switch in a digital circuit, with potential applications in ultralow-power and high-density computing.
Recent advancements reveal polyploidy's ubiquitous nature, facilitating instant speciation and increasing biodiversity. Genome doubling is now recognized as a crucial evolutionary force, especially in plant lineages.
A phase 1 clinical trial of crizotinib against ROS1-positive lung cancer showed a 72% response rate and 19.2 months progression-free survival, suggesting potential for durable action against this subtype of lung cancer.
Researchers at UC San Diego used mesh-free simulation to analyze skeletal muscle tissue, finding loss of force exceeds loss of volume with aging. The method cuts back on processing time and can be applied to study injuries from extreme events.
A new Northwestern University study highlights the importance of considering cultural differences in science communication, finding that media often reflects cultural orientations and assumptions. The research reveals that Native Americans tend to see themselves as part of nature, while European-Americans view humans as apart from it.
A team of researchers from InSilico Medicine has successfully mapped the molecular pathway for myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) cancer progression. The study identifies several proliferation and invasion-related pathways that are key to MDSC's immune-suppressive effects, opening up new avenues for therapy targeting these cells.
A large genetic study has found no evidence of a causal link between vitamin D levels and the development of type 2 diabetes. The study, conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge, examined the genes that control blood levels of vitamin D and found no association with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A study published in JAMA found that administering high-dose vitamin D to ICU patients with deficiency did not improve hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, or mortality rates. However, a subgroup of patients with severe deficiency showed lower hospital mortality.
Researchers use zebrafish and rodents to identify efficient RNA delivery vehicles, a major breakthrough in disease treatment development. The technology enables the rapid testing of hundreds of drug-delivery systems, overcoming a significant bottleneck in biotech research.
A study published in the University of Leeds has shown that heather burning on moorland has negative impacts on peat hydrology, river water chemistry, and ecology. The findings indicate a deeper water table, increased carbon release, and decreased diversity and population sizes of invertebrates in rivers draining from burned areas.
Researchers used fiber-optic cables to measure Antarctic ice loss in real-time, with potential implications for global sea levels. In another study, scientists explored the Indian Ocean's legacy and future research efforts. Meanwhile, Oregon landslides were found to be more susceptible to catastrophic failure during earthquakes.
A large cohort study found that younger patients (18-64) have higher readmission rates for heart failure than older adults, but lower rates for myocardial infarction and pneumonia. After adjusting for confounding factors, the study suggests a post-hospital syndrome in both age groups, with similar timing and reasons for readmission
Researchers warn that sildenafil, used to treat erectile dysfunction, can cause visual responses in people with a common mutation for eye disease. Studies on mice found heightened effects and signs of cell death in those with the mutation, raising concerns about long-term vision impact.
Researchers have synthesized a material that can absorb large quantities of oxygen from the air and store it, potentially revolutionizing medical devices and artificial photosynthesis. The material, containing cobalt, can be used to bind, transport, and release oxygen in various scenarios.
A new study estimated carbon emissions from cropland expansion in Northeast China between 1680 and 1980, finding forest reclamation accounted for 60% of total emissions. The conversion of non-forest ecosystems also played a significant role in triggering carbon emissions.
A five-year, $20 million project will evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment strategies for women with uterine fibroids by building a national database. The study aims to answer questions about treatment outcomes, fertility, and symptom recurrence.