Researchers found significant variations in approval times for cancer drugs between the US, Canada, and Europe, with patients in some regions waiting years longer than others. The study emphasizes the need for coordinated action to reduce disparities in drug access and improve patient outcomes.
A new standardized assessment tool, SARMS, evaluates surgeons' skills in robotic microsurgery, showing improvement with practice sessions. The study found that surgical trainees exhibit a steep initial learning curve but demonstrate steady progress in performing robot-assisted microvascular anastomoses.
Textile scientist Rachel McQueen's research found that antimicrobial fabrics were less effective at preventing bacteria and odours when tested on humans compared to lab experiments. The silver-chloride titanium dioxide compound, marketed for its ability to prevent odour, failed to eliminate bacteria in human testing.
Women facing breast cancer diagnosis can use decision analysis to evaluate alternatives for breast reconstruction, incorporating patient preferences and values. The process creates a 'decision tree' with options, outcomes, and values assigned to each outcome.
Researchers will merge biophysical and statistical approaches to create detailed computational models of neuronal activity. This could reveal insights into how proteins regulate computations in neurons, potentially shedding light on complex brain diseases.
The King Fire in California has burned over 96,000 acres since its start on September 13, 2014. A recent rain system brought minimal fire activity, but a new low-pressure system may impact the fire's spread.
A study in Diversity and Distributions documents the discovery of 27 new vertebrate species in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains, including 23 amphibians and reptiles. The region's exceptional biodiversity is attributed to factors such as forest extent, elevational range, and rainfall.
A new study finds that primary-grade retention has lasting effects on educational attainments, reducing high school completion odds by about 60%, and operates mainly at high school completion. Grade retention leaves lasting scars on students' educational careers.
Researchers track Criegee intermediate through reaction to produce hydroxyl radicals, providing insights into atmospheric chemistry and climate modeling. The study's findings shed light on the dominant source of hydroxyl radicals at night, playing a significant role in the atmosphere during winter.
Guillardia theta's unique phycobiliproteins have distinct biosynthesis and assembly processes compared to cyanobacteria and red algae. Researchers gained insight into the complex transport mechanism of these pigments using docking enzyme GtCPES.
Tropical Storm Kammuri is intensifying as it moves north-northwest through warm sea temperatures, expected to become a typhoon by Sept 27. The Suomi NPP satellite captured visible images of the storm's improving circulation and strong thunderstorms.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found 40% of thyroidectomy patients to be vitamin D deficient prior to surgery. Vitamin D supplementation may improve surgical outcomes and shorten hospital stays for these patients. The study highlights the importance of routine vitamin D level checks in thyroid surgery patients.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identified a link between BET bromodomain-containing proteins and atherosclerosis. By inhibiting these proteins, they found significant decreases in inflammation and atherosclerosis in pre-clinical models.
A large study has pinpointed synapse genes with major roles in severe childhood epilepsies, providing a new target for treatment strategies. The research identified 429 de novo mutations, including strong evidence for novel genes involved in synapse function.
Researchers at Princeton University have overcome a major challenge in predicting material properties by accurately calculating the lattice energy of benzene to sub-kilojoule/mol accuracy. This breakthrough enables polymorphism to be resolved, a crucial step towards understanding material behavior and development of new materials.
Researchers develop genetic 'instruction set' that creates broadly neutralizing antibodies to target hepatitis C virus. In mice, the treatment prevented infection and eradicated existing infections, offering potential for affordable treatment.
Researchers have established a crucial relationship between Natural Killer T (NKT) cells and B cells in the body's natural defense mechanisms. The study found that altered lipid compositions on autoimmune B cells lead to over-activation of NKT cells, causing their depletion. Removing a specific lipid-presenting molecule from B cells re...
Scientists at EPFL have created a method to convert sunlight into hydrogen using perovskite solar cells and nickel-iron catalysts, achieving an impressive 12.3% efficiency rate. This innovative approach eliminates the need for rare-earth metals in producing usable hydrogen fuel, paving the way for efficient energy storage and conversion.
A new review by UT Southwestern Medical Center surgeons found gastric bypass surgery to be more effective than banding for long-term weight loss (66% vs. 45%) and controlling type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. Long-term complication rates also favored gastric bypass.
A new study from Lund University reveals that both the cerebral cortex and other levels in the brain play a greater role in processing touch than previously thought, with a larger proportion of brain structures involved.
Researchers at USC Keck Medicine have discovered a dual purpose of the cancer drug decitabine in regulating gene expression. The study found that the drug not only reactivated tumor suppressor genes but also down-regulated overexpressed oncogenes, which are responsible for cancer progression. This new mechanism may provide additional t...
Researchers at Carnegie Institution use high pressure to engineer gallium arsenide, a promising semiconductor material for solar cells. The study found that applying pressure can widen the 'band gap' and induce metallic electronic properties in two different crystalline structures of GaAs.
Researchers analyzed genetic information from 356 patients and identified novel causes for severe childhood epilepsies. Strong evidence was found for additional novel genes involved in synapse function, which may help address underlying disease mechanisms and improve treatment options.
A study of over 12,000 Finns found that women generally prefer same-aged or slightly older male partners, while men tend to be interested in women in their mid-20s due to fertility. This evolutionary difference may reflect women's greater control over mating choices and the resulting selection pressures.
Children with ADHD exhibit impaired brain response to angry facial expressions, whereas typically developing children show a significant hemodynamic response in both happy and angry expressions.
Cedars-Sinai is part of a 5-center consortium collecting and analyzing thousands of pieces of data to develop molecular signatures for motor neuron disorders. The goal is to create a 'cloud' of information that shows relationships between proteins, genes, and RNA in cells.
Researchers have identified a potential method to interrupt abnormal bone growth, commonly known as heterotopic ossification (HO), in burn patients. Using an anti-inflammatory treatment called apyrase, the study found that HO can be reduced by breaking down ATP, a primary energy source for cells.
A large study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective and can have lasting effects than medication for social anxiety disorder. CBT helps people challenge irrational fears and overcome avoidance of social situations.
Researchers found Streptococcus pneumoniae physically damages the heart, leaving tiny lesions that can permanently scar the myocardium. A candidate vaccine has been developed to protect against this damage.
Kidney transplant recipients infected with BK virus are more likely to develop donor-specific antibodies, which can lead to organ rejection. The study found a significant association between persistent BK infections and the development of these detrimental antibodies.
A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that higher levels of GABA in the supplementary motor area (SMA) help dampen down hyperactivity, allowing stronger signals to produce movement. This could lead to targeted approaches controlling tics using transcranial direct-current stimulation (tdcs).
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that burn intervals may predict the rate of woody vegetation expansion along grassland streams, which could help maintain tallgrass prairies. The research also suggests that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and grazing patterns may contribute to woody plant encroachment.
A new study suggests a way to reduce cement's greenhouse-gas output by more than half, resulting in stronger and more durable concrete. By adjusting the calcium-to-silica ratio, the material can achieve twice the resistance of normal cement, with significant reductions in carbon emissions.
A new study describes a mechanism for how cancer cells take over one of the processes for telomere maintenance, allowing them to gain an infinite lifespan. The team found that cancer cells use either telomerase or alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanisms to maintain their telomeres.
Researchers at Cancer Research UK found that blocking a chemical signal produced by macrophages can shrink melanoma tumors and make them easier to treat. This discovery suggests that targeting this 'survival signal' could lead to new ways to treat the disease, which is responsible for around 13,300 deaths in the UK each year.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a simple pulley mechanism that improves hand function in cadaver hands after surgery. The device reduces the force needed to close all four fingers by 45% and prevents slippage by 52%. This technology may offer new options for people who have lost hand function due to nerve trauma.
A York University psychology professor warns that perfectionism is a significant risk factor for suicide, linked to hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. The expert calls for clinicians to consider perfectionism as a separate factor in suicide risk assessment and intervention.
The Food Processing and Innovation Center (FPIC) will provide USDA/FDA certification and scale up services for private companies to develop new food products and production processes. MSU's Product Center expects the center to create over 300 jobs annually.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a novel compound that impedes the spread of multiple myeloma to bones in mice. By targeting the microenvironment, the compound alters the bone marrow environment, making it less hospitable to cancer cells, and slows disease progression and prolongs survival.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a methodology to measure a region's 'health' by balancing social and environmental factors. The tool helps identify critical limits beyond which regions risk ecological and social collapse, providing crucial data for decision-makers.
A comprehensive family tree of meat-eating dinosaurs reveals the gradual emergence of bird-like features, such as feathers and wishbones. The study supports a theory that sudden evolutionary changes led to an explosion in avian diversity, resulting in thousands of species today.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have discovered a trio of poorly understood growth regulators called the Sestrins that play a crucial role in regulating mTORC1 signaling. The study found that the Sestrins work cooperatively to inhibit mTORC1 signaling by interacting with GATOR2, suggesting new potential targets for drug development.
A simple blood test could be used to identify patients at risk of cancer due to high levels of calcium in the blood. Researchers found that in men, even mild hypercalcaemia conferred a risk of cancer in one year of 11.5%, while in women, the corresponding figure was 4.1%. The study suggests that hyperparathyroidism may be responsible f...
Researchers found that a synthetic derivative of vitamin D can collapse the barrier of cells shielding pancreatic tumors, making them more susceptible to therapeutic drugs. Human trials are underway for pancreatic cancer, and the findings may have implications for other tough-to-treat tumors.
A study published in Neuron found that neurons in the medial temporal lobe respond more strongly to blended faces when a subject recognizes the face as belonging to one person. The results suggest that conscious recognition plays a crucial role in whether neurons fire, rather than the raw visual stimulus.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have extended the lifetime of blue organic light emitting diodes by a factor of 10, improving OLED efficiencies for smartphones and large-screen TVs. The new design spreads out light-producing energy to prevent damaging synergy, resulting in a tenfold increase in lifetime.
Researchers have discovered a surprisingly diverse family of antibodies that can broadly neutralize different strains of HIV, providing new options for vaccine design. The findings offer clues on how to elicit high levels of these antibodies in people.
A UT Arlington professor will use a $400,000 CAREER grant to team with Teach for America and create a geophysics-based curriculum for secondary school teachers. The project aims to improve scientists' preparation and increase predictability of hazards associated with future earthquake events.
A study identifies dense natural gas field developments, highways, and fencing as threats to the pronghorn's migration in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The research found that migrating pronghorn avoid high-quality forage on both sides of highways with bottlenecks, highlighting the need for wildlife-friendly infrastructure.
A new study found that global sea levels rose at rates of up to 5.5 meters per century at the end of each of the last five ice-age cycles. The research provides a detailed record of sea-level variability over 500,000 years.
Researchers found that caterpillars of fall armyworm and two other Spodoptera species deploy a gut enzyme to attach a sugar to the toxic free DIMBOA, rendering it non-reactive to plant enzyme. This detoxification strategy explains the success of these pest insects in overcoming maize defenses.
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is partnering with the Population Council on a five-year USAID-funded project to conduct operational HIV research. The Supporting Operational AIDS Research (SOAR) project will produce high-quality evidence to guide HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs worldwide.
Researchers develop new single-photon detection strategies with high accuracy enhancements, enabling precise timing resolution and fast reset times. New technologies improve space missions and quantum optics, advancing the field of single-photon devices.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that coaching patients with COPD to manage stress and practice relaxation can improve their physical symptoms, quality of life, and reduce depression and anxiety.
NASA's GOES-West satellite captured Tropical Storm Rachel, the 18th tropical depression of the Eastern Pacific. The storm took an oval shape due to wind shear, indicating a disturbance in its circulation. Forecasters predict strengthening over the next couple of days before weakening into a depression.
Researchers discovered a turmeric compound, ar-turmerone, promotes stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the brain, suggesting its potential as a future drug candidate for treating stroke and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that ar-turmerone increased neural stem cell proliferation by up to 80% without affecting cell death.
A Michigan State University study finds that annual incidence rates of alcohol use disorders vary significantly among different Hispanic subgroups, including Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban-Americans. The research highlights the importance of developing culturally specific preventive measures to address these disparities.
Researchers found that the protein BRD4 plays a crucial role in regulating stem cell identity, holding promise for regenerating tissues and organs. The study suggests that inhibiting BRD4 could be used to reprogram stem cells into specific cell types, such as neurons.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect 14-15% of cases in Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, despite the countries' small population. The US could work with these countries to implement disease control programs and develop lifesaving vaccines through joint efforts.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine advocate for standardized assessment tools and evidence-based treatment choices for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Nonpharmacologic interventions like breastfeeding may also help decrease NAS symptoms.