A new gene therapy has shown promising results in improving hind limb function in rats with spinal cord injuries. The treatment involves delivering a scar-busting gene that promotes the survival of nerve cells and reduces inflammation, leading to improved mobility and tissue repair.
According to a study published in JAMA, approximately 40% of pharmaceutical company board members also held leadership positions at academic medical centers (AMCs), receiving an average compensation of $312,564. This raises concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest between AMC leaders' fiduciary responsibilities and their ...
Researchers found that breast-feeding has a protective effect on the risk of obesity at 20 years old. A diet rich in fat after breast-feeding also appears to reduce body fat, while low-fat diets may mask the benefits of breast milk.
Only 10% of spine surgeons follow guidelines recommending routine psychological screenings before major surgery. Highly experienced surgeons and those with high patient volume more likely to use assessments, contrary to expectations that academic centers would lead the way.
A recent study by Concordia University suggests that family CEOs may struggle in innovative industries, where constant innovation and adaptability are key. In contrast, traditional industries with a focus on quality and reputation may benefit from family leadership.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have identified over 1,000 genes in rice that play key roles in managing stress responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. The study found that 70% of these genes are co-expressive, turning on under both kinds of stress.
A new study by Durham University highlights the inadequacies in heart failure care in the UK, including uncertainty among clinicians about diagnosis and management. The research found inconsistencies in patients' access to tests and services, as well as a lack of awareness among health professionals of dedicated heart failure clinics.
The CDC won the 2014 Franz Edelman Award for its collaboration with Kid Risk, Inc. to combat remaining polio pockets globally using analytics and operations research. The award recognizes the impact of this work on the polio eradication program over the last decade.
Researchers develop a protein that facilitates control of nerve cells by light, increasing sensitivity and enabling precise activation of selected cells. This technology, called optogenetics, holds promise for studying diseases like epilepsy and Parkinson's.
Tropical Cyclone Hellen's heavy rain rates were detected by NASA's TRMM satellite, with rainfall rates reaching over 44 mm/hour near its eye. The storm's remnants re-emerged in the Mozambique Channel, posing a potential regrowth threat.
Dr. Xiangling Wang, a medical genetics resident at the Mayo Clinic, has received the inaugural Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Clinical Genetics Combined Residency for Translational Genomic Scholars Fellowship Award. The award aims to advance education, research, and standards of practice in medical genetics.
Decades of using antimicrobial household products have left consumers with no measurable benefits, but lax regulation has caused widespread contamination. The FDA is revisiting the safety of triclocarban and triclosan, which are linked to environmental and human health risks.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that single men are more likely to die of cutaneous malignant melanoma. The researchers discovered that this applies to men of all ages, regardless of education level or residence. Early detection is crucial for survival, as skin cancer can be cured if treated early enough.
Researchers have discovered how new MS drug dimethyl fumarate works, blocking inflammatory cell infiltration in the central nervous system by targeting a specific receptor. The study found that DMF reduces neurological deficits in mice with multiple sclerosis-like symptoms.
Theoretical simulations reveal that carbon nanotube growth and hydrocarbon combustion share similarities, with the ethynyl radical playing a key role in both processes. This finding could lead to new ways to control CNT growth and increase understanding of fuel combustion processes.
Researchers found that deforestation has minimal effects on muddy clay-like soils, but dramatically alters microbial communities in sandy soils, leading to increased carbon loss and potential for exaggerating global warming. This discovery could inform land management practices prioritizing the conservation of biodiversity and sequestr...
The new journal will publish research on communications between vehicles and roadside infrastructure, exploring topics such as routing, safety, and standardization. Advances in wireless communications are making real-time information sharing easier between vehicles and infrastructure.
New research reveals a melanoma-specific biomarker for predicting immune dysfunction. A murine model of glucocorticoid-induced glaucoma has also been developed, highlighting the role of ER stress in disease progression.
A $16 million phase III study of isradipine as a potential neuroprotective agent in Parkinson's disease will be conducted at 56 sites in North America. Researchers aim to delay disease progression by protecting dopamine-producing neurons from toxicity.
Researchers found charred grains of barley, millet, and wheat in Kazakhstan campsites dating back nearly 5,000 years. This discovery pushes back the known East-West interaction along the Silk Road by 2,000 years, indicating nomadic pastoralists played a key role in spreading domesticated crops throughout Central Eurasia.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a key molecule, elafin, that could lead to new therapies for people with celiac disease. Elafin decreases the enzymatic reaction that increases the toxicity of peptides derived from gluten, protecting the intestinal lining.
Researchers found that customers perceive restaurants as socially responsible when provided with nutrition facts and healthful options, leading to increased patronage. Highly health-conscious individuals are more likely to favor such restaurants, regardless of the presence of nutrition information.
Researchers have identified a new yeast species that travels the globe with beetles, offering hope for developing renewable fuels. Preserving biodiversity is crucial to unlock the microbial life's potential solutions to global challenges.
The second annual SAGE-Sponsored OAIS Awards have recognized the impact of international blogging on scholarly communication. The winners include Dart Throwing Chimp, Political Violence @ A Glance, and Nuclear Diner, among others, who have made significant contributions to International Studies blogging.
Researchers found that apatite, a commonly used method for estimating lunar water content, may not be reliable due to its hydrogen-rich crystals forming from cooling magma. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the moon's formation and evolution.
The Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) has been recognized as the 2014 Laboratory of the Year by R&D Magazine. The facility showcases a unique combination of an ultra-energy efficient workplace, high-performance computing data center, and sophisticated laboratory spaces.
A new fruitfly study confirmed that the enzyme GABA transaminase, a target of some epilepsy drugs, contributes to sleep loss. The study sheds light on mechanisms connecting sleep disruption and neurological disorders.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a new method to study wake effects in wind farms, challenging conventional wisdom on the best arrangement of turbines. They found that an 'intermediate' staggering, where rows are imperfectly offset, can improve power output in some cases.
A new study found that full-field digital mammography (FFDM) is associated with lower recall and biopsy rates than screen film mammography (SFM), reducing the number of unnecessary diagnostic workups. FFDM implementation led to lower false positive screening exams and fewer biopsies with benign outcomes.
A quality improvement initiative at an American College of Radiology institution led to a significant reduction in unnecessary follow-up imaging for adnexal cystic lesions. The initiative improved sonographic characterization and imaging triage, increasing confidence in characterizing certain lesions as physiologic or benign.
A study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that oxytocin causes participants to lie more to benefit their groups and do so quickly without expectation of reciprocal dishonesty. This raises questions about the morality of lying, even when it benefits those close to us.
A team of researchers from Washington State University developed a novel approach to teaching computers new skills, mimicking the interaction between a human teacher and student. The method involves giving action advice to help students learn complex games like Pac-Man and StarCraft.
A study found that Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) at leading US institutions are dominated by animal researchers, with only 10% of members being non-scientist public representatives. This bias may contribute to deficiencies in the IACUC oversight system and marginalize input from public members.
A new study found that the more red blood cells patients receive through transfusions, the higher their risk of developing infections. Elderly patients undergoing hip or knee surgeries were most susceptible, with a 30% lower risk of infection when fewer transfusions were used.
Researchers found biting flies, including horseflies and tsetse flies, drive zebra's black and white stripes. The study ruled out other hypotheses such as camouflage and social function.
Researchers found that European humans have a higher number of Neanderthal variants in genes related to lipid breakdown, which may have provided a selective advantage. This study suggests that Neanderthal ancestry has driven evolutionary changes in lipid processing and brain composition among Europeans.
A study published in JAMA found that restricting blood transfusions reduces healthcare-associated infections by 18%, saving lives and costs. The research suggests that a more restrictive approach to transfusions could alleviate patient suffering and reduce hospital costs.
Researchers at NC State University found that tactile stimulation, such as touch from other female cockroaches or even duck feathers, speeds up reproduction in females. Pairing two cockroaches together produces the fastest rate of reproduction.
A new study published in Environmental Research Letters has found that a warm North Atlantic Ocean can promote extreme winters in the US and Europe. The research suggests that natural variations in sea surface temperatures, such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, can affect atmospheric circulation patterns like the North Atlanti...
A new study suggests that popularity among adolescents increases their risk of getting bullied and worsens the negative consequences. The researchers found that students in the middle to upper social hierarchy are more likely to be victimized, with the likelihood increasing by over 25% for those who reach the top of the social ladder.
A University of California, Davis study found that popular adolescents are at high risk of being bullied and experience worse psychological and social consequences compared to less popular peers. The research revealed that victims of harassment often suffer anxiety, anger, and depression.
A new study reveals that uric acid in urine generates hazardous 'volatile disinfection byproducts' in swimming pools when combined with chlorine. This reaction can lead to toxic compounds like cyanogen chloride and trichloramine, posing health risks to swimmers.
Research suggests that interrupting diurnal rhythms impairs healing immediately after a heart attack, while normal cycles promote better outcomes. Maintaining circadian rhythms during the first few days after an attack can improve scar formation and healing.
A new discovery identifies a key protein called PCAF that promotes nerve growth in the central nervous system, leading to increased nerve fibers regrowing. The study suggests that PCAF may be used to trigger nerve regeneration and potentially lead to recovery from spinal cord injury or brain trauma.
A novel approach to managing model structural uncertainty is introduced, which can help prioritize improvements for better decision-making. The method analyzes internal discrepancies within the model and expresses beliefs about error sizes, providing an indication of relative importance.
A comprehensive review suggests that mammography screening benefits are often exaggerated while harms are understated. The study's findings emphasize the need for individualized approach to breast cancer screening based on clinical factors and personal preferences.
A 3,500-year-old Egyptian inscription describes rain, darkness and stormy weather, suggesting a massive Thera eruption in the Mediterranean Sea. The revised dating of the pharaoh Ahmose's reign could change scholars' understanding of critical junctures in human history.
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have discovered how MRP-14 generates dangerous clots that could trigger heart attack or stroke. MRP-14 binds to a platelet receptor called CD36 to activate platelets, promoting pathologic blood clotting.
A recent study by MIT economists finds strong convergence of prices within the Eurozone, with prices differing by 30-50% lower than in neighboring countries. The research suggests that the common currency drives identical pricing, contradicting previous findings.
A survey of over 500 researchers found that scientists support outreach efforts, but are hesitant due to concerns about peer disapproval. Confidence plays a key role in willingness to participate.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism for using light to activate drug-delivering nanoparticles, providing precise control over the release of therapeutic substances. The method employs near-infrared light from a low-power laser to heat pockets of water within non-photo-responsive polymeric nanoparticles infused with drugs.
A study published in Psychological Science found that children who participated in the Fast Track program showed reduced aggression later in life. The researchers believe that the program's success may be linked to changes in testosterone reactivity to social threats.