Researchers at Duke University have identified three tree species as environmental hosts for the fungus Cryptococcus gattii, which causes life-threatening lung and brain infections. The study found that these tree species can serve as sources of human infections, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems.
Research from San Francisco State University finds that individuals with schizophrenia struggle to set high-effort goals due to difficulty assessing effort required. Breaking down tasks into smaller ones with small rewards can help patients function normally and counter motivation deficits.
Malassezia fungi, linked to human skin conditions, have been found across multiple environments including Hawaiian coral reefs, arctic soils, and deep sea vents. They dominate certain marine ecosystems and are also found in marine mammals and fish, suggesting a broader ecological significance.
Researchers at University of Waterloo are investigating factors impacting food intake in long-term care settings, with a focus on improving nutrition for older adults. The study, funded by $1.5 million in grants, aims to understand the complex relationships between meal quality, food access, and mealtime experience.
The Lancet emphasizes the need for fair distribution of experimental Ebola drugs and rigorous testing in clinical trials. Bioethicists recommend prioritizing containment of the epidemic and strengthening health systems over treatment with potentially ineffective interventions.
Researchers found that green tea polyphenols effectively protect spinal cord neurons against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research revealed that green tea polyphenols inhibit neuronal apoptosis, indicating a protective role in spinal cord neurons under oxidative stress.
Researchers found that ADHD children use less differentiated learning patterns, leading to suboptimal decisions. The study used mathematical models and multimodal imaging to examine brain activity in participants with and without ADHD.
A new study found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy significantly reduced non-mental health care visits among patients who were high health service users. Over eight years, this translates to a reduction of nearly 2,500 visits to primary care physicians, emergency departments, or non-psychiatric specialists in Ontario.
A novel modeling strategy simulates polyelectrolyte systems, enabling the prediction of desirable characteristics for various applications. The 'implicit solvent ionic strength method' reduces computational costs, allowing for quicker results and larger system complexity.
The University of Houston is launching a new center to increase female STEM faculty recruitment, particularly among women of color. The five-year grant will support workshops on inclusion and diversity, mentorship programs, and senior administrative fellowships for women in STEM leadership roles.
The completed Canola genome sequence sheds light on its complex evolutionary history with Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea. Researchers aim to use this knowledge to improve canola traits such as flowering time, disease resistance and nutritional content.
A study by the JAMA Network found that vision loss significantly impacts daily life and can increase mortality risk. The research highlights the importance of addressing vision impairment to prevent adverse outcomes.
A new species of carnivorous crustacean, Thylacares brandonesis, has been identified from a 435 million-year-old fossil found in Wisconsin. The creature used long, claw-like appendages to catch prey, similar to modern remipedes.
Researchers identified a key clue to treating absence seizures by deleting the T-type calcium channel CaV3.3 in mice, which suppressed burst firing and increased tonic firing. This study challenges existing hypotheses and provides a foundation for developing effective treatment methods.
A study published by Kessler Foundation found small but significant differences in self-care and mobility at discharge among patients with motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI), with non-Hispanic blacks showing less improvement compared to Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. The study used data from the Spinal Cord Injury Model System...
Acute pancreatitis is a severe condition where the pancreas digests itself, leading to abdominal pain, vomiting, and systemic inflammation. Recent research suggests that insulin may prevent toxic effects of alcohol and fatty acid metabolites on pancreatic acinar cells.
Researchers have identified marmosets as an ideal animal model to study Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) due to their DPP4 protein's similarity to humans. The marmoset model recapitulates severe respiratory symptoms seen in human patients, making it a promising candidate for future therapeutic studies.
Arctic sea ice covered about 2.31 million square miles on Aug. 19, falling short of the record low in 2012 but continuing a trend of decline over the past 30 years. NASA scientists are flying three airborne research campaigns to study climate-driven changes in the Arctic.
Research found a strong association between low birth weight and type 2 diabetes in African American women, with those born very low weight facing a 40% increased risk. The study's findings shed light on the long-term health effects of low birth weight in this population.
The study highlights the need for improved screening and access to treatments for diabetic macular edema, a leading cause of blindness in diabetic patients. African Americans have a higher burden of diabetes-related vision loss due to problems with access to care.
Researchers developed a novel process to convert rice, parsley and vegetable waste into biodegradable plastic films with promising traits. The bioplastics have the potential to replace non-degrading polymers and provide a more environmentally friendly option for replacing synthetic plastics.
Researchers found that monthly transfusions reduced the risk of silent strokes and subsequent brain damage in children with sickle cell anemia. The treatment, which raises circulating blood levels and lowers sickled cells, also decreased the occurrence of painful crises.
Researchers successfully measured the vibrational motion of a single molecule for the first time, showing distinct behavior from larger molecular groups. This achievement demonstrates ultrafast spectroscopy at the single-molecule level, enabling new possibilities for quantum computing and single-molecule photonics.
A study found that elderly individuals with Alzheimer's disease have fewer inhibitory neurons, leading to fragmented sleep. The researchers discovered a correlation between the number of remaining ventrolateral preoptic neurons and sleep fragmentation, highlighting a potential link between aging and sleep disorders.
An analysis from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggests acute hemodialysis may not decrease mortality in people with sudden kidney failure. The study found that patients who received acute hemodialysis had a nearly twice the risk of death compared to those who did not receive treatment.
North Carolina State University researchers have developed a technique to attach electrodes to moths during pupation, allowing for the monitoring of electromyographic signals. This enables better understanding of moth flight coordination and the development of remotely-controlled 'biobots' for search and rescue operations.
A recent study by University of Illinois professor Rebecca Sandefur found that 46% of respondents dealt with civil justice situations alone, while 16% took no action. The most common negative consequences reported were health impacts and financial problems.
A review of bronchiolitis treatment reveals a tendency to prioritize oxygen saturation levels over other clinical assessment tools. Clinicians are often less likely to admit patients with falsely high oxygen saturation levels, highlighting the importance of considering all available data.
Certain sunblock ingredients, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles, can become toxic when washed off skin into ocean water. This toxicity affects phytoplankton, the microscopic algae that feed small fish and other marine animals.
Scientists found that ancient strains of tuberculosis were most closely related to those in seals and sea lions, suggesting the disease was transmitted from Africa to the Americas via marine animals. This discovery provides new insights into the origins of the disease and its spread among human populations.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University has discovered the genetic 'recipe' for lizard tail regeneration, which involves turning on at least 326 genes in specific regions. This finding may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injuries and birth defects.
Leading infectious disease experts argue that screening and isolating infected patients may not be effective in preventing MRSA spread. Instead, they recommend a broader approach focusing on reducing all hospital-acquired infections.
Chronic use of codeine-containing cough syrups is associated with brain white matter deficits, particularly in regions involved in impulse control. These changes are linked to increased impulsivity traits and correlate with the duration of CCS use.
Research finds that growing up in poverty can lead to a lower sense of control and impulsive decision-making, particularly in uncertain situations. Adults from poorer backgrounds tend to perceive challenges as beyond their control, leading to more impulsive behavior.
Researchers found that teenagers who got less than six hours of sleep per night had a 20% higher risk of being obese by age 21. This study provides the strongest evidence yet that lack of sleep raises risk for an elevated BMI, and emphasizes the importance of getting more than eight hours of sleep per night.
A US expedition has made a groundbreaking discovery, finding microorganisms thriving beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The team, led by Montana State University professor John Priscu, drilled down to Subglacial Lake Whillans and discovered an active ecosystem with archaea-based life forms.
A new study supports the use of newborn screening tests for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a life-threatening condition affecting approximately 1 in 58,000 infants. The test identified 52 cases of SCID, with all patients receiving lifesaving treatments and 92% surviving.
Early Jurassic mammals in Wales developed specialized diets, with some favoring harder food like beetles and others softer foods like scorpion flies. This discovery suggests that competition drove the evolution of unique mammalian features, such as precise chewing and better hearing.
A study of 158 pregnant teenagers found nearly half engaged in pica behaviors, such as consuming ice and starches, which are also associated with lower iron levels. This can lead to anemia, premature births, and low birth weights, posing a significant risk to infant mortality rates.
A University of Oregon study found that high school athletes who return to activity within 60 days experience a significant regression in their balance and walking speed, affecting their ability to perform simple mental tasks. This regression was seen in 12 of 19 athletes, with 10 returning within less than a month.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center discovered that the amygdala has an inhibitory effect on stress hormones during early development, contrary to adult responses. Monkeys with neonatal amygdala damage show increased cortisol levels and elevated CRF, yet exhibit reduced fear and aggression.
Ebola treatment expert Jesse L. Goodman advocates for expedited studies of promising treatments while prioritizing patient safety. He suggests completing basic safety studies in healthy humans before treating sick patients.
Tropical Storm Lowell has a well-organized band of thunderstorms on its south side, which is intensifying according to satellite imagery. The storm is expected to strengthen due to favorable conditions, including low shear and high moisture.
A new study found that abusive supervisors can infect entire teams with conflict, hurting productivity. Researchers discovered that individual employees who experience abuse also cause their teammates to become hostile and mistreat one another.
Researchers use simulation techniques to characterize the mechanisms of knot formation in DNA strands as a function of nano-channel diameter. Below 50 nanometers in diameter, knot formation decreases dramatically.
New research by University of British Columbia scientists found that sockeye salmon forced to 'sprint' through fast-moving waters are more likely to die during their upstream migration. The study, published in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, suggests that excessive burst swimming creates stress and impairs survival.
Scientists have found that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have a defective immune system, which is the primary reason for ongoing gut pain and reduced effectiveness of pain treatments. This groundbreaking research could lead to more targeted treatments for IBS sufferers.
Researchers have developed a semi-artificial leaf that outperforms natural photosynthesis, achieving higher photocurrents and electron transfer rates. This breakthrough enables the development of cheaper and flexible solar cells for various applications, including micro-sized medical devices.
A team of researchers at Australian National University has successfully replicated a crucial step in photosynthesis, paving the way for biological systems powered by sunlight to manufacture hydrogen as a fuel. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of a zero-carbon replacement for petroleum products and transform the economy.
Researchers found land snail shell remains from ~30,000 years ago in Cova de la Barriada, Spain. The discovery suggests that ancient human populations used snails as a food resource in Europe ~30,000 years ago.
The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has received a five-year, $14.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue its research on anthrax and its effects on humans. The project aims to identify new vaccines and drug targets by studying the human immune response to anthrax bacteria.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have found that endothelial cells in the coronary arteries can function as cardiac stem cells to produce new heart muscle tissue. This discovery could lead to new treatments for heart failure and repair after a heart attack, particularly in cases of coronary artery disease.
Researchers found that information elaboration discussions are crucial for cross-functional teams to succeed, particularly in dynamic environments. Teams with members who can exchange relevant information and ideas, seek clarification, and integrate feedback tend to perform better.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a treatment effective against the lethal Marburg virus, which has a mortality rate of up to 90%. The treatment protected nonhuman primates from the virus when started three days after infection, showing promise for post-exposure treatment.
The Beaver Complex and July Complex wildfires in California have burned over 35,000 acres, with the Oregon Gulch Fire affecting 25,683 acres and the California fire burning 9,464 acres. The fires are currently 100% contained, but resources continue to be focused on hotspots.
A randomized clinical trial found that combining cognitive therapy with antidepressant medicine increases the odds of recovery by up to 30% for patients with severe, nonchronic depression. In contrast, chronic or mild cases do not benefit from this combination.
A UCLA-led study discovered a protein called interleukin-32 that helps protect people with latent tuberculosis from developing the active form of the disease. The researchers found that vitamin D levels play a crucial role in this protection, and supplementing with vitamin D may help prevent TB.
Researchers are leveraging parallel computing in the cloud to accelerate discovery and innovation in personalized medicine. By harnessing supercomputer powers, scientists can tackle previously infeasible problems and make groundbreaking discoveries.
A study found that high-mitotic rate melanomas are more likely to occur on the head and neck, grow rapidly, and be present in older men with a history of solar keratosis. These tumors have distinct clinical features, including nodular structure and amelanosis, which may pose a challenge to timely detection.
The new connectors are designed by an international standards process, reducing misconnection risks that can be fatal to patients. They will greatly reduce the occurrence of misconnections and ensure safer delivery of fluids, medications, or nutrition formulas.