Researchers at Caltech have developed a new technology to absorb and utilize infrared light, often lost in traditional solar panels. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar cells and sensors that detect light using electrostatic potential.
Researchers found that tramadol use was associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for hypoglycemia, especially in the first 30 days. The study analyzed data from over 334,000 patients and found that tramadol was linked to a higher risk of severe hypoglycemia compared to codeine.
A team at Imperial College London identified a brain mechanism that senses glucose levels and prompts animals to seek more if it detects a shortfall. The researchers believe this mechanism may play a role in humans' preference for sweet and starchy foods.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a system using human stem cells to screen for compounds that can turn white, or 'bad', fat cells into brown, or 'good' fat cells. They have identified two compounds that can accomplish this in human cells, taking the first step towards a potential pill for obesity treatment.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has launched the Centers Without Walls initiative to study Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which affects 1 out of 1000 people with epilepsy annually. The project aims to identify risk factors and potential therapeutic targets to prevent SUDEP.
Two Health Affairs papers expose gaps in health coverage for children and recommend solutions. The studies focus on the Affordable Care Act's essential health benefit standard, which has resulted in a state-by-state patchwork of coverage with significant exclusions for children with developmental disabilities.
Most primary care physicians believe prescription drug abuse is a significant problem in their communities and that opioids are often overused to treat pain. As a result, many have decreased their prescribing of these products over the past year.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that blocking a single molecule on microglia restored their function, reversing memory loss and other Alzheimer's-like features in mice. The study suggests that microglia play a crucial role in clearing A-beta protein clusters, which contribute to the disease's progression.
Climate change is expected to surpass ectotherms' capacity for acclimation, leading to catastrophic consequences for biodiversity. The rapid fluctuations in temperature will require animals to function across a broader range of conditions.
A study found that hookah pipe tobacco use and smokeless tobacco snus were associated with an increased risk of cigarette smoking among teenagers and young adults. The study also showed that individuals who used these products had a higher likelihood of becoming current or high-intensity smokers.
A recent study found that having a journalist engage with commenters can reduce incivility and increase the use of evidence in comments. The researchers partnered with a local television news station and conducted an experiment using its Facebook community, resulting in a statistically significant effect on the tone of the comments.
A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia highlights the need for better planning to improve mother-infant outcomes, reduce stress on health systems, and staff morale. The researchers found that dramatic surges in delivery volume led to overcrowding, understaffing, and fragmented care.
Researchers found that voters and consumers differ significantly in their willingness to pay for decreased risk, with women willing to pay more than men. Women are also more willing to pay for a reduced risk of illness at a restaurant.
A comprehensive analysis of post-abortion care found major complications occurring in under 1% of cases, with rates varying by age and abortion method. The study suggests that current regulations may be unnecessary, calling into question the need for additional safety measures.
Research led by Devon Burr shows that Titan's winds must blow faster than previously thought to move sand, explaining the formation of massive dunes. The discovery validates older models for thin atmospheres like comets and asteroids.
A new analysis of the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial reveals that variations in renal denervation procedure performance and patient medication changes significantly impacted blood pressure reduction outcomes. The study suggests that a higher number of ablations and specific procedural patterns may be key to achieving effective denervation.
A new study by the University of Georgia found that public servants are motivated to contribute to environmental causes through discretionary eco-friendly initiatives. The researchers identified three key drivers of these behaviors: public service motivation, organizational commitment, and environmental connectedness.
Research from UC San Francisco found that kids living in renovated public housing had fewer repeat ER visits, while those in older public housing had more. Investments in physical infrastructure may foster better health among children.
Researchers found that natural gas power plants are more efficient than coal plants, producing less warming in the long term. However, significant methane leakage can offset this benefit, making them comparable to coal plants in terms of climate impact. To mitigate this, carbon capture and storage methods may be necessary.
A new study from the University of Guelph analyzed over 7,000 home and farm sales in Ontario and found that wind farms have no statistically significant impact on property values. The research used a unique method to capture property value fluctuations before, during, and after wind farm development.
New research from The Ohio State University found that a combination of shredded newspaper and grass clippings is an effective mulch material, allowing squash bees to nest without negative impacts. This eco-friendly practice also improves plant growth and fruit production.
A study published in The Lancet found that using insecticide-treated bed nets alone is sufficient to protect children from malaria in areas with low or moderate transmission. Researchers led by Durham University concluded that combining wall sprays and bed nets does not offer additional protection against the disease.
Market-access agreements for anti-cancer drugs lack transparency, leading to higher prices for patients in small and low-income countries. The financial arrangements between pharmaceutical manufacturers and health systems are kept confidential, making it difficult for these countries to negotiate lower prices.
A new study compares machine and hand harvest techniques for specialty cider apples, finding that machine harvesting requires significantly less labor and increases apple yield. The research suggests that machine harvesting could be a viable option for US apple growers to meet growing demand for hard cider.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered that targeting the non-coding microRNA miR569 can increase cell death in ovarian and breast cancers. The study also found that silencing miR569 expression improves survivability outcomes for ovarian patients.
A Rutgers researcher has received a $640,000 NIH grant to develop a rapid Ebola test that can be used in remote locations where the disease has spread. The test, modeled after an existing tuberculosis test, will diagnose patients quickly and accurately, reducing the need for isolation and treatment delays.
A phase 1 trial of ipilimumab, an immune checkpoint blocker, found clinical benefit in 45.4% of relapsed transplant patients, with notable responses in Hodgkin lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome. The six-month survival rate was 65%, with four patients remaining on treatment.
Researchers have discovered how a desert beetle collects dew on its back, which could lead to improved water yield in man-made dew condensers. The beetle's unique nanostructure allows for near-perfect infrared emissivity, enabling efficient cooling and dew formation.
Scientists at MCW found a link between sleep loss and cell injury, particularly in the liver, lung, and small intestine. Recovery sleep from deprivation restores balance and decreases cell injury, elucidating previous research on sleep abnormalities as risk factors for diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Typhoon Hagupit weakened to a tropical storm after passing through the eastern Philippines, with its cloud extent covering northern and central provinces. The storm is expected to reach southern Vietnam by Dec. 11 as a depression.
Researchers discovered that using solid-state proteins instead of solution increases laser intensity, leveraging natural protein structures to optimize brightness. This breakthrough enables the development of efficient miniature solid-state lasers and potential biocompatible applications.
Scientists successfully predicted the thermal expansion of metastable liquid metals by analyzing atomic structures with just one thousand atoms. This breakthrough reveals a connection between microscopic information and macroscopic material properties.
A phase two study demonstrated that a combination of azacitidine and lenalidomide is an effective frontline treatment regimen for patients with higher-risk forms of myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. The therapy was well tolerated in the study of 88 patients.
Researchers at Mainz University have discovered that a psoriasis medication may be effective in treating Alzheimer's disease by stimulating the activity of the enzyme ADAM10, which could lead to reduced accumulation of Alzheimer's plaques. The medication was well-tolerated and showed promise in enhancing learning and memory capacity.
A study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that a narrow subset of myeloma cells is responsible for metastasis. The researchers identified 11 genes with functional roles in metastasis and proposed these as potential targets for therapies.
Researchers have discovered novel combinations of targeted therapies and chemotherapy regimens that improve survival outcomes for patients with historically poor-prognosis leukemia. These findings, presented at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, offer new hope for elderly and aggressive genetic mutation patients.
A phase three study has demonstrated increased survival rates among AML patients who relapse, with combination therapy employing cytarabine and vosaroxin showing significant benefits. Patients over 60 years old experienced the greatest overall survival benefit from the treatment.
A phase 2 multicenter trial of ABT-199 found encouraging results in patients with relapsed or resistant acute myelogenous leukemia, with five patients achieving eradication and several more experiencing stable disease. The oral inhibitor targets the BCL-2 protein, which is linked to resistance and poor prognosis in AML patients.
A recent clinical trial found that young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who received high-intensity pediatric protocols had better overall survival rates, with 78% achieving overall survival and 66% maintaining event-free survival. This is a significant improvement over previous studies for this age range.
Researchers report successful stem cell transplants in patients with dyskeratosis congenita using immunosuppressive drugs only, avoiding radiation and conventional chemotherapy. All four participants are alive and well after transplant, with no significant toxicities or infections.
In an early-phase clinical trial, a new type of cancer therapy targeting the IDH2 gene produced dramatic results in patients with advanced leukemia. The study found that AG-221 blocked the mutated protein, allowing immature white blood cells to develop normally and leading to complete or partial remissions.
Researchers investigated GaN-based LED structure irradiation with protons and found increased resistance in p-type GaN layers compared to n-type. The observed increase is attributed to lower initial carrier density in p-type GaN, resulting from inadequate doping technology.
UNSW researchers have successfully converted over 40% of sunlight into electricity, exceeding previous records. The breakthrough is made possible by a custom optical bandpass filter that captures wasted sunlight and converts it at a higher efficiency than commercial solar cells.
The latest trial results show a response rate of over 90% among pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, with complete responses in 92% and remission rates of 70%. The therapy also demonstrates promise for non-Hodgkin lymphomas, including a 100% response rate in follicular lymphoma patients.
Researchers have identified a gene associated with familial glioma, suggesting that certain individuals may be genetically predisposed to the disease. The POT1 gene mutation is linked to lower-grade oligodendroglioma, which is more sensitive to radiation therapy, and raises hopes for improved treatments and preventive strategies.
Researchers found a significant benefit in adding carfilzomib to standard lenalidomide and dexamethasone treatment, extending disease-free periods by nearly 50%. The three-drug combination resulted in improved remission rates and overall survival, with patients reporting better quality of life.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that levels of two microRNAs, let-7e and 106b/25, can predict progression-free survival in multiple myeloma patients. The study suggests that these microRNAs may also help doctors determine which patients are likely to have the best responses to different types of therapy.
In a groundbreaking clinical trial, nivolumab achieved complete or partial remission in 87% of patients with resistant Hodgkin lymphoma. The treatment targets the immune system, reactivating T cells to attack cancer cells.
A pilot study shows that 92% of children with relapsed leukemia respond to bioengineered T cells, with some patients remaining cancer-free for over two years. The personalized therapy offers the potential for long-term success in treating this highly aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Researchers present new advances in treating relapsed and treatment-resistant lymphoma, including targeted therapies and stem cell transplantation, to improve patient outcomes. These studies show promising results for patients with HIV-associated lymphoma, where traditional treatments have been limited.
Studies presented at the ASH Annual Meeting show that immunotherapy drugs pembrolizumab and nivolumab are producing dramatic responses in Classical Hodgkin lymphoma patients. These results are promising for patients with few treatment options left, highlighting the potential of immunotherapies to work in various types of cancer.
New immunotherapy treatments aim to enable the body's natural defenses to recognize and destroy malignant cells. Studies present promising early data that encourage long-term outcomes among patients who have not responded to other therapies, including checkpoint inhibitors and drugs targeting the PD-1 pathway.
A late-stage clinical trial demonstrated that brentuximab vedotin can improve progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma after autologous stem cell transplant. The study showed a 20% improvement in progression-free survival rate and high response rates among patients.
The Biogerontology Research Foundation will present new economic longevity research at the second Big Data Science in Medicine congress in Oxford. The research, recently published in Psychology Research and Behavior Management, details an extensive survey of International Employee Benefits Association members.
A new study finds that malnutrition is an independent predictor of long-term survival in geriatric patients undergoing the Whipple procedure. Geriatric patients with preoperative severe nutritional risk had significantly decreased long-term survival, while those without SNR had a seven-year survival rate of 84 percent.
A study found that a sugary diet before mating triggers obesity in offspring, while certain gene networks predict susceptibility to weight gain. The researchers also identified similar mechanisms in humans and mice.
A recent study by Brandeis University researchers found that KKK activity in the 1960s shifted voters' allegiance from Democratic to Republican in the South, a trend still evident today. The study suggests that racial attitudes and social movements can have lasting effects on politics, contributing to polarization.
Researchers from HURL and NOAA team discover the USS Kailua, a historic cable ship that served in World War II, sitting upright in 2,000 feet of water nearly 20 miles off Oahu's coast. The ship was surprisingly intact for its age, with well-preserved upper deck structures and no signs of torpedo damage.
A new study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) increases brain activation to natural healthy pleasures, reducing opioid cravings. Participants who received eight weeks of MORE instruction exhibited increased brain activity in response to enjoyable experiences.
A randomised trial tested whether text messaging improves blood pressure and cholesterol medication use. Patients who received daily texts took their medication consistently, while those without reminders stopped taking it or took less of it.