A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that health disparities among US African-American and Hispanic men result in $341.8 billion and $115 billion excess medical costs, respectively. The total economic burden is over $450 billion, with indirect costs contributing an additional $436.3 billion.
The JILA strontium lattice clock has set new world records for both precision and stability, achieving a precision of about 50% more than the record holder. Its stability is comparable to that of NIST's ytterbium atomic clock, allowing it to outperform other types of atomic clocks through averaging.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that estrogen increases proliferation of blood-forming stem cells in females, leading to increased red blood cell production. This discovery raises possibilities for treating blood cancers and reducing chemotherapy toxicity by considering estrogen levels.
A recent study found that men are more likely to experience memory problems than women, with 8 out of 9 questions showing higher rates of forgetting among men. This phenomenon holds true across all ages, from 30 to 60 years old, and is associated with higher education levels and a lower risk of dementia.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that professional athletes in NBA and MLB experience a decline in performance after signing new contracts, dubbed 'contract year syndrome'. This decline is attributed to a post-contract slump that can last two years.
A recent study found that nearly half of hospitalized adults aged 65 and older require assistance making decisions due to cognitive impairment. Family members or children often fill this role, with significant implications for patient care and outcomes.
Rice University laser scientists have developed a highly sensitive portable sensor to test the air for nitrous oxide and methane. The device uses a thumbnail-sized quantum cascade laser and tuning forks, and can detect trace amounts of these greenhouse gases in as little as a second.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that multiple pigment cell types from different skin layers contribute to the formation of guppies' colorful spots. The research found that transparent, reflective, and iridescent cells called iridophores play a crucial role in these patterns.
Researchers suggest that traditional shade-growing techniques and natural fungal enemies can help control coffee rust. Abandoning these methods may exacerbate the problem, and a return to more sustainable practices could be an effective way to manage the disease.
Researchers create method to pinpoint locations for single proteins and improve chromatography process, leading to faster and cheaper drug production. This breakthrough could widen bottleneck in pharmaceutical industry and expand application to other industries.
Researchers at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that consumers are more likely to click on free, generic search results than paid ads. In a large-scale field experiment, they compared sales before and after turning off paid search in various markets, finding no measurable increase in sales from paid ads.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that idelalisib reduces tumor size by at least half in 57% of patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The drug's side effects are manageable, offering a targeted and less harmful approach to treating cancer.
A recent Alzheimer's trial failed to produce cognitive improvement for volunteers, but researchers have identified key takeaways to inform the development of new treatments. Lessons learned include testing drugs in individuals building up amyloid plaques, giving higher doses safely, and combining disease-modifying treatments.
Researchers developed a method to harden bones by growing aragonite on their surfaces, making them 50-70% sturdier. This technique has wide implications for preserving valuable remains and restoring cultural clues.
Researchers found that mild cold exposure can significantly affect energy expenditure over sustained time periods, suggesting a potential benefit for weight loss. Brown fat, a heat-generating organ thought to be active only in infants, is also present in adults and can be activated by cold temperatures.
Structures, a new online peer-reviewed journal, aims to bridge the knowledge translation gap between academia and industry. The journal will publish research articles on structural engineering, materials, and related areas, with a focus on applicability to current practice.
Researchers at Oxford University found that flies living with their brothers cause less harm to females during courting than those living with unrelated flies. This is because related flies are more relaxed in their mating approach and spend less time harassing females, resulting in fewer fights and reduced fecundity for females.
Dr. Beth Levine received the 2014 Stanley J. Korsmeyer Award for her groundbreaking work on autophagy, a housecleaning process in which cells destroy damaged proteins and organelles. Her research has revealed crucial roles of autophagy in health and disease, including its potential to prevent cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
A 10.4-year median follow-up study by EORTC trial 22921 found that adjuvant chemotherapy does not improve survival or disease-free survival for cT3-resectable T4 M0 rectal cancer patients, highlighting the need for new treatment strategies.
Despite devastating effects of the invasive insect in southern Appalachians, increasing tree density associated with reforestation and succession may have offset negative impacts at a regional scale. Hemlock trees do not have natural defenses against hemlock woolly adelgid, resulting in high levels of tree mortality.
Researchers found that star radiation can push matter out of galaxies, accounting for the missing galactic mass in previous calculations. The FIRE simulations demonstrate that feedback from stars alters galaxy growth and history in a dramatic way.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new method for producing cheap hydrogen using atomic-scale catalysts made of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2). The study found that the thickness of the MoS2 film is crucial to its catalytic performance, with thinner films being more conductive and effective as catalysts.
A new study has found that fungi regulate diversity in rainforests by making dominant species victims of their own success. Fungi spread quickly between closely-packed plants of the same species, enabling a wider range of species to flourish.
The University of Cincinnati has received over $1 million from the US Air Force to fund seven research projects studying the effects of air medical evacuation. Researchers will investigate how altitude affects medical equipment, resuscitation methods, and caregiver performance during flights.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed portable, inexpensive medical tests using color-changing 'smart' holograms that can detect a wide range of compounds in blood, breath, urine, saliva or tear fluid.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that improves muscle strength, corrects muscle structure, and prolongs life in animal models of X-linked myotubular myopathy. This devastating disease affects approximately 1 in 50,000 male births, causing severe respiratory difficulties and requiring intensive support.
A Michigan State University study found that nighttime smartphone usage for work purposes leads to decreased productivity and increased fatigue the next day. The research suggests that smartphones' blue light emission disrupts melatonin production, hindering sleep recovery.
Researchers created a computer simulation to accurately predict blood vessel growth in the laboratory. By studying real blood vessels from rats, they found that denser extracellular matrix impairs vessel formation. This breakthrough aims to develop new treatments for diseases related to blood flow and cancer metastasis.
A new study from Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center found that the quality of cancer stem cells, rather than their quantity, may be associated with better survival rates in patients with HPV-related oral cancers. Researchers discovered that HPV-positive tumors had fewer cancer stem cells, contrary to previous expectations.
A study by Joslin Diabetes Center found that care managers in Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs) increased improvements in diabetes patients. Care managers who were embedded in the care team and used electronic medical records showed better patient outcomes.
A study by RAND Corporation finds that WWII had long-lasting consequences on health, education, and marriage among European survivors. Living in a war-torn country increased the likelihood of physical and mental problems later in life, including diabetes, depression, and heart disease.
A University of Oregon study discovers the source of Galapagos eruptions to be a plume 150 kilometers southeast of Fernandina Island, contradicting previous modeling. This finding sheds light on volcanic activity in the islands and raises questions about plate tectonics and Earth's internal convection.
The Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award funds groundbreaking projects that aim to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. This year's recipients are Emily P. Balskus, Arvin C. Dar, Summer L. Gibbs, Xiaolin Nan, Moritz F. Kircher, and Eirini Papapetrou, who will receive $450,000 over three years for their innovative ideas.
Researchers sequenced genomes of 42 yeast strains, revealing more variation in S. cerevisiae than its wild relative, S. paradoxus. Subtelomeric regions harbor genome variation contributing to differences in traits between strains.
A new web-based course called Project YEAH has been developed to prevent excessive weight gain in young adults aged 18-25. The course uses a theory-based approach and incorporates individualized attention through a website, allowing participants to set goals and receive tips.
Scientists at NREL are working on a biological process to convert methane from fracking into liquid diesel fuel, which could lower dependence on foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The process uses microbes that can digest methane and produce lipids, the precursor to fuel.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 82,000 men found that prolonged sedentary behavior significantly increases the risk of heart failure. The study highlights the importance of a physically active and nonsedentary lifestyle for reducing this risk.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a brain development index from MRI scans that captures normal brain maturation patterns. The study shows a relationship between cognitive development and physical changes in the developing young brain, allowing for early detection of subtle developmental abnormalities.
A new study found that tag plays at home plate have the highest injury rate in professional baseball, occurring 4.3 times more often than other base-running plays. The researchers suggest adopting the collegiate rule to reduce collisions and protect both catchers and baserunners.
A new report from the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders identifies 29 evidence-based practices for children and youth with autism, including technology-aided instruction and exercise. These practices can help reduce costs and improve outcomes for individuals with autism.
Researchers used radiocarbon dating on ancient moss samples exposed by modern Arctic warming to determine the age of relic mosses. The findings suggest that eastern Canadian Arctic temperatures are warmer now than in any century over the past 5,000 years.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel biosensor that can detect multiple strains of salmonella pathogens in food quickly and easily. The sensor uses microcantilevers decorated with peptides to identify the presence of specific bacteria, delivering results within minutes and outperforming existing standard tests.
Lingling, a tropical cyclone affecting the central and southern Philippines, has finally wound down after bringing heavy rainfall. The storm's maximum sustained winds were down to 25 knots/28.7 mph/46.3 kph on January 20.
Researchers found numerous bird nests and a greater diversity of species in no-till soybean fields compared to tilled fields. The study highlights the importance of agricultural practices in supporting bird abundance and diversity.
The NREL Equivalent Circuit Battery Model enhances RadTherm software for dynamic analysis of battery performance and optimization of multi-cell pack designs. This improved simulation capability accelerates the development of next-generation electric-drive vehicle batteries.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that high doses of folic acid supplements promote the growth of existing breast cancer cells in rats. The study suggests a potential link between folic acid consumption and increased risk of developing breast cancer, particularly among women taking multivitamins or supplements.
The researchers developed a theoretical model that explains macroscale fluid convection induced by plasmonic nanostructures. They found that the ITO layer is critical for distributing thermal energy and creating fluid convection, enabling new applications in lab-on-a-chip environments.
Glaucoma blindness risk has dropped by half in the last generation, according to Mayo Clinic research. The study found a significant decrease in the probability of going blind in at least one eye due to glaucoma.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 48 studies involving 1,896,859 patients found that presenting with a heart attack during off-hours (weekends and nights) is associated with a 5% relative increase in mortality. This results in an estimated 6,000 extra deaths per year in the US alone.
Researchers developed a new source of renewable energy by genetically engineering yeast cells to produce lipids that can be used in place of petroleum-derived products. The platform produces the highest concentration of oils and fats reported through fermentation, enabling up to 90% of cell mass to become lipids.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found a single mutation in osteoblasts can cause AML in mice and nearly 40% of patients with the disease. The mutation leads to cancer in adjacent bone-marrow stem cells through signaling pathways.
Professor Geoff Pryde from Griffith University's Centre for Quantum Dynamics has been recognized for his pioneering contributions to quantum information science, including the first entangling optical quantum computer logic gate and fundamental experimental studies of quantum entanglement.
A research team led by Mathew Diamond found that rats have a 'working memory' system, conceptually similar to humans', which enables them to recognize and interact with environmental stimuli.
Scientists have identified a 'brake' ion channel TREK2 in sensory neurons that limits spontaneous pain by stabilizing membrane potential. This discovery may lead to new pain relief treatments for conditions like neuropathic pain.
A CU-built software program uses big data to suggest personalized content review, boosting remembering by 16.5% in a study of middle school Spanish students. The algorithm analyzes past student performance to recommend material that needs review, leveraging strategies used by online retailers.
Researchers found that certain behaviors may not be observable without massive data, highlighting the importance of considering data quantity in predictive modeling. The study suggests that sweeping assumptions about bigger being better can be dangerous and that the power of analytic tools depends on their appropriate use.
A high-protein diet may increase the risk of developing kidney stones and renal diseases in rats. The study found that a high-protein diet can lead to a decrease in urinary citrate and an increase in urinary calcium, which can promote pathologies like nephrolithiasis.
A Virginia Tech research team has developed a battery that runs on sugar, boasting an unmatched energy density and potentially replacing conventional batteries. The new battery could power cell phones, tablets, and other electronic gadgets in as little as three years.
A new study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that calcium absorption was not the primary reason for the evolution of milk tolerance in Europeans. The researchers discovered that fermented milk products, such as yoghurt and cheese, played a significant role in the rapid emergence of lactase persistence.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that telephone genetic counseling is comparable to in-person counseling. The study, led by Georgetown University Medical Center, involved 669 women and showed that phone counseling reduces costs and expands access to genetic testing for rural areas.