A new study found that combining high-dose interleukin-2 therapy with personalized tumor cell-based immunotherapy significantly improves patient survival rates. The treatment approach, which activates patients' immune systems using their own tumor cells, outperforms IL-2 alone in extending survival.
A law academic suggests surveillance minimisation as a way forward to rebuild public trust after revelations about personal data collection. The concept applies the principle of data minimisation to communications surveillance, targeting it rather than making it universal and warranting its use at data access points.
A new study by University of Kentucky researchers identified four key barriers to cancer screening in Appalachian women, including embarrassment about Pap tests and lack of health insurance. These barriers contribute to higher mortality rates for invasive cervical cancer in the region, with a 67% increase compared to national averages.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that educated adults still think about numbers like kids, retaining a primal sense. The research found that adults' innate number sense influences their thinking on both one-digit and two-digit numbers.
A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers identified matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as a key factor contributing to motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The findings suggest that MMP-9 inhibitors may offer a new therapeutic option for treating this incurable neurodegenerative disease.
A new recording system at the University of Southern Denmark has revealed two bat species not believed to live in the area, including Nathusius' pipistrelle and the Danish pond bat. The monitoring system also found that bats often fly in the rain and their activity slows down when weather is clear and cool.
A UCLA team developed an easy-to-use risk calculator that predicts heart failure patients' chances of survival for up to five years. The calculator uses four key variables: B-type natriuretic peptide level, peak oxygen consumption, New York Heart Association classification, and heart failure medications.
Researchers have discovered the molecular structure of NMDA receptor blockers, which could lead to new treatments for depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's diseases. The findings provide valuable insights into how these receptors work and offer hope for developing targeted therapies.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that texting alters posture and balance while walking, causing individuals to swerve and slow down. This behavior may impact the safety of people who text and walk at the same time, highlighting the need for greater awareness about phone use while navigating.
The agreement will enhance Nestlé's production processes and provide nutritional foods for its consumers. A*STAR's research capabilities in food and nutrition will be boosted through the partnership, making it a leading collaborator for the global food industry.
A large population-based study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) taken regularly after knee or hip replacement reduces the risk of repeat surgery by around 40%. The research also showed that taking HRT for 12 months or more after surgery further decreases the risk, with those rec...
The Jackson Laboratory will receive a five-year, $7.5 million grant to develop new mouse models and tumor repository for cancer genomics research. The collaboration with Seoul National University aims to advance individualized cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A NASA-funded sounding rocket will launch into the aurora borealis to gather data on its formation and behavior. The mission, GREECE, aims to understand the sun-Earth connection and how energy particles interact with Earth's magnetosphere.
A new study found that suburban households in the US account for approximately 50% of the country's total household carbon footprint. The researchers used an analytic model and national survey data to estimate average household carbon footprints for over 30,000 zip codes and 10,000 cities and towns across all 50 states.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that hearing loss accelerates brain tissue loss, particularly in regions processing sound and speech. This link highlights the importance of treating hearing loss early to reduce associated health risks.
A team from the University of the Basque Country has repeated an experiment that previously found spider silk to be an excellent thermal conductor. Their results show a significant decrease in thermal diffusivity, with values up to 300 times smaller than those reported earlier.
Scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College have found that a twice-daily pill, idelalisib, can turn deadly blood cancer into a highly treatable disease. The study suggests that patients with CLL may avoid debilitating chemotherapy, leading to significant side effects and death.
Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute discovered significant changes in gene expression and neural circuitry as neurons age, shedding light on cognitive decline and potential therapeutic targets. The study, using the marine snail Aplysia californica, highlights the complex interplay between aging and neuron communication.
A major South African trial failed to reduce TB cases or deaths among gold miners. Researchers highlight the need for a combination prevention approach with better tests and prompt treatment to control the disease.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its Education Committee Travel Awards, which recognize students and postdoctoral fellows for their scientific merit. The award recipients will present their research during the meeting and receive a travel grant.
A new community program, SHE PREVAILS, is helping African-American women reduce their risk of HIV infection by addressing substance abuse and mental health issues. The program provides six-month comprehensive treatment and support services to 280 women in the Augusta region.
Dr. Jason I. Comander has received a $250,000 Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award to study patients with inherited retinal degenerations, including retinitis pigmentosa. The award aims to develop techniques for high-throughput functional characterization of human genetic variation and mutation in retinitis pigmentosa.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the horse-chestnut leaf-mining moth has spread rapidly across England and Wales since its arrival in London in 2002. The data collected by citizen scientists revealed that it takes just three years from the first sighting to maximum levels of damage to the horse-chestnut trees.
Researchers at Monell Center found humans can differentiate levels of dietary fat in food using the sense of smell. Innovative methods could make low-fat foods more palatable and aid in reducing excessive fat consumption.
Researchers discovered a novel solid-state reaction that lets kesterite grains grow within seconds and at low temperatures. This process can produce near-micrometer-sized crystal grains suitable for thin film solar cells.
The emerging class of ADCs holds great promise in cancer treatment, with two approved drugs expected to be blockbusters and over 100 more in preclinical pipeline. Challenges in manufacturing are being addressed by contract manufacturers expanding capacity.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that the risk of relatives developing multiple sclerosis is lower than previously thought. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 individuals diagnosed with MS in Sweden, revealing a seven-fold increased risk for siblings and a five-fold increased risk for children of MS patients.
Long femoral necks in modular hip designs pose a risk of fracture, as reported in four cases presented in the January 2014 issue of JBJS Case Connector. The 'Watch' issued by the Journal highlights the need for clinicians to discuss this risk with patients and enhance patient safety.
Two large-scale exome studies found a significant role for rare genetic mutations in schizophrenia, contrary to previous assumptions of few 'faulty' genes. The studies established the world's largest database on schizophrenia, providing valuable resources for biomedical research.
Three students from Northwestern University created a device using pencil traces on paper to measure strain, while also detecting hazardous chemical vapors. The technology uses the conductive properties of graphene, which is shed when drawing on paper, to create a rudimentary electrode.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have devised a natural way to combat the devastating papaya mealybug, saving Indian farmers and consumers billions of dollars. The intervention, which used parasitic wasps from Mexico, prevented devastation worth $524-1.34 billion over five years.
A recent study published in Neurology suggests that fish oil consumption may help preserve brain cells by increasing total brain volume and hippocampus area size. The study found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with larger brain volumes, equivalent to a delay of one to two years of brain health.
Researchers date the most common male ancestor 'Adam' to 209,000 years ago, contradicting a previous study that placed him 9,000 years earlier. The study also debunks the discovery of the Y chromosome that supposedly predated humanity, shedding light on human evolutionary history.
Researchers found that adolescent rats exposed to THC experienced molecular changes and increased motivation to self-administer heroin in their adulthood offspring, highlighting potential long-term effects of marijuana use on future generations.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a wide range of dangers associated with synthetic marijuana use. The substance has been linked to altered mental status, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and breathing difficulties, resulting in over 263 emergency room visits in Colorado alone.
Researchers monitored brain activity of monkeys during planned and unplanned arm movements to understand the neural control of movement. They found that neurons go into a 'prepare-and-hold' state when anticipating movements, but not when reacting unexpectedly.
Scientists at UC San Diego have developed a new genetic platform that enables efficient production of natural molecules, including a novel antibiotic compound called taromycin A. The study demonstrates the potential for this technology to unlock the drug discovery potential of countless new microbes.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its 2014 CPOW Travel Awards, which support female postdoctoral fellows and mid-career scientists presenting at the conference. The recipients will receive travel grants and be recognized at a reception.
A new study confirms that reducing lionfish numbers by 75-95% can allow rapid recovery of native fish biomass and aid larger ecosystem recovery. Native species such as Nassau grouper and yellowtail snapper increased by 50-70% on reefs where lionfish were kept below threshold densities.
Two studies analyzed exomes of people with schizophrenia and healthy individuals, identifying patterns that suggest the disorder arises from combined effects of many genes. Genetic alterations tend to cluster in networks related to synaptic function, including calcium ion channels and cytoskeletal proteins.
Researchers at Yale University found that a combination of hydroxychloroquine may partially reverse the detrimental effects of antiphospholipid antibodies on human placental cell function, potentially benefiting pregnant women with lupus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome. This could lead to improved pregnancy outcomes for these patients.
The Biophysical Society announced the winners of its 2014 International Travel Awards to foster collaboration between American biophysicists and scientists in countries with financial difficulties. The recipients were chosen based on scientific merit and proposed presentations at the annual meeting.
Researchers have identified specific proteins disrupted by genetic mutations in people with schizophrenia, offering a new understanding of the disorder. The study also found an overlap between schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and intellectual disability.
Researchers analyzed eight oil-soaked sand patties collected along Gulf shores, finding large amounts of water-repelling hydrocarbons that can harm wildlife. The study aimed to assess the environmental impact of persisting oil remnants and improve understanding of their toxicity.
Researchers have created a novel scaffold for growing cardiac muscle cells using carbon nanofibers, which can conduct electricity and promote better metabolic activity. This breakthrough aims to repair damaged hearts through tissue engineering.
The university's AIDS Clinical Trials Unit will conduct human studies to advance knowledge of HIV-related diseases, prevention, and treatment. The award supports the development of effective methods to prevent HIV infection and fine-tune treatments for patients, aiming to improve life expectancy and quality of life.
A new CU-Boulder study analyzed over 1,000 scientific studies on North American mammal responses to human-caused climate change, finding that only 52% of species responded as expected. Large mammal body size and restricted times during a day were key traits tied to climate change responses.
A new study estimates that one in five women with ovarian cancer has an inherited genetic mutation that increases their risk of developing the disease. The research identified 222 inherited genetic variants associated with ovarian cancer, including major changes in genes critical for DNA repair and cell division.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a process-friendly technique to cool microprocessor chips using carbon nanotubes, improving heat transport efficiency by six-fold. The method, suitable for manufacturing computer chips, reduces thermal interface resistance and enhances cooling performance.
A new gene, CHD2, has been found to be responsible for a subset of epilepsy patients with symptoms similar to Dravet syndrome. This discovery offers new diagnostic tools and potential treatments for families affected by the condition.
New research reveals vulvodynia affects Hispanic women more frequently than black women, with higher incidence rates in younger women and those with pre-existing pain disorders. The study found that nearly 10 million women experience vulvodynia at any given time, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment.
The 2014 recipients of the Minority Travel Award are recognized for their participation in biophysics research and their potential to contribute to the field. The winners will present their work at the 58th Annual Meeting, highlighting recent advances in biophysics.
A study of over 57,000 people identified five new genes associated with increased waist-to-hip ratio, a precursor to diseases like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The research found that one gene, SHC1, is linked to abdominal fat and may play a role in metabolic imbalance.
Decisions on homebirth vs hospital birth should consider long-term disability risk to child, leading ethicists say. Homebirth risks include increased chances of death, disability, and neonatal intensive care admission compared to hospital births.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to evaluate the effectiveness of drug alternatives to antibiotics in limiting disease spread. These treatments can prevent infections from evolving too quickly, but also increase the risk of disease transmission.
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital has awarded Christina Marsica Grassi a $30,000 fellowship to investigate sterile vitritis in patients with artificial corneal implants. The research project aims to improve understanding of immune responses to prosthetic devices and develop better treatments for this condition.
A study found that UK patients diagnosed with heart attacks between 2004-2010 had higher death rates (10.5%) compared to Swedish patients (7.6%). The difference in mortality rates decreased over time, but the UK still lagged behind Sweden in terms of quality of care.
A new study by Duke University finds that children growing up in dangerous neighborhoods exhibit more aggressive behavior across nine countries. The research suggests a link between perilous environments and harsh parenting practices, which may contribute to increased child aggression.
A team of New York University scientists has found that the warming of the North and Tropical Atlantic Ocean is contributing to climate change in Antarctica. The study, published in Nature, reveals a previously unknown force behind Antarctic climate change.
A survey of over 800 US adults found that individuals are primarily blamed for obesity, while farmers and grocery stores are relatively blameless. The study challenges the assumption that policy solutions will work if people believe obesity is a personal problem.
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.