Researchers have identified a combination of pills that cures 9 out of 10 hepatitis C patients, achieving a 93% cure rate in 12 weeks. The treatment was well-tolerated by patients and offers a higher cure rate than previous standard care.
Researchers at UC Davis have sequenced the genome of Solanum pennellii, a wild relative of the domestic tomato. The new data reveals genes related to drought resistance, fruit development, and flavor compounds.
Researchers at Oregon State University found two alternative strategies to counteract the negative impact of obesity on birth control pills. These include a slight increase in pill dose or continuous use without a 'period week', potentially improving pregnancy prevention for obese women.
A recent UCL study discovered that the human habenula, a tiny part of the brain, tracks expectations about negative events like painful electric shocks. This tiny region suppresses dopamine, driving motivation, and its activation can signal how bad outcomes are expected.
Researchers at the University of York found that physical features in everyday face images can accurately predict social judgements and first impressions. The study developed a model that combined 65 features to explain over half of the variation in human raters' judgements.
A recent study led by University of Miami scientist Massimiliano Galeazzi has identified the 'local hot bubble' as the dominant source of the diffuse X-ray background in space. The team measured the soft X-ray emission at low energy, confirming that it comes from a hot bubble of gas within our galaxy.
A new test developed at CU School of Pharmacy helps monitor the effectiveness of HIV prevention drug Truvada, taken once daily to prevent HIV infection. The test measures tenofovir levels in red blood cells, showing a continuous gradient of increasing efficacy with consistent dosing.
Research by IIASA found that gender differences in cognitive abilities are associated with age, country of origin, and educational opportunities. Women outperform men in episodic memory and reading literacy, while men excel in mathematical abilities, but category fluency is equivalent for both sexes.
Researchers have devised a simple blood test that can diagnose cancer with high accuracy, saving time and preventing costly procedures. The Lymphocyte Genome Sensitivity (LGS) test measures DNA damage caused by ultraviolet light, distinguishing between cancerous and healthy cells.
Industrial air pollution from smelting and mining activities arrived at the South Pole in the late 19th century, decades before Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen's historic visit in 1911. The study, published in Scientific Reports, shows that lead concentrations peaked in 1900 and remained high until the 1920s.
A new study found that preschoolers with special needs are more influenced by their peers' language skills, particularly those with weak skills. Children with disabilities show stronger effects when surrounded by highly-skilled peers, improving their language skills over the course of the school year.
A dedicated website for the MMR vaccine is proposed as a simple yet effective way to boost vaccination rates. The study found that providing parents with online information reduces concerns and is more cost-effective than traditional methods like leaflets or face-to-face consultations.
A two-step decision tree analysis was used to evaluate and distill existing quality standards, guidelines, and recommendations in radiation therapy. The study identified duplicate standards and gaps, achieving substantial agreement among evaluators.
A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital study found that 73% of adult childhood cancer survivors doubled their risk of metabolic syndrome by failing to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle, which also increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.
Research suggests both high physical activity and less sitting in leisure time are needed to substantially reduce the risk of obesity. Individuals with high physical activity and low leisure time sitting have nearly 4-fold lower odds of becoming obese, according to a new study.
A team of researchers will evaluate whether providing patients with COPD who experience rapid symptom deterioration with a care bundle improves hospital care and reduces readmission. The study aims to shape future health services to deliver better care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) nationwide.
Researchers developed a method to identify search topics before stock market falls, finding increases in business and politics searches preceded market drops. The study used Google Trends and Wikipedia data to create a predictive model, highlighting the potential for search engine data to anticipate real-world events.
A groundbreaking study in Tanzania successfully infects volunteers with malaria in a controlled laboratory setting, paving the way for accelerated development of new treatments. The innovative PfSPZ Challenge method eliminates the need for live mosquitoes, reducing costs and increasing accessibility to malaria research and treatment.
The mHealth app industry has tremendous potential to broaden access to medical treatment and control costs, but lacks sufficient regulation by the FDA. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine notes that only about 100 out of 100,000 apps have been cleared by the FDA, while opponents see this as a deterrent to innovation.
A study found that early initiation of menopausal hormone therapy has a neutral effect on atherosclerosis progression in women. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of decision aids for advanced care planning is unclear due to limited research. Additionally, recent safety lapses at government labs pose a bioterror risk, highlighting the need f...
A new discovery expands the impact footprint of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, with multiple coral communities impacted up to 22 km from the spill site and at depths over 1800 meters. The study used a 'fingerprint' model to identify damage in newly discovered coral communities.
A psychology researcher proposes a new theory, 'selective engagement,' to explain why older adults show declining cognitive ability in lab settings but not in daily life. Motivation plays a key role in this disparity, with tasks deemed personally relevant eliciting higher cognitive performance.
A wearable device called pupillometer has been developed to detect early signs of diabetic autonomic neuropathy by measuring pupil diameter and response time. The device is designed to be worn on glasses and may lead to far better health outcomes for people with diabetes if proven safe and effective in clinical trials.
Researchers found brief exposure to a commonly used anesthetic reduced dendritic spine numbers and shape in rat brain cells, but this effect was reversible within weeks. The study provides insight into the potential risks of general anesthesia on developing brains and suggests that some cognitive effects may be slowly reversible.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University has discovered a common mineral that can catalyze the breaking and making of carbon-hydrogen bonds in hydrothermal environments. This finding has significant implications for the Earth's deep carbon cycle, astrobiology, and Green Chemistry.
Researchers found that microRNA-124 significantly increases β-III tubulin and microtubule-associated protein-2 expression in BMSCs, promoting neuronal differentiation. Transplantation of miR-124-transfected BMSCs into spinal cord injury models improves motor function.
Astrocytes play a vital role in controlling gamma oscillations, which are essential for higher-level brain function and memory. The study found that disabling astrocytes disrupts gamma waves and impairs novel object recognition memory.
A study by Ben-Gurion University researcher Prof. Michael Friger found that mothers living near green spaces deliver babies with significantly higher birth weights and decreased risk for low birth weight. The study analyzed nearly 40,000 single live births and found a significant association between surrounding greenery and improved bi...
A global prevalence study reveals that HCV genotype 1 accounts for over 46% of all cases, followed by genotypes 3 and 2. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding viral genotype to develop new treatments for HCV.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have created a technique for building materials using light, allowing for the production of metamaterials that can control light interactions. This breakthrough has significant potential applications in sensing and military stealth technology.
Tropical Storm Genevieve has weakened to a tropical depression, but its remnants are being chased by two developing low-pressure areas. NASA's GOES-West satellite imagery shows these systems moving westward towards Hawaii, with a 30% chance of development over the next couple of days.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that fist-bumping transmits significantly fewer bacteria than handshaking or high-fiving. The research suggests that adopting the fist bump as a greeting could substantially reduce the transmission of infectious diseases between individuals.
Research by Weizmann Institute scientists found that suppressing interferon activity can have devastating consequences in fighting HIV infection. The study revealed that a short period of blocked interferon activity can lead to permanent damage and disease progression.
A new study from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School confirms that rising levels of water vapor in the upper troposphere will intensify climate change impacts. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, increase greenhouse gases, leading to higher temperatures and more atmospheric moisture.
Cancer cells can divide even without sufficient oxygen by manipulating the protein HIF-1alpha. Lysosomes play a crucial role in regulating this process by marking or degrading HIF-1alpha. The study suggests that inhibiting Cdk2 may be an effective treatment strategy for certain types of cancer.
New research identifies high-priority conservation areas in Europe due to climate change, with only 4% of land area offering refuge for species. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts in human-dominated landscapes.
A revised surgical procedure to treat severe chronic migraine headaches led to significant symptom relief in over 90% of patients. More than half of those treated reported complete elimination of all migraine symptoms a year later.
A study found that an electronic screening tool can effectively assess teenagers' substance use and identify those at risk. The tool, which asks only one question, shows high sensitivity and specificity in identifying substance use disorders.
A new study by Aarhus University reveals that one in three young people experience knee pain between the ages of 12 and 19. The pain often persists even after two years, with 55% of adolescents with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome still suffering from knee pain after two years.
A new study reveals how a drug called KP1212 induces rapid mutation in HIV, which could help combat the residual virus in patients. The researchers believe that over time, this treatment could lead to the destruction of latent viruses, potentially curing HIV patients.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new strategy for disconnecting molecules, which could be used to create a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine. The method, described in Nature Chemistry, enables the synthesis of complex lipids like hydroxyphthioceranic acid in just 14 steps.
Scientists have designed a new material that could enable superconductivity at temperatures rivaling those seen in cuprates, potentially paving the way for more practical applications. The proposed design features layers of semiconductor compounds separated by insulator spacers, which would create indirect excitons that become superflu...
Researchers have developed a powerful new tool to identify and characterize nucleotide sugar transporters, critical components in the biosynthesis of plant cell walls. The assay enabled the characterization of six novel transporters in Arabidopsis, revealing their bispecific nature and regulation by substrate availability.
Researchers at EPFL discovered that cancer cells with high sugar intake and mobility have a similar mechanism, promoting metastasis and influencing patient survival. The intensity of this phenomenon significantly impacts survival rates, making GLUT3 a potential target for future therapies.
Researchers found that traditional surgical resection provided significantly better outcomes with an 87.6 percent five-year survival rate compared to endoscopic resection at 76 percent. The study suggests that endoscopic treatment is safe and effective for low-risk T1a cancer patients, but should only be offered to those with unfavorab...
Physicists at Weizmann Institute of Science measure magnetic interaction between two single electrons by binding their spins in opposite directions. The measurements reveal that the electrons interact like regular bar magnets, with north poles repelling and rotating until they draw near.
A new species of mayfly, Labiobaetis soldani, has been discovered in the Indian Western Ghats. The larvae have distinctive light-brown heads and antennae, while adults are similar in size to those of related species.
Researchers studied 55,137 adults and found that running as little as 5 minutes daily can reduce cardiovascular disease-related death by 30%. Running persistently over six years yields significant benefits, with a 29% lower risk of death for any reason.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have identified a link between genetic mutations and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, an oral cancer affecting the salivary glands. The discovery could lead to targeted therapies that target the underlying genetic causes of the cancer.
A new study by Ohio State University found that preschoolers with disabilities outperform their typical peers when included in the same classroom, especially those with highly skilled classmates. The results support inclusion policies and suggest that all preschoolers with disabilities would benefit from this approach.
A new study of the SOPHIE project reveals that traditional and contradictory family policies in Europe contribute to gender inequalities in health, particularly among women in Southern Europe. The Dual-earner model encourages labor force participation and redistributes caring work, leading to lower health disparities.
A recent study by University of Hawaii researchers found that gases and particles from Kilauea volcano affected Tropical Storm Flossie's formation and lightning. This unique interaction highlights the impact of polluted air on hurricanes approaching the US mainland coast.
MIT researchers have developed a new theory that suggests refrigerators could use magnets as cooling agents by exploiting the thermoelectric effect of magnons. Theoretical calculations predict that magnons can carry heat from one end of a magnet to another, producing a cooling effect.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found dementia patients are more likely to receive a pacemaker for atrial fibrillation than those without cognitive impairment, despite being diagnosed with less aggressive interventions. The likelihood was highest among dementia patients, even after accounting for clinical factors.
A team of international researchers discovered a new type of cool burning flame in space that could lead to cleaner and more efficient engines for cars. The discovery was made on the International Space Station using microgravity, which allowed the flames to burn at cooler temperatures without producing pollutants.
The Wyss Institute has commercialized its 'Organs-on-Chips' technology, which mimics human organs on a microchip, for pharmaceutical and personalized medicine applications. The new company, Emulate Inc., aims to reduce animal testing and accelerate drug development.
African rice genome sequencing enables scientists to identify traits resistant to environmental stress and develop new varieties with high-yield potential. The effort aims to solve the 9 billion-people question by creating a super-rice that requires less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
Scientists found industrial lead pollution in Antarctic ice cores from 1600 to 2010 A.D., with peak concentrations in 1900 and remaining high until the late 1920s. Lead contamination persisted despite mitigation efforts and still affects the continent today.
Researchers found that patients with dementia were more likely to receive a pacemaker, even after adjusting for clinical risk factors. The study suggests that patients with serious life-limiting illnesses may be treated more aggressively than expected.
A study by Yale researchers has identified a crucial role for prolyl endopeptidase enzyme in regulating glucose sensing in the brain. The findings suggest that this enzyme plays a key role in controlling blood sugar levels, and could eventually lead to new treatments for diabetes.
Stimulating the ventral tegmental area with mild electric currents induced dopamine release and restored conscious behaviors in anesthetized rats. The study suggests that dopamine release from this region may play a role in emergence from general anesthesia.
Researchers use magnetic beads and DNA springs to create flexible polymer chains with varying stiffness. The study provides insight into the physics of 'bead-spring' polymers, which can be actuated with magnetic fields.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that endurance runners are more likely to die from heat stroke than cardiac events during races. Researchers analyzed data from 14 long-distance races and found 21 serious cases of heat stroke, including two fatalities.
Researchers have used next-generation sequencing to rapidly identify pathogens in the United States. A recent discovery of porcine enterovirus G highlights the importance of this technique in detecting viruses that can cause disease. The virus is thought to be benign but raises concerns about other viruses getting through borders.
Researchers found that people value predictability in goal attainment and experience muted emotions when good news follows an unexpected outcome. The study's findings suggest that the fragility of positive emotion may contribute to this phenomenon.
The Tennessee Surgical Quality Collaborative reduced surgical complications by 19.7% since 2009, saving at least 533 lives and $75.2 million in costs. The collaborative, formed in 2008, used the ACS NSQIP program to collect data and evaluate best practices.
A new study suggests that dinosaurs' demise was partly due to the perfect storm of environmental upheaval, including volcanic activity, changing sea levels, and varying temperatures. This weakened their food chain, making them vulnerable to extinction.
A hospital used the ACS NSQIP database to identify a link between postoperative isolation and increased risk of venous thromboembolism. By implementing measures such as designated ambulation areas and spirometer use, the hospital was able to reduce VTE rates and save an estimated $10,000 to $16,000 per potentially affected patient.
A new NOAA study finds nuisance flooding is increasing on all three US coasts, with major increases in cities like Annapolis and Baltimore. Rising sea levels, land subsidence, and lost natural barriers are causing more frequent and severe flooding, especially during high tides.
Tropical Storm Hernan developed over the weekend and reached hurricane strength before being weakened by wind shear. NASA tracked its movement, noting it was forecasted to weaken into a shallow post-tropical cyclone in 48 hours
Researchers have developed a new ultrafast imaging technique using multi-wavelength lasers to overcome the limitations of traditional imaging systems. This breakthrough enables real-time optical imaging with high resolution and fast frame rates.
Researchers discovered that mother rats can transmit fears to their babies through odor, which could explain how traumatic experiences affect children long after birth. The study pinpointed the brain area responsible for learning these fears and suggests potential interventions to prevent irrational fear responses.
Researchers discovered two distinct molecular clocks operating at different stages of tumor growth, with implications for chemotherapy resistance and prognosis. The study used single-cell genome sequencing to profile thousands of cells, providing insights into genomic diversity and its potential clinical applications.
A new study found that following a healthy lifestyle may lower childhood cancer survivors' risk of developing the metabolic syndrome. Adults who had cancer as children are at increased risk, and lifestyle habits can influence long-term health outcomes.
Scientists have identified the underlying force of magnetism as the key to high-temperature superconductivity in cerium, cobalt, and indium. By analyzing experimental data using a novel theoretical framework, researchers successfully predicted the material's superconducting properties.
A new study reveals nearly half of transplant surgeons experience burnout, with high emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment reported. The findings highlight the need for organizations to develop systems to prevent burnout and support sustainable workforces.
Researchers have found an irreversible inhibitor, SML-8-73-1, that selectively and irreversibly interferes with the activity of mutated KRAS genes. This breakthrough has significant potential to target cancer cells and improve treatment outcomes for patients with lung, pancreas, and colon cancers.
Researchers have identified biochemical pathways that can inhibit reprogramming of gene activity in adult human cells, increasing the efficiency of stem-cell production. This breakthrough could lead to accelerated development of replacement tissue for failing body parts.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation recognized six exceptional young scientists with the 2014 Klerman and Freedman Prizes for their innovative research on mental health. The winners were awarded for their work using neuroimaging to identify the biological roots of major mental illness, as well as their discoveries on the genetic m...
Researchers found that cells are constantly fighting herpes virus, even in dormant phase, leading to potential new treatments. The study used genetically modified cells and viruses to measure virus activity, revealing varying levels of infection across different cells.
Researchers identified a genetic switch that stifles blood vessel development and used it to prevent peripheral vascular disease in a mouse model. The study's findings offer hope for new treatments targeting conditions like diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Researchers used statistical tools to map social connections in prairie dogs, uncovering relationships that escaped traditional observational techniques. The study found key bridge individuals connecting different groups, which could aid in conserving populations and mitigating plague spread
A new gene variant, PLXNA4, has been linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study found that this gene affects the processing of tau protein, a key hallmark of the disease. This discovery may lead to the development of targeted drug treatments for AD.
A new study reveals that nicotine and its metabolite cotinine can inhibit DNA damage caused by NNK, a carcinogen present in tobacco smoke. The study suggests that these compounds may protect against one form of DNA damage, but further research is needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science discover that genetic mutations affecting only half the population, like those causing male sterility, occur twice as often as those affecting males and females equally. This finding has implications for understanding causes of genetic diseases and developing targeted treatments.
A recent study found that prolonged electrical stimulation does not cause damage to the sacral nerve roots of rabbits. The research suggests that neurons in the rabbit sacral nerve roots can tolerate long-term electrical stimulation, which could have implications for the treatment of spinal cord injuries.