A new 'ramp control' anesthetic technique has been developed to simplify preoperative testing for patients with severe sleep apnea. The simplified approach allows doctors to visualize the site of airway obstruction in just four minutes, while achieving minimal drops in blood oxygen levels.
23andMe has received a $1.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop its web-based database and research engine for genetic discovery. The grant supports the utilization of whole-genome sequence data and imputation to discover rare variants associated with disease.
Rita Charon, a general internist and narratologist at Columbia University, has received the 2014 Gene D. Cohen Research Award in Creativity and Aging. Her work focuses on narrative medicine practice, reflective clinical practice, and health care team effectiveness.
A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry indicates that middle-aged adults with a history of problem drinking are more than twice as likely to suffer from severe memory impairment in later life. The research highlights the link between harmful patterns of alcohol consumption and problems with memory, which may ...
The study implanted 125I seeds into rat dorsal root ganglia to provide relief for neuropathic pain. Results showed elevated mechanical pain threshold without influencing motor functions, suggesting neuronal microdamage as the primary mechanism. The findings have potential implications for developing novel pain management therapies.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center team has demonstrated that electrostatically actuated microshutter arrays are as functional as magnetically activated arrays, eliminating macro-moving parts and lowering voltage needs. This advancement makes them suitable for Explorer-class missions and larger fields of view.
The new journal Neurophotonics adds to the rapidly growing understanding of the brain through advanced optical methods and applications. Key findings include photoacoustic tomography techniques that display brain activity with high accuracy, and novel technologies for brain energy metabolism.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a new function of the body's most important tumor-suppressing protein, p53. A previously unknown variant of p53 called p53-psi reduces cell adhesion and promotes metastatic potential by interacting with cyclophillin D and generating reactive oxygen species.
Recent findings at the Alken Enge site reveal a violent sequel to a major battle fought around Christ's birth, with four pelvic bones found tied together and bundles of desecrated bones uncovered. The remains were gathered, cleaned, and then brutally treated before being cast into a lake.
When worms mate with different species, their bodies are unable to tolerate the aggressive sperm, resulting in sterility and death. The sperm's premature fertilization of eggs and subsequent damage to the ovaries lead to these outcomes.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that preterm children's cognitive abilities as teenagers can be comparable to those born at term, if they experience no brain injury early on. The quality of the home environment plays a crucial role in brain development and cognition.
Researchers have discovered new materials capable of repelling bacteria, which could lead to a significant reduction in hospital infections acquired through implanted medical devices. The polymers have been licensed to a UK SME for clinical trials, aiming to inform rational design of improved bacteria-resistant polymers.
Researchers calculated the precise mass of the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, finding that Andromeda is about twice as heavy. The study also measured the expansion of the universe by observing satellite galaxies' motion, confirming cosmic expansion near our local group.
Researchers identified differential gene expression in proximal and distal nerve segments of rats with sciatic nerve injury, revealing changes in cell differentiation, cytokinesis, and immune response. The study provides insights into Wallerian degeneration and offers a platform for studying nerve injury and repair.
Researchers analyzed fails-to-deliver trades and found they were not responsible for falling stock prices. Instead, the study showed that these trades had a net beneficial effect on market liquidity and reduced volatility.
Research found that lower dopamine transporter binding correlates with stronger visual attention bias for food cues, detecting food pictures more quickly among neutral images. Higher dopamine activity was linked to increased food intake over a period of 7 days.
Barbara J. Bowers, PhD, RN, FAAN, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been recognized with the GSA's 2014 Minority Mentorship Award. Her research focuses on frail older adults and quality of care, influencing public policies and organizational practices.
A lack of standards for experimental design and reporting hinders progress in developing therapeutics for spinal cord injuries. Implementing data standards and ontologies can facilitate transparency and analysis in neural plasticity and regeneration.
A new study found that urbanization in rural sub-Saharan Africa is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Living in more urban villages was linked to poorer lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity and heavy drinking, despite the benefits of access to education, healthcare, and improved sanitation.
Researchers at Chapman University and Vienna University of Technology successfully separated a neutron from its magnetic field, defying classical notions of particle properties. The experiment utilized neutron interferometry to isolate the particle's spin from its direction of motion.
Scientists have identified a specific electrical pattern in the brains of genetically identical mice that predicts how well individual animals will fare in stressful situations. This finding may help prevent mental illnesses linked with stress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
Research reveals maternal obesity alters offspring microflora composition, increasing firmicutes to bacteriodetes ratio and gastrointestinal permeability. This non-genetic factor may contribute to increased susceptibility to obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Four major health institutions have partnered to create a Clinical Data Research Network, leveraging PCORI's $7 million funding. The network will study patient outcomes for obesity, atrial fibrillation and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, expanding research capabilities and collaboration opportunities.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a tough and ultralight foam using atomic-scale materials, with properties including high strain handling and bounce-back ability. The foam can be tailored to any size and shape, and its lightweight density is 400 times less than graphite.
Researchers at University of São Paulo identified INXS RNA, which modulates BCL-X gene and induces programmed cell death. Local injections of plasmid containing INXS reduced subcutaneous malignant tumors by 10-fold in mice.
The University of Maryland Schools of Dentistry and Medicine have received a five-year $10.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the causes, prevention, and treatment of sexually-transmitted diseases. The study aims to identify novel molecular biomarkers of susceptibility to STIs and disease severity.
A new study by University of Chicago Booth School of Business researchers found that campers who formed close relationships with members from the opposing side developed more positive feelings toward all members of that group. This effect was found to last long after returning home, even months later.
Gitlin, a renowned gerontologist, has made significant contributions to nonpharmacologic approaches in dementia care and aging in place. Her work aims to improve the lives of chronically disabled older adults and their family caregivers.
A recent study published in Conservation Biology found that the bumphead parrotfish, a major coral predator, has both positive and negative effects on reefs. The fish helps reduce algae abundance and disperse small coral fragments, but also consumes coral and reduces its diversity.
Research conducted on adolescent rats reveals that daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages can impair learning and memory functions. The study found significant inflammation in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory, suggesting potential long-term effects on cognitive function.
Scientists have precisely measured the mass of the Milky Way for the first time, finding it to be approximately half the weight of Andromeda. The study, led by the University of Edinburgh, used data on galaxy distances and velocities to calculate the total masses of both galaxies.
Research by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin found that diet impacts male and female gut microbiomes differently. In some cases, different bacterial species dominate in one sex versus the other. This difference highlights the need for therapies to be tailored for each sex when it comes to nutrition-based treatments.
A 1996 research paper by Michael Pazzani and colleagues has been selected as the most influential from The Thirteenth National Conference on Artificial Intelligence. The paper introduced a system to personalize internet content based on user profiles, which has since become a common application of artificial intelligence.
Research finds that children of parents who spend more time cooking at home tend to make healthier food choices when eating away from home. Parents' reported food preparation time is inversely associated with energy density in their children's diet.
Research reveals that starting a diet at a younger age predicts several negative health outcomes in adulthood, including extreme weight control behaviors and obesity. The study's findings emphasize the need for public health initiatives promoting wellness behaviors in girls from an early age.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection affects both men and women, leading to genital warts and various types of cancer. Vaccinating boys against HPV can prevent these health issues and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
Researchers found that brainwaves from a few individuals can accurately predict preferences of large TV audiences. The study used EEG to measure brain activity while participants watched TV shows and commercials, comparing the results to publicly available social media data and ratings from USA Today's Super Bowl Ad Meter.
Forest fires in the Northwest Territories have destroyed over 893,000 hectares of land, with lightning blamed for most fires. The ongoing wildfires are also affecting residents in Yellowknife, prompting residents to stay indoors due to unhealthy air quality.
A study by Helmholtz Munich found that extreme heat and cold increase mortality rates, particularly among the elderly with pre-existing medical conditions. The researchers observed a significant rise in cardiovascular events and stroke during hot temperatures and up to two weeks after cold weather.
Scientists at the University of Kent have discovered how cells regulate internal structures, known as actin filaments. The research could lead to new therapies for diseases like cancer.
Crohn's and Colitis Canada funds 9 promising research projects exploring genetic, environmental causes, symptoms, and treatment options for these debilitating diseases. The organization aims to improve patient care and quality of life for over 233,000 Canadians affected by Crohn's and colitis.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new technique to help surgeons see the entire tumor during surgery, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome. The approach uses an injectable dye that accumulates in cancerous tissues, allowing surgeons to remove the entire malignancy.
Researchers found a red blood cell folate concentration range of 1,000 to 1,300 nmol/L may prevent neural tube defects. This biomarker could inform folic acid fortification programs and monitor their success.
Scientists have developed a new method to monitor rainfall in West Africa using weakened cell phone signals, which could help cities prepare for floods and combat weather-related diseases. Meanwhile, researchers discovered that residual currents persist between lightning strokes, challenging current cutoff models.
The deep sea provides numerous benefits to society, including acting as a greenhouse gas sink, regenerating nutrients, and fueling the marine food web. However, rapid exploitation of its resources poses significant threats to its habitat and global impact, necessitating a global effort to protect and manage these vast habitats.
A comprehensive US study reveals that city governments closely match citizens' politics and policies, with liberal cities taxing and spending more. The research challenges the popular image of local governance being under the sway of machine politics or big-money interests.
A twin study found that brain appetite centers respond more to immediate nutritional needs than genetics and upbringing. The study used fMRI scans to compare identical twins' responses to high- and low-calorie foods, showing a greater response in the twin with lower blood glucose levels.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology demonstrate a new quantum paradox where neutrons can be separated from their properties, allowing for more precise measurements. This 'Quantum Cheshire Cat' phenomenon shows that particles can exist in multiple states at once, making it ideal for applications requiring high precision.
Researchers will map out BRCA1 protein structures in healthy and mutated forms to identify molecular targets for new treatments. The goal is to improve treatment options for women with hereditary breast cancer.
A new study by Michigan State University finds that Teach for America alumni candidates prioritize both local and national issues in their school board campaigns. The research suggests that supporting TFA alumni to run for local offices is an effective way to advance the organization's agenda.
An international team of researchers devises precise method for calculating galaxy masses using gravity and expansion data. The new study shows the Milky Way has only half the mass of its neighbor Andromeda.
Researchers studied Vietnam War veterans' brain injuries to understand how the brain works. They found that brain regions contributing to social functioning also support general intelligence and emotional intelligence.
Researchers at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics propose that silicon-capped hydrocarbons like SiC3H, SiC4H and SiC5H may be responsible for the diffuse interstellar bands. The team analyzed laboratory spectra and theoretical calculations to support their hypothesis.
A study found that individuals low in satiety responsiveness are more likely to experience poor appetite control and overeat, particularly those with a preference for high-fat foods. Increasing almond consumption may help improve satiety responsiveness and increase control over food intake.
A NASA-funded X-ray instrument has confirmed that a region of million-degree interstellar plasma known as the local hot bubble is the main source of a foggy glow observed over the entire sky. The study also establishes upper limits on soft X-rays produced within our planetary system by solar wind.
Researchers created a model showing how Mercury's core dynamics contribute to its unusual magnetic field, which is three times stronger in the north than south. This finding indicates that planets have multiple ways of generating a magnetic field.
Researchers at UC Berkeley are developing a vision-correcting display that uses computation to compensate for individual visual impairments. The technology has the potential to transform lives of people with high-order aberrations and presbyopia, enabling them to use smartphones, tablets, and computers without corrective lenses.
A new study found that two beneficial variants of a gene controlling red blood cell development have spread from Africa to nearly all human populations globally. These variants promote fetal haemoglobin production in adulthood, leading to milder symptoms of inherited blood disorders like sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia.
A new study confirms that achalasia is an autoimmune disease, with a specific genetic variant linked to the condition. The researchers identified 33 genetic variants associated with achalasia, all located in the MHC region of chromosome 6.
Studies show that multiple limb salvage procedures have a good success rate and no increase in complications compared to single-flap techniques. The study analyzed limb salvage procedures in military personnel injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, with a focus on maintaining residual limb length and joint function.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine have identified three surface proteins on the Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacterium that cause tick-transmitted disease. Targeting these proteins could lead to effective prevention and treatment, enabling the development of a vaccine.
Corinna E. Löckenhoff, PhD, of Cornell University, has been recognized by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) with the 2014 Baltes Foundation Award in Behavioral and Social Gerontology. Her groundbreaking research focuses on age differences in socioemotional functioning and their implications for health-related decision making.
Congenital heart disease specialists have developed a nonsurgical technique to repair patent ductus arteriosus, a common cardiac birth defect. The minimally invasive procedure employs fluoroscopy and echocardiography to guide closure without exposing fragile infants to open-heart surgery.
Researchers successfully separated a neutron's magnetic moment from its particle, observing the first experimental evidence of the 'Cheshire Cat' paradox. This technique can be applied to any property of any quantum object, improving high precision measurements.
The WIFIRE project is developing a cyberinfrastructure system that integrates dynamic wildfire models, sensor data, and computational techniques to monitor and predict wildfire behavior. This will enable situational awareness, responses, and decision support for local, state, national, and international levels.
Researchers developed a new technique to manufacture microstructured surfaces with specific textures, exhibiting controllable mechanical stiffness and strength. The process involves self-assembly of carbon nanotubes and can be used to create large expanses of structures simultaneously.
Tropical Storm Hernan's weakening lifted its cloud tops, with infrared data revealing warming temperatures in the system. The storm dissipated into a remnant low-pressure area, with forecasters predicting its remaining systems to dissipate over the next few days.
A new UC San Francisco study shows that maintaining healthy behaviors can reduce telomere shortening, a marker of cellular aging. The researchers found that post-menopausal women who exercised, slept well and ate well had less telomere shortening than those with poor lifestyles.
A study at City College of New York found that analyzing the brainwaves of a few individuals can accurately predict preferences of large TV audiences. The researchers used electroencephalography (EEG) to capture brain activity while participants watched scenes from 'The Walking Dead' and Super Bowl commercials.
A groundbreaking study from FPG found that African-American students in segregated schools experience smaller gains in reading skills during first grade. However, student backgrounds are unlikely to be the cause of these differences, according to researchers.
Researchers found that even small-scale increases in urbanicity levels were associated with higher prevalence of unhealthy behaviors among rural residents. Lifestyle risk factors such as physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable consumption, and high body mass index increased in more urbanized villages.
Researchers found 101 non-antibiotic drugs with potential to prevent growth of certain bacterial pathogens, including those causing Legionnaires' disease and brucellosis. These drugs interfere with host cell functions to stall intracellular bacterial infections.
The number of green turtles nesting at Ascension Island has increased by over 500% since the 1970s, with an estimated 24,000 nests laid every year. The Island's main beaches have been protected through new legislation, which also creates seven new nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.
Aarhus University researchers have created an easier method to tag proteins with DNA, enhancing diagnostic techniques, nanotechnology, and disease treatment. The new method allows for controlled conjugation of macromolecules, making it possible to attach chemotherapeutics to antibodies while preserving their recognition element.
New research by academics at the University of Bristol's Nutrition and Behaviour Unit found that people factor in liquid calories when estimating a meal's satiating effect. The study, led by Professor Jeff Brunstrom, compared meals with calorific drinks to those served with water or snacks.
Researchers have found evidence of prehistoric dairy farming in Finland dating back to 2500 BC, despite harsh winter conditions. The discovery suggests that Stone Age people were able to domesticate and care for animals over four months of snow, paving the way for modern-day Finland's high milk consumption.
The deep sea provides essential services to humans, including nutrient-rich fish stocks, waste management, and reserves of oil, gas, precious metals, and rare minerals. Its unique ecosystems also host life forms with potential for new antibiotics and anti-cancer chemicals.
A malaria vaccine has been shown to provide continued protection against clinical malaria in young infants and children, with the effect of vaccination diminishing over time. The vaccine efficacy was highest in the first 6 months after vaccination, with estimates suggesting it could have a major public health impact.
Jigisha Patel argues that peer review should be recognized as a professional skill and that trained reviewers can improve the quality of randomized controlled trials. By implementing a 'quality assurance' symbol, trials could be identified as having undergone rigorous peer review.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that microscopic flagella synchronize their movements through direct hydrodynamic interactions in a fluid. The findings, published in eLife, demonstrate that the motion of the fluid created by two beating flagella is sufficient to cause them to row in sync.
Tropical Storm Halong is intensifying with a strong eye forming and closely tracked by NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm is expected to move west-northwest through the Marianas Islands while intensifying.
Children with autism have a relatively inflexible brain at switching from rest to task performance, leading to increased restrictive and repetitive behaviors. The study found that autistic brains showed reduced connectivity in key networks compared to typically developing peers.
Ocean acidification is driving changes in vital Alaskan waters, threatening commercial fisheries and subsistence way of life. Communities in southeast and southwest Alaska face the highest risk, with lower incomes and fewer employment opportunities making them more vulnerable.
A Cornell study analyzing 217 menus and over 300 diner selections reveals that menu layout, descriptions, and names can influence food ordering. Two tactics - catching attention and priming imagination - can guide diners to order lighter entrées.
Boys with fragile X syndrome exhibit a relative strength in socialization skills compared to communication and daily living skills, which decline over time. The study's findings suggest that continued attention to adaptive behavior is crucial for individuals with fragile X syndrome.
Researchers aim to improve stroke therapies by studying brain networks linked to movement, particularly hand and arm control. They will use techniques like fMRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation to map brain activity and stimulate specific regions.
Researchers have measured massive waves of up to 5 meters high in the Arctic Ocean, attributed to high winds and increased open water. This phenomenon could disrupt shipping operations and exacerbate coastal erosion as the region continues to warm.
A review in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery warns of the dangers of unsubstantiated claims surrounding cosmetic stem cell procedures. The authors cite potential risks to patients and highlight the need for rigorous scientific evaluation before these treatments are advertised.
A new study finds that consolidating recommendations and clear language are key to converting pediatric preventive care guidelines into computerized prompts. The guidelines currently lack organization to easily translate into electronic prompts, leading to missed or delayed visits.
Researchers at University of Bristol found that liquid calories from soft drinks are taken into account when planning meals. Meals served with a calorific drink were expected to be more satiating than those served with water or snacks.
A systematic review of randomized clinical trials found that adding tree nuts to a diet resulted in modest decreases in blood fats and sugars. The biggest reductions were seen when tree nuts replaced refined carbohydrates rather than saturated fats.
Researchers found that catheter ablation significantly improves cardiovascular survival among adults with atrial fibrillation, even in older patients and those with comorbidities. The study, published in Heart Rhythm, shows a 60% reduction in mortality rates among participants.
A study of over 830,000 participants found that consuming at least five daily servings of fruit and vegetables was associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Higher consumption above five portions did not show further reduced risk of death.
A new study finds that exposure to brand-specific alcohol ads on TV is linked to increased consumption among underage drinkers. Researchers surveyed over 1,000 youth aged 13-20 and found a strong association between ad exposure and brand choice.