Researchers have developed a new type of optical fiber that can guide UV laser light without being damaged. The fiber has a hollow core with a diameter of 20 µm, which allows for single-mode transmission and reduces loss. This breakthrough enables new applications in precision spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and process plasmas.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University discovered that brief mindfulness meditation practice alleviates psychological stress. The study showed that even just three consecutive days of 25-minute mindfulness sessions can reduce stress levels.
Austrian researchers found that fresh, young red blood cells can counterbalance the negative effects of jetlag on the cardiovascular system. Blood donations may help reduce the risk of heart disease in shift workers by stimulating the generation of new, healthy erythrocytes.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new approach for tuberculosis drugs, inspired by the bacteria-derived antibiotic pyridomycin. The new molecule is more stable and easier to produce synthetically, offering a potential solution to multidrug-resistant strains.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a three-year, $250,000 National Science Foundation grant to collaborate with AIDICO on disaster mitigation research. The project aims to develop quick solutions to infrastructure and technology problems that arise from natural disasters, improving the resilience of civil infrastructure.
A survey of UK GPs reveals soaring workloads due to financial hardship among patients, with over two-thirds believing patient health is being harmed by benefit cuts. GPs are also asked to provide medical information for Work Capacity Assessments and help patients appeal against benefits removal.
A new study by the University of Manchester and Monash University found a strong link between alcohol industry sponsorship and hazardous drinking among UK athletes. The research revealed that athletes receiving sponsorships from beer and pub industries were more likely to exhibit high levels of alcohol consumption.
Scientists discovered that liquids containing nanoparticles, known as nanofluids, have the potential to effectively cool devices. The study analyzed three types of nanofluids, finding one mixture of copper oxide and water to be the most effective coolant.
Leading scientists warn that tropical coastal waters are under pressure due to growing populations and climate change, highlighting the need for holistic management approaches. They advocate for expanded use of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to balance competing demands from fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, and other human activities.
A novel intravaginal ring demonstrated controlled drug release and safety in pig-tailed macaque monkeys, showing potential for HIV prevention. The ring's topical delivery reduces adherence issues, boosting effectiveness and minimizing side effects.
New research opens up possibility that dark matter governs structure across whole universe, resolving puzzles in galaxy cores and formation timing. The theory suggests large stationary waves of dark matter called solitons could explain observed phenomena.
A systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that combined aerobic and resistance training is most effective for controlling blood sugar and blood fat profiles in people with type 2 diabetes. However, more high-quality trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Tropical Storm Elida weakened to a remnant low due to strong wind shear. The National Hurricane Center reported maximum sustained winds of near 30 mph (45 kph), with the center moving southeast towards Mexico.
A team of researchers combined 3D technologies with advanced range estimator tools to provide detailed data on wildlife species' range and movements. This project utilized the San Diego Supercomputer Center's resources to create highly detailed data sets and visualizations, enabling faster calculations and improved accuracy.
Cancer Research UK's Programme Foundation Award will provide up to £1.5 million over six years to support mid-career scientists. The award aims to bridge the gap for researchers who need investment to compete with senior scientists.
Researchers estimate that at least 60% of sildenafil consumed in the Netherlands is not from prescribed sources, with potential for widespread misuse of rogue online pharmacies
A new 'QTA' technique allows for precise treatment and progress tracking in lung cancer patients with high accuracy. The study found that nearly 90% of tumor cells can be analyzed to detect K-ras gene mutations, enabling personalized treatment.
Theorists propose using a bottom-up approach to create hybrid quantum devices by placing superconducting regions within silicon crystals. This could combine the benefits of both silicon spin qubits and superconducting circuits, enabling more robust qubit designs.
The OpT2mise trial found that insulin pumps result in better blood sugar control than multiple daily injections in people with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that patients using the pumps achieved a significantly greater reduction in average blood sugar levels and spent less time in hyperglycaemia.
Joslin researchers found that microRNAs play a major role in fat cell development and whole body metabolism. They also discovered that low levels of Dicer expression in fat tissue may contribute to the development of HIV-related lipodystrophy, a complication limiting therapy in some patients.
A new RAND Corporation report highlights the importance of license plate readers in aiding police investigations, while also addressing concerns about staff, compatibility, and privacy. The technology has the potential to save investigative time and increase safety, but law enforcement agencies must address these issues before it can r...
The UCLA Center for East–West Medicine has published a document to help students, educators, and practitioners evaluate and digest Chinese medical texts with greater sensitivity and comprehension. The 15-page document addresses translation-specific issues, technical terminology, and cultural perspective to promote accurate translations.
Researchers have shown that stem cells created using different methods produce differing cells, with nuclear transfer ES cells being more similar to real ES cells. The findings could lead to improved stem cell therapies and ultimately, the development of personalized treatments.
The US CDC is building scientific capacity to detect and respond to novel health threats, with a focus on resilience and preparedness. The organization supports global health programs, including those aimed at combating infectious diseases, strengthening health systems, and improving disaster response.
A recent genetic study found that northwest dolphins in Australia are more vulnerable to environmental change and localised extinctions due to their isolated populations. The researchers urge management agencies to preserve corridors for individuals to travel between populations.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that 60% of U.S. Army soldiers who couldn't return to a military career after an Iraq deployment had a muscle, bone or joint injury and nearly half had a mental health diagnosis. The strongest predictors of inability to continue serving were musculoskeletal conditions, psychological diagnoses, a...
A recent NIH-funded study found that children with two copies of a high-risk variant in specific genes have a 26% chance of developing early signs of celiac disease by age 5. The study also revealed higher rates of celiac disease in Sweden compared to the US and other European countries.
A pilot study found that participants with PAD increased their ability to walk unassisted after consuming dark chocolate rich in polyphenols. The improvements were modest but suggested a potential therapeutic strategy for countering cardiovascular complications.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that women with long-term hypertension are at a higher risk of developing psoriasis. Long-term use of beta-blocker medication also increases the risk of psoriasis. The study analyzed data from 77,728 women and found a significant association between hypertension and psoriasis risk.
Researchers at EPFL have created a new method to track down allergens in foods, which can help develop customized therapies and provide higher accuracy than conventional allergy-testing methods. The method uses immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to identify specific proteins causing allergic reactions.
A new study estimates that low-carbon energy options require additional investments of around $800 billion a year from now to mid-century. The researchers found that much of this capital could come from shifting subsidies and investments away from fossil fuels.
A new study suggests that using computer-automated, time-lapse embryo photography during in-vitro fertilization can improve embryo selection, leading to a higher chance of pregnancy. The technology allowed researchers to assess embryo development and predict which embryos were more likely to become viable blastocysts.
Researchers discovered scorpion burrows have a warm platform to regulate body temperature before hunting, and a cool chamber to rest during the day. The design is common among all studied species, suggesting it evolved by natural selection to meet physiological needs.
Scientists have discovered a new pathogen, Trichomonas stableri, linked to recent mass die-offs of Pacific Coast band-tailed pigeons. The parasite, along with ancient species Trichomonas gallinae, causes severe lesions that can block the esophagus or trachea, leading to suffocation.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center study found that combining cognitive behavioral therapy with medication improves long-term success of depression treatment in children and adolescents. Relapse rates were significantly lower for those who received both forms of treatment compared to those on medication alone.
A new study identifies maladaptive coping behaviors as mediating pathways between stress exposure and insomnia development. Cognitive intrusion, self-distraction, behavioral disengagement, and alcohol/drug use were found to significantly contribute to the relationship between stress and insomnia.
Researchers found a teeth protein that signals bone growth and enhances tissue formation in rat models, offering potential for synthetic bone grafts. The breakthrough could benefit patients with osteoporosis or bone fractures.
The study found a significant increase in discretionary surgery and a decrease in nondiscretionary surgery following the Massachusetts insurance expansion. This suggests that insurance expansion may lead to greater utilization of procedures for improving quality of life rather than addressing immediately life-threatening conditions.
Researchers found that a low-dose gentamicin/citrate solution reduced mortality by 68% and bloodstream infections by 73% compared to heparin. Bloodstream infections are a leading cause of hospitalization and death in hemodialysis patients.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have developed a compound that blocks Plasmepsin V, a critical enzyme essential for malaria parasite survival. The compound, WEHI-916, has shown promising results in killing malaria parasites and could lead to effective treatment of all species of the parasite.
Shanghai researchers create a new antibacterial material by coating titanium with gold nanoparticles, which effectively kills bacteria and promotes bone growth. This innovative approach may lead to improved implant surfaces and reduced surgical complications.
The ESIF's Peregrine supercomputer can perform a quadrillion calculations per second, facilitating the development of modern energy systems integration. The facility enables on-site and remote viewing of experimental data, allowing researchers to ask 'what if' questions and optimize system design.
Carnegie Institution has been awarded $10 million over four years to support basic research in energy materials, which could lead to new discoveries and solutions to major energy challenges. The program aims to design and synthesize revolutionary materials for energy conversion, storage, and transport.
Researchers at Clemson University discovered that kudzu invasion releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. In contrast, Japanese knotweed's impact is less pronounced due to its litter chemistry regulating soil biological activity.
A new bone marrow transplantation method has shown promising results in treating adults with severe sickle cell disease, achieving long-term stable donor engraftment and improved hemoglobin levels. The study's findings suggest that this procedure can be applied to older adults with fewer toxic effects.
Researchers found that patients treated with proton therapy had significantly higher disease-free survival rates (72% vs. 50%) compared to those receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Tumor control also improved at the longest follow-up for proton therapy-treated patients (81% vs. 64%).
A new smartphone-based system detects changes in patients' behavioral patterns and transmits them to professionals in real time, facilitating patient observation and improving clinical psychiatry. The technology has the potential to greatly improve response time and efficacy of clinical psychiatrists.
A new study found that cancer cells' thick sugar coating enhances their survival by altering cell signaling pathways. The coating causes the cell membrane to change shape, leading to unchecked growth and increased lethality for cancer patients.
A study found that oral contraceptive users have significantly lower measures of ovarian reserve compared to non-users, with a marked suppressive effect on anti-Mullerian hormone and antral follicle count. The results suggest that women taking the Pill may need more frequent assessments of their reproductive status.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute developed a compound that blocks Plasmepsin V, a key enzyme essential for malaria parasite survival. This breakthrough could lead to new antimalarial drugs effective against all species of malaria parasites.
Researchers at Duke-NUS found that short sleep is linked to faster brain ventricle enlargement and decline in cognitive performance. The study of 66 older Chinese adults suggests that seven hours of sleep per day may be optimal for brain health.
A survey of 973 women in the UK and Denmark found that while most are aware of egg freezing, only one in five consider it appropriate for their personal circumstances. The majority associate oocyte freezing with delaying childbearing until social and domestic circumstances improve.
Research reveals one in three severely affected adults with ME in England have no access to local specialist services. Specialist adult ME/CFS services in the NHS provide little to no service to severely affected patients due to lack of funding, leaving them housebound and dependent on carers.
Researchers developed a new technique to observe root growth in 3D and in real time using fluorescence microscopy. This allows them to track cell movements over three days, capturing the formation of new roots.
A study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that children undergoing simple emergency surgeries on weekends are more likely to suffer complications and die than those treated during the week. The researchers analyzed 22 years' worth of surgical records involving nearly 440,000 pediatric admissions nationwide.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center introduced guidelines and changes to the computerized provider order entry system to reduce redundant biomarker testing. This led to a 66% decrease in tests ordered and saved an estimated $1.25 million in laboratory charges.
Researchers developed an elastic polycarbonate material to produce a miniature force plate, enabling forces to be measured in the micro-Newton range. Ants were found to adopt a 'grounded running' strategy, increasing stride length and number of steps to improve stability at higher speeds.
Physicists at Queen Mary University of London set up a unique pitch drop experiment to inspire students and challenge fundamental nature of solids and liquids. The experiment reveals that bitumen can flow over long time scales, contradicting common intuition.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed an efficient method for harnessing sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into formic acid, a potential alternative fuel. The process achieves nearly 2% energy efficiency, twice that of natural photosynthesis, and has the potential to store solar energy in fuel cells.
Researchers deciphered structural components of fluorescence brightness in a primitive sea creature, known as lancelets or amphioxus. The study found that changes in stiffness around the chromophore pocket enable the animal to emit different brightness levels.