A new Cornell University study reveals that infants' immune systems respond quickly to infection but struggle to create long-lasting immunity, leaving them vulnerable to illnesses. Researchers hope to design more effective vaccines and therapeutic interventions using this knowledge.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center identified risk factors for hospital readmission in stroke patients, including prior diagnoses of congestive heart failure and cancer. The study found that stroke severity and number of hospitalizations within the year prior to admission were also significant predictors of readmission.
Scientists have developed a new glucose-sensing protein to help prevent complications associated with dropping or spiking blood-sugar levels in diabetes. The protein, engineered to be stable and detect glucose levels within the range present in people with diabetes, could enable continuous monitoring.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that toddlers can successfully learn novel verbs after hearing them only twice, as long as the verb is 'packaged' in a complete sentence. The study showed that presenting verbs in sentences with familiar nouns supports toddlers' abilities to apply the new words in novel contexts.
Scientists have completed the eucalyptus genome sequence, revealing insights into plant growth rate, wood hardness, and flowering. This breakthrough enables researchers to enhance or suppress traits in the tree for improved biomass yield and stress tolerance.
A new study led by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that Deepwater Horizon crude oil exposure harms mahi-mahi swimming capabilities, affecting survival and foraging abilities. The study revealed a 22-37% decrease in swimming velocity among juvenile fish exposed to oil.
Researchers at ICFO have demonstrated a nonlinear interferometer that can measure tiny magnetization with improved sensitivity. This breakthrough confirms theoretical predictions and paves the way for more accurate quantum measurements.
A study found that nearly three-quarters of PsA patients were on doses lower than recommended for infliximab, while a third of those on adalimumab had trough concentrations below the optimal level. Despite this, low dosing showed reasonable efficacy in both treatments.
A national research project found Canadian physicians' breastfeeding knowledge was suboptimal, with deficits in techniques, latch, and recommendations. Factors associated with higher knowledge and confidence included being female, between 30-50 years old, and having personal breastfeeding experience.
A nationwide effort in Israel reduced CRE cases by improving infection control standards and using a coordinated intervention focused on long-term care facilities. The study found a direct correlation between hospitals with high infection control scores and lower CRE carriage risk, resulting in a 25% decrease in carrier prevalence.
A new three-year study led by environmental health scientist Richard Pilsner examines the possible influence of paternal phthalate exposure on sperm quality and embryo development. The research aims to determine if a father's environmental health contributes to reproductive success and how this is transmitted to offspring.
A University of Montreal study reveals that Quebecers' opposition to shale gas is driven by a strong sense of egalitarianism, which skews their perception of the issue. Egalitarians are more likely to perceive risks related to hydraulic fracturing methods, while individualists focus on benefits.
Researchers discovered a specific immune response triggered by statins that impairs insulin function, increasing the risk of diabetes. Combining statins with another medication may suppress this side effect, offering potential new targets for minimizing adverse effects.
A VicHealth-funded survey found that nearly all Aboriginal Australians experienced racism in the past year, with racism in healthcare settings linked to high psychological distress. The study highlights the need for urgent action to address racism in healthcare and promote better mental health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
EULAR has achieved recognition for Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases from the European Commission's Horizon 2020 initiative. The organization also launched the Foundation for Research in Rheumatology, FOREUM, which has awarded grant funding to four osteoarthritis projects.
A study by USC researchers found that webpage position significantly impacts collective judgments about content, leading to biased recommendations. Ordering content by recency of recommendation reduces these biases, allowing for more accurate assessments of user interest.
A Cornell-led study describes an important role of a protein called OPT3 in maintaining balance of essential micronutrient iron in plants. The research found that OPT3 transports iron and regulates its concentration to partition cadmium away from edible plant parts.
Researchers from RIKEN and the University of Tokyo identified a surprising mechanism for accurate protein synthesis through crystallographic studies. The enzyme alanyl-tRNA synthetase precisely identifies proper tRNA molecules using a geometric feature, allowing cells to accurately translate genetic code into essential proteins.
China faces both criticisms and accolades for its environmental record, being both the largest polluter and the country leading in cleaning up pollution. Dr. Joachim H. Spangenberg suggests three fields of action to help China reduce its climate footprint and accumulated debt within a decade.
Experts disagree with comments on mass shootings, stating that there is a critical difference between prediction and prevention. Misconceptions about mass murder behavior are linked to ongoing research efforts and public education, while pre-incident behaviors and warning signs can be misread or overlooked.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a simple and quick MRI technique that can detect people with early-stage Parkinson's disease with 85% accuracy. The new approach uses resting-state fMRI to analyze brain connectivity in the basal ganglia, identifying those who are at risk before symptoms appear.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and China studied trackways formed on an ancient seabed to determine how nothosaurs, marine reptiles that lived during the age of dinosaurs, propelled themselves through water. The evidence suggests that these creatures moved over the seafloor by rowing their forelimbs in unison.
A study of 2,654 pregnant women found that PTSD and a major depressive episode were associated with a four-fold increased risk of preterm birth. The risk appears independent of antidepressant or benzodiazepine medication use.
Researchers at MGH and Ragon Institute identified how p21, a tumor suppressor protein, blocks HIV reverse transcription in CD4 T cells. This mechanism contributes to the natural control of HIV infection in elite controllers without drug treatment.
Researchers propose benchmarks to substantiate successful in vitro development of germline cells in mouse models. They emphasize the need for rigorous scientific standards due to the critical role of germ cells in reproduction.
A zebrafish model has identified a drug compound that appears to reverse arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), a hereditary disease leading to sudden death in young people. The findings provide a key first step in developing new therapies for this condition, for which there is currently no preventive treatment.
The Lawrence Livermore Laboratory will develop an implantable neural interface to record and stimulate neurons in the brain for treating neuropsychiatric disorders such as PTSD and TBI. The device is part of DARPA's SUBNETS program and aims to provide a revolutionary treatment option for patients suffering from these conditions.
Researchers discover periodontal bacteria selectively disarm immune system, promoting dysbiosis and bone loss. The study reveals a two-pronged mechanism involving protein receptors C5aR and TLR2, which protects 'bystander' gum bacteria from clearance.
A new study from the University of Waterloo's Institute for Quantum Computing reveals that contextuality is a necessary resource for achieving the advantages of quantum computation. Researchers have confirmed theoretically that contextuality is required for building a universal quantum computer.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that weight loss is the single most important factor for improving cardiovascular health in obese obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Weight loss alone significantly reduced inflammation, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure.
A study published in Science Signaling reveals that calcium channels in resting neurons activate the breakdown of Sp4, a transcription factor regulating gene expression. The research suggests that misregulation of Sp4 may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
Researchers at Neiker-Tecnalia and SCION have successfully developed a somatic embryogenesis system to propagate pine hybrids that can withstand water stress. This method enables the rapid production of high-quality trees with improved tolerance to drought conditions, making them ideal for reforestation in dry climates.
A two-year study found that frailty using the Frailty Index can predict in-hospital complications and mortality in older trauma patients. The study enrolled 250 patients aged 65 and above, with 44% meeting the frailty criteria.
A Princeton University study reveals that recent Mexican migrants are more likely to experience rapid changes in health, both good and bad, than other groups. The study found that the health of recent migrants was about 60% more likely to worsen within a one- or two-year period.
A study identifies three microRNAs as biomarkers for predicting severe osteoarthritis, allowing for early detection and preventative measures. The findings could significantly reduce the socio-economic burden of the disease.
Researchers have demonstrated a technique for producing acoustic phonons at 10 GHz, promising unprecedented resolution for acoustic imaging. The team used nanostructures to generate and detect the phonons, which can be used to 'see' subsurface structures in nanoscale systems.
Lupus patients can successfully stop immunosuppressant therapy without triggering a flare by slowing down the tapering process and checking for positive serology. The study found that within two years, about 70% of clinically stable patients were able to stop their medication.
A new type of sensor has been developed at the Vienna University of Technology using miniaturized laser technology, allowing for the analysis of liquids and gases. The sensor can measure the composition of liquids with an accuracy of 0.06%, opening up potential applications in chemical, biological, and medical analytics.
A class of leukemia drug has been found to stimulate immunity against multiple cancer types. Inhibiting the p110δ enzyme helps boost the body's immune system to kill tumor cells.
A new study published in Frontiers in Neurology found that eight-session gist-reasoning training can significantly improve higher-order thinking and other key frontal lobe functions in chronic recovery stages. Participants showed improved abstraction of meanings, executive functions, and memory for facts.
A team of researchers has identified eight genes from influenza viruses isolated from wild ducks that possess genetic similarities to the 1918 pandemic flu virus. The new study shows that these gene pools have the potential to cause a severe pandemic in the future if combined with other viral components.
Two studies published in PLOS Medicine found a link between moles and increased breast cancer risk. Women with more moles were more likely to develop breast cancer, particularly postmenopausal women. The findings suggest that nevi may be affected by hormone levels, which could be used as a marker for breast cancer risk.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have developed a novel method to create stable, onion-like vesicles using dendrimers. By controlling the concentration of dendrimers, they can produce vesicles with multiple layers, allowing for sequential release of drugs and potential clinical applications.
Researchers found that children can tell when adults are telling the truth but not the whole truth, and compensate by exploring more on their own. This skill is crucial for learning from others, as much knowledge comes from other people. Children's ability to evaluate information helps them adjust their trust in teachers.
A study of 2,070 children found no association between hydrolyzed formulas and reduced risk of beta-cell autoimmunity in infancy. The use of hydrolyzed formulas during infancy did not reduce the incidence of diabetes-associated autoantibodies after 7 years.
Researchers found that adding evidence-based weight loss strategies to a statewide wellness campaign improves weight loss outcomes among participants, with the internet-based approach being the most cost-effective. The study involved 230 participants who received either the standard campaign or one of two evidence-based programs.
Researchers at Oregon State University have successfully produced high-quality nanoparticles using microwave-assisted heating in a continuous flow reactor. This technology has the potential to revolutionize electronics manufacturing by reducing costs and improving performance.
Researchers analyzed the impact of mammography on breast cancer rates and found a significant decrease in late-stage diagnoses. The study attributed this decline to successful screening programs, which led to increased detection of early-stage cancers.
A new report by NREL found that Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) projects add a value of 5-6 cents per kilowatt hour in California, where renewables will reach 33% by 2020. CSP helps maintain firm capacity and reduces curtailment of variable generation technologies.
The report examines RPS costs and benefits in US states with most policies in effect for over five years. States have deployed approximately 46,000 MW of new renewable energy capacity through 2012, with estimated incremental RPS cost averaging less than 1% of retail electricity rates.
A Yale University study found a 50% drop in obstetric malpractice liability claims and payments after implementing patient safety measures, including standardized care and teamwork training. The hospital's efforts reduced liability claims by 95%, saving over $47 million.
A long-term follow-up of obese patients with type 2 diabetes shows that bariatric surgery leads to more frequent diabetes remission. The study found that bariatric surgery results in a lower incidence of microvascular and macrovascular complications compared to usual care.
Researchers have developed a powerful imaging tool to study electrically anomalous regions called domain walls in ferroelectric materials. The technique, X-PEEM, reveals enhanced electronic conduction properties in tail-to-tail domain walls, which are crucial for improving solar panels and other applications.
Children of parents with bipolar disorder are more susceptible to psychosocial problems, including risky sexual behavior, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. A new study reveals that family-based interventions can help mitigate these risks by teaching effective coping strategies and stress management techniques.
A fully mapped salmon genome will help improve aquaculture operations, address conservation challenges, and promote environmental sustainability. The international collaboration also provides a basis for global coordination to address fisheries and aquaculture challenges.
A new study published in Radiology found that moderate and late preterm birth is associated with smaller brain size and less developed myelination, suggesting a disruption in the expected trajectory of brain growth. The research provides insight into brain-behavior relationships in this group of children.
Male dwarf spiders use mating plugs made of a liquid material that hardens over time to block access to the female's sperm storage organ. Small plugs are less effective than large ones, but both size and age play important roles in their efficacy.
Researchers discovered oxytocin's indispensable role in healthy muscle maintenance and repair, finding that it declines with age in mice. Administering oxytocin improved muscle healing in old mice, while blocking its effects compromised their ability to repair tissue.
A Cornell University study reveals that undocumented workers receive no wage premium for working in dangerous settings, unlike most other groups.
A study published in BMC Ecology found that British Columbia's mainland wolves and coastal wolves are more genetically distinct than previously thought. The researchers attribute this difference to the varying ecological environments of the two regions.