Research confirms BRCA2 gene mutations increase lung cancer risk by 1.8 times in smokers and double the risk for some individuals. The study also identified associations with CHEK2 and TP63 genes, highlighting potential targets for early screening and treatment.
A minimally invasive laser procedure, performed under MRI guidance, has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing or eliminating seizures in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). The procedure, known as SLAH, destroys the area of the brain responsible for seizure activity without harming neighboring tissue.
A recent study published in Nutrients found that cyclists who consumed Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate before exercise experienced less inflammation and oxidative stress. The researchers attributed the recovery benefits to the natural compounds in tart cherries, particularly anthocyanins.
A new study suggests that local factors, such as fungal colonization and terrain, play a more significant role in wood decomposition rates than previously thought. This finding has implications for climate models, which may be weakened by aggregating data across large geographic areas.
A new study by Marine Biological Laboratory scientists has determined that as forests age, their ability to grow decreases due to reduced carbon dioxide uptake and respiration. This finding suggests the future growth of US forests will decline, potentially impacting the country's role as a carbon sink.
The UK has invested £5.64M in the European X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFEL) project, allowing UK researchers to use serial femtosecond crystallography for high-resolution biological molecule determination. This cutting-edge technology will enable scientists to study the smallest building blocks of life at unprecedented speeds and reso...
Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a naturally occurring microbe that inhibits the devastating fungus known as rice blast, inducing a defense response in rice plants. The beneficial soil microbe, Pseudomonas chlororaphis EA105, reduces fungal growth by 76% and lesion size.
Expectant mothers who opt-out of prenatal gender reveal tests tend to have a more relaxed approach to parenting and are less likely to conform to traditional gender stereotypes. They often score high on personality traits like openness to experience, which suggests they prefer a more natural and spontaneous approach to pregnancy.
A study from the University of Toronto suggests that exposure to fast food can undermine one's ability to savor pleasurable activities. Participants who were shown pictures of meals on regular ceramic tableware showed higher levels of enjoyment when experiencing savoring activities, whereas those shown pictorial reminders of fast food ...
A study found that physician contributions to federal elections increased significantly, with most shifting towards Democratic candidates, particularly among female physicians and solo practitioners. The shift away from Republicans was driven by an influx of new donors more likely to support Democrats.
Calciphylaxis occurs when calcium and phosphorus bind to form a biological cement that blocks and inflames small blood vessels. Risk factors include being over age 65, Caucasian, and diabetic.
A study published in the FASEB Journal found that resveratrol supplements caused significant developmental abnormalities in the pancreas of offspring from pregnant monkeys, raising concerns about their safety during pregnancy. Researchers recommend that pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant avoid taking the supplement.
Researchers found that if all eye doctors prescribed the less expensive bevacizumab instead of ranibizumab for treating common eye diseases, Medicare could save $18 billion over a decade. This would also result in patients saving $4.6 billion in co-pays and the private healthcare system saving an additional $29 billion.
Researchers tracked northern gannets' movement and behaviour using GPS devices, finding that fishing vessels influence their distribution and foraging patterns. The study suggests each boat can significantly impact seabirds within a 22km diameter circle surrounding it.
A study by US researchers resolves a long-standing debate on package size perception, revealing that presentation context plays a significant role in estimating volume. When packages are displayed in groups of nine or more, simple-shaped packages appear larger than complex ones, but the reverse occurs when presented with fewer packages.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that severe hurricanes with feminine names result in a greater death toll due to people taking fewer protective measures. The analysis of over six decades of US hurricane deaths shows that storms with feminine names are seen as less foreboding, leading to increased vulnerability.
Researchers found that men created more new proteins as a result of interval training compared to women. Despite this difference, both men and women experienced similar increases in aerobic capacity. The study suggests that personalized fitness approaches may be necessary for optimal health benefits.
Researchers at Kansas State University are developing a way to enhance high-order harmonics to create powerful small tabletop light sources. They propose synthesizing two- or three-color laser fields to optimize harmonic intensity, potentially leading to new applications in science and technology.
Researchers propose reassigning low-income Medicare beneficiaries to their most affordable medication plans. The change could result in $5 billion in savings and fewer prescription restrictions for eligible individuals.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from nearly 100 HIV-infected volunteers and found that B cells, which produce antibodies, are more activated, unstable, and unresponsive to HIV. In contrast, antiretroviral therapy improves B-cell response to HIV, with normal cells dominating.
A phase 1b immunotherapy trial combining nivolumab and ipilimumab has shown high one-year and two-year overall survival rates of 94% and 88%, respectively, in advanced melanoma patients. The treatment regimen has demonstrated long-lasting benefits for these patients.
Elsevier has launched an open-access journal, Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal (CSBJ), on behalf of the Research Network of Computational and Structural Biotechnology. The journal publishes high-quality research articles and reviews in computational biotechnology, with a focus on mechanistic understanding through appl...
Physicists at the University of Toronto have made a breakthrough in ultra-precise measurement technologies using quantum mechanics. By employing entangled photons and multiple detectors, they were able to achieve resolutions unattainable by classical physics.
Researchers at Wayne State University have developed high-strength low-alloy steels and cast irons with improved energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and increased safety. The university has licensed its patented technology to Detroit Materials, Inc., a new start-up company focused on commercializing ultra-high performance materials.
Researchers have developed a method using DNA origami to turn one-dimensional nano materials into two dimensions, enabling the creation of any number of shapes. The breakthrough offers potential to enhance fiber optics and electronic devices by reducing size and increasing speed.
A new type of Digital Zenith Telescope prototype has been developed in China, utilizing CCD camera and high-precision tiltmeter to improve efficiency and accuracy. The instrument can measure the deflection of the vertical and variations of the local plumb line, with single-observation accuracy up to 0.15-0.3
A new study found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressures and decreases vascular tone in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Successful treatment also reverses these improvements after a short period of treatment withdrawal.
Cystic fibrosis contributes to raised diabetes risk due to a mutated gene that inhibits insulin secretion. The mutation affects the early stage of insulin release, leading to insufficient insulin levels when demands increase.
Researchers at NUS have successfully demonstrated a 'photosalient effect' driven by photochemical reactions in solids, converting light into mechanical motion. This phenomenon has potential applications in harnessing solar energy to power light-driven actuators and mechanical devices.
The Myriad myPath Melanoma test accurately differentiates malignant melanoma from benign skin lesions with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 91%. This improves the standard of care for patients with melanoma, enabling healthcare providers to deliver more objective and confident diagnoses.
Scientists found that expanded sea ice in the Southern Ocean led to a massive drop in atmospheric CO2 levels during the Last Glacial Maximum. The study suggests a dynamic link between sea-ice expansion and ocean water insulation, providing new insights into past climate changes.
Researchers develop method to control ordering of self-assembling structures, inducing reversible switching and transformation between arrangements. Nano-scale materials with specific properties are crucial for various applications in electronics, photovoltaics and biomimetic material synthesis.
A new species of flat bug, Aradus macrosomus, has been discovered in Baltic amber deposits, highlighting the significance of these ancient fossilized tree resins. The species is characterized by its large size and distinct structures, providing valuable insights into the evolution of arthropods.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that the size of tumors before treatment is a strong predictor of response to immunotherapy drug MK-3475. The findings suggest that decreasing baseline tumor size through surgery or other means may be more effective in inducing long-lasting remissions.
Researchers at UC Riverside discovered that a bacterial protein in aphid saliva, GroEL, induces immune responses in plants. This finding could lead to the development of durable resistance against aphid attacks in crops.
Researchers have developed a system to convert hydrogen gas into formic acid, a less flammable liquid fuel that can be safely stored and transported. The process uses two chemical reactions and atmospheric CO2, offering a sustainable solution for energy storage and synthesis of various products.
A substantial proportion of hypertensive pregnant women have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder that can reduce blood oxygen levels during the night. Habitual snoring is often an early sign to identify this risk, which can improve health outcomes if recognized and managed.
A seven-year study of pregnant women taking antipsychotics found that 43% of babies needed special care after birth, with increased rates of premature birth, respiratory distress and withdrawal symptoms. The study highlights the need for clearer health guidelines on using antipsychotic medication during pregnancy.
A new study found significant variation in MRSA rates among five US cities, with Los Angeles experiencing a 57% decline and New York tripling its rates. The study suggests that bacterial ecology is changing fundamentally, requiring further research to protect public health.
A new study suggests that blue-enriched light exposure before and during evening meals can increase hunger and alter glucose metabolism. The research found that this type of light exposure decreased sleepiness but resulted in higher insulin resistance.
The Myriad myRisk test detects significantly more deleterious mutations than single cancer tests and helps solve the overlap dilemma among hereditary cancer syndromes. The test evaluates 25 clinically significant genes associated with eight major hereditary cancers.
Researchers found that planets between 1.7 and 3.9 times the size of Earth are dubbed 'gas dwarfs' with thick atmospheres of hydrogen and helium. The study also revealed that metallicity plays a crucial role in determining planetary composition, with stars hosting gas giants containing about 50% more metals than our Sun.
Researchers from Oregon State University have identified the ancestral home of Phytophthora infestans, a costly and deadly plant disease that causes potato late blight. The discovery provides new avenues to discover resistance genes and helps explain the mechanisms of repeated emergence of this disease.
The study found that physician-led ACOs are more likely to have comprehensive care management programs and advanced IT capabilities. These organizations also tend to measure and report financial and quality performance at the clinician level.
A new study published in the Geological Society of America Bulletin documents the discovery of forty-six ophthalmosaurid ichthyosaurs in southern Chile. The skeletons are associated with ammonites, belemnites, and other fossils, providing insights into the marine ecosystem of Early Cretaceous times.
A Swedish-German research team has developed a new method for producing ultra-strong cellulose fibers, with filaments stronger than aluminum and steel per weight. The fibers are created through hydrodynamic alignment and assembly of nano-fibrils, making them biodegradable and compatible with human tissue.
A new study reveals that poor sleep timing and maintenance significantly predict academic problems, comparable to binge drinking and marijuana use. Healthy sleep habits are crucial for academic success.
Researchers at the University of South Carolina have discovered a novel pathway for marijuana to suppress immune functions, suggesting its potential in treating autoimmune diseases. The study found that THC can change histone molecules leading to inflammation suppression.
A new species of stick insect, Sinophasma damingshanensis, has been discovered in Guangxi, China. The insect boasts unique camouflage abilities, mimicking plant stems and exhibiting rocking behavior to enhance its natural disguise.
A new study published in Language presents a rigorous linguistic analysis that contradicts previous research on the origins of written language. The analysis suggests that popular statistical measures do not support the claim that certain symbol systems, such as the Indus Valley and Pictish symbols, are examples of written language.
Scientists have quantified the extent of surface ocean acidity from ancient days, finding that the oceans are on track to acidify at least as much as they did 56 million years ago, but at a much faster rate. The study confirms that acidification lasted for 70,000 years or more and may already be affecting marine life.
Associate Professor David Newman is a world leader in aviation medicine, receiving the 2014 John Paul Stapp Award for his work in aerospace biomechanics. He has made significant contributions to the field of aviation safety, focusing on pilot fitness and aviation-related health issues.
Rensselaer researchers predict the electrical response of metals to extreme pressures, which could benefit computer chip design. The study found that specific pressure decreases electrical resistance in different materials.
Researchers found that highly suggestible women experienced a significant increase in slow-wave sleep after listening to hypnosis, resulting in improved sleep quality. The study suggests that hypnosis could be a promising alternative to sleep-inducing drugs with no adverse side effects.
Research led by Carnegie Mellon University shows social integration influences pulmonary function in the elderly, with more social roles improving health and happiness. The study also rejects the idea that marriage is the only social role required for health benefits.
Two planets in the Kepler-56 system will meet their fate when they are dragged into the star's expanding orbit. The inner planets will be destroyed due to tidal forces and intense heat from the growing star.
A new study from Project Ice Storm found that prenatal maternal stress predicts asthma-like symptoms and autistic-like traits in 6 1/2 year-old children. The greater the mothers' objective hardship and subjective distress, the more severe their children's autistic-like traits at 6½ years of age.
A web application is being developed to connect honeybee keepers with researchers, using data from hive registrations and tracking daily cycles. The goal is to discover patterns that could shed light on the declining honeybee population.
Pediatricians face financial and data risks due to ICD-10 code conversions. Researchers found 26% of pediatric ICD-9 codes have complex mappings, potentially causing reimbursement issues and lost clinical information.
A new tropical low pressure area is brewing in the Eastern Pacific, with heavy rainfall expected to cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in western Central America. The National Hurricane Center gives System 93E a 90% chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next 48 hours.