Scientists at the University of Bonn identified Creld1 as a crucial gene for heart valve development in mice, which also functions similarly in humans. This discovery may lead to improved diagnosis of unidentified heart valve diseases and better understanding of cardiac development.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that long-term HIV infections increase the risk of plaque buildup in coronary arteries, regardless of other risk factors. The researchers found noncalcified and partly calcified plaques more prevalent in HIV-infected men, suggesting a higher risk of heart attacks.
Scientists have created artificial nanostructures called metamaterials that can bend light, enabling the creation of larger pieces of material with engineered optical properties. This breakthrough has the potential to produce practical devices for real-life applications, such as fighter jets remaining invisible from detection systems.
Saint Louis University's medical school curriculum changes have reduced depression rates from 27% to 11% and anxiety from 55% to 31% among first-year students. The new curriculum focuses on stress reduction, resilience training, and mindfulness.
Researchers identify two distinct types of cells responsible for different breast cancer subtypes, shedding light on the origins of breast cancer diversity. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to revolutionize personalized treatment for patients, reducing unnecessary treatments and improving outcomes.
A new study predicts that 12% of land will experience drought by 2100 due to rainfall changes alone, but this number increases to 30% with consideration of evaporative drying. The warming climate may lead to food-price shocks and water scarcity in regions like the US, China, and Africa.
A new study by Iowa State University found that limiting screen time yields multiple benefits for children, including improved sleep, academic performance, and reduced aggressive behavior. The study suggests that parents can make a significant impact on their children's health outcomes by setting limits on screen time and media content.
A new study of older men found that poor sleep quality is associated with a 40-50% increase in the odds of clinically significant decline in executive function. Sleep fragmentation and lower sleep efficiency were key predictors of cognitive decline.
A study analyzing over 1 million prescription drug posts reveals that health-focused social networks, such as WebMD and Drugs.com, have more negative sentiment than general social networks like Twitter and Google+. The researchers also found that specific drugs, like Viagra and Abilify, are more popular on certain types of platforms.
A six-year study of 400 individuals aged 80-98 found that those with hearing loss became less outgoing, while emotional stability remained constant. The researchers attribute this change to a decrease in social interaction quality, which can affect relationships and overall wellbeing.
A recent study found that clinical trials often report adverse events less frequently on government websites compared to peer-reviewed medical journals. Inconsistent reporting of primary outcomes and deaths also occurred, highlighting the need for more comprehensive information on ClinicalTrials.gov.
A new Rutgers study suggests that statin medication can not only lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke but also improve a man's erectile function. The researchers found that older men with poor cardiovascular health, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome often experience erectile dysfunction.
A study of 882 HIV-infected prisoners found that treating inmates for HIV while incarcerated helped a majority achieve viral suppression by release. Most prisoners achieved viral suppression regardless of age, race, or ART regimen type.
Outcomes of TAVR in real-world settings show comparable results to clinical trials, but specific patient characteristics affect mortality and stroke rates. Baseline factors like age, gender, and kidney function influence outcomes.
A study of over 65,000 adults found that consuming at least seven daily portions of fruit and vegetables was associated with a lower risk of death. The analysis revealed that eating more than five daily portions may be needed to reap the full benefits, and that processed fruits may even increase the risk of death.
Researchers at the University of Otago have created a system that can precisely split minute clouds of ultracold atoms into 32 daughter clouds. The 'optical tweezers' unit uses intense laser beams to manipulate and control the atoms, enabling new tools for probing microscopic structures.
A new study published in AIDS Care found that pressure from counselors and perceived ineffectiveness of interventions can deter young adults from returning for follow-up sessions. The study suggests that tailoring interventions to individual needs, including delivering personalized information about HIV risk, can improve retention rates.
A worldwide study of 7,500 patients found that giving steroids during bypass surgery does not improve health outcomes and may increase the risk of heart attack. The study challenges a decades-long practice in cardiac surgery, suggesting that steroids should not be used prophylactically.
Novel proteins in gonorrhea bacteria may offer a way to attack the survival and spread of the disease. These proteins are essential for growth and survival, making them a promising target for vaccine development or new drug treatments.
A study found that increased parental monitoring of children's media use is associated with reduced screen time, resulting in better sleep, academic performance and behavior. The results also show a lower body mass index (BMI) and less exposure to violence on TV and video games.
Javad Lavaei, assistant professor of electrical engineering at Columbia University, has received a $400,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop high-performance optimization methods for power systems. His research aims to improve the design, modernization, and operation of smart grids, reducing electricity costs, power outages, and gas emissions.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that stronger adolescents and teens have significantly lower risks of heart disease and diabetes. The research suggests that muscle strength may play an equally important role in cardiometabolic health in children, particularly in those with higher strength-to-body-mass ratios.
A University of Huddersfield report recommends telephonic support as a key component of the new Health and Work Service, aiming to reduce sickness absence. The service will provide specialist advice to people off work for over four weeks, using trained advisers to assess needs and allocate appropriate care.
A study published in Legal and Criminological Psychology found that law students perceive child victims as more credible when expressing emotions. The researchers emphasize the importance of considering the credibility of a child's testimony without being influenced by stereotypes or emotional reactions.
Bariatric surgery patients report better quality of life, reduced need for cardiovascular medications, and improved blood sugar control without insulin or most diabetic medications. The STAMPEDE trial shows gastric bypass surgery is more effective than medical therapy in treating type 2 diabetes in obese patients.
A global study reveals that E. coli clone ST131 originated from a single ancestor prior to 2000 and has spread rapidly due to genetic exchange with other bacteria. The research provides insights into the development of effective screening and vaccination strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
A significant solar flare was captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on March 29, 2014, peaking at an X1.1-class intensity. The event disturbed the atmosphere in layers where GPS and communications signals travel.
A new study highlights the need for clear information on managing contaminants in urban soils to protect consumers and gardeners. Researchers found that gardeners generally recognize the importance of knowing a site's prior uses but lack expertise to determine accurately potential contaminants.
The USC Viterbi team created a low-cost silicon anode that offers high electrode performance for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. They also developed a method to coat sulfur powder with graphene oxide, improving the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries.
Flowering plants adapt their scent signals to balance attraction of pollinators with protection from herbivore damage. Research shows that infested plants reduce floral scent to lure parasitic wasps, which are then attracted by leaf scents. This complex interaction highlights the trade-offs in plant defense strategies.
Acoustic metadevices enable the dynamic alteration of three-dimensional colloidal crystals' geometry in real-time. Researchers have developed reconfigurable metamaterials with potential applications in optics and acoustics, such as beam deflectors and acoustic barriers.
Adolescent girls are more sensitive to untrustworthy faces due to a weaker limbic system connection with the rest of the brain. This leads to heightened responses and a greater disconnection from brain regions involved in regulating responses.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario found that rural youth are more prone to concussions caused by motorized vehicle accidents, while urban youth tend to suffer from sports-related injuries. The study highlights the need for targeted injury prevention programs and education on concussion protocols in various settings.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced 22 new Centres for Doctoral Training to further boost postgraduate training in key engineering and scientific fields. The new Centres will receive £106 million investment from research councils, universities, and industry partners.
Researchers have discovered an experimental anticancer compound that reverses schizophrenia-like behaviors and restores brain cell function in adolescent mice with a rodent version of the devastating mental illness. The compound, FRAX486, works by halting an out-of-control biological pruning process in the schizophrenic brain.
Scientists discover six new Dracula ants species in Madagascar that challenge the traditional ant caste system. The study reveals that minor workers become queens, revolutionizing our understanding of ant biology.
Researchers from Aarhus University and Lund University found that nutrients from land are the main cause of widespread oxygen depletion in the Baltic Sea. The areas affected have increased drastically over the past century, harming marine life and ecosystem balance.
Researchers analyze baker's yeast to uncover key features in cellular development linked to diseases such as Parkinson's and cancer. The study reveals a precise cellular role for DJ-1 family proteins, which may provide new insight into mechanisms contributing to these conditions.
A UIC chemistry professor has been awarded a prestigious international sustainability grant to lead the US effort in developing novel catalytic methods. The project aims to replace rare metals with inexpensive and abundant metals, reducing environmental pollution and resource depletion.
A team of MIT researchers suggests that methane-producing archaea, specifically Methanosarcina, were responsible for the largest mass extinction in Earth's history. The microbe's explosive growth was fueled by a sudden increase in nickel, emitted by massive volcanic eruptions.
A new study found that certain genetic variants, such as ALDH2 and VCAM1, can predict bladder cancer recurrence in patients. These variants can help identify high-risk patients who require more frequent screenings and aggressive treatment, improving quality of life for all bladder cancer patients.
Researchers found high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and remnant lipoprotein (RLP) cholesterol levels are linked to CHD risk. HDL3 subfractions, not traditional HDL cholesterol, were more predictive in assessing and reducing CHD risk.
A recent study found that DKA rates among US youth with type 1 diabetes remained unchanged over the last 8 years, affecting nearly a third of all youth with the condition. The study also showed disproportionate rates among younger children, non-White racial/ethnic groups, and those without private health insurance.
A new UCL study found that consuming seven or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day significantly reduces the risk of death from any cause, cancer, and heart disease. The research also reveals that vegetables have a stronger protective effect than fruit, with each daily portion reducing overall risk of death by 16%.
The Jamaican iguana population has grown to over 200 individuals due to conservation efforts. However, a recent proposal to develop the Hellshire Hills area poses a significant threat to the species' survival.
A Yale University-led study finds that using more wood and less steel and concrete in building and bridge construction can reduce global carbon dioxide emissions and fossil fuel consumption. Sustainable management of wood resources can achieve both goals while maintaining biodiversity and reducing fossil fuel burning.
The Special Sensor Ultraviolet Limb Imager (SSULI) will provide accurate measurements of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere, useful for warfighter applications. The launch improves space weather forecasting, enabling better prediction of signals transmitted or reflected, influencing radar and communication systems.
A recent study published in JAMA found that metformin treatment did not improve ventricular function in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) without diabetes. The study showed no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction between the metformin and placebo groups.
A new paper suggests that academia is slow to adopt social media, with most researchers failing to utilize widely available platforms. Despite efforts to increase access to research, the majority of university scholars resist using social media to disseminate their work and engage with students.
A study by Northeastern University and colleagues found that feelings of gratitude automatically reduce financial impatience. Participants who wrote about an event making them feel grateful showed more patience, particularly when considering larger future rewards.
Modjaz will observe host environments of stellar explosions to investigate which kinds of stars have exploded and why. Her research aims to determine the make-up of stellar progenitors that yield stripped envelope supernovae and gamma-ray bursts.
A study found lower risks of heart attack, death, and procedures to re-open the artery in patients receiving drug-eluting stents followed by individualized blood-thinning medication. The results challenge existing guidelines for prolonged anti-platelet therapy after stent placement.
Scientists have discovered a molecule that can induce cell death (apoptosis) in dendritic cells, a key type of immune cell. This understanding may lead to new therapies that shut down dendritic cell activity and reduce an immune reaction.
Researchers found that individuals with high rates of future discounting showed significant reductions in substance use after treatment, suggesting that prioritizing instant gratification may be a hallmark of recovery. A simple cognitive test measuring present-moment bias could help personalize addiction treatments.
Researchers found that reducing blood pressure during surgery can increase the risk of brain damage due to reduced oxygen supply. The study advises a safer approach to hypotensive anesthesia to minimize risk while maintaining effective surgery.
The meta-analysis found that ACEIs reduce the risk of death from all causes by 13%, cut the risk of CV deaths by 17%, and lower the risk of major CV events by 14%. In contrast, ARBs did not affect all-cause mortality, CV death rate, or major CV events in patients with diabetes.
The POISE-2 trial found that clonidine increased rates of clinically concerning hypotension and non-fatal cardiac arrest in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The study showed higher risks from clonidine without counterbalancing benefits, contradicting earlier findings that suggested it would improve outcomes.
The Kessler Foundation will lead a new MS Collaborative Network of New Jersey, focusing on cognitive-motor interactions in MS. The network aims to design and conduct novel studies and expand professional training to improve treatment options for people with MS.
A team of researchers has won a $779,000 grant to develop a new way to rehabilitate deteriorating reinforced concrete structures using shape memory alloys. The approach aims to confine the structure all the time, preventing damage and improving strength.
A head-to-head study favors balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valves for treating aortic stenosis, with a success rate of 95.9% compared to 77.5% for self-expanding valves. Patients receiving balloon-expandable valves also reported improved symptoms at a rate of 94.3%.