A new study reveals that veterans with liver disease who live over 100 miles from a VA liver transplant center are only half as likely to be placed on the transplant waitlist, increasing their risk of death. The further away they live, the less likely they are to receive a transplant and ultimately die.
UCSF physicians advocate for stricter regulation of modified medical devices, citing risks to patient health and deaths due to untested modifications. The FDA should collect post-marketing clinical data on device modifications to identify potential benefits and risks.
Researchers found goats can learn complicated tasks in under 12 trials and retain memories for at least 10 months, revealing excellent long-term memory. The study challenges common misconceptions about goat intelligence, suggesting they can adapt to harsh environments through complex cognition.
A Harvard study suggests that pessimistic early global policy architects stunted developing nations' economies by rejecting innovation and entrepreneurialism. The study recommends prioritizing innovation, building technical capacity, and emphasizing entrepreneurs and risk-taking in emerging countries to drive growth.
Researchers use atmospheric pressure plasma jets to induce biological tissue damage and study DNA damage. The findings suggest that adding gases like oxygen can increase radical species and potentially destroy cancerous tumour cells.
Researchers found that woolly mammoths had a high incidence of abnormal neck vertebrae, including cervical ribs, which are often associated with inbreeding and environmental stress. This suggests that reproductive issues may have contributed to the mammoths' decline and eventual extinction.
A USF study found that compromised blood-brain barrier integrity in cerebral areas distant from initial ischemic insult can lead to chronic post-stroke deficits. Restoring endothelial and/or astrocytic integrity towards BBB repair is proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to image a reporter gene that turns on or off to signal events in the body using MRI. This approach allows scientists to determine when and where the gene is turned on, providing insights into brain function and memory formation.
Researchers at Purdue University developed a nanotube coating that significantly reduces the voltage required for mass spectrometers, allowing for miniaturization and increased portability. The technique simplifies analysis by nearly eliminating background noise, making it gentler on fragile molecules.
The study discovered impaired neuronal activity in the brain associated with anticipatory functioning among occasional 18- to 24-year-old stimulant users. This finding suggests a potential biomarker for identifying at-risk youth long before they exhibit obvious addictive behaviors.
A new team approach has improved safety and reduced rates of major complications by two thirds for complex spinal reconstructive surgery. The standardized protocol before, during, and after the surgery involves two spine surgeons, a live preoperative screening conference, and monitoring bleeding during the operation.
NASA's TRMM satellite gathered data on rainfall rates in the South China Sea as Tropical Depression TD04W weakened. The storm's remnants dissipated near Vietnam, marking the end of a potential regeneration threat.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can predict obesity levels in children based on epigenetic switches in the PGC1a gene. The test, conducted on 40 children aged 5, showed a 10% rise in DNA methylation levels was associated with up to 12% more body fat at 14 years.
A new study by Virginia Institute of Marine Science demonstrates the ability to predict a hurricane's storm tide at neighborhood and street levels. The team's high-resolution computer model was able to simulate water levels within 6-8 inches of those observed in New York City during Hurricane Sandy's approach and landfall.
Roy Curtiss, a pioneer in recombinant DNA era gene cloning and novel bacterial pathogenesis research, has made significant contributions to developing attenuated Salmonella-based vaccines. His work has improved human health through combating infectious diseases, particularly pneumonia, tuberculosis, and influenza.
The Telecoupling paper, published in Ecology and Society, presents a new framework for studying interconnected human and natural systems across scales and distances. This approach holds promise for understanding complex challenges like water sustainability, climate change, and food security.
A study found that radiofrequency ablation significantly reduced the risk of progression to high-grade dysplasia and cancer in patients with Barrett esophagus and low-grade dysplasia. Treatment resulted in a 25% lower absolute risk of progression.
A 'stop mechanism' was found to regulate drinking behavior by detecting thirst levels and preventing overdrinking. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, identified brain regions that determine the signals to stop drinking, potentially preventing complications from excessive water intake.
A team of biologists has catalogued all 31 species of the Plectostoma snail genus from West-Malaysia, Sumatra, and Thailand, including ten new species. The study highlights the plight of these tiny creatures, whose habitats are being destroyed due to mining and development, leading to their extinction.
A team of scientists has identified a key factor that contributes to neurodegeneration in ataxia-telangiectasia, a rare genetic disorder. The study found that DNA damage repair systems are essential for cellular integrity and stability, and that defects in these systems can lead to conditions like A-T.
The EORTC trial 62012 found that adding ifosfamide to doxorubicin improved median progression-free survival, but not overall survival or tumor shrinkage, in advanced soft tissue sarcoma patients. Combination chemotherapy also resulted in more overall responses compared to doxorubicin alone.
Researchers at NREL are examining the best ways to create hydrogen via electrolysis using wind and solar power, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The lab is also exploring strategies to lower the cost of fuel cells by decreasing platinum usage, which could make hydrogen fuel cell vehicles more viable for widespread adoption.
Wind shear is responsible for weakening Tropical Cyclone Gillian from hurricane to tropical storm strength, according to NASA's Aqua satellite image. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 60 knots on March 26, and it is expected to dissipate by the same day.
Researchers have developed a new technique using DNA vaccines to stimulate the immune system's response against HIV and Hepatitis C viruses. The technique, which has shown promising results in pre-clinical research, involves delivering a vaccination directly into the skin using a micro-needle device.
A new study suggests that mentally challenging jobs can enhance and protect workers' mental functioning in later life. Researchers found that people who worked in jobs with greater mental demands were more likely to have better memories before retirement.
Researchers found that pesticides reduce earthworms' weight, affect their metabolism rate, and increase energy demand, ultimately hindering their reproduction and survival in contaminated soil. This study highlights the importance of considering the impact of pesticides on non-target organisms like earthworms.
A new study from Loyola Medicine found that only 10.3 percent of US children ages 6 to 18 are at risk for inadequate or deficient vitamin D levels under the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Children who are overweight, female, non-white, and between 14 and 18 years old are more likely to be at risk.
Researchers from Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a software platform to bring together small energy providers in a virtual power plant, ensuring reliable grid operation. The system optimizes energy use and storage, allowing for efficient management of distributed energy sources.
Researchers exposed biochemical structure of fossil leaves to visualize the chemistry of exceptionally preserved fossil leaves. The study reveals that the distribution of copper, zinc, and nickel in fossil leaves is almost identical to modern leaves.
A mathematical model developed by Penn State researchers can accurately predict blood glucose levels of individuals with type 1 diabetes up to 30 minutes in advance. This allows for timely action to be taken and reduces the risk of hypoglycemic events, which can be life-threatening.
A non-invasive, rapid method for genotyping apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms has been developed to help determine the role of the ε4 allele in neural regeneration in late-onset Alzheimer's disease cases. This method uses mouth swab specimens and real-time PCR, offering a safe and efficient alternative to traditional blood sampling.
A study found that wild salamanders living in the Appalachian Mountains are getting smaller due to warmer and drier conditions. The changes were most marked at low elevations and in the Southern Appalachians, where climate records showed significant warming and drying.
Scientists at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are producing isobutene from sugar using a microbial conversion process. The pilot plant, set to start in 2014, will have the potential to produce up to 100 tons of isobutene per year.
The study highlights the growth of cybercrime black markets, where hacking tools, services, and stolen data are bought and sold. These markets have become increasingly sophisticated, specializing in exploit kits, botnets, and zero-day vulnerabilities.
A team of scientists, including a professor from Moscow State University, has developed the first quantitative description of sunspot formation and the Solar activity cycle. By monitoring magnetic field helicity in active regions, they gained insight into the Sun's interior and its impact on solar activity.
The APF facility consists of a 2.4-meter telescope and the Levy Spectrometer, which Vogt designed and optimized specifically for planet hunting. Repeated measurement of a star's spectrum enables astronomers to detect the tiny wobble induced in a star by the gravitational tug of an orbiting planet.
Researchers derived stem cell lines from people with bipolar disorder to study brain cell development and behavior. The comparison revealed specific differences in gene expression, neuron development, and response to lithium, which may lead to new treatment options and personalized medicine.
Duke University engineers have developed a new urinary catheter design that can eliminate nearly all hard-to-kill biofilm from the catheter's walls using physical deformation. The design features an inflation channel that forces the thin wall into the urinary tract, leaving the outer dimensions intact.
A new study has developed a revolutionary new drug called ZL105 that manipulates the body's natural energy systems to attack and shut down cancerous cells. The compound is based on the precious metal iridium and may be ten times more effective in treating various types of cancers.
A new risk assessment tool, JBS3 risk calculator, aims to put patients in control of their cardiovascular health. It calculates an individual's 'true age' based on familial and lifestyle factors, helping healthcare professionals and patients understand cumulative lifetime risk.
Researchers used EEG to track emergence of rule structures in frontal cortex and predict behavior. Participants tended to infer cues of context and rules, with individual variation in structure-forming activity correlating with application in subsequent tasks.
A 9-year study found that biogas and improved kitchen ventilation improved lung function and reduced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk. Participants who adopted these interventions retained more lung function as they aged, suggesting a significant reduction in indoor air pollution's adverse consequences on health.
The study found an increase in community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections due to ESBL-producing bacteria, with high levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Many strains of E. coli are also becoming increasingly resistant.
A significant proportion of teenage boys and college men report experiencing coerced sex or unwanted sexual behavior. The study found that coercion was related to risky behaviors and distress, but not lower self-esteem, among victims.
New research suggests that stink bug traps can actually increase damage to tomato fruits, with trap placement causing higher abundance of pests on the fruit. This phenomenon is known as 'trap spillover,' where pests rest on nearby vegetation before being captured by the trap.
Researchers are searching for a hepatitis B cure drug using a new assay and partnering with robots to screen thousands of potential candidates. The goal is to find a treatment that can halt the illness, as current drugs only treat it.
Researchers found that sensory cells use protons to transmit information on head orientation relative to gravity, providing a long-lasting and energy-efficient way to sense low-frequency stimuli. This nonquantal transmission is unusual and could explain how the inner ear senses tonic signals like gravity in a robust manner.
A robotic system enables scientists to analyze the chemical composition of irregularly shaped surfaces, simulating early Earth conditions on meteorites and rocks. This technology has potential applications in biomedical fields like dermatology, allowing researchers to probe lesions with high accuracy.
A new JAMA article suggests creating an unbiased review and certification process for mHealth apps to evaluate their clinical performance and data security. The authors propose multiple organizations that could be created to review and certify apps, similar to the role of Health On the Net Foundation in evaluating online medical content.
Researchers use CT scanning to capture high-speed 3D X-ray visuals of fly flight muscles, showing structural deformations as key to wing control. The study's findings offer insights into the intricate mechanics of a fly's wingbeat, which beats up to 50 times per second.
Matthew Burton, a University of Houston industrial design student, has developed an adapter system called 'Connect' that makes inserting and removing plugs easier for people with disabilities. The system recently earned first place in the International Housewares Association's 2014 Student Design Competition.
Researchers discovered specific soil microbes that hinder the growth of ragweed, a common weed in eastern US. By using plants that attract these microorganisms, farmers may be able to create 'weed-suppressive soils' and reduce weed growth.
Physicist Premi Haynes has made a groundbreaking discovery about the cellular structure of the human heart, particularly related to heart failure. She found that different regions of the left ventricular wall have unique cellular patterns of mechanical properties, with the middle being a better
Hundreds of agricultural fires burn across Sierra Leone, predominantly due to slash and burn agriculture. The fires, which peak in March and April, release greenhouse gases and particulates posing a threat to human health and regional climate.
A study by Chen and Yang found that presenting risk messages through visual tables and graphs increased participants' risk perception and reluctance to engage in binge-drinking behavior. The researchers aimed to curb this behavior with an innovative approach focusing on cancer incidence rates attributable to drinking.
A new non-animal skin sensitization method using a human-derived skin model has been validated to correctly identify chemicals causing allergic responses in humans. The method, SenCeeTox, uses a three-dimensional model that accurately replicates normal human skin, reducing the need for animal testing.
A new study published in Diabetes Care found that women who fail to lose excess weight within the first year after giving birth are at increased risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The research followed 305 patients and discovered that those who gained weight showed a clear increase in risk factors.
Researchers have designed a vacuum chamber to mimic Martian conditions, testing instruments and addressing challenges like dust. The goal is to better understand the habitability of other planets.
Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput, an Ottawa researcher, has won the International Journal of Obesity (IJO) New Faculty Award for Population Science and Public Health Research. He was recognized for his exceptional research in population health based on innovation and quality of science.
New research shows that male Eurasian jays can respond to their female partner's desire, even when it conflicts with their own. The study found that males can inhibit their own biases and prioritize their partner's wishes.
A new study provides direct evidence that the fetus's brain response to glucose is associated with the mother's insulin sensitivity. Research found that women with lower insulin sensitivity had fetuses that reacted more slowly to sounds, while those with higher insulin sensitivity had faster reactions.
Scientists successfully reassemble two halves of a giant sea turtle bone, one dating back to the Cretaceous Period and the other from the 19th century. The discovery reveals that some exposed fossils can survive longer than previously thought, with calculated estimates suggesting the turtle's size was around 10 feet long.
New research from UT Arlington suggests that F-type stars may be a good place to look for habitable planets due to their wider habitability zone. The study found encouraging results, with some damage estimates similar to those on Earth, if an atmosphere is assumed.
Researchers used remote acoustic monitoring to analyze North Atlantic right whale behavior and found that males produce a loud 'gunshot' sound mainly in autumn at night. The study confirms Roseway Basin as a vital habitat area for endangered whales, supporting conservation efforts to save this critically endangered species.
A study found a substantial decrease in the use of nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging from 2006 to 2011, with a 51% relative decline. The study suggests changing physician behavior and declines in incident coronary disease contributed to the reduction.
A study by University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that 25% of breast cancer survivors reported financial decline after treatment. Racial disparities were also noted, with Spanish-speaking Latinas and Blacks being more likely to experience financial hardships.
A new study on brown and polar bears found extensive male gene flow leading to the distribution of similar Y chromosomes across vast distances. The research estimated the split between male lineages of brown and polar bears to around 0.4-1.1 million years ago, confirming they are distinct species.
A systematic review found that doctors' recorded blood pressure levels are 7/4mmHg higher than those taken by nurses. This phenomenon, known as the 'white coat effect,' can lead to unnecessary medication and anxiety for patients. The study suggests that using other healthcare professionals to take blood pressure readings could help red...
A new international study reveals that humans have left an unprecedented legacy of technofossils, including built environments and consumer products, which will be preserved for millions of years. These technofossils are expected to become the defining characteristic of the Anthropocene epoch.
A recent study by University of Toronto researchers found that kids' books with anthropomorphized animals lead to less factual learning and misattribution of human behaviors in children. Using realistic animal portrayals can promote more accurate biological understanding.
A new study published in Annals of Surgery found that restricting surgical residents' hours does not necessarily lead to improved patient outcomes. Instead, it may increase complications for some patients and reduce their ability to observe and learn from complex cases.
Researchers found that epigenetic alterations play a crucial role in disrupting intestinal T cell homeostasis, leading to autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease. A novel conditionally immortalized human β cell line has also been developed, offering new avenues for studying β cell properties and proliferation.
Well-educated graduates who entered the workforce during economic downturns were found to be happier with their work both early and late in their careers. This relationship was mediated by gratitude for their jobs, suggesting that entering the workforce during a recession can have long-lasting benefits.
Research suggests that mephedrone has a higher potential for developing dependence than MDMA, with users experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms after rapid use. The study found that mephedrone's rapid absorption and high psychostimulant action can lead to increased risk of abuse.
The NASA-JAXA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory has released its first images, capturing precipitation falling inside a March cyclone over the northwest Pacific Ocean. The data show high-quality measurements of global precipitation, including light drizzle, heavy downpours, and falling snow.
Researchers found that many children in the UK are prescribed sub-therapeutic doses of penicillin, potentially leading to increased infections and health contacts. The study calls for an urgent review of dosing guidelines for children, which have not changed in over 50 years.
Researchers at SISSA have discovered that neutron stars can be described with just three parameters: mass, angular momentum, and quadrupole moment, independent of the equation of state. This finding has major implications for understanding these complex objects.
A web-based alcohol screening and brief intervention program was found to be ineffective in reducing the amount of alcohol consumed per episode or frequency of drinking among university students. However, it did show a modest reduction in alcohol consumption per typical drinking episode.
A study by Pere Ortín Ángel and Ferran Vendrell Herrero found that university spin-offs exhibit higher dynamic capacities, leading to increased long-term productivity. Academic entrepreneurs' learning capacity is a key factor contributing to this advantage.
A new method has been developed to derive large quantities of highly potent mesenchymal stem cells from human embryonic stem cells. These cells display potent immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties, offering promise in regenerative medicine.
A new method for assessing individual thermal comfort has been developed by VTT, considering factors such as gender, age, body mass index, and muscularity. The method finds that women feel the cold more than men due to their lower muscle tissue, which produces heat at a lower rate.
A new study reveals that Indian women who have more education, earn more, or are sole earners in their families are at a higher risk of experiencing frequent and severe intimate partner violence. The research supports the theory that women's superior resources lead to power struggles and control issues in relationships.
Researchers found that combining chitosan with antibiotics reduced reservoir populations of bacteria in mouse bladders, making them susceptible to treatment. The compound might one day serve as an augmentation therapy for recurrent UTIs.
Wild salamanders in North America are getting smaller as their surroundings warm and dry, forcing them to burn more energy. The changes were most marked at low elevations, where detailed weather records show a warming and drying climate.
A Texas A&M AgriLife Research study found that peach extract inhibits breast cancer metastasis in mice by targeting metalloproteinases. Consuming two to three peaches per day may provide similar benefits for humans, according to the study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.
Researchers found that MP196 peptide disrupts bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and cell respiration, preventing growth. The study suggests MP196's potential in developing new antibiotics without harming human cells.
A study of nearly 300,000 adults found that adding glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) information to conventional cardiovascular risk factors had little impact on predicting cardiovascular disease risk. Higher HbA1c levels were previously associated with increased CVD incidence, but this analysis did not find clinically meaningful improvement.
A new instrument, called a greenhouse on a chip, is being developed to precisely assess the performance of plants in different environmental conditions. The instrument incorporates miniature greenhouses, microfluidic technologies, and big data tools to analyze plant traits.
Researchers created 3D X-ray movies of a blowfly's flight muscles, showcasing their complex movements and control. The study provides new insights into how flies manage to perform aerobatic maneuvers with precision, opening up possibilities for innovation in micro air vehicles.
Researchers analyzed hundreds of sunset paintings to retrieve information on the composition of past atmospheres. The red-to-green ratios in these paintings correlate well with volcanic aerosols in the atmosphere, providing alternative ways to estimate pollution levels. This study validates previous findings and has implications for im...
A study published in Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that redesigned electronic medication alerts reduced prescribing errors and increased efficiency among healthcare providers. The redesign incorporated concise language, a table-like format, and presented more detail to help providers scan for information...
A study found that veterans living farther from transplant centers were less likely to be added to a waitlist or receive a transplant, and more likely to die. The researchers suggest that this may be due to reduced access for evaluation and relocation needs.