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.
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg found that gentle reminders about environmental impact and social norms led to significant reductions in towel usage. Guests used 1.6 towels per person per day when told of hotel-wide behavior, compared to one towel per person per day in rooms with previous guest information.
A gene previously unassociated with breast cancer plays a pivotal role in the growth and progression of triple negative breast cancer, a particularly deadly strain. Targeting XBP1 may offer a new approach to treating this disease.
A new microfluidic method simulates blood flowing through narrowed coronary arteries to evaluate anti-clotting drugs like aspirin. The study found that while aspirin can prevent dangerous clots in some patients, it may not be effective for those with narrowed arteries.
The HSV-2 vaccine candidate, GEN-003, generated highly significant reductions in clinical lesion days and rate of viral shedding at six months after the final vaccine dose. The study showed a 72% reduction in lesion days and a 50% reduction in mean viral shedding from baseline.
Researchers found that adult day care services increase DHEA-S levels in caregivers, a protective response to chronic stress and disease. This study suggests that using adult day care services may help reduce the negative effects of caregiving on physical health.
Researchers identify a missing hybrid incompatibility gene in Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans, shedding light on speciation mechanisms. The discovery paves the way for further studies on the biological pathways disrupted in hybrid offspring.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center have compiled a review of genetic-based testing in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Genomic testing enables personalized therapy, increasing precision and success rates for patients.
Researchers found that women with high levels of stress biomarkers are more than twice as likely to meet the clinical definition of infertility compared to those with low levels. The study also suggests that managing stress using techniques like yoga and meditation may help women conceive, although it's not the only factor involved.
Researchers have successfully implanted encapsulated human embryonic stem cell-derived pancreatic cells under the skin of animal models with diabetes, producing sufficient insulin to maintain glucose levels. The study suggests that these cells may be a promising treatment option for insulin-dependent diabetes.
A study of nearly 500 men found that nonsurgical prostate artery embolization improved symptoms by 72% at three years, while preserving fertility. The treatment, which involves blocking blood flow to the prostate, also showed promise in cases where the problem recurred.
The American Gastroenterological Association has developed a framework for a colonoscopy bundled payment model, which provides a structure for physicians and facilities to negotiate payment. The model includes services and supplies provided before, during, and after the procedure, aiming to improve quality and value of care.
A study by Iowa State University researchers found that children who play violent video games develop aggressive thought patterns that last long-term. The effects are consistent across age, gender, and culture, with repeated practice of aggression leading to increased real-life aggression.
Marina Cavazzana and Adrian Thrasher have been honored with the Pioneer Award for basic and clinical gene therapy for immunodeficiency disorders. They are pioneers in treating life-threatening inherited diseases of the immune system with gene therapy, using a patient's own modified stem cells.
A new treatment option for metastatic breast cancer patients with liver metastases shows promise in slowing disease progression and improving quality of life. Yttrium-90 radioembolization was safe and provided disease stabilization in 98.5% of treated liver tumors, with many experiencing significant tumor shrinkage.
A randomized trial found that integrating brief behavioral and mental health programs in pediatric practices improved access to care, participation, and treatment completion. Pediatricians who received training reported increased confidence and efficacy in treating ADHD.
Insufficient or disturbed sleep is linked to metabolic disorders, with addressing poor quality sleep recommended for prevention and treatment. Sleep disturbances, including circadian desynchrony, are associated with increased rates of chronic illness and early mortality.
A new study by University College London researchers found that 16-month-old children sleeping less than 10 hours a day consumed an average of 105kcal more per day than those sleeping over 13 hours, contributing to weight gain in early childhood.
Canada's private health insurance industry is experiencing a widening gap between premiums and payouts, with $6.8 billion lost in 2011. Governments are urged to adopt more efficient public alternatives or impose new regulations on the sector.
A new study by University of Sheffield researchers found that warm spring weather increases the survival rate of British small bird species. The research challenged a common assumption about the cause of death for these birds during winter.
Low back pain is the leading cause of global disability, affecting nearly one in 10 people worldwide. The condition's prevalence and impact are expected to increase with aging populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers developed SIF-seq to identify mammalian enhancers, which amplify specific gene expression, and validate ChIP-seq results. The technique offers a higher-throughput functional assay for various cell types and developmental contexts.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel solar cell architecture based on dense arrays of coaxial p-n junction InGaAs nanowires on InAs stems grown directly on graphene. The resulting ternary InGaAs NW arrays demonstrate a conversion efficiency of 2.51% under air mass 1.5 global solar illumination, representing ...
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed hot nanoparticles that can kill tumour tissue with heat by absorbing near-infrared light. The particles are coated with a silicon dioxide layer and aggregate in a way that allows them to absorb light and generate heat.
A clinical trial found that nurses can effectively treat common arm injuries in children, with an 85% success rate. However, physicians outperformed nurses with a 97% success rate, reducing the injury's length of stay by 55 minutes.
Research reveals that lipid rafts are essential for the renewal of brain neurons in Alzheimer's disease by modulating the aberrant autophagic-lysosomal pathway. The study highlights a possible mechanism underlying the clearance of Alzheimer's disease products, implicating the autophagic-lysosomal pathway.
Researchers have developed a new approach to measuring photosynthetic activity using satellite technology, providing direct observations of photosynthesis on a large scale for the first time. The study reveals that previous model-based estimates are too low and provides a tool to assess production in various regions.
Researchers found that deleting YAP from vascular smooth muscle cells causes thin-walled blood vessels prone to over-dilation and aneurysms. The protein also manages cell proliferation and suppression of the cell cycle arrest gene Gpr132, suggesting its role in normal blood vessel formation.
A study examined patient portal enrollment, use, and satisfaction among physicians in a fee-for-service multispecialty system. Despite financial incentives, many physicians struggle to meet meaningful use standards, with primary care physicians often satisfying their expectations without redesigns.
IDRI's drug discovery efforts continue with a $3.4 million grant extension from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The funding supports identifying new leads and drug targets for TB, a devastating disease killing 1.5 million annually.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have successfully grown vertically aligned carbon nanofibers using ambient air without toxic ammonia. This breakthrough enables the mass production of these nanofibers, which hold promise for various applications, including gene delivery tools, sensors, and batteries.
Researchers have uncovered evidence that adherens junctions actively respond to mechanical cues by remodeling their own position and intensity. This discovery sheds light on the organization of multi-cellularity, from cell-cell contacts to the remodeling of tissues and organs during life.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed new methods to accurately measure and predict wave conditions in test sites. This breakthrough could significantly enhance wave energy production, a key player in the quest for sustainable renewable energy.
A third of all work-related disability worldwide is attributed to low back pain, primarily affecting agricultural sector workers and individuals between 35-65. The study analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study, indicating that these groups are almost four times more likely to develop low back pain disability.
A new study by Michigan State University found that fair bosses can be emotionally draining due to the need to monitor fairness in workplace decisions. This 'procedural justice' requires managers to suppress personal biases and maintain consistency, leading to mental fatigue.
A multidisciplinary team is crucial for managing women with vertebral osteoporotic fractures, which are associated with significant morbidity and excess mortality. Early detection and treatment of suspected fractures, as well as long-term management of underlying osteoporosis, are essential to reduce the risk of further fracture.
A new mathematical model predicts where different types of neurons are located in the brain based on their molecular identity. This approach enables scientists to draw an increasingly accurate map of neuronal distribution in the brain.
A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to experience anxiety and depression due to menstrual irregularities. The study also found that body hair growth was strongly associated with anxiety, while obesity was linked to hostility.
A study by Nelly Jacob found that smokers have impaired bitter taste perception, with 19.8% unable to recognize the bitter taste of caffeine, compared to 13.4% non-smokers. Researchers believe tobacco's toxic effects may hinder regeneration of taste buds, leading to long-term flavor impairments.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology honored researchers Eliseo Vano and Marwan Moussa for their contributions to radiation safety and chemotherapy delivery. The SIR Foundation awards recognize excellence in published clinical and laboratory investigations, advancing scientific knowledge and improving patient care.
Rates of blindness have halved in high-income countries over the past 20 years, falling from 3.314 million to 2.736 million people. Macular degeneration has become the leading cause of blindness in rich countries, replacing cataracts.
A new study by Drexel University found that low parking costs are associated with increased public transit miles, despite efforts to promote non-automobile travel. Cities with higher parking costs saw a 2.3-fold increase in public transit passenger miles.
A NOAA-led study shows that crude oil from the Deepwater Horizon disaster disrupts heart development in bluefin and yellowfin tunas. The study found that exposure to crude oil slows heartbeat or causes an uncoordinated rhythm, leading to heart failure in these fish.
A study found that death certificates often fail to list alcohol as a cause of death in traffic crashes, with injuries being the leading cause of death for Americans younger than 45. Researchers need reliable data to study the effects of policies aimed at reducing alcohol-related deaths.
Research published in Psychological Science suggests that unconscious associations may be more accurate than conscious thought in detecting deceit. Participants were only able to detect liars 43% of the time and truth-tellers 48% of the time in a mock-crime interview scenario.
Citrate, a natural cell by-product, is mixed with water to create a fluid trapped between bone crystals, allowing flexibility and absorbing pressure. Without citrate, crystals fuse together, becoming brittle and prone to shattering.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are investigating the role of genetic variations, infection, inflammation, fetal lung development, and cervical ripening in triggering preterm labor. The study aims to identify women at risk of preterm labor and develop new treatments to prevent it.
Tropical Depression 04W brought moderate rainfall to Palawan, Philippines on March 24. The depression had weakened to a remnant low pressure area by then, moving through the Sulu Sea. NASA's TRMM satellite showed heavy rainfall rates of up to 1.2 inches per hour in the region.
Minorties are diagnosed with advanced stage skin cancer and lower survival rates than Caucasians, highlighting the need for increased awareness. Educating minority populations on sun protection guidelines can reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
Researchers aim to investigate the impact of stored blood 'microparticles' on inflammation and injury. Studies have shown that transfusion with aged red blood cells can worsen patient outcomes, including increased risk of organ failure.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have found a novel population of neutrophils that produce Interleukin 17 (IL-17) and exhibit enhanced microbial killing activity. These cells may contribute to both controlling infection and causing tissue damage, highlighting the need for further regulation.