Installing state-of-the-art solar panels on a quarter of a million roofs could meet one-sixth of Scotland's electricity demands, easing the plight of one in three households. The report reveals that harnessing energy from the sun on south-facing buildings could have significant economic, environmental and social impacts.
A new study finds that human activities have more than doubled tropical nitrogen inputs, contradicting previous assumptions. This shift highlights the need for immediate action to preserve human and ecosystem health in response to growing environmental concerns.
A comprehensive study found that children who consistently received less than the recommended hours of sleep during infancy and early childhood had increases in both obesity and adiposity at age 7. Lower sleep scores were associated with higher levels of all body measurements reflecting obesity and adiposity, including abdominal fat.
The investigational vaccine generates an immune response against key toxins in volunteers and establishes a dosing regimen for Phase III trials, which could help prevent first-occurrence CDI and protect individuals from this potentially life-threatening infection.
A nationwide patient survey found that robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is as safe as open surgery for Medicare patients over 65, but with higher costs. The study compared post-operative complications, blood transfusions, and hospital stays between RARP and open surgery.
Leading scientists from ASH, AHA, and CDC convene a joint panel to discuss a global project improving treatment and control of hypertension worldwide. The project aims to standardize hypertension treatment globally, making it possible for other audiences to improve blood pressure control in their communities.
Researchers found that suppressing taste buds in fruit flies can significantly increase or decrease lifespan and potentially promote healthy aging. Bitter tastes had negative effects on lifespan, while sweet tastes had positive effects, particularly for water taste.
A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that patients with pulmonary hypertension from lower socioeconomic groups are diagnosed with more advanced disease states than those from higher income groups. This disparity may result in poorer health outcomes for these patients. The study suggests that limited access to health...
Researchers found 27 compounds with antiviral activity against MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV in cell culture. Experimental compound also inhibits replication of other coronaviruses, including mouse hepatitis virus.
A new UT Dallas study explores how infants process degraded speech with cochlear implants, revealing they need more complete speech information to maximize communication outcomes. Infants can distinguish between familiar and new sounds, but require less distortion and more frequency information than older children and adults.
The study demonstrates BioMAP Systems' effectiveness in identifying potential toxicities and off-target effects of drugs and chemicals. The approach can reproducibly pinpoint cellular mechanisms and biomarker endpoints underlying specific adverse reactions in humans.
Children with autism spectrum disorders have altered gut bacteria and distinct metabolite profiles, potentially affecting brain function and neurotransmitter balance. The study found lower levels of homovanillate and N,N-dimethylglycine, as well as a higher glutamine/glutamate ratio, in children with ASD.
A study by University of Maryland researchers has identified a toxic protein that damages muscle cells inside the arteries of children with progeria, a rare genetic disorder. The discovery may help explain how cardiovascular disease develops in people aging normally and could lead to new treatments for the condition.
Researchers at the University of Miami found that a one-point increase in high school GPA raises annual earnings by around 12% for men and 14% for women. The study also shows that African-Americans with high GPAs are more likely to graduate from college than their white counterparts.
Frontiers introduces a new open-access journal, covering robotics and artificial intelligence. The journal will utilize the Frontiers open-science platform to facilitate research networking and knowledge sharing.
Researchers at Hebrew University discovered how octopuses avoid tying themselves in knots by producing a chemical that temporarily inhibits sucker attachment to their own skin. This unique mechanism enables the arms to maintain flexibility and accuracy despite an infinite number of degrees of freedom.
A team of chemists at UC Riverside proposes a new model explaining the promoting effect in photocatalysis, suggesting that excited electrons promote hydrogen reduction on the semiconductor surface rather than transferring to metals. This radical approach could lead to the development of more economical and efficient photocatalysts.
Women with diabetes before or during pregnancy are less likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding their newborns. Breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of adverse outcomes such as obesity and type 2 diabetes in children born to women with diabetes.
Observations of 707 injuries to female baboons over 29 years reveal that reproductive cycles influence health. Lactating females experience lower wound healing rates compared to non-lactating females.
The Gordon Sondland and Katherine Durant Foundation has donated $1 million to the Oregon Health & Science University's Knight Cancer Institute to establish an annual research conference, drawing top thought leaders in cancer treatment. The conference aims to accelerate breakthroughs in early detection and treatment.
A randomized study found that home testing of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) followed by initiation of CPAP therapy reduced costs compared to in-lab testing, without compromising clinical outcomes. The study showed significant cost savings of $564 over 2.75 years, making home management a viable option.
A new study reveals that traditional and central Pacific El Niño events have distinct effects on global surface temperatures. Global temperatures were anomalously warm during traditional El Niño events but not during central Pacific events, which occur more frequently now.
A holistic exercise program combining cognitive activities with physical movements has been shown to improve the quality of life for dementia patients. Participants demonstrated enhanced memory recall and experienced pain relief, while care-givers also benefited from the program.
A study found that public reporting of ICU mortality rates in California did not reduce overall mortality, but resulted in changes in admission patterns and transfers to other hospitals. The study suggests that the policy initiative may have unintended consequences, including reduced admission of patients with severe comorbidities.
Fierce wildfires have engulfed Lake Baikal, ravaging large areas of forest and surrounding croplands due to extreme temperatures and careless handling with fire. The wildfires have burned over 53,644 hectares of land across the region, with the highest rates reported in Trans-Baikal territory.
A new study suggests that the Bay Area may experience a cluster of major earthquakes, releasing as much stress as the Great 1906 San Francisco earthquake. This cluster occurred between 1690 and 1776 on multiple faults, including the Hayward and San Andreas faults.
A novel device implanted under the skin has been shown to treat central sleep apnea (CSA) in heart failure patients, improving sleep and heart function. The remede system reduced AHI, improved cardiac endpoints, and increased quality of life.
Researchers recommend several new 'Fuji' strains for growers, citing improved yield, harvest time quality, and attractive color. The top performer was the 'September Wonder' strain, which showed excellent color, storability, and shape.
Chemists at Scripps Research Institute have determined the correct structure of TIC10, a promising anticancer compound approved by FDA for clinical trials. The correct structure differs from an earlier published version and describes a molecule with potent anticancer effects in animals.
Researchers have developed a protocol for collecting saliva and stool samples for genomic and transcriptomic analyses, eliminating the need for specialized personnel and facilities. This method provides critical insight into the genetic makeup of the microbiome and its association with diseases such as celiac disease, oral cancer, and ...
A novel guanylate cyclase stimulator improved exercise capacity and hemodynamics in patients with inoperable or recurrent CTEPH, closing a therapeutic gap. The drug was well-tolerated and showed significant improvements in six-minute walking distance.
Researchers have identified a novel mechanism of resistance in pink bollworm insects to genetically engineered Bt cotton, which could impact the effectiveness of integrated pest management strategies. Alternative splicing is responsible for the diverse variants of cadherin protein that confer resistance.
The new diffuse optical tomography (DOT) technology tracks brain processes in multiple regions and networks, providing a non-radiation alternative to fMRI. DOT has the potential to be helpful in many medical scenarios as a surrogate for functional MRI.
A study by King's College London found that combining unsaturated fats with vegetables rich in nitrites and nitrates can protect against hypertension. The Mediterranean diet, which includes olive oil and nuts, was shown to inhibit the enzyme responsible for blood pressure regulation.
A study found that exposure to particulate air pollution during the second trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of developing asthma in early childhood, particularly among non-obese mothers. The research suggests that timing of exposure may be crucial in understanding this relationship.
A major new Series of papers reveals that three million lives can be saved by 2025 if achievable interventions are scaled up to nearly universal coverage. The research highlights the critical need for improving care at the time of birth, particularly for small and sick newborns.
A University of Florida study reveals that gum disease bacteria increase risk factors for atherosclerotic heart disease in mice, potentially changing how physicians diagnose and treat heart disease patients. The study's findings support a causal link between oral disease and increased heart disease risk.
A new study from Johns Hopkins University found that warmer indoor temperatures are linked to increased COPD symptoms, rescue medication use, and decreased lung function in patients. The research also suggests that even short periods of outdoor exposure to high temperatures can exacerbate the condition.
Despite improvements in supportive care, the mortality rate remains high due to sepsis. Statin therapy showed no significant difference in outcomes for patients with sepsis and ARDS, highlighting the need for further research into alternative treatments.
Researchers found that inhibiting COX-2, an immune protein causing inflammation, eliminated recurrent urinary tract infections in mice. This suggests that over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen may reduce susceptibility to recurring UTIs by targeting the underlying inflammatory response.
Research suggests certain bacteria in healthy women's bladders differ from those with overactive bladder (OAB), potentially contributing to the condition. Approximately 15% of women suffer from OAB, with an estimated 40-50% not responding to conventional treatments.
Researchers found that patients with low pulmonary vascular resistance who underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy had lower mortality rates and fewer complications compared to those with high pulmonary vascular resistance. Additionally, these patients experienced shorter hospital stays and improved recoveries.
Scientists have developed a new imaging system that reveals neural activity throughout the brains of living animals in 3-D. The technique allows for simultaneous imaging of every neuron in the worm Caenorhabditis elegans and the entire brain of a zebrafish larva, providing a more complete picture of nervous system activity.
A large multicenter clinical trial led by Dr. Gerard J. Criner found that statin drugs do not reduce the number and severity of flare-ups from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study tested the hypothesis that statins may be beneficial in persons with COPD due to their anti-inflammatory effect.
Windshield washer fluid has been found to be a source of Legionnaires bacteria, which can cause severe respiratory illness and pneumonia. Nearly 75% of school buses tested in Arizona were contaminated with the bacteria, highlighting the potential for automobile windshield washing systems to transmit deadly infections.
New research shows that the amount of water flowing through rivers in snow-affected areas depends on how much precipitation falls as snowfall. In a warming climate, reduced snowfall leads to decreased river discharge. The study highlights the importance of streamflow for society, including ecosystem stability and hydropower.
A study published by JAMA found that vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy can improve measures of lung function for newborns and decrease the incidence of wheezing in infants up to 1 year. This intervention may help minimize the harmful effects of maternal smoking on respiratory health.
A study found that COPD patients have a significantly higher risk of heart failure compared to the general population, with African-American patients facing the highest risk. The study also revealed disparities in treatment and outcomes for patients with both conditions.
A study published in the American Thoracic Society found that sepsis is responsible for up to 52% of all hospital deaths in the US. The research analyzed 6.5 million hospital discharge records and estimated that sepsis patients had a mortality rate of 10.4%, compared to 1.1% for non-sepsis patients.
A new minimally invasive method provides obstetricians with detailed information on the anal sphincter innervation before child delivery, enabling them to perform episiotomies safely and minimize damage. The technique has been tested on 250 women in 10 EU countries.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute identified a heart-specific form of protein BIN1 responsible for sculpting tiny folds in pockets on the surface of heart muscle cells. These microfolds trap chemicals controlling heartbeat, protecting against arrhythmia and heart failure.
Researchers have developed a lab-on-a-chip platform capable of detecting protein cancer markers in blood at extremely low concentrations, enabling early diagnoses and treatment monitoring. The device's high sensitivity and portability make it an attractive tool for future cancer treatments.
A post-hoc analysis of the TOPCAT trial showed that spironolactone reduced cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure in patients from the Americas, but not in those from Russia and Georgia. The treatment also increased serum creatinine and hyperkalemia rates.
Research finds increased heart attacks and atrial fibrillation among younger patients, especially women, during the Greek financial crisis. The study suggests that stress and lack of social insurance may have contributed to the surge in cardiovascular admissions.
A groundbreaking study by UC Irvine and NASA glaciologists shows previously uncharted deep valleys connecting the Greenland Ice Sheet to the ocean, eroding glacier edges and releasing massive amounts of water. The research reveals that Greenland's frozen mass will retreat faster and farther inland than anticipated, contributing signifi...
A real-world study evaluating the benefit of treating asthma with small particle treatments like QVAR compared to larger particle treatments revealed interesting differences in asthma exacerbation outcome rates. The study found that initiating dosing with small versus large particle ICS treatments can impact asthma control rates.
Researchers found distinct profiles of bacteria in saliva that may indicate early-stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis. High levels of Leptotrichia and Campylobacter were detected in patients with pancreatic cancer compared to healthy controls.
A study found clinically important sleep apnea is common among survivors of acute respiratory failure, with 93% meeting criteria for sleep-disordered breathing. Evaluating and treating sleep apnea may significantly impact the health and well-being of these patients, particularly those taking central-acting medications.
A new study found that vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the rate of treatment failure or exacerbation of symptoms in adults with persistent asthma and low vitamin D levels. The study suggests that therapeutic vitamin D3 supplementation may not be an effective strategy for improving outcomes in patients with symptomatic asthma.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that vitamin D supplements had a limited benefit for asthma treatment. Patients who achieved sufficient blood levels of vitamin D showed improved asthma control, including reduced treatment failures and asthma attacks.