A new three-minute diagnostic assessment, 3D-CAM, detects delirium with greater-than-90-percent specificity and sensitivity, particularly in patients with dementia. The test has the potential to significantly improve detection of this common and morbid condition in vulnerable older hospital patients.
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) have discovered a new molecule, Butelase-1, that can join chains of amino acids more efficiently and cleanly than existing molecules. This breakthrough has the potential to speed up the development of new drugs and treatments.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the travel award recipients for the RECOMB/ISCB Conference, with Brittany Baur and Leanne Whitmore selected to receive awards. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research by supporting underrepresented groups.
The Visio.M consortium presents a small electric car with an efficient range of around 160 km and advanced safety features. The vehicle's lightweight design reduces costs and improves driving dynamics.
Researchers found that Mediterranean and semi-arid plant communities remained unchanged after nine years of experimental drought, contradicting climate change predictions. Local adaptation was the primary course of action for these plant communities.
A recent USGS and Baylor University study examines the bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals in the water-fish-osprey food web. The research findings indicate that ospreys do not carry significant amounts of human pharmaceutical chemicals, despite widespread occurrence of these chemicals in water.
Researchers found that particles bind under low temperatures but melt at moderate levels, then re-connect at higher temperatures. This discovery has potential for creating 'smart materials' and sharpening 3D printing detail.
Researchers found that exposure to traffic-related air pollutants during the second trimester of pregnancy is associated with reduced lung function in preschool children. Higher levels of benzene and NO2 were linked to impaired lung function, particularly among allergic children and those from lower social classes.
Scientists have developed geochemical tracers that can identify hydraulic fracturing flowback fluids in the environment. The tracers were tested at a spill site in West Virginia and a brine wastewater treatment plant in Pennsylvania, allowing for the detection of frac fluid contamination and potential risks to water supplies.
Consumers of frozen meals had higher daily intakes of dietary fiber, potassium, calcium and protein, while QSR consumers had lower intakes. Frozen meal eaters also consumed 253 fewer calories and 2.6 grams less saturated fat per day.
A long-term study of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer shows that adding trastuzumab to chemotherapy improves overall and disease-free survival by 37% and 40%, respectively. The regimen is now the standard of care for early stage HER2-positive breast cancer.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that one in five physicians was unaware a patient had a central venous catheter, which can lead to life-threatening complications such as bloodstream infections and blood clots. The study suggests that improving device awareness is crucial for preventing these complications.
The WB-57 aircraft flew over Hurricane Gonzalo on Oct. 15 carrying two HS3 mission instruments called HIWRAP and HIRAD, providing unique observations of sea surface wind speed, temperature, and rain. The data gathered will advance understanding and predictability of hurricane intensity.
Researchers found that subjects who walked in a more depressed style experienced worse moods than those who walked in a happier style. This suggests that the way we move can affect our mood and potentially be used as a therapeutic tool for depressive patients.
Researchers will screen tens of thousands of chemical molecules to identify effective adjuvants for vaccines against infectious diseases. The project aims to develop novel applications for enhancing the immune response against Ebola virus, HIV, and other virus infections.
Researchers tracked Internet usage across the globe, finding daily patterns and correlations between country GDP and Internet availability. This study helps scientists develop better systems to measure and track Internet outages, improving overall reliability.
A study published by Northwestern Medicine found that emergency epinephrine was administered to 38 Chicago Public School students and staff during the 2012-2013 school year. Most of those receiving epinephrine had no known history of allergic reaction, emphasizing the need for widespread access to this life-saving medication.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a mechanism for cancer cells to become resistant to chemotherapy, which may lead to a new approach to treating cancer. The study found that variations in breast cancer cells' RNA enable the cancer to evolve and adapt more quickly than previously thought.
A recent study at McGill University found that people tend to choose high-calorie foods despite being poor at accurately judging calorie content. The study linked brain activity to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which encodes value and predicts immediate consumption.
A new study found that high levels of miRNA-378a-5p cause cell division anomalies in breast cancer cells, leading to abnormal chromosome numbers and promoting cancer growth. Elevated levels of this microRNA also correlate with aggressive forms of breast cancer.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found no long-term link between vaccine administration and the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) or other central nervous system demyelinating syndromes. However, a short-term increased risk was observed in younger patients, which may be attributed to existing disease.
The university is applying 'Star Trek technology' from the national laboratory to improve diagnostic tools for infectious diseases. The Microbial Detection Array can test any sample, including blood, dirt, tissue, or a nasal or saliva swab, and is valuable for public health, vaccine safety, food safety, biodefense, and animal health.
Researchers developed the 3D-CAM test, a short and structured diagnostic assessment to diagnose delirium. The test was highly sensitive and specific, with a sensitivity rate of 96% and specificity rate of 98%. Additionally, a study found that clinicians often remain unaware of patients' central venous catheters in place, posing a patie...
A longitudinal study found significant summer-to-winter differences in serotonin transporter (SERT) protein levels among Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) patients. Higher SERT activity led to lower serotonin levels, impacting mood regulation.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee discovered that certain species of cichlid fish exhibit playful behavior, such as attacking a thermometer. This finding suggests that play is not unique to humans and may be an essential part of animal biology.
Research found that physical exercise improves brain perfusion and visual memory in younger adults, but this effect decreases with age. The study used magnetic resonance imaging to examine the brains of 40 healthy volunteers aged 60-77, with half receiving treadmill exercise for 3 months.
A new study found that children who drink non-cow's milk, such as rice, almond, or soy milk, have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood. The researchers associated every additional cup of non-cow's milk with a five percent drop in vitamin D levels per month.
The Van Andel Research Institute-funded epigenetics dream team will focus on epigenetic mechanisms in cells to control gene expression. The team will move forward with more extensive clinical trials in other cancer types to improve upon the progress already made.
The storm formed near Mexico's southwestern coast on Oct. 18, triggering warnings and watches before weakening to a remnant low pressure area within 48 hours.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have successfully applied control engineering principles from aerospace to protect fragile quantum systems from environmental noise. This breakthrough enables the development of useful technologies in fields such as computation, communication, and specialized sensors.
A new species of tarantula from Brazil was named Bumba lennoni in tribute to John Lennon. The species has defensive urticating hairs on its abdomen, and its genus name is inspired by a Brazilian folk tradition.
A Northwestern University study found that Head Start programs benefit parents' educational status and employment, particularly among African-American parents and those with some college education. The program may provide a platform for expanding parents' own educational opportunities and improving their work-school-family balance.
The EyeCane device translates point-distance information into auditory and tactile cues, enabling users to better estimate distance and navigate their environment. After less than five minutes of training, both blind and blindfolded individuals successfully estimated distances almost 70% of the time.
Researchers have restored hearing in mice with partial deafening caused by noise exposure using advanced tools to increase NT3 protein production. The study demonstrates the critical role of NT3 in maintaining communication between the ears and brain, offering a potential target for future treatments.
Researchers found that male bluefin killifish use their fins to signal different information, including social standing and health. The colorful fins display messages to other fish about the fish's aggression level, body condition, and parasite infection status.
Researchers have developed a novel probe that reports on the electrical activity of cells using tarantula toxin, allowing for the observation of voltage-activated ion channels in live cells. This breakthrough has the potential to help scientists understand the function of specific ion channels and identify drug targets for neurological...
Researchers used CT scans to investigate royal Egyptian mummies from the 18th-20th Dynasties, ruling out signs of ankylosing spondylitis. Instead, they found evidence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in four Pharaohs, suggesting a degenerative spinal condition, not inflammatory arthritis.
A new study examines the trajectory of emerging chemical threats to human and environmental health over 30 years. The research reveals a common pattern of emergence, rising to peak concern within 14 years before declining, and identifies potential stages of concern related to these chemicals.
Breakthroughs in HCV therapy suggest increased cure rates, including for patients with cirrhosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation shows promise in treating C. difficile, while drug-induced liver injury warnings are also emphasized.
Researchers have successfully transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) from a patient's own olfactory bulb into the damaged spinal cord, followed by a nerve bridge procedure. This treatment resulted in improved sensory and motor function for the paralyzed individual.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that buprenorphine maintenance therapy is more effective than detoxification in treating patients with prescription opioid dependence. Patients who received ongoing buprenorphine were less likely to use illicit opiates and had better treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that treating inmates with sofosbuvir is cost-effective compared to other treatments approved by the FDA. The study suggests that the treatment can add up to 2.1 quality-adjusted life years and save healthcare programs from paying out more in the future.
A groundbreaking study led by Brunel University London found that in modern, urbanized societies, people prefer highly feminine women and highly masculine men. The research challenged the theory of social and sexual selection, suggesting that this preference is an urban habit rather than a long-standing tradition.
A new device measures forces exerted on the ice by figure skaters during jumps and spins, aiming to prevent joint injuries. The instrumented blade can be used by skaters and trainers to monitor forces and inform boot design.
Jacob Bean, an assistant professor at UChicago, has received a 2014 Packard Fellowship to study exoplanets and their atmospheres. He aims to gain a deeper understanding of planetary formation, chemistry, and habitability.
In a National Institutes of Health trial, ketamine restored loss of interest in pleasurable activities within 40 minutes, with the effect lasting up to 14 days. Brain scans showed boosted activity in areas linked to motivation and reward-seeking behavior, independent of other antidepressant effects.
Tropical Storm Ana made a slow track west of the Hawaiian islands before moving away and heading towards the northwest Hawaiian islands. The storm's clouds were captured by NASA's Terra satellite on October 19, revealing its strongest thunderstorms in the eastern and western quadrants.
The study found that mental health problems differ among various subgroups of Hispanics and Latinos, highlighting the need for tailored mental health services. Depression affected 27% of the population, while antidepressant use was relatively low, especially among uninsured individuals.
Researchers have developed a method to deliver drugs more effectively for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's using micro and nanoparticles. Encapsulated growth factors have been found to be much more effective than traditional oral medications in animal trials, improving symptoms and healing damaged zones.
Hurricane Gonzalo brought severe weather to Bermuda, causing power outages and damage. The storm then moved east across the North Atlantic, affecting eastern Canada and Scotland with heavy rains and gusty winds.
A recent study has found evidence of a massive tsunami that struck the Hawaiian islands around 500 years ago, with waves reaching up to nine meters high. The discovery has prompted officials to revise their tsunami evacuation maps to account for the possibility of an extreme tsunami hitting the county.
A team of researchers led by D.J. Seo will integrate data from advanced weather radar systems, wireless sensors, and crowdsourced cell phone data to create high-resolution models of urban water systems. The project aims to produce a suite of products for flash flood forecasting, water quality monitoring, and storm management.
Recent great earthquakes have provided unprecedented insights into seismic activity, highlighting the complexities of ruptures and interactions with surrounding regions. The study focuses on Cascadia, where advances in technology and scientific capacity enable a better understanding of future earthquake risks.
A study found that excessive myofibroblast activity during wound healing leads to increased ECM organization, promoting the release of active TGF-β1. This activation then induces further myofibroblast activity and fibrosis.
A new study led by Yale University found that subliminal exposure to positive stereotypes about aging improves physical functioning in older adults. The study used a novel intervention method to examine the effects of positive age stereotypes on physical function and found significant improvements.
A new study reveals that both over and under-reporting of food intake can lead to incorrect conclusions about whether individuals are meeting dietary recommendations. The research found that plausible reporters were more likely to meet recommendations for essential nutrients like energy, protein, and fiber.
A study of 234 comatose cardiac arrest survivors found that patients with sinus bradycardia during therapeutic hypothermia had a 17% 180 day mortality rate, compared to 38% in those with no sinus bradycardia. This suggests that heart rate may be an early marker for patients who have a better chance of recovery.
A research team led by NUS scientists has identified several potent inhibitors that selectively target FTO, a gene strongly linked to obesity. The discovery paves the way for the development of novel anti-obesity drugs and treatments.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery have discovered a novel cell signaling pathway contributing to bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests that RBP-J protein controls excessive bone erosion through a newly identified signaling pathway.
Gerald F. Joyce, a renowned physician scientist, has been elected to the Institute of Medicine at the National Academy of Sciences. He joins Novartis as Director of the Genomics Institute, focusing on developing novel RNA and DNA enzymes for clinical diagnostics and therapeutics.