Research found that non-smokers living with smokers are exposed to PM2.5 concentrations three times higher than the WHO guidance, similar to heavily polluted cities. Inhaling in a smoke-free home could reduce exposure by over 70% for non-smokers.
Researchers found that Lactobacillus species in the guts of mouse models correlated with reduced lupus symptoms, while Clostridia increased. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus may help alleviate lupus flares, suggesting a potential new treatment approach.
A genetic analysis of childhood obesity found a strong link between genetic susceptibility and body size, shedding light on the causes of this complex condition. The study identified specific genetic markers associated with increased risk of obesity in children, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
Diatoms display a special way of reacting to light and adapting their metabolism to the changing light conditions. By controlling the activity of enzymes in the metabolism, researchers have found that blue and red light sensing photoreceptors can drastically reverse the carbon allocation pattern in diatoms.
Researchers at WSU are building a comprehensive 'smart city' laboratory to test smart grid technologies. The lab will simulate various systems and components, including windmills, solar panels, fuel cells, and power substations.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology and Washington University in St. Louis have confirmed a paradoxical laser effect, where energy loss can turn lasers on. By carefully tuning the amount of light lost through a chromium needle, they were able to switch the laser system on.
A rare genetic disorder called anhidrosis has been linked to a mutation in the ITPR2 gene, which controls calcium release in sweat glands. The study, led by Katsuhiko Mikoshiba and Niklas Dahl, found that a single nucleotide change in the DNA code impairs sweat production, leading to hyperthermia risk.
Researchers have developed a fast and inexpensive way to create custom facial prostheses using 3D printing technology, providing an affordable alternative to traditional prosthetics. The novel process can produce prosthetics in hours at a fraction of the cost of conventional ones, which can range from $10,000 to $15,000.
Researchers predict that without effective exit screening, Ebola-infected travelers will continue to pose a significant risk of international spread. With 2-3 cases predicted to travel abroad every month, countries with limited medical resources may struggle to respond effectively to imported cases.
A study using a free peripheral vision assessment app on iPads screens approximately 200 patients in Nepal for glaucoma, showing promise for populations with limited access to traditional eye care. The results agree between 51-79% with the industry standard test and can be an effective initial screening tool for high-risk groups.
Research shows that larger females produce far more eggs than smaller fish, increasing population productivity and stability. Older fish also provide a 'storage effect', allowing them to spawn successfully when conditions are favorable.
New QUT research found that 100% of three and four-year-olds opted for sweet or savory snacks after a filling lunch, highlighting the risk of unhealthy weight gain. The study suggests that children's ability to self-regulate their food intake may be compromised by frequent exposure to high-calorie foods.
A new study from Indiana University recommends that primary-care doctors use a patient's medical history to diagnose common symptoms, often resolving issues without further tests. The study also highlights the importance of communication and symptom-specific treatments for effective management.
Obesity affects orthopaedic care, healthcare systems, and individual organs, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, and joint injuries. Patients with obesity face higher surgical complication rates, but orthopaedic procedures can minimize pain and improve bone function.
Research from Oregon State University found that children's poor decision-making skills at age 10-11 can lead to behavioral difficulties and high-risk health behavior in their teen years. Early intervention may help improve outcomes by teaching decision-making skills.
A study found that artificial light in city centres extends the daily activities of blackbirds, allowing them to forage for longer. Males are more active later than females due to their larger eyes and differing sensitivity to light.
A study published in The Lancet suggests that controlling Ebola outbreaks at the source in West Africa is the most effective way to prevent international spread. Focusing on exit screening for travelers leaving affected countries can be a more efficient approach than entry screening.
A study by researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München finds that infants fed on fresh cow's milk are less prone to infection. The authors recommend alternative processing methods to preserve the protective agents found in raw milk.
Researchers use tiny pieces of fossilized tree resin to study ancient environments, plant life, and dinosaur habitats. The findings shed light on the ecosystems in which dinosaurs lived, including the interactions between dinosaurs and insects.
Patients using medication for asthma/COPD, high blood pressure, or oral contraceptives often purchase cigarettes while filling prescriptions. Study data reveals a significant co-purchase rate of cigarettes with these medications, highlighting the need to prevent cigarette purchasing by individuals at greatest risk.
Researchers are working to develop a therapy for Sanfilippo disease, a devastating inherited disorder that affects the brain. The $223,102 grant will be used to create an enzyme replacement therapy to treat the underlying causes of the neurologic symptoms of MPS III.
A recent study published in PNAS found that pre-existing differences in immune system sensitivity to stress can increase the risk of developing stress-related depression or anxiety. The research suggests that interleukin-6 may be a key factor in this increased risk.
Researchers Elise Harrington and Allan Treiman re-analyzed twenty-year-old spacecraft data to study Venus's surface. They found radio waves reflected differently at different elevations, creating a pattern of brightening with increasing elevation, followed by 'radio black' spots at the highest locations.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have created rounded crystals with no facets, resembling starfish shells. These nanolobes have potential applications in guiding light for LEDs and solar cells, as well as repelling water and dirt.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers used supercomputers and molecular docking to predict adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from off-target proteins. The computational model outperformed current statistical methods in predicting side effects, particularly in vascular disorders and neoplasms.
Researchers found that the brain's reward centre activates more for fair income distribution, regardless of individual contributions. The study challenges previous findings on inequality and fairness, providing new insights into human behavior.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that 63,000 children under six experience medication errors annually, with younger children at higher risk. The most common mistakes involve painkillers and fever-reducers, highlighting the need for better dosing instructions and product packaging.
The POLARBEAR experiment uses microwave detectors to measure B-mode polarization, allowing researchers to map the large-scale structure of the universe. The team also aims to determine neutrino masses and study dark matter and dark energy.
A UK study of over 2,000 children found that occasional cannabis use during adolescence has no impact on educational or intellectual performance. However, frequent use was linked to marginally worse exam results at age 16.
Researchers discovered that cytokine therapy enhances natural killer cell functions against tumors lacking MHC class I. The treatment restored NK cell activity and reduced tumor size in mice, supporting further investigation into its potential as a cancer treatment.
Researchers studying blind cave fish are uncovering insights into degenerative eye disease and sleep disturbance. The species' genome sequence reveals similarities with the human genome, suggesting potential avenues for understanding human diseases.
A new study suggests that an internal 'calorie counter' in the brain evaluates the caloric density of foods, influencing food choices and predicting caloric content. The study used functional brain scans to track brain activity while participants viewed food images.
A study found that brain mechanisms engaged during mental rest and reflection can strengthen memories of events and retention of information, leading to better future learning. Researchers used brain scans to show that participants who reflected on earlier learning tasks performed better on later tests.
Researchers have developed transparent graphene microelectrodes that enable real-time observation of neural circuits in epilepsy and other neurological disorders. This technology provides high spatial and temporal resolution, allowing for detailed analysis of seizure patterns and brain electrical activity.
New anti-viral drugs and vaccines are urgently needed to combat Human parainfluenza virus, a leading cause of respiratory tract disease in young children. Researchers have identified potent inhibitors that block both cell entry and virion release, offering hope for treatment and prevention.
A study of 37,000 adults found that frequent doctor visits are the strongest predictor of blood pressure control. Having healthcare insurance and being treated for high cholesterol also increased the likelihood of keeping blood pressure under control.
Researchers have identified a mutation in the ADAMTS20 gene as being associated with cleft lip and cleft palate in both humans and dogs. This discovery has potential implications for understanding and treating these birth defects, which can affect varying degrees of severity in affected individuals.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that 2-5% of people over 40 and 70 have genetic mutations linked to leukemia and lymphoma. These mutations may be a precursor to blood cancers but do not guarantee development of the diseases.
The Chinese power grid is facing significant challenges in modernization, including improving asset utilization rates and integrating distributed generation. According to a recent study, the annual average utilization rates of major 10kV equipment were below 40% in 40 Chinese cities, far below comparable levels in developed countries.
Research at ASHG 2014 Annual Meeting uses genetic analysis to break down complex conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and obesity into their underlying metabolic proteins. This approach enables the development of new drugs that directly target these processes, with potential treatments on the horizon.
A large retrospective study found that nearly 60% of patients with both uveitis and multiple sclerosis (MS) are diagnosed with each condition within a five-year span. The study also revealed that MS is more likely to be diagnosed before or after uveitis, not simultaneously.
A new device called a punctum plug has been shown to be effective at reducing pain and inflammation following cataract surgery. The implant delivers the correct amount of postoperative medication, potentially solving issues of poor patient compliance with eye drops.
A recent study suggests that long-term daily treatment of Viagra can provide protection for the heart at different stages of heart disease, with few side effects. The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor improved heart performance in all patients with various heart conditions and showed no negative effect on blood pressure.
Researchers have successfully transplanted human intestinal organoids into mice, creating a model to study intestinal diseases and potentially treat conditions like Crohn's disease. The findings could lead to bioengineering personalized human intestinal tissue for treatment.
The new terminology is based on a classification developed in the 1960s, but has not evolved significantly since. The proposed system will have four components or axes: pharmacological target and mode of action, approved indications, efficacy, and neurobiological description.
A new study found that expanding electricity access in India contributed only marginally to the nation's total carbon emissions growth between 1981 and 2011. However, low-carbon energy technologies would bring significant co-benefits beyond climate mitigation, including improved health and economic benefits.
Scientists at the Stowers Institute discovered that megakaryocytes, a type of 'mega' cell in bone marrow, regulate stem cells to produce platelets and other blood cells. This finding could lead to new treatments for patients recovering from chemotherapy or organ transplantation.
Scientists have developed an immune-based treatment that reduces brain damage after head injuries by blocking the activation of immune cells. The treatment, called CAP, was tested on mice and found to be effective in reducing brain lesions.
A study published at the ECNP congress found that individuals with photophobia (fear of bright light) experience medium to high levels of aversion to bright light. The research suggests a possible association between photophobia and panic disorder, but further studies are needed to confirm this relationship.
Researchers use electrostatic force microscopy to visualize charge propagation in Geobacter's protein filaments, demonstrating metallic-like conductivity. The discovery has important environmental and practical implications for energy conversion and production.
According to research presented at Acute Cardiovascular Care 2014, nearly one quarter of patients in the study were depressed and nearly a quarter had received treatment for depression. Women were more likely to develop anxiety and depression after a heart attack compared to men, with current smokers also showing higher levels of anxiety.
Researchers found that women with children carrying high-risk HLA genes are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests a possible link between fetal microchimerism and the disease, which may be mediated by interactions between immune system proteins encoded by these genes.
A comprehensive meta-analysis of robust studies shows that anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin, can add to the effective treatment of schizophrenia. The study suggests that selecting specific anti-inflammatory agents could lead to improved patient responses and new treatment approaches.
Research reveals that increasing fatty fish intake boosts antidepressant response rates in non-responders. Patients who ate more fatty fish had a 75% chance of responding to antidepressants, whereas those who never ate it had only a 23% chance.
Scientists at Harvard's Wyss Institute have designed the first large DNA crystals with precise depth and complex 3D features, enabling the creation of revolutionary nanodevices. The breakthrough uses a modular 'DNA-brick self-assembly' method to build complex structures with nanometer precision.
The incidence of early-onset and late-onset group B streptococcal disease increased in the Netherlands after guidelines were introduced, mainly due to a rise in virulent clonal complex 17 strains. Universal screening and antibiotic prophylaxis for pregnant women may be necessary to prevent all infections.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have identified a novel process for lowering pollutant toxicity using vitamin B12, offering new hope for combating hazardous substances. The research builds on 15 years of investigation into natural organisms that can detoxify pollutants.
A new test using DNA sequencing identifies single mutations causing rare genetic disorders in children, improving diagnosis rates from 5% to 40%. The UCLA Clinical Genomics Center uses the test to provide concrete diagnoses and treatment plans for families seeking answers.
A study released by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that an implantable corneal inlay device improved near vision well enough for 80% of patients to read a newspaper without affecting far distance vision. The device is currently undergoing clinical review in the US and has shown promising results with minimal complications.
A new smartphone-based tool has been developed to monitor diabetic eye disease, offering comparable results to traditional equipment. The tool, called D-Eye, uses a small optical adapter that attaches magnetically to an iPhone and enables ophthalmologists to evaluate the severity of the disease.