Researchers found that patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy during normal working hours were more likely to receive minimally invasive procedures. The study also revealed no significant differences in complication rates or length of stay between day and night surgeries.
Carnegie Mellon researchers found that mechanical processes, not just chemical signaling, are essential for cell communication during tissue growth. The study used a microfluidic control system to analyze cellular mechanics and revealed that disabling these connections impairs cell communication.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that human gut microbes can digest fiber and ferment it into nutrients for human cells. The microbes appear to have enzymes that break down complex plant fiber components more efficiently than cow rumen microbes, which could aid in biofuels production.
Researchers discovered that antifreeze protein-bound ice crystals resist melting even when temperatures warm, leading to potential adverse physiological consequences for the fish. The study also found ice superheating in nature, a phenomenon where internal ice crystals fail to melt at their normal melting point.
A Swedish study found that adolescents with sleep disturbance or short sleep duration are less likely to succeed academically. The research suggests that sleep may play a crucial role for adolescents' performance at school, with around 30% of participants reporting regular sleep problems.
Researchers found that people respond to surveys by selecting answer options with similar language, even when the similarities are subtle. The study highlights the importance of considering language patterns in survey design and analysis, potentially revealing unique attitudes among respondents.
Researchers discovered that autism with early language delay is associated with smaller brain volume in key regions and larger brainstem structures. Current language function also impacts grey and white matter volume changes in specific brain areas.
Researchers at Rice University created patches infused with conductive single-walled carbon nanotubes to overcome limitations in current patches, which hinder the transfer of electrical signals between cardiomyocytes. The patches can serve as full-thickness repairs without inducing abnormal cardiac rhythms.
A new rock formation, Tava sandstone, has been discovered in the Colorado Rockies, featuring an unusual relationship with older rocks. The formation is believed to have resulted from large earthquakes or other catastrophic events, and its age dates back to ~750 million years ago during the Cryogenian Period.
A study found that patients and healthcare professionals are willing to accept high rates of false-positives in cancer screening tests in exchange for increased diagnostic sensitivity. This means they are more likely to undergo unnecessary testing, such as radiologic or invasive follow-up tests, than accurate but inconclusive results.
A study found that early age of first drink and quick progression to intoxication are associated with high school student alcohol use and binge drinking. The research suggests that teenagers who start drinking at an early age tend to drink more heavily and engage in binge drinking.
Two new peptide vaccines and two peptide inhibitors targeting HER-3 and IGF-1R receptors have been developed by Ohio State Researchers. The studies show that combining these agents can boost effectiveness and prevent drug resistance, leading to improved response rates and durable remissions for various types of cancer.
The Case Center for Synchrotron Biosciences will assemble cutting-edge Nnew beamlines at Brookhaven National Laboratory, delivering ultra powerful x-rays to visualize nano-scale structures of molecules and proteins. The new facility will enable scientists to pinpoint disease-causing vulnerabilities and target therapeutic interventions.
A Dartmouth study reveals that insects' fear response limits their growth in the face of climate change. Insects exhibit slower growth and reduced food consumption when exposed to predator threats, highlighting the importance of considering fear as a key environmental factor.
The National Institutes of Health will award $17 million to support the development of human tissue chip technology, which could revolutionize predicting drug failure or success. Integrating chips mimicking human organ functions into a full body system will enable real-time measurement of drug effects and improve biomedical research.
Researchers found microplastics in nearly every sediment sample from the St. Lawrence River, with concentrations rivaling those in the world's most contaminated ocean sediments. The discovery raises concerns about the potential impact of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems.
Researchers have developed a new DNA sequencing method that can detect and characterize the bacteria causing tuberculosis in a matter of days, without the need for time-consuming laboratory culture. The technique, known as metagenomics, uses high-throughput sequencing technologies to analyze DNA extracted from sputum samples.
A gene mutation in ACD has been linked to aplastic anemia by disrupting telomere function and protecting cells from DNA damage. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to new treatments for the disease.
A research team from George Washington University has developed a new method for diagnosing pneumonia that uses DNA sequencing to identify bacterial pathogens. This approach could lead to more targeted and effective treatment, reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.
A new study using high-resolution Y chromosome sequencing has found that female populations have been larger throughout human history and remain so in most populations. The research suggests that processes like polygyny and women's tendency to move with their husbands contribute to females making a greater genetic contribution.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new two-step strategy for weakening cancer by harnessing the power of the immune system. The study found that alternating cycles of radiation or chemotherapy with immune-boosting treatments can alter the balance between cancer and the immune system, ultimately bringing the cancer to a wea...
A large-scale analysis found statin use associated with a 12% increased risk of type 2 diabetes over four years, as well as an average weight gain of 240g. Genetic variants linked to statin efficacy also showed smaller effects on weight and diabetes risk.
A 10-week psychoeducational wellness program improved mood, overall mental health, perceived stress, and pain in people with multiple sclerosis. The study, published in the International Journal of MS Care, suggests that individuals with MS may benefit from comprehensive wellness programs.
A recent study by Brandeis University found that overweight individuals experience higher levels of stress-induced inflammation, which can contribute to chronic diseases. The researchers measured interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in normal-weight and overweight individuals during psychological stress tests.
The US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer released new consensus guidelines highlighting the importance of good bowel cleansing for high-quality colonoscopy. The guidelines aim to reduce missed precancerous lesions and increase patient safety, with an 85% target for adequate cleansing rate.
A recent study by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry identified key knowledge gaps in understanding pharmaceutical and personal care product (PPCP) impacts on ecosystems and human health. The priority areas include research on human health exposure, as well as regional testing methods for measuring PPCPs in the envir...
A study published in CMAJ found that metformin increases the risk of low thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in patients with hypothyroidism. Metformin monotherapy was associated with a 55% increased risk of low TSH levels compared to sulfonylurea therapy.
A new study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that 34% of major trauma patients are undertriaged in the United States. The most common diagnosis for undertriaged patients is traumatic brain injury, affecting over 40%. Increasing trauma center capacity by 51% would be needed to accommodate all undertriaged patients.
Researchers have found that stars that oscillate at the same frequency as gravitational waves can absorb energy from those waves and brighten temporarily. This effect could provide scientists with another method to indirectly detect gravitational waves.
A new class of antibiotics could be developed using the anticonvulsant drug lamotrigine, which inhibits bacterial ribosome assembly. Researchers at McMaster University discovered that lamotrigine stops ribosomes from being created in bacteria, a breakthrough in tackling antibiotic resistance.
A new study reveals that the US physician payment system is not inherently biased towards surgeons and procedure-performing doctors. The difference in pay between specialties arises mostly from differences in the number of minutes allocated to each service by Medicare's formula, which takes into account estimated times for work.
Researchers at Emory University discovered that platelets can 'feel' their environment and respond by increasing stickiness, leading to the formation of clots. Modifying material stiffness could reduce clot formation in medical devices.
The USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral counseling to reduce risky sexual behaviors among all sexually active adolescents and adults at risk for STIs. Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening is recommended for young women under 24 and older women at increased risk, including pregnant women.
Researchers have discovered that the smell of cut grass signals distress and summons parasitic wasps to protect plants from insect attacks. The volatile organic compounds also play a role in drought tolerance and can help breeders develop new crop varieties with improved resistance to insects and drought.
A study of 3,481 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage found that inpatient statin use was associated with lower mortality rates and higher discharge rates to home or rehabilitation. The study suggests that continuing statin therapy after brain hemorrhage may be beneficial for improved outcomes.
A new study suggests that measuring how fast the brain responds to sights and sounds can help classify people on the autism spectrum and diagnose the condition earlier. The study found a strong correlation between the speed of processing auditory signals and the severity of autistic symptoms.
Researchers identify Pex22p module as key component in peroxisomal Ub machinery, boosting enzyme import and degradation of pollutants. This discovery sheds light on peroxisomal disorders like Zellweger syndrome and highlights the importance of reevaluating familiar proteins.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that South Asians in Canada have a higher prevalence of heart disease, with rates of death from coronary artery disease being 42% for men and 29% for women. The study also highlighted the need for standardized surveillance systems to monitor non-communicable diseases a...
The WEGA fusion device is being transferred to the University of Illinois for further research and development. The device will be re-assembled as HIDRA and used for plasma physics and fusion research.
A U-M study found that almost three-quarters of parents are aware of online rating sites and over a quarter use them to choose healthcare providers for their children. The researchers also discovered that positive online ratings strongly influenced the likelihood of selecting a child's physician, while negative reviews had little impact.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a microRNA mimic, miR-29, that can reverse the effects of pulmonary fibrosis in mouse models. The treatment uses intravenous delivery and has shown sustained effects on lung tissue. Further studies are needed to evaluate its therapeutic potential for human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Grand Challenges Canada announces $2.4 million in grants for 22 innovative projects addressing maternal, newborn and child health globally. These projects include programs improving infant nutrition, malaria diagnosis, and vaccine storage, as well as initiatives to combat iron deficiency and improve access to healthcare.
A recent study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that food affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster harms animals, even at low levels of radiation. Researchers fed pale blue grass butterflies leaves collected from areas varying distance from the disaster site and investigated the effects on the next generation. The study sh...
Researchers developed a new search algorithm that enables robots to find and navigate to tagged household objects using ultra-high frequency radio-frequency identification (UHF RFID) tags. The system allows the robot to play a 'hot-or-cold?' game to determine its direction, reducing complexity and increasing accuracy.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego aim to develop a whole eye transplant technique that can reconnect the eye's neuronal wiring to the brain. The goal is to treat patients with vision restoration due to structural or functional problems in the eye.
According to a new University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, the format of concussion education is linked to parents' confidence about managing their child's injury. Parents who watched videos or presentations rated them as very useful, while those who only signed waiver forms did not.
Tropical Depression Polo weakened significantly, with maximum sustained winds decreasing to near 35 mph, and is expected to dissipate by September 26. Swells generated by the storm will subside late on September 22, affecting the southern Baja California peninsula.
In the summer of 2014, wildfires burned an area three times larger than usual in Khabarovsk Krai, Russia, with 12,600 forest fires spanning 1.8 million hectares
Researchers developed a tool that uses mass spectrometry imaging to identify fatty acid substances in breast tissue, distinguishing between cancerous and normal tissue. The study found several fatty acids were more abundant in breast cancer tissue compared to normal tissue.
A new study by Dr. Flora Matheson found that women who are involved in their discharge planning have a higher chance of successfully reintegrating into society. The study highlights the importance of stable and trusting relationships with parole officers and access to positive social support networks.
Hurricane Odile brought extreme rainfall to Mexico's Baja California peninsula and southwestern United States, with estimated totals reaching almost three feet. The TRMM satellite analyzed real-time data to track the storm's impact, revealing highest rainfall totals of over 160 mm in northwestern Texas.
Researchers discovered that antifreeze proteins found in Antarctic fish also prevent internal ice crystals from melting, leading to potential health issues. The study found that these protein-bound ice crystals resist melting even when temperatures warm, causing superheating.
The journal tackles past, current and future concepts of sports concussion through advocacy, education, prevention, treatment and groundbreaking research. Recent studies show that persistent post-concussion symptoms may arise from structural or metabolic alterations in the brain.
A new study confirms that maternal breast milk is a primary source of postnatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. The researchers found that CMV-seronegative and leukoreduced blood transfusions effectively prevent transmission, but breastfeeding from CMV-positive mothers poses a significant risk.
University of Minnesota researchers have created a nanoscale device capable of capturing and transporting fundamental particles of light called photons. The discovery could lead to the development of faster and more energy-efficient optical devices.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a strong link between cytomegalovirus (CMV) and maternal breast milk in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. CMV was detected in 76% of mothers, with 27 out of 28 postnatal infections occurring among infants fed CMV-positive breast milk.
Researchers at University of North Carolina Health Care developed a blood test that identifies individuals at high risk for developing psychosis. The test measures immune and hormonal system imbalances, as well as oxidative stress, and shows promise in predicting the development of severe mental disorders like schizophrenia.
Researchers have identified a better measure of predicting cancer neoepitopes, which are specific protein sequences recognized by immune cells. This new approach has the potential to improve current methods for generating anticancer vaccines, increasing their effectiveness in combating cancer.
A study published in the Journal of Family Issues found that less supportive and punitive Chinese parenting techniques can lead to negative outcomes in children, including low self-esteem and school adjustment difficulties. The research contradicts the idea that traditional 'Chinese' upbringing is superior and highlights the importance...
Researchers describe cassava, also known as tapioca, as an ideal alternative to corn for starch sweeteners due to its high yields and accessibility. The article highlights the potential of converting tapioca starch into sugars using various enzymes and processing steps.