A new study predicts that climate change will increase forest fire danger in Europe by 200% by 2090. However, prescribed burns and improved firefighting can reduce this risk to below 50%. The study examined adaptation options for forest fires on a pan-European scale.
Researchers have developed new genomic editing tools to create genetically identical patient-derived iPSCs for disease modeling. These advancements will improve the accuracy of drug testing and cell-based therapies, revolutionizing human disease modeling and treatment.
Researchers discovered two potential therapeutic targets to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, a deadly disease marked by high blood pressure in the lungs. The targets involve suppressing abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells and signaling molecules involved in the disease.
According to a Northwestern Medicine study, only one in four students with asthma and half of children with food allergies have emergency health management plans in place at school. This underutilization leaves schools inadequately prepared to handle medical emergencies and puts the most vulnerable students at risk.
Scientists from the John Innes Centre are developing a new business concept to revive heritage lines of barley for brewing, offering greater choice and added value to farmers and brewers. The venture aims to provide sustainable production and high-quality malting barley, capitalizing on the demand for unique beer ingredients.
A new study by UNC researchers led by Kathleen Caron, Ph.D., shows that deleting CXCR7 allows adrenomedullin to run rampant, triggering enlarged heart and overgrowth of lymphatic vessels. The study highlights the importance of understanding the role of CXCR7 in cardiovascular health.
Scientists identified a compound that effectively inhibits an enzyme crucial to Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) viruses. The compound has a different mode of action for each virus due to slight differences in the enzyme.
A study of over 13,000 men found that non-allergic asthma was significantly more common in children whose fathers smoked before conception. The risk of asthma increased with the duration and age of paternal smoking.
Scientists analyzed depictions of animals in ancient Egyptian artifacts to reconstruct the large mammal community that lived in the Nile Valley. The study found that species extinctions led to a decline in ecosystem stability, with only eight species remaining today compared to 37 six millennia ago.
Researchers discovered that patients with lung cancer have a higher breath temperature than those without. The study also identified a cut-off value in temperature measurement to accurately diagnose lung cancer.
Researchers developed an antibody-based drug, mepolizumab, to replace steroid-based treatments for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. The new treatment has improved outcomes and reduced side effects in these patients, offering a more personalized approach to asthma care.
Researchers have identified 871 wild plant species in China with potential to adapt globally important crops, including rice and wheat. These crop wild relatives (CWR) can improve crop tolerance and nutritional qualities.
A UT Arlington study found that teens living with two college-educated parents are significantly less likely to drink alcohol or smoke marijuana. The presence of both parents is a strong protective factor for African-American adolescents, with white teenagers being 69% more likely to engage in substance abuse than black peers.
Researchers have adapted a biomedical technique to study ocean organisms, identifying and measuring proteins to understand biochemical reactions. The study reveals how microbes respond to environmental cues and ecosystem changes over large regions.
A Baylor University study finds that young people who regularly attend religious services are less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Feeling connected to a 'higher power' may help overcome peer pressure and lead to increased prosocial behaviors and reduced narcissistic behavior.
Grand Challenges Canada awards $2.4 million to 22 projects addressing major health burdens in low-resource countries, including tuberculosis, deafness, and mental health problems. Innovations include a personal eyepiece for deaf children and sterile drill covers for low-cost orthopaedic trauma surgery.
The International Balzan Foundation announced the 2014 prize winners, including Mario Torelli, Ian Hacking, G. David Tilman, Dennis Sullivan, and Vivre en famille. The foundation's awards focus on innovative research in various fields, with half of the prize money dedicated to supporting young scholars.
An Australian study found that belly dancers have a more positive body image than college students, focusing on the experience rather than appearance. This embodying activity allows women to feel good about themselves and explore their sensual selves in a safe and creative way.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a shape-changing soft robot that can navigate through snow, puddles of water, flames, and withstand crushing forces. The robot's resilience has implications for search and rescue missions.
A new study found that taking short walking breaks during prolonged sitting can significantly improve endothelial function and reduce cardiovascular risks. The research involved 11 healthy men who sat for three hours with or without regular breaks, showing that breaks can prevent decline in arterial function.
A new paper published in Nature Communications suggests that simple traits like butterfly wing patterns may have a shared genetic source. Researchers identified a single gene, WntA, responsible for the evolution of similar color patterns in two distantly related butterfly species.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have identified 'hotspots' around the globe where crop wild relatives can be conserved to secure future global food resources. The highest concentration of these species is found in the Middle East's Fertile Crescent, threatening their survival due to climate change and conflict.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new screening method that reduces precious sample consumption by a billion times, enabling faster and cheaper drug development. The method uses nanotechnology to study cell membrane proteins binding drugs like cannabis and adrenaline.
A team led by Lin Zhang identified a non-protein-coding RNA, FAL1, whose expression is linked to ovarian cancer. The study found that blocking the activity of FAL1 reduces cancer cells' growth and may serve as a biomarker for BRCA-related cancer prognosis.
Researchers successfully harness a mouse's immune system to remove toxic proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. The treatment approach, which stimulates the natural immune system, showed promise in reducing amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles.
A new computer model simulates how plants grow under varying conditions, providing valuable insights into nutrient distribution and adaptation to changing climates. The study's findings could lead to the development of crop varieties with high yields in specific environmental conditions.
A Yale study finds that the conversion of forests to cropland worldwide has reduced global BVOC emissions, leading to a net cooling effect on climate temperatures. The loss of dark-colored forests and reduction in emissions of short-lived climate pollutants have offset warming caused by increased fossil fuel carbon dioxide emissions.
A nationwide study found significant declines in central line-associated bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonias among critically ill neonates and children. The rates of these infections decreased by 61% in NICUs and 76% in PICUs, resulting in estimated cost savings of $131 million.
A commentary calls for physicians to carefully review older patients' medication lists and consider their anticipated life expectancy, goals of care, and treatment targets. This approach can help reduce the number of unnecessary prescriptions and minimize harm from medications in older adults.
Researchers discovered that a unique twist in the nectar spur of a bird-pollinated flower allows for more efficient pollen placement on sunbirds' heads and bills. This adaptation increases the likelihood of successful pollination and reduces competition among plant species.
A multicenter trial of 1358 children found intermittent montelukast reduced wheezing episodes only in those with the specific genetic subtype. The treatment was ineffective in children without this genotype, highlighting the need for targeted research.
Researchers discovered that a single-celled organism, Oxytricha trifallax, can break its DNA into nearly quarter-million pieces and reassemble them in 60 hours for mating. This ability highlights the complexity of life on Earth, with intricate mechanisms to reconstruct chromosomes.
Researchers found that viruses can contaminate surfaces within 2-4 hours, spreading to 40-60% of workers and visitors. Disinfecting wipes with quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS) reduced virus spread by 80-99% when used in conjunction with hand hygiene.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that immunosuppressant MMF treatment significantly reduced relapse rates and improved disability scores in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The results suggest MMF may be an effective treatment option for preventing attacks and resulting disabilities in these patients.
The Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) will provide critical measurements on the International Space Station, demonstrating new technology and proving inexpensive missions can make accurate climate predictions. The instrument will track aerosols over population centers and reveal shifts in global climate.
The Illinois Medicaid primary care case management program, implemented in 2006, was associated with substantial savings, reductions in inpatient and emergency care, and improvements in quality measures. The programs promoted preventive care, reduced redundancy of services, and improved chronic disease management.
A secondary analysis of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) data found that both cancer prevalence and positive predictive value of lung cancer screening were higher in the 65+ cohort than in the under-65 cohort. Clinicians should share age-specific estimates of screening benefits and harms with patients to make an informed decision.
A new mouse model reveals that high levels of Notch1 can transform osteoblasts into cancerous cells, leading to osteogenic sarcoma. This study supports the hypothesis that Notch activating mutations can act as a common triggering mechanism in bone cancer.
Researchers found that memory cells arise directly from effector cells through a signaling molecule called Bcl-6. This discovery could lead to more effective vaccine development by strengthening the immune system's ability to respond to recurring pathogens.
A team of researchers at the University of Cincinnati is working on a potential cure for food allergies by using a laboratory-grown monoclonal antibody to rapidly desensitize patients. The therapy has shown promise in mice and aims to suppress multiple types of allergies, including skin allergies and asthma, quickly and safely.
A study of German cancer centers found that many patients do not receive a dignified death due to inadequate staff training and facilities. Palliative care staff reported better conditions than other hospital wards, with 95% indicating that patients die with dignity.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found a synthetic molecule called PreImplantation Factor (sPIF) that protects against neuronal death and brain injury. The study suggests that sPIF mitigates brain damage through a novel pathway, potentially treating perinatal brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders.
Children show stronger food craving than adolescents and adults but can use a cognitive strategy to reduce it by 16%, according to new research. The study's findings have implications for interventions to curb childhood obesity and suggest that brain areas involved in regulating craving differ depending on body mass.
Tropical Storm Fengshen, approximately as long as Japan's main island, skitters the east coast with strong thunderstorms. The storm is expected to intensify into a typhoon and undergo extra-tropical transitioning as it moves away from Japan.
A study published in PNAS reveals that a protein cross-linking enzyme interacts with a cell receptor to lock it in a closed state, reducing neuron signaling in neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's and Alzheimer's. The mechanism may provide insight into the development of new drug therapies for these conditions.
Researchers found that individuals with psychopathic tendencies and high intelligence can mask their symptoms by manipulating tests designed to reveal their personalities. This raises concerns about the potential presence of ruthless risk-takers in key business posts.
Low-dose fish oil was found to reduce seizure frequency by a third in people with epilepsy who no longer responded to drug treatment. The study also showed a modest fall in blood pressure, but no significant changes in heart rate or fat levels.
A new study reveals that nearly half of hog workers in North Carolina carry livestock-associated Staphylococcus aureus, with 46% persistently carrying the bacteria up to four days after exposure. The drug-resistant strains have implications for public health, potentially spreading to family members and communities.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of older adults (18 million) struggle with daily activities, with 20% requiring assistance. The majority receive help from informal caregivers, but unmet needs persist, particularly among those with few economic resources.
Research by Imperial College London combining 12 previous studies shows social networking programmes have achieved modest but significant results in helping participants lose weight. The programme provides a community of support from clinicians and peers, empowering patients to be more proactive in their treatment.
The Genetics Society of America has awarded seven researchers with poster prizes for their outstanding contributions to yeast genetics research. The winners were selected from nearly 400 research posters presented at the 2014 Yeast Genetics Meeting, which took place in Seattle, WA.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) advises pregnant women at high risk for preeclampsia to take daily low-dose aspirin. Meanwhile, a study found that health insurance remains unaffordable for many younger adults under the Affordable Care Act, with premiums often exceeding the cost of purchasing a plan.
A meta-analysis of 16 studies and 891,426 participants found that prediabetes increases the risk of cancer by 15%. The risk was higher for certain types of cancer, including stomach/colorectum, liver, pancreas, breast, and endometrium.
Researchers have developed a molecule that can silence the NDM-1 resistance gene in bacteria, restoring susceptibility to carbapenem antibiotics. This approach could be a viable strategy for treating resistant infections.
A new species of parasitoid wasp, Spasskia brevicarinata, has been discovered in China, adding to the genus Spasskia. The newly identified species exhibits distinct characteristics, including a short ridge on its first tergite.
A recent study found that more than 60% of people with dementia have three or more other conditions, but these are often not adequately described in clinical trials. The combined effects of co-morbidities like diabetes and chronic heart failure can lead to worsening symptoms and increased risk of preventable dementia admissions.
Researchers at UT Arlington have developed a scalable data-mining framework that can help manufacturers quickly discover desired materials. The framework, which uses genomic data, aims to reduce the time it takes for materials to go from discovery to market.
New research reveals that people with lower social connections have a higher threshold for determining animacy in faces. This suggests that individuals with high social connection desires prioritize recognizing human-like features less to form connections. The study sheds light on the role of social motivation in face perception and ma...
University of Alberta researchers have developed a new resuscitation method that combines oxygen flow and chest compressions, increasing survival rates for newborn babies. The technique has already helped save the lives of eight infants in a clinical trial.
EPFL scientists have developed a silicon-based photonic crystal nanocavity that requires record-low energy to operate as a switch, enabling faster and more efficient technology. The device's high Q factor and small size produce higher light intensity for the same energy, making it a significant step towards optical circuits.