A study of nearly 400 participants aged 76+ found that low vitamin D levels accelerate cognitive decline and increase dementia risk. Individuals with dark skin or insufficiency were disproportionately affected.
A new UC San Francisco study reveals that video game warnings fall short in rating tobacco content, exposing adolescents to more tobacco imagery than thought. The researchers found that only 8% of games received tobacco warnings, despite 42% containing actual tobacco content.
Researchers have developed a combination of three antibiotics that can effectively treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in test tubes and laboratory mice. The synergistic action of the drugs prevents MRSA from developing resistance, offering potential treatment against this deadly pathogen.
Researchers at Ohio State University propose a new theoretical approach to psychology based on quantum physics, enabling humans to make decisions in uncertain situations. This approach resolves contradictions among previous studies and provides insight into human behavior, including the effect of survey question order.
A study found that cases flagged by 3M as preventable received no worse care than unflagged cases, suggesting that the measure may not accurately capture quality of care. The researchers concluded that either PPR flagged cases are not more preventable or that assessment requires other data collection methods.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant regulating bone mineral density and fracture risk, which could lead to interventions that prevent fractures in older adults. The study found that the engrailed homeobox-1 gene plays a central role in regulating bone density.
Scientists at NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) have captured the rare alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth. During this event, a partial solar eclipse was visible from parts of Africa and Antarctica, providing a unique opportunity to study the effects of these celestial alignments.
The project aims to create an online cache of molecular data to validate current cancer models and make predictions about the disease. This will enable a collaborative approach to cancer treatment and potentially reduce animal testing in research.
A multi-site landmark study found that targeting a blood pressure of 120 millimeters of mercury reduces cardiovascular disease morbidity and event rates. Adults 50 years and older also experienced reduced rates of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and death compared to the target systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg.
Global health experts highlight critical actions and investments to impact the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents. The new Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health aims to prevent deaths and improve the health of millions.
Researchers have identified a 2,000-kilometer-long chain of volcanoes running from the Whitsundays to near Melbourne. The volcanic chain was created over the past 33 million years as Australia moved northwards over a hotspot in the Earth's mantle.
Researchers at the University of Leeds captured images of motor protein dynein in action using electron microscopes. The study revealed a hinge between the motor's arms and its track, allowing flexibility in movement.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have successfully used bacteriophage to decontaminate human MRSA bacteria from surfaces and fabrics, showing promise in treating the deadly superbug. The findings offer hope in combating antibiotic-resistant MRSA, which can cause serious disease and death.
Researchers at Cardiff University have devised a way of increasing the yield of biodiesel by using the waste left over from its production process. By recycling crude glycerol, they can convert it into methanol, which is then used as a starting reactant to create more biodiesel.
A team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has discovered a highly efficient catalyst that can produce hydrogen using common elements like phosphorus and sulfur. The new catalyst, which is nearly as efficient as platinum, could make a significant impact on the transition to a hydrogen economy.
PharmaMar presents new data for YONDELIS (trabectedin) in soft tissue sarcoma and solid tumors, including final overall survival analysis and real-world data from a large prospective phase IV study. Additionally, early clinical studies show synergistic activity for PM1183 in combination with paclitaxel or cisplatin.
The American College of Physicians released a guide for appropriate use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) to address growing concerns over their use in hospitals. The guide highlights the potential for complications like thrombosis and infection, as well as variation in their use among patients.
A University of Eastern Finland study found that long sleep duration is associated with high serum copper concentrations, potentially linking it to pro-oxidative stress and chronic diseases like coronary artery disease. This association remained unchanged even when cardiovascular diseases were accounted for.
A team of researchers at Penn Vet has identified a form of congenital night blindness in dogs, which shares similarities with human forms of the condition. The discovery may lead to the development of gene therapy to correct the dysfunction in both humans and dogs.
A recent study suggests that community-level differences in organ donor designation can be explained by sociodemographic and social capital measures. Neighborhoods with lower social capital, such as high racial segregation and violent crime, tend to have lower organ donor registration rates.
A study by Dr. Raffaella Leoci and colleagues found that a specific ultrasound treatment regime can permanently sterilize male dogs without affecting testosterone levels. The method involves three applications of ultrasound at 1 MHz, lasting five minutes, and resulted in significant reduction in testicular volume and degeneration.
Researchers developed a new spectroscopy method, 2D HYSCORE, to capture the solar water-splitting reaction at the heart of photosynthesis. The study successfully resolved the active site geometry of manganese catalase, a simpler metal-containing protein, and gained insight into the mechanism of photosynthesis.
A study suggests that a missing part of the brain, called the vertical occipital fasciculus, may provide a fundamental white matter connection between the visual system's object identification and spatial orientation functions. This 'highway' structure could play a critical role in coordinating information transmission between brain ar...
Protected areas in Indonesia have preserved 14,000 hectares of mangrove habitat between 2000 and 2010, avoiding 28% of total mangrove loss. This conservation effort has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 13 million metric tons annually.
Cancer patients who receive chemotherapy treatment for a sustained period have heightened levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which correlates with drug resistance. The study proposes a measure of relative ROS levels under normal conditions to help determine if patients are becoming resistant to cancer drugs.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has invested $20 million in new fundamental research to transform critical infrastructure and improve resilience. This initiative aims to develop a better understanding of interdependencies and their impacts on infrastructure systems, enabling them to perform sustainably and securely.
A multidisciplinary team is designing a mathematical model for autophagy in lung cancer to develop novel cancer treatment strategies. The model will be used to systematically evaluate therapeutic strategies and identify the most promising ones, which can then be evaluated experimentally.
The grant will support the Leadership Executive Academic Development (LEAD) curriculum, which focuses on communications, ethics, cultural competency, and patient safety. All Children's Hospital is the first recipient of this national grant from the Hearst Foundations.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that Medicare's readmission penalties disproportionately affect hospitals serving disadvantaged communities. By adjusting for more comprehensive patient characteristics, the gap in readmission rates between best- and worst-performing hospitals is nearly halved. The researchers propose a...
A UTHealth researcher has received a $544,329 CDC grant to develop region-specific educational materials and implement outreach on Chagas disease in South Texas. Approximately 20-30% of infected persons will enter the chronic phase, which can manifest as heart disease or gastrointestinal issues.
Researchers used ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) to recondition poorly functioning lungs, removing donor white blood cells and reducing the risk of acute rejection. This technique can increase access to transplantation and shorten waiting list times.
A multidisciplinary team at Lehigh University will develop a comprehensive framework to assess interdependent infrastructure system resilience for extreme events under uncertainty. The goal is to mitigate the consequences of disasters and rapidly restore normal life in communities.
A new study reveals a direct relationship between Alzheimer's disease and brain cholesterol levels. Increasing the enzyme CYP46A1 may help eliminate excess cholesterol from the brain, correcting amyloid plaques and degenerated tau protein. This discovery opens up a new line of research for Alzheimer's treatment.
Three new studies suggest that activating mGluR2 can prevent relapse to cocaine and nicotine use in rodents, as well as reduce methamphetamine cravings. The studies also found that AZD8529, a selective mGluR2 enhancer, showed promising anti-addiction effects in non-human primate models.
Marc Edwards, a renowned expert on municipal water quality, is studying severe iron and lead corrosion in Flint's water system. The investigation aims to understand the 'perfect storm' of problems affecting residents, including high levels of lead in tap water.
New research from Queen's University found that a strong relationship with a loved one can help manage stress in difficult situations. Physical closeness allows individuals to share the emotional burden more efficiently, regardless of their reported level of closeness.
Georgia Regents University is among 15 institutions receiving federal funding to train the next generation of physician-scientists in obstetrics and gynecology. The program will support junior faculty, residents, and fellows in research, enabling them to focus on research for at least 30 hours weekly.
Researchers have developed a new mixed oxide catalyst that overcomes inhibition issues, allowing for more efficient engines to meet stricter emission regulations. The unique formulation of copper oxide, cobalt oxide, and cerium oxide enables better oxidation activity at low temperatures without precious metals.
Scientists at the University of Groningen have successfully created an electric circuit using a magnetic insulator and spin waves. By leveraging thermal fluctuations in the material, they were able to transmit electric signals through the insulator, opening up new possibilities for energy-efficient electronic devices.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have developed a new method to create an 'electron superhighway' in organic materials, allowing electrons to flow faster and farther. This breakthrough could lead to improved solar cells and flexible electronics with enhanced efficiency.
A new $6 million NIH grant will fund a WE-CAN study examining the success of community-based programs for treating knee osteoarthritis. The study aims to test the effectiveness of weight loss and exercise interventions in real-world settings, building on previous clinical trial results.
Tropical Storm Vamco developed into a depression on September 13, with NASA's RapidScat instrument measuring its surface winds. The storm intensified rapidly and was located near Vietnam by September 14, before dissipating over rugged terrain.
Scientists studied how a more acidic ocean affects the protective shell of the mermaid's wineglass algae. They found that in high carbon dioxide conditions, skeletons contained 32% less calcium carbonate and were 40% less stiff and droopier. This could make them more susceptible to damage from ocean currents and grazing by marine animals.
A study by the University of Queensland found that over half the world's sea turtles have eaten debris, including plastics and other human waste. This poses a significant threat to their survival due to blockages or toxic chemical releases.
Researchers created a plant-human hybrid protein OptoSTIM1 to modulate calcium channels, leading to improved memory in mice. The study showed a nearly twofold increase in fear stimulus response memory compared to non-light-stimulated mice.
The UK10K project analyzed nearly 10,000 individuals to understand the contribution of rare genetic variants to various diseases. The study identified new genetic variants and genes underlying disease risk, increasing the resolution of genetic discoveries.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that pairing popular vegetables with school entrees, such as burgers and chicken nuggets, can lead to increased vegetable consumption. The study suggests optimizing entrée-vegetable pairings in schools meals could positively impact vegetable intake for students relying on school meals.
A study by Oxford University researchers found that pedaling at high speeds, like professional cyclists, is less efficient for recreational cyclists. The team developed a new equation using cadence to estimate energy consumption on stationary cycle ergometers, providing more accurate results.
A new study by Aarhus University researchers found that plant communities on the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador have shifted upwards by more than 500 meters over the last two centuries. This dramatic shift is attributed to climate change and human-induced land cultivation, which has reduced precipitation and glacier coverage.
The world has lost 129 million hectares of forest area since 1990, with tropical forests taking the hardest hit. However, there have been positive signs, including a halving of net forest loss from 7.3 to 3.3 million hectares between 2010 and 2015.
A new report led by University of Arizona researchers reveals the Sierra Nevada snowpack was at its lowest level in 500 years in 2015, exacerbating California's ongoing drought. The study uses tree-ring data to compare snowpack levels with temperatures, finding a strong correlation between warmer winters and lower snowpack.
A new study by Malika Ihle and colleagues found that zebra finches choose mates based on stimulation, leading to increased reproductive success. The research suggests that this mate-choice process is essential for the survival of the species, as it maximizes gene perpetuation through successful offspring.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women who followed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil had a significantly lower risk of developing breast cancer. The study, which involved over 4,200 women, showed that the Mediterranean diet with olive oil reduced breast cancer risk by 68%.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found racial disparities in pain management among children with appendicitis in emergency departments, with black children receiving less pain medication and opioids. The study analyzed data from 2003 to 2010 and suggested that more research is needed to understand why such disparities exist.
A new study reveals that social factors such as insurance status, marital status, and county-level income significantly affect the chances of survival in young patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). The findings highlight the need to address these non-biological patient characteristics to improve health outcomes.
A new study reveals that England has made significant progress in improving its health outcomes compared to other wealthy countries. However, the research also exposes persistent health disparities within English regions, with little change in the gap between the most and least deprived areas over the past 23 years.
A statewide study in Indiana found that fewer than a quarter of men and women with osteoporosis or fragility fracture received treatment between 2005 and 2012. The study also found disparities in treatment rates among different groups, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with multiple chronic conditions.
A UC Riverside-led study illustrates how guppies adapt to new environments in less than a year, showing evolution as a contemporary process. Researchers tracked the success of male guppies in making babies and surviving using DNA from their scales.
A new robotic nurse is being developed at the University of Texas at Arlington to assist nurses with daily tasks, such as walking patients and monitoring their safety. The robot aims to improve patient care, reduce workplace injuries, and increase productivity for healthcare providers.
The National Science Foundation awards nearly $40 million to support the development of smart cities, including a new instrument called Array of Things in Chicago. The instrument will enable researchers to rapidly deploy sensors and systems at scale in an urban environment.