Scientists have discovered a novel approach to study neural circuits that change behavior, using Caenorhabditis elegans worms. By flipping the sign of a synapse, researchers were able to completely reverse behavior, suggesting that neural wiring is remarkably stable and allows for changes in behavior.
A study in a malaria-endemic region found that daily iron supplementation during pregnancy did not increase the risk of malaria, but resulted in increased birth weight and improved fetal outcomes. The authors suggest that universal iron supplementation may outweigh potential risks in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers have developed ImmuNet, an online tool that uses public experiments and machine learning algorithms to predict new immune pathway interactions and disease-associated genes. The tool accelerates the understanding of immunological mechanisms and diseases, ultimately leading to improved treatment options.
A new model for preventing and treating obesity in the United States has been proposed, integrating healthcare with community resources. The model centers on individual patients and family engagement, restructuring clinical services to address stigmatization and promoting behavioral changes.
Typhoon Kilo maintained its clear eye with NASA's Terra satellite imagery on September 7. The storm's maximum sustained winds near 65 knots (74.8 mph/120.4 kph) are expected to strengthen to 75 knots before weakening, affecting Japan and Russia.
Researchers at UCSF are studying a molecular pathway that underlies many cancers, with the goal of improving diagnosis and treatment. The grant will integrate data from preclinical studies and precision medicine technologies to generate high-resolution molecular information on NF1-associated tumors.
Ghana's Upper Guinea rain forests have seen a decline of over 50% in understory bird species due to increased illegal logging, which has more than doubled between 1995 and 2010
Researchers have created artificial plants that can produce methane and butanol using semiconducting nanowires and bacteria. This technology has the potential to replace fossil fuels with a sustainable and efficient alternative.
Researchers found that bloggers who accepted compensation tend to feel more empowered in their relationships with companies, rather than feeling indebted. However, the guidelines have not changed how bloggers acknowledge compensation, and many simply don't report accepting free products.
Researchers have identified a histone deacetylase inhibitor that reverses MECP2 alterations in mutant neurons, offering hope for treating the devastating neurological disorder. The breakthrough uses stem cell-derived 'mini-brains' to screen potential drug libraries, providing an efficient method for finding effective treatments.
A study by Umeå University researchers found that population growth is responsible for 86% of the increase in dengue incidence in Singapore, with climate change and urban heat islands contributing to the remaining 14%. The findings have significant implications for predicting future trends in dengue epidemics.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that peak-time emissions from diesel trains at London's Paddington Station exceeded European air quality recommendations and were higher than nearby roadsides on most days. The station's semi-enclosed design contributed to elevated concentrations of particulate matter, nitrogen ...
A new study found that psychoticism and immature defense mechanisms are risk factors for homophobia, while depression and neurotic defense mechanisms lower the risk. The study included 560 Italian university students and aims to address the long-standing debate about whether homosexuality is a disease.
Scientists at Sichuan University develop an alloy combining diamond and cubic boron nitride, exhibiting superior hardness and wear resistance when cutting through steel and granite. The novel process enables mass production of the alloy, which could revolutionize various industrial materials processing.
Scientists have discovered a new parasitoid wasp species that can kill up to 25% of the Asian fly larvae, a widely spread invasive pest corrupting large parts of the pigeon pea crops. This natural enemy has the potential to be a biocontrol agent, offering a promising solution for the Dominican Republic's economic losses estimated at 76%.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring blood protein called lumican as a key player in the development of excessive scar tissue in fibrotic diseases. The study suggests that lumican triggers a vicious cycle when stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha, leading to increased production of scar tissue.
A national US sample of 16-26 year olds showed that 38% of e-cigarette users started smoking traditional cigarettes within a year, compared to 10% of non-e-cigarette users. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine slowly, allowing users to become tolerant and advance to cigarette smoking.
A $13.18 million NIH grant will enable Dr. Krauss and his colleagues to identify genetic determinants of statin efficacy and risk for adverse effects. The research program utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach incorporating genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic tools.
Research suggests that children who focus on their possible future selves and have strategies to attain these possibilities perform better academically and emotionally. In contrast, children who dwell on difficulties without planning for the future experience a negative impact on their optimism and fatalism.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer has released new data for the TNM classification of lung cancer, which will inform the Eighth Edition of the staging manual. The new database includes 94,708 patients diagnosed worldwide from 1999-2010 and analyzes tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastatic status.
New analysis reveals that excessive bubble formation limits heat transfer, leading to overheating and equipment damage. The study identifies optimal surface texturing to improve boiler efficiency and plant safety.
A new NIH-funded study launched at UH Seidman Cancer Center aims to investigate the effects of physical activity on functional status, body composition, and biomarkers associated with breast cancer prognosis in older breast cancer survivors. The five-year clinical trial will focus on African American and low socioeconomic status women.
A team of researchers developed a system to study how materials respond to mechanical stress, enabling nondestructive characterization of structural materials. The tool could lead to aerospace components that are lighter and more tolerant to damage.
The study reveals that drugs behave as predicted in the computer-generated model of P-gp, allowing researchers to understand how they bind and inhibit the protein. This breakthrough enables scientists to predict better what will make an inhibitor work, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.
Survival rates for extremely preterm infants have increased significantly over the past 20 years, with improvements in maternal/neonatal care leading to reduced complications and mortality. The study found that survival without major complications increased approximately 2 percent per year for infants at 25 to 28 weeks' gestation.
A CTCA study found that the lung microbiome diversity in patients with lung cancer was characterized by a significant presence of Streptococcaceae family bacteria. This discovery may lead to new pharmacological cancer prevention strategies and improved treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients.
A new UC Davis study found that molecular tests, commonly used in US hospitals, often misdiagnose patients with C. difficile infection, leading to over-treatment and potential harm. The study suggests that traditional toxin tests are more effective in predicting clinical disease and outcomes.
Studying kangaroo cartilage reveals how shoulder and knee joints behave differently, leading to improved treatments and better implants. The researchers identified the collagen network as a key factor in absorbing forces without damaging.
Resin acids have been found to be effective in treating epilepsy by opening potassium channels and reducing nerve activity. The substances, which are fat-soluble and electrically charged, were synthesized from a natural molecule and tested on frog eggs and mice before patent applications were submitted.
Scientists have found that the cGAS sensor can detect single-stranded DNA, including guanosines, which triggers a strong immune response. The HI virus has evolved to eliminate guanosines from its genetic material, partially avoiding detection by the cell.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed solar cells that can track the sun using a kirigami-inspired design. The array of small solar cells tilts within a larger panel, keeping their surfaces more perpendicular to the sun's rays and raising the effective area soaking up sunlight.
A high body mass index (BMI) is linked to a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in men, but not women, according to a Swedish study. The association was strongest in men with increased abdominal obesity or visceral fat.
The Parsemus Foundation has awarded the second round of the Timmy Prize to three winners who contributed substantial information on the use of Calchlorin nonsurgical sterilant. The data sharing prize aims to increase understanding of the method's effectiveness and refine its methodology.
A new Duke University study reveals that adolescents aged 10 to 16 can be more analytical in their economic choices than slightly older young adults. Researchers found that teens carefully weigh decisions, using cost-benefit analysis skills, while young adults rely on simple rules.
A rarely collected parasitic woodwasp species has been found in the Ozark Mountains, expanding its known range hundreds of miles west. This discovery was made possible by photos posted on Flickr and BugGuide, which helped identify new specimens from the US National Entomology Collection.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that survivors of child trafficking experienced physical and/or sexual violence, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Mental health symptoms were associated with self-harm and suicide ideation among the 387 children and adolescents surveyed.
Studies in the September Health Affairs issue reveal declining global mortality rates for heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, but increasing trends in diabetes, liver cancer, respiratory disease, and lung cancer deaths, particularly among women and in low- and middle-income countries.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that continued smoking after an MS diagnosis is associated with accelerated disease progression. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 patients and found that those who continued to smoke converted to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) faster than those who quit.
Researchers found that dormice start hibernation early when beech trees produce few beechnuts, allowing them to survive during mild weather periods. This behavior changes the view on hibernation as a strategy to decrease energy expenditure.
A simplified 'Test and Treat' intervention was associated with increased engagement in HIV/AIDS care and a 62% reduction in mortality among participants. The program improved diagnosis, linkage to care, and treatment outcomes, with a significant increase in pre-ART CD4 testing and ART initiation.
Researchers found that preverbal infants can learn basic rules through audio-visual pairs only when stimuli match each other's nature. The study suggests that unified sensory input is crucial for effective learning in infancy.
Reduced skeletal calcification in marine algae leads to impaired performance, threatening ecosystem balance. The study reveals a significant impact on material stiffness and flexibility, with even small changes causing substantial drops in ability to resist loads.
Researchers discovered a way to create cell immunity to the E. histolytica parasite by silencing specific genes involved in potassium transport. This approach could lead to the development of new drugs targeting the parasite and preventing deadly diseases.
A groundbreaking Australian pilot project, led by Martina McGrath, will provide a unique, non-clinical approach to care for suicidal persons. The Suicide Attempt Survivors Support Group will inject hope, connectedness, inclusion, and purpose into the lives of those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Researchers at Northwestern University and the University of Illinois have developed a new assembly method that uses strategic 'Kirigami cuts' to create complex 3D structures out of silicon and other materials. The technique enables the production of mostly closed 3D shapes with limited ability to achieve spatially extended devices.
Acute pancreatitis is a sterile inflammation triggered by false alarm molecules, leading to the formation of harmful DNA-protein structures called NETs. Researchers found that neutrophils can activate these structures, causing pancreas damage.
The study found that approximately half of the US adult population has either diabetes or pre-diabetes, with a higher prevalence among non-Hispanic black and Hispanic participants. The prevalence of total diabetes increased significantly over the past few decades, but rates have plateaued in recent years.
A new wearable technology called MagnifiSense tracks user interactions with devices and vehicles to calculate their individual carbon footprint. The system uses electromagnetic radiation signatures generated by appliances to accurately classify user interactions, with high accuracy rates even without calibration.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that smoke-free zones reduce the odds of teens starting to smoke by one-third, while tax hikes lead to a 3% drop in smoking initiation. The researchers also found that current smokers smoked fewer days per month under smoke-free laws.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a way to stretch metal films used in flexible electronics without breaking. By using indium, a fairly inexpensive metal, they were able to create a metal film that could be stretched to twice its original length.
A team of scientists is using an optical interferometer to monitor the growth of stem cells on tiny polymer spheres, enabling large-scale production and quality control. The device takes images as the tank is stirred, allowing researchers to track cell confluence and morphology.
Researchers are developing the world's first computer models capable of testing membrane coatings and designs without physical prototypes. This innovation could significantly reduce costs associated with water treatment and increase access to safe drinking water worldwide.
A reference payment initiative implemented by California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) shifted 90.5% of colonoscopy patients to lower-priced ambulatory surgery centers, saving $7 million in the first two years. The average price paid for colonoscopy decreased from $1,716 in 2011 to $1,508 in 2013.
A study in JAMA found that many EHR products fail to meet usability standards, leading to user frustration and safety risks. Only 22% of certified vendors used at least 15 participants with clinical backgrounds in their usability tests.
New research reveals that the Mary Rose's cod provisions were sourced from distant waters, including the northern North Sea and Icelandic fisheries. The findings suggest a globalized fish trade played a significant role in the growth of the English navy during the Tudor period.
A recent study published in Health Education and Behavior found that individuals who believe their weight is determined by DNA tend to make unhealthy food choices and engage in less exercise as they age. This association was observed across both men and women, with the relationship differing by age.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully isolated 19 unique phosphonate natural products, including those with antibiotic properties, using genome mining. The discovery could potentially lead to new treatments for diseases such as malaria and other bacterial infections.
Research suggests that frequent hits in football may activate the body's natural defense system, producing chronic inflammation that increases blood pressure. This study aims to understand the cause of hypertension in football players and develop preventive strategies.
Studies suggest that the insular cortex, damaged during a stroke, can lead to increased likelihood of quitting smoking and reduced withdrawal symptoms. Smokers who experienced strokes in this area were almost twice as likely to quit smoking compared to those with strokes in other parts of the brain.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study identified a specific ratio of MET to centromere 7 that defines patients with MET-driven lung cancer susceptible to crizotinib treatment. This threshold has been associated with responses approaching 70 percent in clinical trials.