The Assisted Dying Bill aims to provide protection for terminally ill and mentally competent adults through judicial consent, but experts disagree on its safeguards. Jacky Davis argues that the bill will result in fewer suffering deaths, while Baroness Ilora Finlay warns of potential vulnerabilities among certain groups.
The US Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision reduces stigmatization and discrimination among LGBT individuals, leading to improved mental and physical health. The ruling also expands health coverage for same-sex couples and addresses barriers to care through employer insurance and tax benefits.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on Tropical Storm Danny, revealing cloud top temperatures near -63F/-52C and sea surface temperatures over 300 kelvin. The storm is expected to strengthen and potentially become a hurricane by August 23, with maximum sustained winds reaching 105 mph.
Seizures in neonates after cardiac surgery are common and linked to higher mortality rates, according to a new study. The study found that seizures were not uncommon and would not have been detected without continuous EEG monitoring.
Reducing trade barriers between countries leads to a decrease in defence spending, as shown by researchers Roman Zakharenko and his colleagues. The study found that increased trade volumes can reduce defence spending globally, with significant reductions observed in countries participating in trade relations.
The Sumatran rhinoceros is considered extinct in the wild in Malaysia due to lack of sightings since 2007. The remaining individuals are estimated to be fewer than 100 in Indonesia, with nine in captivity; conservation experts urge increased efforts to save the species.
New research from Wake Forest University reveals little difference in the force delivered by archerfish's water jets to targets at different distances. In a surprising twist, fish prefer closer targets when given the choice, likely due to time constraints for prey capture.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard Medical School discovered a new pathway that controls human metabolism by prompting adipocytes to store or burn fat. The study identified two master controllers of thermogenesis, IRX3 and IRX5, which turn off fat storage genes and restore energy balance.
A new study by Montefiore and Einstein researchers recommends referring pregnant women with severe headaches and elevated blood pressure immediately for neuroimaging and monitoring. The study found that high blood pressure is a major indicator of preeclampsia, which can lead to pregnancy complications.
Researchers discovered single-cell organisms can somersault and bend their bodies to navigate confined spaces, exhibiting unique behaviors such as meandering wanderings and ballistic swimming traits. This finding has significant implications for the study of microfluidics and its applications in various engineering and scientific fields.
Researchers created a vomiting device to study the aerosolization of virus particles similar to human norovirus. They found that only 0.02% of the total virus in the vomit was aerosolized, but this can still amount to thousands of infectious particles.
Researchers have developed a technology to economically convert atmospheric CO2 into highly valued carbon nanofibers, which can be used in products like strong composites and sports equipment. The process uses electrolytic syntheses and is powered by solar energy, with potential to remove large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere.
The Louisiana Tech University will contribute to a $20 million NSF grant focused on multi-scale replication and forming technologies, as well as adaptive manufacturing of small numbers of application-specific structures using laser-based 3D printing. The university's faculty and infrastructure will support the success of this project.
A three-year NSF-funded grant will support research on how brain cells regulate locomotion in zebrafish. The project aims to understand the role of neurotransmitters, particularly GABA, and identify specific receptor types that control movement.
Counterfeiting in the fashion industry can lead to improved quality, aesthetics, and affordability for consumers. Brands react by investing in superior materials and designs to differentiate themselves from counterfeit products.
In a study of Bahamas mosquitofish, female genitalia evolve to show 'no means no' to predators and interbreeding males. Females in areas with high predation risk have smaller genital openings, while those without predation risk have larger, more oval-shaped openings.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed an algorithm that can assess the onset time, pitch and magnitude of wheezing sounds to provide healthcare professionals with information about lung condition. The algorithm is effective regardless of patient size and can handle breathing pattern variability.
A team of researchers found that several bat species are struggling in fragmented landscapes, but also discovered that shade-grown coffee plantations offer a lifeline for biodiversity. These plantations keep native forest canopies while promoting wildlife-friendly agriculture.
Researchers identified two new genetic susceptibility regions specific to European women with PCOS, including a region containing the FSH gene, which plays an essential role in ovarian function. The study provides crucial insights into the disorder's biological pathways, paving the way for new treatments and disease prevention approaches.
Researchers developed a faster method for classifying benign and malignant human breast tissues using fresh samples. This automated method eliminates the need for time-consuming tissue preparation and specialist assessment, potentially improving breast cancer management in developing countries.
Patients without obstructive CAD are just as likely to experience angina after a heart attack as those with obstructive CAD. Non-invasive strategies to reduce angina burden could significantly impact patients' health and quality of life.
Researchers found that tubulin assembly involves a single machine comprising the largest four genes, which powers the process using chemical energy and assembles microtubules that play critical roles in cell structure and division. Understanding this system may provide new strategies for controlling microtubules in cancer cells.
Krishnakumar Kizhatil has been awarded the prestigious Lewis Rudin Glaucoma Prize for his research on Schlemm's canal, a unique vessel that plays a key role in glaucoma. The prize recognizes Kizhatil's work as a major breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis of intraocular pressure elevation and its link to glaucoma.
Researchers found a significant increase in helium-3 to helium-4 ratio at the hot spring closest to the volcano prior to the 2014 eruption. This suggests that helium anomalies are associated with phreatic eruptions, potentially offering valuable insights for long-term risk management and disaster mitigation.
Researchers investigate how mechanical loading affects bone strength and disease-related fragility by studying collagen's biological mechanism. The study aims to deliver new understanding of mechanically-induced adaptation in bone and provide ways to target bone disease through collagen modulation.
Researchers analyzed toilet waste from international flights to identify disease-causing microorganisms and resistance genes. The study found geographical differences in resistance genes and microorganism prevalence, highlighting the potential for airports as global surveillance sites.
A recent study at the Center for BrainHealth found that nicotine use alters the effects of marijuana on the brain. The researchers discovered an association between smaller hippocampal brain volume and increased memory performance in individuals who use both marijuana and tobacco compared to those who only use marijuana or tobacco excl...
Researchers propose that bacteria in the gut activate immune cells against proteins in the eye, leading to autoimmune uveitis. A study on mice found that eliminating gut bacteria delayed disease onset and severity, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for this condition.
A national survey of EMS providers identified airway management skills and personal anxiety as key factors contributing to pediatric safety events in out-of-hospital care. The study supports the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation for pediatric physician involvement in EMS training and policy development.
A new study reveals that lizard embryos can die at 110 degrees Fahrenheit, even for short periods, due to the heat trap effect of nests. This bias in previous studies has led to overly optimistic forecasts about lizards' fate during climate change.
New research shows that increased US border enforcement alters traditional settlement patterns, leading more Mexican immigrants to settle in states beyond the borders. For every 1,000 additional border patrol agents, a state's share of Mexican immigrants declined by nearly 22 percentage points.
A new method developed by McGill University professor Shaun Lovejoy could significantly improve atmospheric forecasting accuracy, particularly over long periods. By leveraging the atmosphere's long-term memory, Lovejoy's approach shows promise in explaining the 'pause' in global warming since 1998.
Researchers found that high-fat diets impair stomach receptors that signal fullness, leading to delayed feelings of satisfaction and increased food consumption. The study suggests that capsaicin in hot chillies may prevent overeating through its action on these nerves.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that middle-management employees suffer from higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to those at the top or bottom of the social hierarchy. Symptoms of depression were reported by 18% of supervisors and managers, while workers experienced 12%.
Researchers tested the novel next-generation small molecule drug SGI-110 in MDS and AML patients, revealing it is well-tolerated and biologically active. The study found potent dose-related DNA demethylation associated with clinical response, showing promise for treating leukemia patients.
Australian and Chinese researchers have made significant progress in determining the causes of soil acidification. By examining a massive transect of land in China, they found different drivers of soil acidification processes in various types of soils.
Teens who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking combustible tobacco products, according to a recent study. The study found that e-cigarette users were 31% more likely to report using combustible tobacco within six months of using e-cigarettes.
A new study by Tohoku University researchers found that meteorite impacts can create nucleobases and amino acids, essential components of life. The team's hypervelocity impact experiments revealed the formation of two types of nucleobases and nine proteinogenic amino acids.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity decreased in Greek schoolchildren, while normal weight children increased, during the early years of the Greek economic crisis. This change may be attributed to suboptimal living conditions during that period.
A recent study by the UC Davis team has discovered that an early inflammatory response can 'paralyze' CD4 T cells, a crucial component of the immune system. This finding could lead to more effective cancer treatments and new approaches for managing autoimmune conditions.
Participants in an agricultural intervention showed improved HIV outcomes, including increased CD4 cell counts and viral suppression rates. The program addressed food insecurity, poverty, and empowerment, demonstrating a potential solution to combat the intertwined issues of HIV/AIDS and food insecurity.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that a mother's genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining her baby's birth weight and length, rather than their own height. The research also found that taller mothers tend to deliver babies at earlier gestational ages.
Scientists at the University of Zurich successfully controlled colloidal nanoparticles' motion, harnessing electric and optical forces to manipulate their behavior. The technique enables rapid displacement, low energy consumption, and large storage capacity, making it suitable for new data storage applications or high-resolution displays.
Research shows that long-term abstinent heroin users experience persistent brain dysfunction in the nucleus accumbens region. This altered activity may trigger intense cravings for drugs in response to stressors or environmental cues.
Researchers found that comet impacts can synthesize peptides, the first building blocks of life, under cold conditions. This suggests that comet impacts played a crucial role in delivering life's seeds to early Earth.
Researchers found that group B streptococcus mutations can promote virulence in infants, particularly after the first few days of life. The study identified specific genomic changes associated with increased virulence, highlighting the need for better therapeutic interventions against neonatal GBS infections.
Actin filaments exhibit synchronized motion when motor proteins are added, with local curvatures incompatible with thermal fluctuations. Collective motion emerges at high densities through non-binary interactions among filaments.
A new study reveals liver fibrosis affects 5.6% of adults aged ?45, primarily those with diabetes or steatosis. The rising prevalence highlights the growing concern of liver health issues due to an aging population and increasing rates of diabetes and obesity.
Researchers have developed a nearly complete human brain model, engineered from adult human skin cells, with an identifiable structure and containing 99% of the genes present in the human fetal brain. The lab-grown brain has the potential to accelerate studies of genetic and environmental causes of central nervous system disorders.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a single gene, SEC14L2, that allows the easy replication of hepatitis C virus in human liver cancer cell lines. This breakthrough enables scientists to study naturally occurring forms of the virus and develop new effective treatments.
Typhoon Atsani intensified with heavy rainfall rates exceeding 90 mm/h, reaching 16.8 km in height. NASA's GPM analysis predicts it will become a super-typhoon by August 20, posing a threat to the Pacific Ocean.
Researchers have discovered how an emerging class of antibiotics targets bacterial membranes, showing promise in combating superbugs. The study reveals that these antimicrobial lipopeptides form micelles that stick to the bacterial membrane, selectively killing cells while sparing mammalian host cells.
Research finds gut microbes produce a molecule mimicking retinal protein, activating T cells responsible for autoimmune uveitis. The study offers a novel mechanism explaining how tissue-specific autoimmune diseases can arise from responses to gut microbes at a distal site in the body.
A new study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science finds that patients who require immediate medical attention tend to view their doctors as 'empty vessels,' lacking emotions. These patients expect their physicians to empathize with them and contain their emotions, which can lead to better care if acknowledged.
Scientists at UEA have discovered a way to switch the structure of DNA using copper salts and EDTA, enabling potential applications in nanotechnology and DNA-based computing. This breakthrough could also be used for detecting toxic copper cations in water.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute developed a method to simultaneously localize bacteria and antibiotic production in environmental samples. Using mass-spectrometric imaging, they visualized the distribution of antibiotics piericidin A1 and B1 across the outer surface of beewolf cocoons.
The CTRI will support eight junior faculty through the CTSA grant program, create a new post-doctoral fellowship focused on team science, and develop infrastructure to speed regulatory processes. The institute will also expand biomarker and biocomputational capacity and improve information systems tools for research.
A recent study published in Neurosurgery found that brain surgery quality of care is not accurately reflected by patient satisfaction ratings. Despite high overall satisfaction rates, many patients experienced postoperative complications, highlighting the need for more reliable measures of quality care.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz set a new record for superconductivity by observing conventional superconductivity in hydrogen sulfide at -70 degrees Celsius under high pressure. The discovery highlights a potential way to transport current at room temperature with no loss.
A study by Carnegie's Alan Boss and Sandra Keiser suggests that a shock wave from a supernova may have induced the spin of our Solar System, enabling the formation of a disk around our proto-Sun. This finding challenges previous theories and provides new insights into the earliest phases of planet formation.