Recent Philae landings have provided new data on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, including its surface composition, mechanical properties, and the presence of organic compounds. The findings suggest a highly porous and dust-ice-rich surface with a compressive strength that could improve future comet missions.
Scientists at UCLA have made groundbreaking breakthroughs in treating paralysis by developing a non-invasive procedure that stimulates the spinal cord, enabling five men with complete paralysis to move their legs. The new approach has shown promising results, suggesting that patients may regain control of multiple body functions.
A University of Queensland study has found that drinking alcohol around the time of conception increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity in early middle age. Research using laboratory rat models showed that exposure to five standard drinks before implantation causes changes to the embryo, leading to increased risk.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals a molecular mechanism connecting obesity-associated inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction in the development of type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that targeting inflammatory pathways could aid in the treatment of metabolic disease.
A new study led by Dr Kevin Cowtan found that climate models fail to reflect real-world measurements due to using air temperature for the whole globe. With 36 different models recalculated, a third of differences disappeared, leaving remaining discrepancies possibly explained by recent global warming fluctuations
A new study estimates the cost of implementing revised physician board recertification requirements will be a significant burden on physicians and patients. The study found that most costs arise from the time required for physicians to fulfill requirements, rather than fees payable to the American Board of Internal Medicine.
The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) has been awarded $1.6 million by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to join PCORnet, a national health research resource. IAN will collaborate with researchers, patient communities, and clinicians to accelerate autism research and improve patient outcomes.
A new study suggests a cutting-edge computer program capable of alleviating PTSD symptoms by reducing fluctuations in attention towards and away from perceived threats. The program, targeting basic cognitive processes, produced significant reductions in severe PTSD symptoms with a similar success rate as cognitive behavioral therapy.
A study of over 70,000 cancer patients found that those referred late by their GP were more likely to be dissatisfied with their care. Patients who experienced referral delays reported negative experiences across various aspects of their care, including diagnosis and treatment.
A team of marine researchers has discovered a three-way conflict between algae, bacteria, and vitamin B12 in the frigid waters off Antarctica. The competition for iron and vitamins has significant implications for understanding globally significant food webs of the Southern Ocean.
Researchers found that mindfulness meditation can decrease unconscious influences motivating smokers to smoke, reducing craving rates by 60% in a 2-week study. Integrative body-mind training also decreases stress hormone cortisol levels and increases immune reactivity.
Researchers have recreated the evolutionary lineage of AAVs to reconstruct an ancient viral particle that is highly effective at delivering gene therapies. The approach could lead to designing a new class of genetic drugs that are safer and more potent than those currently available.
Parasitic plant species can detect nearby hosts through a system similar to a 'smoke detector gene', allowing them to germinate and steal nutrients. Researchers are developing new techniques to combat these weeds using synthetic compounds and chemicals that mimic strigolactones.
A new blood test can predict the severity of traumatic brain injuries and identify patients who may benefit from extra therapy. The test measures brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the blood, which can help doctors advise patients on treatment and monitor their recovery.
Researchers identified lanosterol as a key molecule in preventing lens protein aggregation, a major factor in cataract formation. Treatment with lanosterol significantly decreased preformed protein aggregates and reduced cataract severity in animal models.
A new Penn study found that fish oil supplements' claimed anti-inflammatory effects in humans are suspect due to weak clinical evidence. The team detected no consistent signal of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) formation in healthy volunteers, contradicting previous findings.
A deadly fungal infection, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), threatens North America's wild salamander population via the international pet trade. The fungus is highly virulent and has caused mass die-offs in Europe.
The HVTN 505 study found that the candidate vaccine induced polyreactive antibodies recognizing both HIV and intestinal microbes. These non-specific antibodies may decrease vaccine effectiveness against HIV.
Researchers discovered that patients with detectable HPV16 DNA in their saliva after cancer treatment are more likely to develop cancer recurrence. The finding could lead to earlier detection and better prognosis for these patients, enabling them to receive timely treatment options.
A NASA study reveals California's precipitation deficit between 2012 and 2015 was approximately 20 inches, largely due to a lack of atmospheric rivers. The state's water demand has increased exponentially, depleting reservoirs and groundwater reserves, exacerbating the drought.
Researchers have found that crystals can form in complex shapes using multiple pathways, challenging traditional theories. This new understanding has implications for materials science, health research, and basic science studies, including the formation of shells, teeth, and bones in animals.
A US survey found female physicians work fewer hours, prioritize collegiality over substantial pay, and are more likely to be pediatricians or divorced. The pay disparity remains after controlling for age, geography, specialty, and clinical work.
Researchers developed a novel model to predict the amount of nicotine emitted from e-cigarettes, achieving up to 90% accuracy. The study found that higher voltage devices paired with high-nicotine liquids can deliver more nicotine than traditional cigarettes.
Researchers identified three novel candidate genes, KIRREL3 and SLIT1, involved in immune cell development, and SERPINA9 expressed exclusively at the germinal center where B-cells produce IgA. A new method for analyzing complex traits was also developed to facilitate robust genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in dogs.
A study by researchers at UCLA found that a social skills program for high-functioning young adults with autism improved their ability to engage with peers. The gains persisted 16 weeks after the program ended and were accompanied by increased empathy and greater responsibility.
A team of researchers has designed a passive, low-tech prosthetic knee that delivers similar performance to high-end prosthetics for a few hundred dollars. The prototype mimics the ideal torque profile of able-bodied knees using simple mechanical elements like springs and dampers.
A randomized controlled trial found that individualized lifestyle counseling reduced gestational diabetes incidence in high-risk pregnant women. The study showed a significant reduction in GDM diagnosis and improved health outcomes for both mothers and children.
A team of researchers from Bielefeld University created a virtual package of data for biogas production to improve its understanding. They made their research more reproducible by releasing all the data and computational methods as a shareable container, enabling others to build on these resources to study biogas generation.
Researchers reconstruct Pangea's plate thickness before its break-up, finding a boomerang-shaped arc formed by thick plates. The study reveals the boomerang's shape is controlled by plate thickness and deformation.
Scientists believe the Earth's magnetic field arose at least four billion years ago, according to research published in Science. The findings support previous geochemical measurements on ancient zircons that suggest an age of around 4.4 billion years.
UC Davis researchers have identified a compound, PEP005, that activates latent HIV and increases activation by up to 15-fold when combined with JQ1. This breakthrough offers promising hope for an HIV cure. The study's findings suggest that PEP005 is already approved by the FDA and has great potential to advance into clinical studies.
Researchers develop novel imaging technology to visualize brain's intricate structures, including neurons and blood vessels. The breakthrough enables scientists to study neurological disorders and understand how brain development shapes individual identity.
Researchers have developed a new capacitor dielectric material providing an electrical energy storage capacity similar to certain batteries. The hybrid sol-gel material shows maximum extractable energy densities up to 40 joules per cubic centimeter, exceeding conventional electrolytic capacitors and thin-film lithium ion batteries.
A new study finds Pribilof Canyon in the Bering Sea to contain dense populations of deep-sea corals and sponges, making it a crucial area for conservation efforts. The research also suggests that restrictions on bottom-contact fishing can be implemented without significantly impacting the commercial fishing industry.
Reevaluating pet feeding regimens can help combat pet obesity, with customized diets tailored to individual animals' unique needs. Maintaining a lean body condition score adds years to dogs' lives, while raw and whole-prey diets may offer an alternative to extruded ones.
A recent fungus, Bsal, threatens American salamanders with a 96% fatality rate, highlighting the urgent need for a U.S. ban on salamander imports. The fungus's spread could imperil North American ecosystems, which rely heavily on these small, often overlooked animals.
Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for type 1 diabetes using the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-35, which can reverse or cure the disease in mice models. The study also found that IL-35 concentrations are lower in T1D patients than healthy individuals.
Postpartum body contouring combines abdominoplasty, breast lift surgery, and other procedures to address various regions affected by pregnancy, aiming for a youthful appearance. The combined approach can provide a firmer abdomen, restore breasts, and address issues in adjacent areas with minimal downtime and controlled costs.
Researchers find daily changes in specific brain neurons help regulate biological clocks and aid transitions to different seasons. The study identifies a protein driving these rhythms, Rho1, and highlights its connection to spinocerebellar ataxia.
Researchers reconstructed an ancient virus to deliver gene therapies, targeting liver, muscle, and retina. The discovery could lead to safer and more potent treatments for various diseases.
Experiments with yeast and worms found that incorrect gene expression is a hallmark of aged cells. Reducing such noise extends lifespan in these organisms, with a 30% increase in some strains. Researchers are now investigating the potential for this longevity pathway to be applied to mammalian cells.
A recent study by Dr. J. Paul Hamilton and colleagues reveals that depressive ruminations are linked to the subgenual prefrontal cortex and default mode network, suggesting a functional integration of these brain regions that supports rumination in depression. This understanding may provide new insights into the treatment of depression.
Astronomers confirm exoplanet orbiting far from its central star using gravitational microlensing, opening new discovery space for long-period orbits. The Uranus-sized planet is about 370 million miles from its parent star, with a host star about 70% as massive as our Sun.
A new study has found that rising ocean temperatures and acidification have a significant impact on the survival and development of Antarctic dragonfish. The research reveals that warmer waters can accelerate embryonic development, but also lead to increased mortality rates.
A three-part series in The Lancet highlights the enduring radiological and psychological impact of nuclear disasters, including elevated rates of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers emphasize the need for improved communication about health risks and adequate medical support for vulnerable populations.
Researchers found that TMAO levels increase with advancing severity of kidney disease and are linked to atherosclerosis and premature death. Targeting TMAO generation by intestinal bacteria may be a novel strategy for safeguarding heart health in patients with CKD.
Researchers have identified two gene variants on chromosomes 15 and 8 associated with earlier- or later-than-expected symptom onset in Huntington's disease patients. The findings suggest that these variants may influence the disease process prior to symptoms appear, offering new potential therapeutic strategies.
A study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that listening to surgeons' preferred music reduces repair completion time by 7% while maintaining improved wound closure quality. The effect is more pronounced for senior residents, with a 10% reduction in time and an overall improvement in work quality.
A recent study by IU biologist Farrah Bashey-Visser found that microorganisms are constantly evolving due to competition with other microorganisms, leading to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This can catch humans off guard, requiring them to play catch-up in treatment efforts.
The George Washington University Cancer Institute has been awarded a $250,000 Engagement Award by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to create an online Community of Practice for patient-centered care. The project aims to disseminate patient-centered outcomes research broadly and foster collaboration among researc...
A major new review reveals that every country can afford to support its smokers to stop, with effective measures like cytisine, brief advice, telephone helplines, text messaging programs, and books available globally at low cost. Implementing these solutions could save thousands of lives worldwide.
A study found a significant association between long telomere length and increased risk of lung adenocarcinoma. Long telomeres were associated with more rounds of cell division, potentially allowing for more opportunities to accumulate carcinogenic mutations.
Researchers discovered a small RNA molecule called miR-148a plays a role in lung cancer resistance to TRAIL, and inhibiting NF-κB makes it more effective. This study suggests a way to overcome resistance and develop new treatments for lung cancer.
A new study by Michigan Medicine reveals that seniors receive prescriptions for mental health medications at more than twice the rate of younger adults. However, they are much less likely to be getting their mental health care from a psychiatrist, raising concerns about potential interactions with other medications.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the workings of an error correction mechanism that helps cells detect and correct mistakes in cell division. The study reveals the crucial importance of chromosome position in the spindle and how it affects division success, shedding light on aneuploidy prevention.
A study of high-intensity interval training in women with rheumatic disease found significant reductions in arthritic inflammation and improvements in cardiovascular health. Participants experienced less inflammation, increased oxygen intake, and a small reduction in BMI after ten weeks of twice-weekly sessions.
Researchers at the University of Montreal successfully block apoC-III gene expression, demonstrating significant decreases in triglyceride levels. This breakthrough could lead to precise interventions for severe hypertriglyceridemia, reducing cardiovascular risks.
Eitan Tadmor, a renowned mathematician, has received the prestigious Peter Henrici Prize for his groundbreaking work on nonlinear partial differential equations. His research has had significant impacts on fields like fluid dynamics, image processing, and social dynamics.
A targeted therapy called vismodegib is effective against the SHH subtype of medulloblastoma in adults, which accounts for about 60% of tumors. The drug blocks a key protein in the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway and has been shown to shrink or disappear tumors in four adult participants.
Researchers found that type 1 diabetes patients have significantly lower levels of four proteins (IL8, IL-1Ra, MCP-1, and MIP-1β) that help protect against immune attack. These findings suggest a potential protein cocktail that could aid in disease diagnosis and management, as well as new therapeutic strategies.