Researchers have discovered that an existing drug, rapamycin, reduces body fat and appetite in older rats, preserving lean body mass. The study's findings have implications for developing anti-obesity treatments for aging humans, with potential benefits including improved health outcomes.
A Cochrane Review found a lack of conclusive evidence on how to care for patients with dementia who suffer from hip fractures. The review highlights the need for better research into post-operative care strategies, particularly in hospital settings and the community.
A nationwide analysis of 14,655 women found that those with endometriosis have a higher risk of early pregnancy loss and later complications. Women with a history of endometriosis are also at a higher risk of haemorrhage, preterm birth, and other issues.
A collaboration between Queensland University of Technology and Avesthagen will translate research findings into a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for migraine. The targeted vitamin therapy has shown reduced migraine disability, frequency, and severity in clinical trials.
A study found that one in five young patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) require psychotropic drugs within five years, with a risk double that of healthy peers. This highlights the need for specialist care and long-term follow-up for VTE patients.
A 3000-year-long record of climatic variations has been discovered in a remote Scottish cave, providing insights into historical events like the Roman Empire's fall and the Viking Age. The research tracked changes in the North Atlantic Oscillation, revealing prolonged positive phases that influenced rainfall patterns.
A study by the University of Sydney found that an ABC TV program questioning the link between cholesterol and heart disease resulted in 14,000 fewer people taking statins per week. The program's impact was seen in those at high risk of cardiovascular disease, potentially leading to preventable heart attacks and strokes.
A dose reduction strategy for TNF inhibitors can maintain good clinical response in RA patients even when the dose is reduced by one-third. Reducing the dose by two-thirds results in more flares, but these subsided when the higher dose was restarted.
A new trial found that hydroxychloroquine does not reduce pain, disability, or joint stiffness in patients with primary hand osteoarthritis. The study suggests that this medication should no longer be prescribed for this condition, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options.
Researchers have developed TAML activators that effectively break down harmful chemicals in water, reducing the risk of fish feminization and other adverse effects. The catalysts were tested on water samples from municipal wastewater plants and found to be at least as effective as ozone treatment systems.
Researchers have discovered remains of the hazel dormouse in the Lezetxiki cave site on the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to the Upper Pleistocene period. The find confirms that the species had a wider distribution than previously thought, with Lezetxiki being the southernmost point in Europe where dormouse remains have been found.
Researchers identified a significant association between low DNA methylation scores and radiographic progression in ankylosing spondylitis. Smoking was also found to worsen disease outcomes, with smokers exhibiting more rapid joint damage than non-smokers.
A new era in animal tracking is underway, with advancements in GPS tags and satellite technology allowing scientists to track animals in real-time. Researchers can now analyze health data, energy use, and brain waves, providing insights into complex interactions among animals.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Rhode Island Hospital a $5.8 million grant to support its cancer research program. The Center for Cancer Research Development will launch several pilot programs and extend the sustainability of its programs beyond Phase III, with a focus on developing new diagnostic and treatment protocols.
The Government of Canada has renewed funding for Grand Challenges Canada, investing $161 million (2015-2025) in initiatives supporting maternal, newborn and child health. This support will help enable the renewal of flagship programs Saving Lives at Birth and Saving Brains.
A study led by Catarina Ferreira reveals that peer reviews in scientific research are subjective and variable in quality. The researcher proposes alternatives to improve the system, including standardizing review criteria, guidelines, and recognition of reviewers.
Researchers have created a detailed atlas of surface proteins on naive CD4+ T cells, which play a crucial role in the development of immunological memory. The findings provide insights into the cell's maturation process and could lead to new therapeutic approaches for allergies and asthma.
Tropical cyclone Ashobaa made landfall in Oman on June 12, 2015, bringing tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rainfall. The NASA Terra satellite provided key imagery of the storm's progression, including false-colored infrared data and a visible image after it passed Masirah Island.
Early RA patients exhibit cardiomyopathy, reduced vascular function, and increased cardiovascular mortality. Cardiac MRI revealed aortic stiffness, left ventricular volumes, and geometry changes indicative of cardiac abnormalities.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have successfully created magnetic skyrmion bubbles at room temperature, a breakthrough that could lead to more energy-efficient computer memory. The method uses a geometric structure to generate the bubbles, which can be moved using electric currents.
A new study found that older asthma patients, particularly those over 30, are more likely to experience treatment failure. The risk of treatment failure increases proportionally with age above 30 and is associated with lower lung function measurements and longer duration of asthma.
Two studies show ultrasound can identify RA patients in clinical remission with active subclinical synovitis, highlighting the risk of progressive joint damage. High-resolution ultrasound diagnoses active subclinical synovitis identifies patients who benefit from more intensive treatment.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that obese patients are more prone to developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to a hormone imbalance. The study suggests that replacing the deficient hormone adiponectin may prevent ARDS in at-risk individuals.
Researchers at Disney Research Zurich developed a method for accurate video object segmentation using a click-and-drag interface that enables human editors to work efficiently with state-of-the-art algorithms. This approach achieves higher accuracies than fully automated systems by keeping a human in the loop.
A recent study examining 2,400 post-mortem records from VA hospitals found that nearly half of veterans who died from opioid overdoses were also receiving benzodiazepines. Veterans prescribed higher doses of benzodiazepines with opioids had a greater risk of overdose death than those on lower doses.
A new trial design, called a two-by-two trial, can account for behavior-treatment interactions and provide more accurate efficacy results. By randomizing both treatment and probability of treatment, researchers can quantify the effects of treatment, behavior, and their interaction.
Researchers have discovered a gene mutation associated with an aggressive form of brain cancer called anaplastic oligodendroglioma. The study found that errors in the TCF12 gene render the protein less able to bind to DNA, leading to reduced activity of other key genes, including CHD1.
Dr. Vijay Tiwari is awarded the Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung Award for his pioneering work on understanding how cells change from regular to metastatic cells. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms, which have significant implications for treating cancer and other diseases.
Researchers investigated how training affects dogs' ability to follow human gaze. They found that formal training and short-term training decrease dogs' gaze following performance. In contrast, aging does not significantly affect this ability.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is examining when and why employees hide critical information on the job, a phenomenon known as knowledge hoarding. The three-year study will evaluate its effects on work teams' performance and identify optimal ways to distribute knowledge.
The Stanford University's Natural Gas Initiative aims to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and boost economies through the responsible development of natural gas. The program will fund interdisciplinary research in six key areas, including resource development, environmental impacts, and policy reform.
The DFG is increasing its research fellowships for recent postdoctoral researchers conducting their first projects abroad. Fellowship holders will now receive a basic monthly sum of 1,750 euros and a fixed allowance for direct project costs of 250 euros. This increase aims to provide better opportunities in international competition.
A new method has identified children with rheumatic disease who are eligible for a life-saving vaccine. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective even in patients taking immunosuppression treatment.
A mechanism regulating plasma cell lifespan has been elucidated, identifying a promising new biomarker sBCMA for monitoring autoimmune diseases. The study shows that BCMA shedding is correlated with disease severity in multiple sclerosis and lupus patients.
Fatigue remains a debilitating problem for RA patients, with healthcare professionals often failing to measure it. New guidelines recommend validated fatigue measurements to improve patient outcomes. In contrast, treatment aimed at achieving disease remission is unlikely to be effective in addressing fatigue.
Researchers studied the western Grand Canyon and found that it must be younger than a fault slip that occurred 18 to 12 million years ago. The data also suggest that the notion of the canyon starting to erode about six million years ago is still the best scientific idea for its age.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich developed an assay to rebuild mammary gland tissue architecture using human breast epithelial cells. The mini-mammary glands exhibit properties similar to those of aggressive breast cancer cells, suggesting a link between normal breast stem cell function and tumor progression.
A new technique for detecting proteins in tissues has been developed at Uppsala University, enabling robust and inexpensive analysis. The method uses antibodies linked to DNA strands and emits light when attached, making it suitable for point-of-care devices and clinical applications.
A Swedish study found that interventions among healthy people were the key to saving lives, with changes in risk factors such as smoking cessation, diet, and blood pressure levels contributing significantly. The greatest impact was seen in people over 55, highlighting the need for a broader approach to health promotion.
Researchers found that increased CO2 levels restrict plants' ability to absorb nitrogen, a key nutrient for crop growth. The study reveals reduced nitrogen content in crops regardless of growth stimulation or fertilizer addition.
Researchers identified IL-1β as a crucial factor in blood-induced cartilage damage. A new treatment targeting IL-1β may provide protection for cartilage after trauma or bleeding due to hemophilia, potentially reducing subsequent disability.
A study found that physical activity declines over time in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), worsening lung function and health status. Sustained physical inactivity is associated with progression of exercise intolerance and muscle depletion.
A University of Florida Health study found that extensive physical therapy helped severely impaired stroke survivors recover motor function, even a year or more after their stroke. The research, which included five hours of rehabilitation per day for 12 weeks, showed significant improvement in arm movements and complex tasks.
A UT study found that active video games involving total body participation can provide moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity in children aged 5-8 years old. The study compared energy expenditure of active video gaming to unstructured outdoor play and showed a significant difference in accelerometer readings.
Tropical Storm Carlos is slowly developing in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, lingering off Mexico's southwestern coast. The storm is expected to move northwest over the next couple of days, bringing heavy rains and potentially life-threatening surf conditions to southern Mexico.
A systematic review of 15 randomized controlled trials found that biologics significantly reduce accumulated missed workdays and improve work productivity among patients with rheumatic diseases. This suggests a potential economic benefit to treating these conditions.
A new five-year grant aims to develop novel treatments for diseases that inhibit blood cell growth and abnormalities in the bone marrow environment. The study focuses on the role of laminin in maintaining healthy bone marrow and identifying potential targets for treating bone marrow failure syndromes.
Researchers have successfully transplanted a circadian rhythm from cyanobacteria into bacteria, opening up new possibilities for precisely timed drug release and therapeutic applications. The genetically engineered bacteria can monitor gut microbiota and potentially influence metabolic functions.
The discovery of stone tools from Mughr el-Hamamah cave in Jordan provides evidence for the emergence of division of labor in early Upper Paleolithic humans. The tools, dating back to 40,000-45,000 years ago, show a mix of techniques and suggest that individuals were starting to live, work, and form families in larger social networks.
A new evidence-based protocol to treat acute, severe pain in emergency department patients has been shown to be effective and safe. The study found that simply asking patients if they want more pain medication resulted in satisfactory pain control for 99% of participants.
Researchers developed a predictive model using VHA health system data to identify small groups of individuals with very high predicted suicide risk. The study found that the model was more sensitive than clinical flagging and could help tailor suicide prevention efforts to those at highest risk.
Researchers discovered a statistically significant increase in osteoblast formation when human mesenchymal stem cells were treated with the compound SR2595, which targets PPARy. The findings demonstrate a new therapeutic application for drugs targeting PPARy and may have broader implications for treating metabolic and bone diseases.
A study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis are less protected by the hepatitis B vaccine, highlighting increased risk of infection despite vaccination. The vaccine's efficacy was lower in RA patients compared to those without the condition.
A study by EULAR found that inspiratory muscle training (IMT) significantly improves lung strength and efficiency in AS patients, outperforming conventional treatment. After just eight weeks of IMT, patients showed improvements in chest expansion, aerobic capacity, resting pulmonary function, and ventilator efficiency.
Researchers found that finasteride treatment led to a marked decline in erectile function and testosterone levels, while tamsulosin therapy showed no adverse effects. The study highlights the need for careful consideration of sexual side effects when treating benign prostate enlargement with 5α reductase inhibitors.
Researchers at UGA have discovered a potential treatment for pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension using the drug triciribine. The study shows that triciribine can halt disease progression and may even reverse some of the damage to lung tissue.
A study published in NMR in Biomedicine found that brain cell density remains constant with age, contrary to previous assumptions that brain cell loss is associated with aging. The researchers used ultra-high-field MRI scans to make detailed images of the brain, revealing preserved cell density throughout the brain.
A study by University of Iowa scientists found that adding high salt to a high-fat diet prevents weight gain in mice, suggesting non-caloric nutrients can significantly impact energy balance and weight gain. The researchers discovered that digestive efficiency, not caloric content, is the key factor in suppressing weight gain.
Researchers demonstrate a novel approach for generating new phases using high-pressure crystallographic studies of molecular materials. The study reveals the structural changes in α-Co(dca)2 under pressure, shedding light on its correlation with magnetic properties.
Researchers have identified a genetic switch that determines whether germ cells become sperm or eggs in the medaka fish. In females lacking this gene, sperm are produced in the ovaries and function normally, challenging the long-held assumption of sex determination being linked to body appearance.