A new iPad app, 'This Feeling!', has been shown to be preferred by 95% of children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) over conventional tools. The app uses interactive technology to help children describe their pain experiences, improving communication and support for long-term management.
Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that contributes to age-related macular degeneration due to excessive iron accumulation in retinal cells. Excessive iron impairs the processing of inflammatory RNAs, leading to inflammasome-mediated cell death.
Researchers have discovered that spider and centipede venom originated from an insulin-like hormone, with similar molecular shapes between the toxins and the hormone. This finding has potential applications in developing new pharmaceuticals and bioinsecticides, as well as solving agricultural and medical problems.
Research suggests that clear and strong environmental stimulation can lower apathy levels in nursing home residents with dementia. Apathy is a common neurobehavioral symptom in dementia, affecting up to 90% of older adults, and can lead to faster cognitive decline and caregiver burnout.
Ovarian cancer suppresses immune cells' ability to respond to tumor cells by activating a gene called XBP1. A novel therapy approach aims to restore dendritic cell function and trigger robust immune responses against ovarian tumors.
A joint investigation by UT Southwestern Medical Center and collaborators has identified an enzyme called 15-PGDH that regulates tissue regeneration in multiple organs. By blocking this enzyme with a newly discovered molecule, researchers were able to rescue damaged bone marrow, liver tissue, and colon tissue.
A new screen has identified key environmental signals that modulate bacterial behavior in Salmonella typhimurium, a food-poisoning bacterium. These signals trigger survival tactics and alter biofilm formation.
Researchers have discovered that infants with superior perception skills are more likely to develop autism symptoms later in life. The study found that enhanced visual searching ability at 9 months old predicted more emergent autism symptoms at 15 months and 2 years of age.
Researchers found that lower oxygen levels led to increased precipitation and warmer temperatures due to the resulting drop in atmospheric density. The study's findings suggest that changes in oxygen concentrations may help explain features of past climates not accounted for by variations in carbon dioxide levels.
Research reveals that NSAIDs can inhibit ovulation in women with mild musculoskeletal pain, affecting their ability to conceive. The study found that after just 10 days of treatment, progesterone levels decreased significantly across all treatment groups.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reveals longitudinal brain changes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during late adolescence and young adulthood. The research found that these individuals experienced an exaggeration of normal cortical thinning, which wa...
Researchers found that naturally fermented milk-based products can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice, offering potential antioxidant and cardioprotective benefits. The study suggests that these compounds could be used as potential ingredients for improving human cardiovascular health.
A study found that dendritic cells in elite HIV controllers can detect early signs of HIV infection and trigger a powerful immune response. This ability helps to control the virus, suggesting new avenues for preventative or therapeutic interventions.
Researchers found a unique bacterial signature in the colon of people with systemic sclerosis, which may contribute to clinical symptoms and be used for diagnosis. The study suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria could be a feature of SSc.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed before ambulance arrival increases survival rate by over two-fold. A new SMS Lifesavers system has also caused a 30% increase in CPR, highlighting the effectiveness of mobile technology in emergency response.
Researchers found that warmer summer temperatures in Interior Alaska led to a decline in white spruce tree growth, while Western Alaska saw increased growth rates. The study, which analyzed over 540 tree cores, suggests the boreal forest is shifting towards higher elevations and the western part of the state.
A recent study reveals that nearly 1 in 3 counties in the US have limited access to specialty care for ovarian and cervical cancers, affecting 14.8 million women. The study also found that 15% of women may face barriers to care due to their referral network.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology reveals that woodlice can calm their excited neighbors through a process of behavioral contagion, leading to greater group cohesion. This phenomenon is observed when calm individuals reduce the excitation of their neighbors, causing them to become calm as well.
A meta-analysis of 14 medium- to high-quality studies found that gentamicin-collagen sponges significantly reduced the incidence of sternal wound infections by 38% compared to controls. The use of sponges also reduced the risk of life-threatening inflammation of mid-chest tissues (mediastinitis).
An international research team found that human-mediated dispersal of alien gastropods has led to a global reorganization of biogeographic patterns, with communities becoming increasingly similar across continents. Climate now plays a major role in shaping species distribution, rather than geographical distance.
A recent study reveals that a regulatory gene called NAC016 plays a crucial role in turning off drought-response pathways in plants. This discovery offers new insights into how to develop drought-tolerant crop plants through conventional breeding or biotechnological approaches.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed new agents to inhibit the production of amyloid-beta peptides, a main cause of Alzheimer's disease. The novel curcumin derivatives were proposed through molecular simulations and shown to bind strongly to amyloid precursor protein.
Researchers at UMN identified two key mutations in MERS virus enabling its transmission from bats to humans. These mutations allowed the virus to infect human cells, highlighting a crucial evolutionary strategy used by the virus.
Researchers at Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience found increased synchrony between sensory cortices and subcortical regions in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, contributing to hypersensitivity. This decoupling is thought to reflect the inability to block out irrelevant sensory information.
Researchers found that male and female banded mongooses discriminate between relatives and non-relatives to avoid inbreeding, with males directing mating effort towards less closely related females. The study suggests a previously unknown breeding system where both sexes avoid inbreeding when mating within their extended family group.
Tropical Cyclone Ashobaa is expected to make landfall in eastern Oman, bringing tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rainfall. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 40 knots (46 mph) on June 11.
Researchers studied hawkmoth's ability to hover and track flowers in mid-air while adjusting to changing light conditions. The moths can slow their brains to improve vision under low-light conditions, but only if the flower is moving rapidly.
Li-Jun Ma's research focuses on deciphering the mechanisms underlying fungal pathogenesis and developing novel antifungal therapies. Her work aims to address the growing threat of opportunistic fungal infections, which claim over 1.5 million lives each year.
A multidisciplinary team of NYU researchers suggests that temperature changes in the tissues of the body be used as a safety metric for mobile devices operating at mmWave frequencies, rather than power density. They propose using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor thermal changes and ensure device safety.
Researchers found that EBV-infected B cells evade immune system using the viral protein LMP2A. The protein interferes with recognition by CD8+ T cells, allowing infected cells to escape detection and elimination.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that messages with images depicting the harsh realities of melanoma are more powerful than text-only warnings in persuading young women to reconsider indoor tanning. Loss-framed messages emphasizing the risks of indoor tanning were more effective in decreasing intenti...
Scientists at TUM have characterized a small heat shock protein essential for embryonic development in nematodes, which may have implications for human health. The Sip1 protein regulates itself via pH value and prevents clotting of important proteins.
New experiments on Japanese rice fish reveal that the fox13 gene determines whether a germ cell becomes an egg or sperm cell. Disrupting fox13 in adult fish with two X chromosomes leads to functional sperm formation in females.
A recent study published in Psychopharmacology found that lisdexamfetamine improved executive functions and objective measures of cognitive decline in post-menopausal women. The research suggests that the drug may help alleviate difficulties with memory, time management, and other cognitive tasks.
A study by researchers at the University of California - Davis Health found that children with ADHD who moved more intensely exhibited better cognitive performance. The study suggests that allowing movement during cognitive tasks may be beneficial for students with ADHD, rather than trying to keep them still.
Researchers Alyson M. Thibodeau and colleagues used lead and strontium isotopic ratios to distinguish geological sources of turquoise, shedding light on pre-Hispanic mining practices in the region. The study provides a new approach to investigate turquoise provenance, enabling scientists to better understand ancient mining activities.
Researchers have identified novel populations of nerve cells that regulate appetite, thermogenesis, and physical activity. Deleting the BDNF gene impairs thermogenesis and causes hyperphagia and severe obesity. The study reveals two distinct types of BDNF neurons with different biological roles.
Scientists have identified a type of sugar produced by Gram-negative bacteria called heptose as the trigger for an immune response in patients with gonorrhea. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapies that use the immune system to fight infections instead of antibiotics.
Researchers at MIT report that a widely held assumption about computational complexity is correct, making it unlikely that a more efficient algorithm exists. The current edit distance algorithm, in use for over 40 years, has been deemed the best possible solution for comparing genomes or strings of symbols.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has named 22 top scientists as scholars in the biomedical sciences, who will investigate topics ranging from microbiome to mosquito preference. The program provides four years of flexible funding and aims to advance bioscience and create a healthier world.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory develop a new way of manipulating high-intensity X-rays using a small microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror. The device acts as an ultrafast mirror reflecting X-rays at precise times and specific angles, allowing for the selection of extremely brief but precise X-ray bursts.
The Journal of Biomedical Optics publishes a special section on advances in biomedical optics, celebrating the United Nations-declared International Year of Light. Papers report new methods for noninvasive disease screening, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring using light-based technologies.
A recent Harvard study found that over half of US children and adolescents are not getting enough hydration, leading to potential health problems. Racial and ethnic disparities were also observed, with black children and boys at higher risk of inadequate hydration.
Researchers have confirmed that eosinophils release special agents attracting immune system's professional killers into cancer tissue, leading to improved cancer rejection and increased survival rates in mice. Eosinophils also normalize blood vessels in the tumor, contributing to tumor rejection.
Researchers have developed a new drug that stimulates tissue stem cells to repair damaged tissues more quickly, showing promise in treating diseases such as ulcerative colitis and bone marrow transplants. The drug, known as SW033291, increases prostaglandin E2 levels and promotes tissue healing without adverse side effects.
Researchers found that variations in atmospheric oxygen levels over the past 500 million years may have contributed to changes in global temperatures. The study suggests that lower oxygen concentrations led to higher temperatures and increased precipitation during the Cenomanian time period, a warmest period in the past 100 million years.
A new study suggests that college students who binge drink experience more delayed sleep timing and variable sleep schedules. The research found that heavier drinkers had later bedtimes and rise times, with greater day-to-day variability in sleep length.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers found that dental implants result in higher overall satisfaction among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Women with dental implants reported the highest satisfaction in emotional and sexual areas, while those without restorations scored lower.
The discovery of a stratosphere on WASP-33b offers insights into the planet's composition and formation. The presence of titanium oxide in the atmosphere indicates temperature inversion, similar to Earth's ozone layer.
A new study suggests that bright light exposure at the end of a night shift may enhance driving performance, particularly in low light environments. Bright light significantly suppressed melatonin levels, but did not immediately improve subjective alertness or psychomotor vigilance performance.
The defense cascade is a continuum of innate defensive behaviors in response to threats. Clinicians can use targeted interventions to decrease arousal, manage traumatic memories, and alleviate negative emotional reactions.
Researchers found that elite HIV controllers' dendritic cells are better able to detect and respond to HIV, producing higher levels of immune-boosting proteins. This unique ability allows them to generate powerful T-cell responses against the virus, which may help others control or even cure HIV without treatment.
Researchers discovered that high doses of antioxidants can disrupt intracellular signaling in neural stem cells, leading to a decrease in their stemness properties. However, treatment with antioxidants improved stem cell function, but only up to a point.
A new study published in Cell found that human heart muscle cells are primarily formed during childhood, with only 40% replaced throughout a person's life. This discovery suggests it may be possible to stimulate the rebuilding of lost heart tissue through therapeutic strategies.
A study by the University of Arizona's BIO5 Institute has identified potential protective compounds in dust samples from Amish farming communities. The findings suggest that these natural environmental products could be transformed into medicines to promote lung health and prevent asthma. The research aims to understand the biological ...
Researchers have identified a serotonin receptor, HTR7, as a key mediator of eczema and other forms of itch. The study suggests that targeting this receptor may lead to the development of powerful new therapies for chronic itch conditions.
Researchers at UTA are using geofoam blocks to bolster the earth beneath roads and bridges, slowing down settling of soft and compressible soils. This innovative solution aims to improve infrastructure safety and stability, particularly in areas with heavy truck traffic loads.
A study by University of Michigan researcher Monica Dus found a hormone that triggers digestive response to real sugar but not artificial sweeteners in fruit flies, suggesting humans may have similar mechanism. This discovery helps explain why diet foods fail to satiate hunger and lead to weight gain.
Researchers from Boston Children's Hospital and Merck have built a digital phenotype of insomnia and other sleep disorders based on Twitter data. The study found that Twitter users with sleep problems are less active on social media but tweet more during traditional sleeping hours, suggesting an increased risk for psychosocial issues.
Researchers found that mutations in ARID1a gene sensitize certain tumors to PARP inhibitor drugs, allowing for more effective treatment options. The study highlights the importance of using genomic information to guide cancer therapy and identify precise treatments for individual patients.