A new $4.4 million research project aims to improve diagnosis and therapies for obesity-related health problems, including coronary heart disease, endometrial cancer, type-2 diabetes, and degenerative joint disease. The project will utilize big data analytics and genomics to gain insights into the causes of obesity.
Researchers at Umeå University discovered that increased CO2 levels shifted photosynthetic metabolism in plants towards photosynthesis, contributing to global vegetation's ability to dampen climate change. The study used historic plant samples to quantify the impact of atmospheric CO2 levels on plant metabolism.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine used non-invasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to detect vulnerable atherosclerosis plaques, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The study showed that MRI can discriminate between high-risk and stable plaques at early stages.
A recent study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that individuals with diabetic foot complications suffer from significantly impaired cognitive function. Cognitive abilities such as memory, concentration, and learning are affected, with patients exhibiting slower responses and decreased verbal fluency.
Dr. Donald Schomer, a Harvard Medical School professor, is recognized for his pioneering work in comprehensive epilepsy programs and training fellow clinicians worldwide. He has trained 46 fellows since establishing the fellowship program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Research reveals disrupted sleep in people with epilepsy can impede memory formation, impair cognitive performance, and influence daily life. Studies show links between sleep disturbances and seizure control, as well as the impact of nighttime seizures on memory retention.
Engineers at University of California, Santa Barbara developed a new tunnel field effect transistor that switches at only 0.1 volts and reduces power dissipation by over 90%, overcoming the fundamental limitations of conventional transistors.
A recent study by University of Edinburgh researchers has identified two molecules, Hif-1alpha and Hif-2alpha, that work together to prevent the development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in an aggressive type of blood cancer. The findings suggest that therapies designed to block these molecules may have no impact or worsen the disease.
A new study in PLOS One analyzes tens of millions of tweets surrounding specific social protests and finds that a critical periphery of 'slacktivists' greatly amplify a movement's message, doubling its reach. The researchers argue that these peripheral players are essential to give protests resonance.
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels and industry grew by just 0.6 per cent last year, marking a slowdown. China's decreased coal use is largely responsible for the break in global emissions growth, with emissions projected to decline by 0.6 per cent this year.
The OIST team developed an on-off switch with ultrathin optical fibers, using the quantum properties of rubidium atoms in the presence of different wavelengths of light. This proof-of-concept system could be used as a building block in a quantum network, enabling efficient data transfer and security.
Designers of Christmas cards employed fine art to divert attention from growing consumerism and promote art and aesthetic values. Rare cards held by a Devon-based private collector showcased high-quality artwork, bridging the boundary between fine and decorative arts.
A new study from the University of Exeter found that larger protected areas with irregular shapes tend to host more species. Habitat fragmentation, however, can reduce species diversity in these areas.
Virginia Tech researchers have discovered that plasmacytoid dendritic cells do not contribute to late-stage lupus in mice, contradicting years of previous research. The study's findings suggest that pDCs are only involved in the initiation of lupus, rather than its progression.
A recent study found that a reform model aimed at improving coordinated care for individuals with mental health diagnoses has yet to deliver desired results. The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Alternative Quality Contract, which began in 2009, was designed to encourage high-value care and improve quality coordination, but its ...
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has granted $478,000 to researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to develop a vaccine against trypanosomiasis, a fatal disease of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa. The vaccine aims to enhance the immune response of infected hosts to control the disease.
Dr. William Bottke will present on a relatively tranquil time between two violent bombardment phases in the early solar system, exploring evidence from various sources including planet formation models and ancient samples.
The new Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) journal has published its first issue, featuring a special focus on heart failure. Key findings include strategies to reduce heart failure readmission rates and the use of noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring for improved management.
Walter J. Arabasz received the Frank Press Public Service Award for his public service in modernizing seismic monitoring in the US. He led the development of Utah's regional seismic network and played a key role in informing state seismic safety policies.
Researchers developed a new index identifying concurrent but unrelated diseases among AYA cancer patients, highlighting prevalence of mental illness, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions. The AYA HOPE Comorbidity Index can predict service needs and improve treatment outcomes for young cancer patients.
Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels declined by 0.6% in 2015, marking a break from the rapid growth of the past decade. The largest contributor to this decline was a decrease in coal consumption in China, which slowed its emissions growth to 1.2%.
Researchers at MIT have developed a stretchy hydrogel material that can incorporate temperature sensors, LED lights, and drug-delivering reservoirs. The hydrogel can sense changes in skin temperature and release medicine as needed, making it a potential treatment for burns or other skin conditions.
A team of researchers has developed an open software platform to simulate a complete model of the adult fruit fly brain for the first time. The platform will enable global collaboration and accelerate model development, providing insights into diseases such as Alzheimer's and motor neurone disease.
A study of over 99,000 children found that weight increase during the first year of life is associated with a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The average change in weight from birth to 12 months was linked to an increased risk, while length gain showed no association.
A new study has found that combining the blood thinner warfarin with certain diabetes medications increases hospitalizations for falls, altered mental state, and insulin shock among Medicare patients. The study's findings have significant implications for patient safety and healthcare costs.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine received NIH grants to study Parkinson's disease, investigating gliptins for effective treatment. They also explored regenerating stem cells to heal the brain after a stroke and targeting brain tumor stem cells to develop new therapy strategies.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology developed a tiny wireless temperature sensor that measures just 2 square millimeters and weighs 1.6 milligrams. The sensor operates beneath a layer of paint or concrete, consumes extremely low energy, and can be easily incorporated into buildings.
A recent study by Cornell University found that firefighter platoons who eat meals together have better group job performance compared to those who dine solo. This phenomenon is attributed to the social bonding and intimacy that comes with sharing meals, which spills over into improved work performance.
Research on invasive yellow crazy ants found they are more likely to attack native cruiser butterfly caterpillars than green tree ants. The study suggests a potential eradication program could mitigate ecological damage, but federal support is uncertain without state and local backing.
A new study by Princeton University researchers suggests that warmer nights may lead to more carbon being released into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. The research found a strong correlation between tropical nighttime temperatures and variations in plant respiration rates, which produce carbon dioxide.
The Target Validation Platform provides a single, robust infrastructure that integrates high-level information from key sources of evidence. It enables communities to work together, making the hand-off from basic research to drug discovery smoother, and is expected to grow substantially as it integrates experimental project data.
Scientists from Switzerland and the Netherlands have identified over 2,300 bacterial proteins in 22 different growth conditions, representing half of the bacterial genes. The dataset provides insight into protein function, expression levels, and post-translational adaptations.
A new randomized clinical trial found that acetaminophen does not provide benefits in fighting the flu or reducing symptoms. The trial involved adults with confirmed influenza infections, who were treated with paracetamol or placebo for five days.
A new study shows that Greenland's glaciers are retreating twice as fast as in the past 9,500 years, highlighting their acute temperature sensitivity. The sediment cores from a glacier-fed lake provide the first continuous observation of glacier change in southeastern Greenland.
Amol Aggarwal, a Harvard University PhD student, received the 2016 Morgan Prize for his exceptional work in combinatorics. He has already published four research papers and has been awarded several prestigious fellowships.
A Yale-led study finds that individuals with negative beliefs about aging are more likely to develop brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. Combatting these negative beliefs could potentially reduce the rising rate of Alzheimer's disease.
Four studies explore the interplay between epilepsy and aging, revealing unexpected consequences on the brain. Researchers found that uncontrolled epilepsy can lead to accelerated brain aging, while others discovered a link between traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic epilepsy in the elderly population.
A mindfulness-based stress reduction program has been shown to improve attention and reduce mistakes on difficult cognitive tasks in breast and colorectal cancer survivors. The program, known as MBSR, provides a creative solution for managing cancer-related cognitive impairment, which can be incapacitating.
Researchers at Imperial College London have genetically modified Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes to be infertile, using a gene drive technology that can spread the trait rapidly. The goal is to reduce the spread of malaria parasites, which infect over 200 million people annually and cause 430,000 deaths.
Researchers used a novel approach to measure the forces exerted by tumor cells on their surrounding connective tissue. By analyzing tissue deformations, they calculated cell forces with high accuracy, revealing key insights into tumour cell migration and behaviour.
A new study confirms that home-delivered meals provide more than just nutrition and food security for seniors. The research found that meal delivery significantly reduced feelings of loneliness among participants, particularly those who received daily deliveries.
A Stanford-led study predicts global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels will drop slightly in 2015 due to a decrease in coal use in China. This slowdown contrasts with rapid growth in emissions before 2014 and highlights the need for action to stabilize CO2 emissions.
A pediatric chemotherapy regimen significantly improved outcomes for young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with a three-year overall survival rate of over 70%, according to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists.
Studies by Dartmouth researchers found that mixing of sediments and microorganisms significantly impact methylmercury production, contradicting earlier assumptions about sediments as the primary source.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that both prefabricated foot orthoses and rocker-sole shoes alleviate big toe joint pain, with orthoses potentially being the better option due to reduced discomfort and impaired balance. Additionally, these interventions also affect peak pressure under other toes and midfoot.
Researchers from University Health Network have found a specific cell type plays a key role in maintaining healthy arteries after inflammation. A group of tissue macrophages can self-replicate and help to heal the vessel after inflammation. This discovery could provide new treatment options for cardiovascular disease.
A new article published in Acta Paediatrica stresses the importance of direct interactions with family members for infants' cognitive and language development. The research suggests that screen-based activities like iPads or DVDs may actually hinder language skills, leading to potential delays.
A study of 261 children with severe epilepsy found significant seizure reduction after taking pharmaceutical CBD (cannabidiol) in combination with anti-epileptic drugs. The frequency of seizures was reduced by a median of 45% in all participants, with some patients experiencing a 50% or greater reduction.
A new messaging system, Vuvuzela, provides strong mathematical guarantees of user anonymity while allowing for fast communication. The system uses three servers and encryption layers to confuse adversaries and prevent them from inferring communication patterns.
Studies reveal that nearly a quarter of people who experienced SUDEP carried mutations linked to cardiac sudden death, suggesting irregular heart rhythms as a significant cause. Genetic testing could potentially identify people at high risk of SUDEP.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted a $750,000 program to enhance coastal resilience in Texas. The program aims to improve community planning and outreach, using tools like CHARM, to mitigate the impact of weather hazards.
University of Washington researchers have developed a technology to capture the 'persona' of a well-photographed person like Tom Hanks from vast numbers of Internet images. The digital model can be animated to deliver speeches that the real actor never performed, and even transfer expressions and mannerisms onto another person's face.
A new RAND Corporation study found that home health visits can lead to a 14% reduction in hospital admissions and a lower risk of nursing home admissions among Medicare beneficiaries. The program, called HouseCalls, involves comprehensive geriatric assessments and referrals to community providers.
A study of 47 men with erectile dysfunction found that 79% were satisfied with the outcome of penile prosthesis surgery. The benefits included improved sexual function, enhanced male identity, and relationship improvements. Most men reported positive emotions, self-esteem, confidence, and increased desire after receiving the implant.
A study by the USDA Forest Service found that landscapes with 50-60% forest land use had statistically the same sink strength as those with 90-100% forest. This suggests that land use change is a substantial component of the forest carbon sink in the Eastern United States, and new approaches like establishing new forests may help seque...
Researchers studied gustatory computations in zebrafish brainstem circuits, revealing that taste categories are represented by dissimilar responses and generate different behaviors. The study proposed a central role for encoding category, concentration, and mixtures of taste in these circuits.
Research found that young men with greater interest in babies showed smaller increases in testosterone in response to sexually explicit stimuli, indicating a 'slow' life-history strategy. In contrast, men who didn't like babies as much were more physiologically aroused by novel sexual stimuli.
A new study suggests that global plant growth is not keeping up with CO2 emissions, contradicting expectations. The research indicates that satellite-based results and model-based estimates diverge due to limitations in water availability and nutrient supply.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have identified a novel site on the RORγt nuclear receptor that can be targeted by drugs without inducing resistance. This discovery could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases like rheumatism and Crohn's disease.
A new gene therapy platform uses a hydrogel and self-assembled nanoparticles to deliver microRNAs that suppress tumor tissue, increasing dosage at the site while reducing systemic side effects. The approach has shown promising results in shrinking tumors by nearly 90% in pre-clinical models.