Penn researchers have developed a novel model of artificial membranes with programmable surfaces, allowing for precise control over glycan structures. This breakthrough enables the study of membrane-sugar-protein interactions, which are crucial for understanding diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers found obesity and depression to be underlying causes of regular drowsiness, with low-grade chronic inflammation a primary mechanism for fatigue in obese individuals. Depressed individuals also experienced high incidence of EDS, likely due to physiologic sleep disturbances.
The GTEx project analyzed over 54,000 genes across 43 body sites from 175 individuals to identify distinct regions in the genome that affect gene expression. This work sheds light on how genetic variation predisposes people to disease and provides a resource for future studies investigating genetic control of gene expression.
The study reveals amyloid beta-42 forms three flat structures with a 'salt bridge' that stabilizes its toxic shape. This discovery provides new insights into amyloid propagation in Alzheimer's disease and may impact the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Scientists have discovered a magnetization signal emanating from an ancient region of Mercury's crust, indicating the presence of a dynamo-driven magnetic field 3.8 billion years ago. This finding suggests that Mercury's core dynamo has persisted for billions of years.
Researchers have created a new 'whispering gallery' effect for electrons in graphene, allowing precise control over the reflecting region. This confinement could lead to the development of electronic lenses and other quantum-based electron-optics devices, enabling the study of subtle charge carrier behavior at a microscopic level.
Soil erosion and nutrient removal, exacerbated by climate change and farming practices, pose a significant risk to global food security. The authors propose recycling nutrients from waste treatment facilities and improving soil management to mitigate losses.
A new study from the University of Bristol argues that climate science denial is seeping into the scientific community's discussion of climate change, causing them to overemphasize scientific uncertainty. This 'seepage' of contrarian claims has led scientists to downplay the degree of threat and undercommunicate knowledge, despite know...
Researchers discovered IRF5 helps prevent metabolic complications by storing fat subcutaneously. In contrast to intra-abdominal fat, which leads to type 2 diabetes, this storage form reduces inflammation and promotes tissue remodelling.
The Motivating our Mothers (MOM) program uses pediatricians for diagnosis and coaching mothers to seek additional help. The intervention showed a remarkable impact, with 74% of mothers in the intervention group seeking help compared to 54% in the control group.
A new study by NCAR and CDC researchers finds strong correlations between warmer temperatures and higher rates of West Nile virus disease in the US. Precipitation also influences disease outbreaks, but with varying regional impacts. The study aims to develop a system to forecast outbreaks weeks or months in advance.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have cracked the code of a fundamental process bacteria use to defend themselves against invaders. The type III CRISPR-Cas system targets both viral DNA and RNA, preventing viruses from copying themselves and infecting more bacteria.
Researchers at Rockefeller University found that short stretches of genetic material called tRNA fragments can reduce the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. These fragments bind to a key player in the life cycle of cancer cells, known as an oncogene, reducing its ability to promote cell division and metastasis.
Researchers analyzed Facebook activity of over 10 million users, finding that users chose to ignore about 70% of challenging posts despite algorithm filtering. The study suggests that social media platforms like Facebook can still promote ideological diversity if users actively seek out diverse perspectives.
A literature review highlights the alarming rise of opioid use in the US, with orthopaedic surgeons as the third highest prescribers. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive risk assessment and patient-physician relationship trust to avoid overprescribing opioids.
Elective tubal sterilization is readily available to women with private payment, but Medicaid beneficiaries face a 30-day wait. Experts argue that this violates healthcare justice and access to permanent contraception for low-income women. The policy restricts nearly half of annual deliveries paid by Medicaid.
A USC study found that culturally relevant stories increased cervical cancer screenings among Latinas, while non-narrative approaches were less effective. The research used narrative videos with Mexican-American characters to reach this demographic and showed significant improvements in screening rates within six months.
Researchers found that cichlid fish reared in larger social groups display a greater range of social interactions, including lateral display, ramming, and mouth fighting. They also have a different brain structure, with enhanced social behaviour predicted by early environmental cues.
Analysis of seven electronic databases reveals frequent users account for up to one in 12 patients seeking emergency department care, and are around 2.5 times more likely to be admitted or require outpatient treatment. The study suggests that frequent users may benefit from targeted proactive approach.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society recommends non-hormonal management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms through lifestyle modifications and behavioral interventions. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and gabapentin may be effective alternatives to estrogen-based therapies, but evidence is limited for other approaches.
Researchers found that switching from driving to walking, cycling, or public transport can lead to a significant reduction in BMI (0.32 kg/m2) over two years. The longer the commute, the stronger the association with weight loss.
Researchers grew 22 organoids from tumor tissue of 20 patients with colorectal cancer and found they closely replicate key properties of the original tumors. These cultures can be used to predict drug sensitivity and pave the way for personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers at UW's BioRobotics Lab hacked a next-generation teleoperated robotic system to test its vulnerability to cyberattacks. The team found that the robot could be easily disrupted or derailed by common forms of cyberattacks, highlighting the need for additional security measures before deployment.
A new study in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found a mobile application for tracking vitamin D and calcium intake to be valid. The Vitamin D Calculator app was used by 25 men and 25 women to record their dietary intake, which showed significant positive correlation with orally recalled values.
Bamboo landscaping popularity could lead to increased spread of hantavirus, as deer mice thrive on plant's seeds and reproduce rapidly, posing a risk to human health. Experts recommend changing U.S. and Canadian plant quarantine policies to prevent non-native bamboo invasions.
A Monash University study found that women's expectations and attitudes about birth are shaped by popular media, particularly magazines, leading to biased decision-making. Women exposed to magazine articles endorsing non-medicalised birth were more likely to change their intention towards a natural birth.
A new statistical analysis of mRNA and protein levels in budding yeast found that mRNA levels account for 85% of differences in protein levels, amplifying the relationship between the two. This discovery contradicts previous studies suggesting that post-transcriptional regulation overrides mRNA levels.
Per capita health care spending for children with diabetes rose 4.1% in 2013, nearly double the 2012 increase, due to higher spending on branded insulin. Out-of-pocket costs for those with diabetes were more than double that of those without the disease.
Researchers have identified a new gene, ICARUS1, that enables plants to grow optimally in different temperatures. This discovery could lead to the development of crops that can withstand elevated temperatures, addressing the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity.
Researchers at Brandeis University have discovered an abnormality in the schizophrenic brain that may be responsible for its wide-ranging symptoms. Abnormal neural oscillations, or delta waves, have been linked to cognitive deficits such as memory impairment in patients with schizophrenia.
A tropical disturbance in the North Atlantic is gaining definition with increasing thunderstorm activity, posing a threat to southeastern US coastlines. Heavy rains are forecasted over the region within the next several days.
Global health experts offer a new framework for creating a robust global health system with national health systems at its foundation. The framework proposes key priorities, including funding, technical excellence, operational capacities, normative standards, regional offices, and engaging non-state parties.
Large landslides in the Himalaya-Karakoram ranges predominantly occur in the lower portions of the landscape, whereas glaciers and rock glaciers occupy the higher elevations almost exclusively. The study also introduces a new method called excess topography (ZE) to identify potentially unstable rock-mass volumes.
Declines in Pacific herring and surf smelt have been observed in the most densely populated areas of Puget Sound, while jellyfish blooms have increased, diverting energy away from highly productive forage species. This shift may affect larger fish, birds, and marine mammals, highlighting the need for habitat protection and restoration.
A team of scientists from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna developed a method to analyze horse tail hair to determine its ecological significance. By aligning hair segments to time using satellite information, they found that tail hair growth rates vary greatly between species and even within individuals.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that skull fractures can create distinct fracture patterns, also known as 'fracture prints', which can aid in determining the cause of head injuries. These findings could help investigators reconstruct events and solve child abuse cases with greater accuracy.
A multinational study found that children with a consistent bedtime routine had better sleep outcomes, including earlier bedtimes and increased sleep duration. The positive impact of bedtime routines on sleep increases with consistency and age, making it a simple yet effective step for families to improve their child's sleep.
A study published by the GTEx Project Consortia reveals that gene expression variation differs more between organs than individuals, with over 750 genes linked to sex and ethnicity. The research also found that 2,000 genes vary with age, including those related to neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that customers tend to gravitate towards a chain's digital channel for their first online purchases but may drift to other chains once familiar with online shopping. For customer retention and attracting new ones, retailers must offer an equal or better online product assortment than their offline stores.
Recent NuSTAR observations of supernova SN 1987A confirm the predicted lopsided nature of stellar giant deaths, with most material moving away from the observer. This finding supports supercomputer simulations that assume asymmetrical core collapse and could help solve the mystery of dual black hole and neutron star formation.
Typhoon Noul is slowly strengthening as it moves west-northwest towards the Philippines. The system has well-formed rain bands and heavy rain near its core, indicating potential intensification.
A study by Manchester researchers has identified genetic subtypes in high-risk endometrial cancer patients, allowing for more targeted treatments. The classification of these subtypes can predict patient relapse and identify specific mutations that can be targeted with anti-cancer drugs.
Carlos Moreno, M.D., M.S.P.H., is recognized for his contributions to family medicine education at UTHealth Medical School. He has been awarded the F. Marian Bishop Leadership Award for his efforts to enhance the credibility of family medicine in academic settings.
Two proteins, Contactin-4 and amyloid precursor protein, bind during embryonic development to stabilize brain cells involved in image stabilization. This finding suggests precise neural connections are crucial for accurate sensory perception and behavior.
Researchers discovered a metabolic link between bacterial biofilms and colon cancer, finding that removing biofilms could be a key strategy for preventing and treating the disease. The study also identified an apparent metabolic marker of biofilm-associated colon cancers, which may help diagnose early-stage cancer.
A candidate vaccine has been shown to induce long-lasting immunity against the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Mice vaccinated with a combination of two parasite proteins showed reduced parasite numbers and improved immune response compared to uninfected mice.
Researchers from Princeton University created a 'cradle-to-grave' model of the world's most powerful internal waves in the Luzon Strait. The study found that these waves amplify size and energy when passing through underwater ridges, ultimately affecting heat and nutrient transport in the ocean.
A disease-specific employee-based health plan can improve medication adherence by almost five percent, translating to a one percent reduction in healthcare spending. The plan also reduces hospital visits and emergency treatment centers.
Researchers used organoids derived from human tumor samples to test cancer drugs and predict patient response. The findings demonstrate the power of organoids to capture complex mutations in tumours.
James Brogan, a double major in physics and chemistry, has been awarded a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for his research on aerosol behavior and its effects on human health. He plans to combine physics and medicine to advance techniques in medical physics.
New research published by the University of Warwick finds evidence that water-rich asteroids or comets are common around other stars than the Sun. The study suggests that water can be delivered to planets like Earth via these bodies, potentially creating a suitable environment for life to form.
Researchers measured cell phone activity at towers to gain insight into population dynamics and predict infrastructure needs. This new metric can help plan electrification options like power lines or microgrids for rural communities in need.
The world's soil resources are under threat from erosion, nutrient exhaustion, urbanization, and climate change, which could lead to disruptions in food production and geopolitical conflicts. Experts call for better management of Earth's soils to address this issue.
A new study suggests that exercise training to strengthen hip flexor muscles can increase walking distance and reduce calf pain in patients with clogged leg arteries. Researchers found that PAD patients use their ankle flexors more during walking due to weakness in hip muscles.
A recent study found that dexamethasone can reduce the risk of severe acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery by 2.5 times compared to a placebo. Patients with pre-existing advanced chronic kidney disease showed the greatest benefits from the drug.
Men who took statin drugs while receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer had a longer disease control period compared to those who didn't take statins. The study found that statins could delay disease progression by reducing the tumor's available androgen pool.
A new study reveals that measles vaccination prevents not only measles but also other infectious diseases by damaging the immune system's memory. This finding explains why mass measles vaccinations have driven down mortality rates from other diseases in high-income countries.
The west African Ebola epidemic has sparked interest in global health security, but its impact on political commitment to public health is uncertain. The crisis has highlighted the importance of securing individuals' access to healthcare as part of global health security. Key challenges include counterfeit medicines, antimicrobial resi...
Tropical Depression 07W is slowly moving east southeast at 5 knots, with sustained winds of 30 knots and a maximum wave height of 10 feet. A tropical storm watch has been issued for several islands in the Federated States of Micronesia, predicting intensification to typhoon strength in approximately 5 days.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a new compound called boronicaine that offers longer-lasting painkilling effects compared to lidocaine. The compound provides about five times longer relief, making it a potential alternative for treating sports injuries and joint replacement procedures.