Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a crucial molecular mechanism underlying the immune response to tuberculosis. By adjusting the levels of a specific molecule called c-di-AMP, they may be able to develop more effective human therapies for TB treatment.
The Nebraska Biocontainment Unit implements a rigorous process to handle Ebola patients, including two blood samples confirmed undetectable for the virus before discharge. Environmental decontamination involves 48-hour isolation followed by manual disinfection, UVGI, and multiple air exchanges.
Researchers at Lund University successfully tracked supersonic electrons through a light-converting molecule, finding that the conversion of light to chemical energy happens rapidly without energy loss as heat. The study provides insights into constructing molecules for artificial photosynthesis, paving the way for solar fuel production.
Researchers at EPFL have captured a single snapshot of light exhibiting both wave-like and particle properties using electrons to image the phenomenon. The experiment demonstrates the simultaneous observation of quantization and interference pattern of a plasmonic near-field.
Researchers found that many low-yield tests are frequently conducted without significant impact on diagnosis and management of CKD. The study suggests that an evidence-based approach could reduce costs and improve efficiency in CKD evaluation.
A study found Sall4 protein promotes DNA repair in embryonic stem cells, potentially aiding cancer cell survival. This discovery raises the possibility of targeting Sall4 for cancer treatment.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that nut and peanut consumption was associated with a reduced risk of total mortality and cardiovascular disease death across different ethnic groups. The study suggested that peanuts, due to their affordability, may be a cost-effective measure to improve cardiovascular health.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that female medical students are as accurate as their male counterparts but report less confidence in their abilities. This confidence gap could be addressed through improved medical training, helping to enhance physician competency and reduce defensive medicine practices.
Researchers have discovered a way to keep remyelination going using an FDA-approved drug solifenacin, which boosts myelin synthesis and improves auditory function in mice with myelin-related disease. The study shows that targeting human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells with solifenacin promotes differentiation and myelin production.
Research at Harvard Medical School identifies basal forebrain GABA parvalbumin neurons as crucial for triggering synchronized brain waves associated with conscious thought and perception. These neurons use the neural inhibitor GABA to create a pulsing rhythm, fine-tuning cognition and organization of data from the world around us.
A new study suggests that a record drought in Syria (2006-2010) was likely stoked by ongoing manmade climate change, contributing to the 2011 Syrian uprising. The researchers found that the drought destroyed agriculture and drove dispossessed farmers to cities, exacerbating poverty and government mismanagement.
Researchers at Princeton University may have found a key to understanding how cells assemble and grow to the right size. The nucleolus, a part of the cell responsible for making ribosomes, is shown to play a crucial role in regulating cell growth through phase transitions.
Researchers found that patients who didn't respond to CBT for anxiety in childhood had more chronic suicidal ideation at 7-19 years after treatment. Successful CBT confers long-term benefits, reducing later suicidality.
A recent survey of US high school students found that 1 in 5 female and 1 in 10 male students have experienced teen dating violence. The study suggests that prevention efforts may be more effective if they include content for both sexes.
Researchers found that a secreted immune protein called interleukin(IL)-17B promotes pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis. Treating tumor-bearing mice with an IL-17B inhibitor halted tumor growth and spread, resulting in increased survival.
Phosphorylation and methylation of desmoplakin regulate its interaction with the cytoskeleton, affecting cell-to-cell connections. The study reveals a regulatory mechanism that contributes to skin and heart diseases.
Researchers found that deleting TREM2 receptor in mice with AD-like disease reduced plaque formation, brain inflammation, and improved neuron survival. Macrophages lacking TREM2 were more effective at clearing beta-amyloid aggregates, suggesting a potential role for the receptor in neurodegeneration.
Physicists use high-resolution spectroscopy to study and control matter, enabling precise control over atomic transitions and revealing hidden information about atom structure. The technique has applications in quantum computing, where it could offer significant boosts in computing power and improve computer security.
Researchers evaluate changes in gluteal muscle volume after silicone implant placement, finding significant muscle atrophy despite improved body shape. A new classification system is proposed to standardize labiaplasty techniques, ensuring better patient outcomes and satisfaction rates.
A study by University of Miami researchers found dengue virus circulating in urban areas of Ghana, with 21.6% of malaria patients tested positive for long-lasting dengue IgG antibodies, indicating lifetime exposure. The findings suggest that up to one-third of all outpatient visits could be misdiagnosed as malaria.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can acquire genetic information from viruses and other foreign invaders, which is then stored in their own genome as an immune system. The key proteins, Cas1 and Cas2, recognize repeating sequences in the CRISPR loci and target them for spacer insertion.
The American College of Physicians has released new guidelines for preventing and treating bedsores, recommending protein supplementation and hydrocolloid dressings to reduce wound size. Advanced static mattresses and overlays are also recommended for patients at increased risk, while alternating air mattresses and overlays are advised...
Scientists have discovered that abnormal protein amyloid accumulates inside neurons of people as young as 20, which may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that this early accumulation leads to the formation of toxic clumps that damage and kill neurons.
The new guidelines increase the proportion of AFib patients recommended for drug therapy by 19%, particularly affecting women and people over 65, who now have a lower age threshold for stroke risk assessment.
A team of researchers has discovered a very distant galaxy that contains a large amount of dust, changing astronomers' previous calculations of how quickly the dust was formed. The discovery suggests that galaxies were enriched with dust particles containing elements such as carbon and oxygen, which could form planets.
Cyanobacteria blooms have increased disproportionately over the past two centuries, with greatest growth since 1945, posing a serious threat to drinking water sources. Human activities such as land-use intensification, sewage discharge, and climate change contribute to this trend.
The NHS savings plan resulted in reduced use of procedures considered low-value. However, the application of these reductions was inconsistent across commissioning groups, with some trusts increasing their rates.
A novel study published in Nature Genetics shows that mammals use more of the DNA inherited from their dads to develop and express genes. This discovery has significant implications for understanding complex diseases like type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and schizophrenia.
The study reveals a key role of Cas9 protein in recognizing viral sequences, leading to the destruction of viruses and potentially correcting mutations that cause human disease. The discovery sheds light on the complex process by which bacteria defend against viruses.
A Mayo Clinic study found that US women's awareness of breast density varies significantly by race, ethnicity, household income, education level, and healthcare experiences. More than half of women reported having heard of breast density, but only 53% knew it was associated with cancer risk.
A study by the University of North Carolina found that 93.7% of online e-cigarette vendors failed to properly verify customers' ages, allowing minors to easily purchase electronic cigarettes online. This lack of age verification is concerning, especially given the increasing use of e-cigarettes among teenagers.
A team of researchers from Rice University has developed a metal-free aerogel catalyst that outperforms platinum in fuel cells. The new material, made from graphene nanoribbons with boron and nitrogen, provides an abundance of active sites for oxygen reduction reactions.
Researchers sequenced Hessian fly genome, discovering rapidly evolving genes that hijack plant biochemistry. The study sheds light on the insect's ability to create growth-stunting galls in wheat by mimicking normal proteins in plant cells.
A survey of 420 primary care physicians found that nearly three-quarters reported accessing their state's database easily, but most faced barriers to using the data. The study suggests that improving program usability and information sharing between states could increase participation and reduce prescription drug abuse.
Intermediate filaments of vimentin 'insulate' mitochondria in cancer cells from destruction, preserving energy reserves. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs that effectively treat cancer.
New research shows that non-cancerous prostate cells with genetic mutations can develop into cancer, potentially explaining why prostate cancer often has multiple genetically different tumours. This discovery could lead to a rethink of treatment strategies and improve outcomes for men with the disease.
A Group Health study of over 3,000 patients found that anticholinergic medications increase the risk of pneumonia in older adults. The study suggests that clinicians should review medications regularly to identify potential risks and explore alternative treatments.
A University of Otago research team analyzed satellite data from 1980-2012 to show that the timing of leaf activity has changed globally. This change in leaf phenology may lead to higher extinction risks for species that depend on this cycle, as well as impacts on ecosystem stability and functioning.
A new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that Australia's mental health care system is multi-tiered rather than universal, with those living in disadvantaged areas receiving fewer services and from less highly trained providers. The research highlights a disparity in access to psychiatric and clinical psychologis...
A study by the University of Exeter found that black men are less likely to opt for prostate cancer investigation due to fear and perception of severe complications. The research suggests that proactive discussion with doctors and targeted education may help address this issue.
A new image-guided treatment has been shown to provide sustained relief for chronic migraine sufferers, allowing them to require less medication. The treatment involves injecting a numbing agent into the sphenopalatine ganglion, a nerve bundle associated with migraines, and results in a 36% decrease in pain scores.
Researchers utilized ultrasound imaging to treat patients with chronic, refractory plantar fasciopathy, achieving over 90% symptom improvement at six months. The treatment allows for permanent removal of diseased tissue, enabling healthy regrowth and restored normal function.
At SIR 2015, Robert K. Kerlan discussed the need for collaboration between interventional radiologists and the broader medical community to address changing healthcare economics and practices. Kerlan emphasized the field's potential for improving patient care through innovative therapies.
A new study suggests that an excise tax on sugar-sweetened drinks can effectively reduce consumption rates, especially among heavy drinkers. The research found that adding a 20 cents per litre tax was more effective than a sales tax of similar levels in lowering consumption rates.
A team of researchers launched the world's first permanent ship-based labs on board CSIRO's Investigator research vessel, collecting data on atmospheric particles and gases in the Southern Ocean. The labs aim to improve climate modeling and predict future changes to Australian weather and climate.
A study found that only three populations of emperor penguins may have survived the last ice age, with the Ross Sea being a likely refuge for one population. Genetic diversity analysis suggests that conditions were too extreme for large populations to survive during the last ice age.
Researchers explore alternative methods to encourage healthy eating in children and teens, such as providing vegetables before other food options. Studies also investigate the impact of weight stigma, calorie counting, and food marketing on behavior, finding that weight stigma can lead to increased high-calorie snack consumption.
Research highlights the benefits of experiential purchases, finding that anticipating experiences brings more happiness than waiting for material goods. In contrast, wealth and abundance may undermine appreciation for everyday moments, while temporarily giving something up can provide a route to happiness.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have made a major breakthrough in developing a metal-free catalyst that performs as well as costly metal catalysts in an acidic fuel cell. The new carbon-based catalyst corrodes less and is more durable than traditional materials, paving the way for low-cost clean energy production.
Researchers at the Technion have confirmed the biological purpose for the seemingly counterintuitive setup of photoreceptors and neurons in the human eye. The retina is optimized for vision purposes, with Müller glia cells concentrating light into photoreceptors.
Researchers have devised a clonal strategy to ensure adult epidermal stem cells meet the highest safety criteria before use in treatments. The approach involves cultivating, genetically modifying and testing individual cells to guarantee their viability and safety.
Researchers found that an intermittent feast-and-famine diet increased sirtuin proteins, which promote longevity and protect against age-related diseases. The diet also decreased insulin levels, potentially having an anti-diabetic effect.
Research reveals an association between aggressive tendencies and increased physical strength in adolescent males, which may be linked to evolutionary pressures.
A UT Dallas researcher challenged a long-held scientific theory about the role of the hippocampus in unconscious memory. The study used EEG to test brain wave patterns in amnesia patients with damaged hippocampuses, revealing that the hippocampus is involved in processing unconscious memories.
Researchers found that Reduced-Impact Logging (RIL) has little effect on bird, bat, and large mammal populations in Central Guyanese rainforests. RIL is a cost-effective option for timber companies to ensure long-term sustainability of biodiversity-rich tropical forests.
Researchers are using social media to study personality, mental health, and cross-cultural differences. Studies have found that language patterns on Twitter and Facebook can predict heart disease risk and emotional stability, while open-vocabulary analysis reveals connections between words and personality traits.
Researchers have found that birds can sense the earth's magnetic field and use it to orient themselves. The cryptochrome protein is thought to play a key role in this process.
A new study published in Geology reveals a close correlation between solar activity and sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic during cool periods over the last 4,000 years. The research sheds light on the importance of solar forcing in shaping climate change patterns, providing a crucial piece of the overall climate puzzle.
A recent study by the University of Basel analyzed new drugs approved by the FDA from 2003 to 2013, revealing that several parameters have improved efficiency. The researchers found that market access is not inefficient, but rather dependent on collaboration between industry and authorities.
A computational tool, dSysMap, has been developed to interpret the effect of genetic mutations on the development of complex diseases. The tool positions over 23,000 documented genetic mutations on a map of known interactions between human proteins.