A Tel Aviv University researcher has successfully identified a novel genetic mutation in a rare disease using whole exome sequencing and crowdfunding. The study, led by Dr. Noam Shomron, used DNA sequencing of a three-year-old girl and her family to reveal the genetic cause of her symptoms, which included mental retardation and severe ...
A study published in The BMJ found that children who drowned and suffered cardiac arrest with hypothermia have poor outcomes if resuscitation continues for more than 30 minutes. Most children (89%) died, while only 11% survived with severe neurological damage.
A new report from the Institute of Medicine proposes revised diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, highlighting its physiologic nature. The criteria also emphasize the debilitating symptom of post-exertional malaise, where exertion triggers prolonged periods of fatigue.
Researchers at Temple University will examine how cocaine and HIV-1 interact to cause brain impairment in patients infected with HIV-1. The study aims to determine where to focus potential treatments to disrupt this damaging pathway.
Scientists from Ruhr-University Bochum successfully isolate and analyze the fluorenyl cation, a prototype of antiaromaticity, at extremely low temperatures in water ice. This breakthrough enables standard spectroscopic analysis of antiaromatic compounds for the first time.
Douglas R. Lowy, MD, has been awarded the 2015 Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine for his key discoveries leading to the development of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The vaccine has been shown to offer close to 100% protection against HPV-caused cancers.
Scientists developed an antiviral compound targeting VP24, a key protein in the Ebola virus, which protected 75% of infected monkeys. The compound, AVI-7537, was found to be safe and well-tolerated, offering hope for developing effective therapies against the deadly disease.
A major study by McGill University and the University of Edinburgh found that long-term smoking causes thinning of the brain's cortex, accelerating cognitive decline. Stopping smoking helps restore part of the cortex's thickness, but recovery is slow and incomplete.
A USGS study reveals how plants' vulnerability to drought varies across landscapes, with factors like plant structure and soil type influencing their response. The model helps forecast the future state of drylands by understanding how climate change affects water availability and use.
A new study published in JAMA found that smartphone apps are as accurate as wearable devices in tracking physical activity. The research used 10 top-selling smartphone apps and devices to compare their accuracy, with results showing smartphones were only slightly off from the observed step counts.
Low-dose iron supplements significantly reduced time to recover from hemoglobin decrease in donors with low or high ferritin levels. Without iron, most participants took over 168 days to recover their iron stores. Regular blood donation leads to progressive iron loss and anemia, emphasizing the importance of prompt recovery.
A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that iron supplementation significantly reduced the time to recover lost iron and hemoglobin after blood donation. The study, supported by NHLBI, showed that donors taking iron supplements recovered lost iron more rapidly than those not receiving supplements.
A recent study found that smartphone applications and wearable devices are generally accurate in tracking step counts, with minimal variation between devices. However, some wearables reported higher or lower counts than observed, highlighting the need for device accuracy assessment.
A systematic review found a significant link between cannabis use and the onset of mania symptoms in individuals with pre-existing bipolar disorder. Cannabis use was also shown to worsen mania symptoms in those without pre-existing bipolar disorder, highlighting a major clinical problem.
The center aims to provide clinical care and research using heavy particles for innovative new cancer treatments, offering a more potent and precise therapy than conventional options. The project is expected to create 130 high-level jobs and generate over $600 million in economic impact for Texas.
Research by Lasse Laustsen and Michael Bang Petersen suggests that competent leaders are often preferred for leadership roles but not necessarily as friends. In contrast, non-dominant individuals with cooperative traits are often chosen as friends regardless of political ideology or social conflict context.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that antibiotics have a profound impact on the microorganisms in an animal's gut, disrupting the natural balance of the microbiota. This can lead to damage to the intestinal epithelium, changes in mitochondrial function and other biological effects.
Researchers found that inhibiting molecular pathways involved in damage caused by stress response can improve egg viability. This approach may help obese women conceive using therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg believe it is possible to teach complex psychological processes enabling people to solve problems, or 'intelligence'. The study highlights the need for cross-curricular skills that can be applied in various situations and domains.
Cricket batsmen tend to bat more conservatively as they approach a half-century or century to maximize their chances of reaching it. This study found that adopting a conservative style at this stage reduces their chances of dismissal.
A new study found that supplementary feeding for 12 weeks makes an impact, but treating children until they reach target weights and arm circumference is more important. Raising these targets could significantly lower the rate of relapse.
The RAND Corporation suggests that studies evaluating health information technology should consider both costs and benefits, as well as the long-term implications of adoption. The proposed standards aim to provide a more robust picture of the technology's impact on patients, providers, and payers.
Researchers found that targeting a single protein, VP24, was sufficient to protect monkeys from Ebola virus infection. The medication, AVI-7537, also reduced viral load and liver/kidney damage in infected animals.
A study found that increasing klotho levels can protect against learning and memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, counteracting the effects of Alzheimer-related toxins. Klotho's benefits may be due to its effect on neurotransmitter receptors involved in learning and memory.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that low childhood vitamin D levels are associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness and subclinical atherosclerosis in adulthood. The study, which analyzed 2,148 subjects from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study, ...
Scientists at Dalhousie University have developed a new method to create artificial spider silk using its molecular structure. By understanding the relationship between the protein's structure and function, researchers can now optimize smaller components before linking them together, making it easier to produce high-quality fibers.
Researchers found elevated levels of malignant mesothelioma cases in southern Nevada counties due to environmental exposure to carcinogenic mineral fibers. The incidence is higher in locations with known industrial exposure, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1 in affected counties.
Researchers discovered that the nucleus prepositus plays a crucial role in generating head direction signals, in addition to its function in eye movements. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding our sense of spatial orientation.
A five-year follow-up study of patients with extreme obesity found that duodenal switch was more effective in reducing body weight than gastric bypass, but it came with a higher risk of complications. The study suggests that duodenal switch should be used with caution due to its adverse effects.
Scientists study epigenetic changes in C. elegans worms exposed to simulated microgravity to gain insights into how humans adapt to different gravitational environments. The research reveals an 'epigenetic memory' of microgravity that can be passed on to offspring, sparking new questions about the long-term health consequences of space...
A University of Tennessee study finds crocodiles engage in play-like behavior, including locomotor play, play with objects and social play. They have been observed playing with other animals and forming strong bonds with humans.
A Stanford study found that many donated hearts are being rejected due to varying acceptance criteria across regions. The rejection rate decreased from 44% in 1995 to 32% in 2010, highlighting a pressing need for standardized guidelines.
A recent study found that earthquake activity near injection wells in the Williston Basin is scarce compared to Texas, where similar activities have been linked to increased seismicity. The study's authors attribute this difference to regional variations in geology and injection practices.
A study published in JAMA found that blood pressure-lowering treatment among patients with type 2 diabetes is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, heart disease events, and improved mortality. By reducing systolic BP by 10 mmHg, patients experienced better clinical outcomes.
Researchers found that rare EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have distinct impacts on disease outcome and therapy response. Classic EGFR mutations were associated with better overall survival and higher TKI therapy response rates compared to rare mutations, which were linked to tobacco smoking and poorer prognosis.
A new study found that learning about geoengineering increased open-mindedness toward climate change evidence and reduced polarization. Participants who learned about geoengineering showed more agreement on the significance of such evidence, compared to those who received information on carbon-emission limits.
ORCA will study microscopic phytoplankton and their impact on the carbon cycle, measuring chlorophyll concentrations and distinguishing between types of phytoplankton. The instrument's hyperspectral capability offers a range of bands to refine ocean observations.
The donation will be used to augment general expenses, augmenting the existing annual funding of $1.5 million. The observatory supports hands-on astronomical experiences for students and the public, with opportunities for undergraduate research and discovery.
Research from the Universities of Exeter and Bristol found that plain tobacco packaging may reduce the likelihood of smokers seeking cigarettes, with a 10% decrease in 'cigarette-seeking' response compared to branded packs.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a tiny DNA 'cage' that can trap and hold a single DNA strand after it's been pulled through a nanopore. This allows for the first-time detection of chemical reactions on a single molecule, enabling new biochemistry experiments.
A recent study published in JAMA found that creatine monohydrate treatment did not improve clinical outcomes for patients with early and treated Parkinson disease. The study, which followed 1,741 participants for up to 8 years, suggests that creatine may not be a viable treatment option for slowing disease progression.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine aims to create a prosthetic limb that not only moves like a natural one but also feels like it. By integrating sensory technologies, they hope to improve users' dexterous control and intuition when interacting with the device.
A study by University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna researchers has identified avian malaria in 15% of examined wild birds in Austria, showing that native bird populations are susceptible to the disease. Three different Plasmodium species were also found, with one new species still requiring analysis and classification.
A study found that a single genomic change can turn beneficial bacteria into pathogenic bacteria by boosting bacterial density inside the host. The research team identified a region of the Wolbachia genome responsible for regulating bacterial densities in flies.
A new analysis of cases conducted in Northwell Health found that a surgical procedure may be more successful in preventing death than current drug therapies. The study revealed a mortality rate of 4.2% for patients who underwent surgery, compared to higher rates for those who did not.
A new study reveals that simplifying the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant application process did not reduce application time for Australian researchers. Despite the streamlined process, applicants still spent a collective 614 working years on their applications in 2014 compared to 574 years in 2012.
A short nap can help relieve stress and bolster the immune systems of men who slept only two hours the previous night. Napping restores biomarkers of neuroendocrine and immune health to normal levels after a night of poor sleep, suggesting a potential way to counter the damaging effects of sleep restriction.
A new study at MIT reveals the secret to the iconic Cremonese violins' powerful sound: elongated f-holes and thicker back plates. Researchers found that makers may have inadvertently crafted these features, as small errors in craftsmanship led to evolutionary changes.
A new standard of care for soft tissue sarcomas has been established through a study that shows image-guided radiotherapy can reduce long-term side effects while maintaining survival rates. The treatment delivers smaller radiation doses to tumors, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Scientists discovered cells can sense mechanical property of their environment at the single molecule level, showing ultra-sensitivity for strong molecular forces. This finding has implications for understanding basic physiological processes like embryo development and tumor metastasis.
TRMM and GPM satellites calculated moderate to high rainfall rates of over 35.5 mm southwest of Typhoon Higos' center. The storm was weakening due to decreasing ocean heat and dry air, forecasted to dissipate by Feb. 13.
Research shows depression is a powerful predictor of nighttime sleep disturbances among stroke survivors. Sleep quality is impacted by brain lesion location and depression, with daytime sleepiness also linked to fatigue, brain damage, and female gender.
A Cancer Research UK study found that nine in 10 people think cancer screening is 'almost always a good idea', despite low uptake. The researchers highlight the need for clearer information on risks and benefits to encourage informed decision-making.
Research by Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics has made a significant breakthrough in tackling the human parainfluenza virus, which causes respiratory infections such as croup and pneumonia. The team has demonstrated how the virus engages specific sugars to spread and cause infection.
A new study reveals a significant decline in the use of available donor hearts for transplantation in the US, with a decline from 44% to 32% between 1995 and 2010. The study suggests that increased scrutiny by government agencies may be contributing to this trend.
A study found that patients who received a stem cell transplant from donors with longer leukocyte telomere length had higher overall survival rates compared to those with shorter lengths. The researchers also discovered no association between donor or recipient telomere length and post-transplant complications.
A long-term analysis of 63 countries between 2000 and 2011 found that unemployment is associated with a 20-30% increased risk of suicide. The study estimates that about 45,000 suicides are linked to unemployment annually.
A new study found that exposure to mercury, even at low levels considered safe, is associated with an increased risk of autoimmunity in women. Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that greater exposure to mercury was linked to a higher rate of autoantibodies, a precursor to autoi...
A new study by New York University and East China Normal University found that the design of the built environment significantly affects walking and bicycling in Chinese cities. The researchers discovered that neighborhoods with better urban design, such as wider sidewalks and bike lanes, had higher rates of physical activity.
Scientists from UNC-Chapel Hill have developed a groundbreaking research tool to investigate epigenetic mechanisms, shedding light on the critical role of histone proteins in gene regulation. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, obesity, and cancer.