A study by MD Anderson researchers identified eight physical and cognitive signs associated with imminent death in cancer patients. These signs include nonreactive pupils, decreased response to verbal and visual stimuli, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which could help clinicians communicate with patients and families, as well as ...
A new study explains how a protein that suppresses tumors can also promote metastasis in breast cancer cells. Researchers found that 14-3-3 zeta destabilizes key proteins p53 and GLi2, switching off TGF-β's tumor-suppressing abilities while promoting cancer spread.
A team of researchers from Northwestern University and Carnegie Mellon University has made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to the development of flat-screen displays featuring active touch-back technology. By understanding how the brain interprets data from fingers, the team can design haptic technologies that produce certai...
A meta-analysis of ten high-quality cohort studies found that women with a history of spontaneous preterm delivery are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The association was described as 'robust' and similar in strength to classic CVD risk factors.
A new study has identified eight specific physical signs associated with imminent death in cancer patients, including non-reactive pupils and drooping of the nasolabial fold. These signs can help healthcare professionals make a diagnosis of impending death, allowing for more informed decisions about treatment and care.
Researchers found abnormal development of grey matter in Broca's area, the region responsible for speech, persisting into adulthood in children who stutter. The study used MRI imaging to examine brain development in both children and adults, finding a steady decline in cortical thickness not observed in people who stutter.
A new 'world thunderstorm map' tracks climate change's impact on global weather patterns. The map, developed by Tel Aviv University researchers, uses data from a global lightning network to predict a 10% increase in thunderstorm activity with every 1% rise in global temperature.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a new design tool to predict the nonlinear optical properties of metamaterials. This breakthrough enables efficient design and creation of high-performance materials for applications such as coherent Raman sensing, entangled photon generation, and frequency conversion.
Researchers identified key immune biomarkers that can help distinguish between HIV patients who experience life-threatening complications and those who fare well on treatment. The findings suggest that personalized approaches may be necessary for these patients, as a one-size-fits-all approach could worsen outcomes.
A new thermal imaging technique called plasmon energy expansion thermometry (PEET) allows for precise temperature mapping in tiny electronic circuits. This can help engineers design microprocessors that minimize overheating and improve device performance.
A research team led by Cleveland Clinic's Paul Marasco aims to develop a suite of outcome metrics for advanced prosthetic limbs, which could change the way these technologies are evaluated. The team plans to use bi-directional integrated systems and functional metrics to improve prosthetic devices.
Scientists reconstructed a 450-year rainfall record using a stalagmite from Belize, showing a substantial drying trend since 1850. The research links this trend to rising sulphate aerosols from industrial emissions, which moderated temperatures and shifted the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) towards the warmer Southern Hemisphere.
The use of big data to detect disease outbreaks has the potential to strengthen global public health surveillance, but raises ethical questions about privacy, consent, and legitimacy. The authors propose a framework to address these challenges, including adapting requirements for public health contexts and ensuring methodological robus...
Scientists studied the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and found that it was formed by a series of distinct floods triggered by volcanic activity under glaciers. The floods, which occurred thousands of years apart, created the 100-metre walls and pushed three waterfalls, including Dettifoss, back upstream.
A study found that extremely low birth weight babies are more likely to develop psychiatric problems like depression and ADHD as adults. However, those who received steroids during pregnancy were not protected against these issues.
TLR9 binds to pathogen DNA, activating the innate immune system. Researchers elucidated its structure, revealing two rings bound together when recognizing CpG motifs.
Researchers report a breakthrough in treating hypophosphatasia, a fatal genetic bone disease, by combining bone marrow transplants with mesenchymal stem cell transplants. The treatment has shown promising results in improving bone mineralization and survival rates for infants with severe hypophosphatasia.
Researchers from Ohio State University discovered a layer within the Quelccaya Ice Cap containing lead and bearing the chemical signature of Potosi silver mines, providing the first detailed record of widespread human-produced air pollution in South America before the industrial revolution
A recent UCSF-led study identified YAP as a key driver of resistance to targeted cancer therapies. By suppressing YAP, the researchers found that combination therapies targeting both MEK and YAP pathways can enhance the effectiveness of individual drugs in treating BRAF- and RAS-mutant tumors.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have discovered a chemical tag on DNA called DNA methylation associated with differences in brain response to anger and fear. Individuals low in DNA methylation on the oxytocin receptor may better utilize this hormone, leading to improved social behavior.
A new study led by Yale University found that middle-school children who consume heavily sweetened energy drinks are 66% more likely to experience hyperactivity and inattention symptoms. The researchers recommend limiting the consumption of sweetened beverages and avoiding energy drinks altogether.
A 100-million-year-old amber fossil has revealed the earliest known link between a fungus similar to ergot and ancient grasses. The discovery, published in Palaeodiversity, sheds light on the evolution of both organisms and their connection to dinosaurs.
A case-crossover study found that engaging in manual tasks with awkward positions, being distracted during activities, or feeling fatigued significantly increases the risk of acute low back pain. The study, published in Arthritis Care & Research, identified 12 modifiable triggers for an episode of low back pain.
A recent study found that nearly a third of women with N2/N3 breast cancer did not receive post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT), which is the standard of care for this patient group. The study evaluated over 57,000 cases and found that socioeconomic factors did not influence PMRT receipt.
A new study found that young and middle-aged women experience higher levels of mental stress after a heart attack, leading to worse recovery outcomes. The study analyzed data from over 2,400 female and male heart attack survivors between 18-55 years old.
A team of scientists from the University of Bristol has discovered a two-step process for porphyry copper formation, which could revolutionize the search for new copper deposits. The study reveals that salt-rich fluids and sulphur-rich gases interact to form copper ore, providing insights into the formation of global copper reserves.
A new study found that LGBT teens who come out at school have higher self-esteem and lower levels of depression as young adults. Researchers analyzed data from the Family Acceptance Project and found that coming out was associated with better well-being outcomes. The study suggests that being open about one's sexual orientation or gend...
Researchers tracked thousands of bees and found that younger bees starting to forage earlier led to a decline in the colony's overall performance. This younger population was more likely to die on its first flights, leading to catastrophic consequences for the colony.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that chronic narcotic use is more prevalent in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to children without the disease. The study also identified factors associated with narcotic use, such as psychological impairment and health-care utilization.
Researchers at the Buck Institute discovered how rapamycin inhibits mTORC2, a complex linked to metabolic side effects. The study suggests that manipulating FK506 binding proteins could selectively target mTORC1, reducing side effects and improving longevity outcomes.
Researchers are using novel methods to understand how nerve cells form new connections after spinal cord injury, with the goal of restoring function and movement. A five-year NIH grant will allow them to isolate specific cell types and study their growth and interactions.
A new study from Columbia University Medical Center has found that a drug targeting the fused protein in glioblastoma may lead to significant clinical improvement and tumor reduction. The research suggests that developing a more precise drug could result in better treatment outcomes for patients with brain cancer.
Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have discovered a psychedelic drug that prevents the development of allergic asthma in mice. The study identified a potent anti-inflammatory mechanism for treating asthma, which could one day be administered via an inhaler or daily pill.
Researchers from the University of Iowa analyzed daily stream gauge records from 1962-2011 and found that 34% of stations experienced an increase in flood frequency, while 9% saw a decrease. The study suggests that warmer temperatures and increased rainfall are contributing to the rising number of big floods in the region.
The $344 million Daniel K Inouye Solar Telescope will utilize cameras designed by a UK university consortium led by Queen's University Belfast to observe the Sun's surface in unprecedented detail. The telescope aims to address fundamental questions in contemporary solar physics.
A team of astronomers has discovered the most massive pair of white dwarf stars yet found, which will merge in the future to form a runaway thermonuclear explosion leading to a Type Ia supernova. This discovery provides new insights into astronomical distances and dark energy, shedding light on the expansion of the Universe.
A primary care-based program has been shown to increase physical activity in overweight, middle-aged women, with improvements of up to 90 minutes per week compared to self-guided groups. The interventionist-led group also maintained higher levels of activity over time.
A study found that only 4% of published clinical trials mentioned FDA inspection violations, despite 74% having protocol violations. The FDA's lack of transparency and notification to journals contributes to this issue, making it difficult to track research misconduct.
A comprehensive review of studies on physician attire finds that patients prefer formally dressed doctors, but fashion takes a back seat in emergency and surgical care. The study's lead author suggests that healthcare systems capture the 'voice of the customer' to provide tailored guidance on physician attire.
A new biomarker in the blood has been identified that can predict the risk of developing dementia, allowing for more precise risk evaluation and earlier prevention efforts. The study involved 76,000 people and revealed a link between low levels of apolipoprotein E and increased dementia risk.
A study by Oregon State University found that treadmill desks increase physical activity but do not lead to significant weight loss or changes in Body Mass Index after 12 weeks. The employees only used the treadmills about half the time they were asked to, averaging one session and 45 minutes a day on the machines.
Researchers developed two cryogenically cooled optical lattice clocks that can synchronize to a one part in 2.0 x 10^-18, nearly 1,000 times more precise than current international timekeeping standard. This precision could enable clock-based geodesy and measure the strength of gravitational potential at different locations.
The loss of underwater posidonia meadows reduces their ability to capture and store atmospheric CO2, and can also lead to the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere. Seagrass meadows, like those studied, play a crucial role in mitigating anthropogenic emissions by capturing carbon.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that HPV vaccination does not promote risky sexual behaviors among adolescent females. The vaccine has had a low uptake due to concerns about its impact on sex, but the study suggests it is safe and effective.
A new study found that serotonin-deficient mice are more vulnerable to social stress and do not respond to the antidepressant Prozac, which may help explain why some people with depression seem unresponsive to treatment. The researchers also discovered a possible therapeutic strategy by targeting the lateral habenula brain area.
Researchers employed a 'Big Bang' model to trace the origins of colorectal cancer cells, revealing clues to why tumor cells become good or bad and potential ways to stop them before they start growing. The study highlights the importance of understanding the early stages of tumor development to prevent cancer.
A new study of adolescent girls found that HPV vaccination was not associated with an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contrary to previous concerns. The study included over 21,000 vaccinated females and 186,500 non-vaccinated females, finding no evidence that HPV vaccination leads to higher rates of STIs.
A study by McGill University researchers found that people tend to choose options that are more salient or attention-grabbing, but may not be aware of why they chose them. In a card trick experiment, participants chose the target card in over 90% of trials, despite feeling they had a free choice.
The Commons Lab has released two new reports on key aspects of Citizen Science, focusing on successful projects in Europe and exploring potential legal issues surrounding intellectual property. The reports aim to support policymaking and growth of citizen science by addressing ethical, legal, and social implications.
New research from Northwestern University suggests that singing accurately is a learned skill that can decline over time if not used. Regular practice can help improve singing skills and prevent the 'use it or lose it' effect, where adults may struggle to sing on key as they age.
The rice water weevil is a devastating insect pest of rice in the US, causing yield losses of up to 25%. Researchers offer new management strategies, including cultural control methods and microbial control options, to combat this invasive species.
A new study by University of Vermont researchers confirms that humans use more positive words than negative ones across ten languages, including Arabic, Korean, and Chinese. The study analyzed billions of words from various sources and found a consistent positivity bias, indicating that language itself has a positive outlook.
Researchers at Duke University have devised a method to activate genes in specific locations using light, allowing for precise control over genetic expression. This technology has the potential to revolutionize genetic engineering and may lead to breakthroughs in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Marriott International partners with UTSA to improve its energy efficiency, leveraging Bing Dong's proprietary tool for real-time occupant behavior analysis and data-driven energy-saving recommendations. The partnership aims to reduce the company's global energy footprint by 20% by 2020.
Researchers developed a comprehensive computer model to simulate blood cell development, which could help identify promising pathways to target with drugs. The model has been validated through laboratory experiments and shows potential for reducing the risk of drug failure in leukaemia research.
Scientists have developed a new method to study steel fracturing using high-resolution images from a scanning electron microscope. The research revealed the connection between microstructure and porosity in sintered steels, identifying angular pores as initial points of 'nucleation' that initiate breaking.
The NIH's 2015 Avant-Garde Awards highlight five groundbreaking projects tackling prevention, immune system dysfunction, and drug use disorders. Researchers aim to develop novel therapies and strategies to combat HIV/AIDS in substance users.
A large snowstorm affecting New England is breaking records, with Boston experiencing over 61.6 inches of snowfall, surpassing the previous record. The storm system, captured by NOAA's GOES-East satellite, is also bringing freezing rain to western Pennsylvania and Long Island.
Elevated NHE9 protein levels in brain cancer cells lead to slower cargo transport, allowing cancer-promoting signals to persist. This discovery suggests targeting NHE9 and EGFR proteins could help treat glioblastoma.
A team of researchers at the University of Utah has received $1.4 million to further develop an implantable neural interface that allows amputees to control a prosthetic hand with their thoughts and feel sensations of touch and movement.