Children taking hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease show inconsistent results, with some experiencing improved symptoms despite negative laboratory tests. A new study aims to clarify the issue by monitoring medication adherence and exploring genetic differences between responders and non-responders.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic have linked trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) to chronic kidney disease, finding higher levels in patients with the condition associated with greater mortality risk. Elevated TMAO levels are also linked to cardiovascular disease and kidney disease progression.
The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology has developed a paper-based disposable device to detect dengue-specific antibodies from saliva, enabling early diagnosis and treatment. The device can differentiate between primary and secondary dengue infections, reducing the risk of severe complications.
Researchers have found that corals use multiple identical copies of a gene to control pigment production, leading to dramatic differences in color among individuals. This genetic strategy helps corals survive in stressful environments and extends their distribution range along light gradients of coral reefs.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine have identified a determinant of the circadian clock's period, suggesting that protein structure plays a crucial role in determining clock speed. This finding may lead to new treatments for sleep disorders and other health problems tied to circadian rhythms.
The Great Lakes are vulnerable to future invasions due to the lack of effective regulations. Scientists predict new waves of invaders and identify key species that could arrive in the next 50 years, posing threats to native biodiversity and the multibillion-dollar fishery.
Researchers at Caltech develop antibody-based molecules that bind to and neutralize HIV more effectively than natural antibodies, offering a potential approach to engineer more effective HIV-fighting drugs. The breakthrough uses DNA as a molecular ruler to design novel molecules.
Scientists at RIKEN have successfully induced human embryonic stem cells to self-organize into a three-dimensional structure resembling the cerebellum. The resulting neurons demonstrated proper responses to currents and inhibition, indicating functional development. This breakthrough could lead to modeling of cerebellar diseases like s...
Researchers outline their approach to facelift surgery in bariatric surgery patients, highlighting the need for customized techniques to address skin laxity and facial deflation. The study achieved excellent aesthetic outcomes with minimal complications, maintaining improvements over two years' follow-up.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that global warming will not increase the number of storms, but rather make strong storms stronger and weaker storms weaker. The atmosphere's circulation pattern is like a heat engine that requires fuel to do work.
Researchers have discovered a neural circuit that controls compulsive sugar consumption in mice without affecting normal feeding behavior, providing a potential target for treating compulsive overeating. The study reveals a distinct subset of neurons responsible for mediating food-seeking behavior and responding to reward consumption.
MIT researchers report that just four pieces of information are enough to identify 90% of people in a data set. Adding coarse-grained price information reduces the number of data points needed to reach 94%. The study highlights the risks of re-identification and encourages socially beneficial uses of big data.
Research reveals that negative health messages are more effective for highly involved and detail-oriented audiences, while positive messages are better for those with uncertain outcomes. For the general public, positive messages with clear action steps are more effective.
A study published in Molecular Metabolism found that adropin, a hormone regulating fat and sugar metabolism during feeding and fasting cycles, can improve insulin action in obese mice. This suggests that it may work as a therapy for type 2 diabetes.
A new study reveals that participants in overdose education programs are predominantly mothers who financially support their addicted children and witness overdose events. These findings suggest that community-based initiatives targeting these groups could be effective in preventing drug overdose deaths.
Researchers at CNIC identified the molecular mechanism regulating transport of Rac1 between nucleus and cytoplasm. Sustained presence of Rac1 in nucleus promotes nuclear deformation to facilitate cell migration through confined spaces. The study provides potential targets for future therapies.
A University of Arizona-led team reports that Iceland's glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate, causing the island's crust to rise rapidly. The study uses GPS measurements to track geological activity and finds a direct connection between glacier loss and uplift.
A new study by the University of Sheffield has found that 20-25% of well-known sea species are threatened with extinction. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive assessments of marine species, which currently have been completed for only three percent of cases.
A study published in Current Biology found that athletes' performance peaks at different times of day based on their natural sleep patterns. The researchers used a novel test to characterize over 120 athletes' circadian phenotypes and discovered a significant variation in individual performance throughout the day.
The EPIPAGE 2 study found a significant improvement in the survival of premature infants in France, with survival rates increasing by 14% for infants born between 25-29 weeks. However, results for extremely premature infants show little progress, highlighting the need for better care and monitoring.
A new cell sampling device accurately identified patients with reflux symptoms who warrant endoscopy to diagnose Barrett's esophagus, with a sensitivity of 87.2% in high-risk cases. The minimally invasive test was well-received by participants, with no adverse effects reported.
Researchers have developed a hot-casting technique to grow large-area perovskite crystals, offering promising routes for low-cost, clean energy solutions. The technique yields highly efficient and reproducible solar cells with efficiencies approaching 18%, surpassing previous challenges in the field.
According to new research, nearly 70% of Americans will experience at least one year in the top 20% of income earners by age 60, while only 11% will spend time among the top 1%. The study also highlights persistent racial inequality and the relatively low percentage of people who stay in the top echelon for a decade.
Researchers have gathered rare photographs of the critically endangered Saharan cheetah, shedding light on its elusive behavior and habitat requirements. The study's findings suggest that these large cats are more nocturnal, wide-ranging, and occur at lower densities than other cheetahs in Africa.
Researchers at San Diego State University used computer simulations to discover that fin whale skulls can capture low-frequency energy and direct it to the ear bones. This bone conduction method is up to 10 times more sensitive than pressure mechanisms for hearing, solving a long-standing mystery about baleen whales' acoustic properties.
A new study finds that steroid therapy is associated with a nearly five-fold increase in venous thromboembolism events among IBD patients. Corticosteroid use was linked to a higher rate of venous thromboembolic events, even when combined with biologic therapies.
A study found that high-salt intake accelerates kidney scarring in rats with chronic kidney disease by activating the brain-kidney connection called the renin-angiotensin axis. Targeting this nerve reduced salt-induced kidney scarring, providing new strategies for protecting patients' kidney health.
A commonly used pesticide may increase the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and pregnant women. According to a new Rutgers study, exposure to pyrethroid pesticides like deltamethrin can lead to dysfunctional dopamine signaling, hyperactivity, and other ADHD-like symptoms.
Scientists have made the largest ever catalogue of biological chimeras available to the public domain. The new database comprises over 29,000 small RNA molecules that originate from different genomic regions, which could reveal useful markers for clinical oncology practice and novel drug targets for cancer treatment.
The Centre for Evolutionary Genomics will train PhD researchers in a field that uses latest DNA science to study evolutionary history. The University has received £1 million from the Leverhulme Trust to fund five years of research.
A study comparing genome sequences of 29 mammals reveals how evolution repurposes shared genes for unique traits. The research provides insights into the 'mammalian radiation,' a period of rapid morphological evolution that occurred after the asteroid impact that caused the dinosaurs' extinction.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have proposed a new fundamental particle that could explain why Dark Matter remains undetected. The particle interacts strongly with normal matter, making it a promising candidate for detection in space experiments.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed a novel eye-tracking device to diagnose concussion severity, tracking pupils for over 200 seconds while watching a music video. The study found that trauma patients with normal CT scans were slightly worse at 1-2 weeks after injury and recovered about one month later.
UC San Diego researchers use social network analysis to combine Google Flu Trends' 'big data' with CDC data, improving predictions. The study refines Google's predictions by weighting them with a social network derived from CDC reports on laboratory-tested cases of flu.
A study published in The Lancet HIV reports that an HIV testing campaign in Kenya's Bunyala subcounty yielded over 1,300 new diagnoses, with only 15% of newly diagnosed individuals seeking care. Home-based counseling and testing provided a diagnosis to nearly 40% of people living with HIV who otherwise would not have sought testing.
Scientists have discovered the crystal structure of a key protein associated with anxiety disorders, providing clues for new anti-anxiety treatments. The TSPO protein's unique structure and interactions with cholesterol could lead to improved medications with zero side effects.
A new study from Monash University and RMIT investigated the application of Lean Six Sigma in a hospital emergency department. The researchers found that introducing these methods can help streamline processes, improve costs, and enhance patient discharge processes.
The Aquaria project has created a powerful web resource that simplifies the process of gleaning insight from 3D protein structures. The tool offers around 46 million computer models, allowing users to view additional information such as genetic differences mapped onto 3D structures.
The discovery of a 55,000-year-old skull in Israel's Western Galilee provides direct anatomical evidence of modern human migration into Europe. The skull also suggests that modern humans interbred with Neanderthals in the Levant, contradicting previous narratives.
Researchers will investigate how depression affects cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected adults and test whether antidepressants or psychotherapy can reduce the risk of heart attacks. A randomized controlled trial will also examine whether depression treatment can effectively lower cardiovascular disease risk in HIV patients.
A study found that multiplexed genetic screening for EGFR and ALK gene rearrangements followed by molecularly-guided treatment is cost-effective compared to standard chemotherapy. The approach offers better outcomes in terms of quality-adjusted life years gained and life-years, making it a valuable option for patients with NSCLC.
A recent study published in Personal and Ubiquitous Computing found that texting is the most popular feature used by patients with mental illness, whereas downloading apps was the least popular. The study suggests that texting may be a more suitable treatment aid due to its accessibility and familiarity among patients.
Research on 224 professional fighters found smaller brain volumes and slower processing speeds associated with repeated head blows. Higher Fight Exposure Scores were linked to greater cognitive impairment and mental slowing.
A new study analyzes the hydrocarbon sector and access roads in the Western Amazon, finding that 11 out of 17 major projects have access roads. The researchers recommend adopting the offshore inland development model to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. Additionally, there are 35 confirmed and/or suspected hydrocarbon discov...
A study by the American Sociological Association finds that one in five U.S. adults hold a post-secular perspective, valuing both science and religion but rejecting certain scientific theories. These individuals are highly educated and scientifically literate, yet reject evolution and creation.
A new international collaboration reveals a vital relationship between diet quality and potential nutritional deficiencies and mental health. The study finds that nutrient-based prescription has the potential to assist in managing mental disorders at an individual and population level.
A 20-year study found that over one-third of children in England are overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity among younger children appears to have stabilized, but this is not cause for complacency. The study's findings highlight the need for effective public health strategies and policies to address childhood obesity.
A recent study with 32 transgender children aged 5-12 found that their gender identity is deeply held and not a result of confusion or pretense. The study used implicit measures to gauge the strength of automatic gender associations, revealing consistent patterns across measures.
Diamondra has moved south-southeastward at 5 kph and is downgraded to a subtropical cyclone. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center will continue to monitor the storm for signs of regeneration.
The UK government has announced a £40 million investment in synthetic biology, aiming to create biological 'factories' that produce essential products like medicines and chemicals. Three new research centres will be established in Edinburgh, Manchester, and Warwick to boost national research capacity.
A recent study published in American Psychologist found that men and women share over 80% of the same psychological characteristics, including risk-taking, occupational stress, and morality. While there are some differences, these findings suggest that our similarities outweigh our differences.
A new study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that more than half of men and almost a third of women over 70 reported they were still sexually active. The research also highlights the diversity of late-life sexualities and emphasizes the importance of discussing sexual health with older people.
Researchers identified a link between a PARK2 gene mutation and familial lung cancer, implicating the mutation as a genetic susceptibility factor. The findings suggest potential targeted therapies for individuals with this mutation variant.
Scientists studied the fly species Scaptomyza flava to understand its transition from a non-plant diet to herbivory. They found that genetic and neurological processes underlying behaviors were drastically remodeled, enabling the flies to seek out healthy plants and lay eggs on them.
A team of scientists has deciphered the structural details of a brain protein, TSPO, which has an almost equally strong affinity for Valium as it does for its target protein. The study reveals that TSPO breaks down a compound found in red blood cells, potentially helping regulate oxygen compounds and mitigating side effects.
Researchers analyzed data from over 7,500 species of insect herbivores and found that most species specialize on a single type of plant, contradicting the assumption that generalist feeders are more common. This study has important implications for ecosystem management and conservation efforts.
A recent study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that both men and women tend to misinterpret each other's social signals. Women reported being misinterpreted as sexually interested approximately 3.5 times a year, while men reported being misinterpreted less often. The results suggest that these miscommunicati...
Carnegie Mellon researchers highlight the challenges of navigating complex tradeoffs in privacy decision-making, citing context dependence and malleability of privacy concerns. Effective policies must focus on achieving a greater balance of power between individuals and data holders to protect privacy.
Researchers have developed a new injectable acoustic fish tag that allows for safe and quick insertion into young fish, reducing the risk of altering their behavior. The new tag, which is about as big as two grains of rice, can release beeps every 0.4 seconds and lasts up to 120 days on a single battery.
A UCLA study finds that regulating body temperature is a crucial factor in zebra striping, controlling zebras' body temperature and protecting them from diseases carried by biting flies. The research provides the first evidence of thermoregulation as the main reason for stripes and patterns.