Researchers have found that a commonly used Type II diabetes medication can effectively clear fatty liver disease from some patients. After a 48-week trial, 4 out of 10 patients showed significant improvement in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis symptoms.
A recent study by the CDC found that US adults now smoke at a rate of 17.8%, the lowest since 1965. However, smoking rates remain high among three groups: American Indians, LGBT individuals, and those with mental health issues. The largest non-profit quitline in the US is hiring Native coaches to better serve these communities.
A national insurance database analysis revealed that 1 in 352 women had unsuspected cancer after undergoing minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries. The study highlights the need for safer alternatives to power morcellation to avoid worsening a woman's prognosis.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a technique to measure an individual's visual processing speed, which can predict executive cognitive functioning. The study used a simple test of visual flicker to evaluate brain function quality, and found that older adults had slower visual processing speeds.
Scientists have developed an app to monitor food security using a smartphone, combining weather and soil moisture data from satellites with crowd-sourced data on population vulnerability. The tool has shown promising results in the Central African Republic, providing valuable information for organizations like Doctors without Borders.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are exploring the potential impact of Antarctica's ice sheet melting on global climate. They will use a high-resolution ocean model to simulate iceberg calving and freshwater discharge, which could disrupt ocean currents and circulation in the North Atlantic.
A global study found that children around the world recognize and respond to scenarios that put them at an unfair disadvantage, but differ in their responses to situations of unfair advantage. In most societies, children take steps to avoid being placed at a disadvantage by middle childhood.
Scientists have discovered that most neurons in visual cortex respond selectively to light vs dark stimuli and combine this information with selectivity for other stimulus features. This discovery sheds new light on how the brain encodes black and white information.
The research provides greater evidence that humans were established in South America more than 15,000 years ago, supporting an earlier peopling of the Americas. The findings also underscore the importance of long-term interdisciplinary research and raise new questions about how the hemisphere was settled.
Researchers have found a potential treatment strategy for glycogen storage disease Ia by inducing autophagy in liver cells, which reduces fat and glycogen levels. A drug called rapamycin stimulates autophagy and improves liver size and function in animal models.
A recent CSIRO study maps the boundaries of the 'dark proteome', a region of proteins with completely unknown structure. The research identifies surprising features in nearly half of the eukaryotic proteome, including associations with secretory tissues and disulfide bonding.
Researchers demonstrated that specific regions in the brain represent sweet and bitter tastes, allowing for control over sensory perception and behavioral actions. Silencing or activating these regions can evoke different taste perceptions, including sweet or bitter, without actual tasting.
Kansas State University researchers are exploring the role of long-distance dispersal in spreading vector-borne infectious diseases. They will evaluate control methods such as limiting animal movements and reducing vector populations to develop rules of thumb for controlling outbreaks.
Researchers found a significant association between coarse particles in the air and increased cardiovascular hospitalizations in people 65 and older. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, analyzed data from 110 large urban counties in the US and linked it to Medicare data on hospitalizations from 1999 to 2010.
Researchers trained pigeons to distinguish between benign and malignant breast histology and radiology images, showing their ability to generalize what they learned. The study suggests that pigeons could aid in understanding human medical image perception and performance assessment.
University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists successfully grew functional vocal cord tissue in the laboratory using bioengineering techniques. The tissue was able to transmit sound and showed similar characteristics to native tissue, paving the way for potential clinical applications.
A study by University of Texas at Dallas researchers shows that watching 3-D images of tongue movements can help individuals learn speech sounds. The findings could be especially helpful for stroke patients seeking to improve their speech articulation.
A broad-spectrum approach to cancer treatment and prevention is being developed by researchers, focusing on low-toxicity agents from plants and foods that target multiple pathways involved in cancer development. The approach aims to improve upon current targeted therapies and reduce costs associated with toxicity and treatment duration.
A study found that coconut oil consumption reduced gastrointestinal colonization by C. albicans in mice, suggesting a potential way to prevent invasive infections. The researchers plan to launch a clinical trial testing coconut oil in hospitalized infants at high-risk for developing systemic candidiasis.
A new alliance of UK health professionals aims to place health at the center of climate change negotiations. The Health Professional Alliance to Combat Climate Change advocates for improving air quality, increasing active transport, and reducing healthcare's environmental footprint.
A study found H7N9 virus transmission from a hospital patient to an unrelated individual, challenging common exposure assumptions. The live poultry market is considered the most probable source of infection for the original case.
A Stanford University study found that ethnic minorities value high-quality end-of-life care, but face numerous barriers, including poor communication and financial issues. The study's authors emphasized the need for culturally competent care as the US population becomes increasingly diverse by 2044.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study shows that breast cancer patients without prescription drug coverage are less likely to start and continue hormonal therapy due to high costs. Women from lower-income households were particularly affected, highlighting the need for affordable prescription coverage.
Research published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found no significant link between frequent sex and happiness after one sexual encounter per week. Instead, maintaining an intimate connection with a partner is key to overall happiness.
A new report by Physicians for Human Rights documents 45 hospital attacks in eastern Aleppo, with two-thirds forced to close. The authors call for an international stance against violating medical neutrality, warning that such attacks could become the 'new normal' in armed conflicts.
A nationwide study in Mexico found that diabetes incidence doubled every 10 years from 1960 to 2012, and up to 23% of the population could be diagnosed with the disease by 2050. The study highlights the need for comprehensive prevention strategies to reverse trends.
Researchers successfully eliminated a lethal chytrid fungus in a wild amphibian population using antifungal treatment and environmental disinfection. The breakthrough study, published in Biology Letters, marks the first time a fatal fungal infection has been eradicated from a wild population.
Researchers at the University of York have published research on the 3-D structure of human heparanase, an enzyme that degrades sugars and contributes to cancer cell proliferation. The study's findings will enable a more rational approach to drug design and the development of novel therapeutic agents.
A new study finds that young whites are significantly more optimistic about their chances of living to 35 compared to minority peers. The study controlled for various risk factors and found that foreign-born Mexicans were the most pessimistic about their future survival, even after accounting for socioeconomic status.
Researchers analyze salamander hunting skills to understand how animals compensate for sensorimotor delays. By predicting prey movement, salamanders successfully catch over 90% of their targets. The study's findings provide new insights into human motor processing and prediction strategies.
A study found that providing babies with up to 12 months of liquid formula HIV drugs while breastfeeding with their HIV-positive mothers is highly effective in protecting them from infection. The study showed that rates of HIV infection fell to 0.2% when the drug was taken, and that adherence remained a key factor for success.
The new guidelines aim to prevent the spread of MDRGNB in healthcare settings, which are already present in the UK. They provide practical advice on identifying patients with these bacteria and preventing their spread.
Artur Avila, a renowned Brazilian mathematician, has won the TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize for his groundbreaking work on dynamical systems and chaos theory. His research has helped resolve major mathematical quandaries and brought global awareness of Brazilian mathematics.
Aging mice with a new type of diabetes have high levels of immune cells called T regulatory cells in their fat tissue, leading to insulin resistance. Blocking these cells may hold the key to treating this age-related form of diabetes.
A recent study by University of Missouri professor Haley Horstman found that daughters 're-author' stories about adversity over time, increasing their positivity through narrative. This change in storytelling can lead to improved mother-daughter interpersonal relationships and well-being.
The research demonstrates that increasing oxytocin levels can improve social interactions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, the study reveals a link between oxytocin and anandamide production, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating ASD.
The special issue of Biomarkers in Medicine focuses on advances in biomarker research for regulatory science. Biomarkers are used to predict response to therapies, disease prognosis, and establish baseline risk. The journal aims to facilitate translation of research knowledge into clinical practice.
Researchers developed a theory explaining the lifetime of turbulent flows by drawing an analogy with ecosystems near extinction. Computer simulations showed that turbulence excites and inhibits large-scale zonal flow, leading to oscillations in its intensity.
A new IU study reveals that short winter days trigger aggression hormones differently in female hamsters compared to males. Melatonin acts directly on the adrenal glands in females to trigger a 'seasonal aggression switch', while in males, it works through the pituitary gland.
Scientists developed a simple method to quickly detect meat spoilage using nanotubes, providing real-time analysis and high sensitivity. The test reacts in under an hour to a teaspoon of vapor emitted by the samples, indicating freshness.
The study expands the known distributional range of five squids, including Abraliopsis and Pterygioteuthis, with surprising finds at depths over 600m. These elasmobranch predators play a vital role in the food web, but their abundance is highly dependent on temperature.
A randomized clinical trial found bright light treatment alone and combined with fluoxetine to be effective treatments for adults with nonseasonal major depressive disorder. The study's primary outcomes showed that combination therapy and light therapy alone were superior to placebo, while fluoxetine alone was not.
The Andes mountain chain was formed 14 million years ago, according to new research from the University of Bristol. The study used a novel method based on cosmic rays to determine the age of large boulders in the western margin of the Andes.
A 12-week randomized study found that pioglitazone, an insulin-sensitizing drug, alleviated depression symptoms in insulin-resistant patients. The study suggests a link between insulin resistance and depression, with improved antidepressant effects seen in more insulin-resistant participants.
Researchers at Georgia State University developed a new imaging agent, ProCA1.GRPR, which effectively traces changes in cancers and targets diseased cells without radiation limitations. The agent demonstrates strong tumor penetration and shows promise for improved cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Tropical Depression 21E formed southwest of Mexico's western coast on November 18. The storm is expected to strengthen and become a tropical storm by Thursday, with a turn towards the northwest.
A new UCL study of 77,045 dementia patients across the UK found that those from more affluent areas are 27% more likely to be prescribed anti-dementia drugs. This inequality was not seen in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales.
A recent study found that 8.5% of children with cancer have genetic mutations increasing their risk, highlighting the need for improved counseling and family testing. The study's author, Dr. John M. Maris, emphasizes the importance of understanding how other genes interact with these mutations to cause cancer in children.
A new study has revealed key steps for hospitals to improve care for pregnant mums and babies in cases of term stillbirth. The investigation found 'missed opportunities' that could have potentially saved baby lives, highlighting areas such as diabetes testing, fetal growth monitoring, and bereavement care.
University of Arizona researchers captured the first photo of a planet forming in a gap within LkCa15's disk, providing insights into protoplanetary formation. The study utilized advanced telescopes and imaging techniques to observe the young star and its surrounding disk.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that Viagra improves insulin sensitivity in individuals with prediabetes. The medication also reduces a biological marker that signals heightened risk of kidney and heart disease.
A special section in Perspectives on Psychological Science provides policy memos to the President from a 'Council of Psychological Science Advisors', offering recommendations on obesity, consumer debt, terrorism, and climate change. The section features articles translating scientific findings into federal policy improvements.
The University of Huddersfield is conducting a £350,000 research project to measure 'learning gain', defined as improvement in knowledge, skills, and employability. The project will survey hundreds of undergraduates who participate in additional activities beyond their course curriculum.
Researchers at MIT developed an ingestible sensor that measures heart rate and breathing rate by detecting sound waves produced by the beating heart and lungs. The device has potential applications in trauma patients, soldiers, athletes, and chronic illness diagnosis.
Researchers found a new gene, mcr-1, that enables bacteria to resist polymyxins, the last line of defence against infections. The gene is widespread in E coli and K pneumoniae strains from pigs and patients in south China, suggesting its potential to spread rapidly into human pathogens.
Researchers found that nearly 18% of students said they'd been raped while incapacitated before college, and 41% were raped again during their freshman year. Young women who believed alcohol enhances a person's sexual experience were at increased risk of incapacitated rape.
A novel immunotherapeutic approach, personalized peptide vaccination, showed significant improvement in overall survival for patients with advanced bladder cancer. The study found a median overall survival of almost twice as long as that for patients without the treatment, at 7.9 months versus 4.1 months.
A new Ebola vaccine has been found to be well-tolerated and stimulate strong immune responses in adults in Mali and the US. The study's findings could offer crucial protection for contacts of patients with confirmed Ebola disease, helping to interrupt transmission.
A new approach has been discovered to reduce uncontrolled movements caused by levodopa, a common Parkinson's disease medication. By boosting the functioning of a specific brain receptor, scientists have found that side effects such as dyskinesia can be dramatically reduced.
A new farming scheme has been found to support 20% more species of butterflies while producing the same amount of crops as conventional farms. Farmers who sign up to the non-organic Fair to Nature growing protocol gain a premium price for their crops, in return for setting aside and actively managing wildlife habitat.