A new study by the Veterans Affairs Research Communications found that individuals with restless legs syndrome (RLS) are at a higher risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and earlier death. The study of over 3 million veterans revealed a fourfold higher incidence of stroke and heart disease in the RLS group.
A study of over 6,500 teenagers found that those with mental disorders are more likely to experience chronic pain. The researchers identified connections between various types of mental disorders and chronic pain, suggesting that mental health issues may be an underlying risk factor for chronic pain in young people.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have created a genetically engineered plant biosensor to detect and prevent parasitic Striga infestations. The tool uses protein-based hormone receptors present within Striga to mimic plant hormones and trap the parasite, allowing for its destruction.
A new study reveals that older tobacco users pay significantly more for health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act, with some facing surcharges of up to 46% more than non-tobacco users. This highlights concerns about the financial burden on these individuals and potential implications for health equity.
Researchers are developing a healing glove that delivers medicine to injured hands and speeds up healing, allowing for earlier rehabilitation. The REHEAL Glove provides positive pressure wound therapy, delivering therapeutics and controlling the wound environment for better and faster healing.
Researchers have demonstrated the relative safety and effectiveness of eltrombopag in children with persistent immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The treatment stabilizes platelet counts, enabling children to participate in social activities without frequent nose bleeds.
Over 15 years, malaria cases in Africa have decreased by 663 million, mainly due to bednet and ACT interventions. However, growing insecticide and drug resistance threaten these efforts, requiring a proactive approach to develop new antimalarial drugs and insecticides.
A study found that women who were told their babies might be large had higher odds of perinatal interventions, despite only a fraction actually having excessive birth weights. The association raises questions about how much information clinicians should communicate to women about fetal size.
Kazan researchers compared direct gene and blood cell-mediated therapy for spinal cord injuries, revealing similar recovery outcomes in rats. The study found that both therapies preserved myelinated fibers, with cell-based therapy extending therapeutic influence over longer distances.
Brian G. Ferguson has been awarded the Acoustical Society of America's Silver Medal in Signal Processing in Acoustics for his work on in-air and in-water acoustic classification, localization, and tracking. He is recognized for his research accomplishments in acoustics, which have defense and national security applications.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry finds that hormonal treatments for sex reassignment alter brain chemistry, increasing serotonin levels in female-to-male transsexuals and decreasing them in male-to-female transsexuals. These changes may explain why testosterone improves symptoms in some forms of depression.
Researchers discovered that intracellular receptor signalling sustains cancer cells detached from surrounding tissue. Preventing this signalling reduces the ability of cancer cells to survive and spread. This breakthrough opens a new perspective on integrin receptors' activity in cancer.
A study found nearly 9 million children are susceptible to measles, with nearly 4% of 17-year-olds unvaccinated. The percentage of vaccinated children must remain above 92% to prevent outbreaks.
Researchers warn that up to 1 billion people could be blind by 2050 if current interventions are not developed and implemented. Myopia is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, with 80-90% of school leavers in East Asia affected.
Allan D. Pierce, Professor Emeritus at Boston University, has been awarded the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Distinguished Service Citation for his outstanding service to the organization. Pierce received the citation in recognition of his 15-year tenure as Editor-in-Chief.
Henrique Pombeiro, a Ph.D. candidate at MIT Portugal, has been awarded a Fulbright Research Grant to investigate strategies for improving energy efficiency in buildings without compromising comfort. He will focus on residential and university buildings, developing energy models and frameworks for evaluating feedback mechanisms.
Scientists studied the evolution of jerboas' remarkable limbs to understand processes controlling limb development and bone growth. They found that evolution controls individual bone size, suggesting complex genetic regulation.
A recent study published in The Lancet reveals that two-thirds of young Chinese men start smoking before age 20, with half eventually dying from tobacco-related causes. The study also shows a significant increase in cigarette smoking among young men, leading to a doubling of male deaths attributed to smoking.
Scientists have measured the world's smallest free-living insect, a featherwing beetle species, with a precise length of 0.325 mm. This discovery provides new insights into its distribution and diet, revealing a wider range than previously thought.
A new study found that a math-based app significantly improved elementary school children's performance in just a few months. The app was especially helpful for children with math-anxious parents, who showed significant improvements in math abilities when using the app once a week.
Research at ASHG 2015 Annual Meeting found that smoking and heavy alcohol use cause epigenetic changes reflecting accelerated biological aging. Moderate alcohol consumption was surprisingly correlated with the healthiest aging outcomes.
A study by the University of Virginia found that low-income HIV patients enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans achieved higher viral suppression rates compared to those receiving only medications through direct AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). This approach allows the state to cover more patients in a cost-effective wa...
The Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program is expanding its focus to prevention, involving new communities and studying risk factors like breast density. Researchers will explore links between environmental exposures and high breast density, aiming to identify new insights into prevention.
Researchers developed a test-bed to study animal movement on soft ground, revealing key principles for robotic design. The findings, published in Bioinspiration & Biomechanics, suggest that robots can mimic the locomotion strategies of animals, such as sandrunners and forest dwellers, to improve their performance on challenging terrain.
A new adipogenic cocktail D&R has been developed to induce functional mature adipocytes from MSCs. This cocktail improves energy homeostasis by inducing cells with characteristics of a mature adipocyte, including fat droplets and sensitivity to insulin.
A Tel Aviv University study found that one-year-old infants with poor sleep quality, such as frequent night wakings and broken sleep patterns, are more likely to experience behavioral problems at the toddler stage. The research suggests that early intervention for infant sleep problems may improve later attention and behavior regulation.
A team of researchers has mapped the connections between genetic mutations and protein regulation in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain cancer. They found that targeting specific transcription factors, such as SOX9 and FOXG1, could potentially treat GBM using BET bromodomain inhibitors.
The University of Houston will acquire a new high-performance computer with accelerators, benefiting at least 23 research groups across diverse departments. The grant also offers training opportunities for students to learn programming skills and utilize the new technology.
Patients with light-chain (AL) amyloidosis treated with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation have the greatest success for long-term survival. Nearly one-third of patients achieved up to 20-year survival after treatment.
Researchers at UCSB have made new discoveries about the signaling cascade necessary for phototransduction, allowing animals to detect light. The study reveals that XPORT-A and XPORT-B molecular chaperone proteins are critical for moving TRP channels to the cell surface.
A new study at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has confirmed the neuroprotective effects of hypothermia on newborn brain metabolism, using MRS imaging. The study found that therapeutic hypothermia can almost double the chance of a healthy outcome for infants with HIE.
The World Congress of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics has adopted recommendations from the Perinatology Research Branch at Wayne State University to prevent preterm birth. These guidelines include daily vaginal progesterone treatment for women with short cervices, which can reduce the risk by nearly half.
Researchers found that faces expressing emotions, especially anger, have a powerful distractor effect on drivers' attention. This study emphasizes the need for authorities to consider this risk when designing road signage. By understanding how facial expressions impact driver behavior, we can better mitigate potential dangers.
Researchers from NIST and UC Davis have successfully created stable magnetic skyrmions under ambient conditions, opening up possibilities for novel data storage and nanoelectronic devices. The breakthrough enables the use of skyrmions in information memory systems with improved elasticity and resistance to external influences.
A new study reveals that viewers of 'Law and Order' have a better grasp of sexual consent than those who watch other crime dramas, suggesting a link between punishment of sexual predators and reduced predatory behavior. The study explores the influence of watching crime drama franchises on attitudes towards sexual consent.
Tropical Storm Oho weakened over cool waters and transitioned into an extra-tropical cyclone with strong wind shear, affecting its path. The storm moved over very cool waters near 22 Celsius, which is below the minimum temperature required to maintain intensity.
Researchers have successfully generated aged neurons using stem cell technology, allowing for the study of age-related changes in the brain. The newly created neurons exhibit defects in protein transport and gene expression patterns similar to those found in older brains.
Researchers at the University of Montreal found that humans can recognize familiar voices with nearly 100% accuracy, even in noisy environments. This surpasses current automatic speech recognition systems, which struggle to reach 99.9% accuracy.
The LA BioMed's Catalina Island Clinic has received a $10,000 grant to provide confidential, free, and no-cost reproductive health care services to uninsured women and adolescent girls. The clinic offers a range of services, including family planning, STI testing, and counseling.
A new study has identified a law for glacial erosion that captures variability in different climate zones. The results show that fast glaciers are more effective landscape gougers than slow-moving ones, explaining lower long-term erosion rates in Polar Regions.
Researchers discovered elephants have 38 additional modified copies of the p53 gene, which encodes a well-defined tumor suppressor. This unique genetic feature may protect elephants from cancer by enhancing their ability to kill damaged cells.
Researchers tracked cellulose production in real-time to understand how thick and strong secondary cell walls are built, shedding light on the essential adaptation of plants from sea to land. The discovery may also aid in engineering plants with improved mechanical properties.
Scientists at McGill University have discovered that histones, previously underappreciated molecules, play a crucial role in transmitting environmental memories over several generations. This finding has the potential to profoundly change our understanding of inheritance and could lead to new avenues for disease prevention and treatment.
Ben-Gurion University and MIT researchers developed a highly sensitive and cost-effective technology for rapid bacterial pathogen screening of air, soil, water, and agricultural produce. The new method outperformed traditional methods substantially, detecting pathogens within a day of receiving samples.
A national effort helped Connecticut rebalance long-term care services, transitioning over 2,200 residents to community settings. This increased overall quality of life and life satisfaction among participants.
A new study of a 125-million-year-old bird fossil from central Spain reveals intricate wing structures that match those of modern birds, supporting the idea that early birds could fly efficiently. The discovery provides key insights into the evolution of avian flight and sheds light on the capabilities of ancient birds.
A pioneering technique redirects peripheral nerves in the arms and hands of quadriplegic patients by connecting healthy nerves to injured ones. Patients experience improved hand and arm function, with some regaining independence in daily activities such as feeding themselves or writing with a pen.
Hurricane Joaquin's infrared data revealed the storm was transitioning to a post-tropical cyclone due to weaker storms and less uplift in the air. The system lacked sufficient organized deep convection to qualify as a tropical cyclone.
A specific species of lactobacillus, Lactobacillus crispatus, appears to play a key role in sustaining the mucus barrier against HIV and other STIs. The study's findings could lead to new strategies for protecting women against HIV.
Discussing a menu of reasonable treatment options with patients can improve patient compliance and health outcomes. Physicians often present only one option, but a partnership approach that includes patient preference can make a real difference.
Researchers at Lund University have developed implantable electrodes that capture signals from single neurons without causing brain tissue damage. The electrodes, called 3-D electrodes, are extremely soft and flexible, enabling stable recordings over long periods.
A new concept correlates geometric and adsorption properties in catalyst design. Researchers developed a platinum-based catalyst for fuel cell applications, showing up to three and a half times greater catalytic activity than existing ones.
Scientists engineered stem cells with PTPN11 mutations to recreate JMML, clarifying early events in its development and providing new targets for drug design. This 'leukemia in a dish' model can help improve treatment options for patients with this rare blood cancer.
A team of physicists has identified a material with negative thermal expansion, shrinking in size as it warms. The discovery challenges current theoretical understanding of thermal expansion and may lead to the development of more durable electronics.
Paul D. Schomer, Owner and Principal of Schomer and Associates, has been recognized with the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Distinguished Service Citation for his excellent service as Standards Director and leadership in developing acoustics standards. He was awarded the citation at the 170th meeting of the ASA on November 4, 2015.
Research finds expectant mothers near fracking wells face increased risk of preterm birth and high-risk pregnancies, with potential links to air quality and maternal stress. The study's findings highlight the need for policymakers to consider health impacts when permitting future wells.
A new study found that social support, self-acceptance, and access to health care that affirms their gender identity protect transgender adults from attempting suicide. The research also highlights the importance of a harm-reduction approach for healthcare providers in preventing suicidality among this population.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified key factors controlling bacterial proteolysis, a crucial cell process. The discovery provides a new target for developing antibiotics with high potential to avoid triggering drug resistance.
Researchers highlight key areas for cervical cancer prevention, including elearning programs and HPV infection studies. The Pan American Health Organization reports 36,000 deaths due to cervical cancer in the Americas, mostly in Latin America.
Scientists at NCBS identify new roles for calcium refill mechanisms in regulating dopamine levels in the brain. Inhibiting these mechanisms disrupts dopamine synthesis and transport, affecting gene expression.