Researchers have developed a combination treatment using an antiviral and anti-cancer drug that has proven 100% successful in eliminating hepatitis B virus infections in preclinical models. The treatment targets the cell signalling pathways used by the virus, causing infected cells to die.
The American College of Physicians recommends banning characterizing flavors and television advertising for e-cigarettes to reduce their appeal. Statins are found to be cost-effective for older patients, but even small increases in adverse effects could offset the benefits.
New analysis reveals 'Apex chert microfossils' are not evidence of ancient life but rather peculiarly shaped minerals. Researchers used high-spatial resolution data to map chemical composition and morphology at the sub-micrometre scale, clearing up a long-standing debate about Earth's earliest fossils.
The World Health Organization recommends a 30% reduction in smoking rates by 2025. Countries must triple tobacco taxes to achieve this goal, which could save an estimated 200 million lives by the end of the century. Quitting smoking before age 40 can substantially reduce risk.
A special issue of JCEDM explores the current state of situation awareness, a construct that has driven advances in human factors/ergonomics fields. The articles discuss the perception and interpretation of surroundings, workload effects on SA, and its applications in complex work domains.
A protocol developed by radiologists significantly reduced CT misadministration at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center from 18 instances to zero in just 10 months. The best practices protocol included assessment levels such as reverification checklists and individual accountability.
Researchers develop a new drug combination that targets both estrogen-sensitive cells and cancer stem cells causing treatment resistance in breast cancer. The therapy combines Evgen's Wnt pathway-suppressing drug Sulforadex with standard hormonal treatments.
A new non-invasive OCT technology has been developed that can improve the clinical management of macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma, the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The technology allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment, enabling more timely intervention to prevent irreversible loss of vision.
Researchers found that overnight fasting reduced postprandial glucose levels and associated them with lower breast cancer risk. Longer nighttime fasts were linked to fewer calories consumed per day and improved biomarker results.
Research found that nearly one-quarter of ICU survivors suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a recent Johns Hopkins study. The study identified possible triggers for PTSD, including existing psychological problems and large amounts of sedation medication, and suggested using ICU diaries as a potential prevent...
NASA engineers test the ATLAS instrument's thermal performance in a vacuum chamber, simulating extreme temperatures and conditions. The successful test ensures that the laser altimeter system functions as expected, measuring the height of Earth's surface below.
The study developed a method enabling dialogue replacement for automated video redubbing, utilizing facial movements associated with speech sounds. The approach produced far more plausible alternative word sequences than conventional methods.
The Carnegie Corporation of New York has awarded Carnegie Mellon University a $1 million grant to develop strategies for technology-enhanced learning (TEL) resources. The grant will allow the university to better understand and implement TEL techniques, which have proven faster and more effective than traditional curricula.
Researchers discovered a massive supervoid, 1.8 billion light-years across, that could explain the unusual Cold Spot in cosmic microwave background radiation. The void's effect on light traveling through it results in colder temperatures, potentially revealing exotic physics beyond standard cosmology.
A detailed genetic road map of Upland cotton has been created to improve crop yields, reduce water usage, and minimize pesticide applications. The new sequence will enable researchers to better understand the interactions between genes that determine fiber production and oil content in seeds.
A large study found that fewer than 10% of patients with adverse pathologic features after surgery received postoperative radiotherapy within six months. Despite strong evidence, the utilization of radiation therapy for these patients is declining in the US.
Researchers found statistically elevated rates of pediatric cancers in urban areas within the Miami metro region and an area just west of the Everglades. The clusters showed differences in cancer types, racial composition, and timing, but not a clear link to environmental exposures.
Research reveals that Dutch doctors are withholding treatment from a substantial proportion of elderly patients, driven by considerations of comfort and respect rather than ageism. Treatment was withheld in 37% of cases, with the oldest patients being more likely to have artificial feeding and fluids or antibiotics withdrawn.
A study published in BMJ Open found that UK doctors amass debts of over £80,000 by graduation, with women paying more interest despite earning less. The research suggests that women doctors repay more for initial debts below £50,000 due to longer debt periods and higher interest accrual.
A comprehensive review of research on inhibiting beta amyloid production offers insights into the potential for Alzheimer's treatment. The study examines the role of proteolytic secretases and their viability as therapeutic targets.
Scientists at EPFL have discovered that electron transfer from tryptophan to a heme molecule can distort FRET data, leading to false readings about protein conformation changes. This finding has significant implications for the effectiveness of FRET analysis in studying protein structures and interactions.
Researchers discovered vampire squid alternate between reproductive and resting phases, a pattern common in fish, not other cephalopods. The slow metabolism suggests longer lifespan than shallow-water squid species, highlighting the need to enhance knowledge of deep-sea organisms.
A study of families participating in a clinical trial for children with severe physical aggression found high levels of parent satisfaction. The TOSCA study explored the effects of psychostimulant, parent training, and risperidone on child behavior and treatment outcomes.
Research identifies a sensitive period when children's stress response systems are influenced by their caregiving environment. Children who spent early years in institutional care had blunted responses, but those removed and placed in foster care showed similar responses to community-raised children.
Cognitive scientists identified three middle-aged adults with SDAM, who lack personal recollection of past events but can learn and recall information normally. Brain imaging revealed reduced vividness and activation in midline brain regions, as well as a subtle volume reduction in the hippocampus.
A comprehensive new report integrates research from psychological science, linguistics, and neuroscience to provide an evidence-based guide for evaluating the quality of educational apps. The report presents four principles that can help distinguish between apps with true educational value and those that masquerade as such.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that ocean currents can significantly impact the removal of methane from seawater. The researchers discovered that fluctuations in current strength and variability control the prevalence of methanotrophic bacteria, leading to reduced methane consumption.
The LEECH exoplanets survey has obtained new images of HR 8799, a 30-million-year-old star with four known giant planets. The team found that the system likely consists of multiple double resonances, indicating gravitational interactions between the planets.
Researchers have developed an inexpensive alternative to touchscreens, called Acoustruments, which can be added to any device. These mechanisms use pluggable plastic tubes and structures to connect the smartphone's speaker with its microphone, allowing users to control devices using acoustically altered sounds.
Smokers diagnosed with cancer were more likely to quit than those without a diagnosis, according to a large study. The study found that a cancer diagnosis acted as a cue-to-action, motivating some smokers to quit in order to lower their future disease risk.
A study discovered that smoking can raise the likelihood of producing twins in women with certain genetic backgrounds, particularly those with a variant in the TP53 gene. The researchers found significant interactions between smoking and genetic variations, suggesting a possible explanation for reports of mothers of twins being more li...
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of discussing treatment options with patients after a first seizure, weighing individual risks and benefits. Immediate treatment with an epilepsy drug may reduce recurrent seizures within two years, but its effectiveness decreases after three years.
A new study from Rice University suggests that therapies targeting the insulin signaling pathway in brain tumors may be ineffective if they target the wrong molecules. Researchers found that glioblastomas, the deadliest form of brain cancer, have a complex relationship with insulin and other growth factors.
Household pets can transmit infection to people, especially those with weak immune systems. Surprisingly, the general public and people at high risk for pet-associated disease are not aware of the risks associated with high-risk pet practices or recommendations to reduce them.
A new ovarian cancer research team, funded by a $6 million grant, will focus on DNA repair therapies and prevention. The team aims to build on recent clinical advances with PARP inhibitors and develop a new web-based approach to genetic testing and counseling.
Researchers found that silibinin from milk thistle significantly slowed the growth of colorectal cancer stem cells in mice, reducing tumor size and metabolism. Re-injecting these cancer stem cells into new mice showed a loss of their potential to form aggressive tumors even without silibinin exposure.
A team of scientists developed a model to quantify the effects of plant biodiversity loss on ecosystem productivity, finding that conserving species diversity can help maintain ecosystem services. The study provides new insights into the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
A groundbreaking achievement has deciphered the genetic makeup of Upland cotton, a crucial step toward developing superior lines with advanced fiber elongation and strength. The research also sheds light on polyploidy genetics and its significance in crop plants.
Research by University of Colorado Cancer Center investigator Tim Byers found that taking more dietary supplements than needed can lead to a higher risk of developing cancer. The study, which involved thousands of patients and ten years of research, showed that some supplements may even increase cancer risk by 20%.
A bundled intervention at Johns Hopkins Medicine significantly reduced central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in seven Abu Dhabi hospitals. The program, which included evidence-based infection prevention practices and teamwork improvements, achieved a 30-40% reduction in CLABSI rates across all ICUs.
Researchers found a pulsing quasar in the Pan-STARRS1 Medium Deep Survey, which could be evidence of a binary supermassive black hole system. The discovery sheds light on the end stages of galaxy mergers and may aid in pinpointing thousands of merging supermassive black holes.
A new study from UCLA has found that women experiencing extreme morning sickness during pregnancy are three times more likely to have children with attention disorders and language delays. In utero exposure to HG may be linked to nutrient deficiency and life-long effects on the exposed fetus.
University at Buffalo researchers have discovered a way to easily and effectively fasten proteins to nanoparticles, showing promise for developing an HIV vaccine and targeting cancer cells. The new biotechnology uses modified proteins and nanoparticles made of natural pigments and metal, and has been tested with impressive results.
Scientists have discovered a new autoimmune syndrome characterized by severe lung disease and arthritis in early childhood. The disorder is caused by mutations in the COPA gene, which disrupts protein trafficking within cells, leading to cellular stress and an immune response. Researchers believe that targeting Th17 cells with drugs ma...
Researchers discovered that Myc's primary function is to repress well-being genes, making cancer cells vulnerable to cell death. This finding suggests a new approach for cancer therapies, targeting the downregulation of well-being genes to enhance the killer activity of Myc in tumor cells.
A new approach to English language learning using multiple genres leads to improved student gains, according to a Boston College study. Genres in Writing breaks from traditional essay formats and teaches students to write across various genres, such as persuasive, expository, and historical.
Researchers at Yale University found that men with HIV infection are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than uninfected men. On average, HIV-infected individuals get a buzz from imbibing just a quarter less of a drink than others.
Scientists have developed a method to analyze uranium isotopes to determine whether bacteria were active in forming sediments billions of years ago. This new approach gives researchers a unique tool to study microbial activity and environmental niches from the past.
A study of 1,964 patients found extending natalizumab dosing up to 8 weeks is well-tolerated and effective in treating MS disease activity. No cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy were reported in the extended dosing group.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that two interventions combining up-to-date guidelines and family support reduced one-year weight gain in obese children. Clinicians who received clinical decision-support tools had better outcomes, while families who received coaching showed significant improvements in BMI.
A simple two-page pitching template offers preliminary components for working title, research question, key papers, and motivation. The '3-2-1 countdown' element helps structure the pitch with idea, data, and tools, as well as questions and bottom line.
Michigan State University researchers are investigating whether belly fat hormones cause high blood pressure by communicating with blood vessels in the abdomen. Visceral fat, a harmful type of fat that surrounds organs and blood vessels, is believed to play a key role in this process.
Chemists at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a simple modular system that can attach proteins to cell membranes with precise control. The system uses light-activated anchors and SNAP-tags to direct protein movements, enabling researchers to study cellular processes in unprecedented detail.
A novel approach harnessing positron emission tomography (PET) imaging identifies areas of immune cell activity associated with inflammation or tumor development. This method offers a potential breakthrough in diagnostics and monitoring efficacy of cancer therapies.
A comprehensive analysis confirms biennial mammography screening offers a favorable balance of benefits to harm for women ages 50-74 with an average risk of developing breast cancer. Screening strategies, including starting age and interval between exams, are analyzed to determine the optimal approach.
Researchers found that a reduced red blood cell clearance rate is associated with increased risk of serious diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. This biomarker could improve disease diagnosis and prognosis by identifying early warning signs in healthy individuals.
Researchers suggest families choose pet species that carry fewer diseases, such as dogs or cats, and follow general recommendations like handwashing and cleaning cages. The review aims to reduce zoonotic disease transmission among vulnerable groups, including infants and those with compromised immune systems.
Researchers created the first atlas of airborne microbes across the US, identifying over 110,000 bacterial species and 55,000 fungal species in dust samples from 1,200 homes nationwide. The study provides new insights into human health, animal health, and crop disease, with implications for understanding climate and soil variability.
Scientists have developed a new X-ray imaging technique to better understand lithium-ion rechargeable batteries containing iron fluoride. The technique allows for precise visualization and measurement of chemical changes at the nanoscale, enabling improved understanding of electrochemical reactions in these batteries.
Notre Dame researchers have created a paper test card that can detect low-quality antimalarial drugs with high sensitivity and accuracy. The test card uses 12 colorful chemical tests to identify the presence or absence of key ingredients, helping people in developing countries identify suspicious medications before they harm patients.