Researchers found significant differences in reproductive tract microbiomes between women who delivered preterm and full-term babies. The study suggests that these differences can predict early pregnancy risks and may help identify women at risk of preterm birth.
A recent study analyzed prescription claims data in Florida and Georgia, finding modest decreases in opioid prescribing and use after implementation of the state's pill mill law and prescription monitoring program. The reductions were most pronounced among patients and providers with high levels of opioid use at baseline.
A recent study assesses e-waste recycling's economic potential and finds it worth billions of euros, with potential revenues expected to rise from €2 billion in 2014 to €3.5 billion by 2020. The recycling industry also aims to reduce environmental pollution by conserving virgin resources.
A new project aims to characterise the genetic diversity of traditional Vietnamese rice varieties using genomic markers for disease resistance and salt tolerance. Bioinformatics capacity will be built in Vietnam through training workshops and data sharing.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that whistled Turkish eliminates brain asymmetry in language perception, contradicting the long-held theory of left hemisphere dominance. This discovery sheds new light on the cognitive processing of languages.
The University of Oklahoma has received a $1 million grant to develop a digital Latin library, providing resources for users of varying expertise levels. The project aims to create a Linked Open Data resource for Latin texts, allowing users to find, read, and study texts with advanced tools and visualization environments.
Researchers found that treating astrocyte nucleus with TGF-beta frees p75NTR protein, allowing critical molecules to enter the nucleus and enabling reactive state. This discovery highlights the importance of nuclear pore complex in brain health and raises possibilities for treating neurological disorders.
A new study found that depicting food in motion on packaging and marketing campaigns can make it seem fresher and more appealing to consumers. The researchers discovered that implied motion elevates the perceived quality of food, potentially encouraging healthier choices.
A new test measures changes in calcium isotope ratios to monitor bone diseases like osteoporosis and multiple myeloma. The test, validated on NASA space shuttle astronauts' blood samples, shows promise for near-time monitoring of bone health.
A study suggests that two Florida laws, enacted to combat prescription drug abuse, led to a small but significant decrease in opioid prescriptions. The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and 'pill mill' law measures reduced the volume of opioids prescribed by 2.5% and the dosage strength by 5.6%, equivalent to 750,000 pills per month.
A new study finds that smaller-scale space weather events are amplified near the equator, putting power grids at risk in previously considered safe regions. These disturbances can cause fluctuations in wholesale electricity pricing and damage unprotected power infrastructure.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Neurology found that poor sleep is a major factor in MS-related fatigue. The study, led by Dr. Lauren Strober, confirms that sleep disturbances account for up to 25% of the variance in fatigue among individuals with MS.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group has opened the National Cancer Institute-Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice (NCI-MATCH) phase II precision medicine trial. The trial seeks to enroll approximately 3,000 adults with solid tumors or lymphoma who have returned or worsened after standard therapy.
Researchers have identified phytol and coumarin as key compounds responsible for repelling mosquitoes in traditional sweetgrass. The study, presented at the American Chemical Society meeting, demonstrates a scientific basis for the folklore of using sweetgrass to deter biting insects.
A new study published in Administrative Science Quarterly finds that neutral language can build trust among divisive groups and stimulate economic growth. Using data on Kenya's Nairobi Securities Exchange, researchers identified mechanisms driving social segmentation and integration of disparate groups.
Researchers have demonstrated that DNA can preserve information for at least 2,000 years, and they're now working on a filing system to make it easier to navigate. DNA offers a potential solution to data loss in the digital age, with the ability to store unprecedented amounts of data in a fraction of an ounce.
A recent study published in Tobacco Control found that varenicline, a prescription smoking-cessation aid, has no significant impact on the rate of smokers who successfully quit. Instead, it appears to displace the use of older tobacco addiction therapies, such as nicotine patches and bupropion.
A University of Bristol study has identified the mechanisms behind disruption in brain communication channels linked to schizophrenia symptoms. The research reveals that over-activation of dopamine receptors can suppress NMDA receptor function, leading to a marked disruption of communication between key brain regions.
Researchers have identified a 125 million- to 130 million-year-old freshwater plant, Montsechia vidalii, as one of the earliest known flowering plants on Earth. The finding represents a major change in the presumed form of one of the planet's earliest flowers and raises significant questions about its early evolutionary history.
Researchers found that vitamin D supplements improved vitamin D levels and reduced falls in a five-month trial. The study suggests vitamin D may help maintain muscle integrity and strength, reducing the risk of falls in vulnerable populations.
A regular dose of aspirin reverses the long-term risk of cancer in those who are overweight, according to a study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology. The research found that being overweight more than doubles the risk of bowel cancer in people with Lynch Syndrome.
Scientists have discovered a cytokine called MIF that regulates EGFR activation in the tumor microenvironment, promoting tumor progression. The findings could lead to new approaches in treating tumors by intervening in this self-regulating loop.
A new type of flexible electronics can monitor health, stresses on aircraft wings, and vital signs through wearables. Researchers are developing hybrid systems for military and civilian use, including biosensor patches that can transmit biometric signals in real-time.
A large-scale analysis of published research studies found that yoga therapy was most often used for mental health, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. The study, published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, analyzed 28,000 study participants from 29 countries over 46 years.
Studies have shown that an increase in muscle mass can lead to improved glucose metabolism and blood vessel dilation, even in obese mice. The researchers are now exploring the role of galectin-3 and Nox1 in this process to identify potential targets for intervention.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method for self-assembling molecular electronics using soap, creating ordered molecular structures that can be used to make solar cells and transistors. The breakthrough is a significant step forward in the development of environmentally sustainable and flexible electronics.
Scientists created adjustable weirs to simulate flooding levels, allowing for realistic study of coastal wetland impacts. The low-cost approach provides a more accurate representation of natural conditions than traditional mesocosm studies.
The study found that nearly 3000 square kilometers of glaciers have been lost since the 1960s, with an average annual ice loss of 5.4 gigatons. By the 2050s, half of Tien Shan's glacier volume is estimated to be depleted due to climate change.
Researchers at University of Michigan Health System tested strategically placed sound acoustic panels in hallways around patient rooms, reducing noise by 3-4 decibels. The study found a significant impact on patient satisfaction and hospital scores, highlighting the importance of minimizing noise levels in healthcare environments.
A new study from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that regular coffee consumption, especially four or more cups a day, significantly reduces cancer recurrence and death in stage III colon cancer patients. The researchers discovered that caffeine is the key component responsible for this protective effect.
A provocative essay in Annals of Internal Medicine exposes doctors' disrespect towards vulnerable patients, highlighting shocking clinical experiences. The author's anonymity protects patient privacy, but raises questions about medical ethics and accountability.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that music therapy significantly lowered anxiety levels for patients undergoing surgical breast biopsies. The study involved 207 patients who received either live or recorded music before surgery, with results showing a 43% reduction in anxiety compared to usual care.
Researchers at Leuphana University developed a new screening-based procedure to assess environmental risks caused by veterinary antibiotics. The Usage Pattern-Based Exposure Screening (UPES) method aggregates data on antibiotic usage patterns and models consumption to predict environmental impact.
A new study analyzes 1,800 years of ocean surface temperature data, finding a steady cooling trend before the Industrial Revolution. Volcanic eruptions drove this trend, which was later erased by human-caused global warming.
A study published in Neurocase found that Olga Kotelko's brain showed some promising signs, with intact white-matter tracts and a hippocampus larger than expected. However, her brain also had advanced aging markers, highlighting the need for further research into the effects of exercise on cognition in older adults.
A new national study by Baylor University researchers found little evidence that multiracial congregations promote progressive racial views among attendees of any race or ethnicity. Instead, minority attendees often adopt the dominant white racial frames, leading to a loss of distinct perspectives on racial inequality.
Typhoon Goni, a powerful storm, was tracked by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission core satellite. The data revealed strong storms surrounding the eye dropping rain at over 65 mm/h and maximum sustained winds near 132.3 mph.
Studies show that changes in moral behavior, not memory loss, cause loved ones to say the patient isn't 'the same person' anymore. Moral faculties form core of individual identity perception, according to researchers.
Scientists using Dark Energy Survey find eight faint celestial objects orbiting Milky Way, which could indicate more galaxies hiding nearby. These discoveries suggest our cosmic neighborhood is more densely populated than previously thought, with implications for understanding dark matter and galaxy formation.
A recent study at Purdue University contradicts a fundamental assumption about organic solar cells, pointing towards a potential path to create inexpensive solar technology that can compete with standard silicon cells. The findings suggest that a design change could improve charge separation and increase efficiency.
Researchers at Florida State University have uncovered a previously unknown activation mechanism for the glucokinase enzyme, which plays a crucial role in glucose regulation. This discovery sheds new light on how the enzyme's functional properties manifest in disease, including hyperinsulinemia and diabetes.
A new RAND Corporation study suggests that internet-based technologies can improve the criminal justice system by developing a common criminal history record and improving language translation tools. However, issues related to civil rights, privacy rights, and cybersecurity must be addressed before these improvements can be fully reali...
A new study from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that consuming four or more cups of coffee daily can lower the risk of colon cancer recurrence by 42% and mortality by 33%. The study's authors suggest that caffeine may increase insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation and cancer risks.
Babies diagnosed with diabetes are now immediately tested for all 22 genetic causes, reducing referral time from over four years to under two months. This early comprehensive gene testing provides accurate information on clinical features that haven't yet developed, enabling doctors to anticipate and prevent medical problems.
A new study using bionic liver micro-organs explains the off-target toxicity of acetaminophen, a breakthrough that could transform drug development. The device detected small changes in cellular respiration, revealing a faster and lower-dose mechanism than previously thought.
A new study by biologists from Case Western Reserve University suggests exposure to road salt increases the size of wood frogs, but also shortens their lives. Wood frog tadpoles exposed to road salt grew larger and turned into larger frogs at metamorphosis than those raised without being subjected to the contaminant.
Researchers found that the simultaneous use of heroin and prescription painkillers is increasing dramatically among whites, particularly young white men. Heroin abuse has also expanded to groups not traditionally seen as widespread opiate users, highlighting the need for tailored treatment approaches.
Researchers have developed an upgrade to the Internet's core encryption protocol, making it resistant to future-proofing by powerful quantum computers. The new protocol uses a mathematical technique called 'ring learning with errors problem' to protect information.
Research suggests that ALS patients consume more daily calories but have a lower body-mass index (BMI) than those without the disease. Higher premorbid intake of total fat, saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, and cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of ALS, while higher alcohol intake is linked to a decreased risk.
Websites for national and state health insurance marketplaces have shown improved efforts to assist patients in choosing health insurance plans, such as providing decision support tools. Despite this, many sites still lack helpful features like lay-person definitions and cost calculators.
A self-directed, iterative learning framework dramatically improved first-year physics students' critical thinking skills, according to new University of British Columbia research. Students were four times more likely to identify and explain limitations in scientific models using their data.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered that brassinosteroids are necessary for the production of gibberellins, a hormone that regulates cell elongation and division in plants. This finding has important implications for crop breeding and plant growth.
The 11th tropical depression of the season formed near latitude 16.8 North and longitude 113.5 West on August 13, moving northwest towards Baja California. Maximum sustained winds reached 35 mph before gradual weakening was expected.
A new genetic test identified nine key genes that can predict which myeloma patients are at risk of developing aggressive disease, leading to the development of personalized treatment plans. The test shows promise in identifying patients who may benefit from intensive treatment and improving survival rates.
Researchers have developed a new probe that can detect blood clots in any part of the body using positron emission tomography (PET). The probe, called FBP8, contains copper-64 and has shown promise in detecting blood clots in rats, paving the way for future human trials.
A study found that chemoradiation causes progressive changes in brain structure, including reduced grey matter volume and ventricular enlargement, in glioblastoma patients. These changes were apparent within weeks of treatment and persisted after radiation therapy ceased.
Healthcare is a major responsibility of Canada's federal government, which must be addressed in the upcoming election. The system has struggled with quality rankings and access to primary care, mental health services, and new treatments.
A new technology, SR-STORM, enables high-resolution imaging of multiple components and local chemical environments inside a cell. It allows scientists to examine cell structures and study diseases using unprecedented spectral and spatial resolution.
Researchers have developed a new capability to minimize human health effects of air pollution from electric power generating facilities. The Air Pollutant Optimization Model provides a hybrid approach that balances health and cost savings, reducing health impacts by $176 million while increasing costs by $84 million.
Researchers used non-invasive brain-imaging tool to detect pathways connecting basal ganglia regions, improving understanding of circuitry. The breakthrough could lead to technologies to track disease progression for Parkinson's and other neurological disorders.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that a conductive polymer mixture PEDOT:PSS behaves like a p-type semiconductor when combined with n-type silicon, leading to improved power conversion efficiency. This finding suggests new ways for optimizing devices and could point the way toward future advancements in hybrid solar cells.
Researchers at University of Zurich predict up to 30% less precipitation in the Central Andes by 2100, exacerbating seasonal water shortages. The study suggests stronger westerly winds will lead to greater aridity, impacting the region's climate.
A new study by Jennifer B. Kane found that a woman's weight at birth, education level, and marital status before pregnancy can impact the birth weight of her daughters and granddaughters, with biological and social factors influencing this cycle across generations.
An imaging study found that early adversity during childhood is associated with altered brain structure in late adolescence, including lower gray matter volume in a key brain region. Higher levels of internalizing symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, were also linked to this altered brain development.
Research suggests retinal changes can serve as measures of brain pathology in schizophrenia, predicting disease risk and progression. The findings may help guide future treatment adjustments.
New research suggests Arctic soils could remove more methane from the atmosphere than release it, with bacteria playing a key role in this process. As temperatures increase, these soils become more efficient at absorbing methane, which could help offset rising atmospheric levels and slow global warming.
The 'dancing droplets' phenomenon allows small droplets to launch themselves from moderately hydrophobic surfaces, enabling efficient removal of accumulated droplets in fibrous webs. This technology has potential applications in water purification and oil refining by reducing clogging and improving efficiency.
A clinical trial at the VA Medical Center in Gainesville is testing maggot therapy for veterans with chronic diabetic ulcers. The treatment, which involves sterilized maggots feasting on dead tissue, has shown promise in clearing out wounds and reducing bacterial infections.
A Vanderbilt study found that breaking down fibrin is essential for fracture repair, contradicting previous assumptions. The study also suggests that impaired fibrin clearance may be a key factor in conditions like obesity and diabetes impeding fracture healing.
Researchers have discovered that a type of jumping gene called LINE-1 is actively inserted into the human genome in various gastrointestinal cancers. The findings suggest that these insertions may occur early in cancer development and could potentially serve as a marker for early cancer diagnosis.
Research on bilingual development in children provides conclusions that clinicians should know about assessment and advice. Clinicians can provide minority language-speaking parents with information on optimal English language development environments.
Researchers found that natural sunlight triggers release of smog-forming nitrogen oxide compounds from urban grime, leading to greater ozone creation and potentially significant contributor to air pollution in cities. The study confirms laboratory findings using field studies in Leipzig, Germany, and Toronto, Canada.
Researchers have mapped the 3-D atomic structure of a two-part protein complex that controls the release of neurotransmitters from brain cells. This discovery could help launch new research on drugs for treating brain disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and anxiety.
Typhoon Atsani formed on August 14 as Tropical Depression 17W and strengthened into a typhoon on August 16. NASA's Terra satellite detected powerful thunderstorms around its eye on August 17, with cloud top temperatures reaching -63F/-53C.
Nearly 2 million Americans live near wells exceeding EPA's uranium guideline; nitrate mobilizes uranium through bacterial and chemical reactions. High Plains aquifer contains concentrations up to 89 times the EPA standard.
Researchers are uncovering how bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance genes through conjugation, a process that involves exchanging genetic material with other microbes. Understanding this mechanism could lead to the development of more effective treatments, such as phage therapy, which uses viruses to target bacterial infections.
Researchers discovered that whistled Turkish, a unique form of communication, alters language asymmetries in the brain. Studies show that both hemispheres are equally involved in processing whistled Turkish, contradicting the notion that language is predominantly left-brained.
A study found that children with military parents or caregivers are more likely to experience substance use, violence, and harassment. The research suggests that war-related stressors can contribute to these struggles, emphasizing the need for social support programs in schools and communities.
Scientists have developed a brain-computer interface that uses electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to control an exoskeleton. The system allows users to move their limbs by staring at specific LED lights, and has the potential to aid people with motor neuron diseases or spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at Harvard have engineered a new soft actuator that utilizes unstable responses to create fast-moving instabilities. These snap-through instabilities can trigger large changes in internal pressure, shape, and exerted force without significant volume change, enabling fast, untethered motion for soft robots.
Researchers discovered a critical role for extra-synaptic GABA receptors in encoding and storing fear-inducing memories. Activating these receptors can retrieve traumatic memories, offering new potential treatments for patients with psychiatric disorders.
A study by researchers at Hasbro Children's Hospital found that protective eyewear significantly reduced eye and orbital injuries in high school girls' field hockey players. The incidence of severe eye and orbital injuries was reduced by 67%, while concussion rates remained unchanged.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the hippocampus represents time and space for at least a month of memories spanning up to 30 kilometers. The researchers used an Android-based smartphone to collect real-life photos, which were later analyzed using fMRI scanning.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have developed a novel plankton sampling system utilizing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to collect and analyze small planktonic larvae in coastal waters. The SUPR-REMUS system combines cutting-edge technologies, including DNA barcode analysis, to provide fine-scale information...
A new species of salamander, Palaeoplethodon hispaniolae, has been found preserved in Dominican amber, dating back over 20 million years. The fossil provides clues to the ecological and geological history of the Caribbean islands, highlighting the region's complex past.
A UCLA-led study found that only 1 in 10 heart failure patients are referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program after hospitalization, despite strong evidence of its benefits. The study's findings point to the need for improved awareness and strategies to increase referrals.
Researchers from KIT developed a process to transfer scale structure of reptiles to components of electromechanical systems. The results show that narrow scale structures increase friction under both lubricated and non-lubricated conditions, while wide scales reduce friction by more than 40%.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is set to commercialize its intelligent tutor, MathSpring, a software designed to provide personalized math lessons for K-12 students. The technology has shown promise in improving student performance by up to 10% on standardized test scores.
A new laser-based microscope allows researchers to directly measure protein interactions and organization in live cells, providing insights into the chemistry of vision. The project aims to find a potential cure for congenital blindness by understanding how proteins absorb light and trigger visual responses.
Despite significant investment in biomedical research, progress on life expectancy gains and new drug approvals has slowed down, researchers found. The number of new drugs approved by the FDA has increased only a little more than two-fold since 1965, while life expectancy gains have remained constant at roughly two months per year.
Researchers created a miniature device combining optogenetics with wireless power delivery, enabling experiments involving free-moving mice. The breakthrough expands the scope of optogenetics research and offers new possibilities for studying social behavior and complex movements.
PNNL scientists explore molecular hydrogen storage, catalyst development using abundant metals, and the connection between plants and pollution producing aerosols. Their research aims to improve renewable energy efficiency and reduce pollution.
The LADEE spacecraft has confirmed the presence of neon in the lunar atmosphere for the first time, finding it to be relatively abundant. The moon's thin atmosphere is composed mostly of helium and argon, with neon levels varying by time of day.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that frequent volcanic eruptions were the likely cause of a 1800-year-long cooling trend in the surface layer of the Earth's oceans. The researchers used 57 previously published marine surface temperature reconstructions and climate models to confirm this finding.