Researchers developed an easy-to-use app to capture accurate global cause of death data, addressing the issue of unregistered deaths worldwide. The app was field-tested in various countries, showing promising results in making diagnoses with computer models.
A new study from UTA explores the motivations behind adult learners' decision to pursue an engineering degree. Adult learners aged 25 and older are driven by perceived prestige and high career goals, including graduate school or internships. The study offers recommendations for campus policies and practices to support these students.
A study of fossil corals and mollusk shells reveals no connection between strong seasonal variations and El Niño, contradicting top nine climate models. The research provides insight into the fundamental physics of El Niño and highlights deficiencies in current climate modeling.
Adolescents separated from their fathers experience increased stress and transient depression symptoms four to nine months following separation. However, these symptoms typically disappear over time. The study highlights the importance of informal support or therapy for young adults whose parents have recently separated.
Astronomers observed gamma rays from PKS 1441+25, a blazar galaxy 7 billion years away. The high-energy light revealed a single region far from the power source, contradicting previous assumptions.
The authors argue that study populations should mirror the global community to capture human biological variability. They also recommend enforcing racial and ethnic diversity among study participants, increasing financial support for NIH, and empowering agencies to improve diversity in clinical research.
Researchers have found a class of drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors, can eliminate kidney toxicity caused by cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy agent. The combination therapy shows promise in reducing inflammation and cell death in the kidneys.
Heloise Anne Pereira, a University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center professor, has been recognized as a National Academy of Inventors Fellow. Her research on the naturally occurring protein CAP37 and its derived antimicrobial peptides has led to significant advancements in treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
The study examined adult neurosurgical cases and found no significant differences in postoperative complications or deaths between July and non-July months. However, junior residents showed a modest increase in surgical complications during the transition period.
A recent US study found that adults 50 and older are at a 50% increased risk for stroke for 90 days following a shingles episode. The study also revealed that people with shingles had more risk factors for stroke than those without, suggesting worse overall health.
A large study of over 93,000 women found that active and passive smoking are associated with an increased risk of infertility and earlier menopause. Women who smoked daily had a 14% greater risk of infertility, while those exposed to second-hand smoke had a 26% heightened risk of menopause before age 50.
A new system, TCRN, facilitates data and biospecimen sharing among cancer centers to speed up cancer research findings. This federated network uses advanced text processing technology to promote translational research across all cancer centers.
A study found a transient increased risk of ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction after herpes zoster diagnosis, peaking within the first week. The risk gradually decreased over six months.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that elderly patients with end-stage renal disease who received the shingles vaccine were half as likely to develop shingles. The vaccine was most effective when given shortly after beginning dialysis, reducing the risk by nearly 70%.
Scientists have developed a new light sheet microscope that can record the first two to three days of a mouse embryo's life. By tracking each cell's daughters, grand-daughters, great-granddaughters, and so on, they identified a crucial turning point in the embryo's development.
Scientists have developed a rapid diagnostic test to combat Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), a deadly sleeping sickness. The test requires a pin-prick blood sample and is more heat-stable and user-friendly than existing methods.
FAU researchers have found a way for cells to digest dead neighbors before they become toxic, which could lead to new therapies for eye diseases like cataracts. The discovery challenges the long-held belief that specialized immune cells are responsible for removing dead cells.
A new study suggests that patient-administered antimicrobial infusions at home can achieve similar or better outcomes compared to traditional healthcare-delivered options. The research found lower rates of hospital readmission and similar mortality rates among uninsured patients who self-administered antibiotics at home.
A UK-led study found that seal tags can improve ocean forecasts by providing valuable temperature and salinity recordings in regions rarely sampled. This could lead to better weather predictions and improved marine conditions for industries such as shipping and offshore oil and gas operations.
SourceWiley·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateDec 15, 2015
Researchers detected gamma rays from a rare blazar galaxy, PKS 1441+25, 7.6 billion light-years away, setting new bounds on the extragalactic background light. The observations provide clues to the production of high-energy gamma rays and their interaction with the surrounding environment.
A University of Queensland study finds that climate warming causes saltwater crocodiles to spend less time submerged, compromising their ability to avoid predators and forage underwater. The research suggests that elevated water temperatures pose a significant threat to the species' survival.
Scientists are mapping glaciers and wetlands in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range with high-altitude drones, collecting data on glacier melt and groundwater storage. The study provides a template for research teams investigating water security in other areas of the world.
A new initiative aims to address high suicide rates in three rural Washington counties by providing training and resources for professionals and community members. The Forefront program will focus on creating coalitions, enhancing crisis plans, and offering one-on-one telephone support through the Forefront Cares program.
The UCLA-developed FOCUS program significantly improved the ability of military families to cope with deployment-related stresses and combat injuries. The eight-week program reduced anxiety and depression by half and improved family dynamics, particularly in areas such as communication and problem-solving skills.
A new study using MRI scans found that 52% of active duty military personnel with blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) have white matter T2 hyperintensities, also known as 'brain scars'. Pituitary abnormalities were identified in almost a third of MTBI patients.
Researchers found that female raft spiders test males before attacking, rather than being inherently aggressive. The study suggests factors like male size and age may play a role in determining aggression.
Researchers Warren Sanderson and Sergei Scherbov propose new measures to replace the old-age dependency ratio, providing a more nuanced understanding of population aging. The new measures take into account factors such as health care costs and pension payouts, offering a more accurate assessment of future consequences of aging.
A team of researchers at TSRI tracked the development of a family of antibodies that bind and neutralize HIV. By understanding how these antibodies evolve over time, scientists may be able to design a vaccine that triggers a faster immune response.
Super Typhoon Melor dropped heavy rainfall on the Philippines in December 2015, with the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite capturing its intensity. The GPM data showed that the storm's eye wall was producing intense storms with precipitation rates of over 86 mm/hour.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new material that is both highly transparent and electrically conductive, potentially replacing indium tin oxide in display technology. The new material, a correlated metal, has a structure that allows it to behave like a liquid, resulting in high optical transparency and conductivity.
A new study by University of Guelph researchers found that adding estrogen to female mouse brains boosts short-term learning, likely through a 'use-it-or-lose-it' process. The team discovered that brain cells grow more synapses on branches of neurons when exposed to estrogen.
Researchers found that humans can recognize objects even when only a small portion is visible, and validated an algorithm to explain human learning. The algorithm can be used for machine learning, data analysis, and computer vision to improve performance.
The C/NOFS satellite provided comprehensive observations of the ionosphere, improving models to predict satellite trajectories and orbital drag. The data revealed strong interactions between charged particles and neutral particles in the atmosphere, affecting radio wave navigation and communication systems.
New research shows that people can pick up on nuanced language to identify a speaker's social group membership. Participants were more likely to believe the speaker and Peter shared the same group when the speaker described Peter's behavior in abstract terms, not concrete terms.
A four-year study found that uninsured patients who self-administered long-term IV antibiotics had a 47% lower rate of 30-day readmission rates and similar mortality rates compared to those with insurance. The practice saves hospitals millions of dollars and allows patients to return to their normal lives.
A new UBC study found that predators can help prey species evolve quickly in response to climate change. In experiments with tiny water fleas and predatory fly larvae, populations evolved rapidly when predators were present, highlighting the importance of conserving entire ecosystems.
A new study finds that individuals value their own personal information at $2.31, while valuing their friends' data at just $1.56 when it's necessary for a third-party app's function. This prioritization may increase the vulnerability of all data to exploitation.
A tiny beetle fossil, over 99 million years old, has been discovered in Myanmar's Burmese amber, providing tangible evidence for the evolution of the Histeridae family. The fossil, named Cretonthophilus tuberculatus, offers a unique window into the past, revealing details about its anatomy and behavior.
Katherine Zeller, a UMass Amherst doctoral candidate, won a Switzer Environmental Fellowship to develop effective corridors for wildlife between protected areas and populations. Her research uses GPS telemetry collars and genetics to model animal movement and design conservation strategies.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that high testosterone levels may increase the risk of developing uterine fibroids in midlife women. Women with both high testosterone and estrogen levels faced a greater risk of developing fibroids.
A new study from the University of Washington and MIT found that US fuel economy improvements are on par with those achieved in the 1970s, but may not be enough to meet future climate commitments. The research suggests that automakers have been unable to deliver sufficient levels of innovation since the 1990s, highlighting the need for...
A new study has identified potential genetic alterations in penile cancer, revealing similarities with other squamous cell cancers. The researchers found a common combination of alterations in genes KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS, as well as EGFR, which may impact the tumor's response to an EGFR inhibitor.
New projections suggest the mean annual ground temperature at the top of permafrost on the North Slope has risen from 17.6 degrees Fahrenheit in 1988 to 28.5 F now, and is expected to reach 32 F by 2100, leading to substantial thawing in certain areas and widespread instability beneath infrastructure.
Researchers at the University of York and University of St Andrews observed greater vasa parrots using small pebbles or date pits to grind calcium from seashells, a behavior never seen before in this species.
The hydricity concept integrates solar concentrators to produce high temperatures, superheating water to generate electricity and split into hydrogen and oxygen. Researchers have shown the process has an average sun-to-electricity efficiency of 35 percent.
A consensus panel of neuropathologists confirms CTE has a distinct pathognomonic signature in the brain, differentiating it from other tauopathies. The criteria define progressive degeneration of brain tissue, including abnormal protein buildup, leading to memory loss and dementia.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University will create software to perform virtual energy audits, helping building owners identify efficiency problems and cost-effective solutions. The project aims to enhance the nation's economic and energy security by improving building energy efficiency.
Researchers at UCSB have improved LUX's sensitivity by 20 times using a neutron calibration technique. The new method helps rule out potential dark matter detections at low masses, excluding alternative particle models.
A Dartmouth study reveals that hydraulic fracturing can generate highly saline and toxic metal-rich wastewater due to chemical reactions between injected freshwater and the fractured shale. The research suggests that water-rock interactions play a major role in producing hazardous waste, posing a risk to drinking water supplies.
Researchers found that including patient decisions about life-sustaining treatments in hospital mortality rankings resulted in substantial changes to hospital rankings. Hospitals admitting more patients who chose a 'DNR' status tended to have greater patient satisfaction and high performance on pneumonia care measures.
Researchers at Concordia University found that students can improve their thinking and learning with Reflective Writing and interactive activities. Flipping the classroom on its head allows students to explore concepts before class and collaborate with peers, leading to better understanding and approach to learning.
Seniors struggle to process multisensory information, affecting tasks like driving and balance. Training methods, such as video games or brain stimulation, may help improve perceptions of time in older adults.
Researchers have solved the crystal structures of three human TIM members and found that they efficiently enhance Ebola virus infection. The study provides valuable information on the atomic interactions between phosphoserine and hTIMs.
The Arctic Report Card 2015 reveals a warming trend with air temperature 2.3 degrees above average, sea ice extent at its lowest record since 1979, and significant melting on the Greenland ice sheet. Fish and walrus are adapting to the changing climate by moving north in search of new habitats.
A study published in JAMA found that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation does not provide significant improvement for adults with difficult-to-treat Crohn's disease. The treatment was associated with increased toxicity, but no difference in sustained remission rates compared to conventional therapy.
Researchers have successfully created human stem cell-derived serotonin neurons, a breakthrough that could lead to more effective drug treatments for depression and anxiety. The cells were generated using induced pluripotent stem cells from patients' skin cells.
Researchers at UTA are analyzing the energy entering the upper atmosphere following space weather events to refine models used for satellite trajectory forecasting. Current estimates can be off by as much as 100%, resulting in an error of up to 30% in tracking satellites.
Researchers found that PTSD patients exhibit heightened brain activity when viewing non-threatening images similar to their trauma, suggesting a generalized response. The study identifies key brain regions involved in this process, including the fusiform gyrus and locus coeruleus.
Researchers at University of Nevada, Reno are developing a wearable robotic device that combines vision, tactile, force, temperature, and audio sensors to help blind and visually impaired individuals identify and grasp objects. The device aims to provide greater independence and ability to navigate daily tasks.
A brain imaging study reveals disruptions in the brain's ToM circuitry in children with autism, leading to difficulties in understanding mental states and making social connections. This finding provides valuable insight into the neural mechanisms underlying ASD symptoms.
A new study by the American College of Surgeons found that preoperative use of blood-thinning drugs does not increase major bleeding rates in cancer patients undergoing major operations. The study also revealed a lower risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients who received preoperative VTE prophylaxis.
A team of engineers has created gallium nitride (GaN) power diodes with record-low defect concentrations, enabling efficient control and distribution of electricity. The discovery is significant as GaN materials are notorious for their defects and reliability issues, but the new devices show promise in addressing these challenges.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University found that informal water vendors, when organized into unions, can improve water pricing, quality, and delivery. The study suggests that these markets have the potential to bridge supply gaps in urban water systems.
Researchers found a prophylaxis treatment can prevent new-onset hepatitis B in children who receive livers from donors previously infected with HBV. The regimen consisted of HBV vaccine injections and immunoglobulin, maintaining high antibody levels against the virus.
The number of NIH-funded trials decreased by 328, while industry-funded trials increased by 1,965, during the period. The total number of newly registered trials increased by 5,410, with industry-funded trials accounting for the majority of growth.
Researchers found ancient lake deposits in Antarctica have remained frozen since at least 14 million years ago, supporting the idea that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet has also remained intact during past climates. This study provides new hope that the EAIS could be stable in today's and future climate conditions.
Research found a heightened risk of subsequent mania and bipolar disorder in adults treated with certain antidepressants, including SSRIs and venlafaxine. The peak age for diagnosis was among patients aged 26 to 35, with an annual risk of 1.2%.
Researchers can follow the emergence of hydrogen-bonded capsules in modern physical organic chemistry, enabling new arrangements of molecules and reaction vessels. The book covers various types of capsules and their functions, providing insights into encapsulation phenomena at the molecular level.
A recent study at Rush University Medical Center found acupuncture to be a safe and effective adjunctive integrative medicine treatment for chronic pain in pediatric patients. The study included 55 children aged 7-20 who experienced chronic pain conditions, with significant reductions in pain levels and related health issues.
Biomedical engineer Prof Helen Lu has received a $1.125M grant to develop a nanofiber-based device for tendon-to-bone integration in rotator cuff repair, aiming to improve healing outcomes and reduce re-tear rates.
Astronomers measured the density of photon fog between Earth and quasar PKS 1441+25 using high-energy gamma rays. The data validated theoretical models for the number and brightness of stars and galaxies in the universe going back 7.6 billion years.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified a gene variant linked to psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment in people with bipolar disorder. The study found that the gene variant affects levels of specific proteins in the brain, which may lead to new targeted drug development.
Researchers at McMaster University found that using saline water instead of soap and water can lead to lower rates of infection and complications. The study involved 2,400 patients with open fractures and showed that low-pressure saline irrigation was an acceptable alternative to traditional cleaning methods.
A study found that people with higher levels of ADHD symptoms also showed greater distractibility, which can impact daily activities and tasks. Increasing task difficulty can help improve focus and performance for both individuals with high and low distractibility traits.
Diana Shu-Lian Chow, a University of Houston professor, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in recognition of her work on developing new drug formulations. Her work has led to significant improvements in the safety and efficacy of stem cell transplants for leukemia patients.
A new research project proposes employing millions of existing distributed energy resources to balance the power grid, increase reliability and decrease carbon emissions. The approach uses incentive-based coordination and control to make the grid more efficient and resilient.
The study found that stromal cells, specialized fibers, and T helper 17 cells collaborate to form tertiary lymphoid tissues (TLTs) in the brain of MS patients. This discovery may lead to potential treatment options, such as targeted Th17 blockers, by understanding how TLTs are formed.
Researchers have found a compound that can prevent and reverse fatty liver disease and obesity in mice by targeting the farnesoid X receptor. The compound, Gly-MCA, was tested in obese and diabetic mice fed with a high-fat diet and showed significantly less fat and insulin resistance compared to untreated control groups.
The 2015 El Nino event is expected to bring more precipitation to California, with atmospheric rivers intensifying and potentially causing flooding. Meanwhile, the risk of wildfires in tropical regions increases due to reduced rainfall, which can exacerbate carbon dioxide buildup and air quality issues.
A novel spectral confocal microscopy technique enables the visualization of silver- and gold-labeled neurons in three dimensions, providing high-resolution images that can be archived for decades. This method retains image quality even with repeated light exposure, making it ideal for studying neurological disorders and cancer.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a non-invasive blood test that can diagnose some types of malignant childhood tumour with high accuracy. The test looks for specific genetic code patterns in blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples, allowing for early diagnosis and monitoring without exposure to radiation.
Researchers found that combining TTFields with chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free and overall survival for patients with glioblastoma. The study, published in JAMA, suggests a potential new treatment approach for this devastating brain tumor.
Researchers at Colorado State University are developing smaller satellites called CubeSats to monitor storms and clouds. The project aims to demonstrate real-time storm observation and take thousands of images inside clouds to improve understanding of precipitation processes.
The TUM team developed the RateX method, which overcomes two serious challenges in information theory by bringing together three essential functions. Their approach could enhance flexibility and reduce costs in various communication systems, including wireless, wireline, optical fiber, and satellite systems.
Weaker interactions between brain networks help regulate attention were found in children with ADHD, correlated to the severity of inattention symptoms. Functional MRI scans identified biomarkers that reliably differentiate children with ADHD from others.
The Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital have been awarded grants to integrate substance abuse screening and intervention into their curriculum. The training program aims to expand screening and intervention for opioid overdose deaths in Rhode Island, which has seen a rise in opioid-related deaths. The program will provide traini...
The number of industry-sponsored clinical trials has dramatically increased since 2006, while NIH-funded trials have declined substantially. This trend raises concerns about the influence of commercial interests on medical research, potentially compromising public health outcomes.
A new study from University Hospitals Case Medical Center found that making colonoscopy available at no cost to eligible Medicare beneficiaries did not increase the number of people who regularly undergo the procedure. In contrast, routine mammography screenings significantly increased following the Affordable Care Act's mandate for lo...
MSU has defined food fraud and established strategies to fight it, providing a system-wide focus for prevention. The university's Food Fraud Initiative aims to adjust entire food supply chains to detect and prevent food fraud.
A Stanford University School of Medicine team identified a distinctive pattern of gene expression that distinguishes people with a viral infection from those with a bacterial infection. The meta-virus signature is present even before symptoms appear and can predict up to 24 hours before illness onset.
A systems biology study of over 400 volunteers found that certain molecular signatures predict strong immune responses to seasonal flu vaccines in both young and elderly individuals. The researchers identified a distinct signature associated with long-lasting antibody responses, which may guide the development of more effective vaccines.
Researchers found that freshwater rivers and streams pump about 10 times more methane into the atmosphere than previously estimated, driven by human activity in agricultural and urban watersheds. This discovery highlights the importance of improving stream health in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Recurrent Strep A infections may lead to autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders in children through a previously unknown route. Immune cells triggered by the infection travel along odor-sensing neurons to reach the brain, causing inflammation and promoting neuroinflammation.
A new analysis found that despite federal efforts to diversify clinical research, the number of studies including minorities remains low, and scientists from minority communities are less likely to receive funding. This lack of diversity poses a significant risk to understanding and addressing health disparities in the US population.
The VERITAS telescope detected powerful gamma rays from a distant galaxy, PKS 1441+25, revealing details about the black hole engine at its center. The gamma-ray emission was found to be located within the relativistic jet, but surprisingly far from the black hole, and is estimated to be around 5 light-years away.
Researchers discovered that sepsis causes severe muscle damage, impairing muscle function and leading to debilitating long-term effects. Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation has shown promising results in restoring muscle capacity and repairing mitochondrial dysfunction.
Research suggests children as young as 5 use high-fidelity imitation to re-affiliate with excluded groups, mimicking behaviors such as dress and activities to appear part of the group. Ostracized children exhibit increased anxiety and frustration compared to those included by out-groups.
Researchers identified molecular signatures that predict immune protection in response to flu vaccination, with elderly individuals showing high levels of monocytes and low antibody-producing B cells. This study provides insight into potential mechanisms underlying reduced vaccine efficacy in older adults.