Researchers at UC San Diego are investigating DNA methylation in the blood as a potential signature for Parkinson's disease. The study, funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, aims to improve early diagnosis and treatment of the chronic movement disorder.
A UTSW-led study identified three neurobiologically distinct biotypes of psychoses, which do not always match conventional clinical diagnoses. The findings suggest that the term 'psychosis' might describe unique psychiatric disorders with distinctive mechanisms and treatments.
A new report finds that 5.8 million US children ages 5-17 have ADHD, up from 3.7 million in 2003, with a notable increase among girls. The study also reveals racial and ethnic disparities in ADHD diagnosis, particularly among Hispanic youth.
Researchers have discovered proteins that could serve as diagnostic markers for bipolar I disorder, differentiating it from other mood disorders and potentially guiding treatment choices.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that the flu vaccine is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction in children with egg allergy. Young people with well-controlled asthma or recurrent wheeze can also be safely vaccinated, according to the findings.
Bacteria sense their environment and change direction using a molecular machinery that relies on protein interactions and chemical signals. The new study reveals key insights into the chemosensory array, shedding light on how bacteria make decisions.
A new study published in the journal Stroke demonstrates that vagus nerve stimulation can improve recovery in stroke patients by reducing impairments and increasing motion and strength in affected arms. The trial involved 20 patients with arm weakness due to stroke, showing significant potential for reducing disabilities.
A new research study published in JAMA found that 28.8% of resident physicians screen positive for depression during their residency, highlighting an important issue in graduate medical education.
Gynecologists argue the FDA's warning on power-morcellation is based on flawed data and may limit access to safe, effective treatment options for women. The study group suggests that better preoperative identification and new techniques could improve patient outcomes.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health proposes that law enforcement-related deaths be treated as a 'notifiable condition' and reported to the CDC. The authors found that blacks face significantly greater risk of being killed by police than whites, with some cities experiencing rates up to 19 times higher.
Researchers at UCLA found that people struggle to accurately identify the source of sights and sounds, despite relying on our senses for perception. The study suggests that the brain makes tradeoffs between precision and error tolerance, with benefits for tasks performed in high-acuity areas but limitations in outer areas.
Researchers found that telomeres slow down and sometimes even reverse with weight loss and exercise in breast cancer survivors. Higher body fat levels are associated with shorter telomere length.
Researchers have found a way to manipulate trypanosomes in the mammalian bloodstream to acquire fly stage characteristics, making them easier for the host immune system to eliminate. Inhibiting specific proteins that interact with chromatin can 'trick' the parasite into differentiating to a different stage of its lifecycle.
Research finds that medical students' involvement in evaluating patients adds only a few minutes to the average length of stay, allowing for balance between educational needs and treatment. The study's results provide reassurance for teachers who transition students from observing to aiding medical care.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awarded $1.5 million Distinguished Investigator Grants to 15 scientists conducting innovative projects in neurobiological and behavioral research. The grants aim to understand and treat psychiatric disorders affecting one in four people.
A phase IIR/III clinical trial investigates whether surgery or stereotactic body radiation can control metastasis while continuing breast cancer therapy. Researchers aim to define parameters for determining which patients benefit from this 'weeding the garden' approach.
A team from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem suggests that rare mergers of binary neutron stars are the origin of naturally occurring radioactive plutonium-244. This theory resolves the Galactic radioactive plutonium puzzle by explaining why only a small amount of plutonium has reached Earth in recent 100 million years.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute found that cooperating bacteria form cell clusters to exclude non-cooperating bacteria from their community. This mechanism stabilizes long-term partnerships without requiring complex recognition of potential partners.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found diacetyl, a flavoring chemical, in over 75% of flavored e-cigarettes and refill liquids, posing a risk to respiratory health.
Scientists at NREL have developed a new probe to monitor the formation and decay of fields within photoelectrodes, enabling better understanding of their photophysics. This breakthrough could lead to improvements in the design of more efficient and stable photoelectrochemical cells for solar energy conversion.
Ivan Dylko's model explores how customizability technologies increase political selective exposure, making users more surrounded with like-minded information and potentially polarized. The research suggests that technology-driven changes exacerbate this behavior.
Researchers will investigate oil's impact on the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and public health over three years. The funding is part of a larger $38 million GoMRI program supporting research on environmental issues.
A University of Maryland study suggests that higher levels of societal mobility lead to decreased ethnocentric behavior. In mobile societies, individuals are more likely to treat others as individuals rather than groups, resulting in less hostility towards other cultures.
Researchers developed a portable sensor, OcuCheck, that uses graphene and ascorbate oxidase to detect vitamin C levels in ocular fluids. The device can rapidly determine the extent of eye injuries in various settings, including rural areas with limited access to ophthalmologists.
Children with common allergies like asthma and hay fever have a higher rate of hypertension and high cholesterol, setting them up for heart disease early on. Inflammation from these conditions may contribute to cardiovascular risks.
New mapping and dating reveal timing of past earthquakes and tectonic deformation distribution across the western U.S. Death Valley's faulted alluvial fans help determine seismic hazard mitigation and understand great landscapes' evolution over recent geologic time.
Researchers identified the orbital partner parasitized by a blue straggler, a star that appears younger and brighter than expected. The study expands our understanding of binary star systems, bringing 25% of all stars into the fold of stellar evolution.
Scientists have reported a high-performance nanoparticle electrocatalyst for fuel cells, featuring durable and active PtFe nanoparticles coated with nitrogen-doped carbon shells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient and affordable fuel cell technology.
Scientists have developed a method to detect the shape of light waves with unprecedented precision by studying the behavior of 'quasiparticles' - ripples in the electric field that emerge when light meets solid surfaces. This breakthrough has significant implications for applications in metrology, chemical sensing, and adaptive optics.
The article provides recommendations for primary care physicians to screen for mental health issues in Syrian refugees, such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also highlights the importance of vaccinations, including measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as screening for chronic Hepatitis B and tuberculosis.
Researchers are exploring the use of ketone esters to treat seizures caused by hyperbaric oxygen toxicity in deep-water divers. Laboratory rats showed improved performance and greater resistance to oxygen toxicity seizures after receiving the dose.
The LAXPC instrument has observed various astrophysical objects, including Black hole X-ray binaries, Microquasars, and Supernova remnants. Its large detection volume and efficient xenon gas filling result in high detection efficiency above 30 keV.
Research suggests that second-generation antidepressants and CBT have comparable effectiveness in treating major depressive disorder. Experts recommend making both treatments accessible to primary care patients, regardless of personal preference.
A public health approach to counting US law-enforcement-related deaths could provide real-time data needed to understand and prevent police violence. By making these deaths a reportable health condition, public health departments can track trends and inform policy changes.
A study found that newly trained family physicians intend to provide a broader range of healthcare services, including prenatal care and inpatient care. The researchers suggest that these differences may be due to limited practice support or employer constraints rather than generational changes.
PolyU researchers develop integrated algorithm to estimate real-time journey time and traffic speed, taking into account uncertainty and on-time arrival probability. The system offers personalized driving routes with enhanced reliability, saving time and petrol for motorists.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that pre- and post-test counseling for genetic mutations increases knowledge and decreases anxiety in BRCA-negative patients. After testing, most women reported declines in general anxiety and improvements in genetic knowledge.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that adults with type 2 diabetes are often tested more frequently than needed, resulting in unnecessary costs and time burden. The researchers found that excessive testing increases the odds of overtreatment with hypoglycemic drugs.
Scientists have used subterranean rock samples to help fill a gap in the history of Earth's magnetic field, shedding light on North America's position 400 million years ago. The study provides new insights into Paleomagnetism and its relevance to understanding the continent's geological past.
A new study finds that biomarkers outperform symptoms in identifying distinct psychosis subgroups, suggesting a more precise diagnosis may lead to improved treatments. The research used 1,872 participants and identified three biotypes, each with unique patterns of brain function and structure.
A new study found that adult consumers of fresh pears had a lower body weight and were 35% less likely to be obese compared to non-pear consumers. Pear consumption was also associated with higher diet quality, as defined by the Healthy Eating Index.
A new project, WasteTaste, uses energy-efficient vacuum-drying technique to convert food waste into valuable ingredients and new products. The process preserves flavor, color, and nutritional value of the original produce.
The first international patient registry for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) has been launched, aiming to collect data on the disease's effects, treatment options and progression. The registry will help advance understanding of PCD, improve diagnosis and treatment, and facilitate access to clinical trials.
A new study suggests that pomaglumetad methionil, a glutamate pathway target, may be an effective treatment for individuals in the early course of schizophrenia. Researchers found a statistically significant response in patients who are early-in-disease or have not already been exposed to other antipsychotic medications.
A team of researchers has identified biological markers that can classify mental disorders with greater precision, using neurobiological measures to differentiate conditions. The findings may lead to improved diagnostics and treatments for those suffering from mental illness.
Research suggests that social networks play a significant role in student academic performance. Students tend to perform better when surrounded by high-achievers, who inspire them to try harder. On the other hand, befriending underachievers can lead to a drop in grades over time.
The current scientific description of the human cell cycle is being revised due to new findings that challenge traditional understanding of DNA replication. Cancer cells exploit an unusual form of DNA replication to bypass genetic changes that cause cancer.
The discovery of Phosphorosaurus ponpetelegans, a 72-million-year-old marine reptile, reveals new insights into the evolution of mosasaurs. The fossil's superior preservation provides details on its unique characteristics, including binocular vision and a hunting strategy that involved targeting glowing fish and squids at night.
A study by University of Missouri researchers shows that telehealth services are well-received by patients, with 83% satisfied with skilled care received during their visit. Providers also report high satisfaction levels, with 86% finding the service easy to provide care via.
A randomized controlled trial found that isopropyl alcohol nasal inhalation reduced nausea scores by half and improved patient satisfaction compared to saline solution. The remedy has potential to alleviate symptoms of nearly five million emergency patients annually.
A UMass Amherst chemist has received a $330,000 NSF grant to improve the production of fuels from plant biomass. The project aims to optimize shape-selective catalysis in zeolites for efficient conversion of carbohydrates into gasoline.
A rapid molecular assay using RNA biomarkers in blood can differentiate sepsis from infection-negative systemic inflammation more accurately and quickly than traditional methods. The assay, known as SeptiCyte Lab, was validated in independent cohorts and showed high sensitivity and specificity.
Research from the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study reveals a 'triple whammy' effect of prolonged sleep, excessive sitting and lack of exercise on mortality risk. The study found that a combination of these factors increases the risk of early death by more than four times.
Researchers deployed seismometers to create maps of seismic velocities beneath the West Antarctic Rift System, revealing a hot zone beneath the Bentley Subglacial Trench. This discovery suggests that the rift system was active recently and may have implications for the future of the giant ice sheet in Antarctica.
A study analyzing DNA from over 1200 CHD patients found overlapping genetic influences during early childhood development, suggesting a link between heart defects and neurodevelopmental delays. The research identified 21 genes harboring protein-damaging mutations in more than one patient, which may lead to targeted therapies.
An analysis of over 1.3 million emergency department visits found that the presence of medical students was associated with a statistically significant increase in patient length of stay. However, this effect may be too small to have clinical relevance.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found a significant link between maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. The study, which analyzed data from over 24,000 ASD cases and 200,000 controls, suggests that exposure to sex hormones early in life may play a role in the development of ASD.
The new report summarizes the latest science on integrated watershed management to meet the needs of billions of people dependent on food, timber, and clean water. It highlights the importance of smart reforestation to mitigate life-threatening natural events like floods and landslides.
A new $4.4 million research project aims to improve diagnosis and therapies for obesity-related health problems, including coronary heart disease, endometrial cancer, type-2 diabetes, and degenerative joint disease. The project will utilize big data analytics and genomics to gain insights into the causes of obesity.
Researchers at Umeå University discovered that increased CO2 levels shifted photosynthetic metabolism in plants towards photosynthesis, contributing to global vegetation's ability to dampen climate change. The study used historic plant samples to quantify the impact of atmospheric CO2 levels on plant metabolism.