Researchers found that e-cigarettes compromise the immune system in mice, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections and impairing lung function. The study also identified 'free radical' chemicals in e-cigarette vapors, previously thought only to be found in tobacco cigarettes and air pollutants.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a light microscopy method to image protein synthesis and degradation in living tissues and animals. The technique, coupling stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy with metabolic labeling of deuterated amino acids, allows non-invasive visualization of protein metabolism.
Researchers from Texas A&M University have discovered a compound called resveratrol that may help improve memory function in older adults. Studies have shown that treatment with resveratrol can increase neurogenesis and improve blood flow to the brain, leading to better cognitive function.
A new joint analysis of BICEP2/Keck Array and Planck data reveals that the earlier detection of primordial gravitational waves is no longer secure due to interstellar dust contamination. The study uses multi-frequency data from Planck and ground-based experiments to separate foreground emissions from the cosmic background.
Researchers used brain connectivity scans to identify patterns that predict success with behavioral activation talk therapy. Patients with major depressive disorder who had stronger connections between brain regions involved in cognitive control and emotion regulation responded better to the therapy.
A stream of clouds and moisture associated with the 'Pineapple Express' is expected to bring rain and snow to the Pacific Northwest over several days. The system is expected to produce moderate to heavy rainfall totals in coastal areas, with some regions seeing up to 10 inches of rain.
Researchers have identified a peptide called PACAP that reduces food intake and leads to weight loss when administered in the brain's central amygdala. The study suggests PACAP may be a target for medications treating obesity and binge-eating disorders.
Providing fact sheets on contraception during dermatology office visits can improve women's awareness of the most effective birth control options. This education may prevent unintended pregnancies and birth defects caused by acne drugs like isotretinoin.
Women with primary Sjögren's syndrome experience impaired sexual functioning and higher levels of distress compared to healthy controls. Vaginal dryness, pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms significantly contribute to their symptoms. Healthcare providers should acknowledge and discuss these issues to help patients cope.
The University of Miami's School of Communication has developed an open educational resource on ocean health, covering topics like carbon storage and climate change. The resource features interactive modules with original videos showcasing researchers working in the field.
A team of researchers has created a high-resolution map of the Ophiuchus molecular cloud, identifying 75 dense cores and finding that their masses follow a log-normal distribution. This suggests that turbulence plays a significant role in shaping the evolution of the cloud.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that providing an information sheet on contraceptives significantly improved women's understanding of their effectiveness, leading to a safer use of isotretinoin. The study showed that even small investments of time can greatly enhance contraceptive knowledge and prevent pregnancies.
A study of 292 ancient skeletons reveals that malocclusion and dental crowding emerged among European farmers around 12,000 years ago. The shift from a hunter-gatherer diet to agriculture led to changes in jaw shape and tooth structure.
A recent University of Hawaii study reveals heavy rainfall events are increasing in frequency on the Big Island, but decreasing on Oahu and Maui. Climate change is believed to be driving these changes, with extreme rain events more common during La Nina years.
Researchers found diverse genomic changes in single neurons from Alzheimer's patients, showing that over 90% of sporadic Alzheimer's disease brains display highly significant DNA increases. Neurons from patients with sporadic Alzheimer's disease were four times as likely to contain more than two copies of the Alzheimer's-linked gene APP.
Research team from University of Southampton found that atmospheric CO2 levels during the Pliocene era matched recent years, supporting recent climate change predictions. The study estimates climate sensitivity and reveals differences in climate response between warmer and colder periods.
A large-scale study confirms BGI's NIFTY test accuracy for trisomy 21, 18, and 13 in nearly 147,000 pregnancies, showing high sensitivity and specificity. The study also found that high-quality NIPT service can be achieved with strict protocols and standards.
The University of Michigan has launched a major initiative to find new ways to treat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) thanks to a $10M gift from the Joyce and Don Massey Family Foundation. The new Emergency Critical Care Center will provide advanced care to patients with TBI, stroke, or other critical illnesses.
A new species of water frog, Telmatobius ventriflavum, was discovered in central Peru. The species' golden yellow and orange coloration helps identify it as a unique addition to the Andean biodiversity hotspot.
Researchers at Keck Medicine of USC have received grants to develop a temporary liver support system for transplant patients and improve gene editing for blood diseases. They also plan to create transgenic rats for researching heart failure, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Commercial antibodies used in research often fail to function properly, but DNA technology can solve this problem by producing high-quality antibodies. The authors advocate for the use of recombinant DNA technology to improve reproducibility and reduce waste in biological science.
Researchers at MGH have identified characteristics, including gene expression differences, that indicate which patients recovering from severe burns are at greatest risk for repeat infections. The study could lead to personalized therapies and more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers have created a pump that moves fluid using vibration instead of a rotor, potentially capturing wasted mechanical energy and reducing noise in industrial situations. The design mimics the movement of birds' flapping wings, which manipulate airflow to move themselves.
Researchers surveyed 1,000 people about their willingness to trade time and money to avoid taking daily medication for cardiovascular disease. The study found that 21% would accept minimal risk of death and 43% wouldn't take any risks, highlighting the impact of medication on quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Granada have successfully modified a type of lactose protein called beta-lactoglobulin using pulsed light, making it easier to digest. The treatment facilitates digestion, particularly in the small intestine, without altering the protein's functional properties.
A study reveals children with 'biallelic mismatch repair deficiency' (bMMRD) experience a rapid wave of genetic mutations, dubbed the 'great flood', which causes aggressive cancer. The research identifies a previously undiscovered mechanism for cancer progression and potential targets for treatment.
Research at The Mount Sinai Hospital found that cocaine users have impaired brain circuits for predicting emotional loss, making it difficult to learn from unfavorable outcomes. This impairment may underlie disadvantageous decision-making in individuals with substance use disorder.
Researchers found that surveillance use on Facebook can lead to feelings of envy and depression. Users who engage in comparison or surveillance behavior on the platform are more likely to experience negative mental health effects, according to a study published in Computers in Human Behavior.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz successfully investigated the dynamics of small magnetic whirls called skyrmions, which can store energy even after external excitation is stopped. This discovery has significant implications for future magnetic data storage and information processing.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center developed a wearable sensor system to track gait, balance, and other movements in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The APDM Mobility Lab can effectively assess the severity of the disorder even when medications are used to reduce symptoms.
Researchers discovered that lab-grown cells undergo rapid changes within three days of adaptation to their new environment. This finding affects the interpretation of past studies and provides clues for improving cell cultures.
A large study in sub-Saharan Africa found that vitamin A supplementation reduced malaria risk in children by 54% if administered during the wet season and to older children. The researchers suspect vitamin A boosts immunity and helps clear out the malaria parasite more quickly.
Researchers from UC Davis examine how plants adapt to diverse environments, shedding light on the tomato genome's response to stress and its potential applications in crop improvement. They also uncover previously unknown information about the wild and cultivated tomato genomes.
Researchers found that activation of cholinergic neurons in brain stem structures induced REM sleep in animal models. The findings provide a better understanding of brain mechanisms controlling different sleep states, essential for treating sleep disorders.
A new study outlines key targets for evolutionary research and education in central Africa to guide conservation efforts. The review emphasizes the importance of genomic research to understand species' capacity to adapt to environmental changes and highlights the need for increased surveying and sampling efforts, as well as standardize...
Berkeley researchers create nano-sized optical antenna that boosts spontaneous light emission by 115 times, enabling faster LED technology for microchips and alternative applications. The innovation has the potential to replace lasers for short-distance optical communications.
Researchers have clarified the compound's phases, thermal expansion and hydrogen bonds, shedding new light on its properties. The study uses advanced methods to determine the crystal structure and electronic structure of ammonium carbonate monohydrate.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin developed the first silicene transistors, made of one-atom-thick silicon material. The breakthrough paves the way for faster and energy-efficient computer chips.
Researchers found that A1M stops the oxidation of blood fats and repairs damaged molecules, protecting against atherosclerosis. The protein can also clean and reduce oxidised blood fats from LDL and take care of dangerous substances from MPO.
A team from MIT and the University of Liege presents high-speed images showing that raindrops can act as a dispersing agent, catapulting contaminated droplets far from their leaf source. The researchers found that a plant's mechanical properties, particularly its compliance, determine the range of dispersal.
A Stanford study found that antibody-producing immune cells called B cells play a key role in the delayed onset of dementia after stroke. The presence of these cells, which are normally found only in the blood, can be linked to cognitive decline and memory loss in stroke patients.
Researchers at Ohio State University identified three genes that enable glioblastoma stem-like cells to survive radiation therapy. MELK and EZH2 proteins form a complex that drives EZH2 expression, promoting tumor development and progression.
A new study published in JAMA found that hospital report cards had no effect on surgical safety, including death rates, complications, readmissions, and costs. The study analyzed data from over 1 million Medicare patients and suggested that reporting data back to hospitals is not enough to improve quality.
Researchers analyze patients' genetic makeup to determine potential reactions to medications and reduce adverse effects. The goal is to increase the quality of life for individuals in behavioral health services, reducing emergency room visits and healthcare costs.
Scientists at USF have developed a handheld sensor that can debunk fraudulent seafood species claims, helping ensure consumers get what they pay for. The QuadPyre RT-NASBA technology is accurate enough to detect grouper substitution on cooked fish at the point of restaurant service.
Researchers discovered clusters of gene-blocking microRNAs expressed only in oligometastatic cells, which can shut down specific genes involved in metastasis. These findings suggest microRNAs could provide a personalized biomarker to predict tumor aggressiveness and guide effective treatment.
A new analysis finds that ocean acidification could significantly impact up to 21-32% of calcifying marine species, including coral, clams, and sea urchins. This widespread impact could have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems worldwide, as these species provide essential nursery habitats and food sources for other marine organisms.
Research by the University of Manchester's National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness found that high staff turnover and complaints were associated with higher patient suicide rates. The study suggests that mental health services should closely monitor these factors to ensure patient safety.
A study published in the Journal of Immunology found that infusing memory cells can produce and repeatedly replenish all of the T-effector cells needed to fight CMV infection. This approach may improve on current therapeutic options for controlling CMV infection, which affects up to 80% of adults in the US.
Researchers identified significant differences in DNA methylation patterns between male and female brains during prenatal development. These epigenetic changes may contribute to the origins of disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
New reproductive technologies identify genetic disorders through fetal DNA analysis. Social pressures hinder breastfeeding adoption in Western nations, while advanced parental age increases autism risk.
Researchers develop a transparent shell matching the shape and curvature of a real eggshell using PDMS, significantly extending embryo culturing time. The biomimetic system offers an excellent platform for studying functional embryo development and provides a natural diagnostic tool for early diagnosis.
A healthy diet rich in whole grains and polyunsaturated fats is associated with a lower risk of chronic lung disease, according to a study published in The BMJ. The Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 was found to be linked to a one-third lower risk of newly diagnosed COPD.
Most surgical readmissions are caused by expected complications like wound infections, occurring after discharge. Hospitals should focus on reducing surgical site infections and addressing issues like dehydration through better communication and patient education.
A study of over 345,000 hospitalizations found no significant difference in post-surgical complications between hospitals that participate in quality improvement programs and those that do not. The researchers suggest that while outcomes reporting systems are necessary for improvement, they are not sufficient to drive change.
A new study uses Flickr photos to calculate the value of clean water, finding that higher-quality lakes receive more visits and users are willing to travel farther to reach them. The research also highlights the potential for social media data to inform social-ecological research.
A recent study reveals that sea slugs can absorb genes from the algae they eat, enabling them to photosynthesize and survive for months on sunlight. This natural process has implications for gene therapy and rapid evolution in multicellular species.
A new study uses a fluorescent probe to track osteoarthritis development in male mice, providing insights into early detection and monitoring of the disease. The findings show that the probe emits a brighter signal in injured knees as the disease progresses.
A new study reveals that individuals with TBI struggle with gist reasoning, a complex cognitive capacity. The Center for BrainHealth's assessment tool shows promise in predicting daily life functionality and estimating brain health.
Researchers at BYU and MIT develop a new technology using surface acoustic waves to control light's angle and color composition, enabling inexpensive holographic video displays. The team's approach reduces costs and opens up possibilities for large-scale room-sized displays.