Fortifying grain foods with folic acid has saved about 1,300 babies each year from being born with serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Despite this progress, many women still do not get enough folic acid, highlighting the need for continued education and supplement use.
Researchers at RIKEN found that preventing abnormal sugar attachment to BACE1 enzyme reduces Alzheimer's plaques and improves cognitive performance in mice. This study reveals a novel mechanism for Alzheimer's disease development and potentially offers a new therapeutic target.
Researchers estimate best times for mass drug treatment and house spraying to combat malaria, finding optimal seasons to target mass drug administration during the low season and house spraying just before the high season. The study's findings can help optimize combination of existing interventions and inform novel control measures.
A new study suggests that women are underrepresented in academic fields that prioritize brilliance, rather than intellectual ability. Researchers found that a strong emphasis on brilliance among practitioners is the best predictor of women's underrepresentation in these fields.
Researchers found that nanowires shorter than 2 micrometres cause no harm to the brain tissue, while longer ones lead to inflammation and neurotoxic effects. The study suggests developing electrodes with smaller and more flexible nanowire coatings for safer neural implants.
A new study found that postpartum depression can have onset of symptoms that begin in pregnancy, impacting prognosis and treatment tailoring. Women who experienced symptoms during pregnancy may be at risk for more severe postpartum depression.
A new study of nearly 2 million patents in the US found that most inventors choose to disclose information about their patents before approval, contrary to previous economic research. The disclosure correlates with more valuable patents, and small inventors also opt for disclosure, challenging initial concerns about secrecy.
Researchers have discovered a new signaling intermediate, leukotriene B4, which is synthesized and released by pancreatic acinar cells. This finding provides a potential target for the development of novel therapies for pancreatitis, a common disorder that complicates many ailments.
Researchers found that users who share news on social media sites, especially those who engage with friends, are more involved with the content. Users who ask questions or seek opinions from friends show increased involvement, suggesting that developers should encourage discussions about shared content.
Researchers at York University have discovered a new physiological system that continuously updates the remembered location of visual targets. This finding suggests that continuous updating of signals could emerge in other visuomotor areas of the brain.
The study shows that major changes occurred since 1950, with the global economic system now driving change on Earth. Key indicators suggest the Earth System has moved beyond natural variability, entering a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene.
Adults with eczema are more likely to experience health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and insomnia due to the emotional toll of the disease. Physicians need to address these lifestyle risks alongside skin treatments.
Researchers discovered the brain's role in regulating body fat by combining hormones leptin and insulin, which stimulate the conversion of white fat to brown fat through the nervous system. This process normally maintains body weight but goes awry in diet-induced obesity.
A report by a team of researchers warns that four of nine 'planetary boundaries' have been crossed due to human activity, posing risks to the stability of Earth's systems. The boundaries include climate change, loss of biosphere integrity, and altered biogeochemical cycles like phosphorus and nitrogen runoff.
Research from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reveals that PTEN tumor suppressor protein is essential for proper regulatory T cell function, helping to prevent autoimmune diseases. The study identified a crucial role of PTEN in controlling Tfh cells and autoantibody production, offering new focus for improving treatment.
A team of researchers warns that human activity has crossed four planetary boundaries, putting food production and clean water at risk. The nitrogen-phosphorus cycle, essential for life, is particularly compromised due to limited phosphorus supplies and excessive fertilizer use.
The Tenth Annual Meeting of the International Conference on Genomics will focus on breakthroughs and advancements in 'omics' research transforming scientific discoveries into better health. Confirmed plenary speakers include prominent figures in the field, highlighting the most influential topics and practical applications.
Scientists at OIST created models to investigate mixtures of self-motile and passive agents, finding that only a low fraction of self-motile agents are needed to achieve desired flow patterns. This research has promising applications in microfluidic processes such as water purification and self-powered drug delivery systems.
A new study reveals that Asian and Hispanic patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have lower mortality rates compared to Black, White, or Native American patients. The risk for death among White patients is much lower than in Black and Native American SLE patients.
A new study suggests that traumatic brain injury triggers long-term inflammation in the brain, causing chronic degenerative problems. The research proposes that this inflammation is a major treatable cause of brain damage after trauma.
A study published in Current Biology found that stress hormones block empathy, while a game of Rock Band increased emotional contagion of pain in both mice and human strangers. Researchers discovered that biochemical changes related to stress prevented emotional contagion in animals.
A study published in Current Biology found a causal link between serotonin neuron activation and patient behavior in mice, contradicting the notion that increased serotonin leads to reward. Researchers used optogenetics to activate serotonin neurons, observing longer waiting durations in mice with stronger activation.
A study in C. elegans found that excess iron promotes aging by causing dysfunction and malfolding of proteins implicated in the aging process. Treating worms with a metal chelator slowed age-related accumulation of iron, extending lifespan and healthspan.
A new study finds that traditional yak dung burning in Tibetan households releases high levels of fine particulate matter, including black carbon. The pollution poses a significant health risk to the local population, who spend most of their time indoors during the cold season.
Researchers at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering have developed a new colloidal gold test strip that demonstrates high detection sensitivity for cardiac troponin I (cTn-I) detection. The new strip uses microplasma-generated gold nanoparticles, attracting more antibodies and resulting in significantly higher detection sensitivity.
The NASA GPM satellite captured detailed rainfall data of Tropical Storm Mekkhala on January 14, revealing intense convective storms near its center. The storm strengthened into a tropical storm over the western quadrant, with moderate vertical wind shear.
Charge ordering, a phenomenon that interferes with superconductivity, has been detected in electron-doped copper-oxide crystals for the first time. The discovery contradicts existing research suggesting charge ordering only occurs during the pseudogap phase. This finding opens new possibilities for understanding the problem and could p...
Researchers at Princeton University have successfully built a rice-sized laser powered by single electrons tunneling through artificial atoms known as quantum dots. The device demonstrates a major step forward for efforts to build quantum-computing systems out of semiconductor materials, according to co-author Jacob Taylor.
A City College of New York led-team successfully demonstrated enhancing light emission and capturing light from metamaterials with light emitting nanocrystals. The breakthrough could lead to practical applications in ultrafast LEDs, nanoscale lasers, and efficient single photon sources.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a stem cell in mice that gives rise to bone, cartilage and stroma. The discovery sets the stage for therapies for skeletal disorders such as bone fractures, brittle bones, and damaged cartilage.
Researchers explored how role-playing video games influence social behavior and decision-making. It was found that people conform to computers' decisions, even in ambiguous cases, due to a tendency towards information conformity and striving for accuracy.
Researchers rely on imputation methods to estimate immigrant populations' legal status and insurance coverage, but these methods may deliver inaccurate results. Inaccurate estimates can lead to planning and implementation of policies with unintended consequences for local groups.
A new study from UC Berkeley found that neurotic and anxious attachment are positively correlated with better pet care, suggesting that the qualities of 'helicopter parenting' may be beneficial for pets. This is a surprising finding, as it contradicts the traditional approach to raising independent children.
Researchers at UCLA have found that a deficiency of the hormone hepcidin makes people with iron overload disease susceptible to Vibrio vulnificus infections. A medical form of hepcidin, minihepcidin, has been shown to cure the infection by restricting bacterial growth.
Younger basil plants (2-3 weeks old) are more susceptible to downy mildew than older plants. Applying a fungicide like acibenzolar-S-methyl before pathogen infection can significantly reduce disease severity in older plants.
A new non-destructive device called the mini-Horhizotron measures plant root growth in greenhouse production, allowing for effective study of treatment and substrate effects. The device provides valuable insight into root growth and development, enabling researchers to investigate factors influencing root growth in container production.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discover a promising new treatment for aggressive breast and pancreatic cancers, using a synthetic compound called SR1848. The compound targets the LRH-1 protein, which is involved in hormone synthesis and cholesterol metabolism.
Researchers found a higher blood volume shift from the lower to upper body due to weightlessness, with lower blood pressure than anticipated. Blood pressure decreased by 10 mmHg, similar to high blood pressure medication, during long-duration spaceflight.
A team of scientists evaluated native fine-leaved Festuca species for potential use in urban landscapes. The study found that tall-statured, multicolored Festuca germplasm shows promise as low-input ornamental grasses in the western United States.
Researchers have identified genetic markers associated with severe neurological toxicity in patients treated with paclitaxel, a highly effective but toxic chemotherapeutic drug. The study found that specific genetic variants can lead to reduced drug excretion and increased toxicity, allowing for personalized treatment risk assessment.
A temporary tattoo has been developed to extract and measure glucose levels in the fluid between skin cells, offering a promising step forward in noninvasive glucose testing. The device, which uses a flexible sensor, can detect glucose spikes after meals with high accuracy.
The Endocrine Society has selected 14 accomplished endocrinologists as winners of the organization's prestigious Laureate Awards. The award recipients include renowned researchers and clinicians recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to the field of endocrinology.
A University of Bristol undergraduate has uncovered the feeding habits of an ancient fish, Dapedium, which was well-adapted to crush shells. The study reveals that Dapedium's jaws moved slowly but strongly to work on hard-shelled prey, similar to modern sea breams.
The study reveals how polar substances nearby can change the interaction between nonpolar hydrophobic groups, allowing for controlled adhesion or repulsion in water. This discovery may lead to new designs of molecules with useful functions in water-based applications.
Research by University of Missouri-Columbia found that states where nurse practitioners are allowed to practice independently have improved health outcomes for Medicare and Medicaid patients. Independent APRN practice reduces hospitalizations and improves quality of care for underserved populations.
Researchers at MIT found that raindrops can release aerosols when hitting porous surfaces, trapping tiny air bubbles and bursting them out into the air. This mechanism may explain petrichor, the smell released after a light rain, and potentially spread soil-based diseases.
Researchers have created DNA-coated nanoparticles that can hold together 3D-printed materials, forming gel-like substances suitable for human cell growth. This breakthrough could lead to the development of scaffolds for growing tissues and organs.
Patients with advanced stage IV colorectal cancer are having fewer surgeries, but still showing improved survival rates due to the advent of more effective chemotherapeutic options and biologic treatments. The median survival rate for these patients has increased from 8.6% in 1988 to 17.8% in 2009.
A Pitt study links biomarkers to long-term kidney damage and death in critically ill, highlighting the importance of early intervention. Researchers found that tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and IGF-binding protein-7 (IGFBP7) can identify patients at increased risk for adverse outcomes.
A new study published in Nutrition Reviews finds that the type of health messaging is more effective depending on the target audience. For those highly involved in the field, negative loss-framed messages are most effective, while positive gain-framed messages resonate with the general public.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison team developed ultra-high-purity semconducting carbon nanotubes using a new technique, enabling more efficient and durable electronics. This breakthrough could lead to flexible displays, clothing-integrated electronics, and improved consumer devices with longer battery life.
A study by Johns Hopkins pathologists identified a unique pattern of injuries in the brains of combat veterans who survived IED blasts and later died. The honeycomb pattern of damaged nerve fibers is distinct from other types of brain injury, suggesting a possible signature of 'shell shock' or blast neurotrauma.
Glucocorticoids suppress inflammation by targeting nuclear factor-κB and upregulating IRAK-M, a key negative regulator of inflammatory pathways. The discovery provides new insights into the mechanism of glucocorticoid action and could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for controlling overactive inflammation.
The University of Warwick's Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS) aims to detect small planets from Neptune size down to twice the size of Earth. Researchers hope to study the atmospheres and composition of these super-Earths, which are thought to be common around other stars.
Cancer experts will discuss how to work together to accelerate progress towards a cure, expand global access to prevention, treatment, and care. The World Economic Forum is the right platform to address the urgent need for bold action.
Researchers at MIT and Purdue University have found that meteorites are not building blocks of planets, but rather byproducts of a violent planetary process. Computer simulations show that large moon-sized bodies likely existed before chondrules formed, which were then created by collisions of these bodies.
A new study reveals that worsening health conditions can serve as a predictor to mortgage distress, increasing the risk of default and foreclosure. The study found that middle-aged adults with worsening chronic conditions face nearly twice the risk of mortgage default compared to those without worsening conditions.
Duke University scientists have discovered high levels of ammonium and iodide in oil and gas wastewater, exceeding EPA water-quality thresholds. These contaminants can harm aquatic life and promote toxic byproducts in drinking water when mixed with chlorine.
Researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute have developed a brain-imaging technique that can detect autism spectrum disorder in children. The test, which involves measuring perspective-tracking responses, has shown promising diagnostic potential and may revolutionize the way autism is diagnosed.
A study published by the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that 12% of patients admitted from care homes had high sodium levels, compared to 1% from their own homes. Dehydration is a significant concern for elderly and infirm people who may require assistance with drinking.