A study found that additional radiation to lymph nodes reduces breast cancer recurrence, but does not increase overall survival. The treatment was associated with limited toxicity and is recommended for women with axillary node-positive or high-risk node-negative breast cancer.
Researchers found that people with schizophrenia experience relational encoding problems and regional brain dysfunction in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The study suggests a new target area for treatment development to improve memory in individuals with psychosis.
Researchers at Cornell Food & Brand Lab created a Grocery Retailer Scorecard to encourage healthy shopping practices. The scorecard helps shoppers rate their favorite store's healthiness, promoting the sale of perishable items like fruits and vegetables.
A new study from Florida Tech suggests that well-managed coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean can keep up with sea-level rise through vertical growth, but only if carbon dioxide levels stay below 670 parts-per million. If emissions exceed this threshold, even healthy reefs will struggle to adapt.
A major re-analysis of a flagship study on deworming children has questioned the finding that it increases school attendance. The original trial reported improved attendance among untreated schools near treatment sites, but the new analysis found no evidence to support this claim.
A new study has provided never-before-seen details of the human body's cellular switchboard that regulates sensory and hormonal responses. The research, led by Eric Xu at the Van Andel Research Institute, used SLAC's X-ray laser to complete the first 3-D atomic-scale map of a key signaling protein called arrestin.
A new study by University of California, San Diego researchers has identified a pivotal player in diabetic kidney disease and a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring chronic kidney disease. The study uses metabolomics analysis to clarify a central mechanism of action involving the NADPH oxidase proteins NOX1 and NOX4.
Scientists have developed a new material that can capture and convert waste heat from engines into electrical energy, potentially improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This innovative technology could also have applications in aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
A new theory suggests dark matter behaves similarly to pions, which hold atomic nuclei together. This finding resolves outstanding discrepancies in predicted mass distributions within galaxies and clusters of galaxies.
Researchers used a powerful X-ray laser to create a three-dimensional map of a key protein complex, revealing its structure and interactions. This breakthrough provides insights into developing more targeted therapies for diseases like cancer and heart disease.
A new study discovered that bottlenose dolphins can reverse prediabetes by switching between diabetic and non-diabetic states, with the key driver being a saturated fat called heptadecanoic acid. Dolphins fed fish high in this fatty acid showed significant improvements in metabolic syndrome indicators within six months.
Researchers have successfully directed adult stem cells to turn specifically into muscle using a new method that mimics the body's natural approach. This breakthrough could potentially help treat patients with muscular dystrophy, as well as address spinal cord injuries and other conditions.
A team of scientists in Germany and Switzerland have identified the fungus Exidiopsis effusa as the cause of hair ice. The researchers found that the fungus enables the ice to form thin hairs, which are stabilized by a recrystallisation inhibitor provided by the fungus.
Research reveals that schools with more black and minority students tend to prioritize punishment over medical or psychological interventions, leading to higher rates of expulsions, suspensions, and referrals to law enforcement. This trend is linked to centralized governance and zero-tolerance policies in disadvantaged districts.
A longitudinal study of high school biology instructors reveals that biology dominates STEM education and the workforce increased 50% between 1987 and 2007. However, the same trend also shows that teachers outside their discipline are often assigned to teach outside their capabilities.
Patrick Hines, a Wayne State University School of Medicine professor, was selected for the Aspen Institute's inaugural class of Health Innovators Fellows. He founded Functional Fluidics, which provides diagnostic platforms to predict bleeding and clotting disorders.
Researchers have developed a dynamic 'smart' drug that targets inflammation in a site-specific manner, reducing side effects. The new anti-inflammatory molecule reduces local inflammation while avoiding normal inflammatory processes, potentially improving treatment outcomes for immunosuppressed patients and those undergoing chemotherapy.
The Energetic Heavy Ion Sensor (EHIS) has been given a clean bill of health after being tested using a proton accelerator at Massachusetts General Hospital. This sensor will measure heavy charged particles in Earth's magnetosphere and aid in space weather alerts.
Researchers have discovered a method to lower worrying levels of arsenic in rice, a major crop grown under flooded conditions. By using a shop-bought coffee percolator, up to 85% of the carcinogen inorganic arsenic can be removed from all types of rice.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that genetic variation in the gene FOPNL is associated with poorer survival rates in multiple myeloma patients. The study, which included over 1,600 patients from North America and Europe, identified a significant link between the FOPNL variant and reduced survival.
Neurons have developed ways to regulate their electrical activity, preventing overexcitability and non-functional neurons. A new study reveals that unique synapses along the axon initial segment (AIS) modulate neuronal output by acting directly on the AIS.
Researchers found that teeth can provide a chronological record of exposure to chemicals, including iron, from fetal development. This technology can help track the impact of pollution on health globally and potentially link early life exposures to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have created a fully synthetic substrate to grow billions of human pluripotent stem cells. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of 'stem cell factories' for clinical use in treating heart, liver and brain conditions.
A new Stanford study found cellular damage detectable in patients after CT scanning, suggesting potential long-term health effects. The research calls for safer imaging practices and increased research into the impact of low-dose radiation on human cells.
Researchers found that hospital staff perception of door-to-needle time did not match actual performance. Middle and low-performing hospitals often overestimated their ability to quickly administer anti-clotting medication.
Coral reefs are under pressure from climate change, which may reduce their ability to protect tropical islands against wave attack and erosion. The study suggests that coasts fronted by relatively narrow reefs with steep faces and deeper reef flats will experience the highest wave runup and greatest potential for island flooding.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) that enhance stem cell engraftment in zebrafish and mice. These compounds could improve bone marrow transplants by allowing the use of more umbilical cord blood units, increasing patient chances of finding a matched donor.
Typhoon Halola's strongest typhoon-force winds were located on the northern half of the storm, stretching from northwest to northeast. The storm intensified and peaked at 95 knots on July 24, with Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts predicting weakening after that.
A two-year study found that reducing nicotine content did not increase quitting rates among smokers. The test group's nicotine levels returned to normal after returning to their usual brand of cigarettes, with low quitting rates observed.
Scientists found that additional genes can compensate for knocked-out genes and mitigate consequences. In a study on zebrafish, researchers identified emilin 3B as a rescuing gene for the egfl7 gene, which regulates blood vessel growth.
Researchers developed new diagnostic criteria to differentiate between malignant and benign mediastinal masses in children. The criteria use symptoms, laboratory tests, and CT scans to identify a better way to refine diagnoses, potentially leading to earlier detection of cancers like lymphomas and neuroblastomas.
In bacterial communities, resolving social conflict is key to survival. The discovery reveals that biofilms develop an 'emergent phenomenon' where individuals balance opposing needs through metabolic codependence. This strategy allows bacteria to coordinate activities, resolve internal conflicts and ensure the survival of the community.
A new survey of over 850 US women found that relaxing beach vacations are perfect for sexual experimentation with a steady partner, while group tours and sightseeing trips are ideal for casual sex with acquaintances or strangers. Women tend to underestimate risks in non-penetrative activities and overestimate condom protection.
Researchers study children's aggressive behavior from ages 3-5, exploring factors such as empathy, emotional regulation and social information processing. The three-year study aims to provide new insights into what drives children towards aggressive behaviors.
A University of Michigan study shows that primary care appointment availability increased for people with Medicaid after the state's Medicaid expansion took effect. Despite predictions that appointments would be hard to get due to a surge in newly insured individuals, clinics offered more appointments before and after the expansion.
Researchers at the Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics found that cold crystallization in liquid crystals occurs through two mechanisms: classical thermodynamics and diffusion. The study reveals a wide range of temperatures where cold crystallization can occur, contrary to previous expectations.
The kiwi bird's genomic changes help explain its unique characteristics, such as eliminated color vision and a highly developed sense of smell. Research identified evolutionary changes in the genome that underpin the bird's adaptations to nocturnality, with potential implications for conservation efforts.
Researchers found that two neighboring chimpanzee groups used distinct tool lengths despite identical army ant species availability, indicating cultural knowledge generated small-scale diversification. This study provides insights into what drives cultural differences in chimpanzees and sheds light on human cultural evolution.
Scientists are calling for cooperation between conservationists and space agencies to monitor biodiversity loss, which has halved in just 40 years. Satellite images can reveal changes in vegetation productivity and provide information on ground-level biodiversity levels.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that introducing rapid diagnostic tests in registered drug shops in Uganda reduced overdiagnosis of malaria by 73%, improving the use of valuable malaria drugs. The introduction of these tests improved treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies, increasing appropriate treatment by 36%.
A new diagnostic test has been developed to quickly detect enterovirus D68, a respiratory virus that caused unusually severe illness in children last year. The test is more effective than previous methods and can be completed in just a few hours, reducing the time needed to detect the virus.
Researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center presented new findings on Alzheimer's disease treatment at the 2015 Alzheimer's Association Conference. The studies focused on the development of monoclonal antibodies that can recognize oligomeric tau and Aβ, as well as pathological structures in Parkinson's disease human brains. Additionall...
Researchers found that mowing down cattails and phragmites in stormwater basins leads to a boom in mosquito populations and an increased risk of West Nile virus transmission. Mowing also disperses bird species, which are natural reservoir hosts for the virus, contrary to initial expectations.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed smart window materials that can control light and energy efficiency, allowing for precise indoor climate control. The new materials enable 90% NIR and 80% visible light blocking, reducing energy costs for cooling buildings and homes.
Researchers found that strip-till farming increased soil organic matter content by 8.6% after five years compared to no-till methods. This resulted in reduced bulk density and penetration resistance, creating a more favorable environment for crop growth.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells incorporate chemically modified nucleosides into their DNA, which is toxic to them. The study found that modifying these nucleosides could be used as a specific anti-cancer agent, exploiting epigenetic changes in cancer cells.
A study led by the Zoological Society of London found that harbour porpoises in European waters are struggling with reproductive failures, with almost 20% of females experiencing stillbirth or foetal death. PCB concentrations in UK porpoises were moderate despite being banned over 30 years ago.
A study by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers found a strong association between high diversity among natural killer cells and increased likelihood of subsequent HIV infection. The findings could lead to the development of blood tests flagging individuals' susceptibility to viral infection.
A new study reveals that young people with autism are struggling to find and keep jobs, with only 47% securing employment after receiving vocational services. Experts emphasize the importance of vocational counseling, guidance, and coordination between high schools and rehabilitation systems to support this growing population.
A study analyzing special education data found that autism diagnoses increased, but so did reclassifications of intellectual disability cases. Researchers believe this shift may be attributed to the variability of autism and its overlap with other related disorders.
A recent study found that galvanized steel pipes can release high levels of lead into drinking water, with concentrations reaching up to 172 µg/L. Copper piping installed upstream can worsen lead release from the zinc coating, posing a significant risk to public health.
Researchers found that Massachusetts school food regulations led to significant improvements in competitive foods and beverages, with middle school compliance rising from 13% to 69% and high school compliance increasing from 28% to 80%. The study suggests that states can successfully implement similar standards nationwide.
Scientists at the University of Southampton will analyze research investments into infectious disease research, particularly pneumonia and maternal and neonatal infections. The study aims to provide policymakers with a comprehensive picture of where there's been a lack of funding relative to the impact of the disease.
Researchers from MIT and WHOI have developed a simple way to predict a river delta's shape, influenced by its river's sediment flux and ocean waves' strength. The new metric can help engineers determine how engineered structures like dams and levees may affect the coastline of a river delta.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear discovered that the alternative complement pathway exacerbates photoreceptor cell death after injury, but blocking it can protect photoreceptors. Inhibition of this pathway offers a new therapeutic target to prevent initial photoreceptor loss.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new gene-editing technique involving low-dose irradiation, which is 10 times more effective than existing methods. This breakthrough could enable scientists to model human diseases more accurately and accelerate the discovery process.
Canada has eliminated mother-to-child HIV transmission by ensuring all pregnant women are screened for HIV and receive treatment. Regular combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is nearly 100% effective in preventing transmission when given during pregnancy.
Researchers have identified two new species of parasitoid wasps with remarkable morphology, including the Pteromalus briani wasp's protruding hind legs and the P. janstai wasp's flattened middle section. These discoveries highlight the potential for new species to be discovered in thoroughly explored regions.
The Mobile Bridge Version 4.0's viability was tested on a real river, showcasing its practical use with minimal personnel and no foundation work required. The bridge's scissor-like structure allows for efficient expansion and contraction while maintaining strength.
A genetic mutation in the PLVAP gene has been identified as a cause of severe protein losing enteropathy in infants, leading to abdominal swelling, malnutrition and early death. The study's findings offer hope for targeted correction through gene therapy.
The kiwi genome sequencing reveals several genes involved in colour vision are inactivated, while the diversity of odorant receptors is higher than in other birds, indicating a reliance on their sense of smell for foraging. Genetic changes occurred about 35 million years ago, reflecting the kiwi's adaptation to its nocturnal lifestyle.
Researchers found that e-cig liquids contain primarily free-base nicotine, the most addictive form, and often do not match label concentrations. This suggests that e-cigarettes can be just as hazardous to health as traditional tobacco products.
A recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology found that boa constrictors rapidly shut down the circulation of their victims. The snakes cut off the blood supply to vital organs, causing cardiac arrest and death within seconds. This discovery sheds new light on the mechanisms of snake constriction.
A team of astronomers using ALMA has detected the faint glow of ionised carbon in a galaxy just over 800 million years after the Big Bang. This finding reveals new details about the assembly of galaxies in the early universe and provides valuable information on the interstellar medium and star formation processes.
The new open access journal aims to connect biological and social sciences for evidence-based discussions in educational practice, policy, and theory. It provides a forum for interaction between neurocognitive researchers and educators.
A new review article analyzes five interventional approaches to gallbladder disease, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, NOTES, and endoscopic transmural drainage. The authors highlight the potential benefits of these minimally invasive procedures, which offer alternatives to traditional surgery and can improve patient outcomes.
Scientists have developed a method to produce arrays of semiconductor junctions within a single, nanometer-thick crystal using pulsed laser deposition and commercial electron-beam lithography techniques. This breakthrough enables the creation of ultrathin electronics with tunable bandgaps for various applications.
A University of Pittsburgh study finds that late- and post-menopausal women have more fat around their hearts than pre-menopausal counterparts, increasing the risk of heart disease. Hormonal changes during menopause may be to blame for this shift in fat deposits.
A new study suggests that warmer air and reduced sea ice in the Arctic may lead to lower levels of toxic methylmercury in fish and humans. The EarthQuiz challenge allows users to explore virtual field locations with interactive imagery and puzzles.
Scientists discover new bat species from Lonchophylla genus in Brazil, with distinct characteristics including paler fur and skull differences. The unexpected finding sheds light on previously misidentified specimens, preserved in renowned collections.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine suggests that low levels of vasopressin, a hormone involved in social behavior, are associated with social deficits in children with autism. Researchers found that autistic children who had the lowest vasopressin levels in their blood also displayed greater social impairment.
The MD Anderson Cancer Center has been selected as a Genome Characterization Center to analyze patient samples from multiple NCI programs. The center will focus on functional proteomics, enabling the study of protein expression and modification in cancer tumors.
EPFL scientists develop a highly accurate detection system using firefly-inspired biotechnology, enabling quick diagnosis of cancer and protein interactions without requiring expensive equipment. The system utilizes a chemically-tweaked enzyme to produce light signals that can be seen with the naked eye.
Research found that people use their neighborhoods as a gauge of wealth distribution, influencing wealthy individuals' perceptions of the broader population's wealth. The study also revealed a chain-like relationship between household income, social-circle income, and perceived fairness.
More adults are visiting doctors for anticoagulant treatment due to the popularity of new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), which have fewer food and drug interactions than warfarin. The study found that DOACs have risen to nearly match the use of warfarin, with 57% of anticoagulant visits related to warfarin use in 2014.
Researchers identified the earliest example of small-scale cultivation in the world at a 23,000-year-old site in the Galilee. The team found evidence of repeated sowing and harvesting of domesticated cereals, including wheat and barley, as well as proto-weeds that grew alongside them.
Researchers have determined the structure of a simple bacterial cell membrane pump that controls protein passage, offering new insight into bacterial manipulation. The PCAT pump, a single-protein machine, recognizes and processes cargo before pumping it out of the cell.
Two new battery technologies, sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur, are poised to compete with lithium-ion batteries in the electric car market. Faradion's sodium-ion version and Oxis Energy's lithium-sulfur technology aim to match lithium-ion performance, safety, and costs within the next two to four years.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that individuals' musical preferences reflect their cognitive style, with those scoring high on empathy preferring mellow music and those scoring high on systemizing favoring intense music. The research used a dataset of over 4,000 participants and found consistent results across genres.
Researchers have identified a single amino acid difference in the mu-opioid receptor that affects behavior and addiction susceptibility. Individuals with the G variant exhibit improved resilience to stress, reduced susceptibility to alcoholism, and increased ability to quit smoking and heroin use.
A study of over 1,800 Vietnam veterans found that approximately 271,000 have current full or subthreshold PTSD and major depressive disorder, with 4.5-11.2% prevalence rates among male and female veterans. The findings highlight the long-term impact of combat service on mental health.
Researchers found that normal-weight carriers of the PNPLA3 mutant genotype are at higher risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and renal function dysfunction. The study suggests this mutation may be used to identify individuals at high-risk for NAFLD, regardless of weight status.
Ralph A. Nixon, a renowned neuroscientist, received the prestigious Zaven Khachaturian Award for his groundbreaking research on early brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. His work has helped scientists better understand the process of Alzheimer's development and progression.
A RIKEN-led team has developed a large-scale map of primary cell-to-cell interactions, revealing common signaling routes between cells and new insights into receptor evolution. This data can contribute to the development of medical treatments by identifying potential targets for therapies in various diseases.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and international partners uncover proof of trial plant cultivation 11 millennia earlier than conventional ideas suggest. The study reveals early humans had gathered over 140 species of plants, including weeds mixed with edible cereals, indicating basic knowledge of agriculture and foresight.
Mint research aims to unlock their chemical diversity to develop new medicines, fragrances and synthetic molecules. The study will map the mint genome to identify key genes driving their unique properties.
Researchers urge caution when using biodiversity offsets to compensate for development damage, as it can lead to 'stealth' reneging on existing conservation goals. Properly designed offsets can help reconcile development with conservation, but improper use can cause more harm than good.
A new study by University of Washington and Columbia University researchers found significant security weaknesses in journalists' technological tools and ad-hoc workarounds. Despite the importance of protecting sensitive information, many journalists use insecure methods to organize notes and communicate with sources.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that a high-soybean-oil diet caused significant weight gain, diabetes, and insulin resistance in mice compared to diets high in coconut oil or fructose. The researchers used mice fed different diets containing various types of fats to investigate the effects on obesity and metabolic syndrome.
A team of researchers has advanced new modeling technology to quantify human dependence on nature and its impact on human well-being. The study found that people who depended on multiple types of ecosystem services fared better than those with limited resources.
Researchers at UTMB discovered a key mechanism behind developing allergic asthma and seasonal nasal allergies after exposure to airborne pollens like ragweed. The study found that neutrophils, white blood cells, attract in response to allergens, trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine reports that an experimental compound, AVI-7288, protected nonhuman primates against the deadly Marburg virus. The compound showed efficacy even when administered after exposure to the virus. Phase I clinical trial results also indicated safety and tolerability.
Researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute have identified LKB1 as a key player in promoting and surviving ovarian cancer cells. This discovery contradicts previous studies, which suggested that LKB1 acts as a tumour suppressor in ovarian cancer.
A new study at Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing found that coping by avoidance when making decisions for relatives in ICU can lead to PTSD. The study surveyed 77 people and found 42% had clinically significant PTSD symptoms, with death of the patient being a strong predictor.