Researchers at Hiroshima University found a correlation between telomere G-tail length and endothelial dysfunction, as well as stroke and dementia, in patients with chronic cerebrovascular disease. The study suggests that telomere G-tail length may be a useful biomarker for predicting cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have engineered a new version of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9, enabling it to target an expanded range of DNA sequences. The new variants show improved specificity, reducing off-target mutations and expanding the potential applications for CRISPR technology.
Eleven early-career physicians received one-year, $50,000 fellowships to study various aspects of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The fellowships aim to increase the number of scientists expertly treating these conditions.
A large clinical trial led by The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa found that CT scans do not improve cancer detection in people with unexplained blood clots. Approximately four percent of patients from each group were diagnosed with cancer within the next year, with no difference in cancer-associated deaths.
Researchers have developed a new method to create oxide Josephson junctions, which could lead to high-temperature superconducting electronics. The direct-write approach allows for mass production of high-quality junctions, reducing costs and enabling applications such as biomedical magnetic imaging.
Ten new subsocial cobweb spider species were found in Madagascan colonies, with most belonging to genus Anelosimus. The discovery highlights the vast unexplored biodiversity of Madagascar's arthropod groups.
A team of researchers has discovered that the presence of salty impurities in ice can push the formation of electrically conducting ice to occur at higher pressures, potentially explaining the magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune. This finding challenges current assumptions about the physics of icy planetary bodies.
A new study found that certain immune responses may play a role in blocking systemic HIV infection after exposure. T-cell responses against specific HIV-1 antigens were significantly higher and more frequent among those who remained uninfected compared to those who became infected, associated with reduced risk of infection.
Researchers tracked nanoparticles in animal models, finding they accumulate mainly in the liver, while shell molecules distribute throughout the body. This discovery sheds light on nanoparticle properties and medical applications.
Researchers have discovered more than 800 'ultra dark galaxies' in the Coma Cluster, which are characterized by their diffuse and extended structure. The galaxies are thought to be enveloped by a massive amount of dark matter, which accounts for over 99% of their total mass.
Astronomers have successfully commissioned a new type of optic that can reveal the image of an exoplanet next to its parent star. The vector-APP coronagraph uses advanced liquid crystal technology to cancel out starlight, allowing fainter planets to be imaged.
A new article highlights key action areas for healthcare professionals to improve the quality of life of older adults by maintaining brain health. Action areas include formal cognitive assessments, screening for risk factors, and promoting physical exercise and social engagement.
A recent study found that adult Americans aged 25 and older have become increasingly obese, with 67.6 million estimated to be obese and 65.2 million considered overweight.
A new study by Rice University found that the legacy of slavery contributes to black-white education disparities through greater public-private school racial segregation. The research also shows a correlation between historical geographic slave concentration and modern-day K-12 school segregation, with white students being underreprese...
Researchers found that CpdR binds to the ClpXP protease, priming it for engagement with substrates, allowing for broad recognition of multiple pathways. This mechanism enables cells to control multiple pathways with a single regulator, facilitating rapid response to stress.
A new report by The Lancet suggests that climate change could wipe out health progress over the past 50 years, but effective climate action may improve global health. The report highlights positive co-benefits of reducing emissions, such as lower incidence of respiratory diseases and obesity.
A new analysis found a decline in high-grade cervical lesions among U.S. women aged 18-20 after HPV vaccination became available. However, this trend may be influenced by changes in cancer screening recommendations.
Corina Logan's research using CT scans to measure endocranial volume found that external skull measurements are not accurate for predicting brain size in the great-tailed grackle. The study highlights the importance of validating and quantifying predictive accuracy of brain size proxies for each species and sex.
Researchers found that cardiac device wearers should hold phones to opposite ear and not store phone in pocket over device to prevent unwanted electromagnetic interference. The study evaluated the effects of smartphones on pacemakers and ICDs and recommended a safe distance to maintain function.
Researchers at Brown University found that largemouth bass use their swimming muscles to generate suction power for feeding. The study revealed that up to 95% of the power required for suction comes from the swimming muscles, not the mouth bones.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that maternal stress during pregnancy can 'reprogram' the developing brains of her children through changes in the vaginal microbiome. This initial exposure affects gut microbiota, metabolism, and brain development.
A new study documents the successful application of a Benson-Henry Institute program at a Boston high school, showing significant reductions in anxiety levels and improved stress management among students. The program teaches relaxation strategies, positive psychology techniques, and helps students build long-term resiliency.
A new study found that higher levels of soluble TNF receptor type two (sTNF-RII) are linked to reduced memory performance among breast cancer patients before treatment. Memory impairment was observed in patients compared to age-matched control subjects.
The study found that Akkermansia muciniphila is associated with lower fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as a smaller waist:hip ratio and reduced body fat cell volume. Those with higher abundance of the microbe showed stronger improvement in their metabolic profile after calorie restriction.
The brain's electrical activity displays statistical hallmarks of criticality, a state where information processing is optimized. Spontaneous avalanches in the brain hold it at this balance point, with sensory input momentarily pushing the cortex away but adapting back to optimal critical regime.
A team of researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has developed a candidate vaccine against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and demonstrated its efficacy in a mouse model. The vaccine, named MVA-MERS-S, uses a modified virus to induce protective immunity against the coronavirus.
Scientists at UC Riverside identified a safe and affordable repellent, butyl anthranilate (BA), to protect fruits from the spotted wing Drosophila insect. Lab experiments showed BA effectively warded off the insect from blueberries, reducing fruit damage during ripening.
A gene previously suspected of influencing human obesity has been cleared of its connection, according to a new study. The researchers developed tools to analyze complex genomic regions, including the AMY1 locus, and found no association with body mass index.
Researchers found that stress hormones, including glucocorticoids used to treat chemotherapy side effects, can stimulate growth of breast cancer cells resistant to anti-estrogen therapy. However, adding prolactin may prevent this expansion, offering a potential countermeasure.
Severely obese individuals undergoing weight-loss surgery experience substantial improvements in urinary incontinence, with a majority achieving remission three years after bariatric surgery. The more weight lost, the higher the chances of improvement, and those who were older or had severe walking limitations showed less improvement.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new method to control electrical transport through high-temperature superconductors, enabling the creation of sophisticated electronic devices capable of measuring tiny magnetic fields in the brain or heart. This breakthrough paves the way for improved satellite communications and novel tech...
Current monitoring of pacemakers and defibrillators may underestimate device problems, according to a new study. The researchers found that device concerns were identified in exactly half of the 22 sudden deaths - four pacemakers and seven defibrillators.
Researchers developed a temporary pacemaker procedure allowing patients to assess potential benefits before committing to a permanent implant. Six patients with bradycardia underwent the test drive, resulting in improved exercise tolerance and quality of life after choosing permanent pacemaker implants.
A new review by the International Osteoporosis Foundation confirms the success of the Capture the Fracture Best Practice Framework as a single set of quality standards for Fracture Liaison Services globally. The framework helps raise standards, reinforces international guidelines, and identifies common challenges faced by FLS worldwide.
A mid-level solar flare, peaking at M6.6, was emitted by the sun on June 22, 2015. This event may disturb the atmosphere and affect GPS and communications signals.
Research reveals that legume plants selectively regulate access to symbiotic and endophytic bacteria, maintaining competitive symbionts in the soil. The study provides insights into genetic mechanisms controlling compatibility and identifies layers of accommodation for these microbes.
The Independence at Home Medicare demonstration program saved over $25 million in the first year by improving geriatric care and reducing hospital readmissions. The program, which provides home-based medical care through house calls, resulted in improved patient satisfaction and reduced healthcare costs for Medicare beneficiaries.
Researchers at Penn Vet used blood plasma and serum in glucometers for more accurate measurements than whole blood, finding results closely aligned with a gold standard machine. This simpler method may soon be adopted for human patients relying on glucometers.
A study found that men who feel they fall short of traditional masculinity ideals may exaggerate characteristics such as height and athletic ability to reassert their manliness. The researchers suggest that this pressure can lead to negative consequences, including aggressive behavior and unrealistic expectations of male roles.
Research teams from GEOMAR and CAU discover the Southeast Pacific has been significantly underestimated as a source of nitrous oxide. Continuous measurement data show the region emits up to 1.4 megatons of nitrous oxide each year, exceeding similar areas in other tropical oceans.
Researchers at SISSA and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste have used x-ray crystallography to demonstrate that the selectivity filter of ion channels is dynamic, not rigid. This discovery contributes to solving a long-standing debate among biophysicists and neurobiologists.
Two major wildfires are burning in California: the Lake Fire, which is 17,305 acres in size and has slowed its growth, and the smaller San Gorgonio Fire. The fires have forced the closure of hiking trails and caused air quality issues in surrounding areas.
Researchers found that scarlet macaws were persistently traded hundreds of miles north from Mesoamerica starting in the early 10th century, suggesting that social and political hierarchies may have emerged earlier than thought. The discovery changes our understanding of the development of hierarchy in Pueblo society.
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and the Babraham Institute has discovered that a naturally occurring modified DNA base, 5-formylcytosine (5fC), is stably incorporated in the DNA of many mammalian tissues. This rare 'extra' base may play a key role in regulating gene activity.
In a surprising co-existence, Ethiopian wolves have adapted to forage among grazing gelada monkey herds, capturing rodents more successfully. The study found that geladas consistently avoid aggressive dogs but flee great distances when encountering Ethiopian wolves, suggesting a non-threatening behavior between the two species.
Researchers analyzed size data for over 1,000 rodent populations to identify those that evolved into unusually large or small sizes. The study found that islands are home to more extreme cases of size variation, with rodents on islands weighing among the top or bottom 2.5 percent for their species.
Native wildflowers in California are losing species diversity after multiple years of drier winters, according to a study. Drought-intolerant species suffered the worst declines, foreshadowing larger-scale extinctions.
A study engineered a gut microbiome with low urease expression to alleviate hyperammonemia symptoms in mice. This approach reduced circulating ammonia levels and improved mortality rates in animals with liver disease.
New study reveals a decline in the use of third-generation cephalosporins, a broader-spectrum class of antibiotics, and an increase in narrow-spectrum antibiotics like ampicillin. The findings suggest that local dissemination efforts played a crucial role in adopting the new national guidelines.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified two proteins responsible for initiating the labor process, which control genes for pulmonary surfactant components that promote labor. Surfactant is essential for normal breathing outside the womb. Understanding these molecular mechanisms may help prevent preterm birth.
Researchers followed 2,479 young adults for 25 years and found that those with elevated but normal-range blood pressure were more likely to experience cardiac dysfunction. Young adults can reduce the risk by managing high blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication.
The American College of Cardiology seeks to expand cardio-oncology services to address the growing need for specialized care in cardiovascular health for cancer patients. Currently, many hospital training programs lack formal training or services in this area, and a nationwide survey reveals gaps in resources and best practices.
Researchers analyzed DNA from a 40,000-year-old jawbone from Romania and found that six to nine percent of the person's genome came from Neandertals. This shows that some of the first modern humans in Europe mixed with local Neandertals around this time.
A new study identifies risk factors for poor pregnancy outcomes in women with lupus, but also reveals that most pregnancies are uncomplicated. The research suggests that women with lupus who have mild disease and no underlying health issues can have a healthy pregnancy.
Two randomised controlled trials found patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) to be statistically and clinically superior for patients with non-traumatic abdominal pain, with users reporting lower total pain scores. However, results were more equivocal for patients with traumatic injury, leaving room for further investigation.
Research at the University of Rochester shows that our brains apply an algorithm to track objects, including baseballs, even when they move outside our visual field. This understanding can help hitters better anticipate a curveball's trajectory.
When safety-net agencies close, clients are often left 'lost in the system,' with delays in care and a loss of essential connections. Researchers recommend that agency leaders plan for sustainability and policymakers implement incremental changes to ensure vulnerable individuals can access necessary services.
The remnants of Tropical Depression Bill brought heavy rainfall to a large part of the US, from Texas to Washington D.C. before moving into the Atlantic Ocean. Rainfall totals varied by city, with some areas receiving over 4 inches of rain.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that statin therapy may reduce major complications after lung surgery. The study showed a significant reduction in postoperative complications, including pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis, but not in atrial fibrillation rates or inflammatory markers.
A small molecule agent PSMA-617 specifically attaches to prostate-specific membrane antigen on cancer cells, allowing for early detection of secondary tumors and monitoring response to therapy. This agent has shown promising results in PET scans and holds potential as a therapeutic option for hormone-resistant prostate carcinoma.