The research develops a system to produce soft materials with dynamically controllable and reversible surface properties. By manipulating the spacing and shapes of embedded particles, the material's surface can change from smooth to ridged or bumpy, creating complex patterns that could guide fluids.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a new treatment that prevents Klebsiella pneumonia from blocking the body's natural defences. The therapy uses an inhibitor to stop the superbug from taking over a protein in white blood cells, making it capable of killing the infection.
A large outcomes study found that community-acquired pneumonia increases long-term morbidity and mortality rates compared to the general population. CAP patients have high rates of all-cause hospitalization, emergency department visits, and pneumonia-related hospital visits.
Researchers found that low birth weight, having older siblings, and hospitalizations due to infections between ages 5-16 can predict ankylosing spondylitis. These environmental factors have been linked to other diseases, such as autoimmune conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
The university will create a new generation of tools to develop novel architectures combining hard and soft materials for electronics and biomedicine. The 4-D printer will use nanoscale technology to construct devices for research in chemistry, materials sciences, and U.S. defense-related areas.
A study analyzing 4,200 Ph.D. candidates found that 'joiners' - employees who support startup founders - share similar risk-tolerance and autonomy desires as founders, but prioritize functional roles over management. The research highlights the importance of preparing STEM doctorates for entrepreneurial employee career paths.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has named 10 postdoctoral scientists from Latin America to pursue research in the US with distinguished mentors. The fellows will focus on improving human health through bold approaches to biomedical research.
A study by Penn State researchers found that many of America's most admired companies have room for social media improvement, with some lacking basic accounts and others struggling to create engaging content. Companies in the consumer packaged goods industry excelled in this area, while those in healthcare struggled.
Researchers at Lehigh University present breakthroughs in capturing tumor cells, creating bioengineered enzymes to fight bacterial biofilms, and developing a stable chemical reagent. These innovations have the potential to positively impact industries such as food safety and medical devices.
Research found that consuming at least 10g of nuts or peanuts daily lowers mortality rates for various causes, including respiratory disease and neurodegenerative disorders. The effects are seen in both men and women, with equal reductions.
A new mathematical model investigates the impact of individual movement on infectious disease spread, finding that spatial dispersal can create up to nine stable equilibria. The study highlights the importance of considering both backward bifurcation and spatial mobility in epidemiology.
Researchers studying blue whales in Chile have discovered that a female named 'Isabela' has traveled at least 5,000 kilometers from the Gulf of Corcovado to the Galapagos Islands, indicating a possible breeding ground. This journey represents the largest north-south migratory movement ever recorded for a Southern Hemisphere blue whale.
A Johns Hopkins study analyzed Medicare claims to confirm a long-suspected link between lower rates of coordinated health care services and higher rates of unnecessary medical tests and procedures. Patients with more continuity in their medical care had a lower chance of having an overused procedure.
The Pew Charitable Trusts and Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust announced five early-career cancer researchers as Pew-Stewart Scholars. They will receive flexible funding to pursue innovative work aimed at advancing progress toward a cure for cancer.
Researchers discovered that injecting water into an inactive fault can cause aseismic slip, which may lead to micro-earthquakes. This study offers insights into the role of friction in fluid-filled faults and could guide monitoring at injection sites.
Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and/or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are at increased risk of reduced fertility and pregnancy complications. EULAR's new recommendations provide guidance on supporting family planning, assisted reproduction, and healthy pregnancy in these patients.
Researchers used virtual reality to investigate how humans navigate in the dark, confirming a similar navigation system to that found in rats. Participants performed tasks with varying enclosure sizes, showing consistent results with predictions from previous studies and rat experiments.
Min Yu, a USC stem cell researcher, has been named a Pew-Stewart scholar for her work on metastatic breast cancer. She aims to identify molecular adaptations and genetic mutations that allow circulating tumor cells to establish new tumors throughout the body.
A large-scale analysis found that postmenopausal women who were overweight and obese had a higher risk of invasive breast cancer compared to those of normal weight. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, suggests that obesity may contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.
A global study synthesizes data from 1980 to 2014 to better understand how drought affects different legume species and soil conditions. The results show that the magnitude of yield loss varies with legume species and phenological state during drought, while soil texture also plays a role.
The University of Cincinnati has developed a patent-pending breakthrough in 'tunable' window tintings that can dynamically adapt to brightness, color temperatures, and opacity. This technology allows for simultaneous control of brightness and color temperature, providing options for adjusting light entry while maintaining privacy.
Women experiencing more menopausal hot flashes, particularly at night, are more likely to have brain changes that increase their risk of cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke. This study found a correlation between the frequency and severity of hot flashes and white matter hyperintensities on brain scans.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that using the intestinal hormone GLP-1 in obesity treatment prevents bone loss and increases blood levels of bone formation markers. This has significant implications for future obesity treatment, particularly for menopausal women at risk of osteoporosis.
The US National Science Foundation is launching the Exploring Innovation Frontiers Initiative (EIFI) to identify emerging models of technological innovation that will propel US competitiveness in the coming decades. The two-year initiative aims to explore innovation strategies, tap into the nation's innovation capacity, and nurture new...
A recent study found that pre-diagnostic short sleep duration and frequent snoring are associated with significantly poorer cancer-specific survival rates among women with breast cancer. The research suggests that improving sleep patterns may motivate and empower cancer patients to enhance their survival rates.
Researchers have identified a gene, PRDM8, linked to early loss of night vision in animal models. Gene therapy for Leber's congenital amaurosis shows promising results, but temporary improvements are seen.
A phase III clinical trial shows necitumumab significantly improves median overall survival in stage IV squamous non-small cell lung cancer patients. The drug's 'fully human' EGFR antibody approach demonstrates potential as a novel immunotherapy strategy.
A UCLA study finds that children with autism spectrum disorder who are overly sensitive to sensory stimuli have brains that react differently, leading to a condition called sensory over-responsivity. The research may lead to interventions that can help improve the lives of these children and their families.
A new imaging technique uses discrete wavelength decomposition to analyze functional connectivity in the brain, identifying changes in neural communication following mTBI. The study found alterations in connectivity in both acute and chronic stages of injury, with recovery of connectivity over time.
MyApnea.Org is a virtual community portal that recruits patients, caregivers, and at-risk individuals to collaborate on sleep apnea research and improve diagnosis and treatment. Members have access to tools and can suggest research ideas to be voted on by the community.
Researchers found that teenagers and young adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia have significantly more abdominal fat tissue, which increases their risk for harmful conditions such as cardiovascular disease. The study suggests a need for targeted prevention and therapeutics to avoid these adverse effects.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed a new class of organic luminescent materials featuring blue fluorescence, which are suitable for use in organic light-emitting diodes. The boron-containing nanographenes exhibit improved electron transport and stability, making them ideal for portable electronic devices.
A new psoriasis drug, ixekizumab, has shown significant improvement in treating the condition, with 40% of patients clearing all symptoms within 12 weeks. The treatment was found to be more effective than a placebo or widely used drug etanercept.
A faulty calcium channel in heart cells can cause a rare but potentially fatal heart condition called CPVT. When someone with the faulty gene exercises, adrenaline release can flood into the heart cells, causing a fatal arrhythmia.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a protein-signaling process that accelerates the work of the most frequently mutated gene in adult leukemia. A combination of two drugs targeting this process and the gene itself slowed leukemia cell growth in mice, suggesting potential for improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers unveiled innovative approaches to cancer treatment and malaria vaccination at the 2015 AAPS National Biotechnology Conference. Dual antibody-coated nanomaterials show promise in capturing circulating tumor cells, while penfluridol suppresses pancreatic tumor growth through autophagy-mediated apoptosis.
Scientists at the University of Montreal have discovered a new approach to treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by targeting the immune system. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that an imbalance of the immune system can contribute to ALS and trigger motor neuron destruction.
A study of travertine deposits in the Anio Novus aqueduct revealed an actual estimate of its flow rate, significantly lower than previous estimates. The aqueduct's average water level indicates it was almost always full of water, supplying Rome with a reliable water supply that enabled urbanization during the first century AD.
A Montréal research team found that the dual-hormone artificial pancreas provides the most benefits by reducing time spent in nocturnal hypoglycaemia. The study also showed that no participant using the system experienced a nocturnal hypoglycaemia event requiring treatment.
A mother's environment around the time of conception can affect her child's lifelong risk of disease by altering the function of a specific gene. The study found that maternal nutrition, particularly in rural Gambia, impacts the methylation marks on the VTRNA2-1 gene, which influences immunity and cancer risk.
A RAND Corporation study finds companies are paying more attention to cybersecurity, with CEOs listening to CISOs and new products improving security. However, CISOs worry about hackers' sophistication and the difficulty in quantifying data losses, making it hard to estimate costs.
A study found that stimulating cognitive activities improved cognitive performance but didn't affect brain markers of Alzheimer's. The findings suggest sustaining intellectual engagement helps preserve cognitive function in old age.
A statewide quality improvement program helped reduce serious blood clot complications by more than half in Michigan trauma centers. The program, which provides data-driven feedback and best practices, led to a significant drop in venous thromboembolism events after switching from one anti-clotting agent to another.
Researchers will investigate mTOR's role in brain function and regulation using various techniques. Understanding its function in the striatum could lead to new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Wildfires in Canada are releasing massive amounts of smoke that are drifting south into the US Midwest, affecting air quality. Exposure to this smoke is particularly hazardous for those with respiratory issues, elderly, and children due to its composition of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other chemicals.
A massive new study by Houston Methodist and Stanford University scientists found that adults using proton pump inhibitors are at a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack. The study examined 16 million clinical documents representing 2.9 million patients and showed no increased heart attack risk for those taking H2 blockers.
A study by the University of Montreal found that five companies - Reed-Elsevier, Springer, Wiley-Blackwell, Taylor & Francis, and Sage - now publish more than 50% of academic articles. The large commercial publishers have huge sales with profit margins of nearly 40%, but question whether they are still necessary in today's digital era.
Interneurons from the medial ganglionic eminence migrate to the striatum through a mechanism involving Eph/ephrins signalling. The study reveals parallel mechanisms of target chemoattraction and off-target chemorepulsion for interneuron migration.
A recent study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry demonstrates that early intensive behavioral intervention improves outcomes for young children with ASD, including intellectual ability and adaptive behavior. The study found no group differences in core autism symptoms immediately post-treat...
A UCSF-Mayo Clinic team has identified three molecular markers that can classify gliomas more accurately than current methods. The study found that these markers are associated with distinct subgroups of gliomas varying in median survival times and characteristics.
A team of researchers from the University of South Florida doubled survival time in an aggressive metastatic cancer model using a novel combination of ketogenic diet and supplements with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The study shows beneficial effects of ketone supplements in conjunction with non-toxic therapeutic regimens.
Researchers from four UK centers shared latest developments in low and high-grade brain tumour research, including updates on the iKnife smart scalpel. The workshop aimed to foster partnerships between key research hubs to speed up translation of research into clinical trials.
A recent study conducted by the RAND Corporation found a significant association between sleep problems, energy product use, and increased alcohol use in teens. The research included over 2,500 racially/ethnically diverse teens and highlighted racial differences in observed associations.
Research suggests that gay and bisexual men in homophobic countries are less likely to know about HIV, use condoms, but face a higher potential risk of infection as technology increases access to sexual contact
Research suggests that aerobic exercise can curb asthma symptoms and improve quality of life by reducing bronchial hyperresponsiveness and inflammatory response. The study found significant improvements in symptom-free days, worsening symptom bouts, and quality of life scores among participants with moderate to severe asthma.
Google searches for information on melanoma and skin cancer rose over summer months from 2010 to 2014. The correlation between these searches and actual melanoma incidence and mortality rates was limited, suggesting that increased search volumes do not necessarily translate to improved detection rates.
Researchers discovered how bacteria rapidly replace outer membrane proteins in response to changing growth conditions. This mechanism involves the formation of 'OMP islands' that regulate protein insertion, allowing bacteria to change their outer membrane coat in just two generations.
A new study found that cutting greenhouse gas emissions may increase hunger risks due to indirect effects on food production and biofuel consumption. The researchers conclude that governments must address climate change while providing measures to alleviate hunger.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) revised its recommendations to support the judicious use of systemic hormone therapy in women over 65. The organization acknowledges that hot flashes can persist into the mid-60s, posing a challenge for treatment guidelines and clinical practice.
A new study suggests that climate change will lead to declines in plant growing days by 2100 due to warming, drought, and limited solar radiation. Tropical regions are expected to face significant reductions in suitable climate ranges, potentially affecting food security and human societies.