A recent study published in the International Journal of Water found that decentralized water regulation presents a theoretical benefit, allowing different populations to tailor spending to their particular circumstances. The research suggests that local decision-making can promote good governance and improve outcomes for Canadians.
Researchers suggest that level I trauma centers can provide training opportunities for military surgeons to maintain their skills. The study found that level I trauma centers closely resemble military Role 3 facilities in terms of case density and work schedules, making them ideal for sustaining combat surgical skills.
A 49,000-year-old milk-and-ochre-based paint has been discovered in South Africa, predating the introduction of domestic cattle. The use of this paint raises questions about its purpose and significance.
A large analysis suggests frequent citrus fruit and juice consumption may increase melanoma risk by 36% in people who eat them daily. The association is strongest for grapefruit, but not processed juices.
Porfiri's research on mechanical vibrations could lead to safer ships and ways to harvest energy from aquatic systems. His work aims to design lightweight, fuel-efficient marine vessels and microsystems with untapped energy-harvesting capabilities.
The global seafood supply will be substantially altered by climate change, overfishing, and ocean acidification, leading to a decline in fisheries and marine biodiversity. Researchers recommend improving ocean governance and limiting carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate these effects.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed two novel methods to characterize 3-dimensional macroporous hydrogels, a promising material for creating responsive catalysts and tissue engineering scaffolds. The team successfully visualized the reversible porous structure within these materials using noninvasive X-ray microscopy.
The Macy Foundation has awarded a grant to create a comprehensive curriculum on refugee health education at Georgetown University Medical Center. The curriculum will focus on culturally competent care for patients from around the world, addressing key issues such as cultural practices, risks and conditions affecting refugees.
A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that sialic acid attachment to cell surfaces affects brain structure and function, leading to poor motor skills, hyperactivity, and difficulty in learning. Small changes in sialic acid attachment result in significant neurological problems.
A Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health pilot program found that offering healthier menu items at carryout stores increased gross revenue by an average 25%, not just improved health. The study, published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, suggests that convincing more carryouts to alter their menus can be profitable.
The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior announced its 2015 Best Article and Great Educational Material (GEM) awards, recognizing authors who developed effective interventions to improve fruit and vegetable consumption among children. The winning article and GEM focused on healthy baby food safety curriculum.
Researchers at Imperial College London have identified a new genetic defect that causes severe obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans. The defect is associated with an impaired protein called carboxypeptidase-E, which regulates appetite, insulin, and reproductive hormones.
Geoscientists investigated fault slip processes using friction experiments, revealing the flow properties of frictional melt control fault movement. The study calls for viscoelastic theory over simple Newtonian analyses to describe molten rock along faults.
Research suggests that excessive vitamin A supplementation can shut down the body's trained immunity, rendering it less effective at fighting off past infections. This impaired immune response is due to vitamin A's inhibitory effects on histone methylation modifications in human monocytes.
A research team led by Professor Ronnie N. Glud will investigate how life exists at extreme depths and its impact on the global carbon cycle. The team will use underwater robots to collect samples and measure microbial activity in three deep-sea trenches.
A new study from Indiana University found that female mice exposed to male pheromones gave birth to infants with greater mental ability. The research suggests that male pheromones may influence the nutritional environment following birth, resulting in changes to the brain that could extend to future generations.
A global study has found that people with recurrent depression have a significantly smaller hippocampus than healthy individuals. The study, involving nearly 9,000 participants, highlights the need for effective treatment at first occurrence, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
Research suggests that cheek muscles can maintain their mass and function better than leg muscles in low-gravity environments, such as space. The study found that the cheek muscles of mice experienced less atrophy when exposed to weightlessness compared to their leg muscles.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute create a complex mathematical formula to determine individual olfactory fingerprints, which are unique patterns based on personal scent preferences. This breakthrough could lead to early disease detection, non-invasive organ matching, and personalized medical treatments.
A nationwide study finds that fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, surge on July 4 due to fireworks, with concentrations 42% higher than usual on average. The study's results will help improve air quality predictions and raise awareness about the health risks of particle pollution.
Researchers have developed a surface texture inspired by snake skin that reduces friction by 40% in tests of high-performance materials. The discovery has significant implications for the reliability of mechanical components in machines such as cars and robots, particularly in dusty environments.
Research found that partners who date soon after meeting are more physically attractive than those who know each other for longer periods. The study suggests that having more time to get acquainted allows other factors like compatibility to make a person appealing, rather than just physical attractiveness.
Researchers found that applying benzoyl peroxide to the skin before and after surgery significantly reduced P. acnes bacteria, potentially lowering the risk of postoperative infection. The study suggests using BPO as a tool to improve skin preparation and reduce bacterial contamination during shoulder surgery.
Researchers developed a biodegradable silicon transistor using cellulose nanofibrillated fiber substrate, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional silicon-based transistors. The device exhibited superior performance and microwave-frequency operation capabilities comparable to existing semiconductor transistors.
A new research from the University of Georgia identifies an unexpected process regulating methane emissions from freshwater environments. High rates of anaerobic methane oxidation substantially reduce atmospheric emissions of methane from freshwater wetlands.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is leading a national trial to examine methods to reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics in post-acute and long-term care facilities. The trial aims to develop comprehensive guidelines and tools to help facilities better manage urinary tract infections.
A team of Tel Aviv University and Harvard Medical School researchers has devised a novel non-invasive technique harnessing pulsed electric fields to generate new skin tissue growth, producing scarless skin rejuvenation. This technology may serve as a novel non-invasive skin therapy for multiple degenerative skin diseases.
Humans can perceive polarized light with the naked eye using Haidinger's brushes, which appear as yellow bow ties at right angles to polarization angles. The study found average polarization sensitivity threshold of 56%, with some individuals detecting effects at lower percentages.
A recent study found that bisexual men and women experience poorer health outcomes compared to gay, lesbian, and heterosexual adults. The study discovered that bisexual individuals are more likely to be disadvantaged on socio-economic factors strongly linked to well-being, such as educational attainment and income levels.
Researchers have discovered a gene called SMOC-2 that plays a crucial role in the spread of colorectal cancer. Increased levels of SMOC-2 enable tumor cells to 'leave home' and metastasize, while blocking its activation inhibits metastasis. The gene's expression patterns also resemble those of healthy intestinal stem cells.
Two species of dengue and chikungunya-carrying mosquitoes are spreading rapidly across the globe, with new areas identified as suitable for their survival. The expansion threatens communities worldwide, particularly in Africa where records are sparse.
A North Carolina State University study found that domestic cats avoid places where coyotes are common, instead focusing on residential areas. The research, which analyzed over 2,100 sites across six Eastern states, suggests that the presence of coyotes is a key factor in determining cat behavior.
Three winners of the 2015 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists are recognized for their pioneering work in neuroscience, sustainable energy, and wireless networks. Dr. Christopher Chang, a chemist, has made discoveries in both fields, while Dr. Edward Chang, a neurosurgeon, mapped the neural code for human language processing...
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed new software that enables faster and more precise analysis of individual molecules. This allows for better understanding of molecular interactions and behavior, which can lead to breakthroughs in targeted medicine.
A clinical trial confirms that pinaverium is an effective and safe option for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with a significantly higher percentage of patients reporting improved symptoms compared to the placebo group. The medication was also associated with common side effects, but no severe adverse effects were reported.
A nationwide observational cohort study found that spouses and first-degree relatives of celiac disease patients are at a higher risk of developing nonceliac autoimmune diseases. The most common conditions were systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes mellitus, and sarcoidosis. Genetic, environmental, and ascertainment bias mechan...
A new study published in Nature Climate Change found analyses of carbon emissions may be misleading as they failed to include policy mechanisms. Contrary to previous findings, conserving native forests resulted in better climate outcomes than sustainable harvesting due to policy effects.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation received grants to investigate treatments for emotional processing deficits, balance dysfunction, and memory impairments in TBI patients. These studies aim to improve quality of life, independence, and community involvement for individuals affected by brain injury.
A UK land cover map has shown a decline in semi-natural habitats and agricultural land between 2006 and 2012. Coniferous forest clear-cutting dominated the changes, with over 100,000 hectares lost.
Two surgical techniques targeting a specific nerve branch are highly effective in reducing temporal migraine headaches. Decompression and neurectomy procedures resulted in similar improvements in migraine frequency and severity, with no complications reported.
Researchers found that hantaviruses are highly dependent on cholesterol in cell membranes to gain access into cells. Disrupting the S1P pathway reduced their ability to infect cells, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the viruses' dependence on cholesterol.
Researchers found that people with a small opening in the heart (PFO) were more susceptible to acute mountain sickness and had impaired lung function at high altitudes. The study suggests PFOs may impair performance at high altitude due to inefficient blood oxygenation.
V-Smart Nanomedicine for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) will target and deliver a known chemotherapeutic across the blood brain barrier, providing an effective new treatment option. The grant supports the development of this transformative therapeutic for brain cancer patients.
A new report from the American Institute of Physics finds that Ph.D. physicists in non-academic careers are intellectually stimulating, challenging, and rewarding. Many earn salaries higher than their academic counterparts, with 85% working in STEM fields and 71% describing their jobs as intellectually challenging.
The American Red Cross supports increased public education and training opportunities for bystander CPR and defibrillation to reduce barriers. The report calls for national accreditation standards, a national registry, and enhanced EMS capabilities to improve cardiac arrest survival rates.
Researchers at the University of Missouri captured detailed images of the capsid protein in its natural state, revealing ordered water molecules that help stabilize the complex scaffold. This discovery aims to inform the development of new and more effective antiviral drugs.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed nanoparticles coated with chitosan that effectively target and kill cancer stem-like cells. The study found that these nanoparticles can increase the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin without systemic toxic side effects.
Studies purporting to show a cancer link between radiation from medical imaging and cancer are badly flawed due to reliance on the linear no-threshold model. The human body has evolved to repair damage from low-dose radiation, making it unlikely that exposure would cause cancer.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have identified five microRNAs that are necessary for memory formation, while others decrease it, affecting neuronal physiology and nervous system development. The study provides valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of learning and memory.
A recent study discovered that Daple protein is a tumor suppressor in the early stages of colorectal cancer, but may actually facilitate disease spread at later stages. Researchers found that higher levels of Daple were associated with better patient survival rates and lower tumor growth.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMTh) decreased postpartum low back pain by over 70 percent in women who had given birth at least three months before beginning treatment. Participants reported a significant improvement in quality of life, with a 7...
The new detector, made of Mercury-Cadmium-Telluride alloy, processes infrared signals at a single-photon level, offering unparalleled sensitivity. It has customers for Earth and planetary remote sensing, as well as potential uses in telecommunications, medical imaging, and materials science.
Robert L. Nussbaum, Roderick R. McInnes, and Huntington F. Willard are the recipients of ASHG's Award for Excellence in Human Genetics Education. They have made significant contributions to genetics education through their work on textbooks and educational programs.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP Satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Depression Chan-Hom on June 30, revealing thunderstorms wrapping into the low-level center from the north and west. The depression is expected to strengthen to tropical storm status and move northwest, passing north of Fananu.
A study found that anthropogenic factors, such as cultivation, played a more important role in plant invasiveness than previously thought. The research analyzed Central European plants introduced to North America and found that residence time in the invaded range and habitats occupied in native ranges were key drivers of invasion.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that graphene can be controlled by twisting it, creating an electronic flexoelectric effect. This property can be manipulated to vary the work function and engineer the band-structure stacking in bilayers or multiple layers.
A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers found that multiple courses of commonly used antibiotics in children can have significant effects on their development. The study showed that antibiotic-exposed mice gained more weight and developed larger bones than untreated mice, while also disrupting the gut microbiome.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that federal agencies are underestimating historic 100-year flood levels on major rivers in the Midwest by as much as five feet. This miscalculation has serious implications for future flood risks, flood insurance, and business development in an expanding floodplain.
A small study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant supplementation may clear amyloid-beta protein and reduce inflammation in neurological tissues of people with mild clinical impairment. Further clinical studies are needed to verify the findings.
Research from Umea University found that restored streams in northern Sweden take up to 25 years to recover and reach pre-disturbance levels of plant species diversity. This is due to the complexity of ecosystems and the need for time for natural processes to occur.
A new study suggests a causal pathway between job strain and disturbed sleep, implying that interventions to treat sleep problems may improve work satisfaction. Higher work demands predicted subsequent sleep disturbances, while sleep disturbances also predicted higher stress levels.
Scientists are using subatomic particles called muons to analyze the thickness of concrete slabs and metal pipes. The technique can safely identify faulty infrastructure components without creating radiation or invasive inspections.
MD Anderson researchers discovered a breast tumor marker that predicts metastasis by analyzing the gene expression signature of mouse embryos. Tumors with similar signatures to six-day-old embryos were more prone to metastasize than those with adult-like signatures.
A collaborative project between Caltech and the Weizmann Institute of Science observed a unique radiation spike in ultraviolet range, supporting a giant companion model for white dwarf explosions. The findings highlight the importance of ultraviolet-range observations in understanding type Ia supernovae.
Researchers found that human urine's unknown factors interfere with bacterial FimH protein's ability to adhere to cells and switch off pilus production assembly. This exposes a crucial weakness in pathogen's ability to infect, making potential non-antibiotic treatments more effective
Astronomers monitor the outburst of V404 Cygni, a black hole firing up in an X-ray nova. The data collected will help determine the type of object at its heart, providing insights into these rare events.
Research from NIMBioS found that the timing of spawning is crucial for the survival of larval fish, with success rates higher on days when spawning is observed to occur. This study has important implications for fisheries management and conservation, highlighting the need to protect spawning aggregations.
Researchers found that a single small genetic change enabled Yersinia pestis to transition from causing gastrointestinal infections to respiratory diseases, including pneumonic plague. This discovery may have helped explain how the plague spread globally, leading to devastating pandemics like the Black Death.
A systematic review of 65 studies in 34 countries identifies 7 areas of mistreatment and abuse during childbirth, including physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. The authors call for improved access to privacy, resources, and trained staff to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Research finds women's faces increase in redness during ovulation, but levels are undetectable to the naked eye, challenging the idea that facial redness signals fertility; studies suggest other voluntary signals like make-up may have replaced involuntary ones
A study funded by the Tree Nut Council found that consuming tree nuts daily was associated with lower body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and insulin resistance. This consumption also led to higher levels of good cholesterol and a reduced risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
A hospital-wide clinical improvement initiative implemented across all departments at BWH significantly reduced the 30-day readmission rate of patients at risk for DASH by nine percent. The program, which included standardized assessment tools and care management guidelines, improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
Researchers will study the complex interaction of human and natural forces that may alter patterns of disease transmission. Small prawns are expected to kill snails effectively, providing a potential solution to schistosomiasis.
Researchers at the University of Washington have engineered yeast cells to communicate with each other using auxin, a plant hormone that can induce specific genes to be expressed. This breakthrough could lead to the development of synthetic stem cells and artificial organs that require different types of cells to work together.
Researchers at PPPL have developed a detailed model of the source of the density limit, a puzzling limitation on fusion reactions. The findings suggest that a runaway growth of bubble-like islands can cause the plasma gas to cool and spiral apart, disrupting the reaction.
A new mathematical formulation of cosmic viscosity bridges the gap between thermodynamics and Einstein's general theory of relativity, favoring the 'Big Rip' scenario. The model also sheds light on dark energy, suggesting it may account for the universe's accelerating expansion.
Researchers at Salk Institute find that a high-fat diet amplifies the effects of FGF21, granting mice resistance to obesity and associated diseases. The study provides insight into potential new therapies for mitochondrial and metabolic diseases in humans.
Researchers found evidence of six large earthquakes in western Solomon Islands over the past 3,000 years, including five that were as large or larger than a devastating 2007 earthquake. The study used corals to analyze seismic events and provide insight into the relationship between earthquakes and long-term geological processes.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has established a new award to increase the number of physician-scientists in cancer research. The grant provides $100,000 per year for three years and up to $100,000 of medical school debt repayment. Two awardees will investigate novel approaches to fighting cancer.
Researchers found that phytoplankton exposed to fluctuating CO2 levels adapted more to future changes than those grown in stable conditions. However, the adapted algae evolved more and were smaller, potentially impacting marine animal feeding and carbon sequestration.
A new study at FAU will examine the impact of an injectable long-acting antipsychotic medication on patients with severe schizophrenia, aiming to reduce relapse and re-hospitalization. The two-year research aims to investigate treatment adherence and its effect on 30-day hospital readmission rates.
The study provides a comprehensive review of folate biomarkers, which can be used to assess an individual's or population group's folate status. Adequate folate intake is critical during fetal development to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.
Researchers discover smaller nanoparticles of magnesium hydride have better mechanical properties, including plastic stability and homogeneous dislocation activity. This suggests a path forward for making better hydrogen storage tanks by engineering them to take advantage of these properties.
Healthcare education researchers call for increased funding to provide a sound evidence base for medical training methods. Without it, the future of healthcare training is at risk, leading to preventable errors and costly mistakes that can result in significant financial burdens on patients and the NHS.
The Moffitt Cancer Center has received a $3.6 million grant to investigate the long-term use of e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking strategy. The five-year study will enroll 2,500 e-cigarette users and follow them for 24 months to gather data on their effectiveness.
An innovative imaging study shows that the spinal cord learns complex motor tasks on its own, independent of the brain. This discovery may offer new opportunities for rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.
Researchers have discovered a unique process in TB bacteria that uses an additional protein to read DNA, providing a potential new target for antibiotics. This finding could speed up the drug discovery process by allowing scientists to quickly rule out ineffective treatments.
Poor sleep quality predicts increased severity and frequency of depression and mania in women with bipolar disorder. For men, baseline depression score and neuroticism are stronger predictors of mood outcome. Improving sleep quality could help patients avoid mood episodes and improve quality of life.
A new University of Colorado Boulder framework screened hundreds of organic chemical compounds used in hydraulic fracturing, identifying 15 as potentially hazardous groundwater contaminants based on their toxicity, mobility, and persistence. The study also predicted that 41 compounds would have 10% or more of their initial concentratio...
A recent study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found a strong correlation between global increases in food energy supply and obesity rates. The research analyzed data from 69 countries and discovered that both body weight and food energy supply had increased in 81% of them between 1971 and 2010.
The newly discovered centipede, Geophilus hadesi, is the world's deepest cave-dwelling centipede and has adapted to live exclusively in caves. It features unusual traits such as elongated antennae, trunk segments, and powerful jaws with poison glands.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has launched a new open-access journal, Advances in Radiation Oncology, with Founding Editor Robert C. Miller, M.D. The journal will publish original research on novel retrospectives and hypothesis-generating series, with a focus on practice transformation.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how deactivation of a key protein leads to breast cancer metastasis. The new high-speed atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique allows for the first time to image live breast cancer cells, providing insights into the physical properties and dynamics of these cells.
A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found that vegetarian diets lead to significant weight loss, with vegan diets showing the greatest results, and benefits attributed to high intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Hydraulic fracturing requires varying amounts of water, with average volumes ranging from 2.6 gallons to 9.7 million gallons per well. The most water-intensive watersheds coincide with major shale formations such as Eagle Ford and Haynesville-Bossier.
Researchers studied the aftermath of Yosemite's Rim fire, which burned 400 square miles in 2013, to understand its impact on forest recovery. They found that uncharacteristically high severity and altered dynamics, with potential for vegetation switching to shrubs if not restored through controlled burns.
A new tropical depression has formed near the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, affecting some islands and extending the Southern Pacific cyclone season. The depression is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm before moving south over Guadalcanal.