Researchers have developed a nanotechnology that promises to make SERS simpler and more affordable, enabling the detection of trace amounts of molecules in various fields. The universal substrate can trap a wide range of wavelengths, reducing the need for different substrates and increasing the efficiency of sensing techniques.
Ibn Sina's seven rules for testing drug potency via analogy and experiment are relevant to modern clinical trials. His seventh rule emphasizes the need for human-based experimentation to avoid differences between animal and human bodies.
A Finnish-Swedish study found that certain psychotropic drugs, including painkillers and benzodiazepines, are associated with an increased risk of committing a homicide. The study analyzed prescription drug use among 959 persons convicted of a homicide between 2003 and 2011.
Collegiate women wearing high heels regularly developed an imbalance of 4 functional ankle muscles, strengthening at first but leading to imbalance and increased risk of injury. Regular ankle strengthening exercises and limiting high heel wear are recommended as preventative measures.
A meta-analysis of existing data found that the Safe Surgery Checklist (SSCL) improves outcomes worldwide, reducing mortality by 21% in high-income countries and 35% in low-middle income countries. The checklist also significantly reduces surgical site infections and postoperative complications.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found a link between poor sleep and the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein, which is believed to trigger Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that excessive sleep disturbances can lead to impaired long-term memory consolidation.
Clinical trials demonstrate improved survival rates for patients with metastatic melanoma using immune therapies nivolumab and pembrolizumab. These treatments target the 'don't attack' protein PDL1 on tumors, allowing the immune system to prime against tumor tissue.
A recent PNAS study reports that the stress-tolerant alga Symbiodinium trenchii is not native to the Caribbean but was introduced from the Pacific Ocean. This finding raises concerns about the long-term damage it could cause on coral reefs, which cover only a small percentage of the world's oceans.
Researchers will present novel optical systems for detecting exoplanets and measuring the Sun's internal structure. A device called a laser frequency comb will also detect minute changes in light from the sun, enabling the detection of Earth-like planets around distant stars.
A survey of 140 civilian physicians found they needed more training to understand health implications of military service and communicate with veteran patients. The study highlights a need for resources and education to provide high-quality care to veterans, who often face long-term physical and mental health issues.
Scientists have discovered new antifungal compounds that selectively kill pathogens without evoking drug resistance. These novel compounds were designed to act as molecular sponges for ergosterol, found exclusively on fungi surfaces, and exhibit undetectable binding to human cells.
Researchers at Northeastern University have identified dormant persister cells in Borrelia burgdorferi that evade antibiotics. Two potential methods to eradicate the infection were also found, including pulse-dosing an antibiotic to eliminate persisters.
A study by researchers from the University of Seville found that high concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5) in urban areas increase hospital admissions for children with respiratory illnesses such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis. Reducing PM2.5 levels to the recommended WHO threshold could lead to a daily saving ...
Recurrent febrile seizures warrant urgent assessment and consideration of antiepileptic drugs. The new report provides expert opinion-based recommendations until further studies consolidate higher evidence-based data.
The study provides a starting point to understand the role of methyl groups in influencing gene expression and development. Researchers detected unusual methylation patterns in various tissues, suggesting potential stem cell populations and new avenues for exploration.
Researchers at MIT developed a graphene coating that improves condenser heat transfer, potentially leading to a 2-3% overall improvement in power plant efficiency and significant reductions in carbon emissions. The coating has been shown to last for two weeks without degrading under typical power plant conditions.
Researchers at WSU Vancouver found that hunter-gatherer cannabis users had significantly lower rates of intestinal worm infection compared to non-users. The study suggests that the Aka people may be unconsciously using cannabis as a form of 'medical marijuana' to ward off parasites.
A University of Toronto study finds that compensation for organ donation can increase public approval by 20-70%, but providing information on benefits has little impact on attitudes towards indoor prostitution. The research highlights the importance of context-specific information in changing moral attitudes towards morally charged mar...
Groundwaters in southern Western Australia have pH levels as low as 2.4 and salinities up to 28%, affecting bedrock and sediments. Human activities like mining and agriculture contributed to this extreme acidity, with deforestation and irrigation using desalinized seawater exacerbating the issue.
A new University of Michigan and VA study suggests that hospital stays can increase the risk of sepsis in older adults by disrupting their gut microbiome. The research found that older adults are three times more likely to develop sepsis within 90 days of hospitalization, especially after care that alters the balance of microbes.
The PULSE certification process recognizes eight US colleges for implementing transformative practices in undergraduate biology education. The pilot project assesses progress towards the Vision and Change report's recommendations, providing a framework for evaluating teaching quality and student learning outcomes.
A new study by the University of Warwick has found no evidence of discrimination against fathers in English and Welsh family courts. The research, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, reviewed over 200 case files from 2011 and concluded that contact applications by fathers were successful, with a similar success rate to mothers.
Researchers discovered that the protein NFAT plays a central role in the host's inflammatory response to strep infections. This finding suggests that targeting NFAT activity could be useful in treating severe streptococcal infections and limiting antibiotic use.
A new study at the University of Maryland found that online hookup sites like Craigslist increase HIV infection rates in Florida, with African Americans accounting for 63% of new cases. The study also found that wealthier individuals and women were more susceptible to HIV transmission through online platforms.
A new study found that US states with stronger alcohol policies have lower rates of youth overall drinking and binge drinking. The study suggests that these policies are effective in reducing adult binge drinking, which has a significant impact on youth drinking rates.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have found a promising combination of an experimental drug and common antibiotic Minocycline to target pancreatic cancer cells. The synergistic effect of the two drugs eliminated Stat3 expression, a key protein regulating tumor growth.
A study by Christin L. Munsch found that economic dependency increases the likelihood of cheating for both men and women, with men more likely to cheat when not primary breadwinners. Women who are primary breadwinners are less likely to cheat as they increase their income share.
A new study predicts that British military amputees will require medical care and rehabilitation for more than 25 years, with estimated costs of up to £288 million over 40 years. The study suggests that long-term financial commitment is necessary to provide sustained support and resources.
A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that men with prostate cancer who followed a Western diet had a significantly higher risk of death, including prostate cancer-related mortality and overall mortality. In contrast, those on a 'prudent' diet had a lower risk of death from all causes.
Researchers found that alternative developmental educational pathways can significantly improve academic outcomes for community college students. Three pathways, including summer immersion, English language immersion, and CUNY Start, were evaluated and showed positive effects on student success.
Climate change is expected to increase pesticide toxicity in fish, as warmer temperatures become toxic at the upper limit of species' temperature tolerance. The study reveals that pesticides and industrial contaminants become toxic when temperatures reach 50C, making fish more vulnerable to environmental changes.
A two-year clinical trial will study whether human growth hormone can safely improve recovery and prevent long-term osteoarthritis after an ACL tear. The trial aims to help professional athletes recover more easily and maintain their quality of life.
The FDA has published a paper highlighting its scientific approaches and regulatory processes for approving promising hepatitis C drugs. The agency emphasizes flexibility in considering innovative trial designs without compromising efficacy standards.
Mayo Clinic researchers identified 69 never events among 1.5 million invasive procedures, with 628 human factors contributing to the errors. Four to nine factors contributed to each event, including environmental, organizational, job and individual characteristics.
A study reveals differences in musculoskeletal disorders between males and females, including higher ACL injury rates and osteoarthritis prevalence among women. This knowledge is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide better care and recognize potential risks.
A new study found an association between pyrethroid pesticide exposure and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and young teens, especially in terms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Boys were three times more likely to have ADHD than girls with detectable urinary biomarkers.
A Danish study suggests that type 2 diabetes is associated with a reduced risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study found that older age at diagnosis for either disease was associated with lower risk. The findings focus attention on the role of energy metabolism in ALS pathogenesis.
A team of scientists has tracked the development of Galapagos volcanoes over 8-16 million years ago, discovering highly explosive eruptions that deposited ash layers 1200km away. The study sheds new light on Earth's volcanic history and climate evolution.
Researchers at Griffith University have created a groundbreaking combination vaccine that combines the protein SpyCEP with J8-DT to combat Streptococcus A infections. The vaccine shows promise in preventing deadly complications of the infection, including rheumatic heart disease.
Researchers analyzed over 42,000 Ebola-related tweets to show how Twitter was used to share breaking health news in West Africa. The study found that Twitter played a crucial role in disseminating information about the outbreak, particularly in the days leading up to official announcements.
A study by University of Illinois experts found that Illinois' guaranteed-tuition law has led to a 26-30% increase in annual tuition rates and a 6-7% increase in four-year tuition rates compared to trends at other institutions. This trend suggests that the policy may not be effective in promoting affordability.
Researchers found that applying a fence around a nest protects it from harvesting operations and predators, with a map directing citizen science efforts for maximum benefit. However, predation can counterbalance the positive impacts of protection.
The combination treatment induced objective responses in 67% of patients with small cell lung cancer, including 10% complete responses. Durable responses were observed, with an overall progression-free survival of 4.6 months.
A team of engineers at the University of California, San Diego, has developed a smart fabric that can regulate body temperature using adaptive thermoelectric technology. The smart fabric aims to cut energy use in buildings and homes by at least 15%, reducing heating and air conditioning bills.
Researchers from the University of Manchester have identified a new sauropod dinosaur fossil from the Middle Jurassic Period in Yorkshire, UK. The 176-million-year-old vertebra is the earliest skeletal record of this type of dinosaur in the United Kingdom and sheds light on the country's 'Jurassic World' reputation.
Scientists from Rice University, Ohio State and Nebraska discovered diatoms in glacial ice from tropical regions, offering insights into conditions around the Andes when they were deposited. The study's findings suggest freshwater lakes or wetlands existed at high elevations on or near the mountain in earlier times.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have made progress in recycling human kidneys for transplantation. The team successfully preserved the micro-vessels and growth factors within discarded kidneys, paving the way for tailor-made replacement kidneys.
A new study found that people with a certain genetic variant, short alleles of the gene 5-HTTLPR, displayed greater genuine smiling and laughing while watching cartoons or subtly amusing film clips. The research suggests that this genetic variant may be associated with positive emotional expressions.
Researchers analyzed data from almost four million participants across 31 countries, finding that IQ gains were largely driven by improvements in knowledge and reasoning. Despite increases in global IQ, findings suggest that the strength of gains has been decreasing in recent decades.
ER revisit rates exceed expectations, with one in five patients returning within 30 days and one in 12 after three days. Total cost of revisits is higher than initial visits, highlighting the need to understand what leads to these repeated visits.
Researchers at UCSB have identified a TRP channel that plays a key role in the insect's fine motor coordination. Null mutations in this channel impair highly coordinated movements while leaving gross motor control intact. The discovery sheds light on molecular processes underlying fine motor control in other animals, including humans.
A new mobile app called Seventeen Days aims to educate teenagers about the risks of risky sexual behavior. The app is based on an interactive movie of the same name and has been developed with researchers at several universities, including Carnegie Mellon University.
Researchers at Hiroshima University found that long noncoding RNA CCDC26 controls receptor tyrosine kinase KIT expression in leukemia cells. This discovery provides new insights into leukemia recurrence and may help develop new therapies.
Scientists have developed a new protocol to estimate unknown optical processes with enhanced precision using entangled photons, promising better sensors for medical research and more powerful quantum computers. The technique uses the unique properties of quantum mechanics to surpass current limitations in sensing and measurement.
Wildfires in Canada have surpassed last year's numbers, with 2,503 fires burning 239,315 hectares of land as of May 31. The majority of these fires occurred in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, with the area burned highest in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
A new study suggests that disrupted sleep can affect eating habits and behaviors, leading to increased food intake and long-term chronic health damage. The research highlights the importance of considering sleep patterns in efforts to modify dietary behavior and prevent conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System will present updates on a lymphoma vaccine clinical trial and new treatment strategies in relapsed multiple myeloma. Preliminary results show patients achieving partial or complete clinical remissions, including those with advanced stage disease.
A study identified a previously unknown gene mutation underlying achromatopsia, an inherited eye disorder that causes severe color blindness and visual impairment. The ATF6 gene mutation damages proteins necessary for proper function of the cone photoreceptors, leading to significant vision loss.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have found that prolonged exposure to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria causes insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in rabbits, mirroring the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Anti-bacterial therapy or vaccines may hold promise for preventing or treating the disease.
Research at Southern Methodist University found that women nearing ovulation motivated to manage their body attractiveness eat fewer calories. The study adds to the growing understanding of ovulation's impact on women's health and weight management.