A team of researchers at Technical University of Munich has found a way to repair defective mucins, which are key components of mucus. The repair mechanism involves replacing lost sugars with synthetic molecules, restoring the mucins' lubricative ability and paving the way for new treatment strategies.
Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine have discovered a mechanism that restricts human eye growth and prevents myopia. The study found that LRP2 acts as a clearance receptor for the growth factor Sonic Hedgehog, preventing overgrowth of the mammalian eye.
Scientists have created a nematode model using Caenorhabditis elegans to study cardiac arrhythmias. The model uses the nematode's feeding apparatus, which resembles the mammalian heart's muscle cells, to test substances for treating genetic arrhythmias.
Researchers at Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine are exploring the impact of cognitive training on mobility among sedentary seniors. The study aims to develop effective interventions to improve cognitive functions and enhance mobility, with a focus on preventing disability in older Americans.
Researchers at Durham University have re-examined the economics of fusion, taking account of recent advances in superconductor technology. Their analysis shows that fusion energy could be financially feasible compared to traditional fission nuclear power. The study identifies new advantages in using this new technology.
Walter R. Frontera, MD, PhD, has received the 2015 Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). He is recognized for his work on skeletal muscle dysfunction and exercise to slow down and rehabilitate muscle weakness and atrophy in older adults.
Scientists at STRI in Panama compared the diets of two caterpillar species and found that generalist moth caterpillars could actively store toxic plant chemicals in their bodies. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding plant-insect coevolution and has potential medical applications.
A researcher is calling for updated guidelines on colorectal cancer screening, citing evidence that most patients with a family history of the disease can stop aggressive screening at age 65. The study found that the risk of colorectal cancer diagnosis decreases with increasing age in patients with a family history.
Keith Whitfield, PhD, of Duke University, received the GSA's 2015 Minority Issues in Gerontology Committee Outstanding Mentorship Award. He has mentored numerous colleagues in various fields and co-developed The Mentoring Effect to support mentorship within the Society.
A novel microalgae biomass technology has been developed by UniVerve Ltd., offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for the production of microalgae-biomass. The technology enables the extraction of high-quality oil, omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and other valuable biomaterials from the biomass.
A UT Arlington researcher is developing a comprehensive framework to analyze North Texas dams and detect damage from seismic activity. The framework will use geo-statistics and three key indicators of damage caused by earthquakes, including liquefaction, dynamic slope stability, and lateral spreading.
A $3.3 million multicenter study will track head impact exposure in over 3 million youth football players across the US. The research aims to improve helmet design and detect injuries earlier with advanced instrumentation, including sensors in helmets and mouthguards.
Researchers have developed a process to cover fragile perovskite layers with graphene, resulting in an ideal front contact. The graphene layer enhances transparency and reduces open-circuit voltage losses, increasing overall conversion efficiency.
Chalmers researchers discovered a new mechanism for breaking time-reversal symmetry in high-temperature superconductors, resulting in spontaneous magnetisation. The study utilizes a software package that leverages massive parallelization and graphics processing units to simulate realistic systems.
Barry Edelstein, a renowned geropsychologist, has been recognized with the GSA's Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award. He is known for fostering excellence and making a major impact through his mentoring, inspiring students and colleagues across various fields.
The Disney Research app uses augmented reality to turn coloring books into a 3D experience, increasing motivation and connection in children. The app accurately colors the 3D character based on the user's coloring, creating an illusion of real-time application.
Bamosiran reduced IOP by similar magnitude across four doses, but failed to demonstrate non-inferiority to timolol in total population; showed excellent tolerability and non-inferiority at dose 1.125% in patients with baseline IOP >=25mmHg
The new guidelines promise to improve the detection of life-threatening tumors and reduce unnecessary biopsies, with the potential to save lives. The standards for acquiring and reporting MRI scans will be widely adopted, making it easier for doctors to identify significant cancers.
Researchers are combining physics, chemistry and mathematics to unlock the secrets of caves, a field known as speleophysics. Key areas include karst landform formation, evolution and movement, which affects approximately 20% of US fresh water supply and 10% in Europe.
The Lucy mission aims to survey the diversity of Trojan asteroids, which are believed to be remnants from the formation of the outer gas giants. The spacecraft will use remote-sensing instruments to study geologic and physical properties of the asteroid targets.
A recent study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that irrigation of cutaneous abscesses did not improve treatment success and may even increase the risk of microbiologic contamination. The study suggests that this procedure may not be necessary, potentially saving time and resources for emergency departments.
Several laboratories are developing exercise pills targeting skeletal muscle performance, aiming to improve strength and energy use. However, the benefits of exercise extend beyond muscular improvements, and it's unrealistic to expect pills to fully substitute physical exercise.
Researchers found exotic ticks carrying disease-causing bacteria on thousands of migratory birds arriving in the US each spring. The estimated 19 million exotic ticks introduced annually pose a potential threat to the ecosystem and human health.
The Algae Foundation has been awarded a three-year grant from the Department of Energy to develop an associate's degree in algal biology, cultivation, and technology. This program will strengthen industry workforce capabilities by focusing on skills needed for commercializing algal products.
A study of over 120,000 adults in Ontario found that 70% of those living at home were given a new opioid prescription between 2003 and 2012. Older adults with COPD, especially those in long-term care homes, were at risk of excessive opioid use, which can lead to falls, fractures, and other side effects.
A novel computational framework allows researchers to predict the properties of cellulose nanocomposites by modifying surface chemistry. The approach enables designing materials with targeted properties, such as improved hydrogen bonding with polymers.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have successfully created tiny drops of quark-gluon plasma using the Large Hadron Collider, exhibiting coherent behavior and flowing properties similar to those of liquids. The findings shed new light on the formation process of these primordial droplets.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that employees using sit-stand desks stood for 60 minutes more per day and burned up to 87 more calories than those with sitting desks, supporting the redesigning of office environments as a potential approach to fighting obesity.
Researchers found that exercise significantly improved glucose tolerance and weight loss in people with increased risk of type 2 diabetes due to family history, but the effect was similar among healthy individuals who also exercised regularly.
Lachman has made significant contributions to understanding lifespan development, self-regulatory processes, and socioeconomic disparities in health and cognition. Her research has yielded original findings on the impact of modifiable psychosocial and behavioral factors on health and well-being.
A high-fructose diet has been shown to slow down the brain's ability to recover from head trauma, according to a new US study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism. The research found that rats fed a fructose-infused diet took 30% longer to solve a maze after being subjected to a simulated traumatic brain injury.
Research found that infants taking inhaled corticosteroids during first 2 years of age are likely to be stunted, with budesonide use showing more pronounced effects. The study highlights the importance of using these medicines in infants appropriately and plans further investigation into their impact on growth.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured an image of a mid-level solar flare, peaking at M5.5 on Oct. 1, 2015. The flare emitted powerful bursts of radiation that can disturb the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.
Tropical Depression Choi-wan formed in the northwestern Pacific Ocean with maximum sustained winds near 30 knots, moving west-northwest. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts intensification to typhoon strength over the next three days.
Dr. XinQi Dong, a prominent gerontologist, received the GSA's 2015 Joseph T. Freeman Award for his groundbreaking research on elder abuse and neglect. The award recognizes his contributions to advancing the study of aging and improving health outcomes for older adults.
A massive research project has revealed widespread structural variation in the human genome, including copy number variants and insertions/deletions of DNA segments. The findings underscore the significant role of these variations in determining gene expression and disease risk.
Researchers discovered that blocking TRPV1 protein causes an increased release of noradrenaline, leading to a rise in core body temperatures. This breakthrough opens the doors for new treatments of stress-related body temperature disorders.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded the Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Awards to six researchers for their groundbreaking work on aging and life course development. Bengtson, Harris, Putney, Sabbath, Mejia-Guevara, Glymour, and Berkman were recognized for their insightful publications that represent state-of-the-ar...
Scientists found evidence of an 800-foot wave in the Cape Verde Islands that suggests sudden volcanic collapses can trigger giant tsunamis. The study suggests these events are more common than previously thought and could pose a realistic hazard today.
A 11-year study in Maryland showed that changes to trauma triage protocols decreased helicopter transport for trauma patients while improving patient outcomes. Ground transport increased by 33%, saving the state considerable money.
Researchers have developed a less painful treatment approach for Pneumothorax by analyzing gas pressure in the thoracic cavity. The new diagnostic strategy allows physicians to update treatment strategies accordingly, often switching from chest tube drainage to more conservative or needle aspiration methods.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have developed a novel pre-purification system to enhance the production of yersiniabactin, a metal-binding compound with potential applications in wastewater treatment and physiological metal imbalance. The new method improves the recovered levels of the final compound, paving the way for its use i...
Researchers found that blue whales feed infrequently when krill are sparse and intensively when density increases, consuming more energy from the densest patches. This lunge-feeding strategy allows them to maximize energy gain while conserving oxygen, supporting their massive body size.
NASA imagery suggests Hurricane Joaquin's strongest winds are in the north and northwestern quadrants, stronger than 36 meters per second. The hurricane is currently a category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph.
The University of Texas at Arlington will build a unique, arc-heated wind tunnel to study heat shield materials for hypersonic vehicles and spacecraft. The $1.01 million grant will enable researchers to create high-temperature flows and test new thermal protection systems.
Scientists at Rockefeller University uncover new insights into mechanical forces governing mitotic spindle formation. They describe how kinesin-5 acts as a molecular motor to organize the spindle, generating forces that tune its balance. This research has medical implications for cancer therapies and understanding cell division.
A study of 50 Maiasaura tibiae fossils revealed bird-level growth rates and a six-year window of peak physical fitness. The researchers also found that sexual maturity occurred within the third year of life and the average adult mass was 2.3 tonnes in eight years.
Tropical Storm Mujigae was tracked by NASA using its Aqua satellite and RapidScat instrument aboard the International Space Station. The storm's surface winds were measured, revealing maximum sustained winds of 53.6 mph/86.4 kph near the northern quadrant.
A new study describes three new species of fruit flies, including A. minor, A. summissus, and A. unicus, which are potential biological control agents and pests of economically important crop plants. The research also provides a revision of the genus Acanthiophilus and sheds light on its phylogeny.
Researchers at Temple University School of Medicine are testing the effectiveness of mirror therapy in reducing pain and improving mobility in combat veterans with complex orthopedic injuries or nerve damage. The study aims to assess whether this technique can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for these individuals.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that maternal lead exposure during pregnancy can cause specific changes in DNA methylation, which can be detected in grandchildren's blood. The study suggests that this epigenetic effect can be transmitted to the next generation.
Researchers found that online e-cigarette vendors use sophisticated and aggressive marketing practices to promote their products, including social media engagement and promotional offers. The study highlights the potential of the Internet to encourage e-cigarette initiation and underage purchasing, despite laws in place to regulate onl...
Researchers at Concordia University have developed micro-photosynthetic cell technology that can generate clean energy. The technology involves trapping electrons released by blue-green algae to produce electricity, with the potential for high power density and scalability.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have created a self-propelled powder that can deliver coagulants against severe blood flow to treat trauma-related bleeding. The innovative particles use gas-generating calcium carbonate micro-particles to propel clotting agents deep into damaged tissue.