A new test predicts whether breast cancer will spread to the brain by analyzing high activity in a particular gene called alpha beta-crystallin. Women with aggressive forms of breast cancer are three times more likely to develop secondary brain tumors if they test positive.
Washington State University researchers created a sensing platform to measure and analyze gait patterns in people with glaucoma. This innovation aims to reduce falls and injuries by detecting early signs of the disease, such as slower walking pace and unequal step placement.
The textile industry is making efforts to clean up its act by using safer chemicals and natural alternatives, reducing water pollution caused by toxic compounds like dyes and solvents. Environmental groups are also calling for stricter practices to prevent illnesses among nearby residents and harm to local farms.
Researchers at Rice University have created a novel, solid-state catalyst that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, promising lower-cost alternatives to expensive platinum catalysts. The catalyst, made from nitrogen-doped graphene and cobalt atoms, shows high efficiency and durability in generating clean energy.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission (GPM) analyzed rainfall rates in Category 4 Hurricane Olaf, with rain falling at over 71.5 mm/hour in the eye wall and 56.8 mm/hour in scattered rain bands on the western side.
The estimated prevalence of adults who used marijuana in the past year increased from 4.1% to 9.5%, while the prevalence of marijuana use disorder rose from 1.5% to 2.9%. Notably, black and Hispanic individuals experienced higher rates of marijuana use disorders.
Researchers have found that repeated small stretching of nanoscale metal pieces can eliminate crystal defects in its crystalline structure, strengthening the material. This phenomenon is counterintuitive, as it is opposite to what one sees in larger metal crystals.
A new meta-analysis of e-excellence reveals that online businesses need to adjust almost every aspect to local culture, regulatory environment, and industry-specific factors. The study found that the relative importance of quality dimensions varied according to cultural attributes, regulatory environments, and industry contexts.
Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have created a flying, swimming robotic bee that can transition between air and water. The microrobot, smaller than a paperclip, uses flapping motions inspired by puffins to propel itself through both mediums.
The University of Houston has been awarded a $246,000 NSF grant to support summer research opportunities in China for 18 geoscience majors. The students will conduct landslide studies using GPS and LiDAR technologies in the Three Gorges area, with potential applications worldwide.
A new dynamic social-network analysis tool has revealed that the two species have vastly different community structures, with zebras forming large, stable groups and onagers forming smaller, more transient groups. This study provides insights into the adaptive value of these behaviors in response to different environmental pressures.
A new study by the NTD Modelling Consortium suggests that targeted research and high-quality data analysis can help prevent transmission of these diseases. The researchers aim to identify high-risk populations and develop effective interventions to meet the 2025 target.
A study published in Nature found that the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) plays a crucial role in multitasking by filtering out distracting sensory information. The TRN acts like a switchboard, continuously filtering sensory input and shifting attention to one sense while blocking out others.
A genomic study has uncovered key biological insights into the protective effects of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine candidate. The research found that genetic variation in the protein targeted by RTS,S influences its ability to ward off malaria in young children, with allele-specificity playing a crucial role in vaccine protection.
A study found that low BRCA1 protein expression in glioblastoma tumors correlates with longer overall survival, suggesting a potential predictive biomarker for treatment responses to DNA-damaging therapies.
Researchers have found a way to accurately screen for dehydration in older adults using routine blood tests for sodium, potassium, urea, and glucose. A simple mathematical equation can tell whether an older person is drinking enough fluid, reducing the risk of poor health outcomes such as disability and death.
Researchers at Jena University developed a simple, safe, and economical redox-flow battery based on organic polymers and water, which can be produced at lower cost than traditional systems. The new technology has shown high capacity and efficiency in initial tests.
Scientists and legal scholars warn that countries are misinterpreting the 'rational use' of natural resources to escalate fishing efforts in Antarctic waters. Marine protected areas, crucial for conserving the region's last intact ecosystem, are being hindered by this misinterpretation.
A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas finds that online TV viewing does not lead to increased viewing time, but rather makes the experience more pleasurable with greater variety of shows to choose from. Consumers can find a program that fits their taste without changing their overall TV consumption habits.
Research found beaver-created ponds can remove 5-45% of nitrogen from water, reducing the risk of algal blooms and low oxygen levels. The study's findings suggest a new perspective on the ecological benefits of beavers in the region.
A systematic review of heart failure drug effectiveness found only six studies provided usable data due to difficulties accessing author contact information. The researchers argue that improved data sharing mechanisms are needed to prevent selective reporting and research fraud.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of marketing channel systems, tracing their evolution from two-party relationships to networks of channels and multiple platforms. Key findings include the impact of globalization, e-commerce technologies, and big data on channel decisions.
Novel Data Streams (NDS) offer a promising approach to public health surveillance by analyzing patient-generated digital data. NDS encompasses various sources, including internet search data and social media posts, allowing for nearly instantaneous and fine geographic scale surveillance.
A new study suggests that antibiotic use during childhood can lead to faster weight gain and higher body mass index (BMI) over time. The research analyzed data from over 163,000 children and found that those who received antibiotics multiple times weighed about three pounds more than those who did not.
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health is launching a study to promote health among aging gay and bisexual men living with HIV. The research team will identify protective factors, or resiliencies, that help some men stay healthy and could be extended to others.
Researchers found that voice-command technology is highly distracting, causing drivers to lose focus for extended periods. The studies also revealed that older drivers are more distracted than younger ones when using voice commands.
A new hydrodynamical simulation of the universe's visible structure, Magneticum Pathfinder, provides unparalleled insights into the cosmic landscape. The simulation covers a vast area of 12.5 billion light years, featuring unprecedented resolution and detail.
A team of scientists has unearthed a 2-foot-long, 76-million-year-old fossil of an extinct turtle species with a unique pig-like snout, providing valuable insights into the evolution of turtles. The discovery sheds light on the impact of climate change and rising sea levels on ancient ecosystems.
Health economists from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine argue that universal access to medicines is critical in controlling neglected diseases, major infections, and chronic diseases. The PURE study reveals that secondary prevention is unavailable and unaffordable in many communities worldwide, highlighting the need for polici...
A new study led by King's College London found that splitting human embryos to produce twins for IVF may not be viable due to delays in development. The research suggests that a 'developmental clock' plays a critical role in earliest stages of human development, which can be interrupted by the splitting process.
The Berkeley Lab team is developing electronics that will send data from the scanner's detectors to a computer, converting it into a three-dimensional image of the patient. This new scanner will have half a million detectors, reducing a patient's radiation dose by a factor of 40 and scanning time from 20 minutes to just 30 seconds.
Researchers have found a way to enable ultra-rapid drug delivery to the gastrointestinal tract using ultrasound waves, which could aid in treating inflammatory bowel diseases. The technology, tested in pig and mouse models, showed improved absorption of insulin and mesalamine, paving the way for potential new treatments.
Takashi Yoshimura, a professor at Nagoya University, has made outstanding contributions to thyroid hormone research. His discoveries on seasonal reproduction in birds, mammals, and fish are expected to advance human reproductive health and mood disorders related to seasonal changes.
Researchers at Disney Research and Dartmouth College developed a new method to display full-color images with two black patterns on a prism, winning the Best Paper Award at Pacific Graphics 2015.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology found that birds can save energy and time by using optimal wind conditions. They calculated global aerial flyways that allow efficient traveling, suggesting a new strategy for migratory birds to reduce travel time and increase reproductive output.
A new study found a significant decline in the growth rate of sugar maple trees in the Adirondack Mountains, raising concerns about the long-term health of northeastern ecosystems. The research suggests that factors such as acid rain, insect outbreaks, and late frost damage may contribute to this decline.
A Dartmouth-led study analyzing satellite imagery of nearly 1,300 archaeological sites in Syria finds that the Kurdish YPG, opposition forces, and Syrian regime have also been major players in the devastation. War-related looting is most widespread in areas with weak centralized authority.
Researchers found that mice with BRCA1 mutations exhibited enhanced responsiveness to male scent, which stimulated their estrous cycles and ovary function. This discovery suggests a potential indirect link between sense of smell and breast, ovarian cancer risk in women carrying BRCA1 mutations.
A BMJ study reveals barriers to accessing heart failure drug trial data, highlighting the risks of not doing so. Researchers urge funders and institutions to make data sharing a mandatory requirement to prevent erroneous clinical decisions.
Researchers have created a new material combining nanodiamonds, gutta-percha, and amoxicillin to strengthen root canal fillings and kill bacteria. The material shows promise in preventing re-infections and improving current therapies.
Scientists have identified a human cell protein called PLEKHA7 as a key modulator of Staphylococcus aureus virulence. Mice lacking this protein showed improved healing from skin infections and pneumonia, paving the way for potential new therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant strains.
A new study finds that cells activate and deactivate proteins in a series of unpredictable pulses, allowing them to control gene expression. The timing of these pulses may play an important role in cellular processes such as information processing and stress response.
A radical shift is needed in how heart medicines are provided and preventive care is organized in healthcare systems to improve rates of use. Generic versions of medicines should be made available for free in developing countries, while non-physician health workers can improve uptake and adherence.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that blood pressure medication can reduce cardiovascular disease risk, but it cannot undo all previous damage. Middle-aged adults with well-controlled hypertension on medication had a higher risk of end-organ damage compared to those without treatment.
A University of Florida Health researcher has discovered a key clue about betel nut addiction, finding that the nut's psychoactive chemical works in the brain similarly to nicotine. This raises the possibility that prescription drugs used to break nicotine dependence could also be effective against betel nut addiction.
Masaaki Suzuki, a leading authority on Johann Sebastian Bach, received the 2015 Gutenberg Teaching Award for his contributions to academic teaching in instrumental music, conducting, and vocal arts. The award recognizes his interdisciplinary approach to teaching, which crosses subject and cultural borders.
Experts believe video recording can increase accountability and improve quality through increased transparency. This approach has successfully reduced speeding vehicles and improved hand washing rates in hospitals.
Researchers found that mangrove rivulus fish rapidly lose body temperature by jumping out of water and onto solid ground, where evaporation cools them down. The study, led by the University of Guelph team, also showed that these fish can tolerate warmer waters better after being exposed to higher temperatures for a week.
New research suggests that jurors may support an insanity defense if they believe a defendant has a genetic explanation for their actions, but also view them as a persistent threat. The study found that participants were more likely to support a diminished capacity defense and believed the defendant had less control over their actions.
New research reveals cats have at least seven functional bitter taste receptors, despite not consuming plants in their diet. The study questions the common hypothesis that bitter taste evolved to protect animals from ingesting poisonous plant compounds.
A new University of Georgia research study links gratitude to improved marital quality, finding that spousal expressions of gratitude are the most consistent significant predictor. Gratitude can counteract negative communication patterns and promote positive marital outcomes, even during stressful times.
Researchers found that YouTube videos on peripheral neuropathy were often misleading, with alternative medicine being the most frequently cited treatment. Only a minority of treatment discussions were based on recommendations from the American Academy of Neurology.
The world's largest clinical trial on aspirin to prevent cancer recurrence has launched in the UK. The Add-Aspirin trial will recruit 11,000 patients and run for up to 12 years to determine if daily aspirin intake can stop or delay cancers from returning.
The study analyzed sales of soft drinks in southeastern Brazil, finding that mass advertising is less effective in full-service stores, where package size variety is crucial. Brands' channel relationship programs support price increases with no decrease in sales, highlighting the need for tailored marketing strategies.
Researchers discovered that mutant GlyRS enzyme blocks molecular signals essential for maintaining motor neuron health, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness and decreased sensation. By amplifying the 'health' signal, they were able to reverse symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in mice.
A hospital surveillance program utilizing a two-stage Clinical Decision Support (CDS) system reduced the risk of adverse outcomes, such as death and hospice discharge for sepsis patients, by 30%. The study found that 61% of patients who first activated the alert had SIRS syndrome, an early physiologic response to infection.
A new method estimates fish movements using ocean heat content images, revealing detailed movements not apparent with surface temperature data. The analysis shows large migratory fishes have affinities for ocean fronts and eddies, similar to hurricanes.
Researchers found that antipsychotic prescriptions for seniors increased with age after 65, with nearly half of those over 80 using the drugs in excess of 120 days. The study highlights concerns about safety and calls for alternative treatments.
A new study from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine demonstrates the effectiveness of a two-year menopause-focused curriculum for OB/GYN residents. The program improved residents' confidence in managing menopause patients, with 85.7% feeling comfortable or very comfortable after completion.
Researchers at Oregon State University have successfully used gene therapy to aid weight loss in rats without causing significant bone loss. The study, published in the Journal of Endocrinology, found that delivering leptin directly to the brain via gene therapy reduced abdominal fat and preserved bone density.