A new UK Biobank study has identified six independent genetic variants associated with lung health and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The findings also suggest that genetic variations affecting gene regulation may play a role in COPD, providing potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
The AAO-HNS Foundation is developing a clinical data registry for otolaryngology, with Regent being the first registry of its kind. The registry will help improve patient care by tracking care outcomes and identifying gaps in clinician knowledge and performance.
A team of ETH Zurich researchers has created a biomimetic dental prosthesis that replicates the structure and properties of teeth and seashells. The material, produced using magnetically assisted slip casting, exhibits improved durability and complexity, with potential applications in dentistry and beyond.
Researchers identified distinct characteristics among non-smoking patients with NSCLC, such as lower chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart disease rates. Non-smokers also exhibited longer survival periods after diagnosis compared to smokers.
Research at the American Academy of Otolaryngology's annual meeting finds that tobacco smoke exposure correlates with severity of sinusitis symptoms. Additionally, studies show a link between tobacco smoke exposure and an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancers and eustachian tube disorders in children.
A large study found that aspirin use after a cancer diagnosis significantly increases overall survival rates for patients with gastrointestinal tumours. The researchers analysed data from nearly 14,000 patients and discovered a strong association between aspirin use and improved survival.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology discovered that immersing a zinc-based buffer layer in ammonia water doubles the conversion efficiency of CIGS solar cells, improving their performance from 6.8% to 13.7%. The study reveals the importance of the buffer layer structure and composition for next-generation solar cells.
New study results show atezolizumab has remarkable activity in large number of patients with refractory lung cancer, regardless of treatment line. Efficacy is correlated with PD-L1 expression on tumours and immune cells.
The CheckMate 057 trial shows that nivolumab improves overall and 12-month survival rates compared to docetaxel in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer patients. Nivolumab also demonstrated better patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life and slower disease deterioration.
Researchers found that infants infected with rhinovirus had lower respiratory microbiota diversity, while asymptomatic infections did not. Frequent early-life viral infections were also associated with reduced overall microbiota diversity.
Researchers found that adding hormonal treatment during chemotherapy reduced the risk of premature ovarian failure by 45% and increased pregnancy rates among young breast cancer patients. The use of LHRHa could be a potential standard strategy to preserve ovarian function and fertility in hormone receptor positive breast cancers.
A study by Mrs Lee Koh found that walking on side-street routes instead of main roads can reduce peaks in harmful air pollution. By avoiding busy streets, individuals can minimize their short-term and long-term exposure to black carbon particulate matter, a major component of urban air pollution.
A combination of dabrafenib and trametinib significantly prolongs median overall survival time for advanced melanoma patients to over two years, with 51% remaining alive after two years. The treatment also improves disease-free progression and quality of life compared to vemurafenib alone.
Researchers found that shielding parenteral nutrition from light significantly decreases oxidative stress and cell damage in premature infants, improving their survival rates. The study's findings suggest a potential solution for reducing mortality rates in preterm infants born between 26-31 weeks of gestation.
Shigeki Watanabe has developed a novel ultrafast technique called 'flash-and-freeze' to visualize nerve cell activity on a rapid time scale. The technique reveals that vesicle recycling in neurons occurs through two mechanisms, an ultrafast one and a slower clathrin-dependent process.
A two-drug combination of venlafaxine and aripiprazole relieved depression in 44% of treatment-resistant patients over 60, while reducing suicidal thoughts. The study's findings suggest that older adults may respond to this treatment strategy, offering new hope for those with hard-to-treat depression.
Researchers found that the combination therapy improved progression-free survival across various sub-groups, including those with poor prognostic factors. The study also showed similar efficacy regardless of BRAF mutation status and disease stage.
A global shortfall in radiotherapy resources has led to millions of unnecessary deaths, but investing in radiotherapy services could bring economic benefits of up to $365 billion over the next 20 years. Access to radiotherapy is currently unacceptably low, especially in Africa, where most countries have no facilities.
The study found that everolimus improved progression-free survival by 52% and increased median progression-free survival by over seven months in patients with advanced, nonfunctional neuroendocrine tumors. The treatment was well-tolerated, with common side effects including aphthous ulceration, rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and infections.
Researchers found molecular differences in younger-onset CRC tumors related to epigenetics and gene expression. This discovery could lead to tailored treatments for younger patients. The study analyzed genetic mutations in 126 under-50 patients and 368 over-50 patients, revealing distinctive patterns.
The study found substantial differences in surgery, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy use among European countries for elderly breast cancer patients. Treatment approaches varied depending on the stage of the disease, with some countries omitting surgery or using more chemotherapy than others.
A new study reveals that brain metastases carry distinct genetic profiles compared to primary tumors, suggesting divergent evolutionary pathways and potential sensitivity to targeted therapy drugs. The research identifies clinically significant mutations in over half of patients' brain metastases.
Research highlights significant disparities in cancer care among migrants and refugees, with lower rates of early diagnosis and treatment. The European Society for Medical Oncology calls for policy changes to address these disparities and improve access to quality cancer care.
A new report highlights progress in treating childhood cancers, but notes that many survivors face long-term treatment-related side effects. The European Society for Paediatric Oncology proposes solutions to tackle these issues, including improving access to new drugs and enhancing collaboration with adult oncology.
A new study examines the effects of hearing loss on infant development, while another investigation looks at how older adults are impacted when their hearing begins to fade. The research aims to provide insights into various age groups' experiences with hearing loss and its treatment.
Researchers found that brain metastases share some genetic similarities with the primary tumor but also have key differences, including potential drug targets in over half of patients. Genetic analysis of brain metastases could reveal new treatment options, especially when compared to primary tumors.
A large prospective post-commercialization study in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in Europe confirms the long-term anticancer activity of YONDELIS® (trabectedin). The median progression-free survival was 5.5 months, and durable responses were observed in 18 patients still on treatment.
Researchers have shown that the mTOR inhibitor everolimus can delay tumour growth among both gastrointestinal and lung NETs, particularly for patients with lung tumours. The trial included 302 patients and found a 52% reduction in progression or death risk and a clinically meaningful improvement in median progression-free survival.
Patients with recurrent lung cancer who undergo a CT-based follow-up program after surgery experience significantly improved post-surgery survival rates. The study analyzed 391 patients and found that the number of patients alive four years after surgery increased from 54% to an estimated 68%.
The ESMO Global Opioid Policy Initiative reveals disparities in opioid access across the globe, with the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia showing limited access to essential pain relieving medication. The addition of new Designated Centres brings polices tailored to patient needs, promoting a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.
A phase III trial has shown that 177Lu-DOTATATE significantly improves progression-free survival in patients with mid-gut neuroendocrine tumours, a rare and hard-to-treat disease. The treatment outperforms standard care in terms of time without disease progression.
Researchers have created new crosses among relevant yeasts to open up new horizons of taste in lager beers. Genetic studies showed a lack of genetic diversity among lager yeasts, resulting from only two parent yeast species.
A new training program at the University of Texas at Dallas aims to prepare doctoral students in mathematics and statistics for a wide range of career paths. The project, funded by the NSF Enriched Doctoral Training Program, provides students with marketable skills and research experience through collaborations with industry partners.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University have developed a new, environment-friendly catalyst for polyethylene production that can be produced from waste materials. The low-cost process is expected to play a significant role in the commercialization of the project with Tatarstan's Kazanorgsintez.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Natural Sciences have developed stable, crystalline, porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that can be used as platforms for functional exploration. The COFs exhibit enhanced catalytic activity and enantioselectivity in asymmetric Michael reactions.
Researchers at Stanford University used thermal data and electronic tagging to identify the bluefin's favorite dining spots along the North American coastline. The study revealed that temperature changes impact energy intake, with tunas consuming prey on 90% of days observed.
Climate models predict a doubling of extreme interannual sea level swings in the tropical southwestern Pacific, posing significant risks to vulnerable coastlines. Sea level drops and flooding will have severe consequences for Pacific Island communities adapting to rising sea levels.
Researchers have found that pairs of rabbitfishes coordinate their vigilance activity to provide safety for one partner while the other feeds, presenting evidence for reciprocal cooperation. This behavior is unique among fishes and suggests that cooperation may not be exclusive to highly developed organisms.
The NIH has launched a landmark study examining the effects of adolescent substance use on brain development. The study will track 10,000 children from ages 9 to 10 and beyond, assessing exposure to substances, mental health, cognitive skills, and brain structure.
Researchers at the University of Rochester and Chinese institutions investigate if CO2 decrease caused Earth to cool 3 million years ago. They test hypothesis that iron-rich dust from Asian deserts fertilized North Pacific Ocean algae, reducing atmospheric CO2.
Researchers successfully grew atomically thin 2D sheets of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites from solution, exhibiting efficient photoluminescence, color-tunability, and unique structural relaxation. The ultrathin sheets have square-shaped geometry, high quality crystallinity, and large size, facilitating their integration into futu...
Two University of Toronto scientists developed a new research framework to measure agricultural impacts using functional trait-based ecology. The approach focuses on how plants respond to and affect changes in their environment, providing insights into crop diversity, nutrient cycling, pest repellence and drought mitigation.
Research groups worldwide are developing TENGs to power wearable electronics and sensor networks. A set of standards has been proposed to quantify device performance, including structural and materials performance of four major types. The standards will facilitate comparisons and selection of devices for specific applications.
Tropical Storm Niala formed after experiencing wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite data. The storm moved through warm waters and intensified into a tropical depression before strengthening into a tropical storm.
A large worldwide study found that smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) are at nearly twice the risk of developing small cell lung cancer compared to those without COPD. The study, published in EBioMedicine, analyzed data from 24 case-control studies and estimated the risk more precisely than before.
Researchers found that deep-diving whales have ultra-stable versions of myoglobin, a protein that holds oxygen in muscle cells. This stability allows them to pack more myoglobin into their cells, enabling them to remain active while holding their breath. The discovery could lead to creating synthetic blood for human trauma patients.
A new study by University of Cologne researchers finds that poorly qualified workers with a migration background tend to earn more than native Germans, particularly those from low-educated families. School drop-outs of Turkish origin have been found to earn approximately 2.20 euros more per hour.
The OPATHY network aims to create innovative diagnostic tools for yeast diseases by leveraging high-throughput technologies like genomics and transcriptomics. The project will provide multidisciplinary training for PhD students to develop original scientific and clinical strategies for treating yeast infections.
University of Missouri researchers have discovered that Interferon Induced Transmembranes (IFITM) proteins can inhibit the transmission of HIV-1, the most common HIV strain. The study found that IFITM proteins specifically interact with the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein and block its maturation, reducing viral infectivity and transmission.
A new CRISPR-Cpf1 system offers a simpler approach to genome engineering with precise DNA cutting capabilities. The system, discovered by Feng Zhang and his colleagues, has potential to advance genetic engineering and cancer research.
Researchers developed a new methodology to predict consumer spending at competitors, using share-of-wallet as a key metric. The model reveals segments of customers, including those influenced by income and habit, allowing businesses to target high-potential customers and optimize cross-selling strategies.
The CheckMate 025 phase III clinical trial shows that nivolumab significantly prolongs survival in patients with advanced kidney cancer, regardless of PD-L1 expression. The study found a median overall survival of 25 months for nivolumab-treated patients compared to 19.6 months for those treated with everolimus.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that nearly half of endangered social carnivores were threatened by disease, compared to 3% of solitary carnivores. The team will investigate the interaction between sociality and infectious disease in highly social species, such as the banded mongoose.
A study of 1,298 NFL coaches found that junior coaches with connections to highly reputable head coaches are more likely to receive promotions. However, these connections do not lead to superior career outcomes in the long term, and instead favor those who missed out on initial advantages but excelled through merit.
A Washington State University study links US political polarization to the deregulation of television news following the 1996 Telecommunications Act. The researchers found that increased use of TV news is associated with higher levels of polarization, highlighting the role of media consolidation in perpetuating partisan divisions.
Researchers replicate previous finding on how the brain processes music using a naturalistic free listening context, demonstrating reliable results and ecologically valid findings. The study fine-tunes previous findings, concluding which brain areas are involved in processing different musical elements.
A study by Chalmers University of Technology and partners analyzed EU and US vehicle safety standards. EU-regulated vehicles offered reduced risk of serious injury in frontal/side crashes, while US-regulated vehicles provided a lower risk of injury in rollovers.
Scientists have identified 500 novel membrane proteins that play a critical role in normal heart function and may help uncover new information about heart failure and arrhythmias. The research focuses on protein Tmem65, which regulates communication between cardiac contractile cells.
Typhoon Dujuan's large eye was visible from space after strengthening into a typhoon. The storm's eye is about 25 nautical miles wide and is expected to track just north of Ishigakijima Island, Japan on September 27.
Researchers studying 2-million-year-old human fossils from South Africa found that early hominins had hearing patterns resembling those of chimpanzees, but with slight variations. The discovery suggests that early humans may have had better hearing in certain frequency ranges than other primates.