A Canadian study found folic acid fortified food reduced rates of congenital heart defects, with significant declines in conotruncal and coarctation of the aorta defects but no impact on chromosomally associated defects. The findings are applicable to the US population due to similar implementation timelines.
The PACIFIC trial compared the accuracy of non-invasive imaging modalities, finding that positron emission tomography (PET) was significantly more accurate than single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). PET's diagnostic accuracy was 85% for diagnosing coronary ischemia, outpe...
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new method to synthesize two-dimensional gallium nitride using graphene encapsulation, opening up new avenues of research in 2D materials. The process produces ultra-thin sheets of gallium nitride with improved properties for applications in electronics and optoelectronics.
A new study reveals that water conservation by plants under high CO2 conditions compensates for much of the effect of warmer temperatures, retaining more water on land than predicted. This changes assumptions of climate change impacts on agriculture, water resources, wildfire risk, and plant growth.
Scientists at the Medical College of Georgia have found that vesicles that trap amyloid contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Reducing exosome production may help reduce amyloid accumulation and slow disease progression. However, female mice did not reap similar benefits, suggesting potential gender-specific differences in the disease.
Researchers developed a machine learning system that detects differences in accelerometer data between individuals with muscle tension dysphonia and controls. The system improved after receiving voice therapy, suggesting potential for wearable devices providing real-time feedback.
Professor Nagendra Shah received the prestigious International Dairy Foods Association Research Award in Dairy Foods Processing for his groundbreaking work on GABA-producing lactic acid bacteria. His team's discovery has great commercial significance in developing dairy foods with anti-hypertensive activity.
Tropical Depression 8 formed off the coast of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean, with NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission providing detailed analysis. The depression was predicted to strengthen slowly over the next 48 hours, bringing heavy rainfall and isolated maximum amounts of 5 inches to far eastern North Carolina.
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute successfully demonstrated a low-cost miniature solar observatory on a six-hour high-altitude balloon mission. The SwRI Solar Instrument Pointing Platform (SSIPP) collected data on solar soundwaves, which are undetectable by ground-based observatories due to their high frequency.
Researchers detected high concentrations of mercury and β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in shark fins and muscles, linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Restricting shark consumption may protect human health and shark populations threatened with extinction.
A study published in PNAS identifies a unique chemical signature for chronic fatigue syndrome, revealing an unexpected connection to hypometabolic syndromes like dauer. The findings show that CFS has a characteristic metabolic response, with 80% of diagnostic metabolites decreased, and provide a basis for personalized therapies.
Tropical Storm Madeline in the Central Pacific Ocean has strengthened into a hurricane, according to NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite imagery. The storm is showing signs of organization, with a well-formed eyewall and little vertical wind shear deformation.
Mole rat castes were previously believed to be fixed throughout their lives, but a new study shows that individuals perform different roles at different ages. As they grow older, mole rats become more generalists, participating in various activities and contributing to cooperative efforts.
Hurricane Gaston is a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph, located about 575 miles east of Bermuda. The storm is expected to move over decreasing sea surface temperatures and into increasing vertical wind shear, causing a gradual weakening.
A team of researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks made a groundbreaking discovery after analyzing stable isotopes and lipid residues at prehistoric hearths along the Tanana River. The study found that early Alaskans' diets were more complex than previously thought, with salmon and freshwater fish playing a prominent role.
Kyungsuk Yum, a UTA professor, is developing nanocomposite hydrogel bioinks to overcome the barrier in 3D bioprinting. The bioinks incorporate carbon nanotubes and can change their mechanical properties during printing and after.
Researchers have discovered a potential new approach to treating triple negative breast cancer by targeting enhanced mitochondrial function. Mice studies showed that inhibiting mitochondrial protein translation could slow tumor growth, suggesting this strategy may be a successful treatment option.
A novel contact lens-based system has been shown to be at least as effective as daily latanoprost eye drops in reducing eye pressure in a pre-clinical model for glaucoma. The lenses deliver medication gradually to the eye, eliminating the burden of administration from patients and improving compliance.
The new standards, developed by the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association (ACCA), assess quality of care provided to patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cover seven domains. Implementing these QIs could lead to a decrease in mortality and improvement in patient outcomes.
A recent study by FAU researchers found that up to 56% of e-mail recipients and 40% of Facebook users clicked on links from unknown senders, primarily driven by curiosity about the content or sender's identity. The experiment revealed that participants' awareness of security risks was often lower than their actual clicking behavior.
A study found that potential voters view presidential candidates with high-intensity emotional language as more 'presidential' in dire economic conditions, while those who think the economy is fine prefer calmer language. Low-intensity language generally enhances perceptions of trustworthiness.
The new research alliance will support cutting-edge research in labs across Harvard, while providing professional development programs to visiting technology business leaders. The alliance aims to accelerate the development of novel technologies and create a future generation of entrepreneurial leaders.
A five-year study found that patients operated on at night are twice as likely to die compared to those who have surgery during regular working hours. The study also revealed that late-day surgeries carry a higher mortality risk, with patients in these situations 1.43 times more likely to die than those undergoing daytime operations.
The J.R. Macdonald Laboratory will receive a three-year, nearly $8 million grant to support its experimental and theoretical research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. The lab is one of the largest such programs in the country, involving over 69 researchers.
An international study has clarified which specific genes are affected by genetic variants associated with schizophrenia, providing a blueprint for researchers to tackle complex diseases.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine receive a $3.7 million NIH grant to identify biomarkers signaling Mtb activity in HIV-infected individuals. The goal is to develop tests that can predict active TB disease progression, optimizing preventive therapy timing and effectiveness.
The CONSERVE trial found that non-invasive computed tomography (CT) can safely reduce costs by guiding more selective use of invasive coronary angiography. The study associated lower rates of invasive procedures and cost savings in stable symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease.
Researchers from the University of Alberta have calculated significant energy savings of up to 31% and cost savings of up to 11% for light rail transit systems using flywheel technology. This innovative approach stores energy generated during braking, reducing power consumption and costs.
The phase 3 ODYSSEY-ESCAPE trial found that alirocumab-treated patients had a 75% greater reduction in apheresis compared to placebo, with 63.4% eliminating apheresis altogether. This could mark a new era for HeFH patients struggling with weekly apheresis treatments.
A new study introduces a novel hybrid polymer for producing 3D-printed scaffolds suitable for seeding living cells, enabling the creation of engineered tissues. The researchers successfully fabricated scaffolds using commercial 3D printers and demonstrated high cell survival rates.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new solar cell that combines two layers to harvest more of the sun's energy, reaching theoretical efficiencies above 40 percent. The device can be manufactured at a fraction of the cost due to a novel low-cost manufacturing process, making it ready for commercialization within the next year or two.
A single mutated gene, SNORD118, has been found to cause leukoencephalopathy with calcification and cysts (LCC), a progressive white matter degeneration in the brain. This discovery opens up possibilities for genetic testing and future treatments.
A research team has devised a new method to enhance genome-wide association studies for liver disease using purified liver cells made from induced pluripotent stem cells. The approach, developed by the Medical University of South Carolina, allows for more accurate identification of genetic mutations causing liver diseases.
Atmospheric pressures of hundreds can be endured by a nanometer-thin layer of water exhibiting ice-like properties. This discovery could lead to improved designs in biomedical implants and antimicrobial coatings.
Researchers have found that lipoprotein apheresis improves myocardial blood flow, exercise capacity, and symptoms in patients with refractory angina and high lipoprotein(a) levels. The treatment approach could provide a novel solution for these patients, who often face limited treatment options.
The DOCTORS trial found that optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides useful additional information beyond standard angiography, leading to better functional outcomes and more frequent antiplatelet use. OCT also revealed stent underexpansion, incomplete lesion coverage, and edge dissection, resulting in improved procedure strategies.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism of intercellular communication that helps explain how biological systems function properly. The findings shed light on the poorly-understood interaction between cells and suggest that cancer cells' poor communication contributes to their biologic damage.
A new study reveals dogs can distinguish both vocabulary words and the intonation of human speech through brain regions used by humans. The research found that dogs process vocabulary in the left hemisphere and intonation in the right hemisphere, mirroring human brain function.
Researchers found that female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can pass the Zika virus to their eggs and offspring. This discovery highlights the importance of using larvicides to curb the spread of the virus. The study suggests that controlling adult mosquitoes may not be enough to eliminate the virus.
Research shows that adults with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are twice as likely to die from an unintentional injury. Changes in cognition and balance increase the risk of subsequent injuries. A patient-centered assessment tool can help identify risks and prevent further injuries.
Researchers from the University of Basel found that uninvolved observers are more likely to accept social exclusion of people who look cold and incompetent. In contrast, warm and competent-looking individuals receive more support in social exclusion situations.
A recent study reveals that many adults who screen positive for depression do not receive treatment, highlighting disparities in mental health care. The study found that only 28.7% of those screened positive for depression received any treatment, with certain groups facing lower rates of access to care.
A study found that internal astigmatism remains stable over time, contradicting the theory that the lens adapts to compensate for irregular eye shapes. The researchers analyzed 367 individuals with myopia and compared their data to 204 subjects without myopia.
Scientists have discovered unique genome variants linked to cancer development, which can be used to detect weaknesses in tumor cells. The new approach uses proteogenomics and mass spectrometry data to identify variant peptides, providing valuable information for gene annotation and potential drug targets.
Scientists at the University of Basel have developed an artificial metalloenzyme, biot-Ru-SAV, that can catalyse olefin metathesis reactions in living cells. The breakthrough uses the periplasm as a reaction compartment to overcome limitations of organometallic-based enzymes.
Researchers have found that specific mutations in Parkinson's disease protein alpha-synuclein can dramatically affect microscopic processes leading to the condition's onset. The study suggests these tiny changes influence fibril formation and secondary nucleation, potentially contributing to the disease's development.
Thyroid disorders in children can be diagnosed and treated early with regular screening and communication between primary care physicians and specialists. The article highlights the importance of understanding risk factors, clinical signs, and symptoms to optimize outcomes for patients with these conditions.
A team of researchers has discovered existing drug compounds that can treat Zika virus by stopping replication and brain damage. The identified compounds are based on a U.S. FDA-approved drug called Nicolsamide, which is commonly used to treat tapeworm.
A new study demonstrates that lowering LDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure can have independent, multiplicative, and cumulative causal effects on cardiovascular disease risk. By reducing both by modest amounts, individuals may see a significant reduction in their lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease.
A University of Maryland study found that stopping exercise for just 10 days significantly decreases blood flow to key brain regions, including the hippocampus. This decrease in cerebral blood flow can have long-term implications for brain health and cognitive function in older adults.
A study by the University of Washington reveals that plants' reduced water needs due to climate change could halve the extent of droughts. This shift in plant water use changes long-term drought estimates, impacting future water supplies and ecosystem stresses.
A national study on low-value health services found that $32.8 million was spent on 28 procedures in 2013, accounting for 0.5% of total spending. The most expensive procedures were spinal injections and imaging tests for low-back pain.
The CE-MARC 2 trial found that cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) significantly reduced rates of unnecessary angiography compared to guideline-directed care. These findings suggest that functional imaging should be adopted on a wider basis, even in high-risk patient subgroups.
Researchers at MIT have developed a simple equation to predict the force required to push objects through sand, using resistive force theory. The equation can be used to optimize vehicles driving over gravel and soil, as well as animals burrowing through earth.
Researchers from The University of Hong Kong have successfully synthesized the antibiotic Teixobactin, which can kill a range of pathogens without detectable resistance. The team's strategy enables the generation of multiple derivatives with promising properties.
New research reveals female fiddler crabs visit and leave males to find safe burrows from predators, not perfect matches. Female fiddler crabs use a map of burrow positions to survive bird attacks, which is crucial for both mate-searching and burrow-seeking females.
Researchers from Iowa State University have developed effective propagation protocols for swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora) and black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), a native Nyssa species. The study found that cold stratification enhances speed and uniformity of germination, while extracts of fruit pulp inhibit seed germination.
Female mosquitoes can pass the Zika virus on to their eggs and offspring, bolstering the need for larvicide use as an integral part of controlling the spread of the virus. The study found that culture of adults infected with the virus resulted in a high rate of transmission to their offspring.
Researchers at Houston Methodist developed an AI software that reliably interprets mammograms to predict breast cancer risk. The software achieves 99% accuracy in 30 times human speed, reducing unnecessary biopsies and saving physician hours.
A new study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that an active strategy of detecting and treating asymptomatic multisite artery disease did not improve 2-year outcomes compared to a traditional approach. The study enrolled 521 CAD patients and found no significant difference in all-cause mortality, rehospitalization f...