A new clinical study found that exclusive e-cigarette use significantly reduces exposure to harmful chemicals similar to complete smoking cessation. The study measured biomarkers in urine, blood, and exhaled breath, revealing reductions of over 75% in carbon monoxide levels and over 80% in volatile organic compounds.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals a drug combination of TLR agonists and cyclophosphamide to effectively treat advanced and metastatic cancers in mice. The treatment promotes the destruction of cancer cells and activates immune responses without toxicity.
A study by researchers at University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that weathered oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill affects heart, eye, and neurological function in mahi-mahi embryos and larvae. The findings suggest that this type of oil poses a significant threat to developing fish.
A new transparent skull implant developed by UCR researchers allows for minimally invasive laser-based treatments for patients with brain disorders. The implant's biocompatibility and ability to endure bacterial infections make it a promising alternative to currently available cranial implants.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze caregiver responses and identified five ADI-R questions that maintained 95% of the instrument's performance. This could reduce administrative time and customize questions for individualized intervention. The study suggests a more data-informed approach to autism diagnosis and support.
Researchers found that stretch-induced mechanical forces downregulate thousands of genes while increasing a few in skin stem cells. This leads to changes in DNA packing within the nucleus, affecting transcriptional activity and differentiation.
A new image of the Orion Nebula reveals an unexpected abundance of low-mass objects, including brown dwarfs and planetary-mass objects, providing insight into star formation history. This discovery challenges current theories and suggests a higher proportion of low-mass objects than previously thought.
A recent study found that estrogen therapy via skin patch reduced beta-amyloid deposits in the brains of newly postmenopausal women, potentially decreasing Alzheimer's disease risk. Women with a greater genetic risk for Alzheimer's, such as those with the APOE e4 genotype, particularly benefited from this therapy.
A NYU study found stark disparities in access to children's books in high-poverty neighborhoods across the US, with low-income families facing severe shortages of age-appropriate books. The study highlights the impact of limited book availability on school readiness skills and summer learning loss.
A new study found that 50% of disabled seniors had some form of in-home help in 2012, up from 30% in 1998. The sharpest rise was among those with milder disabilities, suggesting a trend towards 'aging in place'.
Dr. John Spencer has received the AGU's Whipple Award for his outstanding contributions to planetary science, including deciphering Enceladus' internal ocean and discovering oxygen on Jupiter's moons.
A new study led by researchers at Duke University found that breeding plants with beneficial bacteria to feed the world won't be simple. The study analyzed the microbial diversity of a wildflower and found that environmental differences had the biggest influence on the plant's bacterial makeup.
A study warns that teenagers are increasingly experiencing tinnitus, a symptom of hearing loss, due to frequent earphone use and exposure to loud places. This can lead to chronic hearing loss by age 30-40 if not addressed.
A study by an Indiana University sociologist suggests that conditions associated with male-dominated professions cause token women to experience high levels of stress in the workplace. Men and women exhibit similar physiological responses to stressful workplace conditions, contradicting theories that women are more sensitive to exclusion.
A team of researchers has identified the mechanisms behind excessive antibody production in chronic infections, discovering a link between B-cell activation and type 1 interferons. Proteins like endosomal TLRs trigger proinflammatory responses, leading to increased B-cell antibody production and potentially exacerbating conditions.
Researchers discovered mantis shrimp use eye rotations to improve their polarized light vision. This unique ability has significant implications for the development of automated visual systems, particularly in underwater exploration and materials analysis.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that obese mice are more likely to overeat in response to environmental cues, driven by changes in the brain. The study suggests a neurobiological account for why obese individuals may be particularly vulnerable to food signals.
Researchers found that a Western diet impairs the ability to inhibit memories of palatable foods, making it harder to resist treats even when full. This link between dietary habits and brain function could explain why some people develop persistent desires for snacks leading to obesity.
A recent study by Chapman University found significant racial disparities in breastfeeding rates among US mothers, with Black mothers being nine times more likely to receive formula in the hospital than white mothers. The research also identified higher poverty rates and lower education levels as contributing factors, while a strong fa...
Researchers found that patient navigation with financial incentives did not improve viral suppression rates among hospitalized patients with HIV infection and substance use. Treatment as usual was more effective in achieving viral suppression, with a treatment difference of 4.5% compared to the intervention group.
A team of scientists from Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and UNIST created an octopus-inspired smart adhesive pad to mimic the suction cups on octopuses' tentacles. The pad uses thermally responsive polymer to create suction, allowing for strong bonding and detachment in wet conditions.
The new research training group will develop scientists with combined education in statistics and computer science to address complex data science challenges. The three-year program aims to integrate students from various disciplines, including machine learning, into a collaborative environment.
A new US recommendation for diabetes screening may only detect half of adults with undiagnosed dysglycemia, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. The study found that the detection rate drops to 50.3% for Blacks and 37.7% for Hispanic/Latino patients compared to 54.5% for whites.
A study found that caregiver assistance increased among home-dwelling older adults with functional disabilities, from 42% in 1998 to 50% in 2012. The greatest increase was among those with fewer impairments, suggesting a shift towards community-based care.
A James Cook University researcher examined the impact of a program for children whose parent is deployed on active duty. The study found that some families benefit from an intermediary who understands their situation, and that the program has been effective in addressing social and emotional challenges.
A new study found that stable hunter-gatherer camps are more likely to exhibit reciprocity in food-sharing, whereas unstable camps rely on demand sharing. This association suggests that cooperation between non-kin individuals may be linked to group stability and repeated interactions.
Research at the University of Exeter found that scavenging ecosystem service is primarily carried out by crows, with assistance from foxes and other birds.
The tiny radiation-resistant chips play a crucial role in the Jupiter Energetic Particle Detector Instrument (JEDI), measuring particle speed, energy, and position with time accuracy down to a fraction of a billionth of a second. Without these microchips, satellite electronics would be much heavier and require more shielding and power.
Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a novel target for depression treatment by manipulating HCN channels in the hippocampus. Reducing these channel's function has been shown to improve mood in mice, offering new hope for millions of patients who don't respond to existing treatments.
A study in Uganda found that increasing community medical male circumcision and antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage was associated with reduced community HIV incidence. Median community HIV incidence declined from 1.25 to 0.84 per 100 person-years in males, and from 1.25 to 0.99 per 100 person-years in females.
Researchers have identified a potential target for treating insulin resistance by inhibiting the protein PKD1, which limits AMPK's activity. This discovery may lead to effective treatments for obese and diabetic individuals, including lifestyle interventions such as exercise and diet modifications.
A new concept in space telescope design proposes a modular structure and an assembly robot to build extremely large telescopes in space. The robotic system would enable tasks to be performed without astronaut fatigue.
A study found that Hispanic children who receive a hands-off approach to eating from their parents are more likely to snack excessively, consuming over 40% of daily added sugars from snacks. The study suggests this may be particularly concerning for overweight and obese children with greater appetitive drives.
The study reveals that the internal structure of gallium nitride-based HEMTs is responsible for their high radiation tolerance. A piezoelectric field formed at the interface causes carriers to be reinjected into the two-dimensional electron gas, reducing the impact of radiation-induced defects.
Tropical Depression 4 formed in the Eastern Pacific, strengthening into a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is expected to track over cold water kicked up from Hurricanes Blas and Celia, affecting its strength.
A new study has found that intensive care units provide adequate communication and family support for families of chronically ill patients, rendering palliative care unnecessary. The study revealed no difference in patient outcomes when families received additional support from palliative care specialists versus standard ICU care.
A study by Lehigh University researcher Jayeon Lee found that major news organizations emphasize risks and challenges associated with employee social media use, often at the expense of opportunities and advantages. The analysis of guidelines from nine US and three British outlets reveals a predominance of prevention-focused approaches.
Patients undergoing bariatric surgery at accredited centers have lower risks of serious complications, including death, and experience lower hospital charges. The American College of Surgeons review study analyzed over 1 million patients and found significant benefits of accreditation.
A new group of cells has been discovered in the human colon that can wash away invading bacteria, potentially preventing inflammatory bowel disease. These sentinel cells detect bacteria and trigger a rapid chain reaction of mucus production to push out the invaders.
A new study from McMaster University found that lifting lighter weights many times can be as efficient as lifting heavy weights for fewer repetitions in building muscle and strength. Researchers analyzed muscle and blood samples and found gains in muscle mass and fibre size were virtually identical between the two groups.
A new education program has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in people at high risk by over 80%. The program, which includes a main session and follow-up sessions, resulted in an 88% risk reduction for those who attended fully.
Researchers have developed an inexpensive method to monitor CO2 storage deep underground. Testing water samples from rocks reveals altered oxygen compositions when in contact with trapped CO2, allowing simple measurement of stored CO2.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society publishes a new position statement on healthy menopause and aging. The model emphasizes a holistic approach to midlife women's physical, psychological, and social well-being. It recommends specialist teams and interdisciplinary networks for optimal care.
A new study from Tufts University researchers shows that the average weight of offensive linemen in Division III college football conferences has increased nearly 38 percent since 1956. The study highlights the need for post-football lifestyle changes to prevent long-term health complications and emphasizes the importance of helping at...
Researchers from seven European institutions and five US universities aim to understand the glass transition, a problem plaguing physics and chemistry for a long time. The collaboration hopes to find a unified understanding of the glassy state of matter and its properties.
New study reveals Arctic algae play a crucial role in the ocean's food web, with species at great depths relying on carbon from these algae. The decline of Arctic sea ice could have significant impacts on marine life, including fish, seals and polar bears.
A recent study found that El Niño climate patterns contributed to the Northeast Pacific's largest marine heatwave on record. The study also suggests that unusually warm water events could become more frequent with rising greenhouse gas levels, disrupting ecosystems and leading to massive die-offs.
Researchers found that middle-aged adults activated the medial prefrontal cortex instead of the visual cortex when recalling details, suggesting a change in what information they prioritize as they age. This shift may be beneficial for daily life tasks but could impact memory performance if not adapted to.
A new study reveals that artificial sweeteners can stimulate appetite by integrating sweetness with energy content in the brain, leading to increased food consumption. Researchers found that chronic exposure to sucralose increased the animal's motivation to eat more food, even when they had enough calories.
Researchers at Umeå University found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can dampen inflammatory processes and weaken the immune system's ability to combat bacterial infections. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that ROS always contribute to inflammation.
Researchers found that chronic high fat diet disturbs neural messages in rats by shifting gut bacteria populations. Manipulating the gut microbiome can reverse this effect, leading to less overeating and weight gain. Additionally, specific foods like blueberries may also target and improve the microbiota composition.
LobeFinder algorithm quantifies and analyzes shape changes in puzzle piece-shaped plant cells, providing insights into leaf size and crop yield. The technology could also be adapted to measure boundary shifts in other complex geometric forms.
A new variant of the emerging antibiotic resistance mechanism mcr-1 has been discovered on a multidrug-resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae, which was isolated from a child hospitalized with leukemia. The newly identified gene, mcr-1.2, confers resistance to colistin, a last-resort antibiotic.
Researchers have found fecal transplants to be effective in treating certain infections and diseases, including C. difficile colitis with a 95% cure rate. The transplantation of stool from healthy individuals also shows promise in treating multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease.
A new study by Michigan State University neuroscientist Alexander Johnson finds that obese mice are more likely to overeat in response to environmental cues due to altered brain responses. The study suggests a psychological and neurobiological account for why obese individuals may be vulnerable to food triggers.
Researchers discovered multiple assemblages of Homo erectus footprints in northern Kenya, preserving evidence of a modern human style of walking and group structure consistent with human-like social behaviours. The findings provide direct insight into the locomotor patterns and group dynamics of our fossil ancestors.
A new study found that the latest government guidelines for diabetes screening missed 55% of high-risk individuals with prediabetes or diabetes. Racial and ethnic minorities were disproportionately affected, with only 50% of African-American patients and 37% of Latino patients falling within the recommended age and weight ranges.
The European pet trade is putting rare reptile species at risk of extinction due to high demand and lack of effective regulation. Conservation efforts are being undermined by the lucrative black market for exotic animals, with smugglers using creative tactics to evade laws.
A new study of over 800 couples found that neither gay men nor heterosexual people with HIV transmitted the virus to their partners if on suppressive antiretroviral treatment. The PARTNER study, the world's largest of its kind, monitored couples for several years and recorded no instances of transmission.
Researchers at Australian National University have modeled energy consumption by wireless sensors and explored the use of ambient radio frequency sources for powering devices. The breakthrough aims to replace batteries with long-lasting monitoring devices in industries such as health, agriculture, and infrastructure.