A recent study by McGill University Health Centre researchers found that microglia can reduce the adverse changes to neural circuitry caused by chronic cocaine use. Microglia may be enticed to keep going by stimulating their production of TNF, which suppresses synaptic changes caused by cocaine.
A survey by Northwell Health found that nearly 7 in 10 older adults with hip fractures are not informed about osteoporosis, despite the disease being a common cause of hip fractures. The study suggests that improved education and treatment for osteoporosis could reduce re-fracture rates and improve patient outcomes.
A mouse study reveals that antibiotics can kill off gut bacteria and stop new brain cell growth in the hippocampus. However, probiotics and exercise have been shown to improve memory and neurogenesis by balancing the communication between the brain, immune system, and gut.
A study published in Brain Connectivity suggests that pediatric leukemia survivors may experience cognitive impairment due to chemotherapy-induced brain damage. The research used diffusion tensor imaging to analyze the white matter connectome of ALL survivors and healthy young people, revealing significantly lower connectivity and grea...
A new study published in American Anthropologist found that Nubians and Egyptians developed a cultural identity that combined aspects of both heritages. The research, conducted at the Tombos site in Sudan, revealed a community of Egyptians and Nubians who interacted, intermarried, and eventually became a single community.
A study of 1,421 Canadian children found that early introduction of allergenic foods decreases the risk of sensitization to these foods. Early introduction of eggs was especially beneficial, reducing the risk of sensitization to any of the three tested foods. The study suggests a shift in thinking from delayed food introduction to earl...
Researchers at Yale University have found a way for antibodies to enter the nervous system, allowing them to control viral infections. This discovery may lead to new treatments for conditions such as herpes and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Researchers found that exposure to triclosan through household products did not significantly affect the gut or oral microbiome. The study, published in mSphere, suggests that people can safely use triclosan-containing toothpaste without worrying about its impact on their microbiome.
A new method enables the rapid release of intact cell sheets from a culture dish to damaged tissues, revolutionizing tissue repair. The technique leverages Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces (SLIPS) to induce slipperiness and detach cell sheets in just five minutes.
The American Association of Anatomists has established a new funding mechanism, the Fellows Grant Award Program, with $750,000 in annual awards. Established investigators and young researchers can apply for $25,000 grants to support research proposals submitted to major funding agencies.
Researchers have identified neurotrophin signaling proteins as promising therapeutic targets and biomarkers for childhood cancers. These proteins, including BDNF and NGF, can inhibit tumor growth and make cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy, offering new hope for improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers at the IAC discovered a powerful wind of neutral material in the outer layers of V404 Cygni's accretion disc. This wind regulates accretion, causing shorter outbursts, and has been detected for the first time in a black hole system.
A study led by Amita Sehgal found that a neuropeptide regulates the expression of detoxification genes in both fruitflies and mice, driving feeding behavior and having implications for chronotherapy. The findings suggest that synchrony between brain and peripheral clocks is crucial for maintaining good health.
The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics will lead a university-wide team studying the ethical, legal and social implications of applying genomics to infectious diseases. The grant establishes a Specialized CEER with over $4 million in funding to explore genomic ELSI issues in infectious disease.
Researchers found that host birds only tolerate brood parasite eggs when threatened with retaliation by the parasitic birds. This 'mafia hypothesis' explains why some hosts accept parasitic eggs despite the risk of losing their own young.
A large clinical trial is set to begin in November 2016 to determine the safety and effectiveness of an investigational HIV vaccine regimen. The study, called HVTN 702, will enroll 5,400 adults at risk for HIV infection and assess the regimen's ability to prevent HIV infection among South African adults.
Researchers at CanChild Centre developed an autism classification system that defines levels of social communications ability among children with autism spectrum disorder. The new system, called the Autism Classification System of Functioning: Social Communication, provides a standardized and simplified way for clinicians to talk about...
A team of researchers suggests that increasing HCV treatment rates among people with mild disease could reduce transmission, while targeting those with severe disease has little impact. The studies also highlight the importance of increasing HCV treatments to prevent End Stage Liver Disease and related cancers or deaths
A Queen's University researcher is conducting a study on high-dose selenium supplementation to reduce complications and improve recovery in cardiac surgery patients. The SUSTAIN study aims to show that a simple, inexpensive substance can affect health outcomes.
A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research demonstrates that nicotine suppresses body weight gain in rats independent of food intake. The study suggests a potential link between nicotine exposure and weight regulation, offering insights into the development of obesity pharmacotherapies.
Researchers at York University's OUCH lab found that past and continuing behaviour of parents is the biggest reason for a child's suffering from needle-related anxiety. The study, published in the journal Pain, highlights the importance of developing interventions to help parents support their children during painful medical procedures.
Researchers discover that depression results from deficiencies in both GABA and glutamate signaling, which can be restored with a single dose of ketamine. The study uses a mouse model to develop safer alternatives to current antidepressant medications.
A digital health intervention using email and text messages aimed at improving diet and physical activity had no effect on reducing heart attack risk among a South Asian population. The study found that knowledge of genetic risk was not a motivator for behavior change.
The Samfund, a Boston-based cancer organization, will receive $8,500 from ASTRO for its work in supporting young adult cancer survivors financially. The grant funding will support the development of new financial programs and tools to aid in recovery.
A Carnegie Mellon University software is helping robots cope with clutter, revealing their creativity in solving problems. The rearrangement planner software automatically finds a balance between 'pick and place' and 'push and shove' strategies to efficiently navigate cluttered environments.
A developing tropical storm in the Bay of Bengal has caused massive landslides in south central Sri Lanka, burying three villages. The storm's heavy rainfall and intense rain bands have led to widespread flooding and mudslides, with hundreds feared buried.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new method for preparing and labeling mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that allows them to be tracked using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This breakthrough technology uses a bio-mimicry approach to create an environment similar to the body, enabling MSCs to internalize iron-ox...
A new study found that triclosan exposure causes rapid changes in the gut microbiome of zebrafish, compromising its function. This disruption may contribute to disease development or severity.
Researchers discover USP14 as a promising biomarker for predicting endometrial cancer recurrence. Women with high levels of USP14 are seven times more likely to recur than those with low levels, highlighting the potential for tailored treatment approaches.
Researchers found that some fish species can adjust their metabolisms to warmer temperatures, but not their tolerance for extreme heat. This 'plastic floor' of adaptation has limitations, with fish unable to tolerate temperatures beyond a certain threshold, dubbed the 'concrete ceiling'.
A study published in Virus Evolution found that unconventional transmission routes like semen and breast milk contributed to the tail-end of the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone. The research used real-time sequencing of Ebola virus genomes to track the source of infection for some final cases.
Researchers at Concordia University have discovered a more effective way to treat anxiety disorders by incorporating safety behaviors into therapy. The study found that patients who used new safety behaviors during exposure therapy had better outcomes than those who relied on traditional safety behaviors.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that foreign language teachers often prioritize accuracy over speaking skills, leading to feelings of inadequacy. To address this issue, the study emphasizes the need for professional development programs that cater to different teacher needs and promote collaboration.
Researchers analyzed over 300 samples of Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano cheeses using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. They found that PDO-labeled parmesan contained unique cyclopropane fatty acids, while adulterated products showed different fatty acid profiles.
Researchers found that pregnant females reduce oxidative damage to shield their offspring, which is linked to adult survival in both sexes. The study also suggests that oxidative damage can be a marker for fertility and survival across species.
The NASA-funded Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) captured striking images of Mercury during its May 9, 2016 transit across the sun. By observing this phenomenon, researchers can calibrate IRIS and gather data on the sun's lower atmosphere.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered a new culprit behind heart disease: the fragmentation of elastic fibers within the arterial wall. This finding could revolutionize the way we detect and treat heart disease, as it suggests that traditional strategies may not be effective in addressing the underlying cause.
Scientists have bioprinted a 3-D model of placenta tissue that mimics the organ's complex structure, which could lead to better understanding and treatment options for preeclampsia. The 3D model includes trophoblasts, epidermal growth factor, and other key components, showing improved cell migration towards the growth factor.
Researchers discover large secondary eyes in a spider species enable it to catch larger, more nutritious prey, which may explain the evolution of these enlarged eyes. The findings suggest the spiders' nocturnal nature and reliance on vision to hunt for prey on the ground.
Researchers found that repeated spot microdischarges in microelectronic devices cause a temperature increase, which reduces the electric field and leads to preferential breakdown at the previous discharge location. This study provides insights into the role of residual heat build-up and its impact on device stability.
Researchers from USF have isolated a natural product chemical from an Antarctic sponge that can eliminate over 98% of MRSA cells. The extract, named darwinolide, has shown promise in treating biofilm-based infections, which are resistant to current antibiotics.
The Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest has been a hub for long-term ecological research, revealing the impact of acid rain, clear-cutting, and climate change on forest ecosystems. The research has informed policy measures and inspired collaborations among federal agencies and academic scientists.
CHF patients with predominant central sleep apnea (CSA) are at higher risk for death and unplanned hospitalization, particularly those in the most severe NYHA class. ASV therapy has been shown to be effective in treating CSA, but its impact on mortality rates remains unclear.
Researchers found that a mutation in the protein shell of the John Cunningham polyomavirus can affect the immune system's response to the infection, leading to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This discovery may help prevent the disease in autoimmune patients on immunosuppressant therapies.
Researchers developed SEISE to detect semantic inconsistencies in content, identifying 11,000 infected sites across .edu, .gov, and .mil domains. The technique uses natural language processing to spot differences between expected content and malicious advertising code.
The USDA has announced $21 million available for bioeconomy research and development, focusing on sustainable bioenergy and biobased products. This funding supports regional systems in bioenergy production, education, and training for the next generation of scientists.
A team of researchers from Google DeepMind and the University of Oxford used a navigational game to decode human brain's decision-making processes. They found that brain activity increases with the number of line changes between participants and their destinations, rather than individual stations.
A Monash University-led research team has discovered that about half of the stars in the M4 globular cluster are dying prematurely, skipping the Red Giant phase and becoming White Dwarfs millions of years ahead of schedule. The cause of this phenomenon remains a mystery, but it is believed to only occur in sodium-rich/oxygen-poor stars.
A new species of horned dinosaur, Machairoceratops cronusi, has been discovered in southern Utah with distinctive back spikes. The discovery increases known centrosaurine diversity and may provide insights into the early evolutionary history of horned dinosaurs.
Research suggests that high levels of water hardness in homes may be linked to the development of eczema in early infancy. Living in a hard water area was associated with an up to 87% increased risk of eczema at three months of age, independent of domestic water chlorine content.
Researchers found that MLB pitchers who threw fastballs nearly half of the time were at increased risk for Tommy John surgery. The study also showed no correlation between pitch velocity and risk of injury.
Researchers at Umeá University have developed a new method to directly follow viral infections in living organisms, making infected cells produce fluorescent proteins. This method enables the manipulation of cells to produce specific proteins, allowing for detailed study of immune system responses.
New UB research identifies claiming language by foster parents as a critical factor in helping foster children adapt to new homes. The study shows that when foster parents convey a sense of belonging, it enhances the possibility of successful placement.
Researchers found that taking aspirin immediately after a minor 'warning' event significantly reduced the risk of major stroke over the next few days. The study showed that aspirin also reduced the severity of early strokes by about 70-80%.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that ocelot densities in the Brazilian Amazon may be stable but lower than predicted. The research used camera-trap surveys to estimate ocelot density in a pristine forest area and found an average of 25 ocelots per 100 km2, which is lower than expected for the region.
A team of astronomers discovered a brown dwarf born as a full-fledged star, stripped to its current mass through stellar cannibalism. The brown dwarf was detected in a binary system with a tight orbit around a white dwarf, where the white dwarf's gravity removes about 90% of the companion's mass.
A University of Oklahoma team has developed a new antibiotic formulation that combines traditional antibiotics with polymer BPEI to revive efficacy in obsolete drugs. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce economic burdens by treating MRSA infections.
A new class of styrylbenzene antibiotics, Ramizol®, has been developed to target Clostridium difficile associated disease. The drug stays in the gastrointestinal tract and reaches high concentrations to yield a therapeutic effect, with benefits including low frequency of resistance.
Tropical Cyclone 01B is intensifying with maximum sustained winds of 40 knots, displacing 134,000 persons in the path of the storm. The system has caused record-breaking rainfall in Sri Lanka since its inception on May 14.
Most US local governments gain from oil and gas development due to increased revenue from local property taxes, state severance taxes, and sales tax revenues. However, rural regions face difficulties in keeping pace with rapid industry growth.