Researchers developed a new approach to prostate cancer treatment using vessel-sparing radiation combined with MRI. The technique reduces side effects such as erectile dysfunction and bladder or rectal irritation while achieving high cure rates.
Researchers found that tau tangles are a better indicator of dementia in late-stage Alzheimer's disease, correlating with cognitive deficits and cerebrospinal fluid tau levels. PET imaging also showed stronger associations between tau deposits and amyloid plaques than previously thought.
A study of 6,671 individuals found lower rates of self-harm and unintentional injuries among those taking lithium compared to other mood stabilizers. Lithium may reduce impulsive aggression in addition to stabilizing mood.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that slow gait speed before surgery is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity following cardiac surgery. For each 0.1 meter/second decrease in gait speed, there was an 11% relative increase in operative mortality.
A doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania has identified a new species of fossil dog, Cynarctus wangi, found in Maryland. The specimen, dating back to 12 million years ago, represents a distinct species from the extinct subfamily Borophaginae.
A US study found that a gender-equity program involving both husbands and wives reduced marital sexual violence while improving contraceptive practices in rural India. The CHARM program demonstrated the effectiveness of including men in family planning counseling.
A UA computer engineering researcher is developing a guided simulation model to train surgeons on minimally invasive robotic systems. The system uses visual and haptic force guidance to help correct depth perception mistakes, reducing the risk of serious damage during complex procedures.
Researchers from Kobe University identified enzymes that convert 3-hexenal into 2-hexenal, reducing the grassy odor in tomatoes. This breakthrough can be used to produce sweet tomatoes with less unpleasant fragrance.
A Canadian study reveals ICU caregivers are at high risk of developing clinical depression and emotional distress after patient discharge. The study highlights the need to consider mental health in post-ICU care, finding that caregiver characteristics and situation play a significant role in determining outcomes.
Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have discovered that the intracellular domain of serotonin type 3A receptors can assemble into stable pentamers, suggesting a new approach to treating diseases such as epilepsy, anxiety, and Alzheimer's. This breakthrough may enable targeted therapies without undesired effects.
The study provides unprecedented molecular views of the critical early events in gene expression, positioning RNA polymerase to start transcription. The researchers captured human PICs in three functional states, revealing new structural elements and insights into DNA engagement, promoter melting, and transcription bubble stabilization.
Researchers have developed mouse models of Zika infection in pregnancy, revealing that the virus causes significant damage to the placenta and leads to fetal demise or stunted growth. High levels of viral genetic material were found in placentas, highlighting the importance of understanding how Zika affects pregnant women.
Research from the University of South Carolina found that fast casual restaurants have a higher average calorie count than fast food establishments. The study analyzed menus at 34 fast food and 28 fast casual restaurants, finding that fast casual entrées averaged 561 calories compared to 760 for fast food.
In a groundbreaking discovery, Czech researchers found the first case of ovoviviparity in long-horned beetles from Borneo, resulting in three new genera and four species descriptions. The study reveals high morphological diversity in this lineage, challenging current knowledge on beetle reproduction.
Research found a significant increase in first-time stroke hospitalizations among young Danish adults between 1994 and 2012. The study suggests lifestyle-related risk factors, such as diabetes and obesity, may contribute to this trend.
A genome-wide association analysis of over 1,000 UK twins found that some parts of the microbiome are inherited through genes. The study identified more than a dozen microbes with known links to health that are heritable.
Researchers analyze the Kepler-223 star system, finding a unique orbital configuration similar to that of Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. The study suggests that the four planets may have migrated through a disk, getting stuck and maintaining their current orbits, which differs from the formation process of Earth's inner planets.
Researchers at Université de Genève identified a protein Mac1 that plays a key role in recycling photosystem I components to recover iron. In response to nutrient deficiencies, the alga dismantles its photosystems and recycles some of their components.
The IsoPSA test detects prostate cancer by identifying molecular changes in the prostate specific antigen (PSA) protein. It also differentiates between high-risk and low-risk disease, as well as benign conditions.
Researchers study concentrated storms causing extreme flooding in urban areas and high methane emissions from the Bakken oil field. Scientists also investigate black carbon in oceans and its impact on marine life. Additionally, a new study reveals that half of streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin originates as groundwater.
A new study highlights the urgent need for the US to step up forest pest prevention measures, as imported pests cause over $2 billion in damages annually. Strengthening prevention efforts could alleviate economic burdens on homeowners and municipalities while safeguarding US trees.
A new report by The Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing reveals that unsafe sex has become the fastest-growing risk factor for ill health among young people aged 10-24 years. Guaranteeing access to free quality secondary education is identified as a single best investment to improve adolescent health.
Researchers have identified a snitch that reveals cancer cells to the immune system by producing interferon, activating macrophages and T cells to kill cancer cells. MUS81 enzyme plays a crucial role in this process, triggering an immune response in cancer cells.
A five-minute brain activity test predicted language learning speed in adults with 60% accuracy. Researchers believe neurofeedback training can be used to strengthen desirable brain patterns and improve language learning.
The American Psychological Association's special issue explores the importance of psychology in promoting healthy aging, preventing dementia, and ensuring retirement security. Researchers examine the impact of ageism, financial exploitation, and family dynamics on older adults' well-being.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that electronic monitoring significantly increased hand-hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. However, compliance rates dropped when monitoring was stopped, highlighting the need for a broader strategy to sustain improvement.
Researchers will field test breath markers in high-malaria areas Malawi, Bangladesh, and others. The goal is to develop a simple, painless breath test to identify asymptomatic carriers.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab engineered a strain of bacteria that enables a one-pot method for producing advanced biofuels from plant material, simplifying the production process and potentially lowering costs. The breakthrough could help make biofuels a viable competitor to fossil fuels.
A new study finds that acidification can make low oxygen even more deadly for fish, forcing them to use coping mechanisms at higher oxygen levels. This doubles the threat, as fish are also vulnerable to predators and equilibrium loss when exposed to both stressors.
Fred Trotter, a healthcare journalist and author, has been awarded the Health Data Liberator award for his work in liberating health data. His efforts have led to the release of multiple datasets to help researchers, journalists, and companies provide data-backed healthcare solutions.
Research finds TB transmission in mongooses occurs through social behavior, with scent marks and urine allowing pathogen spread. Smaller social groups are most threatened by the disease.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to modulating synapses using graphene flakes, which buffer activity without acting on the brain or neurosurgery. The method is selective for excitatory synapses and could be used to target certain diseases with non-invasive treatments.
A review of scientific literature found that only 8% of student athletes who experienced hazing labeled the behavior as such. Meanwhile, 71% reported negative consequences, including physical and psychological issues. Experts stress the importance of educating athletes to distinguish between hazing and positive team building.
A novel intraocular therapy has been shown to prevent or reverse diabetic retinopathy in mice by increasing ACE-2 expression. The study found that the therapy reduced pro-inflammatory cells and reversed vascular degeneration, suggesting a potential new treatment for blindness and other vascular diseases.
The US saw a significant loss of honey bee colonies, with commercial and small-scale beekeepers losing 44.1% of their colonies over the course of the year. The main cause of these losses is the varroa mite, which can easily spread between colonies.
Researchers at University of Chicago have developed a new device that captures trapped electrons and manipulates them using superconducting quantum circuits. The team successfully holds electrons in place for up to 12 hours, leveraging the unique properties of liquid helium to isolate individual electrons.
Two patients with liver metastasis from melanoma survived for at least 8.5 and 12 years after receiving patient-specific immunotherapeutic vaccines. The vaccines were derived from the patients' own dendritic cells loaded with proteins isolated from their tumors. Co-Editor-in-Chief Donald J. Buchsbaum, PhD, describes these results as
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that excessive alcohol use can accelerate liver damage in people living with hepatitis C. The research suggests that comprehensive approaches to care are needed for these patients, including increased diagnosis and effective interventions to reduce alcohol use.
Researchers project a fourfold increase in fire probability by century's end, with tundra and forest-tundra boundary most vulnerable. Increased fires could release stored carbon into atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.
Researchers presented findings from the SOCRATES trial, which tested ticagrelor against aspirin for reducing further strokes. The study showed that ticagrelor did not significantly reduce second strokes or death. In contrast, a lower dose of intravenous rtPA reduced serious brain bleeding by two-thirds and improved survival rates. Addi...
Scientists have successfully enhanced reaction velocity constants for proteins turning into toxic substances by 1,000 times using ultrasonic irradiation. This breakthrough can be applied to early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at George Washington University have developed a new system using optogenetics to control human heart cells, enabling the fast testing of potential new drugs. The technique can test 30,000 cells in under 10 minutes, streamlining a primarily manual process and reducing timeline from hours or years to minutes.
A new study published in Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques shows that robotic video-assisted lung resection achieves comparable outcomes to conventional VATS and preserves more healthy lung tissue. The robotic approach allows for fewer conversions to open thoracotomy and more lymph nodes retrieved for testing.
A study by the University of Cincinnati's James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy uses mathematical modeling to predict chemical compound behavior in biological tissues, such as skin. This approach enables researchers to test cosmetic or consumer products virtually, reducing the need for animal testing.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have devised a method to selectively deliver drugs to a pregnant woman's placenta without harming the foetus. This breakthrough could help prevent some premature births and treat conditions such as pre-eclampsia by improving placental function and benefiting the growing baby.
A new study suggests that statins, commonly used to lower cholesterol, can reduce the burden of infection in Lyme disease reservoir hosts, potentially leading to a decrease in human cases. Researchers hope to modify statins to primarily affect the survival of Lyme disease bacteria.
Researchers at CNIC have discovered a crucial mechanism underlying the contractile structures in both hearts and skeletal muscles. The study reveals how Chd4/NuRD acts as a molecular key to shut down one muscle program in another, leading to hybrid striated muscles that can cause severe myocardiopathies and polymyositis-type myopathies.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that repeat ketamine infusions decreased and, for some, eliminated suicidal thoughts in outpatients with treatment-resistant depression. Seven participants achieved complete remission of suicidal thoughts, and two maintained remission throughout the follow-up period.
Scientists have developed a system that can efficiently transfer electrical energy between separated circuits using metamaterials. This breakthrough enables wireless charging of mobile devices at longer distances than current technology.
The northern Galapagos Islands of Darwin and Wolf are home to the largest shark biomass reported to date, indicating a healthy marine ecosystem. However, excessive fishing has reduced reef fish abundance, highlighting the need for strong enforcement of the new marine sanctuary.
The BMJ OnExamination tool helps overseas nurses prepare for the NMC's Test of Competence, a mandatory computer-based test. After passing the test, they can register with the NMC and practice in the UK.
Researchers have developed low-cost temperature sensors to help local authorities make targeted gritting decisions. The sensors can detect significant temperature differences across a county, enabling localized decisions about when and where to apply salt, potentially saving £100 million per year.
Stem cells can be stimulated to produce special cartilage that aids in repairing severely broken bones. Cartilage production helps bridge larger gaps and even transforms into bone throughout the lesion.
A recent study found that junk food diets can cause significant damage to the kidneys, similar to type 2 diabetes. The research used animal models and found that certain glucose transporters were present in higher numbers in rats with type 2 diabetes, but also increased after consuming high-fat or junk food diets.
Researchers used pharmacologic modeling and simulation to calculate optimal drug doses for a clinical trial of ependymoma patients. The approach led to the development of a successful phase I clinical trial with a recommended dose of 500mg/m2 body surface area administered weekly.
Researchers discovered a new factor in seizure escalation: estrogen synthesis in the brain. Aromatase inhibitors showed promise in suppressing seizures without negative side effects, promising a novel therapeutic approach.
A study published in JAMA found that the BMI value associated with lowest all-cause mortality has increased by 3.3 points over three decades, from 1976-1978 to 2003-2013. The risk for all-cause mortality decreased among obese individuals, with an optimal BMI of 27 or greater found in recent cohorts.
Research associates BPD with higher rates of STI/HIV transmission and multiple partnerships, particularly fear of abandonment and impulsivity symptoms. The study highlights the need for proper assessment and diagnosis of BPD to develop targeted interventions for this population.
The discovery of the world's oldest-known axe in Australia pushes back the date of hafted axes by thousands of years. Early Aboriginal technology was not as simple as previously thought, with evidence suggesting it developed in Australia after people arrived around 50,000 years ago.
A new study from University of Pennsylvania researchers found that proper nutrition during childhood has a positive impact on social behaviors and development. The study analyzed 1,795 3-year-old children in Mauritius and found that those with better nutritional status had improved social behavior and cognitive function.