Researchers identified a genetic cause of elevated HDL-C levels that paradoxically increases heart disease risk, contradicting the long-held notion that high HDL is protective. The study's findings have implications for understanding the complex relationship between HDL function and heart disease.
Research associates outdoor air pollution with dry eye disease, finding decreased humidity and increased ozone levels increase DED risk. PM10 was not associated with DED, possibly due to reflex tearing or low environmental levels.
Scientists have discovered how three key molecules interact to generate blood stem cells, a crucial step in developing new treatments for leukaemia and other blood disorders. The breakthrough could lead to personalised blood therapies and reduce the need for bone marrow transplants.
Researchers found that radiation treatment killed 95% of breast cancer cells when delivered during a peak in p53 production, but only 20% when applied during an oscillatory phase. The study suggests that timing may be crucial in understanding the effectiveness of anticancer treatments.
A new learning procedure developed by Robert Gütig enables neural networks to filter out irrelevant sensory impressions and link them to events occurring after a delay. This breakthrough has significant implications for technological applications like automatic speech recognition.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a key kinase receptor in pollen tubes that allows them to detect LURE peptides produced by ovules, guiding fertilization. This finding may lead to improved efficiency of pollen tube growth and increased success rate of fertilization.
A review of bioprospecting studies identifies biosurfactant-producing microorganisms and sustainable production methods to manufacture low-cost biosurfactants from agro-industrial waste. The study highlights the advantages of biosurfactants over chemical counterparts, including higher biodegradability and lower toxicity.
A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that 60% of child care centers do not have staff trained on the benefits of breastfeeding and human milk. The researchers recommend widespread education for child care providers and staff to ensure adherence to breastfeeding support guidelines.
A new study found that gender stereotypes are as strong today as they were 30 years ago, with people believing men avoid traditional female roles. Despite greater diversity, participants continued to strongly stereotype men and women on personality traits, gender role behaviors, occupations, and physical characteristics.
The first vertebrate to be sequenced in Spain, the Turbot has a highly developed sense of sight due to adapting to low light conditions. Its genes show high levels of fat in cellular membranes for cold tolerance, and researchers aim to use this knowledge for genetic selection programs and possible vaccines.
Research from North Carolina State University found that eusocial insects with larger colonies exhibit weaker immune responses. The study suggests that hygiene behaviors play a key role in keeping these insects healthy, rather than just immune systems.
A new review proposes using cheap and quick point-of-care tests to measure beta-amyloid levels in the blood, enabling doctors to deliver personalized care and improving patients' quality of life. The tests could be especially beneficial for patients in developing countries where access to healthcare is limited.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that maternal bacterial infections trigger abnormal proliferation of neurons in the fetal brain, leading to changes in cognitive functioning and increased risk of autism. Treatment with antibiotics like ampicillin may exacerbate these effects.
Innovative chemotherapy delivery methods for brain tumors are explored, including intra-arterial delivery, osmotic disruption, and implantable polymers. These strategies aim to enhance therapeutic agent distribution in the CNS, raising interest in the oncology community.
The Spotted Gar genome is a small and manageable genome that has conserved its genetic material over time, making it an out-group for evolutionary studies. The study reveals the conservation of key genes involved in enamel formation, providing clues to the evolutionary history of gene families and their role in human complex diseases.
Researchers found that subtle changes in the air-water interface shape near the surface of capillaries significantly impact drying rates. By controlling microstructure, drying time can be improved. The study's findings could lead to more efficient porous materials for various industries.
Vanderbilt researchers have identified a new antibody treatment for H7 avian flu with remarkable neutralizing potency, potentially offering short-term protection to people exposed or infected by the virus. The antibodies were isolated from human monoclonal antibodies generated in response to an experimental bird flu vaccine.
A new generation of anti-cancer drugs is being designed with an agent to inhibit resistance to their effectiveness. The research identified a specific mechanism to target drug pumps in cancer cells, leading to more effective treatment options. This breakthrough could improve outcomes for patients with therapy-resistant cancers.
Researchers developed a new photocatalyst system boosting hydrogen production by up to 3.5 times, using ferrite to enhance charge carrier separation and oxidative reaction kinetics.
A new Harvard University study suggests that early humans processed meat with stone tools to reduce chewing effort, allowing for a higher-quality diet and eventual emergence of hunting and gathering. By slicing meat and pounding vegetables, researchers found a significant reduction in the number of chews required per day.
A researcher at Indiana University has been awarded $1.1 million to develop information-based tools to improve primary care for patients with chronic pain, a condition affecting 100 million Americans annually. The project aims to create prototypes for clinical decision support and electronic health record management.
Researchers are testing SPI-1005, an oral drug containing ebselen, as a potential treatment for bipolar disorder. The treatment has shown promise in addressing the lack of effective options for patients with this condition.
Hailing Jin, a UC Riverside professor of plant pathology and microbiology, received $1.25 million from the National Institutes of Health to study small RNA machinery in plant immunity. She will also receive $700,000 from the National Science Foundation to investigate RNA trafficking pathways between pathogens and hosts.
Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital has reduced the average length of stay for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) from 28 days to 8.5 days through non-pharmacological care, resulting in $5.4 million savings. Morphine treatment was also decreased from 98% to 44%.
Researchers discovered Asian bat species have lower levels of infection and fungal loads compared to North American bats, suggesting host resistance as a possible explanation. This finding provides hope that some declining North American bat species could evolve resistance to the devastating disease.
A study found that gamers playing violent video games recalled 51% fewer corporate brand names than those playing the same game with nonviolent goals. The study also discovered that when players' goal is killing, they notice little else - including corporate brands.
A CWRU researcher is using plant viruses to detect and treat aggressive prostate and breast cancers. The lab will customize tobacco mosaic virus to target biomarkers of prostate cancer and deliver chemotherapy deep into breast tumor tissue.
A study in the American Journal of Pathology finds that serotonin deficiency is associated with worse rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms and pathology in mice. Serotonin or its agonists can reduce RA effects, suggesting a new therapeutic target for this debilitating disease.
African-American adults are at higher risk of developing hypertension, with nearly half being at risk. Researchers from UTA aim to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop treatment strategies to combat hypertension.
Researchers use stable hydrogen isotope signatures to determine the origin and time of arrival for invasive Japanese beetles. The technique helps answer questions about control efforts and informs management decisions.
Ultra-processed foods contribute nearly 90% of all dietary added sugar intake, making up over half of the US calorie consumption. Research found a strong linear association between ultra-processed food intake and overall added sugar consumption.
A Concordia University study found that education and daily stair climbing can significantly slow down brain age, reducing the appearance of grey matter loss by 0.95 years per year of education and 0.58 years per flight of stairs climbed.
Researchers have developed a tailored small molecule that dramatically reduces brain damage after a stroke by inhibiting the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the brain. The study shows a 70% reduction in stroke severity when tested in rats.
Five scientists, including Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, received the Warren Alpert Foundation Prize for their work on CRISPR, a powerful tool for rapidly determining gene function and democratizing gene editing. The discovery has enormous potential for developing new therapies, including treatments for genetic diseases.
A UT Dallas study found that students who were bullied in third grade did not have a greater risk of using drugs or alcohol by ninth grade. However, children who experienced the highest level of victimization smoked cigarettes or used alcohol at higher rates than high school peers.
Researchers have created a 3D map of interstellar dust reddening across three-quarters of the visible sky using data from almost one billion stars. This map reveals the structure and history of our galaxy, including the distribution of dust in the disk and the presence of ghostly trails indicating collisions with other galaxies.
A new study suggests that mindful eating can improve glucose levels and heart health, even beyond weight loss. Researchers found greater improvements in cardiometabolic outcomes tied to Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease with a mindfulness-based weight-loss intervention.
A new eight-week intervention program, called the Early Childhood Friendship Project (ECFP), has been shown to significantly reduce relational bullying and aggressive behavior in preschoolers. The ECFP uses puppets, stories, and activities to teach social skills and empathy.
A Norwegian study found that women who experienced childhood sexual abuse are 22% more likely to stop breastfeeding before four months. Women exposed to multiple types of violence have a 41% greater chance of stopping early. Breastfeeding helps mothers' health, but trauma can hinder it.
Almost one-third of lemurs in Madagascar are kept as illegal pets, posing a threat to conservation efforts. Investigators found 302 captive lemur sightings and 15% of hotels with illegal captive lemurs advertised to tourists.
A new study by the University of Houston found that supervisor and co-worker attitudes significantly impact working mothers' decisions to breastfeed. Women with supportive supervisors were eight times more likely to continue exclusive breastfeeding. The study highlights the importance of workplace climate in supporting breastfeeding mo...
A study by Penn State researchers found that older adults who recalled more robots in films had lower anxiety toward robots. The researchers suggest that incorporating features reminiscent of Hollywood portrayals, such as human-like interfaces and sympathetic designs, may ease apprehension toward robots.
A team of researchers is using computational models and data from actual patients to understand C. difficile colonization and infection. They aim to develop tools to prevent and treat infections that kill thousands annually.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) was effective in preventing malaria in pregnancy, with no reported cases among women taking monthly doses. The therapy showed better results than sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), a widely used but ineffective option due to widespread ...
A study of 31,951 US veterans found that older adults initiating warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of traumatic intracranial bleeding. Several factors, including dementia and labile INR, were identified as risk contributors.
A new Scripps Research Institute study has identified specific genetic variations associated with increased susceptibility to bipolar disorder and other conditions. The research focuses on a gene called PDE10A, which produces proteins that regulate intracellular levels of cAMP, influencing biological processes like learning and memory.
Research reveals widespread use of meldonium among elite athletes, with up to 490 athletes taking the substance during the Baku 2015 European Games. The study highlights that meldonium was detected in athletes competing in 15 out of 21 sports and that its use was significantly underreported.
Researchers found that early childhood is a protected period from the negative effects of disadvantaged neighborhoods on health outcomes. The study suggests that increasing intervention during this time could ensure cardio-metabolic health in the future.
Researchers at Cardiff University have successfully transplanted human stem cells into rabbits with corneal blindness, repairing the front of the eye and restoring vision. The study demonstrates the generation of multiple eye tissues, including the lens, cornea, and conjunctiva, from human induced pluripotent stem cells.
Researchers found that dose-dense adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival after ten years by nearly a third compared to standard interval regimens. Dose-dense chemotherapy was not associated with an increased risk of treatment-induced amenorrhea, and it seemed effective irrespective of hormone receptor status.
A report by an expert panel highlights the need for new approaches to tackle the US opioid epidemic, including multimodal pain management and optimizing health outcomes. The panel also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, patient advocates, and legislators to address this growing public health issue.
Research by UTHealth found that hot weather significantly impacts the health of migratory farmworkers, with a higher likelihood of visiting clinics on hot days. The study suggests heat stress may be more significant in Texas due to its hotter summers.
The new laser-based tracking system HYPERION enables aircraft and UAVs to transmit vital data securely and efficiently. With its optimised range of 1km and potential to extend this, HYPERION could aid disaster relief efforts by allowing for real-time access to mission data.
Researchers have elucidated new factors influencing particle deposition via solvent evaporation, crucial for microchip production. The study found that interplay between solvent convection and nanoparticle collective diffusion governs particle recede at contact lines.
A Georgia Tech study found that Instagram's ban on pro-eating disorder terms led to communities rallying around censored words, driving up participation by 30%. Researchers suggest allowing banned terms to be searchable with recovery-related links or tweaking search algorithms instead.
A new study from the University of Bristol finds that educational neuroscience lacks concrete benefits for teaching and child progress in classrooms. The research criticizes the use of brain scans and other methods without solid evidence to support their effectiveness.
Researchers developed a statistical model to predict in-hospital mortality after TAVR based on over 13,000 patients. The model includes factors like age, glomerular filtration rate, and hemodialysis, providing valuable information for patient counseling and quality improvement.
A new computational method, CORDA, models tissue-specific metabolic pathways by assigning a cost to reactions without experimental data. Researchers found key differences in metabolic similarities between healthy and cancerous tissues, including up-regulation of folate metabolism.
Assistant Professor Voot Yin has identified the role of microRNA miR-101a in stimulating heart muscle cell growth and removing scar tissue. This breakthrough research holds promise for developing new drugs to regenerate damaged heart tissue and potentially treating other diseases involving muscle damage.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that a low-cost, urine test to diagnose tuberculosis among patients with HIV could save thousands of lives per year in sub-Saharan Africa. The test, which provides results in 25 minutes and costs $2.66, showed an absolute reduction of 4% in TB death rate among patients with HIV.