Research and patents in biotechnology are increasing steadily across the developing world, with international collaborations playing a key role. The report highlights the growth of biotech papers from sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in infectious diseases research.
A new analysis system developed by Carnegie Mellon University found that nearly half of popular free apps lack a privacy policy, despite processing personally identifiable information. The system also identified inconsistencies in the policies of those that do exist.
A new study presents a promising treatment for tuberculosis by delivering a commonly used drug to the lungs, which is more effective than oral administration at a fraction of the dose. This approach has the potential to reduce toxicity and improve patient outcomes.
The parasite is transmitted by sand fly bites, causing cutaneous, mucosal, or visceral leishmaniasis. Timely diagnosis and treatment with oral miltefosine, heat treatment for CL, and FDA-approved medications are vital to manage the disease.
Portland State University has been awarded a $100,000 grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a new method for stabilizing stool samples. This technology could improve diagnosis and treatment of intestinal parasites in developing countries.
Researchers have developed a biocompatible heterogeneous copper catalyst that can assemble building blocks in a living system, enabling the creation of anti-tumor drugs. The catalyst was tested in biological systems and found to be effective in stopping cell growth and initiating programmed cell death.
The number of people with high blood pressure has nearly doubled in 40 years, with the UK being the European country with the lowest proportion of people with high blood pressure. Research found that men have higher blood pressure than women globally, and that poor nutrition in childhood may contribute to the growing problem.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that breast cancer cells may evade treatment by consuming stem cells from bone marrow, making them difficult to kill. This mechanism could explain cancer recurrence and lead to new treatments, such as delivering toxic agents directly to cancer cells using stem cells as a delivery vehicle.
Researchers have discovered three new species of the enigmatic genus Thorius, which are the smallest tailed tetrapods, with populations declining precipitously over the last 30-35 years. The findings highlight the large number of amphibian species that remain to be discovered and formally described before they are lost.
Researchers found that generic medicines used to treat heart failure can cost significantly different amounts across pharmacies, ranging from $20.19 to $256.77 per month. The study suggests that uninsured patients may struggle to afford these medications due to the wide price variations.
Researchers have developed a new cancer treatment called photoimmunotherapy that combines the immune system with laser energy to target and destroy cancer cells. This innovative technique delivers precise, lethal payloads with minimal collateral damage.
Researchers found that Ceftriaxone reduces synaptic disruption and clears neuronal lines of communication in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid plaques prevent cell communication, leading to nerve cell death. The antibiotic restores glutamate levels, mostly restoring neuronal activity.
The 'Iron Hammer' protein complex plays a crucial role in splitting the two subunits of the ribosome after protein synthesis is complete. The researchers used advanced techniques to reveal the structure of this complex and its interaction with the small ribosomal subunit.
Researchers found that Goffin's cockatoos can make elongated tools of appropriate shape and length out of various materials, including larch wood, leafy beech twigs, and cardboard. The birds demonstrated problem-solving skills by anticipating tool requirements and adapting their techniques to produce functional instruments.
A new study has found heightened concentrations of common substances in drinking water near fracking sites in Pennsylvania. The researchers suggest underground disturbances that could be harbingers of eventual water-quality problems.
Researchers from Scripps Florida have identified a biochemical cascade called the mTOR pathway that regulates growth in the developing brain as a key factor in autism. Mutations in PTEN affect the assembly of connections between brain areas important for social cue processing, leading to abnormal activity and deficits.
A team from Michigan Tech developed an online search engine to explore inactive US patents, which are nearly half of all registered patents. The tool helps inventors and innovators find potential goldmines for new developments.
Researchers found that young adults with ADHD produced more force during continuous motor tasks and had difficulty inhibiting motor responses compared to those without ADHD. This study suggests that inhibitory motor control problems may be a unique identifier for adults with ADHD.
The study models coffee extraction in drip filter machines, considering bed dimensions, flow rates, and grind size distribution. Approximate solutions are used to relate brewing performance with coffee, water, and equipment properties.
Sleeping brain waves form associations between memory components, enabling long-term memory consolidation. Researchers discovered 'Princess Leia' oscillations in the neocortex, peaking in one area and then adjacent areas, facilitating neuronal communication and memory linking.
A study of over 60,000 births in South Australia found that women conceived in winter are more likely to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This seasonal variation has implications for both child and mother health.
A new study from the University of Missouri has found that children who attended preschool have better alphabet recognition skills compared to those who had just begun preschool. On average, children who finished a year of preschool showed a more than 85% improvement in alphabet recognition skills.
Surgeons must take a leadership role in promoting antimicrobial stewardship to address the urgent problem of antibiotic overuse. The World Society of emergency Surgery and the Surgical Infection Society have issued a call to action, urging surgeons to standardize antibiotic use and support multidisciplinary collaborations.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine developed a bioinformatics framework that identified key proteins significantly altered in patients with diabetic kidney disease. The 'MetBridge Generator' framework revealed the protein MDM2 played a key role in disease progression, and its potential as a therapeutic target was discovered.
Researchers confirm massive volcanic eruptions occurred 170-90 million years ago, triggering environmental catastrophes and mass extinctions. The study suggests interaction between deep mantle upwellings and mid-ocean ridges enabled the formation of these massive eruptions.
Research found that using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increased the risk of ischemic stroke by 21 percent, with highest risks seen at higher doses of these commonly prescribed heartburn medications.
Researchers found that shoppers distracted by multitasking are less successful at completing their shopping task, particularly if they're in a deliberate mindset. This study suggests retailers should reduce stress in the shopping environment to improve customer experience.
New research by the University of Kent found that expanding childcare provision can increase public support, while reducing it. The study analyzed data from 22 European countries and discovered a 'virtuous cycle' between policy provision and parental support for childcare.
New research by Boston College marketing professors S. Adam Brasel and Henrik Hagtvedt found that the low usage of animated logos, or agent animation, means there's an opportunity for companies to bring brand personality to life. The successful use of agent animation is determined by the vibe a company gives off.
Researchers developed a computer model to understand the metabolic capabilities of Prochlorococcus, revealing extensive alterations to its metabolism to reduce dependence on phosphorus. The study found that this adaptation provides a growth advantage for the microbe in phosphorus-limited regions of the ocean.
A UK study found that nearly half of stroke patients were not prescribed preventative drugs, including those with high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats. Researchers estimate that up to 12,000 first strokes could be prevented annually through optimal prescribing.
Researchers developed a machine learning classifier to discover membrane-active peptides with diverse sequences. The approach identified new peptides with broad biomedical implications, including immunotherapy and anticancer therapeutics.
A study of 12,703 patients found that same-day discharge after laparoscopic appendectomy resulted in similar postoperative complications and lower readmission rates compared to overnight hospital stays. This approach can lead to significant cost savings, with an estimated annual healthcare savings of $921,500,000 in the US.
The Sexual Medicine Society of North America renamed its Lifetime Achievement Award to honor Dr. Lewis, a pioneer in treating male sexual dysfunction. He made significant contributions to promoting standards and ethics in sexual medicine, serving as president and chairing various committees.
A study found that women at low cardiovascular risk have a significant prevalence of coronary artery calcification, associated with an increased risk of ASCVD and modest improvement in prognostic accuracy compared to traditional risk factors. The presence of CAC was linked to higher risk for CHD and all-cause mortality.
Research suggests that early childhood intervention can reduce the risk of adolescent substance use. Mothers with alcohol problems have lower levels of maternal sensitivity, which can lead to increased problem behaviors in children. Interventions focusing on maternal warmth and sensitivity may be beneficial for preventing adolescent su...
A study published in PLOS Biology investigated the role of noradrenaline, acetylcholine, and dopamine in handling uncertainty. The findings suggest that these brain chemicals enable our brains to learn changing relationships in our environment, predicting future events and executing fast responses.
A team of researchers has developed a new prediction model that uses crowdsourced data from 550 international researchers to provide more accurate prognosis for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The model, called ePCR, was developed through a collaboration between 16 institutions and used a computational le...
Patients with chronic lung disease living in deprived areas are more likely to be malnourished than those from wealthier postcodes. A QUT study assessing 424 outpatients found 22% were at risk of malnutrition, with those from more deprived areas significantly more likely to be at risk.
Researchers found a protein produced by yellow fever and Zika viruses that suppresses the mosquito's immune response, allowing the virus to evade detection. This discovery could lead to new strategies for controlling mosquito-borne diseases like Zika.
Researchers at UT Austin report that conventional flu vaccines may not be effective, and a new class of antibodies could protect against multiple strains. The study discovered a new approach to identifying and quantifying antibodies in human blood, allowing for more precise understanding of vaccine efficacy.
A recent study suggests that the rate of adolescents reporting clinical depression has grown by 37% over the decade ending in 2014, with a notable increase among girls. The findings highlight the need for increased mental health support and targeted interventions to address this growing trend.
Researchers have identified a new receptor in Drosophila flies that detects bacterial infections and triggers an immune response. The discovery adds to our understanding of the insect's innate immunity and provides insights into the human immune system.
A global study found a significant association between rising national income, education expenditures, and declining rates of adolescent childbearing. The median adolescent birth rate dropped by 40% from 1990 to 2012, with the highest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa and lowest in Europe and Central Asia.
A new study has identified BRD4 protein as a crucial driver of breast cancer cell dissemination, offering a promising new target for therapy. The findings may provide hope for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat subtype.
Researchers found that older adults can outperform younger counterparts on certain problem-solving tasks by broadening their attention more easily. This study challenges the common assumption that aging brains require high cognitive control and highlights the potential benefits of reduced focus.
The expert panel concludes that calcium and vitamin D supplements are generally appropriate for those with high risk of insufficiency and in individuals receiving osteoporosis treatment. The evidence favors use of calcium and vitamin D supplements for fracture reduction, particularly in those at greatest risk of insufficiency.
A study found significant price differences for generic heart failure medications among retail pharmacies, with prices ranging from $12 to over $398 for a single drug. This variation raises concerns about the affordability of these essential drugs for those without insurance or restricted access.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found a strong association between a genetic mutation and left ventricular noncompaction, a rare form of heart muscle disease. The study sequenced nearly 5,000 genes in 335 patients with a family history of the disease to identify common genetic variants.
Researchers have discovered evidence of Deepwater Horizon oil in land-based birds, highlighting a link between the ocean spill and a terrestrial ecosystem. The study used carbon dating methods to analyze feathers and gut contents of sea sparrows from affected areas.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has found that mice with a genetic mutation similar to the one affecting human speech also have difficulty producing complex vocal patterns. The study suggests that the FOXP2 gene regulates not only human speech but also mouse vocal communication.
Research reveals that mutations in succinate dehydrogenase lead to distinct disease phenotypes, with tumors showing loss of complex I and impaired cellular fitness. Neurodegeneration, on the other hand, does not result in loss of complex I, leading to a metabolically different phenotype.
A study by the University of Leeds found that Reovirus, a common childhood cough virus, can stimulate the body's immune system to kill off liver cancer cells and the hepatitis C virus. The researchers hope to start clinical trials to test its effectiveness in treating primary liver cancer.
A recent study suggests that individuals with autism may have played an important role in their social groups due to their exceptional memory skills and heightened perception. Collaborative morality, which emerged around 100,000 years ago, allowed for the acceptance and respect of people with autistic traits.
A recent study by ETH Zurich researchers found that high-fat diets during adolescence can disrupt brain maturation, leading to impaired cognitive functions in adulthood. The study used mice and found that even short-term exposure to a high-fat diet caused behavioral problems after just four weeks.
A survey of 1,000 US parents found that 91.5% agreed use of placebo is vital for advancing new treatments, but only a majority accepted it for seven common conditions. The study highlights the need to refresh traditional pediatric therapeutic models to support parental decisions around placebos.
Researchers have identified a small neural circuit in male fruit flies that controls the complex mating ritual, with specific groups of cells controlling distinct steps. The findings suggest a mechanism for separating sex from reproductive function and provide insight into universal principles of nervous system coordination.
A new study from the University of Washington provides insight into how children perceive their social identities in middle childhood. Children aged 7-12 rate gender as more important than race, with their perceptions influenced by personal and societal factors.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum and Malmö University created a hybrid fuel cell and capacitor using biocatalytic processes, generating and storing energy efficiently. The new biosupercapacitor combines energy production and storage, offering high capacity and low weight for potential use in implantable devices.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed lightweight, flexible metal foil-based LEDs for portable ultraviolet light purification of drinking water and sterilization of medical equipment. This technology has the potential to make safe drinking water accessible in remote areas.