Researchers have identified a novel protein, Tmem135, that regulates retinal aging and causes age-dependent diseases like macular degeneration in mice. The study reveals that irregular levels of the protein lead to symptoms of macular degeneration.
Researchers from Berkeley Lab developed a way to image thin-film solar cells in 3D using optical microscopy, revealing internal obstacles that can trap electrons and reduce efficiency. The method has already improved understanding of the benefits of treating CdTe solar cells with cadmium chloride.
Sixty-nine percent of local authorities in England have reduced funding for stop-smoking services due to budget cuts. These services are crucial for smokers' successful cessation, with specialists three times more likely to help them quit.
A team at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals has been awarded a $1.2 million grant to develop methods for identifying mutations that cause inherited diseases and diagnose difficult-to-treat genetic conditions. The project, led by Dr. David Martin, will leverage a new genome sequencing method to improve precision medicine in the state.
A UK-based study found that a large proportion of people at risk for cardiovascular disease were not prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs, despite having a clinical need. The research suggests that improved prescribing practices could potentially prevent up to 12,000 strokes per year in the UK.
Teachers contact parents less often from different racial/ethnic backgrounds, perpetuating existing stereotypes. Math teachers reach parents of Black students over disruptive behavior more frequently than those of White students.
The Origami Diagnostics project aims to detect individuals carrying malaria parasites without symptoms, using a paper microfluidics-based test. The test is 100 times more sensitive and retains low cost and simplicity.
A research team at Cedars-Sinai will use a $1.2 million grant to design a system using remote monitoring to predict heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. By combining different types of data, they aim to identify early signs of cardiovascular disease and empower patients to better manage their conditions.
The UK's civil plutonium stockpile is expected to exceed 140 tonnes by 2020, raising security concerns. A re-examination of the UK's plutonium policy is needed to allow for swift immobilisation and maximize safety, security, and affordability for taxpayers.
A study found hospital admissions for heart attacks in New Orleans were three times higher after Hurricane Katrina compared to before the storm. The study identified additional health problems among post-storm patients, including increased risk of drug abuse, psychiatric diseases, and poor medication adherence.
NASA's GOES-West satellite captured remnant clouds of Tropical Storm Tina, which weakened to a low-pressure area. The storm's remnants are expected to track west and encounter hostile atmospheric conditions, leading to further weakening.
A new definition of pre-diabetes based on hemoglobin A1C levels can help identify individuals at high risk of developing long-term complications from diabetes. The study suggests that this more accurate predictor can encourage lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise, ultimately preventing the development of full-blown diabetes.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who use warfarin are two to three times more likely to develop dementia compared to those without atrial fibrillation. Erratic blood levels of warfarin contribute to the risk, suggesting that managing abnormal heart rhythm may also lower dementia risk.
Researchers have identified a new treatment strategy for MRSA infections that uses a combination of modern-day antibiotics and old-fashioned penicillin to weaken the virulence of the bacteria. This approach has shown promising results in reducing the duration of MRSA sepsis from 3 days to 1.9 days.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions, particularly those with poor health outcomes, with poverty and black race being independent risk factors for amputations. The study highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in PAD treatment and management.
Researchers identified a genetic variant in MYBPC3 that predisposes South Asians to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart condition. Early screening of this variant can help reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death in this population.
A recent UBC study found significant variations in kindergarten vaccination rates across Metro Vancouver, with some areas having rates as low as 60%. The study used Vancouver Coastal Health data and analyzed the impact of location, school type, and other factors on vaccine coverage.
Research by Dr. Przemyslaw Sapieha and colleagues suggests that a diet rich in fat can alter the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and increased risk of wet AMD, a blinding form of age-related macular degeneration. The study provides new insights into the role of gut microbes in disease prevention.
The University of Plymouth is expanding its work supporting farmers and families in rural Kenya after receiving a second grant from Comic Relief. The partnership has already seen the number of shops up and running across the country rise to 77, with the aim of doubling that number by the end of 2018.
Research reveals that consumers use different criteria when buying for themselves versus others, with 'scarcity' cues driving self-purchases and 'popularity' cues influencing gift-buying. Online retailers can tailor promotions to optimize sales by highlighting best-selling products on their website.
Researchers at Australian National University have developed a new way to fabricate high-efficiency semi-transparent perovskite solar cells, which can improve the performance of conventional silicon solar cells. The new fabrication method could increase power output by up to 25% and achieve efficiencies of up to 30%.
Researchers studied 880 MCI patients and found that the majority took at least one medication, with 40% taking four or more. The study highlights the importance of caution when prescribing medications to elderly patients, particularly those with anticholinergic effects.
Researchers have created a mouse model that replicates the human genetic flaw causing infant leukemia, making it easier to study. The model mimics the disease found in humans both phenotypically and molecularly, with all mice developing Pro-B ALL identical to patient cases within 22 weeks.
A new Illinois study makes detailed predictions about an intriguing mechanism of genomic evolution. The researchers modeled the interaction between Alu and L1 elements as a stochastic process, predicting oscillations similar to predator-prey interactions.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2016 found that disrupted sleep, including insomnia, is independently associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed data from three sources and showed a 26% higher risk for those who frequently woke up during the night.
Cardiac surgery patients worldwide have been infected with M. chimaera due to contaminated heater-cooler devices, according to a study published by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
A group of conservation scientists and policy makers are calling for global action to stamp out illegal timber trade. The trade, worth US$30-100 billion annually, accounts for between 15-30% of the global timber market and contributes to forest degradation and loss of biodiversity.
The German Research Foundation has approved funding for three graduate schools at TU Dresden, focusing on making existing buildings more resilient through innovative materials, developing new treatments for type 1 and 2 diabetes, and advancing computer science modeling.
Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new multilevel input layer artificial neural network to predict flight delays. The model outperformed traditional networks in terms of accuracy and training time, predicting delay lengths with about 20% more accuracy than traditional models.
A small study of black children in New Orleans found that neighborhood stressors such as violence and crime were associated with shortened telomere length and cortisol functioning, indicating biological stress. The study highlights the importance of addressing social environmental conditions to reduce health disparities.
A mouse study reveals that prenatal stress can alter the microbiome, leading to anxiety and learning difficulties in offspring. Researchers found lasting changes in the gut bacteria of stressed mothers and their female offspring, which persisted into adulthood.
A new study reveals that 82% of global ecological processes have been impacted by climate change, from genes to entire ecosystems. This has significant implications for conservation efforts and human societies, as consequences include increased pests, disease outbreaks, and unpredictable changes in fisheries.
A new study by researchers at the University of Victoria and Australia's National Drug Research Institute found a statistically significant dose-response relationship between alcohol intake and risk of prostate cancer. Current drinkers who consumed high volumes had an increased risk, even at low-volume drinking levels.
A recent study from Indiana University highlights the challenges of ensuring medical care is consistent with patient preferences. The authors propose practical recommendations to overcome barriers, including documenting specific treatment preferences and reviewing patient records regularly.
Researchers use X-ray laser to study RNA and biomolecules, gaining insights into fundamental cell workings and potential disease treatments. The study opens new paths to understanding how RNA regulates protein production and fine-tunes gene function.
A team of researchers from Aalto University discovered the largest possible q-analog of a Steiner System, a theoretical framework for codes that can be used for efficient data transmission. The breakthrough could lead to more energy-efficient internet connections.
Researchers have identified specific attributes that characterize high-emitting abandoned oil and gas wells, allowing governments to prioritize their repairs. By leaving non-emitting wells alone, states can eliminate the majority of emissions while minimizing costs.
MIT researchers have developed a technique to isolate genetic circuits within individual synthetic cells, preventing interference and enabling controlled communication. This approach allows for the design of complex products or sensors that respond to environmental changes.
The Lancet Countdown is an international research initiative that tracks the impacts of climate change on public health and informs decision-making. It aims to accelerate policy responses to address the growing health risks associated with climate change.
A Colorado State University team is testing a promising new way to clean up PFCs using electrolysis-based technology that harnesses electricity-induced chemical reactions in the groundwater. The method transforms organic compounds into benign substances, offering a game-changing solution for environmental cleanup.
Canadian and European boreal forests have distinct differences in terms of dominant shrubs, animal cycles, and predator-prey dynamics. The research found that climate is the primary factor driving these differences.
A study at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that the tumor suppressor gene quaking (QKI) plays a major regulator role in cancer stem cells of glioblastoma, the deadliest type of brain tumor. QKI impacts cellular activity called endocytosis, allowing glioma stem cells to thrive in inhospitable sites.
A Stanford University study compared battery electric vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in a hypothetical future scenario. The results showed that investing in all-electric battery vehicles is a more economical choice for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Battery electric vehicles offer higher energy efficiency and lower costs...
Researchers found that soy flour, a plant-derived biostimulant, improves broccoli plant growth and nutrient uptake when used as a seed coating. The study showed enhanced biomass, plant height, leaf area, and chlorophyll content in soy flour-coated seeds compared to non-coated controls.
Dr. Wachs' research aims to identify fundamental structure-activity/selectivity relationships for catalysts, guiding the design of advanced catalysts. His team explores direct conversion of natural gas into liquid fuels without oxidizing reagents, offering a promising solution to overcome stranded gas.
A study found that soil respiration rates increase with temperature up to 25°C, but decrease above this threshold. The Arctic and deserts are most responsive to climate warming due to higher carbon storage in soils.
Research reveals that forest fire activity in California's Sierra Nevada has been driven by human land use rather than climate change. The study found four distinct periods of altered fire regimes corresponding to different types of human occupation and land use.
A retrospective observational study of 323 children with cerebral palsy reveals that 9.6% had cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in their blood, six times higher than previously reported
A study by SISSA researchers found that our brains use color to guide food choices, with red foods being perceived as more calorie-dense. The visual system's trichromatic nature and evolutionary history support this preference.
A team of physicists developed a theory that generates mass for all known particles, differing from the standard model Higgs scenario. Their work predicts hundreds of new composite particles to be discovered at future colliders.
Researchers have discovered a method to control the movement of microscopic crystals, enabling precise targeting of diseased organs for drug delivery. The crystals, which exhibit superparamagnetic properties, can be directed using a magnetic field, opening new applications for improving lives.
A recent neuroimaging study found that native Japanese speakers are less affected by visual lip movements when listening to speech, allowing them to focus more on auditory cues. In contrast, native English speakers rely heavily on visual information to process audio-visual speech integration.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive breathalyzer device that detects acetone levels in the breath to monitor blood glucose levels. The device shows clear correlations between blood glucose levels and breath acetone, and could be a great improvement for people with diabetes.
Researchers successfully grew high-quality tomatoes in a Texas A&M AgriLife Research project, producing over 1,500 pounds of tomatoes. The study found that tomato yields were higher in the high tunnel plots than in the field, with the Texas A&M-developed varieties outperforming commercial entries.
Research found that children who experienced childhood abuse or neglect had higher blood pressure and greater variability in blood pressure readings. The study suggests that clinicians should ask patients about childhood adversity and monitor blood pressure variability to identify individuals at risk of adult hypertension.
The NIH-led initiative reviews the use of big data in infectious disease surveillance, combining traditional and non-traditional data sources to provide more accurate and timely information. This approach aims to forecast outbreak sizes and trajectories, enabling better responses to emerging threats.
Testing for HPV types 16 and 18 in women with minor cervical lesions may help determine which patients should be referred to colposcopy. This approach could lead to more precise patient management and reduced healthcare burden.
A non-invasive test measuring odor recognition and recall can identify older individuals at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that participants with poor performance in the test were more likely to have a variant of the APOE gene associated with increased Alzheimer's risk.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center identified a protein called RSK2 as a driver of tumor cell invasion in glioblastoma. Inhibiting RSK2 stops the invasion and enhances chemotherapy effectiveness, offering new hope for patients with this aggressive brain cancer.
Researchers at Numenta compared their biologically-derived HTM sequence memory to traditional machine learning algorithms, demonstrating comparable prediction accuracy. The new paper highlights the algorithm's properties, including continuous online learning and robustness to sensor noise, making it ideal for streaming data applications.