Researchers at MIT propose a hybrid system that combines coal gasification and fuel cells to boost efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The system achieves efficiencies up to 55-60%, compared to conventional plants' 30% efficiency.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that quality of care varied significantly among eight commercial virtual visit companies, with differences in diagnosis accuracy and adherence to guidelines. The variation was greater for certain conditions, such as viral pharyngitis and acute rhinosinusitis.
Researchers from Yale, Oxford, and Imperial College London describe a new species of ancient arthropod that carried its young in capsules tethered to its body. The creature, named Aquilonifer spinosus, lived about 430 million years ago and had unique brooding strategies to protect its eggs and embryos from predators.
A new study suggests that traditional ballet practices may be counterproductive for young dancers, particularly late-maturing girls. The researchers propose adopting a 'bio-banding' approach to training, grouping individuals by biological rather than chronological age, to better support their development and reduce injury risk.
Researchers found that social media campaigns can attract attention worldwide but do not necessarily lead to significant fundraising or action. The study suggests that the visibility of social media messages is often not matched by a corresponding increase in donations.
A study of seven cases with severe myasthenia gravis found that autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation resulted in long-term symptom-free remission. The treatment was previously used for other autoimmune conditions, suggesting its potential as a therapy for MG.
The NIH has awarded six grants to study the molecular mechanisms behind combination vaccine adjuvants, which improve vaccine effectiveness and could lead to new treatments for diseases like HIV and tuberculosis. Researchers will explore how individual adjuvants work in combination and how synergies between them can be optimized.
A recent study found that surgery to remove overactive parathyroid glands is associated with significantly fewer bone fractures compared to treatment with bisphosphonate medications. This suggests that medication may not be the most effective option for treating hyperparathyroidism, which is a leading cause of osteoporosis.
Patients undergoing parathyroid surgery experienced fewer hip fractures and fractures of any type compared to those receiving bisphosphonates. Surgery also improved bone mineral density, while bisphosphonates had no impact on fracture risk.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to make highly aligned, wafer-scale films of densely packed single-walled carbon nanotubes. The thin films offer possibilities for making flexible electronic and photonic devices, such as bendable computer chips.
A 20-member scientific panel warns that increases in global carbon dioxide emissions are acidifying waters of the North American West Coast at an accelerating rate, with severe ecological consequences anticipated. The panel recommends a coordinated regional management strategy to mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification.
Researchers argue that Wendell Scott's racing career was a form of political practice for moving freely in the segregated South. The study highlights the struggle for equal rights and access to transportation today, particularly for people of color.
A pilot study found that mindfulness-based eating awareness training encouraged adolescents to eat healthier and exercise more. While the intervention had some limitations, it showed promise in reducing weight gain risk and improving physical activity levels.
University of Washington researchers found that official Twitter accounts can correct misinformation and slow the spread of rumors, using cases involving alleged police raids in Australia and a WestJet flight hijacking. The study suggests empowering social media managers to respond quickly to crises with verified information.
Two studies from Massachusetts General Hospital suggest that targeting both VEGF and Ang-2 pathways can normalize tumor blood vessels and shift immune cells towards an anti-tumor state. This approach has shown promise in slowing glioblastoma growth and improving survival rates.
A value-based insurance plan in Connecticut boosted employee use of targeted preventive services by 13.5 percentage points and reduced emergency room visits, leading to potential cost savings over time.
Researchers at Marshall University have found that blocking small cell lung cancer tumors' blood supply can delay their growth and regrowth after treatment. Synthetic molecules like MG624 show promise in delaying cancer relapse and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that robot avatars using multi-modal communication, combining speech and iconic hand gestures, are as easily understood as human actors. The study demonstrated that avatars can convey their message more effectively when using gestures with speech.
A team of NIH doctors detailed a severe case of Ebola virus disease involving the central nervous system. Despite multi-organ failure, the patient survived with intensive supportive care, highlighting near complete recovery is possible with such care alone.
Researchers used a sophisticated computer model to show that vibrations generated by large slides can cause tons of rock to flow like a fluid, enabling it to rumble across vast distances. The study found that the vibrational waves reduce the effect of friction acting on the slide, enabling it to travel further than smaller slides.
Researchers created a world-record small diode using DNA molecules, opening doors to new electronic devices and potentially solving Moore's Law limitations. The breakthrough enables the development of molecular electronics, which may revolutionize computing hardware.
Research reveals that bilingual babies exhibit stronger brain responses to speech sounds compared to monolingual peers. Bilingualism is shown to shape cognitive development and improve executive function skills, with babies displaying sensitivity to both languages from 11 months of age.
Losmapimod, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, failed to show cardiovascular benefits in patients hospitalized with acute MI. The trial found no reduction in recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality among patients treated with losmapimod compared to placebo.
A new app developed by UCI researchers enables patients to create personalized scores for nursing homes, leading to differences in choice and ranking compared to the government's five-star system. The study suggests that patients may benefit from a more tailored approach to choosing a nursing home.
A new study has found that neuroligin-2 may contribute to chronic pain by disrupting the body's inhibitory networks. This discovery provides a second theory for what drives the GABAergic system's loss of efficacy in people with chronic pain.
Recent studies on red raspberries suggest the fruit's potential in reducing cardiovascular disease risk, maintaining normal blood glucose levels and liver function, while also exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects related to bone health. The research was presented at the 2016 Experimental Biology conference.
A new study using eye-tracker technology shows that children with autism spectrum disorder fixate longer on a speaker's mouth rather than the eyes when the conversation turns emotional. The findings could affect speech therapy treatment, as children with ASD may miss social cues in facial expressions.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a cutting-edge solution for radiologists using Deep Learning technologies. The lab has created tools to facilitate computer-assisted diagnosis of X-rays, CTs and MRIs, freeing up time for complex cases.
Researchers have discovered a molecular fingerprint of some deadly cancers, including a genomic configuration called the tandem duplicator phenotype (TDP) that is enriched in triple-negative breast cancer and other types. This TDP is sensitive to cisplatin chemotherapy and can be scored using a genome-based formula.
Millennials with higher deductible spending are the most frequent comparison shoppers for healthcare services. The study found that women and younger adults use price transparency tools more than others.
A recent study found that an investigational drug called CMX-2043 showed no improved protection for the kidneys of patients undergoing angiograms. The trial, which recruited over 300 patients, tested four different doses of the drug to prevent contrast-induced kidney injury.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that afatinib significantly extended time to disease progression in patients with advanced urothelial cancer and at least one of two specific genetic abnormalities. The treatment also showed promise for patients without these mutations, although the response rate was lower.
A groundbreaking concept proposes using electron spins in semiconductors for information processing, enabling quantum computing and reducing energy consumption. The research team achieved long-distance spin transport in a semiconductor quantum well, controlling spin precession speed with an external gate voltage.
Scientists at the University of Helsinki and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have successfully grown iron nanoparticles in a cubic shape. The researchers used a mathematical model to understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, which is thermodynamically unexpected.
Researchers found improved survival rates for acute liver failure patients, with overall survival increasing from 67% to 75%, and survival without a transplant rising from 45% to 56%. Transplant success also improved, with survival rates reaching 96%.
Researchers have developed a stem cell repair system similar to salamander limb regeneration, capable of regenerating human tissue damaged by injury, disease or ageing. The technique involves reprogramming adult fat cells into induced multipotent stem cells (iMS) that can repair multiple tissue types.
A high-quality protein diet, including lean beef, can improve balance, lower-body strength and walking speed in obese older adults with limited ability to exercise. This study supports the benefits of protein-enhanced meals for fostering improvements in physical function during periods of weight loss.
Researchers successfully designed and built a molecule that mimics the behavior of rhodopsin, a crucial protein in vision. This breakthrough could lead to new technologies by bypassing cell communication mechanisms.
A recent NTU EOS study found a pattern to slow fault movements that may precede large earthquakes. This discovery could improve seismic monitoring and forecast large earthquakes in Southeast Asia.
Pediatric researchers identified a new syndrome causing intellectual disability, linked to a mutation in the TBCK gene. A potential targeted treatment using an amino acid supplement has been proposed based on cell studies.
A critical review of literature suggests that just half the recommended exercise level can lead to marked health benefits. Experts challenge current guidelines to update recommendations and highlight the importance of individualized prescriptions considering unique characteristics and needs.
A study by GFZ researchers reveals that Earth's internal heat is responsible for the rapid flow of Greenland's ice, driven by a geothermal anomaly that originated from the Icelandic mantle plume. The anomaly creates a region with abundant subglacial meltwater, lubricating the base of the ice and making it flow rapidly.
Neuroscientists at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown in Lisbon report novel findings that challenge the way the scientific community has been thinking about how actions are selected and habits are formed. The study reveals that two competing pathways in the Basal Ganglia work concurrently to promote distinct, positive outcomes.
A study found that commercial bumble bee pollination operations coincided with infections and declines in wild bumble bees. The fungus, N. bombi, was present in the US as early as 1980, well before wild bumble bee species began to decline.
Caribbean coral reefs face mounting pressure from global warming, local pollution, and over-fishing of herbivorous fish. A new study suggests that implementing size limits and catch limits can help maintain reef resilience. The research provides tools for fisheries managers to revise current practices and sustain fishers' livelihoods.
Researchers have demonstrated that nanoscale electronic components can be made from single DNA molecules, representing a promising advance in the search for a replacement for silicon chips. The discovery may lead to smaller, more powerful and more advanced electronic devices.
The report from MGH and Partners HealthCare examines the first decade of a Shared Decision Making Program, which aims to match patients with the right treatment at the right time. The program has seen significant increases in patient engagement and clinician confidence, particularly after integrating decision aids into routine care.
New research highlights the key role of existing coral reef biodiversity in facilitating rapid adaptation to climate change. The study found that natural selection of existing biodiversity is essential for coping with rising seawater temperatures and other stressors threatening coral reefs.
A nationwide study found that a web-based program improved relationship satisfaction and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in 300 couples. The program, developed by University of Miami psychologists, was completed online with minimal calls with project staff, offering an affordable alternative to traditional counseling.
The FIRE AND ICE trial showed that radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation are equally effective in treating atrial fibrillation, with similar rates of recurrence and no significant differences in safety outcomes. Cryoballoon patients were more likely to experience phrenic nerve injury, but this was rare and resolved in most cases.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified a new biochemical process that controls lung function and contraction during asthma. Disrupting this process can prevent airway narrowing and maintain normal lung function.
A new study found that two common treatments for post-operative atrial fibrillation, rhythm control and rate control, are equally safe and effective. The study, conducted by the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network, showed that both strategies were associated with low rates of complications and no difference in hospital days.
Researchers at TSRI isolated a unique Treg cell from a mouse model of type 1 diabetes and discovered it originates in the thymus, giving rise to two functional states: an nTreg with active FoxP3 and a pre-nTreg without. This discovery opens new avenues for developing novel therapies to prevent autoimmune diseases.
A new study by researchers from the University of South Florida found that certain types of training can improve driving skills in older adults. The training, known as SPT, improved mental quickness and attention, leading to increased driving frequency among participants.
A phase 1b clinical trial shows that an experimental therapy can control pancreatic cancer tumors well enough to make patients eligible for surgery. The treatment, PF-04136309, was found to be safe and effective when combined with chemotherapy.
A new theory predicts the mechanical response of shells, from small pharmaceutical capsules to large airplane bodies. By controlling a few key variables, engineers can create uniformly smooth shells with precisely tailored thickness, with applications far beyond the chocolate shop.
Rice University bioengineer Jeffrey Tabor has developed next-generation sensors using bacterial two-component systems to probe the gut for early signs of inflammation. The technology aims to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.
A new study has identified a pattern of brain activity linked to memory problems in people with schizophrenia. The findings provide evidence that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is compromised in patients with schizophrenia and may be a specific target for treatment.
Researchers identified a gene mutation increasing superoxide production, which damages DNA and cellular components. The study also shows the importance of understanding living systems and developing therapies for patients with related gene mutations.
A new University of Miami-led study found significant increases in flooding frequency in Miami Beach over the last decade due to accelerated sea-level rise. The researchers suggest using regional sea-level rise projections to better prepare for future flood hazards in South Florida.