A study of 454 healthy teenagers found that low vitamin D levels correlated with lower DNA methylation rates, increasing the risk of cancer and other diseases. The researchers discovered a dose-response relationship between vitamin D supplementation and increased DNA methylation activity.
A new study links gut bacteria to post-menopausal bone loss, showing probiotics can prevent this condition by attenuating inflammation. Treatment with probiotics also reduced bone loss in normal mice, highlighting therapeutic potential for probiotics in osteoporosis prevention.
The grant aims to study APP processing and its role in synaptic transmission, potentially shedding light on Alzheimer's pathogenesis and revealing treatment targets.
Research at Umeå University found that fish length and weight are less important for survival than overall health. The study tracked fish movement patterns through the winter, using PIT tags inserted into fish bodies to follow their migration. Fish populations can fluctuate significantly during this time.
A new study reveals that economic concerns are a significant factor in the adoption of sustainability plans by local governments. Fiscal savings and attracting development projects were key motivators, along with environmental concerns.
Researchers found that morning flu vaccinations led to significantly larger increases in antibody concentration one month after vaccination, compared to afternoon vaccinations. The study suggests a potential strategy to improve vaccination efficiency without additional cost to the healthcare system.
A large-scale international study has identified three genetic variants associated with happiness and two variants linked to depression. The findings provide new insights into the genetic basis of neuroticism and the interplay between nature and nurture in shaping human happiness.
Researchers have identified a molecular signaling mechanism underlying increased inflammation in patients with psoriasis due to specific CARD14 gene mutations. The study suggests MALT1 inhibitors may be therapeutically beneficial, offering promising results for treatment.
Researchers are conducting a groundbreaking study to understand how children cope with traumatic life events from ages 3-5. The five-year project will track hundreds of Kansas City children and their families, providing real-time assessment and interaction data to identify key factors influencing outcomes.
A comprehensive review of scientific research on sexual orientation reveals that non-heterosexual feelings are a small but nontrivial percentage of the population across cultures. The study suggests that biological and environmental factors jointly influence sexual orientation, with no evidence to support social learning or increased p...
Researchers from over 30 universities compared quantum simulation codes, achieving more precise results than previous calculations. The study defines a quality criterion to verify future software developments and contributes to higher standards for materials property simulations.
A new study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that even low levels of air pollution can harm children's lung function. Children living close to major roadways had decreased lung function by age 8, with exposure to fine particulate matter and soot being the main factors.
The study synthesizes evidence on e-cigarettes, suggesting they can lead to reduced cigarette smoking and death from cigarette smoking. The researchers argue that e-cigarettes should be part of tobacco control efforts to help smokers quit.
Research from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago conducted in mice shows the drug hydrocortisone can prevent lung damage and reverse BPD's harmful effects on the heart, providing a promising treatment for premature babies.
Scleratrophic skin lesions like morphea, lichen sclerosus etatrophicus (LSA) and anetoderma are associated with Lyme borreliosis, with Borrelia DNA detected in up to 50% of patients. The response to antibiotic treatment varies, suggesting a heterogeneous origin for these dermatoses.
A study by Rice University researchers found that the relationship between hospital volume and patient outcomes may be overstated. Advanced statistical modeling showed that only four of six complex cancer operations have a significant volume-outcome effect.
A recent study found that elite athletes possess an internal drive and commitment to their sports, which enables them to overcome obstacles. In contrast, 'almost' great athletes lack this motivation and may avoid challenging training exercises. The study's results suggest that attitude is a key factor in determining success.
An intervention at a Canadian acute care facility screened and isolated asymptomatic C. difficile carriers, leading to a 50% decrease in health-care associated infections. The study estimated that the intervention prevented approximately 63 cases, suggesting a cost-effective strategy for preventing C. difficile infection.
Researchers sequenced the genome of Gonium pectorale, a simple green algae, to understand how it evolved from a single cell into a multicellular organism. The study sheds light on the early stages of multicellularity and its significance in the evolution of life.
Scientists analyzed ancient ocean sediments to reconstruct past CO2 levels, finding that elevated CO2 led to the early Eocene epoch's extreme warmth and subsequent cooling. The study provides insights into understanding ancient climate and predicting future climate change.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that exposure to laundry detergent packets is more hazardous than other types of laundry and dishwasher detergent for children under 6. The study revealed a significant rise in incidents related to packet exposure, with over 30 calls per day received by poison control centers.
A group of European and US researchers has provided a clear framework for identifying endocrine-disrupting substances (EDCs) and regulating them. The report, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, defines EDCs as substances altering the hormonal system and causing adverse health effects.
A study of over 20,000 participants found that videogame addiction is associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and depression. Younger, single men are particularly at risk, using gaming as an escape from unpleasant feelings and restless bodies.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy increase the risk of a child becoming overweight at age 2. However, breastfeeding for at least six months was associated with a significant reduction in this risk, regardless of the mother's pre-pregnancy weight.
Researchers have found that a protein called OSMR is required for glioblastoma tumours to form, and blocking its activity prevents tumours from forming in mouse brains. The study also suggests that this protein could be a potential target for new therapies for other cancers with high EGFR expression.
A new study in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that only 25% of women taking isotretinoin (Accutane) filled birth control prescriptions during treatment, resulting in a high risk of miscarriage or medical termination. The program's poor adherence rates represent a failure to prevent pregnancies instead of terminating them.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed a system that can transfer optical quantum information to locally stored solid-state quantum formats, enabling quantum communication. The team uses rare earth atoms to store superpositions of zero and one used in quantum computation.
Researchers have discovered that dung beetles evolved from a single common ancestor, with the onthophagines and oniticellines tribes making up half of the world's dung beetle fauna. These beetles play a crucial role in ecosystems by recycling nutrients and reducing parasites.
New research reveals that black female college students are reluctant to use online HIV prevention resources, citing stigma and fear of social repercussions. The study's findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive information delivery methods tailored to this demographic.
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals explosive increases in male population numbers on five continents between 50,000-55,000 years ago, likely due to first peopling of vast continents. Later expansions may have resulted from advances in technology such as wheeled transport and metal working.
A clinical trial shows that high-dose methotrexate improves survival rates for children with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The use of steroid decadron is beneficial for younger patients, but not older ones, who are at a higher risk of osteonecrosis.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that a protein complex called AMPK plays a critical role in monitoring and managing cells' energy processes during development. The discovery sheds new light on cancer and diabetes pathways, offering potential insights into stem cell therapies and cancer treatments.
A new study reveals substantial disparities in healthcare quality experienced by Hispanic Puerto Rican residents in Medicare Advantage plans. Despite making up nearly a quarter of enrolled residents, Puerto Ricans received significantly worse care on 15 of 17 quality indicators, with gaps exceeding 5 percentage points.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children of non-US-born Hispanic mothers may have a lower risk for certain types of childhood cancers, including glioma, astrocytoma, and neuroblastoma. However, they also had higher risks for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Hodgkin lymphoma compared to white children.
Researchers at University of Guelph found that soy isoflavones and peptides can effectively inhibit the growth of certain bacterial pathogens, including Listeria and Pseudomonas. This natural alternative could benefit the food industry by reducing reliance on synthetic additives and addressing growing concerns about antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that people with no sense of pain exhibited the same brain activity patterns as healthy individuals when exposed to painful stimuli, casting doubt on the 'pain matrix'. The study highlights the need for caution when interpreting associations between brain activity and human experiences.
A new study found that Medicare patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis have low adherence to biologic therapies, with nearly half stopping treatment within a year. High out-of-pocket costs under Medicare Part D were identified as a potential factor contributing to this issue.
Researchers found that women are more likely than men to experience financial stressors and report violence, but the study doesn't prove a direct link. The study's findings affirm the complexity of domestic violence, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that using a hearing aid significantly improves cognitive test scores in older adults with hearing loss. The researchers suggest that this may help prevent or slow the development of dementia.
The study found that under moderate to intense climate change scenarios, the proposed action plan will not be sufficient to protect the lake. Urgent actions are needed to save the lake through regional action to limit human water use and global action to limit greenhouse-gas concentration.
A lab-based study led by University of Leicester researchers has found a way to 'reverse' symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's using genetic and pharmacological approaches. The study utilized fruit flies to explore the role of specific metabolites in the kynurenine pathway, which can help alleviate sy...
Researchers found that observing a person in pain can lead to nocebo hyperalgesia, while unexplained interventions also elevate pain experience. The study suggests taking these factors into account in medical practice and research to better understand nocebo hyperalgesia.
The critically endangered Himalayan wolf is distinct from its European cousin and has a separate lineage that diverged thousands of years ago. Local herders view the wolves as a threat to their livelihoods, leading to persecution and killing.
Researchers identified a compound that reverses symptoms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases in genetically altered fruit flies. The study suggests that the treatment could work for humans by targeting a specific enzyme involved in disease progression.
A new film series by Sarah Betcher explores Alaskan indigenous uses of wild plants for food, medicine and construction materials. The 'Ties to Alaska's Wild Plants' project documents Iñupiat traditions and aims to preserve traditional knowledge in the face of climate change.
A study published in Nature Communications found that visceral fat is strongly linked to metabolic disease and insulin resistance. Researchers identified the regulatory molecule TRIP-Br2 as a key player in this process, which could lead to potential therapeutic agents against obesity.
A gene known as OSMR plays a key role in driving the growth of glioblastoma tumors, according to a new study. Researchers discovered that by disabling OSMR, glioblastoma cells lose their ability to form tumors in mice, suggesting a potential target for treatments.
Tropical forests depend on animals for seed dispersal to store carbon, but this role differs across regions. Large animal losses lead to fewer large trees and increased carbon loss in some forests.
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) awarded prizes to the top three winners of its 2016 National DNA Day essay contest. Stella Ma's winning essay described testing for hereditary breast cancer and won her $1000 prize, while Jillian Pesce won $600 with an essay on Huntington disease.
A study using a custom-built 'shark-eye' camera reveals that biofluorescence makes catsharks more visible to neighbors of the same species at depths where they live. The researchers found that the contrast of patterns on the biofluorescent sharks increases with depth, suggesting they may use it to communicate with one another.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that children whose mothers were nurturing during the preschool years have more robust growth in brain structures associated with learning, memory and stress response. The study suggests there is a sensitive period when the brain responds more to maternal support.
A recent study published in Nature Climate Change reveals significant greening of a quarter to one-half of the Earth's vegetated lands due to CO2 fertilization. The increase in leaves on plants and trees has the potential to fundamentally change the cycling of water and carbon in the climate system.
A new catheter infection alert system could prevent serious infections in millions of hospital patients and elderly people. The system changes the color of urine to detect bacterial blockages before they cause kidney failure and death.
Scientists propose aerosol generation and exposure tools to predict nanomaterial toxicity in human lungs. These non-animal tools use human lung cells grown in a petri dish, reducing the need for animal testing.
Alexandre Pouget, a renowned expert in neural coding and spatial representations, will receive the prize for his work on probabilistic inference and its applications. Pouget's research focuses on general theories of representation and computation in neural circuits, with a strong emphasis on neural theories of probabilistic inference.
Researchers used network theory to depict dinosaur movement worldwide, finding some regions, like Europe, had extensive fossil records. The study also showed that all connections between Europe and other continents during the Early Cretaceous period were out-going.
A Mediterranean diet high in fruit, vegetables, and unrefined foods is associated with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke in people with existing heart disease. The study found that eating more healthy foods was more important than avoiding unhealthy foods.
Researchers found fossils in Japan that suggest tritylodontids co-existed with early mammals for millions of years, overturning the widely accepted theory about their extinction. The discovery sheds new light on the ecological dynamics of these animal families.
A study by Aparna Sundar of the University of Oregon found that consumers are less likely to accept sensory mismatches from sincere brands, but can tolerate them from exciting brands. The research suggests that marketers should consider how sensory innovation aids their brand narrative.
The Alzheimer's Association has awarded $4.3 million to accelerate the testing of new potential therapies and diagnostic approaches for Alzheimer's disease. The funding will support innovative trial designs, including tau PET imaging and home-based cognitive testing, to improve early detection and treatment options.