A Baylor University study found that nearly nine in ten Americans have relied on healing prayer at some point in their lives, with more than a quarter practicing 'laying on of hands'. The study also suggests that prayer may be a widely used form of treatment for medical problems.
Researchers have developed a novel technique to detect special nuclear materials in cargo containers using low-energy neutron and photon imaging. This method can simultaneously measure density and atomic number, while confirming the presence of nuclear materials through unique delayed neutron emission signatures.
Researchers developed a synthetic cell model to investigate fundamental principles of cellular mechanics, revealing the interplay between cytoskeleton and cell membrane is key to changes in form. The model cells demonstrate that protein interactions are essential for biological functions and can alter shape through deformation mechanisms.
A study published in Springer's journal Quantitative Marketing and Economics found that the Electoral College system increases advertising spending in typical presidential elections. The researchers modeled voters' decisions using a simple aggregate market share model and found that advertising would be spread more evenly across states...
Scientists at the University of Southampton have developed a method for reconfigurable optical elements using multimode interference devices. The team shows that intricate interplay between modes can be dynamically controlled, allowing to freely route light in a static silicon element.
Scientists have identified a mechanism behind pancreatic cancer's resistance to certain drugs and found a way to block it, making the cancer susceptible to formerly ineffective therapies. By targeting a protein called HuR, researchers can revive abandoned drugs and develop more effective combination therapies.
A new study by the University of Toronto reveals that people intuitively pair front vowel sounds with things close by and back vowel sounds with distances away. This knowledge can inform marketing strategies, such as choosing names for products or brands that align with their intended distance from customers.
A new study warns that intensive farming in tropical regions may require vast amounts of phosphorus fertilizer, which is a limited natural resource. The researchers estimate that if global demand for food continues to rise, the phosphorus tax imposed by these soils could double by 2050.
Removing osteopontin from mice with muscular dystrophy reduces inflammation and fibrosis, boosting muscle repair and regeneration. Osteopontin inhibitors may be used to slow disease progression and improve muscle function in DMD patients.
Researchers found three genetic variants associated with subjective wellbeing, two with depressive symptoms, and 11 with neuroticism. The study suggests that these traits are influenced by the same set of genes and may be studied jointly in future work.
Researchers at Umea University have discovered an enzyme in the sleeping sickness parasite that can cleave and disarm adenosine analogue pharmaceuticals. This breakthrough enables the development of more efficient drugs, bypassing the parasite's protective mechanism.
Researchers discovered YEATS domain proteins as the first reader of histone lysine crotonylation, a critical epigenetic mark. This discovery has implications for human disease, particularly in cancers such as leukemia and glioblastoma.
A new study by Penn researchers found that female mice experience less renal ischemia reperfusion injury compared to male mice, suggesting a potential benefit of estrogen treatment. Human data also supports this finding, with female recipients experiencing less delayed graft function after kidney transplantation.
A study of nonurgent ED visits found that diagnostic services and procedures were provided in a significant percentage of cases, suggesting potential overuse or uncertainty among patients and healthcare professionals. The findings also highlighted similarities between nonurgent and urgent visit symptoms and diagnoses.
Scientists at NIST have developed a miniaturized device to convert photons between frequencies, addressing two critical problems in quantum communication. The new device consumes low power and produces minimal noise, making it suitable for future experiments with single-photon sources.
A study of 140,600 individuals from the Utah Population Database found that lowered birth rates contribute to women's longer lifespan compared to men. The research suggests that reduced reproduction costs in females benefit their lifespan.
Researchers found that breast cancer stem cells secrete molecules that allow neighboring cells to detach and metastasize. The hedgehog signaling pathway plays a crucial role in this process, suggesting that targeting it could reduce metastatic potential.
A team of researchers has sequenced the cassava genome to identify genetic diversity and improve breeding strategies. The study reveals that past breeding programs have reduced genetic diversity in Africa, affecting crop yields.
Researchers argue that health systems need leaders who can think like designers to address complex challenges like obesity, diabetes, and cost control. Design thinking offers tools for empathy, radical collaboration, and rapid prototyping to innovate and improve healthcare.
A team of researchers from Germany and the UK used high-resolution electron microscopy to study magnetic vortices in magnetite minerals, revealing that they are surprisingly resilient to temperature changes. The findings have significant implications for understanding the Earth's magnetic field history and plate tectonics.
A five-year study shows that Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) offers a higher cure rate than traditional approaches, with a 98.6% cure rate for prostate cancer patients. The treatment involves high-dose radiation beams delivered in just five treatments, resulting in fewer side effects and quicker recovery times.
The HAWC Gamma-ray Observatory has released a new survey of the sky made from the highest energy gamma rays ever observed, revealing new high-energy sources within our own Milky Way galaxy. The observatory has also provided more detail on known sources, offering a deeper understanding of high-energy processes taking place in our galaxy...
The four-week intervention program significantly reduces psychological impacts of child sexual abuse, with a 25% reduction in PTSD scores and fewer children experiencing depression and anxiety. The Be Brave Ranch offers comprehensive treatment to child survivors, providing individual and group therapies alongside peer support.
The American Academy of Neurology has updated its guidelines for the use of botulinum toxin in treating spasticity, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, and chronic migraine. The guideline recommends that botulinum toxin is generally safe and effective for these conditions.
The study found that mathematics teachers reported using instructional materials aligned with Common Core State Standards, while English language arts teachers used leveled readers. The surveys suggest ways to improve teaching and learning by better understanding teacher perspectives on state standards.
Researchers at Penn and Rutgers have identified a biological pathway that explains why current asthma therapies don't work well in many cases. The discovery highlights the potential for targeting non-inflammatory aspects of asthma, with neuropeptide Y emerging as a key player.
A clinical trial found that islet transplants effectively prevented severe hypoglycemic events and restored awareness in patients with Type 1 diabetes. The study also demonstrated excellent glycemic control, with nearly 88% of subjects remaining free from severe hypoglycemia at one year.
Researchers create micro-sized gas bubbles coated with cancer drug particles that can be directed to a specific tumour using magnets and ultrasound. This innovative technique aims to overcome limitations of chemotherapy by delivering drugs directly to the core of the tumour.
A team of researchers at PNNL has made an unexpected discovery in rechargeable batteries, leading to a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for storing renewable energy. The new battery, which uses zinc-manganese oxide materials, can store energy with higher density and lower cost than conventional car batteries.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed a technique to identify patients who are at risk of suffering chemo-induced heart damage. The study uses induced pluripotent stem cells from breast cancer patients' skin cells to create human heart muscle cells, which respond more adversely to the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin.
A University of Washington-led study found little to no evidence of price increases in Seattle relative to surrounding areas after the city's $15 minimum wage law implementation. The study surveyed employers and workers and analyzed commodity and service prices, concluding that the higher wages did not translate to significant cost hikes.
Tropical Cyclone Fantala reached Category 5 status in the Southern Indian Ocean, with wind speeds exceeding 30 meters per second. The storm had a wide eye and powerful thunderstorms wrapping around it, according to NASA's observations from the RapidScat instrument and MODIS satellite.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have identified a critical role for stromal cells in the spread of pancreatic cancer to the liver. The study found that the protein granulin plays a key role in facilitating this process, and that targeting its expression may hold the key to stopping cancer from spreading.
A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene documents the public health impacts after devastating flooding on a South Pacific island. Researchers found that 31 people died, mostly children under 14, and many more were injured or affected by infectious diseases.
The detection of a brief gamma-ray burst consistent with the same part of the sky as gravitational waves offers a unique window into the universe. By analyzing this event, scientists can gain insights into the dynamics leading up to black hole mergers and shed light on the nature of gravity.
Researchers developed Monovar to analyze multiple single cells, detecting subtle DNA changes that can inform personalized medicine and cancer care. The method shows promise for diagnosing and treating various diseases, including pre-natal genetic diagnosis.
Researchers investigate relationship between plasma Aβ levels, cognitive function, and brain volumetrics in Alzheimer's patients. Plasma Aβ measures may serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
A healthy diet has been found to significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure in women with a history of pregnancy-related diabetes. Over a 22-year follow-up period, researchers discovered that women who adhered to a healthy diet were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure.
The white paper outlines key takeaways, including the importance of proper sunscreen use to reduce melanoma risk by up to 50%, developing more precise diagnosis methods, and overcoming immunotherapy resistance. The research aims to advance treatment and potentially cure melanoma by understanding its unique characteristics.
Scientists have discovered a tightly wound spiral molecular arrangement in liquid crystals, which could improve LCD performance and help unravel its formation. The study uses a pioneering X-ray technique to confirm the twisted structure, revealing unusual optical properties that warrant further research.
A biodegradable nanoparticle acts like a Trojan horse to convince the immune system not to attack an allergen, shutting down allergic reactions and preventing asthma attacks. The technology also shows promise in treating food allergies.
Researchers discovered a significant shift in copper isotopic composition, indicating the Great Oxidation Event's gradual increase in atmospheric oxygen. This finding provides a tool to track fluctuations in oxygen levels throughout Earth's history and sheds light on the evolution of life.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Liverpool analyzed data from 157 ecstasy users and 148 controls to examine the effect of ecstasy on the brain. The study found significant reductions in serotonin transport in ecstasy users, which may contribute to cognitive deficits and mood changes.
New research suggests that human brain size and body size are genetically linked, with increased brain size leading to a correlated response in body size. This phenomenon played a significant role in the evolution of larger brains and bodies in humans.
Researchers at the University of Stirling discovered that wild bumblebees are born with the ability to vibrate flowers to extract pollen. Over time and with practice, bees refine their vibrations, saving energy and maximizing rewards from each flower.
A new study found significant variability in surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use and appropriateness among children's hospitals, with a median rate of 64.6% for appropriate use across all procedures. The likelihood of Clostridium difficile infection and epinephrine administration was higher in patients receiving antibiotics
Researchers from Penn Medicine and Harvard University have developed a novel CAR T cell therapy that targets glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer. The phase I trial has shown promising results, with patients experiencing significant expansion of engineered T cells in their blood and infiltration of tumors.
The phase 1b clinical trial of atezolizumab has reported promising results in 23 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Fifty-two percent responded to treatment, and median progression-free survival was 14.1 months. Another patient, Rodney Bearfoot, has remained on the study for over three years despite a stage 4 diagnosis.
A study by the National Institutes of Health found that a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of high blood pressure among women who had pregnancy-related (gestational) diabetes. Women who adhered to such a diet were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who did not.
Research by University of Arizona geoscientists finds post-wildfire erosion dominates landscape transformation in the US Intermountain West. Erosion rates increased 1,000 to 10,000 times in burned watersheds compared to unburned areas after severe wildfires.
Memories formed in one part of the brain are replayed and transferred to another area for consolidation, according to a new UCL study. The process, essential for tackling Alzheimer's disease, involves the transfer of memories from the hippocampus to the entorhinal cortex.
RMIT researchers have successfully trialled a quantum processor capable of routing quantum information from different locations, opening a pathway towards the first quantum data bus. This breakthrough has significant implications for future quantum technologies, including quantum computing and secure communication.
Scientists found neonicotinoid seed treatments yield higher results in southern U.S. states, with economic benefits in four out of 10 years studied.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have found a way to attack a process that tumor cells use to escape the effects of standard cancer drugs. The discovery highlights how targeting specific metabolic requirements of cancer cells can prove effective in their selective eradication.
A study at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that normal liver cells metabolize dietary fructose differently than cancerous cells, revealing a potential diagnostic marker for liver cancer. The researchers discovered a gene called KHK that is expressed differently in healthy and tumor tissues.
Researchers identified an underlying cause of immune suppression in spinal cord injuries and proposed a possible treatment using chemogenetic agents. Chemogenetic silencing reversed the immune suppressive reflex, reversing spleen atrophy and increasing white blood cell counts in mouse models.
The American College of Physicians calls for immediate global action to combat the health impacts of climate change, including heat-related illnesses and malnutrition. A new policy paper highlights the need for physicians to educate themselves and their patients about climate change's effects on human health.
Researchers developed a new computer algorithm called REVEALER to identify groups of genetic variations associated with cancer cell activation and treatment responses. Using large tumor genomics database The Cancer Genome Atlas, REVEALER revealed new gene mutations linked to cancer development and treatment resistance.
Researchers found that combining great willow herb extracts with antibiotics can reduce antibiotic doses and minimize side effects in treating multi-drug resistant infections. The synergistic effect of the herb's phenolic acids and flavonoids with common antibiotics has potential to influence antimicrobial activity.
Scientists have successfully converted spin current into electric current in several organic semiconductors, including carbon-60 buckyballs. The 'inverse spin Hall effect' method has potential for use in future electronic devices like batteries and solar cells.