Brazil performs more liver transplant surgeries than Latin America and globally ranks third in absolute terms. However, the country's increasing population and inadequate donor organ supply lead to only 5-10 liver transplants per million population annually.
A new strain of C. difficile is killing up to 15% of infected patients due to its potent toxin that destroys protective cells, leading to increased inflammation. Researchers suggest blocking the toxin could lead to a new treatment to stop this deadly strain.
Patients with non-functional adrenal tumors are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a new study reveals. According to the research, even benign tumors that don't secrete hormones can increase the risk of metabolic diseases.
A new study by the University of Malta and CNRS/Université de Montpellier reveals a faulty cellular machine cutting and pasting genetic instructions for motor neuron disease. The research suggests that ALS and SMA are related disorders with a shared mechanism that could lead to common treatments.
Astronomers have peer into a nearby star's past, using low-frequency radio observations to fine-tune our understanding of stellar explosions. The team found the red supergiant lost matter at a slower rate and generated slower winds, improving knowledge of space composition.
A new study by TSRI scientists identifies microRNA-155 as a key player in regulating protein levels and combating disease. The researchers found that miR-155 works by repressing a protein called Peli1, promoting normal T cell proliferation and antibody production.
Researchers found that blocking specific cell signaling pathways may reduce the risk of preterm labor caused by inflammation or stop it altogether. The study also identified key molecules in the Notch signaling pathway, paving the way for therapies to control preterm labor in humans.
Researchers found that 3D films inspire stronger feelings of being drawn into the story than 2D films, but also cause more nausea. The study showed no detectable differences between real and algorithmically converted 3D films.
New research suggests EBV infection may increase risk of developing breast cancer, particularly high-grade estrogen-receptor-negative disease. EBV binds to breast cells, causing them to take on stem cell characteristics and accelerating tumor formation.
Tropical Storm Howard forms in Eastern Pacific after intensifying from Tropical Depression 9E, becoming the ninth storm of the season with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is expected to strengthen further before weakening over cooler waters.
Research suggests that online product selection leads to increased customer spending, with popular and niche items generating significant revenue for retailers. Customers spend almost 11% more on main offerings and 250% more on hard-to-find niche items compared to catalog shoppers.
Symptom spikes, also called exacerbations, were found to be common in children after concussion, with about one-third experiencing them. The study suggests that returning to full activities too quickly increases the risk of a symptom spike, but these events may not be clinically significant.
Ender Finol's American Heart Association award supports freezing aortic aneurysms before they burst. Researchers aim to apply the chemical compound pentagalloyl glucose non-invasively to human subjects.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awarded six young scientists the Klerman & Freedman Prizes for their innovative clinical and basic research. The prizes recognize outstanding talent in neuropsychiatry and aim to advance understanding of mental illness, develop new diagnostic tools, and create effective treatments.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory develop new method to convert CO2 into carbon monoxide, a reactant for making methanol fuel. The process is efficient and uses minimal energy, with the catalyst lasting over 100 hours.
Researchers found that African-American women were twice as likely to choose autologous breast reconstruction over implant-based reconstruction. The study of 2,500 women undergoing breast reconstruction suggests patient preferences may play a role in the disparity. Further research is needed to confirm findings and evaluate potential r...
A new study suggests that generic biologic drugs are as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts, offering a cheaper alternative for consumers and the healthcare system. The findings have significant implications for the pharmaceutical market, with wide adoption of biosimilars expected to save billions of dollars.
A new study reveals that DNA, but not RNA, can contort itself into different shapes to absorb chemical damage and maintain genome stability. Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to visualize these tiny changes in DNA's double helix.
A recent study suggests that Labrador Retrievers may be more susceptible to limber tail due to their genetic predisposition and exposure to cold climates. The research also found that swimming was not a significant risk factor for the condition, contradicting previous speculation.
Researchers found that patients with nonfunctional adrenal tumors have a significantly higher risk for developing diabetes compared to those without the condition. The study suggests that these tumors may warrant more clinical attention and should be considered an independent risk factor for diabetes.
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids improved the structure and tissue of the heart in patients receiving current guideline-based therapy after a heart attack. The treatment reduced left ventricular end-systolic volume index by 5.8% and scarred connective tissue formation by 5.6%.
A new University of Georgia study examines the heat dangers of inflatable bounce houses and found that air temperatures inside the bounce house were consistently greater than ambient conditions. The researchers developed a modified heat index table to help public safety officials assess possible heat-related hazards to children.
Cells have two disposal systems: proteasomes, which handle smaller proteins, and autophagy, a process that removes larger complexes. Researchers discovered a smart bin liner-like system in autophagy, involving Cue5 receptors and Hsp42 chaperones.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded fellowships to 17 early career researchers conducting basic and translational cancer research. The four-year awards total nearly $3.95 million, providing independent funding to support novel ideas in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
A special issue of Optometry and Vision Science presents research on contact lens discomfort, a common problem affecting millions worldwide. New findings suggest that corneal pressure sensitivity and inflammatory mediators may contribute to discomfort, but the relationship is complex.
Researchers from Hiroshima University have developed a small vibrating device that attaches to surgical tools, enhancing surgeons' sensitivity to different shapes and textures. The PZT Actuator boosts the sensation to a noticeable level, allowing doctors to detect tissue texture and identify solid tumors with greater accuracy.
New research from North Carolina State University and USGS reveals that meeting bioenergy demands involves trade-offs regarding wildlife habitats. The specific mix of biomass sources used can shape ecosystems, especially in forests with high biodiversity.
A recent study of 70,265 Swedish girls and women found that HPV vaccination did not increase the risk of developing another autoimmune disease. Vaccination was associated with a slightly reduced risk compared to not being vaccinated.
Researchers at Université de Genève discovered that a protein called CCN1 produced by platelets and blood vessels is essential for the recruitment of immune cells during viral infections. Without CCN1, the immune response is impaired, highlighting a new potential target for antiviral treatments.
Selecta Biosciences' synthetic vaccine particles have been shown to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance, mitigating the formation of anti-drug antibodies and improving the efficacy and safety profile of biologic drugs. The technology has potential applications in treating rare diseases, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
A team of researchers from the University of Sheffield has identified 788 biomarkers in blood that could be used to develop an early stage cancer screening test. The comprehensive list of relevant cancer blood biomarkers has been compiled through a systematic review of 4,000 studies published over the last five years.
Chemists at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a new method to quantify water content in solid pharmaceutical drugs, which is faster, cheaper, and more accurate than Karl Fischer titration. The new method uses headspace gas chromatography with ionic liquids and can analyze samples in just 10 minutes.
Researchers have identified novel expression sites in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb of mouse brains where the C9orf72 gene is strongly expressed. This discovery provides an important resource for studying animal models of ALS and FTD, with hopes of developing new treatments and eventually cures.
Reef fish are adapting to higher CO2 levels by changing their circadian rhythms, a key finding from genomic research. The study found that fish can adjust their internal clocks to compensate for elevated night-time CO2, allowing them to survive in altered environments.
According to new theoretical work, life on Earth is actually premature from a cosmic perspective. The chances of life growing much higher in the distant future due to star lifetimes were found to be 1000 times higher than now. Scientists recommend studying nearby red dwarf stars and their planets for signs of habitability.
New fossil discoveries from the Ediacaran Doushantuo formation in South China reveal embryonic features similar to those of living animals. The fossils display unique structures preserved through discoidal cleavage, supporting the conclusion that animal lineages evolved by the mid-Ediacaran period.
A study using animal model reveals that cocaine leaves a long-lasting imprint on dopamine system, contributing to relapse episodes in addicts. Re-exposure to the drug after a short abstinence period fully reinstates tolerance and binge-like behavior.
A two-and-a-half-year study of UK households found that consumers who start buying groceries online at a particular chain tend to spend more at that chain than elsewhere. Grocery retailers can attract customers to their online channel by offering personalized features and customized promotions.
An international team of astronomers has found a huge region around the centre of the Milky Way devoid of young stars, indicating a lack of star formation. This 'Cepheid desert' stretches for thousands of light years and challenges our understanding of the Galaxy's formation and evolution.
Research reveals green monkeys in The Gambia acquired S. aureus strains from humans, with most recent transmissions occurring three decades and seven years ago. Strains that jumped between species lost genes for human adaptation.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism that affects immune cell performance and disease risk. FAMIN protein regulates energy availability to macrophages, influencing their ability to fight infection.
A robot called SCINDR aims to connect medical scientists worldwide who are working on similar research projects. By analyzing open data from electronic lab notebooks, the robot will suggest collaborations between researchers, potentially accelerating discoveries and treatments.
A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that meat consumption contributes to global obesity at the same extent as sugar, with protein in meat digested later and converted to excess energy. The study suggests dietary guidelines may need to advise eating less meat alongside reducing sugar intake.
Researchers found that short-lived physical barriers in the ocean caused by temperature or salinity changes influence phytoplankton communities. This provides insight into maintaining high biodiversity of phytoplankton and its impact on the food web.
Researchers developed a new anti-HIV medication called EFdA, which prevents vaginal and oral transmission of HIV in pre-clinical models. The study showed that daily doses of EFdA can prevent HIV infection in mice exposed to high doses of the virus.
Researchers found that calcareous sediments, not clay-rich sediments, are the most likely candidates for the first breakage of an earthquake. The study suggests that these sediments form a weak point in the rock sequence, leading to shallow earthquakes and tsunamis.
Researchers discover that a mutation in the RyR2 gene, which regulates intracellular calcium, can trigger blackouts of the brainstem, increasing the risk of sudden unexpected death in people with epilepsy. This finding may help explain why some individuals with epilepsy are at higher risk for SUDEP.
A team of Princeton researchers has developed a machine-learning approach that analyzes the entire human genome to predict which genes may cause autism spectrum disorder. By identifying 2,500 potential autism genes, this new method provides a significant breakthrough in understanding the genetic basis of autism.
A study of 4,046 genetically identical twin pairs found that higher Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes but not heart attack or mortality. The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, suggests lifestyle changes may be less effective against cardiovascular risks than previously thought.
Experts review clinical, psychological, and ethical issues related to face transplantation in children. Children with severe facial disfigurement could potentially benefit from the procedure, but a rigorous selection process would be required.
Researchers at the University of Chicago found that trading experience reduces emotional pain associated with selling, leading to a decrease in the endowment effect. Brain scans showed reduced activity in areas linked to negative emotions and anticipation of losses.
A global team of researchers has created and tested a panel of 400 chemical compounds, dubbed the 'Malaria Box', with potential application as therapeutic starting points for diseases like malaria, trypanosomiasis and toxoplasmosis. The collaboration opens new doors for international advances in drug discovery.
Researchers have engineered silicon particles that can establish unique biointerfaces on cell membranes, potentially leading to innovative treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. The new material also degrades over time, eliminating the need for removal procedures.
Researchers have discovered methylmercury-producing bacteria in Antarctic sea ice, which can contaminate marine life and food webs. The findings raise concerns about mercury pollution in a warming climate, particularly in depleted fish stocks.
Scientists have successfully fabricated monolayer graphene nanoribbons with well-defined zigzag edges, exhibiting high electron mobility and clean energy band gaps. This breakthrough could enable large-scale processing of high-quality graphene nanoribbons for spintronic devices.
Researchers at UCI have discovered a new treatment method for metastatic melanoma by blocking the 'don't eat me' signaling protein CD47 on melanoma cells, increasing their phagocytosis by macrophages. This approach, combined with targeting another cell surface protein CD271, resulted in near complete elimination of metastasis from mice.
A recent study by INFORMS found that tweets are more effective in predicting future TV ratings than Google Trends. The researchers analyzed over 1.8 billion tweets and 113 million Google searches for TV shows during the 2008-2012 seasons.
Researchers have accurately dated the extinction of woolly mammoths on St. Paul Island to 5,600 years ago using fungal spores and sediment DNA. The study found that freshwater limitation contributed to their demise, highlighting the vulnerability of small island populations to environmental change.
A study of 100 species found that over 90% were affected by the forest edge effect, with the majority declining in abundance. The negative impact extended far into the forest interior, making conservation efforts crucial to protect biodiversity.
A new study introduces Juicer, an open-source tool that enables fully-automated pipeline for Hi-C processes, producing high-resolution contact maps of looping in a single click. The researchers achieved the deepest 3-D maps of the genome to date, spanning over three terabytes of data.
Researchers have created a comprehensive dataset of non-native English sentences, providing a valuable resource for linguistic insights and practical applications. The dataset, consisting of 5,124 sentences, includes annotated errors and can help improve computers' handling of non-native English speakers.
A heat treatment of 70-75oC kills all bed bugs on the outer surface of luggage in six minutes, even those hidden under zipper flaps. At room temperature, only 3% of bugs move inside during a 24-hour period.
Researchers propose a new method to model how fast and where organisms will need to move in response to climate change. They find that even short movements in mountainous areas expose organisms to large climate differences, preventing them from maintaining suitable climates.
A team of researchers sequenced 264 complete genomes from Richard Lenski's long-term evolution experiment (LTEE) to examine how E. coli bacteria changed over 50,000 generations. They found more than 14,000 changes across 12 populations, with mutations concentrated in genes that gave the bacteria a competitive edge.
Researchers at Yale and Cincinnati Children's Hospital propose that the human female orgasm evolved to stimulate ovulation, a trait shared with many other placental mammals. The study suggests that female orgasm became superfluous for reproduction later in evolution, freeing it for secondary roles.
Researchers have created a new framework called 'nutritional geometry' that considers how mixtures of nutrients influence health and disease. The approach is hoped to assist in better understanding and managing obesity by focusing on nutrient balance rather than single nutrients.
Research contradicts previous findings that link poor sleep quality to joint pain, instead showing no association with obstructive sleep apnea. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the relationship between pain and sleep apnea.
A study of Swedish twins found no association between higher BMI and increased heart attack risk, but a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that interventions targeting weight loss may be more effective in reducing diabetes risk than cardiovascular disease risk.
A 15-year decline in heart attacks was reported among Kaiser Permanente members in Northern California, with a notable reduction in severe heart attacks. The decline was consistent across demographics and risk groups, driven by reductions in less severe heart attacks.
A new MIT system can identify how much power is being used by each device in a household, providing users with detailed information to make informed energy investments. The system, which samples data quickly and uses self-calibrating sensors, can detect specific appliances and their usage patterns.
Zeriscope enables comprehensive assessment of SNF patients by off-site physicians, reducing unnecessary hospital readmissions. The platform allows for high-definition real-time streaming video and physiologic sensor data, improving patient care and outcomes.
Researchers discovered gene mutations linked to three new rare congenital heart disorders and found evidence of genetic differences between two forms of the disease. The study provides valuable insights into the genetic causes of non-syndromic CHD, which affects 90% of CHD patients worldwide.
Researchers at Duke University developed a handheld device capable of capturing high-resolution images of infants' and toddlers' retinas. The device overcomes previous limitations in imaging the retina, allowing for detailed structural information about the eyes to be gathered.
Robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) has shown excellent patient outcomes compared to traditional open partial nephrectomy (OPN) for endophytic kidney tumors. The study found shorter hospital stays, lower blood loss, and fewer blood transfusions in RPN patients.
Researchers link the extinction of isolated Alaskan mammoths to a lack of access to fresh water and rising sea levels. Analysis of sediment cores reveals declining lake levels and water quality leading up to the extinction event.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found no association between phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5i) and reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. PDE-5i use was also not linked to lower or higher grade cancer types.
A study found that biphenotypic primary liver carcinoma can be misclassified as hepatocellular carcinoma if only major imaging features are considered. The study suggests using a comprehensive algorithm for liver lesion assessment, such as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (LI-RADS), to accurately classify these malignancies.
The 'Ourobot' robot, developed by four bachelor students at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, features pressure sensors in its chain segments that enable it to detect and overcome obstacles. The project is a feasibility study, focusing on basic research and exploring the potential for future applications.
Researchers from Aalborg University have developed a heat-resistant device made of tungsten and alumina layers that can absorb sunlight across a broad spectrum, enabling more efficient energy conversion. The device can operate at high temperatures and absorb light from UV to near-infrared wavelengths.
Scientists discovered 15 genome sites linked to depression in European ancestry, regulating gene expression and new neuron birth. Using crowd-sourced data, they detected weak genetic signals associated with depression, supporting a novel approach to complement traditional methods.
NASA satellites monitored Typhoon Nida's intense rainfall, reaching rates of over 3.5 inches per hour, as it approached southeastern China. The storm's height reached over 10.5 miles in some areas, posing a threat to Hong Kong.
A genomic study using a novel method has identified 15 regions of the genome linked to depression in European ancestry individuals. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 individuals and found sites associated with risk genes, including those involved in brain development.
Researchers found an association between low physical activity and a higher risk for dementia in older individuals, with regular exercise potentially leading to higher brain volumes and reduced dementia risk. The protective effect was strongest in people aged 75 and older.
Experts say psychology is key to understanding road safety and autonomous vehicle success. The event aims to reduce road trauma by sharing the latest in road safety research.
A French team of researchers discovered that acquired antibiotic-resistant plasmids rarely drop their resistant genes even when selection pressure is absent. The study, published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, focused on extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance.
A large study found that high animal protein intake, particularly from red meats, was associated with a higher mortality rate. In contrast, high plant protein intake was linked to a lower risk of death. The study analyzed data from over 170,000 participants and found that the association disappeared in those with a healthy lifestyle.
Drone-launched fireballs can aid in wildfire suppression and ignite prescribed burns for grassland restoration. High-intensity fires are effective in killing invasive shrubs, promoting fire-adapted grasses.
Researchers have developed iron catalysts that can diversify chiral amino acids into 21 different structures while preserving their handedness. This technology allows for the creation of modified peptides or entirely new structures, expanding the pool of unnatural chiral amino acids available to researchers.
Researchers found that early antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces total HIV DNA levels in the body, which may predict time to viral load rebound after treatment cessation. The study suggests that people with a smaller HIV reservoir size have a greater chance of achieving long-term HIV remission.
A new review explores potential antioxidant approaches for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Certain compounds targeting oxidative stress pathways, such as Nrf2, are being investigated.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with lower nitric oxide levels in the lungs, which helps protect against certain bacteria. The researchers suggest that lung doctors should consider the impact of alcohol on nitric oxide levels when interpreting test results.
Researchers at Binghamton University are developing a smartwatch application to enhance communication systems in nursing homes. The proposed design integrates existing safety systems, providing alerts to users. Studies show that using this system can reduce staff response time to alarms and improve patient safety.
Mathematical biologist Samuel Scarpino and colleagues found that replacing sick individuals with healthy ones can accelerate the spread of infection for certain diseases. The study analyzed data from two diseases, influenza and dengue, and revealed a stronger correlation between human exchange and outbreak acceleration in influenza.
Researchers develop mathematical models to mimic bird navigation in turbulent thermals, revealing key environmental cues like vertical wind acceleration and torque. The study aims to guide the design of energy-efficient autonomous gliders.
A recent study on 'The Biggest Loser' television series found that participants regained much of the weight they lost, with suppressed metabolism. Experts say a 5-15% weight loss is unlikely to lead to such large effects on metabolism and emphasize the importance of long-term lifestyle changes.
A recent study by ETH Zurich researchers found that opposing mountain ranges will experience different water balance changes due to climate change. The Juncal region in Chile is expected to become even drier, while the upper Langtang valley in Nepal may see increased water discharge due to glacier melt and increased rainfall.
Researchers found that adding anti-PCSK9 antibodies to existing treatments can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels in patients. The studies demonstrated a reduction in LDL cholesterol and achieved high response rates for both alirocumab and evolocumab.
Haptics researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that ultrasonic vibrations cause fingers to bounce on touchscreens, reducing friction. This phenomenon is caused by the air trapped between the finger and screen compressing and acting like a spring, allowing the finger to fall onto a cushion of air instead of the screen.
Researchers at George Washington University discovered a connection between CD4 T-cell exhaustion and CD8 T-cell exhaustion in chronic toxoplasmosis. Regulating CD4 T-cells with Blimp-1 protein expression can reverse CD8 T-cell dysfunction, leading to improved pathogen control.
Three studies published in JAACAP report that combining standard ADHD medications improves clinical outcomes, including reduced symptoms and enhanced cognitive functions. The combined therapy showed a higher rate of good clinical response and improved brain activity patterns compared to single drug therapies.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that consuming more plant-based protein was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. The researchers observed significant health benefits when substituting animal protein with plant protein, particularly from processed red meat.