A new study in Science found that mobile money access helped bring hundreds of thousands of Kenyans out of poverty, especially those in female-headed households. The expansion of M-PESA, Kenya's text message-based payments system, lifted 194,000 households above the poverty line.
A new study suggests that blood-borne HPV antibodies can serve as a reliable biomarker for predicting the outcome of all types of head and neck cancer. The researchers found that patients with an immune response to HPV have a lower risk of dying during the five-year follow-up period, regardless of the exact location of their tumors.
A researcher at UH Seidman Cancer Center is presenting a phase II clinical trial testing the effectiveness of combining chemotherapy with an immunotherapeutic agent, pembrolizumab, for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The trial aims to improve survival rates and reduce disease recurrence.
Researchers have developed a technique to remove unpaired electrons from superconducting quantum circuits, resulting in a three-fold improvement in qubit lifetime. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve the performance of quantum computers by reducing errors and increasing data storage time.
According to a study published in BMC Psychiatry, pets offer significant support for individuals managing long-term mental health conditions. Participants reported that their pets helped manage stigma associated with their condition and provided unconditional validation during times of crisis.
Case Western Reserve University researchers are scaling up a prototype iron-flow battery to provide cleaner and cheaper power when renewable energy sources are ebbing or demand is peaking. The battery can store excess electricity and increase overall efficiency.
Killifish in polluted salt marshes have developed tolerance to toxins through reduced genetic diversity. The AHR signaling pathway is key, with compensatory mutations mitigating its loss of function.
A 15-year study of prostate cancer patients found little difference in mortality between those screened annually and those not screened. However, the data suggest that personalized screening strategies could identify men at higher risk of death from other diseases.
Research from NC State University and UBC reveals a strong predictor for postpartum stress and anxiety. A woman's history of drug use is associated with heightened symptoms after childbirth, making it a valuable tool for healthcare providers to identify women at risk.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a common mechanism underlying separate forms of dystonia, a brain disorder causing involuntary movements. A new cell-based screening test has been developed to identify new drug candidates, leveraging the misplacement of the DYT1 protein near the nucleus.
A new study finds that women who have implant reconstruction following radiation therapy had more complications from the surgery and were less satisfied with the result. Autologous reconstruction showed similar results, regardless of radiation treatment. The study suggests alternative approaches for breast cancer patients
A new regional center for diabetes translation research has been established at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, supported by a $2.9-million NIH grant. The center aims to improve diabetes prevention and control in low-income communities and racial/ethnic groups disproportionately affected by the disease.
A team of neuroscientists has identified neural circuitry in a deep region of the mouse brain that modulates judgments of elapsed time. The discovery may help explain why time seems to fly or stretch depending on our emotions and attention.
Researchers will develop a non-invasive method to track polar bear response to climate change by analyzing epithelial cells shed from their gut during defecation. The project aims to gather information on polar bear health, diet, and genetic diversity for use as a baseline against future climate change impacts.
Researchers from UTA's College of Architecture and Civil Engineering have won three federal grants to develop sustainable transportation systems and infrastructure for the Dallas/Fort Worth region. The grants will focus on innovative funding policies, performance management, big data analysis, and transportation system competitiveness.
A study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science highlights the common mistake of givers focusing on their own expectations rather than the recipient's needs. The research suggests practical gifts are more appreciated than expected surprises, and experiential gifts can be preferred over tangible ones.
Researchers at UNIST have created a new type of high-performance thermoelectric material that can be directly painted onto any surface. This innovation enables the efficient collection of heat energy from industrial waste, potentially powering vehicles and other applications.
A recent study found that heavy alcohol use during adolescence is associated with reduced grey matter volumes, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex. This can disrupt normal brain maturation, leading to potential long-term effects on impulse control and substance use disorder risk.
Astronomers have discovered a hyper-starburst galaxy that is forming stars at an incredible rate of 4,500 times the mass of the Sun every year. This galaxy, SPT 0346-52, is 12.7 billion light years from Earth and provides valuable insights into the evolution of galaxies and the formation of massive galaxies.
A new study using acoustic networks has documented a 34% per year decline in Mexico's critically endangered vaquita porpoise. The decline is attributed to resumption of illegal gillnet fishing for totoaba, despite conservation efforts.
A genetic variant in the CXCL16 gene determines whether stallions become long-term carriers of equine arteritis virus. The study found that a specific allele codes for a protein that acts as an entry receptor for the virus, leading to persistence in carrier state.
Researchers found a dynamic, multi-step process in which multiple independent changes converge to transform stem cells into motor neurons. The study outlines challenges facing current cell-replacement technology but also highlights potential pathways for enhanced gene-therapy methods.
A new river basin classification system will help safeguard region's biodiversity and monitor infrastructure development in the Amazon. The framework provides a dynamic way to map natural resources and possible infrastructure impacts on them.
Researchers at OIST uncover a neural mechanism that uses silent gaps to detect species-specific birdsong. Juvenile zebra finches learn song by mimicking adults and preferentially adopt the song of their own species despite noise and variety of birdsongs.
Researchers have discovered a dinosaur tail complete with its feathers trapped in a piece of amber. The tail, from a juvenile theropod, is surrounded by feathers that preserve 3D and microscopic detail.
A severely brain-injured woman regained the ability to communicate through eye movements, with researchers capturing the restoration process by measuring brain structure and function. The study suggests that other patients in chronic care facilities may harbor organized brain function, raising questions about diagnosis and treatment.
Young people struggle to access mental health services due to technology limitations, research finds. Search engines and content providers can improve accessibility by making useful material more visible.
A new test can identify obese women at high risk of developing diabetes in pregnancy, allowing for timely and targeted interventions. The study developed prediction tools using various clinical factors and biomarkers, including blood pressure and anthropometric measures, to accurately define risk in this group.
A lack of psychiatric healthcare providers in rural areas is leaving patients without access to necessary treatment options, exacerbating the impact of untreated mental illness. The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is working to address this issue through innovative approaches to cancer care and mental health support.
The Zika virus poses a threat beyond summer months, as Aedes species mosquitoes can survive winter and transmit the virus through their eggs. Experts emphasize the importance of year-round protection measures, including physical barriers and insect repellents.
Researchers found hummingbirds' ability to accelerate and turn is hindered by low air density at high altitudes, affecting their performance. The study suggests climate change may impact species seeking cooler regions, including higher elevations.
A groundbreaking contact lens therapy has been shown to be effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children, with a significant reduction in refractive error and axial length. The study also found high satisfaction rates among both children and parents, with rapid acceptance of contact lens wear.
Researchers from Kumamoto University found a significant association between the presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum in esophageal cancer tissue and poor survival outcomes. The study suggests that this oral bacterium may contribute to esophageal cancer development via chemokines.
Two studies reveal that dopaminergic neurons in the brain encode errors in singing performance, helping juvenile zebra finches learn to accurately imitate their tutor's song. Meanwhile, another study finds that songbirds adjust song cadence towards an innate template, rather than learning rhythm from other birds.
Tropical Cyclone Vardah is moving west-northwest across the Bay of Bengal, threatening eastern India. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached 52 mph with gusty winds and rainfall affecting the Andaman Islands.
Researchers developed algorithms to track Ebola epidemic spread, revealing that most infected individuals stayed within their districts. The study's findings suggest using this method could inform effective control measures for new emerging epidemics.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have created artificial beta cells that can effectively regulate blood sugar levels. These cells work by measuring glucose concentrations in the blood and producing insulin when necessary, making them a promising solution for diabetes treatment.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new method of antibody-based immunotherapy that targets tumor cells with minimal impact on other parts of the body. This alternative strategy has shown promising results in stimulating immune cells to attack and destroy cancer cells, potentially reducing adverse events.
A team of scientists tracked the genetics of disseminated tumour cells in breast cancer patients, finding they are genetically similar to the original tumour. This knowledge could help clinicians choose the most effective therapy, potentially leading to better outcomes and a more accurate prognosis.
ABX464 upregulates IL-22 and miR-124, showing strong anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models. The compound also prevents intestinal inflammation and protects against colitis, with therapeutic effects lasting at least 6 weeks.
Three researchers were awarded the Brupbacher Cancer Research Prize for their work on epigenetics, which regulates gene activity and is linked to cancer development. The team's findings suggest that epigenetic changes can trigger abnormal gene inactivation in tumor cells.
Researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center identify novel targets and molecular pathways for IPF, which inflames and scars lung tissues. Analysis of single-cell RNA sequence data reveals genetic markers linked to abnormal cell formation and loss of normal genetic control systems.
Researchers discovered a 255-million-year-old tumor in a gorgonopsian mammalian ancestor, revealing an ancient condition that resembles compound odontoma. This finding challenges the current understanding of vertebrate evolution, suggesting that this condition may have evolved much earlier than previously thought.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awarded $1.5 million NARSAD Distinguished Investigator grants to 15 scientists exploring innovative approaches to understanding and treating psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers identified four unique depression subtypes based on brain connectivity patterns, providing potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. These subtypes differ in clinical symptoms and response to transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.
Researchers found a benign tumor, called a compound odontoma, in a fossilized gorgonopsian jaw from 255 million years ago. The discovery suggests that this type of tumor may have existed before the first mammals evolved.
Researchers at ICIQ and OSU created a new method to prepare chromium polyoxocations, overcoming a huge synthetic challenge. The study found that controlling the formation of chromium clusters is key to expanding our understanding of metal-oxide cluster crystallization.
Researchers have developed a rapid test to monitor drug resistance in hookworms, which can cause disease and stunted growth. The new test uses short nucleotide polymorphisms to detect drug-resistant mutations in as little as 1% of a sample, taking only 60 minutes.
A team of researchers has identified an oxygen-dependent toxin antitoxin system that can be targeted to inhibit biofilm formation and combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By understanding the molecular mechanisms behind this system, scientists hope to develop more effective antimicrobials.
A new study found that people with traumatic brain injury are approximately 2.5 times more likely to be incarcerated in a federal correctional facility in Canada than those without a history of TBI. The study, which included nearly 1.42 million adults aged 18-28, highlighted the association between TBI and incarceration rates.
Researchers found that traditional bullets for muzzleloading rifles and black powder rifle cartridges fragment less than modern high-velocity rifle bullets, suggesting a reduced risk of secondary lead poisoning. This could benefit hunters using these styles of guns and scavenging animals that consume game meat.
A DNA methylation biomarker called PITX2 has been identified as a reliable predictor of prostate cancer recurrence. The study found that patients with high PITX2 methylation levels were at significantly increased risk for recurrence. This breakthrough could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for prostate cancer patients.
A study of Israeli adolescents found that higher BMI in late adolescence and long-term cumulative burden of BMI predict poorer cognitive function later in life. Taller stature was associated with better global cognitive function, independent of socioeconomic position.
The Jefferson Lab-NVIDIA collaboration uses Titan's supercomputer to simulate QCD interactions, achieving speedups of seven- to tenfold for calculations. This enables researchers to explore exotic mesons and advance QCD theory.
Honeybee memories may hold clues to understanding human long-term memory formation and combating degenerative brain diseases. DNA methylation plays a crucial role in regulating memory specificity, with implications for treating conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia.
Researchers discovered a bacterium in Lechuguilla Cave that resists 18 different antibiotics, including 'drugs of last resort'. This finding suggests evolutionary pressure has driven resistance for millions of years, not just since antibiotics were introduced.
A large multicenter cohort study found that radiation therapy increased complications and impaired patient-reported satisfaction with reconstructed breasts in breast cancer patients who received implant reconstruction. However, no worsening of outcomes was observed in those who received autologous reconstruction. The study suggests tha...
Physicists at the University of Würzburg have discovered a new electronic state in topological crystalline insulators, creating conductive channels for electrical currents. The channels are narrow and robust, making the materials suitable for ultra-fast and energy-efficient computers.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that scheduling leisure activities makes them seem like work, leading to reduced enjoyment. Roughly planning an event, however, can lead to similar levels of enjoyment as unplanned events.
A new study found that mobile-money services in Kenya increased daily per capita consumption levels by 194,000, or 2%, lifting households out of extreme poverty. Female-headed households saw a significant increase in consumption and occupation shifts, with an estimated 185,000 women moving from farming to business occupations.