A study in the Netherlands found that patients with psychiatric disorders who underwent euthanasia or assisted suicide had chronic, severe conditions and histories of attempted suicides and hospitalizations. Most patients were socially isolated or lonely, leading to difficulties in regulating the practice.
A Georgia State University biologist has received a four-year, $1.37 million grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to study epigenetic mechanisms and their link to obesity. The researcher aims to induce brown adipocytes in white fat tissues to prevent and treat obesity.
New research from NC State University demonstrates that experts can use air sampling technology to detect and quantify radiological releases. The technique was tested using data from the 2014 WIPP nuclear facility accident, achieving impressive accuracy and precision.
A study found that adolescents who slept only five hours a night for seven nights experienced significant cognitive degradation, including decreased sustained attention and working memory. Even after recovery sleep, residual effects persisted.
Researchers are launching a controlled experiment in four area school districts, introducing school gardens and nutrition and cooking classes for high-risk students. The program aims to improve dietary intake and reduce obesity and metabolic risk, with promising effects seen in an earlier pilot study.
The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio's UltraScan software helped confirm the structure of a protein complex that enables viral infection, as reported in a recent Nature publication. The technology utilizes advanced coding and analytical ultracentrifugation to deliver sophisticated biological metrics.
Engineered fabrics effective against superbugs like MRSA could reduce impact of super-bacterial infections. Researchers have successfully produced anti-super-bacterial masks using violacein-based dye, blocking growth by 99.9%.
Research predicts an earlier start to spring growing season and warmer winter temperatures in North American grasslands, partially offsetting negative effects of higher summer temperatures. Annual productivity is expected to increase despite drought-induced reductions in summer productivity.
Scientists have identified a spectrum of genetic alterations, including some that may be clinically actionable and others that could improve diagnostics and screening for patients. The study's findings suggest targeted therapies and immunotherapies could be effective treatments for mesothelioma.
A University of Leeds study reveals EU policies have reduced air pollution across Europe, preventing an estimated 80,000 premature deaths per year. The findings demonstrate a 35% decrease in fine particles since 1970, significantly improving public health.
Researchers warn about the limitations of microsatellites in genetic diversity studies, highlighting the importance of sequencing flanking regions to minimize homoplasy. The study's findings suggest that using markers designed for a different species can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
Research reveals that dopamine regulates both rewarding and aversive behaviors in mice, enabling them to learn and remember to avoid negative situations. The study's findings have implications for understanding post-traumatic stress syndrome.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal urges that public health be involved in the upcoming inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women. The root causes of interpersonal violence and health disparities are linked to a legacy of colonization, cultural genocide, and societal neglect, Dr. Kirsten Patrick explains.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have identified two molecules, HMGB1 and MMP-9, involved in maintaining nerve pain after injury. Blocking these molecules alleviated pain in mice without negative effects on healing.
A study published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine found that hyper-aggressive immune cells that consume glucose may drive the development of coronary artery disease. Blocking this glucose overconsumption prevented inflammation and atherosclerosis, suggesting new therapeutic interventions to prevent heart attacks.
Researchers from the Virtual Planetary Laboratory have identified biosignature impostors, which can masquerade as signs of life on exoplanets. By detecting these 'false positive' cases, scientists can avoid misinterpreting oxygen signatures in planetary atmospheres.
Osteoporosis medications bisphosphonates have significantly reduced fracture risks but also increase the risk of atypical femur fractures. Treatment involves stopping the drug and supplementing with calcium and vitamin D.
The study confirmed the role of known genes, ruled out others and identified a new gene associated with strokes caused by large artery atherosclerosis. The research found that each identified gene is associated with a specific stroke subtype, suggesting a need for subtype-specific risk factor investigation.
Researchers found a temporary increase in ischemic stroke rate after daylight saving time transitions, with people with cancer and over 65 at higher risk. The study suggests disruptions in circadian rhythm may contribute to the increased risk, but further studies are needed to understand the relationship.
Researchers discovered a new species of threespine stickleback in Lake Constance that diverges rapidly, even when breeding alongside other populations. This finding challenges traditional speciation theories and highlights the importance of genetic analysis in understanding evolutionary processes.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers developed a simulation to predict the permeability of drug molecules across cell membranes, enabling faster testing and development of nerve-agent treatments. The simulation shaved weeks off compound testing, reducing the time required from six weeks to just 16 hours.
A new one-atom-thick flat material made of silicon, boron, and nitrogen has been discovered by University of Kentucky physicist Madhu Menon. The material is extremely stable, a property lacking in many graphene alternatives, and can be fine-tuned to suit various applications.
A team of researchers found that squid suckerin proteins are composed of beta-sheet polymer networks, giving them strength and stretchiness. These thermoplastic proteins could be used to create biomaterials for tissue growth and artificial ligaments, offering a sustainable alternative.
Researchers found that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) significantly improved symptoms in patients with moderate to severe low back pain, reducing disability by up to 50%. The study suggests OMT as a viable alternative to surgery for these patients.
A study found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease and a history of cancer did not experience a significant increase in cancer risk when treated with anti-TNF therapy. In fact, 96% of patients were still alive and cancer-free after one year.
Researchers at MIT have developed a general theory that connects gravity waves and acoustic waves, finding that surface-gravity waves can generate powerful acoustic-gravity waves under certain conditions. This energy exchange could play a role in water transport, carbon dioxide distribution, and sustaining a healthy marine environment.
A study by UCSB psychologists found that challenging a person's belief in free will corrupts intuitive cooperation and leads to impulsive selfishness, but allows for recovery with time. Participants who were asked about their agreement with the statement 'I have free will' showed significant differences in their level of cooperation.
A new clinical trial has begun at Oxford and Sheffield to test a potential vaccine for prostate cancer. The vaccine aims to stimulate the immune system's attack on cancer cells by recognizing a specific protein found on their surface. If successful, future studies will assess its effectiveness in preventing disease progression.
A new study led by Stanford University researchers found that the number of surgeries performed worldwide has grown, yet there remains a huge gap in surgical care between rich and poor nations. The most frequently performed operation in poor countries was cesarean section, suggesting other significant surgical needs are being given low...
A recent study found that Fitbit-Flex is a valid and reliable device for monitoring physical activity, particularly in cardiac patients. The device accurately tracks step counts and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers.
Researchers found that test subjects followed a faulty robot's instructions during an emergency simulation, suggesting people trust robots too much. The study aims to understand human-robot trust and develop safer robots for emergency situations.
A single dose of trastuzumab kick starts an immune response in certain HER2-positive breast cancers, with women having the highest rate of immune response being those with the HER2-enriched subtype. The immune-cell-activating properties of trastuzumab are likely related to the subtypes of breast cancer.
Researchers at the University of Bath created a new type of laser that can emit mid-infrared light between 3.1 and 3.2 microns, a range previously difficult to achieve. The breakthrough uses silica hollow-core fibers to confine light and enable gas-mid-IR interaction.
A new study found that students who attend schools with programs and policies supporting LGBTQ youth are less likely to binge drink, regardless of their sexual identity. Living in states or cities with more affirmative school climates was associated with fewer binge drinking days for gay/lesbian and heterosexual students.
A study of 120,000 women found five genetic variants affecting breast cancer risk, which alter how cells respond to oestrogen. The variants are associated with changes in the expression of genes involved in oestrogen regulation, potentially leading to new breast cancer preventions.
A study of over 15,000 people found a 10% rise in older adults developing second or third chronic conditions, while physically active individuals were healthier. The prevalence of multimorbidity increased from 31.7% to 43.1% between 2002/03 and 2012/13.
A new study by SISSA/CNR IOM scientists reduces wastage of expensive catalysts used in fuel cells, allowing for more efficient and sustainable energy production. The researchers created nanoparticles on nanosteps, which remain dispersed and stable, enabling the material to be reused with lower costs.
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Research found that Asian-American adolescents desire more open discussions about sexual health with healthcare providers. Key themes included confidentiality concerns, a general lack of knowledge regarding STIs and contraception, and hesitation to discuss sexual histories. Providers can a...
A national survey found that most Americans are willing to pay more taxes to support biodiversity conservation in the Gulf of Mexico. The survey showed that people value preserving biodiversity for future generations and are willing to pay between $35 to $107 more annually for the expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sa...
A recent study finds that states that opted out of a federal rule requiring physician supervision for anesthesia care did not experience an increase in patient access to this service. In fact, opt-out states showed lower growth rates in anesthesia cases compared to non-opt-out states.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed MIDI-STEM, a new method that improves images of light elements using fewer electrons. This technique allows for high-resolution views of lightweight atoms and materials with a mixture of heavy and light elements.
A Harvard University study finds that grasslands across North America will experience an earlier start to the spring growing season and warmer winter temperatures, offsetting climate change's negative effects. However, this shift in seasonal patterns presents new management challenges for farmers and ranchers.
A three-week observational study at Greenville Memorial Hospital found that placing alcohol-based hand sanitizers in the middle of a hospital lobby floor increased visitor usage by 528 percent. The study also identified demographic factors influencing hand sanitizer use, such as age and group dynamics.
Researchers discovered a 'circadian circuit' in which clock neurons send signals to the central brain areas that regulate activity and sleep. This mechanism allows time information to be transmitted through the brain.
A new software called EaSeq enables biomedical researchers to study and test hypotheses using their own data in a matter of hours. This analytical tool improves the analysis of ChIP sequencing data, which holds potential for clinical applications.
Research by the University of Kent finds that illegal wildlife trade is facilitated by the global internet, but trade on the darknet is surprisingly low. The study suggests that poor enforcement and easy access to online platforms have led to a negligible amount of trade on anonymous networks.
A national free ambulance services programme in rural Ethiopia has seen a drastic reduction in pregnancy-related deaths, with the model potentially paving the way for improved maternal health outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa.
A new human liver microphysiology platform has been developed to study liver physiology, drug safety, and disease progression. The Sequentially Layered, Self-Assembly Liver (SQL-SAL) model mimics the physiological conditions created by immune, stellate, and endothelial cells.
A new study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine shows that electroanatomical mapping is an effective alternative to fluoroscopy, reducing radiation exposure and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered how small capillaries form during angiogenesis, a process crucial for embryonic development, cancer, and diabetes. Blood pressure drives the membrane of endothelial cells to cave in and grow into the cell's body.
Researchers found that black widow spiders' red hourglass markings are more visible to birds than to insects, helping them avoid detection by predators while still warning off potential prey. This study highlights the complex communication strategies used by animals to adapt to their environments and evade threats.
Research from the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory reveals that plankton ingesting microplastics produce faeces that sink more slowly, allowing plastic to be transported to deeper waters. This process could have significant implications for marine ecosystems and the removal of floating plastic litter.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that doctors struggle to review patients' self-tracked data due to lack of capacity and tools. However, when patients provide organized and summarized data through paper diaries or specific tracking tools, providers can use it effectively in diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that high-protein canola meal is a valuable ingredient in swine diets, offering similar digestible energy and amino acid profiles to soybean meal. The study found improved digestibility of crude protein and amino acids in high-protein canola meal compared to conventional canola meal.
Scientists designed a novel bispecific antibody that selectively blocks overproduction of TNF, a protein harmful when overproduced in autoimmune diseases. The prototype shows promise for treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.
Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a nanotechnology-based delivery system that activates the body's natural defense against free radicals. This system could control various skin pathologies and disorders by inducing antioxidant enzymes and maintaining skin cell redox balance.
A new method using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR) of blood plasma identifies unique metabolic biomarkers for early and late-stage lung cancer. The technique correctly classifies 78% of patients and 92% of controls, showing promise as a complementary tool to improve lung cancer screening.
A longitudinal study of over 6,000 adults found that lower self-rated health and age-related decrements in processing speed are strong predictors of mortality risk. Being a woman and having better perceived health were also associated with reduced mortality risk.
Scientists have developed an illustrated key to distinguish between 41 snout moth grass borers using genitalia analysis. This helps identify economically important pests that feed on crops like sugarcane and corn in the Western Hemisphere.
A small study found significant associations between difficult child behavior and mobile technology use to calm kids down. Parents with less control over their children's behavior were more likely to turn to devices like phones and tablets as a coping strategy.