A research team has discovered new populations of the endangered banana frog in Southwest Ethiopia, expanding its geographical range. The study, published in ZooKeys, suggests that the frogs are more tolerant to forest degradation than expected, increasing conservation efforts.
A nationwide trial found that providing GPs with tailored feedback on their antibiotic prescribing habits reduced prescriptions by an average of 3.3% over 6 months. The intervention resulted in over 73,000 fewer prescriptions and direct savings of £92,000.
Researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center have developed tunable peptide emulsifiers with biocompatible and biodegradable properties. These peptides can form oil-in-water emulsions with varying stability under different environmental conditions.
A large-scale analysis of patient records found that induction chemotherapy did not improve overall survival rates or increase the likelihood of receiving a full course of radiation therapy. The study compared more than 8,000 patients who received induction chemotherapy with those who received concurrent chemoradiation.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich developed an universal mathematical model that describes how sound waves propagate through the internally coupled ears and which clues for localizing sound sources are created. This system enables animals to pinpoint sound sources, a mechanism applicable to over 15,000 species.
Researchers at Oxford University published new charts to assess head circumference at birth, providing a valuable tool in the Zika crisis. These charts enable healthcare professionals to screen all babies worldwide using the same criteria, reducing anxiety among mothers and improving diagnosis accuracy.
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that healthcare providers' concerns about prescription drug abuse can lead to changes in prescribing and dispensing practices. The survey of nearly 6,000 health professionals revealed a majority were very concerned, but some dentists were relatively unconcerned.
Patients with chronic kidney disease and periodontitis have a significantly higher all-cause mortality rate compared to those with chronic kidney disease alone. The study analyzed data from 13,734 participants and found an increased risk of death at 10 years for individuals with both conditions.
A new study found significant reductions in breast cancer screening outcomes after implementing digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), including lower patient recall rates and a decline in interval cancers. The study suggests DBT can be sustained over time with improved outcomes.
Researchers found that a 100,000-square-mile section of the Ross Ice Shelf broke apart within 1,500 years during a warming period after the last ice age. The study provides clues about how Antarctica's nation-sized Ross Ice Shelf might respond to a warming climate.
Female and minority stroke survivors reported less ability to function three months after their strokes, with women scoring 75.8 on average and non-white patients scoring 69.4 on the scale. The study highlights the need for healthcare quality improvement projects to focus on improving post-stroke functioning among these groups.
Researchers developed a new approach to designing insulin-based pharmaceuticals using self-assembling nano-insulin. This method could lead to more personalized medications with fewer side effects for Type 1 Diabetes patients.
A new randomized controlled study found that adults with prediabetes who followed a nationally-available weight management program with a prediabetes-specific component, Weight Watchers, lost significantly more weight and experienced better blood glucose control than those following a self-initiated program. The study suggests that nat...
A recent study by NYU researchers found that four out of ten nightclub/festival attendees who use ecstasy tested positive for 'bath salts', despite reporting no use. The study used hair sampling to detect novel psychoactive substances in ecstasy users, highlighting the need for education and awareness about the risks of adulterated drugs.
A Dartmouth-led study finds that people struggle to tell the difference between real and virtual images, but training boosts accuracy. The research has implications for child pornography cases, where accurate identification is crucial.
A study confirms that a Thai sanctuary is the only site in Southeast Asia where tigers are increasing in number. The sanctuary's tiger population has recovered thanks to enhanced protection measures and intensive patrol systems, which have led to improved survival and recruitment rates among the iconic carnivores.
A 10-year clinical trial found that both surgery and stenting reduce the risk of stroke by about 7%, with low rates of restenosis over time. The procedures are safe and durable for preventing stroke in various patient groups.
Less than 40% of clinical trial results were shared within two years, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found significant variation across academic medical centers, highlighting the need for timely and transparent result sharing.
A new policy report in Science issues recommendations for responding to infectious disease epidemics, citing the Ebola crisis as a framework. The report proposes rebuilding local health care infrastructures and improving international response capabilities.
Scientists analyzed stalagmites from a Madagascar cave and found a sudden shift in carbon isotope ratios, indicating a drastic transformation of plant species from trees to grasslands within just 100 years. The study suggests human involvement in forest loss, contradicting climate change theories.
Researchers have identified the EZH2 gene as a driver of aggressive pediatric leukemia subtype ETP-ALL, characterized by stem-like cells and increased growth signaling. The study provides potential therapeutic targets, including the existing drug ruxolitinib, for this previously challenging disease.
Researchers found that breast milk sugars containing sialic acid promote healthy infant growth by interacting with the gut microbiome. The study suggests that these sugars may be key components of breast milk necessary for infant health, and could lead to improved infant formulas and therapeutic foods.
Researchers found significant balancing behavior across product categories and consumer health segments. Consumers made tradeoffs on healthy/unhealthy mixes based on priorities, contradicting stated behaviors. Retailers can use this research to promote healthier foods through targeted marketing strategies.
A team of NJIT students, backed by the EPA, is designing a low-cost water filter to combat chronic kidney disease in rural Sri Lanka. The filter aims to absorb heavy metals and disease-causing pathogens using locally available materials.
People with depression are more likely to smoke and try to quit but face difficulties in overcoming addiction. Seeing a stop-smoking specialist and using nicotine products can improve their chances of quitting successfully.
Researchers review gene drive systems, analyzing pros and cons, applications, and regulatory issues. They highlight the potential benefits of controlling insect-borne diseases, removing invasive species, and reversing pesticide resistance. Gene drives combine CRISPR technology to enable environmentally friendly solutions.
Researchers found that untreated high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of bleeding stroke, with African-Americans facing a higher risk. The study analyzed data from 4,646 patients and found that blacks had a 75% higher odds of brain bleed compared to whites.
Researchers have developed innovative membrane wings that mimic bat flight, enabling Micro Air Vehicles to fly over long distances with improved aerodynamics. The unique design changes shape in response to forces, eliminating mechanical parts for easier maintenance.
A new spring model simulates atomic-level interactions to predict bentonite clay swelling. The model shows quantitative agreement with experimental measurements, providing insights into the effects of structural and environmental factors on swelling pressure.
Researchers found that NK cells produce VEGF-A to promote tumor growth when STAT5 is inhibited. This discovery challenges the use of STAT5 inhibitors in cancer treatment, which could have unintended consequences for patients.
Scientists at Eindhoven University of Technology and McGill University have successfully transported the defective CFTR protein to cell walls, a crucial step towards developing a cystic fibrosis drug. The researchers discovered a naturally occurring substance called fusicoccin-A that enables this transport process.
This comprehensive genome analysis of Zostera marina provides unique insights into the genomic losses and gains involved in adapting to full marine conditions. Seagrasses have regained functions enabling them to adjust to salinity, a key innovation for these plants.
A virtual reality system, ICSPACE, is being developed to support physical rehabilitation and athletic performance. The system uses stereoscopic glasses and infrared cameras to track users' movements, providing personalized feedback and coaching.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have discovered a novel mechanism to stop autoimmune diseases without compromising immunity. A new class of drugs harnesses this mechanism to treat various autoimmune diseases, offering a highly specific treatment approach.
Researchers characterize primitive fungi to understand how they break down plant material and convert biopolymers into sugars. This breakthrough could lead to effective plant waste conversion and new chemical production methods, offering a significant step toward sustainable energy solutions.
New evidence suggests that people feel less responsible for their actions when coerced into doing something. The study found that coercion leads to a small but significant increase in the perceived time interval between action and outcome.
Researchers have discovered a specific enzyme, JNK3, that plays a critical role in spinal muscular atrophy and suppressing its activity could reduce disease severity. Mice with spinal muscular atrophy showed significant improvement when the JNK3 enzyme was genetically inhibited.
A study using nationwide population-based data found that chemoradiation therapy improves survival rates among a subset of elderly head and neck cancer patients. Patients aged 71-79 with low comorbidity scores and advanced disease stage showed a significant survival benefit from chemoradiation, while those aged 80 and above did not.
A new study of fossil tracks in northern China suggests that sauropod dinosaurs were walking, not swimming, despite previous theories. The tracks, dating back over 120 million years, show four or five claw marks at the front and are matched perfectly by the feet of medium-sized sauropod dinosaurs.
A large-scale analysis of patient records found that chemotherapy before radiation therapy did not improve overall survival rates for head and neck cancer patients. Patients who received concurrent chemotherapy and radiation had slightly longer median overall survival times compared to those receiving chemotherapy alone.
Research has isolated tyrosinase inhibitors from diverse chemical classes in both terrestrial and marine environments. Flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids have been found to exhibit potent tyrosinase inhibitory activities, with potential applications in treating skin disorders and neurodegeneration.
A research team has found that anaerobic gut fungi from goats, horses, and sheep can break down complex plant molecules, producing sugars that can be easily converted into fuel. The discovery could lead to improved biofuel production with potentially lower costs.
Economic sanctions actually stiffen a nation's resolve and encourage military preparation, according to researchers. Iran's case study shows that sanctions led to increased military spending, which had a greater impact on the economy than the sanctions themselves.
A gold sensor developed by a Nebraska researcher uses DNA to detect gold and other metals in water samples. The sensor has potential applications for monitoring household water supplies for lead, mercury, arsenic, and other contaminants.
Researchers have created artificial arteries containing both endothelial and media layers, demonstrating normal communication and function. The new technique allows for miniaturized arteries to test drugs for efficacy and side effects, potentially enabling quicker experimentation and more accurate testing.
The report highlights the need for increased data collection and research on cancer risk, incidence, and prevalence in LGBT communities. It recommends collecting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) information to support targeted cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
Seven UNIST engineering students won prestigious Samsung HumanTech Paper Awards for their scientific contributions. Atul Rahman, an international student, stood out among the winners as one of only two foreign recipients.
Children breastfeeding after their first birthday should take a vitamin D supplement to prevent health problems like rickets. Vitamin D levels in breastfed children decrease rapidly after the first birthday, increasing the risk of deficiency by up to 29% by age three.
Researchers have provided a molecular blueprint of Globomycin, an antibacterial candidate with promise in stemming the post-antibiotic tide. The blueprint may aid the design of better globomycin analogues and explore thousands of new antibiotic solutions to common infections.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have found that fetal muscle stem cells can remodel their microenvironment to encourage adult muscle regeneration. This discovery provides rationale for developing drugs to trigger this transition, offering new hope for treating muscular dystrophies and muscle-wasting disorders.
Most recurrences of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer can be detected through imaging and physical exams within 6 months after treatment. The study found that disease characteristics, such as lymph node size and number, increase the likelihood of recurrence.
Researchers at NC State University have developed an algorithm that can quickly and accurately reconstruct hyperspectral images using less data. This breakthrough enables faster imaging times and reduced memory requirements, making it suitable for applications such as security, defense, environmental monitoring, and agriculture.
A Yale University study found VA hospitals to have slightly lower mortality rates among older men with specific conditions, but higher readmission rates compared to non-VA hospitals. The differences were small, indicating that the VA healthcare system is doing comparatively well for these vulnerable patient groups
Astronomers have measured the rotation rate of a massive exoplanet using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, revealing patchy and colorless cloud layers. The super-Jupiter completes one rotation every 10 hours, similar to Jupiter, with temperatures reaching 2,200-2,600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tropical Cyclone Winston made a U-turn in the Southern Pacific Ocean, shifting its trajectory towards Fiji. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 100 knots (115.1 mph/185.2 kph) at 1500 UTC on Feb. 18.
A recent study by Whitehead Institute scientists found that B cells with diverse affinities for invading pathogens are selected in the immune system's germinal centers. This approach may aid development of effective vaccines against rapidly mutating viruses like HIV and influenza.
A $3 million grant will assess key differences in attitudes, knowledge and skills related to health information between deaf and hearing individuals. The project aims to understand mechanisms of visual learning as it relates to health information accessibility.
Astronomers at the University of Arizona have taken the first direct, time-resolved images of an exoplanet using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The young exoplanet, 2M1207b, has a patchy cloud pattern and rotates twice as fast as Earth.
Researchers will develop software using virtual human models to predict injuries and recommend training modifications based on individual soldier characteristics. The program aims to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in US Marines and potentially benefit veterans and older adults with musculoskeletal injuries.
A study from Hasbro Children's Hospital found nearly 50% of teens seen in the emergency department report peer violence and cyberbullying. Almost one-quarter also report symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).