Montreal scientists have discovered a mechanism that enables brain cells to adjust their support for neurons, potentially improving brain function or restoring lost potential in disease. The discovery sheds light on the complex functioning of astrocytes, star-shaped cells that protect and support brain neurons.
Researchers found that industry-sponsored programs for reducing drinking and driving often lack evidence of effectiveness or have not been studied. Examples of effective interventions like sobriety checkpoints and ignition interlocks were rarely used in these initiatives.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University have developed a new image analytics test that can reliably distinguish between patients who need only hormonal treatment and those who also need chemotherapy. The test uses MRI data to identify molecular changes in tissues, which can be analyzed quickly and cost-effectively.
A study found that catch shares management reduced risky behavior in fishing by 79% during stormy weather. This shift in behavior corresponds to a 87% reduction in safety incidents and is expected to lead to fewer injuries, vessel losses, and deaths.
Excavations in the Jordan Valley revealed a prehistoric village with cultural characteristics typical of both the Old Stone Age and the New Stone Age. The site shows evidence of artistic tradition, size, and investment in architecture more typical of early agricultural communities.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered that a human cancer-causing gene called DEK can be detected in the plasma of head and neck cancer patients. High levels of DEK may indicate better outcomes for patients, while low levels are associated with advanced cancers.
Researchers found that stressed male mice have offspring with high blood sugar due to an epigenetic change in their sperm. This study suggests a male's life experience can affect his offspring's glucose levels, offering new insights into the mechanisms involved.
Researchers simulated a thin ring-shaped black hole in five dimensions, which breaks down Einstein's general theory of relativity if it exists outside an event horizon. The simulation revealed the formation of a 'naked singularity', causing laws of physics to break down and potentially rendering general relativity ineffective.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that young people with psychotic-like symptoms benefit from early intervention treatment in their own environment. The treatment approach improved functioning and reduced symptoms compared to conventional youth psychiatric treatment.
A UCLA-led collaboration has identified a specific gene network and pattern of expression that promotes repair in the peripheral nervous system. This network does not exist in the central nervous system, but researchers have found a drug that can enhance nerve regeneration there.
Mitochondrial genes are retained to build organelle structure, resist damage from free radicals, and facilitate energy production. This design allows mitochondria to withstand the extreme environment and maintain their independence from the nucleus.
Researchers found that brain regions synchronize electrical activity in a specific rhythm, known as theta oscillation, to facilitate spatial choice and memory processes.
Researchers have successfully disrupted a genetic chain of events in a mouse model of schizophrenia and reversed memory deficits. The study used a chemical compound to regrow connections between brain cells, restoring memory deficits and showing potential for effective therapies.
The Arctic region is reacting quickly to climate changes, impacting global systems. Research priorities focus on exploring the Arctic's role in the global climate system, improving climate models and forecasts, and understanding the environment's vulnerability.
Researchers have developed a new nanoparticle that kills tumor cells in the eye by mimicking an enzyme used by immune cells, extending survival of mice with advanced breast cancer. The treatment offers advantages such as producing toxins per hour and being activated by light.
A new study found that salespeople who accurately gauge customers' focus on non-monetary benefits versus price can reduce discounts by an average of $616 per transaction. Correctly perceiving customers' price sensitivity is not easy, as salespeople are easily thrown off by misinterpreted cues.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed a computational approach to trace the evolutionary history of human genes more precisely. This method will help doctors identify disease-causing mutations and provide more effective treatment options for patients with genetic disorders.
Researchers have created a library of fungi-secreted enzymes that efficiently break down plant biomass, which could simplify and lower the costs of biofuel production. The discovery highlights the potential of symbiotic fungi from herbivore guts, particularly Piromyces, to degrade lignocellulose with enzyme synergy.
A Dartmouth College-led team has developed a new method to project future climate scenarios at the local level, addressing the limitations of global climate models in predicting climate changes at regional scales. The method generates high-resolution climate datasets for assessing impacts on small watersheds like Lake Champlain.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to measure ecosystem sensitivity to climate variability by analyzing satellite data gathered over the past 14 years. The Vegetation Sensitivity Index (VSI) reveals ecologically sensitive regions with amplified responses to climate changes in various parts of the world.
Researchers have identified a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) by targeting the inflammatory response. The experimental drug MW151 appears to dampen down detrimental inflammatory responses without suppressing the normal functions cells need to maintain health.
Researchers have developed a method to make mosquitoes resistant to arboviruses like Dengue and Zika by introducing two strains of Wolbachia parasite. The superinfected mosquitoes showed improved virus inhibition and reduced transmission, making it a potential tool to combat mosquito-borne diseases.
Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a carbon-based active material produced from apple leftovers with excellent electrochemical properties. The material is part of an effort to create environmentally friendly and sustainable energy storage systems.
A study of 1492 patients with chronic kidney disease found that nearly 28% had masked hypertension, which increases the risk of kidney, heart, and vascular damage. Measuring blood pressure outside the clinic is recommended to assess patients' risks for hypertension-related health problems.
The CANYVAL-X mission demonstrates the technology for a virtual telescope by aligning two tiny satellites to create a single telescope. This feat is expected to benefit scientists studying the sun's corona and searching for planets beyond our solar system.
A substantial proportion of stroke survivors (15.3%) develop seizures over an average follow-up period of 3.4 years. The risk is significantly higher than that following traumatic brain injury, even when controlling for age.
Researchers have isolated a collection of potent antibodies from an Ebola survivor that target the virus's glycoprotein stalk, providing significant post-exposure protection. These antibodies may lead to effective therapies to fight Ebola.
Research from the University of Leicester found high levels of trimethylamine N-oxide in acute heart failure patients, a metabolite produced by gut bacteria breaking down L-carnitine from red meat. The study suggests a possible link between red meat consumption and increased risk of heart disease.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that 3D mammography improved cancer detection and reduced call backs over three years. Regularly scheduled 3D mammography imaging maintained these benefits, even after a patient's first screening.
Researchers found testosterone treatment improved all aspects of sexual function, including sexual activity and desire, in men with low testosterone levels. However, the study did not confirm earlier concerns about cardiovascular safety.
A RAND Corporation study found that the US military health system provides good care in following up with patients after discharge, but needs improvement in other realms. Most patients receive at least one psychotherapy visit, but may not receive sufficient evidence-based therapy.
A bioinformatics error affected the results, overestimating the genetic impact. The corrected study reveals extensive Eurasian admixture only in Eastern Africa.
A new coordinated soybean variety evaluation program aims to provide African farmers with high-yielding and disease-resistant seed options. The program, in partnership with the Syngenta Foundation and the University of Illinois, tests 25 varieties at 12 locations across Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia.
Todd Pagano, RIT's founding director of the Laboratory Science Technology program, has been named an outstanding undergraduate science educator. His American Chemical Society-approved program prepares deaf and hard-of-hearing students for careers in chemistry, with a success rate exceeding that of hearing peers.
Research found that advanced age, black ethnicity, and pre-existing illnesses like cancer significantly increase the likelihood of bowel obstruction in hospitalized ischemic stroke patients. These complications can worsen recovery chances and lead to increased hospital length of stay and costs.
Research found that sleeping seven to eight hours per night reduces stroke risk by 25%, while excessive long sleep increases the risk by 146%. Regular exercise of 30-60 minutes, three to six times a week, also significantly decreases stroke risk. A computerized analysis of health data from 288,888 adults revealed these key findings.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered the two-step process that activates Suv39h1, an essential enzyme responsible for organizing large portions of human DNA. The study reveals how the enzyme employs a positive feedback loop to chemically tag unnecessary regions of DNA.
A new study found that benzodiazepine overdose deaths increased more than four-fold from 0.58 deaths per 100,000 adults in 1996 to 3.14 deaths per 100,000 adults in 2013. The rate of overdose deaths leveled off since 2010, but for certain groups, such as those aged 65 and over and blacks and Hispanics, the rate continued to rise.
Astronomers have discovered a binary star system with the longest duration stellar eclipse, lasting three and a half years, and the longest period between eclipses in a binary system. The system, TYC 2505-672-1, is approximately 20 astronomical units from Earth and consists of two red giant stars.
A phase-3 clinical trial has demonstrated the effectiveness of clot-busting therapy in reducing mortality and post-stroke disability in patients with severe intraventricular hemorrhage. The treatment significantly reduced death rates by 10% and improved functional recovery in patients with larger clots.
A novel study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing reveals a dynamic interplay between physical and digital neighborhoods, where negative interactions are reproduced and amplified. The study found that social media can make tensions worse, but also limit positive opportunities.
Researchers found that Retigabine enhances the resting potential open state stability of K7.2/K7.3 channels, increasing potassium ion flow and decreasing electrical signals. This may help refine pharmacotherapy for epilepsy and related disorders.
A stem cell study published in Stem Cell Reports has discovered that the GBA1 mutation creates problems with protein processing and recycling in cells, leading to an accumulation of alpha-synuclein. This excess protein is released into the brain, contributing to Parkinson's spread and symptoms.
Scientists have observed ring-shaped pores in the Bax protein, which perforates mitochondrial membranes and initiates cell death. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of apoptosis and its role in preventing cancer.
Researchers mapped molecular signatures in HPV-positive throat cancer patients based on smoking status. Heavy smokers had higher rates of mutations, including HLA-A and tobacco-exposure associated genes, which predicted poorer survival outcomes. These findings support more aggressive treatment for some patients.
A study finds that bariatric surgery prior to total knee replacement improves quality of life in morbidly obese patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. The research suggests a cost-effective option to reduce complications and costs associated with joint replacement, with a predicted cost per QALY of $13,910.
Uninsured and Medicaid patients with head and neck cancer more likely to present with advanced tumors, experience higher mortality rates. Radiation therapy and surgery used less often for these patients.
Researchers at Adimab isolated a broad panel of neutralizing anti-Ebola virus antibodies from a survivor of the 2014 outbreak. The study highlights the speed and effectiveness of Adimab's single B cell isolation platform, which was able to identify over 300 monoclonal antibodies within weeks of receiving a blood sample.
A phase III clinical trial found that using a cardiac clot-busting drug to treat hemorrhagic strokes safely decreased the death rate by 10 percent. The study also showed that flushing unwanted blood from the brain was associated with better outcomes for many patients, with almost 50 percent living independently at 180 days.
A study published in Cancer found that combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy improves survival rates among a subset of elderly head and neck cancer patients, specifically those aged 71 to 79. This improvement was not previously shown in patients older than 70 years.
A study showed that transferring healthy gut microbial species from children to mice can counter the negative effects of malnutrition, suggesting a possible therapeutic approach. Certain microbe species offset malnutrition's detrimental effects, enabling normal growth in undernourished children.
Research found that riders in crowded subway trains are about twice as likely to respond to mobile ads by making a purchase. The study examined responses to mobile ads of riders who took the subway in a large city and found that purchase rates increased significantly when there were more people per square meter.
Tropical Cyclone Uriah's surface winds reached 30 meters per second near its southwestern quadrant, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 230 nautical miles from the center. NASA's RapidScat and AIRS instruments showed wind shear's effect on cloud top temperatures, indicating the potential for heavy rain generation.
A recent study found that sensory loss is a common issue among older adults, affecting 94 percent of those in the US. The most prevalent deficit was decreased sense of taste, with 48% of participants rated as poor. Understanding the underlying causes and developing prevention strategies are crucial for improving quality of life.
Researchers found that motion-controlled video game players outperformed those with push-button controllers and no training in real-world putting, suggesting a potential for these games to enhance fine motor coordination. Further research is needed to explore the effects of motion-controlled games on larger-motor coordination skills.
A new study published in Nutrition and Diabetes journal found that low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets can lead to rapid weight gain and worsen glucose intolerance. The research suggests that fad diets like Paleo may not be suitable for people with pre-diabetes or diabetes.
New research from Northwell Health found that nearly 6 in 10 stroke patients would prefer video conferencing after hospital discharge. Patients under 55 unanimously accepted the technology, citing its personal and informative benefits. The study suggests video calls could reduce hospital readmissions and improve medication compliance.
Fiamma Straneo has been chosen by the American Geophysical Union (AGU) for the Sverdrup Lecture, a top honor in ocean sciences. Her research focuses on the role of high-latitude oceans in climate change and ice sheet dynamics.
Research at Duke University reveals that larger rolling stones and turbulent eddies exhibit the same life span, travel distance, and number of revolutions as smaller counterparts. The findings demonstrate the constructal law's applicability to non-biological systems, challenging traditional views on evolution.
Researchers found that brain imaging can accurately predict patient outcomes and identify those who may benefit from clot removal up to 18 hours after symptom onset. This approach could improve treatment eligibility and outcomes for ischemic stroke patients.