Researchers studied 980 stroke survivors with PFO and found that closing the hole with a device reduced recurrent strokes by 56% compared to blood thinning medications. The device only prevented strokes related to PFO, which tend to be larger and on the edge of the brain.
Soilless farming proposed as a solution to Qatar's food shortage, increasing crop yield by 100 times compared to conventional farming. The system uses nutrient-enriched water and advanced hydroponics to provide reliable quantity and quality of crops, while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Researchers have determined the structure of a protein complex that lets viruses like HIV establish permanent infections in human cells. The new findings reveal a novel paradigm for retroviral DNA integration and provide insights into how viruses interact with host DNA.
A team from the University of Sheffield has discovered a white blood cell in birds that can completely block the growth of Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus that causes fatal infections in humans. The researchers found that this macrophage cell is able to destroy the fungus when it tries to invade the bird's body.
Hunter-gatherer Aleuts on Sanak Island, Alaska, used a super-generalist diet to stabilize marine food webs. Their prey-switching behavior helped maintain ecosystem balance.
Tropical Cyclone Winston is intensifying over the Southern Pacific Ocean, affecting Tonga with gale warnings issued for Niue and waters east of Vava'u. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts Winston to continue strengthening before turning west and heading north of Tonga.
Scientists have found a way to control the sensitivity of coiled protein polymers called R bodies, making them unfurl at higher or lower pH levels. The proteins can burst open 60% of bacterial cells in acidic conditions, offering potential use in delivering molecules inside living systems and targeting biotechnology applications.
Caregivers who attended stroke camps reported feeling less alone (79%) and experiencing recharging effects (77%). The camps provided emotional support, physical relief and education to alleviate the strains of caregiving, including work impact and loss of time and freedom.
A study published in Neurology found that certain antibiotics are associated with delirium, a condition characterized by mental confusion and hallucinations. Researchers identified three types of brain problems related to antibiotics, including seizures, psychosis, and impaired muscle coordination.
Researchers at MIT developed a new model to reduce unnecessary communication in human-robot teams, enabling them to work together more effectively. The system has been tested on computer simulations and shows promise for improving team performance.
Researchers found genetic evidence of interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans, occurring around 100,000 years ago. This event likely occurred when some modern humans left Africa early and mixed with Neanderthals.
A new study from the USDA-ARS found that transgenic sweet corn is not more susceptible to Goss's wilt disease, regardless of glyphosate treatment. In fact, glyphosate application increased yield in transgenic plants, potentially due to hormesis, a phenomenon where low doses of toxins stimulate plant growth.
A study of 34,653 US adults found that marijuana use was associated with an increased risk of developing alcohol and drug use disorders, including nicotine dependence, over a three-year period. However, the study did not find a link between marijuana use and mood or anxiety disorders.
A study published in eLife identified a novel mechanism that causes abnormal brain development in autism, a group of highly inheritable behavioral disorders. The research reveals how a specific microRNA regulates gene expression to impair brain development, leading to the characteristic symptoms of autism.
Researchers found testosterone treatment benefits older men with low testosterone levels, improving sexual function, walking ability, and mood. The treatment also had no significant impact on energy but reduced depressive symptoms.
A new study from Griffith University uses population viability modelling to quantify the impact of ecotourism on threatened species. For seven out of nine species analysed, ecotourism provides net conservation gains through measures like private reserves and habitat restoration.
Researchers from the University of Bristol have discovered a new way to create polarizers using the polarization of light in mantis shrimp. This innovative solution could lead to improved optical technologies, such as cameras and sunglasses.
A new Northwestern Medicine study links a biological age discrepancy to increased cancer risk and mortality. The study found that individuals with an epigenetic age 2.2 years older than their chronological age have a higher risk of dying from cancer.
Researchers found strong evidence of interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans, occurring tens of thousands of years earlier than previously thought. The team analyzed DNA from a specific Neanderthal individual, which showed human DNA, contradicting previous findings that dated such events to around 47,000-65,000 years ago.
A study published in Gut journal found that oral and intravenous iron replacement therapies alter the gut microbiota significantly, particularly in Crohn's disease patients. These changes may lead to unstable bacterial ecosystems and increased risk of disease flares.
A study by Rice University and Oregon State University found that significant marine virus outbreaks may be associated with coral bleaching events, especially due to multiple environmental stresses. Viral groups, including a herpes-like virus, were detected in corals undergoing bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.
A recent study found that short periods of mobilization soon after a stroke significantly improves recovery outcomes. The research suggests that session frequency is crucial, with too much mobility hindering progress.
Researchers found intriguing contradictions between IceCube neutrino data and Fermi gamma-ray data, suggesting 'hidden accelerator' origins of high-energy cosmic neutrinos. Proton-photon interactions may block high-energy gamma rays from escaping, enabling the use of neutrinos as new probes of dense astrophysical environments.
Researchers detected Zika virus in the amniotic fluid of two pregnant women whose fetuses had been diagnosed with microcephaly. However, further research is needed to understand the biological mechanism linking Zika virus to microcephaly.
The European Research Council has granted Dr. Thomas Tütken a Consolidator Grant to investigate when the first land-based vertebrates began to use plants as a food source. By analyzing fossil teeth, he aims to reconstruct past food webs and extinction patterns of early land vertebrates.
Researchers at UEF have developed a new synthesis method for Li-ion batteries, which uses readily available materials, is safe to dispose of, and has significantly longer cycle lifetimes. The new method solves the low electric conductivity problem, promising applications in fast-charging electric buses and high-power hybrid vehicles.
Researchers link NSAIDs with ruthenium and osmium ions to destroy cancer cells, while leaving most normal cells alone in lab tests. The combination shows promise as an effective treatment for ovarian cancer and potentially reduces side effects.
Scientists discovered that Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens interbred at least twice, 100,000 and 50,000 years ago. The findings contradict the previous understanding of Neanderthals' genetic makeup and suggest a more complex evolutionary history.
Premature babies born with low birth weight are more likely to be bullied and develop depression, anxiety, ADHD, or antisocial behavior in adulthood. Childhood bullying significantly increases their risk for mental health problems, particularly anxiety disorders.
Researchers discovered a gene, neuromedin U, that promotes wakefulness and suppresses sleep in zebrafish. The protein's function suggests it may be nature's alarm clock, helping to regulate the transition from nighttime sleep to daytime wakefulness.
A new study by MIT researchers found that constituency statutes in 34 US states increase patenting rates by at least 6.4% and citation counts per patent by 6.3%. This allows firms to take a longer view on innovation, prioritizing stakeholders' interests over short-term profits.
Dr. Yi Hong's research aims to create flexible, conductive, and biodegradable elastomers for biomedical applications like tissue repair. His technology has the potential to expand beyond biomedical fields into biodegradable electronics and wearable electronics.
Researchers identified a gene, neuromedin U (Nmu), that regulates sleep in zebrafish. Overexpression of Nmu causes severe insomnia, while its absence leads to reduced activity during the day. The study improves understanding of sleep regulation and suggests Nmu as a potential candidate for new therapies to address sleep disorders.
The cost of an effective stroke clot-busting drug, alteplase, has more than doubled to $6,400 for a standard vial, but Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement have only increased by 8%. This disparity highlights the need for better reimbursement rates to ensure hospitals can provide high-quality care without losing money.
Researchers found that ceria nanoparticles can reduce inflammation in the brain following a bleeding stroke by decreasing the secretion of inflammatory chemicals. In a lab experiment, macrophages treated with ceria nanoparticles showed less damage and water accumulation at the stroke site compared to untreated cells.
Low oxygen levels hampered life's recovery after the Permian-Triassic extinction, which wiped out 90% of species. Oxygen levels didn't return to pre-extinction levels until 5 million years later, when climate stability increased.
The Medical University of South Carolina is developing a statewide telehealth network for children's hospitals, which aims to provide quick access to specialized pediatric care. The network, supported by a $1 million grant, will help equip smaller medical centers with resources and expertise.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have made a breakthrough in understanding how retrovirus RSV brings together protein molecules to form tiny molecular claws, which can help develop anti-retrovirals to target integrase functions and improve HIV/AIDS therapies.
Eight new species of whip spiders found in Brazilian Amazon, with diversity of Amblypygi species now at 25, threatening habitats from iron mining and dam flooding. Conservation efforts recommended to preserve their increasingly threatened habitat.
Researchers identified 5 autoantibody classifiers that can distinguish lung cancer from smoker controls with high sensitivity and specificity, as well as those from benign lung nodules. These findings have the potential to improve early detection of lung cancer through companion molecular diagnostic modalities.
The USABC has awarded a $1 million contract to WPI to scale up a novel process for recycling lithium-ion batteries. The process recovers cathode materials, which can be reused in new batteries at a significant cost reduction.
A randomized controlled trial found that physical therapy significantly improves urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, reducing urine leaks by 75%. The treatment involved pelvic floor muscle exercise and retraining with biofeedback.
The study reveals that asteroids are destroyed when they approach the Sun, explaining discrepancies in meteor stream observations and providing a new perspective on asteroid interiors. The team's discovery allows for the testing of models of asteroid interiors by tracking their orbits and sizes.
The study found a significant decrease in breast conservation surgery (BCS) use overall, with the highest decline observed in younger women. Reoperation rates after BCS were also higher in certain surgeon groups, highlighting the importance of volume and expertise.
Researchers discovered that sea snails use the same technique as flying insects to swim, beating their wings in a figure-of-eight pattern to generate lift. The team, led by David Murphy, used high-speed cameras and advanced analysis to visualize fluid movements around the animals.
Research shows that potatoes are a well-liked vegetable among young children and are a good source of key nutrients like potassium and dietary fiber. Including potatoes in school meals can help ensure children receive these essential nutrients.
Researchers at University of Maryland School Medicine have developed a new treatment for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) that uses genetically modified cows to produce anti-MERS antibodies. The treatment has shown promising results in mouse models, with the potential to be effective in humans.
Climate models predict wet regions will become wetter and dry regions drier; western US aquifers expected to see slight-to-significant decreases in recharge as climate warms. The team's research integrates scientists' knowledge with scientific models to predict groundwater changes.
Researchers at Women & Infants Hospital published a study linking anal cancer to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The study found that 40% of high-risk women and 21.7% of low-risk women had abnormal anal cytology, with high-risk HPV detected in 20.8% of the high-risk group
A new study by the University of Florida found that shelter staff frequently misidentify dog breeds based on appearance, which can lead to negative outcomes for the dogs. The study evaluated DNA profiles and visual identification, finding limited agreement among staff members.
A special issue of the journal AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses highlights recent advances in HIV cure research, including studies on viral suppression and control of virus replication. Researchers discuss potential avenues for achieving a cure and propose exploring multiple approaches to therapy.
A study by UT Dallas researchers proposes a solution to identify and mitigate click fraud in pay-per-click advertising. The study suggests that an independent third party investigate and flag fraudulent clicks when conflicts arise between service providers and advertisers, inducing them to improve their technologies.
A new study shows the Arctic tundra now releases more carbon than it gains during winter, resulting in a net loss to the atmosphere. Meanwhile, a training initiative in Europe supports young atmospheric researchers with unique skills and collaboration opportunities.
Researchers at CU-Boulder have developed an ultrafast optical microscope that captures real-time, slow-motion movies of light interacting with electrons in nanomaterials. The technique enables the visualization of matter on its natural time and length scale.
By 2050, nearly half the world's population will be short-sighted, with up to 1 billion at high risk of blindness. The rapid increase in myopia is attributed to environmental factors such as decreased time outdoors and increased near work activities.
The Charleston Alcohol Research Center has received a $7 million NIH grant to fund innovative treatments for alcohol addiction. The center aims to develop new therapies using transcranial magnetic stimulation and other technologies.
Researchers at Yale University found that testosterone therapy significantly improved sexual function, including sexual activity, desire, and erectile function, in men over age 65. Additionally, testosterone treatment showed modest benefits in terms of improved mood and fewer depressive symptoms.
A new study suggests that patients with resectable pancreatic cancer should receive at least 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy to reduce distant disease recurrences and improve overall survival. Chemotherapy, but not chemoradiotherapy, significantly reduces the incidence of distant recurrence.
Researchers have developed a novel therapeutic approach using nanomedicines called Navacims that can reprogram white blood cells to become regulatory cells capable of blunting autoimmune responses. The treatment has shown promising results in preclinical models of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a wearable robotic limb that allows drummers to play with three arms. The smart arm responds to human gestures and music, enabling a more sophisticated and creative experience. The technology has the potential to be applied in various fields, including medicine and engineering.