A new clinical study at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research has discovered a personalized approach to diagnose low back pain by analyzing serum levels of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). Higher IL-6 levels were found in individuals with lumbar intervertebral disc disease, suggesting that biochemical profiling can...
A newly developed tropical depression formed five months early in the 2016 hurricane season, indicating strong uplift and potential for heavy rain. The system tapped into significant directional wind shear and prevailing conditions conducive to development, classified as a tropical cyclone.
Researchers identified an ancient protein mutation that enabled the evolution of a protein necessary for multicellularity in animals. The study, published in eLife, describes a molecular mechanism involved in the origin of complex life and establishes a paradigm for research in evolutionary cell biology.
A University of Southampton-led study found that blocking a receptor in the brain responsible for regulating immune cells can prevent cognitive decline and memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered that reducing brain inflammation could halt disease progression.
Staff at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust have reduced waiting times for mental health patients after redesigning their referral system. The results show an improvement in both waiting times and percentage of patients seen within set standards following a single intervention.
Research published in Psychological Science found a link between lead exposure and ADHD symptoms in children with the HFE C282Y gene mutation. The study showed that lead effects were more robust in males and that environmental pollutants like lead play a role in explaining ADHD symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh successfully recreated an elusive form of hydrogen, which exists only under extremely high pressures. The study found that at pressures equivalent to 3.25 million times that of Earth's atmosphere, hydrogen entered a new solid phase and showed unusual properties.
Research suggests that men working in traditionally female occupations prioritize building relationships with colleagues and having flexible work arrangements over career advancement or salary. This study challenges the notion that male employees are solely motivated by promotional opportunities.
Aspirational professional women can succeed in reaching the top by understanding and using their social capital. A study found that women generally lack the ability, knowledge or opportunity to accrue or use their social capital for senior-level promotion.
The new method allows tracking of gene expression changes in stem cells, immune cells, and potential applications for cancer research. Researchers discovered unique family-specific transcriptional profiles for single T cells, shedding light on how a single founding cell gives rise to diverse progeny.
A study develops new methods to detect the onset of critical transitions in infectious disease epidemics, such as malaria. The method identifies the critical slowing-down period in human cases, suggesting that eradicating the disease could be anticipated even without a full understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
A study found that 52% of primary care physicians make unnecessary specialist referrals, with 39% prescribing brand-name drugs over generics. Physician behavior is influenced by factors like patient requests, interactions with reps, and years of experience.
A study published by The BMJ found that Mexico's 10% sugar sweetened drinks tax led to a 12% reduction in sales and a 4% increase in purchases of untaxed beverages. The findings have important implications for obesity prevention efforts, particularly among low socioeconomic groups.
Researchers at University of Luxembourg apply new bubble detection method to analyze millions of auction records, identifying explosive movements in fine art market segments. The study warns of an overheating art market with potential for severe correction.
A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that reduced prostate needle biopsies are associated with a higher risk of being diagnosed with high-risk disease. This could lead to delayed diagnosis and potentially avoidable cancer deaths. The study's findings highlight the need for balanced screening approaches and more effe...
A new study estimates that state renewable portfolio standard policies yielded significant environmental and economic benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions ($2.2 billion) and air pollution reductions ($5.2 billion). The study also found that RPS policies supported 200,000 renewable energy-related jobs and saved consumers...
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nearly one-third of patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery experienced hospitalization due to symptoms such as abdominal pain and fatigue. The risk of symptoms was higher among women, younger patients, smokers, unemployed individuals, and those with surgical symptoms before ...
Researchers found that adding NELL-1 to BMP2 therapy produces tightly woven trabecular bone within the defect area, whereas BMP2 alone leads to adipose tissue interspersed with sparse trabecular bone. The combination treatment inhibits adipogenesis and promotes osteogenesis.
Research suggests that habits such as checking emails early and late, using push notifications, and constantly being available can lead to higher levels of stress and pressure. Experts offer tips to help manage email and reduce its negative impact on productivity and wellbeing.
Charging patients for GP consultations could raise much-needed funds for the NHS, according to some. However, critics warn that this approach may lead to increased costs, reduced access to care, and decreased health outcomes.
New research suggests chronic hypoxia induces neuroinflammation in the developing brain, leading to delayed white matter development and motor learning deficits. Perinatal chronic hypoxia may lead to long-term behavioral deficits, making oxygen supplementation a potential treatment option.
A study suggests that changes in deep-water ocean circulation, rather than CO2 levels, drove the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event. This finding supports the idea that icehouse conditions, not super-greenhouse periods, are associated with the greatest increase in marine biodiversity in Earth's history.
Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have successfully converted human skin cells into fully-functional insulin-producing pancreatic cells. These new cells protected mice from developing diabetes in a mouse model of the disease, offering a promising approach to personalized cell therapy for patients with diabetes.
Researchers found that human activities contribute far less nitrogen to the open ocean than previously thought. The study suggests that the ocean plays a substantial role in recycling organic nitrogen, reducing the impact of nitrogen pollution on the carbon cycle.
Researchers in gene therapy challenge a recent study linking adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) to liver cancer development, citing flawed experimental methods and data interpretation. AAV2 is found in up to 90% of humans, yet liver cancer affects only about 10/100,000 people in the US.
A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that diners ordering from heavier wait staff were four times more likely to order dessert and 17% more alcohol. The research suggests that a waiter's weight can play a significant role in influencing diner behavior, particularly when it comes to indulging in treats.
A Kyoto-led team reports that black hole activity can be observed through visible light during outbursts, and that optical rays provide reliable data for black hole activity. The study used a 20 cm telescope to observe V404 Cygni, detecting repetitive patterns with timescales of several minutes to a few hours.
Researchers develop aluminum nanostructure pixels using plasmon resonance to create vibrant colors across the entire visible spectrum. The new approach enables the production of high-resolution images and improved display performance.
A leading Rice University researcher will explore the impact of entrepreneurship education on startup success with a $1.5 million grant. The five-year project aims to track the outcomes of startups receiving free entrepreneurship curriculum.
A study found that leopard sharks with impaired smell took longer and more tortuous paths than those with intact smell during ocean navigation. This suggests that olfaction plays a significant role in guiding these fish through the ocean.
Scientists at USC have discovered the Achilles heel of hepatocellular carcinoma, a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Researchers identified the carcinogenic pathway of stem cell marker NANOG, which promotes cancer spread by rewiring metabolism in mitochondria.
A large-scale study of transgender and non-transgender veterans found significant disparities in mental health conditions, including depression, PTSD, and serious mental illness. The study also revealed a higher prevalence of medical diagnoses, with HIV infection being the largest disparity.
A £2M BBSRC-Newton Fund project aims to develop and apply new molecular biology techniques to reduce the impact of major aquaculture diseases. The project will help early warning systems for disease outbreaks in low-income countries, improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.
A new study of 285 couples found that working longer hours does not negatively impact relationship satisfaction. Couples compensate for lost time with their partners by optimizing their private lives after work. The study challenges traditional assumptions about the effects of working hours on romantic relationships.
Researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have identified a powerful new drug with unparalleled strength against forms of neuroblastoma that resist crizotinib. The study found that PF-06463922 showed more profound inhibition of ALK than crizotinib, leading to rapid and sustained regression in animal models.
Forensic entomologists may uncover new information by studying tiny mites that feed on vertebrate carrion, including human remains. The discovery of these hitchhiking mites could add more time points to the timeline used for estimating postmortem intervals.
Paleontologists discovered a spiral valve similar to sharks and rays in a Triassic bony fish fossil, providing insights into the evolution of vertebrates' gastrointestinal tracts. The gut contents reveal a straight stomach and high energy requirements for an energetic lifestyle.
Scientists have confirmed that killer whales in the Pacific Northwest mainly eat Chinook salmon and coho salmon during their summer diet. The study analyzed DNA from feces to estimate the whales' diet composition, providing new insights into their ecological interactions.
A new study published in Nature found that droughts and extreme heat reduced global cereal harvests by an average of 9-10% between 1964 and 2007. The impact was greatest in North America, Europe, and Australasia, where production levels dropped by 19.9%.
Researchers created an audio lure using the frequency of a female mosquito's wings, attracting 95% of male mosquitoes. The device costs around $20 and can be run for weeks. Scientists also found that females are oblivious to male wing beats, making this technology a promising solution to control mosquito populations.
Tropical Cyclone Ula is weakening as it moves west and passes south of Fiji, according to NASA satellite imagery. The storm's thunderstorm development has 'shrunk and become more shallow,' with dry air from the southwest sapping evaporation and thunderstorm activity.
Research links dry eye to multiple chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic ocular pain. A multidisciplinary approach may benefit dry eye patients with underlying pain issues.
Researchers argue that globular clusters can host planets with conditions suitable for life, despite initial concerns. The environment of these dense star clusters may allow for stable planetary systems to form and survive for billions of years.
A team of researchers has been awarded a grant to develop a new ion technology for tackling quantum computing's error control challenge. The goal is to build modular super-qubits that can correct errors and scale up quantum information applications.
New research reveals that skin bacteria toxins can advance cancer cell growth by manipulating the immune system. The study found that certain staphylococcus bacteria produce toxins that enable cancer cells to override the immune defense mechanism, leading to more aggressive disease progression.
Researchers from Colorado State University have discovered that RNA plays a crucial role in DNA damage, leading to mutations and disease. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome and has implications for cancer research.
A study reveals that stress hormone cortisol's inhibitory effects on the immune system may be hundreds of millions of years old. GR, a glucocorticoid receptor, can adopt different shapes to bind DNA, highlighting the importance of protein flexibility in evolving new functions.
A new injectable agent, LUM015, has been tested in a trial and found to identify cancerous tissue in human patients without adverse effects. The technology could significantly change the treatment of sarcoma by allowing surgeons to remove 100% of the tumor on the first attempt.
A study of 201 infants found that buprenorphine therapy was more effective than methadone in reducing the duration of treatment and length of hospital stay for newborns born in opioid withdrawal. Infants treated with buprenorphine had a shorter course of treatment, averaging 9.4 days, compared to 14 days on methadone.
A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark found that oral contraceptive use is not associated with an increased risk of birth defects, with a prevalence of major birth defects consistent across all pregnant women regardless of contraceptive use.
A recent study found that faba beans can increase soil nitrogen and carbon levels, providing long-term benefits for farmers. The research suggests that growers should adjust their fertilizer recommendations to account for the slow-release nitrogen in pulse crops.
Scientists call for development of advanced tools in bioinformatics, high-resolution imaging and microbial sequencing to understand microbiome function. This would enable tackling medical and environmental challenges with greater agility.
A study by UC San Diego researchers found that populations living at high latitudes with limited sunlight exposure are at a higher risk of developing leukemia due to low vitamin D levels. This epidemic of vitamin D deficiency in winter populations contributes significantly to the burden of leukemia worldwide.
A new study reveals that human activities are the main cause of hypoxia in freshwaters worldwide, with 71 lakes showing significant changes since the mid-19th century. Aquatic rehabilitation programs have failed to restore lake ecosystems to their original well-oxygenated state.
A new study suggests that fish-flavored cat food could be a contributor to feline hyperthyroidism. The researchers found high levels of toxic compounds in cats' blood samples that likely came from their fish-flavored food. Further work is needed to clarify the link between these metabolites and the disease.
A meta-analysis of 14 studies representing nearly 68,000 women found that menopause at age 40 or older was associated with a decreased risk for depression compared to premature menopause. Longer reproductive periods and exposure to endogenous estrogens may contribute to this protective effect.
Researchers from Rice University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered how two bacterial enzymes, LigE and LigF, work together as a team to break down lignin. This finding could lead to the development of new biofuels processes that convert plant biomass into ethanol and other fuels.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new type of transparent electrode using 3D print technology, featuring gold or silver nanowalls on a glass surface. This innovation offers higher conductivity and transparency than traditional indium tin oxide electrodes, leading to improved screen quality and touch responsiveness in smartphones.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that statins can help reverse the process leading to vascular injury in people with sleep apnea. By reducing inflammation and preserving CD59 on cell surfaces, statins may lower the risk of heart disease in these individuals.
A new clinical trial is evaluating a method to pinpoint and spare healthy lung tissue during lung cancer radiotherapy using advanced image analysis techniques on 4D CT scans. The researchers aim to improve quality of life for patients by sparing functional portions of the lung.