A study found that long-acting opioids for chronic noncancer pain were associated with a 1.6 times greater risk of all-cause mortality compared to anticonvulsants or cyclic antidepressants. Cardiovascular deaths accounted for over half of the excess deaths.
A plant-rich diet with high fruit and vegetable intake can reduce type 2 diabetes risk by 20%, according to a new study. A healthier version of this diet further reduces the risk by 34%, while an unhealthy version increases it.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that adolescents using both marijuana and alcohol during middle school and high school are more likely to experience poor academic performance, mental health issues, and physical health problems. Nonwhite youth tend to face greater disparities in functioning compared to white youth.
The Saffire-I experiment aims to study how fires grow and spread in microgravity, with the goal of verifying fire-safety protocols for the ISS and future manned flights to Mars. The experiment will use a heated wire to ignite a large cloth sample, and researchers will monitor its growth and spread.
A team of researchers has successfully grown functional pituitary tissue from human stem cells that can release hormones important for growth, reproductive functions, and stress response. The study's findings hold promise for a more permanent therapeutic option for patients with hypopituitarism.
The UNIST Design School's 'Toy Box' design concept has received Notable and Winner design awards at the Core77 Design Awards 2016. The award-winning design aims to provide play opportunities through innovative repurposing of existing relief packaging, helping deprived children in disaster zones and poorest communities.
Recent breakthroughs in creating artificial systems that outplay humans in games are rooted in neural networks inspired by information processing in the brain. The complementary learning systems theory explains how humans and animals learn, highlighting its potential importance as a framework for AI development.
Researchers found that chilling roasted coffee beans before grinding results in narrower distribution of small particles, allowing for better extraction of flavor compounds. This could lead to more flavorful beverages and potentially alter the taste of brewed coffee.
A new study demonstrates that an over-the-counter sleep aid can help people with occasional sleeplessness achieve significantly better sleep. The study found that the liquid product ZzzQuil helped participants fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and report better quality of sleep.
Researchers found that microbes in must can be used as biomarkers to predict metabolite abundances in finished wine. This study could lead to improved winemaking by identifying bacteria and fungi associated with desirable metabolites or detecting troublesome taxa before spoilage occurs.
Agneta Mallén's study reveals how citizen journalism can perpetuate cyberbullying through the sharing of low-quality videos that are perceived as truth. The researcher found that even when video clips are later debunked, the damage is already done and the person is subjected to virtual punishment.
Researchers found that women generally outlive men across multiple species, with a ubiquity of survival advantage. However, they also appear to be in poorer health through adult life, with higher rates of physical limitations and health problems like osteoarthritis and back pain.
Researchers at Rice University used computer simulations to study DNA's twisted-ladder form, finding that chromosomes can emerge with either right- or left-handed superhelices. The discovery could help explain how cells regulate gene expression and cell differentiation.
A study of 2,436 people found that listening to sad music can lead to feelings of pleasure, comfort, and relief, but also painful experiences related to personal loss. The research has implications for music therapy and rehabilitation, highlighting the complexity of human emotions in response to sad music.
Washington State University researchers created a simple sensor that can detect and amplify the signal of E. coli 0157:H7, a harmful pathogen causing severe diarrhea and kidney damage. The biosensor uses a nanoflower particle with organic and inorganic components to recognize and amplify the bacteria's signal.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute have developed a technique to replicate early changes in Alzheimer's disease in a lab-dish model. This breakthrough allows for the study of the disease's progression and potential treatments without animal testing.
Zika virus is likely transmitted through blood transfusions, prompting calls for evidence-based approach to protect the blood supply. Researchers recommend deferring donors with symptoms, developing better screening tests, and reducing pathogen transmission.
Researchers have detected a chiral molecule called propylene oxide in Sagittarius B2 North, a cloud of gas and dust in the Milky Way galaxy. This discovery sheds light on the origin of homochirality on Earth, which is a phenomenon where life forms predominantly use left-handed molecules.
A new study found significant improvements in coronary heart disease rates among the US population, particularly among those without established risk factors. The prevalence of CHD decreased by 1.3% from 2001-2002 to 2011-2012, with notable declines seen among women, non-Hispanic white and black adults, and those with health insurance.
A new plant engineering method has been developed to produce artemisinic acid, the molecule from which artemisinin is derived, in high yields. This technique involves transferring the metabolic pathway of Artemisia annua into tobacco plants, resulting in unprecedented levels of artemisinic acid production.
A University of Montana researcher has contributed to a groundbreaking study on the complexity of earthquakes and their forecastability. The research found that smaller and larger quakes contribute to the movement of the Himalayas, increasing the frequency but reducing the impact of earthquakes in the region.
A new study finds that childhood adversities are associated with higher rates of adult insomnia, with specific combinations of events predicting mild, moderate-severe, or no insomnia. The research highlights the long-term impact of early life experiences on sleep health.
A new spintronics-based system has been developed, offering improved performance over conventional heat-assisted magnetic recording materials. The DyCo5 nanostructures demonstrate a lower writing temperature and higher stability of magnetic bits, enabling faster and more energy-efficient data storage.
The International Vector Control Centre (IVCC) has received a $75 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over five years. This funding will support IVCC's work in developing innovative vector control products and tools to prevent malaria transmission from mosquitoes to vulnerable populations.
A study published in Pediatrics found that exclusive breastfeeding improved heart volume and function in premature babies, with those consuming more breastmilk having better outcomes as adults. The research suggests that breastfeeding may be able to mitigate the negative effects of premature birth on cardiac development.
The novel portable diagnostic tool offers a multi-dimensional look at the body by combining optical and gamma imaging, allowing physicians to visualize molecular data alongside surface organ images. Clinical pilot studies have shown promising results in imaging lymphatic and thyroid tissue, as well as tear ducts.
Scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) urge researchers to adopt comprehensive toolkit for assuring cell line quality, implemented before studies using human cells. Current standard has not been widely adopted despite growing priority among funders and publishers.
A new study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that caffeine use no longer improved alertness or performance after three nights of sleep restriction. The study, which involved 48 healthy individuals, showed that relative to placebo, caffeine significantly improved Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) performance during the fir...
Researchers found that Prkci gene plays a crucial role in organizing cells into balls and tubes during early embryo and organ formation. By mixing functional Prkci with cells lacking it, they restored normal polarity, suggesting an unknown molecular signal was transmitted to disoriented cells.
Astronomers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and San Diego State University have discovered the largest planet yet found around a double-star system. Kepler-1647 b is approximately 4.4 billion years old and has a mass and radius nearly identical to that of Jupiter.
A Phase II trial found that autologous stem cell transplant is effective and safe for HIV patients with relapsed/treatment-resistant lymphoma. Patients with HIV had comparable overall survival rates and reduced toxicity compared to non-HIV patients.
Researchers have identified five types of lipid, or fatty acids, that exist as droplets inside the cells of female chickens' sperm storage tubules. These lipids may be released into the sperm storage tubules and improve the sperm's survival. The study provides insight into how certain female animals are able to store sperm long-term.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests creating a list of essential medicines to ensure availability, citing global shortages and the need for national pharmacare. This could help governments plan for contingencies and mitigate drug shortages.
A study by Northern Arizona University's Christina Schädel found that carbon dioxide is the largest contributor to permafrost thawing, with dry soils releasing more CO2 than wet ones. This discovery highlights the need to monitor changes in soil moisture conditions to better understand the impact of permafrost thawing on climate change.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified Rac1 as a potential target for treating psoriasis. The small protein is involved in wound repair and has been linked to environmental triggers of the disease, as well as genetic predisposition. Blocking Rac1 activation may offer a new way to treat psoriasis without s...
Researchers at EPFL have found a way to reclaim corrupted immune cells and turn them into signals for the immune system to attack tumors. They identified a molecular switch that can convert hijacked macrophages into cells stimulating the immune system to fight cancer growth and spread.
Researchers have designed DNA frames to connect nanoparticles into precisely structured lattices, enabling the creation of nanomaterials with tailored properties. The team's method uses DNA origami to self-assemble particles into desired shapes, reducing dependence on particle modification.
Researchers found universal (host-independent) dynamics for healthy individuals' gut and mouth microbiomes. Fecal microbiota transplantation therapy also relied on these shared patterns to treat C. difficile infections.
Patients with hypertensive urgency can be safely treated in the outpatient setting without compromising cardiovascular outcomes. Despite this, nearly two-thirds of patients still experience uncontrolled blood pressure at six months. Hospital admission rates are lower for patients sent home, suggesting improved care coordination.
A new study from the University of Washington reveals that a common type of volcano draws its lava from both the mantle and the crust, challenging traditional geological beliefs. Researchers found that the basalt's magnesium signature is similar to the crustal material, suggesting that fluid movement plays a role in seismic activity at...
The National Cell Manufacturing Consortium has developed a national roadmap for advanced cell manufacturing, aiming to increase the production of high-quality living cells for cell-based therapies. The consortium, established by Georgia Tech and industry partners, aims to establish the US as a leader in cell therapy manufacturing.
A study by Stanford University researchers has identified CD47, a protein highly expressed on the surface of small-cell lung cancer cells, as a potential therapeutic target. Blocking this protein with immunotherapies may stimulate the immune system to destroy cancer cells, offering new hope for treating this deadly disease.
Researchers block glutamine breakdown in liver cancer cells, preserving normal cells, and reduce tumor development in mice. The study identifies LRH-1 as the key protein involved and suggests it as a new target for treating liver cancer.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic approach to prevent renal damage in cardiorenal syndrome type 2 (CRS2), a condition that causes chronic kidney disease secondary to heart failure. By inhibiting G protein-coupled receptors, the study found that renal function can be protected.
Researchers compare model predictive control (MPC) and proportional integral derivative (PID) algorithms for an artificial pancreas. MPC outperformed PID in regulating glucose levels, with the former keeping participants within safe range 74% of the time.
Researchers at Caltech discovered quasicrystals in laboratory experiments after simulating asteroid collisions. The team hypothesized that the energy released during a collision could trigger a rapid cycle of compression and cooling, leading to the formation of these rare structures.
Scientists have developed a method to trap single molecules in tiny optical cavities, enabling the mixing of molecules and light. This breakthrough allows for new ways to manipulate matter's physical and chemical properties.
Soil moisture levels in the Arctic play a crucial role in determining carbon emissions as temperatures rise. A recent study found that dry soils release significantly more carbon than wet soils, even accounting for methane production.
Researchers found that at least one in five elderly nursing home residents experienced resident-to-resident mistreatment, with verbal aggression being the most common form. The study's findings highlight a need for better understanding and prevention strategies for this type of abuse.
Researchers at Tohoku University have synthesized wafer-scale and high-yield suspended graphene nanoribbons using a bottom-up approach, enabling the integration of over 1 million ribbons with high yield.
A new nanomaterial has been developed that is both transparent and highly conductive to electric current. The material, created through a cheap and simple method, has potential applications in roll-up touchscreen displays, wearable electronics, flexible solar cells, and electronic skin.
A Purdue University research team has developed an electronic sensor that can distinguish between dead and living bacteria cells. The sensor works by detecting changes in electrical conductivity in droplets containing bacteria, a process that varies according to whether the cell is alive or dead.
Industrial manufacturing businesses can reduce their energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30.45% and 5.63%, respectively, by rescheduling work patterns around critical peak events. The new research from Binghamton University uses critical peak pricing technology.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Laboratories describe a new way to build terahertz lasers that reduce power consumption and enable tighter beams. The device is an array of microfabricated lasers on a single chip, with phase-locking technology that recaptures lateral radiation, resulting in a tighter beam.
New research finds that artistic careers are subject to the same social forces driving gender wage gaps in other fields. Despite flexible nature of many artistic careers, female artists earn significantly less than their male counterparts, with a $19,884.30 difference on average.
A University of Michigan study found an association between obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive dysfunction in MS patients. Treating OSA with CPAP therapy may help improve cognitive function in these patients.
A recent study published in Sleep found that gamers frequently sacrifice adequate sleep for gaming, with 67% of participants delaying bedtime by an average of 101 minutes. This behavior is considered a sign of addictive gaming habits.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that larger hematoma size and location are associated with an increased risk of dementia after intracerebral hemorrhage. The research also identified educational level, mood symptoms, and white matter disease as risk factors for delayed post-ICH dementia.
Researchers discovered that bacteria in the human gut have specialized functions and are not always beneficial. The study found that certain bacteria can produce unhealthy compounds when fermenting proteins, contradicting previous assumptions about the link between diversity and host health.
Researchers successfully treat deadly MRSA infection in animals using the combination of antibiotic TXA709 with cefdinir, reducing potential resistance and side effects. The new treatment approach aims to develop a new class of antibiotics to combat rising antibiotic-resistant infections.