The US healthcare system has significant environmental and health impacts, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. Researchers estimate 8% of national emissions come from the sector, while healthcare-related emissions linked to respiratory disease, cancer, and acid rain are substantial.
A study by UC Berkeley Haas School of Business reveals how social comparison preferences and conspicuous conservation shape product innovation, leading to eco-friendly developments. The research found that companies can tap into these consumer behaviors to enhance their products' desirability and sustainability.
Researchers at University of California - Davis Health found that patients with late-stage lung cancer who undergo surgery have better survival rates than those who don't. However, only 11% of these patients receive surgery, highlighting a need for improved access to care.
Paul A. Northcott, a researcher at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, has been selected as a Pew-Stewart Scholar to tackle medulloblastoma, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. The award includes four years of funding and aims to develop much-needed therapies for patients who relapse.
Researchers identified a new mechanism by which streptomycin kills bacteria, targeting the MscL channel pore. Dihydrostreptomycin directly binds and modifies MscL, allowing solutes to exit the cell. This discovery holds promise for developing new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant infections.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that glial energy metabolism plays a critical role in addiction-related behaviors. Researchers found that altering glial lactate release and nerve cell uptake of lactate prevented long-lasting relapse in rodents.
A recent study found that children with Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis (JIA) have a significantly higher prevalence of Type 1 diabetes compared to the general population. The research, which included over 9,000 patients, suggests that understanding this link may lead to new treatments and preventative interventions for both diseases.
Researchers reconstructed ancient bacterial enzymes and found that they were sophisticated and functional, contrary to the widely-held theory. This discovery suggests that biological evolution progressed rapidly in its early stages, with enzymes becoming fully developed within a 500-million-year period.
A newly developed PsA-comorbidity index (PsACI) can identify PsA patients at greater risk of hospitalisation and premature death. The index is expected to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
Jerry Franklin, a professor at the University of Washington, has been named 2016's Eminent Ecologist by the Ecological Society of America. He is credited with pioneering research on old-growth forests and challenging clear-cutting practices to promote healthy forest ecosystems. His work has had a significant impact on forestry and fore...
A recent study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are obese and smoke have a lower chance of achieving sustained remission after treatment. Encouraging patients to quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight could improve their symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of lifestyle factors in managing the disease.
A new study provides evidence linking melting in Greenland to Arctic amplification, with a northern swing of the jet stream reaching latitudes never before recorded. The study's findings fit the anticipated effects of Arctic amplification, which fuels a feedback loop of rising global temperatures and melting sea ice.
A mathematical model of open-heart surgery simulates oxygen levels in rat kidneys, revealing vulnerability to hypoxia during surgery. The study sheds light on the causes of kidney injury and suggests potential strategies for prevention.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that mesothelioma surgery, specifically pleurectomy and decortication, improves quality of life in patients. The procedure can control fluid buildup, improve breathing, and reduce cancer pain, with benefits observed as early as one month after surgery.
A new study suggests that an avian influenza virus vaccine can trigger broad and durable protection against multiple flu strains, offering a promising path toward a universal flu vaccine. The research identifies unique epitopes on the virus and highlights the potential of non-neutralizing antibodies in providing protection.
A centuries-old database was used to study reproductive patterns and parental investment, revealing that parents and offspring do not have similar lifespans or reproductive success. Siblings who share the same mother and father exhibit similar lifespans and reproductive success, suggesting a balance between investment and reproduction.
Researchers at UMD developed a method to build diamond-based hybrid nanoparticles in large quantities, enabling precise control of their properties. The technique uses nanoscale diamonds with nitrogen vacancies to create customizable semiconductors, magnets, and qubits.
Researchers detected cold gas clouds traveling at 1 million km/h toward a black hole in the Abell 2597 Cluster. The discovery offers new understanding of how black holes ingest fuel, with implications for our knowledge of accretion processes.
A recent study reveals that pharmaceuticals in surface water can originate from various sources beyond just treated wastewater. Researchers found metformin, nicotine, and other compounds in streams across the Southeastern US, suggesting urban run-off and groundwater movement may also contribute to their presence.
A survey of over 3,600 adults with RA found that patients value patient participation in multidisciplinary team conferences, leading to better outcomes. Patients want more involvement in treatment planning, with 70% satisfied but desiring fewer medications and more choices.
A study by New York University found that women are more likely to be saved or not harmed in moral dilemmas compared to men. In experiments involving the trolley dilemma and financial rewards, women showed a stronger aversion to harming females than males, even when it came at their own expense.
Researchers are developing a custom-engineered tissue patch using robotic 3-D printing and computer-assisted manufacturing. The patch aims to replace or protect damaged heart muscle after a heart attack, offering new hope for patients with post-infarction left ventricle remodeling and heart failure.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine identified a promising new compound for targeting triple-negative breast cancer. UM-164 blocks the kinase c-Src and inhibits another pathway, p38, involved in this subtype. The compound had very few side effects in mice.
Researchers found that organosolv lignin enhances sun protection factor (SPF) in sunscreens, with one percent increasing SPF from 15 to 30 and 10 percent reaching almost 92.
A study found that a biomarker linked to increased cardiovascular risk is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, heart failure, and death. The study suggests that measuring the biomarker twice over time can provide better risk characterization.
Researchers at VTT have created a hybrid nanomaterial-based supercapacitor that can store and generate electrical energy on a silicon chip, paving the way for zero-power autonomous devices in IoT. The new technology has impressive power generation of 2 watts on a one square centimetre silicon chip.
Researchers found that a plant-virus-based carrier successfully delivers the drug candidate phenanthriplatin, outperforming cisplatin in mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer. The nanoparticles target tumors, accumulating inside lysosomal compartments and releasing the drug to block transcription, leading to greater cell death.
Researchers are cautiously optimistic that technological progress will help gain a better understanding of KRas. The protein's complex structure and limited binding sites have been major challenges in developing effective treatments.
Researchers created a comprehensive metabolic model of C. elegans, linking over 2,000 processes to identify genes contributing to lifespan extension. The 'ElegCyc' model enables analysis of large datasets and will aid in understanding human diseases and microbiome interactions.
A new ALMA observation reveals that cold dense clouds can coalesce from hot intergalactic gas and feed a galaxy's central supermassive black hole. This challenges previous views of how supermassive black holes acquire mass, indicating a chaotic and dynamic feeding process.
Systemic glucocorticoids increase risk of life-threatening staph infections by 2.5 times, with higher doses associated with greater risk
A new study identified a mechanism behind cardiovascular inflammation after a heart attack and developed a potential strategy to suppress it. The therapy targets molecules that attract immune cells to atherosclerotic plaques, reducing the risk of another heart attack and improving heart function.
A new analysis of a group of bacteria called Streptomyces reveals the way some strains developed advanced abilities to tear up cellulose and points out more efficient ways to make fuel from plant material. The study identifies important enzymes and new groups of enzymes produced when Streptomyces flex particular genes.
Researchers propose that DNA shape changes can produce strong forces, a new target for antiviral drugs. The 'scrunched' DNA mechanism could help block viral replication by invading viral shells.
The Environmental Genomics course explores the relationship between genetics and environment, focusing on phenotypic plasticity in organisms like Daphnia pulex. The course aims to provide training in experimental approaches and computational models for studying the effects of environmental challenges on genetics.
A new species of goby, the Godzilla goby, has been discovered in the southern Caribbean by the Smithsonian Institution's Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP). The fish features bright yellow and orange colors, a large head, and unique dental structure.
University of Delaware researchers found that incorporating rice husk into soil can decrease toxic arsenic levels in rice grain by 25 to 50 percent. This eco-friendly approach has implications for developing countries relying on rice as a staple food and aims to improve soil quality without negatively affecting yield.
Researchers have developed a method to observe the structure of molecules and track changes within attosecond timescales. By using tunneling ionization and ultrashort laser pulses, scientists can measure electron interference patterns, providing insight into molecular configurations.
The remnants of Tropical Depression 1E dissipated over the southwestern coast of Mexico. The system's winds decreased from 25 mph to lower gusts, with minimum central pressure at 1008 millibars.
The SMAP satellite measures soil moisture by collecting signals related to ground characteristics, then estimating moisture levels using complex equations. On-ground measurements are being used to compare with satellite data and improve accuracy.
A new hybridization-induced aggregation technology detects KRAS mutations in lung and colorectal cancers, enabling targeted therapies. The technique is simple, rapid, and inexpensive, with 100% agreement with sequencing results.
A new study from Umeå University in Sweden suggests that exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric diagnoses in children and adolescents. The research found a 9% increase in medication for at least one psychiatric diagnosis with a 10 microgram per cubic meter increase in nitrogen dioxide concentration.
Researchers found that herpes virus infects neurons in colon wall, killing them and preventing food movement, leading to enlarged colon. The study provides a surprising cause for unexplained chronic constipation in some patients.
The Alberta Diabetes Institute has awarded $600,000 in funding to support diabetes research projects with high commercialization potential. The funding will accelerate the development of healthcare technologies in Alberta, a province known for life-changing research on diabetes.
A study finds that fishing closures in Indonesia's shark sanctuary increase shark abundance, while also forcing fishermen to fish in unprotected areas, often turning to illegal practices. Ecotourism may provide an alternative livelihood, but its impact on fishing pressure and illegal activity is uncertain.
Bioluminescence has evolved independently 27 times in 14 major fish clades, underscoring its importance to vertebrate fish in the deep seas. The phenomenon is found throughout the ocean and is used for signaling, camouflage, and species recognition.
A recent study published by PLOS ONE sheds light on the impact of genetic mutations on cystic fibrosis. The research found that about 5% of children with varying clinical consequences and 11% of those with unknown liability developed CF, highlighting the need to identify specific mutations to provide targeted treatment.
Bearded dragons partition colour change to specific body parts depending on social interactions and temperature. Colour change in the neck area is linked to social interactions, while darker colours on their backs help regulate body temperature during breeding season.
Research presented at CARDIOSTIM - EHRA EUROPACE 2016 found that electronic anti-theft systems, often hidden by advertising or in floors, can interfere with cardiac device functioning. Prolonged exposure can cause pacing therapy drops and ICD shocks.
Pittsburgh researchers uncover a major reason why alpha-synuclein, a key protein in Parkinson's disease, is toxic to neurons. They found two ways to prevent the toxicity: gene therapy and a protein that blocks alpha-synuclein from sticking to mitochondria.
Dr. Frank G. Moody, a pioneer in weight loss surgery, has been honored by the American Surgical Association for his contributions to advancing surgical care. He was recognized for his work in promoting weight loss surgery and his leadership in developing comprehensive bariatric programs.
A study by University of Cologne researchers found that conservatives are happier in a conservative social environment. Life satisfaction depends on time and country, with conservatives generally experiencing more happiness than non-conservatives.
Scientists identified 11 major groups of AML, each with unique genetic changes driving the disease. The study's findings improve diagnosis and treatment for young AML patients by predicting survival rates based on genetic complexity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a link between rising eosinophil levels and regrowth of nasal polyps in chronic sinus disease patients. The study suggests that monitoring eosinophils could aid in detecting early growth and tracking treatment effectiveness.
A large-scale national study found that early use of stimulant medications for ADHD does not increase the risk of substance abuse in later adolescence, while short-term use during middle or high school may lead to higher risks. The research highlights the importance of monitoring teens who start using these medications later in life.
Researchers found that 'super swimmers' with shorter heads and longer tails are better equipped to reach the egg due to their shape. These traits help sperm swim faster through the vagina, increasing the chances of fertilization. The study's findings may lead to new directions in human fertility research.
Kenya's ivory burn has increased by over 600% since 2011, with a recent record-breaking burn valued at up to $220 million. The scientists argue that tracking the impact of these burns is crucial to reduce poaching and illegal ivory trade.
A landmark study by Australian Catholic University found that teenage boys high in cognitive empathy attracted an average of 1.8 more girl friendships than low empathy counterparts. Girls were also more likely to nominate empathic boys as friends, while empathetic girls didn
A new, broad-band tunable infrared laser from Northwestern University offers high-power rapid tuning and has implications for detecting drugs and explosives. The robust, all solid-state laser can be rapidly tuned to capture unique spectral fingerprints of gases.
Researchers have used radical pair analysis to enhance the performance of cryptochrome-based magnetic compass sensors, finding that electron spin relaxation can improve sensitivity. The study's findings could lead to the development of low-cost and environmentally-friendly electronic devices capable of detecting weak magnetic fields.