A five-year NCI grant has been awarded to a consortium of researchers studying the impact of government policies on tobacco use behaviors and the evolving nicotine delivery market. The project aims to assess the likely impact of current and potential future policies on vaporized nicotine products.
Researchers identify human satellite II (HSATII) RNA as a promising early detection method for pancreatic cancer, with significantly higher levels found in patients' blood serum. A pilot study validated the test's ability to detect pancreatic cancer and a precancerous lesion in two cohorts of patients.
A small clinical trial found injecting modified stem cells into the brains of chronic stroke patients restored motor function, with no side effects attributed to the stem cells themselves. The promising results set the stage for an expanded trial and suggest a new approach to treating brain damage.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that vitamin D lowers the risk of developing hyperglycaemia when taken with atypical antipsychotics like quetiapine. The researchers also confirmed this finding using mouse tests, revealing that vitamin D defends against the insulin-lowering effects of quetiapine.
San Diego State University has received a $10 million endowment from the National Institutes of Health to improve its research infrastructure and support population health and health disparities research. The funding will enable researchers to collaborate across disciplines and institutions, fostering innovations in research programs w...
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis finds that genetically modified Golden Rice is still years away from field introduction due to scientific challenges. The research suggests that GMO opponents have not been the problem, but rather the rice's inability to yield well and meet its nutritional goals.
A NIH-funded study found that blacks between 45-54 die of strokes at a rate three times greater than whites due to higher incidence, not worse outcomes. Improved stroke prevention measures, such as controlling hypertension and diabetes, are crucial in reducing racial disparities.
Heavy rainfall totals of over 20 inches were reported in parts of southeastern Texas, with IMERG estimating 431 mm (17 inches) during a week of major flooding. Flooding resulted in at least 6 deaths and a state of disaster was declared in 31 Texas counties.
Family forest owners prioritize natural values over financial gain, controlling 286 million acres of US forestland. Limited written forest management plans and professional forestry advice are prevalent among owners.
A UBC study found that men who live outside major cities and have sex with other men are less likely to get an HIV test. Internalized feelings of homophobia contribute to reluctance to disclose sexual preferences, posing physical health risks.
Researchers found a strong association between increasing unemployment rates and weight gain among public school students in California from 2008-2012. The study suggests that economic troubles can have long-term health consequences for children, with an increased risk of becoming overweight by up to 21%.
A recent study found that male athletes are more likely to engage in sexual coercion, including rape, due to traditional beliefs about women and rape myths. Non-athletes were less likely to harbor these attitudes and behaviors.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have discovered an olfactory receptor in melanocytes, which can be activated by Beta-Ionone to regulate enzyme activity and cell growth. This finding offers new potential for treating melanoma and other pigmentation disorders.
Researchers will study pollinators at various sites to identify the insects responsible for spreading mummy berry disease and investigate how variations in insect visitation affect resistance levels among blueberry varieties. The study aims to reduce reliance on fungicides and help growers cope with the disease.
A new study found that vaccinating mothers against flu can significantly reduce the risk of their infants getting flu during the first four months after birth by 70 percent. This breakthrough could help reduce flu-related deaths, particularly in poor developing countries where access to healthcare is limited.
A new study found that microplastic particles negatively impact European perch larvae, reducing hatching success and survival rates. Exposure to high concentrations of plastics also alters feeding preferences and prevents fish from responding to predatory cues.
A pilot study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that using everyday environments to increase physical activity led to significant gains in daily activity. Adolescents who participated in the program showed a 7.7-minute increase in moderate-to-vigorous activity, compared to half a minute for control group participants.
Two new research papers on scabies and tapeworms showcase a collaboration with protocols.io to share scientific methods, improving reproducibility. The articles provide detailed and complete methodology descriptions, enabling researchers to easily access and build upon the studies.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a novel immunotherapy approach that activates the STING pathway, which has shown promising results in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in animal models.
Researchers discovered leukemia cells harvest mitochondria from normal cells during chemotherapy, allowing them to survive and thrive. This finding offers new hope for developing better treatments for acute myeloid leukemia by targeting the energy-boosting mechanism.
A new approach repairs liver disease by converting fibrosis-causing cells into functional hepatocytes, reducing damage and improving liver function. The technique targets liver fibrosis, a primary driver of liver disease, and may be more efficient than cell transplants.
Researchers developed a tool to untangle which genetic variants actually create risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases. The 'massively parallel reporter assay' technique lets scientists probe thousands of DNA variations to identify ones that affect gene regulation.
Researchers are seeking volunteers to help investigate the impact of harlequin ladybirds on UK insects, including a wasp parasite. By spotting seven-spot ladybirds in gardens and parks, participants can help track the lifecycle of the wasp and its effects on native species.
Researchers developed a new technique to study the gene shuffling process that creates diverse immune cell receptors. By analyzing the frequency of use of different V segment genes, they uncovered complex regulatory mechanisms involved in receptor diversity.
A new rain frog species, Pristimantis pluvialis, has been described from Amazonian Peru and the Amazonian foothills of the Andes. The discovery highlights the need for continued study of tropical regions to uncover new species.
A new bitter plant extract, Amarasate™, has been shown to activate gut peptide hormones involved in appetite regulation and suppress subsequent feeding behavior. The study found significant reductions in energy intake following ingestion of the extract.
Researchers found that kidney-specific deletion of the D2 dopamine receptor increased inflammation and hypertension, while restoration of DRD2 expression decreased these effects. The study suggests that targeting DRD2 may be a useful approach for treating renal injury.
Researchers have found that tromethamine, a drug approved to treat metabolic acidosis, can raise the pH of the airway surface liquid (ASL) and enhance bacterial killing activity in cystic fibrosis patients. This suggests that tromethamine may be beneficial in treating CF airway disease.
A new study of over 25,000 people found that declining levels of dopamine in the brain may be responsible for older people's reduced willingness to take risks for potential rewards. Older adults were less likely to choose risky gambles to win points, but not to avoid losing points.
Researchers analyzed US senators' Twitter accounts to find a divide in their views on climate change, with Democrats following science-related organizations three times more often than Republicans. However, the study also identified 15 Republican senators who bridged the gap and displayed interest in science.
A MSU physicist developed a new model that predicts the speed of solar plasma during solar flares, likening it to the path traveled by a thrown baseball. The model has implications for understanding how solar flares evolve and providing better ways to predict them.
Researchers discovered that Pten's phosphatase activity counteracts PI3 kinase activity, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and survival. Mutant mice lacking critical amino acids form tumors at high frequency, making them susceptible to targeted cancer therapy.
A large European study found that higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are associated with an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Men with greater adiposity have a higher risk of aggressive forms of the disease, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.
A study of nearly 49,000 obese patients found that bariatric surgery significantly lowers mortality rates, with a 57% reduction in all-cause deaths compared to non-surgical patients. Cardiovascular disease and cancer were the leading causes of death in both groups.
Researchers at CNIO have developed a new method to create mice with hyper-long telomeres using epigenetic changes, avoiding genetic manipulation. This technique results in fewer signs of molecular aging and a lower incidence of cancer in the mice.
Researchers at Center for Genomic Regulation discover a new pathway generating energy in the cell nucleus to deal with stressful situations and high levels of DNA damage. The key enzyme NUDIX5 is identified as crucial for nuclear ATP synthesis, which could lead to targeted cancer medicine and biomarker development.
Researchers monitored nerve impulses in awake mice to study the flow of information between sensory perception and behavior. They discovered that different layers of the cortex handle impulses in unique ways while remaining coordinated with each other.
Tropical Depression Bonnie has redeveloped into a tropical depression, threatening eastern North Carolina with heavy rain. The storm's movement and intensity are expected to change, with slight strengthening possible in the next 24 hours.
Researchers have characterized a new CRISPR system that targets RNA, enabling temporary changes to be made with greater specificity. This approach has the potential to accelerate progress in understanding, treating, and preventing disease by manipulating gene function more broadly.
A genetic variant in the HO-1 gene is highly associated with development of AKI following cardiac surgery, leading to decreased expression and iron toxicity. Testing for this variant may help identify patients at risk, enabling therapeutic strategies to mitigate kidney damage.
Researchers at Indiana University have found a correlation between higher levels of an enzyme called NMNAT2 and better cognitive function in older people. This study suggests that NMNAT2 may help protect against neurodegenerative brain diseases, including Alzheimer's.
Lawrence Steinman, MD, receives the fifth Anthony Cerami Award in Translational Medicine for his pioneering work on multiple sclerosis. His monograph explores translational research and teamwork in achieving medical breakthroughs.
African-Americans are more likely to die of stroke at younger ages, with no disparity observed after age 85. Researchers emphasize the importance of preventing strokes through addressing risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes in African-American communities.
The first wave of low-cost weather stations have been installed in Zambia, providing critically needed information for farmers and residents. The stations, built with 3D-printed parts, transmit temperature, rainfall, wind, and other weather parameters.
Fifty NSF-funded biotech companies will exhibit innovative products and processes, including diagnostics and monitoring technologies, drug discovery platforms, and engineering biology innovations. These early-stage companies have the potential to transform the US healthcare system with novel high-tech solutions.
Researchers at UTSA are using $100,000 grants to develop cloud computing for precision medicine and mobile solutions for health promotion interventions. The project combines electronic medical record data with genomics data to improve healthcare outcomes.
A new compound called Fasnall has been discovered to impede the proliferation of breast cancer cells in mice. By inhibiting the normal activity of fatty acid synthase, an enzyme that regulates cell growth and proliferation, Fasnall also contributed to the death of existing cancer cells.
GAM is a free web service that identifies links between changes in metabolism and genes, enabling better understanding of complex biological processes. The program can analyze entire maps of metabolic pathways in cells, revealing mechanisms of tumor growth and shedding light on autoimmune pathologies.
LegBank, a social enterprise company, has received a $1 million grant from Google.org to produce and distribute high-quality prosthetic limbs to amputees in need. The grant will enable production expansion and distribution to Colombia, where it aims to help an estimated 15,000 amputees with limited access to prosthetic care.
A new study reveals a deep split in the genetic data of ancient European and East Asian dogs, suggesting two independent dog domestication events occurred thousands of years apart. The findings support the idea that dogs were domesticated separately in Europe and Central Asia, with some breeds showing mixed ancestry from both regions.
A new study reveals that an enzyme called NMNAT2 helps protect neurons from protein clumps, which cause degenerative brain diseases. Higher levels of NMNAT2 were found in people with greater resistance to cognitive decline.
A team of senior neuroscientists recommends changes to neuroscience education to adapt to the new reality that more than half of graduates will work outside academia. The report calls for incorporating computational science, promoting interdisciplinary skills, and informing students about various career paths.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has announced the 2016 award recipients, recognizing individuals who have made lasting contributions to the field of sleep medicine. The awards were presented on June 13 during the SLEEP 2016 annual meeting in Denver.
A wearable artificial kidney has been shown to effectively clear waste products from the blood while maintaining electrolyte balance. The device, still requiring redesign for technical issues, offers an alternative to conventional hemodialysis, providing greater patient satisfaction and mobility.
Astronomers refine universe's expansion rate with unprecedented accuracy, reducing uncertainty to 2.4 percent. The new value of 73.2 kilometers per second per megaparsec indicates the distance between cosmic objects will double in 9.8 billion years.
Researchers found that web panel participants made 17% more purchases and increased cross-buying by 14%. The profit per customer also rose by 36%, demonstrating the economic benefits of these panels.
A Moffitt Cancer Center study found that combining nivolumab and ipilimumab is an active treatment option for small cell lung cancer patients who have failed initial therapy. The two-drug immunotherapy regimen resulted in responses that lasted longer than many other investigational agents, with 20% of patients showing a response.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that visual blurring, like bifocals or progressive lenses, can cause errors in foot position when walking. This can contribute to the risk of tripping and falling in older adults, especially in challenging environments.
Researchers report that two topical creams are effective in most primary, low-risk superficial BCC patients, with favorable comparison to photodynamic therapy. The study found high clearance rates for imiquimod and fluorouracil treatments, but noted a higher recurrence rate for fluorouracil.
Researchers found that patients with psychosis fail to produce cortisol after waking, indicating a potential biomarker for early detection. Cortisol levels may also predict risk for other chronic diseases.