Researchers have identified 122 new types of RNA bacteriophages in diverse ecological niches, providing an opportunity to define their contributions to ecology and explore them as novel tools. The study suggests that RNA bacteriophages likely play a much larger role in shaping the bacterial makeup of worldwide habitats than previously ...
A new study has linked a common parasite to repeated bouts of rage in individuals with intermittent explosive disorder (IED). Chronic latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii is associated with increased aggression and impulsivity in adults. The study found that IED patients are more than twice as likely to have been exposed to the para...
Researchers identified a specific brain circuit involving DR2 nerve cells that predicts risk-taking preferences in rats. The findings expand on human research, suggesting the circuit may also be relevant to humans.
Researchers created a European-scale map of wildland-urban areas to predict fire risk, finding that regions with high WUI areas are more prone to catastrophic large wildfires. The study highlights the need for local authorities to prioritize fire risk control and develop better forest fire management strategies in high-risk areas.
Researchers created a computer model to identify habitats of the endangered shrubby reed-mustard plant. The model uses satellite imagery, elevation data, and soil characteristics to predict habitat locations with accuracy.
Researchers develop a closed formula to reduce motion blur in camera images by optimizing flutter shutter codes for any probability density of expected scene velocities. The formula links optimal codes with velocity distributions and surpasses the previously-established 1.17 bound gain for known velocities.
Researchers identified biological markers in blood samples from latently infected individuals that can predict the risk of developing active TB. These biomarkers may enable targeted therapies to prevent illness in high-risk individuals.
A study led by Michigan State University reveals that the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein controls cell migration in fruit flies and humans, contributing to cancer metastasis. The researchers also found that this protein regulates polarity genes important for maintaining proper cell organization and specialized functions.
Researchers at VIB, KU Leuven and UGent have discovered a non-coding RNA gene called SAMMSON that is specifically expressed in human malignant melanoma. The growth of aggressive skin cancer is highly dependent on this gene, paving the way for improved diagnostic tools and treatment options.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is establishing four new Research Units, focusing on climate-related extinction events, individual risk perception, human impact on high-altitude ecosystems, and resilience in pre-modern societies. The units will receive approximately €7 million in funding for the first period.
Researchers create intelligent motor systems that analyze data from the motor itself to determine health and detect faults. They use mathematical models to simulate motor states, fault levels, and wear, enabling efficient control and monitoring.
A new national study by Children's Hospital of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine researchers shows that chronic heart disease caused by cardiomyopathy is a family disease. The study suggests including the entire family in the treatment plan may be more effective for many pediatric heart disease survivors.
Taking long naps or being excessively tired during the day is linked to a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. The study found that napping for 40 minutes or longer was associated with a significant increase in metabolic syndrome risk.
The ASAA has been awarded a three-year, $2.5 million demonstration project to monitor and support treatment adherence for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study will compare the effectiveness of proactive care versus reactive care on improving patient-centered outcomes.
RetroSense Therapeutics has successfully completed the first dose of its lead compound RST-001 in a phase I/II clinical trial for patients with retinitis pigmentosa. The study aims to assess the safety and potential efficacy of optogenetics in restoring vision.
A new reaction method produces highly useful 1,2-dihydropyridines through a selective route, utilizing pyridine as an inexpensive and abundant substrate. The direct cross-coupling reaction employs a chiral nickel catalyst and activating agent to couple nucleophilic arenes with pyridine.
A survey of US citizens found that many are willing to donate a kidney, with 68% open to donating to anyone and 59% motivated by $50,000 payment. The study suggests compensating living kidney donors could alleviate the organ shortage.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published by the International Association for Dental Research reveals an association between tooth loss and reduced cognitive function in adults. Individuals with less than 20 teeth were found to be at a 20% higher risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia compared to those with more teeth.
The Suomi NPP satellite spotted the remnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Emeraude in the Southern Indian Ocean, with a large area of remnant clouds visible. The system's maximum sustained surface winds were estimated at 20-25 knots, and its minimum sea level pressure was near 1005 millibars.
Researchers propose a new theory that pain is a complex interaction of multiple elements, including sensory processes and emotional responses. A study found that the brain processes both general and specific components of pain in parallel, allowing for efficient processing of unpleasant experiences.
A long-term study found that regular cannabis users experienced downward social mobility, financial difficulties, and relationship problems. The research suggests that cannabis may not be 'safer' than alcohol for economic and social well-being.
A new nationwide academic study reveals significant variation in physician disciplinary actions and malpractice claims rates among US states. The study found that some states have much lower disciplinary action rates than others, highlighting the need for standardized regulations and resources to address this issue.
Using tiny bubbles in seawater can help reduce acidity and promote coral growth, potentially saving the world's largest reef systems. The technique could provide a cost-effective solution to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Experts from the European Respiratory Society call for improved TB care for refugees to control and eliminate the disease. They emphasize the need for quality surveillance, monitoring, evaluation, and research among this group of people to prevent a rise in new cases.
The Endocrine Society recommends a multidisciplinary approach to diabetes care, emphasizing the need for coordinated care teams and comprehensive services. The Society advocates for policy changes and increased funding to address gaps in knowledge and promote innovative treatments.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that pit bulls wait three times longer to be adopted from shelters than lookalike breeds without the label. The 'pit bull' breed is often negatively perceived, leading to lower adoptability.
Researchers at Penn State developed an acoustofluidic rotational manipulation method that can rotate small organisms and cells using gentle acoustic waves. This technique enables 3D imaging of biological specimens without the need for expensive confocal microscopes.
A statewide program in North Carolina improved survival rates for cardiac arrests by increasing bystander CPR and AED use, both at home and in public places. The study found significant increases in patient survival and reduced brain injury over a five-year period.
A new study shows that storing extra surface water in underground aquifers can increase groundwater supply during droughts. Regions that actively store surface water have seen increased groundwater levels, even as surrounding areas depleted theirs.
A new study published in Nature reports that Earth's moon slowly moved from its original axis around 3 billion years ago. The discovery was made possible by analyzing NASA data indicating lunar polar hydrogen, which is presumed to be ancient ice hidden in craters surrounding the moon's poles.
A recent study found that ultrasound-estimated fat content in muscles is inversely associated with physical activity level and positively associated with body mass index. This non-invasive test could be especially useful for individuals with disabilities or certain medical conditions that make other imaging techniques ineffective.
Scientists have developed a mini-model of human body to test tumor responses to drugs and predict metastasis, aiming to pinpoint best treatment. The 'metastasis-on-a-chip' system has potential for advancing cancer investigation and drug discovery.
A Field Museum study identifies malaria's evolutionary history in bird hosts, revealing its spread to bats and other mammals. The analysis sheds light on the connection between animals and their parasites, providing insights into the natural environments we share with animals and plants.
A large study found that women and men with suspected heart disease have similar symptoms, including chest pain and shortness of breath. Women, however, had more risk factors for heart disease than men but were less likely to be diagnosed.
Researchers at University of Houston are developing a new framework to protect big data processing and minimize risks of data breaches on the cloud. The project aims to address security concerns in large-scale data analytics, with potential commercial value in the growing $125 billion market.
Research suggests a significant overlap between genetic factors associated with schizophrenia and maternal age at first birth, with women having high genetic predisposition to schizophrenia tending to have children at an early or later age.
Researchers aim to collect and analyze 100,000 TB samples to create a database of MDR-TB genes, enabling faster diagnosis using whole genome sequencing. The project, CRyPTIC, will take around five years to complete and could potentially save lives by providing the right treatment.
A team of Stirling academics investigated the effects of fish oil supplements on muscle growth, revealing no significant difference in healthy, resistance-trained young men. Muscle biopsies showed no increased uptake of omega-3 fats by muscle cells.
A study of over 8,000 adults reveals that those with chronic health conditions are more likely to experience psychological distress and functional impairment if they live in poor or middle-income households. The findings highlight the importance of integrated care models to address physical and mental health concerns.
Despite weight gain, smoking cessation reduces cardiovascular risks among patients with serious mental illness. The study found that those who remained abstinent had a lower Framingham Risk Score than those who relapsed, indicating continued risk due to worsening obesity and diabetes.
A diet high in vitamin C may help delay or prevent cataract progression. Researchers found that consuming vitamin C-rich foods reduced the risk of cataract development and severity by up to 33%. Genetic factors played a smaller role in cataract progression, with environmental factors such as diet accounting for 65% of the difference.
Researchers found that over half of children's fruit drinks contain at least a child's entire daily recommended maximum sugar intake. The study recommends diluting fruit juice with water or opting for unsweetened juices and limiting portion sizes to 150ml/day.
Research suggests that the brain's neural networks are at play when considering scientific evidence versus faith-based beliefs. Studies found that people with stronger empathetic connections tend to be more religious, while analytic thinking discourages acceptance of spiritual or religious beliefs.
Researchers at NIST have developed a widely useful standard for breast cancer MRI, mimicking human tissue to test imaging systems. The phantom supports quantitative MRI and is used in clinical trials, enabling accurate images for diagnosis, staging, and treatment monitoring.
Advanced PET-CT scans have enabled the identification of remaining cancer cells after treatment, allowing for targeted surveillance and reducing the need for unnecessary neck dissection surgeries. This innovative approach has shown significant cost savings and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed a stable and conductive protective layer for the 'artificial leaf' that enhances water oxidation efficiency. The innovative layer, made from ruthenium dioxide nanoparticles and an organic polymer, improves current densities and stability.
Researchers at NC State University have genetically engineered green bottle fly larvae to produce and secrete human growth factor-BB, a molecule that promotes cell growth and wound healing. The modified maggots show promise for cost-effective wound treatment that could save people from amputation.
A team of astronomers has found evidence that quasars' energy feedback may have slowed down star formation in the universe about 11 billion years ago. The study used data from multiple telescopes to detect the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect, a phenomenon caused by high-energy electrons disturbing the Cosmic Microwave Background.
Researchers reconstruct cell surface from scratch using a mixture of fats and proteins to test theories on cell surface dynamics. The 'active composite model' predicts the behavior of cell surface molecules, which were confirmed through microscopic techniques.
A team of researchers, led by UC Riverside graduate student Irene Shivaei, used a combination of near-infrared spectrometer and infrared images to study 17 bright distant galaxies. They compared various observables, including ultraviolet light, infrared light, and nebular emission lines, to estimate the star-formation rate. The study i...
Patients with coronary artery disease diagnosed with depression are more likely to suffer a heart attack or die compared to those without depression. Depression was also associated with more severe chest pain and co-existing medical conditions.
A Penn State psychologist argues that big data can enhance our understanding of human development by aggregating empirical work from multiple investigators. This approach could also enable personalized medicine and wearable data-collection with more accurate results.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that delayed follow-up with patients after a heart attack is associated with lower medication adherence. Patients who received earlier outpatient follow-up had higher rates of medication adherence, while those with delayed follow-up had lower rates, particularly at 90 days and 1 year.
A study published in Neurology found that older adults who engaged in moderate to intense exercise showed less decline in thinking skills than those who were sedentary. The difference was equivalent to 10 years of aging.
A proposed canal project in Nicaragua could deplete habitats of endangered animals like jaguars and Baird's tapirs. MSU researchers developed a conservation plan to minimize damage, suggesting adjustments to the canal design to preserve crucial habitat.
A recent review of medical literature found no significant effect of antipsychotics on delirium incidence, duration, or mortality. The study analyzed data from 19 studies and concluded that there is no compelling signal to support routine use of antipsychotic medications for delirium prevention.
Researchers at Arizona State University have found that X and Y DNA swapping may occur much more frequently than previously believed. This promiscuous swapping could lead to a better understanding of human history, diversity, health, and disease, as well as blur rigid chromosomal interpretations of sexual identity.
Conservation biologists at the University of Exeter found that attaching green LED lights to gillnets reduced sea turtle deaths by 64%, without affecting fish catch, in a small-scale Peruvian fishery. The study showed that the cost of saving one turtle was £24, making it a cost-effective solution.
According to a new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Botswana has achieved remarkable progress in reducing the number of people who are infectious with HIV through strong treatment programs. The country has reported 96% viral suppression rates among patients on antiretroviral therapy, surpassing Western nations and ...
A digital health tool, combined with traditional cardiac rehabilitation, leads to a four-fold increase in weight loss among patients. Patients also experience improved dietary habits and increased exercise time.