Research reveals GBS produces membrane-bound vesicles containing toxins and immune-modulators that can attack the host, leading to inflammation of membranes surrounding the fetus. The study shows that these vesicles can induce preterm birth and fetal injury in mice, with approximately 60% of fetuses born prematurely.
Experts predict a significant increase in lung disease cases due to rising smoking rates and longer life expectancy, with over 1.3 million cases projected in England by 2030. The condition is expected to cost £2.5 billion annually, with more women than men affected, mainly due to their longer average lifespan.
A new study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found an increasing proportion of hospitalizations for infective endocarditis linked to injection drug use among younger patients, including more white and female individuals. The study suggests a growing need for programs and services to prevent these deadly and costly infections.
Two studies reveal unique properties of cells in Drosophila larvae that exhibit resistance to cell death and participate in tissue regeneration. Cells from specific 'tumor hotspots' express conserved signaling pathways necessary for tumor formation, while deregulation of these pathways is implicated in human cancer therapy resistance.
Researchers find that Ahuna Mons, a volcano on Ceres, is built from ice and was formed through cryovolcanism. The discovery confirms that Ceres' interior has kept warm enough for liquid water or brines to exist in recent geological time.
The University of Missouri has been awarded a five-year, $12 million contract to deliver a comprehensive data science education program for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). The program will provide analytical training for NGA workforce and potentially other members of the U.S. Intelligence Community.
A new mathematical model has successfully reproduced complex brain activity during deep sleep, revealing its role in memory consolidation. The thalamocortical coupling is crucial for this process, according to the researchers.
Tropical Storm Madeline has weakened to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph, passing just south of Hawaii's Big Island. The storm is expected to continue moving west at 14 mph and weaken further over the next 48 hours.
A recent study published in Diabetologia found that intensified and multifaceted treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and known vascular damage can extend their lifespan by approximately 8 years. The treatment involved a combination of behavioural education, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
The species Turinyphia cavernicola is a cave-dwelling spider endemic to the Azores, considered Critically Endangered due to population decline. The study identifies increasing anthropogenic impact on its habitat, leading to a decline in sustainable populations.
A strong correlation has been found between parental psychiatric disorder and the increased risk of suicide attempts and violent behavior in their children. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, reveals that risks for offspring suicide attempt and violent offending were raised across almost all parental psychiatric disorders.
A new study by University College London found that smoking cannabis makes people less willing to work for money in the short term. The researchers tested motivation levels in volunteers and cannabis addicts, finding no difference between the two groups when not under the influence.
A new study finds significant growth of infective endocarditis admissions among people who inject drugs, particularly among young, white, and female individuals. The study also highlights a shift towards youth, with injection drug use-related infections increasing by 12% between 2000 and 2013.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that selectively overexpressing a transcription factor, Klf9, in older neurons increased the survival of new neurons and improved pattern separation. This led to more precise and stronger memories in mice with increased neurogenesis, particularly in middle age and aging.
A new survey of college students found that childhood bullying inflicts the same long-term psychological trauma as severe physical or sexual abuse. Students who experienced bullying reported significantly greater levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD than their peers.
The new TSRI method enables the construction of beta-chiral centers in chiral drug molecules by selectively replacing a hydrogen atom. This breakthrough accelerates the development of chiral drugs, which are often necessary for treating diseases with asymmetrical molecular structures.
Researchers at Iowa State University have successfully treated inkjet-printed graphene with lasers, improving its electrical conductivity without damaging fragile printing surfaces. The breakthrough technology enables the creation of low-cost and disposable graphene-based electrochemical electrodes for various applications.
Storm tracks are crucial for weather and climate in middle-latitude regions like Chicago and New York. Climate change alters the position of these tracks, with clouds playing a key role in this shift. Researchers highlight the need to expand observational efforts and improve computer simulations to better understand storm track changes.
A new study suggests that the dengue vaccine can prime the immune system to make future infections more severe, particularly in people who have never been exposed before. The research recommends testing individuals before vaccination to minimize risks and maximize benefits.
Researchers at Drexel University found that TANF participants face overwhelming adversity, including violence and childhood trauma. Despite this, many participants are highly motivated and confident in their career readiness, highlighting the need for trauma-informed programs to support success.
Studies reveal new insights into Ceres' surface features, including craters, cryovolcanos, and water ice exposure. The findings suggest recent geological activity and propose possible explanations for the formation of Ahuna Mons and water ice on the dwarf planet's surface.
A study reveals that nicotine triggers the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which can harm tissue and contribute to conditions like COPD. The discovery provides a new link between nicotine consumption and inflammation, emphasizing the importance of quitting tobacco products.
Research from the University of South Carolina suggests that antibiotic treatment within the first year of life may increase food allergy diagnosis in children. The study analyzed data from 2007 to 2009 and found a strong association between antibiotic prescription and development of food allergies.
A new study identified seven key predictors that can help doctors identify low-risk children who are less likely to need antibiotics. The proposed tool, STARWAVe, uses these predictors to estimate a child's risk of future hospitalization and provides guidance for antibiotic prescribing.
Researchers have discovered a key substance called EPFL2 that creates plant teeth and found out how they work. The peptide inhibits the accumulation of auxin at the skirts of tooth tips, preventing the generation of leaf teeth in plants that are unable to make EPFL2.
Researchers will investigate molecular and genetic factors guiding axon growth in the retina, with goals of restoring vision through neuronal regeneration. The projects aim to develop breakthrough therapies for blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
A new reading comprehension intervention is being developed to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a disorder affecting one in 68 children in the US. The program aims to improve academic success and reduce learning issues by using interest-based text, and will be tested over three years.
Researchers analyzed medical records from over 11,000 Americans and found a statistically significant increase in heart damage risk among those with very low diastolic blood pressure. Driving diastolic blood pressure too low may cause damage to heart tissue.
Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered an easy way to produce high-quality graphene using microwaves. This breakthrough has significant implications for the production of flexible electronics, energy storage devices, and catalysts.
Researchers found that Asian Zika strains cause more harm to neural progenitor cells than African strains, particularly with the p53 gene. This discovery could lead to potential inhibitors of p53 as treatments to protect brain cells from cell death.
Scientists combine immunotherapy with chemotherapy to destroy a majority of dormant cancer cells, preventing recurrence. The study shows that quiescent but not indolent cancer cells can evade immunotherapy, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
Researchers found that stem cell transplant can accelerate cellular aging in patients with blood cancer, increasing the molecular age by up to three times pre-transplant levels. The study's findings may help physicians predict patient risk and benefit associated with the treatment.
Tropical Depression 8 dissipated about 400 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, as indicated by NASA's Terra satellite. The system's remnants showed strong convection and rapid cloud top cooling, suggesting potential heavy rainfall.
A global study finds that adding nutrients to grassland ecosystems reduces biodiversity by removing niche opportunities for species. Researchers challenge the idea that single resources limit species diversity, instead discovering complex interactions between multiple nutrients and light.
Scientists have identified the GLAST gene as a potential protector against tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing in the ears. The study found that mice with normal GLAST function were less prone to developing tinnitus when exposed to toxic substances.
A large single-center study found that EUS-FNA is beneficial for diagnosing malignant BD-IPMNs, particularly those with suspicious features missed by CT/MRI. The procedure also improved long-term outcomes for patients with malignant lesions, reducing recurrence risk.
Hurricane Gaston is maintaining its eye despite a degraded satellite appearance, according to NASA. The storm is expected to weaken further as it approaches the Azores Islands, with maximum sustained winds decreasing to near 85 mph.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that an implanted nerve stimulator significantly improves symptoms of central sleep apnea, reducing events per hour by half or more for 51% of patients. The device also showed improvement in other sleep measures and overall quality of life, with only minor discomfort reported.
A new study found that carefully administering small doses of hydrogen sulfide can restore mitochondrial efficiency and prevent hyperglycaemia-induced damage to blood vessels. This could lead to new treatments for common heart and blood vessel complications associated with diabetes.
A team of paleontologists has assigned a new genus to the largest predatory dinosaur ever found in Germany, dating back to the Middle Jurassic. The fossil, named Wiehenvenator albati, is estimated to be around 8-10 meters long and weighs over 2 tons.
The author of a SLU commentary proposes a comprehensive model for improving mental health among medical students, highlighting the importance of creating an environment that nurtures rather than punishes. The approach includes tweaking the curriculum, offering electives and learning communities, teaching resilience training, and coping...
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that pediatric burn pain assessment can vary based on nurse clinical experience. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale (FLACC) was used to rate pain in pediatric patients, with less experienced nurses demonstrating higher accuracy than more experienced ones.
A study suggests that methylnaltrexone can improve the survival of advanced cancer patients with constipation, indicating a potential target for cancer therapy. The drug works by blocking opioid receptors in the gut, reversing constipation without affecting pain relief.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that African American breast cancer survivors face unique challenges, including emotional and physical problems. The study suggests that addressing these issues can help reduce cancer disparities and improve health outcomes.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that African Americans and Hispanics have higher Medicare costs for end-of-life care, despite controlling for individual factors. The researchers conclude that disparities are rooted in the healthcare system as a whole.
Researchers present cutting-edge studies on healthcare economics, sleep apnea, and 3-D printed tissue engineering, showcasing potential breakthroughs for obstructive sleep apnea and head and neck cancer treatments. The findings have significant implications for the future of otolaryngology.
Researchers capture images of smallest human protein, STRA6, responsible for transporting vitamin A into cells. The study reveals unusual features and potential protection mechanism against excessive vitamin A.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet discovered that pneumococcal bacteria use a human-specific sugar molecule to enhance growth and resistance. This finding sheds light on why pneumococci cause more severe infections in humans than other animals, and could lead to the development of more effective vaccines.
A collaboration of Chinese and U.S. chemists has developed a highly efficient new method to convert carbon-hydrogen bonds into nitriles, common components of bioactive molecules used in medicinal and agricultural applications.
Researchers have developed genetically modified male flies that produce only males when mating, suppressing New World screwworm fly populations. The technique could increase the efficiency of sterile insect technique programs and provide a cost-effective solution for controlling livestock pests in tropical regions.
A new crystallization plate, developed at Cornell University's CHESS, has been used in experiments on the SpaceX CRS 8 mission to learn about protein structure. The In-Situ-1 plate overcomes issues with plastic microplates that made it difficult to assess crystal quality.
A new analysis of the world's first marketed dengue virus vaccine (Dengvaxia) provides critical insights for policymakers in dengue-affected countries. The study found that seropositive recipients gained a substantial benefit from vaccination, being 90% less likely to be hospitalized after contracting dengue.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that tight DNA packaging in chromosomes mainly guards against virus-like genetic elements known as transposons or 'jumping genes,' which can copy and paste themselves throughout the genome, potentially destroying important genes. The discovery clarifies the role of heterochromatin and ad...
A new study identifies India, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as high-risk countries for local Zika virus transmission. The research team analyzed airline passenger traffic data to determine which countries are at greatest risk due to climate conditions and limited health resources.
A new study by University of Vermont scientists contradicts the long-held belief that students flushing unused medications down the drain contribute significantly to pharmaceutical pollution. Instead, research found that excretion and other sources, like pharmaceutical manufacturing, are much more important contributors to wastewater.
A University of Missouri study finds that increased IT sophistication in nursing homes leads to improved health care quality measures. The research assessed national trends in IT adoption every year over a three-year period and found a positive impact on quality measures as technology improves resident care.
A UCF team has discovered a way to get a solid material to behave like a liquid without actually turning it into one. This breakthrough could lead to the development of smaller, non-flammable batteries that store energy more efficiently.
Researchers discovered 15 gene mutations that contribute to more aggressive colon cancer in African-Americans, resulting in higher recurrence and metastasis rates. These findings explain the disparity in colorectal cancer rates and death rates between African-Americans and other groups.
Researchers have combined theory and experiment to characterize each chemical reaction step that results in the reduction of oxygen by the enzyme. This study paves the way for efficiently exploiting enzymes from living systems for clean energy production.
Scientists have made detailed atomic-level images of a peroxiredoxin protein and found its peculiar characteristic may form the foundation for a new class of antibiotics. The research reveals that selectively blocking peroxiredoxin function in bacterial cells could kill them without harming normal cells.