Between 1980 and 2014, US chronic respiratory disease deaths rose significantly, with a 29.7% increase overall. The majority of this growth occurred in specific regions, including central Appalachia for COPD, the Southwest for interstitial lung disease, and southern states for asthma.
A study published in JAMA found that about 20 percent of adolescents reported having had a concussion during their lifetime. The prevalence was higher among males, whites, and those who participated in contact sports, with 11.1% reporting multiple concussions.
A potential Zika vaccine has shown to completely prevent infection, transmission from pregnant mothers to developing fetuses and protect males against testicular infection and injury. The vaccine also prevents a lowered sperm count after one vaccination.
Researchers suggest that understanding the root cause of fan violence could lead to positive outcomes and even reduce extremism. By harnessing motivations such as loyalty and belonging, football fans can be encouraged to channel their energy into pro-social activities.
A WCS study of fish traders in coastal Kenya found that women largely occupied fisheries with low profits and are excluded from more profitable fisheries. To promote gender coexistence and sustainability, the authors suggest increasing gear and market diversity and providing better access to fisheries knowledge and education for women.
Researchers found that altering stem cell volume changes its internal dynamics and influences the cell's fate, with removing water making it stiff pre-bone cells and adding water forming soft pre-fat cells. This study adds a new tool to understanding stem cell biology for regenerative medicine.
Human brains tend to miss objects that are mis-scaled, even when they're in view. Researchers found this phenomenon in eye-tracking studies, but not in computer vision algorithms like deep neural networks. This study aims to better understand human visual search strategies and improve computer vision.
A new study reveals that insulin is essential for preserving pluripotent stem cells' ability to become any cell type. Insufficient insulin leads to a specialized endoderm cell type, similar to early embryonic cells, suggesting potential importance in human development and pregnancy.
Researchers have discovered a powerful combination treatment that disrupts multiple factors in aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. The novel approach, combining a protein inhibitor with a chemotherapy drug, produced a synergistic effect that was more effective than either drug alone.
The new model predicts how glucose-responsive insulin (GRI) will affect patients' blood sugar levels based on chemical traits. The MIT team identified several strong GRI candidates and plans to test them in animals.
A study by Columbia University researchers suggests that U.S. lakes and reservoirs can generate 325 gigawatts of power through evaporation, which is nearly 70% of the country's current energy production.
A new class of medicine may help treat cocaine and nicotine addiction by reducing glutamate neurotransmission in the brain. The grant will allow researchers to further characterize their lead compound and complete preclinical studies prior to clinical trials.
A Russian scientist has proposed a model to predict cancer development by analyzing the relationship between age and morbidity. The model uses the Erlang probability distribution to estimate the number of key carcinogenic events for each cancer type.
Berkeley Lab is developing algorithms to monitor the grid for irregularities and dispatch safe settings to counter potential cyber attacks. The project aims to enhance grid resilience while maintaining security. It partners with industry leaders and utilities to leverage best practices and standards.
A new study has identified the triggers behind a devastating 2010 landslide in Quebec, Canada, which killed four people and destroyed a house. Sediment erosion by the Salvail River and high groundwater pressure under the river bed contributed to the failure of sensitive clay sediments.
The traditional 24 Solar Terms are being upgraded with new, geographically correlated models using big meteorological data. The updated system reveals inconsistent timing and spatial inhomogeneity between the old and new systems.
A new web-based program called RoboLog has been developed to improve the reporting of robotic surgeries performed by surgeons in training. The system provides detailed information about a resident's involvement in robotic surgeries, allowing for more accurate assessment of their competency and earlier identification of deficits.
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting deer and farm animals, with limited effectiveness of past management strategies. New research proposes controlled forest fires as a risk control strategy, aiming to reduce the spread of prions shed by animal waste and carcasses.
Researchers found that the Ebola virus exploits a protein called Tim-1 in T-cells to spread and cause disease. The study suggests that blocking this protein could lead to effective treatments for Ebola.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management found a systematic link between droughts and riots in sub-Saharan Africa. Droughts increase the possibility of rioting by 10% in a given month, with population density playing a key role in this relationship.
A new study found that genetic testing can help determine the optimal dose of warfarin, reducing major bleeding, blood clots, and warfarin overdose. The study used genetic variants to guide warfarin dosing in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.
The UA Cancer Center's research may lead to ways to target metastatic tumors by altering the depth of quiescence in cancer cells. This could make it easier for chemotherapy drugs to target and kill these cells.
A new analysis estimates that genetic factors account for 83% of the risk for autism spectrum disorder, while nonshared environmental influences contribute 17%. This estimate is higher than previous twin studies but more accurate than a lower estimate using traditional methods.
Researchers found that open-label placebos can be effective in treating physical complaints such as chronic back pain and migraine. The placebo effect is enhanced when participants are given a clear explanation of how it works, suggesting that a narrative plays a crucial role.
A European study found that nearly one in six new HIV diagnoses in Europe are among people aged 50 or older. Older adults were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced HIV disease and acquire the virus through heterosexual contact. The study calls for increased awareness, targeted testing, and prevention programs for this age group.
A new study found that women exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War had higher levels of hormones in their breast milk, which were then transferred to their babies. The research revealed a nearly three-fold increase in DHEA in babies from dioxin hotspots compared to non-contaminated regions.
A new study by NYU Steinhardt School finds that teachers report weaker relationships with children of immigrants and adolescents of color. Strong teacher-student relationships are crucial for academic success, particularly for marginalized groups.
The Newport Line, a decades-long ocean monitoring program off the Pacific Northwest coast, has been recognized for its significant contributions to marine science. The PICES Ocean Monitoring Service Award acknowledges the program's value in understanding climate patterns, salmon returns, and ocean currents.
A new study at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine found no relation between biomechanical stiffness and reported feelings of stiffness in participants. Instead, researchers suggest that people may experience a protective construct created by their nervous system when describing stiffness.
Researchers found that older drivers modify their response criteria to identify hazards in high-traffic situations, leading to more false alarms. This adaptation allows them to compensate for age-related changes and potentially improve their driving abilities through training.
Scientists at UNC School of Medicine compare two reprogramming techniques to generate patient-specific cardiomyocytes, finding that one method produces cells with embryonic cell signatures while the other yields cells with adult characteristics. This knowledge is crucial for developing new therapies and understanding cardiac disease.
Tidal energy has vast potential to provide clean electricity to US communities, with Banerjee's research focusing on improving turbine performance in turbulent environments. The study aims to enhance understanding of fundamental issues related to scale interactions in turbulent flows.
The PCORI Board approved funding for a new study comparing UVB treatment in a doctor's office versus at home for people with psoriasis. The study aims to improve treatment options for patients burdened by frequent in-office visits.
A research team led by DGIST Professor Moon Cheil has identified the reason behind olfactory dysfunction in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals that a toxic protein called beta-amyloid accumulates in the peripheral nervous system, specifically in the olfactory epithelium, leading to olfactory failure.
A team of researchers at Kansas State University is partnering with NASA to study the health and fitness levels of astronauts during emergency escape maneuvers. They are using a mock space capsule to test the strength, cardiovascular health, and aerobic capacity needed for a safe landing or escape.
A growing movement in higher education is launching a global effort to educate health professionals on the health impacts of climate change. The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education aims to build expertise among health workers to integrate knowledge into daily practice, enhancing public health while mitigating climate change.
A genetic fault in the CDKN2A gene has been linked to reduced effectiveness of leukemia treatment, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches. The study, which treated 259 people with AML or MDS, found that those with the mutation survived for 4.5 months on average, compared to 11 months for those without it.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing highlights the challenges of transitioning severely obese patients to nursing homes after acute care stays. The researchers found that patient size and bariatric equipment availability can act as barriers, leading to poor outcomes and increased costs.
The Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST) is a randomized trial comparing two types of digital mammography for breast cancer screening. The study aims to determine if the newer technology, tomosynthesis (3D), reduces advanced breast cancers more effectively than conventional mammography.
A study found that cold temperatures and atmospheric pressure increases are associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and death in elderly patients with heart failure. The researchers suggest that elderly patients should avoid fog and low cloud weather in winter to prevent such events.
Researchers from Finland and Taiwan have successfully fabricated three-dimensional graphene structures using optical forging, a technique that utilizes laser light to shape the material. The resulting graphene objects exhibit unique electronic and optical properties, opening up new possibilities for graphene-based devices.
A new study suggests that enhancing breathing via the brain may limit respiratory muscle dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. Researchers found that the brain compensates for respiratory muscle weakness by increasing diaphragm activation in mice with dystrophin deficiency.
Researchers at Cologne University Hospital have discovered a novel inhibitor that specifically targets NMC tumours, a rare and lethal form of cancer. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanism responsible for the effectiveness of the inhibitor, paving the way for new and improved therapies.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new gene circuit design strategy that can predict gene circuit behaviors using an integrated modeling framework. The framework, developed by Associate Professor Ting Lu and his graduate students, has successfully predicted key host metrics for multiple bacteria, including Esche...
Researchers at Portland State University found benzene and other carcinogenic chemicals in butane hash oil vapor, raising health concerns about dabbing. The study highlights the need for further toxicology research to guide future policy on marijuana consumption.
Scientists have discovered that the Ebola virus directly interacts with T-cells and specifically Tim-1, triggering a cytokine storm. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of Ebola infection and offers potential targets for therapeutic strategies to reduce the severity of the disease.
The discovery of 15 new species in the genus 'smiley faced' spiders challenges previous estimates of biodiversity in the Caribbean. Researchers named these species after notable figures including Obama, Sanders, David Bowie and DiCaprio to promote awareness about human rights, equality and climate change.
One in five teens reported having suffered a concussion, with 5.5% experiencing multiple concussions over their lifetime according to a University of Michigan study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Julie Palmer, a BU researcher, was awarded for her work on breast cancer disparities. She aims to reduce mortality by identifying factors that influence hormone receptor negative breast cancer.
Researchers used computational drug discovery and in vitro enzyme assays to identify potential therapeutic protein inhibitors for Chagas disease. The study successfully selected four drug-like compounds that interacted with a key amino acid, demonstrating the promise of docking simulation for identifying effective treatments.
A recent study reveals that peatland bird populations have decreased by a third in Finland and Sweden over the past three decades. The Finnish ruff is among the most threatened species, with its population falling to just 3% of its original size. In contrast, the crane species has tripled its population during this time period.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion significantly reduced uninsured rates for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy, with the greatest benefits seen among vulnerable individuals living in high-poverty areas. The uninsured rate dropped by half in fully expanded states and only 5 percent in non-expansion states.
Researchers at SMU develop an assessment system to measure mathematical reasoning skills in grades K-2, helping teachers identify struggling students and provide targeted support. The Measures of Mathematical Reasoning Skills system has the potential to drive effort to intervene early and improve US students' math achievement.
A new study suggests that weight loss in adults leads to significant cost savings, peaking at age 50. The research found that an adult who goes from obese to overweight can save $17,655 in direct medical costs and productivity losses over their lifetime, while losing weight from obese to healthy results in a savings of $28,020.
A Canadian alliance led by Dr. Andrea Tricco aims to strengthen the health-care system by providing patients with access to relevant scientific evidence. The alliance will answer at least 100 questions over a five-year period using knowledge synthesis and collaboration with researchers, clinicians, and policy-makers.
A NASA satellite detected a strengthening Hurricane Lee, with colder cloud top temperatures indicating stronger storms. The storm's eye cleared out and warmed, while the eyewall cloud tops cooled to -81.4 degrees Fahrenheit, suggesting heavy rainfall potential.
A global review of 28 studies found that opioid substitution treatment (OST) reduces hepatitis C infection risk by 50% and when combined with high coverage needle syringe programmes (NSP) reduces risk by 74%. OST is essential for comprehensive strategies to prevent HCV transmission and disease.
Professor Patricia Dos Santos of Wake Forest University has received a $680,000 NSF grant to support her biochemistry research and mentorship program. The grant enables her to work with graduate students and undergraduate researchers from local colleges, providing hands-on research experience and career development opportunities.
A researcher is investigating whether mid-day napping benefits learning in young children and helps them cope with emotions. The study will explore the mechanisms of sleep and its effects on cognitive functions, emotion processing, and behavior.
A new study found that customizing warfarin dosing to a patient's genetic and clinical profile reduces adverse outcomes compared to clinically-guided dosing. The study involved 1,650 patients undergoing hip or knee replacement, who were randomly assigned to either genotype-guided or clinically-guided dosing.