Despite efforts to streamline the process, UK child organ donation rates have failed to rise, with many families of dying children not being considered as donors. The authors argue that family refusal remains a major obstacle and call for improved consent rates and support for family decision-making.
A new study reveals that Spotify significantly increases exposure and access to lesser-known indie artists while decreasing consumption of top 100 artists. The study monitored the music consumption habits of over 5,000 users for 2.5 years, finding a 62% increase in unique artists listened to within two weeks of joining Spotify.
A team of researchers identified a molecular mechanism leading to ART treatment failures in malaria parasites, finding that blocking a specific stress pathway prevents latent stage entry. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new approaches to combat malaria by preventing treatment failure.
A simulation model found that investing in targeted policing and the community-based strategy Cure Violence can effectively reduce urban violence. The study suggests that a combination of both approaches may be more effective than either alone.
Researchers found that action games enhance visual and reading attention in players, potentially aiding those with dyslexia. The study suggests that specific components of action games can be used to create new software to combat the disorder.
Researchers discovered a pair of receptors crucial for plant fertilization, which work together with molecules to orchestrate the process. The study advances understanding of plant reproduction, revealing an intricate communication mechanism between male and female parts.
Researchers analyzed protein shell and active center interaction in green algae enzymes, improving understanding of biocatalyst efficiency and informing chemical catalyst development. Hydrogen bonds between H-cluster and protein environment significantly influence electrochemical properties and catalytic direction.
A team of researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a novel gene called THOR that plays a role in cancer development. Knocking out THOR was found to halt tumor growth, while overexpressing it led to increased cell proliferation.
Cornell University engineers have developed event-based algorithms mimicking neural activity for tiny robots, enabling greater autonomy and adaptability. The technology aims to improve micro-robots' ability to navigate complex environments without increasing their weight or power consumption.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a first-of-its-kind chemical oscillator using DNA molecules, enabling precise molecular control and complex behaviors. The discovery opens doors to creating molecular machines that can perform sophisticated tasks such as communication and signal processing.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new mechanism by which cancer-inhibiting proteins regulate signaling molecules. The study found that primary cilia, or cellular antennae, play a crucial role in balancing PDGFRα signaling, preventing excessive receptor activation that can lead to brain and gastrointestinal t...
A recent study found that intense physical activity did not significantly increase bone marrow edema in healthy people, challenging previous hypotheses about the role of mechanical stress in rheumatic diseases. MRI lesions were present in a significant proportion of healthy active individuals, regardless of exercise intensity.
Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that cancer patients with more versions of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes respond better to checkpoint inhibitors. The study also showed that certain HLA patterns affect survival and may be relevant for understanding side effects observed with immunotherapy.
Research finds that male redback spiders benefit from mating with immature females, which appears to have no cost to female reproductive output or survival. This early mating may be advantageous for females, as delays in mating can lead to shorter lifespans and reduced offspring success.
Researchers have developed a new method to design ordered peptide macrocycles with high accuracy, solving long-standing problems in peptide therapeutics development. The approach uses natural amino acids and their mirror opposites to improve pharmacological properties and provide a diverse range of shapes.
A study on Mars- and Venus-sized planet formation suggests that low solar activity helped Venus retain its atmosphere. The model indicates that Mars lost its atmosphere due to low gravity and high stellar EUV luminosity, while Venus retained its atmosphere in scenarios with moderate radiation.
A randomized clinical trial of bortezomib in late antibody-mediated kidney transplant rejection found no improvement in transplanted kidney function or prevention of immunologic tissue injury. The treatment was also linked with adverse effects, ruling out its potential as a therapeutic option for this condition.
Astronomers have developed a novel method to measure the masses of solitary stars with an accuracy of 10-25 percent. This technique combines light fluctuations and parallax data to infer surface gravity and diameter, providing critical information for understanding star formation, evolution, and planetary systems.
Researchers used social media data to study visitor patterns and emerging activities in 56 national parks in Finland and South Africa. They found that Instagram provided the most accurate information, with visitor rates closely matching official statistics.
A new study found that limiting digital device use in young children may not improve their wellbeing, but rather lower positive affect. The researchers suggest that the quality of parental engagement and social interaction with technology may be more important for children's psychological wellbeing.
A national survey found that 20% of Black patients and 17% of White patients reported experiencing health care discrimination. Socio-economic status interacted with reported discrimination differently for Whites and Blacks.
Geologists in Scotland have identified a 60-million-year-old meteorite strike on the Isle of Skye, revealing rare minerals from outer space. The discovery has sparked questions about the impact's connection to Paleogene volcanic activity across the North Atlantic.
A randomized clinical trial found that high-intensity exercise three times a week slows worsening of Parkinson's symptoms, while moderate intensity workouts have no effect. The study suggests that high-intensity exercise may be an effective treatment for delaying disease progression.
Researchers are investigating genetic variations that offer protection against Alzheimer's disease in elderly Amish individuals. They will also explore the causes of rapidly progressing late-onset Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by a faster rate of cognitive decline and death compared to typical cases.
Researchers found that real objects exert a stronger influence on attention and manual responses compared to computerized images of the same objects. This effect was observed even when stimuli were out of reach or behind a barrier, suggesting that the potential for action plays a key role in attention allocation.
A new study found that inherited variation in the ADAMTSL1 gene is associated with a poorer survival rate in early-onset breast cancer patients. The research, published in Nature Communications, suggests that this genetic factor may be used to improve prognostic models and inform treatment decisions.
A new study analyzes summaries from the AnimalTestInfo website to identify potential targets for reducing harm to lab animals. The research found specific areas where the '3Rs' (replacement, reduction, and refinement) can be implemented to minimize animal testing.
A new study from Baylor University finds that supervisors who constantly check their phones while meeting with employees lose their trust and lead to decreased employee engagement. The research reveals that this behavior can lead to a 5% decrease in employee engagement and lower levels of psychological meaningfulness, availability, and...
A daily self-regulation intervention added to a summer kindergarten readiness program significantly improved children's self-regulation skills and early academic skills. The intervention, co-developed by OSU researcher Megan McClelland, uses music and games to help preschoolers learn and practice self-regulation skills.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to design complex single-stranded DNA and RNA origami that can autonomously fold into diverse, stable structures. This enables the production of large nanostructures at low cost and high purity, opening opportunities for applications in drug delivery and nanofabrication.
Survival rates for individuals with kidney failure have improved significantly over the past 22 years, with decreases observed across all age groups. Improvements in dialysis care, organ transplantation, and clinical practice guidelines may be contributing factors to these advancements.
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding equine laminitis, a painful condition affecting horses' hooves. The study's findings indicate that insulin regulation is the primary cause of the disease, leading to new diagnostic and treatment approaches.
A study by Provenzano found that adolescents with lower 'Honesty-Humility' scores tend to use bullying tactics to pursue more sexual partners. They may strategically manipulate others to display traits like strength and dominance, attracting the opposite sex and gaining an advantage in intra-sexual competition.
A recent study by World Weather Attribution found that climate change increased the likelihood of extreme rainfall events like Hurricane Harvey. The research suggests that storms like Harvey are now three times more likely in today's climate.
A study found that genetic variations account for 7-12% of chronic postsurgical pain cases, while clinical risk factors like age and sex contribute to 3-6%. Patients under 65 years old, males, and those with a prior history of chronic pain were at increased risk.
A Loyola Medicine study found nearly four out of five diabetic patients with severe Charcot foot were able to walk normally after surgery. The study used a stricter standard for treatment success, with 77.6% of patients meeting the criteria, and Dr. Pinzur's Ilizarov circular external fixator technique showed promising results.
A new machine-learning model can accurately predict protein-drug interactions based on a few reference experiments or simulations, accelerating the screening of candidate molecules thousands of times over. The algorithm can also tackle materials-science problems, revolutionizing materials and chemical modeling.
Scientists discovered a complex color vision circuit in mice involving the M5 cell, which may process color information and lead to new treatments for humans. This finding expands our understanding of color vision and its relationship with other types of vision.
A 10-year study of over 1,200 patients with low-risk PMC of the thyroid found that close monitoring is an acceptable first-line approach, reducing unnecessary surgery. The study showed that only 8% of patients experienced tumor growth or new metastasis, and older patients were least likely to grow.
A University at Buffalo-led team of researchers has discovered a way to identify smartphones using just one photo, which could lead to new authentication methods and deter cybercrime. The technology analyzes pattern noise in digital images to create a unique identifier for each smartphone camera.
Rhyolitic magmas exhibit varying viscosities, influencing eruption styles. The Munich researchers found minor chemical constituent variations impact viscosity and destructiveness.
Researchers created a new coating technology that allows for better control over the flow of water on superhydrophobic materials. By etching paths into coatings, scientists were able to guide water droplets along designated paths without leaving behind a wet trail.
Three mathematicians argue that Einstein's General Relativity theory predicts cosmic acceleration due to an instability, contradicting the need for dark energy. The unstable Friedmann space-time exhibits accelerating local space-times with similar cosmic accelerations as dark energy theories.
New research shows human-induced climate change increased Hurricane Harvey's rainfall by at least 19 percent and potentially as much as 38 percent. The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, confirms heavy rainfall events are increasing across the Gulf Coast region due to climate change.
A new vector polarizer design has been developed, enabling flexible filtering of a wide range of light sources and generation of new light states. This advancement can improve optical systems such as super-resolution microscopy and quantum communications.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $1.7 million grants to 17 scientists conducting innovative projects in neurobiological and behavioral research. The grants support studies on depression, PTSD, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and psychosis, using new methodologies and approaches.
A new study of 25,348 individuals in the UK and 9,206 in Australia found similar levels of relationship quality among gay/lesbian couples as heterosexual counterparts. The study provides evidence against common misconceptions about same-sex relationships being conflictual or unhappy.
A genetic change 2 million years ago led to humans' immunity to diseases but made red meat a health risk. University of Nevada researchers analyzed animal genome sequences to determine when the CMAH gene became inactive, finding significant concentrations in fish eggs and some reptiles.
Researchers have successfully infused watercress and other plants with luminescent properties using nanoparticles, creating a glowing effect similar to 'Avatar.' The glowing plants emit light without any external power source and can be turned off by adding a compound.
Researchers have developed an open-source tool predicting solar cell energy output based on location and technology, highlighting the importance of environmental factors. The study found that certain materials can produce up to 5% more energy in hot, humid locations like Singapore.
Smokers with targetable genetic alterations in their lung cancer benefit equally from targeted therapies as non-smokers. Targeted treatments improve survival by 1.5 years, regardless of smoking status.
Loss of Roquin leads to autoimmune disorders due to imbalance in Treg functions. Inactive Roquin primarily affects regulatory T cells' ability to control T cell activation.
An international panel of experts has developed a comprehensive set of recommendations for genetic counseling and testing in men with high-risk prostate cancer. The guidelines aim to inform screening, treatment planning, and personalized care, taking into account the rapidly evolving field of practice.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center are using drug discovery methods that have fueled cancer breakthroughs to identify alternatives to antibiotics for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. By targeting vulnerable areas of disease-causing bacteria, they aim to develop new therapies that spare the normal gut microbiome.
The 2017 WRIB White Papers cover topics such as LCMS small molecules, hybrid LBA/LCMS biotherapeutics, and immunogenicity assays. An interactive Decennial Index of the White Papers provides a decade-long overview of recommendations on bioanalysis and biomarkers.
The current flu vaccine is predicted to be effective against the majority of H3N2 flu viruses in the US, but may not protect against minority groups. Scientists have identified a mutation that can shift the vaccine virus to the minority group, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
Researchers conclude that 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) does not cross the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for addressing neurological manifestations of NPC1. This finding suggests that direct CNS administration may be necessary to achieve therapeutic efficacy.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that healthy eating is associated with better self-esteem and fewer emotional problems in children, regardless of body weight. The study analyzed data from over 7,600 children in eight European countries and found that adherence to healthy dietary guidelines was linked to improved wellbeing.
Researchers demonstrate prototype smart glass that can switch from reflective to clear with the addition of a liquid, making office buildings more energy efficient and keeping cars cool. The technology could also be used to make roof panels that keep houses warm in winter and cool in summer.
Researchers at Charité's NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence have identified a protein mechanism responsible for rapid signal transmission between nerve cells. The discovery, published in Nature Neuroscience, reveals that bridging by synaptotagmin allows high-speed transmission via synapse fusion.