A new molecular modeling method using freely available software provides accurate predictions of solubility. The approach exploits thermodynamic expressions and can be applied to any solute-solvent combination, making it a crucial tool for industries such as pharmaceuticals and petroleum.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that the Lombard effect, a phenomenon where animals raise their voices to be heard over noise, occurs in just 30 milliseconds, making it a fundamental temporal reflex. This discovery sheds light on human speech control and reveals a shared auditory process among species.
Three EU-funded projects synthesize research knowledge on high-end climate change impacts and adaptation for key policy sectors. Research highlights potential risks, challenges, and opportunities for transformational change, including innovative solutions for coastal zone adaptation.
Dr. Nancy Chiaravalloti was awarded the 2017 Mitchell Rosenthal Memorial lecturer for her contributions to cognitive rehabilitation research and successful mentorship of postdoctoral fellows.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that duration, biomechanics, and force influence the subjective effort associated with arm movements, while movement amplitudes have no effect. The researchers also discovered a link between brain functions involved in decision-making and movement execution.
Researchers found that gut bacteria can limit Listeria growth and prevent infection in immunocompromised mice. Probiotic bacteria species were identified as protective against Listeria infections in laboratory cultures.
Researchers at Salk Institute developed a new protocol to derive astrocytes from human stem cells, which could provide breakthroughs for treatments of stroke, Alzheimer's and psychiatric disorders. The method allows for faster and more effective production of astrocytes, enabling researchers to model neurological disorders in a dish.
The Gerontological Society of America and New America Media have selected 18 journalists to participate in the Journalists in Aging Fellows Program. The fellows will focus on producing in-depth stories on aging issues such as disparities in hospice access, mental health treatment for African Americans, and isolation of older adults in ...
A new study suggests that dronabinol, an old pharmaceutical product, could be a potential treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers found that the drug reduced the frequency of apneas and hypopneas during sleep, decreased subjective sleepiness, and improved overall treatment satisfaction.
Researchers study how baleen whales use crossflow filtration to separate prey from water without contact, shedding light on whale evolution and conservation. The study finds that larger body size enhances this form of filtration, affecting a whale's drag and energy needs.
A new study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that sleep disturbances are strongly related to substance use among college athletes. Student athletes with sleep difficulties were more likely to smoke, drink, and use illegal substances, including a 317% increase in methamphetamine use.
Researchers propose pairing remote wind farms with conventional units to reduce power storage needs, improving reliability. The approach uses an algorithm to estimate future wind states and provides limitations for extreme wind states.
A new study uses a novel chemical technique to assess the impact of human activity on coral skeletons, revealing devastating effects of pollution and climate change. The research provides critical information for predicting future reef health and informs mitigation strategies for tropical islands facing similar challenges.
Researchers from the University of Oldenburg and Alfred Wegener Institute found that competition within the krill population drives fluctuation cycles. The study suggests a self-generating mechanism in the population is responsible for the variability.
Researchers found that vaccinated obese adults are twice as likely to develop influenza and flu-like illnesses compared to those of healthy weight. The study suggests that existing blood tests may provide misleading information for obese individuals.
Early research suggests that immunotherapy may provide new hope to patients with relapsed mesothelioma. A phase II clinical trial found that the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab slowed cancer growth by 44% and tumor shrinkage in 26% of patients.
Researchers found that babies who shared a room with parents after the first four months had poorer sleep quality and more unsafe sleeping practices. The study suggests that the American Academy of Pediatrics should reconsider its recommendation to room-share for the entire first year.
A study found that only 9% of patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) received the recommended seven genetic tests, highlighting a significant gap in adherence to guidelines. The CONNECT registry data also showed varying rates of compliance among different patient groups, including age and insurance status.
The American Association for Cancer Research has published its first set of consensus screening recommendations for children with common cancer predisposition syndromes. The guidelines provide standardized approaches to surveillance and facilitate appropriate monitoring of children affected by these conditions.
Engineer Dr. Joseph S. Friedman designs a novel computing system made solely from carbon that might replace silicon transistors in electronics. The resulting all-carbon spin logic proposal enables cascaded logic gates with increased performance and potential terahertz clock speeds.
A new study found that generous health insurance plans with low deductibles and copays can lead to unnecessary treatments for chronically ill patients. The study suggests that personalized medicine interventions, providing more information about treatment effectiveness, can reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified a micro-gene called miR-211 that protects the brain from developing epilepsy. Elevated levels of this gene may act as a protective mechanism to reduce the risk of epileptic seizures.
Researchers suggest that massive star explosions can expel newborn black holes with strong natal kicks, affecting their spin and alignment. This phenomenon could help explain years of tentative evidence suggesting black holes receive such kicks.
Researchers used X-ray techniques and atomic resolution electron microscopy to study bridgmanite, the dominant mineral in Earth's mantle. They found that changes in iron composition at certain pressures cause bridgmanite to become more viscous, leading to slowed flow patterns.
The new UNOS system reduced disparities in national kidney transplant rates for blacks and Hispanics, with significant increases in transplant rates for these groups after implementation. However, disparities may return if the most disadvantaged patients are cleared from the list.
A new study links late-night tweeting by NBA players to poorer game performance, including lower scores and reduced shooting accuracy. The research analyzed Twitter data from over 30,000 tweets and found a significant correlation between late-night tweeting and decreased basketball skills.
The GelSight sensor uses physical contact to provide a detailed 3-D map of an object's surface, enabling robots to judge the hardness of surfaces they touch. Researchers also use it to enable robots to manipulate smaller objects than previously possible.
Research found midpelvic operative vaginal deliveries associated with 80% higher severe complications for babies, compared to cesarean delivery. The study also revealed five- to ten-fold higher rates of birth trauma in midpelvic forceps and vacuum deliveries.
A large research study reveals that older people are not being referred for mental health support nearly as frequently as their younger counterparts. Despite this, studies have shown that older people may benefit the most from 'talk therapies', with over three-quarters of people around the age of 64 experiencing significant clinical im...
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered direct cross-regulatory feedback between Nanog and Hox genes, which regulate pluripotency and differentiation. This study provides important insight into tissue formation processes and holds relevance for regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.
Researchers at UCSF found that black heart attack patients suffered higher mortality rates when ambulances were diverted due to hospital overcrowding. In contrast, better coordination between correctional and community health care systems can help reduce these disparities. A separate study also found that released prisoners who receive...
Researchers have developed a novel photoswitch that restores visual function in blind mice by activating retinal neurons. The light-sensitive molecule, DAD, targets bipolar cells, offering advantages over previous approaches. This breakthrough provides a promising alternative for treating vision loss.
Researchers from Rice University and the Texas Heart Institute have developed a battery-less pacemaker that can be implanted directly into a patient's heart. The device harnesses energy wirelessly from radio frequency radiation transmitted by an external battery pack, reducing complications related to traditional lead-based pacemakers.
A new study reveals a group of cells acting as a 'brain' in plant embryos, assessing environmental conditions and dictating germination timing. The plant's decision on when to germinate is controlled by two types of cells promoting dormancy or germination, communicating through hormone signals.
A research team at NUS developed an app to deliver postnatal educational programmes and provide supportive care on-the-go. The 'Home-but-not-alone' app improved parenting confidence, perceived social support, and satisfaction among new parents, highlighting a gap in existing postnatal care in Singapore.
A study analyzing police body camera footage found that officers consistently use less respectful language with black community members than with white community members. The racial disparities in language use remained even after controlling for other factors, highlighting the need for solutions to improve police-community relations.
A Phase 1/2 clinical trial of an experimental Chikungunya vaccine, MV-CHIKV, is underway in the US. The trial aims to assess the safety and immune response of the vaccine in healthy adults.
Professional baseball players who received short-term sleep extension demonstrated improved visual search abilities and faster response times to different types of pitches. The study found that sleep extension reduced fatigue, tension, and daytime sleepiness by more than one-third.
Researchers from IU and Regenstrief Institute are conducting a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week telemedicine program combining cognitive training and physical exercise for older ICU survivors. The study aims to decrease dementia, anxiety, and improve quality of life in this vulnerable population.
The iSeeFlood app, developed in 2016, is designed to gather data on flash floods, which can be dangerous to pedestrians and motorists. The app, which has now been made available for iPhones, encourages users to report flooding incidents, providing valuable information for cities and emergency services.
Scientists discovered a signaling system by which organs in C. elegans communicate their need for heme, an essential biological process. The study found that HRG-7 and BMP-5 proteins facilitate two-way communication between tissues, promoting systemic heme homeostasis.
A treatment for depression using the Emotional Faces Memory Task resulted in a significantly greater reduction of major depressive disorder symptoms compared to a control group. The digital therapeutic targets an imbalance in brain regions involved in emotion processing and cognitive control.
Parents' understanding of antibiotic risks and watchful waiting approaches can significantly impact their adherence to delay antibiotic use for common childhood illnesses. By enhancing physician instruction, compliance rates with this approach could be increased, potentially reducing unnecessary antibiotic overuse.
A recent study investigates the association between prenatal alcohol exposure and child craniofacial shape at 12 months, emphasizing the need for safe drinking habits during pregnancy. The research underscores the risks of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and provides guidance for pregnant women and their families.
A 30-year study of Murray-Darling Basin wetlands reveals a 72% decline in waterbird numbers due to dam construction and water diversion. Reduced water flow has significant implications for river management worldwide.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new approach to locate oil and gas in shale, reducing production time and cost. Additionally, the team has discovered a link between electrochemistry and ferroelectricity, enabling new materials for electronics and energy applications.
A new study found that quarter-dose combinations of blood pressure lowering medications are effective in treating hypertension, resulting in fewer side effects than single doses. Researchers analyzed data from 42 trials involving over 20,000 people with high blood pressure.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that adults from families where parents were separated and never spoke during childhood are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses. The team's research suggests that early life stress can increase inflammation and heighten the risk of chronic illness.
Researchers develop new protocol using PaCO2 to amplify myocardial blood flow, offering an alternative to injectable pharmacological agents. The study shows a safe and effective method for widening heart blood vessels during stress tests, benefiting patients with severe side effects from traditional methods.
A new study by Cleveland Clinic researchers found that delays in initiating cancer therapy are associated with a substantially increased risk of death. Patients who wait more than six weeks for treatment have significantly worse survival rates, with some cancers experiencing declines of up to 40% in five-year survival rates.
Researchers found a 12 percent decline in sodium content of households' purchases over the 15-year period, with declines observed for all top food sources of sodium. However, less than 2% of U.S. households had optimal sodium density, highlighting the need for continued efforts to reduce sodium in packaged foods.
The new technology uses AI to automatically select highly visible parts from multiple images and combine them, enhancing the smallest characteristics in non-visible images. This allows for instant visual clarification even under harsh conditions.
Researchers Troy Zars and Elizabeth King will use advanced genomic technologies and behavioral techniques to identify genes influencing learning and memory performance in fruit flies. The study aims to uncover the genetic basis of complex traits and shed light on brain function.
European countries with higher healthcare expenditure experienced lower amenable mortality rates, with declines of up to 3.5% for men and 2.1% for women, according to a Health Affairs analysis.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a new screening tool for Parkinson's disease using CRISPR technology. The tool allows scientists to monitor brain protein alpha-synuclein levels, which can help identify potential treatments.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered that decomposing leaves in soil are a surprising source of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. The team found that large soil pores create micro-habitats perfect for bacteria to produce nitrous oxide.
A study found that patients with insomnia and depression who slept for seven or more hours showed increased chances of depression and insomnia remission. Longer pre-treatment sleep duration was predictive of remission when combined with CBTI and antidepressant medication.
A study analyzing SWOG treatment trials from 1965 to 2012 found positive trials resulted in substantial gains in patient survival, with estimates suggesting over 3.34 million life-years were saved through these trials.
Researchers found that two FDA-approved immunotherapy drugs, dabrafenib and trametinib, are well-tolerated and result in a 50-54% response rate among patients with advanced BRAF-mutated papillary thyroid cancer. This breakthrough could change the standard of care for this rare but aggressive form of thyroid cancer.
A clinical trial found that adding vemurafenib to treatment with cetuximab and irinotecan significantly improved progression-free survival for patients with BRAF V600E mutation, from 2.0 months to 4.3 months. The study suggests combining BRAF inhibitors with EGFR inhibitors may be a more potent approach.