Researchers developed a smart contact lens sensor that can monitor biomarkers for diabetes and glaucoma, allowing real-time health monitoring and wireless transmission of data. The sensor uses transparent and flexible materials, maintaining its characteristics even when deformed or exposed to human tears.
Researchers found that certain lung cancer patients can continue treatment with immunotherapy even if the disease appears to be progressing, according to a study presented at ELCC 2017. The study used immune-related RECIST criteria, which take into account temporary tumour enlargement in patients taking immunotherapy.
A new biomarker, GDF15, has been identified as a potential predictor of vision loss in glaucoma patients. The biomarker, which measures stress to cells rather than cell death, was found to be elevated in mice and humans with glaucoma, correlating with disease severity.
A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that patients with rectal cancer who undergo chemotherapy and radiation have excellent survival rates and low rates of cancer recurrence. These 'complete responders' may not benefit from surgery, raising questions about the safety of a watch-and-wait approach.
Research on 48 fetuses exposed to Zika found that three had abnormal fetal MRIs, including heterotopia, parietal encephalocele, and thin corpus callosum. The vast majority of fetuses had normal MRI results, but long-term neurological outcomes remain uncertain.
A new study found that buprenorphine significantly reduces the duration of therapy for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), cutting treatment time by nearly half. Buprenorphine is a longer-lasting drug than morphine and works differently at the opioid receptor, making it more effective and safer.
A comprehensive atlas of immune cells in renal cancer has been created, revealing new relationships between immune cells and their role in disease progression. The study identified specific protein structures on the surface of immune cells that can help tailor treatments to individual patients.
A comparative cross-cultural study found that Russians tend to express happiness openly with friends but hide it when interacting with strangers or government officials. Unlike Americans, who hold back positive emotions only when facing issues, Russians view happiness expression as a normal behavior.
Researchers discovered surface runoff in megadunes of Badain Jaran Desert, recharging lake water. This finding explains the source of lake water in the desert region.
PortHadoop reader enables seamless data transfer between Hadoop and parallel file systems, accelerating big data analytics. The NSF-funded Chameleon cloud testbed facilitates the development of PortHadoop reader for NASA Cloud library applications.
The study reveals that a single antibody can block an envelope protein's function, enabling the scientists to mathematically model the amount of antibodies needed to neutralize HIV-1. The findings could aid research into nAb-based vaccines and treatments, which have proven complex to develop.
A novel treatment has been successfully used to treat patients with a rare disorder that causes kidney failure, allowing targeted elimination of abnormal proteins and improving kidney function. The treatment, Daratumumab, targets plasma cell clones in the bone marrow, offering a new way to specifically treat the problem.
Researchers have discovered that excessive DNA replication can lead to cell malignancy but also offers a potential approach against cancer. By exploiting the cooperation of proteins CDC6 and CDT1, scientists aim to induce lethal DNA re-replication selectively in cancer cells.
The VISTA survey has imaged millions of stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud, revealing surprising results about star formation history and structure. Most SMC stars formed relatively recently, unlike those in larger galaxies.
The Weng'an Biota fossils, once thought to be among the world's oldest evidence of animal life, may actually belong to other groups like algae. Researchers have found that characteristics previously used to define animals are not unique to them, leaving room for alternative identifications.
New research suggests UK health spending must increase at a rate faster than GDP to meet growing demand for healthcare services. The J-value model, developed by Professor Philip Thomas, indicates that developed countries like France and Germany are already prioritizing health care as a fraction of their income.
The first result from Jefferson Lab's upgraded CEBAF demonstrates the feasibility of detecting a potential new form of matter, studying quark structure, and exploring universal glue. The experiment produced two ordinary mesons and studied their production mechanisms.
A new review suggests calorie restriction prolongs life by increasing ketone bodies, which decrease malignancies and insulin resistance in mice. Calorie restriction also reduces muscular weakness and blood glucose levels, supporting the theory's potential longevity benefits.
A UK study found that building modelling professionals often fail to predict a building's actual energy efficiency, leading to significant financial and environmental implications. The researchers attribute this to the 'modelling illiteracy' caused by separation from the construction process and lack of feedback.
Researchers have identified four damaged genes associated with Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by vocal and physical tics. These findings suggest that multiple gene mutations contribute to the development of the disorder, offering new hope for personalized treatments.
Scientists create an input system called WatchSense that tracks the movement of fingers on and above the back of the hand using a depth sensor. This allows for more expressive interactions with smartphones and smart TVs, and has been successfully tested in various scenarios, including virtual and augmented reality.
Researchers analyzed high-speed endoscopic videos of vibrating vocal folds and audio recordings to study register changes in professional sopranos. They found distinct vocal fold vibratory patterns, including abrupt transitions and temporary loss of contact, which correlate with audible register breaks.
Scientists have developed a water-repellent material that molts like a snake's skin when damaged, revealing another hydrophobic layer beneath. This material has the potential to be used in various applications such as rain gear, medical instruments and self-cleaning car windows.
Researchers studied 240 children with autism between 15-71 months old, finding that IQ, communication skills, and speech ability explained less than 3% of their tantrums. Children with clear speech and high intelligence had the same number of tantrums as those with lower speech skills.
The compilation presents state-of-the-art reviews on the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and therapy of obesity, with a focus on the gastrointestinal tract. Key findings highlight the importance of diet composition, lifestyle interventions, and pharmacotherapy in weight management and metabolic health.
A Finnish study found that childhood exposure to high blood pressure, smoking, and elevated LDL-cholesterol is associated with poorer cognitive performance in middle age. The study suggests that regulating these risk factors through healthy lifestyle choices can promote brain health in adulthood.
Researchers create technique to observe mRNA at ribosome sites, revealing protein synthesis and cellular responses to iron. The method is applicable to any type of RNA and could be modified for other interactions.
Giant larvaceans play a significant role in moving carbon from the upper to deep sea through their 'houses,' which filter tiny particles. Laser technology enables researchers to visualize chambers and passageways inside these structures, revealing higher filtration rates than previously estimated.
Patients with advanced NSCLC who received pre-treated checkpoint inhibitors had a 27% partial response rate to salvage chemotherapy, compared to 7% in those without pre-treatment. The study's findings suggest that checkpoint inhibitors may render tumor cells more sensitive to chemotherapy.
A recent survey of 14,000 internet users in seven nations found that concerns about fake news undermining democratic processes are unwarranted. In fact, internet users use search to check facts and validity of information, and encounter diverse information across multiple media sources.
Scientists at the Center for BrainHealth propose a systematic model for drug addiction research, focusing on craving as an intense urge to use drugs. They plan to reanalyze brain scans to quantify craving and its effects, potentially leading to targeted treatments.
The Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) starts a Phase I study to test a vaginal ring containing dapivirine and levonorgestrel, aiming to provide protection against HIV and unintended pregnancy. The trial aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the dual-purpose ring.
A new study develops a tool to catalog police and law enforcement interactions with black men, finding that discrimination is associated with depression symptoms. The Police and Law Enforcement Scale can help document bias and provide greater insight into how institutionalized racism shapes the health of people in black communities.
Research by Sayuri Naruse and Dr Mark Moss from Northumbria University found that couples' physical and mental wellbeing improved after a three-week massage course. The study involved 38 participants who reported significant benefits to their wellbeing, stress coping, and relationship satisfaction.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been awarded a five-year, $11.2 million Program Project Grant to study the renal control of sodium and salt balance. The research aims to understand how the body regulates salt intake and its impact on blood pressure regulation.
Research by Ulster University found that mothers taking folic acid supplements throughout pregnancy had children with higher levels of emotional intelligence and resilience. The study also showed a correlation between the level of folic acid in mothers' blood and their child's resilience.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology shows that air conditioning increases air pollution by hundreds to thousands of metric tons, particularly sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide, with a 3-4% increase per degree Celsius rise in temperature
A new paper in Science Advances challenges the approach of using metadata to validate community detection algorithms, showing that this method introduces biases and limits algorithm diversity. Researchers propose two new statistical approaches to explore deeper patterns within network data.
Asian elephants are carriers of virus types 1, 4 and 5, while African elephants carry types 2, 3 and 6. The transmission of Elephant Herpes has been largely unknown until now.
A recent study found that even small daily stressors increase illegal drug use among those on parole or probation who have a history of substance use. The researchers also discovered that treatment helps limit substance use over time, and that prevention programs may be more effective with consideration of treatment history.
A study has identified four brain-expressed genes as likely risk factors for Tourette disorder, including WWC1, FN1, CELSR3, and NIPBL. De novo variants in these genes were found to have a significant association with the disorder, suggesting a potential target for effective treatments.
Researchers have developed a method that enables computers to infer psychologically plausible models of individuals from limited data, improving understanding of human behavior. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate predictions and adaptations in human-robot interaction and adaptive interfaces.
A year-long weight loss programme helped participants lose more weight and prevent diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease compared to a 12-week programme. The study found that the longer programme was cost-effective in the long-term due to reduced future healthcare expenditure.
Researchers found that wild dolphins have chronically activated immune systems due to exposure to pathogens, parasites, and pollutants. This could lead to immunologic dysregulation and increased vulnerability to disease in both humans and animals. In contrast, dolphins in managed care environments have less activated immune systems.
A comprehensive study of mesophotic coral reefs on Hawaii island has revealed the presence of a diverse range of fish species, with many found nowhere else. The research highlights the importance of these deep reefs in conserving reef fish biodiversity and providing critical habitat for shallow reef fishes.
Researchers have identified a unique pheromone in Indian jumping ant larvae that signals which larvae are likely to become queens. The discovery reveals how the colony ensures proper caste differentiation and highlights the importance of pheromones in social insect behaviors.
Researchers find Lgl1 controls neural stem cell proliferation, producing neurons and glia cells in the developing cortex. The study reveals two mechanisms of Lgl1 function: one for embryonic development and another for postnatal brain growth.
Mayo Clinic's new imaging technologies use computerized tomography scans to measure the firmness of brain tumors and how attached they are to normal brain tissue. This information helps surgeons plan the safest method for extraction, potentially reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
A computational analysis led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers estimates that even a mild Zika outbreak in the US could result in $183 million in medical costs and productivity losses. A more severe outbreak could cost over $1 billion, with increased risks of birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
A new analysis reveals that people with indigenous backgrounds are less likely to be identified after death due to inadequate family involvement and trust issues with government institutions. Non-governmental organizations can serve as bridges between families and authorities to improve identification rates.
Researchers found that activating or deactivating a hormone in roundworms stimulates or stunts growth, mirroring human TRH regulation. This discovery offers new possibilities for research into human growth mechanisms.
Researchers found that mice lacking Bax/Bak genes failed to develop sophisticated neural circuits, leading to impaired skilled movements. The study suggests testing individuals with motor development disabilities for mutant forms of the same genes.
A study found substantial differences in accuracy between commercially available heart rate apps, with some apps performing up to 20 beats per minute off from the clinical gold standard. Non-contact apps performed less well than contact apps, particularly at higher heart rates and lower body temperatures.
Studies in mice funded by NIH reveal thalamus sustains ability to distinguish categories and hold thoughts in mind. The structure boosts synchronous activity of PFC neurons to sustain memory of category, improving working memory performance.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that women with atrial fibrillation/flutter experienced higher death rates than men 30 and 90 days after discharge from emergency departments. The study analyzed data from 21,062 patients and identified differences in outcomes between male and female patients.
An analysis of 27 US states found that summer temperature increases lead to higher electricity-related emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2). States with more coal power plants, such as Ohio and Pennsylvania, released the most SO2 emissions.
A new blood test can detect multiple copies of the androgen receptor gene in men with advanced prostate cancer, indicating a lower likelihood of responding to targeted treatments. The test could help doctors personalize treatment options for patients.
A team of biophysicists used experiment and mathematical theory to study the changing composition of a mixed bacterial population. They found that in some cases, a strain with a toxin can outcompete another strain, but this depends on various factors such as the environment and initial inoculum size. The results suggest a complex inter...
A new detection test for Zika virus distinguishes between African and Asian strains, improving tracking efforts. The low-cost LAMP test is faster than current gold-standard methods, with minimal processing requirements.
Researchers analyzed FDA Adverse Effect Reporting System data to find that ketamine alleviates depression symptoms in patients taking pain medication. The study also identified three other drugs with previously under-appreciated antidepressant effects: Botox, diclofenac, and minocycline.