A study published in JAMA found that policies restricting pharmaceutical detailing associated with modest but significant reductions in prescribing of detailed drugs across six major drug classes. The implementation of these policies led to a shift away from detailed drugs and towards generic drugs, potentially representing a large red...
The University of Illinois Chicago has received an $8 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to develop effective tobacco tax systems in low- and middle-income countries. The grant will support global research, policy development, and public awareness campaigns to reduce worldwide demand for tobacco.
A new paper reveals that evolution has optimized two fundamental biological processes, DNA replication and protein translation, to prioritize speed over accuracy. The research suggests that a few mistakes are tolerable as long as the majority of biopolymers produced are correct, and energy savings can be significant.
Researchers used simulations to show that plasma from hypervelocity impacts creates damaging electromagnetic radiation by separating ions and electrons at different speeds. The study aims to verify the theory of senior author Sigrid Close, who previously suggested that hypervelocity impact plasmas are responsible for satellite failures.
A new study by BYU social work professor Kevin Shafer finds that a father's depression can have a direct effect on both internalized and externalized behavioral problems in adolescents. In contrast to maternal depression, which affects children more subtly, a dad's depression impacts kids with heightened anger and aggression.
Geologists used radioactive elements trapped in calcite crystals to create a 'clock' that measured the age of each event, revealing 13 distinct seismic events over 400,000 years. The study sheds light on the mechanics of earthquakes in intraplate faults and their relationship with human activities.
A new report suggests that changes in wastewater injection rates in disposal wells may have led to the Pawnee earthquake, the largest recorded in Oklahoma since the 1950s. The quake was triggered by wastewater produced by oil and gas drilling injected back into the ground.
A new study by University of Eastern Finland reveals that losses reduce subsequent risk taking among horse race bettors and similar situations. Bettors tend to avoid losses and break even at the very least, whereas gains lead to increased bets but not exceeding earlier gains.
A recent analysis of data from a critical epidemiological study found no association between formaldehyde exposure and acute myeloid leukemia. The study's findings contradict previous studies that reported associations between formaldehyde exposure and certain types of leukemia.
Researchers at Georgia State University are testing a new mobile phone application that combines two existing programs to decrease maternal depression and build parenting skills. The project aims to promote infant social-emotional health and development, with the potential to reach larger numbers of mothers than traditional programs.
Researchers suggest that population growth, migration, and cultural bursts led to explosive changes in early human culture around 50,000 years ago. Computer simulations showed that combining these factors could explain the emergence of new technologies and art.
Scientists found that strong selection pressures on European chickens coincided with urbanization, Christian dietary rules, and increased egg production. The TSHR gene variant led to faster egg-laying and reduced aggression, while BCD02's effect on skin pigmentation was linked to selective breeding practices.
A team of researchers from Duke University found that Epstein-Barr virus manipulates B-cell reproduction and apoptosis resistance to establish latency. This unique mechanism allows the virus to persist well inside the immune system, increasing cancer risk in immunocompromised individuals.
The National Academy of Sciences has elected 84 new members and 21 foreign associates in recognition of their outstanding contributions to original research. The newly elected members come from various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
Researchers found that pupil size changes when viewing images of the preferred sex correspond with participants' self-reported sexual orientation. The study suggests pupillary responses provide a sex-specific measure sensitive to both sexually explicit and non-explicit content.
Research from the University of Liverpool found that female fashion mannequin body sizes are representative of severely underweight women, promoting unrealistic body ideals. The study suggests that altering mannequin size can help reduce emphasis on extreme thinness and challenge unhealthy beauty standards.
A new WCS study reveals that some corals are adapting to warmer ocean waters, with less coral bleaching in 11 of the 21 coral species studied. However, many species are not adapting, and global commitment is needed to address threats facing coral reef ecosystems.
The study modeled how rising temperatures influence mosquito behavior and disease risk worldwide. Mosquito traits favorable to spreading disease peaked at 29 degrees Celsius, but were lower when temperatures were cooler or warmer.
A new system aims to protect bald eagles from wind turbine collisions by detecting approaching birds and triggering deterrents. The technology, developed at Oregon State University, uses a camera-mounted system to identify eagles in flight and deploy colorful human-like figures to scare them away.
A new study in The Lancet found that muscle-related symptoms are less commonly reported when patients and doctors are unaware of statin therapy. However, when patients know they're taking a statin, they were more likely to report symptoms, suggesting the nocebo effect may be at play.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that CYP17A1 inhibitors function as competitive AR antagonists, indicating a more effective role in treating prostate cancer. The study found that these inhibitors can inhibit the growth of prostate tumor cells expressing treatment-resistant AR mutations.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii have found that man o' war sting first aid should be based on evidence, not traditional practices. Vinegar rinses and hot water treatments are effective in neutralizing venom and reducing pain, while seawater rinses can worsen stings.
Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology create a method to erase the ink used for 3D printing, allowing for the creation of structures that can be modified repeatedly. The technology has numerous applications in biology and materials sciences.
Researchers identified DNA-dependent protein kinase, an enzyme that promotes fat accumulation and exercise capacity loss with age. The study's findings suggest a genetic program driving mid-life weight gain and lower fitness levels.
Agricultural production improves hive health by providing adequate food resources and nectar yields, outweighing pesticide risks. Bees in agricultural areas had better colony thermoregulation and higher brood production than those in non-agricultural environments.
A commentary and editorial in Reproductive BioMedicine Online argue that a registry of egg donors is needed to monitor long-term health risks, citing five case histories of women who developed breast cancer after donation. The authors highlight the lack of data on this topic and call for increased transparency about potential risks.
A global study will investigate thermal, air quality and social conditions in refugee camps to inform the design of shelters that moderate extremes of temperature and ensure privacy, comfort and dignity. The project aims to create a manual for aid agencies providing guidelines on shelter design, construction and context.
A study by Northumbria University found that exposure to rosemary aroma significantly enhanced working memory in children aged 10-11. The researchers tested 40 children in two groups: one with rosemary oil diffused in the room and another without scent. Analysis revealed higher scores in the aroma group, especially on word recall tests.
Researchers developed DeepLoc, a deep learning algorithm that can track proteins in cells faster and more accurately than human eyes or previous computer vision-based approaches. The algorithm recognizes patterns in cell images made by proteins and can process data from other labs.
A study by Kansas State University ecologists found that leaf litter decomposition rates are less than half of what the metabolic theory predicts, even at higher temperatures. This suggests that warmer temperatures may not accelerate decomposition as much as expected.
The Critical Path Institute and Translational Genomics Research Institute will sequence at least 12,000 tuberculosis bacteria isolates from around the world to better understand drug resistance. The partnership aims to develop personalized medicine options for patients with drug-resistant TB.
A study by Dr Martin Graff from University of South Wales found that receiving 'likes' on social media posts doesn't improve mood or self-esteem. Participants who prioritized getting more likes were more likely to have low self-esteem and be less trusting.
A recent study by UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country suggests that high-intensity interval training can cause a significant decline in brain oxygenation among elite athletes, particularly Kenyans. This finding has implications for understanding human performance and endurance.
Salk Institute scientists discover a chemical compound that mimics exercise benefits, increasing fat burning and stamina in sedentary mice. The compound, GW1516, activates a gene pathway linked to aerobic endurance, allowing mice to run for 70% longer than controls.
Researchers have developed a novel fruit fly model of kidney cysts, enabling the deciphering of biochemical pathways in polycystic kidney disease and cancer. The findings will help identify new treatment targets and methods for certain kidney diseases and cancers.
Peripheral artery disease affects 200 million people worldwide, but less than half receive appropriate medication and lifestyle counseling. This study highlights the need to improve quality of care for high-risk individuals, who are at risk of adverse outcomes such as coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Recent studies by TGen and UNC Lineberger researchers provide insight into glioblastoma's evolution and how to combat this aggressive brain tumor. The studies reveal that mutations affect how cancer starts and evolves, while combining drugs targeting PI3K and MAPK pathways show promise as a therapeutic approach.
Researchers have developed a novel NMR technique that can extract full metabolic profiles from living organisms, providing insights into disease diagnosis and biological processes. The technique has potential for non-invasive disease detection and understanding brain chemistry.
Researchers developed an antimicrobial treatment inspired by naturally-occurring peroxidase enzymes that rapidly kill drug-resistant bacteria. The treatment consists of iodo-thiocyanate complexes producing highly reactive anti-microbial substances without a peroxidase enzyme.
A new anti-rejection drug, Everolimus, has been found to reduce weight gain and enhance outcomes for liver transplant recipients. Researchers compared Everolimus to Tacrolimus in a randomized international multi-center study of over 700 patients, finding that those taking Everolimus gained less weight.
Researchers analyzed atmospheric temperatures and dust for 720,000 years, finding frequent climate fluctuations during glacial periods. Climate simulations revealed global cooling and freshwater inflow as key factors causing instability.
Stanford researchers have created a new wave of flexible and biodegradable electronics that can break down in weak acid. The devices use a semiconductive polymer that can decompose, making them suitable for wearable sensors or environmental monitoring applications.
A team of scientists found a massive wave of hot gas in the Perseus galaxy cluster using Chandra X-ray Observatory data and computer simulations. The wave is thought to have formed billions of years ago after a small galaxy cluster grazed Perseus, causing its gas supply to slosh around an enormous volume.
Patients operated on by high-volume mitral valve surgeons experience lower one-year mortality and reoperation rates compared to those performed by lower-volume surgeons. High-volume surgeons are more likely to perform durable repairs, with repair rates ranging from 77% for 51+ cases to 48% for fewer than 10 cases.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a liver hormone called FGF21 may play a role in determining who has a sweet tooth. The researchers discovered two variants of the FGF21 gene associated with increased intake of sweets and candies.
A reanalysis of raw data from a widely used study on formaldehyde exposure shows no link between formaldehyde and leukemia. The study challenges the original conclusions that linked formaldehyde to an increased risk of leukemia, highlighting a need for reconsideration of formaldehyde health risks.
A new fossil cichlid discovered in East Africa provides insights into the evolutionary history of the cichlid family. The analysis of its unique 'mosaic-like' set of characters supports the idea that interspecies hybridization played a prominent role in their evolution.
A new sauropod species, Galeamopus pabsti, has been described from 150 million-year-old fossils in Wyoming, USA. The discovery expands the already unexpected diversity of 'whiplash dinosaurs', known for their elongated necks and tails.
A decline in homophobia is enabling young men to embrace non-sexual bromances, which allow for deep emotional disclosure and intimacy. The study found that these relationships offer a way forward for those dealing with depressive symptoms or social anxieties.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a fast, non-destructive optical method for analyzing defects in 2D materials. This new technique uses fluorescent microscopy to identify defects and correlates the results with visual confirmation under transmission electron microscopy.
Researchers found that brain glucose levels play a crucial role in 'hitting the wall,' and training can help preserve glucose as an energy source for the brain. A small molecule drug also stimulated PPARδ, increasing fat oxidation and preventing hypoglycemia in mice.
A study published in The BMJ found no association between long-term gluten intake and the risk of coronary heart disease in people without celiac disease. However, restricting dietary gluten may lead to a low intake of whole grains, which are associated with cardiovascular benefits.
Scientists have successfully generated lung tissue using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs), which can be used to test new treatments for various lung diseases. The study reveals key genes controlling lung formation and creates mini-lung organoids for further research.
Experts argue that the UK will lose its fundamental right to health if the government proceeds with plans not to convert the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights into UK law. The charter has been used to uphold public health laws and regulations in EU courts.
A new study reveals that period tracking apps frequently fail to meet users' needs, with inaccuracies in prediction, assumptions about sexual identity or partners, and a focus on pink design. The researchers suggest five key improvements for designing better period tracking apps.
Early findings from PopART, a clinical trial evaluating universal HIV testing and treatment, show increases in HIV awareness and ART coverage. However, challenges persist in reaching men and younger adults with HIV, highlighting the need for optimized resource allocation to accelerate progress against the global HIV epidemic.
A study of over 100,000 participants found that dietary gluten is not associated with an increased risk of heart disease in people without celiac disease. Limiting whole grains as part of a low-gluten diet may actually increase the risk of heart disease in these individuals.
The CARAFE airborne campaign will gather data on greenhouse gas levels and vertical wind speeds over a range of vegetation types in the Mid-Atlantic region. This will help improve computer models that predict Earth's carbon sinks and inform greenhouse gas policy decisions.
Researchers at National Tsing Hua University studied oval squid behavior in the East China Sea, discovering five common patterns of tone signals and movements used for communication. These patterns, compiled into an ethogram, will aid future behavioral studies in cephalopods and other species.
Researchers have made progress in understanding how genetic mutations cause spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disease that cripples motor neuron function and leads to muscle weakness. A new discovery identifies the Gemin3 protein as a key player in the mechanism, and suggests targeting its receptors may be beneficial for treating SMA.