A study found that a decrease in circulating tumor cells with increased ALK gene copies is associated with longer progression-free survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with crizotinib. This biomarker may help predict treatment response and tailor therapies for individual patients.
Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez, a neuroscientist and clinical psychiatrist, received the award for her discovery of ketamine's rapid therapeutic effects on OCD symptoms, while Dr. Todd Gould was recognized for his work on ketamine's antidepressant effects in treating depression. The prestigious awards come with a $5,000 cash prize.
Research suggests that apologizing for a past crime is the most effective strategy in reducing concerns about trustworthiness. Justifying or making excuses can lead to negative hiring decisions. Apologizing shows remorse and reduces deviant behaviors at work.
Researchers have observed a complex process in plant cell wall growth using nanoscale imaging. The findings suggest that microfibrils' movements under stretching regimes reveal a different pattern of motion than previously thought.
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences used mathematical models to determine the best way to throw an object at a target. They found that underhand throws are best for close, high targets and overhand throws are more accurate for targets below the shoulder.
A randomized clinical trial found that ivabradine did not improve outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Elevated heart rate is a predictive factor of worse outcomes in these patients, contradicting previous research that suggested benefits for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
A study of over 20,000 heart failure patients found that unemployment is associated with a 50% increased risk of death and 12% higher risk of rehospitalization for heart failure. Employment status was also linked to morbidity and mortality in younger patients.
Ten patients at Penn Medicine have been cured of Hepatitis C following kidney transplants from HCV-infected donors. The study demonstrates the potential for increasing organ supply and may open up new transplant options for hundreds more patients.
A meta-analysis of prospective studies reveals that individuals with non-O blood groups (A, B, AB) are at a higher risk of heart attacks and overall cardiovascular mortality. The study found a 9% increased risk of coronary events and cardiovascular mortality in non-O blood group carriers compared to O blood group carriers.
A new classification system identifies distinct patient profiles with varying outcomes in acute heart failure hospitalizations. The study provides valuable insights for early triage and treatment decisions.
Serelaxin, a hormone with vasodilatory effects, failed to improve cardiovascular outcomes in the phase 3 RELAX-AHF-2 trial. Despite initial promising results from previous studies, serelaxin showed no significant benefit in reducing worsening heart failure or all-cause mortality.
A multifaceted intervention lowered the relative risk of new suicide attempts by 20% in emergency department patients who received specialized screening, safety planning guidance, and periodic follow-up phone check-ins. Patients in the intervention group made 30% fewer total suicide attempts compared to those receiving standard ED care.
Researchers have observed a real-time decrease in Asian dust depolarization, attributed to the coating of an air pollutant like Ca(NO3)2. This finding highlights the importance of internally mixed 'quasi-spherical' Asian dust particles as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN).
Shallow cumulus clouds over Inner Mongolia Grassland were found to have a cloud base height of 3.4 km and top height of 5 km, significantly higher than those over the sea, yet similar to those in the Southern Great Plains.
Two papers challenge the UK's National Institute for Healthcare Excellence (NICE) guidelines for excluding acupuncture in treating osteoarthritis of the knee and low-back pain. The authors argue that NICE applies a higher evidentiary standard to acupuncture than other modalities, which may diminish its effectiveness.
The Sleep Research Society has announced its 2017 award recipients, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to sleep and circadian science. Dr. Thomas Kilduff is this year's Distinguished Scientist Award recipient for his work on hypocretin and therapeutic development for insomnia.
A newly-created prognostic tool reliably predicts the recurrence of parathyroid cancer, allowing physicians to identify patients at highest risk. The tool is based on three key indicators: serum calcium level, age over 65, and tumor invasion into blood vessels.
A team of researchers at the University of Gothenburg has developed a method to generate cartilage tissue by printing stem cells using a 3D-bioprinter. The resulting cartilage is extremely similar to human cartilage, with properties and structures identical to those found in natural cartilage.
The study found that the material with atomically thin layers of water stored energy more efficiently than the regular material, wasting less energy as heat. This breakthrough holds promise for future energy-storage technologies, such as thinner batteries and faster renewable-based power grids.
A new study found that tropical forests will accelerate their growth in response to increased rainfall, which could lead to greater carbon sequestration. However, the authors caution that climate change still poses a threat to these ecosystems in the short term.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has announced its 2017 Research Foundation award recipients, supporting talented investigators in digestive disease research. The awardees will receive grant funding and protected time for research, contributing to advancements in gastroenterology.
Researchers investigate the differences between A1 and A2 milk proteins, finding that a specific peptide is present in both types. However, the content of this peptide is higher in A1 milk, suggesting that more research is needed to determine its impact on human health.
Kumamoto University researchers developed a low-energy, continuous biofuel extraction method from microalgae using nanosecond PEF, increasing efficiency and reducing damage to algae. The new process allows for faster and more efficient extraction of hydrocarbons without destroying the microalgae.
A new study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases shows endoscopic needle knife therapy to be safe and effective for treating intestinal strictures in IBD patients. The procedure, pioneered by Cleveland Clinic doctors, offers advantages over traditional treatments like surgery and balloon dilation.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have identified a molecule, NPGL, that increases appetite during fasting and decreases it during gorging. This discovery suggests that the body has an evolved mechanism to maintain weight at a constant level, regardless of diet or energy intake.
The study found that Zika virus can persist in cerebrospinal fluid, lymph nodes, and colorectal tissue of infected rhesus monkeys for up to 42 days and 72 days respectively. The virus persistence may contribute to neurological issues associated with Zika infection in humans.
Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology and Peking University have developed a new technique for creating self-folding three-dimensional origami structures using photocurable liquid polymers. The process involves projecting a grayscale pattern onto the polymer, causing it to form a solid film through crosslinking reactions.
Post-conflict zones face unique tobacco control challenges due to high usage rates and opportunistic industry activity, highlighting the need for strong governance and effective measures like taxation
Astronomers have discovered a unique star in the constellation of Lacerta, which is millions of times closer to Earth than the galaxy NGC 7250, allowing it to overpower its light
The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) honors Norman J. Beauchamp Jr. and Robert A. Novelline for their contributions to medical imaging research and clinical practice. These gold medalists are recognized for their work in developing advanced MRI imaging techniques and advancing trauma diagnosis.
Scientists have identified 'nugget-producing' bacteria that can dissolve and re-concentrate gold in just years to decades. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient gold extraction from ore and recycled materials, as well as aid in mineral exploration for new deposits.
Researchers have successfully doped organic single crystals with a new ultra-slow deposition technique, achieving high doping efficiency and detecting the Hall effect signal. This achievement marks the dawn of organic single crystal electronics, paving the way for future devices like high-performance solar cells.
Researchers at MIT developed a new material inspired by the gelatinous jaw of a sea worm, which can adapt to changing environments. The material exhibits great mechanical resistance and consistency, making it suitable for soft robotics and sensor applications.
A new study has unravelled the mystery of how mitochondria can withstand attacks on their DNA from rogue molecules. The discovery could lead to new treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases by boosting DNA repair capacity or selectively damaging mitochondria in cancer cells.
A study found that primary school children spent less time doing physical activities and more time sedentary as they aged. By Year 4, around a third of boys and two-thirds of girls failed to meet the recommended hour of physical activity per day. The researchers tracked 1,300 children over a week in Year 1 and again three years later t...
Researchers have developed a method to pattern materials with features as small as one nanometer, enabling the study of material properties at the atomic level. The technique has potential applications in materials engineering and could lead to the creation of new materials with unique properties.
ASU's ShadowCam optical camera will observe permanently shadowed regions on the Moon monthly, detecting seasonal changes and measuring terrain. The instrument will merge images with Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data to create complete maps of craters hosting these enigmatic regions.
Researchers developed ERPonline to help people with bipolar disorder recognize and respond to early warning signs of relapse. Accessing the online tool was associated with improved beliefs about mood and increased monitoring of early warning signs compared to non-users.
Sandra Rieger, Ph.D., will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying peripheral neuropathy caused by Taxol (paclitaxel) and explore potential treatments using MMP-inhibiting compounds. The grant aims to develop new drug therapies for this debilitating condition affecting millions of Americans.
A retrospective study found that 27% of naloxone recipients were family members of active opioid users and were responsible for 20% of all rescue attempts. Educating these individuals on overdose prevention and how to administer naloxone can significantly reduce fatal overdoses.
A study found that testosterone administration impairs cognitive reflection in men, making them more likely to rely on their gut instincts. The researchers tested the hypothesis that higher levels of testosterone increase the tendency to make intuitive judgments and reduce self-reflection.
A comprehensive review examines the role of type I interferon in controlling herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. The study reveals that newborns are more susceptible to HSV-1 infection, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening diseases like herpes simplex encephalitis.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology has made the first detailed map of the brain regions in amphioxus, a fish-like marine chordate closely related to vertebrates. The findings challenge prevailing ideas about brain formation and suggest that the vertebrate brain evolved from two initial regions rather than three.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed hybrid circuits that leverage both digital and analog components to improve the computational power of chaos-based systems. By distributing computation between digital and analog circuits, they achieve exponential reductions in computational time and enhance noise tolerance.
A pilot study found that a University of Virginia-developed artificial pancreas helped young children with Type 1 diabetes better control their condition. The device automatically monitors and regulates blood-sugar levels, reducing the need for frequent finger pricks and insulin injections.
Researchers discovered a bacterium that produces antibiotics to protect beetle eggs from fungal infections. The bacteria also can harm plants when transferred, highlighting the complex relationships between microbes and their hosts.
Researchers connect classical acupuncture to advances in physiology, systems biology, and mechanotherapeutics. They explore the body's interconnectedness as a whole system, suggesting an exciting convergence in Eastern and Western medicine.
Researchers at the Australian National University have identified two rare plant species, Daviesia schwarzenegger and Daviesia devito, named after the iconic movie duo. The plants are found in South Eastern Australia and are ecologically important nitrogen fixers, but are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss.
A new process produces hydrogen at room temperature without external heat, utilizing adsorption on a RuO2/Al2O3 catalyst to initiate reaction. This enables repeated production of H2 even without external heat supply, contributing to efficient carbon-free energy production.
Researchers found that hospitals with better mortality rates receive lower Medicare payments, while those with higher readmission rates receive higher average payments. Health IT usage is positively associated with higher Medicare reimbursements due to improved efficiency in insurance claims.
A study by New York University found that 60.1% of public institutions use differential tuition policies, which vary rates by program or year. This practice can make it difficult for students to access accurate cost information, exacerbating affordability concerns.
A new study examining the muscles of bonobos found they are more closely related to humans than common chimpanzees. This is the first study to compare the anatomy of the three species, providing evidence for a possible link between bonobos and human ancestors.
Rice University physicists have created a model system for studying rogue ocean waves by precisely controlling the quantum behavior of an ultracold atomic gas. They found that under certain conditions, the number of solitons remains unchanged, suggesting that the soliton train is born with stable characteristics.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism causing intestinal inflammation, linking elevated Bcl-3 protein levels to immune system imbalance. Elevated Bcl-3 triggers regulatory T-cell inactivation, leading to severe inflammatory responses.
The Biomedical Big Data to Knowledge Training Program aims to accelerate advances in biomedical research by training the next generation of scientists in data analysis and visualization. The program, funded by Penn State and the National Institutes of Health, will support up to nine graduate students per year.
CIRC researcher Keith Larson will lead a citizen science project in Abisko, Sweden, where the public can help collect valuable climate change data and learn about climate research methods. The project aims to replicate a study from 1917-1919 and modernize it with new climate stations and smartphone app.
A University of Maryland expert has diagnosed Francisco Goya with a rare autoimmune syndrome or syphilis after suffering from severe illness and hearing loss in 1793. She notes that Goya's condition would have been treatable today.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that Medicare spending on topical steroids increased by 226.5% and out-of-pocket costs for patients rose by 145.9% between 2011 and 2015. Researchers suggest using physician decision support to pick more affordable generic options, potentially saving $944.8 million and $66.6 million.
Astronomers report the discovery of a binary solar-type star inside the supernova remnant RCW 86, with calcium abundance exceeding the solar one by a factor of six. This finding suggests that the supernova might belong to the rare type of calcium-rich supernovae.
Researchers develop new method to calculate indoor CO2 concentrations more accurately, using established concepts from human metabolism and exercise physiology. The new approach considers body size, composition, diet, and physical activity to provide a more reliable estimate of CO2 generation rates.