A 24-patient outbreak was halted after identifying docusate as the underlying source of the bacteria, leading to a national recall. The investigation improved infection prevention practices for patients.
A team of biomedical scientists has identified a molecule that targets the EphA4 receptor, a gene associated with rapid ALS progression. The research aims to delay motor neuron death and explore potential applications in spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, and some cancers.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System have developed an algorithm that predicts bone marrow transplant patients' risk of developing graft-versus-host disease. The 'MAGIC algorithm' uses two proteins in blood samples to determine a patient's risk, allowing for early intervention and potentially saving lives.
A newly discovered beetle species, Nymphister kronaueri, has been found to hitch a ride on the back of army ants as a means of transportation. The beetle uses its strong mandibles to anchor itself tightly to the ant's body, mimicking the shape and appearance of the ant's abdomen.
Researchers at Uppsala and Umeå University found that the molecular composition of sediment organic matter controls methylmercury formation. Organic compounds from phytoplankton are linked to high mercury methylation rates, while carbon compounds from the watershed do not have this effect.
A new mobile Critical Care Recovery Program aims to bring post-ICU care to patients in their homes, improving brain health and reducing rehospitalization rates. The 12-month program will be followed by a multi-disciplinary team to develop personalized recovery plans.
A $2 million Gates Foundation grant will support the development of novel test protocols to accelerate the creation and deployment of next-generation vector control products. The project aims to improve the understanding of vector control approaches and produce better-informed products to combat malaria in Africa.
A new mathematical analysis provides guidance for treating infections and tumors with drug resistance, suggesting that containment may extend effective life and improve patient outcomes in some cases. The study identifies two main factors influencing the choice between containment and aggressive treatment.
Researchers developed a scalable metamaterial film that efficiently reflects solar energy while allowing objects to shed heat through infrared thermal radiation. The material has been successfully tested in field trials, demonstrating significant radiative cooling powers even under direct sunlight with zero energy consumption.
Scientists have confirmed novel theoretical work on Mott insulators, revealing a unique form of magnetism that arises when these materials are cooled below a critical temperature. This discovery helps to shed light on the complex interactions between electrons in these materials, which are crucial for developing new electronic devices.
A study by academics at the University of East Anglia suggests that insights from behavioral science can help design road signs to encourage drivers to switch off their engines while waiting at railway crossings. Researchers found that simple visual and written cues doubled the rate of people turning off their engines, with a more effe...
Conservationists from around the world gather to discuss a critical shift in thinking, recommending a more vigorous application of information from the fossil record. They suggest embracing novelty in ecosystems while preserving natural diversity, highlighting cases where conservation can benefit both humans and nature.
A new research hypothesis proposes that biodiversity is autocatalytic, with species enabling the existence of others and creating niches for coexistence. This view offers a possible answer to the fundamental question of why so many species can coexist in the same ecosystem.
A team of researchers has discovered a vast array of exceptionally preserved fossils, including delicate skeletons and soft tissues, from the immediate aftermath of the Ordovician mass extinction. The Anji Biota records an astonishing range of diverse sponge species, with many thriving in large and complex ecosystems.
An international team of researchers has developed a cell culture model that can reproduce the major elements of drusen, the hallmark deposit of AMD. The model confirms that RPE cells in early AMD are functional and that Bruch's membrane conditions play a key role in disease progression.
Research shows that extended lactation does not negatively affect milk quality or cheese-making property. In fact, protein and fat contents increase, making milk more suitable for production. The study found no negative impact on taste, contrary to previous fears.
Researchers found that older adults living in poor neighborhoods with high homicide rates experience more depressive symptoms. Neighborhood factors like violence, poverty, and safety perception contribute to depression, highlighting the need for targeted policy interventions.
The UTIA project used aerial acoustic recordings to track at-risk avian species on DoD facilities, improving compliance with environmental regulations. The project was recognized as the DoD's Project of the Year for 2016 for resource conservation and resiliency.
Researchers have identified plausible gene variants that predispose some children to developing Kawasaki disease, a common acquired heart disease in children. A variation of the toll-like receptor 6 gene and another variant in tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 were linked to the pro-inflammatory state during KD's acute stage.
Conservationists should focus on preserving diverse ecosystem structures and functions, rather than just saving species. This approach can help create more resilient environments that can adapt to climate change and habitat loss. By studying the fossil record, experts hope to guide conservation efforts towards a more sustainable future.
The partnership aims to create a critical mass of expertise in key engineering areas, such as energy and advanced manufacturing. This collaboration will help the UK maintain its global standing in light of increasing international competition.
Researchers from GEOMAR suggest that subsea mining in coastal areas could be a promising alternative to deep-sea mining. The continental shelf, which has primarily been explored for oil and gas deposits, holds many mineral resources, including gold, nickel, and lead-zinc deposits.
Researchers developed dual-function nanorod LEDs that can emit, detect, and respond to light. These LEDs can be used in display arrays that adjust brightness based on ambient light conditions and recognize objects through touchless gestures or laser stylus input.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are studying 'Living Apart Together' (LAT) relationships among older adults, who are increasingly forming new partnerships without shared residences. LAT couples face challenges such as family caregiving and decision-making, highlighting the need for open discussions with families and partners.
A new study published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders found an inverse correlation between brain stem volume and aggression in children with autism. The researchers discovered that a smaller brain stem is associated with greater aggression, suggesting a potential target for treatment.
Researchers identified a genetic signature in nerve cells supplying hands and feet, which is distinct from those in nearby muscles. This signature involves the coordinated activity of multiple genes and suggests that the evolution of extremities may be related to fine motor control, such as grasping.
A UBC Okanagan study used digital cameras to collect photos from older patients with atrial fibrillation, providing valuable insights into their daily care and environmental context. The images revealed nuances of living with a chronic condition in rural communities.
A new study reveals that disease-causing bacteria become resistant to antibiotics by acquiring mutations that allow them to tolerate the antibiotic. The research found that strains with pre-existing tolerant mutations developed resistance more quickly than those without tolerance.
An international team of neuroscientists has discovered that neurons coordinate their activity to improve motor control, shedding light on the brain's mechanisms. The findings may lead to better brain-machine interfaces for paralyzed patients.
A global research team led by Professor Mike Stratton will study genetic samples from five continents to understand the causes of cancer. The project aims to identify unknown causes, determine environmental factors, and figure out how they lead to cancer.
A new study examines marine pebble tools from an Upper Paleolithic burial site in Italy and finds that flat, oblong pebbles were brought up from the beach, used as spatulas to apply ochre paste, then broken and discarded. The intent may have been to 'kill' the tools, thereby discharging their symbolic power.
A new study by CSIC researchers reveals that environmental factors were the primary driver of horse diversification over 20 million years. The team found that newly evolved species were ecologically similar, with external factors such as ecosystem fragmentation and energy availability playing a key role.
York University scientists have developed a 3D beating heart tissue created from three cell types that beat together as one entity. This breakthrough will facilitate better and earlier drug testing, eliminating harmful medications sooner.
A RIT researcher is working on developing security measures for deeply-embedded systems in medical devices like pacemakers, to prevent cyberattacks and data breaches. The goal is to ensure patient safety and data integrity.
Researchers discovered a subpopulation of beta cells that resists immune attack and acquires stemness to persist despite immune attack. This finding may lead to therapies targeting these cells to restore insulin production in type 1 diabetic patients.
A new study found that women who have a false positive result from a screening mammogram are more likely to delay or forgo their subsequent screening mammogram. This delay can increase the risk of late-stage breast cancer diagnosis, which can lead to poorer treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered that malaria parasites produce HMBPP, which stimulates red blood cells to release carbon dioxide and volatile compounds attracting malaria mosquitoes. The parasite uses this system to transfer from one host to another, making it harder to control the spread of malaria.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Investigation--Insight found that omega-3 fatty acid products can reduce IgE production, a common allergen responsible for asthma symptoms. However, patients with severe asthma who rely on high-dose oral steroids may not benefit from fish oil supplementation.
Researchers identified a gatekeeper protein SMARCB1 that prevents aggressive pancreatic cancer cells from transitioning into a resistant type. Depletion of SMARCB1 leads to mesenchymal status, a mobile and invasive cell state, making these cells vulnerable to therapies targeting proteostasis.
The flashlight fish uses its bioluminescent light organs to detect prey in the dark, adjusting flash frequency to the context. Researchers also found that the fish blink at a high rate during feeding and are regulated by lighting conditions.
Research suggests that recreational amphetamine use may hasten the biological ageing of the heart, with effects seen in both men and women. The study found that amphetamine users showed signs of premature ageing of the heart, even after accounting for other cardiovascular risk factors.
A new film developed by Yao Zhai and colleagues can dissipate the sun's thermal energy, resulting in a cooling effect. The material is lightweight, easily conforms to curved surfaces, and relatively easy to mass produce, making it a promising solution for passive radiative cooling.
Researchers from GW University and St. George's University of London discovered a mutation in the INPP5K gene linked to short stature, muscle weakness, intellectual disability, and cataracts. This finding suggests a new type of congenital muscular dystrophy, with potential for targeted therapies.
A new study found that people unconsciously map sounds to shapes, influencing awareness before conscious recognition. The 'bouba-kiki' effect, observed across cultures and age groups, shows that soft-sounding words pair with round shapes and sharp-sounding words with angular shapes.
The journal focuses on virus evolution and publishes work that benefits science, technology, and medicine. It offers fast decision times, timely publication, and high-quality peer review with an international editorial board.
Research suggests that both patient genetics and HIV viral genome mutations impact disease progression, with human genetic variation explaining 8.4% of variation in viral load.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that executive cognitive functions in children and young people can be quantified and linked to their performance on the football pitch. The study found strong results for simpler forms of executive function, such as working memory, to be associated with success.
A study found that while 77% of participants take selfies regularly, 82% would prefer fewer selfies on social media. Participants perceived their own selfies as more self-ironic and authentic, while those taken by others were seen as less authentic.
Researchers used computer models of blue whale habitat off California and the eastern Pacific to identify similar regions in the Northern Indian Ocean where whales are likely to be found. This information will help reduce ship strikes and inform conservation efforts for endangered blue whales.
American Chemical Society reports on innovative methods for handling yogurt acid whey, including extracting valuable ingredients and producing methane for electricity. Companies are also developing products that incorporate acid whey back into dairy products.
A new study reveals a massive decline in genetic diversity among living and extinct black rhinoceros populations. The research found that hunting and habitat loss have reduced the species' evolutionary potential dramatically over the last 200 years.
Research suggests males are more likely to be diagnosed with dyslexia, possibly due to differences in reading performance and processing speed. Variability in processing speed may also contribute to co-occurring attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
A new study reveals that poorer and less-educated older Americans are more likely to experience severe chronic pain, even after accounting for age. The research also shows that people with lower levels of education and wealth are more likely to experience pain-related disability.
Researchers studied the impact of antibiotic treatment on gut microbes and metabolites in mice, finding significant changes in bacterial populations and metabolic output. The study highlights the importance of considering both microbiota composition and metabolome in understanding human health.
Researchers have found evidence of an interaction between nitrogen and oxygen in ancient rocks from South Africa, shedding light on the evolution of life alongside changes in the Earth's surface. The discovery fills a 400-million-year gap in geochemical records and provides new insights into the 'Great Oxidation Event.'
A new study in Paleoceanography reveals that the last time Earth was as warm as it is today, a melting Greenland Ice Sheet circulated cold freshwater in the Atlantic Ocean as far south as Bermuda. This circulation elevated sea levels and altered ocean climate and ecosystems.
Research suggests that characteristically male brain anatomy is associated with a higher probability of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in males. The study found that biological females with more typical male brain anatomy were about three times more likely to have ASD than those with characteristically female brain anatomy.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered how shoot stem cells form in plants, a process similar to animals. The transcription factor WOX2 regulates the balance between plant hormones cytokinin and auxin, allowing stem cells to maintain their unlimited potential for development.
A McGill University study shows that the brain's opioid system is involved in experiencing musical pleasure. Researchers found that participants' favorite songs no longer elicited feelings of pleasure when their opioids were temporarily blocked.
The presence of coronary artery calcium in adults aged 32-46 years is associated with a significant increase in fatal and nonfatal heart disease events. A 5-fold higher risk of CHD events and 3-fold higher CVD event risk were observed among those with any CAC