A new study projects a 10-13% decrease in global mild days by the end of the century due to climate warming. Tropical regions are expected to lose up to 50 fewer days of mild weather, while mid-latitudes will gain more mild days.
Researchers at UM SOM and SOD published 22 articles on infectious agents, vaccines, and immune system activation. Studies focused on Ebola, Clostridium difficile, biofilms, and other topics, advancing knowledge in infection and immunity research.
A team from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed an on-chip sensor capable of detecting unprecedentedly small frequency changes, achieving record-high sensing precision with a small footprint that can be integrated with standard CMOS technology.
A new soft robotic sleeve could help failing hearts by wrapping around it and twisting in sync with its beating rhythm, potentially reducing the risk of complications associated with existing ventricular assist devices. The device is designed to be customized for each patient and can adjust pressure levels over time.
A new study found that lap band surgery significantly improves weight and BMI in severely obese Australian teenagers, with median BMI reduction of 10 kg/m2. The procedure is a safe and effective option for adolescents with severe obesity, provided performed by an experienced surgeon and managed regularly.
Researchers used imaging techniques to map the brain wiring of two thylacine specimens, comparing them to the brains of living Tasmanian devils. The results suggest that the larger-brained thylacine had more cortex devoted to planning and decision-making.
Researchers studied how people learn to prioritize information in real-life situations, finding that selective attention determines the value of options and shapes learning through unexpected events. The study contributes to improved teaching, learning, and treatment of mental disorders.
The USDA is providing funding to 19 eligible 1890 land-grant colleges to enhance their agricultural and food sciences facilities and equipment. This investment aims to educate the future workforce in these critical job sectors.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nearly one-third of gunshot wounds in Cook County, Illinois were treated outside designated trauma centers. The majority of these undertriaged cases were located in certain neighborhoods on the west side of Chicago and southern parts of Cook County.
A new study from the University of California San Diego finds that native Mandarin speakers exhibit superior pitch processing skills in young children compared to English-speaking peers. The research suggests that brain skills learned in one area, such as language, can generalize to other cognitive abilities like music.
A new genetic immunodeficiency has been characterized, allowing for the identification of patients at risk of fatal illnesses. Researchers have developed a unique platform to detect subtle immune system defects, enabling clinicians to provide timely treatments and preventive measures.
Andrew Morris will continue his work on a book about Hurricane Camille and its impact on American disaster relief policy using the NEH fellowship. The book examines the transformation of disaster assistance programs in the US following the devastating Category 5 storm in 1969.
The Chicago Biomedical Consortium has received a $21 million funding commitment from the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust. This support will focus on fostering entrepreneurship among university researchers and promote translational research projects. The CBC is launching new initiatives, including forums for commercializatio...
H5Nx viruses, spreading globally through migratory wild birds, display a binding protein on their surfaces that allows them to exit host cells. This adaptation may render them less able to spread to humans, but not rule out eventual evolution to infect people.
Researchers have discovered that vitamin B-12 exists in two forms in the oceans, with cyanobacteria producing a "pseudo" version that's not usable by other organisms. This finding has implications for how algae and other marine life access this essential nutrient.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory demonstrate how MECP2 mutations impair adult learning in female mice. They show that normal MECP2 gene expression is required for learning a natural behavior, and that impaired MECP2 expression causes a cascade of molecular failures leading to neural plasticity deficits.
A study published in Addiction Biology found that long-term heavy drinking in adolescents alters brain electrical activity, particularly in the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission system. This alteration may be detrimental to a developing brain, warranting tighter diagnostic criteria for substance abuse disorders.
A new report in JAMA Surgery found that only one in six gunshot patients with serious injuries are treated at designated trauma centers. The study found that these 'undertriaged' patients were more likely to live on the south and west sides of the county, where trauma centers are scarce.
Researchers developed an implantable soft-robotic device that gives the heart gentle squeezes, improving blood flow and reducing risk of infection. The device successfully restored normal blood flow in living pigs and could be tailored for individual patient needs with further investigation.
Researchers found that brief conversations in waiting rooms increased fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income families, with a nearly four-fold increase in program use. The Double Up Food Bucks program matches SNAP funds spent on healthy foods, supporting local growers.
The government of Sichuan province recognizes INRS professors Morandotti and Rosei for their groundbreaking work in integrated optics and solar technologies. They will collaborate with the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China to develop novel materials and technologies.
A new $525,000 grant aims to improve understanding of shallow cumulus clouds' behavior, which play a crucial role in atmospheric circulation and global climate. The research will focus on the mixing process called entrainment, aiming to enhance weather forecasts and climate model projections.
A study published in Health Affairs found that the Affordable Care Act resulted in an 8% increase in early-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses among U.S. seniors aged 65 and older, but had no distinguishable effect on breast cancer diagnoses over the same time period.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered a new broad-spectrum antiviral protein called Schlafen11 that can inhibit HIV-1 replication in non-human primate species. The protein's effectiveness is highest in chimpanzees and orangutans, but much lower in humans and gorillas.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have uncovered the structure of a cancer cell receptor protein, paving the way for the development of new cancer-fighting drugs. The study identified key binding sites that can be targeted to modulate the protein's function and prevent tumor growth and metastasis.
A new study finds that solar storm-induced electricity blackouts could have a significant impact on the US economy, with indirect costs accounting for over half of the total loss. The potential macroeconomic cost could reach $41.5 billion per day in extreme scenarios.
A recently restored floodplain along a Mississippi tributary removed almost as much nitrogen as a natural floodplain, significantly reducing chemical pollutants in the river. The study's findings suggest that reconnecting rivers to their floodplains can help improve water quality and reduce the 'dead zone' in the Gulf of Mexico.
Researchers at Duke University developed iron-fortified nutrition bars that effectively combat anemia in Indian women, offering a practical and well-tolerated solution. The study involved 179 participants who received the supplement bar for 90 days, resulting in increased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that delirium can accelerate dementia-related cognitive decline, with severe changes in memory observed among those with both conditions. The research highlights the importance of recognizing delirium in hospital settings to prevent brain injury and potentially delay or reduce dementia.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) is spread through person-to-person contact in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. This epidemic highlights the need for effective infection control and treatment measures to prevent further spread.
Scientists at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences successfully imprint a sequence of a single-stranded DNA in a polymer matrix. The resulting negative polymer is chemically active and selectively binds nucleobases, reproducing the genetic code.
Researchers from Harvard have developed a general framework to design reconfigurable metamaterials. This tool allows for the creation of materials that can switch between multiple functions and shapes autonomously, enabling new possibilities in structural engineering, aerospace, and beyond.
According to a study published in Journal of Thoracic Oncology, advanced stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving standard of care treatment have significantly longer overall survival rates compared to those not receiving treatment. This trend is observed across various stages of the disease.
The European Society for Medical Oncology advocates for strict adherence to approval standards and accelerated introduction of biosimilars into clinical settings. This move aims to enhance the sustainability and affordability of cancer treatment, with potential benefits including reduced costs and increased accessibility.
Casey Miller's initiative aims to increase diversity in physics graduate education through inclusive practices and support structures for underrepresented students. The project will assess faculty attitudes, develop training materials, and provide workshops to improve holistic admissions and retention.
Researchers detect electromagnetic fluctuations in the quantum vacuum using a world-leading optical measurement technique. The findings could lead to breakthroughs in understanding radiation and material properties.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are studying biometric data from Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hikers to identify patterns of biological and cognitive markers that may precede serious health events. The study, R2R WATCH, aims to improve preventive education and treatment for exercise-associated hyponatremia.
A global partnership, CEPI, aims to create vaccines for emerging infectious diseases with a $460m initial investment from governments and foundations. The Coalition will target MERS-CoV, Lassa, and Nipah viruses, as well as Ebola and Zika, to develop safe and effective vaccines that can be deployed rapidly to contain outbreaks.
A soft robotic sleeve has been developed to mimic the natural compression motion of healthy cardiac muscles, restoring acutely failing hearts to 97% of their original output. The device attaches to the outside of the heart without contact with blood, reducing the risk of complications and infection.
Standby upgrade programs can significantly increase hotel revenue by offering premium rooms to myopic guests, leading to a 30-35% revenue gain. Hotels with the right ratio of standard and premium rooms and unique features can benefit from such programs.
A study found that sedentary elderly women have shorter telomeres, indicating accelerated biological aging. Regular exercise can slow down this process.
A new study suggests that increasing KLL-specific T cells infiltrating the tumor improves patient survival in Merkel cell carcinoma. The research team found that about 20% of patients have T cells specific for this target, which is associated with better outcomes.
The study provides new insights into the distinctive geometry of pulsars and their emission signatures. The researchers found that the orientation of pulsars' spin and magnetic axes significantly affects what emissions are seen on Earth.
Researchers discovered that immune cells use an active process to create gaps in blood vessel walls, involving the breakage of thin filaments and rapid reassembly. This process allows immune cells to squeeze through and survey organs for problems or join the fight against pathogens.
Researchers found that RGS9-2 promotes addiction to oxycodone in both pain-free and chronic pain states. The protein also plays a protective role against oxycodone tolerance. Understanding the mechanisms of oxycodone action can help develop new, less addictive pain management strategies.
Researchers at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science found no significant difference in brain amygdala volume between healthy men and women in a meta-analysis of dozens of studies. The study's findings suggest that there is more similarity than difference between the sexes, with minimal overlap in key brain structures.
A new study reveals that hospital antibiotic management strategies, including cycling and mixing, are ineffective in combating antibiotic resistance. The researchers recommend alternative strategies like reactive cycling and individualized treatments to optimize antibiotic use.
A study published in mSystems found identical bacterial strains in infants and their mothers, indicating vertical transmission of microbes. The researchers used novel computational techniques to track the transmission of microbes, revealing that mothers are sources of important microorganisms for infant gut development.
A common wheat virus can spread and harm perennial native grasses like switchgrass, reducing its vitality by 30%. This finding highlights the need for farmers and scientists to consider protecting native plants from diseases emanating from crops.
A Tulane University study reveals that using cockroach bait alone can significantly reduce asthma symptom days in children, with 47 fewer days reported over the course of a year. The intervention also led to lower numbers of unscheduled clinic visits and emergency room trips.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (TNFR2) may be a major target for immuno-oncology treatments. The team's findings suggest that blocking TNFR2 could restore the ability of a patient's immune system to attack tumors, while also directly killing cancer cells.
Medical students in Colorado express strong support for marijuana legalization, but hesitate to prescribe it due to limited data and training. Most believe further research is needed on its physical and mental health benefits.
A new report calls for improved fungal disease diagnosis to reduce antibiotic resistance. Inadequate attention to fungal infections leads to overprescription of antibiotics, resulting in harmful resistance and increased healthcare costs. The report highlights four clinical situations where fungal disease misdiagnosis worsens the problem.
A Baylor researcher found that students who re-tell information to someone shortly after learning it recall details better and longer. The 'testing effect' strategy involves actively replaying or re-generating the information through conversation, leading to improved retention over time.
A new study found that 33% of adults recently diagnosed with asthma did not have active asthma, and were able to stop medication. The study suggests doctors often misdiagnose patients based on symptoms alone, highlighting the need for further education on accurate diagnosis.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered that hair behaves differently depending on stretching speed, with faster stretches making it stronger. The team found a unique structural transformation allowing hair to withstand high stress without breaking.
The study identified inactivating mutations in the B2M gene, which codes for a protein involved in the immune response. In lung cancer patients, higher levels of B2M expression correlate with improved response to immunotherapy.
Novel ultrathin semiconductors exhibit strong interaction with light, making them suitable for opto-electronics applications. The researchers' new polarimetric method enables efficient detection of valley polarization in these materials.
Researchers identified synaptotagmin 2 as the primary calcium sensor responsible for rapid neurotransmitter release in GABAergic synapses, enabling fast signaling speed and precision. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of microcircuits and motor control in the brain.
Associate Professor Niveen Khashab's team created self-assembled toroids using a combination of materials and weak chemical bonds. The microstructures held their shape for months, providing insights into the formation of complex biological structures.