A government-supported policy to reduce salt consumption is projected to be highly cost-effective across the world, saving nearly 6 million life-years currently lost to cardiovascular disease each year. The study found that such a program would save at an average cost of $204 per life-year saved.
SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 10, 2017
A new optical device has provided the most precisely detailed, real-time pictures to date of solar activity occurring across vast stretches of the star's surface. The system corrects images distorted by atmospheric turbulence, allowing researchers to analyze magnetic events and forces that propel the star's magnetic fields.
SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJan 10, 2017
A nationwide study found that states like Mississippi, Utah and Wisconsin scored low on attachment anxiety and avoidance, while having high marriage rates and fewer isolations. The top states for lovers also had lower temperatures and more regional charm.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJan 10, 2017
A new study reveals how Roseobacter bacteria claim heme from algal cells, recycling iron into the marine food web. This process keeps iron near the surface, influencing plankton growth and ocean nutrient cycles.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers found that publicly insured children are less likely to be admitted to hospital when beds are scarce, but this disparity does not affect health outcomes. The study suggests that privately insured children may be over-treated and highlights the need for better allocation of healthcare resources.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateJan 10, 2017
A study found that most college students who tan indoors are aware of the risk of skin cancer, but continue to do so. The survey of 629 female students aged 18-30 revealed that indoor tanning is linked to higher risks of premature skin aging and melanoma.
SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Dermatological Science·DateJan 10, 2017
A review of NHS electronic record implementation found limited progress made in the past 25 years, with challenges including confusion over policy funding and complex IT system integration. The study calls for more guidance on IT implementation to help hospitals make informed decisions about digitizing patient records.
SourceUniversity of York·JournalBritish Medical Bulletin·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers have created a genetically induced obesity model in fruit flies, shedding light on the brain's 'fullness' signal. The model highlights a hormone called unpaired 1, which plays a crucial role in regulating eating behavior and weight gain.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers from UGR and hospitals Virgen de las Nieves and San Cecilio found that telerehabilitation reduces side effects of breast cancer treatment, such as pain and fatigue. The online exercise program showed excellent results for patients, maintaining benefits even after 6 months.
Researchers found that the serum stearic acid/palmitic acid (S/P) ratio was a reliable marker in predicting diabetes remission after bariatric surgery. Patients with higher S/P levels before surgery had greater possibilities for diabetes remission after surgery.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 10, 2017
Research reveals that African Americans are more likely to experience eosinophilic airway inflammation, making them less responsive to standard asthma treatments. This study highlights the need for personalized therapies tailored to individual airway inflammation patterns.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 10, 2017
A new study found that most endocrinologists have never received formal training on caring for transgender individuals, despite growing demand for such services. The Endocrine Society is now developing guidelines to address the need for education and training in this area.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 10, 2017
A new study finds that postdoctoral positions do not provide a positive return on investment for biomedical scientists, with the median annual starting salary being $44,724 compared to $73,662 for those directly entering the workforce. The researchers recommend changes to postdoc science positions, such as hiring staff research scienti...
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers have discovered a way to overcome the limitations of 2D materials in photovoltaics by adding a plasmonic metasurface, increasing absorption and efficiency. This innovation has huge implications for the future of optoelectronics, potentially revolutionizing the marketability of devices.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 10, 2017
A team of researchers has created a fully biocompatible motility engine using synthetic active filaments, outperforming conventional methods in transporting tiny cargo. The design's efficiency and speed capabilities have significant implications for targeted drug delivery, insemination, and therapeutic interventions.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers used bright X-rays to observe the one-step solution-coating process of perovskite material, identifying a crucial intermediate solid state. This discovery highlights the importance of solvent-solute interactions in halide perovskites, which significantly impacts film formation behavior and solar cell performance.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 10, 2017
A study published in The BMJ found that surgical patients with migraines are at a higher risk of stroke and hospital readmission. Patients with migraine with aura were found to be at the highest risk, with an estimated 6.3 strokes per 1,000 patients.
Researchers developed new imaging tools to diagnose abnormal pulmonary flow of lymphatic fluid in adults with plastic bronchitis. The procedure involves catheterization and treatment with glue and coils to halt lymphatic fluid flow, resulting in complete or partial resolution of symptoms in six out of seven patients.
SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJan 10, 2017
A new study finds that executive function and engagement in classroom-based play in kindergarten are linked to participation in extracurricular activities in middle school among low-income children. The study suggests that early childhood experiences shape civic engagement later in life.
SourceNew York University·JournalApplied Developmental Science·DateJan 10, 2017
Research reveals weather plays no part in the symptoms associated with back pain and osteoarthritis, contrary to long-held beliefs. Higher temperatures slightly increase lower back pain risk but not clinically important.
SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalPain Medicine·DateJan 10, 2017
The patented resin is made from plant oils, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional adhesives. It provides improved water-resistance, shelf life, and adhesion, making it suitable for various applications, including labeling and coatings.
A study by Osaka University reveals that colorectal cancer cells can survive under glucose-depletion conditions by maintaining TCA cycle activity and ATP production. Key proteins GLUD1 and SLC25A13 play pivotal roles in nutritional stress and are associated with tumor aggressiveness.
SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers found immediate changes in gene expression of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in medaka fish exposed to microgravity. The study suggests a new area of research in gravitational biology, exploring the molecular mechanisms behind bone structure changes.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers at KIT found that nerve cells dynamically regulate the density of blood vessel networks through fine modulation of sFlt1 and VEGF. This process is crucial for vascular development, particularly during early stages of embryonic growth.
SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2017
A new transplant technique has successfully restored vision in mice with inherited retinal degeneration. The technique uses 3D retinal sheets derived from mouse embryonic stem cells, which develop normal structure and connectivity, allowing the growth of functional photoreceptors that connect to host cells and send visual signals.
Researchers observed a male Japanese macaque mounting two female Sika deer, with the animals engaging in non-penetrative sexual behavior. The study suggests that hormonal surges during breeding season may trigger such interactions, highlighting an unusual form of interspecies communication.
Young people perceive themselves as solely responsible for maintaining their work ability, with employers having a large responsibility to create good working conditions. This perception can lead to low expectations and negative impacts on work ability.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health·DateJan 10, 2017
A new UT Dallas study found a correlation between NFL players' disciplinary infractions and their arrest records. The research discovered that those who received the most penalties were more likely to have multiple arrests, with some players averaging over 1.5 arrests per game.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateJan 10, 2017
Astronomers have discovered a shadow sweeping across the face of a vast pancake-shaped gas-and-dust disk surrounding a young star, possibly caused by an unseen planet gravitationally pulling on material. The twisted inner disk is casting its shadow onto the outer region.
A team of researchers at Osaka University has discovered a novel autophagy-dependent secretory system that facilitates the secretion of inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1 beta and leaderless proteins such as ferritin. This finding opens new therapeutic avenues for diseases related to autophagy.
SourceOsaka University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJan 10, 2017
A recent NASA study found a significant correlation between wildfires and drought in northern sub-Saharan Africa. The research, led by Charles Ichoku, used satellite records to analyze the impact of fires on water cycle indicators, revealing that burning suppresses precipitation in the region.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 10, 2017
Freeman's lab will use an innovative mouse-tracking software to study stereotypic vision, exploring its impact on brain visual processing and potential strategies to reduce biases.
A Yale University study tracked Ice Age mammals to understand how they impact ecosystems. The research found that even small extinctions can have significant effects on functional diversity.
Public health experts call for strengthened regulations to address the issue of extensive alcohol marketing targeting youth. Key findings include associations between exposure to alcohol marketing and increased youth drinking, as well as ineffective self-regulatory codes.
SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·DateJan 10, 2017
A new study reveals that IMF lending conditions in West Africa reduce government health expenditure per capita by around 0.25% for every additional binding condition. This results in a 6.2% annual reduction in health spending, often at the expense of healthcare investment.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJan 10, 2017
A study published in PNAS details a mathematical model of the timing of phage-induced cell death, revealing high precision and counterintuitive insights into regulatory mechanisms. The research has implications for medicine and broader applications in chemical kinetics, ecological modeling, and statistical physics.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers at University of Plymouth receive funding to build on existing work exploring phenomena within Standard Model and Beyond, with aim to develop new ideas using supercomputers. The grant will fuel efforts to push boundaries in particle physics research and identify possible candidates for universe's remaining mass-energy content.
Researchers from the University of Surrey propose a new comprehensive categorisation of food scares to address consumers' distrust in the food supply chain. The system differentiates between scares caused by wilful deception and transparency issues, enabling risk management teams to develop effective strategies.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalBritish Food Journal·DateJan 10, 2017
A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals that microglia turnover is 10 times faster than previously thought, allowing for multiple renewal cycles throughout a person's life. This groundbreaking finding has significant implications for understanding the role of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers tested tropical rainforest fly Drosophila birchii's response to climate change by transplanting flies along mountain gradients. They found similar responses across families, indicating little potential for thermal tolerances to evolve.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 10, 2017
A new study published in Brain and Cognition found that musicians have faster reaction times to sensory stimuli than non-musicians. The research suggests that long-term musical training can reduce simple non-musical auditory, tactile, and multisensory reaction times.
SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBrain and Cognition·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers found that estrogen intensifies the brain's dopamine reward pathway, leading to increased pleasurable effects of cocaine. The study suggests using birth control pills or similar strategies to adjust the hormonal cycle as a possible addiction intervention.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers identified three categories of selfie-takers: communicators who engage in conversation, autobiographers who record life events, and self-publicists who document their lives for positive presentation. This categorization contributes to the discussion on selfies and visual communication.
SourceBrigham Young University·JournalVisual Communication Quarterly·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers found that measuring TMAO levels in blood could predict risk of death and other major heart problems in patients with chest pains. Higher TMAO levels were associated with increased risks of serious heart problems, death, and thrombosis in both short-term and long-term periods.
SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 10, 2017
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that lower socioeconomic position is associated with higher adult body mass index (BMI) across generations. The association increased with age and was stronger in women than men, highlighting the need for early interventions to reduce BMI inequalities.
Researchers found that women with pro-inflammatory bacterial species were at a 4-fold higher risk of acquiring HIV than those with healthy vaginal bacteria. The study suggests specific genital bacteria can increase HIV risk by making it easier for the virus to find a foothold.
Researchers at MIT used a modified MRI scanner to scan the brains of awake babies while watching movies, finding that brain regions responding to faces and scenes in adults are also active in infants. The study suggests that there may be a stronger biological predisposition for specific cortical regions to end up with specific functions.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2017
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that physicians consistently underestimate ACS risk for women and minorities, despite objective assessments suggesting higher risk. The study suggests that the ED evaluation of chest pain has become protocolized, immune to unconscious bias.
SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJan 10, 2017
A study found that women with higher incomes and social support are more likely to choose surgery over medication for miscarriage. Patients who have been pregnant before tend to know how they want the miscarriage managed, while those without prior pregnancy rely on doctors' advice. The research emphasizes the need for evidence-based, p...
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that alcohol strengthens emotional memories associated with fearful experiences and prevents mice from pushing aside their fears. The study identified the molecular mechanism responsible for alcohol-related fear relapses and used a drug to reverse its effects.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJan 10, 2017
Research suggests that the Apolipoprotein E4 allele, associated with high risk for Alzheimer's and cardiovascular diseases, may offer protection against cognitive decline caused by parasitic infections. In a remote population of Amazonian foragers, carriers of this allele maintained cognitive performance despite high parasite burdens.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 10, 2017
A study found that 25% of US children and 41% of adults consumed low-calorie sweeteners, a 200% increase for kids and 54% jump for adults. The likelihood of consumption increased with adult body mass index and often occurred at home.
SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJan 10, 2017
Coca-Cola's 'Happy Holidays' truck tour was criticized by public health experts for promoting sugary drinks to children. The UK government is introducing an industry levy on full sugar soft drinks as part of its childhood obesity strategy.
A recent study found that changing rainfall patterns are the key driver of changes in groundwater storage in India, rather than pumping. Groundwater withdrawals have increased tenfold since the 1950s, but variability in monsoons is the main factor driving changes in groundwater levels.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 10, 2017
Gastroenterology experts argue that removing prescriptions for gluten-free foods would unfairly discriminate against people with coeliac disease. They highlight the high cost of such products (3-4 times standard prices) and limited availability in shops.
Researchers develop a Retro94-based compound that effectively stops CMV from making copies of itself, providing a potential effective and safe therapy against human CMV. The treatment could protect immunocompromised patients with active CMV infection or prevent reactivation in the body.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJan 10, 2017
A new study from Drexel University College of Medicine suggests that a commonly used antibiotic, minocycline, may exacerbate cognitive deficits in newborn rats with traumatic brain injury. The researchers hypothesize that the treatment, which targets inflammation, may be ineffective or even harmful to developing brains.
SourceDrexel University·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateJan 10, 2017
A study by University of Sheffield researchers found that even mild heat damage can reduce insects' ability to reproduce as adults. Insect populations in high-latitude countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change, which could lead to population decline.
SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 10, 2017
Catherine Girard, a Canadian researcher, studied the diet and health of the local Inuit population in Resolute Bay. Her findings, published in mSphere, mark the first time that Inuit microbiome has been described, revealing a surprisingly similar gut microbiome compared to Montreal residents.
SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalmSphere·DateJan 10, 2017
A new study at the University of Eastern Finland has developed a novel non-invasive screening method for pharmaceutical tablets, allowing for quick and safe identification of tablet properties. The method uses terahertz radiation to determine the composition and arrangement of particulates within a tablet.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateJan 10, 2017