Researchers discovered that immigrant populations have altered brain chemistry, specifically higher levels of dopamine, which can increase the risk of schizophrenia. The study suggests that social stress is a key factor contributing to this increased risk, and targeted interventions may help mitigate it.
SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·DateJan 10, 2017
A study suggests targeting the RAD51 protein could increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy in killing off glioblastoma cells, a subgroup of brain tumour cells that are resistant to treatment. Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumour in adults, with a poor prognosis.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJan 10, 2017
Bioengineers at the University of Nottingham are trialling biodegradable prawn shopping bags as a 'green' alternative to oil-based plastics. The new material, optimised for Egyptian conditions, aims to lower carbon emissions and reduce food waste.
Researchers discovered that phages can invade bacteria by transferring attachment molecules via membrane vesicles, facilitating horizontal gene transfer and expansion of the phage host range. This mechanism enables phages to deliver DNA into new species, promoting attachment to non-host species and potentially transmitting antibiotic r...
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell·DateJan 10, 2017
A study found that older adults with obesity receive only one-third the benefit from memory training compared to those with normal weights. Researchers investigated the effects of cognitive training on memory, reasoning, and speed processing in 2,800 participants aged 74.
A new quality control system in cells has been identified, which recognizes and destroys faulty genetic material by targeting the ribosome and messenger RNA. This discovery could potentially be used to develop new treatments for genetic diseases.
SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2017
Scientists found that models with only two variables work best in combining drugs, reducing the risk of overfitting. The algorithm can be used to optimize various types of drug combinations, including those with multiple biological molecules.
SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers identified a new subtype of cervical cancer with distinct genomic pathways, potentially benefiting from alternative treatments. The study found significant differences in tumor characteristics between HPV-active and -inactive subtypes.
SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers developed new performance measures to improve warfarin management, resulting in better clinical outcomes and cost savings. The study, published in Annals of Pharmacotherapy, found that these measures could prevent 48 strokes and 68 major bleeding events annually, with a potential annual savings of over $4 million.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Pharmacotherapy·DateJan 10, 2017
A recent study has identified signatures of ethnicity in the genome that reflect shared culture and environment rather than genetic ancestry. The researchers found that only three-quarters of epigenetic differences between Mexican and Puerto Rican children could be accounted for by genetic ancestry, suggesting a biological stamp made b...
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateJan 10, 2017
A study found that women with diverse vaginal bacterial communities were four times more likely to acquire HIV than those with Lactobacillus-dominant microbiomes. The researchers identified specific high-risk bacteria associated with increased HIV acquisition risk and a direct link between these bacteria and HIV susceptibility.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalImmunity·DateJan 10, 2017
The startup aims to develop a solid-state solution for hydrogen storage, offering a clean and efficient alternative to traditional methods. The technology has the potential to make hydrogen energy self-reliant and reduce carbon emissions.
A global analysis of 8.7 million participants found that elevated systolic blood pressure increased substantially between 1990 and 2015, leading to over 10 million deaths and 212 million disability-adjusted life-years. The study highlights the need for increased efforts to control high blood pressure globally.
Researchers have found that Aravive-S6 can inhibit Zika infection of human glial cells, adding to its previously reported anticancer properties. The study suggests a potential antiviral role for the molecule in treating neurological disorders caused by the virus.
SourceKureczka/Martin Associates·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 10, 2017
A new study by UTA researchers reveals that people's confidence in judging phishing emails exceeds their actual ability, leading to incorrect judgments. To address this issue, businesses may benefit from implementing feedback mechanisms to regulate employees' confidence and improve detection accuracy.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Systems·DateJan 10, 2017
A new review article suggests that protein aggregation inside aging neurons sets off inflammatory responses, which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Therapies targeting protein removal and prevention of inflammation hold potential to prevent or treat these conditions.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 10, 2017
A Penn study identifies specific biological properties of HIV-1 strains that facilitate infection, including increased infectivity and resistance to interferons. This research may aid in the development of vaccines against HIV-1 by targeting these key characteristics.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a new monoclonal antibody that binds to CD11b/CD18 receptor molecules, preventing ischemia/reperfusion injury and halting fibrotic kidney failure. The treatment has shown promise in cynomolgus monkeys and may also be useful in treating heart attack, stroke, and organ transplants.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2017
The use of personal technology in criminal investigations raises concerns about individuals' rights, including self-incrimination. The legal system is not yet prepared to address these emerging issues, and courts and law enforcement agencies need to educate themselves on how to properly use and address these technologies.
Researchers at Osaka University discovered that retraction of early thalamocortical connections, driven by cannabinoids, can help form L4-L2/3 connections. This finding may contribute to understanding neuronal circuit mechanisms and prevention of cannabis abuse.
SourceOsaka University·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateJan 10, 2017
A four-year study by researchers at the University of Lincoln found that high-light environments trigger sex change in gynodioecious plants. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanisms behind this phenomenon, which has significant implications for our understanding of plant breeding systems.
SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJan 10, 2017
A government-backed policy to reduce salt intake by 10% over 10 years is projected to avert approximately 5.8 million disability-adjusted life years per year globally. The estimated average cost effectiveness ratio of the 10-year intervention is around $204 per DALY saved, comparable to many drugs used to prevent cardiovascular disease.
A new study by Maria Guadalupe of INSEAD found that say-on-pay policies lead to improved firm performance, including higher return on assets and reduced overheads. Shareholder value increases by about 5 percent, as the policy aligns management closer to shareholders and gives them an equal voice.
A Phase 1 clinical trial found that tucatinib significantly improved outcomes in heavily pretreated patients with HER2+ breast cancer. The drug demonstrated stable disease at 24 weeks or more in 27% of patients, showcasing its potential as a game-changing treatment option.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers at Polytechnique Montréal developed a novel material that combines 3D printing and nanotechnology to detect toxic liquids in real time. The material, made from thermoplastic and carbon nanotubes, can identify the nature of a liquid upon contact, making it an advantage for heavy industries.
The university will explore a 'molecular diversity' of potential glucose-responsive insulin analogs to develop rapid-acting, glucose-responsive insulins that become active when blood sugar is high and inactive when low. The goal is to mitigate the risk of blood sugar levels being too high or too low for patients with type 1 diabetes.
An international expert workshop has outlined a strategy for reducing and replacing animal use in acute systemic toxicity testing. The report, published in Toxicology In Vitro, presents recommendations including gathering high-quality reference data and global harmonization.
SourcePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)·JournalToxicology in Vitro·DateJan 9, 2017
Researchers identified LATS as a key player in breast cancer development and treatment. The enzyme's absence leads to increased luminal precursor cells, which can give rise to tumors, and stabilized proteins YAP and TAZ that boost cell proliferation.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 2017
A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology reveals that Charon, Pluto's largest moon, significantly reduces the stripping of Pluto's atmosphere by solar wind when positioned between the sun and Pluto. This barrier creates a more acute angle of Pluto's bow shock, slowing down atmospheric loss.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalIcarus·DateJan 9, 2017
Ocrelizumab has been shown to significantly reduce new attacks in patients with relapsing MS, slow symptom progression in primary progressive MS, and decrease brain lesions. The drug also demonstrated lower rates of disability progression and fewer infusion-related reactions compared to placebo.
SourceMcGill University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017
A new study from UCLA suggests modifying federal health guidelines to use a risk calculator that takes into account more factors, potentially increasing effectiveness of PrEP in preventing HIV transmission. The calculator uses real-world data and is expected to be useful for gay and bisexual men who have sex with men.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateJan 9, 2017
A Danish cohort study found that breast cancer screening was not associated with a reduction in advanced tumors, but rather an increase in nonadvanced tumors and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The study estimates that approximately 1 in 3 invasive tumors diagnosed in screened women represent overdiagnosis.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017
Researchers optimized GaN-on-Silicon transistor composition to achieve high electron mobility, enabled by buffer layers that reduce strain and defects. The team achieved an electron mobility of 1,800 cm2/V-sec, paving the way for fully functional high-frequency devices for 5G applications.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateJan 9, 2017
Groundwater exploitation causes drying in deep soil layers but wetting in upper layers, leading to unsustainable terrestrial water storage. The atmosphere responds with cooling over certain regions and increased precipitation due to evapotranspiration from groundwater irrigation.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJan 9, 2017
Researchers propose a high-value health plan that combines consumer-driven HDHPs with exemptions for clinical services proven to benefit patients. The concept has already gained bipartisan appeal in the US House bill.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017
Pediatric tuberculosis remains a concern in Canada, particularly among Aboriginal communities and children from endemic countries. Effective treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, including clinicians, nurses, and social workers.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 9, 2017
A recent study found that people who engage in physical activity on weekends have significantly lower all-cause mortality rates compared to those who are inactive. The research suggests that even short periods of moderate-intensity exercise can have health benefits, especially for individuals with busy weekday schedules. Experts recomm...
SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017
Tropical Depression 01W formed near Mindanao on January 8, 2017, and quickly weakened due to wind shear. The depression moved west through Mindanao towards the South China Sea, bringing moderate to heavy rains and rough seas to the region.
The human appendix has been viewed as a vestigial organ with little known function, but recent research suggests it serves as a secondary immune organ. The appendix has evolved independently in several mammal lineages and is often found in species with higher concentrations of lymphoid tissue.
SourceMidwestern University·JournalComptes Rendus Palevol·DateJan 9, 2017
A recent study found that children born to mothers who took acid-blocking drugs during pregnancy were at least one third more likely to visit a doctor for asthma symptoms. The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to confirm this association and determine whether the medicines cause asthma in children.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 9, 2017
A new UTSA study examines how phishing e-mails thrive on overconfidence, finding that self-efficacy is a major factor. The researchers created experimental surveys with subjects choosing between genuine and phishing emails, revealing why certain tactics appeal to different people.
SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Systems·DateJan 9, 2017
Two new phytoplankton groups have been found to favor warmer oceans, defying the expectation that eukaryotic species decline in these conditions. The discovery was made using over 6,000 RNA sequences and time-series sampling, providing insight into future ocean ecosystems.
A team of researchers at King's College London has discovered a method to stimulate the renewal of living stem cells in tooth pulp using an Alzheimer's drug. This novel approach aims to promote natural tooth repair and potentially reduce the need for fillings or cements.
SourceKing's College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 9, 2017
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that mice reared in darkness show degraded dorsal stream responses, highlighting the importance of early visual experience for proper development. This discovery has implications for understanding vision restoration and recovery from bilateral cataracts.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 9, 2017
Researchers found a strong correlation between domoic acid levels in shellfish and El Niño events and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. A new model predicts domoic acid risks in the Pacific Northwest, helping coastal managers protect public health.
SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2017
A new study finds that prostate cancer treatment rates dropped by 42% due to changes in screening recommendations, but treatment rates among those diagnosed remained high. Low-risk patients with limited life expectancy can now opt for surveillance instead of treatment.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 9, 2017
A widespread outbreak of RSV and HMPV in a long-term dementia care ward infected 73% of patients, emphasizing the need for improved protocols to protect vulnerable residents. The facility has since implemented active screening, efficient separation, and partnered with a private laboratory for rapid respiratory viral testing.
SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJan 9, 2017
Researchers at EMBL have traced the physical connection between the prefrontal cortex and brainstem that inhibits instinctive behavior. The study found that this connection, specifically to the PAG region of the brainstem, prevents social animals from acting out impulses.
SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 9, 2017
Research found that consuming high amounts of unprocessed red meat increases the risk of developing diverticulitis by 58%. Replacing daily portions with poultry or fish may lower this risk, with a 20% reduced risk observed. Insufficient dietary fibre intake and smoking are also thought to play roles in the development of the condition.
Researchers argue that the linear no-threshold hypothesis, which suggests all radiation is harmful, is inaccurate and has led to widespread fear of low-dose radiation. Studies show that low doses stimulate protective responses, reducing cancer risk rather than increasing it.
SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017
A new study found that hospitals in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) reduced readmissions faster than non-ACO hospitals, with ACO hospitals decreasing their rates by 14.9%, compared to a 13.1% decrease for non-ACO hospitals.
SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 9, 2017
The National Commission on Prevention Priorities has released updated rankings for clinical preventive services, highlighting the most effective and cost-effective options. The top three services include immunizing children, tobacco-use screening, and alcohol misuse screening, with scores of 10 out of a possible 10.
SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017
A new study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with increased insurance coverage and improvements in asthma treatment, BMI screening, pap testing, and blood pressure control. Care quality also improved on seven measures, including care for asthma, pap testing, and hypertension, particularly among Hispanics.
SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 9, 2017
A landmark study reveals that men with a family history of prostate cancer and the BRCA2 gene fault have a more aggressive form of prostate cancer. The study shows that these cancers are genetically similar to advanced cancers, explaining why BRCA2 patients have poor outcomes.
SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2017
A new study finds that even low-deductible plans can result in high out-of-pocket costs for individuals with chronic health conditions. The researchers analyzed data from over 17,000 people and found that those with high-deductible plans spent more than 10% of their total income on healthcare costs.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017
A study in Health Affairs explores Brazil's Estratégia de Saúde da Família program and its impact on mortality rates. The findings indicate that expanding primary healthcare can reduce mortality rates, but effective implementation depends on strong local governance.
SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 9, 2017
Researchers analyzed 35 million articles from British regional newspapers to detect major events, gender bias, and cultural shifts. The study found significant changes in representation over time, with women's presence increasing after 1900 but still being underrepresented.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2017
A massive genetic study of humpback whales has confirmed the need to protect unique populations in the Arabian Sea. The study, which analyzed over 3,000 skin samples from individual whales, revealed previously unknown degrees of relatedness between different whale populations.
SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJan 9, 2017
New international guidelines aim to improve healthcare for nearly 300,000 pregnant women with thyroid disease each year. The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and management of thyroid illness during pregnancy.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThyroid·DateJan 9, 2017
Researchers at MIT have found that some catalysts produce oxygen from within their crystal structure, contrary to previous assumptions. The study's findings could help fine-tune metal-oxide catalysts for enhanced energy storage processes.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 9, 2017