Addressing poor nutrition in liver failure patients is vital, as it can lead to muscle wasting, weakness, and fatigue. A new review emphasizes the need for routine nutritional screening, especially in those with muscle wasting, and highlights the importance of adequate caloric and protein intake.
A systematic review by the International Osteoporosis Foundation reveals low dietary calcium intake in many Asian and Latin American countries, with the lowest average intake found among China, India, and Indonesia. The study emphasizes the need for increased calcium consumption to promote bone health in these regions.
Scientists from IBM Research developed a tiny, low-cost methane spectrometer that can detect concentrations as low as 100 parts-per-million. The device has the potential to be used in an inexpensive sensor network to autonomously monitor for natural gas leaks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers discovered bacteria possess a 'sense of touch' enabling them to recognize surfaces and induce adhesive production in response to mechanical stimulation. This mechanism helps pathogens colonize host cells, making it crucial for understanding infectious diseases.
A study by UC San Francisco and CDPH found that lead in imported candy was the top source of food-borne contamination in California, with nearly all cases coming from Mexico, China, and India. The testing program has identified lead sources upstream, allowing for removal before poisoning can occur.
Astronomers analyzed 10 galaxy clusters using Hubble data and found their brightest cluster galaxies wobble around the center of mass, inconsistent with current dark matter models. This result may indicate new physics is at work, requiring a reevaluation of fundamental physics to solve the mystery of dark matter.
Pancreatic cancer is a deadly and lethal disease with an 8% 5-year relative survival rate. Researchers at UC San Diego Health, in partnership with other institutions, have received a $7 million grant to develop new ways to prevent the disease, which comprises 3% of all cancer cases but is the fourth leading cause of cancer death.
A recent study by scientists at the University of Exeter found that mixing diverse microorganisms from different sources can increase productivity and stability in microbial communities. This phenomenon was observed when methane-producing communities were combined, leading to a higher biogas yield.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy that can prevent the progression of hearing loss and preserve hearing in people with Usher syndrome type III, a form of hereditary hearing loss linked to defects in sensory hair cells.
A new federally funded program aims to strengthen development of innovative pediatric medicines and devices by incorporating best practices and novel approaches. The Institute for Advanced Clinical Trials for Children will lead the initiative, which includes several other organizations committed to children's health.
A recent study found that nano-copper azole combinations cause significant harm to estuarine benthic communities. The research highlights the need for better understanding of nanomaterial stress on these ecosystems.
A proposed NASA mission employs lobster-eye optics to locate the source of gravitational waves, a key feature in understanding cosmic ripples. The Transient Astrophysics Observatory on the International Space Station aims to characterize and alert other observatories to these events.
A new test targeting cancer drug effectiveness has been identified using protein HER3 levels, helping doctors tailor treatment for patients. The test shows that patients with high HER3 levels benefit from the drug, while those with low levels experience no effect, providing a more personalized approach to bowel cancer treatment.
Researchers developed a CRISPR-based system, called REPAIR, which can edit single RNA letters in human cells. This new system has potential to treat diseases without permanently affecting the genome.
Research found a 3% decrease in assaults on Mondays after the start of Daylight Saving Time, challenging previous assumptions about sleep deprivation's impact on crime. The study suggests that increased sleep may be associated with more offending behavior, but internal biases and short-term effects are likely causes.
A new computer model, Recursive Cortical Network (RCN), has been developed that can solve CAPTCHA and identify handwritten digits with comparable accuracy to state-of-the-art deep learning approaches but using significantly less training data.
Researchers from Poland and USA develop new model of quark-gluon plasma, finding it to be much less viscous than expected. The anisotropic hydrodynamics model shows promising results, with improved accuracy in describing the phenomenon.
A new study finds that Medicaid expansion in states leads to improved health insurance coverage and routine check-ups for low-income residents. However, very low-income residents in non-expansion states face disproportionately poor access to care.
Researchers developed a dynamic catalytic converter concept that optimizes exhaust gas treatment by adjusting platinum particle size and oxidation state in response to engine operation. This improves catalytic performance and reduces noble metal consumption, increasing economic efficiency.
Flavio Donato's research uncovered how neurons in the brain work together to form a highly functional organ. His novel strategy allowed him to label populations of neurons born at specific time points, enabling closer tracking of development among a crowd of neurons.
A 5-year NYU Dentistry-funded study will compare two cavity-prevention techniques in six rural New Hampshire counties, aiming to reduce oral health disparities. The research will assess the effectiveness of simple and complex treatments.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a complex signaling system that triggers Th17 immune cell development, which plays a role in autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and cancer. This finding could lead to new treatments for related diseases.
The American College of Chest Physicians has introduced updated guidelines for low-dose CT lung cancer screening, focusing on asymptomatic smokers and former smokers aged 55-77 with 30 pack-years or more smoking history. The new recommendations aim to balance potential benefits and harms of screening.
Researchers at UC find that certain spadefoot toad species regulate hormone production to adapt to environmental changes, speeding up development and shortening larval periods. This process enables them to survive in warmer and drier climates.
A team of Japanese and US scientists have created a microdevice that successfully forms axon fascicles in the lab, similar to those seen in the brain. This innovation could provide insights into brain development and disease prevention by studying the formation of fascicles.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a new way to conceptualize electronic devices by utilizing atomic-scale interference patterns. This approach, known as moire engineering, enables the creation of single-atom thick wires capable of transmitting electricity rapidly.
Researchers Dean Falk and Charles Hildebolt question the idea that larger populations are less prone to violence. Contrary to Steven Pinker's theory, they found that war deaths scale similarly with population sizes across all levels of human society.
A research participant regained voluntary motor function, including standing and moving without stimulation, six years after a complete spinal cord injury. The recovery was achieved through extended activity-based training with epidural stimulation, challenging previous beliefs that severe injuries would not improve over time.
Researchers at Houston Methodist discovered a new pathway in cholesterol elimination, revealing that it is eliminated from the body in just two minutes, challenging the current 40-year model. This finding has significant implications for developing new drugs to lower cholesterol and improving cardiovascular health.
A study by Johns Hopkins University found that pictures of junk food are almost twice as distracting as healthy food images, even when people are focused on a task. The researchers tested this theory with participants who ate candy before completing a computer task.
A study published in Current Biology suggests that climate change may force bamboo lemurs to eat culm for longer periods, leading to potential starvation. The researchers analyzed the lemurs' feeding habits and found that a short dry season has been crucial to their survival in the past.
A University of Missouri student and army veteran is studying ISIS propaganda to help the military fight terrorism. By analyzing the organization's communication strategies, researchers can better understand their goals and develop ways to combat them.
Researchers developed a new method to create novel nanoporous materials with unique optical, magnetic, electronic and catalytic properties. The technique allows for the creation of tunable nanoporous materials with varying pore sizes by changing the composition of nanoparticles and liquids.
A Wayne State University research team has received a $1.85 million NIH grant to investigate non-Shine-Dalgarno translation initiation in bacteria. The goal is to identify new antibiotic targets effective against pathogens lacking Shine-Dalgarno sites.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that people with alexithymia, a condition marked by reduced emotional awareness, have altered physiological responses to smells. The researchers discovered that these individuals experience more intense emotional reactions to smells than others.
The study found that nonoperative management is associated with a significantly higher risk of dying during hospitalization for appendicitis. Patients receiving nonoperative management were, on average, eight years older and had more coexisting illnesses than those who underwent early operations.
University of Michigan researchers found that killer T cells use a multi-pronged attack to kill bacteria, targeting multiple processes. This discovery could lead to the development of new medications or repurposing of existing drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Tropical Storm Saola continues to be affected by wind shear as it moves northwest towards the northeast, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts Saola will strengthen into a typhoon.
Tropical Storm Saola is being affected by vertical wind shear and displaying powerful convective storms with rainfall rates exceeding 252 mm/h. The storm's height was measured to be above 17.5 km, indicating intense thunderstorms.
Researchers at UNIST have developed highly stable perovskite solar cells using fluorine-functionalized graphene nano-platelets, overcoming the material's notorious instability. This breakthrough could lead to next-generation solar cells with high efficiencies and low costs.
A new study finds that deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules poses a significant threat to the Plenaster craigi sponge species. The removal of these metal-rich nodules disrupts the sponge's filtering habits, making it vulnerable to extinction.
Researchers at Penn State create artificial system using DNA-laced hydrogel that releases signaling protein in response to chemical signal. The system, which uses aptamers and double-stranded helical molecules of DNA, can repeat the sequence, releasing proteins until there are no more to release.
A CAMH study found that people with early Alzheimer's disease have lower brain plasticity in the frontal lobes, leading to poorer working memory and recall ability. Researchers believe impaired brain plasticity may be a future target for treatment or prevention of dementia.
Recent research reveals that some infant rice cereal samples tested for high amounts of methylmercury, posing health risks to babies who consume them. The study found rice-based cereals had significantly higher levels of the substance compared to products with no rice.
Scientists in Brazil and Denmark found that adding enzymes to cassava flour can improve its baking properties, making it suitable for bread production. The study showed that cassava flour could replace between 20-30% of wheat flour without significantly altering the sensory characteristics or leavening process.
Consultants argue that the four-hour wait target remains essential for driving flow through the urgent care system, reducing mortality rates. Experts caution that abandoning the target could worsen hospital overcrowding and performance issues due to perverse incentives.
Researchers have developed a new enzyme called a base editor that can directly change DNA base pairs, enabling precise genome editing. This technology may one day enable the treatment of genetic diseases by erasing harmful mutations and writing in helpful ones.
A project in rural China has successfully reduced the over-prescription of antibiotics for children's upper respiratory tract infections by half. The collaboration between UK, Canadian, and Chinese scientists introduced clinical guidelines to help doctors decide when antibiotics are necessary, resulting in a significant decrease in ant...
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular changes that occur during cell fate conversion from fibroblast to cardiomyocyte. They used single-cell RNA sequencing technology, mathematical modeling, and genetic approaches to identify key regulators and pathways involved in the process.
A growing proportion of public monies are being diverted to profit margins, warns Professor Neena Modi. She argues that a mixed system reduces healthcare effectiveness and calls for 'visionary leadership' and investment in the NHS to address its challenges.
A new study found that conservation spending from 1992 to 2003 reduced expected declines in global biodiversity by 29%. The $14.4 billion investment significantly impacted countries, with poorer nations experiencing greater gains.
A study published in The Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy can affect kidney function, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease. Researchers identified interventions to improve outcomes, including nephrologist involvement and enhanced dialysis tra...
A recent study found that genetic variants in epithelial sodium channels may help rehydrate the airways of cystic fibrosis patients, reducing bacterial build-up and promoting stable lung function. This discovery brings ENaCs into the spotlight as a potential new therapeutic target.
Researchers analyzed enzymes secreted by microorganisms living in ocean sediments and found that they break down organic matter to recycle carbon. The study reveals that these microbes scavenge nutrients from dead cells, enabling them to survive in the anoxic environment.
A new database identifies 1,189 threatened island species and the invasive species driving their decline. Effective management could prevent extinctions for 95% of these species.
A recent study found that Helicobacter pylori's mutation rate is high from the beginning of infection, making it challenging to develop an effective vaccine. The bacterium's genetic diversity can also inhibit the production of antigens in a potential vaccine.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Colorado found that at-home use of Doppler fetal heart rate monitors can detect potentially fatal heart arrhythmias in fetuses, reducing the risk of death or complications. The study uses commercially available Dopplers for medical indications and has shown promising results.
A new geological record reveals two closely spaced Yellowstone supervolcano eruptions that cooled the ocean by about 3 degrees Celsius and triggered volcanic winters. The eruptions occurred 170 years apart and coincided with a natural global-warming trend, leading to a major ice age.
A new study published in PLOS ONE demonstrates that Videssa Breast, a liquid biopsy test, can reliably rule out breast cancer in women with dense and non-dense breast tissue. With an over 99% negative predictive value, clinicians can confidently use the test to detect cancer in women with dense breasts.
A new study finds that continuously recording aEEG data provides more accurate predictions of outcomes for infants undergoing cooling therapy. Infants with persistent abnormal patterns are at increased risk of adverse outcomes, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring.