Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have found that healthy individuals with diabetes develop protective enzymes against damage from high blood sugar levels. The researchers identified an enzyme called PKM2 and showed that activating it can stop abnormalities in mouse podocytes and delay diabetic kidney disease progression.
The ASPM protein collaborates with katanin to regulate cell division and specialization into nerve cells, crucial for healthy brain development. A study published in Nature Cell Biology provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying microcephaly.
Researchers have found a significant relationship between solar wind speed and North Atlantic Oscillation, suggesting a faster mechanism of solar influence on atmospheric systems. The team also developed a physical model to depict the interdecadal response of air-sea systems to solar activity.
A UMass Medical School study found that the bacteria in the gut microbiome can affect how sensitive worms are to chemotherapy drugs. The researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm, and fed them different types of bacteria to see which ones made them more or less sensitive to the drug floxuridine, used to treat colorectal cancer.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found a link between financial strain and lower birth weights. Pregnancy-specific distress was identified as a key factor contributing to this connection.
Scientists discovered a caterpillar can break down polyethylene, a tough plastic found in shopping bags. The wax worm's saliva contains an enzyme that degrades the chemical bonds in the plastic, reducing its mass by 92mg after 12 hours.
A new study found that 78% of providers expect patients to refuse to provide sexual orientation information, but only 10.3% of patients report the same. The study highlights the discordant views of patients and providers on collecting sexual orientation data in emergency settings.
Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry aims to increase treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects by considering individual patient characteristics. The journal will publish research on endophenotypes, pharmacologic approaches, and education, with the goal of identifying predictors of response and tailoring treatments.
Researchers directly observed chiral currents in a 2-D integer quantum Hall system using an atomic quantum simulator. The team created a synthetic magnetic field and manipulated it to observe emergent behavior, showcasing the potential of this technique.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes create stem cell-derived V2a interneurons that transmit signals in the spinal cord, potentially repairing spinal cord injuries. These cells integrate with existing cells and restore movement in mice, offering new hope for spinal cord injury treatment.
Hepatitis C patients with substance use disorders face barriers to care, including lack of access to conventional healthcare and fear of stigmatization. Innovative approaches, such as integrated screening and treatment in methadone clinics and telehealth techniques, are being developed to improve outcomes for this population
Researchers have discovered a new cellular mechanism - an underlying defect in brain cells - that may cause multiple sclerosis. A protein called Rab32 is present in large quantities in the brains of people with MS but virtually absent in healthy brain cells.
Researchers at Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a new construction technology using nanostructured high-strength lightweight concrete. The system increases load-carrying capacity by over 200% and offers enhanced corrosion resistance, frost resistance, and seismic activity tolerance.
A new study finds malaria hospitalizations exceeding dengue fever cases, with average cost per patient at $25,800 and total bill of $555 million from 2000 to 2014. Malaria infections are likely acquired during travel to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
After a head injury, the brain can form new connections between damaged areas, known as hyperconnections. While this adaptation may provide short-term benefits, it can also lead to chronic inefficiencies and strain the brain's resources. Chronic inefficiencies may cascade into serious brain disorders, including Alzheimer's Disease.
A study by the University of Washington finds that military service is associated with improved mental health and quality of life among transgender older adults. This contradicts previous expectations, suggesting that military experience may be a protective factor for this population.
Pacific Islanders face significant mental health disparities due to cultural taboos, stigma, and lack of information about resources. A new two-year study led by UC Riverside's Andrew Subica aims to develop culturally attuned interventions to promote engagement in mental health services.
Researchers reconstructed the evolution of Iceland's last ice sheet, revealing rapid changes occurred when temperatures rose by 3°C in just 500 years. This period mirrors modern-day ice sheet behavior and provides evidence for significant sea level rise.
Researchers warn that hospital policies to restrict patient mobility may worsen health outcomes, citing increased risk of falls and medical adverse events. Promoting mobility with supervised walks and trained staff could help prevent these issues.
Researchers found that a protein called Forkhead Box O3 (Foxo3) protects outer hair cells from damage, allowing some individuals to recover from noise-induced hearing loss. The study could provide new hope for preventing or treating hearing impairment.
Pharmacoscopy enables fast and accurate analysis of immune cell interactions, identifying previously unknown immunomodulatory effects of approved drugs. The technique has the potential to revolutionize personalized medicine by visualizing individual patient responses to various drugs.
The Disney Research team has developed a new system called Makeup Lamps that can track an actor's facial movements and apply light-based makeup in real-time. This technology enables the creation of stunning transformations without physical makeup, with potential applications in theater, film, and other creative fields.
A study found that toddlers with regular bedtimes and better emotional regulation are less likely to become obese pre-teens. The research team also discovered a link between household routines, self-regulation, and obesity risk, highlighting the importance of bedtime consistency for childhood obesity prevention.
A recent CU Boulder study found that the placebo effect can significantly reduce emotional pain and brain activity associated with social rejection. The study used fMRI to track brain responses in volunteers who had recently experienced a breakup, finding that placebos reduced physical pain and emotional distress.
Researchers have found a way for a caterpillar to break down polyethylene, a common type of plastic. The larvae of the Galleria mellonella moth can digest and chemically transform polyethylene into ethylene glycol, offering a potential solution to managing plastic waste.
Researchers at MIT predict an increase in Nile River flow variability due to climate change, which will lead to more extreme years of drought and flood. The study finds that the El Niño/La Niña cycle will become stronger, resulting in a 50% rise in annual flow variation.
A new study by SDSU researchers found that providing brief behavioral therapy in pediatric primary care settings can significantly improve anxiety and depression symptoms among young people. Latino youth saw the most significant improvement, with over three-quarters showing improvement.
A new class of monolithically integrated, portable PV-battery systems has been developed using high-efficiency silicon solar cells and printed solid-state lithium-ion batteries. The device can power electric devices under sunlight or in the absence of light, offering exceptional photo-electrochemical performance and design compactness.
A new study found that consuming excess choline, an essential nutrient in a Western diet, raises levels of the clot-enhancing compound TMAO and platelet clumping in both vegans/vegetarians and omnivores. Taking a daily baby aspirin may reduce this effect.
A new study finds that the duration and timing of school lunch and recess affect food choices and physical activity in children. Research suggests that scheduling recess before lunch reduces food waste, but may lead to consuming more vegetables when lunch is offered first, and increased physical activity during longer combined periods.
A new study found that increased biodiversity is not associated with reduced levels of infectious disease, and in some cases, disease burdens actually increased as areas became more forested. However, increasing urbanization was shown to reduce disease due to improved access to medical care and vaccinations.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that voltage rhythms are synchronized across the entire suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), maintaining a tissue-wide rhythm. This discovery suggests that inter-cellular interactions within the SCN may be responsible for synchronizing voltage changes, separate from asynchronous calcium rhythms.
Researchers have discovered that altered immune cells activated by placental ischemia can exacerbate preeclampsia symptoms. However, deleting these cells in animal models of the condition reduces hypertension, inflammation, and fetal growth restriction.
Researchers analyze amino acid stability under various extraterrestrial conditions, including temperature, pH, and radiation, to identify potential building blocks of alien life. The study aims to find structural characteristics that lead to higher stability in these conditions.
Researchers at Kobe University developed a new solar cell structure that can absorb spectral components of longer wavelengths, increasing energy conversion efficiency to over 50%. The design achieved up-conversion based on two photons, reducing energy loss by over 100 times compared to previous methods.
A new study by Dara Orbach, PhD, uses computed tomography scans and silicone models to visualize the anatomy of dolphin copulation. The research reveals complex vaginal folds and spirals that interact with the penis during fertilization.
The star-nosed mole possesses an extremely efficient nervous system that enables it to identify and eat food in under 2 seconds. Its distinctive star organ contains over 100,000 nerve fibers, making it the most sensitive known touch organ in any mammal.
Researchers have developed a quick and accurate diagnostic test for bacteria resistant to colistin, a last-resort antibiotic. The test can distinguish between bacteria with plasmid-encoded resistance, which is considered more dangerous, and those that are not.
Researchers discovered carvedilol's protective effect against UVB-induced cell damage that leads to skin cancer. The study suggests carvedilol could be incorporated into a skin cream or spray to prevent skin cancer.
A new study reveals that genetic variations affect eating behaviors and food preferences in healthy individuals. Researchers found associations between specific genes and intake of chocolate, vegetables, fiber, salt, and fat.
Researchers have made groundbreaking advances in understanding how food affects our bodies and make healthy choices. Dark chocolate has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve memory, while cinnamon activates an enzyme that regulates blood sugar levels.
The ANSWER study shows that long-term administration of human albumin improves survival rate in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Treatment also enhances ascites management, quality of life, and reduces severe complications and hospitalization.
A recent study found that patients with drug-resistant bacteria in their urine or stool samples have a significantly increased risk of developing drug-resistant sepsis. Researchers discovered that the risk is highest soon after detection and can persist for up to three years.
Researchers found that combination therapy is only beneficial for high-risk patients with CPE, while low-risk patients can be treated with a single active antimicrobial. This approach reduces adverse side effects and the risk of drug resistance.
Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in cardiovascular research, including the use of neuroprosthetics to restore heart function in patients with spinal cord injuries. Researchers also created patient-specific mitral valve models using 3-D printing to help surgeons personalize their approach and improve patient outcomes.
A new study reveals a strong association between colder climates and higher rates of alcoholic cirrhosis, a disease caused by excessive drinking. The research found that countries with lower temperatures and less sunshine had higher rates of alcohol-attributable liver cirrhosis.
A study demonstrated that A4250 reduced levels of blood bile acids and improved pruritus in 74% of patients with cholestatic liver diseases. The therapy was well-tolerated, with mostly mild side effects.
Tropical Storm Arlene was absorbed by a frontal system in the North Atlantic Ocean, weakening from a tropical storm to a subtropical storm. The NOAA GOES-East satellite captured the moment on April 21, showing the storm being 'eaten' by the weather system.
A study presented at ILC 2017 found that bezafibrate plus ursodeoxycholic acid improved symptoms, liver function tests, and surrogate markers of the disease in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. The combination therapy was well-tolerated and normalised prognostic biochemical parameters.
Researchers discovered a protein cocktail in urine that can distinguish between viral infection and organ rejection. The new test may enable early detection of transplant failure, improving outcomes for patients.
New methods for detecting breast cancer in young women using breastmilk, targeting G protein-coupled receptors to develop cancer drugs, and exploring the effects of dried plums on colon health offer promising approaches to combat cancer.
Researchers have made significant discoveries on treating obesity and related health issues, including a potential new treatment for weight loss. A mouse study found that avoiding foods high in methionine may be as effective as long-term restriction in promoting weight loss and improving blood sugar levels. Additionally, studies sugges...
A Finnish study found that central obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, lipid abnormalities, and high alcohol consumption are the strongest predictors of severe liver disease. Among individuals who consume excessive amounts of alcohol, only diabetes is a significant predictor.
Researchers found obesity resulted in 47% more life-years lost than tobacco, with diabetes causing similar loss. The study highlights the importance of treating modifiable behavioral risk factors to prevent premature death.
The SARAH trial found SIRT resulted in higher tumor response rates and controlled tumor progression compared to sorafenib, with better side-effect profiles and quality of life scores. However, it did not increase overall survival in HCC patients.
Research found that liver CD8+ T cells become highly activated and inflammatory under specific conditions, reprogramming themselves into disease-driving cells. The study sheds light on markers of activation and inflammation in these cells and the Interferon-1 pathway.
A new study by Dr. Rebecca Graber reveals that best friendships play a vital role in building resilience to adversity and surviving difficult times. The research found that participants who had high-quality best friendships experienced improved psychological resilience over time.
Researchers used extensive interviewing and focus group methods to explore asthma treatment goals. A three-step qualitative process identifies patient-relevant concepts, ranks them, and refines assessment questions for concept measurement. The study suggests assessing symptom improvement, medication access, medication use, and asthma k...
A new interactive map shows the shifting racial composition of US neighborhoods over two decades, providing a detailed view of urban segregation and demographic changes. The map allows users to explore regional disparities and trends in census data.
A recent study by Kevin Trewartha at Michigan Technological University explores how context and distraction influence our memories of weight expectations. The research found that the brain maintains multiple representations of size-weight relationships, with limited crosstalk between unconscious and conscious memories.