A new study found that Medicaid expansion resulted in a 19% increase in prescription fills for adults, with the largest growth in medications for diabetes and birth control. The study also showed that increases in prescription drug utilization were greater in areas with higher uninsured rates and larger Hispanic and black populations.
A team of international astronomers has discovered a magnified Type Ia supernova, allowing for precise measurements of the universe's expansion rate and dark energy. The discovery uses gravitational lensing to amplify the light from a
The updated EASL guidelines provide new definitions of disease phases to guide clinicians on treatment indications. The guidelines also expanded indications for initiating treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission and offer clear cut recommendations for special patient populations. The main goal of therapy is to improve surviva...
Scientists have identified the specific protein targeted by snake venom that causes cells to detach and induce internal bleeding. Animals resistant to snake venom, such as opossums and camels, possess a variation of this protein that may provide protective benefits.
Scientists at UCLA's Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research have discovered a new role for netrin1 in organizing axon growth during embryonic development. The study reveals that netrin1 acts locally, guiding axons to form a normal functioning nervous system.
Researchers found that traps baited with pheromone attract only a small fraction of overwintering stink bugs, which don't respond until daylight hours increase. Prevention is key to stopping brown marmorated stink bug invasions, and the use of traps during this time may not be effective.
A mindfulness training program for first-year college students resulted in significant increases in life satisfaction and a decrease in depression and anxiety. The program, called Just BREATHE, was associated with improved stress management skills and increased recommendations to friends.
A University of Houston graduate student has been awarded a NASA fellowship to identify new materials for next-generation batteries. He plans to use a combined computational and experimental approach to investigate solid-state electrolyte materials for lithium batteries.
Researchers found sea floor erosion has increased water depths by more than predicted, threatening coastal communities with storms and erosion. Coral reefs worldwide are declining due to various forces, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution.
A study published in Psychiatry Research Neuroimaging found that the reward system in women's brains is larger than in nonalcoholic women and smaller in alcoholic women than in nonalcoholic men. The study also showed a negative association between sobriety time and ventricle size, suggesting recovery from alcoholism.
NASA identified a subtropical depression in the North Atlantic on April 19, which became the Atlantic's first tropical depression by April 20. Heaviest rainfall rates were found near the low-pressure center, with some storms dropping rain at over 36 mm/hour.
Research at Oregon State University found that mechanisms for engaging nature significantly contribute to overall well-being, including trust in governance, access to wild resources, and outdoor recreation. The study of over 4,400 respondents demonstrated a positive correlation between these factors and life satisfaction.
A study by University of Luxembourg researchers found that press freedom positively impacts stock market volatility, leading to greater economic growth. Countries with high press freedom experience more frequent price jumps, but ultimately benefit from improved information processing and decision-making.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University researchers finds that bilingual children's languages develop at different rates, reflecting the quality of their language exposure. Spanish skills become vulnerable as English skills improve, but English is not affected in the same way.
The Wildlife Conservation Society emphasizes the importance of science in wildlife conservation, citing numerous examples including the prevention of American Bison extinction and forest elephant population recovery. Science informs their work through research papers, protected areas establishment, and policy development.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that women are more likely to experience hypersensitivity to metals used in joint replacements, leading to increased pain and complications. Women accounted for 60% of patients with unexplained pain after joint replacement, with higher average pain scores than men.
Researchers have discovered an antibody that can detect tau in the serum of patients with tauopathies, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by toxic protein clumps. The antibody, HJ8.5, has shown promise in increasing tau levels in human patients and mouse models, potentially paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers developed flexible graphene and gold probes that can detect weak brain signals clearly, improving neural disease treatment and brain-machine interface capabilities. The new probes retain effective surface area despite shrinking size, paving the way for more convenient wireless versions.
The EXPERT tool generates personalized exercise programs for patients with different combinations of cardiovascular risk factors or diseases. The tool takes into account various goals, including reducing blood glucose, fat mass, and blood pressure in patients with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
Research shows that ocean-going spinner dolphin calves do not develop physical characteristics essential for sustaining deep dives as quickly as shallow-diving coastal species. This slow development may lead to mother-calf separations during tuna purse-seine fisheries, posing a significant threat to dolphin populations.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that strawberry extract inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells in both in vitro and in vivo models. The extract reduced cell viability, blocked cell division, and inhibited migration, while also stimulating the expression of a gene that suppresses metastasis.
Researchers have discovered and characterized 82 massive binary star systems in the Tarantula Nebula, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. The study provides new insights into the properties of these systems, which are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the chemical evolution of the universe.
Researchers analyzed 24,000 retinal exams to develop a new screening schedule for people with type 1 diabetes. The findings suggest that adjusting the frequency of eye screenings based on risk could lead to lower costs and quicker diagnosis and treatment of advanced retinopathy.
Ben-Gurion University researchers have developed novel ultrafiltration membranes that significantly improve virus-removal from treated municipal wastewater used for drinking. The new approach uses a special hydrogel coating to repel viruses, leading to a higher rate of removal and improved public safety in water-scarce cities.
Researchers found that removing serine and glycine from the diet of mice slowed lymphoma and intestinal cancer development. The special diet also made some cancer cells more susceptible to reactive oxygen species, which could boost conventional treatments' effectiveness. Next steps include clinical trials with cancer patients.
Researchers found that even though iPSCs derived from identical twins have the same genes, they have distinct epigenetic markers, particularly near MYC binding sites. This discovery helps scientists better understand the processes involved in reprogramming cells and the differences between iPSCs and ESCs.
Astronomers have discovered a super-Earth orbiting a quiet red dwarf star, LHS 1140, in the habitable zone where liquid water can exist. The exoplanet's large size and dense iron core suggest it may have retained an atmosphere long after its star calmed down.
A UCLA-led study found that students who experienced high levels of stress in a college mathematics course were more likely to forget the material. The phenomenon, called 'motivated forgetting,' is thought to be a defense mechanism to protect one's self-image as an excellent mathematician.
A recent review explores why animals favor one side of the brain, highlighting perceptual specialization, motor specialization, and parallel processing. The research also sheds light on environmental influences and genetic aspects of asymmetrical development, potentially providing insight into brain conditions in humans.
MIT engineers detailed the hydrodynamics of archer fish's jump, revealing its unique propulsion system. The study aims to improve underwater vehicle design and could lead to the development of spyhopping vehicles.
Researchers provide photographic proof of climate change using images of retreating glaciers worldwide. The study aims to boost public awareness of the loss of glaciers' importance in maintaining Earth's atmosphere and scientific archives.
Yuna Ayala's research team discovers how TDP-43 protein causes damaging plaque buildup in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia. They found that phosphorylation regulates TDP-43's activity, location, and processing, which may be crucial for cellular metabolism.
A new study found that supplements of DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, can prevent the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) into more serious health problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer. This breakthrough discovery offers hope to millions of people worldwide who struggle with obesity and poor diet.
The new blood test can accurately and quickly identify genetic mutations associated with NSCLC, allowing clinicians to make earlier, individualized treatment choices. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity for detecting each type of mutation, and results were available within 72 hours.
NASA's Terra satellite captured a well-defined low-level circulation center in the remains of Tropical Depression 02W, located near the Philippines. The system is expected to move northward but faces unfavorable conditions for intensification.
A Dartmouth-led study refutes the theory that behavior under uncertainty is optimal, finding that synapses can self-adjust learning rates using metaplasticity. The brain adjusts learning according to the uncertainty about reward in a given environment.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that swinging in unison enhances cooperation in preschoolers, enabling them to adapt to situations and work towards common goals. This study suggests that simple movements like swinging can create a sense of 'being like' another child, encouraging communication and teamwork.
The invasive Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans fungus has led to mass mortality of fire salamanders in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Only 13% of infected salamanders survive over a 10-day period, highlighting the high risk of extinction.
Brown recluse spider bites can cause severe illness in children, including blood clotting disorder and hemolysis. Children and African-Americans may be at higher risk for developing systemic loxoscelism, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires hospitalization and supportive treatment.
A promising artificial blood substitute has been developed using modified hemoglobin, effectively carrying oxygen and scavenging free radicals. The novel approach packaging hemoglobin in a benign envelope overcomes toxicity issues with traditional chemically modified hemoglobin.
A recent study by the University of Sussex has discovered evidence for a 'higher' state of consciousness in individuals under the influence of psychedelic drugs. The researchers used brain imaging technology to measure neural signal diversity, finding a sustained increase compared to normal waking states.
A study published in JAMA Surgery examined US emergency department visits for patients injured by law enforcement from 2006 to 2012, finding approximately 51,000 ED visits annually. The study also revealed that most injuries were minor and occurred due to being struck, with substance abuse and mental illness common among patients.
A study highlights the importance of increased funding for geriatrics education, citing a vital need for dedicated time and financial support. The Geriatrics Academic Career Awards (GACAs) program played a crucial role in training over 41,000 health professionals since 1998.
Researchers found that shale-gas development leads to significant forest fragmentation, particularly on private land. To mitigate this, they recommend placing new well pads near pre-existing pipelines and consolidating infrastructure.
Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University studied Keplerian shear flow stability, predicting turbulent behavior at high Reynolds numbers. They employed a variational approach to model non-ionized matter flows.
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute found that neurons can form networks independently of synaptic activity, suggesting genetic programs control neural circuit assembly. These findings were confirmed by a complementary study at the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine.
A new study from University of Georgia researchers aims to identify wind magnitudes commonly associated with thunderstorm asthma outbreaks. By cross-referencing forecast modeling tools, the study may help anticipate significant thunderstorms and alert public health officials about potential triggers.
Research by Herberholz and colleagues found that isolated crayfish are less sensitive to the effects of alcohol than gregarious animals. The study suggests that social experience can impact the sensitivity to acute alcohol exposure.
Flowers that attract hummingbirds have specific characteristics that also deter bumblebees, with certain combinations of traits discouraging wasteful visits. Bees have difficulty learning to combine red with other sensory traits, making it economic sense for them to avoid bird flowers.
Researchers found that different genes influence behaviors in males and females, and the gene for vasopressin is closely tied to nest-building behavior in mice. The study challenges the idea that experience drives parenting behavior and suggests that genetics play a significant role.
African cichlid fishes evolved cooperative societies primarily due to fear of predators, which reduced their chances of being eaten. This alternative path to cooperation differs from other vertebrates, where relatedness is a key factor.
A recent study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution reveals that rising moisture levels may have contributed to the extinction of giant herbivores approximately 10,000 years ago. Researchers analyzed carbon and nitrogen isotopes in ancient animal bones to infer climate conditions and dietary habits of the megafauna.
A new study confirms that the Arctic Ocean is a dead-end for plastics in the North Atlantic, with high levels found in seas east of Greenland and north of Scandinavia. The research emphasizes the importance of managing plastic litter at its source to prevent unpredictable destinations.
Researchers have identified specific types of bacteria that are abundant in individuals with colorectal cancer. Using a combination of markers, scientists anticipate the development of a noninvasive, sensitive clinical diagnostic test. The study confirms previously reported bacteria and identifies new ones associated with the disease.
Researchers at TSRI have developed a decarboxylative alkenylation method that turns carboxylic acids into olefins in relatively few steps, enabling the discovery and development of new drugs and chemical products. This approach simplifies traditional methods, allowing for better control over molecule geometry and synthesis logic.
A study by Vanderbilt University researchers reveals that man-eating lions' actions were not driven by desperation, but rather a solution to a problem. The analysis found that the lions' teeth showed wear patterns similar to those of zoo lions fed soft foods.
Exposure to childhood adversities such as parental psychiatric disorder and death in the family increases the risk of suicide in adolescence and young adulthood. A study of 548,721 individuals found that those exposed to two or more adversities had a markedly increased risk of suicide.
A new study found that the old drug apomorphine can significantly reduce 'off' times in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, improving their quality of life. The treatment was effective even after just one week and was well-tolerated.
New research suggests that Australia's desert region has huge potential for growth and development, particularly with investments in renewable energy, housing, and transport. The team aims to create a more livable and prosperous area for existing and new residents, in concert with the preferred lifestyles of Aboriginal peoples.
A substantial proportion of patients prescribed high-intensity statins following a heart attack do not continue taking the medication. High-intensity statin adherence decreases over time, especially among African American and Hispanic patients and those without Medicare/Medicaid coverage or cardiologist visits.