The MyAsthma app is a smartphone tool that allows users to track and manage their asthma. It captures environmental data, tracks symptoms, and provides access to clinically validated tests to monitor asthma control. The app has the potential to improve asthma self-management, reducing attacks, hospital admissions, and healthcare visits.
A recent study from Harvard Medical School found that individuals experiencing heart attacks or cardiac arrests near major marathons are more likely to die within a month. The delays in transportation to nearby hospitals, often caused by widespread street closures during races, contribute to this increased mortality rate.
Researchers found somatic mitochondrial DNA inserts in colon and rectal cancer genomes, correlated with gene-rich segments and poorer patient survival. A novel Fiber-FISH technique rapidly maps mitochondrial DNA insertions in nuclear genomes.
A University of Kansas researcher suggests a possible therapeutic intervention for chemobrain, a cognitive impairment plaguing up to a third of cancer patients following chemotherapy. The study found that KU-32 prevents cognitive decline in rats caused by chemotherapy treatment by inducing the heat shock response.
Researchers study public knowledge about earthquake risk and building code preferences to develop effective communication strategies. The findings highlight the importance of using plain language, discussing likely outcomes, and limiting misinformation to effectively convey earthquake risk.
New night lights maps offer daily, high-definition views of Earth at night, allowing for real-time monitoring of human activities, power outages, and environmental changes. The data can aid short-term weather forecasting, disaster response, and research on urbanization and economic changes.
A 2015 NIH study analyzed daily gene activation in an Ebola patient and found a marked decline in antiviral responses before virus clearance from white blood cells. The study showed host responses shifted toward cellular and organ repair, coinciding with clinical improvement.
Researchers developed an imaging technique using hyperpolarized helium MRI to measure the effectiveness of ivacaftor for cystic fibrosis patients. The study found a dramatic increase in lung improvement with long-term treatment.
Researchers at KTU created a cheaper and more efficient organic semiconductor material, which has been licensed to Tokyo Chemical Industry. The material has similar characteristics to existing alternatives but is significantly cheaper and easier to produce.
Scientists have successfully tracked fish migration by analyzing DNA in seawater, revealing the presence or absence of several key species. This new technique allows for cheap and non-invasive sampling, potentially improving our understanding of environmental impact on local fish populations.
Researchers found that algal residue can be converted into vital chemicals, including alkyl lactate and levulinate. This process opens up new potential uses for algae biomass as a carbon resource beyond biofuels.
The EPSRC-funded projects explore new uses for digital distributed ledgers in energy, healthcare and finance. The research aims to improve transparency, security and privacy while enabling disruptive changes in the economy and society.
Ants cultivated and maintained vast subterranean farms producing fungi, dating back to 30 million years ago. These ancient agricultural ants have evolved complex societies, with crops dependent on ant farmers for survival.
A recent study by hydrologist David Boutt found that upland aquifer systems in New England store about 70% of the region's active and dynamic groundwater. Thin glacial sediments, traditionally neglected as a significant storage reservoir, play an important role in storing water for recharge to alluvial aquifers and base flow to streams.
Midlife vascular risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure, are associated with increased levels of brain amyloid in later life, supporting a role for vascular disease in Alzheimer's development. The study used PET scans to examine the relationship between midlife vascular risk factors and brain amyloid deposition.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that mobilizing parent advocates through the Immunity Community program significantly improved vaccine-related attitudes, including increased confidence and knowledge about vaccination rates. The program empowered parents to communicate positively about vaccines without being confrontational.
New research reveals that limiting sugary drinks through portion limits can backfire when businesses offer smaller cup sizes with free refills, leading to increased overall consumption. In contrast, bundling large drinks in smaller portions appears to decrease interest in purchasing the larger option.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a massive, cold spot on Jupiter's atmosphere, comparable to its famous Great Red Spot, generated by polar aurorae. The phenomenon, potentially thousands of years old, creates a region of cooling in the thermosphere and has been observed to change dramatically over time.
A team of researchers identified the transcription factor RUNX1 as a novel therapeutic target for retinal neovascularization, a hallmark of advanced diabetic eye disease. By inhibiting RUNX1 with a small molecule drug, they achieved a 50% reduction of retinopathy in preclinical models.
Research by the University of Kent found that great crested newt eDNA can be used to monitor population size and environmental factors. This technology can improve conservation efforts and reduce delays in development projects.
Researchers use seismic data acquisition and multi-attribute processing to locate hazardous underground voids left behind by coal mining in Wyoming. The integrated techniques help identify size, orientation, and shape of mining voids, ensuring rapid remediation efforts.
Researchers developed a new method to evaluate the aesthetic value of landscapes using geotagged photos shared on social networks. The study found that landscape demand is highest in national parks, followed by farmland and cities.
A Cornell research group led by Eun-Ah Kim proposes a strategy to create a topological superconductor using transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). If successful, this could pave the way for building a powerful quantum computer with approximately six times more qubits than current models.
Researchers developed a novel network-based climate stress-test methodology to assess climate risks in investments portfolios, considering policy scenarios. Combined exposures of financial investors' equity portfolios to climate-policy relevant sectors are large, amplifying risk through indirect exposures.
A new study using precision chronology sheds light on the origins of Mongolia's nomadic horse culture, revealing that domestic horse ritual spread rapidly across the Mongol Steppe at around 1200 BC. This finding challenges previous hypotheses about the development of horsemanship and its relationship to climate change.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that parent-mediated therapy can reduce emerging signs of autism in high-risk infants. The intervention, delivered through video feedback to parents, improved infant attention, communication, early language development, and social engagement.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced a $462,000 grant program to support disaster preparedness and response in agricultural communities. The program aims to educate farmers, rural youth, and communities on emergency preparedness and response through targeted projects.
Scientists have successfully developed a 1-bit microprocessor consisting of 115 transistors on a surface area of around 0.6 mm2, running simple programs. The breakthrough uses molybdenum disulphide, a two-dimensional material with semiconductor properties.
Researchers have used archival data from NASA's New Horizons mission to measure visible light from other galaxies, giving an upper limit to the amount of light in the cosmic optical background. The findings offer promise for future astronomy measurements from the outer solar system.
A large-scale survey found that over half of GPs in the South West report low morale, with seven out of ten intending to change their working patterns, including reducing patient contact. The impending shortage could lead to severe gaps in GP services if action is not taken.
Researchers found that only 3% of psychology journals explicitly state that they accept replication studies. This lack of welcoming replications may lead to a buildup of foundations of sand in scientific research.
A cross-cultural study confirms that media violence affects aggressive behavior globally, with violent media use positively related to aggression in all countries. The study also identifies exposure to media violence as a risk factor for heightened aggressive thinking and lowered empathy.
Legionella bacteria uses RavZ to disrupt autophagy machinery, evading host cells. Researchers developed semisynthetic LC3 proteins to study interaction with RavZ, identifying key binding site and mechanism of action.
Despite narrowing global inequalities in childhood leukemia survival, persistent disparities remain, with five-year survival rates varying widely between countries. The study highlights the need for improved access to efficient treatment and care for children with leukemia, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A team of scientists has created a novel photothermocatalytic reaction that reduces CO2 to form useful carbon sources, opening new avenues for efficient CO2 conversion. The process utilizes powdered elemental boron as an all-in-one catalyst, light harvester, and hydrogen source.
Researchers identified R-LA induced cellular changes, inhibiting glucose production from non-carbohydrate sources. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for liver cancer treatment.
A team of researchers used computational modeling to understand DNA knotting in nanochannels, a challenge in genome mapping. They found that experimental results are not consistent with simulations, but the data may come from other sources.
Stevia stimulates the ion channel TRPM5, which is involved in taste perception and insulin release, helping to prevent abnormally high blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes. The study opens up new possibilities for treating diabetes, but further research is needed before new treatments can be developed.
Professor Michael Farzan of Scripps Research Institute has received a $4.8 million grant to bring an HIV vaccine closer to human clinical trials. The project aims to develop an 'off switch' that halts production of antibodies and makes the vaccine safe for long-term exposure.
A study found that a gentoo penguin colony in Antarctica was almost completely wiped out after three large volcanic eruptions over the past 7,000 years. The eruptions from Deception Island volcano had a devastating impact on the population, causing ash fall and burying chicks.
A newly discovered pistol shrimp species has been named Synalpheus pinkfloydi in recognition of Pink Floyd's influence. The bright pink-clawed shrimp creates a loud sonic energy similar to the band's iconic sound.
Researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem develop novel system combining lasers and bacteria to remotely map location of buried landmines. The system detects explosive vapors emitted by mines, which are then recorded and quantified from a remote location.
Researchers have determined that fluorescent granular perithelial cells, which protect the brain against diseases, arise from endothelial cells in the circulatory system. This finding may contribute to understanding cognitive decline of aging and HIV infection of brain cells.
The study found that users adopt different personas unique to each social network, with demographics also influencing their portrayal. Researchers used a dataset of over 100,000 social media users and identified patterns such as women being less likely to wear corrective eyewear in profile pictures.
Scientists at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have discovered a promising target to treat AT/RT, a highly aggressive and therapy-resistant brain tumor, using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The PLK4 inhibitor has been shown to stop tumor growth while sparing normal cells.
A study of 500,000 Chinese adults found that higher fresh fruit consumption was associated with a lower incidence of diabetes and reduced occurrence of complications in people with diabetes. Fresh fruit consumption was linked to an estimated 0.2% reduction in the absolute risk of diabetes over 5 years.
New studies reveal that infants as young as six months old display racial bias, favoring their own race and rejecting others. Researchers believe this bias emerges without prior experience with other-race individuals, suggesting a potential starting point for preventing racial biases in later life.
Researchers developed a pill-form delivery system for DNA-based vaccines and gene therapies using a corn-based protein and chitosan. The bi-particle protected the synthetic DNA from stomach enzymes and delivered it to intestinal cells, triggering an immune response in mice.
A recent study by Michelle Nario-Redmond reveals that disability simulations often result in feelings of fear, apprehension, and pity towards individuals with disabilities. The study found that short-term experiences can lead to misinformed perceptions about the capabilities of people with disabilities.
Tropical Cyclone Cook was pushed apart by strong vertical wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite imagery. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 45 knots as it transitioned into an extra-tropical cyclone.
The study found that about 95% of the study area contained noise exceeding preindustrial levels, with elevated noise levels in important whale feeding grounds. However, quieter areas were also identified within national marine sanctuaries, which may provide respite for whales in an increasingly noisy ocean.
Researchers discovered that anthrax spores stimulate the host immune system by activating a distinct set of immune sensors that don't recognize the active form of Bacillus anthracis. This triggers an unfavorable immune response, hindering the body's fight against the bacterium after germination.
A study published in JAMA found that spinal manipulation therapy associated with modest improvements in pain and function at up to 6 weeks, with temporary minor musculoskeletal harms. The treatment has a statistically significant association with improvements in both pain and function, but heterogeneity in study results remains a concern.
A randomized controlled study found no significant difference in eczema severity for children wearing silk garments compared to their usual clothing. The results suggest that silk garments are unlikely to provide additional clinical or economic benefits over standard care.
Researchers developed nondestructive nanowire technology to record electrical activity of neurons with high sensitivity and resolution. The technology enables simultaneous measurement of multiple neurons and can isolate individual signals, paving the way for accelerated drug development and better understanding of brain function.
Scientists have deployed hundreds of seismometers around the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park to gain a clearer picture of how it erupts. The seismic data offer insights into the active hydrothermal system below the geyser, which could help monitor less predictable geysers.
New research from the University of East Anglia suggests that dealing with emotional exhaustion can sometimes boost happiness. The study found that perceived supervisor support and instrumental social support enhance happiness when employees engage in planning activities. This may help individuals build happiness from an internally str...
South Asian countries may benefit from implementing higher tobacco taxes, which could reduce consumption by at least one-third, according to a new analysis. The study also highlights the need for strengthened non-price interventions to control smoking, including bans on advertising and smoking in public places.
Researchers found that college students perform better between 11 a.m. and 9:30 p.m., with a 2:1 majority identifying as evening people. This supports recent university moves to offer more evening classes.
New research from Oregon State University finds that Latino populations face unique health challenges due to diverse backgrounds. The study highlights the need for tailored public health messaging and interventions to address health disparities within subgroups.