A Washington State University researcher has found that the uterus in female mice contains enzymes that break down semen, making it less gel-like and easier to swim. The study highlights an underappreciated complication in semen liquefaction and could lead to diagnostic tools for unexplained infertility.
Researchers modelled midge swarm cohesion and found that the faster individual midges fly, the stronger gravitational-like force they experience. This speed-dependent force increases with distance from the centre of the swarm.
A team of Penn researchers has pinpointed the underlying mechanism leading to vision loss in Best disease, a condition affecting central vision. They discovered that differences in supporting structures between rods and cones contribute to lesion development in the macula.
A recent study found that companies facing market pressure to meet earnings expectations may compromise on safety, resulting in a 12% higher injury rate for employees. This is due to managers cutting back on safety-related expenditures and increasing employee output, leading to an economic trade-off between profits and worker health.
Researchers at UCR's Bourns College of Engineering turned waste glass bottles into nanosilicon anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The new battery technology stores more energy, charges faster, and is more stable than commercial coin cell batteries.
A new phosphorus index aims to reduce agricultural runoff pollution by focusing on field characteristics and best management practices. The updated approach addresses limitations of previous indices, providing a more practical tool for farmers and policymakers.
Research at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) use increased from 7.5% to 15.6% between 2011 and 2014, but disparities persist in certain groups. Patients from higher-income areas and those affiliated with Accountable Care Organizations were more likely to receive an AWV.
A recent study by Philip Guo of older adults learning computer programming reveals a diverse range of motivations, including personal enrichment and connecting with younger family members. Despite frustrations with bad pedagogy and lack of real-world relevance, most respondents were eager to learn and saw the value in digital literacy.
Researchers at King's College London used 3D scans to analyze face shapes of nearly 1,000 UK female twins. They found that the shapes of the end of the nose, cheekbones, and inner corner of the eye are highly influenced by genetics. The study published heritability maps, showing specific genes involved in shaping human faces.
Researchers have found that pain relief medication can ease the discomfort of zebrafish larvae, offering a potential replacement for adult fish used in scientific research. This breakthrough reduces animal suffering and paves the way for more humane testing methods.
A new study reveals that a signal in blood, called Hepatocyte Growth Factor Activator (HGFA), can alert stem cells to heal faster and more efficiently after an injury. By injecting HGFA into mice before an injury, researchers showed improved tissue repair, quicker recovery, and better regeneration of damaged tissues.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with severe brain injuries whose body temperature patterns closely align with a healthy 24-hour rhythm score better on tests of recovery from coma and arousal. Researchers tested bright light stimulation on participants, revealing positive effects in two cases.
A new report emphasizes the importance of prioritizing rapid diagnostic tests for life-saving diseases, similar to pregnancy tests. The tests can help tackle antibiotic resistance and improve global health. However, lack of funding and profile are major barriers to their widespread adoption in low- and middle-income countries.
The American Telemedicine Association has published new guidelines to improve remote stroke care using telemedicine communication technologies. The guidelines describe the network of audio-visual communication systems and computer systems needed to link an expert stroke team with a remote patient, aiming to rapidly diagnose and treat i...
Researchers developed a degradable material using corn starch and metal-organic framework nanoparticles, offering promising properties for electronic substrates and insulators. The material has mechanical, electrical, and flame retardant properties, making it suitable for eco-friendly electronics.
A new study estimates that violent winds and shock waves are the most deadly effects of an asteroid impact, accounting for over 60% of lives lost. The study ranked seven effects associated with asteroid impacts and found that tsunamis accounted for 20% of casualties, while seismic shaking was the least concerning.
Researchers created a set of axioms for robust cooperative strategies, reducing computational hurdles. Players with these strategies and memories of length k cooperate if all players took the same actions for the last k rounds, giving rise to all-or-none strategies.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that grouping female American cockroaches promotes asexual egg production, with synchronized egg case delivery in synchrony. The females perceive female-specific chemosensory signals via their antennae, leading to increased fecundity and colony survival.
Researchers found that SLAMF7 is essential for immune cells to target cancer cells, leading to a potential breakthrough in precision medicine. The discovery could help predict which patients will respond to CD47 inhibitors and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
A closed-loop acoustic stimulation brainwave technology significantly reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a small pilot study. The intervention, high-resolution relational resonance-based electroencephalic mirroring (HIRREM), showed a 89% decrease in symptoms and improved balance in brain pattern activity.
A team of scientists has discovered an antibody that can measure tau levels in the blood, which accurately reflects brain damage. This breakthrough could lead to a non-invasive test for tau-based diseases, monitoring disease progression, and measuring treatment effectiveness.
A new noninvasive imaging test, sestamibi SPECT/CT, has been shown to accurately rule out kidney cancers. The test adds diagnostic information to conventional CT and MRI scans, improving physicians' ability to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors.
A new study shows that investments in adolescent health and wellbeing can generate a 10-fold economic benefit by averting 12 million adolescent deaths and preventing more than 30 million unwanted pregnancies. Investing in secondary education can create 12 million formal jobs for people aged 20-24 years.
Dr. Neville Sanjana, a CRISPR specialist, has received the prestigious 2017 Kimmel Scholar Award to fund his study on cancer immunotherapy. His research aims to leverage CRISPR technology to comprehensively survey mutations that allow cancer cells to resist immunotherapy treatment.
A new study analyzing the teeth of Tsavo's famous man-eaters reveals that dental disease played a significant role in their unusual behavior. The researchers found that the lions' teeth showed less wear and tear than expected, contradicting the hypothesis that they turned to human prey due to food shortages.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that certain breast cancer patients who achieve pathologic complete response (pCR) after chemotherapy have a low risk of developing local metastases, making them candidates for less invasive treatment options. These patients may be able to avoid follow-up surgery, including axillary surgery.
Scores of undocumented immigrant youth pursuing careers in chemical sciences and related fields face uncertainty due to potential repeal of the DACA policy. Currently, only marrying a U.S. citizen can legalize their status, with limited avenues for education and employment.
A new survey found nearly 700 seasonal systems of interconnected ponds, channels and braided streams fringing Antarctica on all sides. The study reveals that warming projected for this century could quickly magnify the influence of these meltwater systems on sea level.
Two UChicago studies were recognized as among the top three clinical research papers of 2016 by the Clinical Research Forum. Geneticist Carole Ober and immunologist Anne Sperling led a study showing that house dust mites from Amish homes suppressed allergic asthma in young children. Another team, led by pulmonologist John P. Kress, fou...
Case Western Reserve University researcher Martin Basch has been awarded a $300,000 Hartwell Individual Biomedical Research Award to study cell therapies for treating congenital strial deafness. The goal is to restore hearing in children affected by this condition.
Research found that defective HIV proviruses can produce viral proteins, reducing the effective immune response and interfering with HIV cure. This discovery highlights a previously unknown obstacle in HIV treatment and may lead to new courses of therapy.
Researchers analyzed 270 studies and found a mixed picture of nanoparticles' behavior, with their reactions depending on acidity, mineral concentration, and organic substances. The data is inconsistent, insufficiently diverse, and poorly structured, hindering universal predictions.
Researchers developed and evaluated MyFamilyPlan, a web-based preconception health education module. The study found that women who used the online format were about twice as likely to discuss preconception health with their doctors. This increase in discussions was associated with improved patient care.
A recent study found that female student-athletes who engage in community service and civic engagement are less likely to use dangerous substances. The research suggests that helping others can create positive change in the community and reduce stress-related substance abuse.
The new Clinical Practice Guidelines define the use of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive modalities in managing patients with various liver diseases. The guidelines provide a range of generally accepted approaches for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of specific liver diseases.
Active commuting by cycling is associated with substantial health benefits, including lower risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Walking also shows benefits, but only if done for more than six miles a week.
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery has released a new consensus statement on surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation, emphasizing its safety and effectiveness in reducing early death and late stroke risk. The guidelines also recommend hybrid procedures, optimal ablation tools, and standardized training.
A new study found that plant protein was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, while persons with a diet rich in meat had a higher risk. Replacing animal protein with plant protein can reduce diabetes risk by 18% daily.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have identified how Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses tension-activated membrane channels to resist osmotic downshocks. The bacterium's ability to survive sudden changes in water content is crucial for its persistence in various environments.
New EPA regulations may reduce methane emissions by 27%, but achieve only 20-50% of expected reductions. Researchers recommend a regional approach to addressing methane leaks and adopting more effective detection technologies.
Researchers have mapped transport in mammalian axons for the first time, revealing a crucial protein called MAP2 that regulates molecular movement. The discovery provides new insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The American Physiological Society's (APS) Porter Physiology Development Fellowship has supported 140 minority doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in the study of physiological sciences. Since its inception in 1967, the program has increased diversity in physiology and within APS membership.
MIT engineers developed a technique using graphene to transfer crystalline patterns onto semiconductor wafers, reducing wafer costs and opening opportunities for exotic materials. The method allows manufacturers to copy and peel off semiconducting layers, reusing the original wafer multiple times.
A team of researchers at Duke University created a cartilage-mimicking material that can be 3D-printed to match the strength and elasticity of human cartilage, potentially easing damaged knees. The new material is custom-shaped to each patient's anatomy, providing improved shock absorption and reducing pain.
Researchers at Osaka University discovered how specific genes regulate B cell cycling in germinal centers. They found that Foxo1 promotes B cell proliferation, but its activation is associated with lymphomas. Reviving BATF levels recovered the proliferation of Foxo1-deficient B cells.
A new type of footprint made by 247-million-year-old reptiles has been discovered in the Pyrenees. The discovery suggests that archosauromorphs played a large role in vertebrate recovery following the Permian mass extinction.
Scientists at USC Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute have created a new method to generate hydrogen fuel from methanol, producing a carbon-neutral and potentially carbon-positive energy source. The research aims to develop renewable sources of energy that can mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that individuals with post-traumatic stress symptoms experienced significant clinical improvements after using HIRREM, a computer-based closed-loop neurotechnology. The technology uses real-time brain activity monitoring and algorithmic analysis to produce personalized acoustic stimulation, res...
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to create personalized mental and physical therapy regimens using gaming features. Gamified applications with scoring systems, avatars, and in-game rewards led to significantly fewer mistakes and higher performance than non-gamified applications.
Research finds that large-scale irrigation in the Yellow River basin leads to a decrease in surface air temperature and an increase in latent heat flux, resulting in greater cloud formation. This has a significant impact on regional climate and precipitation patterns.
Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University have discovered how to protect yeast cells from invasion by selfish mitochondrial DNA molecules. Using uncouplers, which decrease the efficiency of mitochondrial energy conversion, functional mtDNA outcompetes harmful mtDNA variants in a process called mitochondrial turnover.
A new species of extinct carnivorous mammal, Masrasector nananubis, was identified in Egyptian fossils dating back 34 million years. The hyaenodont was a teratodontine with largely complete skulls and limb bones.
Researchers identified a protein, TIMP2, that had the same effect when injected into older mice. The findings could lead to new treatments for age-associated declines in mental ability.
A skin model made from gelatine can simulate human skin's characteristics and frictional behavior against textiles in dry and hydrated conditions. This allows for early rejection of unsuitable textiles without exposing humans to risk, saving time and resources.
A new analysis of Medicare's Hospital Compare portal found that the statistical methodology used to rate and compare hospitals underestimates mortality rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at small hospitals. The research proposes an alternative model that incorporates additional factors such as hospital volume, nursing staff, an...
Scientists at UC Riverside's Akbari lab have successfully created a strain of red-eyed mutant wasps using CRISPR gene-slicing technology. The goal is to better understand the biology of wasps and other insects to control pests that destroy crops or spread diseases like malaria.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new optical microscopy platform with drastically enhanced detection sensitivity, allowing for simultaneous labeling and imaging of up to 24 specific biomolecules. This breakthrough has the potential to transform understanding of complex biological systems, including the human cell map...
A study by PSE Healthy Energy found that many hazardous chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing are also used in routine oil- and gas-field activities, including drilling, cleaning, and maintenance. These findings have major implications for chemical disclosure policies and risk assessments of oil and gas development.
A team of researchers has identified a rare human mutation that causes a devastating neurological disease, similar to conditions affecting the production and maintenance of myelin in rats. The discovery provides a new model for understanding and treating these diseases.
A large-scale study found three clinical decision rules to be effective in identifying children at low risk of traumatic brain injury, potentially reducing unnecessary CT scans. The PECARN rule from the US was shown to be most accurate, with no missed cases requiring neurosurgery.