A European Commission proposal to define and identify endocrine-disrupting chemicals has been widely criticized by experts, who argue it sets an unrealistic burden of proof and limits regulatory action. The Endocrine Society, led by UMass Amherst biologist Thomas Zoeller, claims the proposal will create gaps in identification criteria,...
Researchers used MRI to identify differences in brain development among high-risk infants, finding that those with autism showed faster brain growth rates between 6-12 months. These early brain changes can help predict autism diagnosis at age 2 years.
Researchers found that small spikes in ocean temperature, rather than atmospheric warming, likely drove the rapid disintegration of ancient ice sheets. The study's findings add to evidence that climate change may bring higher seas than predicted by current models.
A University of Utah study found that heel-down posture in great apes and humans is beneficial for fighting due to increased swinging force. This stance allows for more efficient application of rotational force, enabling physical competition to be costly and demanding peak performance from the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system.
A major global study led by Queen Mary University of London found that vitamin D supplements halve the risk of acute respiratory infection in people with low baseline vitamin D levels. The results suggest that vitamin D fortification of foods could be an effective way to tackle high levels of deficiency in the UK.
A new study published in Childhood Obesity reveals a strong association between early antibiotic exposure and an increased risk of childhood obesity in Latino infants. The research found that antibiotic use before 6 months of age was linked to rapid weight gain and obesity at 2 years of age.
Researchers have developed a new ruthenium-based material, Ru@c?N, that can split water into hydrogen with high efficiency and durability. The catalyst exhibits high turnover frequency and is not affected by the pH of the water, making it suitable for various environments.
A small crocodile from the Upper Jurassic Langenberg Quarry in Germany has been identified as a potential new species, Knoetschkesuchus langenbergensis. The fossilized remains exhibit unique features such as openings in the jaw bone and tooth morphology.
A retrospective analysis of 1,424 patients found that those with an intermediate risk recurrence score (RS) had similar outcomes whether they received chemotherapy or not. The study suggests that less is more for women with early-stage disease, potentially leading to a shift away from aggressive treatment protocols.
A researcher is studying how early immune system responses can predict the long-term success of biomedical implants. The study aims to develop methods for modulating macrophage activity to encourage positive outcomes.
A new study has found that radiotherapy for invasive breast cancer increases the risk of developing second primary lung cancer. The research, conducted in Taiwan, involved analyzing data from over 986,000 patients with breast cancer between 2000 and 2010. The results showed a significant increase in lung cancer incidence among women wh...
People with depression experience trouble processing information and solving problems, with symptoms persisting even after other symptoms fade. Researchers identified molecular mechanisms affected by depression on a rat model, shedding light on potential new treatments addressing associated cognitive problems.
A new study reveals that 27% of commercial marine landings were diverted to uses other than direct human consumption from 1950 to 2010. Most of the diverted fish are classified as food-grade or prime, used in aquaculture and livestock production, threatening global food security.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of preterm birth, Caesarean section, and cardiac malformations. The study also revealed an increased risk of death for newborns born to mothers with insulin-treated gestational diabetes.
A study reveals that parasitic infections, particularly with Onchocerca volvulus, may trigger the onset of Nodding Syndrome by triggering an inappropriate immune response against brain cells. This could lead to devastating epilepsy in children, with no clear cause or remedy yet discovered.
A team of experts has developed a set of diagnostic criteria for idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease, a life-threatening condition often misdiagnosed as other illnesses. The new criteria will help doctors diagnose the disease more accurately, leading to timely treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have identified a Martian valley with evidence of recent flooding, indicating water may have been present near Mars' equator in the not-too-distant past. This finding makes this location a potential geological target for detecting past life forms on the Red Planet.
Researchers found that preeclampsia in pregnant rats led to less severe retinopathy and normal retinal vascular development in offspring. The combination of preeclampsia and oxygen fluctuations reduced features of ROP. Growth factors needed for retina development came from the pups, not the mothers.
Research from QUT found that consuming carbohydrates during or immediately after intense exercise helps minimise exercise-induced immune disturbances and aids the body's recovery. The study suggests that stable blood sugar levels reduce the body's stress response, moderating undesirable mobilisation of immune cells.
Researchers from Stanford University review biomimetic strategies to heal bone defects, focusing on cell transplantation and grafts based on soluble bone minerals or structural proteins. The study highlights the potential of biomimetics in regenerative medicine.
Researchers report a high success rate for a regional chemotherapy technique that preserves limbs in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas. The study found that nearly 80 percent of patients were able to avoid amputation using the technique, known as isolated limb perfusion.
Researchers found that a two-drug combination provided better protection against diabetes-related vision loss than a single drug in rat models. The treatment reduced capillary loss by 68% and decreased inflammation, slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
A genetic study has sequenced the genomes of 50 top Brahman bulls in Australia to understand how genes from temperate cattle have influenced production traits. The research found that these genes, which account for 7-10% of the breed's genome, may be associated with fertility, growth and temperament.
Research validates PLCgamma1 as a promising candidate gene for bipolar disorder, linking it to manic-like behavior and synaptic imbalance. The study reveals that loss of PLCgamma1 from forebrain leads to behavioral abnormalities and manic episodes.
The public can participate in searching for undiscovered worlds in the outer reaches of our solar system and beyond. A new website, Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, uses brief movies made from WISE images to highlight moving objects, which can be discovered by human eyes.
A new study from the University of Adelaide found that women's attitudes towards genetically modified (GM) foods are influenced by multiple factors, including science background and values. Women with scientific backgrounds used evidence to support their stance, but others saw 'unknown' risks, leading to a lack of trust in science.
A recent study published in Neurology found no association between hormone therapy and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. However, women who used hormone therapy for over 10 years showed a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease compared to non-users.
A study published in Nature found that brain imaging biomarkers at 6 and 12 months can accurately predict which infants will develop autism spectrum disorder by 24 months. The predictive power of the findings may inform the development of a diagnostic tool for ASD, potentially intervening earlier to improve outcomes.
Current smokers have a significantly higher rate of septic reoperation compared to nonsmokers, with each additional pack-year contributing to total reoperations. Smoking history affects the risk of hospital readmissions among patients undergoing total joint replacement.
A new facility at Diamond Light Source allows for long-term experiments (weeks to years) in parallel, detecting phase evolution and structural changes. This addresses the need for studying slow processes like material hydration and metal-organic framework stability.
A NASA study reveals that meltwater from the Greenland Ice Sheet can drain through aquifers and fractures in the ice, reaching the ocean. This discovery could significantly impact computer models of sea level rise, providing new insights into the Greenland contribution.
Engineers at the University of Texas at Austin created ultra-flexible brain probes that achieve more reliable long-term neural recording without causing scar formation. The probes' mechanical compliances mimic brain tissue and enable reliable recording of individual neurons for extended periods.
A team of biologists from Germany and Brazil have discovered a new species of land snail, Gastrocopta sharae, named after the Dungeons & Dragons goddess Shar. The snail is tiny, measuring nearly 2 mm in length, and was found in caves in central Brazil.
Researchers used a temperature gradient to levitate ceramic, polyethylene spheres, glass bubbles, ice particles, lint strands and thistle seeds in a vacuum chamber for over an hour. The method achieved radial and vertical stability, expanding possibilities for particle dynamics and interactions in microgravity environments.
Tropical Cyclone Dineo is centered just off the coast of Mozambique, with maximum sustained winds near 80.5 mph. The storm is expected to make landfall in southern Mozambique before weakening, according to NASA's satellite observations.
A multicenter study found that scalp cooling reduced hair loss in certain breast cancer patients undergoing non-anthracycline adjuvant chemotherapy. The study, published in JAMA, showed that 67% of patients retained half or more of their hair after treatment.
A new paper outlines expressions of skin conditions often misdiagnosed as brown recluse bites, including bacterial infections and deadly reactions. The authors introduce the NOT RECLUSE mnemonic device to help doctors accurately diagnose these cases.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed an ultrafast high-contrast camera that can record the slightest movements and objects in real-time. The new camera is designed to help self-driving cars and drones avoid collisions by analyzing visual data instantly, reducing processing lag times.
A UMass Amherst study found that current incentives for developing orphan drugs are not sufficient to meet patients' needs, leading to unmet health needs and barriers to access. The researchers call for a comprehensive understanding of the ethical considerations of access to safe and effective orphan drugs.
A new study found significant improvements in social cognition and autistic mannerisms of young subjects after outdoor adventure activities. The research suggests a promising treatment for autism spectrum disorder, with potential benefits for children's social communication skills.
Researchers used TMS to study brain activity while participants comprehended words related to hand movements. The results suggest that language areas work together with motor cortex regions to form distributed meaning representations.
McGill University has become the world's first Open Science academic institution, aiming to accelerate research and discovery of new treatments for neurological diseases. The MNI is opening its books to international partners, ensuring transparent data sharing on genomic and health data.
Researchers at Michigan State University have created a stretchable integrated circuit made entirely using an inkjet printer, enabling the potential for inexpensive mass production of smart fabric. The material can be produced on a standard printer and has applications in wearable electronics and soft robotics.
Researchers used super-resolution imaging to map the organization of cadherin-based adhesions in cells. The study revealed a multi-layered structure with compartments separated by an interface layer containing vinculin, which plays a key role in fine-tuning mechanical properties.
Research published in Experimental Physiology suggests that unsaturated fatty acids can reverse some of the effects of obesity on the immune system. Obesity was found to cause changes similar to those observed with aging, but supplementing the diet with unsaturated fatty acids reversed these effects.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed IoT sensors that can be embedded in sports equipment to provide real-time analytics. These sensors, costing under $100, enable players and coaches to track movement and performance with high accuracy.
A new miniaturized camera inspired by eagles' sharp vision uses multi-aperture design to capture high-resolution images with improved center sharpness. The 'foveated imaging' system has potential in areas like endoscopy, optical sensors, and surveillance drones.
The Learning Health System Network (LHSNet) has outlined its approach to improving patient-centered clinical care through translational research. The network, involving nine health organizations and nearly 10 million patients, focuses on integrating stakeholders to inform research that aligns with patients' priorities.
A new study led by Duke Health has found that babies born at 23-24 weeks of pregnancy are showing small but measurable improvements in survival rates and neurodevelopment. The study analyzed the records of over 4,200 infants and found a larger percentage developing into toddlers without cognitive or motor delays.
Researchers at German Center for Infection Research develop a new malaria vaccine that uses fully viable malaria parasites, showing up to 100% protection against the disease. The vaccine was tested on 67 healthy adult subjects and showed strong immune responses.
Researchers design a pod-like casing with liquid-crystal elastomers and molecular switches, demonstrating the ability to produce powerful movement at the molecular level. The device uses light-triggered re-arrangement of molecular switches to drive twisting helices in opposing directions, resulting in the bursting of the casing.
A new study reveals that nearly one in four people who seek emergency care for eye problems have mild conditions, such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis, that don't require emergency treatment. The researchers recommend ways to reduce inappropriate ER visits, including telemedicine and after-hours appointments.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture is awarding $1.7 million to support research capacity building at land-grant tribal colleges and universities. The funding will focus on enhancing research projects of tribal, state, or national importance.
Researchers have developed plant-made virus shells that can deliver small molecules to cancer cells, using the natural binding affinity of these nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. The findings suggest a potential new approach for treating cancer with increased precision and reduced side effects.
Researchers improve methods to study Earth's history by addressing bias in data from old rocks. New technique reduces errors, providing more accurate paleointensity measurements.
Researchers identify leiomodin-1 as a key protein in Nodding syndrome, an autoimmune disease linked to Onchocerca volvulus. The study suggests that the immune system mistakenly attacks brain cells containing this protein, leading to symptoms of the disorder.
A recent study found that people who gained weight over their lifetime were more likely to develop esophageal and stomach cancers. The researchers analyzed data from over 400,000 people and discovered that those who became obese after a healthy weight had nearly tripled the risk of developing these cancers.
A study from Harvard Medical School found that patients treated by frequent opioid prescribers were three times more likely to become long-term users and had a higher risk of adverse outcomes. In contrast, low-frequency prescribers showed no increased risk of return or treatment for similar symptoms.
A UCSB scholar examines the evolution of wooden halibut hooks carved by native people of the Northwest Coast, tracing their design and dimensions over time. The study reveals that the hooks' transformation from utilitarian tool to expression of cultural heritage has driven changes in materials, dimension, and meaning.
A new online tool uses data from the PROMISE trial to predict patients at minimal risk for heart trouble, allowing primary care doctors to safely defer non-invasive cardiac tests. The tool considers 10 clinical variables and can help clinicians quantify minimal risk, opening a conversation with patients on whether a test is worthwhile.