A phase 3 trial found regorafenib significantly improved overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a form of liver cancer. The study showed that regorafenib can improve survival in patients whose HCC progressed during treatment with sorafenib, an existing drug.
The DART trial is a national immunotherapy clinical trial testing leading-edge treatments for rare cancers. Patients will receive ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy to fight cancer, with the goal of shrinking tumors and evaluating side effects.
Researchers have discovered a pathway to produce nitrogen gas without microbial involvement, challenging long-held assumptions about nitrous oxide formation. This breakthrough could lead to practical applications for reducing excess nitrogen in the environment and mitigating eutrophication.
Researchers have mapped large oceanic valleys beneath massive glaciers flowing into the Amundsen Sea in West Antarctica. The discovery reveals channels that enable warm water to reach the undersides of glaciers, fueling their rapid retreat.
A study has identified a new target for controlling cell division, which could lead to insights into diseases such as cancer. The research found that enzymes responsible for lipid synthesis are synthesized at higher efficiency when cells are ready to divide.
Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology study how cells respond to shear stress in blood vessels, aiming to understand biological mechanics and develop effective therapeutic strategies. The work could lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases like cancer metastasis and heart failure.
The Chapman Perelman Foundation has awarded a $1 million gift to Columbia Psychiatry to expand on-site clinical psychiatric services at NYC Family Justice Centers. This partnership aims to provide comprehensive care and healing to survivors of domestic violence, helping them rebuild their lives.
A combination of steroids and sirolimus with immune checkpoint inhibitors may help prevent organ rejection in kidney transplant patients undergoing cancer treatment. This discovery shows promise for people with cancer who have also had a kidney transplant, potentially allowing them to receive full benefits from immunotherapy.
The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid has been granted the HR Excellence in Research Award by the EU for its high-quality human resources policies for researchers. The institution has implemented a Human Resources Strategy for Researchers, which aligns with the European Charter and Code of Conduct for researchers.
Researchers mapped premature infant brains using MRI scans to predict future disabilities. A greater volume of white matter injury was linked to movement and thinking problems at 18 months.
Scientists analyzed 20 durian chemical ingredients to find that two compounds can re-create the overall smell. The strongest odor compounds were fruity ethyl and oniony 1-(ethylsulfanyl)ethanethiol, which combined effectively resembled the fruit's entire set of odoriferous and fragrant compounds.
A new classification system for glioblastoma, a lethal brain cancer, has been developed by incorporating molecular variables. The refined model significantly improves the prognosis of patients treated with radiation and temozolomide, offering better clinical decision-making options.
The new Republican-led Congress and Trump's presidency may lead to changes in science policies, including energy and climate issues, research budgets, and trade. Expert predictions suggest rollback of programs and alterations in existing laws like the Toxic Substances Control Act.
A study found that AYA patients with small intestine GISTs had improved survival rates compared to older adult patients with stomach GISTs. Surgical management was also associated with improved survival in AYA patients, even those with metastatic cancer.
Researchers have discovered that localized vibrations in amorphous silicon dioxide contribute substantially to the material's thermal conductivity, contradicting previous assumptions. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient forms of everyday materials and even superconducting materials.
Researchers found an altered blood-brain barrier and increased intestinal permeability in individuals with autism, supporting the hypothesis that impaired barriers contribute to ASD. The study also revealed reduced expression of barrier-forming cellular components and higher expression of molecules increasing intestinal permeability in...
Research suggests that high-volume medical centers can recover significantly more organs from deceased donors than low-volume centers. On average, these hospitals have an organ yield rate of 0.4 higher than low-volume centers. This could lead to recovering an additional 3,000 vital organs yearly.
Scientists found that reduced TMEM108 protein expression leads to imprecise communication between neurons, contributing to schizophrenia-like symptoms. Adding AMPA receptor-boosting drug restored healthy spines in mice.
Researchers analyzed two thylacine brains and compared them to those of Tasmanian devils, finding larger caudate zones in the former. This indicates that thylacines devoted more cortex to complex cognition associated with predation, fitting their hunting strategy.
A Stanford-led study found that astrocytes, once thought to be supporting cells, can become toxic and destroy nerve cells, driving many neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery has profound implications for treating these diseases by blocking or countering the toxin secreted by harmful astrocytes.
Researchers at the University of Bath have gained important insights to improve the performance of lithium batteries by adding charged metal atoms. This discovery could lead to faster charging batteries for portable electronics and electric vehicles, benefiting consumers and reducing carbon emissions.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that liver injury activates blood clotting, which then stimulates liver repair using an experimental model of high-dosage acetaminophen. The study identified fibrinogen as a critical protein in this process.
A new study projects a 10-13% decrease in global mild days by the end of the century due to climate warming. Tropical regions are expected to lose up to 50 fewer days of mild weather, while mid-latitudes will gain more mild days.
Researchers at UM SOM and SOD published 22 articles on infectious agents, vaccines, and immune system activation. Studies focused on Ebola, Clostridium difficile, biofilms, and other topics, advancing knowledge in infection and immunity research.
A team from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed an on-chip sensor capable of detecting unprecedentedly small frequency changes, achieving record-high sensing precision with a small footprint that can be integrated with standard CMOS technology.
A new soft robotic sleeve could help failing hearts by wrapping around it and twisting in sync with its beating rhythm, potentially reducing the risk of complications associated with existing ventricular assist devices. The device is designed to be customized for each patient and can adjust pressure levels over time.
A new study found that lap band surgery significantly improves weight and BMI in severely obese Australian teenagers, with median BMI reduction of 10 kg/m2. The procedure is a safe and effective option for adolescents with severe obesity, provided performed by an experienced surgeon and managed regularly.
Researchers used imaging techniques to map the brain wiring of two thylacine specimens, comparing them to the brains of living Tasmanian devils. The results suggest that the larger-brained thylacine had more cortex devoted to planning and decision-making.
Researchers studied how people learn to prioritize information in real-life situations, finding that selective attention determines the value of options and shapes learning through unexpected events. The study contributes to improved teaching, learning, and treatment of mental disorders.
The USDA is providing funding to 19 eligible 1890 land-grant colleges to enhance their agricultural and food sciences facilities and equipment. This investment aims to educate the future workforce in these critical job sectors.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nearly one-third of gunshot wounds in Cook County, Illinois were treated outside designated trauma centers. The majority of these undertriaged cases were located in certain neighborhoods on the west side of Chicago and southern parts of Cook County.
A new study from the University of California San Diego finds that native Mandarin speakers exhibit superior pitch processing skills in young children compared to English-speaking peers. The research suggests that brain skills learned in one area, such as language, can generalize to other cognitive abilities like music.
A new genetic immunodeficiency has been characterized, allowing for the identification of patients at risk of fatal illnesses. Researchers have developed a unique platform to detect subtle immune system defects, enabling clinicians to provide timely treatments and preventive measures.
Andrew Morris will continue his work on a book about Hurricane Camille and its impact on American disaster relief policy using the NEH fellowship. The book examines the transformation of disaster assistance programs in the US following the devastating Category 5 storm in 1969.
The Chicago Biomedical Consortium has received a $21 million funding commitment from the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust. This support will focus on fostering entrepreneurship among university researchers and promote translational research projects. The CBC is launching new initiatives, including forums for commercializatio...
H5Nx viruses, spreading globally through migratory wild birds, display a binding protein on their surfaces that allows them to exit host cells. This adaptation may render them less able to spread to humans, but not rule out eventual evolution to infect people.
Researchers have discovered that vitamin B-12 exists in two forms in the oceans, with cyanobacteria producing a "pseudo" version that's not usable by other organisms. This finding has implications for how algae and other marine life access this essential nutrient.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory demonstrate how MECP2 mutations impair adult learning in female mice. They show that normal MECP2 gene expression is required for learning a natural behavior, and that impaired MECP2 expression causes a cascade of molecular failures leading to neural plasticity deficits.
A study published in Addiction Biology found that long-term heavy drinking in adolescents alters brain electrical activity, particularly in the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission system. This alteration may be detrimental to a developing brain, warranting tighter diagnostic criteria for substance abuse disorders.
A new report in JAMA Surgery found that only one in six gunshot patients with serious injuries are treated at designated trauma centers. The study found that these 'undertriaged' patients were more likely to live on the south and west sides of the county, where trauma centers are scarce.
Researchers developed an implantable soft-robotic device that gives the heart gentle squeezes, improving blood flow and reducing risk of infection. The device successfully restored normal blood flow in living pigs and could be tailored for individual patient needs with further investigation.
Researchers found that brief conversations in waiting rooms increased fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income families, with a nearly four-fold increase in program use. The Double Up Food Bucks program matches SNAP funds spent on healthy foods, supporting local growers.
The government of Sichuan province recognizes INRS professors Morandotti and Rosei for their groundbreaking work in integrated optics and solar technologies. They will collaborate with the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China to develop novel materials and technologies.
A new $525,000 grant aims to improve understanding of shallow cumulus clouds' behavior, which play a crucial role in atmospheric circulation and global climate. The research will focus on the mixing process called entrainment, aiming to enhance weather forecasts and climate model projections.
A study published in Health Affairs found that the Affordable Care Act resulted in an 8% increase in early-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses among U.S. seniors aged 65 and older, but had no distinguishable effect on breast cancer diagnoses over the same time period.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered a new broad-spectrum antiviral protein called Schlafen11 that can inhibit HIV-1 replication in non-human primate species. The protein's effectiveness is highest in chimpanzees and orangutans, but much lower in humans and gorillas.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have uncovered the structure of a cancer cell receptor protein, paving the way for the development of new cancer-fighting drugs. The study identified key binding sites that can be targeted to modulate the protein's function and prevent tumor growth and metastasis.
A new study finds that solar storm-induced electricity blackouts could have a significant impact on the US economy, with indirect costs accounting for over half of the total loss. The potential macroeconomic cost could reach $41.5 billion per day in extreme scenarios.
A recently restored floodplain along a Mississippi tributary removed almost as much nitrogen as a natural floodplain, significantly reducing chemical pollutants in the river. The study's findings suggest that reconnecting rivers to their floodplains can help improve water quality and reduce the 'dead zone' in the Gulf of Mexico.
Researchers at Duke University developed iron-fortified nutrition bars that effectively combat anemia in Indian women, offering a practical and well-tolerated solution. The study involved 179 participants who received the supplement bar for 90 days, resulting in increased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that delirium can accelerate dementia-related cognitive decline, with severe changes in memory observed among those with both conditions. The research highlights the importance of recognizing delirium in hospital settings to prevent brain injury and potentially delay or reduce dementia.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) is spread through person-to-person contact in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. This epidemic highlights the need for effective infection control and treatment measures to prevent further spread.
Scientists at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences successfully imprint a sequence of a single-stranded DNA in a polymer matrix. The resulting negative polymer is chemically active and selectively binds nucleobases, reproducing the genetic code.
Researchers from Harvard have developed a general framework to design reconfigurable metamaterials. This tool allows for the creation of materials that can switch between multiple functions and shapes autonomously, enabling new possibilities in structural engineering, aerospace, and beyond.
According to a study published in Journal of Thoracic Oncology, advanced stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving standard of care treatment have significantly longer overall survival rates compared to those not receiving treatment. This trend is observed across various stages of the disease.
The European Society for Medical Oncology advocates for strict adherence to approval standards and accelerated introduction of biosimilars into clinical settings. This move aims to enhance the sustainability and affordability of cancer treatment, with potential benefits including reduced costs and increased accessibility.
Casey Miller's initiative aims to increase diversity in physics graduate education through inclusive practices and support structures for underrepresented students. The project will assess faculty attitudes, develop training materials, and provide workshops to improve holistic admissions and retention.
Researchers detect electromagnetic fluctuations in the quantum vacuum using a world-leading optical measurement technique. The findings could lead to breakthroughs in understanding radiation and material properties.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are studying biometric data from Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hikers to identify patterns of biological and cognitive markers that may precede serious health events. The study, R2R WATCH, aims to improve preventive education and treatment for exercise-associated hyponatremia.
A global partnership, CEPI, aims to create vaccines for emerging infectious diseases with a $460m initial investment from governments and foundations. The Coalition will target MERS-CoV, Lassa, and Nipah viruses, as well as Ebola and Zika, to develop safe and effective vaccines that can be deployed rapidly to contain outbreaks.