A study found that patients with kidney failure were less likely to have advance directives than those with other serious illnesses, but those who did had better end-of-life care. The presence of treatment-limiting directives and surrogate decision makers reduced hospitalizations, intensive procedures, and inpatient deaths.
Hemodialysis patients have altered blood clots that increase cardiovascular and other cause mortality risks. Dense blood clots found in kidney failure patients also affect fibrinogen protein modifications.
Researchers developed a mouse model to assess early tissue responses to biomaterials, including bioactive glass. The model's feasibility and reliability have been demonstrated using various biomaterials, enabling the design of novel biomaterials for regenerative medicine.
A study on bat preferences for nectar reveals that competition leads to a preference for dilute nectars. The researchers used computer-controlled flowers with varying sugar concentrations to simulate the feeding behavior of bats.
The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) has awarded Janet Heine Barnett, Caren Diefenderfer, and Tevian Dray for their outstanding contributions to mathematics education. They were recognized for inspiring students, developing innovative teaching methods, and promoting quantitative literacy.
Researchers have developed a flexible transistor that can be stretched to twice its length without significant changes in conductivity. The breakthrough uses a semiconducting polymer confined within an elastic matrix, demonstrating effective transconductivity even under heavy stretching.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics advocates for extensive sharing of genomic data to improve patient care. Responsible data sharing will provide critical information for clinical laboratories and treating physicians, leading to advancements in personalized medicine.
The study reveals new ways in which receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and phosphatases interact, with surprising effects on cancer progression. The researchers found that some phosphatases promote RTK signalling, while others activate it to a halt.
New research from Organogenesis Inc. reveals that Apligraf can convert chronic venous leg ulcers into acute, healing wounds by modulating inflammatory and growth factor signaling. This breakthrough study published in Science Translational Medicine provides valuable insights for researchers and clinicians treating chronic wounds.
A new analysis of an archaeological site in Tibet suggests that permanent residents may have set up camp thousands of years earlier than previously thought. The study's findings support previous genetic research and propose that the region's wet climate may have enabled permanent pre-agricultural peopling.
Researchers developed a new microscope that can chemically identify individual micron-sized particles using infrared spectroscopy without detectors. The instrument uses photothermal modulation of Mie scattering, allowing for non-destructive analysis and identification of multiple species simultaneously.
The Great Barrier Reef nearly drowned during the Last Interglacial period due to rapid sea-level rise from melting glaciers and polar ice sheets. The reef's shallow growth recommenced once the sea-level rise stabilized, but modern pressures such as pesticide run-off, warming temperatures, and dredging could threaten its survival.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to calculate the impact of intervention strategies on tsetse flies and humans. They found that combining medical screening with vector control could speed up elimination of sleeping sickness in high-burden areas, potentially achieving zero transmission by 2030.
Research reveals that 70% of respondents prefer a collaborative and supportive work environment, yet only 26% want a nurturing manager. Managers are often seen as missing the human touch in their approach to performance management.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a genetic driver of mixed lineage leukemia, a rare and deadly form of childhood leukemia. They identified a targeted molecular therapy that halts the proliferation of leukemic cells by stabilizing the wild-type MLL protein, which drives cancer.
A study published in Appetite found that children with more eating disorder symptoms at age nine also had a higher number of symptoms at age 12. The research identified three key areas to monitor for early intervention: body dissatisfaction, depressive symptoms, and earlier onset of symptoms.
A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that high consumption of grilled, barbecued, and smoked meats may increase mortality risk after breast cancer diagnosis. The research evaluated the link between these meat types and survival time among 1508 Long Island women with breast cancer.
Julio Ottino, Northwestern University dean, receives prestigious Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education. Whole-Brain Engineering has transformed education at McCormick, Northwestern, beyond, emphasizing creativity, design, and divergent thinking.
Researchers found that hummingbird brains are uniquely attuned to detect fast visual motion in any direction. This discovery sheds light on the birds' remarkable ability to zoom and stop quickly while sipping nectar. The findings have implications for understanding flight behaviors, competitive interactions, and courtship displays.
A German multicenter study confirms the efficacy and safety of Lu-177-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, demonstrating a positive response rate of 45% and manageable side effects. The treatment offers an additional option for end-stage patients with high response rates and low toxicity.
A new project by Upside Energy and Heriot-Watt University aims to use machine learning and distributed AI to manage storage assets and provide real-time energy reserves. The goal is to relieve stress on the grid and reduce reliance on traditional power stations.
The UNC Catalyst initiative aims to create and share research tools to study rare diseases, addressing the lack of resources and expertise in this area. The partnership with Genetic Alliance and Structural Genomics Consortium will provide researchers with access to necessary tools and talent to accelerate solutions.
Scientists have identified the key molecule YAP that enables cancer cells to break free from their surroundings and continue growing and spreading. By understanding how YAP is controlled in cancer cells, researchers hope to find new ways to treat or prevent the spread of cancer.
A study by Salk Institute scientists reveals that adolescent roundworms exhibit erratic behavior when seeking food, unlike adult worms which show efficient behavior. This discovery provides insight into the drivers of neurological development and may shed light on human brain function and diseases.
A laboratory study found that alpha-synuclein, a protein involved in Parkinson's disease, can travel from the brain to the stomach via specific nerve pathways. The protein was detected in gastric nerve terminals six months after its initial midbrain expression.
The new therapy uses a kilohertz frequency electrical block of afferent vagus nerve pathways to stimulate the nerve while inhibiting unwanted nerve activity, increasing clinical efficacy and therapeutic benefit. This approach is reversible, controllable, and clinically feasible, providing a potential solution for chronic inflammatory d...
Researchers have identified a gene mutation driving the formation of metaplastic breast cancer, a subtype of triple negative breast cancer. A therapeutic compound has been validated to slow tumor growth and increase chemotherapy efficacy.
Vision problems are commonly reported in children with concussions and are independently associated with academic difficulty. Blurred vision and difficulty concentrating are among the most common symptoms affecting academic performance in pediatric patients.
An international team of scientists reports that Antarctica's climate change could trigger a strong sea level rise, similar to the one that occurred 15,000 years ago. Global warming is causing layering in the ocean, leading to stronger ice sheet melting.
Researchers have developed a method to control proteins inside live cells using light, allowing for unprecedented insight into the causes of disease. The technique uses previously inaccessible proteins to create flexible logic networks that can be manipulated in real-time.
A University of Alberta researcher has developed a method to treat surgical masks, making them effective against airborne viruses. By using a salt-based treatment, the mask's fibre filter can trap and kill viruses, reducing the risk of transmission.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University successfully created DNA nanotube bridges that connected two molecular landmarks on the surface of a lab dish. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new medical devices and technologies that can communicate directly with cells, potentially revolutionizing the field of nanotechnology.
A study by Yale researchers found that older lung cancer patients can spend an average of one in three days interacting with the healthcare system within the first 60 days after surgery or radiation therapy. Patients with a higher number of medical conditions treated with surgery had the most post-treatment burdens.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that climate change improves breeding chances for migratory geese in the Arctic, but increases the death rate among mothers. This is because warmer conditions require extra energy for laying eggs and make them more vulnerable to predators.
Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design have developed a compact optical amplifier that can amplify light by 17,000 times, strengthening the integrity of transmitted data. The device's efficiency enables new opportunities in low-cost broadband spectroscopy, precision manufacturing, and hyperspectral imaging.
Researchers found that female rats prefer dominant males who have experienced stress in adolescence, but reject submissive males with a history of stress. This study provides insight into the effects of environmental stress on reproduction and may lead to a better understanding of human reproductive capacity.
Scientists at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified gatekeeper genes that allow prostate cancer to progress and resist treatment. The study highlights opportunities to prevent or reverse this process, offering new insights into lineage plasticity and its application in other types of cancers.
Commonly prescribed acid suppression medications were linked with increased risks of intestinal infections with C. difficile and Campylobacter bacteria. Users should be vigilant about food hygiene due to the removal of stomach acid making them more susceptible to infection.
A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that black and Hispanic patients, as well as unemployed individuals and those with hepatitis C, are more likely to disengage from treatment programs for opioid dependence. Long-term engagement in therapy is crucial for treating this chronic condition, similar to hypert...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have made a groundbreaking discovery in wound healing by transforming myofibroblasts into fat cells. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize dermatology and develop new treatments for conditions such as HIV-related complications and aging skin.
Researchers found that tumors shed between seven and 18 mutations in neoantigen-coding genes after developing resistance to immunotherapy drugs. This phenomenon could lead to new ways to improve current cancer immunotherapies.
A new set of clinical guidelines aims to prevent the development of peanut allergy in infants by introducing peanut-containing foods early. The recommendations focus on high-risk infants, suggesting introduction between 4-6 months, and those with mild eczema, around 6 months.
A VIMS research team has deployed a high-tech mooring beneath the Antarctic ice to monitor CO2 levels in the Southern Ocean year-round. The study aims to improve understanding of global climate change and its impacts on marine life.
A new study reveals that the brain region responsible for face recognition continues to grow in adulthood, contradicting the prevailing view of synaptic pruning as a key factor in brain development. The growth is linked to an increase in cell bodies, dendritic structures, and myelin sheath.
A new study uses airborne ice-penetrating radar to observe meltwater's year-round life under the Greenland ice. The research reveals extensive winter water storage beneath the ice, which affects glaciers' response to melting.
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology suggests that chemotherapy can still benefit patients with non-small-cell lung cancer who recover slowly from surgery. The study found that delaying chemotherapy by up to four months did not increase the risk of death and may even lower it compared to earlier treatment.
Mandatory ignition interlock laws are effective in reducing alcohol-involved fatal crashes, preventing approximately 1,250 fatalities. States with such laws have seen a seven percent decrease in the rate of fatal crashes with at least one driver having a blood alcohol content over the legal limit.
A team of researchers developed a non-invasive method to detect and quantify wood decay in living trees, which can help understand global carbon pools and tree health. The sonic tomography technology uses sound waves to image the trunk, allowing for the creation of color-coded images of decaying wood.
An international study argues that protecting 20-30% of fishing grounds can help sustain and rebuild unregulated fisheries, benefiting millions of people. Marine reserves can be an effective management tool in highly diverse and overfished areas.
The VA's MRSA Prevention Initiative has significantly reduced healthcare-associated infections, with a 87% decline in intensive care units and 80.1% drop in non-ICUs between 2007 and 2015. Active surveillance and infection prevention programs played a key role in this progress.
A recent study found that moderate and high levels of physical activity are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and death from all causes among older adults. Exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight, lowers blood pressure, and improves the ratio of unhealthy to healthy cholesterol in the body.
Delicate fossil remains of tomatillos found in Patagonia, Argentina, show that the nightshade family existed 52 million years ago, far earlier than previously thought. The discovery provides a rare link between ancient and modern plants, challenging traditional views on plant evolution.
A large international survey found imperfections in primary and secondary prevention of skin cancer, with regional differences in sun protection behaviors. The study's results suggest that education level, gender, and socioeconomic status influence sun protection habits.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered the precise atomic structure giving rise to negative differential resistance. This breakthrough enables practical applications in everyday electronics like phones and computers, promising faster, cheaper, and smaller devices.
Researchers found that Antarctic ocean temperatures became more layered, leading to coastal melting of ice sheets. This stratification is now happening again due to global warming, potentially triggering a three-meter rise in global sea levels.
Researchers found that taking an hour-long nap after lunch significantly improved mental health outcomes in older Chinese adults. The study revealed that napping for about an hour was associated with better performance on cognitive tests compared to shorter or longer naps.
Entomologists describe five new species and two newly recorded snout moth genera Lista in China, bringing total to ten species known from the country. The brightly colored wings of these moths have made them difficult to distinguish from one another, but this study sheds light on their taxonomy.
NYU Tandon has established a new research center, C2SMART, to tackle urban mobility challenges through data-driven solutions and innovative technologies. The five-year project aims to create a safer, more accessible, and resilient transportation system for cities worldwide.
Coral reefs face severe bleaching every year on 99% of the world's reefs within this century if current trends continue. However, more ambitious emissions reductions may extend their survival by an average of 11 years.
Severely obese teenagers who undergo gastric bypass surgery experience significant weight loss and improved health outcomes, including reduced diabetes and high cholesterol risks. However, some patients may need additional surgery or develop vitamin deficiencies, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up and support.
A new analysis reveals that polar bears are at risk from Arctic pollutants, with the risk being 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than safety thresholds. International control measures have reduced risks for bear cubs, but new contaminants pose a growing threat to the ecosystem.
A team of astronomers led by Penn State's Niel Brandt has captured the deepest X-ray image ever obtained, revealing a treasure trove of supermassive black holes. The image, taken with Chandra observing time of about 11 weeks, shows that these massive objects grow in bursts rather than slowly accumulating matter.
A new study finds that beluga whales in Alaska are mirroring changes in Arctic sea ice timing, delaying their migration south by up to one month. However, another population remains unaffected by these changes, suggesting variability in response across populations and time.
A study published in Nature Communications found that nearly three quarters of immune traits are genetically determined, with adaptive responses being more influenced by genetics than previously thought. The research also highlights the importance of environmental factors such as diet on shaping innate immunity in adult life.
A new Yale study suggests that delaying chemotherapy after lung cancer surgery can lead to similar outcomes and lower risk of death. The research found that initiation between 57-127 days post-surgery had a similar impact as traditional timing, indicating a potential benefit for patients.
A comprehensive study on Hong Kong's marine biodiversity reveals the territory is home to over 26% of China's recorded marine species, comparable to regions like the Caribbean Sea and East Africa. The research highlights the importance of conserving marine habitats in Hong Kong, with only 2% currently protected.
A new Northwestern University study found that 13 speedy mini-apps, IntelliCare, significantly reduced depression and anxiety in participants who used them up to four times a day. The apps offer various exercises and strategies to improve mental well-being, resulting in a 50% decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms.
The cancer death rate has decreased by 25% since its peak in 1991, resulting in 2.1 million fewer cancer deaths between 1991 and 2014. The decline is largely driven by reductions in smoking and improvements in early detection and treatment.
Researchers have solved the atomic structure of HIV's intasome, a key piece of machinery that integrates virus into human DNA. The discovery provides structural clues informing the development of new HIV drugs and sheds light on mechanisms of viral resistance.
The Mathematical Association of America honored Martha J. Siegel, Mark F. Schilling, and Robert D. Hough with prestigious awards for distinguished service and exemplary writing at the Joint Mathematics Meeting. The MAA recognized their contributions to advancing mathematical research and strengthening the community.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that vaginal microbes are distinct in women with endometrial cancer compared to those without the disease. Researchers hope to use vaginal swabs as an early screening tool and investigate the role of the microbiome in preventing endometrial cancer.
Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the 12/15-lipoxygenase enzyme, which is elevated in patients with the condition. The study found that this inhibitor reverses cognitive decline and neuropathology in an AD mouse model, even after symptoms have already developed.
Killer whales in captivity require enhanced living conditions to elicit natural behaviors. Experts propose changes to environmental enrichment, feeding, and husbandry systems to prioritize psychological and physical wellbeing.
A new study reveals that 50% of Canadians are unaware they have high blood pressure, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education on managing the condition. Researchers also found a significant number of participants experienced hypertensive urgency or emergency, emphasizing the importance of proper management.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that lipid rafts on cell surfaces act as compartments to keep enzymes from mixing with their binding partners. Disrupting these rafts through touch triggers a signal that communicates the touch to responsive proteins in the cell.
A new study suggests that off-grid solar energy can have significant economic benefits for people living in remote areas, but requires a special business model to succeed. Successful business models include community interaction, partnerships, local capacity building and addressing barriers unique to the off-grid market.
Researchers found no direct association between hot weather and increased Salmonella prevalence at free range egg production farms. The study emphasizes the critical role of hand hygiene in reducing food poisoning from eggs.
Scientists discovered Ebola virus RNA lingering in the lungs of a recovering patient for about five days after it cleared from blood. The findings support the possibility of active replication in the lungs, raising potential roles for lung infection in the disease's pathogenesis and transmission.
Ian Stewart won the MAA Euler Book Prize for his book In Pursuit of the Unknown, a journey through equations that shaped history. Tim Chartier received the Beckenbach Book Prize for his book When Life is Linear, which brings linear algebra alive in everyday life.
Researchers found that iron deficiency anemia reduces the risk of malaria by 16% in African children, compared to sickle-cell trait, which only reduces it by 4%. Iron supplementation reverses this protection, increasing the risk of P. falciparum malaria.
A new study provides an integrated marketing-operations framework to help companies design more effective service policies for their call centers. The framework considers the flow of customers through the call center and their subsequent behavior, allowing companies to design different service levels for various customer types.
Recent studies in density functional theory (DFT) have raised concerns about the accuracy of approximations used in computational chemistry. Researchers found that even with improved energy calculations, the quality of electron density simulations worsened over time. This contradiction highlights a fundamental flaw in DFT's approach.
The Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Awards support novel approaches to fighting cancer with $2.1 million grants to nine innovative early-career scientists. Their projects aim to significantly impact cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The phase I trial of CAR-T therapy with axicabtagene ciloleucel resulted in a durable complete remission rate of 43% among highly refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients. The treatment showed promising clinical activity, with an overall response rate of 71%, and manageable toxicity.
A study found that high monthly doses of vitamin D reduced acute respiratory infections in older long-term care residents by 40%. However, it also increased the number of falls experienced by these individuals. The study suggests daily dosing with high levels of vitamin D may be needed to minimize risk.
Researchers found small algae-grazing sea urchins and parrotfish may take the place of larger grazers to prevent algae from overgrowing reefs. These tiny organisms, comprising up to 95% of grazing biomass, can preempt shifts from coral to algae on degraded reefs.
A recent study found that the viability of certain bacteria, nematodes, and plants declined over 12 months in stored soil, regardless of source or storage conditions. However, mortality was higher when exposed to sunlight, moisture, and desiccation than protection.
A review in Angewandte Chemie emphasizes the importance of standardized analytic protocols to accurately assess microplastic contamination in aquatic ecosystems. The authors propose a list of nine arguments for harmonized methods, including improved sampling and processing techniques, to ensure reliable data and inform risk assessments.
A Stanford study suggests that the development of face recognition entails brain tissue growth, particularly in regions that distinguish faces from other objects. The research found microscopic tissue growth in these regions, which continues into adulthood and contributes to the differences between face and place recognition areas.
Researchers redate human settlement in Tibet, pushing back timeline by thousands of years; new findings suggest permanent residence may have been established due to wetter climate, enabling pre-agricultural peopling of the plateau.
New research published in Science suggests that humans established permanent settlements on the Tibetan Plateau around 7,400 years ago. The findings contradict previous estimates of 5,200 years ago, and are consistent with genetic adaptations to high-altitude environments dating back at least 8,000 years.
Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke even before conception appears to impair fetal brain development throughout pregnancy, damaging regions involved in learning and memory. The impact was most severe with exposures occurring in late gestation, but adverse effects also occurred when mothers were exposed prior to conception.
A new review examines the potential health benefits of resistant starch, a form of starch not digested in the small intestine. It has been linked to improved blood sugar control and enhanced gut health through increased production of short-chain fatty acids.