Researchers developed two new tools to diagnose systemic sclerosis earlier: nailfold videocapillaroscopy and a blood test detecting SSc-specific autoantibodies. These tools show promise in identifying patients with the characteristic appearance of early SSc patterns, aiding targeted treatment before irreversible damage occurs.
Researchers have developed an inexpensive printed sensor that can track millimeter-scale changes in tire tread depth with high accuracy. The technology has the potential to increase safety, improve vehicle performance, and reduce fuel consumption by detecting sub-millimeter resolution of tire wear.
Italian scientists introduce NanoTracer, a simplified assay combining DNA barcoding with nanotechnology to authenticate food with the naked eye. The test detects substitutes and adulterants in products like European perch and saffron powder.
Scientists at the University of Vienna created a hybrid carbon system with graphene sheets enclosing fullerenes. This setup allows for the observation of fullerene diffusion and rotation within the graphene sandwich, providing new insights into molecular dynamics.
A study found that cleaning and sterilization techniques used to clean flexible ureteroscopes leave behind contamination, including debris, residue, and bacteria. Researchers concluded that these failures may result in the use of dirty scopes, posing unknown implications for patients.
A team of researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology developed 3-D printed tensegrity structures that can expand dramatically using shape memory polymers. The structures use tensegrity, a structural system of floating rods in compression and cables in continuous tension.
Researchers at Wyss Institute have enhanced Organs-on-Chips technology to monitor cell health and electrical activity, enabling the study of human organ physiology and potential drug responses. The new design allows for real-time assessment of trans-epithelial electrical resistance and electrical activity of living cells.
A team of researchers has discovered how mutated proteins in a protein network drive several high-risk leukemias. The study suggests that an existing drug, ruxolitinib, may be repurposed to treat these leukemias and offers clues for developing novel drugs using precision medicine.
A recent study found that polar bear mercury levels are declining, indicating a change in their diet and weight as they adapt to reduced sea ice. The researchers attribute the drop to increased consumption of lower-mercury prey, such as bowhead whales and bearded seals, in place of ringed seals.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a solar paint that can split water atoms to generate hydrogen fuel, the cleanest source of energy. The innovative material, synthetic molybdenum-sulphide, catalyses the reaction and acts as a semi-conductor, making it efficient in producing hydrogen from solar energy and moist air.
A new rational drug design technique identifies molecules targeting multiple receptor sites on key cellular proteins, making it challenging for microbes to develop resistance. The technique has been validated and shows potential in battling drug resistance and even cancer cells.
Researchers have discovered a new chemical method to incorporate graphene into various applications, maintaining its unique properties. The method allows for the attachment of nanomaterials without distorting graphene's arrangement, enabling integration with other systems.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute found that influenza viruses handicapped by a single mutation can overcome their disadvantage when combined with other mutations. This phenomenon, known as epistasis, could lead to better development of flu vaccines and therapies.
A meta-analysis published at EULAR 2017 found that early treatment of pre-rheumatoid arthritis (pre-RA) significantly reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients who received active treatment had a lower risk of RA at 52 weeks or more compared to those on placebo.
Adult female praying mantises in the newly identified genus Hondurantemna chespiritoi have evolved to mimic a leaf by changing color to green and developing larger forewings. This unique camouflage strategy is distinct from that of males, which retain their brown coloration and stick-like body configuration.
Studying pea genetics and environmental factors, researchers found that pea yield is affected by both genetics and environment, but environment has a larger impact. The study also identified pea varieties with higher protein and resistant starch content, which can benefit human health and the environment.
A recent study published in Public Health found that only 1% of examined products provided calorie information on labels, and none were available in supermarkets' stores or online. This raises concerns about the lack of progress made by UK alcohol producers and retailers to provide consumers with essential nutrition data.
A new technology developed by Dr. Mahmoud Dhimish could enable clusters of houses to share their solar energy, reducing the need to export surplus electricity to the grid. The system uses 'demand diversity' among adjacent dwellings and energy storage to optimize energy usage.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a highly accurate blood test that can identify patients with aggressive prostate cancer. The test detects rare cells in the blood, including megakaryocytes, which are strongly linked to patient survival, and 'EMTed' CTCs, associated with poor patient outcomes.
A study found that patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome are 11 times more likely to have had a prior nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection than controls. NTM infection was also linked to increased risk of developing the disease, particularly among those aged 45-65 years.
Scientists discovered that nonclassical monocytes play a key role in driving primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. Targeting these cells could lead to novel treatments and potentially prevent death.
The first commercial CRISPR product is expected to debut in 2020: a waxy corn used for paper glue and food thickeners. Researchers can use CRISPR to identify genes in crops that may be good candidates for editing, potentially leading to improved cotton quality, non-browning mushrooms, drought-resistant corn, and grocery store tomatoes.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that makes lung cancer cells dependent on mutated versions of the p53 gene, opening the potential for new treatments. They also showed that ChK1 inhibitors could effectively stop cancer cell multiplication in patients with gain of function p53 mutations.
A new face-aging technique uses sparse partial least squares to create photographic-quality images of faces at different ages. The method, developed by University of Bradford researchers, has been shown to be more accurate than existing techniques and could improve search efforts for missing people.
A team of international scientists has identified a critical gene-regulating protein, Bdf1, essential for the survival of Candida albicans. Compounds that bind to this target can disrupt fungal growth, opening the way for novel drug treatments. The discovery offers a promising alternative to existing antifungal therapies.
A newly described protein, PfAP2-I, regulates a number of genes involved with the parasite's invasion of red blood cells, making it an effective target for new antimalarial drugs. Preventing PfAP2-I from binding to DNA and initiating the expression of invasion genes could stop an infection before it reaches the red blood cell stage.
Millions of people with diabetes are at risk of developing foot ulcers, which can lead to further complications like strokes and premature death. Focusing on ulcer remission is crucial in delaying these complications and improving patient outcomes.
New UAlberta research reveals female elk adapt their behavior to avoid hunters as they get older, showing social learning plays a key role. After 10 years, female elk become almost invulnerable to hunting, adjusting their movements and behavior to safer areas.
Osaka University researchers have developed a novel solar material that can efficiently split water to produce clean hydrogen fuel, outperforming traditional semiconductors. The three-part composite material maximizes light absorption and electron conduction, resulting in 60 times higher activity than pure lanthanum titanium oxide.
Researchers have discovered a way to quickly calm activated neutrophils, which can get stuck in the lungs' tiny capillaries, leading to life-threatening problems. The breakthrough, developed by a Creighton University physics professor, could lead to new treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI).
A five-year study screened over 2,200 mothers for depression risk, using lay health workers to deliver a depression prevention intervention within the Head Start program. The study found a 40% reduction in clinically significant depressive symptom episodes, with a 61% reduction among those with low initial screening levels.
Researchers at Université de Genève have developed a new test to detect anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), an autoimmune disease affecting around 0.5% of the population. The test targets the specific antibody that binds to cells, producing pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic factors, offering improved accuracy and standardization.
Researchers demonstrate preclinically that dual-labeled PSMA-inhibitors improve preoperative staging and intra-operative guidance for metastatic prostate cancer patients. This combined approach results in more accurate detection of PSMA-positive tumor lesions, enhancing patient outcomes.
Researchers used multispectral imaging to discover a previously invisible Hebrew inscription on the back of a pottery shard dated to the eve of Judah's destruction by Nebuchadnezzar. The inscription features an administrative text, including a request for wine and a guarantee for assistance.
A new class of drug, romosozumab, has been shown to rapidly and significantly reduce the risk of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In a clinical trial, women treated with romosozumab had a 83% lower risk of vertebral fracture compared to those receiving placebo.
Researchers found that engaging in risky behavior can lead to worse PTSD symptoms, prolonging stressful experiences and increasing the likelihood of new traumatic events. The study suggests that treatment providers should assess reckless behavior to prevent worsening PTSD symptoms.
A free mobile app has been developed to help healthcare providers assess and address intense grief in patients following a pregnancy loss or newborn death. The app uses the Perinatal Grief Intensity Scale (PGIS) to predict patients at risk for clinical-level anxiety, depression, and continuing grief.
Researchers used ALMA to map the magnetic field surrounding a young protostar, finding it was surprisingly weak and wildly disorganized. This discovery suggests that the impact of magnetic fields on star formation is more complex than previously thought.
A new study reveals that increasing temperatures are eroding the natural buffer against malaria transmission in Ethiopia's highlands. As temperatures rise above 18°C and 15°C, conditions become favorable for the disease to spread, posing a significant threat to the country's population.
Researchers found that childhood chemotherapy affects skills like quick task switching and remembering new information, but not long-term memory or concentration. High p-Tau levels predict future cognitive problems.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a questionnaire-style decision tool to predict young dogs' likelihood of succeeding in guide dog training. The Puppy Training Supervisor Questionnaire (PTSQ) accurately identified 16.9% of dogs, helping trainers assess suitability early and improve training processes.
Researchers bioengineered human liver tissues that exhibit previously unknown genetic-molecular crosstalk controlling developmental processes. The study reveals key communication between signaling proteins and receptors that instruct the development of liver tissues.
Research finds that long-term care facilities struggle with infection control, lacking resources and training for qualified personnel. Key findings include high turnover rates, underutilized staff hours, and inadequate antibiotic stewardship programs.
A new study reveals a significant increase in US hospital admissions for neonatal abstinence syndrome, caused by mothers using opioids during pregnancy. The condition carries a substantial burden on healthcare resources, resulting in nearly $316 million in costs and extended hospital stays.
A six-year study found that organic onions contain more health-benefiting phytochemicals, including flavonoids like quercetin. Weather conditions were a factor in flavonoid content, but antioxidant activity was consistently higher in organic onions.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identify a pathway by which neurons driving hunger influence distant areas of the brain involved in decision-making. They found that visual cues associated with food trigger activation of specific neurons in the insular cortex, particularly in hungry mice.
A randomized clinical trial of 230 Head Start mothers found that a problem-solving intervention significantly reduced depressive symptom episodes. The study suggests that such interventions can be an effective approach to addressing maternal depression, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Scientists have developed a new, inexpensive technique to create color-shifting nanoparticles inspired by beetle shells. The method produces tiny particles that can be easily controlled, enabling adjustable colors within materials or fabrics. This breakthrough could lead to the production of easier-to-read sensors and anti-tampering tags.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered a molecular player that acts as a pilot light to turn on brown fat, which burns sugar and fat to produce radiant heat. Mice lacking this molecule, histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), are unable to activate brown fat, highlighting its crucial role in metabolism.
A new study by MIT economists refines the measurement of school quality using a novel approach to Value-Added Models. By leveraging random assignment of students to schools, they found that conventional VAMs underestimate improvement at some schools but provide a ballpark figure for others.
A new study found that concentrated broccoli sprout extract can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. The researchers used a computational approach to identify compounds that could counter disease-associated gene expression changes associated with the condition.
Researchers observed a 50% enhancement in second harmonic generation from BiCoO3 crystal upon THz laser pulse irradiation. This effect occurs on the 100 femtosecond time scale, suggesting potential applications in ultrafast optoelectronic devices.
The article presents Elon Musk's vision for a self-sustaining city on Mars, requiring significant improvements in transportation costs. The CEO of SpaceX discusses the advantages of using Mars as a hub for a multi-planetary species, including its planetary options and system architecture.
A new minimally invasive system using radiofrequency energy has been shown to reliably create access for hemodialysis patients with minimal complications. The study found that 98% of arteriovenous fistulas were successfully created, and 87% were physiologically suitable for dialysis within three months.
Cancer researchers at GW Cancer Center investigate how mantle cell lymphoma cells develop resistance to targeted therapy Ibrutinib. They found that the cells adapt by activating alternative pathways, such as PI3K-AKT-mTOR, allowing them to continue progressing.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a new type of silica particle that can stabilize both oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions using a single type of emulsifier. The particles' rough surface reduces their mobility, allowing them to form a stabilizing armour around droplets.
A recent study found that 19.9% of tanning salons in US states with bans allow minors to use facilities, despite legislation prohibiting it. Many provide inaccurate health information about indoor tanning.
A newly discovered natural antibiotic produced by bacteria from a cystic fibrosis patient could potentially be used to combat drug-resistant tuberculosis. Lab testing showed that the compound, gladiolin, is stable and effective against four drug-resistant TB strains.
A new statistical analysis rebuts a previous study claiming a link between declining inpatient beds and increased suicide rates. The authors suggest focusing on proper diagnosis and treatment of depression and training primary care physicians to screen patients for mental health care.
Two Duke University-led studies confirm gray seals are making a comeback off the New England and eastern Canadian coasts using research drones, thermal cameras, and Google Earth. The findings suggest there are between 30,000 and 50,000 seals, with conservation efforts being successful.