Despite strong progress, Israel still faces significant health disparities, with lower life expectancy and higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and smoking among its Arab population. The country's aging population poses a growing challenge, and addressing ethnic inequalities is crucial to ensuring universal healthcare coverage.
Researchers at UVA Health System discover that a single type of stem cell turns into both blood and heart tissue, shedding light on cause of ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy. The S1P1 gene is vital for proper heart formation.
New research confirms even mild brain injury can cause impulsivity problems in rats, with levels of inflammatory molecule interleukin-12 linked to impulsivity. The study found that impulsivity persisted eight weeks after injury, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessment and potential new treatment targets.
Research found that progesterone levels are associated with fewer headaches in older teenagers and more headache in younger girls. Cyclic hormonal fluctuations during puberty may contribute to the differences in headache severity.
Climate change is shown to impact gut bacteria diversity in common lizards, with a 34% loss of microorganism diversity found at warmed temperatures. This finding highlights the importance of research into how climate change affects bacteria associated with plants and animals.
Researchers developed a process that purifies polluted air while generating power as hydrogen gas, which can be stored and used as fuel. The device uses specific nanomaterials and is triggered by sunlight, offering a promising solution for clean air and alternative energy production.
Ben-Gurion University researchers found that SIRT6 protein levels are significantly lower in Alzheimer's patients and contribute to the onset of the disease. The study suggests a link between low SIRT6 levels and DNA damage accumulation, which may lead to neurodegenerative diseases.
Kirk Schanze is developing artificial light conversion systems inspired by natural photosynthesis, aiming to optimize the process and create efficient solar fuels. His goal is to contribute to a carbon-neutral energy future for the US and world.
The Partnership for Food Safety Education is using Kansas State University's Center for Sensory Analysis and Consumer Behavior research to promote safe poultry handling. Key findings include the importance of disinfecting shopping cart handles, using meat bags in grocery stores, and washing hands before food preparation.
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of hatha yoga in treating persistent major depression, finding benefits may accumulate over time. Yoga was superior to health education in alleviating depression symptoms at 3 and 6 months after treatment ended.
An international study has identified a new therapeutic target for Hepatitis C Virus by hijacking host cell communication systems. The approach may have broader application to other infectious diseases.
Children who start learning English in the first grade achieve poorer results in this subject than children whose first English lesson isn't until the third grade. This is because early English-language lessons take place at a time when deep immersion would be necessary to achieve sustainable effects.
The US needs a new approach to defeat the Islamic State by addressing root causes of conflicts, reconciling disenfranchised populations with governments. This requires long-term commitment to establish legitimate governance in Iraq and Syria.
Researchers developed a neural network-based method to stylize photos without losing original image details. The technique uses deep machine learning to preserve boundaries and edges while transferring styles.
A study by Australian researchers has found that testosterone suppresses the production of immune cells that trigger allergic asthma. The finding may lead to new, targeted treatments for the disease. Women are two times more likely to develop asthma than men after puberty due to testosterone's protective effects.
A new study found that Scottish badger populations are more likely to thrive in areas with higher minimum winter temperatures and lower elevation. However, the predicted increase in human population in the Scottish Highlands may counteract these benefits, highlighting the need for context-dependent responses in conservation management.
Research by the University of Basel found that female resuscitation teams were less efficient in CPR compared to their male counterparts. The study highlighted the importance of targeted measures to prepare and train women for emergency situations.
A study found that toddlers learn best from touchscreens through simple interactions like watching, with older children benefiting more. Researchers recommend app developers to tailor interactivity to individual needs, avoiding distractions.
Scientists at ANU analyzed ancient zircon mineral grains to reconstruct the early Earth's surface. The study reveals that the planet remained relatively quiet and calm for its first 700 million years, with no major mountain-building events or continental collisions.
A study by Prof. Dr. Thomas Laux and colleagues reveals that plants employ an intracellular signal pathway activated by sperm to activate gene transcription in zygotes. This collaboration between paternal and maternal factors enables the regulation of embryogenesis in plants, challenging the traditional parental conflict theory.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center discover that cancer cells hijack the DNA repair machinery to sustain their growth. By inhibiting this mechanism, they found potential targets for anticancer drugs and ways to track cancer recurrence.
A team of researchers mimics the vibrant color of Stellar's jay bird plumage and demonstrates a new way to control light interaction with materials. The development could lead to engineering new materials for solar cells, camouflage, and more.
Researchers found that taking certain antidepressants, tranquilizers, sedatives, or antipsychotic medications significantly increased veterans' risks for developing dementia. The study also revealed that veterans who used three classes of these medicines were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
Researchers discover progranulin's novel function as a chaperone for lysosomal protease cathepsin D, contributing to neuronal dysfunction in FTD. Progranulin knockout mice show impaired axonal regeneration after nerve injury, highlighting its importance in neurotrophic support.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) assessment is accurate, timely, and associated with low pain levels and high caregiver satisfaction. POCUS was compared to X-ray for diagnosing distal forearm fractures in children, yielding a sensitivity of 94.7% and specificity of 93.5%.
In liver cancer, Scrib's increased expression suppresses the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting three oncogenes. The study provides the first hard evidence that Scrib functions as a tumor suppressor in human and animal liver cancer.
Electrick, a low-cost touch sensing technology, can turn objects of almost any shape into touchpads. The system uses electric field tomography to sense finger touches and detect locations with an accuracy of one centimeter.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution develop a method to visualize and measure lipids in real-time as they are metabolized by living fish. This breakthrough allows for a better understanding of cellular functions and the role of lipids in health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Research found that Hodgkin lymphoma survivors who received chest irradiation had significantly more multi-vessel coronary artery disease and higher segment involvement scores compared to controls. The study suggests that patients should be screened for coronary artery disease at regular intervals after irradiation.
Researchers suggest that radiotherapy could have a role in extending the lives of patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer. Studies show that higher doses of radiation are associated with longer survival times. The study analyzed data from over 500 patients and found that those who received higher doses lived significantly longer.
A large study found that brachytherapy is a good option for many men with penile cancer, offering high survival rates and minimal impact on sexual and urinary function. The treatment allowed 85% of men to survive with their penis intact, with few cases requiring surgery due to side effects.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that can break down small amounts of gluten within the digestive system, reducing symptoms in gluten-sensitive patients. The study found that taking the enzyme tablet while consuming gluten-containing foods prevented a significant amount of it from entering the small intestine.
A large nuclear cardiology laboratory has achieved a significant reduction in radiation doses, from 17.9 mSv in 2009 to 7.2 mSv in 2016, with the median dose dropping by 75%. The study used new technologies and protocols, including stress-only tests and more sensitive cameras, to achieve these reductions.
A Cleveland Clinic survey found that individuals with healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, were less likely to have a personal history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps. However, less than 10% of respondents met daily fruit and vegetable intake recommendations.
Researchers found that projecting videos onto the inside of a radiotherapy machine reduced the need for general anesthesia in children with cancer, making treatment less traumatic and more efficient. The study used video projection to calm anxious kids and save time, resulting in faster treatment times and reduced stress.
A study published in JAMA found that systemic therapy with oral corticosteroids and immunosuppression can preserve or improve vision in the long term, better than regional implant therapy, for patients with severe uveitis. The treatment approach showed fewer ocular side effects and no significant increase in systemic side effects.
A new study found that treating prostate cancer with a single high dose of precise radiation results in fewer hospital trips, lower toxicity, and improved quality of life compared to traditional treatments. Patients reported high satisfaction with the convenient outpatient procedure.
Researchers found that cinnamon supplements reduced belly fat, improved sugar and insulin levels, and increased antioxidant molecules in rats fed a high-fat diet. This suggests that cinnamon may mitigate the negative effects of a high-fat diet on cardiovascular health.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, a non-surgical procedure, has been shown to be safe and effective for individuals with obesity who are not candidates for weight-loss surgery. Patients treated with ESG achieved greater weight loss than laparoscopic banding but less than laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
A study found that specific genetic markers can predict which HCV patients are likely to improve with treatment, helping minimize the need for liver transplants. Researchers identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the PNPLA3 gene as a key indicator.
A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers has led to the development of a test kit for detecting influenza using fluorescent light. The test kit emits red fluorescence when exposed to infected patient samples, indicating the presence of the virus.
A comprehensive review of clinical and basic research studies found that antipsychotics improve outcomes for patients with schizophrenia and related disorders. The benefits of these medications outweigh potential side effects, and delaying treatment can lead to poorer long-term outcomes.
Researchers identified RIOK1 as a potential new target for cancer therapy that slows down disease progression by blocking its enzymatic activity. The study found that inhibiting RIOK1 can reduce the growth and aggressiveness of cancer cells, including those with mutated RAS proteins.
Ramon Lopez, a leading expert in physics education, has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to enhancing understanding and appreciation of physics through teaching. He was elected as one of eight Fellows by the American Association of Physics Teachers in 2017.
Scientists at Lund University have identified a novel defence mechanism that uses thrombin fragments to aggregate and neutralize bacteria and toxins in wounds. This discovery could provide an alternative approach to treating bacterial infections, potentially reducing the reliance on antibiotics.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation responsible for keratolytic winter erythema (KWE), a rare skin disorder prevalent among Afrikaners. The discovery enables dermatologists to diagnose KWE in patients and provides a starting point for developing potential treatments.
Researchers found that adaptive radiation treatment significantly decreased the incidence of radiation pneumonitis in advanced lung cancer patients, while still slowing and controlling cancer growth. The study also showed no difference in cancer recurrence rates between the two groups.
Researchers have identified a gene, Prkca, that plays a key role in the formation of neural tube defects, commonly found in infants of pregnant women with diabetes. The study's findings may lead to new methods for reducing risk and potentially prevent these birth defects.
A new USC-led study suggests that the prescription opioid epidemic is creating a heroin epidemic, which may lead to an injection drug use epidemic. The study found that individuals born in the 1980s and 1990s are more likely to progress from first illicit drug use to drug injection than previous generations.
A series of experiments found that people trust others who did not engage in the same ritual less than those who did. The study's lead author explains that even minimal rituals can lead to bias against people from other groups.
A new study by UCLA researchers found a strong association between gut microbiota and brain regions involved in processing sensory information from the body. The study also revealed connections between childhood trauma, brain development, and the composition of the gut microbiome.
Researchers created photonic hypercrystals to control light-matter interaction, increasing light emission rate and intensity. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in Li-Fi, solar cells, and quantum information processing.
A phase III CONVERT trial study presented at ELCC 2017 shows that white blood cell boosting drugs are safe during concurrent chemo-radiotherapy of small cell lung cancer. The use of G-CSF had no significant negative impact on patient outcomes, supporting its use to mitigate neutropenia and increase chemotherapy delivery.
Researchers found that similar levels of trust reduce opportunistic behavior, while asymmetry leads to perceptions of opportunism. Asymmetry in power and size influences perceptions, with bigger buyers perceived as less opportunistic by smaller suppliers.
Researchers evaluated macular changes using spectral domain type optic coherence tomography in 63 eyes of patients with acute NAION, finding normal posterior pole in 33.3% and subretinal fluid in 34.9%. The study suggests that macular OCT can identify coexistent macular abnormalities and monitor disease progression.
Researchers have discovered a new butterfly species, Acentria's fritillary, in northern Israel, with a unique molecular signature different from other fritillary species. The species is likely to be endemic to the region, highlighting its evolutionary history and possible hybridization between two other species.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota discovered a new nano-scale thin film material with the highest-ever conductivity in its class, making it ideal for optically transparent conducting films. The material has a wide bandgap, allowing light to pass through while maintaining high conductivity.
A UBC computer scientist invented a unique desk light that automatically switches from green to red when an employee is 'in the zone' and shouldn't be disturbed by colleagues. The FlowLight reduces interruptions, changes office culture, and motivates employees to finish work faster.
High tumor PD-L1 expression after radiation therapy is associated with increased risk of head and neck cancer recurrence in HPV-negative patients. Researchers identified PD-L1 as a biomarker of poor outcomes, suggesting that combining radiation and a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor could improve survival rates.
Researchers at Disney Research have demonstrated an ultra-wideband backscatter communication system that enables IoT sensors to transmit data via ambient radio waves. This approach radically reduces the power requirements of sensor nodes, allowing for widespread deployment in metropolitan areas.