A new $5 million NIH grant will investigate the effects of a genetic variation on kidney transplant outcomes in African American donors. The study aims to improve matching of donor kidneys with recipients and extend post-transplant kidney function.
A genetic variant associated with multiple psychiatric disorders is linked to changes in a brain network that may increase an individual's risk of developing bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. The variant affects the expression of the SNAP25 protein, impacting information processing between brain regions involved in regulating emotions.
A recent study led by Stanford Medicine researchers found a significant decrease in hospital admissions for prescription opioid overdoses, but an increase in heroin and synthetic opioid poisonings. This shift suggests that individuals misusing or addicted to prescription opioids are switching to these alternative drugs.
A nanotechnology-enhanced biochip developed by NJIT engineer Eon Soo Lee can detect deadly diseases such as ovarian cancer and pneumonia early in their progression. The device, which analyzes a tiny amount of blood within two minutes, has the potential to improve treatment outcomes significantly.
A new model of treatment for youth with anxiety can be effectively delivered using at least 14% less therapist time than traditional treatment services. The study tested a stepped care model, where young people first begin using self-help to manage their symptoms before stepping up to treatment with a therapist.
A Rice University-led study shows that kinesins ignore weak forces as they transport cargo in cells, with lead kinesins carrying 90% of the load. The research provides molecular-level details of how kinesins respond to external forces and confirms earlier experiments on team-based motor proteins.
Researchers found prairie strips increase insect and bird biodiversity and nutrient retention while reducing water runoff. Fields with prairie strips experienced minimal loss in crop production compared to fields without them.
Researchers discovered that muscle cell lipid composition varies with the time of day, influenced by a biological clock, which could help regulate insulin sensitivity. This variation is linked to type 2 diabetes development.
The FDA has issued a warning about the risks of prolonged anesthesia in infants and young children, citing possible negative effects on brain development. Plastic surgeons are advised to delay elective procedures lasting more than three hours until after age 3 if possible, while reducing exposure through alternative strategies.
A new study recounts the life and work of Hisako Koyama, a pioneering female solar observer who created detailed sunspot drawings for over 40 years. Her archive was used to establish a continuous record of sunspots stretching back to 1610, shedding light on the solar cycle and its influence on Earth.
The NSF-funded Center for the Physics of Biological Function aims to bridge the gap between physics and biology by facilitating collaboration among theorists and experimentalists. The center will host a summer school for advanced undergraduates to introduce them to the field.
A new model from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management provides an integrated marketing-operations framework to help companies design effective service policies for their call centres. The framework links call centre capacity, service quality, and future consumer behaviour, enabling companies to tailor service levels ...
Researchers studied northern hemisphere boreal forests from 1979-2014 and found that spring recovery after snowmelt advanced by an average of 8.1 days, corresponding to a 3.7% increase in gross primary production per decade.
A study analyzing over 100,000 individuals sentenced for felonies in Michigan found that those with a history of imprisonment were 20 percentage points more likely to be re-incarcerated than those on probation. Intense parole supervision may contribute to increased incarceration rates among parolees.
A University of Oklahoma research team led by Elinor Martin will apply statistical and artificial intelligence methods to predict heavy rainfall events. The team aims to improve forecasting and increase communication between researchers, forecasters, and stakeholders to enhance societal resilience to extended periods of heavy rainfall.
A new tool using readily available data accurately estimates the 30-day mortality risk for patients admitted to the emergency department with acute heart failure. This tool can inform clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that targeting the CTLA-4 molecule at the right time during malaria infection allows mice to quickly clear the disease and develop lasting immunity. The study suggests a new approach for combating malaria, potentially involving immunotherapy drugs or small molecules.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that the enzymatic function of the fly enzyme Trr may not be as crucial as previously thought, suggesting alternative explanations for its role in cancer development. The study found that knocking out Trr's catalytic activity did not affect flies' viability or gene expression.
A new NIH-funded study aims to develop evidence-based treatments for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, a condition affecting newborns exposed to opioids during pregnancy. The Advancing Clinical Trials in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (ACT NOW) project will evaluate treatment options and develop research protocols.
A Case Western Reserve University-led study assessing memantine's cognitive-enhancing effects on adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome has been approved in São Paulo, Brazil. The trial aims to build on previous findings and could lead to a much larger final phase of testing.
Researchers have created a new building material that produces Majorana particles, which could lead to the development of faster quantum computers. The breakthrough enables the mass production of nano wires with Majorana properties, paving the way for more efficient computing.
The article highlights the risks of opioid addiction after plastic surgery, citing a study that found 4.7% of US population aberrantly used prescription opioids in 2015. Plastic surgeons are advised to screen patients for risk factors and refer them to addiction specialists or transitional pain services.
A team of scientists discovered that tropical fungi form species-specific associations with seeds, influencing survival and germination rates. The study found that different fungi can aid or hinder seed development, depending on the seed species, providing new insights into the persistence of tropical forest diversity.
Researchers use liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy to study colloidal gold nanoparticles' interactions and self-assembly. The method provides precise control over particle shape and assembly rates, opening up new possibilities for nanotechnology applications.
Suburban areas in the US face barriers to healthcare access, including limited community health centers and free clinics. Poor suburbanites have higher odds of being uninsured and having unmet healthcare needs compared to higher-income adults.
Researchers developed an algorithm based on ant trail networks, which adapts to changes in the environment and avoids taking the shortest path. The algorithm is inspired by how ants navigate through complex vegetation and repair broken trails using a 'greedy search' method.
Human activities have significantly impacted the planet, changing global climate, sea levels and biosphere. The Anthropocene Working Group proposes formalizing this new epoch to acknowledge these changes.
Hubble identifies potential targets for Webb using preparatory science observations, filling observational gaps in the infrared spectrum. Astronomers plan to use Hubble to survey multiple targets and determine the best strategy for Webb, optimizing observation time.
A new Central Park fly species, Themira lohmanus, has been discovered and named after City College of New York entomologist Professor David Lohman. The insect's unique mating ritual involves unusual methods and appendages used by males to store sperm for the female's selection.
Scientists from RUDN University have classified the distribution of soil microorganisms at different latitudes, discovering that soil properties are the primary factor in determining microbial composition. The study revealed that climate and vegetation play a lesser role in shaping microbial communities.
Researchers from Kumamoto University developed a compound that suppresses viral budding, confining the virus within host cells and leading to cell death through apoptosis. This approach aims to eradicate latent HIV reservoirs, which are key to complete recovery from AIDS.
A large epidemiological study conducted in Québec found no link between the BCG vaccine and childhood asthma. The research team analyzed data from a comprehensive vaccination registry and public health records, adjusting for various confounders to ensure accurate findings.
Despite electronic health record adoption, many US hospitals face challenges in integrating external data from other providers, leading to clinician barriers and limited accessibility. The study highlights the need for improved systems to ensure seamless data sharing.
Researchers have developed a new method to track the origin of individual batches of heroin, potentially aiding in the disruption of the opioid crisis. By analyzing the ratio of radiogenic strontium isotopes, they can differentiate samples from different geographic regions.
Researchers found that incorporating game design elements into activity trackers increased step counts by nearly one mile per day. The study, which involved families tracking physical activity with wearable devices or smartphone apps, showed a 27% increase in achieving daily fitness goals.
Researchers at UTSA are developing new cancer drugs from complex natural products with proven anticancer potential. The team aims to recreate the active portion of these compounds to overcome drug resistance and tackle advanced-stage cancers.
A newly identified prehistoric marine predator has shed light on the origins of ancient reptiles. The Melksham Monster, a 10-foot-long animal that lived in warm seas during the Middle Jurassic, reveals an early rise of these distant relatives.
A study found that mutations in the KEAP1 gene make lung adenocarcinoma cells vulnerable to oxidative stress, allowing an experimental drug called CB-839 to stop tumor growth. The discovery could lead to a more effective treatment for patients with combined KRAS and KEAP1 mutations.
The study, published in the Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management, compiles data on the Clinch dace from 70 stream segments in Tazewell and Russell counties. The fish can serve as an indicator of water quality due to their rarity and sensitivity to environmental changes.
A study has identified a new strategy to treat HPV-related cancers, targeting the virus's E6 oncoprotein and its interaction with myc protein. This approach could lead to a more specific and less toxic treatment option.
Researchers used gene therapy to express melanopsin in mouse retinas, restoring visual function and improving pupil constriction. The treatment was effective for up to 15 months, showing enhanced visual responses and light avoidance behaviors.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded UCLA a $5 million grant to create a resource center for researchers studying the effects of substance abuse on HIV/AIDS. The Collaborating Consortium of Cohorts Producing NIDA Opportunities will connect researchers with access to millions of pieces of research data and lab samples.
Researchers found that adding healthy bacteria like Lactobacillus can reduce disease symptoms in female mice with lupus. The study suggests that a 'leaky gut' condition may contribute to the disease, and testosterone suppression may affect probiotic effects.
Researchers found high levels of radioactive cesium-137 in beach sands and brackish groundwater beneath beaches up to 60 miles away from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. The study suggests that this new pathway for radionuclide release should be considered in managing coastal areas near nuclear power plants.
The US Department of Energy has awarded the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center $16 million to develop stress-tolerant sorghum lines for bioenergy production. The project aims to optimize photosynthesis and water use efficiency, leveraging recent investments from DOE to accelerate sorghum feedstock enhancements.
Researchers found that statin users have a 27% lower risk of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections outside hospitals, with increased dosage offering greater protection. The study suggests that statins may play an important role in preventing serious blood infections, particularly among elderly patients with chronic conditions.
CU Anschutz and CU Boulder scientists have won a $2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to refine their unique 2P-FCM microscope, which allows deeper brain imaging and dynamic focus capability. The researchers will deploy the microscope to laboratories across the country to study neural activity in various species.
A community-based program, Bridges to Care, reduced ED visits and hospital admissions while increasing primary care use among Medicaid-eligible high ED users. The program provided intensive medical, behavioral health, and social care coordination services.
Researchers using ALMA detected methyl chloride around IRAS 16293-2422, an infant star system, and in comet 67P/C-G. The discovery indicates that organohalogens form naturally in interstellar clouds, challenging the search for life on other planets.
Researchers from Kumamoto University found that LCZ696 prevents cardiac rupture and heart failure following acute myocardial infarction. The study showed that LCZ696 reduces mortality due to cardiac rupture by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and MMP-9, improving prognosis for patients with chronic heart failure.
The Summer 2017 issue of Family Medicine and Community Health Journal focuses on various topics in family medicine, including prostate-specific antigen testing, health-related quality of life, and breast cancer tumor grade. The journal features six original research articles and one China Focus article.
The Colorado State University team aims to increase algal cultivation productivity, optimize biomass composition, and extract different types of algal lipids to reduce upgrading costs. The goal is to double the yield of biofuel precursors from algae to around 3,700 gallons per acre per year.
A genetic study aims to improve the tenderness and productivity of Brazilian beef cattle. Researchers bred over 800 animals to identify genomic areas associated with meat quality characteristics, revealing molecular processes related to muscle deposition and fat thickness.
A study found that a more intensive text messaging program helped some pregnant women quit smoking during pregnancy. The combo of Text4baby and Quit4baby was particularly effective for women age 26 and older and those in the second and third trimester. However, resolve to quit seemed to disappear postpartum.
A study led by NYU Langone Health found that removing a 2mm margin from suspicious moles can completely remove cancer cells with a single procedure. Researchers monitored patients for over a year and found no further suspicious growths, with 90% of biopsied moles being completely removed.
Researchers have shown that gene therapy can reprogram cells at the back of the eye to become light sensitive, potentially reversing blindness. In a study, mice blind from retinitis pigmentosa regained vision and recognized objects in their environment after receiving melanopsin gene therapy.
A team led by Professor Steven Rutledge will test the SEA-POL radar in the intertropical convergence zone near the Equator. The radar uses dual polarization technology to measure ocean rainfall and collect detailed information about clouds.
A new study reveals that older workers born in 1960 will face more challenges as they continue to work, seek work, or try to retire due to worsening health issues. The research found that younger cohorts have higher rates of poor cognition and limitations in daily living tasks compared to earlier birth cohorts.
A new mapping tool is being developed to help understand how global warming affects plant and animal populations globally. The Map of Life team, in collaboration with UB ecologist Adam Wilson, aims to integrate environmental and climatic data into the platform.
Brandon Cooper, a new University of Montana faculty member, has received a $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate the effects of Wolbachia bacteria on insect physiology and fitness. The study aims to understand how these bacteria spread within and between host species.