IUPUI researchers identified a unique compound in the seed oil of the February orchid, which could lead to the development of environmentally friendly lubricants. The discovery provides clues as to what makes the seed oil a superior lubricant, demonstrating better friction and wear reduction.
Patients with high blood pressure are at increased risk of developing dementia within five years, yet cognitive function is not routinely measured. A clock drawing test was found to be more effective in detecting cognitive impairment than the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in adults with high blood pressure.
Levels of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) regulated by the Stockholm Convention are decreasing in the Arctic, according to an international team of researchers. The biggest decreases were in a byproduct of the pesticide lindane and PCBs, with mean annual declines of 9% and 4% per year across the Arctic region.
A new study reveals that active shooter training increases emergency department staff's ability to respond effectively in the event of an attack. 92% of participating nurses reported feeling better prepared after training.
A large trial found that long-term single antiplatelet therapy after stenting is relatively safe, but it does not reduce the risk of death or heart attacks compared to standard dual antiplatelet therapy. The study involved over 15,000 patients and followed them for two years.
Researchers used a quantitative method to analyze over 140,000 artworks and found a temporal evolution of artistic styles reflecting divisions in style during Renaissance, Modern, and Contemporary art. The study demonstrates the utility of quantitative metrics in assessing artistic style evolution.
Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a non-invasive urine test to detect the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, causing river blindness. The new lateral flow assay uses a biomarker in human urine to identify active infections, offering a crucial tool for tracking outbreaks and treating current infections.
A new study from Binghamton University suggests that women's diets play a bigger role in their emotional wellbeing than men's. Women are less likely to experience mental distress until they follow a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
A $7 million grant will fund a 18-month study comparing two interventions: online CATCH-IT and in-person POD group therapy, to prevent depressive episodes among adolescents. The trial aims to identify which program has the greatest capacity for large-scale impact.
Rice University researchers have developed a fleet of autonomous aerial drones that can coordinate to detect and track airborne pollutants. The system, called ASTRO, will use real-time data to alert neighborhoods of hazardous conditions following extreme weather events.
A geographic profiling tool used to catch serial criminals could help reduce the casualties of human-tiger conflict. By analyzing data from 2,386 Sumatrans and 13 years of human-tiger encounter records, scientists identified three places with high risk and low tolerance for tigers.
Scientists develop FliptR, a fluorescent molecule that measures cell membrane tension, revealing how cells adapt their surface to volume changes. The discovery paves the way for applications in cancer cell detection and membrane tension regulation.
The Jiachala Formation, a key deposit in the Neo-Tethyan subduction zone, was formed in a submarine fan environment during Late Cretaceous (~88-84 Ma) at the active southern margin of the Asian plate. Provenance analysis indicates it originated from the Gangdese arc and central Lhasa terrane.
A global assessment by scientists reveals nearly one-third of world's farms use sustainable intensification practices, improving productivity and biodiversity. Less developed countries see the largest gains in productivity, while industrialized countries focus on minimizing harm to ecosystem services.
A team of neuroscientists at Columbia University has figured out how to tease apart the many roles EGFR plays in the body. They report their findings in PLOS Genetics, solving a long-standing question about EGFR signaling and development. The study sheds light on the link between EGFR and disease, offering clues for diseases like cancer.
Researchers used information theory techniques to track changes in rainfall, heat, soil moisture and carbon flow in two ecosystems before, during and after rainfall and drought events. The study found that stronger connectivity alters how rainfall affects moisture, heat and carbon flux in the system.
The European Commission has approved Kymriah, a personalized CAR T-cell gene immunotherapy, for treating pediatric and young adult patients with aggressive blood cancers. The therapy has shown strong and durable response rates, providing a new hope for young cancer patients in Europe.
The PoshBee EU Horizon 2020 project aims to support healthy bee populations and sustainable beekeeping practices in Europe. The project will integrate knowledge from academics, beekeepers, and farmers to quantify the exposure hazard of chemicals on bees and determine their impact on health.
Researchers identify PDGF pathway to improve anti-VEGF therapies for glioblastoma. Adding an additional inhibitor blocks PDGF, making tumors more sensitive to anti-VEGF treatments.
A recent study found that full-body millimeter wave scanners pose no threat to patients with pacemakers, ICDs, or CRT devices. The research included 300 patients with cardiac devices and found no evidence of electromagnetic interference or device malfunction during the scan.
The foundation grants four-year, $231,000 fellowships to support novel projects and encourage early career researchers in cancer science. The recipients are working on innovative projects such as developing T-cell receptors for immunotherapy and understanding protein modification in cancer development.
Research suggests that patients with high blood pressure are more likely to rely on medication rather than reducing their salt intake, leading to higher blood pressure levels and increased medication use. Salt restriction is recommended as a key strategy to manage hypertension, but many patients fail to adhere to guidelines.
A new study published in Circulation found that oxygen therapy for patients with suspected heart attacks does not reduce the risk of developing heart failure or dying. The study, conducted at 35 Swedish hospitals, involved over 6,600 patients and showed no significant difference in survival rates or complications.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that lorcaserin, a weight loss drug, helped patients lose weight without increasing the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease. The trial involved 12,000 overweight or obese patients at risk for cardiovascular events.
Research suggests that people with deep forehead wrinkles, more than typical for their age, may have a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The study found that individuals with fewer wrinkles had lower risk compared to those with deeper wrinkles.
A weight loss drug, lorcaserin, does not increase the risk of cardiovascular events, according to a study that enrolled over 12,000 adults. The trial found noninferiority of lorcaserin for major adverse cardiovascular events compared to placebo after three years.
A long-term study found that blood pressure lowering treatment with a calcium channel blocker plus statin reduces cardiovascular deaths by 29% compared to older therapy. Statins also show significant benefits, with 15% lower cardiovascular death rates in patients with average cholesterol levels.
A study of 341,730 Chinese adults found long-term use of solid fuels for cooking associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death. Switching to electricity or gas reduced the negative impact of previous solid fuel use.
Research presented at ESC Congress 2018 found that impaired mental status is associated with a doubled risk of death one year after a heart attack in elderly patients. Cognitive impairment was detected in 29% of patients and was linked to higher risks of bleeding complications, rehospitalisation, and death.
A new study found that using oral anticoagulants for 45 days after hospital discharge reduced the rate of non-fatal blood clots in medically ill patients. The trial, MARINER, showed no increase in major bleeding risk while offering protection against non-fatal blood clots.
The ARRIVE trial found that daily aspirin did not reduce the occurrence of major cardiovascular events among participants at moderate cardiovascular risk. However, a lower-than-expected rate of cardiovascular events was observed, suggesting potential protection from modern preventative and therapeutic strategies such as statins.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that sleeping 5 hours or less per night is associated with a doubled risk of cardiovascular disease. Men who slept five or fewer hours had twice the risk of developing a major cardiovascular event compared to those who slept seven to eight hours.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes. The ASCEND trial involved over 15,000 participants and followed them for an average of 7.4 years.
Research from the University of Sydney shows that high-quality medication reminder apps increase people's adherence to cardiovascular medication. A clinical trial found no additional benefits from advanced features like snooze reminders and social support structures.
The ARRIVE study found that daily aspirin use did not reduce cardiovascular events, but participants who took aspirin had fewer heart attacks. Aspirin reduced the risk of total and nonfatal myocardial infarction in certain age groups, but increased gastrointestinal bleeding rates.
A study found that European bats are attracted to red light sources during their seasonal migration, potentially leading to fatal collisions with wind turbines. The use of bat-friendly lights or context-dependent illumination could help reduce this risk.
The Swiss Atrial Fibrillation Cohort Study found that 41% of atrial fibrillation patients had previously unknown brain damage, including cerebral infarcts, microbleeds, and lacunes. This brain damage may explain the association between dementia and atrial fibrillation in patients without prior stroke.
A large study found that sleeping less than six hours or waking up several times in the night increases the risk of asymptomatic atherosclerosis. Participants with short and fragmented sleep had significantly more atherosclerosis, according to Dr. Fernando Dominguez.
Patients with cardiovascular disease who experience major internal bleeding are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, particularly gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract cancers. The study, which involved over 27,000 patients in 33 countries, suggests that bleeding may serve as an early warning sign for occult cancers.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered that gut stem cells have a unique population of cells with intrinsic toxin resistance, enabling them to withstand drugs and spicy foods. These 'drug efflux pumps' protect the gut from toxic compounds, promoting intestinal regeneration and overall health.
The trial found that using two arterial grafts, including internal thoracic and radial arteries, may provide better outcomes than a single graft. However, the results are not conclusive due to high rates of deviations from randomization.
The COMPASS trial found a significant link between major bleeding events and new cancer diagnoses in patients treated with anticoagulants. Patients who experienced bleeding were more than 20% likely to receive a new cancer diagnosis.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that sleeping six to eight hours a night is most beneficial for heart health. The research, which analyzed data from over one million adults, suggests that both short and long sleepers have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease or stroke.
A new study suggests that incorporating heart scans into routine care could save thousands of lives in the UK. The SCOT-HEART study found that patients who received a computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scan had a 40% lower risk of heart attack within five years.
The new guidelines recommend open heart surgery for patients with complex coronary artery disease, as it provides better long-term survival and outcomes compared to stent placement. In contrast, patients with simpler disease can benefit from both surgical bypass and PCI, with complete revascularization being the preferred option.
Guidelines recommend inducing labour or caesarean section at 40 weeks to minimize pregnancy risks, particularly for women with congenital heart disease. Women with heart disease face higher mortality risk during pregnancy compared to healthy counterparts.
A recent study published in the journal Addiction found that individuals who experience hangovers continue to exhibit impaired cognitive function, including poorer attention and memory, the day after a heavy drinking session. This highlights the need for workplaces to reconsider their guidelines on alcohol intoxication at work.
A smartphone application has been shown to effectively screen for atrial fibrillation, with a verification process that can be downsized or omitted. The study found that approximately 225 people would need to be screened to detect one new case, making this technology an attractive option for widespread screening.
Research suggests that very high HDL cholesterol levels may increase the risk of heart attack and death, contrary to traditional views. The study found a U-shaped curve in the relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk, with both low and extremely high levels increasing the risk.
The guidelines recommend starting most patients on two blood pressure lowering drugs as a single tablet to improve control rates and reduce strokes, heart disease, and early deaths. A healthy lifestyle is also recommended for all patients, regardless of blood pressure level.
A new non-invasive test called FFRCT accurately reflects invasively measured fractional flow reserve, showing it can safely guide treatment for patients with moderate stenosis. The study found that patients with normal FFRCT results had a similar prognosis to those with mild or no stenosis.
The 2018 Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction provides clarity on diagnosing a heart attack, distinguishing between myocardial infarction and myocardial injury. Elevated troponin levels are not sufficient for diagnosis, and oxygen shortage detection via electrocardiogram is crucial.
A new study published by the European Society of Cardiology has investigated the major cause of heart attacks in women, finding that spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a leading factor. The study also identified emotional stress as a key trigger for SCAD, which can lead to narrowing, aneurysms, or tears in the arteries.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois has developed a new method for canceling noise without requiring ear-blocking headphones. By using wireless IoT networks, they can sense sounds and send them to an earpiece with enough time to produce a better anti-noise signal, effectively canceling out external sounds.
The study reveals that the Yellow Sea and East China Sea are net sinks for atmospheric CO2, absorbing around 8.5×10^6 t C annually. The ECS absorbs CO2 during winter, spring, and summer, while the YS releases CO2 in summer, autumn, and winter.
A new study suggests that college tours for Chinese teens are a rapidly growing market for the US tourist industry. The number of Chinese students participating in these tours has increased from 300,000 in 2013 to over 500,000 annually by summer 2015.
Tropical Storm Soulik is moving rapidly northeast across the Sea of Japan with sustained winds near 35 knots. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts Soulik will become extra-tropical before reaching Hokkaido.
A team of researchers developed an electrically conductive MOF that conducts electricity up to 10,000 times better than before, using a potassium chemical mix to boost conductivity. The new material has high electron mobility and can be used in various applications including batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells.
Research suggests that tree felling in African savannas is releasing at least three times more carbon than previously thought. The study found that degradation releases around twice as much carbon as deforestation, leading to combined losses of three to six times higher than expected.
A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine finds that risk adjusting for race and poverty improves the apparent performance of hospitals treating large numbers of nonwhite or poor patients. The study's lead author recommends including sociodemographic adjustment in payment models to prevent harm to vulnerable populations.