Researchers at the University of Southampton are using satellite imagery, geolocation technology, and small area surveys to create high-resolution national population estimates. These approaches have already helped combat the spread of malaria and assist in disaster relief planning in countries such as Nepal and Haiti.
Having measles in early childhood may predispose individuals to asthma-like symptoms and airway obstruction if they also smoked. Adults with a significant history of asthma and smoking are at a higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Amino acid transporters are essential for capturing nutrients from blood vessels, which can be blocked by specific inhibitors to treat diseases. Blocking these functions can also enhance inhibition or excitation in the brain, a strategy used to treat chronic pain and possibly schizophrenia.
Researchers found that older adults are more likely to rely on gist memory, leading to difficulty distinguishing between real and false memories. This can result in false memories being confused with actual events.
A mathematical economist has developed conceptual models to describe economic decisions for long-term flood protection strategies. The study highlights the importance of central government investment in infrastructure and private sector responsibility, with calculations showing that government investment is better than direct subsidies.
A new study proposes using AI algorithms to diagnose and treat diseases related to gut microbiota in cancer patients. The technology has the potential to identify new associations and improve understanding of the human microbiota.
Researchers at UCLA have identified two genes associated with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The genes, GDF15 and IGFBP7, are linked to appetite regulation and placenta development.
Researchers have identified a new anti-cancer protein called LHPP, which prevents uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells in the liver. The discovery offers potential as a biomarker for diagnosing and predicting liver cancer outcomes.
Researchers found that microglia in the retina can repopulate themselves and re-establish their normal organization and function after being nearly eliminated. The discovery could lead to new therapies for controlling inflammation and slowing progression of rare retinal diseases.
Tropical Cyclone Marcus has intensified into a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching 149.6 mph, according to NASA's Terra satellite analysis. The system continues to strengthen due to favorable environmental conditions, including low vertical wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures.
A new analysis has found that the PIVOT study's patient population was not representative of real-world patients, with those in the trial being older and sicker. This raises significant questions about the validity of the study's findings and potential treatment recommendations.
Researchers from Southern Methodist University used radar satellite imagery to detect significant ground movement across a 4,000-square-mile area in four Texas counties. The study found that the movement is associated with decades of oil activity and its effect on rocks below the surface.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, a type of diabetes drug, are associated with an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease. The study analyzed data from over 141,000 patients and found a 75% higher incidence rate compared to other antidiabetic drugs.
Researchers followed decomposing carcasses to better understand fossil formation, revealing incomplete remains and distorted life histories. This study helps create accurate pictures of ancient animals and ecosystems.
The researchers fabricated super-repellent films with a water contact angle of 166° using modified anisotropic silica particles. The films demonstrated excellent mechanical robustness, maintaining their hydrophobicity even after 100 cycles of abrasion or acid/base attack.
A new generation of brain scanner, weighing just a few grams, can be worn like a helmet and measures brain activity while patients make natural movements. This innovation could revolutionize human brain imaging for young children with epilepsy or patients with neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital demonstrates that implementing an automated notification system can improve the follow-up of actionable tests pending at discharge. The system significantly improved the time to documented action for these tests, with patients receiving follow-up on their results much faster.
A new Series in The Lancet highlights the extent to which low back pain is mistreated, with patients often receiving education and advice instead of evidence-based treatments. Key findings include high rates of opioid prescription and limited exercise prescriptions, even in countries with high-income counterparts.
A study published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine found a significant link between mother's alcohol use one month prior to or early in pregnancy and an increased risk of gastroschisis. The condition occurs when an infant's intestines form outside the abdomen, posing risks for other organ system anomalies.
The symposium reviewed current developments and challenges in 3D printing and bioprinting for regenerating complex dental, craniofacial, and oral tissues. Researchers showcased their work on guided self-assembly, 3D-printed constructs, and geometric controls of periodontal tissue regeneration.
An international team of geoscientists has discovered an extensive buried mass of material on the seafloor, thought to have been eroded by the Zanclean flood. The mass covers an area equivalent to the island of Crete and is up to 900m thick in places.
A recent study found that neglectful behaviors are widespread among English care home staff, despite efforts to provide person-centered care. The survey of 1,544 staff revealed that many witnessed residents being left waiting for care or having insufficient time for food.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found a direct correlation between amyloid plaques and tau protein production in the brain. Targeting tau production may lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed a new measurement called Radiated Energy Enhancement Factor (REEF) to capture variations in earthquake rupture complexity, revealing regional patterns and differences in fault properties. This improvement could help seismologists better understand earthquake mechanics and hazards.
A study of trained surgeons found that repeating similar procedures on an operating list results in shorter operating times. This natural 'warm-up' effect allows surgeons to optimize their performance and reduce operating times.
Patients taking chronic opioids before spinal fusion are at increased risk of complications, including wound complications, emergency visits, and repeat spinal fusion surgery. Long-term opioid use also associated with higher odds of constipation and increased healthcare costs.
Researchers found that adding cellulose fibers extracted from banana plant waste to ice cream can slow melting, increase shelf life, and potentially replace fats used in the treat. The addition of these fibers also improves the creaminess and texture of low-fat ice cream.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that US National Parks are essential for bird conservation in a changing climate. By 2041-2070, the average park is expected to support 29% more species in winter and 6% more species in summer.
A pilot study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of freezing the posterior vagal trunk nerve, which carries hunger signals to the brain, resulting in significant weight loss. The procedure, known as cryovagotomy, showed a 3.6% average weight loss and nearly 14% decline in excess BMI.
Kyounga Cheon, Assistant Professor at University of Alabama at Birmingham, receives the second AADR Anne D. Haffajee Fellowship for her research on Streptococcus mutans genotypes and tooth regeneration.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a simple potassium solution that can boost the efficiency of next-generation solar cells by up to 21.5%. The addition of potassium iodide 'heals' defects and immobilises ion movement, making the material more stable and efficient at converting sunlight into electricity.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2018 found that middle-aged adults with two or more teeth lost have a 23% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that tooth loss in middle age is related to inflammation and...
Researchers have developed a powerful new 4-D printer that can create self-assembling structures with unprecedented flexibility and speed. The printer uses multiple printing techniques to integrate materials, conductive wiring, and grayscale lighting for advanced shape changes.
The study investigates the susceptibility of TSNPRs to H2O2 etching, revealing that small-sized TSNPRs capping with citrate show great interest for glucose sensing. The research offers an ultrahigh sensitive analytical platform for point-of-care diagnostics.
Researchers identify KIF5A as a new gene associated with ALS, implicating the role of cytoskeletal defects in axon communication. The discovery suggests the cytoskeleton as a potential target for new drug development and may lead to improved treatments for familial and sporadic ALS.
Researchers found that genetic changes outside of genes, specifically regulatory elements, can cause rare developmental disorders. This discovery is a positive step towards providing an explanation for children with undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders, and could lead to diagnoses and treatment options for thousands of families.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a method to construct perfectly aligned molecular assembly structures on graphenes. The technique relies on atomic force microscopy (AFM) and induces symmetry breaking in molecular patterns, enabling precise control over molecular alignment.
The study of five late Neandertals' genomes provides evidence for a turnover in the Neandertal population towards the end of their history. The genomes also show that Neandertals were more similar to modern humans outside Africa than an older Neandertal from Siberia.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people who have had flu or pneumonia are six times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke in the days following infection. The study highlights the importance of vaccination against these two infections in preventing cardiovascular complications.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that estradiol therapy via skin patches maintained brain volume and reduced amyloid plaque deposits in women. Meanwhile, estrogen pills caused greater structural changes in the brain, which stopped once treatment was stopped.
Scientists have developed an affordable specialized polymer coating that can be recharged with bleach treatments to continuously kill bacteria on coated stainless steel surfaces. The coating uses N-halamine polymers and has been shown to be effective against various types of bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Astronomers have discovered a new material that could directly detect dark matter particles, expanding the search scope to unexplored mass ranges. The material detects electrons recoiling from collisions with dark matter particles and operates near absolute zero.
The TRAPPIST-1 planets are curiously light, suggesting the presence of water instead of atmospheric gases. The team found that the inner planets have less than 15% water by mass, while the outer planets have more than 50%.
A new study using Medicare claims data found that finasteride significantly reduces prostate cancer risk over a period of 16 years, with a 21% decrease in risk compared to those on a placebo. This long-term benefit is twice as long as previously recorded.
A recent study by researchers at Bar-Ilan University has made significant progress in understanding the molecular basis of tidal rhythmicity in intertidal limpets. The findings indicate that these organisms have a robust tidal rhythmicity, but only exhibit circadian behavior during one particular time of the year.
Research highlights music therapy's effectiveness in treating traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder among military personnel. Studies show that music can rebuild damaged neural connections, promote motivation, and improve patient outcomes.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that obesity is associated with a decline in taste buds due to chronic inflammation and fat accumulation. Mice fed an obesogenic diet had 25% fewer taste buds than lean mice, with increased apoptosis rates and decreased progenitor cells.
Research finds that living abroad leads to clearer career decision-making and increased self-concept clarity. The study, conducted by a team of social scientists at Rice University and other institutions, suggests that depth, not breadth, of international experiences enhances self-discerning reflections.
A study found that hospitals in Toronto, Canada, discarded personal health information in recycling bins, including clinical notes and medical reports. The study highlights the need for organizational solutions to improve security of paper-based personal health information.
A new study found that limiting first-year medical residents to 16-hour work shifts improves their work-life balance and satisfaction, but not their educational outcomes. The study of 63 internal medicine training programs nationwide showed no impact on interns' activity or test scores.
A growing burden of uncontrolled pain in low- and middle-income countries is highlighted, with only 6.7% of medical opioids available to these regions. Experts outline strategies for improving access to pain treatment, including education in multidisciplinary pain medicine and balancing regulation of opioids.
Physicists at ITMO University and University of Sheffield created a polariton crystal lattice with adjustable geometry. The lattice's properties can be modified, allowing for the study of quantum effects and potential applications in optical computing.
Researchers found that polygenic risk scores, which were originally developed to predict first breast cancer risk, can also quantify the risk of a second breast cancer in BRCA carriers. This technology has been shown to be effective in predicting the risk of a second breast cancer in women with high-risk BRCA gene mutations.
Researchers developed a 'candy cane' polymer weave that increases charge storage capacity, enabling flexible batteries and supercapacitors. The new material has nearly double the specific capacitance compared to conventional PEDOT-based supercapacitors.
Researchers have discovered a balance between two sets of transcription factors that instruct blood vessel cells to become blood stem cells during embryonic development. The findings could aid research into creating new blood cells for transplants and understanding cancer metastasis.
A meta-analysis of 20,000 US children's drawings found that females are depicted as scientists more frequently today, with a rise from 1% to 28%, yet still less than males. The study suggests that stereotypes have weakened over time and may inspire girls to pursue science interests
Research reveals that kindergarteners start caring about their public image and developing complex self-presentation strategies. By elementary school, children think critically about their reputation, mirroring adult behaviors. Interactive experiences shape children's understanding of desirable reputations and effective social strategies.
A study found that simple praise statements increase physical activity in young adults with autism, regardless of delivery method. Praise delivered through technology shows promise for producing more exercise, as participants maintained their performances even without constant support.
A new study suggests that providing free insulin and blood glucose test strips to low- and middle-income families in India significantly improves blood-sugar control. The study also found that patients' knowledge of diabetes improved, especially those with higher education and urban dwellings.
A Brazilian study found a strong association between vitamin D insufficiency and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women. The researchers detected MetS in 57.8% of the women with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, while only 39.8% had sufficient levels.