A recent study published in The BMJ reveals that the UK has higher death rates from respiratory illnesses, such as COPD and pneumonia, compared to other developed countries. Death rates for men have decreased over the past 30 years, but those for women have remained relatively static.
A new study by JRC scientists reveals that global warming can underestimate extinctions by up to 10 times if co-extinction cascades are not accounted for. The researchers constructed virtual Earths with thousands of plants and animals, simulating extreme environmental changes.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has documented a dramatic rebound in flounder health due to decades of remediation efforts, including a sewage treatment plant and discharge tunnel project. The number of liver tumors among winter flounder has decreased significantly since the late 1980s.
Researchers found that conservation tillage combined with straw mulch improves soil moisture, seedling emergence rates, and marketable yield. Straw mulch proved to be the most effective option for increasing potato tuber yield, leading to a 14.9% increase in yields compared to conventional tillage.
A recent study found that only 12.2% of American adults meet the recommended targets for cardiovascular risk factors management, leaving millions vulnerable to developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Factors such as physical activity, education, and weight status are associated with metabolic health.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a comprehensive way to evaluate how immune responses of humanized mice measure up to actual humans. The study highlights an experimental paradigm to address the gap in understanding immune responses to human pathogens and potential vaccines.
A charged molecule, called a dendrimer, is designed to deliver osteoarthritis drugs to knee joint cartilage. The nanocarrier effectively binds to cartilage tissue, allowing for deeper penetration and longer half-life in joint spaces.
Researchers found that microbes on clownfish change when they live with anemones, suggesting a key role in the symbiotic relationship. The study also reveals that clownfish urinate on anemones, which helps them grow and thrive.
Researchers discovered a mechanism explaining positive correlations in natural populations, highlighting the importance of food web conservation. Complex food webs mitigate environmental variability and make ecosystems more predictable.
The study warns that a temperature increase of over 1.5°C will cause dramatic worsening in the survival chances of offspring for important fish species, including Atlantic cod and polar cod. This could lead to a significant loss of breeding grounds and population decline, with severe consequences for Arctic seals and seabirds.
Researchers at SLAC and Stanford are developing accelerator-based technology to reduce the side effects of cancer radiation therapy by vastly shrinking its duration. The goal is to blast cancer cells quickly, reducing the chance that radiation will hit and damage healthy tissue around tumors, making radiation therapy more precise.
A new study found that transfusions of packed red blood cells stored for 22 days or more are associated with a 5% increase in mortality risk in trauma patients. The study suggests that patients who require massive transfusions may benefit from receiving fresh stored packed red blood cells, or those stored for 14 days or less.
A study from leading Dutch economists recommends increasing Dutch banks' equity capital to improve stability and solvency. By raising their equity ratios, banks can better cover future losses and manage risks efficiently.
A new biochemical platform has been developed to map the activity of lysine methyltransferases, a family of enzymes promising targets for cancer treatment. The platform enables high-resolution views of how these enzymes selectively mark proteins with chemical tags, leading to potential new therapeutic targets.
Researchers engineered E. coli to produce a heat-resistant protein using an expanded genetic code, evolving it through laboratory selection. The new protein outperformed the natural enzyme in extreme heat conditions, nearly doubling its thermal stability.
The European Region saw a significant increase in new HIV diagnoses, with the eastern part recording over 130 000 cases. However, there is encouraging progress in the EU and EU/EEA countries, particularly among men who have sex with men, where diagnoses have declined by 20% since 2015.
MIT engineers have designed a material that can administer drugs directly to the cartilage, delivering IGF-1 and stimulating cell growth and production of proteoglycans. The treatment has shown promising results in animal studies, preventing cartilage breakdown and reducing joint inflammation.
Scientists at Washington State University have discovered genes involved in Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease regression. Genetic variations found in devils that didn't die from tumors may also help humans and other mammals with similar conditions.
Healthy blood stem cells exhibit a similar number of DNA mutations as those found in leukemic cells, suggesting that the location of these mutations is more relevant than their quantity. This study's findings have implications for understanding the origins of leukemia and developing targeted treatments.
Colorado State University scientists use the Madden-Julian Oscillation to forecast severe weather across the Plains and southeastern US. They achieved skillful predictions of severe weather activity about 60% to 70% of the time, including hail and tornadoes.
Researchers have developed 'mini-placentas', cellular models of the early stages of placenta formation, to study early pregnancy and reproductive disorders. These miniature functional models closely resemble normal first-trimester placentas and may provide insights into pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, and chromosomal abnormalities.
Researchers have developed an ultrathin, stretchable electronic skin that can be used for various human-machine interactions. The new method creates a fast, simple, and inexpensive way to produce thin-film circuits with integrated microelectronics.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that greater cardiorespiratory fitness was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks. The researchers discovered that even small increases in fitness could have a significant impact on health.
Research reveals US groundwater supply is smaller than previously thought, with potable supplies extending only an average of 1,800 feet below ground. This finding contradicts previous studies suggesting that fresh groundwater extends much deeper.
The study estimates that by 2030, global fecal biomass could contain significant amounts of recoverable materials such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Animal waste from livestock outweighs human waste in many countries, posing a threat to public health.
Researchers have reported promising preliminary results for cryoablation as a treatment for low-risk breast cancers, with a 99.4% success rate and no serious adverse events. The procedure is being studied as an alternative to surgical lumpectomy.
A new study from the University of Warwick demonstrates that digital versions of established measurements for assessing back pain are just as reliable and responsive. Patients can assess their own back pain using a mobile app on their phone or tablet as effectively as current paper methods.
A new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a healthy lifestyle during menopause may offset the acceleration of atherosclerosis. Women who adhered to a 'Healthy Lifestyle Score' had significantly wider arteries, less arterial thickening and buildup of fatty plaque compared to those with lower sc...
A new study found a significant increase in type 1 diabetes cases across Europe, with rates rising by 3.4% per year. The study's findings have important implications for healthcare planning and delivery, highlighting the need for improved blood sugar control and increased support services.
Researchers discover Chinese pyramids exhibit surprising orientation patterns, defying expectations of traditional funerary practices. The study suggests that ancient Chinese emperors intentionally aligned their pyramids to the star Polaris, reflecting a deeper understanding of celestial movements and astronomy.
A study of 102,236 deliveries in France found that higher staffing levels for obstetricians and midwives were associated with lower cesarean delivery rates. A 10% increase in staff levels was linked to a 2.5% decrease in intrapartum cesarean deliveries and a 3.4% decrease in elective cesarean deliveries.
A North Carolina State University researcher has developed technology to improve 5G data transmission rates by optimizing bandwidth partitioning. The framework, which combines hardware and software, can meet the international goal of 10 gigabits per second in peak performance areas.
Researchers found that frequent sauna users had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular death compared to infrequent users. The study, which followed over 1,600 participants for 15 years, also found that longer sauna sessions were associated with lower mortality rates.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers reveals that Dickkopf 2 (DKK2) is a naturally occurring protein that blocks the WNT pathway, controlling hair growth. The discovery has significant implications for hair loss treatment and wound healing.
Scientists from the Max Born Institute have created the first refractive lens that focuses extreme ultraviolet beams, utilizing a jet of atoms instead of traditional glass. This innovation enables novel approaches to image biological samples on extremely short timescales, with potential applications in microscopy and structural analysis.
Researchers at Clemson University are working on a new 3D-printing technique involving rapid laser processing to create protonic ceramic electrolyzer stacks that convert electricity to hydrogen. This technology could lead to cars that go 1,000 miles per fill-up and smartphones that can run for days without recharging. The new technique...
A study found that restricting cancer cells' ability to metabolize sugar makes oncolytic viruses work better, multiplying faster and destroying cancer quicker. This approach may improve how potential cancer drugs are investigated in the lab.
Researchers investigate Camphorsulfonic acid-catalyzed Michael reactions of diverse indoles with enones, producing 3-indole-substituted compounds in excellent yield. The method is simple, effective, and environmentally friendly.
Researchers have developed an ointment to counter the effects of brown recluse spider bites, which can cause skin necrosis and renal failure. The trial has started in Brazil with 240 participants, comparing the effects of the ointment with a placebo.
A study published in eLife reveals that minocycline can increase the lifespan of aged roundworms by preventing the build-up of proteins, a mechanism that could be exploited to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. The antibiotic also reduces protein aggregation and extends lifespan in animals with impaired proteostasis.
A pilot study from Ohio State University found that mailing at-home HPV tests to hard-to-reach women resulted in an 80% return rate, with about a quarter testing positive for cancer-causing HPV. The study aims to explore the potential of at-home testing as a tool to increase screening rates among underserved communities.
The proportion of global population vulnerable to heat-related death and disease is growing due to climate change's effects on aging populations and urbanization. Over 153 billion hours of labor were lost globally in 2017 due to heat exposure, with the agricultural sector bearing the brunt.
Babies who are less active tend to get less sleep overall, according to new Michigan State University research. Infants who slept more at night had better weight-for-length scores and were less active during the day. Parents can promote tummy time and physical activity to help their baby get more sleep.
Engineered patches integrate therapeutic cardiac cells with injured heart tissue, boosting development of new heart tissue and increasing cardiac functions. The treatment shows promise as a form of cardiac therapy in humans, offering hope for survivors of heart attacks.
A recent study found that the prevalence of metabolic health among American adults is very low, even among those with normal weight. The researchers estimated that only about 12% of Americans meet the criteria for optimal metabolic health using more rigorous guidelines.
A large international study confirms measuring bone microarchitecture with new imaging technology accurately predicts risk of fracture in older women and men. The study found that deficits in bone density and structure contribute to fracture risk independently of bone mineral density.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that opioid prescriptions for children and adolescents have been steadily decreasing since 2012. The analysis of data between 2004 and 2017 showed a significant decline in outpatient opioid prescription rates, with a notable decrease in hydrocodone bitartrate prescriptions.
Claudia Felser and Bogdan Bernevig receive the prize for their theoretical predictions and experimental realization of non-magnetic topological semi-metals. Their work has potential to give rise to useful devices with novel properties.
Research found that more Oregonians filled out POLST forms between 2015-16, with a 45% increase compared to 2010-11. The study also showed changes in how people use the form, including increased use by middle-aged individuals and those with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Researchers found that areas with higher rat complaints had increased trap rates and more garbage, suggesting a correlation between waste and rodent abundance. The study also revealed neighborhoods with high rental units tended to have more rats, possibly due to increased trash and access points.
Scientists developed a new microscopy technique to track protein molecular motors with atomic-level precision and microsecond time resolution. The system achieved 1.3 angstrom localization precision at 1 millisecond time resolution, revealing details of the kinesin motor's motion.
Materials scientists have developed a new strategy to keep condensed droplets from coalescing into a film, allowing for more efficient heat transfer. The approach uses superomniphobic surfaces with knife-like ridges to create 'jumping' droplets that repel and move away from the condenser surface.
The new NIST clock records set three important measures: systematic uncertainty, stability, and reproducibility. The clocks' total error drops below our general ability to account for gravity's effect on time here on Earth. This achievement enables the detection of faint signals from the early universe and perhaps dark matter.
The new UK skin cancer database reveals over 45,000 cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) occur every year in England, significantly higher than previously estimated. This data enables researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention initiatives and treatment options for this common form of skin cancer.
A novel DNA methylation regulator Stella has been identified to safeguard the unique epigenome of oocytes. The dysregulation of Stella results in aberrant DNA methylation during postnatal oogenesis, affecting preimplantation embryo development. DNMT1 is found to be responsible for this aberrant methylation.
A study found top-ranked hospitals for cardiovascular care had lower 30-day mortality rates for heart attack, heart failure, and CABG compared to non-ranked hospitals. However, readmission rates were either similar or higher at the top-ranked hospitals, raising concerns about the accuracy of this metric.
Researchers have developed an effective monoclonal antibody treatment, lanadelumab, that can reduce the frequency of life-threatening swelling attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema. The treatment has shown a 90% reduction in attack rate and can be self-administered every two weeks.
A new study links frequent, seasonal fires to the formation and expansion of ancient grasslands. The researchers used a novel approach to analyze plant biomarkers in fossil soils, revealing that fire played a crucial role in shaping the landscape.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that Indian peafowl crests efficiently sense motion and vibration at frequencies similar to those used during social displays. The research suggests that sensory stimulation of the crest feathers may complement visual and auditory perception of these displays.
Researchers at the University of Zurich identified a molecule that plays a key role in graft-versus-host responses, which can be fatal for leukemia patients. Blocking this molecule, GM-CSF, could significantly improve stem-cell transplant outcomes.