Opioid-induced constipation affects 40-60% of patients taking chronic opioid therapy. A new AGA guideline recommends starting with traditional laxatives as first-line agents, followed by PAMORA drugs if symptoms persist. These treatments aim to improve bowel symptoms without compromising pain relief.
A new study reveals that Lineage 4 TB emerged in Europe around 1,000 years ago and spread globally with European explorers and colonialists. The study found that drug-resistant strains of Lineage 4 TB have hardly spread beyond their country of origin, suggesting a regional challenge to control.
A mindfulness-based program reduced chronic stress and depressive symptoms in infertile women, improving general well-being. The study found a significant decrease in stress symptoms after the intervention, with no change in the control group.
Researchers from Osaka University have devised a simple method to test the impact of nivolumab on critical immune cells in patients with lung cancer. The novel approach measures how nivolumab binds to PD-1 on T-cells, providing information needed to monitor treatment more effectively and optimize treatment choices.
Researchers have created a nanomaterial called MXene that can capture urea from dialysis waste, paving the way for a more comfortable and effective artificial kidney. The material is lightweight, safe, and can hold onto urea even at body temperature.
A Kiel-based study reveals that 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Mediterranean are at risk due to sea-level rise and storm surges. The sites face increased flood risk of up to 50% and erosion risk of up to 13% by 2100, according to a spatial database and model simulations.
Ground penetrating radar can accurately estimate soil water content by analyzing the strength of early time signals. This technology allows for quick measurement across large field sites, enabling farmers to optimize water usage and test irrigation system efficiency.
Researchers at Northwestern University have confirmed that an electron's charge is perfectly spherical, strengthening the Standard Model of particle physics. The study excluded alternative models that predicted the electron's shape would be asymmetrically squished, potentially revealing unknown heavy particles.
A $1.38 million grant from the US Department of Education will fund a three-year project to develop a video game designed to help kids with ADHD learn academic skills and better succeed in school. The project aims to provide a cost-effective means to educate students with ADHD, who require more counseling and disciplinary action.
New research from North Carolina State University and the University of Copenhagen finds that most bacterioplankton are B1 auxotrophs, meaning they have to glean the vitamin or pieces of it from their environment. The study also reveals fluctuations in genes responsible for making and/or using environmental B1 and precursors over time.
A team of school students from Eltham Hill School successfully identified ultra-low frequency sounds caused by a solar storm in the Earth's magnetic shield. The study made data audible for exploration, revealing new patterns and commonality among these waves.
A new blood test at emergency departments could quickly and accurately rule out heart attacks. A preliminary study of 350 patients found the test to be as effective as longer laboratory tests in ruling out heart attacks.
A new study using computational models shows promise in understanding how brain structure impacts performance on language-related tasks. The research found relationships between brain characteristics and task speed, potentially leading to advancements in treating diseases and enhancing human performance.
Case Western Reserve researchers discover small molecules that block toxin formation in bacteria, allowing infected mice to survive. The breakthrough could lead to a solution for the global threat of antibiotic resistance.
A recent study of 744 infertile men found that 15.4% had undiagnosed prediabetes, with factors including older age and high follicle stimulating hormone levels linked to the condition. The study suggests that infertility in men may be associated with impaired glucose metabolism.
Researchers identify CoNb3S6 as a topological material exhibiting an extremely large anomalous Hall effect due to its unique electronic structure. The discovery opens doors for advances in materials science and potential electronic applications.
Researchers used supercomputers to simulate early universe, revealing formation of first stars and galaxies. Metal-enriched gas enabled rapid star formation, leading to smaller, more numerous stars and galaxy evolution.
Whole genome sequencing and exome sequencing identified clinically relevant variants in 79% of patients, guiding diagnosis, risk assessment, or drug targets. The study's comprehensive approach enables rapid analysis within 40 days, making it a promising tool for pediatric cancer treatment.
A new study found that antiepileptic drug clearance significantly changes by the first trimester for one commonly used medication and by the second trimester for two others. The findings have implications for adjusting medication doses during pregnancy to keep women with epilepsy seizure-free and safe.
A recent study reveals that TB resistance mutations evolved independently in various regions multiple times, with little international dissemination. This finding has significant implications for tuberculosis management and treatment, suggesting localized efforts could be successful.
A subset of T cells known as Th17 cells contribute to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. The study identifies these cells as key mediators of the condition and finds that inhibiting their development holds promise as a new therapeutic approach.
A study of eight Ontario nurses reveals that making conscientious objections to ethically-relevant policies requires concrete supports and protection in healthcare settings. The researchers emphasize the need for routine conversations about conscience and conscientious objection to respect human rights and promote ethical practice.
A review of 320 global studies found a large mismatch in microplastic types measured in the environment and those tested for effects in laboratories. The study highlights the need for better quality monitoring and environmentally realistic effects studies to understand the impact of microplastics on the environment.
The Beaufort Gyre's speed is controlled by the Arctic ice cover, which acts as a natural governor to slow down the gyre. As the Arctic ice melts, the gyre speeds up, gathering more fresh water from the Arctic's river runoff and melting ice.
Warren Ruder, a Pitt engineer, has been awarded $1.5 million from the NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop magnetically induced synthetic gene networks for cell and tissue therapies. His research combines biology and engineering to create new biomimetic systems that can regulate disease pathways.
A study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that having sex with an ex does not necessarily hinder breakup recovery. In fact, those who continued to pine after their ex-partner more often sought out sexual activity as a way to foster closeness and connection.
Researchers identified Sav1, a component of the Hippo pathway, as a key mutated gene in fatty liver-associated liver cancer. This discovery may lead to new liver cancer treatments targeting the Hippo pathway.
Researchers at Yale, Harvard, and Northwestern universities used a unique process to fire a beam of molecules into lasers, revealing the electron's round, negative charge. The findings support the Standard Model of particle physics and challenge alternative theories.
The study found that Andean populations adapted to agriculture and high-altitude environments differently from other global populations. They experienced significant population reduction after European contact, while also showing selection for immune-related genes.
A study of 984 children found that consistent sport participators had significantly greater whole body and leg bone mineral content at age 20. Females who participated regularly also showed improved leg bone mineral content, highlighting the long-term benefits of childhood sports participation.
Researchers test engineered NicA2-J1 enzyme, breaking down nicotine before it reaches brain, reversing signs of nicotine dependence and reducing relapse rates. The treatment shows promise in preclinical tests, potentially offering a new smoking-cessation treatment option.
A new study by Imperial College London reveals that kisspeptin, the master regulator of reproduction, affects brain activity in healthy volunteers, leading to decreased sexual aversion and increased brain activity associated with sexual arousal. The hormone also boosts networks involved in mood and depression.
A genomic analysis of Lassa virus genomes from patients in Nigeria found that the surge in cases in 2018 was not driven by a single dominant virus strain. The study suggests that human-to-human transmission may be rare, with evidence pointing to multiple independent zoonotic transmissions through contact with rodent feces or urine.
Charles Kane and Eugene Mele have been recognized for their groundbreaking research on topological insulators, which exhibit unique properties making them ideal for ultra-efficient electronics. Their work may also enable super-fast quantum computing.
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that unselfish individuals have more children and higher salaries than their selfish counterparts. The researchers examined data from four major studies on Americans and Europeans, concluding that generosity is associated with greater economic success.
A study of 9,449 university students found that opioid misuse linked to lower GPAs and increased impulsivity. Risk factors identified include living off campus and early age of sexual activity.
Researchers found structural changes in myelin sheaths triggered by environmental factors can lead to autoimmune attacks that cause MS. The study suggests even minor changes in local conditions may precipitate the disease.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a stable cathode material that can hold polysulfides in place, maintaining energy density while reducing weight and production time. The new approach uses titanium monoxide nanofibers to immobilize polysulfides, enabling Li-S batteries to achieve superior performance through hundreds of c...
Researchers have established an in vitro model of human neuron development to investigate the complex genetic origins of mental illnesses. The study found that changes in gene expression during neural development were significantly associated with genetic risk for schizophrenia.
A new study published in Nature found that sustainable forest management can only provide modest, local benefits rather than a significant impact on the global climate. Forests themselves will need to be adapted to climate change to sustain their ecological and social services.
The study introduces a fluorinated electron-acceptor unit that precisely controls the energy levels within an organic semiconductor, leading to improved hole and electron injection and transport. The resulting thin film solar cell exhibits high photovoltaic performance with a power conversion efficiency of up to 3.12%.
Researchers at CytoReason used machine learning to analyze melanoma biopsies, identifying adipocytes as potential regulators of the tumor microenvironment. The study suggests that these cells may play a previously unreported role in differentiating nivolumab responders from non-responders in ipilimumab-resistant patients.
Researchers have identified 102 genes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through the largest genetic sequencing study to date. This study distinguishes between ASD and intellectual disability, providing valuable insights into the genetics of ASD.
A new statistical technique helps address gender and publication biases in science by explicitly testing for equivalence rather than difference. The method allows for the comparison of similarities between traits, providing insights into conservation efforts and knowledge gaps in fields like ecology and animal behavior.
A new study by Yale researchers found that brand cache plays a significant role in extending smartphone lifespans, with iPhones lasting up to 67 months compared to Samsung phones' 54.5 months. The study analyzed over 500,000 secondhand phone listings on eBay and found that Apple's brand reputation contributes to its longer lifespan.
Researchers have identified a direct relative of the historic neutron star merger that produced the first simultaneous detection of light and gravitational waves. The newly described object, named GRB150101B, shares remarkable similarities with GW170817 and suggests that these events may be from the same family of objects.
Researchers found that trigger warnings can lead to avoidance and less negative reactions, but those who believe them protective do not feel better. The study used three studies with over 1,300 participants and suggests that more research is needed on the topic.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed wearable electronic stickers that can monitor physical activity and alert users to potential health risks in real-time. The low-cost, disposable devices are made from paper-like cellulose and can be used to track sleep patterns of patients or monitor athletes' health during exercise.
Researchers at Loma Linda University Health found that daily walnut consumption has no negative impact on body weight in healthy elderly subjects. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, suggests that walnuts can be a beneficial addition to an older adult's diet without causing weight gain or related health issues.
A nationwide Finnish study found that brain cancer survival has improved overall, with younger patients experiencing significant gains in median survival time. However, elderly patients saw minimal improvement, highlighting the need for more effective treatment strategies for this growing patient population.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh has identified arterial stiffness as a key risk factor for dementia in older adults. The researchers found that individuals with high arterial stiffness readings were 60% more likely to develop dementia over a 15-year period.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and University of Wisconsin-Madison are developing a stem cell-based approach to treat blindness in dogs. The researchers aim to generate specialized retinal cells using adult stem cells and transplant them into the retina.
A new Australian study found that young men who conform to traditional definitions of manhood, dubbed 'the man box,' are more likely to experience poor mental health, engage in binge drinking and traffic accidents, and be involved in physical bullying and violence. The study suggests that promoting positive alternatives to the Man Box ...
Experts recommend changing the way clinicians and patients describe cognitive changes experienced after anesthesia and surgery, particularly in elderly patients. The new nomenclature suggests Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder (PND), which includes delirium, delayed neurocognitive recovery, and mild or major neurocognitive disorder.
Researchers found that high-temperature laundry methods failed to remove all traces of C. difficile spores from hospital bedsheets, suggesting linens as a potential source of infection. The study calls for further research to establish the true burden of hospital bedsheets in outbreaks.
A team of astronomers used the Moon as a reference point to measure the brightness of the Milky Way, helping them detect faint signals from hydrogen atoms in the infant Universe. This detection could confirm or refute theoretical models of the Universe's early evolution.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that age-related increases in estrogen levels can weaken abdominal walls and cause inguinal hernias. The researchers discovered that a hormone inhibitor could strengthen muscles and prevent hernias, offering potential treatment for at-risk patients.
Tropical Storm Tara's water vapor concentrations were analyzed by NASA's Aqua satellite on Oct. 16, indicating a high risk of heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding along the Mexican coast. The storm's slow motion and cold cloud top temperatures suggest a strong potential for severe weather.
University of Toledo scientists discover that increasing body's supply of beta hydroxybutyrate can regulate high blood pressure without exercise or sodium reduction. The study used lab rats and found significant decrease in blood pressure through kidney repair.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that measuring percentage of weight regained after bariatric surgery can help predict serious health problems. The rate of weight regain was highest in the first year following maximum weight loss, indicating early detection and treatment may be crucial.