A study from the University of Iowa found that pre-pregnant women with higher fitness levels had a 21% lower risk of developing gestational diabetes. Moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, can help reduce this risk.
Astronomers have discovered the most distant star ever observed, existing only 4.4 billion years after the Big Bang, using gravitational lensing with the Hubble Space Telescope. The light from the star was magnified 2000 times, allowing for its detection.
Researchers have discovered the farthest individual star ever seen, Icarus, 9 billion light years away, by magnifying its brightness with the gravity of a larger object. This breakthrough study uses gravitational lensing to exclude the possibility that dark matter is made up mostly of large black holes.
Researchers estimate that non-optimized medication therapy costs over half a trillion dollars annually, resulting from illness and death due to suboptimal treatment regimens. The study proposes expanding comprehensive medication management services to improve patient health and lower costs.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers has identified prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as a key player in impairing the immune response of cattle affected by Johne's disease. The discovery offers hope for developing a method to control this chronic enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.
A new study suggests that a diet free from red meat significantly reduces the risk of distal colon cancer in women living in the UK. The study analyzed data from over 32,000 women and found that those regularly eating red meat had higher rates of distal colon cancer compared to a red meat-free diet.
A Penn State demographer warns that Hurricane Maria's destruction may have crippled Puerto Rico's ability to gather and analyze accurate data, hindering the island's recovery and response to future emergencies. The lack of proper data collection services and analysis may lead to inadequate allocation of resources, including money and aid.
A randomized clinical trial found that higher protein intake did not increase lean body mass, muscle performance, or physical function in older men. The results suggest that the recommended daily allowance for protein may be sufficient for promoting muscle growth and well-being in this population.
A recent study analyzing 44 million claims from 68,000 physicians found that Medicaid billing complexity is surprisingly similar to private insurance, contradicting conventional wisdom. The research suggests that Medicaid managed care programs have slightly lower billing complexity than state-run fee-for-service Medicaid.
New Mayo Clinic research reveals a disconnect between online physician reviews and patient satisfaction survey scores. While physicians with negative reviews do not score lower on patient interactions, they do receive lower ratings for factors beyond their control, such as waiting times and billing.
A Yale-led study found that GDP remains linked to metal use even as affluence grows, with a 1% rise in GDP increasing the nation's metal footprint by 1.9%. This challenges the long-held theory that metal use plateaus when GDP reaches $15,000 per person.
A study by David Casagrande explores the attitudes and perception of flood risk in US coastal communities. Residents employ rationalizations such as scapegoating and social comparison to avoid making difficult decisions, rather than taking steps to mitigate damage. This research highlights the importance of addressing individual belief...
A new study finds that the microRNA family miR-17-92 plays a critical role in regulating T-cell and B-cell pathogenicity, leading to chronic graft-vs-host disease. The research also suggests that blocking this miRNA may be an effective way to reduce cGVHD symptoms.
Researchers have developed an imaging method for live cells that suppresses photobleaching, allowing observation of individual molecules for up to 400 seconds. This enables study of protein movements and interactions in the cell membrane, shedding light on cellular behavior and potential targets for cancer treatment.
Researchers have developed a new technology that can characterize gene expression at the level of individual cells in prostate cancer. The technique uses magnetic nanoparticles to trap and analyze circulating tumor cells, allowing for rapid and accurate detection of biomarkers associated with drug resistance.
A study by GFZ scientists found that water pressure at the plate interface zone can lead to 'aquaplaning', initiating earthquakes. The researchers suggest that fluid pressure becomes close to lithostatic at deeper interfaces and lower at shallower ones, triggering catastrophic events.
A study of over 10,000 infant deaths found that many were caused by unsafe sleep positions or environments. Licensed childcare providers were more likely to follow safe sleep guidelines than babysitters, relatives, and friends. The researchers urge parents to educate anyone caring for their children on safe sleep practices.
Two studies found no reductions in hospital use or spending linked to the global budget program, despite expected improvements in care. The program may still have saved money due to changes in hospital prices.
The American Cancer Society has approved funding for 110 grants totaling $47,624,000 to researchers at 72 institutions. Grants focus on improving treatments for various types of cancer, including lymphoma, breast cancer, and sarcomas.
A research team from Berkeley Lab tracked a rise in methane's warming effect over 10 years, confirming its importance as a greenhouse gas. The study used highly calibrated measurements to isolate the changing greenhouse effect of methane and found it began to rise in sync with concentrations in 2007.
Cats deaf from an early age exhibit increased connections between auditory cortex and superior colliculus, a midbrain region responsible for directing the animal's environment. This reorganization may support enhanced information processing.
A team of computational biologists developed an algorithm to integrate multiple sequencing datasets at single-cell resolution. This approach enables the comparison of single-cell datasets and dissects differences between them.
A study of over 792,000 children found that acid-suppressing medications and antibiotics used in the first six months of life were associated with an increased risk of developing allergic diseases. The study suggests that these medications may contribute to intestinal dysbiosis, leading to allergies.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified 164 long-lasting brain proteins in mice that outlast neighboring proteins by weeks and months. These stable proteins may play a crucial role in governing long-term memory and learning, as well as loss of memory, in all mammals, including humans.
Researchers found that individuals who rate their mental health as 'positive' despite symptoms are less likely to develop depression or psychological distress in the future. This suggests good mental health encompasses coping and adapting to life, not just symptom absence.
Researchers found that women with high diastolic blood pressure before conception were at an 18% higher risk of pregnancy loss. Lifestyle changes to control blood pressure may improve pregnancy outcomes, according to a new study published in Hypertension.
Tropical Cyclone Josie is crawling south of Fiji with very cold cloud top temperatures and strong storms. The storm is expected to move southeast away from the Fijian archipelago, strengthening slightly in three days.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation has awarded grants to support pediatric cancer research and novel immunotherapies for childhood cancers such as medulloblastoma and osteosarcoma. The funding will enable researchers to study the immune system's response to these tumors and develop targeted immunotherapy techniques.
Scientists have developed a new method to investigate the timing and co-evolution of microbial groups by analyzing horizontal gene transfer among ancient microbes. This breakthrough provides relative age constraints for several microbial groups without reliable fossil evidence, including the Archaea.
A study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that adults with diabetes are consistently the least likely to obtain oral healthcare. Regular dental check-ups can help prevent complications from diabetes and maintain good oral health.
Researchers successfully treat KRAS-driven lung cancer by targeting insulin and IGF-1 signaling, identifying metabolic vulnerabilities. The study shows that completely blocking the pathway can slow tumor growth, but a second step is needed to fully suppress it.
Astronomers have captured the most distant normal star ever observed, 9 billion light years away, using gravitational lensing. The blue supergiant was magnified over 2,000 times and is hundreds of thousands of times brighter than our Sun.
Researchers found that daily variability in harmful CO2 indices is twice as fast as the average, impacting shell-building animals like oysters and mussels. The study provides an important framework for evaluating other seagrass and estuarine habitats.
Researchers found that fringing coral reefs can effectively protect shorelines from extensive erosion caused by tropical cyclones. The study used Ningaloo Reef as a case study and showed that the reef's shape and structure can dissipate large waves, reducing coastal damage.
Research from Harvard University shows that agricultural fires in Punjab, India can increase air pollution in Delhi by 20 times the safe limit. The study used satellite data and modeling to track the impact of smoke particles on urban areas.
A machine learning approach analyzed fossil remains in Spain and South Africa, finding that carnivore disturbance likely contributed to the disarray. The findings do not rule out potential hominin burials but instead highlight the role of nonhuman agents.
The study reveals that China and the US are heavily reliant on imports for certain nonfuel minerals, with each country importing more than half of their consumption for 11 minerals. This raises concerns about potential international competition for existing supplies, as these minerals are crucial for emerging technologies.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital report promising preclinical results against uniformly fatal tumor, finding that combining two cancer immunotherapy drugs significantly prolongs survival time. The treatment changes a population of immunosuppressive T cells into a type that could enhance an antitumor immune response.
A recent study found that men outnumber women in top-ranked academic neurology programs, consistent with previous research on neurology and other specialties. The study analyzed data from 1,712 academic neurologists across 29 programs, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in academic careers.
Researchers found that pairing immunosuppressive drugs with a stimulus significantly reduced T cell proliferation in renal transplant patients. This 'learned' behavior may enhance immunopharmacological treatment strategies.
Treating women subsistence farmers with a cheap deworming medication improved their physical stamina for agriculture work and potentially increased food production. The study found that even low levels of hookworms caused significant benefits in fitness and exercise capacity.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people tend to use more emotional language when trying to persuade an audience, even if it may not be effective. The researchers used a quantitative linguistic analysis tool to analyze reviews and found that participants used more emotional descriptors when trying to persuade readers.
A new study by NYU researchers found that craving can overshadow healthy choices and make people willing to pay more for unhealthy food items. The study revealed that craving boosts the economic value of tempting, high-calorie foods relative to healthier options.
Two studies investigate the correlation between state-legal cannabis use and opioid prescription rates among Medicaid enrollees and Medicare Part D recipients. The findings suggest that implementing medical cannabis laws may lead to a decrease in opioid prescribing rates and spending.
Scientists at Uppsala University have discovered that multiple viruses, including adenovirus, influenza virus, HIV, and herpes simplex virus, rely on the host protein ZC3H11A for efficient growth. The protein is involved in a previously unknown mechanism for handling stress in cells.
Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a blue supergiant star called Icarus, which is the farthest individual star observed. The team used gravitational lensing to magnify the star's light, revealing its true nature and providing insights into dark matter theory.
Researchers have used CRISPR gene editing to introduce beneficial natural mutations into blood cells, boosting their production of foetal haemoglobin. This approach may lead to new therapies for sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia by targeting precise changes in the genome.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that vegetation plays a dominant role in Earth's water cycle, regulating future dryness and water resources. Plants' physiological responses to increasing CO2 levels have a major impact on evapotranspiration, long-term runoff, and soil moisture.
Researchers analyzed 221 skeletal specimens to examine the correlation between inner ear morphology and genetic markers reflecting human dispersal from Africa. The study found that labyrinth morphology corresponds with dispersal patterns, offering a new avenue for individual-based genotype and phenotype comparisons.
Researchers from the University of Leeds have created the first complete map of how Antarctica's grounding line is shifting. The study found that eight of the ice sheet's largest glaciers are retreating at an extreme rate, with some losing over 25 meters per year.
A team of researchers from Texas A&M University has developed an injectable bandage using a gelling agent commonly used in pastries, which can stop bleeding and promote wound healing. The injectable hydrogels are made with kappa-carrageenan and nanosilicates to form a controlled release of therapeutics.
A new study reveals that spaceflight triggers cellular adaptations in heart cells, paving the way for novel stem cell therapies. Researchers found altered calcium signaling pathways that could be harnessed to improve heart repair.
Researchers at LMU München have developed a synthetic DNA sequence that can inhibit the activities of several DNA-processing enzymes, including HIV integrase. The artificial DNA mimic successfully competes with its natural counterpart, demonstrating potential for new treatments of retroviral diseases.
A new compound, AH10-7, has been identified as a powerful activator of human invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, a key player in the immune system's fight against cancer. The compound is highly effective and selective, encouraging iNKT cells to release specific proteins that stimulate anti-tumor immunity.
Stanford researchers engineered yeast to produce noscapine, a promising cancer drug with less toxicity than current treatments. The breakthrough involves introducing 25 foreign genes into yeast, achieving an 18,000-fold improvement in noscapine output.
A recent study published in the Hypertension journal found that elevated blood pressure before becoming pregnant and early in pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy loss. The study, which examined 1,228 healthy women, found a significant association between preconception and early-pregnancy blood pressure and pregnancy loss.
A tropical cyclone weakened to a low pressure area off Queensland's coast but strengthened into a Category 1 storm on April 2. NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of the storm, showing a thick band of thunderstorms surrounding its center.
Researchers have developed a new PET imaging agent that targets NMDA receptors in nerve cells to assess treatments for various neurological diseases. The agent, C-Me-NB1, provides valuable insights into the role of NMDA receptors in brain disorders.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that early settlers in interior western Canada used the Pacific coastal route to reach temperate North America, contradicting traditional theories of migration. The fluted spear points provide evidence supporting new genetic models explaining how humans colonized the New World.
The Digital Life team has released animated 3D models of loggerhead and green sea turtles, created using photogrammetry and software like Capturing Reality and Blender. The models can be used for educational purposes, scientific research, and conservation efforts, with over hundreds of hours invested in their animation.