A new study reveals that Himalayan balsam thrives in drier riverbanks and prefers steeper slopes to native plants, shedding light on its spread. Understanding these conditions can help mitigate the invasive plant's impact on UK rivers.
A new study found that substandard and falsified medicines are a serious problem in much of the world. In low- and middle-income countries, over 13% of essential medicines are substandard or falsified, with antimalarials and antibiotics being the most commonly affected.
A new special issue of Bundesgesundheitsblatt explores the prevalence, benefits, and risks of breastfeeding in Germany. The study highlights the positive effects of breastfeeding for both mother and child, including reduced risk of respiratory infections and overweight/Type 2 diabetes.
A new study by Virginia Tech finds that employees who expect to be available for work emails during non-work hours experience anxiety, affecting their health and family relationships. The 'flexible work boundaries' concept often turns into 'work without boundaries', leading to strain on both employees and their loved ones.
IPF is associated with increased extracellular vesicles that relay WNT5A signals to lung cells, leading to scarring and impaired lung function. The study proposes a pharmacological biomarker and therapeutic approach to address this disease.
Tropical Storm John weakened to a remnant low pressure area after moving over cool waters, indicating a loss of strength due to colder ocean temperatures. The storm's convection vanished, and it is now classified as a post-tropical cyclone, expected to dissipate in a couple of days.
A recent study found that initiating potentially inappropriate medication is associated with a higher risk of fracture-specific hospitalizations and mortality. The study also revealed higher hospital costs, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing medication use in older adults.
Newborn granule cells in the dentate gyrus become less excitable after three weeks, a crucial step for mature functioning. The researchers found that functional GIRK channels start to appear at this stage, controlled by G protein signaling, and contribute to lowering excitability of mature dentate granule cells.
A small clinical benefit was observed in reduced risk of dying from breast cancer in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treated with radiation plus lumpectomy. The absolute risk reduction was 0.27 percent, indicating that 370 women would need to be treated to save one life.
A blood test using Kidney-injury-molecule-1 (KIM-1) can predict clear cell kidney cancer risk and survival up to five years before diagnosis, with higher levels associated with poorer outcomes. The test substantially improves accuracy in predicting kidney cancer risk.
A Stanford study discovered that apoptosis, a well-known form of cell death, spreads through perpetuating waves triggered by positive feedback loops and thresholds. This phenomenon, known as trigger waves, governs the progression of cell death in intact cells, as observed in Xenopus frog eggs.
Researchers link vocal repertoire to brain region size in primates, finding a positive correlation between cortical association areas and vocal complexity. The study reveals the importance of specific brain regions in controlling vocal production, providing insight into human speech evolution.
Researchers combined NASA satellite imagery with wildlife surveys to model the effects of plant productivity on mule deer and mountain lion populations. They found that prey and predator abundance both increased with plant productivity, leading to potential conflicts with humans.
A new study confirms that Kaiser Permanente's organized screening program has led to a 52% decrease in colorectal cancer mortality and a 25.5% decline in incidence, saving thousands of lives.
A UBC study found that prioritizing kidney transplant chains over exchanges can increase the total number of transplants and save more lives. This is particularly beneficial for hard-to-match patients with end-stage renal disease. The research could lead to longer kidney transplant chains through improved matching algorithms.
Researchers have found that a subset of people with helminth infections experience changes to their gut microbiome when treated for the infection. This change specifically affects Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes levels.
A study found that long, noncoding stretches of DNA in a calcium transport gene may predispose individuals to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These 'hidden variants' could help identify patients at risk and tailor treatments.
Researchers found that dwarf-galaxy mergers can replenish a galaxy's supply of star-making fuel, like the Milky Way's. The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds hold enough gas to replenish half of the Milky Way's supply, with their gas footprint continuing to expand even after collision.
Researchers identify MUC5AC gene as a key player in KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancers, which are resistant to current treatments. Inhibiting this gene may lead to new therapeutic strategies against KRAS-driven lung cancer.
Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum used terahertz spectroscopy to gain new insights into the hydration shell of charged particles. They found that hydration shells with a size between two and 21 water molecules were determined for more than 37 salts, depending on the ion's size and valency.
Researchers have identified a mechanism by which fat is transferred into tissues, revealing that blocking key receptors can limit fat delivery. Disabled mice on high-fat diets showed no weight gain, while control mice gained twice as much weight.
Four Argonne experts earn Distinguished Achievement awards for their work on transportation, sustainability, and mobility. The team created tools to measure alternative fuel technologies and standardized EV charging standards globally.
People with younger-onset type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of cardiovascular complications and premature death. The study found that those diagnosed before the age of 10 had a 30-times greater risk of serious cardiovascular outcomes than those in the general population.
Scientists used supercomputers to model HIV-1 replication and identified inositol hexakisphosphate as a key molecule promoting assembly and maturation. This discovery opens a door for developing new treatments and therapeutics.
The EPSRC has launched eleven projects across the UK to address equality, diversity and inclusion in engineering and the physical sciences. The £5.5 million initiative aims to inform and shape significant cultural change across institutions.
A University of Arizona study resolves controversy over rain's relationship to soil moisture, revealing morning soil moisture can impact afternoon rainfall in the region. Drier soils enhance rain on days with limited wind-borne moisture, while wetter soils increase rain when winds bring more moisture.
The Household Water Insecurity Research Coordination Network (RCN) aims to develop a geospatial perspective on water insecurity, which affects vulnerable households worldwide. The team will create a water security metric and engage with stakeholders in the international water sector.
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland have developed new substrates for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) that guarantee signal enhancement and repeatability. These substrates enable the routine detection of small amounts of chemical compounds, including organic molecules and specific bacteria.
Researchers found that genes driving biological processes in worms can also lead to age-related diseases in humans. The study reveals how autophagy, a process used for energy extraction, causes severe deterioration of the intestine and promotes tumour growth when overactive.
Researchers discovered a previously unrecognized mechanism by which arsenic trioxide and all-trans retinoic acid work together to destroy Pin1, a unique enzyme that activates over 40 cancer-driving proteins. This finding suggests novel strategies to treat common cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer.
A systems genetics study in mice identified molecular signaling pathways that predict resilience or susceptibility to sleep loss. The analysis revealed that fatty acid metabolism influences brain activity and phenotypes, challenging the brain-centric view of sleep regulation.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth suggests that implicit practice methods can help football players improve their penalty kick accuracy. The research found that using these methods, which encourage independent decision-making, results in higher kicking accuracy compared to explicit training methods.
Researchers found a newly discovered stem cell that controls the size of the olfactory epithelium's surface area, which regulates its development. This discovery could help explain why dogs have such a superior sense of smell due to their complex turbinate structures.
Researchers find that giving mice dietary iron supplements enables them to survive a normally lethal bacterial infection and results in later generations of bacteria being less virulent. The approach promotes the health of the host, taming the behavior of the bacteria.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have found a genetic marker that indicates when a person with a fast heartbeat is at high risk of developing tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) and eventual heart failure. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of the condition, reducing the risk of cardiac damage or death.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that community health center programs mailing free colorectal cancer screening tests to patients' homes increased screening rates by nearly 4 percentage points. Clinics that implemented the program had higher proportions of patients screened, with reminder letters significantly improving return rates.
Engineers installed small metal rods into premade holes of the sunshield to maintain alignment and reduce repair time by months. This technique eliminates the need for full deployment and refolding of the large sunshield layers.
Researchers found that people from Nordic countries, North America, Australia, and New Zealand have the best spatial navigational abilities. Spatial navigation ability declines steadily across adulthood, but is also influenced by country wealth and gender equality.
A new study suggests that historic fires may have had a significant cooling effect on the planet, contrary to previously believed levels of aerosol pollution. The research, led by the University of Leeds, found that fire activity may have been as common before 1750 as in modern times.
Researchers use deep neural networks to recognize images transmitted over optical fibers, achieving high accuracy despite distortions caused by environmental factors. The technique has potential for improving endoscopic imaging in medical diagnosis and increasing the information-carrying capacity of fiber-optic telecommunication networks.
Researchers at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine discovered dynamic signals from sense organs are crucial for normal leg movements. The findings suggest mechanisms to make prosthetic joints more adaptable, enabling more natural movements in amputees.
Research suggests that increasing alcohol taxes is the most cost-effective method of reducing alcohol-related harms. A 50% hike in alcohol excise taxes could add up to 500 healthy years of life for every 1 million people. Restrictions on advertising and hours of sale are also recommended.
A new study found that US adults are largely unaware of the link between low physical activity and increased cancer risk. The researchers suggest raising public awareness to focus on the health benefits of regular exercise beyond just heart health.
Research on texting and sexting found that people who described their partner as having a similar texting style reported greater relationship satisfaction. Additionally, texting was shown to bring people closer or create distance depending on the motivations underlying its use.
Researchers have identified Tbx6 as a key transcription factor in the formation of mesoderm from stem cells. The study found that Tbx6 induces mesoderm formation and controls cardiac versus somite lineage diversification, with potential applications in regenerative medicine.
A new blood test can quickly detect early signs of liver disease in dogs, enabling prompt treatment and reducing the need for invasive biopsies. The test is based on insights from human patients and has been successfully tested on 250 dogs.
A new study by University of Guelph researchers found that global adherence to USDA guidelines would require one giga-hectare of additional land, roughly the size of Canada. The study highlights the need for international coordination of national dietary guidelines due to limited global lands.
Researchers at Kanazawa University used satellite data to study the Earth's inner magnetosphere, gaining a better understanding of charged particles and electric fields. This knowledge can help protect satellites from damage caused by particle bursts, enabling more accurate space weather forecasts.
Researchers have engineered yeast microbreweries within disposable badges to detect low doses of radiation, potentially reducing cancer risk. The technology uses yeast's response to radiation to measure electrical conductivity, providing an instant reading of radiation exposure.
A new study from Rice University links biological markers for cancer-related exhaustion to fatigue in Parkinson's disease, highlighting potential targets for treatment. Researchers found elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers in patients with Parkinson's who experienced fatigue, similar to those seen in cancer patients.
Blocking POM121 transport inhibits tumor aggressiveness and restores chemotherapy efficacy in preclinical models. This study identifies nuclear pore proteins as effective anti-cancer targets for advanced prostate cancers, offering a new approach to target undruggable molecular drivers.
James R. Lupski, MD, PhD, receives the Victor A. McKusick Leadership Award for fostering and enriching human genetics development, as well as its integration into science, medicine, and health. Dr. Lupski's research focuses on understanding mutational mechanisms and linking specific mutations to human disease.
A NASA scientist is developing a robotic instrument to identify bacteria and archaea on Mars and other planets. The FISHBot will use fluorescent in situ hybridization to detect genetic sequences in samples, which could indicate the presence of life.
Researchers identify TLK1 and TLK2 as critical for accurate DNA replication, preventing extensive damage and cell death. The study found that these enzymes are rarely mutated in cancers but their high expression correlates with poor patient outcomes.
Researchers at FAU have identified ILC2 as a key player in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. By increasing ILC2 levels during therapy, symptoms can be reduced. However, treatment must start before disease onset to be effective.
Research reveals confusion about confidential resources and low answer rates from Title IX coordinators and campus police. Institutions with past sexual assault-related lawsuits showed lower engagement rates.
A new study finds that lesbian, gay and bisexual adults have similar rates of health insurance as their straight peers but are more likely to avoid necessary medical treatment due to cost. They also report higher levels of poor health days and mental health issues compared to their straight counterparts.
The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) has reached a record power level of 1.3 megawatts, achieving 94 percent accelerator beam availability. This milestone establishes a new baseline for operation and paves the way for researchers to conduct faster analyses using neutrons on various materials.
A new study by CU researchers has identified histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11) as a potential therapeutic target for treating obesity and diabetes. Deleting HDAC11 in mice stimulates the formation of brown adipose tissue, leading to increased energy expenditure and a reduction in white adipose tissue.
Postpartum depression is no longer seen as primarily a female reproductive issue, with new research suggesting that men experience comparable rates of depression after childbirth. Cultural and hormonal factors are being reevaluated in light of the findings.