Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new method for alleviating chronic itch by targeting specific neurons in the spine that prevent itch signals from being relayed to the brain. The experimental drug has been shown to be effective in mice and dogs, with significant reductions in scratching and improved skin healing.
Overall stroke death rates have declined in Europe, but some countries are experiencing a recent plateau or increase in mortality. The study found significant decreases in death rates from cerebrovascular disease in most European countries over the past 37 years, with age-standardised mortality rates being higher in men than women.
Research suggests that global oceanic warming contributes to warmer winters in Europe and northern East Asia. The team found positive North Atlantic Oscillation anomalies, low-pressure systems, and a weaker-than-normal East Asian trough linked to oceanic warming.
Researchers from UMN have developed a portable luminometer to screen and identify harmful bacteria within one hour. The new method uses chemiluminescence and can be used in healthcare settings, particularly for detecting antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
Researchers found that sleep-deprived individuals feel lonelier and less socially attractive, triggering a viral contagion of social isolation. Brain scans showed powerful social repulsion activity in neural networks activated when humans perceive personal space invasion.
Researchers investigated natural refrigerants as replacements for CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs in geothermal heat pumps to reduce energy consumption and operating costs. They found that ammonia and n-butane are the most economical and environmentally friendly alternatives.
A 7-year trial found that continued mass azithromycin distribution prevented recurrence of trachoma but did not eliminate the infection entirely. Ocular chlamydia prevalence was significantly lower in communities with ongoing treatment compared to those discontinuing treatment.
Research identified four simple checks on brain scans that can help doctors predict patients at risk of further bleeding after a brain hemorrhage. These checks can be applied during routine care to monitor patients and improve survival rates, especially in low- or middle-income countries where access to advanced CT angiography is limited.
Scientists at TU Wien have successfully created an artificial placenta model that closely resembles the natural organ, providing new insights into the exchange of important substances between mother and child. The research uses a high-resolution 3D printing process to produce customized hydrogel membranes populated with placenta cells.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have discovered that eRNAs play a significant role in activating tumor-developing genes. The findings suggest that eRNAs are functional molecules, rather than mere reflections of enhancer activation or transcriptional noise.
A study analyzed 50 top-grossing US films and found that women are now more often cast as characters holding positions of power. Despite this improvement, women are still under-represented on screen. The researchers also found that female lead characters were more likely to hold high-ranking positions and display physical aggression.
A new study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that Americans who lost more than a fifth of their body weight experienced a significant improvement in metabolic health, with those losing 5-10% showing a 22% lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
A new study investigates pre-existing perceptions about pain medications in individuals with chronic pain, revealing that personalized care by a pharmacist can have a significant impact on patient experiences and outcomes.
A new study found that eight- to nine-year-old children are vulnerable to poor body image as hormone levels rise with the onset of puberty. The research, led by Dr. Elizabeth Hughes, suggests that strategies in schools and at home can help maintain a positive body image prior to puberty.
A University of Adelaide-led team suggests a potential link between iron handling and rare gene mutations causing Alzheimer's disease. The theory proposes that abnormalities in how neurons handle iron could result in the devastating early onset form of the disease.
Researchers have created a comprehensive library of sugar structures using genetically engineered cells and CRISPR/Cas9 gene scissors. This tool allows for the examination of specific sulfation patterns and GAG modifications, holding promise for drug development and disease research.
Researchers developed a novel Polyelectrolyte complex film to prevent post-surgical adhesions, offering a barrier against unwanted tissue bonding and reducing the need for secondary surgeries. The biodegradable film is strong, flexible, and inhibits macrophage, lymphocyte, platelet, and fibroblast adhesion.
Studies of ancient plant remains from a medieval archaeological site in Uzbekistan have shown that fruits like apples, peaches, and melons were cultivated in Central Asia roughly a thousand years ago. The Silk Road played a significant role in the spread of these crops across Eurasia, contributing to their popularity in cuisines today.
Scientists have identified a method to grow dendritic cells at scale in the lab, enabling more precise cancer vaccines and potentially improving organ transplant rejection outcomes. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment and other immunological therapies.
A study published in Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences suggests that sex hormones, particularly estrogen, play a key role in migraine occurrence in women. The research found that estrogen levels sensitize cells around the trigeminal nerve to stimuli, making it easier to trigger a migraine attack.
Researchers discovered an anti-cancer gene called LIF6 in elephants that helps destroy cells with damaged DNA, potentially preventing cancer. This gene emerged around 25-30 million years ago and may have played a key role in enabling the growth of modern elephants.
Researchers found that taurine in energy drinks increased fear-reducing properties of alcohol but also affected social communication in zebrafish. Mixing energy drinks and alcohol may impair judgment and increase risks of fighting and risky behaviors.
Lehigh University engineers aim to develop a lab-on-a-chip method for cancer screening using microwave technology to analyze single cell nuclei. The team uses microfluidic devices to capture and release cells, then applies high-frequency microwave energy to sense internal details.
Researchers at KU Leuven discovered a breach in Intel's modern security technology, Foreshadow, which can hack into enclaves and compromise personal data and cloud systems. The attack uses speculative execution to retrieve sensitive information, putting millions of processors and cloud platforms at risk.
A UC Davis study found significant variation in how water managers engage with climate information, with perspectives clustering by cultural terms. The researchers identified three types of manager's temporalities, from those who closely model futures to those who disregard climate change.
A new study analyzes fatalities among people with dementia in long-term care homes, revealing that nearly half of deaths were caused by physical contact. The study also found that evenings and weekends are the most vulnerable times for incidents to occur, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent these events.
Research published in The Journal of Physiology suggests that exercise can help people exposed to extreme temperatures protect themselves from muscle fatigue. Exercise builds-up muscle in the limbs, allowing it to shiver longer and maintain core temperature for longer.
A new study found that nearly half of fishers from seven countries witnessed someone poaching in marine protected areas in the past year, with most doing nothing about it. Inaction was especially common on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, where nearly 80% of fishers did nothing.
A study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that Medicaid expansion states have seen a decline in uninsured rates among low-income adults with substance use disorders, from 34% to 20%, compared to non-expansion states. However, the proportion of those receiving treatment remained unchanged.
Researchers found formic acid in a protoplanetary disk surrounding the young star TW Hydra, suggesting rich organic chemistry existed before planet formation. This discovery implies that complex molecules were present in the solar nebula, which may have contributed to the emergence of life.
The High-Energy Physics Group at Syracuse University is developing a new tracking device called the Upstream Tracker (UT), which will significantly enhance the capabilities of the LHCb experiment. The UT, supported by a $3.7 million NSF grant, will increase data handling capacity by factors of five to 10.
Researchers developed a new method called pneumatospinning to produce collagen microfibres, which have significantly higher tensile strength than traditional methods. The technique has potential applications in medical devices, clinical treatments, and combination therapies.
A study in Guatemala finds type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes affect 25% of the indigenous population, with age being a significant risk factor rather than obesity. The prevalence has more than doubled since 2003, and researchers attribute this to aging, increased physical inactivity, and insulin resistance.
A newly discovered Intel processor vulnerability, Foreshadow, could compromise secure information on Intel-based PCs since 2008. Patches are available to protect against both variants of the attack, which use side channel attacks and speculative execution to gain access to systems.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a novel method to synthesise hundreds of polymers for potential antibacterial applications. The method enables rapid screening of large libraries of polymers, leading to the identification of new antimicrobials that inhibit bacteria growth rather than breaking their membranes.
Scientists discover that expanding subcutaneous white fat tissue can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation in obese individuals. A microRNA called miR-30a plays a crucial role in this process, protecting fat cells from inflammation and leading to improved metabolic health.
The REMBRANDT dataset, hosted by Georgetown University Medical Center, contains genomic information on 671 adult patients with brain tumors. Researchers can analyze and visualize the datasets using a simple web interface, facilitating discovery and treatment development for brain cancer.
A recent study by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel found that glacier depth has a significant impact on plankton blooms off Greenland. The team discovered that as glaciers retreat, summer plankton blooms decrease due to reduced nutrient input from meltwater.
Scientists have developed an interactive machine learning tool that enables designers to test aerodynamic properties of objects in real-time, speeding up the design process. The tool uses polycubes to represent shapes and achieves impressive accuracy, making it a promising solution for engineering applications.
A team of researchers has developed a photostable fluorescent labeling agent for single molecule, multicolor, and 3D deep imaging in the near infrared region. The new dye, PREX 710, allows for long-term bioimaging of blood vessels in mice brains.
A Danish national register study found a higher risk of suicide among those with traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to the general population. The risk was particularly high among those with severe TBI, multiple medical contacts, and longer hospital stays.
A UC Davis study found that countries with high women's labor force participation support equal rights, while liberal Western nations endorse individualism. Former socialist states maintain patriarchal views, despite strong maternity provisions.
Hayat Ullah, an AIT graduate student, received the IPNI Scholar Award for his research on nutrient management strategies for rice cultivation. The award recognizes his efforts to promote food security and safety in Asia.
Researchers studied the skin microbiome of eastern massasauga snakes to understand how environmental microbial communities promote disease resistance. Infection with snake fungal disease alters the bacterial and fungal diversity of infected snakes, making them more susceptible to the pathogen.
Recent research reveals that lipid droplets regulate proteins involved in gene expression, regulating their maturation, breakdown, and storage. This understanding has significant implications for embryonic development and the study of obesity and lipodystrophies.
A team of international scientists has estimated the amount of highly radioactive cesium-rich microparticles released by the Fukushima power plant disaster. The research found that around 78% of radioactive cesium was released as glassy particles, which concentrated radiation in affected areas.
A phase 3 trial found that radiation therapy and cetuximab was associated with worse overall and progression-free survival compared to the current standard treatment with radiation and cisplatin. The study recommended releasing the data after an interim analysis showed that cetuximab with radiation was inferior to cisplatin and radiation.
Xiaochen Guo, a Lehigh University professor, aims to improve data movement efficiency by revamping memory systems. Her goal is to proactively create and redefine locality in hardware, unlocking fundamental improvements for machine learning applications.
Research highlights that babies in prams are exposed to up to 60% more pollution than their parents, posing potential risks to frontal lobe development and cognitive abilities. The study suggests innovative technological solutions, community activism, and exposure-centric policies as key to improving air quality for children.
New research from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) shows that MERS-CoV can adapt to infect cells of a new species, similar to SARS-CoV. This finding suggests that other coronaviruses might be able to do the same, potentially leading to new human infections.
A recent study found that only 8% of disabled or older women who qualified for Medicare received BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing between 2000 and 2014. Women with these mutations are at higher risk for developing second breast cancer and ovarian cancer, making timely testing crucial for informed decision-making.
Researchers at FAU developed a procedure for detecting and diagnosing heart sounds using radar, with high correlation to traditional methods. The technology has the potential to replace stethoscopes and enable touch-free monitoring of patients' vital functions.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered vulnerabilities in IPsec's IKEv1 protocol, which enable attackers to intercept specific information. The Bleichenbacher attack was successful against four network equipment providers, prompting manufacturers to eliminate security gaps.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that mixing yield stress materials creates distinct regions of mix and non-mix, providing a fundamental understanding of designing mixing protocols. The study's findings have implications for industries such as pharmaceuticals and concrete manufacturing.
Tropical Storm Hector has two areas of strong convection with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating a high potential for heavy rain. The storm is moving west-northwest towards the Johnston Island Atoll at maximum sustained winds of near 40 mph.
Researchers from the University of Turku and University of Palermo studied the ecology of investors in financial markets using actual data. The study found that groups of investors form interlinked clusters and are connected to strategy usage, which affects market volatility.
Researchers have mapped the brain regions responsible for naming objects, a process that is crucial for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The study's findings could lead to improved approaches for epilepsy and tumor surgery, reducing cognitive side effects.
A new method for screening frogs has been developed by an undergraduate researcher, allowing scientists to detect the deadly pathogen Perkinsea. The test, using qPCR assay, found that 25% of sampled frogs were infected, with the highest prevalence in Gold Head Branch State Park.
A new study reveals unexpected discoveries about whistler waves, including wave reflections and cylindrical modes. The research provides insights into the nature of whistlers and space plasmas, which could aid in developing plasma technologies for spacecraft thrusters.
Researchers have developed a method to dramatically speed up the formation of magnesite, which can store carbon dioxide and potentially remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The process takes place at room temperature and uses polystyrene microspheres as a catalyst.