Research estimates that bidi smoking in India results in INR 805.5 billion (US$12.4 billion) in direct and indirect costs, including healthcare expenses and lost productivity. The habit disproportionately affects men, particularly those from lower-income households who already struggle with poverty.
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory is collaborating with industry on six new projects focused on advancing commercial nuclear energy technologies. These projects aim to improve current nuclear reactors and move new reactor designs closer to deployment.
The review examines chemotherapeutic drugs that bind to plasma proteins, such as cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and ruthenium-based compounds. These drugs interact with key plasma protease inhibitors, altering their function and inactivating them.
A Columbia professor has developed a predictive computer platform that analyzes all tumor types and predicts effective treatment options. The platform, OncoTreat, is based on advanced data science techniques, including information theory and ray-tracing.
Researchers have found that the LAG-3 molecule's major ligand is actually FGL1, not MHC-II as previously believed. This discovery suggests that designing drugs to block MHC-II may be problematic, and caution should be exercised in immunotherapy research.
Caltech scientists develop dynamic DNA nanostructures, enabling the creation of a microscopic tic-tac-toe game board with reconfigurable parts. The technology combines self-assembling tiles and strand displacement to allow for molecular self-reconfiguration, paving the way for more sophisticated nanomachines.
Researchers have developed a neural network that can accurately detect age and gender from video frames, outperforming existing convolutional neural networks. The new method aggregates confidence levels using mathematical statistics and Dempster-Shafer theory, enabling the detection of age and gender with improved accuracy.
Small farms in Cordoba's dehesas are showing more intense production and increasing livestock density, with beef cattle and Iberian swine being the most common combination. These family-owned farms are intensifying production despite traditional ideas of low productivity, and their study reveals key characteristics of these farms.
A large-scale genomic analysis found a strong link between type 2 diabetes and erectile dysfunction, suggesting that living a healthier lifestyle may help reduce risk. The study identified a genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes as a cause of erectile dysfunction.
TGF-β1 is a potent modulator of immune and glial cell functions, regulating processes like fibrosis, atrophy, and muscle regeneration. Researchers discuss therapeutic strategies to inhibit the deleterious actions of TGF-β1 in skeletal muscle.
A new study finds that the decline in mortality among the very old may be due to errors in data collection and analysis, rather than biological factors. The researchers suggest that even small errors can significantly impact mortality rates, particularly at the end of life.
Researchers at Indiana University found that mild, repetitive head impacts in football players can impair eyeball and eyelid movement, but this effect often normalizes by the end of the season. The study aimed to better understand the impact of repetitive subconcussive head injuries on brain function.
A team from GW is investigating the causes of cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients and testing a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce heart disease risk.
The Blood editors have selected the top 10 manuscripts of 2018, showcasing notable advances in various hematological disorders. These studies highlight promising treatments for B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and classical Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as novel therapeutic strategies for immune thrombocytopenia.
Researchers have demonstrated a new technique that can store more optical data in a smaller space than previously possible on-chip, improving upon the phase-change optical memory cell. The new approach enables storing information in 34 levels, equivalent to 5 bits, and could help meet the growing need for computer data storage.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism for sperm stem cell number control, where cells migrate and compete for fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). This self-organized process regulates stem cell density in the testis, maintaining uniformity despite the absence of a canonical niche.
Researchers identified associations between functional changes in certain brain cell types with Alzheimer's-related accumulation of phosphorylated tau protein. The study also showed that machine learning can be used to classify patients into different stages of disease pathogenesis based on gene expression patterns.
A new MIT study identifies chloroform as a significant threat to ozone layer recovery, with increased emissions in East Asia potentially delaying the process by four to eight years. The researchers found that production of products from chloroform is on the rise in the region, contributing to the growing problem.
The CRISPR Journal publishes outstanding research on all aspects of CRISPR and gene editing. Two new articles explore the ethics of germline editing and the use of alternative PAM sequences for mouse genome editing.
Nir Hacohen and Vijay Kuchroo receive Distinguished Innovator Award for innovative approaches to treating lupus kidney disease and harnessing regulatory T and B cells. Their research aims to stimulate strategies for prevention, treatment, and cure of the chronic autoimmune disease.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a novel drug delivery system that uses attenuated bacteria cells to transport anti-cancer drugs directly to cancer sites, showing up to 100-fold improvements in distribution and retention. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment options.
A recent study found that colistin-resistant Escherichia coli (CR-E) was prevalent among residents in rural communities in Vietnam, with 70.4% of residents carrying the bacteria. This widespread dissemination raises concerns about the potential for 'nightmare bacteria' to spread globally and render antibiotics ineffective.
A recent study published in Journal of Radiological Protection found that severely obese patients require higher doses of radiation during X-rays to create images, increasing their cancer risk. The research, conducted on over 600 patients, showed a 153% increased risk of cancer compared to normal-weight individuals.
A study of high school football players found that repeated subconcussive head impacts led to worsening eye function, as measured by near point of convergence (NPC), and impaired recovery. NPC values began to return to normal in midseason despite continued head impacts, suggesting the eyes may develop tolerance.
Researchers from the U.S. Army and top universities discovered a new way to enhance energetic performance of metal powders in battlefield systems by igniting aluminum micron powders coated with graphene oxide. The discovery, published in ACS Nano, could lead to improved range and lethality of existing weapons systems.
The discovery of exceptionally preserved late-Permian plant fossils in Jordan pushes back the ages of important seed plant lineages and suggests that drought-prone tropical habitats served as evolutionary cradles for early plant diversification. The findings indicate that these plant lineages survived the mass extinction event at the e...
Research identifies GM3S and GM3 ganglioside as crucial for intestinal cholesterol uptake, offering a new therapeutic target for reducing high blood cholesterol. A high-cholesterol diet-fed mouse model with deficient GM3S shows lower susceptibility to high blood cholesterol.
Researchers analyzed skin cells from over 100 individuals to identify molecular signatures of aging, predicting a person's age with less than eight years error on average. The study's findings provide a foundation for quantitatively addressing unresolved questions in human aging.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) researchers find bone marrow stromal cells harbor leukemia cells, shielding them from chemotherapy. Yong-Mi Kim seeks integrin molecules to block treatment evasion.
Researchers create a rubbery, shape-shifting material that can morph into complex shapes at room temperature and change back when heated. The material shows promise for soft robots and biomedical applications requiring pre-programmed shapes at body temperature.
Researchers at the University of Alberta found alpine zooplankton to be excellent indicators of lake health, sensitive to climate changes. By analyzing over 1,200 lakes across North America, the team showed that these tiny organisms can assess ecosystem function based on their ecological traits.
A team from Osaka University has made a groundbreaking discovery using non-cryogenic crystals to analyze protein conformational changes and thermodynamic properties. This breakthrough technique allows for precise temperature control, providing valuable insights into the structure and function of enzymes.
Scientists have created a high-quality diamond MEMS sensor chip that outperforms existing silicon sensors in terms of sensitivity and reliability. This breakthrough could enable the development of highly sensitive and reliable sensors for various applications, including disaster prevention and medicine.
A study by Society for Consumer Psychology found that hiding information about consumption choices increases sense of connection. Researchers conducted experiments where participants were asked to keep their brand choices secret, revealing that secrecy intensified self-brand connections and increased loyalty.
Researchers propose using sound-based network management for tasks like datacenter server fan failure detection, authentication, load balancing and congestion notification. Music-defined networking leverages sounds from real or virtual devices to augment existing network components with sound capabilities.
A study published in Psychological Science found that participants' happiness did not decline when they repeatedly gave gifts to others, unlike when they received identical gifts. The researchers suggest that giving may help maintain social connection and belonging, leading to a slower adaptation to happiness.
The small hive beetle's genome has been published, providing crucial keys for better control methods, including insecticidal treatments and genetic solutions. The SHB has a strong gene-guided system that detoxifies many insecticides, allowing researchers to target specific pathways for effective control.
A NASA-industry team successfully built and demonstrated a prototype quantum sensor for satellite gravimetry, enabling highly sensitive gravity measurements. The sensor employs atom interferometry, a technique that could revolutionize next-generation geodesy, hydrology, and climate-monitoring missions.
A new Canadian study found that nearly 7.5% of anaphylaxis cases were due to an unknown trigger (AUT), with suboptimal treatment and follow-up management common both inside and outside hospitals. The study highlights the need for clear guidelines and educational programs to ensure prompt and appropriate management of anaphylaxis.
Chemical synthesis breakthrough offers hope in combating lethal drug-resistant infections; researchers develop efficient, scaleable antibiotics to fight Staphylococcus aureus and other bacterial species.
The European robin and Turtle dove genomes have been sequenced for the first time, enabling researchers to explore genetic switches controlling bird migration. The study will also provide insights into the magnetic compass that helps birds navigate.
Researchers found that dairy cows' milk yield and composition follow predictable annual cycles driven by photoperiod, regardless of geographic location. The study's findings will help dairy farmers better manage their herds and interpret the effects of management strategies.
Biofabricated tissues with micropores allow for efficient nutrient and oxygen diffusion, enabling the growth of larger tissue samples. The novel approach uses stem cells derived from human fat and sodium alginate porogens to create porous tissue strands that can be implanted in bone or cartilage defects.
Cognitive impairment significantly affects self-care and mobility scores in skilled nursing facility residents. Residents with severe cognitive impairments show less improvement, highlighting the need for additional support and intense rehabilitation.
Researchers found that female penises in geographically distinct species of bark lice evolved separately due to environmental pressures and competition for male seminal gifts. The study suggests that the evolution of female penises is linked to sexual selection and mating behaviors.
Global supplies of Ac-225 are insufficient to meet growing demand for radiotherapy. Two production routes show promise, relying on irradiation of parent elements to increase yields.
A new multilayer structure with an enhanced magnetoresistance ratio enables the creation of highly sensitive magnetic field sensors. This breakthrough could measure brain activity at room temperature with millisecond resolution.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are partnering with General Carbide to optimize tungsten carbide for additive manufacturing. The goal is to improve durability and reduce breakage in 3D printed parts. The project aims to develop better base powders and printing methods to enhance the use of tungsten carbide in metal printing.
A study identified 14 gene variants associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including three new variants. The findings suggest shared genetic architecture for different diagnosis criteria and links to other conditions like metabolic disorders, depression, and male pattern baldness.
Researchers have developed a new method to non-destructively measure the salt content of concrete structures using a compact neutron source. This allows for efficient inspections without damaging the structure, which is crucial for aging infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels.
Fossils of well-armed and substantial flying reptiles from the UK's Jurassic period have been uncovered, revealing multiple pterosaur lineages, including a new species with a wingspan of two metres. The research sheds light on the evolution of flying reptiles and their role in understanding global natural history.
A Dartmouth-led study found that displaying calorie information on food images decreases the brain's reward system activation and increases control system activation, making unhealthy foods less appetizing. The results suggest that nutritional interventions should consider consumer motivation, including dieting status.
Scientists from Leipzig Institute for Meteorology and TROPOS conduct a field experiment to understand the relationship between aerosol particles, clouds, and precipitation. They observe the atmosphere at Punta Arenas, a region with minimal pollution, to gather data on cloud formation and life cycle.
Astronomers have developed a revolutionary method to detect dark matter using faint starlight in Hubble images. The technique accurately studies the distribution of dark matter and has been confirmed in galaxy clusters. Future studies will survey more clusters and analyze additional data with the James Webb Space Telescope.
A team from Kiel University has developed an ultrafast camera system that films the motion of electrons in solids. The camera, which operates at a temporal resolution of 13 femtoseconds, allows researchers to study fundamental processes involved in the conversion of light energy into electricity.
A team of researchers has successfully detected rain over the ocean using GNSS Reflectometry, a technique that measures sea surface roughness to infer precipitation. This innovation could provide unprecedented temporal resolution and spatial coverage for monitoring atmospheric precipitation.
Researchers found that vice foods with hero labels were more compelling than the same foods shown with villain labels, while healthy foods benefited from villainous labels. In a real-world experiment, consumers were willing to pay more for bottled water and cheese curds when labeled as 'villainous' rather than 'heroic'.
The MONARCH study investigates if home eye tests can detect wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in patients, potentially reducing unnecessary hospital appointments and costs. Patients will complete three home eye tests weekly for one to two years, with results compared to hospital check-ups.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have made a breakthrough in treating epilepsy by using stem cell-derived neurons to stop seizures and improve cognitive function. The study showed that transplanted human GABAergic neurons formed synapses with host excitatory neurons and were directly involved in controlling seizures.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a protein fragment called ?N-JARID2 that regulates skin cell differentiation. The finding holds promise for developing new gene therapies for psoriasis and other skin conditions caused by hyper-proliferation of skin cells.