A systematic review and meta-analysis found that pediatric phase I cancer trials have improved outcomes for approximately 1 in 10 children, with a fatal drug-related complication rate of 2.09%. The study's results suggest refining risk/benefit assessments for these trials.
A Penn nursing study found that sex communication with parents is rarely discussed among gay, bisexual, and queer male adolescents, often being heteronormative and reactionary. The study suggests that targeted family-based sexual health discussions can minimize risk behaviors and improve overall health outcomes for this demographic.
A new study reveals that European cities will experience more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and flooding due to climate change. Southern Europe will see the biggest increases in heatwave days and temperatures, while central Europe will face the greatest temperature increases during heatwaves.
Researchers have identified a new structure inside human sperm tails, which is essential for swimming and fertilization. The spiral-shaped feature helps coordinate the movement of motorproteins that propel the sperm forward.
Researchers observed CO gas associated with the galactic disk, but found it unaffected by the strong ionized gas outflow from the galactic center. This challenges the widely accepted idea that radiation from galactic centers influences molecular gas and star formation activities.
Researchers developed a device that combines metasurface lenses with MEMS technology, enabling fast scanning and beam steering. The integrated device can control the angular rotation of a flat lens and scan the focal spot by several degrees.
A study found that patients with advanced cancer were less capable of making treatment decisions than healthy adults, but doctors often overestimated their competence. The research suggests a shift in patient-doctor relationships, emphasizing the importance of respecting patient autonomy while ensuring decision-making capacity.
The USC-led ATLAS project has compiled a large dataset of brain scans from stroke patients, which is now available for download. Researchers are using this dataset to develop and test algorithms that can automatically process MRI images from stroke patients, aiming to identify biological markers for personalized treatment plans.
A team from TUM developed a methodology to observe ultrafast chemical processes with quintillionths of a second resolution. This allows for the control and influence of ionization dynamics, shedding light on photosynthesis and silicon ionization in computer chips.
A new nitrate sensor developed by Ruhr-University Bochum can analyze one drop of plant juice in seconds to determine optimal fertilization levels, resulting in improved crop yields and reduced waste. The sensor is linked to a cloud-based system that estimates regional fertilizer demand and provides farmers with real-time data.
A new e-Health platform has been developed to support healthy aging and prevent cardiovascular disease and dementia in the elderly. The HATICE trial involves over 2,500 participants aged 65 or older and aims to reduce risk factors through lifestyle changes and interactive guidance.
A new study published in PNAS found that extreme-altitude birds on the Himalayan Plateau and Altiplano plateau evolved similar traits to capture oxygen, despite different molecular blueprints. The study identified multiple ways for closely related species to produce the same functional outcome.
Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new non-invasive technique to study brain function and its relation to aging. Preliminary results suggest that brain aging may begin earlier than expected, with declines in coherence between cerebrospinal fluid oscillations observed in participants over 25.
A neuroeconomics model suggests that valuing identity over accuracy leads to accepting incorrect information aligned with political party beliefs. Strategies to reduce this effect include creating a superordinate identity, engaging in constructive dialogue, and increasing the value of accurate beliefs.
Two clinical trials evaluate the frequency and type of adverse reactions to benznidazole in chronically infected adults. The studies found that the majority of adverse reactions (90%) were mild and appeared within the first month of treatment.
Researchers discovered that lipid asymmetry plays a key role in activating immune cells. By maintaining balance, the immune system can be controlled and potentially used to treat allergies, inflammation, or cancer. The study's findings suggest new avenues for treating these conditions by regulating membrane composition.
Researchers found the hybrid zone had moved north nearly 40 kilometers due to warming, impacting genetic composition and potential for gene flow. Climate change may lead to a loss of genetic variation, threatening population sizes of individual species.
Researchers found that very long-chain meibum is essential for preventing dry eye disease. Mice with deleted Elovl1 gene developed cloudy corneas and signs of dry eye disease after five months.
Research reveals that adults who received higher levels of parental care perceive themselves as more attractive mates. Maternal care is particularly associated with increased attractiveness as a partner for women and men.
Researchers found that non-selective ion channels, like the NaK channel, have a selectivity filter with sizeable dynamics, unlike selective channels. The study revealed two different forms of the selectivity filter, one for each ion type, which explains why the NaK channel can pass both sodium and potassium ions.
Research explores how gut bacteria respond to common changes in their habitat, revealing that bacterial species can go extinct when environments are altered even slightly. This understanding could lead to the design of targeted probiotics and therapies to make gut microbes more resilient.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was recognized as the top team, and five undergraduate students were named Putnam Fellows. The competition saw only 20% of participants earn a score above 13, with the highest score being 89 out of 120 points.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed an empirical model that accurately predicts atmospheric river activity in the western US three weeks in advance. This breakthrough could enhance long-term weather forecasting capabilities, allowing for earlier warnings of extreme precipitation, floods, and droughts.
A US researcher has received a grant to investigate the role of ALCALM in lupus, a complex autoimmune disease. The study aims to understand how ALCALM drives the immune system to attack healthy tissues, and potentially find new treatments or even a cure for lupus.
A recent analysis of Medicare billing records reveals that hospital charges for outpatient oncology services can exceed Medicare payouts by twofold to sixfold. The study, published in the American Journal of Managed Care, emphasizes the need for fair and transparent pricing to protect vulnerable patients from financial burdens.
Researchers identified two key proteins crucial for malaria parasites' escape from red blood cells and infection of fresh cells. The discovery offers potential new treatment targets against the deadliest malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.
A new robotic system developed by MIT engineers can grasp and pack items with high accuracy, making it suitable for various applications such as warehouse sorting and kitchen tasks. The system uses an object-agnostic grasping algorithm to assess a bin of random objects and determine the best way to grip or suction onto an item.
The 2014 Ebola outbreak had a significant impact on Liberia's healthcare system, with a 67.3% drop in clinic visits and 35.2% decrease in first ANC visits four months into the outbreak. However, health system outputs began rebounding by November 2016, with all systems exceeding pre-Ebola forecasted trends for three consecutive months.
Researchers created asset management framework to streamline maintenance and reduce costs by 33% in Kelowna, B.C. Improved coordination between city departments can lead to better budget allocation and enhanced service delivery.
Scientists analyzed 94 hominin fossils, finding average brain size increased gradually over three million years due to evolution of larger brains within populations. The research also shows the impact of introducing new, larger-brained species and extinction of smaller-brained ones on brain size evolution.
Researchers at Colorado State University explore how climate change impacts the evolution of organisms and propose a novel approach to understanding eco-evolutionary feedback dynamics. The study suggests that evolutionary changes in response to climate change may accelerate or mediate the warming trend.
A USC-developed algorithm can better locate and treat people living with undiagnosed infectious diseases, such as TB and gonorrhea. The algorithm optimizes disease spread models using behavioral, demographic, and epidemic trends to capture underlying population dynamics.
A new study shows that innuendo and pointing suspicion in news coverage can significantly increase belief in false facts. Researchers found that even implicit hints at conspiracy theories can lead to increased conspiracy beliefs, while debunking information can only partially reduce these levels.
A study by the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona finds that D-galactose affects male and female brains differently as they age. In high doses, it accelerates ageing in males, while females experience alterations in learning and spatial memory. However, low doses show positive effects in males, including improved learning and memory.
Researchers found that gabapentin is being mixed with other substances to produce euphoria, and some users are turning to it after crackdowns made it difficult to obtain opioid prescriptions. The medication's low cost and increasing popularity have contributed to its misuse, highlighting the need for further study on its abuse potential.
Researchers found that stable gas hydrates can indirectly destabilize sediment above, triggering submarine landslides. The new process, independent of climatic changes, involves the formation of fluid conduits beneath the seafloor, leading to hydro fractures and shallow slope failure.
A new study found that adolescents with sexual orientation discordance are 70% more likely to experience suicidal ideas or attempts compared to those with concordant orientations. This association remains even after controlling for other factors, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to support youth.
Researchers found that genes responsible for metastasis can also initiate primary tumour development, driven by the fly model Drosophila melanogaster. This discovery strengthens the notion that same genes can activate tumour growth and metastasis in some tumours.
Researchers developed a method combining diffusion-weighted MRI with intelligent image analysis to detect malignant changes in breast tissue. The new method reduced false positive findings by 70% and accurately identified malignant tumors in 98% of cases.
Engineers have created a laser-based wireless charging system that can safely charge smartphones sitting across a room. The system uses power from the laser to charge the smartphone via a thin power cell mounted on the back of the phone, with safety features such as a heatsink and guard beams to prevent overheating and accidental contact.
Researchers found that a longer history of being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of silent heart damage, even when accounting for other health factors. Maintaining a healthy weight across the lifespan may help minimize heart disease risk.
By adding oxygen atoms to a perovskite-like crystal material, researchers created 2D electron gas with unique properties. The discovery opens up new possibilities for faster and novel electronic devices, including superconductors and actuators.
Researchers studied 308 older patients who underwent abdominal surgery, finding that both vulnerable and frail patients were at higher risk of readmission or death within 30 days and 6 months. The degree of frailty predicted increasing risk of readmission or death, with frail patients at greatest risk.
A new study published in HeartRhythm found that blacks with atrial fibrillation are more likely to experience an ischemic stroke before or after diagnosis compared to white patients. The study analyzed data from nearly 3,500 patients and showed that black patients were 62% more likely to have had an ischemic stroke prior to AF diagnosis.
Researchers found significant variation in the response threshold of cloned ants to sweetened water, with some preferring diet soda equivalents and others requiring stronger concentrations. This diversity may be driven by epigenetic modifications that allow for individualized adaptation and potentially enhance long-term colony survival.
A team of researchers identified an algorithm called 'nearest-neighbor chaining' that describes how word senses accumulate over time. The study analyzed 1,000 years of English development and found that new word senses emerge through an efficient mechanism that expresses new ideas via a compact set of words.
A new report from The Hastings Center proposes a policy analysis framework that aligns governance of emerging technologies with the public's values. The framework incorporates a refined understanding of precaution and emphasizes transparency in value judgments. It also explores new institutions for coordination and public engagement.
Researchers found that nearly two-thirds of low-income participants had never visited a farmers market, highlighting a need for increased awareness. A novel internet-based social marketing strategy, Healthy Roots for You, was tested to increase awareness and encourage future use among low-income residents.
A study at a safety-net hospital in northeast Florida found that it could perform complex operations like esophagectomy with fewer complications and shorter hospital stays than the national average. The institution's use of a written, standardized protocol was credited for its superior outcomes.
A team of scientists has confirmed a new species of sixgill sharks in the Atlantic Ocean, based on genetic testing. The discovery was made using mitochondrial genes and found significant differences between the Atlantic and Pacific/Oceanic species.
A new study using the LAser RElativity Satellite (LARES) demonstrates high-precision probing of General Relativity and fundamental physics. The research reveals frame-dragging effects on space-time, with implications for astrophysics.
Researchers at Lehigh University aim to elucidate the biomechanical mechanism of Ebola-host cell interaction using computational molecular adhesion mechanics and single-molecule force spectroscopy. Their goal is to provide new pharmacological targets for antiviral drug development.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to discover the structure of an enzyme critical for maintaining adequate DNA building blocks in human cells. The human version differs from its bacterial counterpart, suggesting potential for designing antibiotics that selectively block the bacterial enzyme.
A longitudinal study of adoptive families found that mothers' and fathers' symptoms of depression are related to harsh, over-reactive parenting. Social support networks play a crucial role in mitigating these effects. The study suggests that parents with depressed spouses should prioritize self-care and social connections.
A new study by researchers at Aarhus University found that porpoises stop feeding and change their movement patterns when exposed to heavy ship noise. The study, which used electronic tags to track the porpoises' behavior, provides insight into how human activities impact these marine animals.
Researchers found that hitting rock bottom frees individuals from constraints and negative emotions, allowing them to find a viable solution. This 'identity play' provides an opportunity to escape the situation and try new things without committing to them.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding how rust fungi infect crops and evolve virulence using latest genome sequencing technologies. The study uncovered high levels of genetic diversity between the two chromosome copies, which likely serves as the basis for rapidly evolving new rust strains.
Researchers argue that individual differences in behavior and cognition are a natural part of human development. A more nuanced understanding of psychological disorders recognizes the complexity of human traits and the need for multivariate approaches to diagnose and treat illness.
A study published in Movement Disorders found that lower levels of alpha-synuclein protein in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with postural instability and gait difficulty in Parkinson's disease patients. The study also suggests that lower beta-amyloid levels may be related to memory problems in Parkinson's patients.
Japanese researchers at Osaka University propose that substances heated by high-power lasers produce an ultrahigh pressure plasma state comparable to stellar centers. The surface tension of this plasma can push back light, and the researchers derive a limit density for laser-induced hole boring.