A new surgical procedure has been shown to improve movement and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy. The selective dorsal rhizotomy procedure involves cutting sensory nerves to relieve stiffness and pain. The study provided convincing evidence that the procedure helps children, with no significant health risks identified.
A research team has identified the Sex-lethal gene as essential for the formation of apyrene sperm, a type of non-nucleated sperm found in some animals. Apyrene sperm are required for eupyrene sperm migration in female organs, indicating their importance in fertilization.
Researchers developed stable inorganic perovskite semiconductors at moderate temperatures, enabling integration into thin-film solar cells. The optimized CsPbI3 layers showed an initial efficiency of over 12% and stable performance for over 1200 hours.
A team of researchers led by Caitlin Griffith discovered a mysterious linear ice corridor on Titan's surface, which suggests the presence of past volcanic activity. The find sheds new light on Titan's unique atmospheric chemistry and potential for life
Research reveals that front-of-pack food claims on breakfast cereals can be uncorrelated with actual nutritional quality, yet still influence consumers' perceptions of taste, healthiness, and fattening consequences. The study identifies four distinct types of claims and their effects on consumer choices.
A new study assesses the credibility of nine popular UK weight management influencers' blogs, finding that most failed to meet basic standards for transparency, evidence-based references, and nutrition guidance. Only one influencer met all the criteria, while those without nutritional qualifications scored lowest.
A systematic review by Newcastle University researchers found that maternal obesity prior to pregnancy increases the risk of childhood obesity by over three times. The study also identified higher risks for children born to mothers with overweight BMI, emphasizing the need for early interventions focused on weight management.
Researchers analyzed DNA from 763 individuals across the region, finding three distinct east-west genetic groupings correlating with ecological zones. The study reveals previously unknown genetic connections and shifts in ancestry over time, shedding light on human migration and cultural transfer in inner Eurasia.
A study found that a wider network of brain regions than previously thought is engaged in remembering a familiar face, linking the 'face network' with social, visual, and auditory circuits. This integration predicts facial memory performance.
A new technique allows for color-tunability in a single GaN-based LED by manipulating emission properties of an atomic-type dopant. The result could pave the way for monolithic integration and comfortable warmer white light from LEDs.
Researchers identify five classes of early immune-system programming, linking childhood experiences to chronic inflammatory diseases and psychiatric disorders in adulthood. The study found that children with resilient immune systems were better protected against both conditions.
Researchers found that parasitoid wasp larvae use the ecdysone hormone to hack into spiders' internal code, inducing changes in web construction and behavior. This external parasite rides on the surface of the spider's abdomen, injecting psychotropic substances to access the brain.
Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a new technique, nanoFleming, to rapidly test for antibiotic activity in microorganisms. The method has identified 11 novel peptides with improved efficacy or resistance-bypassing properties.
GlycoNet researchers Drs. Alexey V. Pshezhetsky and Christopher Cairo have been awarded half a million dollars to advance research on human neuraminidase inhibitors for treating cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. The funding will support the development of novel treatments for these complex diseases.
Cognitively normal adults with elevated levels of amyloid-β exhibited mixed attitudes toward physician-assisted death, reflecting complex emotions and values surrounding end-of-life care. The study highlights the need for nuanced discussions about dying wishes and advance care planning in this vulnerable population.
The new light-field microscopy system captures biological processes in 3D at high speeds, resolving dynamics within hearts and neuronal cells. This technique overcomes previous limitations, enabling researchers to study dynamic processes on millisecond timescales.
A new study by Brigham Young University researchers found that mixed-race couples with children are more likely to move to racially diverse neighborhoods, but often settle for less affluent areas. These couples face challenges in finding neighborhoods that balance affordability with diversity and access to quality education.
A global meta-analysis reveals that invasive species can cause significant declines in native populations, especially when they reach higher trophic levels. Early detection becomes critical to prevent long-term damage. Strong policies are needed to prevent novel introductions and manage early stages of invasion.
Despite substantial reductions in child and adolescent mortality, US maternal mortality rate increased by 67.5% between 1990 and 2017. This divergence in trends highlights the need to prioritize maternal health alongside that of children and adolescents.
Dr. Bradley Yoder receives the prestigious prize for his significant research on polycystic kidney disease, recognizing his work on primary cilium function and its role in cyst development. The award aims to stimulate research towards a treatment and cure for PKD.
A study analyzes mammalian communities across 98 biomes, finding that vegetation type strongly influences ecological structure. The ecospace of extinct communities overlapped with extant ones, but lacked frugivores and granivores.
Studies presented at ESMO Breast Cancer Congress 2019 found that young women with breast cancer tend to have more aggressive tumour subtypes, including triple negative and HER2 positive types. However, proper treatment according to guidelines resulted in good survival rates and local recurrence outcomes.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a homeostatic mechanism that regulates brain activity in neural circuits, paving the way for new treatments of epilepsy. A commonly used medication for multiple sclerosis may also be effective in suppressing seizures in patients with Dravet syndrome.
Researchers at Yale University and Japan offer an explanation for the moon's composition, suggesting that magma played a key role in its formation. The new model suggests that 80% of the moon is made up of proto-Earth materials, contradicting previous theories that suggested the impactor was responsible.
A study found that younger, more active older adult women prefer wearable sensors for personal activity data collection, while their parents prefer smart home sensors. The technology's acceptability is crucial for promoting adoption into daily life.
Researchers at MUSC have identified a critical lipid-binding pocket on the SET protein that can be targeted with rational drug design to develop better cancer therapeutics. Fingolimod and other FDA-approved drugs bind this pocket, restoring PP2A's growth-suppressive function and killing cancer cells.
Researchers from Hong Kong Baptist University have invented a new method that can detect target molecules in pharmaceuticals and pesticides in just five minutes. This breakthrough could lead to the production of higher quality medicinal drugs with no side effects.
Clear behavioral rules posted prominently in online discussions can increase participation by 70% while preventing thousands of harassing comments. By influencing social norms, these visible rules promote a culture of inclusion.
Researchers created a next-generation space blanket that regulates body temperature using metal 'islands' similar to cephalopod skin, allowing infrared radiation to escape when stretched. The material is ultra-lightweight, durable, and has potential applications in clothing and building insulation.
A new study suggests that adding hydrogen to respiratory gases could further protect babies' brains during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The treatment, combined with hypothermia, reduced seizures, tissue injury and chemical markers of brain damage in animal models.
Researchers are tweaking tiny tomato plants to increase photosynthesis and make them suitable for growing on the International Space Station. The goal is to create a crop that can feed astronauts and potentially support future space colonies.
Scientists have found that part of the world's largest ice shelf is melting 10 times faster than average due to solar heating of surrounding ocean surface. The Ross Ice Shelf's stability is affected by both deep ocean water and surface solar heat, with implications for sea level rise and glacier flow.
Scientists have developed a fast and versatile two-in-one synthetic strategy to partition pores in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), resulting in highly efficient adsorbents. The new pore-space-partitioned MOF shows better gas uptakes than unpartitioned materials, particularly for ammonia uptake with high packing density.
The Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative initiative improved the care of opioid-exposed infants by reducing pharmacological treatment duration and length of hospital stay. The project, which monitored 9,648 infants from 2014 to 2018, saw a decline in the proportion requiring treatment from 48% to 42%.
Studies in rats reveal that highly demanding and rewarding experiences result in stronger memories due to replay processes in the hippocampus. This finding provides new insights into memory consolidation, which could lead to treatments that strengthen memories and better understand memory decline in diseases like dementia.
The Fondren Foundation has pledged $15 million to Houston Methodist to support the development of a comprehensive program addressing complex diseases. The new initiative will focus on advancing research and treatment for gastrointestinal disorders, immunological disorders, and food allergies.
A new RAND Corporation study found that co-use of cannabis and tobacco or nicotine products is associated with poorer mental and physical health, as well as greater problematic behaviors among young adults. More than a third of surveyed young adults reported using both substances together.
The GRACE twin satellite system has contributed nearly two decades of crucial data to our understanding of global climate patterns. The mission has recorded three times the mass of ice lost in polar and mountainous regions, and enabled a measure of heat added to oceans.
The Logan Science Journalism Program allows established science and health journalists to participate in hands-on research training at the MBL. Fellows conduct biomedical or environmental research, discovering key concepts and techniques in cell biology, genomics, and ecosystem dynamics.
Researchers found that piriform cortex stimulation triggers synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, leading to enhanced memory formation. The study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the special role of olfaction in memory formation and retrieval.
Patients with advanced HER2-negative breast cancer treated with continuous chemotherapy showed improved survival rates and maintained quality of life compared to intermittent scheduling. The study also found that treatment holidays had a negative impact on physical quality of life scores, with a clinically meaningful decline at 24 months.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that autism diagnoses become stable starting at 14 months, with a mean age of diagnosis being significantly lower than previously reported. This suggests that accurate screening and earlier treatment can result in improved therapeutic benefits for children with ASD.
Successful global efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions would likely increase the average GDP of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia by 2-6 percentage points by 2050. Lower oil prices due to reduced demand would also contribute to economic growth in these countries.
A study found that university students who experience high levels of exam stress are more likely to crave junk food, snack frequently, and consume fewer fruits and vegetables. The study suggests that prevention strategies should integrate psychological and lifestyle aspects to combat stress-induced eating.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine developed a smartphone-based tool that uses artificial intelligence to analyze retinal images and detect diabetic retinopathy. The device, called RetinaScope, achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates in a study, outperforming human graders in detecting the condition.
A new study suggests that older adults with poor sense of smell may be at a 46% higher risk for death at 10 years and 30% at 13 years compared to those with good smell. Poor sense of smell is linked to higher mortality in both healthy and unhealthy individuals, with most of the risk remaining unexplained.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a graphene sponge that acts as a free-standing electrode in lithium sulphur batteries, improving their energy density and cycle life. The new design achieves an 85% capacity retention after 350 cycles, reducing instability issues.
The researcher will collect data from 1,500 patients using prescription opioids to identify factors that may increase the risk of opioid-related depression. Long-term opioid analgesic use is associated with increased risk for depression and impairs depression treatment and recovery.
Research suggests that large protected forest areas are crucial for conserving bird species, while coffee plantations can serve as habitats for migratory birds and young birds. Insectivores suffered the greatest declines, with population losses greater in smaller forest fragments.
Researchers from UCL and University of Arizona developed a 'deep learning' approach called PlanetNet to detect storms on Saturn. The algorithm accurately maps the components and features in turbulent regions, revealing previously undetected atmospheric features such as ammonia ice clouds.
A phase I clinical trial using stem cell immunotherapy will be tested on patients with advanced sarcomas and the NY-ESO-1 tumor marker. The treatment aims to generate a lasting immune response against cancer by modifying blood-forming stem cells and T cells to target specific proteins.
About 7-6 million years ago, the Hadley circulation intensified, leading to drier climate, expanding subtropical grasslands and increasing mammal species that eat grasses. The research provides a new understanding of late Miocene ecosystems and their evolution.
Fossils found in southeastern China provide insights into Middle Pleistocene human evolution. The discovery sheds light on the continuity of form through time and regional variations among early Asians.
A clinical trial found liraglutide, an existing adult diabetes medication, effectively treats Type 2 diabetes in children. The study showed a significant reduction in A1C levels and improvements in glycated hemoglobin levels, offering new treatment options for this age group.
Researchers found early ASD diagnoses remain stable and reliable in children aged 14-24 months, with 84% of initial diagnoses retained at final evaluation. The study suggests potential for earlier treatment with further research needed.
A study found that freshmen from low-income families who received Illinois Promise loan-replacement grants were significantly more likely to graduate within five years compared to peers without the program. The grant recipients had a 76.3% graduation rate, while non-recipient peers had a 67.1% rate.
A study by Brazilian researchers shows that the Tietê River's water quality improves steadily as it flows through a series of dams along its 1,100 km course. The filtration process retains matter in suspension, affecting light absorption and ultimately making the river transparent at its downstream end.
A study found that poor sense of smell is associated with a 46% higher mortality rate at year 10 and 30% higher mortality rate at year 13 compared to those with good olfaction. The association could not be explained by demographic characteristics, lifestyle, or comorbid conditions.
Conservationists analyzed a controversial Australian goat removal program to develop a framework for evaluating intervention options. The study highlights the importance of considering community values, avoiding assumptions, and being logically sound in conservation decisions. It recommends key attributes such as clarity, transparency,...
A science advisory from the American Heart Association describes system-wide innovations to improve access to healthy foods. Improvements in food production, distribution, and consumer behavior can favorably impact health behaviors, such as reducing calorie consumption and increasing fruit and vegetable intake.