Researchers found that a significant proportion of patients and healthcare workers shed the flu virus without displaying symptoms, making it difficult to control its spread. The study, conducted at a tertiary hospital in Zurich, tracked over 700 healthcare workers and inpatients during two consecutive influenza seasons.
Researchers have identified a rarely-seen type of DNA mutation as the cause of an inherited metabolic disorder, a condition where the body can't break down specific nutrients. The gene responsible for the disorder is intact but a repeat expansion error prevents it from functioning.
Research from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business found that transparency in charitable organizations on crowdfunding platforms increases donations and fundraising. Regular operational updates significantly increase financial benefits, with each work-related word in updates boosting donations by $65 per month.
Astronomers used asteroid occultations to measure the smallest apparent size of a star on the night sky, revealing the diameter of a giant star and a sun-like star. The new method provides ten times better resolution than standard lunar occultation methods.
A proposed ban on menthol cigarettes by the FDA is expected to survive a lengthy legal process, according to a Rutgers paper. The study concludes that an FDA rule banning menthol cigarettes is likely to be upheld due to strong scientific evidence and legal power.
A Rutgers-led study found that pollen genes in certain corn strains undergo natural mutations, which may lead to better breeding and crop development. In contrast, other strains show no detectable gene mutations.
A new study finds that hospitals serving richer patient populations will face increased financial penalties under the revised system, while those with poorer patients will see reduced penalties. The changes aim to address concerns about the original program unfairly penalizing safety-net hospitals.
According to a new study, first-year doctors in internal medicine programs spend an average of 87% of their work time away from patients. The majority of this time is spent interacting with electronic health records or engaging in indirect patient care. Multitasking is also common throughout the day.
A new study published in Games for Health Journal found that allowing dark play in a serious video game has no significant effect on its effectiveness. The researchers analyzed the effects of dark play on medical students' ability to advise care, learning motivation, and attitudes towards delirious patients.
Researchers found that eliminating routine but low-value preoperative tests for cataract surgery patients can lead to significant cost savings. The study showed a savings of $67,241 over three years at one medical center, without measurable negative effects on patients.
Researchers propose a novel method from physics that makes economic effects of major events computable for the first time. The new method calculates resilience and outputs, testable predictions can be made and visualizations help understand economies.
Researchers reveal how the modern human face evolved over four million years, influenced by dietary changes, tool use, and social interactions. The study's findings suggest that the face's shape and features reflect our species' adaptability to different environments and cultural contexts.
Research reveals a correlation between exposure to extreme temperatures and precipitation, and reduced educational attainment among children in the tropics. Exposure to higher-than-average temperatures in utero and early childhood correlates with fewer years of education, particularly in Asia.
A consortium of researchers identified a rare but important gene target, NRG1, responsible for development of various cancer types. The study suggests that targeting this gene fusion could effectively shut down cancers, offering a new therapy possibility.
A breakthrough treatment has been found to protect against kidney failure and cardiovascular complications in people with diabetes. The study showed a significant reduction in kidney failure and cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, by up to 30%.
A new algorithm can detect the molecular signature of a cancer-driving defect, identifying patients who could benefit from treatment with PARP inhibitors. The algorithm has the potential to expand greatly the pool of patients eligible for this therapy.
The study found that phenolic compounds in purple corn altered the development of fat cells and reduced inflammation and insulin resistance. Different combinations of anthocyanins showed varying effects on these biomarkers.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that volcanic eruptions in the Siberian Traps led to a global catastrophe known as the Great Dying, which killed off 95% of life on Earth. The eruptions released massive amounts of mercury vapor into the atmosphere, causing acid rain and warming the planet.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have conducted the first global assessment of plastic's life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, finding that current strategies are insufficient to curb emissions. Recycling and replacing fossil-based energy with renewable sources offer promising solutions, but significant reductions will require unpreceden...
Dr. Blake Richards has made significant contributions to mathematical models of learning and memory in the brain, providing insights into the neurobiological basis of animal and human intelligence. His work explores the neural basis of deep learning and its potential to revolutionize our understanding of the brain.
Researchers developed a novel recombinant vaccine called NIPRAB that shows strong immunization against Nipah virus in animal models. The live vaccine is safe in mice, eliciting a strong antibodies response and reacting to similar viruses like Hendra and Rabies.
A recent study synthesizes research on severe haze pollution in Northern China, highlighting its complex interaction between human activities and atmospheric conditions. The findings suggest that improving haze prediction and developing effective regulatory policies require additional knowledge and public awareness campaigns.
Researchers identify essential protein PCMD-1 in controlling cell division at the centrosomal level, which is also linked to a genetic disease called primary microcephaly. The study provides insights into how centrosome assembly is regulated and has significant implications for understanding human developmental defects.
A new study has identified a brain activity pattern, called frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA), that predicts anger experienced during dreaming. Individuals with greater alpha-band brain activity in the right frontal cortex during REM sleep and pre-sleep wakefulness tend to have more angry dreams.
Researchers found that public interest in US bird species increases with body size and abundance, while endangered species attract high local interest. Certain well-known species are also popular nationwide, despite their limited range.
Analyzing nearly 6 million citations, Northwestern University researchers found that highly cited papers cite relatively recent work and go on to become highly cited themselves. This suggests that top scientists are adept at identifying promising research.
A study published in the National Tax Journal found that allowing donors to claim charitable donations earlier, such as before tax season, increases donations by nine percent. Researchers from UBC Okanagan and other institutions used a policy experiment in Quebec to test this idea.
A small study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that doubles badminton players are at greatest risk of potentially serious eye injuries during matches. Protective eye wear is highly recommended for all competitors to prevent such injuries, which can cause permanent vision loss and even blindness.
A new study in Nature Communications finds that the collective attention span is narrowing, with increasingly steep gradients of attention given to each cultural item. The accelerating vicissitudes of popular content are driven by the rapid exhaustion of limited attention resources, as suggested by a mathematical model with three basic...
A study found that celebrity fat-shaming events increased women's implicit negative weight-related attitudes, with more notorious incidents producing greater spikes. The research suggests that cultural emphasis on the thin ideal contributes to eating disorders, particularly among young women.
The North Atlantic warming hole has a significant impact on the North Atlantic jet stream, leading to changes in atmospheric circulation and storm tracks. The cooling pattern caused by the warming hole is predicted to become greater and more apparent as the century progresses.
Scientists found evidence of water vapor in lunar exosphere after analyzing data from NASA's LADEE mission, which orbited the Moon from October 2013 to April 2014. The team detected dozens of events where meteoroids struck the Moon's surface, releasing a short-lived water vapor that could be used as a resource for future human explorat...
Researchers from UNIGE discovered that bacteria can thrive in the Dead Sea's sediments, surviving extreme conditions by feeding on ancient corpses. This finding has significant implications for searching for life on other planets and highlights the importance of understanding how microorganisms adapt to hostile environments.
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences develop CRISPRed wheat with tolerance to sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, and aryloxyphenoxy propionate-type herbicides. The trait offers low-risk weed control for millions of multi-cropping farmers in China.
Researchers have developed synthetic peptides that target and inhibit small, toxic aggregates of amyloid beta, implicated as the toxic elements behind Alzheimer's disease. The peptides reduce amyloid beta-triggered toxicity in human neural cells and inhibit oligomers in laboratory animal models.
A new assessment tool, measuring a child's environment (EDN), can predict optimal development outcomes. The tool, tested in three countries, examines elements like breastfeeding, touch, and social support.
Researchers identified a helicase gene, ReqQ, involved in gene conversion and crossover frequency, the first of its kind in plants. This breakthrough may help breeders break up linked regions, increasing desirable genes without sacrificing vital plant functions.
The American College of Physicians recommends strengthening the Affordable Care Act to address gaps in coverage and ensure universal access. ACP calls for bolstering the insurance market, expanding Medicaid, and increasing competition to provide quality care for all Americans.
Research led by The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science found that China and India's rapid urbanization, especially in China, and rural development in India were major enablers of the success in achieving MDG Target 7C-Water. Economic development was also found to be imperative in expanding drinking water coverage.
A recent study found that fentanyl-related deaths in West Virginia increased by 122% between 2015 and 2017, despite a decline in prescription opioid deaths. The surge in fentanyl deaths is attributed to illegal imports from China and the potency of the drug itself.
A study found that a resting heart rate of 75+ beats per minute in mid-life is associated with a doubling in the risk of an early death from all causes. Men in their 50s with increased heart rates are at heightened risk of developing heart disease over the next 11 years.
Researchers from University of Science and Technology of China successfully developed a ruthenium-based single-atom alloy catalyst accelerating water electrolysis with lower overpotential. The catalyst shows improved stability and activity compared to commercial RuO2, making hydrogen production through water electrolysis more efficient.
A new study suggests that a simplified three-step hand rub technique for 15 seconds is as effective as the six-step, 30-second technique recommended by WHO. This could improve hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. The study found that shorter application times do not compromise bacterial reduction.
Researchers used knife crime data to forecast London's most likely areas for fatal stabbings. Areas with high assault rates showed a significant increase in homicide risk the following year.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells can hide from immunotherapy by altering the levels of a key molecule on their surface. However, they identified an existing inhibitor of the WNT pathway that could potentially reverse this process and make cancer cells more visible to immune cells.
Australia has launched a $245 million national research hub to develop new generation satellite technologies, projected to boost its space industry from $3 billion to $12 billion by 2030, generating 20,000 jobs.
A new study reveals that neurofeedback can strengthen neural connections and communication among brain areas in under 1 hour, paving the way for optimizing therapeutic approaches against stroke and Parkinson's. The technique showed increased integrity of the corpus callosum and strengthened neural networks controlling body movements.
The National Australian Hand Hygiene Initiative has seen significant improvements in hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers, resulting in reduced risks of Staphylococcus aureus infection. The initiative's success is attributed to promoting WHO's '5 Moments for Hand Hygiene', leading to a decline in S. aureus bloodstream infec...
A new study found low hand hygiene compliance on ICUs, with healthcare workers more likely to move from dirtier to cleaner tasks, increasing the risk of transmitting infections to patients. Interventions should teach workers to move in the opposite direction to minimize risks.
A study of 230 travelers found that staying in hotels increases the risk of contracting multi-drug resistant bacteria by four times. Younger travelers aged 20-30 are particularly at risk, and people visiting certain regions face a higher risk of infection with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.
A team of researchers has discovered a new property of supercooled water that can be triggered by subatomic particles like dark matter. They created a detector, called the "snowball chamber", which uses supercooled water to detect fundamental particles and potentially identify dark matter.
The team found that the crystals of the layered bismuth chalcogenide superconductor exhibit two-fold symmetry in its superconductivity, contradicting the expected four-fold symmetry. This finding suggests a connection to nematicity, an enigmatic class of materials known for breaking rotational symmetry.
West Virginia University researchers aim to unlock secrets of gravitational waves from binary black hole collisions with public computing power. They are building a website with downloadable software to generate self-consistent simulations, covering gaps in knowledge about gravitational wave parameters.
A European study finds associations between antibiotic resistance and seasonal temperature, with significant contributions to MRSA variance. Climate change may increase AMR transmission, particularly carbapenem resistance, in various healthcare systems.
Vector-borne diseases such as chikungunya, dengue fever, and Lyme borreliosis are expanding rapidly across Europe due to climate change and international travel. The geographical range of these diseases is expected to increase, with hotter temperatures favouring the spread of mosquitoes and ticks.
The study found major dioxins detected were polybrominated and mixed halogenated dibenzofurans, suggesting PBDEs as a source. High concentrations of PXDFs indicate these 'hidden' dioxins contribute substantially to e-waste-derived dioxin toxicity.
A study highlights the importance of seeking prompt medical advice if symptoms of rabies are suspected, as delays can be fatal. Experts stress that preventive treatments are highly effective when given promptly after exposure, and encourage individuals to seek treatment immediately after a bite or scratch from an animal.
A new study found that nearly a third of hospital room surfaces had antibiotic-resistant bacteria on them, suggesting rapid transmission from patients to their environment. The research team suggests expanding hand hygiene efforts to include patients, as healthcare workers' hands remain the primary mode of microbe transmission.
A new study reveals that petting zoos can harbor highly virulent, drug-resistant bacteria that can be transmitted to visitors, mostly children. The study found that animals in petting zoos are a potential source of shedding these pathogens, which can cause serious illnesses.
A Harvard physicist has shown that wormholes can exist and are theoretically useful for quantum gravity research. However, travel through them would be slower than direct travel, making it impractical for space exploration.