Research reveals that exposure to biomass fuel is a major contributor to COPD in nonsmokers, particularly in rural populations. The study found that 61% of patients lived in rural areas and had exposure to biomass gas, highlighting the need for further research into this subset of nonsmokers with COPD.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that diets with high-quality protein sources from plants like legumes and nuts lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure compared to those with red meat. This study provides evidence for the benefits of plant-based diets in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A novel study creates a new metric to illustrate disadvantaged areas nationwide, highlighting the regions with the highest disparity between opioid-related deaths and access to treatment providers. The study found that nearly 32% of US counties lack any treatment programs, while over 19% have a low number of treatment programs per death.
A new study found that food insecurity at home, particularly during early childhood and adolescence, hampers learning abilities in Indian adolescents. The research team analyzed test scores and found that 47% of children experienced household food insecurity, leading to lower scores in reading, vocabulary, maths, and English.
A UMass Lowell expert is studying how much mercury accumulates in forests to reduce the pollutant worldwide. The research team measures forest soils and watersheds to understand mercury cycles.
A new study in rats reveals that marijuana exposure during pregnancy can lead to behavioral and memory problems in babies. The research pinpoints how the drug alters neural connections in the hippocampus, a key area for learning and memory.
A team at Michigan Technological University developed the Gigabot X, an industrial 3D printer that uses waste plastic particles to create large, strong prints. The printer has shown significant cost savings and high returns on investment for producing sporting goods products.
A comprehensive SWOG Cancer Research Network study has identified a host of targets for new or existing cancer drugs. The research, published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, found higher counts of cancer-fighting TILs in pre-treatment tissue samples of breast cancer patients who achieved complete response to chemotherapy.
Researchers hope to uncover the cause of a dramatic change in ice ages and warm periods by analyzing greenhouse gases in ancient ice cores. The EU-backed project aims to drill into the oldest ice on Earth, expected to be at least 1.5 million years old, to gather valuable information about climate history.
Researchers found that hydrogen peroxide in whitening strips damages dentin tissue beneath the enamel. The active ingredient converts collagen into smaller fragments, potentially causing permanent tooth damage.
A new study from UCI scientists identifies an imbalance in the amygdala-hippocampal circuit that explains how people reactivate negative emotional memories. The finding may unlock new treatment approaches for PTSD and other mental disorders.
Actuarial risk assessments can reduce inconsistencies, but also reproduce class-based and race-based inequalities. The use of proprietary algorithms raises questions of transparency and fairness.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide named ten new parasitic wasp species inspired by everyday objects like chocolate biscuits and Doctor Who aliens. The discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy in understanding and documenting ecosystems.
A new global initiative led by the University of Birmingham aims to better understand how plastics are transported and transformed in rivers, accumulating in river sediments. The project's first results show a complex picture with a huge diversity in types and sources of plastic in selected river estuaries.
A study by Michigan State University found that online sexual experiences can predict offline risks, including HIV risk, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence. The researchers identified four classes of experience patterns, which predicted susceptibility to these outcomes.
Engineers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have revealed new insights about the chemical reactions that power fuel cells, shedding light on their degradation issues. The study found that the rate-limiting step in fuel cell efficiency is not oxygen splitting, but rather how oxygen atoms find and enter vacancies at the surface.
Parvalbumin-containing cells have been found to regulate blood flow and volume in different brain regions, pulling back excess supply when activated. This discovery sheds new light on the role of these cells in neurovascular coupling and their potential involvement in neurological disorders.
A study published in Nature Genetics has identified a gene responsible for cadmium accumulation in durum wheat, a toxic metal that poses serious health risks. The discovery enables the rapid development of low-cadmium durum wheats, increasing the quality and safety of pasta and couscous.
The 2019 APS April Meeting features talks on Event Horizon Telescope project's first results, nucleosynthesis in neutron star mergers, and the proposed AMEGO mission. These discoveries shed light on black holes, dark matter, and the universe's evolution.
A new method for measuring semiconductor material quality has been developed, enabling the characterization of materials at scales much smaller than current technologies. This will accelerate the discovery and investigation of 2D, micro- and nanoscale materials.
A study found that at least six states with high opioid abuse rates have restrictive scopes of practice for nurse practitioners, limiting their ability to prescribe medications like buprenorphine. In less restrictive states, NPs were more likely to receive waivers and access these life-saving medications.
The new technology provides a 360-degree, three-dimensional view of surgical tools and surrounding tissue for more precise needle placement. This allows for improved dose pattern distribution to the tumour and surrounding tissue, reducing complication rates.
New research by Imperial Brands shows that vaping blu e-vapor produces a similar effect on human lung tissue as normal air. The study found that exposure to blu vapour had no cytotoxic impact on human airway tissue, unlike conventional cigarette smoke.
Researchers discovered genes responsible for asexual reproduction in tropical grass, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving cattle health. This breakthrough enables faster and cheaper breeding of environmentally friendly forage grasses.
A new surgical guideline has been shown to decrease re-operation rates for breast cancer patients undergoing lumpectomy. According to a study by UBC medical student Alex Monaghan, women with early-stage breast cancer are now 72% less likely to require additional surgery.
A new collaboration will create a centralized biobank of induced-pluripotent stem cells for Prader-Willi syndrome, enabling researchers to investigate the genetic basis of the disease and explore potential therapies. The biobank will provide high-quality cellular resources to accelerate research and development of new treatments.
Researchers from Boston University Schools of Medicine have developed a fast and accurate approach to assessing the carcinogenicity of chemicals. The new method uses machine learning algorithms to distinguish between carcinogens and non-carcinogens, providing a cost-effective solution for prioritizing chemicals for further testing.
A new study reveals that BAX, a crucial driver of apoptosis, is activated by transient interactions with BH3-only proteins at two distant sites on the protein. This 'hit-and-run' interaction initiates the conversion of BAX into a lethal protein for cells.
A recent study found that two-thirds of adults dying prematurely from natural causes did not seek medical help in the 30 days leading up to their death. The research identified key factors contributing to premature adult deaths, including alcohol, tobacco, and lack of access to healthcare.
A study on Spanish teen series reveals that audiences tend to favor male and female characters based on gender, with males being seen as 'rebels' and females as 'nice people'. The study highlights the need for more diverse and complex characters to break away from traditional stereotypes.
A new study found that authors' tweets about their own work increase dissemination of research on Twitter. Publications from top respiratory and critical care journals benefited most from author tweeting, with a significant increase in tweets at one year post-publication.
Scientists at UC San Diego developed a new CRISPR-based 'allelic drive' to selectively swap genetic variants, allowing precise editing of specific traits in populations. The technology has potential applications in agricultural pests, disease-carrying insects, and conservation efforts.
A team of scientists from the University of Bonn has created a camera that uses electrical pulses to capture images in murky or dark water, mimicking the sensing abilities of the African elephantnose fish. The 'electric camera' can identify objects, determine distances and shapes, and even distinguish between living and dead prey.
The TAPIR-CM project seeks to strengthen SDN and NFV-augmented networking for agility and flexibility. Researchers aim to apply machine learning/ai to forecast data traffic behavior, improving network performance. A working prototype is expected by the end of the 4-year project.
Researchers have found and tested compounds from a group of plants that could be used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy and other degenerative eye diseases. The study suggests that these natural compounds may provide a new approach to treating blindness caused by diabetes, offering hope for future treatments.
A study by ISGlobal identifies West African regions where treating livestock with ivermectin can significantly impact malaria transmission. The analysis highlights the potential of this strategy to reduce malaria prevalence among children under 10 years of age and improve community health.
A clinical trial found that animal-assisted therapy can foster social competence and increase emotional involvement in patients with brain injuries. The study showed that patients exhibited more active social engagement, expressed positive emotions, and reported higher satisfaction when an animal was present during therapy sessions.
A study by Penn State researchers found that employees who regularly fake or suppress emotions to provide good customer service are at risk of heavier drinking after work. The results suggest that employers may need to rethink their policies on employee happiness and job autonomy.
Researchers at University of New Hampshire found 14 wild bee species declining in the Northeast, including ground nesters and cavity nesters, with significant shifts in elevation and latitude. Climate change is affecting certain populations, particularly in coastal areas.
A combination of over-the-counter antioxidants shows promise for mitigating damaging effects of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Treatment improved markers of vascular function and inflammation in some patients, suggesting a simple and readily available option to improve vascular health.
A new study assesses the environmental sustainability impacts of flying cars and finds that they could outperform ground-based cars for longer trips. For trips over 100 kilometers, fully loaded VTOLs carrying a pilot and three passengers had lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline vehicles.
Researchers have identified a common species of seaweed, Laminaria ochroleuca, as a rich source of bacteria with antimicrobial and anticancer activities. The study reveals that extracts from these Actinobacteria inhibited growth of various pathogens and showed selective anticancer activity.
Researchers develop QC-01-175, a molecular tool that clears abnormal tau protein from human neurons, providing a new approach for studying disease progression and potential therapeutic benefits. The findings suggest targeted protein degradation technology can be used to transform a protein binder into a functional molecule with pharmac...
A study using 7-Tesla MRI detected cortical lesions in 80% of MS patients, which were strongly correlated with neurological disability and disease progression. Cortical lesions accumulated in grooves on the brain's surface called sulci, suggesting a new approach to evaluating MS progression.
A new cellular mechanism for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been identified, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy targeting the RNA degradation pathway. Researchers also found that an asthma drug called Tranilast could potentially rescue cells and fruit flies from C9orf72-induced neurotoxicity.
A four-week rest period was nearly as effective as an experimental drug in reducing discomfort and regaining function after injury from repeated moderate-strain activity. The study suggests that rest may be a good first treatment choice for common musculoskeletal disorders, with exercises and pain reducers used to aid recovery.
InDevR to showcase VaxArray technology at the BIO International Convention, leveraging NIH SBIR/STTR funding. The company has a proven track record of translating scientific ideas into commercial products.
The genome assembly of durum wheat has provided new insights into its domestication history and genetic properties. The study revealed a mutation that leads to high cadmium content in grains, enabling plant breeders to selectively breed modern durum cultivars with reduced cadmium levels.
Researchers at University of Southampton used volunteer birdwatching data to study how temperatures affect habitat management for British birds. They found that a mix of forests, fields, and meadows is crucial for jays to thrive, especially in higher temperatures.
Climate researchers are searching for ice in the Antarctic that's at least 1.5 million years old to gather data on carbon dioxide and methane, and their connections to the climate's development. The BE-OI project has selected Little Dome C as the ideal site, which will be drilled into starting in mid November 2021.
Research at Columbia University found that providing clear information on the sugar content and health risks of sugary drinks can help families make informed choices. The study's lead author recommends using visual aids and graphic warning labels to inform parents about healthy alternatives.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a new method to identify compounds that prevent aging by analyzing the transcriptome of human cells. This approach identified several candidate substances, including Hsp90 inhibitors, which have been shown to extend lifespan and improve health in C. elegans.
A new study found that the current 'repeal and replace' debate is already affecting women's health by increasing interest in IUDs as a cost-efficient form of reversible birth control. The study used Google Trends data to track searches for IUDs, showing a significant increase following the 2016 presidential election.
Researchers Sophie Piper and colleagues used a coin toss to confirm whether a drug protects the brain against stroke, questioning the need for repeated experiments in mice. The study reveals high rates of false positive results and highlights the 'replication crisis' in scientific research.
Green roofs have been found to improve indoor air quality by reducing ozone levels, according to a PSU study. The research involved comparing air quality between a green roof and a conventional white membrane roof on a retail store in North Portland.
Researchers developed a hybrid lightweight tracking algorithm, Kerman, to enhance detection of people and behaviors in surveillance videos. The algorithm uses decentralized computing to process video streams on-site, increasing agility and robustness.
A new study published in Addiction found that medication treatment for opioid use disorder significantly reduces the risk of arrest and incarceration. The research, led by UMass Amherst public health scientist Elizabeth Evans, used data from a large randomized clinical trial to compare the effects of two medications on social outcomes.
Researchers found a correlation between elapsed time between two consecutive admissions and mortality in an observational study of 13,234 consecutive ICU admissions. The shorter the interval between admissions, the higher the odds of death.
A two-day conference brought together experts in AI, policy, law enforcement, and survivors to tackle human trafficking. Researchers aim to leverage technology to support trained law enforcement in tackling this complex issue, combining data analysis with social policy and political efforts.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation has honored three K-12 educators for their outstanding contributions to STEM education. The winners, Charlotte Cook, Patricia Palazzolo, and Megan L. Tucker, have inspired their students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.