A recent study published in The BMJ found that long-term use of oral hormone therapy is associated with a small increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal women. Women who used hormone therapy for over 10 years had an increased risk, especially those diagnosed at age 60 or older.
A pilot study found that remote blood pressure monitoring via smartphone app, accompanied by education and health coaching, can significantly improve blood pressure control. Participants who had the highest blood pressure at baseline showed the most reductions in both systolic and diastolic pressure.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which bacteria like Burkholderia ambifaria activate white blood cells and attack the immune system. The study found that lectin BambL binds to carbohydrate residues on the surface of B cells, triggering an immune response in immunocompromised hosts.
Preliminary research found that adding high-quality plant-based foods to a diet decreases the risk of deaths from heart disease. A 10-point increase in score on a healthy plant-based diet scale was associated with a 10% lower risk of cardiovascular disease death.
Researchers demonstrated scrambling of information in a quantum computer, simulating the behavior of matter inside a black hole. They showed that entangled qubits could potentially be used to probe the mysterious interiors of black holes.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that serving healthy meals to a family of four can be done for $25 per day, consistent with the USDA low-income cost of food meal plan. The study used menu planning and access to bulk supermarkets to achieve this cost.
The ECOSTRESS mission aims to provide critical data for irrigation, enabling farmers to optimize water usage and reduce drought vulnerability. By measuring surface temperature, scientists can calculate evapotranspiration and identify which plants are using water most efficiently.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that adjusting CRISPR dosages can significantly improve dystrophin production in edited genes. The optimal ratio of components changed based on the DNA sequence being edited, paving the way for optimized gene therapies for other diseases.
Researchers created fermented milk products with bacterial films on nanofiber membranes, demonstrating improved probiotic survival and resistance to stomach digestion. The biofilms released live bacteria into the milk, allowing them to survive storage and transit.
Fracture injuries linked to dog walking have more than doubled in patients 65 and older between 2004 and 2017, with hip and upper extremity breaks being the most common. Researchers emphasize the importance of considering risks for falls in lifestyle recommendations to minimize such injuries.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that people who spent less time watching TV and regularly ate an energy-rich breakfast showed significantly less plaque and stiffness in their arteries. Eating a high-energy breakfast was also associated with healthier arteries, while skipping breakfast increased the risk of...
The study found that activity of the ActRII pathway increases with aging and heart failure, leading to cardiac dysfunction. Inhibiting this pathway can improve cardiac function in animal models of heart failure, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy for the deadly disease.
A study of over 675,000 cancer patients found that those with a psychiatric history were 73% more likely to die from their cancer. The risk increased with the level of psychiatric help, suggesting that stress may affect the body's biological systems.
This observational study estimated the number of patients 65 years or older with fractures associated with walking leashed dogs. The findings show a significant increase in injuries, with most occurring in women and hip fractures being the most common.
Researchers re-dated giant ground sloth remains, challenging popular hypothesis that megamammals survived into the Holocene. Their findings suggest humans hunted and butchered the animal near a swamp during the end of the Pleistocene.
A 3-year research project in Germany and the Netherlands reveals that migrant care workers are increasingly employed by families to provide round-the-clock care. Despite low wages and long work hours, many family members value their chemistry with immigrant caregivers.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that adjusting traffic light timing in response to weather conditions can significantly reduce intersection delays. By analyzing video data and running computer simulations, they determined that weather-responsive signal plans could ease congestion and improve safety during snowstorms.
Researchers propose using lichens to assess old-growth forest conservation value, offering a more nuanced approach to measuring biodiversity. This method, developed by Dr. Troy McMullin and Dr. Yolanda Wiersma, uses suites of lichen species associated with old-growth areas to develop an index of ecological continuity.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a frequency-tunable plasmonic-based THz device for non-invasive biological imaging. The new device shows improved ability to distinguish between different tissues, opening up possibilities for enhanced diagnostic imaging tools.
A mass measles vaccination campaign in India saved an estimated 41,000 to 56,000 children's lives between 2010 and 2013, according to a study published in eLife. The campaigns significantly reduced child mortality rates in the affected districts, with mortality rates falling by 27% compared to non-campaign states.
Researchers used Wikipedia pageview records to investigate seasonal patterns in online interest for plants and animals. They found that seasonal trends are widespread, with over a quarter of species showing seasonality in their pageviews.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health evaluates the Novartis Access program in Kenya, demonstrating that robust, 'gold standard' methods can be used to assess major pharmaceutical companies' access programs. The study found that the program significantly increased availability of two medicines in health facilities bu...
Researchers at Kanazawa University have developed a new copper catalyst that can distinguish between two different carbonyl compounds and selectively synthesize one species of 1,2-diol. The catalyst uses a N-heterocyclic carbene ligand to activate the carbonyls and form a carbon-carbon bond.
The USC Dornsife Korean Studies Institute has launched a new predoctoral exchange program to support young scholars working on US-East Asia relations. The initiative aims to enhance understanding of the security environment in East Asia and promote policy issues.
A new study found that offering voluntary HIV testing and immediate treatment to those who test positive can significantly reduce new HIV infections. The 'universal test and treat' strategy was associated with a 30% lower rate of new HIV infections compared to standard care.
Researchers found that a vegan-based fasting diet reduced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathology in mice by changing their gut microbiota. The diet, known as the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD), increased stem cell numbers and stimulated protective gut microbiota, leading to reduced intestinal inflammation.
Researchers have demonstrated a new way to perform functions essential to future computation at speeds trillions of times faster than current commercial devices. The team created a nanoscale spintronic semiconductor device that can partially switch between specific magnetic states in under a picosecond.
Researchers at NREL discovered a way to transform discarded plastics into high-quality composite materials, exhibiting twice the strength of petroleum-based FRPs. The process reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, offering a promising solution for boosting recycling efforts worldwide.
Researchers at Washington State University captured heat-loving bacteria that can 'eat' pollution by converting toxic pollutants into less harmful substances and generating electricity. The discovery was made possible by a cheap portable potentiostat invented by graduate student Abdelrhman Mohamed, who worked with Professor Haluk Beyenal.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing techniques to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria using neutron scattering, while also studying the impact of higher CO2 levels on tree growth in temperate forests. These findings could lead to improved antibiotics and better climate modeling.
A recent study published in the journal Bone used 3D simulations to predict hip fracture risk in patients with osteoporosis. The results showed a power of discrimination greater than 80%, outperforming traditional calculations.
Researchers at Tianjin University have developed an alternative strategy for synthesizing nitric acid and ammonia through electrochemical reactions using air and waste nitrate combined electrocatalytic process. This approach offers a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly method compared to traditional industrial processes.
The development of a new generation of catalysts is crucial to meet the world's demand for clean energy. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a breakthrough in finding better, cheaper catalysts using high-entropy alloys, which can aid the conversion of chemical substances in chemical reactions.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered previously unknown cellular stages of fetal development using gene analysis on individual cells from early mouse embryos. The study revealed a molecular road-map of the events that control cell differentiation, shedding new light on the early development of the embryo.
The integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia has been awarded a five-year grant to advance innovative ideas from discovery to implementation. The institute brings together partners with established strengths in biomedical research, data science, and clinical trials to transform translational research.
A national study of youth with ADHD reveals that at least one in five students with ADHD receive no school services despite experiencing significant academic and social impairment. The study found that middle and high school students with ADHD were significantly less likely to receive any type of school service, despite similar or wors...
A UC Santa Barbara study reveals that proximity to highly trafficked areas, shopping centers, and freeways leads to higher gas prices. The researchers also found that market competition can override the effect of location, with nearby gas stations influencing pricing behavior.
Researchers investigate how photon mass could influence galaxy rotation curves, potentially explaining the enigmatic 'dark matter'. The study's findings suggest a possible solution to the long-standing rotation-curve problem.
A new study by Johns Hopkins University found that incorporating the arts into science lessons can help low-achieving students retain more knowledge. The study, which analyzed data from over 350 students, discovered that arts-integrated classes improved content retention by an average of 105%.
A second person has experienced sustained remission from HIV-1 after ceasing treatment through a stem cell transplant. The patient remained undetectable after stopping antiretroviral therapy (ARV) and his immune cells continue to lack the CCR5 receptor, making it difficult for the virus to enter host cells.
A team of UC San Diego engineers is developing an Integrated Photonics Education Kit (IPEK) to teach undergraduates practical skills in integrated photonics. The kit, priced at $1,500, offers a portable and robust platform for hands-on training.
Researchers analyzed 2.33 billion Wikipedia pageviews to find seasonal patterns in internet interest for plants and animals, revealing how much people care about nature. The study suggests new ways to monitor changes in biodiversity and targets conservation efforts.
Feather lice on rock pigeons evolved divergent camouflage in response to preening, a key driver of adaptive radiation. Over four years and 60 generations, the lice developed heritable color differences spanning the full range of the genus.
Omri Weinstein, assistant professor at Columbia University, has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to explore data structures and information retrieval. His research aims to develop new mathematical tools for proving lower bounds on data structure efficiency and scalable storage applications.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania propose that humans' ability to detect patterns stems from the brain's desire for simplicity. By prioritizing overall structure over individual details, people can more quickly recognize complex patterns and anticipate what comes next. The study's findings have significant implications for ...
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University identified a beneficial role of sleep in clearing out DNA damage accumulated during waking hours. Sleep increases chromosome dynamics, which helps to repair and maintain the integrity of individual neurons.
Recent clinical trials conducted by the Regenstrief Institute found that traditional drug-focused approaches are ineffective in managing delirium in ICU patients. Implementing deprescribing strategies and exploring alternative methods, such as waking and mobilization, may be more effective in reducing delirium severity and duration.
Researchers at UMaine have discovered a connection between an influenza virus surface protein and a host cell lipid, which could lead to new antiviral therapies. The study found that the protein hemagglutinin interacts with the host cell lipid PIP2, potentially allowing for targeted treatments despite frequent viral mutations.
Researchers Lee Vinsel and Andrew Russell aim to improve the lives of maintenance professionals through a global network and recognition. They received a $189,193 grant from the Alfred Sloan Foundation to connect leaders with maintainers in various industries.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine and the Kellogg School of Management found that women principal investigators received an average grant amount of $126,615 compared to $165,721 for men. Despite equal backgrounds, women face a significant funding disadvantage that can impact their career advancement.
A randomized clinical trial found that a behavioral intervention with counseling sessions improved sustained physical activity and reduced sedentary behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study compared the intervention to standard care with general physician recommendations.
A grassroots organisation called 'Playing Out' has been working to change this by allowing children across the UK to take back their streets. Research shows that Playing Out has raised kids' physical activity levels, brought neighbourhoods together, and reduced social isolation.
A research team from the University of Kansas has earned a $900,000 grant to investigate dark matter and dark energy. The team plans to use supercolliders, neutrino detectors, and computer simulations to search for indications of these mysterious entities.
A new report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine highlights the importance of social and behavioral sciences in advancing intelligence analysis. The report identifies key opportunities for research to strengthen intelligence assessments and prepares the IC for evolving security threats.
A new study reveals that the menstrual cycle phase may contribute to differences between men and women in cocaine seeking and vulnerability to relapse after quitting. Female rats exhibited stronger cravings for cocaine during estrus, a phase associated with ovulation, compared to non-estrus.
Scientists at Cornell Lab of Ornithology used data on 77 North American migratory bird species to predict that climate change will lead to unpredictable ecosystem disruption. By the middle of the next century, migratory birds will experience novel climates during all phases of their annual life cycles.
FAU's Dementia Prevention Initiative aims to identify novel biomarkers and peripheral predictors of disease, enabling personalized evaluation and prevention plans. The $3 million grant will enable researchers to follow patients for three years, share data with other investigators, and provide training.
A study of 135 people with multiple sclerosis found that drinking around 290 calories per day of soda or other sugar-sweetened beverages linked to more severe symptoms and a higher level of disability. Those who seldom consumed these beverages had less severe symptoms, highlighting the potential negative impact on MS progression.
The ABATE Infection Trial found that daily antiseptic bathing with nasal ointment reduced hospital-acquired bloodstream infections by 30% in patients with central venous catheters, a high-risk group. This intervention also decreased antibiotic-resistant organisms, including MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, in this patient po...
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine updates sodium and potassium intake recommendations to reflect current evidence. The report introduces a new category for sodium based on chronic disease risk reduction and establishes updated adequate intake values.