A deep convolutional neural network-based software improved radiologist detection of malignant lung nodules by 70.3%, reducing false positives to 0.18 per X-ray. The study suggests machine learning methods can help overcome challenges in detecting lung lesions on chest X-rays.
Researchers at Paul Scherrer Institute have improved a method for small angle X-ray scattering to investigate fibre orientation in composites, enabling faster analysis with conventional X-ray tubes. This innovation has potential applications in medicine and security.
A study published in Thorax confirms that ICU patients experience delayed return-to-work and joblessness, with 20-27% requiring disability benefits at one year. Survivors incur substantial lost earnings, impacting quality of life.
Researchers developed a new alloy with improved wear and corrosion resistance by adding copper to high-speed steel. The innovative approach significantly enhances the performance of super engineering plastics in industrial and automotive applications.
Photodetectors convert light into electric signals, crucial for data centers and IoT technologies. Drexel's MXene materials enhance sensitivity and cut costs by replacing gold, a high-demand product.
Researchers used powerful imaging technology to discover a common indicator of brain inflammation in early-stage MS patients and its link to gray matter damage. The study found LME was present in nearly two-thirds of the patients, with significant correlations to lesions in gray matter regions.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have identified a critical role of lymphatic vessels in heart repair, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating congenital heart defects and cardiac injuries. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of cardiac regeneration, paving the way for potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers have found that the cerebral cortex can directly control the activities of globus pallidus neurons in a manner that depends on the type of neuron. This discovery could improve our understanding of why certain symptoms occur in movement and learning behavioural disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.
Analysis of US heart transplant data reveals large discrepancies in how sick patients are when they receive transplants at different hospitals. The study finds that high-survival-benefit hospitals prioritize sicker patients, while low-survival-benefit centers give organs to less critical patients.
A study by INFORMS journal Organization Science found that one additional woman on the board results in a 2.3% decrease in market value on average, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. This negative effect is amplified for firms with higher diversity ratings across the organization.
Job dissatisfaction among general practitioners (GPs) varies greatly across countries, with higher rates found in Germany and lower in Norway. Factors such as workload, administrative burdens, and limitations on appointments contribute to dissatisfaction.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed domain-aware neural networks to replace expensive parameterizations in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. These algorithms can predict environmental data more accurately with significantly less training data, enabling faster and higher-resolution simulations.
A University of Queensland-led study found that healthy mangroves can support coral reef fisheries by providing alternative nurseries for fish. This allows them to grow larger and head out to the reef as adults, increasing their chances of survival.
A new study by the University of Plymouth explores how wild fishes behave spatially when reacting to an artificial stimulus, such as a laser. Researchers found that certain species would 'chase' the lasers, up to five metres, and that there were differences based on size and gender within species.
Researchers from the University of Basel found that adding white noise to a quiet environment improves the brain's ability to distinguish subtle tone differences. This is achieved through reduced neuronal activity in the auditory cortex, allowing for more precise sound perception and potentially improving cochlear implant results.
A US Army researcher has found that cultural cues can mitigate bias against humans and machines in human-machine interaction, promoting effective cooperation. By associating positive social groups with machines and emotional expressions, biases can be overcome.
A new AI-driven approach can accurately classify single blood cells, improving leukemia diagnostics and reducing variability. The method, trained on over 20,000 images, was compared to human expert accuracy, showing comparable performance in identifying diagnostic blast cells.
Researchers have published protocols for culturing Liberibacter crescens, a genetically similar bacterium, to study citrus greening. This advance enables the scientific community to use L. crescens as a realistic surrogate host for Ca. L. asiaticus.
A US Department of Energy-backed robotic system has successfully identified the source of nuclear radiation and verified if it was shielded. The 'inspector bot' could be part of a swarm to inspect facilities like gas centrifuge enrichment plants, detect undeclared uranium use, or verify disarmament treaties.
A study published in Nature Cell Biology has identified a protein called CD9 that drives growth of pancreatic cancer and could be a target for new treatments. The researchers found that CD9 is present on the surface of cancer stem cells, which are a driving force behind cancer growth.
A new study reveals that the Jezero crater landing site is home to hydrated silica deposits, which are exceptional at preserving microfossils and other biosignatures. The rover will be able to perform fine-scale chemical analysis and provide a close-up view of these deposits to help determine their origin.
Researchers found that the Australian CEF weakens moisture transportation and decreases monsoon rainfall over South Asia by a quarter. The presence of islands in the Maritime Continent also intercepts westward propagation of quasi-biweekly oscillation, leading to decreased rainfall.
New research finds that brand-name drug discount cards lead to higher health care spending in Canada, with private insurer costs increasing by 46 per cent. However, for some patients, using a discount card can result in increased out-of-pocket costs, potentially up to $10 more.
A new study shows that a commonly used vector for large gene transfer can deliver genes to retinal cells, but provokes an acute inflammatory response when injected subretinally into rats. The researchers conclude that further work is needed to understand the inflammatory pathways involved and modulate the immune response.
The new SLAS Technology auto-commentary discusses the challenges of gathering analytical measurements and introduces realized-based measurement systems as potential replacements. These systems use robots as central system integrators, providing flexibility and enabling decentralized open systems.
Researchers found that a 'pre-habilitation' program with trained peer coaches could empower and inform patients, leading to better outcomes. The study's results suggest that preparation and expectations for surgery are influenced by patients' prior experience and social support.
A new PSU study found 11 microplastic pieces per oyster and nine per clam along the Oregon coast. Microplastics were found in both Pacific oysters and razor clams collected from all 15 sample sites.
A new study published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is effective in preventing the development of cervical cancer in mice with precancerous lesions. MPA also decreased existing precancerous lesions, offering a non-invasive approach to combat cervical cancer.
A study found that young male cancer survivors with low testosterone levels experienced an average decrease in fat mass and increase in lean mass when treated with testosterone replacement therapy. However, there was no effect on quality of life.
A new method for locating potential drilling sites covered by water has been presented by an international research team, combining bathymetry measurements with geochemical profiles. This approach allows the distinction between permeable and non-permeable structures, enabling more precise location of promising locations for drilling.
A population-based cohort study found that people with substantial changes in blood pressure over time were at greater risk of dementia. Variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure led to similar findings, suggesting potential to prevent dementia through targeting blood pressure variability.
A study published by Aalto University found that mothers with high pregnancy-related anxiety gave birth to babies who had reduced brain responses to sad-sounding speech. The effect was more pronounced in mid-pregnancy, suggesting a potential link between maternal anxiety and infant emotional development.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered an epigenetic pathway that controls social behavior in carpenter ants. The study found that Major ant soldiers can be successfully reprogrammed up to 5 days after they hatch, but not beyond 10 days, revealing a narrow window of epigenetic plasticity.
A study published in Development and Psychopathology reveals preterm birth and institutional deprivation have a comparable effect on child temperament, particularly self-control. This finding suggests that increasing self-control in these children may help prevent long-term developmental problems.
A collection of 14 articles in Biological Conservation explores the challenges of implementing conservation measures and presents solutions, including a transdisciplinary turn in conservation. The researchers emphasize the need for improved cooperation between science, politics, and practice to navigate the spaces between research and ...
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed adhesives inspired by mussels that utilize electrostatic interactions to stick to negatively charged surfaces in saltwater. The adhesiveness was largely thanks to the interaction between positively charged residues on the polymers and the negatively charged surfaces.
The new 2019 Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Adults with High Blood Pressure aim to accelerate translation of scientific evidence into clinical practice. The measures evaluate patient care in accordance with the 2017 Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines, including timeliness, safety, effectiveness, efficiency, equity...
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified a general mechanism governing crystal growth that scientists can manipulate when developing new materials. The 'dancing' barrier surrounding crystal-forming molecules is shown to fluctuate under different conditions, allowing molecules to break free and form crystals.
A new type of perovskite material eliminates lead and improves stability for next-generation solar cells. These materials have been shown to be as much as 28% efficient compared to current panels capturing only 15-18%. The new organic-inorganic hybrid structure also offers a blueprint for other functional hybrid materials.
A study published in JAMA reports that cardiac resynchronization therapy can significantly improve heart function in cancer survivors with congestive heart failure. After six months, the patients experienced improved heart function, reduced symptoms, and enhanced quality of life. The therapy offers a possible solution for patients who ...
Researchers have identified a key difference between SMAD2 and SMAD3, revealing that SMAD2 binds to DNA and activates gene expression. This finding refutes the theory that SMAD2 does not bind to DNA.
A six-year study of whale shark movement and residency has provided critical insights for conservation efforts. The research found that the aggregation meets the criteria of a shark nursery, shedding light on whale shark behaviors that could inform management strategies.
A new study has discovered a direct link between ancient groundwater changes and climate fluctuations over tens of thousands of years. The research, led by Penn State scientists, used advanced dating technology to analyze the mineral sphalerite and found that changes in groundwater levels correlated with movements in Earth's orbit.
A new study from Iowa State University found that nearly 1 in 6 adults experience difficulty falling or staying asleep, with those reporting healthy sleep length struggling the most. The research suggests that targeting factors influencing initiation and maintenance of sleep could be key to improving sleep health.
A study of 1,437 family physicians found a burnout rate of 43.7%, with hospital-owned practices and lack of ownership stake positively associated with burnout. Practice environment factors such as work-life balance and control over workload were key predictors of burnout.
A new study estimates that more than half of North Carolina's central region drinking wells contain levels of cancer-causing hexavalent chromium above state safety standards. Over 50% of wells in the Piedmont region are expected to exceed the health advisory level, posing a risk to nearly 4 million people relying on groundwater.
A programme of research and innovation led by Queen Mary University of London has reduced deaths from severe bleeding after major trauma by 40%. The 'Code Red' protocol, introduced between 2008 and 2017, involved new approaches to diagnosis and treatment, including the use of clotting components derived from blood.
Researchers have developed a new type of fluorescent carbon dot that can effectively detect calcium levels in cells. The CDs exhibit bright blue fluorescence and have been shown to be nontoxic and biocompatible, making them a promising probe for intracellular Ca2+ detection.
Scientists at Shinshu University discovered a compound in grape stems that induces cell cycle arrest and suppresses the invasive activity of prostate cancer cells. The study found significant anti-cancer activity, with potential applications for metastasis prevention and cancer treatment.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to combine anthrax toxin with a growth factor to selectively kill bladder cancer cells and tumors. This promising treatment shows outstanding results, reducing tumor size without causing side effects in animal trials.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission captured heavy rainfall exceeding 1.6 inches per hour in Tropical Storm Fengshen. The storm is forecast to intensify through Friday and pass just north of Agrihan, with maximum sustained winds reaching 40 mph.
A newly discovered fossilized beetle with pollen on its legs has pushed back the earliest known physical evidence of insect flower pollination to 99 million years ago. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of plants and animals during this time period.
Research suggests that heart health begins to deteriorate in adolescent girls, particularly black girls, with lower cardiovascular health scores. Factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, and depression contribute to the decline, emphasizing the need for early intervention and healthy lifestyle choices.
Researchers from Goethe University have developed reliable maps predicting the Zika virus transmission risk in South America. The models also indicate a moderate risk in Central America and lowest in southern areas of the continent. Europe is under threat, especially in Mediterranean regions and inland France.
A Rutgers-led team has developed a graphene and gold-based platform that detects genetic material in stem cells, enabling monitoring of their fate. This technology may help resolve key barriers to stem cell therapy for regenerative treatment of neurological disorders.
A 10-year study found that middle-aged men with higher muscle mass had a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. The researchers suggest that preserving skeletal muscle mass through regular physical activity and a protein-rich diet may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
A CMAJ editorial argues that Canada's government should adopt a holistic approach to address climate change, health, and taxes. The author suggests that framing these issues together can help people understand and support practical policies aimed at stalling climate change.
Researchers identify potential environmental risk factors and new treatment strategies for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive form of breast cancer. The study suggests that exposure to common chemicals may increase the risk of developing TNBC, and highlights the potential for combination therapy as a treatment option.
Two new studies presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that frequent cannabis use among young people is linked to a higher risk of stroke and heart rhythm disturbances. Young users who smoked cigarettes or e-cigarettes were three times more likely to have a stroke compared to non-users.
A 16-year-old boy developed severe lung inflammation after vaping, leading to respiratory failure and prolonged hospitalization. The trigger was likely an exaggerated immune response to a chemical in the e-cigarette fluid, highlighting the potential risks of e-cigarettes.