Researchers have found that cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes reduced blood cell production in bone marrow, increasing the risk of life-threatening infections. The study identified a specific genetic material called microRNA US5-2, which leads to the suppression of TGF-? expression.
A miniaturized tooth system, called a 'tooth-on-a-chip,' mimics a human molar to study how teeth respond to dental materials and bacteria. The device could lead to more effective cavity fillings that last longer and work better for each patient.
New research at La Trobe University has identified genetic variations that determine the effects of methamphetamine in the brain. These findings may lead to new therapies for people affected by long-term methamphetamine use, which can cause psychosis similar to schizophrenia.
A Chinese fossil specimen was misidentified as an ancient spider species, with experts at the University of Kansas using fluorescence microscopy to uncover its true nature as a heavily altered crayfish. The study highlights the potential for fossils to be intentionally or unintentionally misrepresented.
The US and China need to deploy carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to reduce committed emissions, which threaten the 1.5°C climate target. CCS retrofits are essential for deep decarbonization in both countries, but current high costs require government policies to incentivize deployment.
The Journal Healthcare Transformation: Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Robotics explores the challenges and opportunities for integrating technology into consumer healthcare. A recent article found that five telemedicine companies provided nearly half of telemental health visits, highlighting the need for coordinated care.
A Mayo Clinic study of 5,540 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer found that maintenance chemotherapy after initial treatment is more beneficial for patients whose disease is under control. The preferred regimen is fluoropyrimidine with or without bevacizumab, according to the analysis.
A new study suggests that lowering exposure to mouse allergens can lead to improved lung growth in asthmatic children living in low-income neighborhoods. The research found a strong association between mouse allergen exposure and lung function growth, with potential implications for long-term lung health and even longevity.
A nationwide survey of over 71,000 people found that more than half of GERD patients who took proton pump inhibitors still reported persistent symptoms. The study also identified categories of people less likely to respond to the medication, including younger people and those with irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease.
A new study by Russian and American scientists reveals that female tigers face significant challenges balancing work and family life. After giving birth to their cubs, tiger mothers must reduce their home range size, spend less time moving, but move faster when needed to keep their young safe from predators.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a new way to start chemical reactions using mechanical force, eliminating the need for organic solvents. The method, called mechanoredox reaction, generates highly reactive radicals that undergo bond-forming reactions with high efficiency.
The Affordable Care Act provision allowing young adults to be covered under their parents' insurance led to improved care for colorectal cancer patients. Young adults diagnosed with stage IIB-IIIC colorectal cancer were 34% more likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy post-ACA compared to pre-ACA.
A study reveals that predatory lacewing larvae can tolerate the toxic isothiocyanates produced by caterpillars of the diamondback moth, which are unable to detoxify glucosinolates. This difference in detoxification mechanism has no impact on lacewing fitness or prey choice.
Researchers found domestic animals share viruses with many species, enabling pathways for future disease emergence. Ungulates play a central role in spreading both RNA and DNA viruses.
A new study by a Canadian research team found that office workers who spend long hours on the job are more likely to have high blood pressure, including masked hypertension. The study of over 3,500 white-collar employees revealed a link between long working hours and sustained hypertension.
University of Wisconsin-Madison chemists create a novel method for synthesizing large ring-shaped molecules, the backbone of many pharmaceuticals, using foldamers that mimic enzymes' ability to bring molecular ends together and form rings.
A University of Kentucky-led coalition is partnering with employers to connect men in rural Kentucky with critical lung cancer prevention and control resources. The worksite intervention targets predominantly male employees in eight rural counties, providing tobacco treatment, lung cancer screenings, and smoke-free workplace policies.
The study uses mathematical models to predict metabolites generated by microbial species within the gut, revealing a four-level trophic organization. The findings suggest that species composition changes along the gut, with bacteria near the end forming the lowest trophic level.
A new analysis by the West Health Policy Center finds that extending Medicare Part D rebates to beneficiaries could result in $29 billion in savings over 7 years. This would be achieved through rebate dollars being used to lower beneficiaries' cost-sharing at pharmacy counters, rather than reducing manufacturers' liability.
The 'substantially human' concept proposes a legal boundary for living organisms with human characteristics. This approach would help courts, scientists, and physicians navigate emerging biotechnologies.
A study by the University of Plymouth found inconsistent and misleading advice from popular password meters, potentially putting users at risk. The research tested 16 password meters and found that some would not flag weak passwords, such as 'abc123' or 'qwertyuiop', despite being among the worst passwords of 2019.
A new study shows that blocking the neonatal crystallizable fragment receptor (FcRn) can reduce levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG immune complexes, potentially treating autoimmune diseases. The therapy, SYNT001, was well-tolerated in a Phase 1 clinical study.
Researchers at Kiel University successfully measured entropy in complex plasmas using video microscopy and laser technology. They found that the thermodynamic fundamentals are fulfilled, leading to new insights into strongly coupled systems.
Researchers studied concussions experienced by undergraduate students over three academic years, finding a significant number of non-sports related concussions. The study suggests an increasing trend in non-sports related concussions among college undergrads, warranting further attention.
A 1999 MRI study published in The BMJ found that the penis is shaped like a boomerang during sex, challenging previous assumptions. Additionally, it revealed that the size of the uterus does not increase during female sexual arousal, contrary to previous reports.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem use traditional mathematics to predict planets' movements in unstable three-body systems. Their findings provide a new understanding of these complex processes and are essential for visualizing complicated phenomena.
The American Chemical Society's Year in Chemistry 2019 special issue features top research trends, including advances in machine-learning, microplastics, and 3-D printing. Experts predict further AI advancements and greener processes for making nitrogen-based compounds and materials in 2020.
Researchers have developed a handheld, paper-based device to diagnose Lyme disease soon after infection. The assay achieved a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 96.3%, making it more sensitive than existing tests and requiring only 15 minutes to complete.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have uncovered why certain melanoma cells are more likely to spread through the body. Efficient metastasizers take up more lactate due to higher levels of monocarboxylate transporter 1, allowing them to survive in the blood and promoting disease progression.
Women who worked consistently during their prime midlife years had better physical health than non-working women later in life, according to a new study published in Demography. The research also found that working women were less depressed and lived longer, with a lower risk of death by 2012.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a new screener to quickly identify children exposed to violence and trauma. The 22-question tool is designed for minimally trained staff to refer children to necessary assessment and treatment services.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) reduces anxiety levels in patients with social anxiety disorder while increasing protective enzymes telomerase and glutathione peroxidase. This may protect cells against oxidative stress and cellular aging.
Research finds water samples insufficient for detecting EPTO groups and other macroinvertebrates, bulk benthos sampling provides richer taxonomic recovery. Bulk-benthos samples show stronger association with EPTO families than water samples.
A new method called ON-rep-seq enables the precise identification of bacteria using selective, strain-specific fragments of the bacterial genome. This approach reduces analysis time and costs to less than $2 per bacterium, increasing accuracy to over 99%.
Researchers investigated primate societies' evolutionary paths and found pair living played a crucial role in transitioning from solitary life to complex societies. The study suggests that paternal care increased offspring survival, reinforcing pair living and paving the way for group living.
Researchers at Yale University found that cancer-causing gene mutations can cause rapid cell division, leading to malignant cancer traits. In one form of blood cancer, normal cells with these mutations can remain healthy unless they divide quickly, suggesting a new mechanism for cancer development.
A major new study found that around 15% of UK teenagers reported self-harm, with teenage girls being significantly more likely than boys. The study links poor mental health and wellbeing among 14-year-old girls to factors such as gender inequality and poverty.
Teenage pregnant women are more likely to experience poorer mental health, higher rates of substance use, and live in poverty. However, a Canadian study found that teenage pregnancy is not associated with a higher risk for preterm birth or low birth weight compared to pregnancies among women aged 20-34 years.
Patients with type 1 diabetes and high lipoprotein(a) levels have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and calcified aortic valve disease. High blood glucose levels are also associated with elevated lipoprotein(a) levels in this patient group.
Scientists have successfully detected seismic waves using submarine telecommunications cables, which can also detect earthquakes, swell, and underwater noise. The researchers deployed a 41 km-long cable to retrieve data from an underwater observatory, converting it into over 6000 seismic sensors.
The 5G-DIVE project validates 5G technology for remote control of industrial robots and autonomous coordinated drone flight, requiring high bandwidth and low latency. The project aims to improve performance and corporate value through Fog Computing and intelligent design.
A Tel Aviv University study found a technical bias in RNA-seq data that often leads to false results. Researchers were able to identify and remove this bias, preserving biologically relevant findings.
A new study by the University of Notre Dame found that air travel has flattened local investment bias, reducing risk for investors and lowering firm costs. This is because investors are more likely to invest in companies in distant locations with better air connections, resulting in a diversified portfolio.
A large US study found that women born in the spring and summer had a slight but significant increase in cardiovascular death compared to those born in autumn. The researchers suggest that seasonal fluctuations in diet, air pollution levels, and sunlight may contribute to these differences.
Researchers found that a weekly multi-modal regime combining physical and cognitive exercises significantly improved motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's patients. The study suggests tailored exercise programs could improve quality of life for those affected by the disease.
Researchers uncover the oldest known coastal defence system built by ancient settlers to protect against rising oceans. The ancient Tel Hreiz seawall in Israel was a temporary reprieve from sea level rise, abandoned and inundated over time.
Researchers analyzed customer movement patterns in Tesco supermarkets to develop a method to reduce congestion. Placing popular goods near store perimeters was found to be effective in decreasing aisle crowding.
Researchers have discovered that stable isotopes of zirconium can be fractionated by magnitudes much larger than previously thought. This finding changes the view on how this element behaves in the solid Earth, enabling a new tool to gain insights into magma chemistry as it crystallizes.
Experiments by McGill University and University of Oldenburg confirm regular oscillations in predator-prey populations can persist without complete depletion of prey resources. The study found that less efficient predators can lead to prey recovery, potentially creating endless cycles.
Researchers at Santa Clara University identified a specific brain pathway that helps regulate drinking behavior, which may be disrupted in individuals with alcohol use disorder. The study suggests that this pathway's dysfunction could contribute to the development of compulsive drinking habits.
Researchers found that a popular modern variety of wheat does not impair gastrointestinal health in mice compared to heirloom wheat. Heirloom wheat slightly reduced levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 and improved gut barrier function, suggesting that modern wheat varieties may be healthier for healthy individuals.
Recent colorectal cancer screening rates more than doubled among people ages 45 to 49, a trend unique to this age group. The increase in screening was attributed to the release of updated American Cancer Society guidelines recommending screening in that age range.
A study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that mothers' coaching styles can impact adolescent peer adjustment. Low reactive youth benefited from active, engaged coping strategies, whereas high reactive kids fared better with self-reliant suggestions. This suggests a personalized approach to parenting is necessary to address...
Researchers at PPPL have developed a novel design that could increase the efficiency of gasoline-fueled internal combustion engines while reducing toxic emissions. The patented method rapidly spins gas inside cylinders to operate at lower temperatures, resulting in lower Nitrogen Oxide emissions and improved fuel economy.
Researchers harness cyber security techniques to give control to those targeted, without resorting to censorship. Algorithms can identify potential hate speech and provide a score for its likelihood, allowing users to view or delete unseen content.
The University of Oklahoma received a $4.5 million grant to apply cutting-edge science and tools for climate adaptation in the south-central United States. Researchers will focus on decision-making support for Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
A three-year study found concussions are twice as prevalent as previously believed and occur significantly more often off the playing field. The research also showed that females are more susceptible to concussions and that incidence is higher among non-sport-related activities, such as falls and motor vehicle accidents.
Researchers have developed a bio-inspired membrane that combines the strength of bones with the ion transport properties of cartilage, enabling it to harness osmotic energy from saltwater. The membrane has shown high stability and performance, making it a promising solution for harvesting ocean energy.
The study found nearly 9 million injuries and over 120,000 deaths worldwide in 2017 due to fire, heat, and hot substances. Heat-related injuries disproportionately kill the very young and very old, with the risk of death greatest in Seychelles and Laos.
A study published in Integrative Organismal Biology reveals that ants like Gigantiops destructor use their abdomens to add speed and power to their jumps, enabling them to travel faster through leaf litter habitats. This unique behavior allows the ants to navigate complex forest floors with greater ease.