A new special report explores the definition of death, including the controversy over brain death and its implications for organ transplantation. Leading experts discuss areas of ongoing debate, such as whether brain-dead organ donors are truly dead.
A Malaysian study found that 42.6% of smokers who attended a quit clinic successfully quit, with daily cigarette count and previous attempts as key predictors. The study suggests these factors should be considered in interventions for smokers trying to quit.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a new satellite imaging system that can capture high-quality images using smaller nanosatellites, reducing costs and time required for space-based telescopes.
A study found that roadsides with only hedges were the most effective at reducing pollution exposure, cutting black carbon and ultrafine particles. The researchers suggest planting denser hedges or a combination of trees with hedges in open-road environments to improve air quality.
Berkeley Lab researchers discovered a distinct pattern of electron spins within exotic cuprate superconductor Bi-2212, defying traditional theories. The finding could lead to more efficient power transmission and new materials for high-temperature superconductors.
A study of 1,736 trauma patients found that female gender and low education levels were associated with worse long-term recovery. Patient sociodemographic factors outweighed injury severity in predicting long-term outcomes.
A meta-analysis of pooled clinical trial data supports the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections in reducing the frequency of chronic migraine headaches, with significant reductions in headache frequency at both two and three months.
Researchers at Rice University and the Duke University School of Medicine have identified JAG1 as a key player in tumor mechanics. The study shows how cancer stem cells differentiate within tumors and spread through the interaction of JAG1 with a signaling pathway, enabling metastasis.
A new study found that eating one egg per day is associated with a blood metabolite profile linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers identified several biochemical compounds in blood that predicted a higher risk of developing the disease, including tyrosine.
Researchers at OSU Wexner Medical Center are testing a new device designed to extend the functional life of joints affected by osteoarthritis. The Calypso Knee System aims to reduce pain and delay knee replacements, allowing patients to remain active without discomfort.
A new study of over 25,000 women from the Women's Health Initiative trials found that those experiencing persistent vasomotor symptoms are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. The study also identified other risk factors, including high body mass index and current alcohol use.
Kathleen Smits' research aims to improve response to gas-emission incidents by predicting methane migration conditions and providing data-based guidelines for industry first responders. Her team's modeling has found that gas concentrations in the atmosphere are often small compared to the size of the leak, making detection methods flawed.
A new study engineered transgenic tobacco plants with synthetic metabolic pathways to bypass photorespiration, increasing dry weight biomass by large margins. The approach has potential implications for improving crop yields globally, especially for crops like rice and wheat.
A study found that mountaintop removal mining disproportionately alters the habitat of timber rattlesnakes, a docile reptile species. The mining operations destroy ridgelines and habitats, cutting into biodiversity.
The new technique uses larger amounts of interstitial fluid to analyze electrolyte levels and diagnose diseases. It has the potential to predict disease onset more quickly than current methods.
Researchers discover ADAR1 enzyme promotes cancer cell resistance to treatment by hyper-mutating tumor suppressor RNAs. This enzyme may provide a molecular radar for early detection of malignancies and represent a new therapeutic target for preventing cancer cell resistance.
A new retrospective study shows that thyroid surgery readmissions are highest within a week of the procedure, with patients experiencing severe symptoms such as tremors and muscle spasms being most at risk. The study identifies risk factors that can be addressed to prevent these readmissions, including timely follow-up using telehealth.
A meta-analysis of 242 studies reveals common neurocognitive network alterations across psychiatric disorders, including reduced gray matter and disrupted functional connectivity. These findings suggest that neuroimaging may be providing a measure of symptom-related pathology, rather than directly related to the disease process.
New research allows for fully automated design of DNA staple sequences, enabling the creation of complex nanostructures with ease. This breakthrough advances the field of DNA origami, opening up new possibilities for applications in material science and medicine.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that while British consumers are aware of the environmental impacts of palm oil, they are largely unaware of certified sustainable options. The researchers suggest that governments and companies can promote sustainable palm oil consumption by requiring transparent supply chains and pub...
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have found that cilia are essential for normal brain development and functioning. In zebrafish larvae, groups of cells with cilia create a stable directional flow of cerebrospinal fluid within individual ventricles.
Gut immune cells, specifically plasma cells producing Immunoglobulin A antibodies, migrate to the central nervous system and produce an anti-inflammatory effect during MS flare-ups. Increasing these cells blocks inflammation entirely in a preclinical model of the disease.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a novel method for counting Pacific salmon by analyzing DNA from the slime left behind in their spawning streams. This new approach, funded by The National Geographic Society, uses environmental DNA (eDNA) to accurately count fish in many more streams than currently monitored.
Researchers at UC San Francisco discovered a second visual system in the mouse cerebral cortex, challenging 75-year-old dogma of mammalian vision. The post-rhinal cortex (POR) obtains visual data directly from the superior colliculus, an evolutionarily ancient sensory processing center.
Recordings of tropical forest sounds unlock secrets about biodiversity and aid conservation efforts around the world. Bioacoustics is a relatively inexpensive method that produces powerful conservation insights, enabling the evaluation of conservation interventions and monitoring compliance with forest protection commitments.
A recent study from the University of Liverpool found that overweight dogs have a significantly shorter lifespan compared to those at ideal body weights. The study examined over 50,000 dogs across 12 breeds and revealed that being overweight can lead to poorer quality of life, joint disease, breathing issues, and certain types of cancer.
The Mark Foundation has awarded grants to eight promising early career scientists pursuing innovative projects in cancer risk prediction, prevention, detection, and treatment. The recipients aim to tackle diverse areas of basic, translational, and early clinical cancer research.
Researchers conducted a long-term study on rhesus monkeys and found that chronic exposure to methylphenidate, a commonly prescribed ADHD drug, did not increase cardiovascular risks in healthy children. The study's findings contribute important evidence to an ongoing controversy over the safety of stimulant therapy for ADHD.
A new measurement tool, BIGI, provides a simplified but more accurate picture of gender inequality, focusing on educational opportunities, healthy life expectancy, and overall life satisfaction. Men are on average more disadvantaged than women in 91 countries, while women have a relative disadvantage in 43 countries.
Researchers at San Francisco State University found that poor head and neck alignment while working on computers can cause fatigue, headaches, and neck pain. By adopting good posture, such as keeping the head aligned with the neck, individuals can reduce muscle tension and alleviate these symptoms.
Scientists have discovered a new treefrog species in Ecuador's Andes, characterized by an extraordinary enlarged claw-like structure. The species, Hyloscirtus hillisi, is already at risk of extinction due to its small distribution range near a large-scale mining operation and habitat destruction.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that younger sharks have stiffer and tougher cartilage skeletons, contrary to the assumption that adults would be stronger. The research found that cartilage from younger sharks has fewer interruptions in its mineral matrix, allowing it to absorb more energy and resist compression.
Researchers developed a computer program that translates free-form drawings into DNA structures, enabling users to create complex nanostructures for various applications. The 'PERDIX' program uses a mathematical approach to automate the design process, making it accessible to anyone with basic drawing skills.
Researchers argue that the opioid crisis requires a comprehensive approach, building on lessons from the AIDS epidemic. A five-point action plan is proposed to address cultural, social, economic, and structural barriers to care.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered two peptides that selectively activate beneficial cellular pathways without causing unwanted side effects. These peptides are being investigated in preclinical studies for their ability to regulate dietary intake and have shown promising results.
Researchers used metagenomic nanopore sequencing to analyze 120 Lassa virus samples, implicating rodent contamination as the main driver of the outbreak. The technology provided rapid, real-time characterization of the pathogen, allowing for prompt public health responses and alleviating concerns about novel strains.
Large human crowds behave like fluid-like systems, where movement can be mathematically predicted using hydrodynamic theory. The study's findings suggest this approach could provide quantitative guidance in crowd management and lay the foundation for an empirically grounded theory of group behavior.
Researchers discovered a novel function of nestin in regulating neurogenesis through Notch signaling from astrocytes to neural stem cells. Adult mice deficient in nestin show increased newly born neurons and impaired long-term memory, highlighting the complex role of astrocytes in brain plasticity.
The ELIA program, a leadership development initiative for geriatrics healthcare professionals, has seen significant successes including increased professional confidence and publication of research. The program's use of long-distance mentoring and project-based learning is key to its success.
The TEDDY study, following nearly 9,000 children over five years, aims to identify high-risk genes and environmental factors that contribute to type 1 diabetes. Early screening and intervention may be possible through analyzing autoantibodies in newborns and tracking changes in risk factors as children age.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine and Notre Dame University have coined a new term 'in fimo' for the experimental examination of excrement, derived from the Latin root laetus meaning fertile or happy. The study aims to improve scientific accuracy in discussing gut bacteria and their role in human health.
A new study has found evidence of a centuries-long cold snap in the deep Pacific, with ongoing cooling indicating the ocean is still adjusting to surface cooling during the Little Ice Age. The research suggests that the heat loss in the deep Pacific since 1750 offsets nearly a quarter of global heat gain in the upper ocean.
Scientists have discovered that dark matter can be heated up and pushed outwards due to star formation in galaxies. This phenomenon, known as 'dark matter heating', has been observed in 16 dwarf galaxies with varying star formation histories.
A new review in Frontiers in Pediatrics suggests that microbial transglutaminase, a common food additive, could be both the cause and trigger of autoimmune attacks leading to celiac disease. The enzyme modifies gluten fragments, which are then recognized by the immune system as foreign, triggering an immune response.
Physicists at Rice University have successfully cooled a neutral plasma using lasers, a technique that could lead to new insights into exotic states of matter and potentially even breakthroughs in quantum computing. The achievement sets the stage for simulators of super-dense stars like Jupiter and white dwarf stars.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory engineered hollow metallic nanoscale boxes, or 'nanowrappers,' to carry and release DNA-coated nanoparticles in a controlled way. The researchers demonstrated the ability to load and unload materials using these nanostructures for various applications.
A new study by the BabySeq project explores the effects of genetic testing on newborns, revealing unexpected risks for childhood diseases. The research also found potential links to adult-onset cancers, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up to assess the test's efficacy.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new type of microelectromechanical system that uses electrostatic levitation to provide a more robust system, reducing damage to MEMS switches in cell phones and power lines.
A recent study by UC Berkeley reveals that current AI-powered tracking methods can identify individuals using their daily step data, posing significant threats to health data privacy. The research suggests that existing laws and regulations, such as HIPAA, are inadequate to protect individuals' confidential health information.
Researchers identified genetic alterations in low-risk prostate cancers that may indicate higher-risk cancer presence, guiding men to consider treatment. The study suggests a potential test to validate these alterations, enabling personalized treatment decisions.
A study by the BabySeq Project found that genomic sequencing can identify risk for childhood-onset disorders, including highly actionable conditions, in a significant percentage of newborns. The research team reported finding genetic variants associated with several heart conditions and biotinidase deficiency in infants.
Researchers found that subglacial biological activity impacts atmosphere far more than previously thought. Methane was continuously exported from beneath the ice, with at least six tons transported to a measuring site from the Greenland Ice Sheet alone.
A study reveals Degradasome's crucial function in eliminating defective RNA from mitochondria, preventing mitochondrial DNA loss and cell death. The findings offer new insights into the molecular basis of mitochondrial diseases and potential therapies for related human disorders.
Researchers at University of British Columbia discovered that gulls can adapt their wing shape to gusty conditions by flexing a single elbow joint, which could inspire improved aircraft design. This novel mechanism enables gulls to sacrifice stability for maneuverability.
Scientists have identified a common genetic mutation in bulldogs and French bulldogs that causes their characteristic screw tail and is linked to the rare human disease Robinow syndrome. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying this inherited disorder, which affects only a few hundred people worldwide.
University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yu Zhang has earned a $515,565 grant from NOAA to develop a method that combines inputs from the joint polar satellite system with the National Water Model. The goal is to enhance snow product accuracy and predict spring melt and runoff more effectively.
A study published in Cancer Cell found that Tinagl1, a protein-based therapy, reduced the spread of triple-negative breast cancer in mice by blocking two main pathways. The treatment is based on a naturally occurring protein and has been shown to be effective even after tumors have begun to metastasize.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered a compound from Christmas berry primrose plants can inhibit uveal melanoma growth, offering potential new treatments for patients. The compound, FR900359, works by blocking mutated G proteins that promote cancer growth.
Researchers discovered bone and tooth specimens of wild camels, elephants, horses, and antelopes at Azraq Basin site, providing insights into ancestral human adaptation to changing environments. The team found evidence of butchery and suggests that humans may have faced challenges from predatory competitors like lions and hyenas.
A study combining technology with healthcare provider perceptions identifies nonadherent patients better than doctors' perceptions alone. Pharmacy refill data shows that combining provider reports and pharmacy data leads to the most balanced sensitivity and negative predictive power.