Researchers found that early documentation of end-of-life wishes in health records can prevent hospitalizations, especially if noted at least six months prior to death. This helps respect the patient's priorities and focus on quality of life and pain management.
The study estimates that 7.6 million people over 65 in the EU had atrial fibrillation in 2016, with this number expected to increase to 14.4 million by 2060. Atrial fibrillation patients over 80 are at a greater risk of stroke, making prevention and detection crucial.
A new study found that participants associated stronger emotions with the packaging than the actual taste, affecting their willingness to purchase. The researchers discovered a moderate positive correlation between liking packaging and taste when it was described with positive terms.
CHAMPS, a global health network at Emory University, has been awarded a $180 million grant to collect and analyze data on child mortality worldwide. The grant will help identify causes of high child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Researchers discovered a compound that blocks a DNA repair pathway, increasing cell killing with cisplatin and preventing mutations. In mouse models, tumors shrank more when treated with the combination of the compound and cisplatin, suggesting improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have designed a sequential synthesis sequence to create intricate molecules with various practical applications. The new method enables the efficient production of complex organic compounds, overcoming previous challenges related to bulkiness and instability.
A UCLA-led research team has pinpointed a three-drug combination that can effectively treat advanced melanoma. The approach shows promise for extending the lives of people with BRAF V600E mutated melanoma, with progression-free survival lasting an average of 16 months.
Researchers developed a novel technique using transcranial ultrasound and microbubbles to open the blood-brain barrier, enabling drugs to penetrate the brain and restore dopaminergic pathways. The method has been approved by FDA for clinical trials in Alzheimer's patients and shows promise for treating Parkinson's disease at early stages.
Researchers discover that fluid flow significantly impacts bacterial biofilm architecture, with dense formations in weak flows and sparse colonies in strong ones. This study provides insights into the role of physical principles guiding biofilm organization and its implications for bacterial physiology and evolution.
Researchers identified a panel of genetic markers that reliably predict which animals are most vulnerable to chronic wasting disease in Northeastern deer. The study found that deer with the more susceptible genotypes are in the majority, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region where an outbreak is occurring.
Neuroscientists have discovered that controlling brain waves through rhythmic neural stimulation can improve memory performance. The study, published in Trends in Neurosciences, suggests that this technique may be a promising tool for improving memory and potentially treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
A new approach detects mutations across many different types of normal cells by analyzing RNA sequencing data from normal tissues. The study found that 95% of individuals had at least one tissue with mutations, with higher rates in lung, esophagus, and sun-exposed skin.
A German research team developed a framework to classify conservation objectives, highlighting key areas of consensus and shortcomings. The study found that stakeholders agree on protecting diverse forest ecosystems and species, but there is room for improvement in abiotic resource conservation and socio-cultural considerations.
Researchers developed an innovative curricular approach to educate undergraduate nursing students in geriatric care, using interactive learning assignments to increase understanding, confidence, and competence. The program was well-received by students and provided them with multiple learning activities to master geriatric content.
The Centre of Genomics and Policy at McGill University will develop policies, tools, and support to enable efficient and ethical international data sharing for the Human Cell Atlas. The project aims to address regulatory and ethical questions arising from research at scale, including patient consent and guiding principles.
New molecular evidence contradicts long-held views on sloth relationships, suggesting that tree sloths and extinct kin are more closely related than previously thought. The research uses both mitochondrial genome and protein collagen data to support convergent origins of adaptations in the six living tree sloth species.
A new study identifies a 'midlife crisis' in human molecular aging, where key longevity programs cease functioning after 50 years. Researchers found that humans use the same biochemical pathways as short-lived animals but stop using them from about age 50.
Research comparing American, Pacific, and Southeast Asian Zika virus strains found that the American subtype has the highest ability to grow in vitro and in vivo. The strain also caused more testis damage in infected mice, highlighting potential concerns about its pathogenicity.
Researchers confirm that banded iron formations formed through oxidation of ferrous iron, rejecting a newly proposed model. The study provides strong evidence for existing models and our current understanding of these sedimentary rocks.
A study published at the 52nd Annual Meeting of ESPGHAN found that high fiber intake during pregnancy is linked to a decreased risk of childhood coeliac disease. The study, which assessed over 88,000 children, showed that mothers with higher fiber intake had lower rates of coeliac disease in their offspring.
A team of scientists discovered a new group of people who lived in north eastern Siberia during the last Ice Age. The Ancient North Siberians had a mosaic genetic make-up and were closely related to both Europeans and Asians.
Researchers found that by making the right choices in modeling, temperature gradients can accurately predict pressure and composition changes without assumptions. The study developed an equation to express pressure gradient, which revealed special cases where residual entropy affects pressure gradients.
A new meta-analysis of 18 studies found that smoking does not accelerate telomere shortening, challenging the long-held assumption that smoking affects telomere length. Adult telomere length is now considered a static biomarker rather than a dynamic indicator of ageing.
Researchers at MUSC found that older men with scleroderma have higher estrogen levels than postmenopausal women, which is linked to more severe disease and heart involvement. This discovery provides evidence for the role of estrogen in scleroderma and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Research found that supplements for weight loss, muscle building, and energy were associated with nearly three times the risk of severe medical outcomes compared to vitamins. Reputable physicians do not recommend these products due to adulteration with prescription pharmaceuticals and other dangerous chemicals.
A pain management protocol called Enhanced Recovery After Surgery has been shown to be effective in reducing opioid prescriptions after C-sections. The protocol involves a combination of long-acting opioids and non-narcotic medications to limit inpatient morphine use, resulting in shorter hospital stays and improved patient satisfaction.
Researchers Nicolae Morar and Brendan J. M. Bohannan examine five common conceptual frameworks describing the human microbiome, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks. The study suggests a pragmatic approach considering all metaphors to explore therapies for diseases and disorders.
A new study has found that exposure to diesel pollutants can cause subtle changes in the lungs, making people more prone to developing chronic lung disease. The research, published in the European Respiratory Journal, found that breathing in black carbon from polluted air was associated with an increased volume of peripheral blood vess...
A study found that slower walking speeds are linked to lower survival rates and increased likelihood of hospitalization in older patients with blood cancers. Measuring gait speed offers a useful tool for tailoring care to individual patients.
Extending sleep duration has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity and reduced appetite for sweet and salty foods. Higher total sleep time was linked to lower caloric intake from protein and decreased overall sugar consumption.
A study published in Blood found that slower walking pace is strongly associated with poorer outcomes in older adults with blood cancers. Gait speed was found to be an independent predictor of death even after adjusting for other factors, highlighting its potential as a tool to tailor care.
A survey conducted by Drexel University found that 90% of residents and 63% of business owners/staff in Kensington support opening an overdose prevention site. The study also revealed statistically significant differences in opinions among different demographic groups, with those who use opioids and Asian, African American, and Hispani...
A global survey of 25,363 beekeepers found that honey bee colonies declined by 16%, with higher losses in some regions. Beekeepers who moved their colonies to access other forage or pollination faced fewer losses than those who kept them in the same place.
Researchers have identified a biomarker that can accurately predict which pancreatic cysts are likely to become cancerous, offering new hope for improved diagnosis and treatment. The biomarker, mAb Das-1, was found to be more accurate than current methods in predicting cancer risk, with a accuracy rate of 95%.
The study found that individualized therapy approaches such as stimulus control and sleep restriction are effective in treating insomnia, while a combination approach was minimally effective. The research used a strategy focused solely on sleep education and hygiene, which showed minimal impact on symptoms.
A University of Maryland study suggests a novel machine learning model, the Baltimore score (B score), can predict which discharged patients are likely to be readmitted. The B score algorithm was developed using thousands of health data variables and showed higher accuracy than existing readmission risk-assessment tools.
A new polymer has been discovered that can effectively remove PFAS from water, reducing the risk of contamination in drinking water sources. The low-cost and environmentally friendly method uses waste cooking oil and powdered activated carbon to purify thousands of liters of water.
Researchers found that regular cells can adopt immune cell characteristics, sending warning signs when stressed or in danger. This mechanism may aid in detecting cancer cells sooner, preventing tumor formation.
The National Institutes of Health will fund clinical trials to assess genomic medicine interventions for managing diseases such as high blood pressure, depression, and chronic pain. The trials aim to improve treatment outcomes by tailoring drug prescriptions based on patients' genetic makeup.
Scientists have identified a biomarker that can diagnose celiac disease in individuals following a gluten-free diet with high sensitivity and specificity. The discovery uses the relative expression of the UBE2L3 gene isoforms in blood samples, enabling accurate diagnosis without the need for gluten consumption.
A comprehensive roadmap for regulating nonprofit political activity is proposed by University of Notre Dame Law School Professor Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer. The plan aims to channel political activity in ways that further both sound tax policy and democracy, while preventing loopholes and promoting transparency.
Deep-sea dragonfish have evolved transparent teeth with nanostructured nanocrystals, allowing them to capture prey effectively in the dark depths. The unique adaptation helps the fish avoid being shunned away by its own huge teeth.
Expanding Medicaid eligibility was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality rates, particularly among adults aged 45-64. Counties in expansion states saw a significant reduction in cardiovascular deaths compared to non-expansion states.
A new nanotechnology treatment using exosomes extracted from bone marrow stem cells has reversed MS symptoms in mice by rejuvenating lost motor skills and decreasing nerve damage. The treatment will be tested on humans in early 2020, initially on people with Type 1 diabetes.
A new study reveals a decade-long increase in education specialists in CSU science departments, with the number of experts growing by over 50% since 2008. These specialists are better-funded and more formally trained in science education, focusing on improving courses and supporting K-12 science education.
Early-life adversity impacts executive function skills, such as focusing and organizing tasks, and brain chemistry, affecting stress hormones like cortisol. This snowball effect contributes to social and emotional challenges throughout childhood.
Archaeologists discovered unusual ring-shaped objects made from barley and wheat dough in a Late Bronze Age hillfort site. The finds suggest that these cereal rings were not intended for eating and may have been created for ritual purposes, expanding our understanding of ancient food diversity.
Researchers at Swansea University have developed a 3D printed thermoelectric device that converts heat into electric power with an efficiency factor of up to 1.7, significantly higher than the previous best for printed materials. The breakthrough could boost energy efficiency in industries with high temperatures, such as steelmaking.
A clinical trial found that galantamine reduced opioid positive urine samples and prolonged abstinence in participants. The medication's dual mechanism of action may offer new strategies for treating opioid use disorder.
Researchers have imaged a never-before-seen disk of cool, interstellar gas wrapped around the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. The disk is composed of phenomenally hot and comparatively cooler gases, with temperatures ranging from 10 million to 10 thousand degrees Celsius.
A genome-wide association study found that individuals who attempt suicide carry an increased genetic liability for depression, regardless of their underlying psychiatric disorder. The study analyzed the genomes of over 6,500 suicide attempters and 17,000 non-attempters with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
A team of computer scientists has developed a method to analyze artistic portraiture, capturing facial features and individual style with high accuracy. The researchers used 'artistic augmentation' to transform photographic face data into more similar to artistic portraits.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County have successfully sequenced two genes that allow spiders to produce their sticky glue. This achievement could lead to new applications in organic pest control and biomaterials, building on previous discoveries about spider silk genes.
Scientists have developed a strategy to determine organic food authenticity by analyzing the metabolites generated within plants when pesticides break down. The technique involves identifying and screening the metabolites of seven common pesticides using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry.
A recent study by I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed found that obese patients with multiple sclerosis have a greater risk of presenting higher EDSS scores and experiencing increased central inflammation. The research suggests that excessive body weight and altered lipid profiles may be associated with worsened clinical expression of the disease.
A class of immune cells called innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) plays an unexpected role in the early defense against tuberculosis. ILCs may provide a new approach to developing treatments and vaccines against TB.
A study found that listening to music at home reduced symptom severity, pain intensity, and fatigue in breast cancer patients. Music therapy also reduced physical and mental fatigue instantly.
A new study suggests that glacial sediments played a crucial role in the emergence and evolution of global plate tectonics. The research found two major periods of worldwide glaciation, each boosting the rate of plate tectonics, which resulted in massive deposits of glacier-scrubbed sediment.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that type 2 diabetes in midlife is associated with a 30% increased risk of serious brain artery blockage leading to stroke. Additionally, individuals with T2DM at ages 40-59 years had double the risk of cerebral occlusion and a 30% higher risk of cerebral infarction.
Researchers found Mona Lisa's smile was non-genuine due to its asymmetry, indicating a lack of happiness on the right side. The study suggests that Leonardo da Vinci may have deliberately included an asymmetric smile to convey hidden messages or emotions.