A systematic review found that opioids have a small improvement in sleep quality, but this is not consistent with results from sleep assessment technologies. Patients on opioid therapy are also at risk of excessive daytime sleepiness and increased risks of sleep apnea. The study calls for better research into the effects of painkillers...
A nationwide register study found no increased risk of congenital malformations in children conceived after their fathers received radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment for testicular cancer. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, followed 4,207 children of 2,380 fathers and compared the risks before and after treatment.
Researchers developed a new composite material with magnetic shape memory activated by magnetism, offering advantages in medicine and robotics. The material consists of polymer and droplets of magnetorheological fluid, increasing stiffness up to 30 times.
Researchers at HHU are developing tools for genomic selection in potatoes to breed disease-resistant, climate-adapted varieties with higher nutrition values. The PotatoTools project aims to create generally applicable methods and tools for genetic analysis, despite the absence of a reference genome sequence.
A study by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that nearly 74% of preschool children with community-acquired pneumonia receive unnecessary antibiotics, while 43% undergo chest X-rays despite guidelines against routine use. This overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance and side effects.
A new study found that beta blockers can reduce the triggering effect of anger and stress on atrial fibrillation in patients prone to emotion-triggered AF. Patients taking beta blockers experienced fewer AF episodes, with a reduced pro-arrhythmic effect of anger or stress compared to those not taking these medications.
The Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (KBRIN) has received a $18.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to enhance biomedical research in Kentucky. The network provides access to equipment, collaborative networks, and funding for early-stage researchers.
Researchers discovered a new class of antibiotics produced by the microbiome that kill bacteria by disrupting their energy metabolism. Fibupeptides, such as lugdunin, have shown promise in treating multidrug-resistant infections, including those caused by MRSA.
Glaciologists from UCI and partner institutions have found Patagonia's ice sheets to be significantly more massive than expected, with some glaciers reaching depths of over 1,600 meters. This new understanding will help model the effects of global warming on freshwater resources and ecosystems in the region.
Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center identified key biological pathways regulating tumor cell spread to vital organs. They discovered the SRC signaling pathway is highly activated in breast cancer metastases, warranting targeted therapies.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have discovered a previously unknown autoimmune muscle disease causing sudden onset of debilitating muscle pain and weakness. The syndrome can be effectively treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, but accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage related symptoms.
A survey shows a wide variation in UK heart failure care, with some areas having fewer than seven nurses per 1,600 patients. Many services lack administrative support and mental health professionals, despite updated guidelines recommending best practice for diagnosis and management.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a cheap and clean method to handle carbon nanotubes, improving lab safety. The protocol involves proper attire, containment systems, and efficient transfer procedures, making it possible for labs to safely work with these materials on a large scale.
A new center will bring together researchers to better understand the relationships between advances in radiation therapy, cancer signaling pathways, and the immune system's ability to control cancer. The center aims to uncover novel insights into cancer biology with potential for more effective treatments.
A study analyzing 21 years of data on Darwin's finches found that environmental perturbations can strongly bias the adult sex ratio, particularly among females. Females that changed mates gained a clear fitness advantage in terms of numbers of offspring that survived to the following year.
A recent study found that taking vitamin D for at least three years may lower the risk of death among cancer patients. The researchers analyzed data from over 79,000 patients and discovered a statistically significant difference in mortality rates between those who took vitamin D and those who received a placebo.
Researchers at the University of Wollongong have discovered that iron-doping Sb2Te3 creates multiple response frequencies, reduces carrier density and mobility. This finding is crucial for informing future use in low-energy electronics.
A study by Dickinson College researchers finds that young people's perceptions of 'clean eating' are overwhelmingly positive, but may signal a risk for eating disorders. The diet fad is often associated with extreme strategies like eliminating gluten or dairy.
A study by University of Zurich researchers found that fathers' reliable care is crucial for brain development, while help from other group members is less essential. This discovery explains why some animal species with large-brained mammals have bigger brains due to their fathers' dependable assistance.
A study by NUS researchers found a close association between liposarcoma and the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein family. The development of LPS is highly dependent on the presence of BET proteins, making them a promising cancer target for treatment.
Rates of nonsuicidal self-injury ranged from 11% to 20% among heterosexual young people and 38% to 53% among sexual minority youth over a 13-year period. The study highlights the need for progress in addressing this public health concern.
A Texas A&M research team has developed a new class of hydrogel bioinks loaded with therapeutic proteins, which can be used for precise deposition of protein therapeutics in 3D. The bioink formulation has unique shear-thinning properties that allow it to stay in place after injection, making it suitable for 3D bioprinting applications.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine uses wearable motion-tracking devices to identify children with subtle motor impairments. The researchers found that typically developing children under age 3 use both arms equally, but in children with motor impairments, the ratio shifts significantly.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that early access to needle-exchange programs can significantly reduce the risk of hepatitis C infection among people who inject drugs. The program helped prevent the spread of the disease by providing treatment and harm-reducing interventions.
Researchers identified two proteins in young mouse blood that enhance neuronal connectivity and synaptic function in human neurons. These findings suggest that young blood contains multiple synapse-promoting factors that could contribute to cognitive aging and decline.
A novel molecular mechanism for regulating PCNA cycling during DNA replication has been discovered. The ATAD5-RFC-Like-Complex (ATAD5-RLC) is a PCNA unloader that opens the PCNA ring to remove it from DNA.
Researchers created a database of 21 textures associated with different emotions, revealing soft surfaces tend to evoke pleasant feelings while rough ones elicit unpleasant sensations. The study also found people with high alexithymia levels experience more intense negative emotions when interacting with certain textures.
Researchers have developed a new class of molecular photoswitches that meet key requirements for molecular photocontrol. The switches can be controlled using visible light and have improved properties compared to previous designs.
A study found that people with polydactyly, having six fingers per hand, exhibit improved motor skills and ability to perform movements with one hand. The researchers discovered dedicated brain areas controlling the extra finger's movement, allowing for versatile manipulation.
Researchers repurpose pregnancy hormone relaxin to alleviate symptoms of arthrofibrosis, a painful and debilitating joint condition, restoring range of motion and improving tissue health in an animal model. The findings suggest that relaxin could offer relief for millions of people affected by the disease.
The combination immunotherapy of nivolumab and ipilimumab met the primary endpoint of the NEOSTAR trial with a 33% overall major pathologic response rate in early-stage lung cancer patients. The treatment was also shown to be effective in reducing tumor viability, with six out of 21 patients achieving a complete pathological response.
Scientists use pattern recognition to understand and predict behavior of disordered strands of proteins and polymers. By analyzing the precise sequence of charged monomers, researchers can design new materials with improved properties.
A phase III international clinical trial found that treatment with apalutamide significantly improved overall survival by 33% compared to standard-of-care therapy. The study also showed apalutamide delayed disease progression, increasing the time until chemotherapy was needed.
A team of scientists used population genetics to analyze root rot pathogen populations in Michigan greenhouses and found similar populations regardless of plant type or location. The study confirms that infected plant material is likely moved within the state, leading to the development of fungicide-resistant populations.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory explored how 2D crystals can grow over 3D objects and found that curvature can stretch and strain the crystals. Conformal growth of perfect 2D crystals over curved objects has the promise to localize strain and create high-fidelity arrays of single photon emitters.
A study found that elephants can distinguish between quantities of food using their sense of smell, improving performance with quantity differences and degrading with ratio increases. This discovery may aid conservation efforts in regions where elephant habitats overlap with human settlements.
Research suggests that most people initiate opioid use through recreational means due to peer influence, rather than medical prescriptions. The study found that 56% of interviewees began using opioids recreationally first.
The NRG GOG 0261 clinical trial shows that paclitaxel plus carboplatin is not inferior to paclitaxel plus ifosfamide in treating women with stage I-IV, recurrent carcinosarcoma of the uterus or ovary. The treatment improved overall survival and progression-free survival outcomes.
Researchers found that metformin reduces anxiety-like behaviors in male mice by increasing serotonin availability in the brain. This increase was accompanied by improved neurotransmission in the hippocampus and lower levels of amino acids that impair serotonin production.
The SYNGO Consortium has released a public data resource that provides a standardized framework for describing synaptic functions. The knowledge base includes nearly 3,000 descriptions of more than 1,100 unique synaptic genes, compiled from published experimental information.
A new study uses CRISPR-Cas9 to repair the sickle cell mutation in patients' hematopoietic stem cells, boosting their own protective fetal hemoglobin. The approach showed promising results, with up to 40% of edited cells fixed and a significant increase in fetal hemoglobin expression.
The University of Copenhagen has opened a new research center, TiPES, to study climate tipping points and develop improved climate models. The center aims to better understand the mechanisms of sudden and violent changes in the climate system, which could trigger dramatic new climatic changes.
New research from the University of British Columbia suggests that chronic low-quality sleep is associated with poorer health outcomes among young B.C. students. Kids who regularly had trouble falling or staying asleep were almost two and half times as likely to report sub-optimal health compared to those who did not.
A genetic mutation in the CCR5 gene associated with a lower survivability rate was created on twin babies born last year. The mutation increases mortality by 21%, particularly between ages 41 and 78, according to researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.
The ESMERALDA project has generated research insights and practical solutions on ecosystem service mapping and assessment. The open science collection shares tested methods, collected datasets, and case study experience directly applicable to practical situations.
A new study published in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management found that consumer education campaigns can be an effective countermeasure against child labor in global supply chains. The researchers used game theory to identify strategies that manufacturers and NGOs can use to tackle suppliers' use of child labor.
A proof-of-concept study shows that a simple and inexpensive non-invasive device can improve speech understanding in hearing-impaired individuals and those with normal hearing. The device transforms low-frequency speech signals into tactile vibrations delivered on fingertips.
A recent grant award will support the study of new religious pluralisms in Singapore, examining how religion intersects with class and other categories of difference. The research aims to identify new forms of diversity within existing social groups, such as among Singaporean Chinese and Chinese migrants.
Researchers demonstrate a way to boost smart glass window tinting rates by analyzing single-particle resolution optical imaging. The study finds that optimizing thin film architectures can increase tinting speeds and reduce inefficiencies.
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have made a groundbreaking discovery in thin film magnet interactions, revealing a new antisymmetric element that enables the creation of three-dimensional spin structures. These structures could lead to faster and more robust magnetic storage units with larger data capacities.
This book introduces computational legal analysis, studying law as data to transform how laws are experienced, practiced, and studied. Experimental work pushes methodological boundaries, expanding horizons of legal analysis.
A study analyzed data on 2,000 coastal communities in 23 countries with substantial mangrove areas, finding that even modest coverage can protect economic activity from cyclones. The analysis estimated a permanent loss of 5.4-6.7 months' worth of economic activity for communities with minimal mangrove coverage.
A study analyzing data from 2,806 product placements found that embedded placements have a positive impact on online conversations and website traffic. Verbal product placements were more impactful than visual ones, suggesting they are processed deeper by viewers.
A new digital meditation training program called MediTrain improved attention and memory in healthy young adults by tailoring the length of sessions to their abilities. The program, which required just 20-30 minutes of practice per day, showed significant effects on attention and working memory.
A UCI-led study analyzes global water usage trends from 1980 to 2016, identifying hot spots of stress and opportunities for conservation. The researchers propose strategies to build resilience in the face of climate change, including dry cooling technologies and improved management practices.
A recent study by USC researchers found that Native Hawaiians have a 60% increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared to European Americans. The study also revealed that Japanese Americans and African Americans are at a higher risk than previously thought, with increases of 33% and 20%, respectively.
Researchers discovered ancient stone tools in Ethiopia, older than previously known evidence, suggesting that humans invented stone tools multiple times throughout history. The tools, dated to around 2.6 million years ago, show a significant shift in tool-making skills and accuracy, highlighting the complex origins of human innovation.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected a low-pressure area with strong thunderstorms and cold cloud top temperatures, indicating the potential for heavy rainfall. The system is forecast to move northwestward towards Mexico's northeastern coast, where it could become a tropical cyclone.
Analysis of 1,000-year-old pottery reveals domestic production was not a gendered activity, with both male and female fingerprints found on sherds. The shift towards gender equity in Chaco Canyon coincided with high demand for pottery, suggesting more people, including men and women, produced pottery
A team at Washington University School of Medicine has created a detailed picture of the chikungunya virus latched onto a protein found on cells in joints. This image promises to accelerate efforts to design drugs and vaccines to prevent or treat arthritis caused by chikungunya or related viruses.