Researcher Brett Burkhardt finds that private prisons are shaped by politics and policies, yet also face moral and ethical dilemmas. The industry is adapting to changing incarceration rates and exploring new opportunities such as drug testing and treatment programs.
A large-scale study found that high levels of air pollution negatively affect ovarian reserve and female fertility marker anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in Italian women. Exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide increased the risk of reduced AMH concentrations, leading to a lower ovarian reserve.
Researchers have developed ultrasmall nanoclusters with antioxidative properties that can pass through the kidneys' filtration barrier to alleviate clinical symptoms of AKI. Selenium-doped carbon quantum dots also demonstrated effective treatment and prevention of AKI in mice by localizing in the kidneys and eliminating ROS.
Eleven-month-old infants can associate languages with ethnicities based on individual encounters, the study found. The researchers played Cantonese and English to infants of Caucasian ancestry, showing them faces of Asian and Caucasian individuals.
A large population study has found that paternal smoking is associated with lower total sperm counts and concentrations in adult sons, regardless of maternal smoking. The study, which analyzed data from over 778 young men, found an 8-9% decline in sperm count and concentration among sons of fathers who smoked daily.
Scientists at the University of Tokyo have discovered a connection between lightning strikes and gamma-ray phenomena in thunderclouds. Weak gamma-ray glows may precede lightning bolts, offering new insights into the mechanism underlying lightning discharge. The research aims to improve predictive models for lightning strikes, potential...
Researchers at West Virginia University have discovered a fungus that infects cicadas, causing them to lose their limbs and engage in abnormal behavior. The fungus contains psychoactive compounds similar to those found in hallucinogenic mushrooms, but further research is needed to determine its potential benefits.
Researchers developed a portable technology to detect four common types of cyanotoxins, including microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin, which meet EPA's recreational water quality criteria. The device can be used to assess recreational water quality but not yet viable for drinking water safety.
A new intelligent liver function test has been developed to detect liver disease decades before it can become fatal. The test has shown a 44% increase in diagnosis of liver disease, giving patients earlier access to treatment.
A national survey finds that half of the population believes cancer requires better treatments, and two-thirds expect most cancers to be curable by 2050. The UK public also supports a tax-funded NHS and wants closer partnerships between the public and private sectors to develop more effective cancer treatments.
Research from the University of East Anglia finds that women's agricultural work has a negative impact on household nutrition, particularly due to reduced time for care work and seasonal energy deficits. This can lead to poor child- and household-level nutrition outcomes.
Scientists at Nagoya University have created materials with negative thermal expansion, which can compensate for the expansion of components during heating and cooling cycles. This reduces stresses and increases component lifetime, making them ideal for use in electronics.
Researchers from Jena have developed a device using laser light to detect tumors, providing real-time information for surgeons. This compact microscope combines three imaging techniques and uses artificial intelligence to analyze tissue samples, promising faster and more reliable results than traditional frozen section diagnostics.
Researchers found that levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the blood contribute to stroke risk in diabetic patients. The study discovered a strong association between NfL levels and stroke occurrence, suggesting that adding this protein to existing stroke risk scores can increase accuracy.
The study reveals the emergence of fractional quantum Hall effect in double-layer graphene, with new states exhibiting excellent agreement with composite fermion model. However, some features remain unexplained, suggesting pairing interaction between composite fermions and potentially hosting non-Abelian wave functions.
A new study suggests that patients are nearly three times more likely to develop urinary tract infections after discharge than while in the hospital, highlighting the need for further monitoring and research.
Researchers at KRISS successfully created room-temperature ice and controlled its growth behaviors by dynamically compressing water up to pressures above 10,000 atmospheres. This technology can artificially control the size, shape, and growth rate of ice regardless of temperature.
Researchers have discovered differences in brain wiring diagrams between left and right auditory processing centers that may explain distinct speech processing functions. The study could lead to a better understanding of communication disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia.
Researchers analyzed data from a large, multi-ethnic sample and found that the 0.70 threshold provided discrimination of COPD-related hospitalization and mortality comparable to other fixed thresholds. The study supports the continued use of FEV1/FVC <0.70 to identify individuals at risk of clinically significant COPD.
Research presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Annual Meeting found that tobacco smokers have reduced neuroimmune function compared to nonsmokers. This impairment may contribute to compulsive drug use and cognitive dysfunction in smokers trying to quit.
A novel combination therapy using two targeted treatments has shown to maximize efficacy while reducing side effects in men with progressive prostate cancer. The study found that nearly 70 percent of patients saw a more than 50 percent reduction in PSA levels after the treatment.
Researchers have discovered that dung beetles use a wind compass and sun compass to navigate, switching between the two depending on the condition. The insects' brains adapt dynamically to the environment, allowing them to make informed decisions.
The M-RISE program aims to develop innovative therapies to prevent brain damage caused by cardiac arrest, with a focus on early treatments delivered by bystanders and first responders. The program will explore neuroprotective agents and strategies to improve survival rates and outcomes for patients affected by cardiac arrest.
Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to visualize macrophages in living mice with brain tumors, finding clear morphological and behavioral differences between blood-derived and brain-resident macrophages. Blocking macrophage infiltration improved survival in treated mice.
The PHOENIx MDR-TB study compares the safety and efficacy of delamanid and isoniazid in preventing active MDR-TB disease in at-risk contacts. The trial will enroll approximately 5,610 participants across 12 countries.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin found that non-invasive coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography is equally accurate to catheter angiography for diagnosing coronary artery disease. The study suggests that CT angiography can be a suitable diagnostic technique for patients with low to intermediate probability of ...
Cornell researchers develop algorithm to visualize models of the universe, unlocking secrets of cosmology and dark matter. The algorithm uses intensive principal component analysis to extract patterns from large datasets, providing new insights into the nature of our universe.
A Baylor University study reveals that informal caregivers experience high rates of work interruption due to unmet needs for workplace support. The research highlights the need for employers to step up and provide necessary resources to help caregivers manage their responsibilities.
Pregnancy rates from IVF and ICSI in Europe have reached a peak, with success rates stabilizing after increasing for conventional IVF cycles. Frozen embryo cycles show the highest pregnancy rate at 30.5%, indicating an upward trend in outcomes.
Researchers have created mice with a transplanted human immune system, enabling them to study the complex response of the human immune system to diseases such as cancer, HIV, and autoimmune disorders. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for these conditions.
A recent study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle found that vitamin D signaling is crucial for maintaining normal muscle size and strength. Researchers discovered that mice lacking vitamin D receptors in their muscle cells had smaller muscles and reduced physical performance.
Protein machines play a crucial role in biological cells, and researchers have developed simple mechanical models to understand their operation. These models, based on elastic networks, reveal essential aspects of protein machine behavior and can be used to design artificial nano-machines with machine properties.
Researchers found that children with chromosomal defects were almost 12 times more likely to develop cancer than those without birth defects. Children with non-chromosomal defects had a 2.5 times increased risk of cancer compared to those without birth defects.
The Graphene Flagship partners with the European Space Agency and the University of Cambridge to launch a rocket into space, testing the printing of graphene patterns on silicon substrates in zero gravity. The mission aims to validate graphene's self-assembly properties and pave the way for its use in long-term space exploration.
The Hollings Cancer Center has received a $3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to continue its research on a novel immunotherapy combination for treating lung cancer. The team, led by Mark Rubinstein and John Wrangle, aims to understand why some patients respond better to this treatment than others.
Researchers found that universal college admission testing in Virginia could boost the number of high school graduates with competitive test scores. The policy would benefit low-income students, increasing their chances of getting accepted into top universities by nearly 20%.
A new study by Ohio State University found that focused physics professional development can improve teachers' understanding of physics concepts and their teaching strategies. As a result, students' understanding of physics improved significantly. The training also increased teacher satisfaction and trust in their abilities, leading to...
Scientists have discovered that dung beetles utilize wind direction in addition to sun orientation to navigate. This combination enhances the beetle's compass, allowing for more precise navigation even in challenging conditions.
A study by Indiana University psychologists found that people's stated preferences for dogs don't always align with their chosen breed. The researchers surveyed 1,229 visitors to an animal shelter and discovered that only a few traits, such as age and playfulness, consistently influenced dog selection.
A new study found that walking interventions can lead to sustained increases in physical activity and a reduced risk of cardiovascular events and fractures. The research followed participants with pedometer-based walking interventions for up to four years, demonstrating the long-term health benefits of increased walking activity.
Researchers at Houston Methodist developed a remote-controlled nanofluidic device that delivers continuous, predetermined dosages of medications for chronic diseases like arthritis and high blood pressure. The device uses a grape-sized implant with controlled release of drugs without pumps or valves.
A study by the University of Bristol's School of Earth Sciences has investigated the impact of melting ice on nutrient supplies in the ocean. The research found that glacial sediments, which are rich in nutrients, play a crucial role in cycling these essential elements through shallow marine sediments.
A study found that patients who received more opioid tablets after knee surgery consumed more tablets for longer periods, while those with preoperative education used fewer tablets for shorter durations. Reducing opioid use can lead to better patient outcomes.
The study reveals Galectin-3 plays a key role in regulating immune response associated with Amyloid beta peptide. Researchers have identified genetic mutations linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's, and a potential therapeutic target for blocking galectin-3.
Researchers at Penn State's Sensory Evaluation Center found that milk significantly reduces capsaicin burn, with whole milk and skim milk showing the largest reductions. Milk's effectiveness is attributed to its protein content, which may play a more relevant role than fat content.
Researchers have discovered rocks in Santorini cove similar to Martian basaltic material, with properties comparable to those of the Spirit and Curiosity rovers and Martian meteorites. The findings suggest that Santorini can serve as a low-cost resource for experiments and characterization of geological processes on Mars.
A new systematic review highlights gaps in understanding cancer among LGBTI adolescents and young adults, who face barriers to health services. Researchers propose a Call to Action to reduce these disparities and improve cancer care for this at-risk population.
Researchers found a novel sulfur-oxidizing symbiont, Kentron, which upcycles waste products from its host and environment into biomass. This discovery contradicts traditional descriptions of symbiotic bacteria's carbon sources.
A study found that older living kidney donors with hypertension had a higher risk of developing kidney failure within 15 years after donation. However, the absolute risk was relatively low. In contrast, hypertension was not linked to an increased risk of early death among older donors.
Researchers from the University of Bristol have discovered that melanosomes in blue feathers are highly distinct and can reconstruct prehistoric feather colors. They found blue structural color in fossils, previously unknown, by analyzing pigments and feather structures.
Using 3D printing, researchers have successfully grown human hair follicles in a lab dish, paving the way for new hair restoration treatments. The breakthrough could lead to more effective hair growth drugs and increased accessibility of robotic hair restoration surgery for women and men.
Researchers found three distinct brain circuits involved in making good and bad decisions, with the third circuit storing memories of past choices. The study may help explain addiction and inform novel treatments for substance abuse.
The US Department of Energy has allocated $13 million for 27 projects focused on enhancing the predictive power of computer models. Researchers will analyze extensive observational data from the DOE's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility to deepen understanding of cloud formation and dynamics.
A new method of condensation, using lubricant-infused surfaces (LIS), has been found to promote more efficient heat transfer and droplet movement. The erratic movement of water droplets is caused by unbalanced capillary forces acting on the droplets.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a new blood test capable of detecting Alzheimer's disease with high accuracy. The test measures beta-amyloid in the blood and shows promise as a diagnostic tool for primary healthcare.
A study of thousands of patients found that statin users had more than double the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The analysis revealed a dose-dependent relationship between statin use and diabetes diagnosis.
Researchers sequenced canine cancer cell lines to identify human-like genetic changes driving canine cancers. The study found 61 genetic variants that match known drivers of human cancer, and showed sensitivity to human medicines.
A new study reveals that globally recognized surgical guidelines led to a significant reduction in post-operative deaths at the English National Health Service (NHS) between 1998 and 2014. The greatest reductions were seen in oesophagogastric and breast surgery, with a consistent downward trend over the 16-year period.
Researchers have created a new chemoradiotherapy formulation that could reduce side effects in advanced stage head and neck cancer patients. The formulation, which stays within tumors, is predicted to be effective while minimizing harm to healthy cells.
A recent study found that including new clinical variables in the lung allocation score improved its accuracy for identifying the sickest cystic fibrosis patients. The updated scoring system also helped patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by re-evaluating their pulmonary function testing.