Researchers used an algorithm to model the decision-making of C. elegans in response to a sensory stimulus, achieving predictions that matched experimental results. The Sir Isaac platform demonstrated improved accuracy compared to prior models, offering insights into the potential of artificial intelligence in scientific discovery.
Researchers discovered a novel gene mutation that reduces activity of the FAAH gene, which is involved in pain sensation and anxiety. The mutation is associated with enhanced wound healing, reduced anxiety, and fearlessness, potentially leading to new treatments for post-surgical pain and anxiety.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health found that pairing music with pain medications improved analgesic outcomes by up to 90% in mouse models. The study showed significant reductions in inflammation and pain responses, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for managing pain.
A new smartphone app called OnTrack can predict when users are likely to lapse in their weight loss plan and send personalized coaching messages to help them stay on track. The study found that participants who used the app reported high levels of satisfaction and experienced a significant reduction in unplanned lapses.
An investigation by The BMJ found that many NHS trusts are keeping secret details of their partnerships with drug companies, despite official guidance for transparency. Joint working arrangements between the NHS and industry have spent over £7.5m on projects such as ADHD medication reviews and age-related macular degeneration treatments.
A new computer-based model developed by Johns Hopkins researchers accurately predicts which patients with a rare heart condition will benefit from an implanted defibrillator. The model identifies patients most likely to benefit from the device while preventing unnecessary surgery, potentially saving thousands of lives annually.
A new study uses crop models and local expertise to pinpoint communities most in need of support for adaptation and mitigation. The tool assesses climate risk vulnerability and projects impacts by 2050 on crops like rice, maize, and coffee.
Researchers found that offspring from older mothers are more responsive to dietary interventions known to increase lifespan. However, caloric restriction did not improve overall fitness in these offspring.
Scientists create novel polymeric material with fullerenes, boosting power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells by three-fold. The new interlayer material improves device stability and electrode performance, overcoming intrinsic problems related to combining hard and soft materials.
Dr. Amy Kind will deliver a marquee presentation at #AGS19 on the social determinants of health, reorienting research, policy, and clinical practice to broader systemic factors. Her work focuses on improving health equity and has led to the development of the 'Neighborhood Atlas,' a neighborhood map assessing socioeconomic factors.
A new study finds that shoreline erosion can transform freshwater wetlands from carbon-storage pools to carbon sources, with a large mismatch between accumulation and erosion rates. The researchers developed a model to assess the impact of freshwater coastal erosion on global carbon budgets.
Researchers have successfully transplanted adult spinal cord grafts into spinal cord transected rats to improve locomotor function, promoting the recovery of motor function and survival of neural cells.
A study published in The BMJ suggests that non-surgical brain stimulation techniques, such as ECT and rTMS, may be effective as alternative or add-on treatments for adults with severe depression. However, more research is needed to fully understand their benefits and potential side effects.
Researchers have developed a portable mini microscope that allows for real-time brain imaging in living mice, reducing costs and enabling more detailed studies of diseases such as cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer's. The device records images from active brains of mice moving naturally around their environments.
Researchers at HSE Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience propose preoperative training to enhance neurobiomechanical patterns for better motor activity. The study focuses on autotransplanting latissimus dorsi muscle for elbow flexion, showing promising results in accelerating rehabilitation.
Researchers from Polytechnic University of Valencia and Ingheritag3D have digitized the Nasrid sword attributed to Ali Atar, a 15th-century warlord. The study utilizes photogrammetry and 3D modeling techniques to document the intricate filigree and ornaments on the sword.
A study analyzing nearly 57,000 US military casualties found that the use of tourniquets, blood transfusions, and faster prehospital transport significantly reduced mortality. These interventions accounted for a large part of the increase in survival rates among critically injured soldiers.
Nadkarni's Ambassador Model training program empowers scientists to engage the public through meaningful connections, promoting shared values and community involvement. The program's effectiveness is demonstrated through high ambassador participation rates and increased interest in science among participants.
A team of researchers has identified a 'druggable' mechanism for pathological tau protein aggregation, which could lead to new treatment options for devastating neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery focuses on the RASD2 gene and its potential as a target for farnesyl transferase inhibitors.
Researchers at Iowa State University found that practicing loving-kindness and extending good wishes to others reduces anxiety, increases happiness, and fosters social connection. The study suggests that this simple strategy is effective regardless of personality type.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have made a breakthrough in heart muscle regeneration by priming stem cells to become heart tissues. The novel method uses the laminin protein to promote differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into cardiovascular precursor cells, which can then differentiate into cardiac muscle fibers.
Researchers have developed a drone-based system to spot treat weeds, reducing the risk of pesticide drift. The system uses AI-powered imaging and neural networks to identify weeds and deliver targeted pesticides.
The EU-STANDS4PM forum aims to develop standardized transnational frameworks for data integration and in silico modeling in personalized medicine. This will facilitate the use of life science data in clinical research and accelerate growth of the European data-driven economy.
A team of researchers has successfully generated ultra-short spin waves in an astoundingly simple material, opening up new possibilities for the development of spintronics. The achievement uses a magnetic material shaped into circular disks to create spin waves with wavelengths as short as 80 nanometers.
An international study found that wastewater treatment plants in seven European countries have varying levels of antibiotic resistance, with southern Europe showing higher rates. The study suggests that modern treatment plants are effective in removing resistant bacteria, but older or poorly managed plants may contribute to the problem.
A new study reveals that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) increase osteoblast precursor cell proliferation and induce osteogenic gene expression, but do not enhance calcium deposition. Careful selection of PEMF parameters is crucial for inducing a favorable effect.
Increasing the legal age for tobacco purchase would protect younger children from exposure to older pupils who smoke and remove a potential source of supply within schools. A 'polluter pays' tax and other measures, such as retail licensing schemes and mass media education campaigns, could also help reduce smoking rates among young people
Research highlights chronic opioid use among older adults undergoing spinal surgery for degenerative spine disease, and intensified hypertension treatment at hospital discharge poses a risk without benefits. A practical two-stage frailty assessment also predicts poor outcomes after aortic valve replacement.
Replanting urban environments with native flora could help address chronic health problems by promoting healthy microbial diversity. Restoration of urban biodiversity is estimated to have generational health benefits and huge savings for healthcare sectors.
A new national study found that social media had only a small influence on how much people believed falsehoods about candidates and issues in the last two presidential elections. Interestingly, Facebook users were actually more accurate in their beliefs than those who consumed only other social media.
Researchers found a significant increase in tweets about embarrassment since Trump's election, with peaks around high-profile events like debates and controversies. The study suggests that people feel vicarious embarrassment due to Trump's norm violations as president, threatening their social integrity.
Researchers have shown that gene transfer therapy can improve left ventricle function and glucose disposal in mice with diabetes. A single injection of a hormone called urocortin 2 increased heart function and reduced blood sugar levels, offering a potential new treatment for cardiovascular disease.
A research team at Korea Brain Research Institute has developed a technology to produce dorsal cortical neurons utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells and tropical fish collagen. The breakthrough could lead to the treatment of brain diseases such as Parkinson's Disease by mass producing neurons using stem cells.
A novel iron catalyst has been discovered to simplify and streamline organic chemical synthesis, reducing costs and waste. This breakthrough could have huge implications for industries such as pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals.
Scientists discovered that microglia, a type of nervous system cell suspected to cause retinal damage, surprisingly had no damaging role during prion disease in mice. Microglia might delay disease progression, providing new insights into inherited photoreceptor degeneration diseases.
Pregnant women who use cannabis may slightly increase the risk their unborn child will develop psychosis later in life. The study's findings raise concerns about prenatal exposure to cannabis and its potential long-term effects on brain development.
A survey of nearly 1,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo found that low public trust during the 2018 Ebola outbreak led to lower vaccination rates and increased refusal to seek care. Higher trust was linked to greater willingness to accept vaccination and seek medical attention.
Using graphics processing chips and web browsers, researchers can now model complex electrical waves causing heart arrhythmias on less powerful computers. This technology has the potential to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms and study new drugs.
Argonne National Laboratory collaborated with AT&T on a climate resiliency project to develop a Climate Change Analysis Tool, providing high-resolution forecasting insights for anticipating climate change impacts. The tool helps AT&T anticipate potential risks in its network infrastructure and business operations 30 years into the future.
Researchers found that CBX4 gene therapy helps to regenerate hMSCs and prevent osteoarthritis in mice. The study showed that CBX4 promotes nucleolar homeostasis, which is essential for maintaining healthy stem cells.
TGen has received two grants totaling $6.1 million to study deadly lung diseases such as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), with an estimated 50,000 US patients diagnosed annually. Researchers aim to identify genomic factors driving the disease and develop more precise treatments.
A team of researchers has identified a protein complex called Lubac that marks misfolded proteins, stopping them from interacting with other proteins and directing them towards disposal. This discovery holds promise for the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A new microscopy technique, PD imaging, helps isolate highly potent stem cells by measuring mitochondrial activity, potentially improving regenerative medicine outcomes. The method is non-invasive and cost-effective, offering a reliable tool for early-stage stem cell selection.
A new study suggests that giving surgery patients disposal bags to safely dispose of leftover opioids can double the percentage of patients who properly dispose of their unneeded pills within six weeks. The study showed that providing only an informational brochure had a much smaller effect on safe disposal rates.
Researchers have described a new muscular disease called Myoglobinopathy, caused by a mutation in the myoglobin gene. The study, led by IDIBELL, identifies characteristics lesions in muscle biopsies and altered biochemical properties of mutated myoglobin.
Researchers at U of T Mississauga have identified SOX2 as a key regulator of the biological clock, responsible for coordinating gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The study found that mice lacking the SOX2 gene displayed disrupted circadian rhythms and irregular sleep patterns.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have made a patent-pending discovery that certain enzymes in roundworms behave differently than in humans, with amino acids potentially playing a key role. The findings advance scientific efforts to develop new pesticides to manage parasitic nematodes and reduce crop damage.
Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have developed a new diagnostic method that screens cancer samples for 'fusion genes', which are linked to one in five cancers. The test identifies 20% more fusion genes than current methods, potentially leading to personalized treatments.
A team of researchers has developed self-sustaining, bioengineered blood vessels that can safely integrate into the native circulatory systems of patients. The vessels, currently being tested in phase 3 clinical trials, offer a promising alternative to replacing damaged vessels with those from human donors or animals.
A study found that urban bats' responses to artificial light vary across species, seasons, and lamp types. Tree cover mitigates the negative effects of light pollution on bat activity, allowing some species to thrive in areas with high tree density. However, most species are repelled by street lamps, regardless of UV emission.
Using neutrons, scientists have determined the crystal structure of solid fluorine, resolving a scientific dispute that lasted for 50 years. The research confirms Nobel laureate Linus Pauling's earlier suspicions about fluorine's structure.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a novel adhesive inspired by the natural mixture of bee spit and flower oil, which shows unique properties in resisting changes in humidity. The glue works similarly to a layer of cooking oil covering syrup, slowing down drying considerably.
A national survey found that 81% of hospital pharmacy managers experienced medication hoarding due to drug shortages, with over two-thirds reporting more than 50 shortages. The survey highlights the need for more systematic approaches to address the issue and decrease rationing.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that children exposed to metformin in utero had a higher risk of obesity. The research, which followed 141 children from PCOS mothers for 5-10 years, also showed no link between metformin use and healthier growth conditions.
Hagfish hearts can pump for 36 hours without oxygen, a phenomenon that could inspire new strategies for protecting the human heart during anoxia. Researchers found that glycerol enhances heart contraction during anoxia, raising questions about its role in hagfish physiology.
A new report found that white individuals produce an average of 680 kg of carbon dioxide per year from their food choices, while Latinx individuals produce 640 kg and blacks produce 600 kg. White diets require 7% more water than Latinx diets due to higher consumption of resource-intensive foods.
Researchers characterized two massive deep earthquakes in the Tonga-Fiji region, discovering complex geological processes and dual mechanism propagation patterns. The study suggests that these events can trigger subsequent large earthquakes and highlights the need to better understand deep-Earth processes.
Dr. Laura Mosqueda will discuss state-of-the-art approaches to elder abuse identification, treatment, and prevention at the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting. Her talk highlights geriatrics' role in addressing mistreatment of older adults and promoting strong social supports.
A systematic review suggests that vitamin C administration can decrease ICU length of stay by an average of 7.8%, with higher doses reducing duration by up to 8.6%. Vitamin C's role in energy metabolism and cardiovascular system makes it a promising intervention for critically ill patients.
Complex federal food safety rules are being clarified to assess agricultural water use, with potential cost savings of $37 million annually nationwide. The Produce Safety Alliance is developing new ways to evaluate and manage water sources to reduce contamination risks.