New research using tree ring records reveals a 80-year decline in Asian summer monsoon rainfall, resulting in regional droughts and hardships. The study attributes the decline to man-made atmospheric pollutants, specifically sulfate aerosols, which coincide with industrial development and emissions in China.
The Obesity Medicine Association announces major updates to its adult obesity algorithm, addressing key health consequences and treatment strategies. The new guidelines provide comprehensive guidance for healthcare professionals on managing the chronic disease of obesity, including nutrition, physical activity, and pharmacotherapy.
A new blood biopsy technique allows for comprehensive genetic profiling of cancer cells, capturing variation among cells within a single patient. This improves treatment monitoring and targeting by identifying genes active in cancer cells and tracking their response to therapy.
A genomic collision may explain why many kidney transplants fail due to genetic incompatibility between donor and recipient. The study found that recipients with two copies of a deletion near the LIMS1 gene had a significantly higher risk of rejection when the donor kidney had at least one full-sized version of the same gene.
The UK's pesticide regulation is under threat after a change in EU powers led to the removal of a blanket ban on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). The new legislation gives UK ministers more power to amend and revoke laws, weakening enforcement arrangements and the requirement for scientific advice.
Researchers have identified a promising therapeutic target for metastatic prostate cancer by inhibiting the PHLPP2 protein, which stabilizes the oncogenic protein MYC. This finding has implications for treating other cancers driven by MYC and could lead to efficient new drugs.
A La Trobe University study has found significant levels of fatigue and poor brain function can persist after concussion, with implications for diagnosis and treatment of persistent post-concussion syndrome (PCS). The study used innovative brain technology to assess brain functioning in a way that has never been done before.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a method to repurpose immunosuppressive regulatory T cells into inflammatory cells that intensify an antitumor immune response. This approach primes tumors for immune checkpoint blockade, increasing the effectiveness of cancer therapies.
A proof-of-concept study found that special goggles measuring eye movements can accurately diagnose vertigo types, including Meniere's disease. The study showed improved sensitivity and specificity compared to audio tests.
Researchers at Tel Hai College and MIGAL Institute in Israel have developed a method to make phosphorus fertilizer from dairy wastewater and aluminum water treatment residue. This innovative approach has the potential to recycle the element without lowering crop yields, reducing the reliance on non-renewable resources.
Researchers mapped over 1.1 million forest sites and 28,000 tree species to understand how symbiotic partnerships structure the world's forests. The study revealed a new biological rule, Read's Rule, which predicts massive changes to the symbiotic state of the world's forests if carbon emissions continue unabated.
Many Americans in their 50s and early 60s worry about declining brain health, taking supplements or doing puzzles to stave off brain decline. However, few have talked with their doctors about evidence-based ways to prevent memory loss, potentially missing out on proven strategies.
Researchers found that opioid-exposed babies react more strongly to pain and have higher skin conductance, suggesting they may need early intervention. The study suggests that these babies handle pain worse than their non-exposed counterparts, highlighting the need for better care.
A new study found that people who walk faster have a higher life expectancy than those who walk slower, regardless of their weight status. The research used data from the UK Biobank and found that underweight individuals with a slow walking pace had the lowest life expectancy.
A study from the University of Bath aims to address human error in cyberattacks by using technology inspired from exercise and fitness apps. Researchers plan to create a prototype that gently nudges users into changing their passwords, updating privacy settings, and locking screens.
Researchers have developed a new framework that enables deep neural networks to learn new tasks while minimizing the loss of previously learned information. The Learn to Grow framework demonstrates improved performance in both new and old tasks, with backward transfer occurring when learning a new task enhances previous task accuracy.
A pre-clinical study investigates the use of nicotine-like medications to reduce limb damage caused by inflammation. The research could potentially modulate the immune response to protect limbs after an injury.
Researchers tested biodegradable, oxo-biodegradable and compostable plastic bags in three natural environments over a 3-year period. The results show that none of the bags reliably deteriorated within 3 years, with conventional polyethylene bags remaining intact.
A new brain-controlled hearing aid technology developed by Columbia engineers can identify and amplify the correct speaker in a crowded environment. The device uses artificial intelligence to monitor wearers' brain waves and boost the voice they want to focus on, solving the 'cocktail party problem' that modern hearing aids struggle with.
The NINDS R35 grant will fund the Casaccia lab's work to elucidate signals regulating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in healthy brains, addressing normal and dysfunctional cell behavior. This award supports long-term research on regenerative properties of progenitor cells and their role in neurological diseases.
A recent study confirms the emergence of feminist reggaeton music in Spain, led by researchers from Universitat Rovira i Virgili. The study analyzes three female reggaeton projects that use parody and criticism to promote feminist ideas and empower women.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that renal infarction is associated with acute kidney injury in patients with cardiac amyloidosis. The study revealed a relatively high prevalence of renal infarction among these patients, suggesting it as a potential cause of acute kidney injury in this context.
A new tool, SymTrak, tracks symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and anxiety in older adults, enabling clinicians to provide better care for potentially related diseases. The tool was developed by researchers at the Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University to identify early onset of complex issues.
Researchers have identified a small organic compound called gluconate that acts as an anticonvulsant, inhibiting seizures by targeting chloride ion channels. The study found that gluconate suppresses seizure activity more effectively in neonatal animals than adults.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed wearable electronic components that can be directly incorporated into fabrics, enabling flexible circuits, healthcare monitoring, and energy conversion. The devices are based on low-cost, sustainable, and scalable dyeing of polyester fabric using graphene inks.
Researchers have identified compounds in ragweed that can help nerve cells survive with Alzheimer's disease peptides. The compounds, including terpenoids and spermidine conjugates, showed promise in protecting neurons from Aβ-induced toxicity.
A new smartphone-based platform can quickly detect possible ear infections in children by analyzing reflected acoustic signals. The system uses a commercial phone's speakers and microphones to send sound into the ear canal, detecting middle ear fluid with high accuracy.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a novel e-waste recycling method using pulsed power, which successfully separates metal from plastic in CD-ROMs. The technique uses high-voltage electrical discharges to break down materials, resulting in efficient separation and minimal environmental impact.
Researchers developed a new method to use rare and expensive catalysts sparingly by encasing precious metal salts in micelles. The process efficiently catalyzes oxygen reduction in fuel cells, outperforming traditional methods.
A Cancer Research UK-funded study found that less chemotherapy is as effective at controlling disease for elderly or frail patients with advanced stomach or oesophagus cancer. The study showed that lower doses of chemotherapy resulted in fewer side effects and improved quality of life.
Researchers are developing longer-acting injectable HIV treatments that target different components of the virus and can be administered once every few weeks. These therapies have shown promising results in clinical trials, with one treatment demonstrating effectiveness for at least a month and high patient satisfaction.
An observational study of over 442,000 pregnancies in Canada found that benzodiazepine use in early pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of miscarriage. The study suggests that physicians should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of prescribing benzodiazepines in early pregnancy due to alternative treatment options.
Researchers developed a machine-learning approach to distinguish critical markers of Alzheimer's disease using computer-aided analysis. The tool can process large amounts of data quickly and accurately, enabling neuropathologists to analyze thousands of times more samples than before.
Researchers discovered that blocking PHLPP2 enzyme halts prostate cancer growth and metastasis without signs of toxicity in mice or human cells. This finding presents a promising approach for treating prostate cancer and potentially other types of cancers.
Researchers found that investors responded favorably to firms' congressional testimony, particularly those with high regulatory risk and negative tone from committee members. Companies also benefited from their competitors' testimony, albeit to a limited extent.
A UCSF study found that recreational marijuana legalization in Colorado led to a 10% increase in motor vehicle accidents, as well as a 5% increase in alcohol abuse and overdoses. However, it also resulted in a 5% decrease in hospital admissions for chronic pain.
A NYU researcher has won a $100,000 Gates Foundation grant to improve vaccination rates in Pakistan using artificial intelligence and mobile tools. The project aims to develop algorithms to prioritize resources and target efforts more effectively, predicting and providing feedback on optimal locations and times for vaccinations.
A study examining sleep data from a pan-Canadian cohort of 28,485 participants found that chronic insomnia disorder is directly associated with cognitive problems in people aged 45 and over. The main type of memory affected was declarative memory, independent of other factors.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that LGBT employees report worse job experiences, less respect from supervisors, and lower job satisfaction compared to their non-LGBT colleagues. Racial/ethnic minority LGBT respondents also face additional challenges.
A University of Otago study found that acts of civic engagement, such as volunteering and helping a neighbor, buffer people from adversity and promote well-being. These simple acts of kindness not only benefited victims but also strengthened the well-being and resilience of those giving them.
Researchers at HKU Earth Sciences have discovered multi-century-scale abrupt deep-water warming events that likely caused by reduction in deep-water circulation. These deglacial-Holocene dynamics are important for understanding present and future trends in the climatic system, which can impact global ecosystems and society.
Research found thalidomide alters CRBN protein function in neural stem cells, leading to smaller brains and embryonic malformations. Increasing CRBN availability results in larger brains.
Researchers have developed a novel compound that specifically targets the endoplasmic reticulum stress response in cancer cells, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting tumor growth. The compound can be precisely activated by UV irradiation and emits fluorescence, allowing real-time tracking of its activity.
A recent study from Michigan State University suggests that there are more layers to political trust than previously thought. The researchers tested a vulnerability-centered definition of trust and found that three key dimensions - ability, benevolence, and integrity - play a crucial role in shaping public trust in the government.
A new smartphone app has been developed to detect fluid buildup in the middle ear, a common cause of ear infections in children. The app uses machine learning to analyze sound waves and determine the likelihood of fluid presence, showing promise as a quick and non-invasive screening tool.
A new algorithm called DeeProtein uses sensitivity analysis to unravel the secret of its predictions, providing valuable insights into protein functions. This technique enables researchers to identify critical regions in proteins that tolerate changes well or poorly, paving the way for targeted modifications.
A RAND Corporation report outlines how some Asian nations are reforming illicit drug policies, while others adopt harsher approaches. China's role as a focal point in the global supply of fentanyl is also discussed.
Researchers at Lancaster University developed a method to record computer data using magnets and light pulses, reducing energy consumption. The new approach uses ultrashort pulses of light concentrated by special antennas on top of a magnet to switch the orientation of tiny magnets in magnetic hard-drives.
Researchers at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust developed a liquid biopsy test that detects DNA fragments shed by tumors into the bloodstream. The test identified 74% of patients with early-stage rectal cancer who were at risk of metastatic disease, and those with persistent DNA were more likely to develop metastatic disease.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo created a thermomechanical device to detect terahertz radiation, allowing for sensitive and rapid detection at room temperature. This technology opens up new applications for THz technologies, such as THz cameras.
Graduates can expect to earn nearly £670,000 more over their working life due to SES education. SES research is vital to tackling global health challenges like obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
Researchers at Penn Medicine found that Twitter users with depression and anxiety tend to post less vivid photos with lower aesthetic values, often featuring grayscale images of their faces. The study's lead author noted that this 'flat affect' is characterized by reduced expression and displays of emotion.
A study comparing nearly 42,000 patients who had weight-loss surgery found that those who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass had an increased risk of nonvertebral fractures compared to adjustable gastric banding patients. Over a 3.5-year follow-up, there were 658 nonvertebral fractures reported among RYGB patients.
A study published in Gastroenterology suggests that patients with IBS who have multiple intestinal and brain abnormalities experience more severe symptoms, making combination therapy a potential solution to improve treatment outcomes
A Kiel University team proposes that over-fed bacteria disrupt the human microbiome, leading to disease development. The researchers suggest that an unnatural nutrient supply decouples bacteria from their host organisms, promoting disease growth.
A mindfulness-based smartphone app was found to reduce self-reported daily cigarette consumption and decrease brain reactivity to smoking images in study participants. Those who showed the greatest reduction in cigarette consumption also exhibited decreased brain activity in a region associated with craving.
Researchers have developed a prototype of energy-efficient data storage devices using rapid spin switching technology. The device achieves minimal energy losses and switches between states in just 3 picoseconds, making it promising for compact future computers.
A new intervention developed by Iowa State University researchers significantly improves course evaluation scores for female instructors. The study found that adding language to the evaluation form to mitigate gender bias resulted in a 0.41-point increase in teaching effectiveness ratings, as well as higher overall course evaluations.
A Brown University researcher has developed an algorithm that allows robots to mimic human handwriting and drawing, enabling them to communicate more fluently with humans. The robot can reproduce words and sketches in various languages with high accuracy, making it a significant step towards better communication between people and robots.
Researchers developed a blood test that measures tumor DNA, allowing for early detection of treatment response in patients with stage III or IV melanoma. The study found that the test detected BRAF mutations in 93% of patients before treatment and showed improved survival rates for those whose tumors shrunk after targeted therapy.