Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects both obese and non-obese individuals, with distinct differences found in male and female patients of varying body mass indexes. Key findings include lower skeletal muscle mass and insulin resistance in non-obese NAFLD patients compared to their obese counterparts.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that small molecule protease inhibitors can effectively block coronavirus replication and improve survival in MERS-CoV-infected mice. The findings suggest that these compounds could be investigated further as a potential therapeutic for human coronavirus infection.
Scientists at UCL have discovered new biomarkers that can identify people with Type 1 diabetes who are likely to respond to the immunotherapy drug Abatacept. The study found that certain immune cells, known as 'follicular helper T cells', play a key role in the disease.
Researchers found that abstract paintings elicit more distant times and places in viewers than representational paintings. The study suggests that abstract art can evoke more abstract mental states, making it a unique catalyst for psychological exploration.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that hair isotopes can reveal a person's diet and socioeconomic status. The analysis showed lower-SES areas displaying higher proportions of protein coming from cornfed animals, correlating with obesity rates.
Dingoes in poison-baited regions have increased in size by 6-9% over the last 80 years, according to a collaborative study. The growth is linked to reduced competition for food, as baiting campaigns favor the survival of larger dingoes.
Researchers at MIT and Caltech explored the theoretical possibilities of quantum communication in blackjack, finding a slight advantage for cooperative players. In a limited number of situations with low cards left in the deck, quantum entanglement can give players an edge over classical card-counting strategies.
The Apple Fire in Banning Canyon, California, has consumed 20,516 acres and is burning in an area with not had fire activity in recent years. NASA satellites provide critical information on the fire's spread, detecting actively burning fires and tracking smoke transport.
The American Thoracic Society and its collaborators have developed new clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a condition that manifests as interstitial lung disease. The guidelines aim to standardize clinical care and facilitate research by providing a framework for clinicians to make accurate diagno...
Researchers at Yokohama National University have developed a novel light-based reaction that yields high numbers of a key chemical component. The method uses green visible light to selectively reorganize chemical components, resulting in the production of multisubstituted cyclobutanes with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Chlamydia bacteria reprogram human host cell metabolism to increase glutamine import, essential for proliferation. The discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic infections and severe diseases like cervical and ovarian cancer.
A case report from Children's National Hospital reveals isolated N. meningitidis testing positive for resistance to two antibiotics it has historically been susceptible to, raising concerns about the rise in antibiotic resistance. The finding could lead to changes in laboratory and clinical practices across the US.
The Econometric Society and Bocconi University Virtual World Congress brought together 2,500 participants, 1,300 presentations, and over 300 sessions to discuss key topics in economics. The event featured two Nobel laureates, Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee, as well as experts from top companies like Amazon and Microsoft.
Researchers have discovered that a drop in cell membrane tension controls protein sorting, using molecular probes to measure and visualize endosomes' physical properties. This finding has implications for understanding cancer and degenerative diseases.
Research in mice found that a common green apple vape flavor, farnesene, enhances nicotine reward and is also rewarding on its own. Farnesene partially activated nicotinic receptors and increased high-sensitivity receptors, potentially heightening reward and drug-seeking behavior.
A new method of detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been developed using a powerful label-free detection method and machine learning algorithm. The technique achieved an overall accuracy of 88.6% in patient blood samples and 97% on cultured cells, outperforming existing methods.
GP trainees experiencing high levels of burnout are open to using mindfulness as a solution. A new curriculum is being piloted to help doctors manage stress and burnout, with the goal of reducing burnout rates among newly qualified GPs.
A national biofuel policy encouraging sugarcane juice production may make India's water and energy resources more sustainable. Sugarcane cultivation has expanded due to policies that incentivize production, reducing resources for micronutrient-rich foods.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a new genetic cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that affects nearly one in two thousand people. The discovery sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of the disease and may hold answers to new gene therapies.
Cerebral palsy affects children's gross motor skills and muscles, leading to stiffening and weakness. Rehabilitation interventions improve quality of life for individuals with CP, including botulinum toxin injections and robot-assisted gait training.
A study analyzing discarded hair found in trash bins reveals that low SES populations consume more corn-fed animal proteins, a potentially riskier dietary choice. The findings suggest a correlation between diet and socioeconomic status, with implications for health outcomes.
Recent reports suggest a lower incidence of COVID-19 among high-altitude populations, however, current data is insufficient to confirm this association. The authors conclude that there is currently little supporting evidence for any protective benefit of genetic or nongenomic adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia.
Researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, analyzed Typhoon Haikui (2012) using a multigrid NLS-4DVar method to improve radar data assimilation. This method significantly enhanced the accuracy of 12-h track and accumulated precipitation forecasts.
Researchers used eye-tracking technology to investigate how older adults process information and make decisions about their care. The study found that eye-tracking can inform the design of assessments and improve the inclusivity of older people with cognitive impairment.
A study examined changes in emergency department visits and hospitalizations as COVID-19 intensified in the US. The study found significant increases in ED visits and hospital admissions across five health care systems, highlighting the pandemic's impact on healthcare systems.
A new study found large gaps in soil macroecological studies and a lack of data for most diverse tropical regions. Researchers highlight the need for a globally standardized sampling system to overcome limitations and support policy and decision-making.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp increase in deaths among patients with lower-risk heart attacks, while those with more severe heart attacks saw a decrease. Hospitals treated significantly fewer cases of both types, with no return to pre-pandemic levels by May 22.
The Michelson Prizes support the innovative work of Dr. Danika Hill and Dr. Michael Birnbaum on discovering targets for long-lived humoral immunity and identifying specific antigens in HIV vaccines.
A comprehensive study has identified 140 fungal species, including nine new to Belgium and the Netherlands, highlighting the diversity of Laboulbeniomycetes. The newly described fungus, Laboulbenia quarantenae, is a rare parasite found on ground beetles in Belgium.
Researchers at Cornell University have found that photovoltaic wafers made from all-perovskite structures outperform traditional silicon-based solar panels. This breakthrough could lead to a more sustainable future for solar energy, with perovskite cells offering faster returns on investment and lower environmental impacts.
A long-term study on cycads in Guam reveals that plant size and habitat traits significantly impact their mortality rate due to invasive species. The research found that larger plants with substantial stored resources are more likely to survive, while smaller plants and those in fragmented forests are more susceptible to damage.
Research by American Psychological Association reveals that children who experience trauma show signs of accelerated aging, including early puberty and cellular changes. The study suggests that these adaptations may have originated as survival mechanisms but can lead to health consequences later in life.
Researchers found that a pre-epidemic Zika virus mutation enhanced virulence and fitness for transmission, increasing maternal-to-fetal transmission in nonhuman primates. The mutation did not affect mosquito-borne infection but increased the virus's ability to spread through human populations.
A study by University of Tsukuba researchers found that patients with long stretches of repeat DNA sequences in the FLI1 gene are more likely to develop systemic sclerosis. The study suggests that these genetic variations may disrupt FLI1 expression, contributing to the disease's pathogenesis.
Researchers report that RCP8.5 agrees with historical carbon dioxide emissions to within 1%, suggesting its continued use in climate assessments. The scenario is consistent with expected outcomes of current and announced policies through 2050, indicating its value for climate planning.
A study published in Health Affairs found that one in four US younger women reported cost-related nonadherence to prescription medicines compared to one in seven younger men. The largest disparities were observed among US women versus men in other high-income countries, with significant health implications.
A study estimates the return on investment (ROI) of immunization programs for ten pathogens in ninety-four low- and middle-income countries over a two-decade period. The authors found a cost-of-illness approach yielded a ROI of 22.2 per dollar invested, while a value-of-a-statistical-life approach calculated an ROI of 51.8.
Women in their 30s and 40s with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Despite this, the risk appears to decrease for women over 50. The study highlights the importance of maintaining heart health through lifestyle changes such as exercise and a balanced diet.
A global conservation plan for parasites is proposed to recognize the value of biological diversity. Research suggests that parasites play critical ecological roles, regulating wildlife populations, and propose identifying and conserving half of world's parasites within the next decade.
Researchers from The Ohio State University found that provider-focused marketing communications, which use an 'empathy lens,' increase consumers' likelihood of purchase and willingness to pay. This approach can drive important brand outcomes for P2P brands, particularly start-up companies.
A new vaccine against RSV could protect infants under six months old against severe illness and death. Infants born to mothers from low- and middle-income countries were particularly well-protected by the vaccine, with hospitalization rates 53% lower for RSV LRTI.
Scientists developed a new model using NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory data, predicting seven of the Sun's biggest flares from the last solar cycle. The model identified key characteristics in active regions, including magnetic reconnection and unstable arches, to predict massive flares.
Researchers developed an injectable clotting agent called HAPPI that slows internal bleeding by 97 percent in mice. The agent can be stored at room temperature and reconstituted before injection, making it a potential game-changer for trauma care.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded contracts to seven biomedical diagnostic companies to develop new lab-based and point-of-care tests for COVID-19. These tests will significantly increase the number, type, and availability of tests, meeting national demand estimated to be millions more tests per day.
New research using ultra-high-field MRI reveals the cerebellum has a surface area equal to 80% of the cerebral cortex's surface area, challenging the long-held idea that it is smaller. This expansion is linked to human behavior and cognition evolution, enabling the processing of complex concepts like language and abstract reasoning.
Researchers find twisted bilayer graphene displays strong photoresponse and superconducting states when exposed to mid-infrared light. The material's unique properties make it a promising candidate for advanced devices.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that youth who are involved in the decision to start continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) are more likely to continue using the technology consistently. Having a role in the decision increases satisfaction and consistent use of CGM.
George Mason University researchers will acquire a reconfigurable computing system, Gunston, to support diverse areas of scientific research and education. The system, based on OpenStack architecture, will provide traditional HPC and virtualized environments to meet the growing needs of researchers.
A new therapeutic approach for CLN3 Batten disease has been developed by a team led by Rosalind Franklin University researcher Michelle Hastings. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides to target the mutated gene causing the disease, showing promise in rodent models and human cells cultured from patients.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have challenged long-held assumptions about how human sperm swim. Their groundbreaking study reveals significant differences between sperm movement and previously thought mechanisms, shedding new light on the complex biology of sperm motility.
George Mason University's Daniel Tong will receive $83,748 from NOAA to develop an integrated model system predicting air quality and greenhouse gas emissions at a city scale. The three-year project aims to simulate the evolution of criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases in a changing climate.
An innovative e-learning programme will educate and empower nurses to improve cancer care in non-specialist settings. The Cancer Nursing Careers programme, funded by a grant from Health Education England, is available free of charge to nurses across the UK.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified key factors influencing the success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating C. difficile infection. They developed an algorithm to design personalized probiotic cocktails, which contain species effective inhibitors of C. difficile and can be administered to pat...
A new study found that frontline healthcare workers, particularly those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, faced a nearly threefold increased risk of COVID-19 compared to the general community. The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact of inadequate PPE availability on these workers.
Breastfeeding is now considered safe after anaesthesia, according to new guidelines published by the Association of Anaesthetists in the journal Anaesthesia. The guidelines state that breast milk remains safe even if mother has had anaesthetic or painkiller drugs.
The discovery of KV3Sb5, a material hosting Dirac physics and metallic frustrated magnetism, has led to the observation of one of the largest anomalous Hall effects (AHEs) ever seen. This unique combination enables scientists to study the interaction between these exotic properties.
Climate models struggle with reducing uncertainty in global temperature predictions and predicting tipping points, which pose a major threat to modern societies. A new review outlines a more effective approach to perform better climate simulations and extract more information from models.
Researchers at Nagoya University found a highly unusual atomic configuration in a tungsten-based material, where three atoms share only two electrons to form a tritungsten molecule. This discovery suggests the potential for compounds with new and interesting electronic properties.
A study by the University of Southampton found that COVID-19 transmission rates are higher for passengers sitting near an infected person, with close contact increasing the risk. The research suggests a safe social distance of over 1 meter is required to prevent transmission after two hours of contact.
Researchers propose a new understanding of how animals decide when to create new mental maps in response to changing environments. By mathematically modeling the process as probabilistic reasoning, scientists can better interpret experiments that rely on measuring remapping for learning and memory research.