Research reveals a significant decline in aboveground carbon storage along Malaysian Borneo's forest edges, impacting the global carbon budget. The study found that buffer zones could mitigate edge-related declines in forest carbon stocks.
SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
The Calusa kingdom relied primarily on fishing due to the watercourts, which were built around A.D. 1300 and served as short-term holding pens for fish before consumption or preservation. The structure's design required an understanding of daily and seasonal tides, hydrology, and the biology of various fish species.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers found that swallowing and reflex airway closure can disrupt sleep and trigger tachycardia in healthy adults. These defense mechanisms tend to coincide with spontaneous arousal from sleep, suggesting a potential link between sleep disruption and cardiovascular issues.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new method to refine the production of retinal cells from embryonic stem cells using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. The modified cells can hide from the immune system, reducing the risk of rejection and potentially leading to a new treatment for age-related macular degeneration.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2020
The blood test uses methylation patterns to detect cancer and identify its origin, achieving a 93% accuracy rate. It can detect over 50 cancer types, including the most deadly ones, with a low false positive rate of 0.7%, often before symptoms show up.
SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMar 30, 2020
A randomized trial found no survival difference in patients treated with intravenous sodium nitrite during resuscitation. Despite previous promising animal studies and a first-in-human clinical trial, the study showed no benefit in improving hospital admission or discharge rates.
Recent research suggests that ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can have a beneficial effect on COVID-19 outcomes for hypertensive patients. A review of over 60 published studies found no evidence to support concerns about these drugs increasing the risk of infection or disease severity.
SourceElsevier·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers found evidence of internal melting and differentiation in a carbonaceous meteorite, suggesting that primitive bodies started forming core, mantle, and crust structures. The study connects this process to highly differentiated iron meteorites through isotopic signatures.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
A new study links pregnant women's PFAS exposure to their granddaughters' increased obesity risk. The research found that higher levels of PFAS in grandmothers were associated with a greater risk of obesity in granddaughters, even when controlling for other factors.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 30, 2020
A recent study from McGill University suggests that some people may experience psychedelic-like effects from placebos alone, with 61% of participants reporting an effect. The researchers found that context plays a significant role in these experiences, and clinicians may be able to leverage contextual factors to improve the safety of p...
SourceMcGill University·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateMar 30, 2020
A study by Oregon State University scientists found that increasing bison numbers in the park's Lamar Valley are exerting 10 times the environmental pressure of elk, disrupting species distribution and limiting woody plant communities. The findings suggest that the park's ecosystem engineers may be out of balance.
SourceOregon State University·JournalFood Webs·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at UC Riverside found that paternal alcohol exposure before conception can negatively impact brain development and behavior in offspring. Choline supplementation during pregnancy showed promise in reducing adverse outcomes associated with prenatal alcohol exposure.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateMar 30, 2020
Patients with untreated high blood pressure experienced statistically significant reductions in average blood pressure over 24 hours following renal denervation. The procedure offered an effective alternative approach to traditional medications, lowering blood pressure throughout the day and early morning periods.
Researchers at Cranfield University are developing a paper-based device to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, allowing for early warning of potential COVID-19 spread. The test uses biomarkers from faeces and urine, enabling rapid screening and quarantine measures to be taken.
SourceCranfield University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 30, 2020
A study published by the Endocrine Society found that patients with diabetes are more likely to lose meibomian glands in their eyelids, which may be a sign of elevated blood glucose levels. This could lead to a new biomarker for diagnosing diabetes and tracking average blood glucose levels.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at CNRS/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle/Ministère de la Culture have solved the mystery of the world's first colour photographs. They found that colours were due to the presence of metallic silver nanoparticles, which reorganise according to light energy, absorbing all colours except their own.
SourceCNRS·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 30, 2020
A study found that people with type 2 diabetes who have a lacunar stroke experience better cognitive function when their glucose levels are well-controlled. This association remains significant even after adjusting for other factors.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 30, 2020
A study led by King's College London researchers analyzed existing studies on coronavirus strains to determine the safety of pain medications, steroids, and other drugs for patients with COVID-19. The study found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are not evidence against their use in treating COVID-19.
SourceKing's College London·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateMar 30, 2020
Numerical competence in animals affects various aspects of their lives, including hunting, finding food, and attracting mates. Researchers believe that this ability plays a crucial role in an animal's chance of survival.
SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 30, 2020
In a two-year follow-up, patients undergoing TAVR showed comparable death, stroke, and rehospitalization rates compared to those who underwent open-heart valve replacement surgery, according to the PARTNER 3 trial. However, TAVR had higher rates of valve thrombosis, highlighting the need for further research on the procedure's durability.
Two NIH-funded studies find that invasive procedures like stenting and surgery provide better symptom relief but not reduced risk for heart attack and death compared to medication and lifestyle changes. The trials followed over 5,000 patients with stable ischemic heart disease for three years.
SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 30, 2020
A clinical trial using genetic testing to guide antiplatelet medication found a 34% reduction in serious cardiovascular events at one year, as well as a significant decrease in the number of events per patient. This finding suggests that genetically guided therapy may be beneficial for patients with specific genetic variants.
Researchers found evinacumab, a monoclonal antibody, reduced LDL cholesterol to near-normal levels among patients with HoFH, meeting the primary endpoint. Patients achieved an average relative reduction of 49% and nearly half had LDL cholesterol below 100mg/dL.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital created an 'atlas' of gene-regulatory mechanisms in immune cells that facilitate Type 1 diabetes. The study revealed a dual biological personality of T cells, enabling them to retain the ability to attack insulin-producing cells across successive generations.
SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers found that a commonly used drug, ursodiol, can reduce inflammation in mice infected with C. difficile and inhibit the life cycle of the bacteria. The study suggests that ursodiol may be a viable alternative to antibiotic treatments for C. diff infections.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateMar 30, 2020
Forests are shifting towards communities that can cope with greater water stress, driven by the death of less hardy trees and the growth of more resilient ones. This adaptation may buffer forests against climate change effects in the short term.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Despite improved measures of gender equality since 1970, recent decades have seen stalled progress, with some gaps widening. Women now outpace men in higher education and certain occupations, but overall trends suggest a need for cultural and institutional shifts to address remaining disparities.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Physician burnout is a significant public safety issue, exacerbated by sleep loss due to shift-work schedules, high workload, and stress. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advocates for improved sleep habits and support among physicians to prevent burnout and promote well-being.
SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMar 30, 2020
A precision medicine approach is necessary to determine which patients with diverticulitis need a colonoscopy. The editorial highlights 'sign posts' that support individualized decision-making and recommends their use. This approach uses healthcare resources wisely and provides better patient care.
SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers find that warmer, more humid environments can slow viral transmission through airborne particles. The ideal relative humidity for indoor environments is between 40-60%. Maintaining moderate humidity levels could be an ally in slowing rates of viral transmission.
SourceYale University·JournalAnnual Review of Virology·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at Tufts University developed a microfluidic chip that mimics hypoxic conditions following a heart attack, allowing for observation of cardiac cell behavior. The device provides information on the electrophysiological effects of ischemia and could be applied to future drug development.
A study from the University of Notre Dame found that female directors speed up severe medical product recalls by 28 days, reducing timing by 35%. Firms with more women on their boards are also more efficient in recalling low-severity products.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateMar 30, 2020
A mass study collaboration found that AI predictive models are not accurate in predicting life outcomes, particularly in the criminal justice system and social programs. The study used a large dataset of 13,000 data points from over 4,000 families, but even state-of-the-art modeling was not very accurate.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
A new blood test has been developed to detect a wide range of cancers, including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer, with an accuracy rate of 99.3%. The test uses next-generation sequencing to analyze DNA methyl groups, which can indicate the presence of cancer.
SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMar 30, 2020
A new study reveals that people with avoidant attachment styles are less likely to share food or form intimate relationships due to trust concerns. In contrast, those with secure attachment styles exhibit greater willingness to share food and engage in prosocial behavior.
Researchers at Caltech have successfully created a tiny optical cavity that can store and transmit quantum information, a crucial step towards building a quantum internet. The cavity allows scientists to efficiently collect and detect photons emitted by rare-earth ytterbium ions, enabling the creation of a quantum network.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 2020
People with symptomatic PAD who took rivaroxaban with aspirin after revascularization had a significant reduction in the composite primary endpoint, including acute limb ischemia, major amputation, heart attack, ischemic stroke or cardiovascular death. Rivaroxaban also showed no excess in severe bleeding events.
A study analyzing 6 million days of real-world data shows the MiniMed 670G system can maintain target glucose range of 70-180 mg/dL over 71% of the time. The AutoMode feature improves glycemic control, reducing low and high blood sugar episodes.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 30, 2020
The REVITA-2 study found that Revita DMR therapy significantly improved blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and liver measures in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The treatment, which involves duodenal mucosal resurfacing, reduced insulin resistance and improved metabolic health.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 30, 2020
Scientists create new scaffolds for joint tissue regeneration using a one-step process, successfully promoting healthy cartilage growth in human cells and mice. The technique overcomes limitations of existing methods, offering potential applications for drug delivery, diagnosis, and surface modification.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMar 30, 2020
A new scale measures individuals' preferences for obtaining or avoiding information in various areas of life, including personal health and finances. Most people prefer to remain uninformed in certain domains, while others consistently choose to face the truth.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalManagement Science·DateMar 30, 2020
Chimpanzee cortisol levels increase with age, blunting natural diurnal rhythm and responding to stressors similarly to humans. Sex differences also emerge, with males exhibiting higher levels than females, particularly when exposed to attractive females.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
The SCTR Institute, a Clinical and Translational Award (CTSA) hub, has been awarded $24 million to advance translational research in South Carolina. The institute will partner with various institutions to develop bioinformatics tools, enhance clinical trial recruitment, and improve health outcomes.
Researchers recreated a three-dimensional image of brain connectivity using tissue scattering and biophysical models. The findings enhance scientists' ability to conceptualize the brain's architecture by allowing the creation of high-resolution images of nerve fiber arrangements.
SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 30, 2020
The study found that the risk of death from stroke fell by 24% over 15 years, with the one-year death rate decreasing from 32.6% to 20.15%. The risk of disability after a stroke also decreased by 23%, from 34.7% to 26.7%.
SourceNational Institute for Health Research·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory proposed a new theory to explain sawtooth instabilities in plasma, which could lead to more efficient fusion reactions. The theory suggests that localized instabilities can flatten pressure and temperature during the sawtooth cycle, explaining rapid heat collapses.
SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateMar 30, 2020
The Coronavirus Immunotherapy Consortium will streamline and accelerate the development of antibody therapies against SARS-CoV-2, providing crucial insights to guide vaccine development. CoVIC brings together scientists worldwide to share and evaluate candidate antibodies in a blinded analysis.
A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) substitutes can affect fetal development and lead to hypertension in later life. The research, conducted on pregnant rats, suggests that even low-dose exposure to these chemicals can impact blood pressure later in life.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers propose that modified nucleobases could have facilitated the emergence of rudimentary self-replicating systems by stabilizing short RNA molecule structures and providing catalytic activity. This could have increased the breadth of available functions for short RNAs.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Scientists from University of Würzburg successfully sequenced sturgeon genome, showing genetic material has changed little over 250 million years. The study sheds light on the ancestry of vertebrates and provides important insights for protecting species.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 30, 2020
A study analyzing data from nearly all TAVR patients in the US found that 34 medical centers reported worse-than-expected survival and quality-of-life outcomes among patients undergoing the procedure. The researchers identified key outcomes, including stroke, bleeding, kidney injury, and valve leakage, to assess patient care.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have identified inherited genetic variations that can predict patient outcomes and improve treatment success. By analyzing vast amounts of genetic data, doctors can now tailor treatments to individual patients' needs and genetic makeup.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalGenome Medicine·DateMar 30, 2020
A medical mystery was solved when a severely ill patient was tested and diagnosed with COVID-19, leading to changes in CDC guidelines. The case highlights the importance of testing and demonstrates that even without clear risk factors or exposure, patients can still be infected.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 30, 2020
Research reveals stress induces structural changes in mice by halting GluA1 protein production, affecting neuron communication. Astrocytes' branch retraction impacts neurotransmitter release and neural function.
All Life is a new open-access journal that will publish multidisciplinary reproducible life science research, focusing on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The journal aims to foster collaboration and information sharing across the life sciences.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAll Life·DateMar 30, 2020
An observational study of 2,900 older residents found that long-term air pollution exposure increases the risk of developing dementia. Cardiovascular disease may contribute to this association by increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, leading to neurodegenerative changes.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new method to separate xylenes from benzene derivatives using cucurbit[7]uril, requiring no heating or elevated pressure. The process has high efficiency and low energy consumption, making it suitable for industrial implementation.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChem·DateMar 30, 2020
A study by New York University researchers found that mandatory building energy audits led to modest reductions in energy use, but not enough to meet citywide carbon-reduction goals. The results suggest that a more comprehensive data-driven energy policy is needed to encourage significant energy efficiency investments.
SourceNew York University·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 30, 2020
A new study led by the University of Kent found evidence that human ancestors regularly climbed trees, based on analysis of fossil leg bones. This finding challenges previous assumptions about human evolution and suggests that a hominin species may have adopted highly flexed hip joints to facilitate climbing.
SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Scientists identified a new control mechanism that enables stem cells to adapt their activity in emergency situations by modifying protein blueprints. Alternative polyadenylation regulates the amount of protein produced and controls protein isoform formation, affecting stability and localization.
SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 30, 2020