A team of international researchers led by Dr. Kunlin Jin used stem cells to boost a person's immune system and ward off COVID-19 pneumonia. The study showed that intravenous infusion of clinical-grade human mesenchymal stem cells is a safe and efficient approach for treating patients with severe cases.
SourceUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center·JournalAging and Disease·DateMar 30, 2020
Health experts recommend displaying warning labels on petrol pumps, energy bills, and airline tickets to inform consumers about the climate and health risks associated with fossil fuel use. The labels should state that continuing to burn fossil fuels worsens the climate emergency, leading to significant projected health impacts over time.
A study by Kanatsu-Shinohara et al. shows that spermatogonial stem cell transplantation can restore sperm development in infertile mice, offering potential treatment for male infertility. The research uses chemically castrated mice with a Cldn11 gene deficiency.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Patients with abnormal stress test results but clear arteries experience changes in symptoms over time. The study found that disease activity ebbs and flows, with periods of increased symptom severity and absence.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum communicate in brown fat cells, affecting heat production and leading to dysfunctional mitochondria. Without this complex, mice become cold-sensitive and develop abnormal lipid droplets.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers have developed a chemically modified phage capsid that perfectly fits influenza viruses, preventing them from infecting lung cells. The new approach shows promise for treating seasonal and avian flus.
SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers found no significant difference in Parkinson's disease progression between those taking isradipine and placebo. Despite its neuroprotective properties in animal models, the study didn't support the hypothesis that isradipine slows early-stage Parkinson's progression.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 30, 2020
A study at Karolinska Institutet found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of dementia. The researchers also found that cardiovascular disease plays a key role in this association, and that reducing emissions can help mitigate the risk.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at Mount Sinai have found a way to regulate special immune system cells in lung cancer tumors, suppressing them and allowing tumors to grow. By blocking this pathway, the immune system can be boosted to prevent tumor formation or growth, offering a potential new treatment for immunotherapy.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers reconstructed locomotor behavior in fossil hominins by comparing trabecular bone structure. The results suggest a predominantly bipedal gait in one specimen and mixed use of bipedalism and climbing in another.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
A cluster-spreading event was reported in a public bath center in Huai'an, China, where an infected individual transmitted the virus to eight others through bathing. The study highlights the potential for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in close-contact settings without adequate hygiene measures.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 30, 2020
Scientists have found that hydrate protons on the ice surface are generated through autoionization of water molecules, leading to a significant enhancement in proton activity. This discovery has implications for understanding various phenomena such as charge generation and ozone layer destruction.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 30, 2020
The study provides critical estimates on the proportion of people requiring hospitalisation due to COVID-19, with a significant increase in risk with age. Hospitalization rates nearly double from 4.3% in 40-49-year-olds to 8.2% in 50-59-year-olds.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 30, 2020
A subgroup analysis from VOYAGER PAD found that adding clopidogrel to rivaroxaban and aspirin after lower extremity revascularization procedures did not provide any added clinical benefit for patients with peripheral artery disease. Instead, it increased the risk of bleeding events.
A team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking 'cardiac patch with bioink' to repair heart damage. The patch uses genetically engineered stem cells and 3D bioprinting technology to enhance vascular regeneration and improve myocardiocyte survival. The innovative method has shown promising results in treating myocardial infarction.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at MIT have developed a way to encapsulate therapeutic cells in a flexible protective device that prevents immune rejection while allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells. This technology could lead to long-term treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 30, 2020
A recent study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that ancient aquatic crocodiles evolved to enormous sizes due to water pressure. The minimum survivable size threshold for these aquatic species was found to be around 10 kilograms, and they surpassed their semi-aquatic and landlocked counterparts in average weight by a fa...
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalEvolution·DateMar 30, 2020
A new study confirms the safety and success of TAVR procedures in patients with a bicuspid valve, achieving low rates of death or disabling stroke and high device success rates. The procedure proved effective even for complex cases, with a high rate of successful outcomes
A new AI technique detects acute ischemic stroke lesions on MRIs with high accuracy, outperforming expert drawn gold standard. The fully automated approach reduces workflow time and operator bias in lesion segmentation.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers estimate Earth's core is composed of approximately 80-90% of the planet's bulk carbon, with a tiny fraction present in the core itself. The study measured the preference of carbon for mixing with iron and nickel at high pressures and temperatures, revealing a significantly lower affinity than previously reported.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
The Caravaggio study found that oral apixaban is at least as effective as dalteparin in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism and major bleeding events in patients with cancer. The trial showed no significant difference in the risk of major bleeding, including gastrointestinal cancers, between the two treatments.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new tool for controlling reactions in microrobots and microreactors, leveraging capillary forces to create self-assembling hanging droplets of aqueous polymer solutions. This technique enables selective transport of chemicals and can be used as encapsulated reaction vessels.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a novel mono-alkyl chain lipophilic cation (MALC) that protects crops against fungal diseases. The compound, C18-SMe2+, inhibits fungal mitochondria and triggers a self-destruction program in fungi, while also alerting plant defense systems.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2020
Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid EPA found to explain significant reductions in cardiovascular events and deaths among patients taking prescription fish oil. Achieved EPA levels on the drug strongly correlated with lower rates of cardiovascular events.
A subgroup of high-risk patients with complex heart disease who took ticagrelor alone had fewer episodes of bleeding and no increase in heart attacks or stroke. Ticagrelor monotherapy significantly reduced clinically relevant bleeding without increasing the risk of additional heart attacks, strokes or death.
MIT engineers create soft, flexible neural implants that can conform to the brain's contours and monitor activity over longer periods. The devices are made from a type of polymer that is electrically conductive and can be printed using a conventional 3D printer.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers found that exercise only improves muscle strength when specific muscle cells age, report Hokkaido University scientists. A cell-aging drug combined with exercise restored FAP aging and improved muscle function and regeneration in mice with chronic inflammatory myopathy.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at Goethe University discover a unique metabolism in Acetobacterium woodii that enables the bacterium to recycle hydrogen, allowing it to survive in oxygen-poor environments. This discovery has implications for our understanding of ancient life forms and their metabolic capabilities.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at OIST Graduate University discovered that electrons can break Ohm's law when moving through a liquid medium, creating capillary waves and ripplopolarons. This behavior is crucial for understanding electron flow in fluids and has potential applications in quantum computing.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2020
A collaborative study using machine learning techniques to predict six life outcomes for children, parents, and households found that even with high-quality data and state-of-the-art modeling, the predictive models were not very accurate. The study suggests that sociologists and data scientists should use caution in predictive modeling...
SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers found COVID-19 positive results in sputum and feces samples of patients with negative pharyngeal swabs, suggesting additional body site sampling may be needed. The study highlights the need for further investigation into patient safety and infectiousness after discharge.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 30, 2020
A critical care surgery team has developed a tiered approach to triage surgical cases and manage hospital resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan includes reassigning surgeons, deferring non-emergency operations, and considering 'battlefield promotion' for senior residents.
SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 30, 2020
A large observational study compared radiologists' recall rates and cancer detection in breast cancer screenings using digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and digital mammography. The study found that DBT had higher cancer detection rates but lower recall rates than digital mammography.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 30, 2020
A recent study evaluates and quantifies ecosystem service flows between countries, highlighting the importance of understanding these interregional connections. Researchers found that Germany benefits from ecosystem services provided in other countries, including flood protection, biodiversity conservation, and cocoa production.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMar 30, 2020
A recent study suggests that bariatric surgery performed before developing diabetes results in greater weight loss. Patients without diabetes achieved a higher chance of successful weight loss compared to those with diabetes, with diabetes diminishing weight loss by 1.2 BMI points.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 30, 2020
Tropical forests are losing carbon storage potential over time due to changes in structure and function at forest edges. Along these boundaries, the study found aboveground carbon storage declines of 22% up to 100 meters from the edge.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center identified potential therapeutic targets for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by studying the activity of protein TAp63 and microRNAs. The study found that miR-30c-2* and miR-497, which are normally expressed in normal skin, are underexpressed in cuSCC tumors and inhibit growth when reintroduced.
SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers discovered subrectangular constructs in Calusa archaeological sites, which may have been gates for watercourts. The watercourts contained fish scales from the period of use, suggesting storage and later processing of surplus fish supported the Calusa rulers' authority.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
A study of patients with diabetes found that taking ticagrelor alone reduced clinically relevant bleeding compared to combining it with aspirin, without increasing the risk of additional heart attacks, strokes, or death. The results were consistent across all types of diabetes patients.
A fast-fail trial has identified the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) as a potential target for treating anhedonia. The study found that participants who received a KOR antagonist showed increased activation in brain circuits involved in reward and pleasure, leading to reduced anhedonia scores.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 30, 2020
A randomized trial found that ticagrelor alone reduced major bleeding risk and no increased heart attacks, strokes, or other adverse events compared to dual therapy. The study suggests ticagrelor monotherapy as an optimal strategy for reducing bleeding risk in ACS patients treated with stents.
Researchers have found a way to halt and reverse muscle fibrosis caused by overuse injuries in animal studies. The discovery uses the drug FG-3019 to block protein CCN2, which promotes connective tissue growth, leading to significant improvements in muscle strength.
SourceTemple University Health System·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 30, 2020
A study employing two approaches has accurately dated a collection of wooden timbers from the East Mediterranean using radiocarbon measurements and tree-ring associations. This precise chronology can support archaeological records and provide valuable insights into climate fluctuations during the Bronze and Iron Ages.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
A study published in CMAJ found that self-reported mental health issues and service use in Ontario increased between 2002 and 2014, with a significant rise in the number of people reporting fair or poor mental health status. The increase in help-seeking behavior suggests improved awareness and reduced stigma around mental health issues.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateMar 30, 2020
A team of international medical experts successfully delivered insulin via a drone to a patient living in a remote community in Ireland, addressing healthcare access issues. The project demonstrated the potential for autonomous drones to deliver life-saving medications and supplies in disaster scenarios.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 30, 2020
Shifts towards drought-tolerant traits in forests were associated with increased tree mortality, while photosynthetic and hydraulic trait diversity varied by region. Forest type also influenced the response to tree mortality.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at the University of Arizona Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research used a hybrid approach to assign calendar dates to tree rings, potentially pinning down the Thera volcano eruption date. The study spans over 2,000 years and provides context for civilizations in the Bronze and Iron Ages.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center propose using glucose transporter inhibitors to treat tumors with high expression of the SLC7A11 amino acid transporter. This approach targets cancer cells' dependency on glucose for survival, selectively killing 'addicted' cells.
SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 30, 2020
A majority of New York City residents (56%) think federal assistance is insufficient to manage the COVID-19 crisis, while anxiety over job loss and housing issues continues to escalate. The pandemic's impact on mental health is stark, with 44% reporting feelings of nervousness or depression.
SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateMar 30, 2020
A new study suggests that local doctors in rural areas can safely and effectively care for patients with left ventricular assist devices, reducing travel burdens and improving survival rates. Shared medical care eliminates the need for extensive travel, eases financial and emotional strains on patients.
A study by Ohio State University found that social media users pay less attention to the source of content when it's jumbled with entertainment, leading to a higher risk of mistaking satire for real news. This can result in the spread of misinformation and fake news.
SourceOhio State University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateMar 30, 2020
A 10-year study found no significant differences in death, heart attack, or stroke rates between cardiac stenting and CABG for patients with left main coronary artery disease. However, more patients receiving a stent needed a repeat procedure to unblock the same artery.
Researchers found that Nafamostat can inhibit the fusion of viral envelope with host cell membranes, a crucial step in COVID-19 infection. The study showed that Nafamostat is more effective than Camostat at lower concentrations, making it a promising candidate for treating COVID-19.
SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalCell·DateMar 30, 2020
A new study by University of Michigan-led researchers found that West African lions do not favor life inside park boundaries over hunting concessions. Habitat quality in national parks is inadequate, leading to a lack of preference among lions.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 30, 2020
Using radial artery instead of saphenous vein reduces death, heart attack and repeat revascularization procedures by 23-38%. Women benefit most from this approach. Further confirmation needed through larger randomized trial.
Studies confirm that breast reduction surgery significantly improves physical health, including pain levels and physical function, as well as mental wellbeing. Women of all shapes and sizes benefit from the surgery, including overweight or obese individuals who were previously barred from the procedure.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a complex array of sensory nerve endings in the lower colon that can detect sensory stimuli and communicate with the spinal cord. This breakthrough could lead to new medications to treat disorders related to gut-to-brain communication.
SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateMar 29, 2020
Women with postpartum psychiatric disorders are less likely to have more children, with 69% still choosing to have a second child. The study found that nearly half of women with psychiatric problems had a reduced live birth rate due to hospitalization or fear of relapse.
SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMar 29, 2020
A new online platform, CovED, aims to improve COVID-19 diagnosis by providing healthcare workers with rapid training and image-based diagnostic tools. Developed by DetectED-X, the platform can be accessed for free and is supported by leading corporations and healthcare experts.
New research addresses diagnostic stewardship for SARS-CoV-2, recommending test utilization and frequency based on patient risk factors. The study highlights the importance of considering individual factors, such as age, symptoms, and exposure history, when deciding when to test.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 28, 2020