A clinical trial found that electrical stimulation improved symptoms in 53% of women with constipation, with lasting benefits for at least 3 months. The treatment was well-tolerated and offered a promising alternative to laxative medications.
A new study by researchers from the University of Michigan found that several commercially available arsenic test kits performed poorly, with some underestimating arsenic levels by a factor of two. The most accurate kits returned field-test values closest to lab-tested arsenic values, while others produced lighter color test strips tha...
A new meta-analysis of health data from over 1 million participants found no association between moderate egg consumption and cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers concluded that eggs can be part of a healthy eating pattern, but are not essential.
A new preclinical study reveals how liraglutide, an FDA-approved obesity drug, interacts with the brain's 'energy balance' system to reduce hunger and promote weight loss. The study identified a distinct group of neurons in the brainstem that play a key role in mediating these effects.
Researchers at Penn State's BEST Center have created a lithium-ion battery that balances high energy density with enhanced safety. The All Climate battery can last up to 1 million miles without compromising its performance.
A large UK Biobank study found that regular fish oil supplement users had a 13% lower risk of all-cause mortality, a 16% lower risk of CVD mortality, and a 7% lower risk of CVD events. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce mortality.
A £500,000 NIHR grant will be used to investigate the effectiveness of NHS-funded obesity treatment programmes in the UK. The project, BE:COME, aims to determine which components of these programmes contribute to weight loss and identify the best combination for different groups of people.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a collapsible basket technology that aims to improve drug discovery and personalized medicine. The technology accelerates the analysis process by reducing the time-consuming step of retrieving cell and tissue samples for histological analysis.
Researchers found that using AI to analyze CT scans can produce more accurate risk assessment for major cardiovascular events. Automated CT-based body composition biomarkers outperformed established clinical parameters like Framingham risk score and BMI in predicting adverse events.
A study tracking 300,000 trees over 30 years reveals that tropical forests' carbon sink is weakening, with a feared switch from absorption to emission imminent. The loss of this critical carbon sink capacity is equivalent to a decade of fossil fuel emissions from major countries.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a new way to control the properties of high-density polyethylene, a type of plastic commonly used in containers. The breakthrough allows for improved processability and strength while reducing the energy required for production and recycling.
A study found that adolescents with divorced parents have lower GPAs, especially those with more educated mothers. The researchers controlled for paternal education and income measures, revealing a stronger association between divorce and reduced GPA among teens with highly educated mothers.
A new microfluidic process using yield-stress fluids creates an undisturbed environment for experimentation, observation, and processing of biological and chemical reactions. This can lead to the development of high-potency medicines with improved quality and better results.
Researchers used Rapid DNA Identification to quickly identify 58 victims of the 2018 Camp Fire, a technique that can provide results within hours. This work represents the first use of Rapid DNA Identification in a mass casualty event and has since been utilized in another incident.
FSU physicists suggest a new, short-lived particle may be responsible for the rare decay of Kaon particles, defying the standard model of physics. Researchers in Japan are conducting further data runs to confirm the observation, which could potentially reveal new insights into fundamental forces.
Researchers from King's College London develop a digital twin of the heart using computer models to improve diagnosis and prediction of future heart health. The Digital Twin can also inform daily lifestyle choices and provide early warnings for potential risks.
Scientists at Uppsala University propose the SNAP Hypothesis to explain why genes move on chromosomes. This hypothesis suggests that tandem duplications of chromosome sections occur frequently, leading to changes in gene order over time. Random loss of unnecessary duplicated genes can result in rapid rearrangements of remaining genes.
Research shows that concentrations of nicotine and smoking-related volatile organic compounds spike when moviegoers enter a non-smoking theater, equivalent to up to 10 cigarettes of secondhand smoke. The study highlights the need for regulation and warns of the health risks of thirdhand exposure, especially for infants and children.
A new study identifies barriers to quality healthcare for trafficked children, including lack of provider training and multidisciplinary collaboration. The research also provides recommendations for improving care, including the development of an assessment tool for healthcare professionals.
Researchers suggest starting with Final Four picks and building backward and forward from there for optimal strategies. The study's models produce many brackets that would have placed in the top 100 of the ESPN bracket challenge, especially those that start by picking Elite Eight or Final Four teams.
Researchers have developed a new biomaterial that can be 3D printed to create tissue-like vascular structures, which could enable the recreation of vasculature in the lab. The material exhibits biologically relevant properties and has the capacity to withstand flow, making it suitable for building complex robust structures.
The study reveals a significant increase in survival rates after liver transplantation in the UK, with improvements seen in both short-time and long-term outcomes. The advancements are attributed to better surgical techniques and immunosuppression strategies.
A study published in PNAS reveals that neurobiological changes associated with aging can be seen at a younger age and may be prevented or reversed through dietary changes. Researchers found that consuming ketones, as opposed to glucose, stabilized brain networks and increased overall brain activity.
A study published in Ecology found that a native sweat bee species, Halictus ligatus, has a daily routine that makes it a promising pollinator. The bees were found to consistently visit the same plant species day-to-day, making them valuable for commercial crop pollination.
A preliminary study found that Rock Steady Boxing participants reported significant improvements in quality of life areas, including depression, fatigue, and fear of falling. The program also boosted confidence in exercising, with current participants scoring better on standardized scales than non-participants.
A new study from Yale University reveals that third-hand smoke can travel into indoor spaces through human contact, exposing non-smokers to hazardous chemicals. The research found that even in well-ventilated areas like movie theaters, people can carry and release third-hand smoke contaminants, posing health risks.
The Rutgers team's robotic device combines AI, near-infrared, and ultrasound imaging to accurately pinpoint blood vessels, outperforming human healthcare professionals in complex tasks. The device reduces injuries and improves procedure efficiency, enabling healthcare professionals to focus on other critical aspects of medical care.
Pairing clinician and basic science educators can help improve retention of information in medical school curriculum design. This integration, starting from the initial stages, facilitates the transfer of knowledge to clinical settings. By shadowing clinicians, basic scientists can better understand how to communicate information with ...
Researchers at UArizona College of Medicine identified prolactin as a key factor in women's pain sensitivity. The study suggests new therapies targeting the prolactin system could greatly benefit women suffering from functional pain syndromes, such as migraines and fibromyalgia.
Researchers at Virginia Tech and UVA are working together to model the spread of Tuta absoluta, a devastating tomato pest native to South America. By forecasting its entry into the US market, they aim to prevent significant economic losses and protect the country's billion-dollar tomato industry.
The Pangaia project at Bielefeld University is developing new algorithms to analyze genomic data for biomedicine, enabling faster detection of infectious strains and hereditary diseases. Researchers can compare a single genome with thousands of others in a single step, highlighting similarities and differences.
A new article reviews commonly used coronavirus treatments and their potential impact on breastfeeding infants. Despite a lack of evidence, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine advises continued breastfeeding with careful handwashing and mask-wearing to minimize viral exposure.
Researchers have developed a graphene system that combines superconducting, insulating, and ferromagnetic properties, enabling new physics experiments and potential applications in quantum computing. The device was created using an ultrathin trilayer graphene structure with boron nitride layers.
Researchers at OIST have created a new platform for quantum information processing using Rydberg atoms near nanometer-thin optical fibers. The ability to control these hyper-sensitive atoms could revolutionize material and drug discoveries and provide more secure quantum communication.
Scientists from the Global Reef Expedition found that many coral reefs in the Cook Islands were in good shape, with high coral cover and diverse fish communities. However, Aitutaki's corals were being ravaged by a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak, causing significant damage to the reef ecosystem.
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed technology to determine the structure of sugars present in DNA with atomic-level resolution. The study reveals the importance of five-membered ring forms in biological contexts.
Researchers found that starting ART immediately after HIV infection significantly reduces viral reservoirs, making them 100 times smaller. This discovery provides new hope for eradicating the virus.
Researchers developed a new technique called zombie scanning to study peptide-receptor interactions on the cell surface. This method hijacks cell machinery to simplify the creation of peptides, allowing for rapid studies and lower production costs.
Using ultrasound localization microscopy, researchers can visualize blood vessels and measure oxygen levels in tumors with high resolution. This technique has the potential to improve cancer detection and therapy evaluation by providing accurate information on tumor hypoxia.
A recent survey-based study of health professionals from 68 countries found that inadequate treatment services for obesity are prevalent globally. Lack of clear care pathways, high costs, and stigma are among the factors attributed to the shortage of effective treatments.
A new genus found in 99-million-year-old Burmese amber reveals the evolutionary origin of scorpionflies' distinctive long mouthparts. The discovery sheds light on the early evolution of pollinators and challenges previous assumptions about the development of fleas.
Researchers studied 82,000 non-Hispanic blacks and 370,000 whites finding significant differences in heart disease risk factors among black ethnic groups. African immigrants had lower prevalence of high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and obesity compared to Afro-Caribbeans and African Americans.
Researchers at the University of Manchester developed a robot that uses perceptual control theory to balance and move efficiently. The study found that robots programmed with this theory performed better than those using standard algorithms, demonstrating potential for more lifelike machines.
Researchers from NC State are studying PFAS toxicity, bioaccumulation and remediation with a $7.4M grant from NIEHS Superfund Research Program. The center aims to develop new analytical methods and train the next generation of environmental health researchers.
A new technique for developing light-emitting fabrics has been developed by coating ultrasheer pantyhose with a thin layer of gold. The result is a soft, stretchable, and washable fabric that can be used to create wearable luminous clothing, while overcoming some of the limitations of existing light-emitting fabrics.
Ex-tropical cyclone Esther's remnant clouds and storms are being tracked by NASA's Aqua satellite over the Barkly Region of Australia's Northern Territory. The region has experienced widespread rainfall totals of 50 to 150 mm, leading to localized flooding and areas of inundation.
Scientists at Rice University successfully grew atom-thick sheets of hexagonal boron nitride, a wide band gap semiconductor, to create perfectly ordered crystals for use in integrated circuits. The breakthrough enables the development of 2D layers with millions of transistors, potentially overcoming limitations in miniaturization.
Researchers have developed a new material that can be woven into fabric to detect slight changes in body temperature, serving as an early warning system for injury or illness. The material, capable of maintaining a pliable disordered structure, can alert someone monitoring the change to potential need for intervention.
Researchers at HKUST have successfully grown III-V lasers directly on industry-standard silicon wafers without buffers, paving the way for efficient light interfacing and integrated Si-based photonic devices.
A recent study published in Annals of Oncology found that excess body fat in middle to late adulthood increases the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through healthy eating and exercise can help reduce this risk.
Researchers found that cover crops can increase soil health in the Southern High Plains by retaining rainwater and reducing erosion. The study showed that biological activity improves soil structure and increases soil carbon storage, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
A combination of MRI and traditional biopsies significantly detects aggressive prostate cancers than standard biopsy alone. This method enables better diagnosis and reduces unnecessary treatment for slow-growing cancers.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new measure for excessive buying problems, the Excessive Buying Rating Scale (EBRS), to assess severity and predict predictors of problematic buying. Strong beliefs about the benefits of buying were significant predictors, while gender and age also played a role.
Researchers developed a new genome editing strategy using CRISPR to precisely target genes for desirable traits, such as high beta-carotene levels and disease resistance. This approach reduces the need for marker genes and allows for more complex trait clusters.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed a new, water-soluble reagent based on sulfonated chitosan to inhibit methane hydrate formation and corrosion. The biodegradable inhibitor is also eco-friendly, cheap, and non-toxic.
A study published in Frontiers found that mothers can accurately detect their child's developmental stage through their body odor. The research suggests that infantile body odors mediate affectionate love towards the child during bonding periods, while postpubertal classifications could indicate a mechanism for detachment.
A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Women with asthma were 53% more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while those with COPD were 89% more likely.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University launch a project to study the effects of microgravity on human heart tissues. The team sends heart muscle tissues on tissue chips to the ISS for observation, with the goal of understanding aging and developing treatments for heart disease.
A new project at Aarhus University is developing highly efficient and inexpensive components in flow batteries, aiming to disrupt the field of stationary batteries. The goal is to reduce the price further and achieve a levelized-cost-of-electricity-storage below EUR 0.05 per kWh per cycle.
Physicists at Rutgers University have discovered that applying a magnetic field can create a 'quantum critical point' in certain materials, leading to infinite quantum fluctuations and the formation of superconductors. This finding provides important clues for developing room temperature superconductors.