A novel cause of fatty liver disease has been discovered in lean individuals undergoing immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Researchers report a case of a woman who experienced severe inflammation of her subcutaneous fat and developed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease after treatment with the PD-1 inhibitor Nivolumab.
A recent study on Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh found that 64% had significant physical disabilities, while caregivers reported providing over 13 hours of care per day. Another study in the UK found that migrant mothers were less likely to visit emergency departments with their children, but those who did had higher utilization rates.
Researchers at Cornell University are developing a portable imaging system that uses thermal and multispectral imaging to detect live and dead buds on grapevines. The system aims to increase profits and yields by guiding more efficient pruning practices.
Childhood malnutrition in India is concentrated in specific geographic areas, with districts in southern India providing better conditions for growth and improved nutritional status. Lower levels of maternal education and access to mass media are also correlated with childhood malnutrition.
A recent study by the CNIO reveals that rapamycin can worsen diseases associated with short telomeres, but may be beneficial in other cases. The researchers found that mice with short telomeres are more sensitive to nutrients and hyper-activated mTOR pathway.
A new study in PLOS Biology identifies a regulator of jellyfish egg release, shedding light on the evolution of complex hormonal control in animals. The discovery sheds insight into how oocytes transform into eggs and may hold clues for understanding the link between sexual reproduction and nutrition in animals.
A study of 754 participants found that specific gene variants on chromosomes 1 and 5 were associated with higher levels of tau protein in the brain. These variants were present in around 2-3% of the group, leading to about 10% higher tau levels than those without.
Research led by Andries Steyn found that Mtb bacteria induce increased hydrogen sulfide production in human macrophages, increasing pathogenesis and virulence. The study suggests that targeting hydrogen sulfide production may be useful for managing tuberculosis and other microbial infections.
Researchers have created a hybrid film combining cobalt and Buckminsterfullerene, boosting magnetic energy product five times at low temperatures. This breakthrough could lead to rare-earth-free magnets, mitigating environmental damage in renewable energy and consumer electronics.
A Columbia University expert argues for a more effective inter-governmental partnership in implementing the ACA, with states having significant policy and administrative discretion while adhering to strong national standards. This approach can achieve universal coverage without eliminating the private insurance system.
Researchers have discovered a new class of 2D materials called MXenes that can store enormous amounts of charge, similar to batteries. These materials can be charged or discharged within tens of seconds, making them ideal for rapid energy storage.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a promising molecular tool that targets and inhibits telomerase, an enzyme that enables cancer cells to live forever. The small molecule, called NU-1, irreversibly binds to telomerase, shutting down its activity and sensitizing cells to chemotherapies.
An international team of scientists has made a breakthrough discovery using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, revealing one-dimensional defects in two-dimensional zeolite nanosheets that improve filtration properties. The findings suggest enhanced separation and catalysis capabilities for molecules based on size and shape.
A study by SwRI found that US and French-furnished rooms reached flashover in 5-6 minutes, while the UK room took 22 minutes. The UK furniture had more fire-retardant protection and lower smoke toxicity.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have designed nanocarriers to effectively deliver chemotherapeutics specifically to cancer cells, while minimizing exposure of healthy tissue. The nanoparticles demonstrate potent anticancer activity with a substantial reduction in tumor volume and mass.
Distributional semantics provides radically empirical representations of words' meanings by processing thousands of texts. Research by Gemma Boleda highlights its potential to advance knowledge on how language works, including detecting changes in meaning over time.
Studies have shown that chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are more susceptible to salt-induced hypertension. A recent study published in Kidney International found a link between the immune system and salt sensitivity in CKD, with TNF-α triggering high blood pressure.
A new study found that partners with relationship anxiety before having a child are more likely to feel jealous of the baby. The research suggests that expectant parents should be aware of their relationship style before having their first baby, as this may help them deal with feelings more constructively.
Scientists at the University of Alberta found that prenatal fruit exposure enhances memory consolidation in infants, suggesting a nonpharmacological intervention to improve infant cognition. The study replicated previous findings in humans and fruit flies, offering valuable information for pregnant mothers.
Perturbation of gut microbiota by influenza virus promotes secondary bacterial superinfection in mice. Treatment with acetate corrects this sensitivity.
Preliminary research suggests that taking estradiol within 6 years of menopause onset can prevent or slow atherosclerosis progression by reducing cholesterol deposits in artery walls. In contrast, starting therapy 10 years after menopause did not yield similar benefits.
A new study estimates that Americans spent an estimated $380 billion on low back and neck pain in 2016, combined with other musculoskeletal disorders. This accounts for 14.1% of the total $2.7 trillion in healthcare spending that year.
Researchers in Brazil identified a gene expression profile associated with cachexia, a potentially fatal syndrome characterized by severe weight loss and muscle wasting. The study found that pancreatic, esophageal, colorectal, stomach, and head-and-neck cancers are most frequently linked to cachexia.
A Mayo Clinic study found that genetic variants on chromosomes 1 and 5 were linked to higher tau levels in older adults. Participants with these variants had about 10% higher tau levels than those without them. The research suggests that genes previously linked to Alzheimer's risk may not be associated with tau accumulation.
Primate immunodeficiency viruses have evolved to neutralize the human defense system by inactivating BST-2. The researchers identified a specific amino acid sequence in Vpu protein that enables this adaptation, allowing the virus to survive in a hostile environment.
Researchers used 3D imaging to analyze the shape of apes' inner ears, revealing features that support the evolution of hominoids. The study suggests that these structures hold clues to our species' evolutionary relationships with extinct ape species.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have developed new painkillers that target tissue acidity to reduce the risk of addiction. By fine-tuning the acid dissociation constant (pKa) of opioid molecules, these new drugs can selectively activate opioid receptors in injured tissue, preventing severe side effects.
Tasmania's ancient King Billy pine trees are at risk due to increasing wildfires and dry conditions. The study found that fire refugia are breaching, making it unlikely for the species to recover.
Researchers from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed virtualized acoustic metamaterials that can be tuned flexibly using software programs. This technology enables a range of applications including broadband stealth, active sound absorption, super-resolution imaging, and beyond.
Cancer cells exploit a protein to break through tissue boundaries, increasing motility and invasiveness.
A study by the Environmental Working Group found that all 26 reviewed PFAS chemicals exhibit at least one carcinogenic characteristic. Exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of cancer and other serious health concerns, including reproductive harms and reduced vaccine effectiveness.
A recent study found that artificial sweeteners like sucralose can negatively impact insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism when consumed with carbohydrates. The researchers believe this is due to the gut generating inaccurate messages about calorie availability, which can lead to negative effects on brain function and body response.
The Toolkit for Selective Analysis and Reconstruction of Files (FileTSAR) is a comprehensive tool that allows forensic investigators to capture, analyze, and reconstruct files from network traffic. Developed by Purdue University experts, the tool has been licensed to over 100 law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Researchers developed a small molecule that can modify the coordination sphere of copper bound to amyloid-β, inhibiting its aggregation and toxicity. The study offers insights into chemically modifying neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease.
The study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of MicroPine, an atropine eye solution, in slowing myopic progression in children aged 3-12 years. Participants will receive MicroPine or a placebo for three years, with some receiving it for four years, and comprehensive eye care, glasses, and travel expenses covered.
The use of robots in neuroendovascular procedures could significantly change acute stroke treatment. The advanced technology provides precise control over microcatheters and microwires, reducing radiation exposure for surgeons.
Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a potassium metal battery that performs nearly as well as a lithium-ion battery, but relies on potassium for a more abundant and less expensive element. The battery solves the persistent problem of dendrites, which can cause short circuits and fires.
Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes report that reducing levels of tau protein prevents core autism symptoms, seizures, and other abnormalities in mouse models. The findings suggest promise as a potential treatment for some forms of autism.
A new study found that underwater mountains pulled into subduction zones can set the stage for powerful quakes and create conditions that end up dampening them. Researchers used a computer model to simulate the effects of seamounts on surrounding rock and sediment, finding that the brittle rock ahead of the seamount creates powerful ea...
A new framework for managing chronic pain in older adults emphasizes the importance of combining pharmacologic strategies with nondrug therapies. The 'start low, go slow' approach suggests beginning with low-risk, noninvasive options that involve patients in their own care, while judiciously using higher-risk treatments as needed.
A new technology developed at Northwestern University offers precise measurements of proteins down to their atoms, enabling better understanding of disease and the design of vaccines. This approach, called individual ion mass spectrometry, can determine the exact mass of a huge range of intact proteins.
A new tool for identifying frail patients has been successfully implemented in a large health system setting, reducing surgical risks. The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) uses clinical and patient-reported factors to generate a score representing each patient's level of frailty, enabling swift stratification and improved outcomes.
Researchers have developed an improved mobile phone app, QUiPP v2, to determine the risk of preterm birth in women. The app helps doctors identify women at high risk and offer timely interventions to prevent complications and improve survival rates for newborns.
Researchers discovered that the ratio of oxygen isotopes in ancient ocean rocks suggests a global ocean covered most of the planet's surface at that time. This finding could help scientists understand how single-cell organisms first emerged on Earth.
Adding travel history to patient evaluation could help identify risk for potential exposure to COVID-19. The authors argue that this simple measure can trigger more detailed history, appropriate testing, and rapid implementation of protective measures.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that hospitals with better work environments have lower burnout rates among nurses and higher patient satisfaction. The researchers suggest that Magnet designation or similar initiatives can help improve these conditions.
A new research tool allows biologists to watch in real time the cell renewal process that keeps gut tissue healthy, as well as the interactions between bacterial species that make up the microbiome. Researchers discovered regional differences in microbiome stability that mimic the regionality of stem cell activity.
A team of researchers has shown that fish school by copying each other and changing directions randomly, rather than calculating and adapting to an average direction of the group. This new model proposes that noise-induced ordering is responsible for schooling behavior, contradicting previous theories.
A systematic evidence review by OHSU researchers found that new direct-acting antiviral therapies are highly effective in eliminating the Hepatitis C virus infection. The review informed a new recommendation for universal screening of Hepatitis C, with the therapy being more than 95% effective even in young people.
Research found a short-term drop in the proportion of boys born in Ontario, Canada's most populated province, following the 2016 US presidential election. This effect was observed only in politically liberal areas, not in conservative ones, suggesting a potential impact of societal stressors on birth ratios.
A new study estimates the monetary value of wetlands' property-protecting services, with one square kilometer valued at $1.8 million annually. Coastal counties with more wetlands experience less property damage from hurricanes and tropical storms.
A recent study by Tufts University found that federally protected lands in the US significantly reduced habitat loss and protected endangered species. Compared to private lands, protected federal lands lost only 3.6% of their habitat over a 30-year period.
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that exposure to 'fake news' during the 2016 US presidential election has been overstated. Untrustworthy websites accounted for less than half of all Americans' visits and only six percent of their news diets on average.
A study published in Diabetologia found that frequent tooth brushing is linked to a lower risk of developing diabetes, with an 8% reduced risk for those brushing three times a day or more. In contrast, dental disease and missing teeth are associated with a higher risk of diabetes, with increases of 9% and 21% respectively.
A study by UTSA researchers found a significant link between cultural values and how individuals express illness. Participants who identified as stoics or had lower household incomes were more likely to claim being sick. The study's findings have implications for understanding sickness behavior and its relationship with social norms.
Innovative, Indigenous-led health care partnerships are showing improved health outcomes and access to care for Indigenous patients. These partnerships incorporate traditional Indigenous knowledge and cultural healing practices, addressing the holistic needs of patients.
The Quantum-Si ecosystem enables sensitive and accurate research tools and diagnostics through digital proteomics, transforming the study of proteins on a large scale. The company's platform offers a complete solution for sample preparation, sequencing, and data analysis, reducing costs and increasing accessibility.
A study published in Nature Plants reveals that three genes are shared exclusively by plants forming intracellular symbiosis with different microbial partners. This finding demonstrates a conserved genetic program underlying diverse types of symbioses, allowing plants to access additional nutrients.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a mathematical theory that takes into account evolutionary changes in pathogens or information. This theory was tested against thousands of computer-simulated epidemics and found to be more accurate than traditional models.
Scientists have found that 'silent' genetic variations in DNA sequences can significantly impact protein folding, impairing cell function. The study, conducted by the University of Notre Dame, used a bacterium to test this hypothesis, finding that synonymous mutations can alter protein synthesis rates.