A recent study found that the monkeyface prickleback, a unique fish species, has an efficient digestive system capable of breaking down plant material. This discovery holds promise for developing new, sustainable sources of protein for human consumption and could be an important alternative to traditional livestock farming.
A team of researchers studied microbial communities in the Cuatro Cienegas Basin, a nutrient-poor ecosystem that may resemble early Earth and past Martian wetlands. They found that organisms in these environments have evolved to process biochemical information efficiently, with species adapted to low-resource strategies dominating nutr...
Researchers at EPFL discovered that fruit flies remove and excrete damage-causing lipids, preventing lipid peroxidation and ROS-induced inflammatory oxidized lipids. This mechanism may play an important role in other insects and even animals, helping to protect against oxidative stress damage.
Researchers found that morning versus evening dosing of warfarin has insignificant effect on anticoagulant stability, suggesting patients can take medication at any regular time. A separate study showed that home blood pressure monitoring in cases of clinical uncertainty can improve hypertension control and patient understanding.
A landmark report warns that every child worldwide faces existential threats from climate change and exploitative marketing practices, stalling progress in child and adolescent health over the past 20 years. The Global Index of 180 countries reveals no single country is adequately protecting children's health, environment, and futures.
The UVA Engineering-Virginia Tech team, Team VICTOR, will compete in the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge 2020 with autonomous robots that can work independently. The team aims to develop sophisticated robots for various applications, including construction and space exploration.
Tropical Storm Gabekile rapidly intensified from hurricane-force winds to weakening due to strong northwesterly wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite imagery. Wind shear disrupts the storm's rotation by pushing it apart at different altitudes.
A new analysis by New York University researchers found that policies regulating international fishing often fail to protect fisheries observers from life-threatening risks. The study revealed significant gaps in observer safety and rights, with only three RFMOs mandating full observer coverage on fishing vessels.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found significant reductions in body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference, and fat mass in children and adolescents treated with metformin. However, the treatment did not affect lean body mass or have a significant impact on those who were already overweight or obese.
Researchers at TU Wien successfully measured a novel quantum effect in neutron spin, demonstrating inertial effects. The experiment involved exposing neutrons to a rotating magnetic field, revealing the coupling between spin and rotation.
Researchers have discovered a new quality control system that allows cells to clear misfolded proteins from their surroundings. The Clusterin protein and heparan sulfate proteoglycans work together to bring misfolded proteins into cells for degradation, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders like...
A genetic study found that long-term statin use may be associated with a 40% reduction in ovarian cancer risk in the general population and those with BRCA1/2 gene faults. The research used Mendelian randomization to analyze thousands of people's genetic data.
Research found early exposure to household cleaning products increases risk of childhood asthma and wheeze by age 3, with scented products posing the highest risk. The study suggests avoiding or reducing use of sprays and fragrance-based cleaners to minimize a child's exposure and reduce the risk of respiratory issues.
Rosa Uribe's five-year grant will support the assembly of thousands of experiments on neural crest cells to understand their behaviors and characteristics. The research aims to map out various aspects of the early formation of the enteric nervous system, a complex mesh of nerves that regulates digestion and hormone balance.
The top ten list reveals Hurricane Harvey as the most extreme event, followed by Hurricane Sandy and deadly Hurricane Maria. The cost of all ten events totalled over $400bn, with devastating consequences including widespread flooding and injuries.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons has identified four geriatric-specific characteristics that increase the risk of elderly surgical patients experiencing an unplanned hospital readmission within a month of discharge. These characteristics include cognitive impairment, use of a mobility aid, risk o...
A new study suggests that lengthening the time between prostate cancer screenings can significantly reduce overdiagnosis and improve outcomes. The research found that discontinuing screening at age 60 would greatly reduce overdiagnoses by 79-82%, but save fewer lives compared to screening until age 69.
A new study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that hospitals with internationally trained nurses have more stable and educated nursing workforces. Internationally educated nurses had higher levels of education, less turnover, and improved patient safety, contributing to better collaboration among healthcare professionals.
Hospital patients with low folate levels are at a higher risk of gastrointestinal disorders, sepsis, and kidney disease. The study recommends evaluating these patients for malnutrition, regardless of weight status.
Scientists have developed a novel plasmonic platform to tailor the spontaneous near-to-mid IR emission of HgTe quantum dots, achieving a 5-fold enhancement of PL quantum yield and reducing non-radiative decay. The study demonstrates the potential for precise tuning of IR-emitting QDs' emission, improving device performance.
A team at NIST has developed a tool to monitor changes in composite materials, allowing for the measurement of damage that occurs as they age. This technology enables early warning systems for structures like wind turbines and aerospace components.
Scientists from Tokyo University of Science discovered that an opioid compound called KNT-127 can help mask fear memory, reducing anxiety in individuals with PTSD. The study suggests that combining KNT-127 with cognitive behavioral therapy may enhance treatment efficacy for anxiety disorders.
Researchers found that low oxygen levels cause abnormal sodium currents that lead to dangerous cardiac rhythms. The discovery offers new targets for therapeutics to prevent late current and arrhythmia associated with heart attacks, chronic heart failure and other life-threatening conditions.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed an ultrasound-emitting device that improves charge time and run time in lithium metal batteries by preventing dendrite growth. The device enables fast-charging and high-energy batteries, offering twice the capacity of current lithium ion batteries.
The number of people with dementia in Europe is estimated to almost double by 2050, from 7.9 million to 14.3 million, according to a new report by Alzheimer Europe. The prevalence of dementia has decreased in recent years, but this trend is expected to reverse unless better treatments and prevention strategies are developed.
Researchers found that warmer waters increase the frequency and intensity of snapping shrimp sounds, which could dominate coastal ocean soundscapes. This might impact fish communication, human sonar instruments, and even Navy mine detection systems.
Weizmann Institute researchers found that overexpression of specific immunoproteasome subunits in melanoma is tied to anti-cancer immune activity. The study's findings suggest that these biomarkers may improve patient matching to current immunotherapy treatments, leading to better outcomes.
A recent study by University of Oxford researchers found that Uber's deployment was associated with a decline in slight injuries outside London, but an increase within the city. No statistically significant association was observed between Uber and traffic fatalities.
Researchers found that brain activity while resting can reveal a person's empathic disposition, potentially helping health care professionals better assess those with autism or schizophrenia. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to analyze brain scans and machine learning algorithms to predict participants' empathy levels.
A randomized controlled trial shows that lay health coaching can significantly improve inhaler use among low-income COPD patients, with 40% of health-coached patients demonstrating effective use of their inhalers. The intervention also improved inhaler technique, contributing to long-term COPD outcomes.
A study found that targeting a specific protein involved in lipid uptake and metabolism could selectively disrupt the activity of regulatory T cells in tumors, boosting the effects of cancer immunotherapy. The researchers also discovered that CD36 deficiency induced a form of cell suicide in these immune cells, reducing tumor burden an...
A smart contact lens has been developed to monitor xerophthalmia and high intraocular pressure disease, providing real-time color changes based on moisture and pressure levels. The device features periodic nanostructures within a biocompatible hydrogel matrix, offering superior biosafety and comfort.
A University of South Florida study suggests beta-arrestin-2 can lead to increased accumulation of neurotoxic tau tangles in the brain, causing forms of dementia. The researchers found that oligomerized beta-arrestin-2 disrupts protective clearance processes, leading to disease-causing tau buildup.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology designed a new master controller that combines two gripping types to reduce finger fatigue and improve precision in robotic surgery. The combined grip method yielded better performance in experiments, with fewer failures and faster movements.
A study by Karolinska Institutet found that IVF-conceived children had a 45% higher risk of death before 1 year of age than naturally conceived children. The risk varied depending on the type of assisted reproductive technique used and how many days had passed since birth.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have developed a novel terahertz camera capable of capturing high-resolution images of solid objects' interiors. The camera uses laser light patterns to detect terahertz electromagnetic waves, revealing tiny hidden features of living things and distinguishing between different materials.
A new NIH-funded study suggests that natural sugars in breastmilk, known as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), may influence a child's growth from infancy through early childhood. The study found associations between HMO composition and growth patterns among 800 pairs of mothers and children.
Research found certified medical home practices had better performance outcomes on diabetes care quality measures and more systems compared to non-certified practices. Certified practices also showed slightly better performance on diabetes care quality measures despite having similar patient populations as non-certified practices.
Chemists at Iowa State University have developed a technique to analyze the degradation of unsaturated fatty oils in fingerprints, potentially allowing them to be used as a tool to determine their age. The method uses mass spectrometry imaging and has shown promising results, with individual differences in fingerprint aging detected.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a technique to create chemically cross-linked carbon-nanotube-based fibers, significantly improving their electrical and mechanical properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of high-performance supercapacitors with potential applications in fields like aerospace.
A UK study found that mothers prescribed macrolide antibiotics during pregnancy were at higher risk of having children with cardiovascular and genital malformations. The study suggests avoiding macrolides during pregnancy when alternative antibiotics can be used.
Researchers found that higher English proficiency levels correlated with better executive control performance in unbalanced bilinguals. This suggests that language skills may play a significant role in cognitive control efficiency. The study used an objective method to evaluate second language proficiency, providing new insights into t...
Researchers at the University of Washington developed a mathematical model that describes how rotating detonation engines work. The model allows engineers to determine whether an engine is stable or unstable and assess its performance. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and lightweight spacecraft.
A multidisciplinary study led by UB researchers has developed a new experimental tool to study how neuronal networks recover their function after neuron loss. The study shows that the network quickly activates self-regulation mechanisms that reinforce existing connections and restore circuit functionality.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that traditional cardiovascular risk factors are at least as valuable in predicting who will develop coronary heart disease (CHD) as a sophisticated genetic test. Identifying elevated risk for CHD early on can help patients avoid fatal events through lifestyle changes and preventive t...
Researchers at KOTO reported four rare kaon decays, violating a theoretical connection between charged and neutral kaon decays. The findings could force physicists to modify the standard model if confirmed by further experiments.
A survey of institutional investors reveals a growing recognition of climate change among Wall Street executives. The survey found that over 97% believe global temperatures are rising, and more than half consider climate risks in investment decisions. Institutions are starting to take action by asking companies to disclose carbon emiss...
Researchers identified a molecule that maintains a healthy balance of airway basal stem cells and mature mucociliary cells, potentially leading to new treatments for lung cancer. The compound, Wnt Inhibitor Compound 1 (WIC1), has been shown to limit the proliferation of basal stem cells and restore balance in human cells.
A Zika virus strain in northeastern Brazil was particularly damaging to the developing brain, causing microcephaly in over 80% of cases. Researchers found that this strain led to neurodegeneration and smaller brains, but other factors such as environmental viruses may have also played a role.
Researchers developed a smart material that can analyze multiple environment parameters to ensure effective drug delivery. The material achieves high sensitivity in detecting low concentrations of DNA, making it promising for express DNA analysis and next-generation drugs.
A new study found that regular GP involvement in caring for children with life-limiting conditions can reduce hospital admissions by 15% and A+E visits by 5%. The research highlights the importance of improved communication and integrated care between paediatricians and GPs.
A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that couples conceive quickest in late fall and early winter. Seasonal patterns in conception also varied among Northern states, Scandinavia, and the US, with stronger effects in southern states.
The University of Utah Health is launching a project that uses rapid whole genome sequencing to identify genetic disorders in newborns, aiming to cut diagnosis time to 72 hours or less. The goal is to personalize treatment and improve outcomes for critically ill infants with genetic-related diseases.
A University of Saskatchewan study found that endangered Colombian poison frog hybrids originated from natural breeding between two known species, rather than human activity. The research confirms the genetic diversity of the frogs benefits the ecosystem.
A new study found that two-thirds of patients with unchanged hypertension treatment had normal blood pressure readings at home, highlighting the effectiveness of therapeutic inertia. The study suggests that accepting home blood pressure metrics can improve healthcare quality metrics and patient education.
Archaeologists have discovered a Canaanite temple in National Park Tel Lachish, featuring extensive ruins dating to the 12th century BCE. The excavation has yielded gold artifacts and cultic figurines, including the oldest known etching of the Hebrew letter 'Samech'.
A team from Osaka University has developed a method to quickly identify optimal parameters for complex reactions, reducing time, materials, and cost. Using machine learning and flow systems, they achieved high yields and purity of a potential therapeutic agent with improved selectivity.
The new guidelines, if implemented, would lead to a substantial financial burden on health systems due to the high cost of PCSK9 inhibitors. Around 50% of patients with a recent heart attack would be eligible for these expensive drugs, which could increase treatment costs by over 4,500 euros annually.
A new international advisory system is working to keep aircraft crew and passengers safe from space weather impacts. The system predicts disruptions from solar activity and helps airlines adjust flight paths to minimize impacts on navigation and communications systems.
Scientists have discovered a complex biological process in premature lungs that stimulates production of immune cells, which can help fight respiratory infections. The findings could lead to new treatments for premature infants, who are vulnerable to lifelong respiratory illnesses.