Researchers are developing a new non-invasive test that analyzes breast milk to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages in high-risk breastfeeding women. The study aims to identify profiles of breast cells that may indicate increased risk of breast disease and shed light on breast cancer development.
A 30-year-old prehistoric human skeleton discovered on the Yucatán Peninsula offers valuable insights into the early settlement history of the American continent. The uranium-thorium dating technique reveals an age of at least 10,000 years, contradicting common beliefs about Paleoindian settlement.
A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that higher mercury levels in the blood are associated with an increased prevalence of non-melanoma skin cancer. Participants with high total or methyl mercury levels had nearly double or 1.7 times greater odds of non-melanoma skin cancer, respectively.
A teenage girl's symptoms improved with treatment, but further testing revealed no evidence of infection, highlighting the potential health risks of vaping. The case report suggests that e-cigarettes may be a plausible cause of subacute epiglottitis, a life-threatening condition.
Researchers measured PFAS in cat and dog feces, detecting 13 compounds with longer-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids being most abundant. Estimated exposure levels for pets and potentially their owners were found to be above minimal risk levels.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new substance that inhibits the growth of calcium phosphate crystals, preventing vascular calcification. The molecule is structurally related to IP6 and has been shown to be stable and effective in vitro and in disease models.
A team of Australian scientists has discovered that diamond can be bent and deformed at the nanoscale, creating possibilities for the design and engineering of new nanoscale devices. The discovery opens up a range of possibilities for applications in sensing, defence and energy storage.
Scientists have identified a key factor predicting post-wildfire mudslides: dry sediment loading, which adds 3-10 feet of debris to mountain channels. Authorities can use lidar technology to map patterns of sediment loading and clear channels before storms hit.
A comprehensive global biodiversity map documents life's distribution on land and in the ocean, providing a unified picture of where species occur and how environmental factors influence their presence. The study enables more effective species preservation and informs adaptive management practices in the face of climate change.
A study of over 2,500 tumor genomes reveals that most cancer cells use alternative mechanisms to lengthen their telomeres, increasing their lifespan. The researchers discovered unique variations in these telomere sequences and their integration into the genome, which may hold clues for developing targeted treatments.
A University of Granada study found that gluten- and casein-free diets do not affect the behavior of autistic children. However, those with associated gastrointestinal disorders may benefit from such an approach. The research also suggests a link between intestinal permeability and beta-casomorphin levels in urine.
Scientists have created a novel material that can change its refractive index in response to low-intensity laser light, enabling the manipulation of light beams and creation of optical logic gates. This breakthrough could lead to the development of soft, circuitry-free robots driven by light from the sun.
A Japanese study found increased traffic injuries among older drivers who lost their licenses after undergoing cognitive tests, as they became unprotected road users. The research suggests that the policy may not adequately consider the dangers facing those who lose a main mode of transport.
SPARKZ Inc. exclusively licensed five battery technologies from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, eliminating cobalt metal in lithium-ion batteries for more sustainable, fast-charging batteries. The partnership aims to accelerate electric vehicle production and grid energy storage solutions.
Bumble bees prefer normal, low-fat pollen over high-fat versions, which can negatively impact their reproduction and survival. The bees' ability to distinguish between nutrients allows them to make informed food choices.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a method to grow nanosized semiconductors on a gold surface using a gold butterfly-shaped nanostructure. The approach uses localized heat to trigger hydrothermal synthesis, enabling precise control over semiconductor formation.
A recent analysis estimates that kidney transplant failure incurs significant medical costs of $78,079 per patient and a loss of 1.66 quality-adjusted life years. The total incremental lifetime costs are $1.38 billion, highlighting the urgent need for reducing graft failure rates.
A study of Danish women found a peak risk for hypertensive disorders in spring and summer, peaking midsummer. Vitamin D levels may explain the seasonal variation.
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have identified two key enzymes, Sulf1 and Sulf2, critical for the normal development of the corticospinal tract (CST) in mice. The CST is a group of neuronal fibers connecting each side of the brain to the opposite side of the spinal cord, essential for voluntary motor movements.
A study using high frequency heart rate variability found that mindfulness meditation sessions incorporating nonjudgment led to better recovery in perfectionists. Nonjudgment element improved mental health outcomes compared to general mindfulness sessions.
Researchers mapped genomic changes throughout the human lifespan to create a timeline for cancer development. The study suggests that tumour progression may start years or even decades before diagnosis, providing a new window of opportunity for early detection and treatment.
Researchers designed a new yolk-shell structured hybrid material by encapsulating metal-organic framework (MOF) into hollow mesoporous carbon spheres, achieving superior bifunctional electrocatalytic activity towards both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. The hybrid material shows promise as an efficient electrocatalyst in fuel...
Researchers have discovered that ozone treatment and subsequent chlorination can convert trace amounts of some pharmaceuticals in wastewater into potentially toxic halonitromethanes. The study found that ozone treatment increased the formation of these compounds, which could be harmful to human health.
Scientists discovered that over 20% of mutations occur in early stages of tumor development, with some changes taking place years or even decades before cancer is diagnosed. These early genetic alterations can be identified using a new method developed by researchers at the Francis Crick Institute.
Researchers designed an AI model that predicts student learning in educational games, improving instruction and outcomes. The multi-task learning framework considers each question individually, enabling more accurate predictions than conventional methods.
Researchers have developed a technology that can distinguish between Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy with high accuracy. The Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification (PMCA) test targets misfolded alpha-synuclein aggregates, allowing doctors to identify the correct disease and pursue timely treatment.
This observational study analyzed nearly 30,000 patients to investigate racial/ethnic disparities in acne treatment patterns. The results suggest that differences exist in treatment and prescribing practices based on race/ethnicity, sex, and type of insurance.
A Montana State University researcher will investigate the extent and processes of microbial life in Yellowstone's subsurface using a specialized instrument triggered by earthquakes. The research aims to bridge biology and geology to understand how Earth's natural processes influence microbial evolution.
The University of Arizona Cancer Center is developing new strategies to prevent squamous cell carcinoma, the second most-common form of non-melanoma skin cancer. The $6.9m grant will assess the importance of a novel immune protein and test topical drugs to inhibit its action.
The Asian hornet has invaded Northern Germany, with a recent find in Hamburg marking the northernmost occurrence of the species in Europe. The rapid spread of this invasive species poses a significant threat to local ecosystems and apiculture.
Researchers have developed a method to target IL-1β blocking drugs to the heart after a heart attack, potentially reducing side effects. The approach uses platelet microparticles to deliver the drug directly to the damaged area, increasing concentration and promoting cardiac repair.
Researchers have developed a system to conduct fMRI scans on conscious mice, allowing for the study of brain network dysfunction and neural responses to social cues in autism-model mice. Administration of D-cycloserine was shown to improve social behaviors, highlighting potential therapeutic applications.
A zinc finger domain in Arabidopsis protein SIZ1 is essential for transcriptional regulation of genes required for abiotic stress responses, including cold, salt, and drought stresses. The domain's absence leads to impaired SIZ1 function, stunted plant growth, and increased sensitivity to stressful conditions.
A new therapy option has been identified for early-stage breast cancer using the radiopharmaceutical 223RaCl2, which delays the growth of disseminated tumor cells. The treatment shows promise in delaying tumor progression and may be an adjuvant therapy option for select patients.
Focusing on neutral details of a scene can weaken later memories of a disturbing event, according to a new study. The findings could lead to the development of methods to increase psychological resilience in people who experience traumatic events.
This study reveals that chromothripsis is common across multiple types of cancer, with frequencies greater than 50% in some tumours. The research demonstrates how chromothripsis shapes the tumour genome, leading to oncogene amplification and loss of tumour suppressor genes.
A recent study from Cornell University found that even brief periods of solitary confinement significantly increase an inmate's risk of death after release. The research analyzed nearly 14,000 former inmates and discovered a 60% higher mortality rate among those who experienced solitary confinement, primarily due to non-natural causes.
The study analyzed 3,000 cancer patients' genomes to identify common mutation patterns, revealing a significant role for structural alterations in gene expression. By integrating genome and transcriptome data, researchers gained insight into the complex interplay between DNA mutations and RNA alterations.
A new skeleton discovered in Tulum's submerged caves provides evidence for an early settlement of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. The Chan Hol 3 skeleton, found to be approximately 30 years old and a woman, has a distinctive skull shape that contrasts with other American crania from a similar age range.
A new Duke University study found that many household filters are only partially effective at removing toxic perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. Activated-carbon filters removed an average of 73% of PFAS contaminants, while reverse osmosis filters and two-stage filters achieved near-complete removal.
A recent study from Rice University found that grieving spouses who expressed their emotions freely had lower levels of bodily inflammation than those who suppressed their emotions. The researchers also discovered that not all coping strategies are created equal, and some can backfire in intense emotional situations.
A study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics found that individuals with eating disorders use exercise as a coping mechanism for depressive mood and negative thoughts. Exercise can temporarily improve their mood, but this effect is short-lived, leading to a vicious cycle of increased exercise.
Researchers found that a specific type of immune cell accumulates in older brains and that activating these cells improves the memory of aged mice. Activating these cells also increases the formation of new nerve cells in the hippocampus and reduces inflammation.
Research from the University of Utah suggests that males' upper bodies are specialized for punching, with an average power difference of 162% compared to females. This specialization may have evolved due to generations of interpersonal male-male aggression, shaping structures in human bodies to favor success in fighting.
Researchers found that novelty activates dopamine neurons, promoting associative learning in animals and humans. This discovery has implications for improving learning strategies and designing more efficient machine learning algorithms.
A team of researchers led by Carnegie Mellon University aims to create AI agents that can infer human thoughts based on behavior. They plan to test these socially intelligent agents in a search-and-rescue scenario within Minecraft to understand what humans are thinking.
Research shows that personal energy choices can be contagious, influenced by social norms, observation, word-of-mouth communication, and trusted community leaders. The study identifies factors that affect the impact of peer influence, including individual characteristics, relationship strength, learning processes, and behavior complexity.
Researchers used the Pan-Cancer dataset to classify structural variations in cancer genomes and link them to mechanisms of formation. They identified complex processes that can lead to cancer genes becoming active, and developed methods to identify these variations.
The Wilderness Medical Society has released new clinical practice guidelines addressing critical issues in wilderness medicine, including diabetes management and spinal cord protection. The guidelines emphasize personalized care and evidence-based approaches to prevent complications and optimize patient outcomes.
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that global cooling following a nuclear war would worsen the impact of ocean acidification on marine life. The cooling would dissolve atmospheric carbon into the upper ocean, increasing acidity levels and challenging shell maintenance for organisms like corals, clams, and oysters.
A comprehensive survey of viruses found within cancer cells reveals 23 different virus types in 356 patients, with Epstein-Barr and HPV viruses commonly linked to cancer. The study also identifies mechanisms by which viruses trigger carcinogenic mutations, providing potential avenues for vaccine development.
Researchers reviewed benefits and risks of over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, including NSAIDs, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen. The study suggests that healthcare providers and patients should make individual clinical judgements based on the entire risk factor profile to minimize harm.
A new study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare provides criteria for good infant sleep, revealing large individual variations in sleep patterns. The study found that infants' sleep improves significantly during their first two years, with most children waking up only once during the night by age two.
A recent study found a strong association between the incarceration of a family member during childhood and an increased risk of developing diabetes in men. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Toronto and University of Alabama, analyzed data from over 40,000 adults and found that men who experienced childhood inc...
A study of 140 older patients with non-metastatic cancer found that those with negative attitudes toward aging were more likely to die prematurely. Participants with a positive self-perception of aging had a significantly lower risk of death compared to their negative counterparts.
Researchers have discovered 21 gene variants associated with estrogen signaling pathways in the brain of transgender individuals, suggesting a potential biological link to gender dysphoria. These variants may disrupt normal masculinization of the brain during critical periods of development.
A study by the University of Bonn found that commercials aimed at children decreased in Germany after EU-level voluntary commitment was put in place. However, companies exploited loopholes and the initiative showed partial success. The researchers also highlighted the need for stricter guidelines to regulate food advertising.
An economic evaluation of 3.3 million drug insurance claims found that implementing reference pricing was associated with physicians and patients adopting the least expensive alternative within a drug class. The study suggests that this policy change may have a positive impact on healthcare costs and access to essential medications.
Researchers at USC have developed a new imaging technique called spectrally encoded enhanced representations (SEER) that provides greater clarity and works up to 67 times faster than existing methods. This technology has the potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis, particularly in detecting lung cancer and damage from pollutants.
Treating childhood obesity is associated with improved psychological outcomes, including enhanced self-esteem and body image. Losing weight appears to be less crucial for improving self-esteem, but still important for bettering body image.