A study found that up to 80% of US medical doctors leading influential professional associations had financial relationships with industry. The largest payments flowed to leaders of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Cardiology. Researchers call for policy reform and greater independence from industry.
A Cornell University study finds that inquiry-based physics labs, designed to encourage student agency, actually contain gender imbalances and biases when compared to traditional, highly structured labs. The researchers analyzed student behavior in two types of labs and found that men and women take on different roles within groups.
Researchers at CSIC pioneer the use of whole living cells in dynamic combinatorial chemistry systems to discover new bioactive molecules. This methodology has great potential in rapidly identifying new molecules with potential biological activity, and could lead to faster discovery of bioactive compounds.
A new testing system developed by researchers at the University of Chicago can quantify bacteria, antibiotic-resistant genes, and immune molecule levels in sepsis patients, predicting patient outcomes with high accuracy. This innovative approach enables personalized treatment strategies and may improve patient survival rates.
A study found that taking short-acting benzodiazepines and opioids together increases the risk of premature death in patients with kidney failure. The analysis of over 69,000 US adults with kidney disease who initiated hemodialysis revealed a 1.9-fold higher risk of dying among those taking both medications.
Researchers identified two classes of compounds that prevent most of the effects of interferon-α on human beta cells, paving the way for potential clinical trials. IFN-α promotes rapid changes in chromatin accessibility, which may contribute to triggering autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes.
A new technique, multi-spectral optoacoustic mesoscopy (MSOM), enables high-resolution visualization of tumor tissue patterns without the need for surgical biopsies. MSOM allows researchers to study blood supply patterns, oxygenation levels, and drug efficacy with greater accuracy.
Researchers at UToledo developed a new method to characterize fracking wastewater, revealing the presence of toxic chemicals like atrazine, 1,4-dioxane, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The study aims to improve disposal and purification practices for produced water, which can contaminate drinking water sources.
A new animal study suggests that exposure to beneficial microorganisms during pregnancy may prevent an autism-like disorder in offspring. The study found that rats given a heat-killed preparation of Mycobacterium vaccae showed no signs of autism-like behavior, unlike those who were stressed and administered terbutaline.
Research by Dirk Tischler's group has identified potential applications for bacterial siderophores, including treating iron overload disease and creating biosensors. The team has also developed semi-artificial compounds using genetic information from these microorganisms.
Cold-adapted enzymes from low-temperature organisms exhibit distinctive properties that enable them to function in freezing conditions. However, they often stop functioning at around room temperature, until they start melting. Researchers have now explained this phenomenon through extensive computer simulations.
A team of researchers has developed a comprehensive 3D map of the rat heart's intrinsic cardiac nervous system, allowing for precise study of its structure and function. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments for severe heart disease and advancements in bioelectronic medicine.
Astronomers have identified a new class of cosmic explosions, dubbed fast blue optical transients (FBOTs), which produce the fastest and heaviest outflows ever recorded. The newly discovered object, CSS161010, has surpassed the famous AT2018COW in speed and mass ejected during its event.
Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a method to rejuvenate fibroblasts by geometrically confining them on micropatterns. The resulting cells recover their ability to contract and exhibit reduced DNA damage and enhanced cytoskeletal gene expression.
A UK government-funded study identifies tyre particles as a major source of microplastics in the marine environment, contaminating rivers and coastal waters. Researchers estimate that around 100 million square meters of river network and 50 million square meters of estuarine and coastal waters are at risk of contamination.
A new study reveals that lymph node and distant metastases develop through different evolutionary mechanisms, with lymph nodes being a genetically highly diverse group. This suggests that metastasis formation in locoregional lymph nodes is comparatively easy and can be achieved by many cells, whereas dissemination to and outgrowth in d...
Researchers found that lifestyle is the strongest factor influencing specialty choice among osteopathic medical students, with women being more likely to pursue primary care. The study suggests that osteopathic medical schools investing in female candidates may lead to an increase in primary care physicians.
Scientists have explored kirigami and origami techniques for creating unprecedented 3D micro-/nanogeometries. These new methodologies enable continuous 2D-to-3D transformations through folding, bending, and twisting, offering an extra degree of freedom in fabricating unique structures.
The study aims to develop optical radiation products used in large-scale sanitation processes and create a lamp with both germicidal and lighting elements. Researchers will test different wavelengths of ultraviolet light against coronaviruses like COVID-19.
The US Preventive Services Task Force has concluded that current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation regarding primary care-based behavioral counseling interventions to prevent illicit drug use in children, adolescents and young adults. Illicit drug use contributes to the leading causes of death among young people ages 10...
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues among healthcare workers, particularly those at higher risk for chronic stress. A recent commentary recommends that healthcare professionals prioritize their own mental well-being by seeking support from colleagues and resources.
A new study by the University of Copenhagen's researchers has revealed that the protein PP2A inhibits cancer development in mice by turning off an enzyme called ADAM17. This finding has significant implications for understanding the role of PP2A as a tumour suppressor and exploring potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers at TU Wien and MedUni Vienna have developed a novel method for electric stimulation of the vagus nerve in the ear. A microanatomical study revealed the optimal placement of tiny electrodes to stimulate the nerve, resulting in effective pain relief. The triphasic signal pattern was found to be particularly effective.
Gangliosides, sugary fatty acid molecules, are essential receptors for hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, allowing the virus to enter liver cells. The discovery provides new insights into HAV's unique mode of transmission and opens avenues for antiviral research.
A new NIST formula could significantly improve Wi-Fi and cellular system performance in unlicensed bands by selecting optimal frequency channels. The formula uses machine learning to maximize data rates and reduce interference, with computer simulations showing it can outperform exhaustive trial-and-error methods.
Scientists at University of Zurich create custom X-ray contrast agent 'XlinCA' for improved vascular imaging. This breakthrough allows for complete and uninterrupted visualization of blood vessels in humans and animals, reducing the need for animal experiments.
Researchers found that bumblebee damage stimulates flower production in plants, accelerating their blooming. This phenomenon may help overcome challenges posed by climate change, which threatens to disrupt timing of mutualistic relationships between plants and insect pollinators.
A randomized clinical trial found a workplace wellness program significantly improved employee health and reduced medical use. The program, which included health screenings, wellness activities, and financial incentives, showed sustained benefits after 12 and 24 months.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that most finicky eaters maintain a healthy childhood weight and are less likely to experience obesity. Parents' efforts to control and restrict children's diets may actually make picky eating worse, according to the researchers.
Researchers identified a novel strategy to address underlying causes of LAD1 patients' symptoms by mimicking the efferocytosis process, which was absent in these individuals. The study found that small-molecule compounds that stimulate this process alleviated signs of inflammation and promoted bone regeneration in animal models.
The COVID-19 pandemic is driving a global re-evaluation of values and lifestyles, leading to potential radical shifts in policy. RIHN is playing a central role in the Future Earth Knowledge-Action Network's initiative on sustainability transitions.
Researchers at Binghamton University developed a method for detecting dangerous 'butterfly' landmines using low-cost commercial drones and infrared cameras. The new research uses convolutional neural networks to automate landmine detection, providing faster and more accurate results than human-eye scanning.
Researchers found 38 distinct technical elements in chimpanzee termite fishing, with individuals sharing common elements among communities. This study expands our understanding of chimpanzee culture, highlighting the complexity and diversity of their social behaviors.
A new study found that e-learning increases knowledge, risk perception, and biosecurity behavior among individuals working with invasive species. The 'Better Biosecurity' course improved participants' understanding of the risks and led to better cleaning practices.
Three community-based organizations, Mee Panyar from Myanmar, Solar Freeze from Kenya, and Takataka Plastics from Uganda, have won the first Stanford Global Energy Heroes prizes. They will receive $20,000 and a trip to Stanford for the Global Energy Forum. The organizations are working on projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions a...
The dose-adjusted (DA) EPOCH-R regimen was found to be highly effective and better tolerated than standard chemotherapy for adults with Burkitt lymphoma. The treatment was effective across age groups, including patients in their 70s and 80s, and regardless of HIV status.
A Florida Tech student discovered systemic design flaws in several internet-connected doorbell and security camera systems, allowing malicious actors to retain access to camera systems indefinitely. The vulnerabilities could lead to substantial invasions of privacy or instances of electronic stalking.
Researchers mapped developmental milestones in wild chimpanzees, finding gross motor skills emerge at 4 months, while fine motor skills appear at 15 months. The study suggests that extended development is necessary for acquiring adult skills, similar to humans.
Engineers at the University of Missouri have developed a flexible material that can help buildings withstand multiple waves of energy in earthquakes. The material, which can stretch and form to a particular surface, protects against both longitudinal and shear energy waves.
Some common mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD might not be disorders at all but responses to adversity. Researchers suggest treating the underlying social causes rather than just the symptoms with medication. This approach could lead to more effective solutions for conditions like ADHD and depression.
Dana-Farber nurse-scientists have received major research grants to develop innovative smoking cessation programs and study the causes of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The projects aim to improve lung health and treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
Australian archaeologists have discovered rare, small-scale rock art in the form of miniature stencils in a rockshelter traditionally owned by the Marra people. The discovery adds another dimension to the Australian and global rock art record, highlighting the use of beeswax as a material for making these tiny artworks.
Researchers developed a technique to generate human antibodies faster than existing methods using chicken immune system cells. The ADLib system can produce diverse antibodies with improved binding affinity, potentially leading to breakthroughs in cancer treatment and other medical applications.
The MAVEN spacecraft has created a map of electric current systems in Mars' atmosphere, revealing a crucial role in atmospheric loss. The currents, generated by solar wind interaction, transform energy into magnetic and electric fields that accelerate charged particles into space.
Researchers found that ants tend to avoid parts of impediments that slow them down, similar to how light rays take time-reducing paths. The study used lens-shaped impediments and observed that ants diverged from the center on convex lenses and converged on concave lenses.
A recent Oregon State University study found that 91% of participants bought more fruits and vegetables through the Double Up Food Bucks program. The program increased availability of fresh produce at home and improved overall health, particularly among non-white shoppers.
A new study by Trinity College Dublin reveals that a diverse range of trees and shrubs in West African parkland habitats supports fruit production and pollination services, ultimately benefiting the shea crop and local communities. The findings have important implications for managing this critical crop and conserving pollinators.
The $11 million grant will support four research projects investigating lipid metabolism, reproductive fat tissue's contribution to preeclampsia, and the neural circuit linking metabolism and anxiety. The goal is to develop new treatments for obesity-related illnesses.
Researchers from NUS created a library of atomically thin 2D materials by intercalating metal atoms between transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers. The new materials have ferromagnetic properties and can be used to explore a wide range of physical properties.
Scientists have discovered an enzyme that becomes catalytically active when exposed to blue light, enabling a wide range of biotechnological applications. The enzyme, found in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, uses a flavin-NADH complex to facilitate a new monooxygenase reaction.
Scientists successfully created large-area periodic micro/nanoripple structures on a silicon substrate using femtosecond laser plasmonic lithography, retaining the properties of the graphene material. The process enables enhanced light absorption and photoelectric performance.
A groundbreaking study published in iScience has created a detailed 3D map of the intracardiac nervous system (ICN), the 'little brain' of the heart. The researchers used novel imaging techniques to reveal previously unknown complexity and diversity of molecular identities among neurons.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a new phenomenon that enables the controlled movement of tiny particles in suspension, analogous to the swerving of a curveball. This electrokinetic effect could lead to new ways of performing industrial or medical processes that require separation of suspended nanomaterials.
A randomized clinical trial found that reducing blood pressure medications for older adults can be done safely without significant changes in short-term blood pressure control. The study included 534 adults aged 80 and older, suggesting that potential risks of continued treatment may outweigh benefits.
Scientists have found two new objects that, along with AT2018cow, represent a type of stellar explosion significantly different from others. The new explosions, called Fast Blue Optical Transients (FBOTs), share characteristics with supernovae and gamma-ray bursts but differ in important aspects.
The global wildlife trade encompasses all major branches of life, from fungi to plants and animals, but more attention is given to charismatic species. Research found that even small organisms like sea cucumbers and anemones are traded, with extensive data needed on the trade's consequences.
Researchers discovered that copper ions are primarily bound to ceruloplasmin and serum albumin in the blood, with implications for diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's disease. The study's findings provide new insights into normal copper metabolism and its disturbances in genetic diseases.
A study suggests that patient notes and letters from GP records could provide valuable insights into managing major health crises like COVID-19. Researchers found that while there are concerns over patient privacy, the majority of citizens' jury members were supportive of making such information available to researchers.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered the mechanisms behind cell fusion, a crucial process in multicellular organisms. The study found that actin and dynamin proteins interact to form long projections that invade other cells, leading to their fusion.
Boosting the activity of tumor proteasomes could improve chemotherapy treatment outcomes and enhance immunotherapy for aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. Researchers analyzed 3,500 breast tumors to make this finding.