A six-month mass media campaign, Living Donation Storytelling Project, aims to capture 500 living donor kidney transplant (LDKT) stories, educating medical providers and patients about innovative resources. The project uses digital storytelling to supplement traditional education practices, allowing real people to share their experiences.
Researchers have developed a powerful, low-cost method for recycling used cooking oil and agricultural waste into biodiesel, and turning food scraps and plastic rubbish into high-value products. The new catalyst can make biodiesel from low-grade ingredients containing up to 50% contaminants.
Researchers report a promising emerging treatment that combines medications with temporary use of an artificial heart pump to reverse structural damage in the heart. In a multicenter study, 40 advanced heart failure patients were treated with this protocol, resulting in high rates of LVAD removal and improved cardiovascular health.
The study found that natural immunity is only weakly protective against reinfection, leading to larger outbreaks. Vaccines capable of eliciting strong immune responses can substantially reduce future caseloads.
Researchers at UCalgary's Clark H. Smith Brain Tumour Centre have made a breakthrough in combating glioblastoma by reprogramming the immune system to fight cancer instead of fueling it. By disrupting interleukin 33, a substance that recruits immune cells to tumours, survival rates increased from two months or less to over a year.
A nonflammable ionic liquid electrolyte has been developed for potassium batteries, allowing for the creation of safe and efficient batteries. The battery demonstrated high energy and power density, retaining around 89% of its original capacity after 820 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of 99.9%.
A new AI-based tool, CoVA, has been developed to predict the prognosis of patients with COVID-19, identifying those at highest risk for complications. The tool was tested on over 9,381 adult outpatients and demonstrated excellent performance in predicting hospitalization, critical illness, or death within seven days.
The study compared survival rates in patients undergoing surgery for brain metastases with conventional white light microscopy versus 5-ALA fluorescence microscopy. The results showed no significant difference in local recurrence or mortality between the two groups, but radiotherapy was strongly associated with improved survival.
Researchers at Flinders University found that students' emotional resilience is linked to their chances of being victimized, with less resilient students more likely to suffer from harassment. Higher levels of resilience and wellbeing tended to go with being bullied less often, being a boy, and being younger.
Researchers found that Indian and Pakistani women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age and at more advanced stages than non-Hispanic white women. The study highlights the need for culturally relevant strategies to improve preventive healthcare in this growing population.
A new study reveals that countries relying heavily on global trade are more vulnerable to resource scarcity, especially in the face of climate change. The research highlights the need for a systemic approach to examining pressures on water, energy, and land resources.
Social determinants like discrimination, depression, and mistrust predict patient-reported quality of life in kidney transplant patients. Lower medical mistrust leads to greater patient satisfaction with clinical services.
The KRYSTAL-1 phase I/II clinical trial has shown that adagrasib can shrink tumours and is well-tolerated by patients with non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and other solid tumours. The KRAS G12C mutation affects approximately 14% of lung adenocarcinomas and 4% of colorectal cancers.
Adagrasib achieves objective responses in nearly half of patients with non-small cell lung cancer; encouraging early results are seen in patients with colorectal, pancreatic, and endometrial cancer. The agent targets KRAS G12C mutation, leading to manageable side effects.
A study analyzing 60,229 patients found that Black patients are less likely to be referred for transplantation and more likely to receive a transplant after referral, but ultimately less likely to receive a transplant overall. Racial disparities in the transplant process emerge at listing stage and persist through organ allocation
A new 'next generation' BRAF inhibitor, PLX8394, has shown promising results in an early patient trial for treating various types of cancer. The treatment, taken with cobicistat, resulted in a partial response in 22% of patients, including those with glioma and bowel cancer.
A new machine learning-based model predicts atrial fibrillation risk in chronic kidney disease patients, providing a potential tool for enhanced cardiovascular care and clinical trial selection.
A study by Tokyo Metropolitan University reveals that a specific MARK4 mutation causes tau protein to aggregate in the brain, leading to Alzheimer's disease. The mutated enzyme makes tau proteins sticky and insoluble, causing neurons to die and memory functions to impair.
This study examines the effects of talc on mesothelial and neoplastic cells, revealing high levels of IL-6 and TNFRI. The results suggest that normal mesothelium is the main stimulus for the inflammatory process, with talc inducing higher rates of apoptosis in neoplastic cells.
A new AI-based algorithm can predict which hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are at risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis. The model achieved high accuracy using data from over 3,000 patients and key features such as creatinine and potassium levels, age, and vital signs.
A study examined the seropositive prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, China, finding a significant seropositive rate among residents. The results showed differences in antibody prevalence by sex and age group, highlighting the importance of vaccination efforts.
New research reveals that coastal permafrost is largely absent in shallow seafloor areas, contrary to previous beliefs. This finding suggests that carbon can be released from coastline sources more easily, potentially exacerbating climate change.
Researchers developed a new imaging method that maps HIV's sugary shield in unprecedented detail, shedding light on its structure and dynamic nature. The technique has the potential to improve vaccine design by targeting vulnerable sites on HIV and other glycan-shielded viruses.
Balachandran's data-driven approach predicts which alloys will perform well in extreme environments, narrowing the search for high-performance materials. His work combines artificial intelligence with quantum mechanics to make the search more productive and cost-effective.
A research team led by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München found that marine sponges can accumulate microparticles, including plastics and textile fibers, in their tissues. The study suggests that sponges could serve as useful bioindicators for monitoring microscopic pollutants in the seas.
A recent study published in Environment International found that bioplastics contain high levels of toxic chemicals, similar to conventional plastics. The researchers tested 43 different plastic products and found that 80% contained more than 1000 different chemicals.
A new study found that Blacks and Hispanics experience higher rates of kidney failure compared to whites, driven by faster declines in kidney function after chronic kidney disease onset. This disparity can be addressed by slowing the progression of kidney disease in these populations.
Ihlefeld's research focuses on developing universal, pure, and smooth thin films for transistors in high-temperature environments. His innovation aims to enable the design of new microelectronics with ultra-thin insulating materials.
Researchers found that serotonin can stimulate the production of basal progenitor cells in the fetal human brain, potentially contributing to the evolutionary expansion of the neocortex. This new function of serotonin may help explain the development of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
A new method called SPOTlight allows for the isolation of single live cells with unique profiles from heterogenous populations. The platform uses a digital micromirror device to give individual cells a long-lasting tag, enabling researchers to observe cellular dynamics and subcellular structures over time.
The CRISPR Journal announces its October 2020 issue, featuring expert reactions to the National Academies' Heritable Human Genome Editing report. The journal also presents a comprehensive survey of global laws and regulations on hereditary human genome editing, highlighting both countries that prohibit and permit such research.
Researchers at George Mason University are reviewing the Positive Train Control Safety Plan to ensure its alignment with federal regulations. The study aims to confirm the plan's effectiveness in preventing train accidents such as collisions and derailments.
Researchers discovered RING1B is critical for Ewing sarcoma development and hijacks transcriptional program to create cancerous cells. Epigenetic inhibitors may offer new treatment strategies.
A new study found that a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is almost 100% accurate at ruling out bowel cancer in patients with suspicious symptoms. FIT has been shown to be as sensitive as colonoscopy, the current gold standard for detection of colorectal cancer.
A new AI-based tool can help clinicians predict which hospitalized patients are at high risk of developing acute kidney injury, allowing for earlier treatment and potentially better outcomes. The Dascena algorithm outperformed the standard method in predicting AKI 72 hours prior to onset.
A nanocatalyst made from zinc oxide and niobium can produce N-heterocycles with almost 100% efficiency, replacing expensive noble metal-based catalysts. The catalyst is derived from orange peel without additional chemical agents.
A 14,000-year paleoecological reconstruction found that seabird establishment led to changes in Falkland Islands ecosystems through guano deposition. This terrestrial-marine link is critical for grasslands conservation efforts, as nutrients from marine ecosystems enrich the islands' nutrient-poor soil.
Researchers propose new method to verify star and planet formation theory by simulating the Princeton Magnetorotational Instability (MRI) Experiment. The study finds that instabilities can be seen before the upper limit of experimental rotation rate is reached, shedding light on the growth of celestial bodies.
Recent clinical trials have shown promising results for finerenone, which slows diabetic kidney disease progression and reduces cardiovascular events when added to standard care. Empagliflozin also demonstrated benefits in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease. These findings suggest new treatment options for patients ...
A team of researchers has proposed a method to use time crystals to simulate massive networks with very little computing power. They used graph theory and statistical mechanics to fill the gap in understanding time crystals and their applications.
A new study by a USC-led research team reveals that emissions from Chinese coal-fired power plants are fertilizing the North Pacific Ocean with iron and other metals, which could impact marine life. The researchers found peak iron concentrations in surface seawater corresponding to big wind events over east Asia.
A new study found that similar molecular processes are activated in diabetic kidney disease and COVID-19 patients, making them more susceptible to infection. The research suggests that diabetes primes kidney cells, which can lead to a severe immune response and kidney damage when combined with COVID-19.
Scientists successfully created airway basal stem cells in vitro from induced pluripotent stem cells, which may lead to new treatments for airways and lungs damaged by various diseases. The study's findings could also enable the development of disease models and targeted drug approaches.
Feitian Zhang and Pei Dong received a $15,000 grant to purchase a remotely operated vehicle with GPS for monitoring microelectronic sensors in aquatic environments. The funding will support their research in aquatic environmental monitoring until August 2021.
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. will publish Journal of Correctional Health Care, a national, peer-reviewed journal focusing on correctional health care. The journal provides education for healthcare providers serving the incarcerated population, covering topics such as clinical care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.
The ESMO Asia Virtual Congress 2020 examined the efficacy of new therapies for prevalent cancer types in the Asia-Pacific region. The scientific program featured key research areas, including neo-adjuvant immuno-oncology and molecular stratification.
A University of Cincinnati biologist found that even small concentrations of estrogen in water can lead to a gender ratio imbalance and smaller fish populations. The study used least killifish, which have live young, and found that exposure to estrogen resulted in more females than males.
A new project aims to create household sprays and coatings that capture COVID-19 aerosol droplets, inactivating the virus. Researchers will use additives to provide long-lasting protection against the virus, with a focus on surface characteristics.
A survey of French university students who experienced COVID-19 quarantine found a significant increase in mental health disorders. The study identified factors associated with these disorders, highlighting the need for targeted support measures.
A research team discovered molecular processes in kidney cells that attract and feed COVID-19, making them a target for potential therapies. The study identified networks of molecules that result in higher levels of ACE2, a protein on the surface of kidney cells that aids in virus entry and activation.
A new analysis found that the critically endangered vaquita remains genetically healthy despite its low population numbers. The study suggests that the species' ability to survive at low numbers is not doomed to extinction and gives hope for conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered that the iconic Clovis spear-point and other distinctive tools were created by North America's earliest inhabitants for only a brief 300-year period. This finding provides new insights into the origin and demise of the Clovis culture, which once occupied the continent at the end of the last Ice Age.
Astronomers have found compelling evidence that planets start to form while infant stars are still growing. The ALMA radio observatory has captured a high-resolution image of the proto-star IRS 63 with multiple gaps and rings of dust, indicating that seeds of planets are forming in these cosmic cradles.
Researchers at CNIC found that neutrophils acquire new characteristics when they arrive in a tissue and aid in maintaining organ health. This discovery suggests possible new treatments for diseases, including cancer, by leveraging the immune system's plasticity.
Researchers found that COVID-19 disproportionately affects people with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), increasing their vulnerability to the virus and exposure to NCD risk factors. The study also revealed that COVID-19 disrupted essential public health services, further exacerbating NCD management.
A study found that online peer mentoring for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) improves patient activation, which is positively correlated with various aspects of quality of life. Improved patient activation correlates with improvements in physical symptoms and burdens of kidney disease but not mental aspects.
Researchers developed an optical neuron system using quantum cascade lasers, operating 10,000× faster than biological neurons. The system demonstrates behaviors like thresholding and spiking, with fine-tuning of modulation and frequency allowing control of time intervals between spikes.
Researchers Nathalie Picque and Theodor Hänsch developed dual-comb spectroscopy to detect spectral patterns even in extremely low light conditions. This technique enabled the recording of broad spectra with over 100,000 colors in near complete darkness.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that proton therapy reduces the risk of radiation-induced heart diseases in lung cancer patients. Mini-strokes and heart attacks were significantly less common among patients who underwent proton therapy compared to those treated with conventional photon-based radiation therapy.
ERA-EDTA has launched a series of e-seminars to apply recent trial findings to patient care. The e-seminars focus on topics like SGLT2 inhibitors and COVID-19, aiming to provide nephrology experts with insights into the benefits and risks of new treatments.