A study found that taking at least one anticholinergic drug increases the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment by 47%, particularly in those with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests reducing anticholinergic use may help prevent negative effects on thinking skills.
A new study suggests that climate change may increase rice yields in Japan and other tropical areas due to longer growing seasons. Researchers found that combining a normal harvest time with a high cutting height can lead to higher yields in rice ratooning, a farming practice where the crop is cut and regrown.
A unique strain of Shiga-toxin E. coli (STEC) has been identified through genomic analysis, revealing its genetic makeup and potential for severe disease. The study's findings may contribute to the development of vaccines against emerging STEC pathogens.
A study combining seven randomized clinical trials found corticosteroid treatment increased the risk of death among critically ill COVID-19 patients. The results suggest a possible association between corticosteroid use and mortality in this patient population, warranting further investigation.
Researchers have discovered the first intermediate-mass black hole, which has a mass of 142 solar masses. The cosmic event was detected as a brief gravitational wave signal, lasting less than one-tenth of a second, and is believed to have occurred roughly 7 billion years ago.
Researchers genetically rewired yeast cells to manufacture tropane alkaloids, a family of chemical compounds used in traditional medicine for centuries. The breakthrough could provide new sources for plant-based medicines, addressing global shortages and supply chain disruptions.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that COVID-19 infection fatality ratios vary significantly by age, race, ethnicity, and sex. The overall noninstitutionalized infection fatality rate was 0.26%, with higher rates among older adults and non-whites, particularly those aged 60 or older, who had an IFR of 1.71%.
The CHARA Array, the world's largest optical interferometer, has received $7.1 million to fund a new mobile telescope and expand its open-access program for scientists. The new telescope will increase the array's diameter to over one kilometer and provide the highest resolution of any instrument in the world.
The study found that small dark matter haloes have a similar internal structure to larger ones, with smaller clumps orbiting in their outer regions. This could help identify these small objects individually or collectively through future gamma-ray observatories.
Researchers develop 'PhenoChip' to select and propagate single photosynthetically active cells, enabling fundamental industry applications and improved ecosystem understanding. The technology helps identify resilient cells in natural environments, such as coral reef health, and can aid in mitigating climate change impacts.
Researchers found that COVID-19 virus invades placenta in cases with and without fetal infection, highlighting its protective role. The study also reveals unique cell surface proteins responsible for viral entry, paving the way for novel prevention and treatment strategies.
Two studies found that e-cigarettes are not effective in helping adults quit smoking, but may lead to nicotine dependence. Researchers used data from a large nationally representative longitudinal study and found that cessation rates did not differ between e-cigarette users and closely matched smokers who did not use e-cigarettes.
A recent MSK study discovered a direct link between inflammation and Alzheimer's disease development, highlighting the role of protein IFITM3 in plaque formation. Researchers found that removing IFITM3 reduced amyloid plaques in a mouse model, suggesting a potential biomarker for early detection.
Researchers found a negative correlation between Fusobacteria phylum abundance and chronological age in dogs, as well as a link between Actinobacteria and poorer short-term memory performance. The study suggests shared mechanisms underlying canine and human cognitive aging.
A comprehensive analysis of 59 real-time randomized experiments found that televised campaign ads sway candidate favorability by about 0.05 points and influence vote choice by an average of 0.7%. The impact of each ad is similar regardless of production, context, or target audience
Researchers found associations between disrupted sleep, elevated blood pressure and changes in the gut microbiome in a 28-day rat study. The study suggests that dysfunctional sleep impairs the body for a sustained period, leading to undesirable changes in the gut microbiome.
A study found that reef manta rays live and travel long-term between two UNESCO World Heritage areas in Australia, visiting protected sites for over a decade. The research uses satellite tags and photographs to fill gaps in migratory patterns for this large species of rays.
Scientists have developed a controlled human hookworm infection model to accelerate vaccine development, with the goal of preventing infections that affect 576-740 million people worldwide. The study will evaluate two lead vaccine antigens and assess their efficacy in a phase II trial.
A study published in Biology Letters found that house sparrows can learn from each other's behavior and become more daring when approaching new objects. After being paired with a more confident partner, cautious birds were 2.6 times more likely to feed near a new object.
Researchers at LMU find that H. pylori's genetic diversity enables it to exploit different cellular niches in the stomach lining, contributing to chronic infections and cancer risk.
A new study finds that asphalt is a significant source of air pollutants, particularly during hot and sunny conditions. The researchers discovered complex mixtures of organic compounds emitted by common road and roofing asphalts, comparable to motor vehicle emissions in Los Angeles.
Scientists at the University of Delaware have made an unprecedented discovery of bacterial cell fusion, where cells from two different species combine to form hybrid cells. This phenomenon allows microbes to share machinery and increase their odds of survival.
A US-Canada partnership, Seniors Quality Leap Initiative (SQLI), has shown improvements in pain management and overall quality of care for long-term care residents. By leveraging collective expertise and sharing evidence-based practices, SQLI aims to enhance both quality of care and quality of life for its residents.
The REALITY trial found that restricting blood transfusion to those with very low haemoglobin levels has no negative impact on clinical outcomes, while also saving blood. The trial showed that the restrictive strategy was non-inferior to the liberal strategy in preventing 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and was more cost-eff...
Researchers discovered that parasitic and non-parasitic plants respond to quinones, a class of organic compounds. Non-parasitic plants produce a calcium signal in response to quinones, which triggers defensive responses against bacteria and other microbes.
Researchers have developed efficient photocatalysts that can clean surfaces, sterilize medical instruments, and purify water under visible radiation. The new catalysts use natural aluminosilicate nanotubes with cadmium sulfide quantum dots, showing promise for environmental applications.
A world-first study found that an engineered form of the SMOC1 protein can decrease blood glucose levels and improve metabolic health in people with type 2 diabetes. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to create a new class of treatments for the condition.
Researchers found nearly identical viral genomes in glacier surface water from Arctic and Alps locations, suggesting a genetic 'fruit machine' process that creates diversity. This discovery challenges conventional understanding of virus evolution and highlights the importance of understanding viral interactions with hosts.
Researchers at KIST developed a next-generation zinc ion battery that uses water-based electrolytes, eliminating the risk of explosion or fire. The new battery maintains nearly 100% capacity over 1,000 cycles and can be manufactured in flexible fiber form for wearable devices.
Campylobacter cases increased by 18.5% in Denmark, mainly attributed to outbreaks related to chicken meat. The study highlights the need for better controls on campylobacter in food production chains and emphasizes the importance of reliable data for effective prevention measures.
A recent study has found that corticosteroids improve the odds of survival for very sick COVID-19 patients. The REMAP-CAP trial combined data from 121 hospitals in eight countries and found a 93% probability that giving patients hydrocortisone would result in better outcomes.
A study found that rapid testing for HIV and HCV at drug detoxification centers led to a higher number of positive test results compared to laboratory-based testing. This approach has the potential to improve healthcare access for individuals with substance use disorders, reducing the risk of transmission and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers have found that the number of tentacle arms in sea anemones is determined by their food intake, with muscle cells playing a crucial role in this process. This discovery sheds light on how environmental factors can influence morphological changes in organisms.
A new study by the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute found that grade 3 students who watched more than two hours of TV daily or spent more than one hour a day on a computer experienced a decline in academic results two years later. Heavy TV use was associated with a loss of four months in learning by age 10, while heavy computer use...
Researchers at Uppsala University found that a key mechanism of clot formation in COVID-19 may be activation of the complement system, triggered by elevated mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels and activity. MBL can contribute to a massive activation of the blood coagulation system, resulting in thrombosis.
Research reveals that babies born with higher levels of cadmium may be at increased risk of developing childhood asthma and allergies. Cadmium exposure has been found to interfere with immune systems and increase allergic reactions.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science develop novel mechanism for tuning luminescence of a transparent material by controlling proton concentration via voltage application. This breakthrough discovery opens possibilities for advancing methodologies in biological and electronics research.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC have received a five-year, $14.6 million grant to advance gene therapy for HIV control without daily medicines. The approach is inspired by three cases of HIV cure and aims to prepare patients for stem cell transplants with little toxicity.
Researchers have determined that the Bering Sea ice extent is at its most reduced state in the past 5,500 years. The study, published in Science Advances, analyzed a peat core from St. Matthew Island and found that modern sea ice conditions are unprecedentedly low.
A Singapore-US study found that bundled public health interventions increased bystander CPR likelihood nearly eightfold and survival over threefold in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The interventions included dispatch-assisted CPR, CPR training, and a mobile app, resulting in significant improvements in OHCA outcomes.
A nationwide study found that consuming even half a standard drink per day increases the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. The risk rises with alcohol intake, with men and women experiencing higher odds of obesity and metabolic syndrome when drinking more than half a standard drink per day.
Researchers suggest a novel process to explain the collision of a large black hole and a much smaller one, proposing that the more massive black hole was a product of a prior merger. This 'hierarchical' merging could generate a merger with a high mass ratio and spin.
Researchers have successfully overcome the phenomenon known as lasing death in quasi-2D perovskites by managing triplet excitons. By incorporating an organic layer to hold triplets in a low energy state, continuous lasing was achieved under constant optical excitation.
New experiments demonstrate the generation and manipulation of free electrons in liquid water using external terahertz fields. The results show that these fields enhance the number of free electrons by up to a factor of 1000, allowing for the transport and localization of charges in liquids.
Yale researchers found a molecular connection between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver insulin resistance. They identified diacylglycerols and ceramides as key players in this process.
Researchers found a slight increase in risk of ovarian cancer and some types of breast cancer among women who used permanent hair dyes. Natural hair color was also associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, while the use of darker hair dye colors may be linked to higher concentrations of ingredients.
A study published in Physiological Reviews suggests that elevated plasmin levels may contribute to COVID-19 susceptibility. Researchers propose using a drug that inhibits plasmin to reduce the virus's infectivity and virulence, with an ongoing clinical trial testing this hypothesis.
Researchers studied the binding of general anesthetics and benzodiazepines to the GABAA receptor in the brain. They found that both types of drugs can bind to multiple sites on the receptor, with differences between them. This discovery could lead to the development of new, more selective anesthetics with fewer side effects.
New research reveals aviation's significant impact on climate change, with non-carbon dioxide emissions making up two-thirds of its effects. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector's contribution to global warming.
A new study found that heavy television use and computer use in late childhood are linked to poorer reading and numeracy skills. Children who used electronic media for more than 1 hour per day showed a significant decline in academic performance compared to their peers.
A recent analysis of tagged monarch butterflies' migration from the US to Mexico found no decline in migration success and contradicts the theory that increased mortality during migration is driving population decline. The study highlights the importance of creating new habitat for milkweed, a crucial plant for monarchs' survival.
Researchers discovered that biological control agents can substantially reduce SDS pathogen growth and promote soybean defense. Trichoderma isolates interact with roots and activate plant genes to fend off pathogens, providing a sustainable tool for managing yield losses.
A study found that patients with Medicaid expansion plans receive joint replacement surgery significantly faster than those without, highlighting an unmet need. The results suggest a 'surge in demand' rather than gradual increase, and policymakers must consider access to care.
The HRSA Special Collection examines key challenges faced by populations served by the Health Resources and Administration, including maternal depression, newborn screening, and regional disparities in Black infant mortality. Research findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these issues.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have developed a new method to directly convert methane into commercial products, bypassing multiple energy-intensive stages. The breakthrough uses a molybdenum-zeolite catalyst and identifies two potential activation pathways for carbon-hydrogen bonding.
A study by the University of Sydney found that the calcified scaffolds in the Great Barrier Reef become thinner and weaker as pH levels drop, indicating a risk to reef stability. This 'glue' can now be used as an accurate measure for historic ocean acidification.
A new Yale University study found that political ads have consistently small persuasive effects across various characteristics, including tone, timing, and audience partisanship. The study showed that positive ads work no better than attack ads in influencing voter preferences, regardless of the candidate or party.
A Swedish study of 381 patients with low-grade brain tumors found that just 28% returned to full-time employment within a year. Factors associated with lower return rates included advanced age, functional level, and previous sick leave.
A recent study published in The Economic Journal found that bus drivers are more likely to grant free rides to white passengers than Black passengers. The researchers tested the drivers' willingness to provide discretionary favours and discovered a strong racial bias against Black customers.
Global warming may make viruses more resistant to disinfectants like chlorine and heating, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Researchers found that warm-water-adapted viruses are more resilient to inactivation than cold-water-adapted ones.