Researchers found that abnormal amyloid deposits were present in fewer older adults with major depression compared to non-depressed control subjects. However, the study suggests that depression is still a risk factor for cognitive decline, but through a mechanism other than amyloid deposition.
Research shows that maintaining good cardiovascular health can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in middle-aged individuals, regardless of their genetic susceptibility. The study found that individuals with ideal CVH had a lower lifetime risk of T2D compared to those with poor or intermediate CVH.
A USF study found that COVID-19 causes an average of nearly 10 years of life loss per person who dies after contracting the virus. The researchers used a tool called 'years of life lost' to account for age, sex and pre-existing conditions, revealing significant disparities in mortality effects across different age groups and regions.
A new study suggests that people with surgically repaired ventricular septal defects have worse functional exercise capacity than those without the defect, and this difference worsens with age. The findings highlight the importance of follow-up care and exercise testing for adults with congenital heart disease.
A recent study by Curtin University reveals that approximately a quarter of the world's carnivorous plant species are at risk of extinction. The biggest threats to these unique plants are human activities such as agriculture, mining, and climate change, which can lead to habitat loss and hydrological changes.
Researchers at the University of Houston are developing machine learning and natural language processing techniques to generate novel attacks and improve filters against cyber threats. The goal is to stay one step ahead of hackers and close the loop by continuously improving detectors.
Researchers have developed magnetically propelled microbots derived from tea buds that can dislodge biofilms, release an antibiotic to kill bacteria, and clean away the debris. The T-Budbots showed promise in treating bacterial biofilms involved in hospital-acquired infections.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that lung transplant patients who receive antifungal preventive medications have a significantly lower risk of death within the first year posttransplant. The study analyzed data from 667 patients and found that mortality risk was about twice as high in those not receiving treatment.
Scientists have developed a method to create high-resolution maps of contact points between replicated chromosomes, providing insights into the molecular machinery regulating DNA conformation and repair. This breakthrough could shed light on the mechanics underlying genome transport during cell division.
Researchers in China have designed a nanogenerator that captures light breezes, generating electricity through the triboelectric effect. The device can power small electronic devices and is suitable for nature reserves or cities, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional wind turbines.
A US study found a steady decline in initial SARS-CoV-2 viral loads among hospitalised patients from April to June 2020, coinciding with a decrease in deaths. The authors suggest an association between initial viral load and mortality, but note that exact reasons for the decline are unclear.
Researchers at Center for BrainHealth used 7-Tesla MRS to differentiate energy molecules in the brains of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, a condition that may lead to Alzheimer's disease. The findings could help develop tests for early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's.
Post-tropical cyclone Teddy is generating heavy rainfall over eastern Canada, causing destructive waves and strong winds. NASA estimated rainfall rates around the center of circulation at 5-15 mm per hour, with heavier precipitation expected throughout most of the storm.
People with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 clinical outcomes, especially older individuals with longer disease duration and worse glucose control. However, young people with or without diabetes are coping better with the infection, likely due to differences in anatomy, epidemiology, and gene expressions.
Sodium-ion batteries have great potential to represent the next generation of low cost and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions. The technology offers attractive properties such as low cost, sustainable precursors, and secure raw material supplies.
A new study published in the Journal of Physiology found that exercising before menopause is crucial for women to develop blood vessels in muscles and improve muscle strength. The research revealed that capillaries in skeletal muscle are essential for physical capacity, health, and insulin sensitivity, which can lead to Type II diabetes.
A recent study published in eLife reveals that cheater mitochondria can thrive in simple worms by exploiting cellular stress coping mechanisms. This finding sheds light on the evolution of cheating and cooperative behaviors within organisms, suggesting that competing selection pressures may promote group-level tolerance to cheating.
Researchers at NIST create complex structures with nanometer-scale precision using a new 3D-printing method, enabling the production of tiny medical devices such as flexible electrodes. The technique uses electron beams or X-rays to initiate gel formation, allowing for finer structural detail than traditional methods.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals from Black and Hispanic backgrounds in the US are twice as likely to test positive for COVID-19 than their White counterparts. Despite this higher risk, there was no significant difference in mortality rates among those who tested positive across racial and ethnic groups....
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that the Arctic tundra has become greener over the past few decades due to warmer air and soil temperatures, which have led to increased plant growth.
Researchers found that having elevated cholesterol during teens or early twenties increases risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular event in middle age. Regular cholesterol screenings starting in early adulthood may help reduce this risk.
Human intestinal organoids grown from stem cells help identify peptide YY as a possible therapeutic for severe malabsorption. The hormone allows 80% of mice to survive with just one injection per day, showing promise for treating congenital disorder.
Researchers at Technische Universitßt Dresden have successfully developed printable organic transistors with high switching frequencies and adjustable threshold voltages. These breakthrough devices can be used to create complex logic circuits and enable flexible electronic applications such as RFID and high-resolution displays
Researchers demonstrate that high-resolution spectroscopy can detect water vapour and other chemicals in the atmospheres of exoplanets behind dense clouds. Models based on known exoplanets with clouds show promise for detecting trace species with just a few nights of observations.
Researchers created artificial cells that can communicate with natural cells, potentially treating illnesses by delivering specific therapeutic molecules. The AI-powered cells detect changes in their environment and release protein signals to influence other cells.
A study found that Instagram users posting self-harm content use ambiguous hashtags to avoid detection, creating online communities for those seeking support. The prevalence and impact of such content remain unknown, with some research suggesting potential benefits from supportive interactions and others highlighting risks of normaliza...
A pioneering study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found light therapy to be safe and measurable in the brain, showing promise as a treatment for TBI. The study included 68 patients with moderate traumatic brain injury and found statistically significant differences in myelin integrity surrounding neurons.
Tropical Storm Paulette reformed in the central North Atlantic Ocean, with estimated rainfall rates of up to 5mm per hour. NASA's IMERG satellite product provided near-real-time rainfall estimates, showing the storm's intensification and potential impact on the region.
A review of evidence suggests that school closures may have negative consequences on children's mental health and limited effectiveness in preventing transmission. Experts recommend balancing pros and cons of reopening strategies, taking into account psychological, educational, and social consequences.
Researchers found evidence of arsenic-based photosynthesis in deep time, providing insight into early life's metabolic processes. The discovery of an active microbial mat in the Atacama Desert suggests that life may have used arsenic instead of oxygen for energy in ancient times.
Researchers have discovered a memory effect that dramatically alters the Doppler wave signature in scattered waves. This effect, which appears in both relativistic and classical regimes, is influenced by memories of prior wave interactions, resulting in asymmetric peaks in the scattered spectrum.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that resuming sexual activity within months after a heart attack is positively associated with long-term survival. Maintaining or increasing sexual frequency was linked to a 35% lower risk of death compared to abstaining.
A study led by UC Davis Health researchers found that diabetic ketoacidosis is associated with cognitive problems in children, including lower long-term memory and IQ. The study also showed that repeated episodes of DKA can lead to worsening cognitive deficits over time.
The National Association of Science Writers has honored the winners of the 2020 Excellence in Institutional Writing Awards for their exceptional science writing. Miles Hatfield from NASA won in the long-form category with 'A Shot in the Dark: Chasing the Aurora From the World's Northernmost Rocket Range.' Marshall from the University o...
New research links diabetes to risk of COVID-19 infection and differential outcomes, highlighting the importance of optimising blood sugar control in people with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Better control appears to be an important modifier of COVID-19 severity, suggesting a therapeutic opportunity for diabetes management.
A new approach to evaluating bridge strength and remaining life is being developed by a University of Texas at Arlington engineer, combining non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques with computer modeling and full-scale load testing. The method aims to prioritize repairs without closing roads.
A study of over 1,600 obese women found no significant difference in infection rates between those treated with NPWT and standard wound dressing. Despite this, women in the negative pressure group experienced more skin irritations.
A study by the University of Washington found that US public schools display bias towards Muslim and atheist students, with a 5-13% lower response rate compared to Christian students. The researchers suggest that this bias may stem from perceived costs associated with accommodating religious needs.
A recent study found that animals quickly lose their antipredator behaviors after interacting with humans, with domestication leading to the fastest changes. This loss can have significant implications for conservation and urban planning.
Analysis of US cellphone data finds areas with low social distancing levels, driven by demographic factors such as population density. The study suggests encouraging voluntary distancing could be an effective alternative to government restrictions, reducing disease spread.
A new study found that wildfire smoke leads to a 6.1% increase in medical visits for asthma patients compared to days with similar pollution levels from other sources. The research team suggests that wildfire PM is more hazardous than non-wildfire PM for asthma patients, likely due to differences in chemical composition or human behavior.
Researchers from KAIST applied deep learning techniques to identify abnormal brain structures associated with autism. These findings suggest AI can aid in more consistent diagnoses than human observations alone. The analysis tool provides a prognosis of how the condition could develop.
Researchers developed a decision tool called the COVID-19 Inpatient Risk Calculator (CIRC) to predict disease trajectory in patients. Older age and obesity are identified as independent risk factors for progression to severe disease or death, according to findings published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is expanding two randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of convalescent plasma as a treatment for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The trials aim to assess clinical improvement measures and resource needs, such as ventilators.
Facial displays of trustworthiness increased in European portraits between the fourteenth and twenty-first centuries, closely following rising living standards. The study used face-processing software on over 6,000 portraits to validate its findings.
A global survey of over 7,000 patients with type 1 diabetes found that three-quarters would continue using online or telephone appointments with their doctors. Glucose control was positively associated with a positive perception of telemedicine, and age and education level did not appear to influence perceptions.
A University of Illinois Chicago team has been awarded over $4 million to establish a research center focusing on the health and function of people with serious mental illness. The center will test interventions to help patients access medical care, learn illness self-management strategies, and rebuild their lives.
Scientists have found that part of the acoustic energy released from a solar flare emanated from about 1,000 kilometers beneath the solar surface, suggesting that flares can create seismic activity. This discovery may lead to the development of a new method to forecast the size and severity of solar flares.
Researchers at Technical University of Denmark have isolated new strains of lactic acid bacteria that can increase the safety of fermented camel milk products. The bacteria can kill off disease-causing microorganisms such as E.coli and salmonella, making the milk safer for consumption.
Researchers found that humans are more willing to employ deceptive negotiating techniques when using virtual agents, particularly those with prior experience or negative negotiation experiences. The study suggests that people may feel more comfortable relying on virtual agents to act deceptively, as they perceive it as less personal.
Researchers at University College London have discovered that chromium steel was first made in ancient Persia, dating back to the 11th century CE. The production of chromium crucible steel marks a distinct Persian tradition, separate from Central Asian methods.
A study by Dr. Cox's team reveals that radio-resistance in bacteria can be induced independently of desiccation, with complex genetic mutations and cellular metabolisms affected.
Thirty years after the ADA, employment rates remain low for individuals with spinal cord injury. New models like individual placement and support (IPS) and vocational resource facilitation (VRF) are helping more people achieve competitive employment.
Research finds that xenophobic attitudes towards migration are widespread in East German communities, unaffected by the arrival of refugees. Negative attitudes prevail despite personal exposure to refugees, with some right-wing and left-wing groups converging on moderate views when receiving refugees.
A systematic review of air contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals found high levels of viral RNA in patient toilets, staff areas and public spaces. The positivity rate was 27.5% in close patients' environments, with lower rates in distant areas.
A study investigated human dispersal's effect on disease control and total extent of an infection's spread. Researchers used the susceptible-infected-susceptible model to analyze the impact of human migration on infection sizes and disease prevalence in different regions.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a potential new drug candidate against enterovirus 71, a common cause of severe hand, foot and mouth disease. The small molecule inhibits the virus's RNA structure, blocking replication and potentially offering a new treatment option.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ) successfully treat two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus using daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting plasma cells. The treatment resulted in sustainable clinical responses and reduced systemic inflammation.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that postmenopausal women have impaired formation of small blood vessels in their muscles, which can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Physical activity prior to menopause may help prevent this decline.
A publicly available water quality database has been created for nearly 12,000 freshwater lakes worldwide, providing insights into lake health and the effects of human activity, climate warming, and land use on water quality. The database can help scientists monitor and manage lake health, informing environmental management decisions.