A recent RAND Corporation report reveals that US prescription drug prices are substantially higher than those in other developed countries, with brand-name drugs costing an average of 3.44 times more. In contrast, unbranded generic drugs account for 84% of US spending but have prices slightly lower than most global peers.
New research suggests that aerosol particles may not have as cooling effect on the climate as previously thought. Cloud researcher Franziska Glassmeier and her team created an extensive data set of cloud simulations to better understand this effect, which they found to be overestimated by traditional ship-track data.
A new study uses psychological distance as a way to leverage qualities of existing consumer-brand relationships, finding that matching the distance with language can improve outcomes like brand spending and charitable donations. The research highlights the value for marketers to embrace the relationship status quo.
Researchers developed a new approach to improve holographic display technology, combining software and hardware advancements. Michelson holography uses two phase-only SLMs to create higher-quality images, overcoming limitations of existing technologies and enabling compact devices for virtual and augmented reality applications.
Researchers found that pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 produce high levels of IgG and neutralizing antibodies, but the transfer of these antibodies to their infants is less than expected. This study is the first to investigate the potency of maternal antibodies in COVID-19.
Researchers found that husbands and wives who had everyday routines disrupted by their spouses felt negative emotions toward them and perceived the marriage as turbulent. Couples who strategize and accommodate each other's schedules can reduce negative emotional responses.
A new study estimates that vaccination against 10 major pathogens will have prevented 69 million deaths in low-income and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2030. Vaccination programs are expected to reduce mortality from these diseases by 72% for those born in 2019, with the greatest impact on children under five.
In the phase II CodeBreak 100 trial, sotorasib demonstrated a confirmed response rate of 32.2%, a median duration of response of 10.9 months, and a median progression-free survival of 6.3 months in patients with pretreated NSCLC and KRAS p.G12C mutations.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside discovered fermented food waste can boost beneficial bacteria in plants, increasing crop growth and resistance to pathogens. The treatment reduces carbon emissions from farming and has potential for sustainable agriculture practices.
Researchers have developed a genetic engineering method to observe woody cell wall formation in plants, allowing them to better understand the mechanisms behind complex biological processes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of stronger construction materials with a smaller carbon footprint.
Professor Jan van Aardt is developing drone-based solutions to analyze nutrient levels in grapevines using hyperspectral and LiDAR imaging systems. The goal is to provide practical sensing tools for farmers to optimize fertilization efforts and improve vineyard productivity.
A study found that young autistic drivers have lower rates of moving violations and license suspensions, as well as similar crash rates compared to non-autistic peers. However, they were more likely to be involved in crashes while making left- or U-turns and failing to yield for other vehicles or pedestrians.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health suggests that investing in cycling and walking infrastructure could save up to 770 lives per year across the Northeastern US, with a monetary value of $7.6 billion annually.
Researchers have developed a treatment that allows patients with spinal cord injuries to regain control of their blood pressure, reducing the risk of life-threatening consequences. The treatment uses biomimetic electrical stimulation to adapt to real-time blood-pressure measurements and restore hemodynamic balance.
A rare genetic syndrome caused by mutations in the gene SATB1 has been identified, characterized by neurodevelopmental delay, intellectual disability, and muscle tone abnormalities. Variations in the gene lead to different levels of protein activity, resulting in varying symptoms and severity.
A University of Cambridge study finds significant evidence of workplace discrimination against disabled teachers, with barriers to career progression and a lack of accommodations. The research highlights the need to recruit more disabled people into teaching, citing their skills, knowledge, and empathy as assets.
Research highlights barriers to lung cancer care for marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and low-income patients. Key findings also show sex disparities in lung cancer incidence rates across countries.
A high-resolution 3D chromatin structure map of the macaque fetal brain has been constructed, revealing human-specific chromatin structural changes. These changes include 499 human-specific TADs and 1266 human-specific loops, which are enriched with enhancer-enhancer interactions.
A new machine learning model, integrated with CT scans of the lungs, surpasses benchmarks in predicting disease severity and supports hospital resource management. Additionally, Owkin develops models to discover coronavirus epitopes that may improve future vaccine efficacy.
Research found that individuals with lower power distance beliefs (egalitarian values) react more harshly to morally transgressing companies due to increased empathy for victims. Companies can improve standing by offering sincere apologies and remedies.
A new study found that pregnant women living in areas with high social vulnerability are at increased risk of preterm birth. The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index was used to determine the likelihood of preterm birth, with socioeconomic and household composition themes showing the strongest association.
Researchers used computer models to recreate the impact that carved out Mead crater, finding that Venus's lithosphere must have been quite thick for the crater's ring structures to be where they are. This suggests that plate tectonics was not happening on Venus at the time of the impact.
Researchers Seiichi Yamano and Brian Schmidt aim to develop a new class of medicines using gene therapy to effectively treat oral cancer pain. They will test whether co-delivery of DNA and RNA can safely alleviate oral cancer pain, offering an alternative to opioids.
Researchers found that pentosidine and carboxymethyl-lysine, two types of advanced glycation end products, are significantly associated with prevalent vertebral fracture in postmenopausal women. The study suggests that these AGEs may impact bone status via different mechanisms, contributing to impaired bone quality.
Researchers discovered that pancreatic cancer changes its microenvironment to evade immune cells, which can be reversed by targeting a specific protein called STAT1. This finding offers a new approach to immunotherapy for this deadly cancer.
A study by Hokkaido University reveals that tick saliva contains prostaglandin E2, which suppresses the immune response of helper T cells in cattle. This finding could lead to better protection for cattle against tick-borne diseases.
Researchers developed an evolutionary agent-based model to understand the impact of prioritizing discoveries and found that it can lead to reduced quality research and publication bias. However, reforms like scoop protection can help mitigate these issues.
A Boston University research team mapped molecular activities in lung cells at the onset of coronavirus infection, revealing 18 FDA-approved drugs that could halt the virus' replication process. The discovery may lead to more effective therapeutic interventions and reduce deaths related to COVID-19 infections.
A new type of rocket thruster could take humankind to Mars and beyond by exploiting the mechanism behind solar flares. The device accelerates plasma particles using magnetic reconnection, a process found throughout the universe, to generate high velocities.
Scientists at KAUST developed rules to protect inserted genes from nematode natural defenses, allowing for multiple generations of gene expression. A web application helps analyze DNA sequences for PATC watermarks, facilitating research on transgene silencing resistance.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered how propofol, a common anesthetic, disrupts the movement of kinesin proteins that deliver cargo along microtubules. The study found that propofol binding shortens the 'run length' of kinesin's motion by up to 60%, leading to its release from the microtubule and stopping its movement.
A retrospective analysis of cesarean deliveries found using a wound infusion pump with enhanced recovery efforts reduced opioid use by more than 80%. A third of patients never took narcotic pain pills after the procedure.
A study published in eLife reveals that humans living in Cabo Verde adapted to malaria over just 500 years, with a genetic mutation spreading rapidly through the population. This finding provides evidence of recent genetic adaptation and highlights the impact of human migration on disease resistance.
New research from the University of Illinois shows that consistent energy levels and rumen-boosting supplement monensin are ideal during the dry period for dairy cows. The study found no significant difference in cow performance or metabolic indicators between controlled-energy diets and variable energy diets.
A Purdue University team developed a patented extraction method to separate mucilage from chia seeds, yielding a protein-rich flour with improved bioactivity. This method allows for more efficient processing of chia seeds for nutritional and pharmaceutical uses, potentially slowing signs of aging.
A study of 251 FLUXNET sites revealed that vegetation and soil characteristics control transpiration to evapotranspiration ratio, with a trade-off between precipitation interception and soil evaporation. The results provide new insights into the role of plants in global water and carbon cycles during climate change.
A large study found that pregnant women with severe COVID-19 are more likely to experience serious complications, such as cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and preterm birth. These outcomes can have long-term health consequences for women and their infants.
Researchers found that cloudy weather leads to lower investments in risky equity crowdfunding campaigns, with novice investors reacting more strongly. To mitigate this effect, entrepreneurs can target experienced investors or increase marketing efforts on cloudy days.
A team of scientists discovered a 635 million-year-old fungi-like microfossil in South China's Doushantuo Formation, which predates the oldest dinosaurs. The fossil provides evidence of fungi's role in recycling nutrients and influencing biochemical weathering during the Ediacaran period.
A new study found that lobsters' genes respond strongly to ocean acidification and temperature changes, potentially impacting their growth and survival. The research suggests that lobsters may be more vulnerable to the effects of climate change than previously believed.
A study found that frequent cannabis use by young people is associated with a decline in Intelligence Quotient (IQ) points over time. The decline was primarily related to reduction in verbal IQ scores, potentially affecting performance in school and future employment prospects.
The successful test paves the way for designing a more powerful transmitter to enhance detection and imaging of small objects in near-Earth space. The technology will allow unprecedented detail and sensitivity, increasing our understanding of the Solar System.
Naked mole-rats form distinctive, colony-specific chirps that convey individual's social membership and are culturally transmitted across generations. These dialects change when a queen dies and young pups learn the dialect of their adoptive groups.
Rutgers researchers will develop predictive models for severe illness in children from COVID-19 infection. The study aims to identify pediatric patients or communities at-risk for serious illness due to SARS-CoV-2, enabling healthcare providers to prioritize resources.
A new study has solved Charles Darwin's long-standing puzzle about the origin of flowering plants, revealing they likely emerged around 100 million years ago. The research team used complex modeling and fossil data to estimate the age of flowering plants, contradicting earlier estimates that suggested a much more recent origin.
A recent study found that COVID-19 is associated with increased psychological distress among adults, particularly women, younger adults, and those of lower socioeconomic status. The study suggests that outreach programs targeting these groups are crucial for mental health support during the pandemic.
Researchers developed a neural network that can adapt to new data inputs, continuously learning from changing time series data streams. This 'liquid' network could boost the development of emerging technologies like self-driving cars and medical diagnostics.
A £375,000 two-year study led by Professor Kate Hunt aims to understand the lived experiences and support needs of people suffering from 'long COVID'. The research will produce a reliable online resource with practical information and support for those affected and their families and carers.
A review found that routine surveillance is unlikely to affect SARS-CoV-2 transmission in healthcare settings, and may even have unintended negative consequences. Low infection rates among asymptomatic healthcare providers make routine testing impractical.
A study by NTU Singapore found that the Singapore public is more accepting of drones in industrial zones than residential areas. The research team identified fears and concerns, such as privacy loss and misuse of drones, as key factors influencing public acceptance. To improve acceptance levels, policymakers and regulators should adapt...
Researchers created protein-based biosensors that emit light when mixed with virus proteins or antibodies, offering a rapid diagnostic solution. The new technology shows promise for detecting COVID-19 infections without the need for genetic amplification, addressing supply chain shortages.
A new study from Duke University found that younger men who rely on others' opinions for their sense of masculinity are more likely to respond aggressively when threatened. This group, including those between 18-29 years old, exhibited violent thoughts and responses when told they were less manly than average.
Researchers developed a gene therapy strategy to treat Leber congenital amaurosis by adding copies of the normal CRX gene under its native control mechanism. This approach restored some CRX protein function and drove expression of opsins in patient-derived retinal organoids.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in generating human hemogenic endothelial cells outside the body, paving the way for growing organs and treating blood disorders. The discovery, published in prestigious journals Science and Cell Reports, reveals a key trigger that causes these cells to form during embryonic development.
Scientists have created a technique using stable isotopic analysis of eye lenses to reveal a fish's life history and diet. The study found that fish on floodplains grew faster and had different dietary signatures than those in rivers or hatcheries, providing valuable insights for managing habitats and conservation efforts.
Researchers found that exposure to common antiviral and antiretroviral drugs reduced lettuce biomass by over a third. The chemicals were also detected in leaves and roots, highlighting potential ecological consequences.
Researchers from Nagoya University have developed a new class of super-hard composite materials by adding zirconium atoms to aluminum oxide and tungsten carbide. The resulting materials exhibit exceptionally high bending strengths greater than 2 gigapascals, making them stronger than previous CMCs.
A team of archaeologists has discovered that the Chumash Indians in California were using shell beads as currency around 2,000 years ago. The team's findings, published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, challenge long-held assumptions about the origins of money in the Americas.
Massachusetts post-overdose outreach programs have expanded across the state, with 44% of municipalities reporting available programs since 2015. These collaborations between public health and public safety organizations provide critical services like addiction treatment and naloxone to reduce overdose risk.
Researchers have developed a system to capture and 'farm' natural killer immune cells from the blood to harvest their cancer-killing exosomes. The technology uses a microfluidic chip and ExoBeads to isolate NK exosomes, which are more stable and easier to modify for therapeutic purposes.