A recent review of 150 articles suggests that a small leak in the blood-brain barrier is associated with benign forgetfulness of aging, which could be an early stage of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers also found that preserving pericyte function may lead to a healthier blood-brain barrier and potentially treat Alzheimer's.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that malting side-stream products contain high amounts of phytochemicals and proteins, making them a potential source of nutritious food. The researchers identified 285 different phytochemicals in these products, with germination increasing their levels.
A recent study found that nearly one-third of adults over 65 taking thyroid hormone also use medications known to interfere with thyroid function tests. The study highlights the complexity of managing thyroid hormone replacement in older adults, who often take multiple medications for other conditions.
A new study published in Neuron shows that dopamine neurons play a key role in regulating pain responses in male and female mice, with females responding by focusing attention elsewhere when in pain. The research provides insights into the neural pathways involved in sex differences in pain sensitivity.
A team of geologists from TU Graz identified the chemical influencing factors and triggers for recurrent mass movements in fine-grained sediments, enabling preventive measures to be taken. By adapting drainage systems and considering interactions between the system and subsurface, stability can be increased and economic damage reduced.
A Phase 3 study found a three-drug regimen safe and effective in improving lung function, respiratory symptoms, and nutritional status in 6-11 year olds with F508del mutation, representing about 90% of US cystic fibrosis population. The treatment also showed significant improvements in sweat chloride concentration.
A NTU study of 1,006 Singaporeans found that public support for driverless vehicles is driven by perceptions of their safety and limitations in making moral judgments. Policymakers must consider these factors when promoting the adoption of driverless cars.
Researchers found that marketing perks can foster positive word-of-mouth without being used as explicit incentives, but their effectiveness depends on how they are framed. Perks with fewer strings attached can nudge consumers to generate positive WOM, making behavior-reward contingencies clear and salient.
A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that drinking electrolyte-enhanced water during and after exercise reduced muscle cramp susceptibility compared to plain water. The researchers suggest that pure water dilutes electrolyte concentration, making muscles more prone to cramps.
A new study by researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and the Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology found that goats can more quickly adapt to changing environmental conditions than sheep. The results suggest that goats are more cognitively flexible and better able to navigate around obstacles.
A new smartphone app has been shown to improve medication adherence and safety in patients with chronic kidney disease. The eKidneyCare app sent monthly reminders for medication reviews and reduced medication discrepancies by 44% compared to a commercially available stand-alone app.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a nanoscale artificial neuron device that efficiently carries out activation functions in hardware, reducing computing power and circuitry. The device, which implements the rectified linear unit activation function, can process images and perform edge detection with high accuracy.
A team of researchers has identified two complex PAHs in the Taurus Molecular Cloud, a patch of space where stars are not yet forming. This discovery suggests that these molecules can form at much lower temperatures than expected, potentially leading to new insights into planet formation.
Researchers have identified a way to reverse high blood sugar and muscle loss by targeting liver metabolism, which is disrupted in people with obesity-related type 2 diabetes. The study found that selectively silencing enzymes breaks down alanine can restore skeletal muscle protein synthesis, leading to improved muscle size and strength.
Scientists observe bonobos adopting infants born outside their social group, revealing strong parental instincts and emotional connection. The discovery sheds light on why humans adopt children without prior connections.
A new center at the University of Delaware will focus on musculoskeletal research, including tendonitis and osteoarthritis. The center aims to accelerate fundamental research and establish a comprehensive basic-to-clinical research pipeline.
A clinical trial found that immediate angiography reduced stroke treatment time by nearly half and improved recovery rates. At 90 days post-stroke, patients who underwent angiography showed a higher likelihood of regaining independence compared to those receiving standard CT scans.
Researchers found that state medical and recreational cannabis laws were associated with lower rates of self-harm and assault injuries. The study suggests that these laws may have contributed to a decrease in violent behavior, potentially due to the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have derived equations that explain how changes in an atom's size affect its total energy and electronegativity. The study, published in Chemical Science, paves the way for advances in material development and could help identify new opportunities for high-pressure synthesis.
Researchers have discovered four new lichen species in Kenyan cloud forests, showcasing the region's unique biodiversity. The isolated ecosystem is home to previously unknown Micarea genus species, highlighting the importance of preserving native forests.
Researchers successfully ignite lean methane/air mixtures using intense fs-lasers, achieving a 100% ignition success rate with sub-mJ energy. The approach has general applicability to complex combustion conditions and provides possibilities for ultrafast physical/chemical processes investigation.
Researchers developed a diagnostic test to identify virulent Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (Strep zoo) bacteria in pigs. The probe-based PCR assay reliably detected virulent strains while producing negative results for other pathogens.
Researchers studied 304 developing stars and found that gas-clearing by a star's outflow may not be as important in determining its final mass. The team's results indicate cavities in the surrounding gas cloud do not grow regularly, suggesting another process gets rid of excess gas.
Australian wildfires injected massive amounts of smoke into the stratosphere, causing record-breaking levels of atmospheric aerosols in the Southern Hemisphere. The effect was comparable to that of a moderate volcanic eruption and caused significant cooling over cloud-free ocean regions.
A new fabrication method for stable perovskite solar cells has been developed, enabling easy production, low cost and high performance. The sulfolane-additive process extends the processing window, forming highly crystalline layers over a large area with extended operational lifetimes.
A new study suggests that starting the day with breakfast can help lower blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, potentially reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 adults and found that eating earlier in the day was associated with improved metabolic health.
Researchers found that multiple genes and genetic variants are linked to flight performance in flies, with a central gene called pickpocket 23 regulating interactions. This study highlights the importance of genome-wide association studies in understanding complex traits like flight, which involve numerous genes.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a method to recreate the earliest stages of cellular development, allowing scientists to track individual cell lineages. By analyzing tiny variations in skin cells' genomes, they can reconstruct the early lineage trees for each person, shedding light on human biology and potentially diagnos...
The 2021 INF Standards of Practice expanded its guidance on needleless connectors to include anti-reflux technology, which causes the least amount of blood reflux. Anti-reflux needleless connectors can prevent catheter occlusions, failure, and infections by automatically eliminating unintentional blood reflux.
Two regions of DNA required for proper MECP2 expression have been identified in mice and humans, which could lead to new treatments for Rett Syndrome and MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. These discoveries provide hope for future treatments targeting these DNA regions.
Researchers investigate fundamental aspects of topological semimetals, enabling access to matter's physics and attractive platforms for electronic devices. A new family of semimetals has sparked interest due to their potential to revolutionize technology.
A survey of English smokers found that ethnic minority groups were less likely to use e-cigarettes as a means of reducing cigarette consumption or during temporary abstinence. This disparity may contribute to the higher risk of smoking-related diseases among these groups, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A UCLA-led research team identified a chemical cocktail that enables large numbers of muscle stem cells to be produced within 10 days. The approach shows promise for improving muscle regeneration and could lead to the development of stem cell-based therapies for muscle loss or damage due to injury, age, or disease.
The University of Maryland has co-published the first full reference genome sequence for rye in Nature Genetics. This valuable resource will help improve grain yield, disease resistance, and temperature tolerance to increase climate resilience in grain crops.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that Illinois high school students who use opioids are also more likely to engage in other forms of substance misuse, have mental health concerns, and experience bullying. The researchers analyzed data from over 230,000 students and identified three main profiles of individuals reportin...
A study published in the Global Health Journal found that more fragile countries had lower cumulative incidence and fatality rates for COVID-19. The researchers identified three specific indicators - State Legitimacy, External Intervention, and Security Apparatus - that increased the impact of the pandemic. Economically developed count...
A pilot study published in EBioMedicine found that metformin can improve immune function and reduce viral reservoir size in people living with HIV. The drug, commonly used to treat type-2 diabetes, was well-tolerated by patients and showed beneficial biological effects on colon biopsies.
Researchers discovered a novel pathway linking T-lymphocyte extracellular vesicles loaded with microRNAs to increased osteoclast formation and bone erosion. The study suggests that these extracellular vesicles act as inflammatory mediators, inducing differentiation of osteoclasts via inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2.
China seeks to maintain economic growth by increasing its global presence, investing in infrastructure, and securing trade routes. In Africa, China has established itself as the largest trading partner, while in the Arctic, it is expanding its military presence and securing resources.
Researchers found that more than 50% of children in high-risk populations are not receiving behavioral health services. The study highlights the need for better identification and access to intervention resources, particularly for young Black children.
A study found no evidence of increased risk during the first wave of the UK pandemic, but small increased risks of infection and hospital admission in adults living with children. The researchers conclude that close monitoring will be crucial as schools reopen.
A new statistical model identifies potential superspreader cities by incorporating both connectivity between cities and their varying suitability for infection. The risk of a city becoming a superspreader increases with infection suitability only up to a certain extent, but risk increases indefinitely with increased connectivity.
Researchers have confirmed histoplasmosis, a fungal infection transmitted through bat and bird droppings, is now found in Alberta, extending its known range northwest from the central United States and southern Ontario. Locally-acquired cases were primarily found in rural areas in central Alberta.
Marine animals including green sea turtles, sharks, and penguins exhibit similar circling movements at constant speeds, defying efficiency. This behavior may aid navigation or detection of magnetic fields.
Researchers found that Amami tip-nosed frog altered its hind limb length in response to the invasive mongoose, with longer legs potentially aiding escape. The frog's endurance also increased under strong predation pressure from the mongoose, but not its burst movement ability.
Patients treated via mobile stroke units received clot-busting medications faster and more often, leading to significant improvements in recovery and reduced disability. The study found that one-third of patients were treated within an hour, with 53% making a complete recovery after three months.
Researchers developed a system using wireless sensing and artificial intelligence to detect medication errors. The system tracks patients' movements and alerts healthcare providers when necessary, potentially reducing hospital visits.
MCG faculty adapted traditional curriculum to provide an online Pandemic Medicine Elective, covering topics from SARS-CoV-2 to professional responsibility. Students logged over 6,000 service hours through projects like mask delivery and contact tracing.
Researchers suggest covering California's public water delivery canals with solar panels to reduce evaporation and increase renewable energy production. The study found that cable-supported installations showed a 20-50% higher net present value, indicating greater financial return on investment.
A new study from UC San Francisco found that tweets with the hashtag #chinesevirus were more likely to pair it with racist hashtags compared to those using #covid19. The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, highlights the stigmatizing effect of naming a disease after a place or group.
Lockdowns in the US and Europe led to changes in Google Trends data for family-related searches, including weddings and contraception. Researchers analyzed these trends to better understand the impact of social distancing measures on individual behaviors.
A seroprevalence study of 9,542 residents in Wuhan found that 6.9% had COVID-19 antibodies, including 82% with asymptomatic infections. Neutralizing antibodies developed by 40%, remaining stable for at least 9 months.
Research suggests that contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is concordant with MRI for staging in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and breast augmentation. CEM was found to be effective in detecting additional cancers not identified by MRI, including two malignant lesions.
An interdisciplinary research team at Kiel University has produced a highly conductive hydrogel that retains its elasticity, suitable for medical implants. The innovative production method uses graphene to achieve high electrical conductivity while maintaining the original mechanical properties.
A large-scale study in Denmark reveals that most people who have had COVID-19 are protected from catching it again for at least six months. However, elderly patients are more prone to reinfection, with only 47% protection against repeat infection compared to 80% for younger people.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified 25 rare genetic variants associated with increased risk of lung cancer. These variants, which include insertions and deletions, lead to genomic instability and increase DNA damage, suggesting a potential role in cancer development.
A new study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that a lower dose of tamoxifen can reduce the risk of breast cancer while minimizing adverse reactions. The research involved 1,440 women who received different doses of the drug, with the lowest dose showing a significant reduction in mammographic density and side effects.
A cancer oncologist reflects on advising patients with cancer about travel during the pandemic. The author considers the importance of weighing the potential benefits of travel against the increased risk of complications.
A new study published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles provides estimates of the elusive component of the global carbon cycle. The researchers used two stable carbon isotopes to track carbon through different components of the cycle, finding much higher numbers for land-to-ocean carbon transfer
A study found that women with diabetes are less likely to use effective contraception after their diagnosis, contradicting the American Diabetes Association's recommendation. The researchers hope to improve comprehensive care for pregnant women with diabetes by providing full range of safe and effective contraceptive options.