A genetic mutation associated with autism can inhibit the release of oxytocin, a peptide that regulates social behavior, and cause abnormal social behavior in mice. This finding suggests that CAPS2 protein plays a critical role in facilitating the release of peripheral oxytocin into the bloodstream.
A study found that two-fifths of Medicare beneficiaries with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have limited access to pulmonary rehabilitation services. The researchers identified significant disparities in access across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
LHAASO's discovery opens up an era for UHE gamma astronomy, prompting scientists to rethink high-energy particle acceleration and propagation mechanisms. The observatory detected 12 stable gamma ray sources with energies up to 1 PeV, revealing the Milky Way is full of PeVatrons.
Scientists have developed a new process to integrate special dyes into electric motor insulation, allowing for early detection of degradation. This could lead to reduced motor replacements and improved efficiency in electric vehicles.
Researchers discovered innate immune markers increased in frequency in modern people from a region that experienced the plague, suggesting these markers might have evolved to resist the disease. The study also found changes in allele distribution for immune-related genes, which could be evidence of past Yersinia pestis exposure.
Eating a Western diet impairs gut immune function, increasing the risk of infection and inflammatory bowel disease. Paneth cell damage caused by high sugar and fat consumption can lead to excessive inflammation.
A recent study found that only 19% of women in sub-Saharan Africa underwent cervical cancer screenings between 2011 and 2018. The rates varied greatly by country, with some countries having nearly 46% of women screened versus less than 1%. Increasing screenings is crucial to detect the disease early and improve treatment outcomes.
A meta-analysis of 106 RCTs found psychosocial interventions prolonging life by 20% compared to standard care. Interventions promoting health behaviors were associated with improved survival, while those focusing solely on emotional support yielded smaller gains.
A study led by Florida Atlantic University confirms that the non-native vervet monkey population in Dania Beach has West African origins and were introduced through a failed roadside zoo. The research provides critical baseline information on this little-known population, shedding light on their adaptation to urban environments.
Scientists at Medical College of Georgia are working on a synthetic version of the HLA-G molecule to protect transplanted kidneys from rejection. They hope this therapy will enable dose reduction of standard immunosuppressive drugs, reducing the risk of infections and other medical problems.
Researchers used genetic methods to examine 12 coagulation measures, uncovering four factors associated with migraine susceptibility in individuals with aura. The study suggests a potential causal role of hemostatic factors in migraines with aura.
Researchers from NUS and TU have developed a method to harness WiFi signals using spin-torque oscillators, converting them into energy to power small electronics. The device successfully harvested energy from WiFi-band signals to light up an LED wirelessly without using any battery.
Photodynamic therapy has shown promising results in treating respiratory tract infections and some types of cancer. Adding antibodies to the treatment can increase its efficacy, making it an attractive option for rapid responses to pandemics. The new approach uses viral antibodies attached to light-absorbing molecules to target viruses...
Researchers have designed optical rectennas that can capture excess heat and turn it into usable electricity, achieving efficiencies 100 times higher than previous tools. The devices use a phenomenon called resonant tunneling to pass through solid matter without losing energy.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed new peanut varieties that combine the genetic diversity of wild relatives with the desirable traits of modern peanuts. The new lines are resistant to diseases such as leaf spot and root-knot nematode, and offer improved sustainability for farmers.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created a prototype for a rechargeable cement-based battery with an average energy density of 7 Wh/m2. The concept has vast potential for energy storage and monitoring applications in buildings, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.
The new test detects a specific protein (CFP-10) in children's blood samples with high sensitivity and accuracy, identifying TB cases with 100% accuracy. It can detect TB up to 60 weeks before diagnosis, offering early detection and potentially saving lives.
A new study led by Russ Van Horn finds that steep terrain and rugged spots are crucial for female Andean bears to choose suitable dens for their cubs. The research may aid conservation efforts by providing critical information on managing human activities near bear habitats.
A meta-analysis found that adding revascularization to medical therapy reduces cardiovascular death by 21% in patients with stable ischemic heart disease. The benefit increases over time, with a greater impact on survival for those with extensive disease.
The study reveals that shootin1a mechanically links polymerizing actin with cell adhesion molecules in dendritic spines, enhancing coupling and allowing structural plasticity. This finding is significant as changes in dendritic spine plasticity have been implicated in various neurological disorders.
Research presented at the ATS 2021 International Conference found that cumulative tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy and childhood is associated with decreased lung function in children. Even small amounts of secondhand smoke exposure can have detrimental effects on children's lung function.
A study analyzing 105 glaucoma trials reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in clinical trial participation. Minority groups are underrepresented in these trials, which could impact the development of effective treatments for diverse populations.
The EBC MAIN trial found no significant difference in one-year clinical outcomes between planned single stenting and upfront two-stent techniques for true bifurcation distal left main disease. The primary composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization occurred at a rate of 14.7% in the provision...
Researchers developed a new basis for comparing tuberculosis treatments using an rRNA synthesis ratio, enabling more intelligent drug design and acceleration of treatments. This tool has crucial implications for combatting the global TB epidemic by providing a durable cure.
Researchers at University of Basel analyze archaeological seeds to show Swiss farmers domesticated opium poppy around 5500 BCE. The method used involves measuring seed cells and shape to distinguish between wild and domestic variants.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals relying on traditional news sources are more accepting of the COVID-19 vaccine. The research highlights the importance of trusted sources in shaping public opinion on vaccination.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal highlights the importance of urban design in promoting heart health. The authors argue that cities play a significant role in causing environmental stressors such as air pollution, noise, and heat island effects, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study found that drastic changes in the Mediterranean climate and geology 6 million years ago led to the emergence of new species in wall lizards. The researchers believe hybridization played a key role in this process, fueling evolution and promoting biodiversity.
A new metric characterizes the 'inertia' of water after rainfall, allowing better analysis of freshwater storage capability using satellite data. On average, global land surfaces can retain over one quarter of monthly precipitation, with smaller areas having wetter conditions and larger areas having drier climates.
Researchers recommend increasing milkweed stems in the Midwest and southern U.S. to support the eastern monarch butterfly population, which has dwindled to 2.3 overwintering hectares due to habitat loss and climate change.
A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that COVID-19 outcomes are worse for racial and ethnic groups in the Twin Cities, independent of socioeconomic status. Non-English speaking also contributes to worse outcomes, according to the research.
Environmental psychologists are urging individuals and employers to capitalize on the shifts observed during the pandemic to adopt new, greener habits. Recent surveys suggest that UK lockdowns significantly reduced carbon footprints and individuals' willingness to take climate action remains strong.
Urban megaprojects have severe implications for environmental processes, disrupting urban water flows, biodiversity, and flood regimes. The study's findings emphasize the need for community involvement and funders' accountability to ensure sustainable development.
A new microfluidics system automates the loading of cryoprotectants in IVF embryos before freezing them, reducing molecular damage caused by cryopreservation. This approach enables faster and more efficient embryo cryopreservation with lower concentrations of toxic chemicals.
A new simulation method predicts blood flow conditions that cause pathological behavior of the human blood protein vWF. This breakthrough has the potential to optimize the design of left ventricular assist devices used in heart failure patients and improve diagnosis and treatment of von Willebrand disease, a common inherited bleeding d...
Researchers developed advanced torque vectoring methods to enhance power consumption, safety, and driveability in electric vehicles. The innovative system uses predictive control models with fuzzy logic to adaptively prioritize vehicle dynamics or energy efficiency.
The USPSTF now recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for most adults, with selective offers for those aged 76-85. Nearly one-third of eligible adults were not up to date with screening in 2018.
A new study led by UCL researchers suggests intensive agriculture could drive loss of bees and other tropical pollinators. Insect pollinators were found to be more than 70% less abundant in areas with intensive cropland compared to wild sites.
Researchers at the HSE Institute of Ecology suggest that Russia can revise its territorial waters' baselines to ensure sovereignty, rights, and national security. Granting 'historic waters' status could also reinforce Russia's position in the Arctic by utilizing long-term use and permanent occupation of these areas.
A new microchip technology test kit has been developed and validated for efficient point-of-care testing in remote locations. The kit provides similar accuracy to traditional RT-qPCR tests while using 10-fold less reagents and taking results in as little as 30 minutes.
Researchers Farrokh Alemi and Amira Roess received funding to evaluate the effectiveness of symptom screening with predictive algorithm combined with at-home testing, finding it more accurate than alone.
A recent study by Lero researchers found that COVID-19 growth largely explained changes in stock prices globally, but had little impact on China or the MSCI World index. The study suggests that investor sentiment and economic factors such as crude oil and bond yields played a greater role in shaping market prices.
A new study by the ISARIC Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium found that in-hospital mortality declined from 32% to 16% as treatments like steroids and dexamethasone improved patient outcomes. Improvements in respiratory support and critical care also contributed to the better survival rates.
A large study of over 160,000 Medicare patients found no statistically significant difference in mortality between those treated with drug-coated and non-drug-coated peripheral devices. The research aimed to address concerns raised by a previous analysis and provides new insights into the safety of these devices.
Researchers have successfully treated a patient with vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) using intravenous immunoglobulin concentrates, cortisone, and specific anticoagulants. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent life-threatening thrombosis.
Researchers have found that Tesla's patented valve can control flows and generate turbulence at low speeds, making it a potential alternative to conventional check valves. The device can harness vibrations in engines to pump fuel, coolant, lubricant, or other gases and liquids.
Researchers uncover how histone demethylase KDM5A promotes myeloma cell proliferation by regulating histone methylation. A novel KDM5 inhibitor inhibits cancer cell growth and is expected to develop into a new therapeutic strategy for multiple myeloma and other cancers.
The experimental drug omecamtiv mecarbil significantly reduces hospitalizations for patients with severe heart failure and low ejection fractions. It offers improved benefits over current medications, especially in those with more severely impaired hearts.
Research at ATS 2021 International Conference found a link between severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and increased COVID-19 risk. Patients who adhered to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for longer periods had lower infection rates, suggesting PAP has a direct physiological benefit.
The central-western Greenland Ice Sheet is losing mass at an accelerating rate, with early warning signals suggesting a critical transition. The melt-elevation feedback mechanism drives this destabilization, indicating significantly enhanced melting in the near future.
A new study published in Cognitive Science found that parents' use of iconic words improves children's ability to learn new words, especially when introducing novel names. This is because iconicity aids attention to word meaning by exploiting similarities between sound and meaning.
Developed by Inserm teams and French company NEOVACS, the conjugate vaccine induces sustained production of antibodies against IL-4 and IL-13, significantly reducing asthma symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that both endurance and high-intensity intermittent training improved exercise capacity and brain function in rats. HIIT resulted in increased cellular aerobic capacity and better memory for spatial learning trials.
Researchers at Mount Sinai found that SARS-CoV-2 can infect surface cells of the eye, revealing presence of infection-associated proteins and suppressed IFNβ. Ocular surface cells are susceptible to infection, while central cornea is less vulnerable.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that Photovoice, an educational intervention, significantly improves STEM-capacity scores and environmental awareness in low-income, urban youth. The results suggest a potential solution to environmental justice issues.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide found Cypriot grape varieties Maratheftiko and Xynisteri are well-suited for hot climates and deliver desirable flavor compounds. The study revealed comparable concentration of flavor compounds in Cypriot wines to popular Australian wines.
Researchers at Stanford University are urging the development of AI medical devices that account for diverse demographics to prevent inequities. The study highlights issues with data collection and evaluation methods, particularly regarding sex and race biases in pulse oximeters.
Researchers found that premature boys age more quickly than their normal weight counterparts, with a biological age gap of 4.6 years by age 30-35. This accelerated aging may be influenced by prenatal stress and hospital care after birth, emphasizing the need for monitoring and healthy aging strategies.
A study examining global occurrences and population estimates for approximately 92% of all extant bird species found that there are approximately 50 billion individual birds in the world. Most bird species are rare, with only a few having estimated global populations of over 1 billion individuals.
A multidisciplinary study has found that cells at the centre of kidney tumours have a higher potential to spread to secondary sites around the body. By contrast, cells at the tumour edge had lower rates of metastasis and growth.