A recent NCI study highlights the significant disparities in COVID-19 mortality among racial and ethnic groups in the US. Excess deaths by population size among Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Latino individuals were more than double those in white and Asian individuals.
A survey of over 50,000 people found that around 11% experience abdominal pain when eating, with symptoms also affecting mental health and daily life. The study highlights the need for meal-related symptoms to be considered in diagnosis and treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
A new study proves that ultra-short pulses of light can drive transitions to new phases of matter in tungsten disulfide (WS2) atoms, aiding the search for future low-energy electronics. The findings show that even ultrashort pulses are as effective in triggering state changes as continuous illumination.
Biologists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory are using a mathematical tool to understand the complexities of gene expression and chromosomal mutations associated with cancer. The approach, developed by David McCandlish's lab, predicts how likely different variations on a biological theme are to arise.
A study by Karolinska Institutet reveals that enlarged fat cells cause inflammation and pathology in adipose tissue, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that blocking the formation of senescent fat cells reduced pro-inflammatory factors, paving the way for novel treatment strategies.
Researchers sequenced genomes of 90 Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes and found that potentially damaging gene mutations were less abundant. This suggests that inbreeding might not be as detrimental as theory predicts, as beneficial mutations can easily purge bad ones. The study's findings could influence management decisions.
Researchers found glycerin, a natural ingredient in many skin lotions, reduces psoriasis symptoms by calming scaly patches and promoting healthy skin cell maturation. The study's results support anecdotal reports from patients with psoriasis, providing objective evidence of glycerin's effectiveness in combatting the condition.
A team of researchers found that intentionally creating imperfections in quantum materials can improve their electrical and superconducting properties. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient quantum-based computing and electronic devices.
A large study found that excess deaths during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic were significantly higher among Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Latino males and females. The disparities were attributed to structural and social determinants of health with deep roots in racism.
Research from the University of Georgia found that individuals living in multifamily housing units were more likely to experience mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Renters had higher odds of experiencing mental health issues due to factors such as tighter living quarters, financial anxieties, and lack of control over...
Researchers have discovered a 1 million-year-old hippo tooth at Westbury Cave in Somerset, which reveals that the animal roamed Britain much earlier than thought. The fossil belongs to an extinct species of hippo called Hippopotamus antiquus, which was larger and more reliant on aquatic habitats than its living relative.
Researchers found that old oak trees consistently increased their rate of photosynthesis when exposed to elevated CO2 levels. The increase was greatest in strong sunlight and suggests the trees have adapted to capture more carbon from the air.
A Seattle ordinance requiring more notice in scheduling for hourly workers resulted in improved worker well-being, sleep quality, and economic security. Researchers found that predictable shifts led to measurable changes in workers' schedules and positive effects on happiness, sleep quality, and material hardship.
A new USC study reveals that gaps in income, education, and access to care contribute to poorer outcomes for people of color with multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The review shows significant inequities in accessing healthcare, leading to diagnostic delays and underuse of services.
Using advanced microscopy techniques, researchers recorded the breaking of a single chemical bond between a carbon atom and an iron atom on different molecules. The team measured the mechanical forces applied at the moment of breakage, revealing insights into the nature of these bonds and their implications for catalysis.
Researchers used neuroscientific theories to develop a decision-making model that predicts pedestrian road-crossing decisions. The model shows that pedestrians add up sensory data before crossing, helping autonomous vehicles communicate more effectively with pedestrians.
A study found that patients affected by dialysis facility closures experienced higher rates of hospitalizations (7-9%) and a higher risk of dying within 6 months (8%). The researchers highlight the need for policies to reduce the risk of closures to safeguard patient health.
Researchers at Aarhus University have elucidated structures of a sugar transport protein that drives transport of sugar in plants, revealing key elements involved in the transport cycle. The study provides new evidence for regulatory mechanisms conserved within the sugar porter family across all kingdoms of life.
A new model developed by Skoltech researchers optimizes satellite radar system design, balancing performance characteristics with other mission parameters. The study identifies optimal designs for small satellite platforms, particularly in the 8-12 GHz and 4-8 GHz frequency bands.
A pilot study found that depressed COVID patients responded well to SSRIs, with 91% showing improvement within 4 weeks. The study suggests post-COVID depression is treatable and may benefit from antidepressant treatment.
A small study found that a wireless kit, comprising headphones and an app, may be a cheap alternative to traditional treatment of 'glue ear' in kids. The kit enables remote monitoring of hearing at home, reducing clinic visits and potentially avoiding surgery in many cases.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed AI technology that can identify players by their jersey numbers in hockey videos with high accuracy. The system uses multi-task learning and a large dataset of over 54,000 images from NHL games to recognize sweater numbers.
Researchers at UToledo have developed a protein-based vaccine that promotes a strong immune response, effectively treating rheumatoid arthritis and improving bone quality. The findings suggest long-term benefits following immunization.
The UTHealth-CPRIT Innovation in Cancer Prevention Research Training Program aims to increase cancer prevention scientists from underrepresented minority groups. The program provides a systematic method to teach career skills, problem-solving skills, team science, and transdisciplinary communication.
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science has sequenced the genome of the blue crab, revealing approximately 24,000 genes and a genome length that is one third of the human genome. This breakthrough will aid in fisheries policies, aquaculture, and potentially track food source origins.
A global population estimate of Weddell seals reveals significantly fewer seals than previously thought, with approximately 202,000 female seals in Antarctica. The research provides a benchmark for understanding the effects of climate change and commercial fishing on the seals and their ecosystem.
A new study from the University of Michigan finds that Medicaid expansion in Michigan has significantly improved access to regular healthcare services for low-income adults across various racial and ethnic groups. By 2018, 83% of Healthy Michigan Plan enrollees reported having a regular doctor's office, with notable increases seen amon...
A new study published in The Lancet confirms that two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are 90% effective against COVID-19 hospitalizations for all variants, including delta. Effectiveness against infection declined over time but remained high against hospitalizations.
Researchers found that high CD39 expression is associated with human bladder cancer, particularly in the non-muscle-invasive phenotype. CD39's involvement in tumor development and progression is still unclear, but its overexpression in early-stage tumors suggests a potential role in bladder cancer progression.
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a 'huge' impact on sexual abuse survivors going through the criminal justice system, with support services reporting referral increases of up to 366%. Services have reported supporting clients for longer periods due to delays in the justice system.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University found that individuals previously infected with COVID-19 require a second dose of the vaccine to achieve optimal protection. This is because infection after the first dose did not increase IgG antibody levels, and those infected post-vaccination had lower antibody levels than never infected individuals.
A UCLA study found that Black patients with Lyme disease are more likely to have neurological complications, such as meningitis and neuropathy, when diagnosed late. The study analyzed data from 2015-16 and found that approximately 1 in 3 Black patients had these complications, compared to less than 1 in 10 white patients.
Researchers found that CAR-T cells require a high number of antigens to kill melanoma cells, but TCR-T cells are more effective in detecting and killing tumor cells with lower levels of target molecules. This study could lead to better immunotherapies for solid tumors.
Researchers developed a real-time measurement technique to detect algae health issues, detecting threats 37-76 hours earlier than traditional methods. This could save hundreds of millions of dollars in algae biomass losses and protect the world's most promising sustainable product source.
Researchers found that quantum mechanics' influence on particles affects light emission, demonstrating wavefunction collapse and altering interference patterns. The study sheds new light on the counter-intuitive phenomenon, revealing a direct connection between light emission and quantum entanglement.
Researchers discovered structural differences in brain regions responsible for decision-making and empathy in adolescents with conduct disorder compared to their unaffected siblings. These findings suggest that small changes in brain function may contribute to the development of antisocial behavior in some siblings.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet studied long-term outcomes of patients with pacemakers after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and found no significant difference in mortality. The study included over 3,400 patients, with 481 receiving permanent pacemakers within 30 days of surgery.
Research published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety found that six out of ten patients in England with 'red flag' symptoms indicative of possible cancer didn't receive an urgent referral for specialist assessment within two weeks. Nearly four percent of these patients were diagnosed with cancer within the next 12 months.
A new model tracks plastic debris pathways and fate in the Mediterranean, estimating 3,760 metric tons of plastics currently floating. The study highlights the need for effective management plans to mitigate plastic pollution's impact on marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021
A European map has been created to show the insulating effect of forests, which cool the air by 2.1°C in summer and keep temperatures 2°C higher than ambient air in winter. This finding highlights the crucial role of forests in regulating temperature and provides shelter for wildlife.
Heavy precipitation affected a significant portion of China, with the Yangtze River basin experiencing extreme flooding and multi-day rain events. The study found that the East Asian Summer Monsoon front played a dominant role in bringing persistent precipitation to the region.
Using observations, lab experiments, theory, and computation, researchers have developed a simple theory to explain the form and growth of apples' cusp-like features. The team found that mechanical instability and underlying fruit anatomy play joint roles in giving rise to multiple cusps in fruits.
Recent studies suggest that aging is a malleable process influenced by physiological, genetic, dietary, and pharmaceutical interventions. The relationship between cellular senescence and immunosenescence has been largely explored, with the goal of developing improved therapeutics to conserve vitality as we age.
A new method for recording information to DNA has been proposed by Northwestern University researchers, taking minutes to complete instead of hours or days. This method, called TURTLES, uses a novel enzymatic system to synthesize DNA that records rapidly changing environmental signals directly into DNA sequences.
Researchers found that T-cell tests are prone to false-positive responses due to cross-reactive reactions with other infections. The study suggests that these tests should not be used for individual diagnosis, but may still have a role in research and studies.
Researchers from MIT have developed a way to use carbon dioxide monitors to estimate indoor COVID-19 risk in near real-time. The model takes into account various factors such as ventilation, mask usage, and activity levels to provide an indoor reproductive number that represents the virus's transmission rate.
A prospective study found that liver stiffness measurements obtained by shear-wave elastography decreased significantly after image-guided intervention for chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome in children. Disease recurrence was typically associated with an increase in liver stiffness measurements compared to prior assessments.
Researchers have discovered an innovative way to navigate liquids on a surface without external force or energy. The breakthrough enables controllability, versatility and performance in delivering and transporting liquids, offering potential solutions for thermal management, desalination and other applications.
A new study found that urban heat exposure has tripled worldwide since the 1980s, affecting nearly a quarter of the global population. The study revealed that city dwellers are exposed to extreme heat and humidity for more person-days, with 1.7 billion people affected on multiple days.
A new study reveals that while Western US wildfires contribute more health problems, they affect a greater number of people in the Eastern US due to higher smoke concentrations. The researchers estimated 6,300 extra deaths annually from long-term smoke exposure, with most occurring in populous states.
Researchers found that psilocybin increased the emotional response to music by around 60% compared to ketanserin. The study implies that music should be an active component of psilocybin therapy for treating depression and other mental health conditions.
A study of nearly 179,000 veterans aged 65+ found that maximizing the dosage of an existing medication can lead to better adherence and lower blood pressure. Adding a new medication shows a slim advantage in some cases, but with risks associated with polypharmacy.
A new study reveals that exposure to extreme heat in urban areas has increased by 200% globally since the mid-1980s, with population growth contributing two-thirds of the increase. The study found that almost one in five people on Earth experienced increases in exposure to urban heat over the past 30 years.
Researchers have successfully created a fault-tolerant logical qubit that works better than the worst individual quantum computing pieces. This breakthrough demonstrates a promising approach for building larger, more reliable quantum computers.
Dawn Martin-Hill, a Canadian cultural anthropologist, has been recognized for her research on the link between water quality, security, and Indigenous community culture and livelihood. Her work focuses on improving water access for the Six Nations of the Grand River, the largest Native reserve in Canada.
Researchers at Shedd Aquarium and Northwestern University discovered a family of microbes responsible for disappearing anti-parasitic medicine in the aquarium's quarantine habitats. The microbes, which were using the medicine as a source of nitrogen, were found in outlet pipes and were identified as belonging to various phyla.
The study models biomolecular condensates using oil droplets and polymer mesh, revealing temperature modulation's impact on droplet growth and size distribution. The results provide insights into the formation of microscopic patterns in biological systems.
Researchers at Medical University of Vienna discovered that lithium chloride can reduce peritoneal thickening, fibrosis markers, and αB-crystalline expression in mesothelial cells. This innovative solution aims to preserve the peritoneum for longer, allowing patients to live a normal life or wait for a transplant.
The study found no significant causal relationship between genetically determined age at menarche or menopause and AD risk. However, an inverse association was detected between age at menarche and body mass index. Further studies are needed to validate these findings.
A clinical trial found that convalescent plasma did not improve survival rates in most critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, immunocompromised patients showed a slight improvement with the treatment. The researchers speculate that too few high-quality antibodies and a runaway inflammatory immune response may be to blame.
Researchers found a genetic regulation profile associated with improved overall survival and reduced disease relapse in patients treated with CAR-T cells. The epigenetic pattern is typical of young T lymphocytes, suggesting they may be ideal for selection and administration.
A new process recovers rhodium, palladium, gold and silver from electronic waste in seconds, producing a byproduct clean enough for agricultural land. The flash Joule heating method uses significantly less energy than traditional lab methods, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
Non-melanoma basal and squamous cell skin cancers saw a 30% rise in Ontario over 15 years, mostly among people under age 35. The annual mortality rates increased by almost 5-fold, with males experiencing higher rates than females.
Researchers found that individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure at ages 35-44 had smaller brain volumes and a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal blood pressure. The study suggests that controlling or delaying the onset of hypertension in young adulthood may reduce the risk of dementia.
Researchers discovered that cytoquakes, rapid rearrangements of the cytoskeleton, occur due to slow buildup and sudden release of mechanical energy. These disturbances may aid cells in responding quickly to signals from their environment.
Researchers at York University have discovered a conveyer-like motion of heat across the equator in the Pacific Ocean called the Cross Equatorial Cell (CEC), which influences El Niño and La Niña. This finding may lead to improved prediction of year-to-year disruptions to weather patterns, benefiting countries worldwide.
A survey of parents with children having chronic lung conditions found that while most are willing to vaccinate their child, concerns about safety and side effects were major reasons for not doing so. The majority would vaccinate their child if recommended by their pediatrician or GP.
Researchers at JILA have enhanced the sensitivity of their decade-old frequency comb breathalyzer to detect four biomarkers of disease in human breath. The upgraded system can also identify six additional chemicals, with potential implications for COVID-19 testing and real-time health monitoring.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered three rare cannabinoids that reduce seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. These findings provide new insights into the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis extracts on treating epilepsy.
The Charles Lazarus Children’s Abilities Center at Mount Sinai offers cutting-edge treatments for children with disabilities, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The center features state-of-the-art equipment and a multidisciplinary team of experts providing comprehensive care to children from birth to age 21.
A new study estimates that over 3 billion people worldwide will still mainly use polluting fuels like wood and charcoal by 2030. This disproportionately affects Sub-Saharan Africa, where the number of people using these fuels is growing rapidly.
A new study finds oesophageal cancer cases have tripled in under 50s, with increases attributed to lifestyle-related risk factors such as smoking and poor diet. The study also shows improved relative survival rates for younger patients, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers developed novel scoring tools to predict colon cancer risk in average-risk individuals, especially useful in low-screening countries. The tools consider factors like age, smoking history, and aspirin use to determine personalized risk.
Researchers created a customized device that targets unique brain circuits associated with depression, providing immediate relief. The approach uses neural biomarkers to personalize therapy and has shown long-term efficacy in treatment-resistant patients.
A new study by Flinders University and The University of Newcastle reveals that microplastics from various sources can contaminate garden soil after seven years, posing a risk to household environments. The research suggests that careful design and gardening practices can reduce contamination in suburban backyards.
A new study by Okayama University scientists shows that proteins' hydrophobic parts do not repel water as previously thought. The researchers used computational methods to find that the van der Waals force between hydrophobic parts stabilizes the unfolded structure, leading to folding.
Research finds that at-risk teen girls who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to be cyberbullied and experience heightened offline sexual activities. Targeted intervention strategies using algorithm-based approaches could help these teens navigate the Internet safely.
Researchers discovered that cellular senescent cells exhibit hyper-activation in response to inflammatory stimuli, leading to increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This phenomenon contributes to the age-related predisposition to severe infections and inflammation.
A groundbreaking study will follow 7,500 pregnant women and their infants across the US to understand healthy brain development. The five-year study aims to provide a comprehensive picture of normal variability in brain development and identify factors that pose the greatest risk.
Travelling fires, which burn locally and spread across entire floors over time, can cause significant structural damage in large open-plan spaces. Researchers at Imperial College London have found that these lesser-known fires are a concern for buildings with fuel-rich environments, such as warehouses and offices.
A study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers found that fully vaccinated individuals with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection have a stronger immune response, producing more memory B cells. This increased immune response may reduce the risk of breakthrough infections and potentially fewer doses needed for booster shots.
A specific wavelength of Far ultraviolet-C light has been discovered that is both safe for humans and highly effective in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This breakthrough could lead to affordable systems for reducing viral spread in crowded public spaces, complementing ventilation, mask wearing, and vaccination.
A new Stanford University study suggests that rising oxygen levels may have slowed down ancient ocean extinctions. The research found that oxygen levels beyond 40% of present atmospheric levels expanded viable ocean habitat and reduced extinction rates. This discovery has implications for understanding the fate of ocean creatures in to...
Researchers used supercomputer-driven dynamic modeling to study the process of X chromosome inactivation in female mammal embryos. The model revealed the role of RNA and chromosome structure in regulating gene expression, providing new insights into epigenetics and potential pathways for drug treatments.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found that BlackRock's 'Dear CEO' letters have a significant effect on portfolio firms, influencing their language in financial disclosures. The research suggests that institutional investors are impacting corporate decisions through broad-based public engagement.
A new study by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that historic redlining policies continue to impact maternal health, with higher rates of pre-terms birth and maternal complications in Black women. The study used digitized HOLC maps to examine the relationship between housing policies and health outcomes.
A large observational study found statin use associated with faster diabetes progression in patients with diabetes. The study included 83,000 matched pairs and followed them for an average of 2 years.
Researchers found a unique signature of team flow in brain activity, characterized by increased beta and gamma waves in the middle temporal cortex. This study provides a framework for understanding and enhancing team performance through objective neural methods.
The ACC Middle East 2021 conference will showcase the latest evidence-based strategies for improving heart health in the Middle East. The event features presentations from renowned experts on the most impactful clinical trials and contemporary best practices in treating cardiovascular disease.
Research at Stellenbosch University found high levels of inflammatory molecules trapped in micro clots in the blood of individuals with Long COVID. This imbalance may be central to pathologies in Long COVID, and could lead to new therapies.
Leiomyosarcomas are diverse, rare, and aggressive mesenchymal soft tissue sarcomas. Epigenetic profiling identified differential DNA methylation and gene expression patterns associated with subtypes. These findings suggest epigenetic profiles can be used to stratify patients and apply targeted therapies.
Researchers from TROPOS and Leipzig University are using a tethered balloon to study the Arctic air layers, which play a key role in climate change. The measurements aim to better understand the strong warming of the Arctic and improve climate models.
A population-based study of 2.4 million people found rare cases of acute myocarditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in young men. The study suggests that the signal of increased myocarditis warrants further investigation into the relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and cardiac complications.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a three-phase approach to optimize the hydraulic systems of tractors and implements. The team built a simulation model and tested it in a lab before conducting real-world tests on a tractor-planter combo. The results show improved efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Scientists have developed a new mouse model that enables the growth and metastatic spread of human breast tumors in mice. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, which is responsible for most breast cancer deaths.
A new study found that ketone supplements enhanced blood flow to the brain and improved aspects of cognitive function, such as working memory and processing speed, in adults with obesity. This suggests that ketone supplements may be a novel therapeutic strategy for protecting and improving brain health in people with obesity.
A new treatment for inflammatory pain has been developed by UB researchers using lipidated peptides that can penetrate nerve endings and provide long-lasting pain relief. The treatment also shows promise in reducing gender differences in pain perception.
Linker histones play a crucial role in controlling the number of chromatin loops and ultimately the shape of chromosomes. By regulating loop formation, linker histones allow cells to fine-tune chromosome size for optimal growth and reproduction.
Researchers at TU Wien propose a new method to interpret and mine fungal genomes to predict essential genes for the production of valuable substances. The FunOrder method identifies co-evolved genes that are functionally necessary, distinguishing them from gap genes.
Researchers at Lund University used models and simulations to investigate the theory that dragonflies can migrate across the Indian Ocean. The study found that globe skimmer dragonflies can make the journey, but require favourable winds and store enough energy in their bodies to do so.
West Virginia University researchers aim to create better connections with underserved populations to the blue economy, which defines sustainable use of ocean resources. They will analyze data and explore ways to package it in a way that encourages these traditionally underserved groups to utilize the blue economy.
A new study found that depression rates among US adults tripled during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with those experiencing multiple stressors and lower incomes being disproportionately affected. The study used data from over 5,000 respondents to track changes in depression prevalence before and during the pandemic.
Researchers discovered a distinct brain signature associated with team flow, characterized by increased beta and gamma waves in the middle temporal cortex. This neural pattern is linked to enhanced information processing and synchronization between teammates during the team flow state.
University of Delaware chemical engineer Catherine Fromen aims to improve the delivery of therapeutic medicines to the body by studying how they interact with mucosal interfaces. Her research focuses on designing medicines that can overcome natural defenses in the lungs and gut, with potential applications for diseases such as lung can...
A clinical trial found that obese prostate cancer patients who underwent regular exercise training for 12 weeks had increased levels of anti-cancer myokines, which suppressed tumour growth and helped fight cancerous cells. The study suggests exercise may be a key weapon in cancer patients' battle against the disease.
A preclinical study found that female mice are more susceptible to binge drinking due to a brain circuit called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). The BNST is more excitable in females, requiring stronger inhibition to curb excessive alcohol consumption. This natural 'brake' mechanism may also contribute to sex differences...
Researchers have developed a novel process to manufacture extreme heat-resistant carbon-carbon composites, which will be tested on a U.S. Navy rocket launching with NASA this fall. Additionally, they created a technology that more realistically emulates user activities to improve cyber testbeds and prevent cyberattacks.
A new study found that six out of ten patients with common 'alarm' symptoms were not referred for urgent cancer investigation within two weeks, leading to a higher risk of delayed diagnosis. The study suggests that stricter adherence to guidelines and increased awareness of missed symptom groups could improve diagnosis rates.
Researchers discovered an ancient mangrove ecosystem in the Yucatan Peninsula, revealing how coastal mangroves adapted to a warmer world with higher sea levels. The study provides insights into past climate change impacts and its relevance to future scenarios of relative sea-level rise.
A 'think-twice' campaign for GPs has been found effective in reducing opioid prescribing in primary care, resulting in a net saving to the NHS of £700,000. The campaign led to a reduction of 15,000 fewer patients being given opioids over a year-long trial.
A VUB researcher's study found that loneliness can be temporary and even provide opportunities for self-development, challenging the common view of loneliness as solely negative. The study also highlights the importance of addressing loneliness throughout one's life.
A study by University of Limerick researchers has found that Crohn's disease is associated with higher depositions of fat in the abdominal areas where the intestines are located. This suggests a direct link between fatty tissue and Crohn's disease, potentially leading to new diagnostic tests and treatments.