A recent investigation by The BMJ reveals that hospital trusts in England are bracing for a significant increase in energy bills this winter, with some anticipating a rise of over 200% in fuel costs. This would result in reduced patient care and staffing levels, posing a major challenge to the NHS's ability to operate effectively.
Researchers at CeMM have discovered that targeting SMNDC1 in alpha cells can induce insulin production, a potential new approach for treating diabetes. The study identified a key molecular mechanism regulating insulin hormone production and its essential role in the treatment of diabetes.
Researchers analyzed individuals with uncombable hair syndrome, a rare condition characterized by dry, frizzy, and wiry hair that cannot be combed flat. The study identified key genetic factors contributing to this anomaly, providing new insights into its causes and potential treatments.
A study found that expanded telehealth services for opioid use disorder care during the COVID-19 pandemic led to individuals staying in treatment longer and reducing their risk of medically treated overdose. The expansion also showed improved receipt and retention of medication-assisted treatment, suggesting a valuable approach to addr...
Researchers found that Twitch viewers are more likely to remember, crave, and purchase brands advertised on the platform. The study suggests that up to 15% of participants experienced cravings for advertised products, with 8% reporting purchases. This highlights concerns over the impact of food marketing on young adults' health.
The MIT-led MOXIE experiment has successfully produced oxygen from Mars' thin atmosphere, producing six grams of oxygen per hour across various conditions. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of in-situ resource utilization, which could support human missions on Mars by generating breathable oxygen and fuel for rockets.
A new study finds that COVID-19 orphanhood is significantly higher in poorer countries due to pre-existing health and vaccine coverage inequity. The risk is driven by factors like poverty prevalence, lower GDP per capita, and non-communicable diseases.
Researchers uncovered a previously unknown insect-plant-insect interaction involving ants, wasps and oak trees. The team found that ants collect oak galls containing edible caps, which are attractive to the insects due to their fatty acid composition.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed a method to produce crocins, a key ingredient in saffron, using a common garden plant. This breakthrough could lead to sustainable and efficient production of these compounds for pharmaceuticals, food coloring, and flavor additives.
A meta-analysis of genetic studies found a stronger link between blood types A and O and early stroke, suggesting that people with these gene variants may be more likely to develop blood clots leading to stroke. Those with blood type A had an increased risk and those with blood type O had a decreased risk compared to other blood types.
A machine-learning model developed at Mass Eye and Ear accurately diagnosed pediatric ear infections at a rate 30 percent higher than doctors surveyed. The model achieved 95% accuracy in diagnosing an ear infection from test images, surpassing the average clinical accuracy of 65%.
A team of paleontologists led by Virginia Tech has discovered a new, early dinosaur in Zimbabwe, which is the oldest dinosaur skeleton found in Africa. The newly named Mbiresaurus raathi was estimated to be around 6 feet long and weighed between 20-65 pounds.
A global study reveals that COVID-19 has led to a significant increase in orphaned children worldwide. The analysis, conducted by researchers at Australian National University, found that fertility rates, poverty, vaccine coverage, and disease prevalence contribute to the risk of children losing one or both parents during the pandemic.
Researchers found that corals can pass somatic mutations to their offspring, which increases genetic diversity and provides a potential route for evolutionary adaptation. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom on the role of reproductive cells in evolution.
A meta-analysis of 22 studies found that micro-breaks (10 minutes or less) reduce fatigue and increase vigor in employees. While longer breaks may improve performance on creative tasks, their effects are unclear for cognitively demanding tasks.
A new study reveals that exploiting mitohormesis, a biological phenomenon where mild cellular stress boosts health and viability, can induce tolerance to influenza infection. Researchers identified a novel molecule, 9-tert-butyldoxycycline, which triggers beneficial mitochondrial responses that reduce tissue damage and inflammation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to increased rates of maternal anxiety, depression, and postpartum distress. Research also suggests that infants' behavior is affected by their mothers' mental health during this time.
Researchers discovered an inhibitory neuronal network in the brainstem that generates a synchronous rhythm, retracting mouse whiskers from their protracted positions. The oscillator consists of parvalbumin-expressing vIRt neurons firing bursts only during whisker retraction.
A study from the University of Gothenburg finds that individuals who invest in sustainable pension funds are motivated by altruistic values such as equality and environmental protection. They prioritize authority and have a lower value for money and ownership compared to those investing in traditional funds.
New research from Flinders University found a molecular link between COVID-19 and serotonin cells in the gut. The study suggests that these cells synthesise and release serotonin, which is highly enriched for SARS-CoV-2 receptors, potentially worsening disease outcomes.
Scientists have discovered three proteins with therapeutic potential to prevent cardiac damage and preserve cardiac function after a heart attack. The proteins, Chrdl1, Fam3c, and Fam3b, were identified through an innovative technology called FunSel that screens human proteins for protective effects.
A new study shows that the 'batwing' mastopexy technique can be safely performed simultaneously with immediate breast reconstruction, providing comparable complication rates and improved aesthetic outcomes. Women with larger breasts or ptosis can now consider nipple-sparing mastectomy without increased risk of complications.
A new study reveals that over half of hospital-based maternal deaths in the US occur during pregnancy or postpartum, rather than at delivery. Researchers are calling for a renewed focus on examining the causes of these deaths to inform clinical and policy interventions.
A new study from the Smidt Heart Institute shows that when height is accounted for, women are 50% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AFib) than men. The study's findings suggest that medical practitioners must remain vigilant in promoting AFib prevention and early interventions among both female and male patients.
Researchers developed a mathematical model of cilia beating due to mechanical instability caused by the cilium motor protein dynein. This knowledge will aid in understanding and treating cilia-related diseases.
The American Federation for Aging Research and Hevolution Foundation announce a pilot, global research grant program supporting junior investigators in aging biology and geroscience research. The program provides up to $375,000 each for three-year awards to conduct innovative approaches in aging research.
Researchers found a significant rise in abusive head trauma cases among infants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that containment measures may have contributed to this increase, highlighting the need for clinical awareness and preventive actions.
A study found that genetic testing before pregnancy can detect the risk of severe developmental disorders in 44% of cases if parents are related. However, non-hereditary mutations play a larger role in children of non-consanguineous couples, and many genes remain undetected.
University of South Florida researchers found that mangroves have overtaken 83% of oyster reefs in Tampa Bay, leading to a decline in ecosystem function and habitat for threatened species. Climate-driven changes are altering subtropical ecosystems, threatening the very foundations of coastal biodiversity.
The 2022 ACC/AHA guideline updates chest pain definitions and establishes standardized data elements for consistent reporting. The new definitions focus on serious cardiovascular causes of chest pain and acute myocardial infarction, aiming to ensure accurate reporting across clinical trials and registries.
A new study from USC researchers uncovers the sequence of early molecular changes caused by APOE4, a discovery that may help identify potential treatment targets in the brain's blood vessels. The research reveals problems with the blood-brain barrier and synapses, leading to behavioral deficits and cognitive dysfunction.
A researcher will combine ARM data and fine-scale modeling datasets to understand marine boundary layer aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions. The goal is to improve climate models' portrayal of cloud-processing of aerosols and address uncertainty in global climate models.
A new study finds that individuals with stronger religious beliefs tend to have lower sex drives but are more content with their sex lives overall. Researchers also discovered a significant association between educational attainment and reduced sexual satisfaction.
Scientists propose a new therapy for preeclampsia by correcting placental defects with BH4 treatment. The treatment restores placental and fetal weight, lowers blood pressure, and resolves symptoms of excess protein in urine and cardiovascular abnormalities.
New polymer-based membranes developed at KAUST enable greener separation of simple to complex hydrocarbon mixtures, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions in crude oil refineries. The membranes' stability and selectivity can be tuned by thermal crosslinking, allowing for higher purity components and removal of byproducts.
A new EAT protocol increases the prevalence of direct breastfeeding in NICU babies without increasing hospital length of stay. The study found that a nurse-led, step-by-step approach and educational materials for parents can encourage more mothers to directly breastfeed their preterm infants.
Land plants evolved about 430 million years ago, transforming river systems and creating thicker soils. The plants' roots helped produce colossal amounts of mud, stabilizing river channels and slowing down sediment transfer to the oceans.
Researchers use human tissue models to study myocardial infarction, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. These models allow for early detection of discrepancies between animal and human responses, enabling faster and safer clinical trials.
Researchers detected a bipolar gas stream flowing out of a young stellar object in the Small Magellanic Cloud, revealing a rotational motion suppressed by molecular outflow during gravitational contraction. This finding suggests that star formation has been common throughout the past 10 billion years.
A large study found associations between steroid use and structural changes in brain white and grey matter, which may explain neuropsychiatric side effects. Steroid use was associated with reduced white matter structure and altered brain structures involved in cognitive and emotional processing.
Despite progress in women's participation and equal pay, sexist scheduling of major mixed-sex sporting fixtures perpetuates unequal opportunities for female athletes. Experts call for a rethink to enable women and girls to realize their full potential on and off the sports field.
A recent study from the University of Notre Dame found that mixed-gender teams in medical sciences publish substantially more novel and impactful papers than same-gender teams. The research analyzed over 6.6 million papers published since 2000, revealing that a team's gender balance is a powerful indicator of scientific discoveries.
A study from researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that social media sharers believe they are knowledgeable about the content they share, even if they have not read it. This rise in confidence is due to the public commitment to an expert identity through sharing.
Researchers created a dual temperature control system to improve isoprene production in S. cerevisiae, achieving 34.5% and 72% improvements in cell growth and isoprene yield respectively.
A novel light-manipulating technology using nanodisk periodic structures has been developed by an international team, including Kyoto University. By controlling bound states in the continuum, researchers can systematically control light distribution states and manipulate near-infrared light within a nanodisk.
Researchers simulated a superheated steam dishwasher, finding it kills 99% of bacteria on a plate in just 25 seconds. The technology could also effectively remove food debris with shock waves, making it ideal for restaurants, hotels, and hospitals.
A study published in the Transportation Research Record found that wildlife crossings in Washington state can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, saving lives and money. The research analyzed collision data from 2011 to 2020 and found a significant reduction in deer-related crashes near bridges.
A study by LSU found that elite student-athletes could safely return to practice and play football after COVID-19 isolation, with their immune system returning to baseline levels. This contrasts with older adults with comorbidities, who are at higher risk for serious side effects.
A study reveals the biological pump's significant role in the Pacific Arctic nitrogen deficit. Phytoplankton's efficient nutrient uptake and export lead to preferential nitrogen removal from upper waters. This process contributes up to half of the nitrogen loss attributed to sedimentary denitrification.
Researchers sequenced giant viruses in the unique freshwater lake, finding a diverse community with distinct genetic repertoires. The study highlights the importance of viruses in biomass turnover and ecosystem balance, particularly in high Arctic environments.
Researchers have developed a new labeling technique to analyze exosomes from specific cell types, providing insights into their role in both health and disease. The technique allows for the identification of protein cargo and RNA in exosomes, enabling the study of cellular communication and potential monitoring of response to treatment.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that better glucose control can improve brain structure and function in youth with Type 1 diabetes. The findings indicate that participants using a hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system showed significant improvement in key brain metrics compared to those receiving standard care.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have made a breakthrough in developing an oral insulin tablet that is absorbed by the body in the same way as injected insulin. The tablet is designed to dissolve when placed between the gum and cheek, releasing all the insulin into the liver without wasting or decomposing it.
Research reveals that wildlife hunting motivations differ across Africa and Europe, shifting from economic to socio-cultural and recreational factors as socio-economic conditions increase. Hunting intensity is surprisingly constant, while densely populated areas experience increased conflict-related killings.
Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute discovered how a build-up of harmful protein starts to happen within neurons in Parkinson's disease. The research found that misfolded alpha-synuclein clumps on the surface of mitochondria, causing holes and interfering with energy production.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that youth engaged in digital self-harm are 5-7 times more likely to have considered suicide and 9-15 times more likely to attempt it. The research highlights the importance of screening for digital self-harm to address underlying mental health issues.
A new study identifies how the suppression of a specific transcription gene triggers changes that impair oligodendrocyte function in Huntington's disease. The researchers believe replacing or fixing defective glia cells may prove a far easier proposition than replenishing neurons lost in the disease.
Researchers discovered a series of seamount chains at Caroline Plate boundary, driven by convergence with the Pacific Plate. The team redefined plate boundaries and reconstructed the evolution of Caroline Plate using structural analysis.
Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have developed a new Brain-Inspired Replay model that enables continual learning in edge computing systems without storing data. This approach achieves state-of-the-art accuracy and high energy efficiency, overcoming the stability-plasticity issue in traditional models.
Researchers identified a molecule produced by astrocytes that interferes with normal neuron development in Rett, fragile X and Down syndromes. Blocking this molecule reduces disease signs in mice brains, suggesting potential therapeutics to treat these disorders.