A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that non-white Americans and those with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to have severe strokes, long-term disability, and shorter life expectancy compared to their white counterparts. The study suggests that hospitals may be disincentivized to tre...
Researchers at the University of Bristol created a 3D-printed artificial fingertip that produces nerve signals similar to those from human tactile nerves. The innovation could improve robot dexterity and prosthetic hand performance by giving them an in-built sense of touch.
Researchers have developed a novel nanocarrier system that synergizes poly(l-ornithine) for mRNA protection with charge-conversion polymer for endosomal escape. This innovation enhances protein expression efficiency by approximately 80-fold, outperforming traditional PLL-based systems.
A new Stanford University-led study uses machine learning and human insights to map regions and ports most at risk for illicit practices, like forced labor or illegal catch. The results highlight two main risk factors: the vessel's flag state and type of fishing gear onboard.
A new analysis technique has simplified the process to detect contaminants like Bisphenol A, reducing analysis time from one hour to just over a minute. The technique uses environmental mass spectrometry and a green solvent called SUPRAS to extract bisphenols from samples with minimal pre-treatment.
A new e-nose prototype, NOS.E, can distinguish between six whiskies by brand names, regions, and styles in under four minutes, with 100% accuracy for region detection and 96.15% for brand name identification. The technology has applications beyond whisky, including counterfeiting detection in perfume and wine.
A new study found that non-White children experienced greater exposure to neighborhood firearm violence before the pandemic and saw an increase in disparities during COVID. The study quantified racial disparities in childhood exposure to gun violence with data from every US neighborhood.
Researchers analyzed 61 COVID-specific chatbots in 30 countries, finding common uses such as risk assessment, symptom data collection, and appointment scheduling. They also discovered that anonymity of user interactions varies across cultures, affecting the effectiveness of follow-up services.
Researchers found that a certain gut bacterium can break down quinapril, an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure, reducing its effectiveness. The study suggests that the same drug may not be suitable for everyone due to unique gut microbial compositions.
A study reveals that Alzheimer's patients experience lethargy due to the degeneration of neurons that keep them awake, not a lack of sleep. Researchers developed a hypothesis that these patients have trouble staying awake and are testing a treatment approach to shut down the system keeping them awake.
Researchers have identified associations between DNA methylation patterns and gene expression levels in children's blood samples. The study provides a powerful tool to understand the link between early environmental exposures, epigenetic changes, and disease.
Researchers identified ephrin ligands in saliva samples of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, strongly associated with severe diagnosis. Saliva analysis could provide a simple, non-invasive method to detect infections and guide care.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a high-quality crystal of aluminum nitride and created an optical cavity to trap emitted light, enabling the production of a deep-ultraviolet laser with exceptional precision. The breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including sterilization, sensing, and ph...
Researchers at Institut Pasteur found that immunocompromised patients experience disrupted immune mechanisms, including reduced production of antibodies and increased pathogenic bacteria, after a bone marrow transplant. This discovery could lead to more effective treatment protocols for these patients.
A new study finds that Amazon deforestation causes a substantial reduction in evapotranspiration, leading to drier lower atmosphere and severe atmospheric desiccation. The study suggests an emerging transition in the Amazon hydrological cycle, but also highlights the potential for forest conservation to prevent ecosystem collapse.
Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells trigger the breakdown of collagen proteins, which increases arginine levels and signals stellate cells to build fibrotic meshes around tumors. This process, known as desmoplasia, creates a dense environment that promotes aggressive growth and blocks access to therapies.
A study using the nation's largest COVID-19 data resource found that the vaccine protects most cancer patients from getting COVID, but those with certain types of cancer have a higher risk of breakthrough infections. The research also highlights the importance of continued vaccination efforts to protect cancer patients.
A team of researchers has discovered a young protoplanet forming in the disk of a nearby star, providing new evidence for an alternative planet formation mechanism. The study's findings challenge traditional models of planet formation and offer insights into the evolution of exoplanets.
Researchers at UCLA found that premenopausal women with low levels of anti-Mullerian hormone are at a higher risk of experiencing significant bone loss within two to three years. The study suggests that measuring AMH levels could help physicians identify women at risk and provide targeted treatment.
A recent clinical trial has shown that sodium thiosulfate does not reduce injury to damaged areas of heart muscle following a heart attack. Despite promising results in animal studies, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint or show significant differences in secondary endpoints.
A recent study found that cancer treatment side effects significantly affect patients' and caregivers' eating habits, food preferences, and overall well-being. The research team identified six themes, including managing symptoms, losing taste, and caregiver burden.
The NACMI registry reported a 25% reduction in early mortality among STEMI patients with COVID-19 infection compared to 2020. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was found to significantly reduce hospital deaths, with no deaths reported among vaccinated patients.
A new study reveals that a subset of fibroblasts, known as Scleroderma-Associated Fibroblasts, are crucial to the development of scleroderma. The researchers found these cells in nearly 100 scleroderma patients and identified biological markers correlated with specific kinds of organ damage.
A study by MedUni Vienna reveals that mutations in the KMT2C protein lead to increased cell division, driving metastatic prostate cancer. This discovery may enable early diagnosis through a blood test and treatment with MYC inhibitors.
Researchers propose a new way to harvest aguaje fruit from the Mauritia flexuosa palm tree without cutting down female trees, increasing fruit production by 51% and generating $62 million annually. This method could provide a sustainable economic alternative for local communities and reduce deforestation in Amazonia.
A new animal study suggests that combining marijuana compounds like CBD and THC with opioids may not increase the risk of addiction. The research found that these compounds do not enhance the rewarding effects of opioids, which could lead to a lowered risk of addiction or physical dependence.
A study found that opioid prescriptions for children undergoing common outpatient surgeries declined by up to 50% between 2014 and 2019. The trend was most pronounced in adolescents, with a decline from 78.2% to 48% of prescriptions filled within 7 days of surgery.
Researchers examined handgun carrying patterns among rural youths, finding higher rates than expected in some areas. The study's results have implications for gun violence prevention strategies.
Researchers quantified five critical ecological processes on over 500 coral reefs worldwide, finding no reef can maximize each process simultaneously. They also identified local super heroes among species that contribute to ecosystem functioning.
The IPCC report emphasizes the need for aggressive actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions drastically, beyond current pledges. Researchers from Berkeley Lab contributed to the latest report, highlighting the importance of transformational changes in energy and feedstock sourcing.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research has found that older men with lower amounts of muscle mass have a significantly increased risk of hip and potentially other fractures. The study, led by investigators at Sutter Health's San Francisco Coordinating Center, used a new measure of muscle mass called D3Cr to e...
Scientists at Tohoku University have discovered a compound that can reversibly store and release large amounts of low-grade heat. The birnessite-type layered manganese dioxide with crystal water compound has shown better performance compared to other compounds for heat storage purposes.
A study in rats suggests that vitamin C supplementation can help preserve skeletal muscle after doxorubicin therapy, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The findings suggest vitamin C may represent a promising opportunity to reduce some of the drug's most debilitating side effects.
Researchers at WEHI have discovered a new accordion-like trigger crucial to gene silencing, which expands our understanding of how genes are switched on and off in the womb. The finding offers a new way to potentially harness gene silencing to treat diseases like cancer and congenital disorders.
A new study found that charitable giving increased significantly in counties experiencing high COVID-19-related deaths, with a 78% increase in overall giving. Human services charities were the most affected, as donors showed increased generosity towards feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and caring for vulnerable populations.
Researchers developed the MINDSPACE framework to guide effective policy utilizing behavioral sciences and nudge theory. Effective nudges were utilized in early months of COVID-19 pandemic, promoting fist bumps and social distancing.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed AquaBOT to measure water quality in mid-sized streams with precision and speed. The lab has also created a safe and effective antiviral coating for N95 masks, allowing for reuse of masks made from various fabrics. Furthermore, the lab has designed a cooking appliance that uses...
Researchers have discovered 23 proteins in breast milk that could indicate breast cancer, paving the way for a potential blood test. The study's findings, if confirmed, may enable earlier diagnosis and improve survival rates.
A new technique called Operational Genomic Units (OGU) allows for improved resolution and simplicity in analyzing microbiome samples. By using individual genomes as basic units, researchers can pinpoint biologically relevant characteristics such as age and sex with greater accuracy.
Research from UMass Amherst found that disbelief in human evolution is associated with higher levels of prejudice and racist attitudes. The study, conducted across 19 Eastern European countries, 25 Muslim countries, and Israel, linked low belief in evolution to biased attitudes towards outgroups and support for discriminatory behavior.
A new University of Michigan-led analysis found that community gardens on Detroit's Lower Eastside play a crucial role in reducing neighborhood blight and promoting social cohesion. The study recommends scattering future gardens across the landscape to maximize benefits, rather than clustering them in specific areas.
A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that dopamine and compulsive eating behavior play a crucial role in food cravings during pregnancy. The researchers found that female mice develop binge-eating behaviors towards high-calorie foods due to changes in brain reward circuits and taste sensors.
Researchers found a significant decline in in-hospital mortality and secondary endpoints for STEMI patients with COVID-19 in 2021 compared to 2020. Vaccination status showed zero hospital deaths among vaccinated patients, while unvaccinated patients experienced high death rates.
A new animal study has identified a pain-associated gene expression signature in COVID-19 patients that remains even after the virus clears. The findings, which could lead to new pain treatments for long COVID patients, were published in Experimental Biology.
Researchers propose an open platform to integrate data collection, processing, and publication, ensuring FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) data and enabling machine-learning algorithms to learn from failed experiments. The platform aims to bridge the gap between data and machine learning in chemistry.
Researchers have identified 75 regions of the genome associated with Alzheimer's disease, including 42 novel regions. The study confirms the importance of pathological processes such as amyloid peptide production and tau protein function in the disease. A genetic risk score has also been devised to better evaluate patient risk.
Researchers found that mutation frequencies in mitochondrial DNA of developing egg cells are lower and increase less with age compared to non-reproductive cells. This suggests a protective mechanism may keep reproductive cells relatively stable, potentially related to human propensity to reproduce at later ages.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022
A study found that implantable heart monitors do not reduce cardiovascular events overall, but patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) heart attacks saw strong benefits. Monitoring for abnormal heart rhythms may help guide care for NSTEMI patients.
A randomized clinical trial comparing FFR-guided and IVUS-guided PCI found similar outcomes for patients with intermediate coronary artery stenosis. Patients evaluated by FFR underwent fewer stents but had similar rates of adverse events and improved quality of life.
A California study found that adults living with handgun owners had twice the homicide rates compared to those without, with most victims being women. Survivors of nonfatal gunshot injuries also experienced significant healthcare costs and worsening mental health.
A large trial found that maintaining body temperature at 35.5C during surgery does not reduce the risk of cardiac complications or other serious outcomes. The study suggests that routine care with a target temperature of 36C is sufficient and may even be unnecessary.
Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found a strong association between childhood emotional trauma and an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women. Women who experienced childhood abuse, particularly sexual abuse, were more likely to develop MS compared to those without a history of abuse.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022
Researchers found that ocean reanalysis data sets exhibit differing evolutions during El Niño events, particularly as they develop and decay. The disparity among datasets grows with the event's peak phase and lingers even after neutralization.
Neurobiologist Marion Silies is investigating how various visual systems adapt to specific environments and behavioral conditions. She will use fruit flies as an animal model to understand visual processing mechanisms and their adaptation to differing conditions.
New research suggests the brain uses multiple strategies to process smells, employing both snapshot-like and evolving ensemble approaches. The study provides new tools for scientists to quantify and interpret brain activity patterns.
Researchers found that AI-enhanced diagnosis helps doctors accurately detect fetal congenital heart disease, with fellows making the most accurate diagnoses. The new system uses graphical charts to represent the AI's analysis of ultrasound videos, improving accuracy and trust among medical professionals.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a drug delivery system based on lipid nanoparticles that utilize RNA to boost personalized cancer care. The nanodrug enhances chemotherapy effectiveness and reinvigorates the immune system, increasing sensitivity to cancer cells.
A new tool, SPARCLD, speeds up the development of vaccines and pharmaceutical products by accelerating synthesis and analysis on a nano scale. This breakthrough method allows for the creation of 40,000 different molecules in an area smaller than a pinhead, reducing material, energy, and economic costs.
Researchers discovered that freshwater pearl mussel larvae can protect brown trout from Flavobacterium disease outbreaks. The mussels' filtering ability removes bacteria from water, suggesting a potential application in water treatment. This finding highlights the importance of ecosystem services provided by endangered species.
Scientists have discovered that squid can camouflage to match a substrate, avoiding predators in the process. The study, published in Scientific Reports, sheds light on the behavior of this third type of cephalopod and could inform conservation initiatives.