Research found that 3.4% of pregnant women who caught COVID-19 passed antibodies to their babies, providing some protection. However, these antibodies gradually decrease over time and disappear within 100 days after birth.
A new study has found that analyzing sodium levels in breast cancer tumors can accurately indicate how aggressive a cancer is and whether chemotherapy treatments are taking effect. The researchers developed a sodium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to detect salt levels, which showed promising results.
A study found that infants aged 5-8 months preferentially perceive faces in the upper visual field. The bias emerges around 7 months and is specific to faces, with no observed bias for non-face images. This suggests an important role of experience with faces in daily life in shaping this perceptual bias.
A recent US study found higher rates of antibiotic-resistant infections in COVID-19 patients and SARS-COV-2 negative patients compared to pre-pandemic periods. The analysis of 271 hospitals across the USA revealed significant increases in AMR, with rates rising by 20% during the pandemic.
A study of over 20,000 Canadian adults hospitalised with COVID-19 found that vaccination significantly lowers the risk of ICU admission and death. Vaccination with one, two, or three doses reduced the likelihood of ICU admission by 34% and odds of dying by 22%.
A large nationwide study of 853,219 COVID-19 patients found that all-cause mortality rates remained unchanged at 16%, while survival improved for most levels of disease severity. However, ICU use and mortality rate increased for critically ill patients on invasive mechanical ventilation or ECMO.
A pioneering study led by the University of Bristol found that humans have 'nutritional wisdom,' choosing foods to meet their need for vitamins and minerals. The study suggests that people combine meals in a way that increases exposure to micronutrients, contradicting the long-held view that humans evolved to favor energy-dense foods.
A study discovered that a common gut parasite, Blastocystis ST4, has beneficial properties by stabilizing the bacteria ecosystem and promoting quicker recovery from inflammation. The parasite may potentially be translated into probiotics to treat inflammation in patients.
Research presents a promising path forward for early identification and intervention of Alzheimer's disease through the study of executive function and biomarkers. A link to genetics research is also being explored to better understand genetic and environmental factors that influence cognitive and brain aging.
The HAIRPLUS gene reveals epigenome involvement in glandular trichome formation, leading to improved pest resistance in tomato plants. This genomic tool provides valuable insights for improving crop yields and disease resistance.
A new study suggests that pregnant women are five times more likely to be hospitalized and six times more likely to require intensive care treatment compared to non-pregnant women. Vaccination can significantly reduce this risk, with healthy pregnant women being over five times more likely to be hospitalized without vaccination.
A study found that chickenpox in childhood results in £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK. Working women are significantly more likely to provide care for sick children, missing an average of 5 days per child. The true cost is likely higher due to underreported cases.