This survey study estimates the most commonly used opioid and nonopioid pain management techniques for chronic pain among US adults. The findings highlight the widespread use of various pain management methods, including opioids and over-the-counter medications.
A new 'bionic' pacemaker is being developed to restore the natural variability of the heartbeat, which has been found to improve cardiac output by 20%. This innovation could revolutionize the treatment of heart failure in New Zealand patients.
A recent study from Edith Cowan University found that even brief periods of weightlifting, such as three seconds a day, can increase muscle strength. The research involved 39 healthy university students performing isometric, concentric, or eccentric bicep curls for three seconds daily over four weeks.
Researchers at NTNU identified a molecular component, THE1, required for modulating cell wall stiffness and abscisic acid production in plants. This finding provides novel insights into plant adaptation to drought and changing environments, with potential benefits for agriculture.
Researchers found that dog faeces and urine add substantial nutrients to nature reserves, potentially detrimental to biodiversity. Studies suggest reducing fertilisation effects by encouraging owners to remove faeces and enforcing leash use could mitigate this impact.
Researchers at UTHealth Houston found online focus groups reduced barriers to participation, while maintaining high-quality data collection. The study also revealed a cost-effective alternative to in-person focus groups, with reduced resources needed.
Scientists have successfully manipulated liquid metals in a non-contact manner by applying electromagnetic induction, allowing for the creation of unique shapes and structures. The discovery opens up new possibilities for advanced manufacturing and dynamic electronic structures.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that combining aspects of poor sleep health increases the risk of heart disease. Researchers analyzed data from 6,820 U.S. adults and found a strong association between sleep health problems and heart disease risk, with Black participants showing higher rates of both.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University have engineered 3D human spinal cord tissues and implanted them in lab models with long-term chronic paralysis, resulting in an 80% success rate in restoring walking abilities. The team aims to conduct clinical trials in human patients within a few years to make the treatment commercially available.
A culinary medicine curriculum significantly improved biometric and diet-related behavioral outcomes among low-income patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants showed reduced glycosylated hemoglobin levels and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, suggesting a positive impact on diabetes management.
Researchers have found a fundamental connection between two basic integrable hierarchies of solitonic type, KdV and BKP, revealing surprising relationships between these equations. The discovery makes Schur Q-functions a natural basis for expansion of KdV tau-functions.
Computer simulations found that risks of COVID spread on Underground rail were reduced when ventilation was good and passengers complied with mitigation measures. The model predicted low exposure to the virus through routes such as aerosol inhalation and direct droplet deposition.
A federal court has dismissed Pacira Biosciences' lawsuit against the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) over articles about its post-surgery pain medication EXPAREL. The ruling protects scientific opinions from being considered defamation, ensuring robust debate in the medical community.
A new study finds that changes in precipitation can determine whether Miami blue butterfly populations grow or shrink. The research simulated future conditions using climate models to test how butterfly populations would respond to shifts in rainfall patterns.
A new study by University of Western Ontario researchers finds that fear of predators can reduce prey population growth rates over generations. The study, led by Professor Liana Zanette, demonstrates for the first time in any free-living wild animal that fear itself can halve populations in a short period.
A new study reveals that the fungus Rhizopus partners with a bacteria called Ralstonia to evade immune cells and predators in soil. This partnership strategy is also used by humans' own immune cells, allowing Rhizopus to cause disease in humans.
A survey of Michigan healthcare providers found increased anguish and fear due to COVID-19, with implications for mental health and worker retention. The study identified five major themes: provider health, patient care impact, burdens of personal protective equipment, decreased support during labor, and ethical challenges.
Research finds climate extremes contribute to increased environmental concern and support for Green parties across Europe, with regional differences affecting responses. Economic and demographic factors also play a role in shaping public attitudes towards climate change.
Eric Osterweil, George Mason University Assistant Professor, receives $40,000 funding to develop an adaptive encryption platform and threat intelligence information sharing system. The project aims to enable usable cryptographic protections for email transactions and establish a foundation for future cybersecurity efforts.
The IEEE forum identified four major challenges to address during the pandemic: healthcare, screening, tracing, and treatment. The panel highlighted socioeconomic and education status as critical factors impacting mortality rates and hospital admission lengths.
Over one quarter of Europe's 20 most highly-fished marine species will face extreme pressure by 2100 if no action is taken to address climate change, overfishing, and mercury pollution. The study projects a significant decline in population size for key species like great Atlantic scallop, red mullet, and common octopus.
Researchers from the University of Amsterdam have found that ice can heal itself by forming a new layer of ice to cover scratches and cuts. This discovery could potentially extend breaks between skating races, but careful control of moisture in the air is still necessary.
Charlotte Gill, Associate Professor at George Mason University, has received continued funding to conduct surveys and interviews in Rainier Beach crime hot spots as part of the 'A Beautiful Safe Place For Youth' project. The initiative aims to reduce youth crime through community-led collaboration and engagement.
Researchers at CRCHUM have identified damaged nanotubes connecting pericytes as a major contributor to glaucoma. The study reveals that restoring calcium equilibrium within pericytes can recover vascular and neuronal functions, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
A study published by Arizona State University found that survivors of Hurricane Maria experienced accelerated aging in their immune systems, with molecular changes indicating a 7-8 year acceleration in human lifespan. The research used rhesus macaques as a model to explore the effects of extreme weather events on biological aging.
A Ludwig Cancer Research study found that neuroblastoma tumors can be made more visible to the immune system by exploiting a specific inflammatory signaling mechanism. This discovery holds promise for improving treatment of drug-resistant childhood cancer through immunotherapy.
A new study found that increasing sleep duration by an average of 1.2 hours per night reduced participants' overall caloric intake by an average of 270 kcal per day. This translates to roughly 12 kg, or 26 lbs., of weight loss over three years if the effects were maintained.
A Canadian research team found that individuals making punishment decisions experience an almost instantaneous emotional reaction, which is stronger when responding to stereotypical criminals. This discovery has implications for policy makers and highlights the importance of considering emotions in decision-making processes.
A recent study found that patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) face both short- and long-term risks, with over 1 in 4 dying within a year of hospitalization. The study analyzed data from the Veterans Health Administration and identified significant mortality trends associated with AKI.
The European Research Council has awarded €150,000 Proof of Concept grants to 166 researchers to bridge the gap between their pioneering research and early stages of commercialization. The funding aims to verify scientific concepts, explore business opportunities, or prepare patent applications in various fields.
A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology has developed a transducer powered by electrochemical reactions to drive fluid pumps without cumbersome parts in soft robots. The ECDT enables self-sensing technology, enhancing the multifunctionality of soft robots and allowing for miniaturization.
Researchers at Washington State University developed a new form of non-hormonal, over-the-counter contraception by blocking prostate-specific-antigen in human ejaculate samples. This prevents semen from liquefying, trapping most sperm and allowing for effective fertilization prevention.
The UArizona Health Sciences Center is developing a Center of Excellence for Addiction Studies to advance addiction research and develop therapies for the opioid epidemic. The center will facilitate national collaborations, employ cutting-edge genetic techniques, and provide advanced methods for measuring neurotransmitters.
A new study using advanced radar technology has recorded Antarctic glaciers losing ice at unprecedented rates, threatening global climate risks. The research team plans to expand its findings to giant and fragile West Antarctica neighbors, including the Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers.
Researchers used drones to visualize canopy height and identify 11,153 thousand canopy disturbances, including treefalls and dead trees. These disturbances were more common in older forests with steep slopes or certain soil types.
Researchers used big data imaging to visualize the entire subterranean formation and its effect on regional tectonics. The findings provide critical information for predicting near-future earthquake processes.
A pilot study at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) spurred regeneration in dormant parts of failing hearts. The study's results showed evidence of regeneration in areas considered dead, suggesting a promising avenue for developing regenerative heart therapies.
A new FQXi report re-assesses the 'fine-tuned universe' hypothesis, proposing that intelligent life could have evolved under drastically different physical conditions. This challenges popular arguments for a multiverse and suggests that the universe may be able to produce life under a wider range of circumstances than previously thought.
Patients with COVID-19 who experienced acute ischemic stroke were more likely to die or have serious complications compared to non-infected stroke patients. The study found that 51% of patients had poor outcomes, including 39.1% death rate within 30 days.
HKU Electrical and Electronic Engineering researchers have successfully developed a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology that can operate from a standard AC wall power outlet, removing the need for radiofrequency shielding. The ultralow field (ULF) 0.055 Tesla brain MRI scanner is estimated to be only a fraction of the cost ...
Researchers recreated conditions expected in Mars' core billions of years ago and found that molten metal gave rise to a brief magnetic field. This led to the evaporation of water vapor and eventual loss of Martian oceans about 4 billion years ago.
A new compression algorithm using deep learning enables accurate modeling of light scattering by non-spherical particles. The developed method reduces the file size to 20MB, making it 7000 times smaller than the original database.
A major study has found that spinal anesthesia is not safer or more effective than general anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures. The study, involving 1,600 patients, showed similar outcomes and risks between the two types of anesthesia, contradicting accepted wisdom.
A new symptom management approach, WRITE Symptoms, guides patients to reflect on their symptoms and develop strategies for addressing target symptoms. Both nurse-led and self-directed versions of the tool improved women's sense of control over their symptoms after eight weeks.
Researchers have identified a powerful combination of antivirals to treat COVID-19 by combining brequinar with remdesivir or molnupiravir. The combinations inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human respiratory cells and mice, suggesting increased potency compared to individual drugs.
Long-term paracetamol use increases the risk of heart disease and strokes in people with high blood pressure. Researchers recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time and monitoring blood pressure closely.
A study by Stanford researchers found that a thin chip and specially designed glasses can partially restore vision in macular degeneration patients, integrating their prosthetic central visual perception with the remaining natural peripheral vision. The treatment suggests restoring functional vision.
A recent study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that baricitinib significantly reduced all-cause mortality in critically ill COVID patients on mechanical ventilation. The drug showed a 62% lower mortality rate compared to placebo, with one additional life saved for every six people treated with baricitinib.
A new study from the University of California San Diego's Rady School of Management found that the 2016 Massachusetts Assault Weapons Ban Enforcement Notice resulted in a 560% increase in assault rifle sales within five days, but compliance remained low. The research suggests that stricter enforcement is needed to gain full compliance ...
A new report identifies 10 key facts about global land use, highlighting opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study emphasizes the need for policymakers to consider trade-offs and marginalized groups' rights in developing effective solutions.
The MOSAiC expedition provides the first complete picture of climate processes in the central Arctic, warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet. Researchers analyzed environmental parameters over a full annual cycle, finding more dynamic and faster drifting pack ice than expected.
A team of Brown University physicists has developed a technique to harness the behavior of skyrmions to generate millions of true random digits per second. By measuring the fluctuation in skyrmion size, they can produce pseudorandom numbers that are useful for applications such as data security.
A Northern Virginia regional consortium will develop and deliver evidence-based trauma treatments for PTSD and associated conditions. The training aims to meet the growing mental health needs in the region.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Cancer Research Center in Spain have discovered a potential strategy to prevent B-ALL, the most common childhood cancer, using the drug ruxolitinib. By blocking IL-7 signaling, researchers were able to significantly reduce the risk of leukemia development in genetically predis...
A US study found that e-cigarettes were less popular as a smoking cessation aid in 2017 compared to FDA-approved pharmaceuticals. However, researchers did not see any reduction in relapse rates among those who quit using e-cigarettes.
Researchers at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a method to break down plastics and create stronger, more valuable materials. By modifying carbon-hydrogen bonds, they can expand the life span of single-use plastics into high-value polymers.
Women treated for cervical neoplasia grade 3 show declining risks of preterm birth, neonatal sepsis, and infant death after treatment. The study suggests that these high-risk pregnancies should be managed with careful consideration.
A recent study found that drug checking programs can reach people who would not access services otherwise, reducing overdoses and increasing HIV testing. The program also improved demand for other services like treatment for opioid use disorder.
Research by Penn State found that intensive soil tillage can significantly reduce the availability of ergothioneine in crops. Ergothioneine is an amino acid produced by certain fungi and bacteria, which has potent antioxidant properties and is linked to long-term human health.
Research finds that read-to-infants activities boost vocabulary growth during lockdown, while screen time is linked to fewer words; children learn more words than expected despite increased screen time.