A new review and meta-analysis found that drug companies are increasingly disclosing negative study findings for antidepressants. While progress has been made, full transparency remains an issue, with researchers emphasizing the need to report all trial results, both positive and negative, to inform patient treatment.
A study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that increased internet use during COVID-19 lockdowns was associated with reduced risk of hikikomori, a state of marked social withdrawal. The research, which included participants from 45 countries, also highlighted an increased risk related to online gaming.
A retrospective analysis of 13 clinical trials found that most combination therapies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors worked due to independent drug action, rather than synergy or additivity. This discovery has implications for cancer clinical trial design and may help improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers outline a roadmap to sequence plant genomes worldwide, aiming to decipher the secrets of plant DNA and advance understanding of ecosystems. The effort is part of the Earth BioGenome Project's 'moonshot' for biology, sequencing all eukaryotic biodiversity over ten years.
Researchers aim to expand an existing spinal cord injury intervention to improve self-efficacy, coping, and well-being in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study will conduct focus groups and a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the adapted intervention.
The discovery of single-walled zeolitic nanotubes by researchers at Georgia Tech, Stockholm University, and Penn State University has the potential to revolutionize the field of materials science. The team found a unique arrangement of atoms in the zeolite nanotube walls that allows it to form as a 1D tube rather than a 2D or 3D material.
Researchers discovered distinct gut microbiomes in Black and white US women, with potential associations to insulin resistance. The study highlights the importance of understanding individual microbiome variations in relation to metabolic health.
A new meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that adding androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to definitive radiotherapy prevents one cancer from metastasizing for every 10 to 15 men treated. Prolonging adjuvant ADT also showed significant benefits, while neoadjuvant ADT was not effective beyond two months.
Researchers have created a compact and affordable device for recording brain activity, offering research-grade signal quality and customizable configuration. The device has the potential to help people with epilepsy detect impending seizures and those with limited mobility regain control over their limbs.
Scientists investigated nanoparticle dispersions in aqueous solution to track down capacitance and rearrangement processes at platinum and gold nanoparticles. They found that dissolved ions accumulate between compact water layers, leading to unexpectedly high capacitances.
Scientists have developed a new technique called small-molecule serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography (smSFX) that can reveal the structures of not-so-neat-and-tidy materials. This method uses an exceptional X-ray laser and custom-built image processing algorithms to diffract individual granules of powders, providing a precise sharp...
Researchers discovered humans unconsciously mirror a humanoid robot's body language, mirroring human behavior when interacting with peers. The study highlights the intriguing similarity between human-Robot interactions and interpersonal relationships.
A new study found that adolescents who reported suicidal ideation were more likely to report infrequent seat belt use and drunk driving. The researchers emphasized the need for mental health support to protect adolescent health and well-being.
Researchers at Yale University shed new light on the formation and function of mRNAs, a critical molecule involved in protein production. The study found that pseudouridine plays a key role in mRNA genesis and guides splicing, which regulates gene activity.
Researchers created a novel molecular diagnostic platform that can detect COVID-19 genes after only 8 cycles of amplification, significantly reducing the time required for diagnosis. The new SERS-PCR platform uses gold nanoparticles to produce high-sensitivity signals, providing an important tool in the fight against the pandemic.
A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine identified a novel causative gene, BAG5, for dilated cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of heart failure. The researchers found that mutations in this gene can lead to cardiomyopathy and found a potential treatment alternative using adeno-associated viruses (AAV) gene therapy.
A Brazilian study found a correlation between dealing with COVID-19 and environmental disasters, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and community resilience. The study also identified a lack of continuity in funding for disaster relief and pandemic response.
Researchers found that telemedicine improved access to primary care services for Black patients, reducing the historical racial gap in follow-up appointment attendance. Completion rates rose from 52% to 70%, while overall benefits included shorter wait times and higher completion rates via telemedicine.
Scientists develop a sensitive electrochemical detector using cerium oxide nanozyme to identify organophosphate pesticides in plants. The method provides an unprecedented wider linear range and a detection limit of 0.06 mmol/L, making it suitable for detecting trace amounts of pesticide residues.
A study found that a redesigned patient-centered medical home (PCMH) approach focusing on defined 'high-value elements' (HVEs) does not reduce healthcare costs for patients at primary care practices. The HVE approach was associated with an increased rate of emergency department visits, but no change in total costs.
Aging leads to protein misfolding, which overwhelms the cell's quality control system. Ribosome dysfunction causes a snowball effect of dysfunction, leading to disease. Insights from yeast and roundworm models suggest a two-pronged situation where aging increases stalling and collisions, but the safety net is lost.
A research group at Politecnico di Milano used high-resolution satellite images to analyze the orientation of ancient Japanese Kofun tombs. The results show a strong connection between the tombs' entrance corridors and the arc in the sky where the Sun and Moon are visible daily, with many aligned with the rising sun.
A new wearable headset, Kernel Flow, monitors brain activity using time-domain fNIRS. The system can record high-resolution brain signals from across the brain with performance similar to conventional systems.
A study at the University of Illinois identified trace metals in rocket fuel propellant and developed a method to slow decomposition using chelating agents. The researchers found that adding these agents could form stable complexes, sequestering metal ions and preventing them from reacting with the propellant.
Researchers discovered that the IL-6 family of proteins is required for maintaining and regenerating cartilage in joints and growth plates. The study found that blocking this gene could lead to severe cartilage and skeletal changes, particularly in females.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism underlying liver cirrhosis, a deadly disease poorly understood. The discovery, made using genetically modified mice, reveals that the lack of MCRS1 protein leads to bile acid accumulation and fibrosis, opening new avenues for treatment.
A large clinical trial involving over 5,000 patients found that commonly used saline solution is as effective at keeping people alive and their organs functioning as more expensive balanced solutions. The study's results provide greater certainty about the safety and benefits of saline solution for treatment.
A study published in Clinical Cancer Research shows that matched targeted therapy according to ESCAT's ranking of genomic alterations significantly improves survival of cholangiocarcinoma patients. Patients with ESCAT tier I-II alterations had longer median overall survival compared to those with non-actionable alterations.
Researchers at George Mason University are developing new methods to enable self-learning agents to have an inherent sense of stability, ensuring safe lifelong motor learning. The project uses Bayesian optimization to learn a distribution of Lyapunov regions of attraction, enabling agents to maximize exploration while remaining safe.
A recent study found that children with developmental language disorder exhibit impaired emotional regulation, particularly in early childhood. The researchers also discovered that parental emotional regulation plays a significant role in shaping their children's ability to manage emotions.
Researchers used advanced technology to study dopamine neuron structure, addiction, and brain recovery in mice exposed to cocaine. The study found changes in axon branching and the formation of huge swellings at various locations along the axon, providing new insights into dopamine transmission and addiction.
Researchers found that astrocytes become pro-inflammatory and lose protective functions in ALS, leading to toxic build-up of glutamate that damages motor neurons. The study also identified distinct molecular patterns in astrocytes associated with different ALS-causing genetic mutations.
A newly identified molecular signal can spot aggressive tumor cells in early prostate cancers, allowing for targeted treatment. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a test to guide treatment based on this genomic signature.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research found no SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in breastmilk from mothers infected with COVID-19, ruling out transmission to infants. The authors analyzed 110 lactating women and did not find any clinical evidence of infection in breastfeeding infants.
A nationwide study reveals that higher access to grocery stores is associated with increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, lower consumption of fast food and soda. Food deserts and high income were found to be negatively correlated with dietary health, particularly among subpopulations.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that can predict resistance outcomes for various drug pairs. The model, called JDFE, characterizes mutations available to bacteria and allows for classification of drug pairs into those that facilitate or hinder multi-drug resistance.
Researchers confirm that Chevalier barley came from a single plant, analyzing seed samples older than 150 years. The study reveals how the single plant's genetic signature was preserved and used to create modern malting barley varieties.
A team of scientists successfully constructed a supramolecular rotor inside a hollow cube-shaped zinc(II)-metallated porphyrinic cage (Zn-PB) molecule. The addition of a chemical stimulant initiates both rotary and tumbling motions, controlled by external stimuli.
Researchers estimate 1% of ordinary matter is locked up in stellar mass black holes, with 40 trillion black holes in observable Universe. The study uses a new method combining stellar evolution codes and empirical prescriptions for galaxy properties.
Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered that mitochondria do not function properly in patients with post-COVID syndrome, leading to debilitating symptoms. The study's findings may lead to treatments for patients struggling with fluctuating heart rates, extreme fatigue and memory issues.
Researchers at TIFR Hyderabad discover that soft ECM allows Filamin to push out precancerous cells, while stiff ECM enables their growth. This study sheds light on the link between ECM stiffness and increased cancer incidence.
A new study highlights widespread shortages of specialist lung cancer surgeons and nurses, as well as a lack of case-discussion meetings at some hospitals. The research suggests that these gaps may contribute to variations in outcomes for lung cancer patients across Australia.
Epidemiologists have developed a new blood test, DunedinPACE, to measure biological aging. The test uses DNA methylation marks to track changes in organ-system integrity over time, predicting future disease and mortality.
A Stanford-led study found that blood antibodies in patients shortly after COVID-19 onset may indicate who is most likely to develop severe symptoms. The researchers discovered differences in antibody shapes and sugar chains between those with mild and severe symptoms, which could lead to a test to focus attention on those at risk.
Researchers found elevated protein levels and unexpected antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with post-COVID cognitive symptoms, suggesting inflammation and a systemic response. The study suggests an activated immune system may be the cause of brain fog, a common after-effect of COVID-19.
A recent study published in Experimental Neurology suggests that the accumulation of a fragment of the synaptic protein neurexin in the adult brain causes specific losses of memory. The researchers observed that this accumulation triggers defects in associative memory and presynaptic plasticity, particularly affecting the amygdala.
Rates of cervical cancer screening have dropped in the US, with significant disparities found across sociodemographic groups. The study highlights the need for targeted campaigns to address lack of knowledge as the primary reason for not receiving timely screenings.
A new meta-analysis of COVID-19 vaccine trials found that the placebo effect accounts for more than two-thirds of adverse events, with headache and fatigue being the most common. The study suggests that informing patients about potential side effects could help reduce vaccination hesitancy.
A review of 36 studies from 11 countries found that COVID-19 school closures negatively affected the physical and mental health of children and teens. The study suggests that prolonged school closures can lead to long-term effects on their well-being.
A Rutgers study reveals the professional and personal impact of COVID-19 on Black and Latinx healthcare workers in supportive roles. The findings highlight the critical need for health systems to improve work conditions, including wages, physical demands, and mental well-being, to retain this marginalized workforce.
Marine heat waves in the Chesapeake Bay are projected to increase by half a year by 2100, causing devastating impacts on marine life and coastal economies. The study found a significant upward trend in frequency and intensity of marine heat waves within the Bay.
A Bar-Ilan University study reveals a correlation between physiological data collected prior to the pandemic and heightened COVID-related fears. The research found that individuals with larger households and those who experienced financial difficulties during the pandemic were more likely to exhibit elevated worries.
Researchers used owl wing characteristics to inform airfoil designs and significantly reduce trailing-edge noise in aeronautical and turbine engines. The study found that asymmetric serrations reduced noise more than their symmetric counterparts.
Researchers found that giant pandas' gut microbiota shifts in season, helping them gain weight and store fat. The team used a fecal transplant experiment to show that the metabolic product of Clostridium butyricum can upregulate lipid synthesis and storage.
Northwestern University scientists have identified a key mechanism used by the Zika virus to evade the antiviral response of host cells. The study reveals how the virus suppresses interferon signaling to gain access to cells, providing a new target for antiviral therapeutics.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a smart and super-efficient way of capturing carbon dioxide and converting it to solid carbon, which can be integrated into existing industrial processes. The technology offers a pathway for instantly converting CO2 as it is produced, locking it permanently in a solid state.
A new machine learning model, RefMap, has identified 690 genetic risk factors for motor neurone disease, a five-fold increase from previous estimates. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments and personalized medicine for patients with MND.
A recent study by Moffitt researchers found that African American veterans had a significantly higher incidence of prostate cancer compared to European American men. The study also revealed that timely treatment and clear documentation are crucial in reducing the risk of metastasis among African American men.
Matthew Lefkowitz, a George Mason University doctoral student, has received funding for graduate student financial support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NIH and NCATS will provide stipend support and health insurance to help him pursue his research.
Research shows people with diverse sexual and gender identities experience poorer health outcomes in obstetric care. Experts emphasize the importance of using inclusive language to improve health outcomes.