A systematic review and meta-analysis found no significant differences in treatment success between nonoperative and operative management for acute uncomplicated appendicitis. However, the nonoperative group experienced significantly longer hospital stays and higher recurrence rates.
Researchers at NTU Singapore and Cuprina have developed a new clinical-grade collagen made from discarded bullfrog skin, which is leapfrogging from the lab bench to clinics soon. This sustainable innovation aims to reduce waste and provide an affordable yet effective wound-care solution.
A team of researchers connected the dots for one important gut bacterium, revealing its molecular structure and function in the immune system. The study found that Akkermansia muciniphila's lipid activates toll-like receptors, triggering the release of certain cytokines while leaving others alone.
Researchers investigate astrocyte production in the brain, discovering distinct dynamics in different parts of the cortex. The study suggests that early exposure to specific genes regulates stem cell behavior, leading to variations in astrocyte generation.
A large-scale survey of 62,000 participants found a significant association between everyday discrimination and moderate to severe depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Participants from Hispanic or Latino and non-Hispanic Asian backgrounds who experienced racism were at higher risk for these conditions.
Researchers from CU Boulder and NCAR found that soot and burned biomass from wildfires can affect Arctic sea ice, causing ripple effects on global climatic patterns. This study suggests a feedback loop between wildfires and Arctic sea ice, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate systems.
A new study published in the International Journal of Public Health found that testing people at the door or immediately before social mixing can significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission. The research suggests that testing on the day of an event or even 12 hours prior to arrival can effectively limit the spread of the virus.
A new study published in Menopause finds that prasterone effectively improves urinary urge incontinence symptoms in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. This treatment option may offer relief for women experiencing pressure in the bladder, making it difficult to hold urine.
Researchers analyzed ancient proteins in high-status Viking graves to identify beaver fur, supporting the idea that it was a luxury item. The discovery suggests that wearing exotic fur was an obvious visual statement of affluence and social status during the Viking Age.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified seven genetic variants that uniquely affect the response to four psychedelic drugs. These findings suggest that patients with different genetic variations may react differently to psychedelic-assisted treatments.
Researchers from Osaka University successfully modulated the thermal switching temperature of block copolymers to create a tunable thermal switch. This innovation enables practical functionality for flexible organic electronics at low cost.
Researchers developed a thermoelectric device with an array of π junctions, generating voltages over 0.5V. The device was fabricated using semiconductor microfabrication technology, enabling precise micro-scale π junctions.
A new vaccine patch has been shown to be more effective at neutralizing COVID-19 variants than traditional needle-based vaccines. The patch technology precisely delivers the vaccine into the skin's immune cells, producing superior immune responses.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute and University of Freiburg have discovered an enzyme that can break down nitrous oxide into harmless nitrogen and water. This breakthrough could potentially combat one of the main contributors to climate change, which accounts for only 7% of greenhouse gases but has a much greater impact.
A study in biomechanics measures the impact of head-first, hand-first, and feet-first diving to provide data-driven recommendations for safe diving. The researchers found that spinal cord and neck injury is likely above eight meters in a head-first dive, while knee injury is likely above 15 meters with feet-first diving.
Researchers from NUS and LMU Munich successfully demonstrated device-independent QKD, a new form of quantum key distribution that is secure even if users are not privy to the underlying hardware. The experiment used a new protocol with an extra set of key-generating measurements to make it more tolerant to noise and loss.
Researchers demonstrate device-independent quantum key distribution using quantum entanglement, paving the way for secure communication. The breakthrough ensures security without relying on the eavesdropper's computational power.
Researchers at Peking University discovered a plant immune protein, RDR1, that can repair microRNA defects in cancer cells, leading to broad-spectrum anti-tumor response. The study provides a new strategy for tumor treatment and makes RDR1 a powerful weapon against cancer.
The study reveals that top-down information from the higher-order motor cortex to the primary motor cortex is crucial for motor learning, while newly formed synapses in the thalamus store acquired motor memories. This challenge to the widely held view suggests a two-step process for motor skill learning.
A 12-month randomized controlled trial found that daily prune consumption preserved hip bone mineral density and protected against increased fracture risk in postmenopausal women. The study suggests that prunes may serve as a food-based option to support bone health in aging women.
A combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel shows excellent outcomes in patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The 'Gem/Doce' therapy provides a safe and effective alternative to BCG treatment, resulting in high response rates and good tolerability.
A new study found that a fully-automated online behavioral obesity treatment program led to significant weight loss among participants, with an average 12-week weight loss of 5.10%. The program addressed barriers in primary care, including limited resources and overburdened providers.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have made significant progress in designing a pan-coronavirus vaccine that targets the S2 area of the spike protein, offering protection against multiple coronaviruses and potential future pandemics. The study found that antibodies targeting this area can neutralize a range of coronaviruses, i...
A consensus paper by heart health experts highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing high blood pressure in children and adolescents. The document recommends dietary changes, regular physical activity, and family involvement to promote healthy habits and reduce the risk of hypertension.
Climate change is intensifying Western US wildfire activity, resulting in taller smoke plumes and more aerosols injected into the atmosphere. The study models 4.6 million smoke plumes and finds that maximum plume height increased by an average of 320 ft per year in four regions, with some areas experiencing a 750 ft per year increase.
A leadership program called Advancing Leadership in Times of Crisis (ALTC) has increased knowledge and understanding of leadership concepts among public health professionals in Puerto Rico. The program, developed by Impactivo, aims to 'evolve and adapt' to the needs of the public health workforce, with extremely high levels of satisfac...
Studies found that commuting by car results in larger concentrations of pollutants for people inside the vehicle compared to walkers or cyclists. Exercise through walking or cycling has well-known health benefits and improves air quality.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who eat the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods like soft drinks and sugary snacks may have a higher risk of developing dementia than those who eat the lowest amounts. Replacing ultra-processed foods with unprocessed or minimally processed options can lower this risk.
Researchers create a modified live attenuated mumps virus for delivery, showing it induces stronger immune responses and provides superior protection against SARS-CoV-2. The new vaccine candidate uses a prefusion version of the spike protein and offers potential to enhance MMR childhood vaccine.
Researchers develop technique to control pH at microsites, enabling high-throughput biomolecular synthesis and enzymatic DNA synthesis. This allows for increased experimental throughput and speeding up processes in DNA synthesis.
Researchers have developed instruments for single-molecule electrochemistry and spectroscopy, aiming to design and synthesize materials with chemistry, physics, and engineering at the atomic scale. They discuss challenges and opportunities in functionalizing molecular junctions and forming stable molecular electronic devices.
A new study by the University of Exeter recommends using metaphors, images, and poetry to complement traditional medical scales for patients to describe their chronic pain. This approach can improve doctor-patient communication and aid diagnosis or provide better support.
A comprehensive review found that interventions connecting transition-age youth with disabilities to employment set the stage for a lifetime of contributions. Nearly every intervention had a positive impact on youth employment status, with direct job placement being particularly successful.
A new study found that over half of adult cancer survivors experience significant hearing problems after chemotherapy treatment. The researchers also discovered that platinum and taxane drugs, commonly used to treat the majority of cancers, are linked to high rates of hearing loss and tinnitus.
Research suggests that up to 5.6% of patients may experience persistent smell loss, while 4.4% may not recover their sense of taste after COVID-19 infection, with recovery rates increasing over time.
Researchers discovered that communication between two brain regions, parietal cortex and premotor cortex, is co-dependent on instantaneous timescales to represent and maintain working memory. This finding challenges previous understanding of working memory representation in the brain.
Astronomers have found that short gamma-ray bursts did not originate as castaways, but instead occurred in distant galaxies up to 10 billion light-years away. The discovery suggests that these events may have been more common in the past than expected and could have seeded the Universe with precious metals.
McGill University researchers identify ventral striatum as key area in brain decisions between future pain and profit, potentially advancing treatments for disorders characterized by excessive avoidance. The study uses brain scans to monitor activity and machine-learning algorithms to predict participants' choices.
A new analysis from the Family Heart Foundation shows that only 31.3% of individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in its database had been diagnosed as of June 2020. This represents a significant increase since 2016, but highlights the ongoing challenge of diagnosing and managing the condition.
A new study found that racial disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake are largely due to anti-vaccine beliefs among Black adults. U.S.-born Hispanic adults were less vaccine hesitant than U.S.-born white adults, likely due to a stronger social connection to the vaccine
Adults who played sports in youth scored higher on grit scale than those who didn't; even brief sports participation in adulthood showed improvement. Grit is key to achieving long-term goals and persevering through obstacles.
CoVaRR-Net is investing $6.9 million in 15 research projects focused on understanding Omicron subvariants and finding solutions to curb their spread. The studies will explore various aspects of variants, including viral transmission between animals and people, new variant mutations, and the impact of social factors on Indigenous Peoples.
Research finds that women are less likely to engage in competitive environments when making decisions independently, but more willing to compete when making decisions on behalf of others. This disparity results in an equal representation of men and women in competitive situations.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to detect biliary tract cancer and other serious cancers by analyzing changes in microRNA molecules in patient blood. This approach enables early diagnosis and has potential for targeted treatments.
Researchers used Guardant NGS to analyze nearly 17,000 lung cancer samples and found MET amplification in 1.2% of cases, with 20.8% having overlapping oncogenic drivers. The study suggests that high gene copy numbers and smaller amplified regions can be used to enrich for the true MET-sensitive population.
A new study found that a fast food diet before pregnancy can negatively impact breast milk quality and baby's health, increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Even short-term consumption of high sugar and fat diets affects women's health and fertility.
Digital religion among millennials provides important spiritual spaces, enriching existing religious experiences. A new study found that digital forms of communication stem secularization and facilitate a 'spiritual revolution', but are not attracting new participants.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 'toolbox' to study receptor mobility in the brain, revealing its critical role in certain types of memory. The study used high-resolution imaging and manipulation techniques to observe receptor dynamics in intact brain tissue, providing new insights into the mechanisms controlling memory.
Infants from minoritized racial and ethnic backgrounds receive delayed diagnostic follow-up for cystic fibrosis, leading to worse nutritional outcomes and increased risk of severe complications. The study advocates for timely diagnosis and treatment to achieve equity in care and reduce childhood mortality.
A study of over 95,000 Rhode Island residents found that completing the primary vaccination series after COVID-19 recovery significantly reduced the risk of reinfection. The study suggests that post-recovery vaccination may play a crucial role in preventing reinfection and reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Researchers at the University of Manchester captured images of single atoms 'swimming' in liquid for the first time, revealing how liquid affects atomic behavior. The discovery could have widespread impact on green technologies like hydrogen production and clean water generation.
Scientists used cutting-edge technology to analyze HIV-infected memory CD4+ T cells and found distinct gene expression patterns linked to cell survival and proliferation. These findings suggest that the HIV-infected reservoir may be uniquely susceptible to targeted therapies, offering new hope for cure research.
A new study demonstrates that glyphosate successfully crosses the blood-brain barrier and enhances TNF-α levels in mice. The herbicide is linked to increased production of soluble beta amyloid and reduced neuron viability, suggesting potential hazards to neurological health.
Chronic lung disease (COPD) is a major public health problem worldwide, affecting 212 million people, primarily due to smoking and air pollution. The study reveals that while age-adjusted rates have declined, absolute counts are rising, with COPD expected to become an even greater issue in the future.
Researchers found that asexual freshwater snails, successful invaders worldwide, matured and reproduced more quickly than non-invasive counterparts. This combination of traits allows them to outcompete other snail lineages in new environments.
Research reveals that m6A modifications in T cells influence cell differentiation and biological processes. The study shows that loss of m6A affects T cell signaling and survival, leading to severe inflammatory responses and colitis in mice.
A new study finds that famine and disease, not increased milk consumption, led to the evolution of lactose tolerance in European populations. Prehistoric people consumed milk extensively, but it wasn't until around 1,000 BC that the genetic trait for lactase persistence became common.
Researchers found that daily blue light exposure increases neurodegeneration and impairs mitochondrial function in Drosophila melanogaster. The study's findings suggest that chronic exposure to blue light can accelerate aging in humans, particularly with age, by adding insult to injury.
A new study found that North American mammal communities have become more than twice as homogenous as they were 10,000 years ago, primarily due to early human hunting and farming activities. The accelerated homogenization is likely linked to the spate of large-mammal extinctions, which increased similarity among remaining species.
Researchers found that individuals staying in hotels received significantly reduced acute care services, including emergency visits and hospitalizations. The study suggests that these programs can have a positive impact beyond just reducing COVID-19 cases among vulnerable populations.