Researchers analyzed health records of nearly half a million patients post-heart attack and found that depression was associated with a nearly 50% higher stroke risk compared to those without depression. The study highlights the need for greater attention to mental health in research and practice.
Researchers examine the value of studying underutilized crops and identify specific genes that underpin their adaptive traits. The review advocates for extensive genome sequencing to breed favorable varieties with mainstream potential.
A study reveals that red fox populations in Western Europe became larger than before the rabies vaccination campaign, only to decline since the 2000s. Higher numbers of foxes supported the outbreak of other diseases, while their impacts were limited.
A telephone survey called Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) was found to be effective in detecting dementia in primary care patients. TICS scored well as a low-cost diagnostic tool, with a score of less than 30 indicating a positive screen for dementia.
A new SERS method using a liquid 3D hotspot matrix enables online quantitative detection of anticancer drugs in serum. The method exhibits 50ppb sensitivity and a range of 50-1000ppb for the drug 5-fluorouracil.
A Mayo Clinic study of 106,349 primary care patients found that hospitalization rates for breakthrough COVID-19 were extremely low, even among those previously infected or vaccinated. The study supports previous findings that vaccination is the best way to prevent severe COVID-19 infection and hospitalization.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University identified the strip1 gene as essential for keeping retinal ganglion cells alive. The gene suppresses Jun-mediated apoptosis, promoting correct neural circuit formation in the retina. This finding opens promising new avenues for treating diseases like glaucoma.
Dr. Xavier Montalban has made significant contributions to understanding multiple sclerosis, improving its diagnosis, and testing ground-breaking therapies. He developed criteria to determine if a disease-modifying therapy is working, informing decisions for switching treatments.
The new NCHRP Guide updates pedestrian analysis methodologies to support safe and sustainable communities. The research team developed new products published in 2022, free to download from the National Academies Press.
A team of researchers discovered that combining food-grade plant extracts like okra and aloe can effectively remove microplastics from wastewater. The most effective combination was found to be okra paired with fenugreek in ocean water, while okra paired with tamarind worked best for freshwater samples.
People with severe mental illness experience increased likelihood of health problems and poorer physical health due to inadequate pain management. Current treatments are often excluded from clinical trials, and low physical activity is a common issue in both conditions.
A new study from Mayo Clinic and Baylor College of Medicine found that targeted genomic information can significantly impact drug prescribing practices. By applying drug-gene testing, clinicians can identify nearly every patient as a potential candidate for preemptive testing, particularly for drugs with unknown genetic influences.
Researchers found that tropical carbon loss has doubled over the past two decades due to excessive forest removal, primarily caused by agricultural expansion. This study highlights the importance of monitoring deforestation trends and the need for effective strategies to reduce forest loss.
Researchers develop novel therapeutic approach for treating tuberculosis using phosphatase inhibitors, offering potential benefits for TB research and basic biology exploration. The discovery provides a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic-based treatments and has significant implications for combating antimicrobial resistance.
Astronomers have identified a nearby Sun-like star that has paused its own cycles and entered a similar period of rare starspots, sparking hope for understanding the Sun's 70-year Maunder Minimum. Continued observation could provide crucial insights into the Sun's stellar magnetic activity, potentially affecting climate on Earth.
A novel system to control protein aggregation in a model of Parkinson’s disease suggests that aggregation of alpha-synuclein plays a critical role in disrupting neuronal homeostasis and triggering neurodegeneration. Light treatment led to formation of Lewy body-like aggregates, neurodegeneration, and Parkinson-like motor deficits in mice.
A recent study of 480 children at risk of neonatal hypoglycemia found no significant association between exposure to hypoglycemia and lower educational achievement at ages 9-10. The researchers analyzed data from treated children, suggesting that early treatment may not have long-term effects on academic performance.
Biomed Valley Discoveries will present four posters on ulixertinib (BVD-523), a first-in-class ERK1/2 inhibitor, at the AACR Annual Meeting 2022. The presentations focus on ulixertinib's potential in combating acquired resistance to the drug and its efficacy in combination with other therapies.
A review article by UT Southwestern researchers highlights the root cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition affecting millions globally. Joint metabolic and immune dysfunction is proposed as the underlying mechanism, opening up possibilities for therapeutic targets.
A Korean research team has developed a radar sensor-based life detection system to help firefighters at indoor disaster sites. The technology can detect victim's biosignals beyond walls using high-precision radar sensors, enabling rapid and safe lifesaving.
A new paper by Adele La Rana details the history of EUROGRAV, a planned array interferometer gravitational wave detector built in Europe in the late 1980s. The project failed due to various reasons, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and economic downturn in the UK.
A booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine significantly increases antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, reversing a drop in immunity after two doses. In subjects given CoronaVac or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, the booster raised immunity by a factor of 25 and 7, respectively.
A University of Alberta study found that environmentally aware consumers are more inclined to buy insect- or algae-fed chicken if provided with information about its health and environmental benefits. Consumers who received nutrition facts on the packaging were more likely to purchase the alternative product, while those without this i...
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a way to prevent short-circuiting in yarns designed to store energy by wrapping them with an insulating thread. The findings could advance the development of smart textiles that capture energy from wearer's movements and power sensors.
Researchers developed a new OCT method called Spatio-Temporal Optical Coherence Tomography (STOC-T) to improve the accuracy of eye disease diagnoses. This method uses multimode optical fibers to reduce noise, enabling clearer images of the choroid and other vital parts of the eye.
A new study reveals that ancient Maya people originated from south-to-north migrants carrying maize, which became a staple food. The discovery sheds light on the origins of intensive farming in the Maya region and its impact on the development of large communities.
A study has shown that wind variations over the southern Red Sea are the main drivers of sea-level extremes, driving levels up and down depending on wind direction. This understanding is crucial for coastal planning and management to mitigate the impact of storm surges and coastal erosion.
A recent Cornell University study reveals that white-tailed deer can shed and transmit the COVID-19 virus for up to five days following infection. The virus replicates in the deer's respiratory tract, lymphoid tissues, and central nervous system, making them a potential reservoir for the virus in nature.
Researchers have created a new type of colon tattoo ink that is more biocompatible and less prone to diffusion than existing inks. The ink uses metal-derived nanoparticles and polymers to adhere to the submucosal surface in the colon, allowing for better identification and removal of complex polyps and tumors.
The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases finds organ donation from COVID-19 patients is safe and does not transmit SARS-CoV-2. Recipients with asymptomatic infections are also now eligible for transplant, but must be triple-vaccinated.
A new study uses a vast dataset to test the idea that hierarchical structures in human societies arose from cognitive limits on information processing. The research found that for small-scale societies, population size and governing system development influence hierarchy emergence, while medium- and large-scale societies are shaped by ...
A UNIGE team has successfully stored a quantum bit for 20 milliseconds in a crystal-based memory. This achievement marks a major step towards the development of long-distance quantum telecommunications networks.
Teenagers involved in arts activities are less likely to engage in antisocial behaviour up to two years later. They also exhibit better self-control scores and view antisocial behaviour negatively.
Researchers found that vaccine-induced T cells remain stable for up to 15 months after vaccination or infection, recognizing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This long-lasting immune response is crucial in supporting the development of antibodies against the virus.
Scientists from China have developed a bionic approach to improve wind turbine performance by combining features of a seagull's wing with an engineered flow control accessory. The combined flow control improves lift and delays stalling at high angles of attack, increasing the efficiency of wind energy turbines.
Researchers have discovered the opto-ionic effect, where light increases the mobility of ions in ceramic materials, improving the performance of devices such as solid-state electrolytes in fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. This effect could lead to higher charging speeds and more efficient energy conversion technologies.
Researchers have identified two glucose transporters that disrupt the energy supply to invading worm cells and stop them in their tracks. By deactivating these genes, glucose and ATP levels dropped, and worm cells stalled their spread. This discovery could lead to new ways to cut off cancer cells' fuel lines and prevent metastasis.
A study published in Breastfeeding Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination was safe for nursing mothers and their breastfed infants, with most symptoms reported being mild. The investigation did not reveal any significant increase in adverse events or complications attributed to the vaccine.
Researchers have successfully created high-quality, crack-free microstructures on silicon surfaces in the ductile regime using elliptical vibration cutting. The technique allows for high-aspect-ratio feature generation with minimal interference, enabling structural coloration and potential applications in displays, sensing, and more.
A POSTECH research team has proposed a novel filterless and electrokinetic-driven ion separation mechanism for lithium and magnesium without the use of extractants. This method enables precise control over ion migration, reducing losses of lithium during extraction from salt lake brines.
A new study suggests that working non-traditional shifts may delay the onset of natural menopause in women. The researchers found a significant association between rotating shifts and later age at menopause, possibly due to disruptions in circadian rhythms. Further investigation is necessary to determine the underlying mechanisms.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) announced its newly elected class of Fellows of the AACR Academy, recognizing distinguished scientists who have propelled innovation and progress against cancer. The 2022 class consists of 33 luminaries from various scientific disciplines.
A new protocol called SPoTKD offers a secure way to transmit data without relying on expensive equipment or dedicated channels. Tiny microchips with self-powered clocks can create secure channels, making it possible for devices to power themselves and stay secure.
The omicron variant's infectiousness period is uncertain, with evidence suggesting it may not be shorter than previous variants. Dr Marjolein Irwin-Knoester recommends a maximum of 7-day isolation for most cases, striking a balance between virus infectivity and community acceptance.
Researchers have identified a novel drug candidate, lonafarnib, that improves neuronal morphological defects, abnormal function, and memory impairments in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex. The study suggests that reducing the levels of active Rheb is crucial for normalizing memory in TSC mice.
Researchers have successfully used a new sound wave technique called burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) to break up kidney stones in humans, achieving a median of 90% stone volume fragmentation within 10 minutes. The procedure shows potential for an office-based treatment approach with minimal tissue injury and no anesthesia required.
Research from Indiana University reveals that cash assistance is a double-edged sword, harming both refugees and local residents if not implemented correctly. Humanitarian organizations can extend cash assistance to host regions with market power by partnering with local governments.
Outbreaks in Hong Kong's high-rise housing have shown vertical transmission of COVID-19 via drainage stack bioaerosols, which can spread through pipes and enhance by poor ventilation. The omicron variant has contributed to the rapid spread.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies found music interventions to be associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health-related quality of life. The study suggests that music-making and listening may have a positive impact on overall well-being, particularly for individuals with health conditions.
Researchers report promising results from a phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with two-thirds of participants no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria. The therapy showed better effect sizes than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and was equally effective in treatm...
Researchers warn of machine learning bias when data published for one task is used to train algorithms for a different one. This can lead to compromised integrity and 'overly optimistic' results in medical imaging applications.
A new study published in BRAIN shows that a neuronal growth factor called BDNF plays a major role in amplifying spinal cord pain signalling in male humans and male rats, but not in female humans or female rats. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new treatments for chronic pain.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that restores night vision in dogs with congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), a condition affecting the ON bipolar cells. The treatment enables dogs to navigate mazes in dim light and has a lasting therapeutic effect, paving the way for potential human treatments.
A study by Jason Hickel reveals that the global North appropriates vast resources and labor from the global South through price differentials in international trade, resulting in a net drain of $10.8 trillion in 2015. This unsustainable practice perpetuates global inequality and ecological breakdown.
Research from the University of Minnesota found that lower left atrial function was associated with higher risk of developing dementia. Atrial myopathy, characterized by abnormal left atrial function and size, was identified as an independent risk factor for dementia.
A team of researchers has discovered a compound called TC-2153 that reduces seizure severity in mice with temporal lobe epilepsy by decreasing the activity of hippocampal neurons. The study found that female sex hormones play a role in the efficacy of TC-2153, which may be relevant to sex differences seen in temporal lobe epilepsy.
Researchers develop a method to leaven pizza dough without yeast by dissolving gas into the dough at high pressure. The team fine-tuned the pressure release rate through rheological analysis to create ideal rise, resulting in light and airy pizzas.
Treatment with an antiplatelet agent had a low likelihood of providing improvement in the number of organ support-free days within 21 days in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The study found no significant benefit from using antiplatelet therapy in this population.
A new study published in Radiology has found that ultrasound images can effectively classify adnexal lesions into classic and non-classic categories, with a sensitivity of 92.5% for diagnosing malignancy. The classic versus non-classic approach could help radiologists quickly assess lesions and avoid unnecessary surgery.
Using a previously published and carefully curated dataset, researchers reconstructed the evolution of protein sequences to build a comprehensive evolutionary tree of beetles. The study provides a refined timescale of beetle evolution, with over 400 thousand species described.