Long-term exposure to air pollutants like PM2.5, NO2, and O3 increases the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, including ICU admissions and deaths. The study analyzed data from over 151,000 people in Ontario, Canada, and found a significant association between chronic air pollution exposure and more severe COVID-19 severity.
Researchers have found that gamma delta T cells can be trained to become extreme killers by recognizing abnormal target cells. This discovery has implications for developing novel cellular therapies to treat cancer and infectious diseases.
Despite over 30 years of research evidence, only 60 countries have made folic acid fortification mandatory. Experts call for immediate action to pass a resolution to accelerate prevention globally and reach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals on child mortality and health equity.
Patients who use cannabis require higher levels of sedation during gastric endoscopies than non-users, according to research. Cannabis use is associated with increased odds of requiring higher total sedation during gastroscopy but not colonoscopy.
Researchers at West Virginia University are studying the mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease and PTSD, using animal models to investigate how stressful events affect brain cells. They aim to understand the role of estrogen and high-cholesterol diet in developing the disease.
Researchers in Ontario, Canada assessed the impact of utilizing an electronic consultation service to provide timely access to COVID-19 specialist advice for primary care practitioners. The study found that eConsults resulted in rapid access to specialist care, with 24% of cases avoiding face-to-face referrals.
Researchers at NREL developed a triple-junction solar cell with unprecedented performance, reaching 39.5% efficiency under 1-sun global illumination. The new design uses quantum wells to modify solar properties and has a simpler structure for various applications.
A new AI tool helps doctors predict cancer risk in lung nodules on chest CT scans, improving accuracy and agreement among radiologists. The tool was developed by Optellum Ltd. and evaluated in a study of 300 patients with indeterminant pulmonary nodules.
A study has found that patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are six times more likely to have had gallstone disease within the year prior to diagnosis than non-cancer patients. This association suggests that gallstones could be a warning sign for this aggressive and deadly cancer.
Using denitrifying bacteria in recycled coarse aggregate concrete increases its strength and durability, reducing water absorption by 33% and improving compressive strength by 30.3%. The novel method offers an environmentally friendly solution to enhance freeze-thaw resistance.
A new report from the InterAcademy Partnership highlights the severe impacts of climate change on human health, including increased risk of heat-related illnesses and food insecurity. The report calls for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen disease surveillance systems to mitigate these effects.
A Kanazawa University team has identified a DNA aptamer-based molecule that inhibits the CYP24 enzyme, leading to significant antiproliferative activity in cancer cells. This finding suggests that Apt-7 could be a promising lead candidate for anticancer therapy.
Researchers at the University of Bath developed a way to make PLA plastics more degradable in natural environments by incorporating sugar molecules. This technology can degrade 40% of the plastic within six hours of exposure to UV light, making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
Researchers have discovered that short-chain fatty acid acetate from the gut microbiota can minimize the effects of infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and mitigate its severity. The compound was found to activate antiviral molecules, such as RIG-I, which are effective against RSV, leading to a 88% reduction in viral load.
A systematic review of qualitative studies found that rural patients experience significant challenges in accessing health care services for chronic conditions. Cultural, structural, and individual factors influence these experiences, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate interventions to improve access to care.
Researchers have found a significant number of massive black holes in dwarf galaxies, contradicting previous assumptions that they are rare. The newly discovered black holes offer insights into the life story of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole and its potential mergers with other galaxies.
A machine learning model predicts which SARS-CoV-2 variants will dominate and cause surges in COVID-19 cases, offering a potential early warning system for public health officials. The model, PyR0, can analyze millions of viral genomes in an hour, estimating the effect of genetic mutations on the virus's fitness.
Research found a significant increase in esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus among middle-aged adults, with rates nearly doubling between 2012 and 2019. The study suggests an urgent need for earlier endoscopic screening in this age group, particularly those with multiple risk factors.
Stepped wedge cluster randomized trials offer statistical power, incentivized recruitment, and staggered resource allocation. However, challenges include time-sensitive recruitment, retention issues, and the Hawthorne effect.
The study reveals hyperextension in the Qiongdongnan Basin's crust with characteristics of magmatic influence from the Hainan mantle plume. Low-velocity conduits indicate crustal magmatic footprints, supporting the plume's impact on rifted margins.
Scientists at the University of Michigan and University of Regensburg have developed a method to emulate impossible 'unipolar' laser pulses, which could enable faster processing of quantum information. This breakthrough accelerates conventional computing and brings us closer to room-temperature quantum computing.
A new wiring diagram illustrates complex interactions between wheat traits to inform breeding decisions and future research. The tool shows connections among traits that may not have been apparent, serving as a decision support tool for crop scientists.
Researchers found that binary star systems form planets in a different way than single stars, which can significantly impact the search for alien life. The study used ALMA telescopes to observe a young binary star system and discovered a cyclic pattern of gas and dust movement that may trigger bursts of material towards the star.
A recent study published in JACC: Advances has discovered a significant correlation between the racial demographics of cardiovascular disease fellowship programs and the race of their program directors. The study, led by Indiana University researcher Ankur Kalra, found that fellows from diverse backgrounds are more likely to be accepte...
Scientists used fMRI to detect burst-suppression events in anesthetized animals and found its spatial distribution varies between primates and rodents. This phenomenon is linked to the brain's sensory areas, with certain regions showing resistance to anesthesia-induced suppression.
A new study found that Medicare spent $1.2 billion on 36 drugs with no confirmed clinical benefits, mainly for cancer-related indications. The study suggests reforming the FDA's accelerated approval program to reduce waste and ensure patients receive effective treatments.
A new study found that exposure to dogs, particularly from ages 5 to 15, was linked to healthy gut permeability and balance in the gut microbiome. Additionally, growing up in a large family with three or more siblings may also provide protection against Crohn's disease by influencing microbiome composition.
Scientists discovered that tiny defects in perovskites, cheaper alternative materials for solar cells, also cause structural changes leading to degradation. By controlling the formation of these detrimental phases, researchers can improve performance and stability of devices, bringing them closer to commercialization.
A new study has identified persistent racial and ethnic disparities in five-year survival rates for younger adults with colorectal cancer. White patients had a higher five-year relative survival rate compared to Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients, regardless of disease stage.
A recent study published in eLife found that eating up to one egg per day may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers identified 24 metabolites associated with self-reported levels of egg consumption and found that individuals who ate eggs regularly had higher levels of a protein called apolipoprotein A1.
The Berkeley Lab team has demonstrated a three-qubit native quantum gate, the iToffoli gate, with high fidelity of 98.26%. This breakthrough enables universal quantum computing and reduces circuit running times.
A team of researchers from Texas A&M University discovered helicoidal screw dislocations in layered polymers, enabling the easy diffusion of solvents through layers. This discovery has implications for stimuli-interactive structural colors, which are used in human-interactive electronics and health sensors.
Researchers have developed biodegradable nanovesicles that efficiently encapsulate and deliver PARP1 siRNA to breast cancer tumors in mice, inhibiting oncogene expression and extending survival. The polymersomes, assembled from three biodegradable block copolymers, have strong potential for precision-targeted therapeutic carriers.
A new study evaluates the Ontario eConsult service over two years, finding increased usage and reduced need for in-person visits. The research team analyzed 60,474 eConsult records, resulting in a median subspecialist response time of one day and a cost of $50 per case.
Researchers developed IRShield, a novel system protecting privacy in wireless communication by disguising wireless channels with random IRS configurations. The solution prevents state-of-the-art human motion detection attacks, achieving high channel obfuscation and compatibility with existing wireless infrastructures.
Researchers discovered that lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those who are overweight or obese. Despite lower rates of other health conditions, lean patients with NAFLD exhibited increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease.
A Kyoto University study shows that even though biodiversity increases with more interactions, mean interaction strength decreases. The interaction capacity hypothesis proposes that this weakening of interspecific interactions may be due to increased community diversity.
Researchers have found that light-based therapies such as photobiomodulation and photodynamics can effectively treat a range of post-COVID complications, including muscle and joint damage. The studies, conducted in Brazil, utilized laser irradiation, negative pressure, and other technologies to improve symptoms and promote healing.
NUTRITION 2022 LIVE ONLINE features research announcements, expert discussions and live sessions on topics such as dietary protein's impact on muscle metabolism and healthy aging. The meeting also explores the concept of 'ultra-processed foods' in relation to dietary guidelines.
A cohort study of healthcare workers and community participants found that fully vaccinated individuals had significantly less secondary transmission and shorter viable virus duration than partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals. The study suggests that vaccination status affects SARS-CoV-2 shedding and transmission.
A virtual community of practice intervention improved clinicians' attitudes towards health literacy and self-management support, but had no impact on patient-centeredness or self-activation. The study suggests that more comprehensive approaches are needed to promote patient empowerment.
A new study finds that climate change will make the U.S. Corn Belt unsuitable for cultivating corn by 2100, highlighting the need for significant agricultural adaptations, diversification and a shift towards more sustainable farming practices.
A study published in eLife found that type 2 diabetes speeds up the normal process of brain aging, with longer duration of diabetes linked to increased neurodegeneration. The analysis showed that people with diabetes had a further 13.1% decrease in executive function and processing speed compared to healthy individuals.
The Australian General Practice Respiratory Clinic program effectively scaled up in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing rapid infection control measures and anonymized patient data for surveillance reports. By September 2020, 150 clinics had opened across the country, demonstrating their integration with other health services.
Researchers in statistical physics analyzed data on violent events in Ukraine and found that conflicts do not exist as a clear west versus east divide. Instead, they form a complex network of interactions without geographical boundaries.
New research provides insights into genetic characteristics of Wilms tumor relapse, identifying two previously unrecognised mutations that may aid in early detection and tailored therapies. The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, offers promise for improving patient outcomes.
Engineers at RMIT University discovered a bitumen blend that's both UV-resistant and withstands traffic loads. The mixture of crumb rubber from recycled tyres halves the rate of sun damage when mixed with bitumen, making it an ideal sustainable solution for roads.
Researchers at Iowa State University found that startups near state lines are more likely to set up shop in states with lower property taxes. The study, published in Small Business Economics, showed a significant distortion in tax rates between Iowa and its neighboring states, particularly South Dakota. Property taxes were found to hav...
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that individuals living in areas with high social vulnerability experience worse mental and physical health outcomes after a traumatic injury. The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index was used as a tool to inform decision-making about post-injury support services.
Wealthy individuals are more likely to purchase unsustainable products with higher price tags, feeling entitled to the benefits despite environmental costs. However, when encouraged to think about equality, this effect is diminished.
The Mount Sinai Hospital will recruit eight postdoctoral trainees for a five-year fellowship program in emergency care research. The program aims to investigate complex medical questions and lead to studies transforming patient care.
A new study of over 100,000 births in pre-industrial Europe found that mothers of twins are not more fertile than average. In fact, the researchers discovered that women who give birth to twins actually have lower fertility rates when accounting for 'lottery ticket effect' biases.
Scientists create a bendable organic LED with a mica backing that produces soft, warm light similar to candlelight, with minimal blue wavelength emissions. This device offers a potential solution for sleep-friendly lighting alternatives.
A new retrospective study analyzed seven patients with monkeypox in the UK between 2018 and 2021, suggesting potential benefits of antiviral medications like tecovirimat. However, brincidofovir showed little clinical benefit and raised concerns about liver toxicity.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC are testing the efficacy of 3K3A-APC as a cerebroprotectant to reduce brain bleeds in acute ischemic stroke patients. The experimental drug has shown promising results in Phase 2 clinical trials, reducing incidence of brain hemorrhage by nearly 20%.
A new program, IVAN, developed at Penn State uses virtual reality to teach nutrition concepts and improve users' skills. The program scored highly across 14 domains, indicating it was received positively by experts.
A study suggests that lung ultrasounds performed by primary care physicians can accurately diagnose community-acquired pneumonia with high specificity. This could allow for direct antibiotic prescribing, saving time and money for patients and reducing X-ray radiation.
A new study in Nepal reveals that the desire for a son can lead to shorter breastfeeding durations for girls, resulting in a greater risk of infant mortality. The research found that girls with only older sisters had the shortest breastfeeding duration.
Adolescents with access to firearms have a 1.5 times higher odds of prior suicide attempt and current suicidal ideation, according to the study. Over 40% of adolescents presenting to the ED had moderate to severe depressive symptoms and access to a gun.
A team of NTU Singapore economists compiled a detailed study of Albert Winsemius' influence on Singapore's early economic development, analyzing his affinity with Singapore and his contributions to the country's economic growth. The book examines his synergy with pioneering leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Dr Goh Keng Swee.