The USPSTF concludes that there is not enough evidence to support regular screening for impaired visual acuity in older adults. This recommendation applies to asymptomatic adults over 65 who do not have known vision problems. The number of affected adults is estimated at 2.9 million in 2015.
Researchers discovered Empa, an FDA-approved diabetes medication, improved blood vessel function and reduced arterial stiffness in aged male mice. The study suggests SGLT2 inhibition may be a therapeutic tool to delay or reverse vascular aging in humans.
A new study reveals that humans can hear as well as seals under water, with an average hearing threshold of 71 dB at 500 Hz. However, human hearing is not adapted to work well under water and has a reduced ability to determine sound direction.
A new study identified the Cnpy4 gene as a crucial modulator of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which regulates growth and development during embryonic stages. This discovery could lead to potential new treatments for cancers related to Hedgehog signaling and birth defects involving extra fingers or toes.
A groundbreaking study has discovered that the cornea produces a delicate immune response to fight viral infections without damaging vision. Long-living memory T cells have been found patrolling and fighting viral infections in the cornea, upending previous thought on T cell presence in healthy corneas.
A new study published in Gastroenterology found that using computer-aided detection during colonoscopies can significantly increase the detection of adenoma, or cancerous and precancerous polyps. The research, led by Dr. Aasma Shaukat, showed a 27% increase in the overall rate of detection in average-risk patients. This technology has ...
New research finds elevated activity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex when anticipating stuttering, indicating a key role in cognitive control. This study provides fresh insight into how stutterers process anticipation, offering potential implications for therapy.
Research reveals Patagonian sheepdogs share common traits with European herding breeds, tracing back to extinct UK shepherds. The study uses genomic characterization and DNA sequencing to identify the connection between the two populations.
The five-year DIASIRE summer program will accept eight to 10 undergraduate students from across the country, providing them with valuable research skills and mentorship from OHIO faculty. Students will learn about the history and pathophysiology of diabetes, as well as epidemiological, social, and molecular/cellular research efforts.
A study found that general practitioners use ultrasound for exploratory purposes, outside of formal training areas, raising concerns about appropriate use and scanning competency. Meanwhile, lung ultrasounds may enable primary care physicians to prescribe antibiotics directly, reducing radiation exposure and saving time.
A study found that winter warming reduces chilling accumulation, resulting in a higher temperature requirement for spring phenology, which can lead to an extended time interval between flowering and leaf unfolding. On the other hand, spring warming has the opposite effect, shortening this interval.
A new analysis of over 100,000 births reveals that women with a high chance of having twins generally have reduced fertility. The study found that twin survival and increased pregnancies can compensate for reproductive aging, leading to higher total child numbers.
Experts predict wind turbines will reach 130 meters in height by 2035, capturing more energy through larger rotor diameters. Plant sizes are expected to be 1,100 MW for fixed-bottom and 600 MW for floating offshore wind, driving cost reductions of up to 35%.
A new study by USC researchers found a significant link between exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Long-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19.
Researchers developed soft robots that can navigate complex environments like mazes and climb slopes of loose sand. The twist in the robot's design allows it to rotate around obstacles and 'snap' into place, enabling autonomous navigation without human or computer input.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that higher red blood cell distribution width is associated with increased rates of in-hospital mortality and hospital re-admission among older patients. The study included 94,617 patients aged over 60 who were hospitalized between 2013 and 2017.
Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants use wet cooling methods to dissipate waste heat, but this can lead to significant water loss. A new study developed a radiative cooling system with cold storage that reduces water consumption by up to 85% in hot regions.
A team of researchers used resonant inelastic X-ray scattering to study the behavior of electron spins in iron selenide, a material that exhibits directionally-dependent electronic behavior. They found that high-energy spin excitations are dispersive and undamped, indicating a well-defined energy-versus-momentum relationship.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that men with obesity who lost weight saw a 50% increase in sperm concentration and a 40% increase in sperm count over an 8-week period. This improvement was sustained for up to 52 weeks and even doubled for those who maintained weight loss after a year
Three high school students from Portugal used a Raspberry Pi computer to measure Earth's magnetic field in orbit, comparing their results to data provided by the International Geomagnetic Reference Field. They found significant differences due to static magnetic fields inside the space station, but improved results with more measurements.
NIST researchers have developed a new atomic radio receiver that boosts signal strength 100-fold by enclosing cesium atoms in a custom copper structure resembling headphones. The structure acts as a split-ring resonator, enhancing the incoming radio signal and enabling the detection of weaker signals.
A lifestyle intervention program of increased physical activity and healthy eating, or taking the medication metformin, were found to be effective long-term in delaying or preventing Type 2 diabetes in adults with prediabetes. However, neither approach reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease over a 21-year follow-up period.
By pairing two waveguides, one with an ill-defined topology and another with a well-defined one, researchers created a topological singularity that can halt waves in their tracks. This phenomenon has potential applications in energy harvesting and enhancing nonlinear effects.
A study found that people experience a dissociative state when scrolling through social media, leading researchers to design an app that promotes user control and attention. The app, Chirp, incorporates features such as lists and pop-up surveys to help users stay focused.
The review highlights advances in fundamental visualization methods for medical images in 3D, including scalar, vector, and tensor data. Medical professionals can quickly locate proper techniques using a taxonomy of medical problems and examples of health applications.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to identify effective solutions, including strategically placed berms. A civil conversation between the source of the noise and the receiver is also crucial in finding an agreeable outcome.
A NTU Singapore study found that consumers associate higher-pitched commercials with healthier food products. The researchers also discovered a link between more stimulating visuals and consumer perceptions of healthiness.
Scientists from the University of Maryland developed CRISPR-Combo, a method to edit multiple genes in plants while simultaneously changing gene expression. This new tool enables genetic engineering combinations that work together to boost functionality and improve breeding of new crops.
The Society for Integrative Oncology has partnered with the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine (JICM) to advance evidence-based integrative healthcare. This partnership benefits SIO members by offering discounted Open Access publishing fees, while also providing worldwide exposure for research in integrative oncology.
A Rutgers study suggests that individual attitudes towards heavy alcohol use are a key predictor of college student drinking. The research found that students' own attitudes towards heavy drinking, rather than peer pressure or societal norms, were more closely linked to binge-drinking frequency and alcohol-related problems.
A study found that domesticated pigs and horses, as well as Asian wild horses, can tell the difference between positively and negatively charged sounds. The animals reacted stronger to negatively charged voices and showed mirroring of emotions.
A new study in Northern Sweden found that methane emissions from thawing permafrost can be reduced by a factor of 10 due to changes in hydrology, plant community, and microorganisms. As permafrost thaws, new plant species adapt to drier soil conditions, reducing methane transport and allowing bacteria to break it down.
A new study suggests that cutting emissions of carbon dioxide and other largely neglected climate pollutants is crucial to stay below the 1.5°C guardrail and avoid catastrophic climate change. The study finds that adopting a 'dual strategy' can cut the rate of warming in half by 2050.
A 10-year citizen science study found that UK bumblebees need varied habitats to thrive. The study identified specific habitat requirements for different species, including arable areas and semi-natural land, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.
Researchers developed an approach to predict shooter localization accuracy using geometric considerations, sensor characteristics, and urban environment. The prediction is represented as an ellipse-shaped area around the true shooter location, with smaller areas indicating higher accuracy.
Engineers at Stanford University have developed a microfluidic system that isolates allergen-reactive basophils from blood samples using magnetic nanoparticles. The device achieves purities and recovery over 95% in just 10 minutes, making it accessible to clinics and diagnostic labs.
Researchers have identified three new proteins that play a key role in plants' response to physical contact and touch, solving a scientific mystery that has eluded molecular biologists for 30 years. The study's findings could lead to higher yields and improved stress resistance in crops, which is crucial in the face of climate change.
A study has found that there is no single best moisturiser for children with eczema, highlighting the importance of patient education and choice. The trial, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, compared four types of moisturisers and found that reactions were common regardless of type.
A new study found that patient-reported physical well-being is a significant factor in determining cancer prognosis and survival. The research highlights the importance of shared decision-making in cancer treatment, suggesting that clinicians should prioritize listening to patients' perspectives.
A new diagnostic marker has been identified that predicts successful and efficient oocyte development. The study found that X-chromosome inactivation and reactivation are critical for normal germ cell differentiation.
A new study of nearly 90,000 cannabis samples across six states found that the current labeling system does not consistently align with the observed chemical diversity of products. The researchers are now calling for a more comprehensive labeling system akin to food's nutrition facts panel.
A study found that states with laws requiring CPR/AED training in high school had higher rates of bystander CPR after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest compared to those without such mandates. The study suggests that this intervention can help reduce health disparities, particularly among low-income and minority communities.
The University of Minnesota has received a $66 million grant from the NIAID to establish a center for developing antiviral drugs for pandemic-level viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery Center will bring together investigators from the University and sixteen other institutions nationwide.
Researchers at University of Utah Health have found a natural chemical in soft corals that shows promise in treating cancer. The discovery allows for the first steps of re-creating the chemical in the laboratory, opening up possibilities for producing it on a large scale.
Researchers have developed a new carbon capture method using sponge-like materials that can trap CO2 without degrading over time. The materials are made from sugar and low-cost alkali metal salts, making them a potentially cost-effective solution for reducing coal-fired power plant emissions.
A study identified an 18-base osteogenetic ODN (iSN40) that promotes the differentiation of mouse osteoblasts and induces the expression of genes required for bone formation. This discovery offers a promising treatment option for osteoporosis, which affects 200 million people worldwide.
Research found that e-cigarette users spent more on healthcare services, including hospital stays, ER visits, and doctor appointments. The study estimated $15.1 billion in annual healthcare expenditures attributable to e-cigarette use in the US.
A novel contract proposed by UTD researchers could help alleviate key sources of conflict between restaurants and food-delivery platforms. The study found that standard contractual relationships have two key issues: simple revenue sharing and strain on restaurant operations.
Daily gabapentin treatment restored fine motor functions in mice's upper extremities and continued to show functional improvements even after treatment was stopped. The drug blocks the activity of a protein that hinders re-growth of axons, enabling post-stroke central nervous system repair to progress in a coordinated way.
Scientists at Osaka University have invented a flexible sheet sensor that can detect changes in water temperature and presence of contaminants without disrupting the flow. The technology uses an embedded carbon nanotube film as a photodetector layer, enabling continuous monitoring and non-disruptive sampling.
Research published in eNeuro found that physical consequences, such as slipping, can improve motor learning by refining movement responses to mistakes. Participants who experienced a slip improved their ability to adjust steps to new situations, demonstrating better generalization of learned skills.
A large-scale analysis of daytime surgeries performed by surgeons who operated the previous night found no correlation with increased risk of in-hospital mortality or major complications. The study, involving nearly 500,000 operations, suggests that surgeons can perform safely and effectively even after a night shift.
A new study suggests that growing up with dogs and in large families may lower the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Exposure to dogs, particularly between ages 5-15, was linked to healthy gut permeability and a balanced immune response, which may help protect against Crohn's disease.
The study explores the interaction between sodium metal and organic materials using in situ photoelectron spectroscopy. Researchers found that fluorination promotes sodiophilic sites, providing insights for designing fluorine-containing electrolyte additives and hosts to protect sodium metal anodes.
The current monkeypox outbreak is more widespread than previous ones outside of Africa, with significant cases reported in Europe, the UK, and North America. A notable increase in cases among men who have sex with men has been observed, although the cause remains unclear.
Shellfish farmers in California are adapting to ocean acidification by diversifying their operations and relying on scientific resources to pinpoint environmental factors contributing to large die-off events. Growers also emphasize the need for policy changes, such as adjusting regulatory requirements and permitting processes.
Researchers discovered that salamanders rely on aerial postures similar to skydivers to slow and direct their descent. These 'parachuting' animals use fine-scale control to maintain upright body postures and execute banking turns.
Researchers found that RNA granules containing the protein DDX6 decrease in size as neurons mature but increase in number. They also discovered that another protein, Staufen2, plays a role in forming these granules, which can store inactive mRNAs. This process helps regulate neural activity and gene expression in neurons.
The American Heart Association has updated its guidelines for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in children and adolescents, providing new evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. The update aims to improve cardiovascular disease prevention and management in young populations.
Research finds human activity is behind the warmest and wettest winter on record in northwest Russia, raising flood and drought risks. The North Atlantic Oscillation's impact is reduced compared to greenhouse gas emissions.