Researchers in Peru found that the majority of cacao can meet EU cadmium limits, but areas like Piura face significant challenges due to high levels of cadmium in their soils. The study provides an interactive map predicting cadmium levels across the country.
Researchers found that adults who had their thymus removed during surgery were at a higher risk of death and cancer compared to those who did not undergo thymectomy. The study suggests that the thymus plays a critical role in adult health, and its removal may have significant consequences.
A new study on over 40,000 Canadians found that extroverts were 18% more likely to refuse COVID-19 vaccination. In contrast, people with high openness and agreeability were more likely to get vaccinated. The findings can help inform future public health messaging strategies.
Researchers propose disease-oriented dosing of rapamycin to delay age-related diseases and increase lifespan. By decelerating early development of these diseases, rapamycin may help individuals live longer.
A study found that breast cancer patients with higher body mass index (BMI) are more likely to experience heart damage, or cardiotoxicity, during chemotherapy. The study suggests that addressing obesity and considering the potential risk of cardiotoxicity requires a comprehensive approach.
Researchers found that age 50+, low education, and health insurance coverage are associated with non-participation. A risk score based on these factors can predict non-participation in the screening process. The study aims to identify women who are less likely to participate in breast cancer screening and encourage their participation.
A clinical trial suggests that extending antidepressant treatment beyond eight weeks can help prevent depressive relapses in patients with bipolar disorder. The study found that continued treatment was associated with a 40% lower risk of relapse compared to tapering off and switching to a placebo.
Researchers are working to understand and predict wildfires' effects on the environment, including their impact on the carbon cycle and biodiversity. Studies have shown that repeated wildfires can accelerate the transition from tree- to shrub-dominated ecosystems, reducing plant diversity.
Researchers identified five genes influencing BMI in women and two in men, with faulty variants of three genes linked to higher BMI in women. Age-specific factors also emerged, with genes OBSCN and MADD associated with childhood body size and fat.
Researchers have identified age-related changes in brain patterns associated with schizophrenia risk using a new hybrid, data-driven method. The study found alterations in prefrontal-sensorimotor and cerebellar-occipitoparietal brain connections linked to genetic risk for schizophrenia.
Researchers at University College London found that humans can only reliably detect fake speech 73% of the time, and this ability improves only slightly with training. The study's findings raise concerns about the potential for deepfakes to be used by criminals and nation-states to cause harm.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a novel strategy to control the growth of triple negative breast cancer and other cancers. By targeting the enzyme MAPK4, the team found that blocking both AKT and PDK1 can effectively suppress tumor growth, offering new options for treating this devastating disease.
Researchers have found an unusual ultrafast motion in layered magnetic materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in high-speed nanomotors for biomedical applications. The discovery was made using cutting-edge ultrafast probes and facilities, revealing a mechanical response across the entire sample.
A new drug targeting Netrin-1 blocks Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in cancer cells, reducing metastasis and sensitizing tumors to chemotherapy. In clinical trials, the therapeutic antibody showed no toxicity and decreased EMT in patients with endometrial cancers.
Researchers discovered that stimulating dopamine neurons in mice's midbrain triggers orofacial movements, which are linked to brain-wide neuronal activities. The study identified two distinct orofacial movements: transient actions upon reward expectation and active, sustained movements upon receiving a reward.
A Pitt Professor believes oligodendrocytes, the nerve insulating cells, hold the solution to BCI's nagging problem. By understanding and preserving these cells, researchers aim to improve BCI's performance and expand its applications beyond paralysis.
Researchers found that individuals exposed to wildfires within a year of lung cancer surgery had significantly lower overall survival rates compared to those not exposed. The closer the exposure occurred to the surgery, the worse the survival rate, with patients exposed 3-6 months after surgery facing a 48% decrease in survival chances.
A large head-to-head comparison study of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines found that the Moderna vaccine was associated with a slightly lower risk of adverse events for older adults. The study also showed that the Moderna vaccine was linked to a 4% lower risk of pulmonary embolism and a 15% lower risk of diagnosed COVID-19.
A recent study published in Neurology found an association between bullying and suicidal thoughts with more frequent headaches in teenagers. The research, which analyzed over 2.2 million teen participants, revealed that those who experienced bullying or suicidal tendencies were nearly twice as likely to have frequent headaches.
Researchers found that blocking dopamine transporters during mid-adolescence increases adult aggression, impulsivity, and the behavioral response to amphetamine in mice. Artificially stimulating dopaminergic neurons also exacerbated impulsive behavior in tasks. The study suggests potential harm from stimulant exposure in healthy teens ...
A KAUST-led team has compiled the first complete genome map of einkorn, an ancient grain that could help develop bread wheat varieties with enhanced disease resistance and improved hardiness. The study reveals a complex evolutionary history of wheat species, including gene flow between einkorn and wild cousins.
Anu, a startup company founded by Purdue University alumni, has received a $200,000 Indiana Manufacturing Readiness Grants award to mass manufacture its aeroponic seed pod consumables. The funding will enable the company to scale its sustainable platform for consumers, supplying growers with recurring seed pod subscriptions.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus identify fructose as a central conduit to obesity and diseases. Fructose works differently than other nutrients by lowering active energy, stimulating food intake and leading to weight gain.
A new study shows that estrogen receptor (ER) expression in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is multi-clonal, meaning it varies across different cells. This finding has significant clinical implications, as it may help avoid overtreatment and undertreatment in DCIS patients.
Researchers have discovered a way to utilize nonlinear scattering media for optical computing and machine learning. They created a novel theoretical framework involving third-order tensors, which can represent the complex relationships between input and output signals. This breakthrough has potential applications in real-world settings...
Researchers from Chiba University developed a novel laser-based technique to slice diamonds into thin wafers, paving the way for their adoption as next-generation semiconductor materials. The technique uses short laser pulses to transform diamond into amorphous carbon, reducing density and crack formation.
The SafePASS MR Training Tool uses Mixed Reality to simulate LSA lifeboat operations, providing crew members with hands-on practice and real-time feedback. The application has been successfully tested and validated in lab and real-world environments, demonstrating improved training outcomes and enhanced awareness of equipment usage.
A study published in Animal Nutrition found that chlorogenic acid enhances growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and immune function of broilers experiencing immunological stress. The compound regulates gut microbiota, metabolites, and intestinal proteins to achieve these improvements.
A new study found that neighborhood poverty and community violence negatively affect Black American adolescents' mental health. The review examined four aspects of the neighborhood environment: trust and safety, built environment, exposure to community violence, and neighborhood disadvantage.
Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub developed a mathematical method to analyze armed conflict data, identifying causal links between battles and predicting future conflicts. The approach, inspired by physics and biophysics, reveals how violence spreads like avalanches across Africa and can be applied to other armed conflicts.
Researchers found that stable, long-term elevation in urinary albumin excretion is associated with a high risk of new-onset heart failure and mortality. Persistently high levels were linked to older patients and those with conditions like diabetes and previous heart attacks.
New research from the University of Surrey found that over 60% of nature-based solutions (NBS) are located in Europe, with poor adoption in other regions. The study analyzed over 500 NBS case studies and found that green solutions, hybrid solutions, and addressing water-based hazards were common uses of NBS.
A study found COVID-19 vaccination coverage was high among healthcare workers and older adults, but low among non-priority recipients. The main reason for wanting to be vaccinated was to prevent self-infection and protect family members.
Researchers created a smart model system to visualize the gating of individual subunits in Kir2 potassium channels. The study reveals that each subunit gating transition leads to conductance level changes, suggesting all subunits must move together for a fully open channel.
Researchers developed a targeted chemotherapy that selectively disrupts DNA replication and repair in cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unaffected. The investigational small molecule AOH1996 has been effective in treating various types of solid tumors in preclinical research.
Researchers aim to investigate the link between gut microbes and Type 1 diabetes. Emrah Altindis's lab seeks to understand how a protein found in certain bacteria may trigger the onset of T1D.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that vision problems are more common in older adults with dementia. The study of nearly 3,000 older adults showed that even mild vision issues were associated with a higher risk of dementia.
Researchers at the Royal Ontario Museum discovered the oldest known species of swimming jellyfish, Burgessomedusa phasmiformis, in exceptionally well-preserved fossils from the Burgess Shale. This finding highlights the complexity of the Cambrian food chain and challenges previous understanding of predation.
Researchers at North Carolina State University identified a specific blend of pheromone chemicals used by male moths during courtship, including an aphrodisiac called methyl salicylate. Female moths can recognize this chemical through two smell receptors, and its presence in males' hairpencils is linked to mating success.
Researchers at A*STAR and NUS Medicine developed a CRISPR-Cas13 therapeutic that directly targets and eliminates EV-A71 RNA viruses in laboratory models. The treatment shows potent reduction of viral burden, clearing infection and preventing organ damage and mortality.
A new study by Dr Taikan Oki estimates the total cost of climate change between 2010 and 2099 to be $46-230 trillion US dollars. The research team found that reducing climate change often incurs costs similar to or exceeding financial benefits, highlighting the need for prioritizing biodiversity and health factors.
A recent study published in Nature Mental Health emphasizes the need for further research on sex differences in depression. The study, led by Georgia Hodes and Dawson Kropp, aims to uncover effective and sex-specific biomarkers for depression onset and target better treatment options.
Researchers found that people consider response times when evaluating moral character and transactional situations, revealing insights into online buyers and sellers. By understanding response time patterns, savvy buyers and sellers can manipulate them to negotiate more effectively.
A new study found a significant decline in early-stage cancer diagnoses in the US during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the largest decrease seen among stage I cancers. The study suggests that these declines may be due to decreased screening services and delayed medical care during the pandemic.
Scientists have identified a promising biological solution to control dollar spot, a devastating disease on golf courses and other turfgrass areas. The beneficial microbe UD1022, patented by the University of Delaware, shows potential in preventing the fungus' growth and may even trigger systemic resistance.
A nationwide ecological study in Brazil found a significant decline in MMR vaccine coverage between 2006 and 2020, with approximately half of municipalities falling short of the 95% target. This decline may leave these areas vulnerable to future outbreaks.
The traditional rating approach has limitations, including relying solely on reviewer ratings and summary statistics to establish funding priorities. Researchers propose adding rankings to improve this process.
A University of Minnesota-led study identified higher incidence of brain hemorrhage, hardening of the arteries, and small vessel disease in Hmong stroke patients. Risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes are prevalent among this community.
Researchers discovered a deep connection between the sums-of-digits function from number theory and phenotype mutational robustness in genetics. The maximum robustness is proportional to the logarithm of the fraction of all possible sequences that map to a phenotype, with a correction given by the sums of digits function s_k(n).
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a simple chemistry method to recycle polyurethane foam from old mattresses, extracting its main components and reusing them as raw materials. The process has been repeated several times, replacing up to 64% of the mattress without impairing quality.
Researchers developed a novel maze design that allows for the tracking of mice's navigational strategies, revealing three primary approaches: random, spatial, and serial search. The study provides valuable insights into how animals select these strategies based on environmental factors.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University uncover the finer-scale feeding patterns of the whitespotted eagle ray, revealing a significantly broader diet than previously described, with high proportions of cockles and wedge shells. The study's findings suggest that these rays can play a facilitative role in reducing predation threats f...
Researchers at Purdue University and NIH have identified 14 understudied T-reg proteins with molecular roles in disease onset, offering new avenues for understanding autoimmune diseases and cancer. Studying these proteins could lead to the development of cell-based therapies to modify their functions.
A research team has discovered the human odorant receptor for para-cresol, a compound with a strong horse stable-like odor. The OR9Q2 receptor is highly selective and responds to physiologically relevant concentrations of para-cresol, as well as a structurally similar compound.
A new study published in MDPI suggests that pecans have anti-inflammatory properties and can increase energy expenditure, reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes. The research found that pecans modulate adipose tissue lipolysis and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle.
A recent study reveals that illegal bird shootings are now the leading cause of death for birds found dead near power lines in the western United States. Researchers analyzed 410 carcasses collected over four years and found that 66% died from being shot, surpassing electrocution as a leading cause.
The USPSTF recommends a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg of folic acid for all persons planning to or who could become pregnant to prevent neural tube defects, which affect approximately 3,000 pregnancies annually. This recommendation reaffirms the 2017 statement and aims to reduce congenital malformations.
A study found that the closure of a Pittsburgh coal-processing plant led to immediate declines in fossil fuel-related air pollutants, resulting in near-instant decreases in local heart-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases. The impact persisted through at least December 2018.
A recent study by BirdLife International reveals that nearly four in 10 of Europe's bird species are now of conservation concern, including 14% of global concern. The continent's nature is facing an urgent need for comprehensive restoration legislation to halt and reverse the decline in threatened bird species.
Researchers at Lund University found AI-supported mammography screening to be safe and effective, detecting 20% more cancers than standard double reading without increasing false positives. The study also reduced radiologists' screen-reading workload by 44%, saving approximately five months of time.