Research finds that social factors, particularly racial and socioeconomic inequities, drive the use of scented menstrual products. The study found that Black participants were more likely to use scented products, while those with higher education levels preferred unscented options.
A review article links pesticide exposure to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease through alterations in the gut microbiota. The authors recommend reducing or replacing agrochemicals and implementing coordinated efforts to develop standardized biomarkers for gut integrity and microbiome changes.
Duke-NUS scientists have discovered a universal pattern in macrophages that form scars across various organs. They found two groups of macrophages with opposing roles: one promoting fibrosis and another dismantling it, which could lead to new therapies for fibrotic diseases.
A new system combines pumped hydro storage with reverse osmosis desalination to produce both electricity and freshwater. The Integrated Pumped Hydro Reverse Osmosis System (IPHROS) can supply 661,000 homes' worth of energy and water daily.
Eurasian jays wait for higher-quality food when alone but choose low-quality reward with competitor birds present. Researchers studied delayed gratification in New Caledonian crows and Eurasian jays.
Researchers developed a predictive model using baseline sociodemographic and financial measures to identify patients at high risk of stopping treatment with aromatase inhibitors. The model found four demographic and financial factors associated with increased non-adherence, including younger age and lower out-of-pocket costs.
The UMass Amherst team created a multiscale ecological framework to assess and respond to ecological threats in the Lake Yojoa watershed. The framework focuses on local perception of threats, consequences, and solutions, providing a valuable baseline for conservation and governmental organizations.
Researchers have found that zinc can block the production of an inflammatory molecule in Candida albicans, preventing inflammation and burning symptoms associated with thrush. Studies in mice and women with recurrent yeast infections suggest that zinc treatments may be effective in preventing reinfection.
A survey study of 1,357 respondents found stigmatizing attitudes toward patients with acne exist across different scenarios, highlighting the need for approaches to reduce stigma and improve access to care. Severe acne and darker skin tone are associated with a higher degree of stigma.
The study used various tests to analyze the memory performance of jackdaws, finding that their performance decreased when working memory demands increased. The researchers found that corvids, like humans, show reduced accuracy and biased representations when working memory demands are high.
A UConn researcher has patented a novel approach of spraying eggs with probiotics before they hatch, showing promise as a sustainable growth promoter for chickens. The method resulted in increased embryo weight, breast and leg muscle mass, and improved feed efficiency.
A new experimental model, human precision-cut lung slices (hPCLS), was used to study lung disease mechanisms and understand treatment response. The team leveraged single-cell genomics to analyze cell activity in hPCLS after specific treatments.
Exposure to ocean acidification in red abalone can last across generations, affecting growth rates and reproductive potential. Scientists found that buffering the water chemistry at crucial life stages can help ease these effects for captive- and commercially raised red abalone.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered that immune cells use an influx of water and ions to propel themselves forward, a process regulated by the WNK1 protein. This mechanism is essential for T cell migration and has implications for understanding cancer spread.
Researchers use MUSE to study ancient galaxies and find that galactic winds, created by massive stars, limit their growth. The team's findings reveal a universal process affecting most galaxies.
A new study suggests that reading books is more effective at stimulating the imagination compared to watching images on screen. Participants in the study found that after viewing film clips, they were slower at mental comparisons than after reading texts.
Researchers tested removing race information from cardiovascular risk calculators and found no impact on patients' risk scores. Adding social determinants of health also didn't have an effect, suggesting that measuring traditional risk factors can accurately predict risk without using race.
A world-first human trial shows that a commonly prescribed rheumatoid arthritis drug can safely and effectively preserve the body's own insulin production and suppress the progression of type 1 diabetes. The drug, baricitinib, was found to be effective in maintaining insulin production in people who initiated treatment within 100 days ...
A study investigated the risk assessment and remediation of a retired industrial park in Zhejiang Province, China. The researchers measured soil and groundwater samples to assess the comprehensive risk of organic pollutants, highlighting the importance of accurate classification and grading of risk zones.
A study by Southern Methodist University researchers found that tennis ball head injuries can cause traumatic brain injuries, although they are rare. The study used computational modeling to simulate the impact of a tennis ball on a person's head, and found that high-speed impacts could lead to concussions or worse.
Researchers use AI to develop dynamic modeling of brain graphs, capturing dynamics in continuous time for more accurate predictions and personalized treatment of brain diseases. The project aims to track disease development in individual patients and identify biomarkers associated with brain disorders.
Chronic wounds in Singapore result in a significant economic burden of SGD$350 million each year. The study found that hospital admissions and decline in quality of life contribute to these costs.
Researchers have developed Coherent Two-Photon LIDAR, eliminating range limitations imposed by coherence time. This technique uses phase-dependent interference to measure distances beyond the coherence time of the light source.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center analyzed the mechanisms of action of anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/LAG-3 combination therapies, identifying specific subtypes of CD4 T cells that become activated. The study found differences in how these therapies affect CD4 T cells, leading to distinct anticancer effects.
Researchers discovered that only a small proportion of red blood cell precursor cells infected by Plasmodium vivax are likely to produce the parasite, confirming its ability to replicate outside the bloodstream. This finding raises new questions about malaria diagnosis and treatment strategies in Duffy-negative individuals.
A recent study published in Lancet Oncology has found that measuring blood hormone levels can identify post-menopausal women who are most likely to benefit from anastrozole, a medication used to prevent breast cancer. The study suggests that inexpensive blood tests could be used to personalize preventive therapy for these women.
A team led by USC Dornsife researchers has uncovered stark differences in the impact of a 200-million-year-old mass extinction event on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The study found that land-based ecosystems were hit harder, with nearly 96% of species going extinct, while marine ecosystems showed resilience with only 71% of gener...
Researchers find complex microbial communities forming giant mounds of rock in a harsh desert environment, resembling ancient stromatolites. The discovery provides an unprecedented look at the earliest stages of life on Earth and may hold clues about life on Mars.
A new study found that the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy reduced provision and use of contraceptives, as well as community health volunteer services, in African countries. This policy, formerly known as the Mexico City Policy, had detrimental effects on family planning service delivery and utilization.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that many couples around the world share high blood pressure. The research analyzed data from over 50,000 couples in four countries and found a strong association between partners' blood pressure status.
Researchers used psychoacoustics to analyze sound frequencies and clarity at the ancient Greek sanctuary of Zeus, revealing that hillside spectators could hear sounds from the hippodrome. The method provides a unique perspective on ancient societies' organization and activity, but its results should be interpreted with caution.
Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel use reached a record high of 36.8 billion metric tons in 2023, surpassing the previous year's level by 1.1%. The remaining carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.5°C could be used up in seven years if current levels of emissions continue.
A study led by Arizona State University found that herbivore fishing to less than 80% of their unfished density compromises reef resilience due to algae overgrowth. The research, published before regulatory decisions in Hawai'i, highlights the critical role of herbivores in maintaining coral reef health.
Researchers at West Virginia University are using artificial intelligence to analyze habanero peppers and develop new methods for predicting genetic traits. The goal is to improve crop yields and prevent genetic diseases, with potential applications in human health.
A randomized clinical trial found that throat specimens had higher sensitivity for rapid antigen testing than nasal specimens when collected by a healthcare worker. In contrast, self-collected nasal specimens showed higher sensitivity for symptomatic participants, suggesting improved sensitivity with dual sampling.
A new study published in Cell Host & Microbe concludes that even people with the protective Duffy-silent blood type can still become infected with malaria. The research suggests that the parasite may have found alternative ways to infect red blood cells, raising questions about how to combat this type of malaria.
Researchers developed a machine learning technique to identify superluminous galaxies with massive black holes at their core. The algorithm predicts intense radio signals from these galaxies, which could provide insights into the physical phenomena of the early Universe.
Researchers at Purdue University developed a novel AI engine to control and optimize optical microscopes, enabling 3D ultrastructure visualization of the brain circuitry with nanometer resolution. This technology has the potential to shed light on human development and disease, particularly autism and Alzheimer's disease.
A UMass Lowell researcher has been awarded a nearly $1 million grant to study the effectiveness of extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) in preventing mass public shootings. The research aims to analyze how such laws impact gun violence and provide insights into data interpretation, social media behavior, and warning signs.
A new report recommends a layered approach to prevent adolescent suicide by focusing on pediatrician offices, schools, and neighborhoods. Universal screenings, safe storage programs, and affirming LGBTQ+ policies can help create protective environments.
A new UCLA Health study found that hormonal contraceptive pill users processed stress differently at the molecular and psychological level. They also reported a more negative emotional response to stress compared to non-users.
A new HIV prevention study, PrEPVacc, has stopped further vaccinations due to little or no chance of demonstrating vaccine efficacy in preventing HIV acquisition. The trial, testing two different combinations of HIV vaccines and a new oral PrEP drug formulation, aims to find out if either can prevent HIV infection.
The Susan G. Komen organization presents awards to four dedicated physician scientists and a pioneering research advocate for their contributions to advancing breast cancer research and transforming patient care. Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade and Dr. Daniel Hayes are recognized for their work in basic science and clinical research, respecti...
A new study found that the presence of seabirds on islands adjacent to tropical coral reefs can boost coral growth rates by more than double. Coral reefs near seabird colonies can bounce back much quicker from bleaching events, with recoveries happening around 10 months faster.
Alexis Ault, a USU geoscientist, has been selected as a 2023 Kavli Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences. She presented her research on shallow fault damage along the southern San Andreas Fault in California at the Japanese-American-German Frontiers of Science Symposium.
A study of wild orangutan males reveals that simply beating rivals in competitions does not lead to siring success. Instead, successful fathers spend more time near the females with whom they mate, suggesting a strategy of concentrating on one neighborhood rather than roaming widely is key.
Researchers have developed gene-specific classification criteria for assessing the medical relevance of unclear genetic variants that can lead to hereditary colorectal cancer. The new criteria are expected to reclassify a significant proportion of these variants as harmless, providing relief to carriers worldwide.
A phase III trial found that tucatinib plus trastuzumab emtansine extended progression-free survival in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, particularly those with brain metastases. The combination reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 24.1% and improved outcomes for pati...
A team of Kyoto University researchers found that macrophages produce granulomas through a hyperactive metabolic pathway called the pentose phosphate pathway. Inhibition of this pathway showed therapeutic efficacy in reducing granuloma formation in vitro and in mouse tissue models.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered how anti-cancer drugs can prevent fibroblast activation, a protective barrier around pancreatic tumors. The therapy reduces tumor growth and slows disease progression in mice and human patients, offering a promising treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that hydrogen sulfide production within the respiratory center alters neurotransmissions, disrupting breathing patterns. The study identified variations in this mechanism across different regions, revealing a modulating influence on neural circuits contributing to respiration stability.
Researchers confirm Pine Island Glacier passed a tipping point between 1940s and 1970s, leading to an irreversible loss of ice over several decades. The study provides insights into the interactions between ocean and glaciers in Antarctica, highlighting concerns for future mass loss unless global warming is kept within limits.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that accurately predicts gastrulation flows in chick embryos, which are similar to human embryos. The model then predicted cellular flows observed in frog and fish embryos, suggesting common physical principles behind multicellular self-organization across vertebrate species.
A phase III clinical trial found that neoadjuvant chemotherapy can downstage lymph node-positive breast cancer, allowing patients to safely omit adjuvant regional nodal irradiation. This treatment de-escalation strategy is an option for patients whose lymph nodes become cancer-free after neoadjuvant treatment.
Research published in Science explores the variability in plant-herbivore interactions, revealing that plants in tropical populations tend to receive similar amount of herbivory, while temperate populations show more variation. Plant size, latitude, and phylogeny are key factors explaining this variability.
A recent study published by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that suicide rates among Black women rose from 2% in 1999 to 3.4% in 2020. The highest rates were observed in the West region, with a significant increase in deaths among young Black females aged 15-24.
Researchers at Scripps Research have designed a novel flu vaccine that utilizes nanoparticles to present the M2e protein fragment, which is relatively conserved across different influenza A strains. The vaccine showed promising results in initial animal tests, providing strong protection against both seasonal and pandemic strains.
A new study improves thunderstorm forecasting by utilizing Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) lightning flash observations. The implementation of the EnVAR assimilation capabilities successfully enhances the forecasting performance, especially over regions lacking operational weather radar observations.
Researchers identified an allergy pathway that, when blocked, unleashes antitumor immunity in mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer. Combining immunotherapy with dupilumab boosted patients' immune systems and showed significant tumor reduction in six out of six cases.
A previously unknown function of the DECTIN-1 protein has been discovered, which exacerbates severe autoimmune diseases in its mutated state. The researchers believe they can control the immune system by turning the protein on and off, offering new treatment options for autoimmune disease and cancer.