Experts highlight nine public health workforce strengths, 22 weaknesses, 14 opportunities and 14 threats in the nation's information systems. The report calls for a technology-enabled information infrastructure to deliver day-to-day essential services and respond effectively to emergencies.
A study of 30 astronauts found that brain ventricles expand significantly after longer space missions, taking up to three years to fully recover. The expansion is caused by fluid shifting upward in the absence of gravity, leading to potential long-term health concerns for space travelers.
Researchers from UTEP School of Pharmacy are exploring a new treatment for vascular dementia using the NIH grant to study the biological triggers behind the condition and test the effectiveness of candidate drug ZT-1a. The treatment aims to prevent cognitive impairments in dementia patients.
A study found that most kidneys offered to transplant centers were given to lower-priority candidates, citing concerns about organ quality. This practice, known as 'list diving,' harms some patients and contributes to disparities in organ transplantation.
A study of 17,000 people across eight African countries found a decline in vaccine confidence, particularly for COVID-19 vaccines. The drop in routine childhood vaccinations has led to six million fewer children receiving life-saving shots, putting decades of progress at risk.
A study found cross-sectional associations between various domains of next-day cognitive function and sleep spindle metrics in middle-aged men with obstructive sleep apnoea. The presence and severity of OSA were significant factors in this relationship.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that longer spaceflight missions can cause ventricle volume expansion, which tapers off after six months. Astronauts who had shorter recovery times between missions showed little to no enlargement of their ventricles post-flight.
A study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found that Medicare fraud in home healthcare billing spread rapidly across U.S. regions between 2002 and 2009, driven by characteristics such as shared patients, high expenditures, and rapid growth in the number of home health agencies. The researchers developed a novel network analysis ...
A study by researchers at the University of Portsmouth found a significant connection between social organisation and cognitive skills in monkeys. Tonkean macaques, known for their diverse and complex relationships, demonstrated better overall control of distraction, emotions, and actions compared to less tolerant species.
Scientists have successfully created conditions for mechanical qubits by engineering anharmonicity close to the ground state. By cooling a nanotube device to near absolute zero, researchers demonstrated a new mechanism that boosts nonlinear effects in the system, paving the way for quantum computing.
A new study found that federal and state lockdowns and health mandates implemented during the pandemic exacerbated mental health issues in people living in four US geographic regions. The research showed a significant increase in feelings of anxiety and depression, particularly in Southern states with Republican governments.
Researchers found that participants only need to track around 30% of the days to lose more than 3% weight and 40% of the days to lose more than 5% weight. A third group, called the low trackers, started tracking only three days a week, and dropped to zero by three months, where they stayed for the rest of the intervention.
Australian researchers have discovered a link between circular RNAs and DNA mutations that cause cancer. The study found that specific circular RNAs can bind to DNA, leading to mutations and cancer development. This discovery opens the door for using these molecules as new therapeutic targets and markers of disease.
A new study found that LGB adults are more than twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors compared to straight peers. Depression, anxiety, and experiences of discrimination and bullying contribute to these increased risks.
A recent study found that microplastics and triphenyltin have a combined toxic effect on the gut-brain axis in common carp. The pollutants amplified toxicity when used together, causing changes in gut microbiome and immune system function.
A study by Indiana University astronomer Songhu Wang reveals that at least a fraction of hot Jupiters cannot form through violent processes, suggesting a new understanding of their evolution. Researchers found 12% of hot Jupiters and 70% of warm Jupiters have nearby planetary companions.
A new study followed over 7,000 middle-aged and older Canadians for three years, finding that social participation was associated with successful aging. Those who engaged in volunteer work and recreational activities were more likely to maintain excellent health and less likely to develop physical or mental problems.
A recent study published in The Journal of Orthopaedics found that patients who underwent partial meniscectomy using a needle arthroscopic technique experienced significantly less pain and improved patient-reported outcomes at two weeks after surgery. However, differences were not sustained at six weeks.
Researchers developed a new biological age indicator, DNAmFitAge, that incorporates physical fitness parameters, showing a correlation with lower mortality risk, coronary heart disease risk reduction, and improved disease-free status in physically fit individuals.
A study by the University of California - San Diego found that ChatGPT provided evidence-based responses to 91% of public health questions, but only referred users to resources in 22% of cases. The researchers emphasize the importance of promoting human-powered critical resources like life-saving hotlines.
A University of Ottawa team has discovered a vital role for the VGLUT3 transporter protein in modulating the development of Huntington's disease. The study shows that blocking glutamate release through this protein can lead to an amelioration of the disease progression, offering new hope for potential treatment approaches.
Researchers at TU Delft and EPFL collaborated with ChatGPT to design a tomato-harvesting robot, showcasing the potential of AI in robotics. The study highlights the need for verification and validation of LLM output to prevent misinformation and bias.
Researchers used unbiased genetic screening to identify genes involved in regulating sleep in worms, finding that proteins play a crucial role. These findings suggest new approaches for preventing diseases related to sleep disturbances and inflammation.
Researchers at the University Medical Center Utrecht combined volumetric bioprinting and melt electrowriting to create functional blood vessels. The technique allowed for the creation of tubes, forked vessels, and even venous valves with unidirectional flow, paving the way for further development into a fully functional blood vessel.
A recent study by the University of Bergen found that 22% of Norwegian children aged 6-16 had PFAS levels above the safety limit set by the European Food and Safety Authority. This exposure has been linked to reduced vaccine response, lower birth weight, and certain types of cancers.
The UCDP reported a 97% increase in deaths in armed conflicts to 237,000 in 2022, with Ethiopia and Ukraine being the deadliest conflicts. The number of active conflicts remains at a historically high level, with over 50 state-involved conflicts and 82 non-state conflicts.
Researchers found GRB 221009A's jet exhibited a narrow core with wide sloping wings, differing from standard jets. This unique structure may explain the event's extreme energy release and prolonged visibility.
Researchers used X-ray computed tomography to visualize dendrite failure in unprecedented detail, revealing separate processes driving initiation and propagation of cracks. The findings point to overcoming technological challenges of lithium metal solid-state batteries, which could improve EV battery range, safety, and performance.
A UCF research team, led by Jill Viglione, has developed evidence-based guidelines for community supervision agencies to use in public health crises. The guidelines aim to ensure people on probation and parole receive necessary help while maintaining public safety.
A new method has revealed an unexpected acceleration of relaxation dynamics in compressed cerium-based metallic glass under high pressure. The study shows a non-monotonic crossover at ~3 GPa, indicating that structural details play a crucial role in glass relaxation dynamics.
Researchers used data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe to explain how the solar wind surpasses speeds of 1 million miles per hour. The energy released from the magnetic field near the sun's surface drives the fast solar wind, comprising ionized particles flowing outward from the sun.
A new study from Iowa State University finds that adverse childhood experiences can increase vulnerability to PTSD, even after controlling for combat exposure. The researchers suggest that early trauma can affect coping mechanisms and social support networks, making individuals more susceptible to stressors.
Researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine have developed an AI tool called NYUTron that can accurately estimate patients' risk of death, length of hospital stay, and other factors important to care. The tool achieved impressive results in predicting readmission rates, improving upon standard methods by up to 7%.
A large-scale registry study found that older autistic adults have a significantly higher risk of injury, especially self-inflicted, and physical conditions such as type 2 diabetes and anaemia. Autistic individuals had a seven-fold risk of self-harm compared to non-autistic people.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis offers a fine-grained scale to understand how people use social media, revealing four categories: belief-based, consumption-based, image-based and comparison-based. Each category is associated with unique personality traits and behavioral characteristics.
EPFL researchers used Chat-GPT to design a working robotic tomato harvester, showcasing the AI tool's potential for collaborating with humans in robotic design. The study highlights opportunities and risks of applying artificial intelligence to robotics, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of LLMs' role in design.
A novel gene delivery procedure was successfully applied to baboons, achieving therapeutic levels of human factor IX gene expression lasting up to 200 days. The study demonstrated the efficacy of repeated hydrodynamic gene delivery into the same liver lobes, with no significant adverse events observed.
A global study reveals that extractive and industrial development projects harm Indigenous Peoples' lifeways, lands, and rights. The research finds that mining and agriculture sectors most frequently impact Indigenous communities.
Researchers have developed a method for producing heart valves in just minutes, using focused rotary jet spinning. The valves mimic the extracellular matrix and showed immediate functionality in sheep, with potential for regenerative properties. Long-term studies are needed to test their endurance.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with focal epilepsy experience seizures while driving at a rate of 5%, with significant risks for themselves and others on the road. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent these seizures, which can lead to accidents and hospitalizations.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that a 5-year increase in muscle fat stored in the thigh muscle is associated with faster cognitive decline. The research suggests that muscle adiposity plays a unique role in cognitive decline, distinct from other types of fat or muscle characteristics.
A new study from Harvard University reveals that despite the national reduction of mercury emissions by 90% since the implementation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards in 2011, two regions - Texas and North Dakota - continue to be major sources of toxic air pollution. The research highlights significant sociodemographic disparitie...
Astrophysicists explain the Brightest of All Time (BOAT) cosmic explosion, revealing a narrow jet embedded within a wider gas outflow. The GRB's uniqueness was due to mixing between stellar material and the jet, masking characteristic signatures.
A study by Durham University and the Jane Goodall Institute has found that gradual release of mandrills into the wild with post-release support improves their stress response and overall well-being. The research tested this assumption for the first time, providing evidence for a carefully planned release.
A new study from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals the placenta's polyploid cells play a vital role in supporting healthy embryonic development. The modified cell cycle controlling polyploidy is governed by the regulatory gene Myc, which supports DNA replication and prevents premature cellular aging.
A new analysis of nearly 6,000 people found that childhood cognitive ability is associated with better scores on measures of wealth in adulthood, but the relationship varies for different financial measures. The study also discovered an inverted U-shape relationship between cognitive ability and debt levels.
Farmers' use of birds and bats as part-time collaborators has been found to increase productivity by 54% and boost annual yields by approximately $959 per hectare. This partnership helps mitigate the damage caused by pests such as aphids and mealybugs, ultimately benefiting cacao farmers in northern Peru.
Researchers found that specialized MLB pitchers perform better in their specialty after obligatory tasks outside of their specialization, such as batting. This phenomenon is known as 'forced task inferiority,' where underperformance in non-specialist tasks frustrates specialists and generates heightened drive that they can channel into...
Researchers have found that dual immunotherapy, combining PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, is effective in treating recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The treatment showed a response rate of 38% and improved overall survival in patients with low pre-treatment plasma EBV DNA levels.
A recent commentary highlights a potential hidden source of bias in electronic health records, which can impact clinical trials. Embedded pragmatic clinical trials rely heavily on EHRs for data collection, excluding people from underrepresented groups due to lack of access or inaccurate data collection.
Researchers have uncovered previously unknown biomarker signatures pointing to a vast array of ancient organisms that thrived on Earth about a billion years ago. These 'protosteroids' offer an unprecedented glimpse into the conditions surrounding the emergence of complex life.
Patients with high-risk CLL experienced durable responses to fixed-duration first-line treatment with ibrutinib in combination with venetoclax, with over 95% of patients achieving a response regardless of genetic features. The regimen also showed high survival rates at 36 months after treatment initiation.
The American Phytopathological Society published a special issue on key discoveries in plant pathology, highlighting groundbreaking findings over the past 50 years. These discoveries have significantly impacted plant health, food security, and food safety worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that semaglutide, a diabetes medication, significantly reduced alcohol intake and relapse-like drinking in rats. This study suggests that semaglutide may be effective in treating alcohol dependence, particularly for individuals with both obesity and diabetes.
A federally funded study found a link between prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and slightly higher body mass indices in children. The study, led by Brown University researchers, analyzed data from 1,391 children and their mothers over two decades.
Researchers uncover genetic changes that link blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) to exposure to ultraviolet radiation, suggesting a potential role for sunlight in its development. The study, published in Nature, sheds light on how cancer cells evolve across multiple tissues.
Researchers at UMC Utrecht successfully merged two printing techniques to create functional tissues made from stem cells. Granular biogels enable high cell density, survival, and specialization, surpassing solid gels. This breakthrough boosts tissue functionality and opens up opportunities for regenerative medicine.
Defects in atomic structure enable better oxygen evolution reaction performance, producing clean-burning hydrogen gas with less electricity. The researchers developed electrocatalysts with both amorphous and crystalline architectures that contain defects, leading to superior reaction activity.
ChatGPT consistently provided accurate, evidence-based answers in public health questions, beating rival AI assistants. Meanwhile, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant struggled to recognize or refer users for help.
Physicists have discovered that phonons, quasiparticles describing crystal lattice vibrations, can exhibit chirality - a fundamental concept with implications for material properties. Using circular X-ray light, researchers observed corkscrew motions of phonons in quartz, revealing the phenomenon of chiral phonons.