Researchers found 21 Alzheimer's disease-related genes associated with obesity, including those linked to neuro-inflammation and amyloid-beta protein deposition. Obesity in midlife and women is more closely linked to dementia risk than late life or men.
A new study led by University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers found that focused ultrasound treatment significantly reduced tremors and improved mobility in Parkinson's patients. Nearly 70% of treated patients showed a successful response after three months, with two-thirds continuing to respond a year later.
Experts predict that automation will reduce time spent on household and care work by 39%, with grocery shopping being the most automatable task. The study suggests that cultural and gender diversity is crucial in shaping future research on domestic automation.
Scientists have identified key players in the adaptive immune response as culprits for most autoimmunity in people with Down syndrome. The researchers found that many individuals with Down syndrome are in a perpetual state of inflammation comparable to those without the disorder who are in intensive care.
A new Stanford-led study uses satellite and land use data to predict malaria outbreaks in Madagascar, providing insights into the disease's distribution and burden. The research identifies rural areas with flooded rice fields as high-risk zones for malaria transmission.
A Brazilian study found that a strain of brewer's yeast can act as a preventive against asthma in male mice. Daily administration of the probiotic at a dose of 10 billion CFU/mL significantly reduced bronchial hypersensitivity and inflammation. However, airway and lung inflammation was not significantly reduced by lower doses.
A new UCI-led study uncovers the role of protein APOBEC3B in protecting lung cells against various types of RNA viruses. The findings provide an understanding of how lung cells protect themselves against RNA viral infection, which could lead to therapies improving health of chronic lung disease patients.
A recent study at Mandrin cave in France pushes back the age of archery in Europe to 54,000 years ago, significantly advancing our knowledge of this technology. The discovery reveals a significant number of flint points used as armatures for arrows propelled with a bow.
A study published in PNAS reveals how environmental signals interact with genetic information to influence brain cell health and survival. The research highlights a protein called TNK2 that tunes dopamine levels, finding mutations lead to Parkinson's degeneration.
Cash transfers have been shown to alleviate common mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries. The findings suggest that unconditional cash transfers are particularly effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Consumer financial vulnerability (CFV) is a risk of experiencing future harm given current access to financial resources and future uncertainty. Most consumers across the socioeconomic spectrum experience varying degrees of CFV at different life stages, due to factors like age, economic cycles, and unforeseen crises.
A major clinical trial found that two new simplified HIV treatment options are at least as effective as current approaches in achieving viral suppression. These new regimens offer potential benefits in terms of cost, tolerability, and simplification, making them suitable for low- and middle-income countries.
The Blue Food Assessment paper highlights the potential of aquatic foods to address nutrient deficiencies and cardiovascular disease. Policymakers can explore online tools and blue food policies to improve national food systems' performance and sustainability.
Research led by Professor Corey Bradshaw found that higher baby death rates and larger household sizes contribute to higher fertility rates, supporting the need for greater access to family planning and contraception. The study suggests that increasing access to quality contraception can help reduce infant mortality and curb population...
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder reenacted an ancient trek using logs on their heads, inspired by sherpas in Nepal. The team found that simple devices called tumplines enabled them to carry heavy loads over longer distances without getting fatigued.
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering and National Academy of Engineering launch a weekly social media news network, The Circuit, to promote engineering to the public. The program aims to engage diverse audiences in conversations about engineering and highlight notable engineers and technologies that shape our world.
A study of 592 firms found that climate change initiatives positively impact market value, while also increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The presence of a board sustainability committee was associated with higher emissions, suggesting a 'greenwashing' effect.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) have published a new procedure standard/practice guideline for somatostatin receptor (SSTR) PET imaging in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. The guideline focuses on improved sensitivity, lower radiation dose, and sh...
Archaeologists have discovered the earliest example of angular notched trephination, a type of cranial surgery, in the Ancient Near East. The discovery, made at Megiddo, Israel, suggests that one brother may have had leprosy, making them potentially among the earliest documented examples of the disease.
A University of Copenhagen study examines how data is used in asylum decisions, revealing inconsistencies and discrepancies that can lead to applicants being deemed untrustworthy. The research highlights the opaque nature of the decision-making process and the need for critical evaluation of new data types.
Scientists have developed a new ultrafast PCR technology that can diagnose diseases in just 5 minutes, faster than self-diagnosis kits. The technology uses photothermal nanomaterials to generate heat and amplify DNA target nucleic acids, offering a rapid and accurate diagnostic method.
Researchers found medical-legal partnerships to be highly valued by immigrant and migrant populations. These partnerships provide critical protections for vulnerable individuals, mitigating the impact of immigration status on healthcare access.
Scientists have engineered electrically tuneable arrays of nanoparticles called 'metasurfaces' that can offer significant benefits over current liquid crystal displays. The metasurface cells replace the liquid crystal layer, reducing energy consumption by 50% and offering a tenfold greater resolution.
Researchers from Saarland University have developed a method to create complex, structurally colored 3D objects using core-shell particles. These materials can be used in anti-counterfeiting technology and versatile measurement sensors.
Research from the University of Cambridge and Cardiff University found that damselfish scare off cleaner fish customers, leading to fewer species receiving vital cleaning treatment. This disruption could contribute to the breakdown of delicate ecosystems supported by coral reefs.
An international team of astrophysicists has discovered six potential galaxies emerging in the universe's earliest moments, containing as many stars as the Milky Way. These ancient structures are gigantic and massive, contradicting current cosmological theory, with calculations suggesting they formed hundreds of new stars a year.
A study found an increase in unstable living situations and intimate partner violence between January 2019 and December 2020, with a temporary spike during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest the need for prenatal screening and support services to address these issues.
Researchers at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen have successfully treated a patient with anti-synthetase syndrome using CAR T-cells. The innovative treatment approach has shown promising results, allowing the patient to recover entirely from their autoimmune disease after six months.
A new 'multisensory pseudo-haptic' technology delivers believable tactile experiences in virtual environments by combining visual feedback from a VR headset with tactile sensations from a mechanical wristbracelet. This innovation keeps hands free, enabling long-term wear and more realistic user experiences.
Researchers developed a new ultrafast planar imaging camera, capturing the fastest 2D movie of laser-flame dynamics at 12.5 billion frames per second. This achievement overcomes current limitations in combustion science and opens doors to studying various phenomena in physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine.
A study by University of Delaware researchers found that electric vehicles (EVs) with smaller batteries, combined with community charging, can meet the driving needs of a diverse range of drivers. The study analyzed data from 333 gasoline-fueled cars and modeled the ability of EVs to handle similar trips.
Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado is awarded the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science for his groundbreaking work on regeneration. His research has significant implications for understanding cellular and organismal regeneration, with potential for further breakthroughs.
Researchers have developed nanofluidic devices to study single molecule chemical reactions in solution. These devices provide a test tube-like environment to confine individual molecules and enable high temporal resolution for investigating fast single molecule reactions. By integrating various fields using nanofluidics, scientists can...
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that men who regularly lift heavy objects at work have higher sperm counts. Men with more physical jobs also had higher levels of testosterone and estrogen, counterintuitively.
Automated AI body composition tools achieved high technical adequacy rates (97.8-99.1%) in a large sample of external abdominal CT scans. The results support the generalizability and potential for widespread adoption of these tools, which can help build trust among radiologists and physicians.
A new study found that urban friction can strengthen the precipitation of landfalling tropical cyclones, leading to increased vulnerability for coastal cities. Urban surface friction and physical mechanisms make a significant contribution to enhancing rainfall produced by TCs.
Researchers discovered that frail patients who received additional support before and after surgery were 18% less likely to die within a year. By connecting these patients with medical professionals and resources, they can make healthy lifestyle changes and receive guidance on managing their condition without surgical intervention.
Research from Amsterdam UMC found a small yet significant reduction in test scores for children born after induced labour from 37 to 41 weeks compared to those born without induction. This could lead to a potentially large impact on society as elective inductions are increasingly common.
Research at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin identifies a possible explanation for migraine frequency during menstruation: higher levels of CGRP, a neurotransmitter that triggers migraines. The study found significant differences in CGRP concentrations between women with migraines and those without, suggesting a hormonal link.
A study finds that aggressive end-of-life care remains common among older adults with metastatic cancer, particularly in nursing home residents. Multilevel interventions targeting hospital admissions and in-hospital death are crucial to reducing its prevalence.
A recent study published in Human Genetics has confirmed the genetic link between migraine and blood sugar levels, identifying shared loci and genes. The researchers found a significant correlation between fasting insulin and glycated haemoglobin with both migraine and headache.
A Stanford-led study estimates that about 20% of all Sierra Nevada conifer forests are mismatched with the climate around them. This means they are temporarily surviving in habitats that have grown too warm for them, but are likely to be replaced by tree species better adapted to the climate after catastrophic wildfires.
Scientists create wearable sensors using biodegradable nanowires that can detect various chemical tracers, including those associated with asthma and kidney disease. The breakthrough represents a new paradigm in electrical engineering, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional silicon-based nanowires.
Scientists from NC State University have discovered a way to manipulate the flow of heat through ferroelectric materials by applying different electric fields. The study, published in Advanced Materials, found that varying electric field strengths, types (AC/DC), time, and frequency can alter the thermal properties of these materials.
A study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that elective induction of labor between 37 and 41 weeks was associated with lower school performance in children at age 12. The analysis included over 266,000 children born between 37 and 42 weeks from uncomplicated pregnancies.
River temperature is a critical measure of water quality, regulating physical, chemical, and biological processes in flowing waters. Rising temperatures are linked to climate change and human activities, impacting ecosystems, human health, and industries.
Researchers have developed a procedure to create custom, 3D-printed heart replicas that accurately mimic a patient's specific heart form and function. These replicas can be controlled to mimic the pumping action of the real heart, allowing clinicians to test various treatment options for individual patients.
Researchers at Texas A&M University School of Medicine have identified a specific brain circuit that characterizes how fentanyl affects the brain. Suppressing negative emotional states may increase a person's chance of overcoming opioid use disorder.
Scientists mapped DNA damage caused by a compound found in cigarette smoke and industrial air. The study provides insight into how this compound damages DNA and can help predict genetic mutations related to human cancers. The technique could aid in forecasting exposures that lead to cancers.
Researchers found 270 distinct differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in AD brains compared to normal controls, validating their key findings using an independent cohort. The study offers a novel approach to investigating the relationship between DNA methylation and gene/protein expression.
Research highlights the need for holistic treatment of IBS patients' physical and mental tolls, including anxiety (38%) and depression (27%) rates significantly higher than in the general population. Early evaluation and treatment of both conditions is essential to improve patient quality of life.
A new paper from a team including experts from the University of Huddersfield focuses on the role podiatrists have in preventing the progression of venous diseases, such as varicose veins and varicose eczema. The study highlights an opportunity for podiatry to contribute more overtly towards prevention, which is crucial in the current ...
A team of scientists has discovered six massive galaxies in the early universe, challenging current theories on galaxy formation. These galaxies are estimated to be as mature as the Milky Way and were found when the universe was only 3% of its current age.
Researchers have created twin-bioengine yeast micro/nanorobots that can autonomously navigate to inflamed sites in the gut, providing precise delivery of therapeutics via enzyme-macrophage switching. The robots effectively penetrate intestinal mucus barriers and increase drug accumulation at diseased sites.
Scientists have discovered a layer of fluid rock at the bottom of the upper mantle, which may explain some observed phenomena in seismology. The discovery was made by analyzing data from GPS sensors on islands after a deep earthquake in the Pacific Ocean.
Researchers found that degraded sites are more sensitive to drought but retain recovery potential, highlighting the importance of responsible community management for reducing degradation. The study suggests climate change and human activity as main drivers of degradation, with rainfall becoming more unpredictable.
Scientists at SLAC and Stanford University have created a new type of quantum material with a herringbone-like pattern, showcasing the Jahn-Teller effect in a layered material. The resulting distortions are huge compared to those achieved in other materials, offering exciting possibilities for further investigation.
Bowhead whales are shifting their migration patterns due to declining sea ice in the Arctic, affecting their long-term health and impact on Indigenous communities. The lack of ice is causing changes in bowhead availability for hunters, leading to competition for resources and increased human interaction.
A recent geological study has confirmed that major changes in the global carbon cycle occurred on land during the early Cretaceous Period, matching those recorded in marine sedimentary rocks. The research, led by Matt Joeckel of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, used chemical and radioactivity-based analyses to find evidence of two d...
Researchers have developed a new gene therapy to treat alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, an autosomal recessive disorder that causes emphysema. The therapy uses an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector coding for an oxidation-resistant human α1-antitrypsin protein.