A study found that self-reported sleep quality is significantly associated with quality of life for individuals over time and when comparing between people. High-quality sleep improves quality of life regardless of sleep duration or timing.
A large study of women with rheumatoid arthritis found that those taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy had a greater chance of achieving remission. The study suggests female sex hormones could play a major role in improving outcomes for these patients.
Researchers found that consuming vitamin A or its analogs can help prevent painful pancreas inflammation in children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during chemotherapy treatment. The study revealed that only 1.4% of patients developed pancreatitis when taking vitamin A, compared to 3.4% without it.
Isabelle B. Cooperstein, a PhD candidate, receives the 2023 David L. Rimoin Inspiring Excellence Award for her work on rare disease diagnosis tools. Her research aims to create accessible diagnostic solutions using Human Phenotype Ontology and sequencing data.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa has released a new catalog of exploding stars, including nearly 2,000 supernovae and other luminous variable objects. The data, collected over three years using the Pan-STARRS telescope, provides a wealth of information on these cosmic events.
The TOAST project, led by Aarhus University, aims to develop the Tactile Internet technology and upscale the talent pool for this emerging field. Researchers will focus on edge intelligence, haptic communication, and machine learning to create immersive user experiences.
Researchers designed a novel porous insulator contact to reduce non-radiative charge recombination and improved power conversion efficiency. The study achieved an efficiency of up to 25.5% without sacrificing photocurrent transport.
Researchers discovered that targeting two inflammatory regulators simultaneously can boost T cell expansion and increase antitumor immune activity in models. The findings showed at least 10 times greater T cell expansion when both regulators were knocked out, resulting in improved durability.
A study analyzed news reports on Brazilian deer species between 2011 and 2021, finding that news coverage gave different weights to threats compared to the IUCN Red List. News items properly identified main threats like poaching and habitat loss but underestimated livestock diseases and overestimated road kill.
A University of Illinois project uses AI-powered object recognition to quantify kernel damage in wheat, enabling faster disease analysis and improved resistance. The technology has shown promising results, with potential for an online portal to automate scoring and support breeders in their efforts to eliminate fusarium head blight.
Health disparities in lung nodule follow-up and treatment are a major concern, with Black and Latino patients at higher risk of delayed follow-up. Researchers have identified prioritized research questions to mitigate these disparities, focusing on patient-clinician communication and culturally trained multidisciplinary teams.
After Hurricane Maria, the African tulip Tree's total biomass increased, potentially reclaiming its prominence among native tree species in Puerto Rico. This shift was attributed to improved light conditions in forest canopies post-hurricane damage.
The ACMG Foundation presented four Next Generation Fellowship Awards to Amélie Pinard, Mina Tabrizi, Herodes Guzman, and others. These awards recognize the support of Bionano Genomics and Sanofi and aim to advance medical genetics and genomics specialties.
Researchers at NIMS found that a lithium negative electrode degrades rapidly during charge/discharge cycles, causing overpotential and short cycle life. Using a lightweight protective layer, they extended the battery's cycle life without compromising its high energy density.
Children from low-income neighborhoods are more likely to develop preventable heart disease due to high blood pressure, according to a new study. The research highlights the importance of considering neighborhood-related factors when diagnosing hypertension in youth.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that equine-facilitated therapy (EFT) can improve daily functioning and reduce perceived pain among patients with chronic low back pain. Statistically significant improvements were observed in domains such as sleep, reaching, and bending forward.
Research found associations between teachers' and students' anxiety in math, science, and literacy. The study highlights the importance of considering affective elements of teaching and learning, particularly in STEM content areas, which can impact students from underserved socioeconomic backgrounds.
Researchers discovered extensive use of iron staples in Notre-Dame's construction, dating back to the 1160s, making it a pioneering example of iron-based architecture. The study sheds light on the medieval Parisian iron market and its role in shaping the city's history.
A donation of nearly 120 rechargeable hearing aids has been made to address the hearing health care crisis among Ukrainian refugees in Poland. The Heart of Hearing team, led by King Chung, PhD, conducted a successful otoscopy exam and fitting session for approximately 66 individuals who needed hearing aids for the first time.
A study by University of Connecticut researchers examines three conservation network strategies to minimize the negative impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation. They found that non-random approaches, such as incorporating five to ten interconnected sites, are more effective at consistently maximizing species richness.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute found that high doses of sucralose lower activation of T-cells in mice, which could lead to new treatment options for autoimmune diseases. The study suggests that sucralose may be used therapeutically to dampen T-cell responses.
Researchers used PET and electron microscopy to create detailed maps of mitochondrial networks in lung tumors. They found distinct subpopulations of mitochondria organizing with organelles to support tumor cell metabolism.
Researchers developed a bottom-up synthetic strategy to create ultrathin MOF nanosheets coated with high-loading single cobalt atoms, leading to improved photocatalytic CO2 reduction rates and selectivity. The resulting catalyst exhibits exceptional performance under visible-light irradiation.
This study analyzes the relationship between specific skills taught in US undergraduate degree courses and graduate earnings. The research found that certain skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, have a significant impact on post-graduation salaries.
A team of researchers found the earliest evidence of heated gas in a galaxy protocluster, indicating temperatures characteristic of the present-day 'Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium'. This discovery provides insight into the mechanisms that caused the intergalactic gas to boil up and offers a unique window into the early universe.
Researchers at the University of Bath are developing technology to photograph residual limbs remotely, enabling faster and more accurate prosthetic socket fittings. This project aims to improve rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for amputees worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study finds that tax interventions needed to combat climate change will need to be larger and more effective than previously thought. Improvements in energy efficiency technology are crucial, but technological adjustments take time.
A new open-source tool called TILE2NET uses aerial imagery and image-recognition to create complete maps of sidewalks and crosswalks. The tool has been trained on 20,000 aerial images from Boston, Cambridge, New York City, and Washington, recognizing 90% or more of all sidewalks and crosswalks in these cities.
A new study highlights poor access to US methadone treatment compared to Canada. The average driving distance to the closest clinic was more than three times greater in the US, with rural areas requiring drives of up to 138 miles.
A recent WHO review reveals a significant shortage of new antibiotics in the pipeline, with only 12 approved drugs introduced between 2017 and 2021. The majority of these drugs target non-critical pathogens, leaving critical ones like Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa underrepresented.
A machine-learning model was trained on 10 million tweets to infer users' subjective wellbeing. The study found that New Year's Day is the most popular holiday, followed by Defender of the Fatherland Day and International Women's Day. The researchers also discovered gender differences in attitudes towards certain holidays.
Researchers have identified evidence of ongoing volcanic activity on Venus based on radar images from the Magellan spacecraft. A vent in the Maat Mons volcano system appears to be changing shape and growing larger between two imaging cycles.
Researchers at the University of Bern have determined the structure of the canine distemper virus docking protein, enabling the development of tailor-made active substances to prevent virus entry into host cells. This breakthrough paves the way for novel therapies and antiviral drugs against this highly contagious viral disease.
Researchers at USTC discovered a dynamic map of chromatin accessibility during mitosis, revealing important bookmarking factors. The study found that certain chromatin regions remained open throughout mitosis and were enriched in rapidly reactivated genes.
A recent study has revealed two distinct types of cells in the locus coeruleus, a small nucleus in the brainstem, connected via gap junctions. This discovery has far-reaching implications for understanding neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions.
Carolyn R. Bertozzi is being recognized for advancing cancer research through bioorthogonal chemistry and chemical glycobiology. Her work enables targeted interrogations of biological systems, enabling the development of innovative imaging methods and therapeutic approaches.
A new study published in Current Biology found that the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex must synchronize their neural assemblies to support memory encoding, maintenance, and recall. Disruption of this synchronization leads to memory loss, presenting a viable target for therapeutic interventions.
A recent study published in Nature found that melted meteorites retain extremely low water content, making them unlikely to be the primary source of Earth's water. The research suggests that unmelted, or chondritic, meteorites are more likely to have delivered water to our planet.
Researchers explore biotechnologies that use microbes to extract rare minerals and fuels from wastewater. This innovation has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing previously unused resources.
The UK has experienced a decline in life expectancy over seven decades, ranking 29th globally in 2021. Income inequalities and structural weaknesses have contributed to this decline, with poorer groups also seeing a decrease in life expectancy.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) created a multifunctional vortex beam capable of operating with a wide range of light frequencies using a metasurface. The breakthrough technology has the potential to store more information at the same frequency, paving the way for 6G communication systems.
Volunteer divers monitored the SS Thistlegorm wreck for eight years, discovering an artificial coral reef that supports a diverse fish community. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the importance of citizen science in understanding marine ecosystems.
A multicenter study found that patients with cystic fibrosis can safely take a dual combination of CF modulator drugs for four years while maintaining previously achieved clinical improvement. This breakthrough therapy has improved the quality and length of patients' lives, with some even seeing a 15% increase in lung function.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that an online resilience programme, SPARK Resilience, reduced stress and improved well-being in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme, which combines training and group interaction, was effective in increasing resilience and psychological stability.
A new invention by ETH Zurich researchers uses 3D printing to create customized insoles with integrated pressure sensors that can measure foot pressure during various activities. This allows for more accurate and efficient creation of custom insoles, potentially improving athletic performance and treating musculoskeletal pain.
A secondary analysis of a randomized trial found that even a small reduction in sleep time per night can significantly affect health-related quality of life in children. The study suggests ensuring sufficient good-quality sleep is crucial for child health.
A new study from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University found that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was associated with the deaths of over 330 New England harbor and gray seals. The virus was detected in birds and seals on the same beach, highlighting a potential route of transmission.
The study found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccine effectiveness decreased with time since the last dose, while booster doses increased protection. The findings suggest that vaccination strategies should prioritize boosters to maintain protection against severe illness.
A metastudy found digital-based physical exercise interventions are at least as effective as face-to-face ones, but generic designs often fail to provide quality information. The researcher aims to improve the digital-health-based prescription of physical exercise to take account of patients' individual requirements.
A study led by UNSW Sydney found that Tasmanian devils in human-modified landscapes have limited diets compared to those in undisturbed environments. The researchers analyzed stable isotopes in whisker samples to determine the devils' prey, finding they fed on smaller animals and less varied food items in altered habitats.
Sarah Jurgensmeyer, MS, CGC, received the 2023 ACMG Foundation Carolyn Mills Lovell Genetic Counselor Award for her platform presentation on increasing access to pediatric genetic services. The award recognizes the increasingly important role of genetic counselors in clinical genetics and genomic medicine.
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of ritualistic belief and economic factors intertwined for Neolithic people in northwest Arabia. Excavations at a mustatil east of AlUla revealed animal offerings, human interment, and suggest repeated pilgrimages, challenging previous understandings of the region's culture.
Dr. Nara Sobreira has developed innovative tools like GeneMatcher and VariantMatcher to aid in rare disease diagnosis, earning her the 2023 Watson Genetic Medicine Innovation Award. She continues to work on expanding genome analysis accessibility through education and research initiatives.
The study found that ME/CFS patients have a significantly larger brainstem compared to those without the condition. Smaller midbrain volumes were associated with more severe breathing difficulties in ME/CFS patients. The research suggests that brainstem dysfunction may contribute to neurological and cardiorespiratory symptoms.
A recent study found that the highly contagious chytridiomycosis fungus has become more prevalent and widespread in Africa since 2000, posing a new threat to amphibian populations. The disease, which can cause skin sloughing, lethargy, weight loss, and cardiac arrest, may be linked to climate change-induced stress.
A new way to identify higher-risk groups of older surgical patients can help surgeons make better care decisions and compare hospital performance. The new definitions label fewer patients as multimorbid and specify high-risk comorbidity combinations, which contribute to patient risk.
The CoDe tool enables precise edits to genetic codes, making vaccines safer and more effective. It can also modulate gene expression in small sections, aiding vaccine design and basic research.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that lebrikizumab was effective in treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, improving skin clarity and reducing itching. The study involved two phase 3 trials with over 700 participants and showed promising results for the treatment.
Dr. Alexander M. Holtz received the award for his published article on heterozygous variants in MYH10 associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and congenital anomalies. The study highlights primary cilia-dependent defects in Hedgehog signaling, shedding light on a previously unknown autosomal dominant condition.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel solvent-resistant hole injection layer material, enabling the creation of efficient solution-processed OLED devices. The material exhibits high mobility and excellent film-forming properties, leading to improved efficiency and lifetime compared to existing materials.