A new clinical trial has found that administering metformin to pregnant women with gestational diabetes does not increase adverse neonatal outcomes or maternal health risks. The study provides hope for expectant mothers and healthcare providers seeking a safe alternative to traditional insulin-based treatments.
A study by Swansea University found that 85% of powdered infant formula preparation machines failed to reach a temperature of at least 70°C, a crucial step in killing bacteria. The researchers recommend stronger consumer protections and updated labelling requirements for infant formula preparation devices.
A team of researchers at Northwestern University developed an AI capable of intelligently designing robots from scratch, compressing evolution into lightning speed. The AI designed a successfully walking robot in mere seconds, with a novel structure and three legs, fins along its back, and a flat face.
A phase 1/2 study shows that a stem cell-derived islet therapy has improved blood sugar control in all six adult patients with type 1 diabetes. Three patients achieved insulin independence and showed sustained improvements in blood glucose levels.
A recent study has found that rural US counties have worse health outcomes than their urban counterparts, with declines in health measures accelerating over time. The researchers developed a publicly available dashboard to visualize health disparities and identify areas for policy interventions.
The EBMT has introduced an upgraded patient Registry database to improve data collection, retrieval, and analysis in haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) research. The new platform offers enhanced features for healthcare professionals and researchers to access clinical data effectively.
A scoping review found that surgical scorecards can lower surgical procedure expenses by providing surgeons with direct feedback on their costs. The study analyzed data from 21 studies and identified key elements such as surgical supplies and operative time, revealing no significant impact on patient outcomes.
A special issue of SLAS Discovery magazine highlights the Virginia Drug Discovery Consortium's efforts to promote drug discovery and development in Virginia. The issue features original research, protocols, and perspectives on novel technologies and approaches for understanding and treating human disease.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel approach to capture carbon from ambient environmental conditions, using innovative kinetic methodologies and a diversity of ions. The 'moisture-swing' technique captures CO2 at low humidities and releases it at high humidities, enabling carbon removal from virtually anywhere.
A study finds that microplastics are transported out of seawater and into the air through small droplets called 'jet drops' ejected by bursting bubbles. The authors estimate that between 0.02 and 7.4 Mt of plastic is emitted by the world's seas each year, affecting global climate dynamics.
Researchers from SUTD successfully applied reinforcement learning to a video game problem, creating complex movement designs that outperformed top human players. The study's findings have the potential to impact robotics and automation, ushering in a new era of movement design.
The Oregon Death with Dignity Act has been in place since 1997, but a review found significant data gaps, including missing clinical complications and key decision-making information. The study analyzed 25 years of annual reports, revealing a decline in doctor-patient relationships and referrals for psychiatric evaluations.
A mathematical model suggests females infer attractiveness by watching peers' choices, learning to prefer rare traits that distinguish successful males. This learning process helps maintain variation in male traits and female preferences over time.
A new study reveals that language recognition speed varies significantly across the lifespan, peaking in the mid-20s to early-30s and declining in the mid-40s. Despite controlling for hearing ability, researchers found variations in processing speed among older adults, suggesting cognitive processes may be at play.
A team of researchers led by Saptarshi Das is working on developing an all-in-one semiconductor device that can both store data and perform computations. The device uses ferroelectric materials, which can be both stored in and used for computing, offering a potential solution to the limitations of current technology.
Researchers found that antigen testing significantly reduces the probability of cluster occurrence by identifying and isolating infected persons. However, it may not be effective against highly infectious mutant strains like Omicron, highlighting the need for booster vaccination campaigns and other infection control measures.
A study of Atlantic hurricanes found that people with lower socioeconomic status wait significantly longer for power to be restored after outages. The research suggests that investing in energy infrastructure and renewable energy may help mitigate the negative impacts of power outages on vulnerable communities.
Researchers developed a machine learning system to predict polymer miscibility with organic solvents, allowing for efficient recycling of plastics. The model can calculate χ parameters up to 40 times faster than conventional quantum chemistry calculations and has proven accurate in predicting suitable blends.
Nick Burton's research aims to identify bacteria that influence insulin production and signaling, with the goal of finding new therapeutic strategies for Type 2 diabetes. Preliminary results from a small-scale pilot study are promising, suggesting that certain bacteria may play a role in regulating insulin levels.
A Singapore study found that drinking coffee and tea at midlife is associated with reduced likelihood of physical frailty in late life. The study, led by Professor Koh Woon Puay, analyzed data from over 12,000 participants aged 45-74 years old.
A VHIO-led study has identified DPPA3 as a regulator of dormant cancer cells and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. High levels of DPPA3 are found to predict disease relapse, while HIF1 is proposed as a potential therapeutic target to sensitize CRC cells to chemotherapy.
Researchers at Princeton University demonstrated that ocean bursting bubbles can transport microplastics into the atmosphere, adding to evidence of plastic pollution's oceanic reach. The study projects an annual emission of around 100,000 metric tons of microplastics from the ocean.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed an AI-powered drone system that analyzes young plants to predict their expected growth characteristics. By identifying optimal harvest times, farmers can reduce waste and improve their income by up to 20.4%, while also benefiting consumers and the environment.
A new study by Caroline Hachem-Vermette and Kuljeet Singh analyzed the design and energy characteristics of various neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities to power outages. The researchers found that thoughtful design can reduce a neighborhood's energy vulnerability during disruptions, and they recommend modifications to shelter...
Researchers at Northwestern University identified a new evolutionarily conserved RNAi-based form of cell death called Death Induced by Survival gene Elimination (DISE), which targets essential survival genes in cancer cells. This mechanism is ancient and effective against all cancers tested.
A new compound developed at the University of Illinois Chicago potentially offers an alternative to injections for wet age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. The drug targets End Binding-3 and has been shown to reverse damage and promote regenerative processes in animal models.
Holford's research will focus on developing new directions for using cephalopod venoms in drug discovery and exploring their evolutionary dynamics. Her study has broad applications for science, including understanding venom gland biology and the molecular mechanisms behind bioactive compounds.
A new NIH grant will survey healthcare workers caring for people with dementia, gathering data to inform better care and policy. The study aims to understand workforce shortages, payment policies, and regulation, with a focus on direct care workers often overlooked.
A meta-analysis found that CPAP treatment adherence is associated with a lower risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Adherence to CPAP therapy may be a key factor in secondary cardiovascular prevention.
A UK study found that emergency department screening for type 2 diabetes could identify tens of thousands of previously undiagnosed cases every year. The study used the glycated haemoglobin test to screen 1,388 patients, yielding an additional 9% of type 2 diabetes cases and 30% of prediabetes cases.
Research found that women, Black and Asian people, and those from deprived areas are less likely to receive life-saving heart valve replacement in England. Timely intervention occurred in around two-thirds of those from the least deprived areas compared to just over half of those from the most deprived.
A University of Melbourne research team is developing an oral therapeutic to restore the activity of common antibiotics used to treat community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. The project aims to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and reduce healthcare costs, with potential applications in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a new method for DNA detection that is 100 times more sensitive than traditional methods. This breakthrough enables fast and accurate disease diagnosis, reducing wait times for lab processing from days to minutes.
Researchers from The University of Queensland and The Alfred hospital in Melbourne have identified gene variants associated with a higher risk of nodular melanoma. The study found that four genes with rare DNA variants were linked to the aggressive subtype, which accounts for most melanoma deaths.
Studies show that people with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) have a 50% increased risk of coronary heart disease, despite not exhibiting metabolic complications. This raises questions about the validity of the MHO concept.
Researchers found that administering precursors of Elovanoids improved neurological deficit in an experimental model of ischemic stroke. The study identified a cascade of gene responses and sheds light on potential new therapeutic avenues for treating ischemic strokes.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully tested quantum annealing on a D-Wave 2000Q quantum computer for optimizing continuous-variable functions. The study found that QA can significantly outperform state-of-the-art classical algorithms, especially when the energy barrier is high.
A new AI model integrates imaging and non-imaging patient data for improved diagnostic performance on chest X-rays. The multimodal model outperformed other models for diagnosing up to 25 conditions, showing potential as an aid to clinicians in high-pressure diagnoses.
Researchers developed three new two-photon probes that can visualize organelles in cells, enabling better understanding of cellular functions and tissue imaging. The probes are designed to detect pH levels, viscosity, and ionic species, providing more specific insights into cell viability and treatment responses.
Researchers found that humans can inherit AI biases after interacting with a biased system, leading to a permanent negative impact on human decisions. This effect was observed in three experiments, where participants who were aided by a biased AI system continued to replicate its bias even when unaided.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a persistent increase in psychotropic medication dispensation among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The findings highlight the need for integrated pediatric diabetes care and mental health services to detect psychological needs early on.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has been awarded $5 million to lead an Energy Earthshot Research Center focused on producing clean hydrogen. The center aims to reduce the cost of hydrogen by 80% and could lead to a paradigm shift in clean hydrogen production.
A machine learning model developed by researchers can predict lung cancer risk with an 83.9% sensitivity, identifying those who need screening for the disease. The model uses just three predictors: age, smoking duration, and pack-years of smoking, making it a simplified approach to determine high-risk populations.
A new study reveals that independent physician practices experienced a smaller drop in patient volume than their larger counterparts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding suggests that independent practices can thrive and provide quality care to patients with chronic conditions.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have conducted a study on rats, showing that small doses of psilocybin can increase resilience to stress and reduce compulsive behaviors. The study lends support to the benefits of microdosing as a therapeutic intervention.
Utilization and spending on mental health services for children and youths with commercial insurance significantly increased from January 2019 to August 2022. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorder accounted for most visits and spending across all phases of the study.
A recent study by the University of Melbourne found that severe bushfires followed by heavy rainfall are causing platypuses to abandon their homes. The research used environmental DNA sampling to track platypus movement before and after the 2019-2020 megafires, revealing a significant decline in platypus populations in affected areas.
Duke researchers demonstrate that incorporating rhythm into movement designs can optimize performance and efficiency for robots and animals. By varying the timing of movements, optimal rhythms can be achieved, affecting all aspects of design.
The Illinois-led project will sequence at least 50 soybean genomes from cultivated lines and wild relatives, as well as 350 high-quality draft genomes. This will enable the identification of genetic variation and its incorporation into better crops, ultimately leading to climate-resilient soybean varieties.
A new study has detected high levels of bacterial resistance to antibiotics in two Australian aged care facilities, highlighting a concerning trend in the sector. The study used wastewater-based surveillance to detect antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and found above-average levels of gentamicin resistance in one facility.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that liverwort Marchantia polymorpha uses gibberellin precursors to produce a signaling molecule aiding survival under shaded conditions. This metabolic pathway inheritance provides insight into the evolution of plant hormone responses.
Researchers discovered a cell signaling pathway that allows effector memory T cells to drive innate cytokine storms in autoimmune diseases. Targeting the STING pathway may prevent inflammation chain reactions, offering new hope for treating conditions like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have developed an oral lipid nanoparticle drug that prevents tumor development in mice, demonstrating its potential as a treatment for colitis-associated cancer. The study, led by Georgia State University researchers, used M13-loaded nanoliposomes to target diseased tissue and reduce side effects.
New research finds that cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by affecting various metabolites in the bloodstream. A unique metabolic signature, identified through analysis of over 93,000 UK Biobank participants, can predict which smokers are more likely to develop the condition.
Researchers at the Technion have made a breakthrough in understanding sporadic Alzheimer's disease by identifying the mechanism behind protein accumulation. The study found that damage to the ubiquitin system leads to the accumulation of toxic proteins, even in healthy tissue, mimicking typical Alzheimer's pathology.
Research suggests that universal screening for type 1 diabetes at two ages could predict most cases of T1D by age 15. Dr. Emily K. Sims emphasizes the importance of identifying individuals with early, presymptomatic stages of disease to prevent life-threatening episodes and improve outcomes.
Researchers have identified a specific area of the amygdala brain region that can cause prolonged loss of breathing after a seizure. This finding offers new insight into the mechanisms underlying Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare but fatal complication of epilepsy.
A 15-minute reflection exercise strengthens job seekers' belief in themselves, making them more effective applicants. The study found that this self-reflection increased the chances of finding a job, even for those over 50 and long-term unemployed.
Recent satellite deployments have reached record-breaking brightness levels, posing a threat to ground-based astronomy. The addition of 400,000 satellites in the near future could completely alter the night sky.
Researchers developed a new base modification, Z-mRNA, that demonstrates low immunogenicity and reduced cytotoxicity compared to unmodified mRNAs. The modified mRNA can induce a substantial immune response and has potential therapeutic applications beyond COVID-19 vaccines.