Researchers have found that the coevolution between water fleas and a parasitic bacterium has been ongoing for at least 15 million years, preserving genetic diversity. This process, known as balancing selection, ensures that multiple genetic variants for surface molecules are always preserved in the water flea without one ever prevailing.
A new study by Dr. Meir Barneron found that genetically diverse groups outperform homogeneous groups in making collective judgments, suggesting genetic diversity enhances collective intelligence.
Recent studies highlight the vital role of fruits, vegetables, and co-products in preventing chronic diseases. A diet rich in these foods can lower blood pressure, reduce heart disease risk, and improve overall health.
A UC Irvine-led team discovered how the TREM2 R47H genetic mutation causes abnormal protein clumps in brain areas associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study provides first-of-their-kind insights into the effects of the mutation on gene expression and cellular functions.
A University of Michigan-led study found that higher levels of metals in blood and urine are associated with a greater risk for ALS and shorter survival. Occupational exposure to metals was also linked to increased metal levels, emphasizing the need for accounting for environmental factors when evaluating overall exposure risk.
A study from Michigan Medicine researchers found that over 15 million adult Americans regularly consume herbal and dietary supplements containing potentially toxic liver ingredients. The largest proportion of users took turmeric or green tea supplements, while others used garcinia cambogia for weight loss.
A recent study from Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business found that people who express ambivalence about political topics are disliked by those who disagree and those who agree but feel their position isn't strong enough. The study exposes a mismatch between expectation and social reality, suggesting that nuanced positio...
Researchers used WES to identify a novel deletion variant in the DSP gene associated with sudden cardiac death. This finding highlights the importance of post-mortem genetic testing for accurate risk assessment and personalized medicine.
A new poll finds that over 30% of people in their 50s and early 60s provide care to at least one person with a health issue or disability, while 1 in 10 juggle taking care of three or more people. The majority of caregivers are caring for someone with a physical disability or mobility problem, followed by memory or thinking issues.
Researchers discovered that mutations in the SYNGAP1 gene disrupt prolonged human neuron development, leading to accelerated maturation and altered cognitive function. This finding has implications for understanding and treating intellectual disabilities and autism.
Researchers discovered that certain bacteria living inside ticks are essential for their survival and reproduction. These bacteria produce vital nutrients, making them a potential vulnerability in tick populations that could be exploited to control tick numbers and reduce the incidence of tick-borne diseases.
Research from the University of Birmingham found that British society has shifted towards 'situational heroism', where heroic actions and situational awareness are valued over traditional heroic figures. Ordinary people like Darryn Frost and Steve Gallant, who confronted a terrorist attacker, exemplify this new mode of heroism.
A recent study found that type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of fractures in older women. The increased risk is thought to be primarily caused by impaired physical function rather than skeletal characteristics.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open demonstrated the effectiveness of AI in detecting myopia, strabismus, and ptosis using smartphone images. This technology has the potential to facilitate early detection of pediatric eye diseases in a convenient and accessible manner.
New research reveals that diaphragmatic hernia is associated with inflammatory processes involving immune cells, leading to underdeveloped lungs. Scientists have identified specific pro-inflammatory signalling processes and propose a novel therapy using amniotic fluid stem cell extracellular vesicles.
A randomized crossover clinical trial reveals that swapping refined corn flour for a blend of refined corn flour and corn bran lowers LDL cholesterol concentrations by 5-13.3%. The study found significant reductions in LDL cholesterol among 70% of participants who consumed the blend, while whole-grain corn meal had no impact.
A five-year randomized control trial found that diets high in fruits and vegetables lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve kidney health. The study also suggests that incorporating fruits and vegetables into treatment plans can be more effective than traditional medication approaches.
This review article sheds light on histopathologic characteristics of ICI-induced myocarditis, highlighting the role of macrophages in diagnosis. Quantifying CD68+ macrophage abundance may enhance diagnostic sensitivity, providing valuable insights into clinical outcomes.
A 10-year follow-up study reports significant and lasting improvement in outcomes with posterior decompression and fixation surgery for patients with Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (T-OPLL). Decompression and fixation yielded long-term benefits in neurological function, quality of life, and pain management.
Researchers discovered a monthly treatment that extended the lives of mice by 9%, allowing them to live healthier for longer periods. The treated mice retained their physical function and overall frailty until the end of their lives, unlike controls, which showed significant declines in health.
Researchers at Brown University found that temperature increases enterovirus transmission, with a similar effect seen in polio historically and more recent enteroviruses causing hand, foot and mouth disease. Climate change may lead to increased intensity of outbreaks, particularly in regions with larger seasonal temperature ranges.
A new study warns that exposure to wildfire smoke may lead to increased rates of underlying health conditions among patients undergoing surgery. The researchers hope their findings will inform anesthesia clinicians about the potential impact of wildfire smoke on patient outcomes, leading to better management and reducing complications.
A new study has discovered the world's smallest adult arm bone, dating back 700,000 years, which provides crucial evidence on the evolution of Homo floresiensis. The fossil, found at Mata Menge in Indonesia, suggests that early humans were even smaller than previously thought.
Researchers developed a novel clustering technique that considers both basic characteristics and target material properties, enabling the categorization of over 1,000 oxides into material groups. This approach uses machine learning to predict target properties and incorporates basic feature information into the analysis.
A recent study found that behavioral nudges in social media ads had limited ability to encourage COVID-19 vaccination across countries. Nudge ads with messages appealing to norms and family/ community protection performed better than placebo ads, but only in certain contexts.
A new study by the University of Vienna found that visiting an art exhibition can reduce xenophobia and increase acceptance of immigration. Participants reported increased social awareness and empathy, which lasted for up to a week after their visit.
A new editorial published in Aging suggests that starting targeted cancer therapies with high concentrations may slow down the selection for resistance. This approach could potentially be used as a preemptive measure to minimize the development of resistance.
Mark Lumley, a distinguished professor at Wayne State University, received the 2024 Nathan W. Perry Jr. Award for Career Service to Health Psychology. He was recognized for his decades-long contributions to the field of health psychology, particularly in chronic pain disorders.
Research reveals that social determinants such as access to healthy food, health insurance, and physical activity spaces are key drivers of obesity disparities. Successful interventions like community-based programs can reduce disparities, but more work is needed to expand these initiatives at local, state, and national levels.
Researchers at Linköping University have created soft electrodes made of gold nanowires and silicone rubber, capable of stimulating nerve signals and capturing electrical signals. The material is expected to last for at least three years and has potential applications in medical devices.
Researchers analyzed data from 63,700 patients in five clinical trials to understand the impact of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) on heart disease. They found that patients with CHIP had a 30% higher risk of initial heart attacks but not recurrent events.
Researchers develop a general strategy for fabricating vertically stacked skin-like active-matrix displays, eliminating obstacles in existing parallel structures. This approach enables the creation of high-quality AMOLEDs with ultrahigh aperture ratios and improved resolution.
Studies in mice reveal that orexin plays a key role in deciding between physical activity and consuming food, particularly when both options are available. By understanding this process, scientists aim to develop strategies to overcome exercise barriers and address the global obesity epidemic.
A new study by SMU seismologists confirms that earthquakes in the Permian Basin occurring before 2017 were causally linked to underground wastewater injection. The study uses advanced earthquake location methods to reveal a spatial and temporal correlation with shallow injection activities since 2009.
Researchers found that six clam species co-occurring in a single burrow are all yoyo clams, contradicting the competitive exclusion principle. In laboratory experiments, host-attached clams were killed by mantis shrimp, while burrow-wall clams were unaffected.
A new approach incorporating machine learning and a novel radar technique has solved the 'cloud cover' problem in remote sensing, improving land surface temperature tracking accuracy. This is achieved by combining better elevation models with multiple radar echoes from SAR images to reconstruct optical data.
Researchers question the effectiveness of new amyloid immunotherapy drugs in reducing Alzheimer's disease impact, citing limited eligibility and high costs. The drugs showed small effect sizes that may not outweigh the risk of adverse events.
This review article delves into the production methods of nanofibers, including centrifugal jet spinning, plasma-induced synthesis, and solution blow spinning, to enhance drug delivery. Nanofibers' extensive surface area relative to their volume makes them valuable for numerous applications.
Scientists have developed a new compound, ZTA-261, which selectively binds to the thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) to treat lipid disorders. Mice administered the drug showed decreased lipid levels in the liver and blood with fewer side effects compared to existing compounds.
The International Olympic Committee should sever its ties with Coca Cola to promote athlete health and sustainability, despite the brand's lucrative sponsorship deal. The IOC's continued association with Coca Cola puts the Games at risk of being complicit in global epidemics of poor nutrition and environmental degradation.
A recent study found that generative AI images of physicians exhibit demographic biases, with a disproportionate representation of white and male physicians. The study highlights the potential for these biases to reinforce stereotypes and undermine diversity initiatives in healthcare.
A new open-source platform, Nova-ST, is transforming gene expression profiling in tissue samples by offering affordable and high-resolution spatial analysis. This approach allows scientists to map gene expression across a tissue section with a spatial context, enabling the study of complex biological processes.
Researchers found that adults prioritize cognitive cues over vocal signals when evaluating a child's intelligence or negative emotions, while vocal cues dominate for assessing happiness or helplessness. This study provides insights into the complex dynamics of caregiver-child interactions and their evolutionary roots.
A new study from the University of California, Davis, reveals how plants break down the hormone strigolactone to become more bushy. The researchers found that enzymes called carboxylesterases play a crucial role in degrading strigolactone, and identified specific amino acids that allow these enzymes to bind to the hormone.
A recent study uses machine learning to analyze 950 microbial genomes, identifying 2,194 potential toxins that could be used as new antimicrobials or biotechnological tools. The researchers also discovered four new toxins with enzymatic activities against different molecules.
Researchers found COVID-19-related diarrhea mechanisms using human stem cells and enteroids, a single layer of cells in a petri dish. The study suggests testing inhibitors of inflammation may help treat COVID-19 diarrhea, linking it to long COVID symptoms.
Scientists have developed a technique that illuminates the mechanisms underlying many chemical reactions by determining the 3D atomic coordinates, chemical makeup, and surface composition of heterogeneous nanocatalysts. This discovery enables engineers to rationally design nanocatalysts for optimized performance.
Piezoelectric materials are used in sonar and ultrasound applications, but can deteriorate due to heat and pressure. Researchers have developed a technique to depole and repole these materials at room temperature, allowing for easier repair and paving the way for new ultrasound technologies.
Researchers developed a new visual diagnostic technique called Cap-QuIC that can distinguish infected samples with the naked eye, enabling faster and more accurate disease detection. The method builds upon previous groundbreaking diagnostic techniques and leverages simple action to detect misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins.
A new study found that meeting partners online is positively linked to relationship success among those who have social media presence on their relationships. However, the link was absent among individuals without this social media presence, particularly in marital relationships.
A Rutgers University study suggests that hospitals can play a crucial role in strengthening political inclusion by aiding patients in voter registration. The study found that voters contacted in healthcare settings tend to be more racially and ethnically diverse, and younger, than those reached through traditional registration efforts.
Researchers at KIT's Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry developed a novel concept to improve the stability of supported catalysts by utilizing different support materials. The concept involves confining Pd clusters on CeO2 nano-islands, which leads to highly active oxidation catalysts.
A new $13 million project launched by the American Heart Association and Additional Ventures aims to study the biological mechanisms of single ventricle heart disease. The five-year initiative will bring together teams of scientists to expand understanding of underlying biological mechanisms and science related to clinical complications.
A new study by researchers from the University of Liverpool and Copenhagen Business School explores the trade-offs of blockchain technology for global multinational corporations. They found that cryptocurrencies offer lower transaction fees but carry a stigma, while smart contracts can streamline agreements but lack flexibility.
Researchers at Lehigh University use mayonnaise to simulate the phases of Rayleigh-Taylor instability in nuclear fusion, which could inform the design of future inertial confinement fusion processes. The team found that understanding the transition between elastic and stable plastic phases is critical for controlling the instability.
A study published in Current Biology found that bouncing is the primary movement facilitating synchronization in dance, occurring independently of music and partner movements. Researchers identified two modes of synchrony: music-driven and partner-driven, with bouncing acting as a supramodal rhythm regulator.
A new study uses a solid dispersion technique to improve the dissolution rate and bioavailability of nitrofurantoin, a BCS II drug with low solubility. The researchers found that the optimized formulation showed a 3.88-fold improvement in bioavailability compared to the marketed formulation.
A UTEP study using fruit flies reveals that social settings enhance the stimulant effect of ethanol, linked to increased activity in the D1 dopamine receptor. This finding may lead to a better understanding of Alcohol Use Disorder and its vulnerability to social influences.
Researchers have created a novel system called ConTac, which can estimate the shape and contact of a robotic arm with soft skin using a single sensing module. The system consists of a backbone, soft skin with markers, a camera to observe skin deformation, and models for shape and contact sensing.
A panel of experts has reached consensus on fasting terminology to enhance communication and cross-referencing in the field. The defined terms include 'fasting,' 'modified fasting,' and 'religious fasting,' among others, aiming to steer people away from unverified diets that can lead to unhealthy behaviors.