The American Heart Association has released its list of top cardiovascular research for 2024, focusing on prevention, treatment and the benefits of anti-obesity medications. The research highlights improvements in assessing cardiovascular risk, identifying early prevention opportunities and treating heart failure.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has funded eight teams of researchers to conduct interdisciplinary biomedical research projects. These partnerships aim to advance scientific discovery and improve human health by combining expertise in cell biology, immunology, neuroscience, and genetics.
Researchers found that Toxoplasma gondii parasites lacking the protein MYR1 can survive and proliferate when co-infected with normal parasites, thanks to supportive secreted proteins. This study highlights a limitation of pooled CRISPR screens in studying parasite biology in live hosts.
The American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification program significantly decreases hospital stays among older cancer patients, increasing their independence and likelihood of discharge home. The program addresses the unique needs of older adults undergoing major abdominal oncologic procedures.
A new study finds that not attaining a high school degree is associated with higher cancer mortality, while high allostatic load, a marker of chronic stress, also increases the risk. The researchers emphasize the need for educational attainment promotion and addressing social determinants of health to reduce cancer disparities.
A study analyzed the socio-economic feasibility of green hydrogen production in southern Italy, estimating a Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) of €3.60/kg. Public acceptance of wind power installations was found to be linked to willingness to pay (WTP), with 68.6% of LCOH values clustering between 3.20 and 4.00 €/kg
Scientists reveal that the Antarctic ice sheet is more unstable than previously thought, with periods of sudden melting linked to changes in Earth's orbit. The study provides a glimpse into the potential behavior of Antarctica without the Greenland Ice Sheet, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.
A Concordia study of 300 Montreal households found that mothers have up to twice the impact on language exposure compared to fathers. Mothers typically transmit heritage languages, even if both parents are heritage-language speakers, due to cultural factors and spending more time at home.
The National Academy of Inventors has elected 170 exceptional inventors into the 2024 Class of Fellows, representing 39 US states and 12 countries. The honorees hold over 5,000 issued US patents and have made significant societal and economic impacts.
A USC study reveals that forming social ties relies on learning from positive outcomes, such as rewards, and tracking relational value. The findings help explain why we are drawn to certain people and how we navigate relationships, with implications for mental health and social behavior.
A new animal study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that early life exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may lead to behavioral problems in rats. PCBs, which have been banned for decades, can reprogram a developing neuroendocrine system and cause developmental and hormonal changes.
Researchers have developed an AI framework called XLuminA that autonomously discovers new experimental designs in microscopy. The framework performs optimizations 10,000 times faster than well-established methods, opening the path for exploring completely new territories in microscopy.
A new analysis of over 3,000 studies reveals that flooding increases preterm births by around 3% and low birth weights in children born during flood events. The study highlights the need for emergency services to evacuate pregnant people before flooding events.
Virginia Tech researchers successfully tagged a young Mediterranean shortfin mako shark, gathering valuable data on its movements and habitat usage. The shark traveled over 750 miles in 54 days, suggesting that protecting nursery areas may not be enough to prevent its decline.
A study published in JAMA found that electronic sepsis screening among hospitalized ward patients resulted in lower in-hospital 90-day mortality compared to no screening. The study also showed a significant reduction in mortality rates.
University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science professors William Epling and Roseanne Ford were elected as fellows to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. They are recognized for their expertise in environmental catalysis and bacterial chemotaxis, respectively.
Mathematicians at University of Leicester applied statistical mechanics to detect human-made and natural causes of climate change, enabling early warnings of potential disasters. The theory provides a more advanced understanding of climate mechanisms driving change.
Scientists report early results from NASA-funded solar eclipse experiments, capturing detailed images of the Sun's corona and studying its effects on the atmosphere and ionosphere. The experiments involved citizen scientists, amateur radio operators, and aircraft observations, providing valuable data for future research.
A University of Cambridge-led study found that urban trees can lower pedestrian-level air temperature by up to 12°C. However, the study also revealed that the introduction of trees can have varying cooling effects in different climates and tree species traits.
Researchers at Doshisha University have developed a synthetic, nontoxic antidote for hydrogen sulfide poisoning. The new compound, met-hemoCD-I, converts toxic hydrogen sulfide into harmless sulfite and sulfate ions.
A new analysis found that ultraprocessed foods account for more than half of calories consumed at home by adults in the US, increasing from 51% in 2003 to 54% in 2018. This trend is linked to chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Around 846 million people under 50 are living with genital herpes, and over 200 million experienced symptomatic outbreaks in 2020. Researchers call for new treatments and vaccines to curb the spread of the infection and its health and financial toll.
Researchers at Chungnam National University have developed copper-zinc electrodes that can stabilize over time through recycling, preserving their catalytic effectiveness and selectivity for valuable hydrocarbons. This innovation has significant implications for the conversion of CO₂ into sustainable fuels or chemicals.
A new study found that Kirtland's warblers have exceptionally long runs of homozygosity (ROH) indicating very recent inbreeding, while also having a high frequency of potentially damaging genetic variants. This suggests that continued management is necessary to ensure the species' survival.
A new study suggests that a person's biological age can predict their risk of developing colon polyps and early colorectal cancer. Accelerated aging, which is higher than chronological age, may be linked to a greater risk of developing the disease, highlighting the importance of early screening.
UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year, providing highly reliable maternity care to expectant parents and newborns. The hospital also excels in breastfeeding support, with nearly 90% of babies fed exclusively breast milk.
A new study highlights the critical role of chaplains in supporting family members of ICU patients. Chaplains provide emotional and spiritual support, facilitating conversations with medical teams and helping families process information.
Researchers combine a precision cancer drug with an antibody and radiation therapy to eliminate tumors without causing side effects. The approach uses the cancer drug as a molecular flag for cancerous cells, allowing immune cells to target them. This method has shown promise in eliminating lung cancer in mice with minimal side effects.
A groundbreaking AI model called NitroFusion creates images in seconds using modest hardware, eliminating the need for large computing resources. The open-source technology enables creative professionals and individuals to produce high-quality images affordably.
A new study has linked the diversity of a wild bird's gut microbiome with its ornamentation and body condition. Researchers found that a cardinal's gut microbiome can be predicted by its body condition, and the quality of its ornamentation, such as red plumage and beak. This discovery has important applications for conservation biology.
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo develop a new approach to produce four-stranded β-sheets with precisely controlled number of strands, overcoming challenges of fibril aggregation and isomeric variation. This breakthrough could advance biotechnology and nanotechnology applications.
A study by Tulane University researchers found that tumors in female fruit flies grew 2.5 times larger than those in male fruit flies due to sex-based differences in immune response. The stronger innate immune response in females accelerated tumor growth.
The National TRAP Program has awarded $1.4 million to fund 11 projects in nine US states and Palau to remove derelict fishing gear from coastal waters. This initiative aims to standardize data collection practices and establish a national database to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of these efforts.
A new study estimates that more than 9,000 invertebrates, including pollinators and earthworms, have become extinct in Australia since European arrival. The study suggests that many species remain at high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and climate change.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has successfully tested a novel fire mitigation method designed to safely store damaged electric vehicles and batteries. The customized test evaluated the effectiveness of an enclosure's watertight seal, providing valuable data on its performance.
Researchers Sergei Kalinin and Chuck Melcher have been named NAI fellows for their groundbreaking work in materials science, radiation detection, and medical imaging. Their inventions have led to significant improvements in oil production, cancer diagnosis, and nuclear security, benefiting public welfare.
The updated practice guideline provides recommendations for evidence-based assessment, treatment planning, and psychosocial interventions, as well as pharmacotherapy treatments. It highlights the effectiveness of structured psychotherapies in treating borderline personality disorder and notes that no pharmacotherapy has been found to b...
Gary E. Wnek and Arnold Caplan recognized for their pioneering work in polymer science and stem-cell biology, respectively. Their research has generated significant economic impact and improved quality of life through inventions and innovations.
A six-month clinical trial found that empathetic phone calls led to significant improvements in blood sugar control for low-income adults with diabetes. The patient-driven approach empowered individuals to receive support at a pace that suited their needs and schedules.
Higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better performance across all 5 cognitive domains assessed, including processing speed and executive function/attentional control. This association holds true irrespective of key risk factors for cognitive decline, such as age and APOE4 gene carriage.
Mother seals prefer stable, slower-moving bergs for giving birth and caring for newborn pups, while in the molting season, they favor speedier ice near the best foraging grounds. This study sheds light on how climate change affects harbor seal distribution and behavior.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found CAD is common in cirrhotic patients, but cirrhosis itself may not be associated with increased CAD risk. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatitis C virus infection are also linked to CAD presence.
A novel study found that the TPMT∗8 allele is associated with reduced metabolism of thiopurine drugs, which can lead to toxicity. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the function of TPMT∗8 to ensure effective pharmacogenomic testing across all ancestries.
Scientists have created a new class of microscopic flower particles that can guide medicines to specific locations in the body and be easily tracked using ultrasound. The particles' unique shape and structure allow them to absorb large amounts of active substance molecules, making them an effective carrier for targeted medication deliv...
Researchers found a 1.5% decrease in low-birthweight babies across 271 school districts, with each $1,000 increase in income tied to improved infant health outcomes. Income gains also led to increased prenatal care rates, but not changes in pregnancy-related behaviors.
A $1.5 million grant will advance clinical testing of the noninvasive device in human participants with spinal cord injuries who experience AD. The device detects AD using sensors and controllers, measuring heart activity, skin nerve response, galvanic skin response, and skin temperature.
The University of Sharjah hosted a workshop on the ancient Islamic astrolabe, showcasing a 10th century model constructed by al-Khujandi. Prof. Jan Pieter Hogendijk discussed the instrument's precision and artistic elements, highlighting its importance in Islamic astronomy.
A new treatment shows promise for people with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma, delaying cancer progression and improving overall survival. Daratumumab significantly reduces risk of progression to active disease and improves patient outcomes.
A national lung cancer screening program is proposed to reduce deaths and improve survival rates for Australian patients. The Flinders University study found that screening individuals aged 50-70 every two years would be cost-effective and add significant years of healthy life.
A research team led by Professor Jung Inn Sohn from Dongguk University developed a gel polymer electrode-based triboelectric nanogenerator (GPE-TENG) with stretchable, semi-transparent, and durable properties. The device generates electrical signals when tapped or stretched, delivering a peak power of 0.36 W/m² at a load of 15 MΩ.
The study found a significantly higher proportion of racial and ethnic minority children in 'higher exposure risk schools' compared to the rest of schools. Hispanic and Latino children make up a larger share of these schools, with a greater number having disabilities.
The new Webb Space Telescope study confirms Hubble's expansion rate measurements, offering a crucial cross-check to address the mismatch in measurements. The discrepancy remains unexplained even by the best cosmology models, suggesting that our understanding of the universe may be incomplete.
A team of astronomers has detected the smallest main-belt asteroids ever found, with 138 rocky bodies reported in the asteroid belt. The discovery provides insights into the formation of small objects in the solar system and their potential impact on Earth's planetary defense.
A large trial has found no major difference in clinical outcomes between restrictive and liberal blood transfusion strategies for critically ill patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study suggests that integrating these results with other research can provide a deeper understanding of the optimal threshold.
Researchers at Lund University Diabetes Centre have mapped out differences in the atherosclerotic process in people with type 2 diabetes. The study found that high blood sugar levels can lead to reduced ability to form protective connective tissue in atherosclerotic plaques, increasing cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at TUM have identified a new, highly effective filter material that can remove hazardous PFAS chemicals from drinking water. The bespoke metal-organic framework compounds are adaptable and electrostatically charged, significantly improving filter capacity compared to existing materials.
Researchers develop new organic LED material that maintains sharp color and contrast while replacing heavy metals with a hybrid material. The material achieves stable, fast phosphorescent light emission, necessary for modern displays operating at 120 frames per second.
Researchers identified the critical role of TIMM50 protein in mitochondrial energy production and its link to a severe and rare neurological disease. The study's findings suggest potential targets for future drug treatments and advance research on protein import into mitochondria in brain cells.
Researchers observed a 100% response rate on Phase Ib trial for patients with newly diagnosed malignancy-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Early intervention with ELA026 may provide meaningful clinical benefits for patients with few options.
A study published in Open Mind journal found that most people struggle to distinguish between strong and weak knots by visual inspection. Despite their experience with everyday knots, participants failed to identify the strongest knot in various experiments, even when shown videos or diagrams of the knots' construction.