Research found that facemasks can prevent adverse cardiovascular effects caused by diesel exhaust, reducing arterial stiffness and associated risks. Wearing a facemask during exercise in smoggy cities may lead to reduced blood pressure and improved heart rate control.
A new study published in BMC Pediatrics reports significant clinical improvements in children with autism after hyperbaric treatment. The treatment, which involves inhaling oxygen at high pressure, showed improvements in overall functioning, language, and social interaction.
Researchers found five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADAM33 that were more frequent in COPD patients than non-COPD smokers. These polymorphisms, particularly S1, are associated with lung abnormalities and progressive decline in lung function characteristic of COPD.
A Brazilian study found that current guidelines for sexually transmitted infections are woefully inadequate, with only 32% of infected women correctly identified using the World Health Organization's risk assessment score. The researchers recommend rapid and less costly diagnostic tests to control the spread of STIs in adolescents.
Research published in BMC Biology reveals that aphids acquired symbiotic genes from another species of bacteria via lateral gene transfer. The association between aphids and Buchnera is over 100 million years old and has evolved so that neither the bacteria nor the host can reproduce without the other.
Incipient sex chromosomes have been found in New Zealand's eponymous export, the kiwifruit. The genetic linkage map of the kiwifruit reveals that a subtelomeric region bears hallmarks of an early sex-determining locus.
Mobile phone handsets used by hospital workers are highly contagious with bacteria, including MRSA, and can lead to infections ranging from skin complaints to life-threatening illness. The study recommends strict infection-control procedures and decontamination methods to prevent the spread of infection.
Research found that receiving unemployment benefits reduces both economic and psychological stress, leading to healthier behaviors. The study suggests that financial support during times of job instability is crucial in mitigating negative health effects.
A study found that increased waist circumference and body mass index are associated with a higher risk of primary knee and hip joint replacement. Obesity is recognized as the most important modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis.
A Swedish study published in BMC Public Health found that teenagers are more positive towards their parents' attempts to discourage them from smoking. The most effective actions parents can take include dissuading their children from smoking and not allowing them to smoke at home.
Researchers found that the Bt toxin loses its potency against certain moth and butterfly species unless the insects have specific gut bacteria present. The study suggests that these beneficial bacteria can make the toxin lethal to the insects, highlighting the importance of their presence in pest management.
A study by Jean-Marc Lassance and Christer Löfstedt found that female moths can distinguish between males of different ancestries and reproductive fitness based on their pheromone composition. This ability allows females to select mates that are more likely to produce offspring with the same genetic makeup, driving species formation.
The article argues that Darwin's background and research focus prevented him from interpreting the evidence for Mendelian inheritance. Mendel's work was rediscovered in the 20th century, revealing that his understanding of biology far surpassed Darwin's.
Research in Cameroon reveals that 88.3% of women are willing to accept HIV testing during labor, leading to a higher rate of detected infections compared to previously estimated rates. The study recommends an opt-out approach for HIV testing during labor to increase the number of mother-infant pairs receiving appropriate treatment.
Research by Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology reveals that desert ants, like Cataglyphis fortis, utilize a combination of visual landmarks and unique scent signatures to guide them back to their nests. This groundbreaking study challenges the long-held notion that these ants rely solely on self-generated pheromone trails.
Researchers have identified two causes of critical illness hypeglycemia in children: peripheral insulin resistance and primary beta-cell dysfunction. The study found that those with respiratory failure only had CIH caused by elevated insulin resistance, while those with both respiratory and cardiovascular failure had CIH caused by prim...
A study of 1060 vets in north Germany found that psychosocial stress increased with working hours, leading to demoralization and substance abuse. The research suggests a complex relationship between stress, tobacco consumption, problem drinking, and drug use.
A recent study found that post-partum haemorrhage is a significant threat to new mothers in high-income countries, resulting in severe outcomes including infertility and death. The authors recommend increased access to active management of the third stage of labour to reduce PPH rates.
Researchers used genetic markers to study coral groupings and found that skeletal shape is not a reliable way to differentiate species. This discovery highlights the need for accurate understanding of coral biodiversity to conserve coral reefs.
A new study published in BMC Public Health found that cervical cancer incidence varies among geographical areas in Southeast England, with higher rates in more deprived areas. The research analyzed data on 2,231 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed between 2001 and 2005, revealing dramatic variations within regions.
A new website allows scientists to collaborate on bacterial strain identification through multilocus sequence analysis. The database grows in size and utility as taxonomists add their isolates, enabling electronic taxonomy.
A Taiwanese study found that older people and those with an Aboriginal background experienced longer diagnosis and treatment delays for tuberculosis. This delay can lead to more extensive disease, complications, and higher mortality rates.
Researchers found that diabetic patients are less likely to develop acute respiratory failure during severe sepsis. They discovered that people with diabetes and sepsis were more likely to develop acute renal failure than those without diabetes.
A multi-centre study found that osteoblast cell injections accelerated fracture healing, with increased bone growth and no significant patient complications. The treatment is considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional methods, allowing for faster recovery without surgery.
A new article suggests that gorilla lice evolved to infest pubic hair around 3.3 million years ago, possibly due to human-gorilla contact. This divergence occurred despite humans and gorillas diverging from a common ancestor at least 7 million years ago.
Researchers found that every second of compression pause reduces the likelihood of successful return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) by 1%. Effective CPR requires minimal interruptions, with powerful chest compressions being crucial.
Researchers identified eighteen new genetic changes in rats from four continents that enable resistance to warfarin. VKORC1 gene mutations may cause heritable resistance by preventing coumarin derivatives from interfering with the reductase enzyme activity.
A study on seed beetles found that inbreeding extends male lifespan while shortening female lifespan. The researchers suggest that sex-specific selection may be the underlying cause of these differences.
A systematic review of over 13,000 participants found that exposure to alcohol adverts and product placements increases drinking behavior in young people. The study suggests that counter-advertising and social marketing techniques may be effective prevention options for limiting alcohol problems in young people.
A recent study found that playing games against a virtual opponent activates different brain areas than those activated when playing against a human opponent. The medial prefrontal cortex and other regions associated with 'Theory of Mind' were more active in male players believing they were competing with another human.
Researchers found that older killer whales nearing menopause have a 10% higher survival rate for their calves compared to younger females. This suggests that these older mothers may be more successful in rearing their young due to maternal experience and increased allocation of effort.
Research reveals that tobacco companies in South Korea have been deliberately targeting girls and young women with marketing campaigns, using tactics such as associating smoking with body image and female emancipation. The study calls for stricter regulations and public education to combat the rise in female smoking rates.
Research followed over 2000 high- and middle-school children, finding that TV viewing times predict a poor diet in the future. Young adults who watched more than five hours of TV per day had lower intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but higher intakes of fast food and unhealthy snacks.
A genetic variant of interleukin-18 has been found to be associated with a prolonged ICU stay after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, leading to increased inflammation and adverse outcomes. The TT genotype was carried by 58% of the subjects, indicating a potential risk factor for patients undergoing CPB.
The Journal of Biology is introducing a new policy to reduce review time and improve the publication process. Authors will have more control over the review process, with an option to opt out of re-review after initial screening by editorial board members.
Research published in BMC Endocrine Disorders shows that regular high-intensity interval training can significantly improve insulin action and glucose clearance. A three-minute sprint workout every couple of days may be the best way to cut the risk of diabetes, with substantial improvements in metabolic prowess seen within two weeks.
Researchers have created gene-engineered male flies that die as embryos, outcompeting wild pests and reducing crop damage. This new method of pest control eliminates the need for radiation, increasing safety and effectiveness.
The new journal Genomic Medicine bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, providing open access to high-quality research articles. The journal features columns by leading experts on genomic medicine and its applications.
A recent study found that fainting was the most common in-flight medical emergency, accounting for 53.5% of cases. The researchers also highlighted the need for standardization in reporting in-flight emergencies, citing poor data quality as a major issue.
Research suggests that schizophrenia patients' reduced non-verbal expressivity is linked to poor social skills and an inability to accurately imagine others' thoughts and feelings. This impairment contributes to difficulties in conversation and social interactions, making it challenging for people with schizophrenia to engage with others.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that individuals with high trust in mass media tend to be healthier. Young, married, and highly-educated women reported the highest levels of health, while those in Turkmenistan had the lowest opinion of their own wellbeing.
A Canadian study found that psychological concerns, such as self-efficacy and motivation/intention, are the most important barriers to an active lifestyle. The study's findings highlight the need for health promotion programs to enhance people's confidence and motivation.
Research published in International Journal of Health Geographics links outbreaks of nephropathia epidemica, a rodent-borne disease, to global warming. Warmer weather and increased food sources for voles lead to population growth and disease transmission.
Researchers found that free-range chickens are more susceptible to disease, particularly bacterial and parasitic infections. The study, published in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, suggests that this is due to the challenges of managing these systems, leading to higher mortality rates.
Researchers found that rats exposed to alcohol during pregnancy are more attracted to the smell of liquor during puberty, and this effect persists into adolescence. Fetal ethanol exposure also changes how the odor and flavor of ethanol are perceived, making it more attractive to others.
Research published in BioMed Central's Arthritis Research and Therapy found that women experience more severe symptoms, greater disability, and poorer treatment outcomes compared to men. The study of over 6,000 patients revealed a significant gender gap in disease activity measures, treatments, and clinical characteristics.
A Dutch study published in BMC Public Health found that phone and internet counselling is effective for weight management in overweight workers. The study compared counselling via phone and e-mail with standard practice and found significant weight loss in all groups, with those in the phone group losing the most weight.
A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that animal species sleeping for longer periods have reduced parasite infestation and increased immune cells. This suggests that sleep plays an important role in protecting animals from parasitic infections.
Research published in BMC Medicine found a significant association between metabolic syndrome and PTSD after controlling for other factors. Veterans with higher severity of PTSD were more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome.
Research shows that protein sports drinks are superior to carbohydrate-only drinks in improving cyclists' recovery from exercise. The study found that subjects who consumed a mix of carbohydrate and protein had lower self-reported fatigue levels and increased fat oxidation.