Researchers analyzed 788 obsidian artifacts from the Templo Mayor, finding diverse sources of obsidian used for both ritual and everyday objects. The study suggests a complex economy that relied on conquest and active trade with rival polities.
Researchers at Tulane University identified a potential new way to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) using an FDA-approved cancer drug. The treatment works by blocking the CTLA4 protein, which blocks overactive T cells, allowing the immune system to clear out damaged cells that cause lung scarring.
Tulane University scientists developed a handheld device to deliver rapid and accurate tuberculosis diagnoses in under an hour. The device, called the lab-in-tube assay (LIT), can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in saliva, blood, and sputum samples, offering a cost-effective tool for improving TB diagnoses in resource-limited areas.
A new artificial intelligence-based method detects genetic markers of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, potentially leading to faster and more effective treatments. The method, called Group Association Model, uses machine learning to identify key mutations linked to drug resistance, reducing false positives and misdiagnoses.
A new study from Tulane University suggests that repeated collapse and reopening of alveoli during mechanical ventilation may cause microscopic tissue damage, contributing to ventilator-related injuries. The research identified that minimizing these cycles could significantly reduce lung injury and improve patient outcomes.
A breakthrough CRISPR-based test has been developed to diagnose Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), a life-threatening fungal infection. The test detects RNA from live fungi in blood samples and throat swabs, providing a faster and more accurate diagnosis than current invasive bronchoscopy procedures.
Researchers at Tulane University have found a more efficient method for producing ethylene oxide using silver catalysts with nickel additions, eliminating the need for toxic chlorine. This breakthrough could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve production safety.
The State of the Nation Project report reveals stark contrasts in the US's global standing, with strong economic performance but weaknesses in areas like mental health and civic engagement. The country excels in poverty reduction but struggles with income inequality, life satisfaction, and citizenship.
Researchers identified a unique genetic signature that can predict bacterial antibiotic resistance. The finding could help develop precision-based treatments and reduce overuse of antibiotics.
A new Tulane University study suggests that the Mediterranean diet's brain-boosting benefits may work by changing the balance of bacteria in the gut. Researchers found that subjects following a Mediterranean diet developed distinctly different gut bacteria patterns compared to those eating a typical Western diet.
A study from Tulane University found that a low-protein diet in one generation can lead to lower birthweights and smaller kidneys in offspring across multiple generations. The findings suggest that food scarcity or malnutrition may result in decades of adverse health outcomes.
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.
A new study from Tulane University analyzed 260 honey samples from 48 states for toxic metals, finding regional differences in contamination levels. The highest arsenic and cobalt levels were found in Pacific Northwest and Southeastern honeys, respectively, while lead was detected in Carolinas honeys.
Researchers developed a nasal vaccine combining traditional pertussis antigens with an innovative adjuvant called T-vant to boost immune response. The new vaccine was shown to prevent the bacteria's colonization in the respiratory tract, significantly curbing whooping cough spread.
A new study from Tulane University finds that historical race-based lending practices are still impacting health today, linking discriminatory policies to 15% longer delays in achieving viral suppression of HIV. This delay can impact individual health outcomes and public health efforts to curb the spread of HIV.
A recent study published in Antiquity has uncovered over 6,500 pre-Hispanic structures, including a large, previously unknown city with iconic stone pyramids. The research used lidar technology to survey 50 square miles of land in Campeche, Mexico, revealing a more complex and varied Maya landscape than previously thought.
Researchers found a 'confrontation effect' where people are more likely to engage with opposing viewpoints driven by outrage. The study analyzed data from Twitter and Facebook during the 2020 US presidential election, revealing users often react to opposing views with heightened engagement.
A new study from Tulane University found that state-level COVID-19 vaccination mandates increased vaccine rates among health care workers by 3-4%, with improvements seen in states that required vaccinations without opt-outs. The policy was particularly effective among health care workers between the ages of 25-49 years.
A five-year study led by Tulane University is investigating a new medication to treat trichomoniasis. The research compares secnidazole with metronidazole, finding that one-dose treatment could offer better options for the infection, which affects 156 million people annually.
A recent study found that nearly half of the nation's top cancer centers implemented universal masking policies during the 2023-2024 COVID-19 wave. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, revealed a correlation between high-ranking cancer centers and the prevalence of universal masking policies.
A new drug has shown promise in clearing HIV from the brain by targeting infected cells and reducing viral load. The treatment, BLZ945, successfully cleared the virus from brain tissue, providing a potential new avenue for HIV treatment.
A Tulane University study found that pharmacists have the best success rates in helping patients with high blood pressure get their hypertension under control. Pharmacists achieved the greatest improvements, followed by community health workers, who also saw significant reductions in blood pressure.
The Tulane University-led COBRE will investigate biological sex and gender differences to improve medical outcomes, focusing on differences in autoimmune diseases, pneumonia infections, and treatment responses. The center aims to develop sex-specific miniaturized models of human tissues and organs to study disease progression.
A newly developed deep learning algorithm has outperformed existing methods in predicting osteoporosis risk, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes. The model identified key factors such as weight, age, and grip strength as significant contributors to osteoporosis risk.
A new study by Tulane University found that dark chocolate is safe for consumption and even nutritionally beneficial, containing essential minerals like copper and zinc. Only four out of 155 dark chocolate bars sampled had cadmium levels that posed a risk to children weighing less than 33 pounds.
Researchers at Tulane University identified a promising new approach to treating persistent neurological symptoms associated with Lyme disease. Fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors showed promise in reducing inflammation and cell death in brain and nerve tissue samples infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.
A Tulane University study found that ephemeral photos on dating apps can lead to better outcomes for users, increasing the number of matches and conversations. The research suggests that people are more willing to share personal info due to higher levels of privacy.
Tulane University researchers have developed a CRISPR-based platform for diagnosing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections, allowing for accurate results in as little as two hours. The blood test can identify over 93% of patients with an NTM infection, enabling rapid treatment plans and reducing the risk of complications.
A new Tulane University study uses unprecedented data to project the impact of climate change on coastal wetlands. The research finds that almost 90% of monitoring sites are in deficit, with 75% predicted to be lost by 2070 if no action is taken.
A new study from Tulane University found that perlecan LG3, a protein commonly found in blood vessels and the brain, forms a stable bond with the COVID spike protein, enhancing the virus's ability to bind with cells. This discovery may lead to new forms of treatment or prevention for COVID-19.
Scientists have found that deposits deep under the ocean floor reveal a way to measure ocean oxygen levels and their connections with carbon dioxide during the last ice age. This study could improve predictions of how oceans will respond to global warming.
A new study reveals that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can infect nerve cells, trigger inflammation, and cause nerve damage. RSV was previously thought to only infect the respiratory tract, but this finding suggests a potential link between the virus and neurological symptoms in children.
A new study by Tulane University has identified a previously unknown molecular pathway that could halt lung cancer growth. The research found that protein RBM10 can suppress lung cancer by targeting the function of c-Myc, a protein that drives cancer cell growth and proliferation.
A new strategy that trains healthcare providers to deliver team-based care has been found to significantly lower blood pressure in low-income patients compared to usual care methods. Patients treated by the multi-faceted approach saw a mean systolic blood pressure drop of 16 mmHg, while those in the usual care group saw a 9 mmHg drop.
Researchers created a blood-based test to detect both diseases, measure viral and bacterial loads, and track treatment progress. The test aims to improve patient outcomes by catching immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) earlier.
A new study from Tulane University found that frequent salt consumption is associated with a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The study surveyed over 400,000 adults and found participants who regularly added salt had a 13% to 39% increased risk of developing the disease compared to those who never or rarely used salt.
A new study found that making simple substitutions like switching from beef to chicken or plant-based milk can reduce the average American's carbon footprint from food by 35%, while also boosting diet quality by between 4-10%. These small changes can have a significant impact on both climate and health outcomes.
A study of 74 children in rural Ethiopian villages found that higher exposure to fluoride was linked to more errors on drawing and memory tests. The results suggest a potential association between high fluoride levels and cognitive impairment, particularly during early brain development and childhood.
Researchers at Tulane University discovered that prior exposure to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) significantly reduces the risk of birth defects and miscarriage during pregnancy. The study found that pre-existing immunity effectively limits transmission and protects against associated birth defects.
A new study from Tulane University found that walking more than five flights of stairs daily can cut the risk of heart disease by 20%. The study, published in Atherosclerosis, used UK Biobank data from 450,000 adults and found that stair climbing reduced cardiovascular disease risk in those with multiple risk factors.
Researchers found that infected individuals with multiple strains of the T. cruzi parasite were better able to control the disease, while those with a progressive form had fewer strains. This discovery provides a new framework for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.
A new study published in Nature warns that coastal wetlands and coral reef islands are unlikely to survive at current rates of sea-level rise exceeding 7 millimeters per year. The study suggests that global warming must be limited to less than 2 degrees Celsius for these ecosystems to have a chance.
A new study found that 12% of Americans are responsible for eating half of all beef consumed on a given day. The study analyzed data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that these individuals, mostly men or those between 50-65 years old, eat disproportionately large amounts of beef.
A new study found that younger atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients who underwent MRI-guided ablation treatments had better outcomes. The treatment significantly improved arrhythmia recurrence rates by 50% for patients under 58 years old.
A new study from Tulane University found that Black adults are 54% more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than White Americans, largely due to social factors. The study's lead author suggests that addressing unemployment, low income, and lack of a partner can help reduce this disparity.
Researchers studied 21 lowland meandering rivers on Earth and ancient Martian riverbeds to understand how climate change impacts river sinuosity. The study found that variable-sinuosity rivers continue changing, while constant-sinuosity rivers reach a steady state.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is triggered by food allergies or airborne allergens, causing inflammation and damage to the esophagus. A new study found that inhibiting the NLRP3 pathway and releasing Interleukin-18 prevents EoE development.
A new study using ancient DNA found that workers buried more than 500 years ago came from different parts of the Inca Empire, including Amazonia. The analysis supports historical documentation and archaeological studies, providing insights into the genetic histories and lifeways of Machu Picchu's occupants.
A new AI tool, MAFDA, tracks individual fruit flies' complex behaviors and compares them with their genetic backgrounds. This enables researchers to study behavior genetics and gain insights into inherited traits.
Researchers at Tulane University have identified a synthetic compound called dimethyl malonate that can prevent coagulopathy during massive hemorrhages. The study found that this compound inhibits excessive cellular metabolism, preventing the glycocalyx from shedding and causing bleeding to stop.