A new study challenges current projections by finding that historic climate variability is a better predictor of reptilian and amphibian diversity in Europe than contemporary climate. This contradicts previous studies and has profound implications for predicting biodiversity impacts of climate change.
A new study in journal Ecography analyzes Bergmann's rule in European carnivore mammals, partitioning body mass variation into historical and ecological components. The findings show that patterns can be better explained by recent and independent evolution of each species as a response to environmental conditions.
A landmark review evaluates six statistical methods to identify factors correlating with species distribution patterns and provides guidelines for their application. This work offers invaluable technical means to account for spatial dependencies in species distributions.
Research suggests that male adolescents are more likely to practice weight control behaviors and develop eating disorder symptoms due to societal pressures. In contrast, black female adolescents appear to resist these pressures, but may be at risk of becoming overweight in a culture that emphasizes super-sized portions.
Research published in Applied Cognitive Psychology found that doctored photos of past events can change people's memories and attitudes. The study showed significant differences in responses between those who viewed original and doctored images, highlighting the impact of manipulated media on our recall of history.
Researchers at MIT develop a new method to produce tiny particles with defined size and shape featuring regular patterns in two or three dimensions. The team creates Janus particles, microparticles with two chemically different hemispheres, using stop-flow interference lithography.
Men diagnosed with prostate cancer who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of death after treatment, according to a new study. The study found that being overweight or obese at diagnosis was an independent risk factor for prostate cancer-specific mortality.
A structured support program improved prostate cancer patients' and their spouses' lives by addressing symptom management, hope, and couples' communication. The intervention also reduced mental health distress and increased physical quality of life.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University created a material with extremely high birefringence, surpassing that of calcite. This achievement is made possible by the design flexibility of coordination polymers, which can be tailored to exhibit specific optical properties.
Researchers found that breakdown of chlorophyll in ripening fruits produces highly active antioxidants called nonfluorescing chlorophyll catabolytes (NCCs). These NCCs are effective against oxidative stress and may play a role in human health. The study suggests that consuming ripe fruits regularly can provide potential health benefits.
Researchers developed a new modified comorbidity index to predict post-liver-transplant survival, considering comorbidities such as coronary disease, diabetes, and COPD. This index predicted survival as well or better than other models using recipient characteristics.
Italian researchers propose that copper transport protein Ctr1 binds platinum ion from cisplatin, stabilizing the trimeric channel structure and enabling endocytosis. This process allows cisplatin to accumulate in organelles, including the nucleus, where it exerts its antitumor effects.
Researchers developed a hairpin-shaped molecule that imitates the spatial structure of an important viral protein, preventing the discharge of viral RNA from the cell nucleus. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a new class of HIV treatment drugs.
A recent study published in Hepatology found that minority patients do not have worse outcomes after liver transplantation when treated at high-volume academic medical centers. The study, led by W. Ray Kim, analyzed data from over 2,800 adult patients and found no relationship between recipient race and survival.
Researchers found that a high-fat diet decreases regulatory T cells in the liver, leading to inflammation and increased susceptibility to liver injury. Switching to a normal diet reverses this effect.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals no significant improvement in life expectancy for RA patients over the past four decades. Researchers found a widening mortality gap between RA subjects and the general population, with cardiovascular deaths contributing to this trend.
A study found that 82% of entheses have a synovio-entheseal complex (SEC), which is involved in triggering inflammation in OA. The SEC's formation is linked to fibrocartilage degeneration and cell clustering, suggesting a novel mechanism for synovial inflammation.
A team of researchers developed a new class of electrocatalyst that outperforms pure platinum in reducing oxygen. The catalyst features nanoparticles with a platinum-rich shell and a copper-cobalt core.
A large-scale study published in CANCER journal found that a patient's emotional state has no direct or indirect effect on cancer survival or disease progression. The research analyzed data from over 1,000 patients with head and neck cancer, concluding that psychological factors are not independently prognostic in cancer management.
A new study published in CANCER found that despite significant increases in healthcare expenditures, survival rates for elderly patients with lung cancer remained relatively stable between 1983 and 1997. The average life-expectancy rose by less than one month, while costs increased by over $20,000 per patient.
Researchers developed a new near-infrared contrast agent that selectively marks hydroxyapatite crystals, allowing for the detection of malignant tissue. The swine trials demonstrated the effectiveness of real-time NIR fluorescence images in image-guided surgery.
Researchers have found that C60 molecules exhibit a wide range of molecular motions on surfaces, including spinning and bouncing. The motion is influenced by temperature and intercage rattling, which governs the friction-related properties of the bucky balls.
A study published in CANCER found racial differences in the use of breast cancer therapy among African-American and white women. African-Americans were less likely to receive adjuvant cancer therapy, while white women were more likely to take Tamoxifen and have chemotherapy.
A study of 1,421 cancer patients found no difference in treatment location or wait times between pre- and post-Medicare reimbursement cuts. Patient satisfaction with care remained high, with similar levels of satisfaction reported by patients treated before and after the changes.
A study of over 400 patients found that those over 60 years old had similar 1-year and 5-year survival rates as younger patients, with fewer rejection episodes. The researchers attribute this to the older patients' softer immune systems, which may also increase their risk of infection and cancer.
A weight-based dosage of ribavirin improved treatment outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C, particularly those who are African-American. The study found that response rates increased as body weight increased, suggesting a potential need to tailor dosing to individual patients.
Researchers found that a combined treatment with rapamycin and Gleevec significantly reduced splanchnic neovascularization and portal pressure in rats with established portal hypertension. The combination treatment was more effective than using either drug alone, suggesting a potential new approach for treating human patients.
A new study found associations between occupation and increased risk of dying from systemic autoimmune diseases, particularly in farming and industrial jobs. Exposure to specific substances like asbestos and pesticides was also linked to higher mortality rates.
A study found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy significantly improves psychological symptoms and well-being in RA patients, but has no impact on disease activity. After 6 months, the MBSR group achieved a 35% reduction in psychological distress.
Regular physical activity is linked to increased tibial cartilage volume and reduced cartilage defects in healthy adults. Moderate exercise also shows promise in lowering the incidence of bone marrow lesions, a potential indicator of knee OA progression.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that patients with kidney failure who develop nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) have a significantly higher risk of dying. Gadolinium exposure is identified as a significant risk factor for developing NSF.
Current studies show promise in reducing malignancies with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and dietary fat impact on disease development. Other compounds like soy, selenium, and green tea offer additional possibilities for disease prevention.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that the ventrolateral nucleus, a deep brain area, is involved in sensory processing. Researchers used behavioral and neuroimaging studies to investigate a patient who experienced changes in sensory perception after a stroke affecting only this region.
Researchers found that personalized behavioral intervention services significantly improved colorectal cancer screening rates in primary care practices. The tailored interventions resulted in increased screenings among patients who were not up-to-date with guidelines, with rates reaching as high as 48%.
A new study finds breast cancer survivors who received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy reported the most severe and prolonged fatigue. The study, published in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, found women who received both treatments experienced more days with reported fatigue at each assessment.
Studies show that up to 50% of patients with advanced cancer suffer from major psychiatric disorders, including adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders. Effective communication, emotional support, and screening can help manage these conditions, reducing psychological distress and improving quality of life.
Researchers found beta blockers to be more effective and safer than banding in reducing the risk of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. The study, published in Liver Transplantation, compared the two treatments and found that beta blockers lowered the risk of bleeding by over 90%, while banding reduced the risk by less than 70%.
A study found that hepatitis C and B virus infections are spreading less quickly among injection drug users in San Francisco. This decrease is attributed to reduced needle-sharing, a common method of transmission.
Non-Caucasian patients with primary biliary cirrhosis have more severe liver disease compared to Caucasian patients. Minority patients reported more limitation of activity, severe itching, and serious complications.
Researchers Adam Woolley and Héctor Becerril develop 'DNA shadow nanolithography' using DNA molecules as nanostencils. The technique enables the creation of high-aspect-ratio trenches and nanowires with precise control over dimensions.
A study of 13,001 RA patients reveals that biologic treatment increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, but not other types of cancer. The research suggests that current biologic therapy may be safe for RA patients, providing reassurance for those considering treatment.
A large prospective study confirmed strong associations between current and past cigarette smoking and malignancies of the head and neck in both genders. Smoking plays a greater role in developing head and neck cancer in women than men, with higher incidence rates and relative increases in risk.
A growing trend in oropharyngeal cancers is attributed to HPV infection, especially in younger males. This emerging epidemic warrants the exploration of HPV vaccine efficacy and safety in male populations.
A team of researchers at the University of Cambridge has finally succeeded in synthesizing azadirachtin, a natural compound that stops predatory insects from feeding. The breakthrough uses a novel Claisen rearrangement and radical cyclization reaction to produce the complex molecule.
Researchers create nanoreactors with enzymes and plastic membranes to run three different enzymatic reactions simultaneously without interference. The system allows small molecules to pass through while trapping larger ones, enabling precise control over reaction cascades.
A large cohort study found that heavy drinking was associated with a higher risk of stroke in Chinese men. Drinking more than 21 drinks per week increased the risk by 22%, while heavier drinking correlated to higher mortality rates.
A comprehensive study found that conventional prognostic factors do not adequately predict survival outcomes in Asian-American men with prostate cancer. Despite worse prognostic profiles, most Asian ethnic groups have better outcomes compared to white men.
A new study found that racial differences in breast cancer survival are most apparent in advanced stages of the disease, with African American women having poorer outcomes than white women. After adjusting for clinical factors, the disparities persisted, indicating non-clinical factors may contribute to survival differences.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute developed a technique called optical 3D far-field microscopy using photoswitchable rhodamine amides, allowing for highly resolved 3D images of transparent fluorescence-marked samples. The method can capture nanoscale resolution with good signal-to-noise ratio and relatively short exposure times.
Two studies examine the role of sodium levels in predicting mortality for patients with severe liver disease, finding that low sodium levels are associated with increased wait-list mortality and poorer post-transplant outcomes. The results suggest incorporating sodium levels into MELD models could improve prognostic accuracy.