Researchers are exploring phages as a solution to combat antibiotic resistance. Studies suggest that phages can alter microbial balances and have been proposed for use in faecal microbiota transplantations. Despite challenges, phage therapy may offer a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.
A new study found that black-backed jackals have a preference for eating livestock, including sheep and goats, over similarly sized wild prey. This has significant consequences for farmers and the management of predators in South Africa, highlighting the need to protect livestock from these animals.
A recent study found that poor oral health, including complete tooth loss and dry mouth, was associated with an increased risk of frailty in older individuals. The findings suggest that managing poor oral health could be important in preventing frailty.
A large cohort study found that 25% of chikungunya-infected individuals experienced chronic joint pain two years after initial infection. The researchers also identified several predictors of persistent joint pain, including being a college graduate and having severe initial symptoms.
A new study examined the social functioning of 169 middle-aged adults with autism spectrum disorders, revealing unmet needs in areas such as employment, social relationships, and community participation.
A large-scale study has found that residue levels in pollen and nectar from thiamethoxam-treated seeds do not harm bees, with no effect on colony survival. The research involved individual honey bees and 84 colonies, providing a robust threshold for assessing potential risk.
A new study found that factors such as persistent symptoms, comorbidities, leisure-time physical activity, and financial challenges affect health-related quality of life in older adults with cancer. The research highlights the importance of comprehensive care that addresses these factors to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
A study on 757 children and adolescents who experienced the 2013 Ya'an earthquake in China identified three classes of symptoms: resilient, thriving, and struggling. Those transitioning from thriving to struggling were more likely to be girls with higher levels of loss and injury.
Researchers found that mild traumatic brain injury can lead to lifelong degenerative changes, including learning and working memory impairment. Studies on mice revealed ongoing neuroinflammation and neuron projection degeneration after a single or repetitive TBI, with some animals showing motor deficits.
A new study of 25,348 individuals in the UK and 9,206 in Australia found similar levels of relationship quality among gay/lesbian couples as heterosexual counterparts. The study provides evidence against common misconceptions about same-sex relationships being conflictual or unhappy.
A metallopeptide has been synthesized to target and disrupt mitochondrial function in breast cancer stem cells, inducing apoptosis. The peptide effectively delivers ROS and impairs mitochondrial metabolism.
Xanthones, antimicrobial compounds found in St. John's wort roots, are produced and stored in specific cell layers. The study's findings may aid in understanding xanthone biosynthesis and manipulating them for medicinal purposes.
A nationwide cohort study found a link between maternal rheumatoid arthritis and increased risks of thyroid disease, epilepsy, and rheumatoid arthritis in offspring. The study's results highlight the importance of monitoring child development if exposed to rheumatoid arthritis in utero.
Scientists improve photothermal properties of bismuth sulfide nanorods by adding gold nanodots, increasing heat generation in tumor cells under near-infrared light irradiation. This leads to enhanced inhibition of tumor growth with no toxic side effects.
Researchers have developed a new antibiotic, EZ120, that targets the mycomembrane biosynthesis of tuberculosis pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. By inhibiting key enzymes, EZ120 significantly increases the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics, offering a novel approach for tuberculosis treatment.
Researchers have developed a novel photothermal treatment that leverages the self-activation of certain bacteria to target and kill antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The innovative approach uses a supramolecular radical anion complex that absorbs near-infrared light, generating heat and denaturing proteins in targeted bacteria.
A blood-based precision medicine test incorporating age, sex, and gene expression score (ASGES) helped evaluate older outpatients with symptoms of obstructive coronary artery disease. The study found higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events in those with high ASGES scores compared to low ASGES scores
A new study found that an infliximab biosimilar is safe and effective for treating inflammatory bowel disease, with comparable drug levels to the original medication. However, a high rate of discontinuation was observed due to subjective disease worsening or elective withdrawal after switching to the biosimilar.
A study found that plants prioritize flower protection over leaf defense and increase hormone concentrations in flowers to deter attackers. Dual attacks by caterpillars and bacteria leave plants more vulnerable to aphid attacks.
A new study found that error-related negativity, a brain signal response, is related to social anxiety symptoms in youth with ASD. Those with more severe symptoms may have difficulty identifying their performance anxieties.
A recent study found that certain brain changes following limb amputation in children can be reversed through bilateral hand transplantation. The lead author suggests that the brain preserves functional areas and reactivates them upon recovery of the hands.
A new study examines the optimal amount and intensity of physical activity for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Higher sub-maximal exercise capacity is associated with greater quality of life, while high-intensity exercise improves maximal exercise capacity.
Researchers have introduced polyproline as an effective cryoprotectant for monolayers of cells, doubling cell recovery after freezing compared to dimethyl sulfoxide. The proline/polyproline combination minimizes solvent exposure and retains cell functions.
A new study found that normothermic machine perfusion can evaluate kidney quality and suitability for transplantation. Four out of five kidneys assessed by the technique functioned immediately after transplantation.
Maintaining at least low levels of physical activity throughout middle age was associated with lower prevalence and incidence of joint symptoms later in life. The potential protective effect of physical activity on joint symptoms was stronger in obese women than in under or normal weight women.
A Pediatric Pulmonology study of 376 infants found that increasing hair nicotine levels were associated with prior parent-reported smoking exposure and potential increased risks of wheeze and asthma. Higher levels of hair nicotine were also linked to smoking in pregnancy, although associations at older ages were non-significant.
A new study examines how opioids affect proteins in the brain beyond opioid receptors, revealing potential analgesic and toxic effects. The researchers found that certain synthetic opioids inhibit serotonin transporters, which may contribute to their pain-relieving properties but also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Scientists at Fudan University have designed a high-rate and long-life lithium-ion battery with improved low-temperature performance. The battery system features a cold-enduring hard-carbon anode and a powerful lithium-rich cathode, with the initial lithiation step integrated.
Large racial disparities were found in the survival of patients with ovarian, colon, and breast cancers in the United States. Black women had consistently worse survival compared to white women, despite similar stage distributions. The five-year net survival for black women was lower than for white women in all three types of cancer.
Research indicates that being overweight or obese can lead to poorer RA treatment outcomes and higher mortality risk. Studies show that patients with healthy weights are more likely to achieve remission, while those who are overweight or obese face a 25-47% lower chance of sustained remission despite similar treatments.
A recent study of 27,940 Chinese newborns found that low vitamin D levels at birth were associated with a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) at age 3. The risk was significantly increased in each lower quartile of vitamin D level compared to the highest quartile.
Large corporations are investing less in science, with publications by company scientists declining across industries since 1980. The value attributed to scientific research has dropped, while technical knowledge remains stable, suggesting a shift towards commercializing existing knowledge.
A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology demonstrates pain relief in humans using a Trk inhibitor. The study involved 20 participants and compared the inhibitor with pregabalin, ibuprofen, and placebo.
Research suggests that US arthritis prevalence is much higher than current estimates, especially among younger adults. The study found that 91.2 million US adults are affected by arthritis, with a significant impact on healthcare costs and productivity.
Low rates of routine HIV testing were reported in emergency departments and acute medical units in the UK and US, with operational and patient-specific factors hindering uptake. The study identifies providers' fears about offering HIV testing as a major barrier, stemming from perceived lack of knowledge about HIV.
A new study found that both alcohol consumption and metabolic factors contribute to the risk of severe liver disease in the general population. The research, published in Hepatology, suggests that considering both factors together can improve risk assessment and detection of individuals at high risk of progressive liver disease.
A strong link has been found between childhood obesity and mass media exposure in European countries. Parents are advised to limit TV viewing and computer use to 1.5 hours a day for children over four years old to promote healthy development.
Female gender and personal burnout linked to impaired sleep quality among shift-work nurses. Working in psychiatric settings with long cycle shifts and daytime dysfunction also associated with burnout.
A study found that individuals with lower education levels experienced worse pain and function after two years if they lived in impoverished communities undergoing total knee replacement. Conversely, educational level was unrelated to outcomes in wealthier areas.
A recent study of publicly available regulatory documents found that biosimilars have a comparable safety profile to their originators. The analysis identified only minor differences in safety concerns for most substances, with the exception of infliximab, where more issues were reported.
Researchers have discovered a new marker, Ratiometric thrombin-Activatable Cell Penetrating Peptide, to identify joints with established arthritis and predict subsequent swelling. This imaging tool may help clinicians monitor arthritis development and progression, enabling early intervention.
A study comparing diabetes foot care regions in England found that areas with comprehensive services had significantly lower rates of major amputations. The introduction of key services, including podiatry staffing and orthotist availability, led to improved outcomes.
A new study reveals barriers to routine HIV testing in emergency departments and acute medical units in the UK and US. The analysis found that operational and patient-specific factors hindered HIV testing coverage, while commitment from medical staff and local specialist providers facilitated its offer.
A recent survey found that 16%-48% of participants believed vaginal birth was harmful to sexuality, despite research contradicting these claims. Individuals who endorsed these beliefs were more likely to hold negative attitudes toward female genitalia and rely on reality-based information.
Research suggests that mothers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy face a higher risk of compromised neurodevelopmental outcomes in their children, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy may also be crucial for optimal brain development.
A study published in Autism Research found a correlation between shorter time intervals between pregnancies and increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in second-born children. The researchers suggested that couples planning pregnancy should discuss their options with a trusted doctor or healthcare provider.
A recent study found that opening windows or doors reduces carbon dioxide levels in bedrooms, correlating with improved subjective sleep assessments. Lower CO2 levels also associated with better objective sleep measures, including efficiency and awakenings.
A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that cognitive-behavioral sleep interventions are most effective for adolescents with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that sleep improvement treatments can be a useful tool in addressing mental health issues.
Researchers investigated the effects of synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018, finding initial impairments in neurocognitive function and subjective feelings of high. The results suggest that common use scenarios may not be fully represented by the low drug concentrations used in the trial.
A new analysis of published studies found a 45% increased risk of congenital heart defects in IVF-conceived children compared to spontaneously conceived children. The study included 25,856 children from IVF and 287,995 from spontaneous conception, finding 1.30% and 0.68% cases of congenital heart defects respectively.