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Revolutionizing lymphedema care: new lymphedema-on-chip platform holds promise

Researchers created a tiny 3D cell culture model that mimics the function of lymphatic vessels to explore how inflammatory substances affect the lymphatic system. They found that certain cytokines cause cells to tighten their junctions, leading to reduced fluid drainage and swelling. Inhibiting a protein called ROCK2 reversed lymphedem...

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

An ancient anti-cancer mechanism: DISE

Researchers at Northwestern University identified a new evolutionarily conserved RNAi-based form of cell death called Death Induced by Survival gene Elimination (DISE), which targets essential survival genes in cancer cells. This mechanism is ancient and effective against all cancers tested.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 3, 2023

U of M Medical School professor receives $3.5 million to develop Tanzanian reproductive health curriculum for those with disabilities

A U of M Medical School professor has received a $3.5 million grant to develop a reproductive health curriculum for Tanzania that addresses the needs of people with disabilities. The project aims to improve healthcare services and build in-country capacity for comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare.

New evidence for sub-network specializations within the Default Mode Network and the Special Role of Facial Movements in Brain Activation and Self-Perception

Researchers found differential activation patterns of the Default Mode Network nodes, with facial movement inducing an inverted positive BOLD pattern in certain areas. Facial recognition and movement uniquely impact brain activity, highlighting their importance in cognitive and social development.

SourceReichman University·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Reassessing COVID-19 precautions in 2023

The article discusses the need to reassess COVID-19 precautions in 2023, particularly for patients with hematologic malignancies. The researchers highlight the increased risk of poor response to vaccination and worse outcomes from COVID-19 infection among these patients.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 27, 2023

Tailored text messages not enough to improve mobility after heart issues

A Michigan Medicine-led report found that adding a mobile health application to wearable devices did not significantly improve physical activity levels in patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation. However, some short-term outcomes showed an increase in walking distance over six minutes for Fitbit users.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 26, 2023

National Science Foundation taps Worcester Polytechnic Institute fire protection expertise and resources for the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center

The National Science Foundation has added Worcester Polytechnic Institute to its Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center, a collaboration between universities and industry. WPI will leverage its expertise in fire protection to study new fire detection methods, robotics solutions for first responder safety, and fire suppression systems.

New study sheds light on the impact of in-stream video advertising on ad information encoding

A recent study published in Journal of Advertising sheds light on the effects of in-stream video advertising on ad information encoding. The research found that mid-roll ads elicit negative emotions but do not affect viewers' purchase intention. In contrast, pre- and post-roll ads have a significant impact on memory formation, highligh...

Researchers at UMass Amherst show how a small strand of RNA is key to fighting cancer

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a small strand of microRNA called let-7 as crucial in governing the formation of cellular memories that enable T-cells to recognize and attack tumor cells. This discovery offers new insights into how vaccines work and could lead to improved cancer therapies by boosting cellular memory.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2023

E-cigarettes are not a gateway into smoking

A comprehensive study found no evidence that e-cigarettes promote smoking and may even compete against cigarettes, potentially speeding up the decline in smoking rates. The study compared countries with different e-cigarette regulations and found a slower decline in smokers among those with stricter controls.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPublic Health Research·DateSep 21, 2023

Scaling up the power of nanotechnology

The team created a proof-of-concept nanocapsule capable of delivering specific payloads to targeted locations, with potential applications in drug delivery, nutrient transport, and other fields. By using calcium metal ions as building blocks, they can generate identical reservoirs for different substances.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalChemical Science·DateSep 21, 2023

Food insecurity linked to muscle dysmorphia symptoms in adolescent and young adults

A recent study by the University of Toronto has found a significant link between food insecurity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescent and young adult Canadians. The research revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including functional impairment an...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBody Image·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

How to keep people out of the emergency room

A new study co-authored by MIT economist Jonathan Gruber found that a New York City program helped arrange medical appointments for undocumented immigrants with limited incomes, leading to a substantial drop in emergency room use. The program resulted in a 21 percent decline in ER visits and a 42 percent decrease for individuals with h...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateSep 19, 2023

Job strain combined with high efforts and low reward doubled men’s heart disease risk

A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal reveals that men who experience job strain combined with high efforts and low reward have doubled the risk of heart disease. The research highlights the pressing need to proactively address stressful working conditions to create healthier work environments.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateSep 19, 2023

Modernizing the Navy’s microgrids

The project aims to assess the operational resilience of microgrids on DoD installations and ships, using new operational resilience indexes developed by Lehigh University researcher Javad Khazaei. The team will develop a dashboard to monitor resilience indexes in real-time, providing recommendations for improving the systems.

Remote work can slash your carbon footprint — if done right

A study by Cornell University and Microsoft found that remote workers can have a lower carbon footprint compared to onsite workers, with hybrid workers reducing their footprint by 11-29%. Lifestyle choices and work arrangements play a crucial role in determining the environmental benefits of remote and hybrid work.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2023

Preschoolers from low-income families may have worse health and benefit less from health promotion interventions than children with higher socioeconomic status

Researchers found that preschoolers from low-income families had poorer health outcomes and improved less in healthy lifestyle habits compared to their peers from more affluent backgrounds. The intervention program showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among children with higher socioeconomic status, bu...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2023

Syphilis transmission networks and antimicrobial resistance in England uncovered using genomics

Researchers use genomic surveillance to identify distinct sexual networks for syphilis transmission in England, highlighting the presence of drug resistance. The study reveals information beyond standard epidemiological surveillance data, aiding public health strategies to break transmission chains.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2023

UH Research Team Awarded $4M to Convert Plastic Waste into Useful MaterialsUH research team awarded $4M to convert plastic waste into useful materials

A UH research team is developing innovative chemical processes to transform plastic waste into useful materials, aiming to create new ways to reuse and recycle polyolefins. The project seeks to produce durable thermoset materials that can be recycled multiple times, reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular plastics economy.

LSU Health New Orleans study shows the major measure of diabetes is significantly higher in young Black patients

A recent study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology found that HbA1c levels are markedly higher in young black youth compared to whites with type 1 diabetes. This disparity can lead to increased risk of hypoglycemia and long-term complications if primarily used for insulin management.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2023

All work and no play will really make a dull life - new research reveals

A study across three countries found that individuals who prioritize achievement over enjoyment experience lower happiness the next day. In contrast, those who value freedom report a 13% increase in well-being, including better sleep quality and life satisfaction. Relaxation and hobbies also lead to a significant boost in well-being.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalJournal of Personality·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2023

Groundbreaking research unveils genetic characteristics and improved prognosis of triple negative apocrine carcinoma

Researchers identified distinct genomic characteristics that impact prognosis for patients with triple negative apocrine carcinoma. The study confirmed a five-year disease-free survival rate of 92.2% for these patients, significantly higher than those diagnosed with other types of TNBC.

Human Brain Project celebrates successful conclusion

The Human Brain Project has achieved major breakthroughs in understanding the complex structure and function of the brain, enabling novel medical and technological applications. The project's digital atlas and personalized virtual models have provided unprecedented insights into brain conditions such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.