Top Health News -- ScienceDaily: Recent Episodes
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Researchers investigating the enigmatic and antibiotic-resistant Pandoraea bacteria have uncovered a surprising twist: these pathogens don't just pose risks they also produce powerful natural compounds. By studying a newly discovered gene cluster called pan, scientists identified two novel molecules Pandorabactin A and B that allow the bacteria to steal iron from their environment, giving them a survival edge in iron-poor places like the human body. These molecules also sabotage rival bacteria by starving them of iron, potentially reshaping microbial communities in diseases like cystic fibrosis.
With $860K in Navy funding, MSU psychologists are developing tools to spot people who can handle complex tasks under pressure. The key? Mastering "placekeeping" staying focused and accurate even when sleep-deprived or interrupted.
Imagine diagnosing Parkinson s disease not with pricey scans or subjective checklists, but with a simple ear swab. Scientists in China have developed a promising early screening method that detects Parkinson s from subtle changes in the scent of ear wax yes, really. By analyzing specific volatile compounds in ear wax and feeding that data into an AI-powered olfactory system, they achieved 94% accuracy in identifying who had the disease. If expanded successfully, this low-cost, non-invasive technique could transform early detection and treatment of this debilitating neurological disorder.
A new nanotechnology breakthrough may soon eliminate the need for painful biopsies. Scientists have developed a patch filled with nanoneedles thinner than a human hair that can painlessly extract molecular data from tissues without removing or damaging them. This enables real-time disease monitoring, particularly for conditions like brain cancer and Alzheimer s, and could radically change how doctors diagnose and track disease. The patch works quickly, integrates with common medical tools, and provides results using AI, opening doors to personalized medicine and better surgical decisions.
When faced with a tricky maze task involving hidden information, humans instinctively toggle between two clever mental strategies: simplifying in steps or mentally rewinding. MIT researchers showed that people shift methods based on how reliable their memory is echoed by AI models mimicking the same constraints.
Coffee might be doing more than fueling your morning routine it could be extending your life. A large-scale study by Tufts University suggests that drinking one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily is associated with lower overall mortality, particularly from cardiovascular causes. But there s a catch: the benefits drop when sugar and saturated fats like cream are added in excess.
A groundbreaking 25-year analysis using satellite technology has now mapped PM 1 levels across the U.S., uncovering how wildfires, vehicle emissions, and industrial byproducts have shaped the air we breathe. Although regulations have improved air quality over time, rising wildfire activity poses a growing challenge. This new dataset gives scientists and regulators a vital tool for targeting the most harmful pollutants and protecting public health.
A new survey shows most Americans wrongly think testicular cancer is an older man's issue, despite it most commonly affecting men aged 20 40. Early detection is key but misconceptions about symptoms and screening remain widespread.
When we focus, switch tasks, or face tough mental challenges, the brain starts to sync its internal rhythms, especially in the midfrontal region. A new study has found that smarter individuals show more precise and flexible coordination of slow theta waves during key decision-making moments. Using EEG recordings and cognitive testing, researchers discovered that it s not constant brainwave synchronization that matters most, but the brain s ability to dynamically adapt its rhythms like a well-tuned orchestra. This flexible neural harmony seems to be a hidden engine behind attention, reasoning, and intelligence.
Powerful llama-derived antibodies could be the key to stopping not just current SARS viruses, but future ones too. Scientists have discovered a unique class of nanobodies that clamp the coronavirus spike protein shut at a highly conserved region, rendering it unable to infect cells. Unlike existing therapies that target mutating regions, this approach strikes at the virus s core machinery, giving it little room to evolve. Even when pushed to mutate, the virus faltered, making this a high-potential strategy for broad, lasting protection.
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, might just revolutionize how depression and anxiety are treated in cancer patients. In a groundbreaking trial, a single dose combined with therapy significantly reduced emotional suffering, and these effects often lasted over two years. As follow-up studies expand the research to multiple doses and larger samples, scientists are eyeing a possible new standard of care that merges psychedelics with psychological support.
A team at Kobe University has created a game-changing resource for autism research: 63 mouse embryonic stem cell lines, each carrying a genetic mutation strongly associated with the disorder. By pairing classic stem cell manipulation with precise CRISPR gene editing, they ve built a standardized platform that mirrors autism-linked genetic conditions in mice. These models not only replicate autism-related traits but also expose key dysfunctions, like the brain s inability to clean up faulty proteins.
A pioneering study reveals how archaeologists' satellite tools can be repurposed to tackle climate change. By using AI and satellite LiDAR imagery from NASA and ESA, researchers have found a faster, more accurate way to map forest biomass critical for tracking carbon. This innovative fusion of space tech and machine learning could revolutionize how we manage and preserve forests in a warming world.
Rutgers scientists have uncovered a tug-of-war inside the brain between hunger and satiety, revealing two newly mapped neural circuits that battle over when to eat and when to stop. These findings offer an unprecedented glimpse into how hormones and brain signals interact, with implications for fine-tuning today's weight-loss drugs like Ozempic.
A protective sugar coating on brain blood vessels, once thought to be insignificant, turns out to play a vital role in preventing cognitive decline. Restoring this layer reversed damage and memory loss in aging brains, offering a fresh approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists have discovered that your breathing pattern is as unique as a fingerprint and it may reveal more than just your identity. Using a 24-hour wearable device, researchers achieved nearly 97% accuracy in identifying people based solely on how they breathe through their nose. Even more intriguingly, these respiratory signatures correlated with traits like anxiety levels, sleep cycles, and body mass index. The findings suggest that breathing isn t just a passive process it might actively shape our mental and emotional well-being, opening up the possibility of using breath training for diagnosis and treatment.
Teens might finally have a good reason to sleep in on weekends within limits. A new study reveals that teenagers who get up to two extra hours of sleep on weekends show fewer anxiety symptoms than those who don t. But go beyond that sweet spot, and symptoms can actually increase.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that fragments of tumor DNA can appear in the bloodstream up to three years before a cancer diagnosis, offering a potentially revolutionary window for early detection and treatment.
Scientists have uncovered how exercise directly influences brain health in Alzheimer's disease by pinpointing the exact brain cells affected. Using cutting-edge RNA sequencing and mouse models, researchers identified changes in specific cells like microglia and a novel type of astrocyte after exercise.
Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown type of molecular motion inside DNA-based droplets: instead of spreading randomly, guest molecules advance in an organized wave. This surprising discovery opens the door to understanding how cells might organize internal processes without membranes. Using customizable DNA condensates as experimental models, the team showed how molecular waves emerge through precise DNA interactions. These insights could not only transform our grasp of cellular signaling but may even lay groundwork for treating neurodegenerative diseases by influencing how molecules behave inside aging cells.
Tufts University scientists are aiming to revolutionize the future of weight loss drugs by engineering a new compound that targets four gut hormones instead of the usual one to three. These next-gen tetra-functional peptides may overcome the limitations of current drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro especially their nausea, muscle loss, and rebound weight gain.
A team at UC Davis has made a major leap in neurotechnology, enabling a man with ALS to speak again through a brain-computer interface that converts thoughts into speech in real time. Unlike prior systems that translated neural signals into text, this one synthesizes actual voice with tone, pacing, and even melody, creating a near-conversational experience. The device interprets neural signals via implants and advanced AI, making it possible for users to speak new words, ask questions, and express emotions vocally. Though still early-stage, this breakthrough offers real hope for those silenced by neurological conditions.
Viruses closely related to the deadly MERS coronavirus are lurking in bats and one group, known as HKU5, may be just one mutation away from making the jump to humans. A new study reveals how these viruses bind to cell receptors and even shows signs of adapting to human-compatible versions of those receptors.
In a bold challenge to silicon s long-held dominance in electronics, Penn State researchers have built the world s first working CMOS computer entirely from atom-thin 2D materials. Using molybdenum disulfide and tungsten diselenide, they fabricated over 2,000 transistors capable of executing logic operations on a computer free of traditional silicon. While still in early stages, this breakthrough hints at an exciting future of slimmer, faster, and dramatically more energy-efficient electronics powered by materials just one atom thick.
A scientific team has unlocked a new way to treat serious lung conditions by using specially designed nanoparticles to deliver genetic therapies straight to lung cells. This innovation could transform care for patients with cystic fibrosis or lung cancer. With a powerful combination of gene editing and RNA delivery, the system has already shown promise in animal trials. The streamlined approach not only enhances precision but also avoids harmful side effects, making it a bold leap forward in respiratory medicine.
A team of scientists has discovered a direct link between the smell of food and feelings of fullness at least in lean mice. This brain circuit, located in the medial septum and triggered by food odors, helps animals eat less by making them feel satiated even before taking a bite. But intriguingly, obese mice lacked this response, highlighting how excess weight may interfere with this satiety mechanism. The finding could have major implications for how we think about the role of smell in appetite and offer new strategies to combat overeating.
Female earwigs may be evolving exaggerated weaponry just like males. A study from Toho University found that female forceps, once assumed to be passive tools, show the same kind of outsized growth linked to sexual selection as the male's iconic pincers. This means that female earwigs might be fighting for mates too specifically for access to non-aggressive males challenging long-standing assumptions in evolutionary biology.
A team of scientists has identified specialized neurons in the brain that store "meal memories" detailed recollections of when and what we eat. These engrams, found in the ventral hippocampus, help regulate eating behavior by communicating with hunger-related areas of the brain. When these memory traces are impaired due to distraction, brain injury, or memory disorders individuals are more likely to overeat because they can't recall recent meals. The research not only uncovers a critical neural mechanism but also suggests new strategies for treating obesity by enhancing memory around food consumption.
A popular fat found in olive oil may not be as innocent as it seems. Scientists discovered that oleic acid, a major component of many high-fat foods, uniquely spurs the growth of new fat cells by manipulating specific proteins in the body. Unlike other fats, it boosts the number of "fat cell soldiers," setting the stage for obesity and possibly chronic diseases. This unexpected twist reveals that the type of fat we eat, not just how much, may play a crucial role in our health.
Sea cucumbers, long known for cleaning the ocean floor, may also harbor a powerful cancer-fighting secret. Scientists discovered a unique sugar in these marine creatures that can block Sulf-2, an enzyme that cancer cells use to spread. Unlike traditional medications, this compound doesn t cause dangerous blood clotting issues and offers a cleaner, potentially more sustainable way to develop carbohydrate-based drugs if scientists can find a way to synthesize it in the lab.
Scientists have discovered that people with COPD have lung cells that contain over three times as much soot-like carbon as those of smokers without the disease. These overloaded cells are larger and trigger more inflammation, suggesting that pollution and carbon buildup not just smoking may drive the disease.
Scientists in Japan have discovered that a natural compound found in a type of ginger called kencur can throw cancer cells into disarray by disrupting how they generate energy. While healthy cells use oxygen to make energy efficiently, cancer cells often rely on a backup method. This ginger-derived molecule doesn t attack that method directly it shuts down the cells' fat-making machinery instead, which surprisingly causes the cells to ramp up their backup system even more. The finding opens new doors in the fight against cancer, showing how natural substances might help target cancer s hidden energy tricks.
Acetaminophen may be doing more than just dulling pain in your brain it could be stopping it before it even starts. Scientists at Hebrew University have discovered that a metabolite of the drug, AM404, blocks pain signals right at their source by shutting down specific sodium channels in pain-sensing nerves. This radically shifts our understanding of how this common medication works and opens a door to new, more targeted painkillers that might eliminate side effects like numbness or weakness.
Creatine is gaining recognition far beyond its roots in athletic performance. Once seen as a gym-only supplement, it's now understood to play a vital role in cellular energy, cognitive function, and healthy aging. From boosting memory and reducing fatigue to preserving muscle mass over time, creatine is emerging as a powerful tool for everyday wellness. Despite persistent myths about bloating or safety risks, a vast body of research shows it's both safe and effective for nearly everyone especially those who don t get enough from diet alone.
A new Rutgers Health study reveals a surprising twist in the antibiotic resistance story: instead of simply killing bacteria, drugs like ciprofloxacin can actually trigger a kind of microbial survival mode. By crashing the bacteria's energy levels, the antibiotic causes E. coli to ramp up its metabolism, survive attacks, and mutate faster ultimately accelerating the evolution of drug resistance.
A breakthrough study from Keck Medicine of USC may have found a powerful new triple therapy for glioblastoma, one of the deadliest brain cancers. By combining Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), which deliver electric waves into tumors, with immunotherapy and chemotherapy, researchers saw a major boost in survival.
Deep within the brain, the ventral tegmental area does more than signal when we re rewarded it forecasts exactly when we ll be rewarded. This discovery came from an elegant collaboration between neuroscientists and AI researchers, revealing that VTA neurons not only predict the likelihood of future rewards but also their precise timing.
Teens are diving into intense skincare routines inspired by TikTok, often slathering on six or more products daily, sometimes over ten in just minutes, chasing beauty ideals that favor lighter, flawless skin. But new research warns this digital trend comes at a high cost: irritation, allergies, and deep-seated social pressures around race and beauty.
Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine have developed a new algorithm, the Krakencoder, that merges multiple types of brain imaging data to better understand how the brain s wiring underpins behavior, thought, and recovery after injury. This cutting-edge tool can predict brain function from structure with unprecedented accuracy 20 times better than past models and even estimate traits like age, sex, and cognitive ability.
A rare genetic disorder called Werner syndrome causes premature aging and devastating health complications from an early age, yet treatment options have been lacking. New hope emerges from Chiba University, where researchers conducted the first clinical trial using nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor to NAD+ that s been linked to anti-aging effects. The double-blind trial revealed that NR not only safely boosted NAD+ levels but also improved cardiovascular health, reduced skin ulcers, and helped protect kidney function in patients.
A revolutionary STI test developed by UK-based Linear Diagnostics is on track to dramatically reduce the time it takes to detect infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Built on ultra-fast EXPAR DNA amplification technology, the platform can deliver lab-accurate results in as little as five minutes, without sending samples to centralized labs.
Genetic research in Sweden has unveiled three new gene variants that dramatically increase the risk of venous blood clots, sometimes by up to 180%. These discoveries build on existing knowledge of Factor V Leiden and suggest that genetics plays a bigger role than previously thought, especially for clots in the legs that can lead to life-threatening pulmonary embolisms.
Humpback whales have been observed blowing bubble rings during friendly interactions with humans a behavior never before documented. This surprising display may be more than play; it could represent a sophisticated form of non-verbal communication. Scientists from the SETI Institute and UC Davis believe these interactions offer valuable insights into non-human intelligence, potentially helping refine our methods for detecting extraterrestrial life. Their findings underscore the intelligence, curiosity, and social complexity of whales, making them ideal analogues for developing communication models beyond Earth.
Cannabis use among older Americans has climbed dramatically, with 7% of adults 65 and older now reporting recent use. This rise isn't just in numbers but also in diversity older users today are more likely to be women, college-educated, and higher-income. Researchers suggest legalization and growing social acceptance are contributing factors, especially in states with medical marijuana laws. The trend is especially notable among those with chronic illnesses, raising both opportunities and concerns for medical professionals trying to balance symptom relief with the complexities of aging.
A powerful new discovery reveals that Nup98 a protein once thought to only ferry molecules through the nucleus plays a vital role in safeguarding the most vulnerable areas of DNA. By forming droplet-like 'bubbles' around damaged DNA within dense regions called heterochromatin, Nup98 safely escorts the damaged segments to repair zones and times the involvement of risky repair proteins. This precise choreography prevents genetic errors that could trigger cancer or speed up aging.
New research reveals a surprising downside to calorie-cutting diets: a link to higher levels of depressive symptoms, especially in men and those who are overweight. Despite popular beliefs that healthy eating boosts mental wellness, real-life restrictive diets may be nutritionally unbalanced, potentially harming emotional and cognitive health.
A diabetes drug may soon double as a treatment for liver disease. Dapagliflozin, an SGLT-2 inhibitor typically used for type 2 diabetes, significantly improved liver inflammation and scarring in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) during a clinical trial in China. Participants on the drug saw better liver outcomes and fewer side effects than those on a placebo. Although more research is needed, especially in diverse populations, this finding hints at a transformative role for existing medications in tackling liver diseases.
Scientists at Tufts have created a powerful 3D model of nasal tissue that reveals surprising new insights into how our sense of smell regenerates and why it sometimes fades. Contrary to past assumptions, a supposedly inactive type of stem cell called HBCs may be key to repairing damaged smell neurons. These cells appear to support the birth of new sensory neurons, and their decline with age could help explain why older adults often lose their sense of smell. The model is easy and affordable to replicate, opening the door for global research into smell loss tied to COVID-19, aging, or diseases like Parkinson s.
Your brain doesn t just send messages through one universal route it uses separate pathways for spontaneous activity and signals linked to learning. These findings overturn a major neuroscience assumption and reveal how the brain maintains stability while staying flexible. Understanding this split system could shed light on neurological disorders where this balance breaks down.
The effects of artificial intelligence on adolescents are nuanced and complex, according to a new report that calls on developers to prioritize features that protect young people from exploitation, manipulation and the erosion of real-world relationships.
To satisfy the seafood needs of billions of people, offering them access to a more biodiverse array of fish creates opportunities to mix-and-match species to obtain better nutrition from smaller portions of fish.
A new study found exposure to specific tiny particles in air pollution during pregnancy are associated with increased risk of various negative birth outcomes.
Scientists have discovered how pancreatic cancer cells thrive in the lungs or liver, environments that are as distinct to cells as the ocean and desert are to animals. The spread of cancer cells to organs like these often produces the very first symptoms of pancreatic cancer. But by that time, the pancreatic cancer has spread out of control.
According to a recent study, in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), epileptic seizures are significantly more common than previously known. The discovery deepens understanding of the symptoms of this memory disorder and emphasises the importance of taking epileptic seizures into account in the treatment and monitoring of patients.
Eating a colorful variety of flavonoid-rich foods like tea, berries, dark chocolate, and apples may significantly lower your risk of chronic diseases and even help you live longer. A major study tracking over 120,000 people for more than a decade found that it's not just the quantity but the diversity of flavonoids that offers the biggest health benefits.
Researchers asked patients, some of whom had experienced lower back pain for up to 40 years, if being in nature helped them coped better with their lower back pain. They found that people able to spend time in their own gardens saw some health and wellbeing benefits. However, those able to immerse themselves in larger green spaces such as forests felt even more positive, as they were able to lose themselves in the environment and focus more on that than their pain levels. The researchers have recommended trying to incorporate time spent in nature into people's treatments plans, and are also using their findings to develop virtual reality interventions that allow people to experience some of the benefits of being in nature without the need to travel anywhere if they are unable to do so.
A new type of mRNA vaccine is more scalable and adaptable to continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H5N1, according to a new study.
The biosynthesis of the great variety of natural plant products has not yet been elucidated for many medically interesting substances. In a new study, an international team of researchers was able to show how ipecacuanha alkaloids, substances used in traditional medicine, are synthesized. They compared two distantly related plant species and were able to show that although both plant species use a comparable chemical approach, the enzymes they need for synthesis differ and a different starting material is used. Further investigations revealed that the biosynthetic pathways of these complex chemical compounds have developed independently in the two species. These results help to enable the synthesis of these and related substances on a larger scale for medical use.
As psychedelics gain traction as potential treatments for mental health disorders, an international study stands to improve the rigor and reliability of clinical research.
A new study shows how person-to-person variation in antibody immunity plays a key role in shaping which influenza (flu) strains dominate in a population.
Clinical visits by patients suffering ocular surface eye conditions more than doubled during times when ambient particulate matter from air pollution was in the atmosphere, signaling a possible association between climate change and ocular health, according to a new study.
A new study shows that the past 30 years of globalization have brought fundamental shifts in some aspects of family interaction among Indigenous people in Guatemala. But families have still maintained a unique level of harmony in their interactions.
A study uncovered how Salmonella, a major cause of food poisoning, can invade the gut despite the presence of protective bacteria.
A novel test enables real-time monitoring of T cells that have been engineered to fight cancer, after re-introduction into the body of a cancer patient. This simple and innovative test provides clinicians with the ability to track the function of these cancer-fighting cells over the course of the treatment.
Researchers have discovered a significant association between specific Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) variants and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). NPC is a cancer notably prevalent in southern China, where it is 20 times more common than in non-endemic regions of the world.
A recent study unveiled a key enzyme involved in producing selenoproteins, opening new strategies for treating certain types of cancer in children.
Scientists have created a new 'biocooperative' material based on blood, which has shown to successfully repair bones, paving the way for personalised regenerative blood products that could be used as effective therapies to treat injury and disease.
More time spent sitting, reclining or lying down during the day may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death, according to a new study. More than roughly 10-and-a-half hours of sedentary behavior per day was significantly linked with future heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular (CV) death, even among people meeting recommended levels of exercise.
Physical cash not only influences how much we spend but also fosters a profound sense of psychological ownership that digital payments cannot replicate, according to new research.
Researchers have revealed how two neural circuits located in the brain's retrosplenial cortex are directly linked to spatial navigation and memory storage. This discovery could lead to more precise medical treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders by allowing them to target pathway-specific neural circuits.
Post-traumatic stress disorder comes in many forms and affects each person differently. Some patients benefit more from residential, in-treatment programs, while others are more suited for outpatient care. Others may thrive best in a system that mixes elements of both. A team of researchers found intensive outpatient programs, in which a patient consults with a health professional daily while staying at home in their community, are as effective as inpatient treatment, where patients can be isolated for weeks at a time.
A new article examines how social isolation, loneliness and frailty affect one another and the bidirectional relationship they exert as an individual gets older. hey found that physical frailty can be an indicator of future social isolation over time and that loneliness may be both an antecedent and an outcome of frailty. All three can also be self-reinforcing over time: people who are lonely and socially isolated may become frailer, and as they become frailer, their sense of isolation and loneliness grows. This becomes more pronounced as they grow older.
A new study found that, among nearly 775,000 pregnant people in Massachusetts, 31 percent of these individuals had at least one unscheduled emergency visit to the hospital, and 3.3 percent had four or more unscheduled hospital visits. The latter group was nearly 50 percent more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity (SMM), which encompasses a range of complications during labor or childbirth that can lead to poor maternal outcomes such as aneurysms, eclampsia, kidney and heart failure, and sepsis.
Researchers find a link between early vocabulary composition and later language development in children with cochlear implants.
Adults exhibit a general tendency to make better decisions than adolescents, and this improvement drives an increase in specific and more sophisticated choice behaviors, according to a new study.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive, low-cost tool for assessing the risk of vitamin D deficiency in young women called ViDDPreS (Vitamin D Deficiency Predicting Scoring).
Time spent sedentary beyond six hours per day during growth from childhood through young adulthood may cause an excess increase of 4 mmHg in systolic blood pressure, a new study shows. Continuously engaging in light physical activity (LPA) significantly mitigated the rise in blood pressure.
By exploiting the genetic variation in cancer cells, an already approved cancer drug demonstrated enhanced effects against cancer cells in specific patient groups, according to a new study. The findings suggest a potential for more individually tailored and more effective cancer therapies.
A recent study shows that switching to an opt-out organ donation policy, where all adults are presumed organ donors unless they explicitly opt out, does not increase donations from deceased donors.
Many bacterial-linked illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer, are associated with an overgrowth of gut bacteria thought to be bad actors. But when researchers used a machine learning algorithm to predict the density of microbes -- called microbial load, from their gut microbiomes, they found that changes in microbial load, rather than the disease, could be a driver behind the presence of disease-associated microbial species.
Researchers are testing a product commonly used to treat ticks and fleas on pets to target fly and mosquito larvae with the goal of helping reduce the spread of diseases carried by these insects.
Completely artificial proteins that produce bioluminescence can serve as a non-invasive method for bioimaging, diagnostics, drug discovery, and more.
A recent study correlates higher levels of pollutant particulate matter to higher occurrences of head and neck aerodigestive cancer.
Forming memories around shared experiences, whether something fun like grabbing a pizza or as emotionally straining as an employee strike, has a way of binding people together. But it could also motivate those performing different roles within the same company to socialize more and strengthen their working relationships, according to new research.
The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics update recommendations for untrained lay rescuers and trained rescuers resuscitating adults and children who have drowned.
These miniature immune system models -- known as human immune organoids -- mimic the real-life environment where immune cells learn to recognize and attack harmful invaders and respond to vaccines. Not only are these organoids powerful new tools for studying and observing immune function in cancer, their use is likely to accelerate vaccine development, better predict disease treatment response for patients, and even speed up clinical trials.
A research team has succeeded in synthesizing simple, environmentally sensitive cells complete with artificial organelles. For the first time, the researchers have also been able to emulate natural cell-cell communication using these proto-cells -- based on the model of photoreceptors in the eye. This opens up new possibilities for basic research and applications in medicine.
A practical calculator predicts the risk of epilepsy after venous stroke. The aim is to improve care for those affected, which are predominantly young adults.
Glioblastoma is the most common kind of malignant brain tumor in adults. So far, no treatment has been able to make this aggressive tumor permanently disappear. The tumor cells are too varied, and the microenvironment is too tumor-friendly. Researchers have now developed an immunotherapy that not only attacks the tumor -- it also turns its microenvironment against it.
Contrary to popular belief, children aren't better at learning new skills than adults. Indeed, young adults seem to learn faster than kids -- but also tend to forget more quickly. Here, better sleep seems to advantage children.
Researchers reveal that metabolic enzymes known for their roles in energy production and nucleotide synthesis are taking on unexpected 'second jobs' within the nucleus, orchestrating critical functions like cell division and DNA repair. The discovery not only challenges longstanding biological paradigms in cellular biology but also opens new avenues for cancer therapies, particularly against aggressive tumours like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
A genomic test developed by researchers to rapidly detect almost any kind of pathogen -- virus, bacteria, fungus or parasite -- has proved successful after a decade of use.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking coating that could make medical devices safer for millions of patients, reducing the risks associated with blood clots and dangerous bleeding. The new material is designed to mimic the natural behavior of blood vessels so that catheters, stents, blood-oxygenation machines and dialysis machines won't trigger clotting by activating certain proteins in the blood.
Researchers have developed a patch for easier and more effective treatment of psoriasis. The method may also be used in treatment of other inflammatory skin diseases.
Researchers have combined two gene editing methods. This enables them to quickly investigate the significance of many genetic mutations involved in the development and treatment of cancer.
Researchers have identified a potential biomarker of Parkinson's disease progression. According to the new study, patients with a slow progression of the pathology would have a significant increase in the levels of a molecule called ecto-GPR37 in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Small cranial nerve tumors that can cause hearing loss, vertigo and ringing in the ears are often watched rather than treated, but a new study is set to change how the tumors, called vestibular schwannomas, are managed.
For people who are pregnant or nursing, more use of personal care products is associated with higher detectable levels of synthetic chemicals known to have adverse health effects, a new study found. The study found that using personal care products like nail polish, makeup and hair dye while pregnant or lactating is associated with significantly higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, in blood plasma and breast milk.
Loneliness and cognitive performance were related in the short term for older adults, according to a new study.
Obesity causes insulin resistance by increasing activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of the stress hormone norepinephrine, according to a new study.
Research shows that a newly-developed wireless EKG patch is as accurate, if not more accurate, than results from traditional EKG machines. The device is known as the EKG Patch Solution.
A research team has shown that that combining pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, with standard chemotherapy can improve treatment outcomes for patients with small cell bladder cancer and small cell/neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
Researchers have found that the way DNA is packaged in cells can directly impact how fast DNA itself is copied during cell division. They discovered that DNA packaging sends signals through an unusual pathway, affecting the cell's ability to divide and grow. This opens up new doors to study how the copying of the DNA and its packaging are linked. These findings may help scientists to find therapies and medicines for diseases such as cancer in the future.
The sooner a lay rescuer (bystander) starts cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a person having a cardiac arrest at home or in public, up to 10 minutes after the arrest, the better the chances of survival and brain protection, according to an analysis of nearly 200,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases in the U.S. from 2013 to 2022.
Study findings could serve as a foundation for broader neuro-monitoring applications across intensive care units globally.
Research shows that a non-hallucinogenic marijuana constituent increases both REM and non-REM sleep in rats. Human trials are now under way.
Adolescents who meet the recommended guidelines of nine to 11 hours of sleep per day were shown to have a significantly lower risk of hypertension, according to a study.
Current guidelines recommend that pregnant people receive a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) -- which typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most adults but can be deadly for infants -- during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy. New research suggests that vaccination earlier in that time-frame, closer to 32 weeks, could provide the best protection for newborns against RSV.
A new finds that heavy drinking among adult Americans increased more than 20 percent during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued for the following two years.
Fear of another heart attack was a significant ongoing contributor to how heart attack survivors perceive their health, according to a study. While anxiety and depression are recognized as common conditions after a heart attack, they did not explain the impact of fear of recurrence in this study. The researchers suggest that fear of another heart attack should be evaluated and addressed separately from depression and anxiety.
Adding an extra hour every week of physical activity may lower the chance of developing the most common type of irregular heartbeat (arrythmia) by 11%, a study shows.
Scientists uncovered a previously unrecognized tumor suppression mechanism through the study of condensates and ribosome formation.
A team of scientists has used a novel approach to identify protein degraders that target Pin1, a protein involved in pancreatic cancer development.
A new microscope is capable of live imaging of biological processes in such detail that moving protein complexes are visible.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) loaded with customizable anti-cancer antisense oligonucleotides suppressed cancer growth.
Scientists uncover functionality of a genetic variant in the prostate specific antigen (PSA) gene to improve the current diagnostic test to help distinguish aggressive from non-aggressive prostate cancers.
All patients who have had a heart attack are typically treated using beta blockers. According to a recent study, this drug is unlikely to be needed for those heart patients who have a normal pumping ability. Now a sub-study shows that there is also a risk that these patients will become depressed by the treatment.
Researchers have discovered a new way in which RAS genes, which are commonly mutated in cancer, may drive tumor growth beyond their well-known role in signaling at the cell surface. Mutant RAS, they found, helps to kick off a series of events involving the transport of specific nuclear proteins that lead to uncontrolled tumor growth, according to a new study.
A new database covering over 100 different canine tissues can significantly enhance our understanding of hereditary diseases and provide valuable information for health research in both dogs and humans.
A robot, trained for the first time by watching videos of seasoned surgeons, executed the same surgical procedures as skillfully as the human doctors, say researchers.
A new study finds that seniors who tend to mirror other people's feelings are more likely to show signs of being anxious or depressed themselves.
A consistent bedtime may be more important to a child's ability to control their emotions and behavior than the duration or quality of their sleep, according to a new publication.
Asthma is associated with memory difficulties in children, and early onset of asthma may exacerbate memory deficits, according to a new study.
A new study has found frailty increases a person's risk of dementia, but early intervention may be the key to prevention.
Increasing percentages of some older U.S. men with intermediate-risk and high-risk prostate cancers are undergoing treatments that carry risks of side effects that can significantly reduce the quality of life without extending life, according to a new study. This trend is problematic because these men may not have life expectancies that would allow them to receive the benefits of more aggressive treatments.
Researchers have been unable to explain why after giving birth, Black patients are two to three times as likely to retain or gain additional weight compared to their white counterparts, even when pre-pregnancy weight and gestational-weight trajectories are comparable. A first-of-its-kind study points to the stress of lived experiences with racism and gender-based discrimination as a possible explanation.
Researchers have developed a new form of precision medicine, an antibody, with the potential to treat several types of cancer. Researchers have managed to combine three different functions in the antibody, which together strongly amplify the effect of T cells on the cancer tumor.
Environmental sustainability isn't a major factor influencing meat consumption decisions for most Americans, despite increasing awareness of the climate impacts of red meat production, according to researchers.
Changes in the gut microbiome before rheumatoid arthritis is developed could provide a window of opportunity for preventative treatments, new research suggests.
Researchers in Japan have demonstrated that the current accommodations for examinees with blindness for examinations such as those related to admissions are inadequate, particularly for examinations requiring the reading of complex tables.
Scientists investigated how an inherited genetic variation common among East Asians contributes to drug resistance in cancer cells, driving more aggressive cancer growth. The team trialled a precision therapy for this group by blocking the action of a protein called MCL-1, successfully killing many of the cancer cells in laboratory studies.
A recent study showed that the heart rate variability of a dog and its owner adapt to each other during interaction. High heart rate variability is associated with relaxation, while low heart rate variability indicates stimulation. The study deepens our understanding of the emotional connection between a dog and its owner, including its underlying physiological mechanisms.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Researchers have investigated a new strategy for the development of treatment options that not only slow tumor growth, but also stimulate the immune system to combat tumor cells.
Researchers have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks three important host proteins that dampen the activity of the complement system, a key component of early antiviral immunity. This significantly impairs viral clearance which may affect the course of both acute COVID-19 infections and post-COVID-19 sequelae.
Blocking a protein that imports lactic acid, a metabolic byproduct of cancer cells, reinvigorated exhausted T cells and led to improved tumor control in mouse models of cancer, according to a new study that describes how shutting off T cell access to inhibitory metabolites could be a promising new approach to cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers today are releasing the flagship dataset from an ambitious study of biomarkers and environmental factors that might influence the development of type 2 diabetes. Because the study participants include people with no diabetes and others with various stages of the condition, the early findings hint at a tapestry of information distinct from previous research. All of these data are intended to be mined by artificial intelligence for novel insights about risks, preventive measures, and pathways between disease and health.
Scientists believe individuals of the most recently discovered 'hominin' group (the Denisovans) that interbred with modern day humans passed on some of their genes via multiple, distinct interbreeding events that helped shape early human history. Scientists outline evidence suggesting that several Denisovan populations, who likely had an extensive geographical range from Siberia to Southeast Asia and from Oceania to South America, were adapted to distinct environments. They further outline a number of genes of Denisovan origin that gave modern day humans advantages in their different environments.
An international team of researchers has provided a genetic diagnosis for 30 individuals whose condition was undiagnosed for years despite extensive clinical or genetic testing.
Researchers identify a key pathway leading to neurodegeneration in early stages of ALS, hinting at the potential for short-circuiting the progression of the fatal disease if diagnosed early.
Researchers have developed a new precision AI tool to identify hidden cases of long COVID from patient medical records. Their new approach was more accurate than tools that look only at diagnostic codes, and found that 22.8 percent of the population experience symptoms of long COVID, a greater figure than previous estimates that may be less biased and more representative of national trends, according to the study's authors.
Magic tricks make the impossible seem possible. Magicians have long captivated audiences with visual tricks, such as pulling a bunny from a hat or sawing someone in half, but tricks that rely on sound are scarce. A new article explores why creating a magical experience using only sound may be challenging and underscores the importance of making magic accessible to people with blindness.
Researchers have developed a noninvasive way of using bioluminescent optogenetics to activate parts of the brain.
A research team analyzed how diabetes mellitus and obesity factor into recurrence and survival after surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer.
Oysters once formed extensive reefs along much of Europe's coastline -- but these complex ecosystems were destroyed over a century ago, new research shows.
Psychological distress is common amongst those living with food allergy, but a new study has shown that little support is available to those who are struggling.
Mathematicians have developed a recipe for upgrading quantum computers to simulate complex quantum systems, such as molecules. Their discovery brings us closer to being able to predict how new drugs will behave within our bodies and has the potential to revolutionize pharmaceutical development.
An international team of researchers have made a promising breakthrough in the development of drugs to treat Alzheimer's Disease. For the first time, scientists have developed a drug that works on both major aggregation-promoting 'hotspots' of the Tau protein in the brain -- a key driver of neurodegeneration. The drug, a peptide inhibitor called RI-AG03, was effective at preventing the build-up of Tau proteins in both lab and fruit fly studies.
Overweight is a major contributor to complications during pregnancy and childbirth -- this applies to both women born in Sweden and women who have moved here, something that has not been well researched so far. Interventions that promote a healthy weight have the potential to prevent complications for all women, the researchers conclude. The study was conducted by researchers at Link ping University and Karolinska Institutet and is published in The Lancet Public Health.
A new study identified that a semi-synthetic compound can be derived from natural compounds and shows potent activity against tuberculosis (TB), including multi-drug resistant TB.
A new way of diagnosing lung cancer with a blood draw is 10 times faster and 14 times more sensitive than earlier methods, according to researchers.
A new study has demonstrated a new, non-invasive imaging technique can accurately detect clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer.
Human stem cell transplants successfully repaired macular holes in a monkey model, researchers report. After transplantation, the macular holes were closed by continuous filling of the space with retinal tissue.
Mindset and expectations, not just the external environment, shape the 'table of contents' into which our brains organize the day.
A new study estimates that thousands of lives could have been saved during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic if convalescent plasma had been used more broadly, particularly in outpatients at high risk for severe disease and in hospitalized patients during their first few days of admission.
A research team has created the Comorbid Operative Risk Evaluation (CORE) score to better account for the role chronic illness plays in patient's risk of mortality after operation, allowing surgeons to adjust to patients' pre-existing conditions and more easily determine mortality risk.
University of Utah mathematics and climate researchers are building new models for understanding the dynamics of sea ice, which is not as solid as you might think.
A compound found in African wormwood -- a plant used medicinally for thousands of years to treat many types of illness -- could be effective against tuberculosis, according to a new study.
Researchers collected archival data on more than 3.4 million people living in the United States and United Kingdom. They found evidence that obesity tends to spur lighter medical and psychological harms when those who struggle with the disorder feel less conspicuous.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which estrogen can trigger fast neuronal responses.
Global evidence has revealed that women's environmental quality of life is key to their overall quality of life and health, according to a new study.
A new analysis assesses the heterogeneity of factors linked with happiness among single Americans who are just entering adulthood, highlighting a particularly strong link between happiness and satisfying friendships.
Climate change-related landslides, storms and floods are associated with intimate partner violence against women two years after the event, according to a new study.
Despite growing evidence of the importance of student well-being and an abundance of best practices, most institutions have yet to prioritize it as much as they do enrollment, graduation and grades. A new study provides guidance on how institutions can support and enhance student well-being, and breaks down the various benefits for learners during and beyond their university career. It identifies general student experiences that have resulted in improved well-being later in life, and shares guiding principles for institutions looking to create their own.
Scientists have made an enormous step toward understanding the human brain by building a neuron-by-neuron and synapse-by-synapse roadmap -- scientifically speaking, a 'connectome' -- through the brain of an adult fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). Previous researchers have mapped the brain of a C. elegans worm, with its 302 neurons, and the brain of a larval fruit fly, which had 3,000 neurons, but the adult fruit fly is several orders of magnitude more complex, with almost 140,000 neurons and 50 million synapses connecting them. The full brain map is the result of a collaboration between cutting-edge artificial intelligence, gamers, professional tracers, and neuroscientists. This connectome is important not only because the adult Drosophila has the most complex brain ever mapped, but also because fruit flies share many behaviors with humans as well as 75% of the genes that cause genetic diseases.
Ever wish you could stop that fruit fly on your kitchen counter in its tracks? Scientists have created flies that halt under red light. In doing so, they discovered the precise neural mechanisms involved in stopping. Their findings, published this week in Nature, have implications far beyond controlling fly behavior. They demonstrate how the brain engages different neural mechanisms depending on environmental context.
U.S. tropical cyclones, including hurricanes, indirectly cause thousands of deaths for nearly 15 years after a storm. Researchers estimate an average U.S. tropical cyclone indirectly causes 7,000 to 11,000 excess deaths. All told, they estimate tropical storms since 1930 have contributed to between 3.6 million and 5.2 million deaths in the U.S. -- more than all deaths nationwide from motor vehicle accidents, infectious diseases, or battle deaths in wars during the same period.
A new study documents how Southern Californians are chronically being exposed to toxic airborne chemicals called plasticizers, including one that's been banned from children's items and beauty products.
A research team systematically analyzed 40 empirical studies, the majority of which had found that outdoor air pollution is associated with differences in children's brains. These differences include volumes of white matter, which is associated with cognitive function, connections throughout the brain and even early markers for Alzheimer's.
Clinical study of microscope-integrated system lays groundwork for using OCT to define tumor margins and reveal subsurface brain anatomy.
Scientists have developed six lines of humanized mice that can serve as valuable models for studying human cases of COVID-19.
Humans slow their own speech when talking to their dogs, and this slower tempo matches their pets' receptive abilities, allowing the dogs to better understand their commands, according to a new study.
Almost six in 10 Americans have pro-inflammatory diets, increasing the risk of health problems including heart disease and cancer, according to a new study that used a tool designed to examine inflammation in the diet. The study also found that certain populations -- including Black Americans, men and people with lower incomes -- were more likely to eat a diet high in pro-inflammatory foods.
Researchers explored how infants act purposefully by attaching a colorful mobile to their foot and tracking movements with a Vicon 3D motion capture system. The study tested AI's ability to detect changes in infant movement patterns. Findings showed that AI techniques, especially the deep learning model 2D-CapsNet, effectively classified different stages of behavior. Notably, foot movements varied significantly. Looking at how AI classification accuracy changes for each baby gives researchers a new way to understand when and how they start to engage with the world.
Metabolic syndrome increases many Americans' risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. A new clinical trial finds that 3 months of time-restricted eating improved patients' blood sugar regulation and metabolic function, which could help ward off serious and chronic diseases.
Instead of ending a group meeting asking if anyone has any questions, a professor suggests asking participants if they can think of anything that can go wrong with the plan discussed.
Investigators have found that two genetic variants that confer high risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) together trigger a harmful inflammatory response in the brain's immune cells, particularly in females, in a preclinical model.
Scientists debut START, a new tool for mapping the brain's intricate neuronal connections with unparalleled precision. They demonstrate START's ability to identify the connectivity patterns of transcriptomic neuronal subtypes, and explain how the tool will help us design novel therapeutics that target certain neurons and circuits with greater specificity, efficacy, and fewer side effects.
Heart transplant patients who live in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are more likely to experience post-surgical complications and die within five years than patients who live in more advantaged areas, even when those patients were transplanted at topnotch high-volume hospitals.
A new study also shows imaging for early detection and monitoring can improve prediction and prevention of premature death.
New findings on how past viral respiratory infections affect future, unrelated ones could lead to therapies for boosting general antiviral immunity -- and potentially pandemic preparedness.
Frequent drinking of fizzy drinks or fruit juice is associated with an increased risk of stroke, according to new findings . The research also found that drinking more than four cups of coffee per day also increases the risk of stroke.
People who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have a significantly lower risk of developing more severe cardiovascular conditions linked to COVID-19 infection, according to a new Swedish study. At the same time, some cardiovascular effects are seen after individual doses of the vaccine.
A new study shows how individual brain cells in the hippocampus respond to pronouns. 'This may help us unravel how we remember what we read.'
The risk of being born with a major heart defect is 36% higher in babies who were conceived after assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), according to results of a very large study.
Researchers have shown that the balance of bacteria in the gut can influence symptoms of hypopituitarism in mice. They also showed that aspirin was able to improve hormone deficiency symptoms in mice with this condition.
Rates of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the immediate pre-pandemic period, according to a new study. The pronounced increase in SUID cases correlated with a resurgence of seasonal respiratory viruses, particularly RSV, suggesting that the shift in SUID rates may be associated with altered infectious disease transmission.
A study of informal finance finds that in East Africa, money moves in very different patterns depending on whether societies are structured around family units or age-based groups.
The hippocampus has a surprising new role -- linked to the control of skilled actions such as handwriting, typing, and playing music.
More than a dozen bacterial species among the hundreds that live in people's mouths have been linked to a collective 50% increased chance of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a new study shows. Some of these microbes had previously been shown to contribute to periodontal disease, serious gum infections that can eat away at the jawbone and the soft tissues that surround teeth.
Scientists have identified a gene responsible for some inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), which are a group of disorders that damage the eye's light-sensing retina and threatens vision. Though IRDs affect more than 2 million people worldwide, each individual disease is rare, complicating efforts to identify enough people to study and conduct clinical trials to develop treatment.
Researchers have discovered a potential 'pause button' in the earliest stages of human development. Whether humans can control the timing of their development has long been debated. The new study suggests that this 'pause button' can be activated in human cells as well. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of early human life and may improve reproductive technologies.
A new study reveals that extreme heat significantly affects daily activities, leading people to reduce outdoor time and alter transportation choices. Vulnerable groups, such as low-income individuals without cars, face greater risks, as they are less able to avoid dangerous conditions. The study calls for targeted policy interventions, including shaded public spaces, heat day declarations and urban design improvements, to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures, particularly on the most vulnerable populations.
Using mathematical modeling, researchers found a way to maintain cooperation without relying on complex norms or institutions.
Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor, with an average survival after diagnosis of less than two years, and against which current treatments remain ineffective. In recent years, immunotherapies have given patients renewed hope, albeit with relatively modest success. A team has succeeded in identifying a specific marker on the surface of tumour cells, and in generating immune cells carrying an antibody to destroy them. Furthermore, these cells, called CAR-T cells, appear to be capable of targeting diseased cells in the tumor that do not carry this antigen, while sparing healthy cells.
Results from a preclinical study in mice and a collaborative clinical study in patients show that the type 2 immune response -- associated with parasitic infection and thought to play a negative role in cancer immunity -- is positively correlated with long-term cancer remission.
Pregnant women who do not get enough sleep may be at higher risk of having children with neurodevelopmental delays, according to new research.
Scientists believe the hormone hepcidin, when produced in the skin, may be the root cause of psoriasis -- a chronic and sometimes debilitating skin disease that affects 2-3% of the global population.
The formation of pores by a particular protein, gasdermin D, plays a key role in inflammatory reactions. During its activation, an inhibitory part is split off. More than 30 of the remaining protein fragments then combine to form large pores in the cell membrane, which allow the release of inflammatory messengers. As methods for studying these processes in living cells have so far been inadequate, the sequence of oligomerization, pore formation and membrane incorporation has remained unclear. An international research team has succeeded in answering this question with the help of antibody fragments, so-called nanobodies, which they have identified.
What factors lead to chronic respiratory disease? Researchers investigated this question using health data from about 780 infants. Their analysis shows that children's risk of developing asthma later in life can be more reliably predicted by observing the dynamic development of symptoms during the first year of life.
Amongst women who experience recurrent pregnancy loss, around 20% test positive for a specific antibody that targets the mother's own body. A research team has now found a treatment that drastically increases these women's chances of carrying to full-term without complications.
The use of circadian-informed lighting, where artificial lighting is synchronised to the natural biological rhythms or a person's 'body-clock', significantly improves quality of sleep and work performance for night shift workers, a major new trial has found. The trial is amongst the first tightly controlled in-laboratory studies to have simultaneously evaluated circadian-lighting effects on markers of body-clock timing, work-shift cognitive performance, and sleep following an abrupt transition to night shift work.
Women worldwide could see better treatment with new AI technology which enables better detection of damaged cells and more precisely predict the risk of getting breast cancer, shows new research.
In people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study has found no difference in the amount of time before disability worsened between people taking certain medications and those not receiving treatment.
Researchers say that parents and doctors should be mindful of how they talk to and treat children experiencing pain -- no matter how big or small the injury -- knowing that these foundational experiences can be carried forward into adulthood.
Adults with hemophilia B saw their number of bleeding episodes drop by an average of 71 percent after a single infusion of gene therapy, according to the new results of an international Phase III clinical trial.
New research suggests that pigs may function as a transmission vehicle for a strain of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) common in rats that has recently been found to infect humans.
Turn-taking dynamics of social interactions are important for speech and gesture synchronization, enabling conversations to proceed efficiently, according to a new study.
Wrist-based activity sensors worn by individuals with depression and those without over the course of two weeks provided evidence for the relationship between daily sunlight exposure and physical activity, according to a new study.
Intermittent hypoxia caused by obstructive sleep apnea increased the susceptibility of mice to develop abdominal aortic aneurysms, researchers report in a new study.
Researchers have mapped variation in human stem cells that explains how cells of an individual may shape a unique 'developmental dance' at the molecular level, thereby controlling how the brain and body are created.
A new resource allows for studies of human longevity and resilience that can fuel the discovery and validation of novel therapeutics for aging-related disease.
A new study sheds light on testosterone recovery following androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer, providing key insights for optimizing patient care.
People with Down syndrome face a higher risk of developing leukemia. Now researchers explain why, by identifying specific changes in blood cells of people with Down syndrome.
New research explored the exacerbating and attenuating factors of despair-induced climate burnout to learn how people can overcome despair and maintain motivation to fight climate change.
A research team combined measurements from activity monitors and questionnaires for a new study of impact of aircraft noise on sleep. Higher levels of noise were associated with disturbed sleep quality measured by activity monitors. Noise had little impact on sleep duration but higher likelihood of reporting sleeplessness.
A team has discovered an antibody that specifically binds to the food poisoning bacteria Campylobacter jejuni. It was also found that this antibody inhibits the activity of proteins involved in bacterial energy production.
Almost everyone knows about HIV. Fewer people know about its relative, HTLV-1. However, HTLV-1 can cause serious illnesses, including cancer. To develop ways to combat this virus, understanding its structure is essential.
Exposure to certain pollutants, like fine particles (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), during pregnancy and childhood is associated with differences in the microstructure of the brain s white matter, and some of these effects persist throughout adolescence.
Pesticides, heavy metals, micro- and nanoplastics in the soil, and environmentally harmful chemicals can have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system, according to a review paper. The article provides an overview of the effects of soil and water pollution on human health and pathology and discusses the prevalence of soil and water pollutants and how they negatively affect health, particularly the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny bubbles released by cells, acting as cargo vessels through which cells exchange signals and thus communicate. A paper has demonstrated that this form of cellular exchange also plays a key role in the development of the brain.
New AI model identifies possible therapies from existing medicines for thousands of diseases, including rare ones with no current treatments. The AI tool generates new insights on its own, applies them to conditions it was not trained for, and offers explanations for its predictions. AI can expedite the development of more precise treatments with fewer side effects at far lower cost than traditional drug discovery.
Researchers have tested a combination of treatments in mice with lung cancer and shown that these allow immunotherapies to target non-responsive tumors.
Research has explored the relationship between high impulsivity and boredom, in an effort to find out what drives rash and sometimes unhealthy decisions.
People were better at detecting lies when they were more attuned to signals from their body, according to a new study.
With an aging population and fewer physicians available, the burden on rural communities is set to grow.
Researchers have discovered that mutations affect protein stability following remarkably simple rules. The discovery has profound implications for accelerating the development of new treatments for diseases or the design of new proteins with industrial applications.
Researchers have identified a potential new approach to address the opioid overdose epidemic. Semaglutide was shown to lower opioid overdoses in people with opioid-use disorder and type 2 diabetes.
A landmark study has begun to unravel one of the fundamental mysteries in neuroscience -- how the human brain encodes and makes sense of the flow of time and experiences.
Researchers have introduced an algorithm based on deep learning that can predict the effects of rare genetic variants. The method allows persons with high risk of disease to be distinguished more precisely and facilitates the identification of genes that are involved in the development of diseases.
Adults with opioid use disorder who receive a higher daily dose of the opioid addiction treatment medication buprenorphine may have a lower risk of subsequent emergency department visits or use of inpatient services related to behavioral health (such as for mental health and substance use disorders) than adults receiving the recommended dose, according to a new analysis.
Many common drugs can impact the composition of gut microbiome communities. Scientists compared directly, for the first time, the effect of 30 diverse drug treatments on bacteria when they were grown in isolation versus as part of a complex community. The researchers found that the impact of drugs on bacteria is often less pronounced when they are part of a community, due to cross-protection strategies. Mapping and understanding emergent drug-microbiome interactions within the community context may help scientists design improved therapies with fewer side effects and higher drug efficacy in the future.
A classic psychedelic, similar to LSD, psilocybin and mescalin, was found to activate a cell type in the brain that silences other neighboring neurons, a result that provides insight into how such drugs reduce anxiety, according to a new study.
Scientists conclude that some video games created as mental health interventions can be helpful -- if modest -- tools in improving the mental well-being of children and teens with anxiety, depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
New findings argue against a direct causal role for dopamine during the experience of a treatment effect in the establishment of positive treatment expectations and placebo analgesia in healthy volunteers, according to a new study.
Cancer incidence trends in 2021 largely returned to what they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, there was little evidence of a rebound in incidence that would account for the decline in diagnoses in 2020, when screening and other medical care was disrupted. One exception was breast cancer, where the researchers did see an uptick in diagnoses of advanced-stage disease in 2021.
A research team has discovered a novel mechanism essential for initiating autophagy. The study highlights the role of ZDHHC13, an enzyme that palmitoylates ULK1, in triggering autophagy. This discovery sheds light on the molecular pathways involved in autophagy and their implications for diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging-related conditions.
A new study reveals that artificial intelligence chatbots, such as ChatGPT, may be almost as effective as consulting a doctor for advice on low back pain.
Researchers analyzed 193 patients from the Vietnam Head Injury Study with penetrating traumatic brain injury to determine if the location of shrapnel damage to their brains influenced risk of developing PTSD. Damage to areas connected to the amygdala was associated with a lower chance of developing PTSD. The study suggests lesions that could protect against PTSD map to a specific brain circuit connected to the amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex.
A new study has revealed that despite the recent pandemic, outbreak detection efforts remain under-resourced in South and Southeast Asia, with only about half the countries reviewed having integrated pathogen genomic surveillance initiatives in their national plans. The study also identifies key priorities to enhance the preparedness of the region against future pandemics.
Speech consists of a continuous stream of acoustic signals, yet humans can segment words from each other with astonishing precision and speed. To find out how this is possible, a team of linguists has analysed durations of consonants at different positions in words and utterances across a diverse sample of languages. They have found that word-initial consonants are, on average, around 13 milliseconds longer than their non-initial counterparts. The diversity of languages for which this effect was found suggests that this might be a species-wide pattern -- and one of several key factors for speech perception to distinguish the beginning of words within the stream of speech.
With strong bactericidal properties, graphene has the potential to become a game changer in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. So far there have been no efficient ways to control these properties -- and thus no way to make use of graphene's potential in healthcare. Now researchers have solved the problem by using the same technology found in an ordinary fridge magnet. The result of which, is an ultra-thin acupuncture-like surface that can act as a coating on catheters and implants -- killing 99.9 percent of all bacteria on a surface.
Parkinson's disease, a debilitating nervous system disorder, is treated with medications that sometimes cause impaired decision-making and poor impulse control. Now, researchers have identified a structure in the brain called the external globus pallidus which may be responsible for this side effect, paving the way for new treatments.
It's almost time to dust off the Halloween decorations and adorn the house with all manner of spooky things, including the classic polyester spider webs. Scientists have made their own version of fake spider silk, but this one consists of proteins and heals wounds instead of haunting hallways. The artificial silk is strong enough to be woven into bandages that helped treat joint injuries and skin lesions in mice.
Scientists have uncovered critical differences between how innate-like T cells mature in humans and mice. Early in life, most innate-like T cells in the human thymus aren't able to use all of their immune abilities. The discovery could point to better preclinical studies and, perhaps someday, a new form of immunotherapy.
A new article finds that prediabetes before conception may significantly increase the likelihood of gestational diabetes during first pregnancy.
With Medicare now covering semaglutide for people with obesity and cardiovascular disease who don't have diabetes, a study looks at who that might include, depending on what cutoffs prescription plans apply.
Scientists who arranged for 48 human bioengineered heart tissue samples to spend 30 days at the International Space Station report evidence that the low gravity conditions in space weakened the tissues and disrupted their normal rhythmic beats when compared to earth-bound samples from the same source.
Researchers have created a computer program that can unravel the mysteries of how proteins work together -- giving scientists valuable insights to better prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and other diseases. The tool uses artificial intelligence (AI) to build the three-dimensional atomic structure of large protein complexes.
A significant breakthrough in the understanding of sleep mechanism opens new promise for treating sleep disorders and associated neuropsychiatric conditions: Scientists have pinpointed the melatonin receptor MT1 as a crucial regulator of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
New statistical models based on rigorous physiological data from more than 100 surgeries provide objective, accurate measures of 'nociception,' the body's subconscious perception of pain.
The majority of mental health disorders manifest during adolescence and relate to a multiplex interplay of neurobiological and environmental factors. Instead of considering these factors in isolation, a newly developed manifold learning technique can model brain-environmental interactions, which vastly improves detection of existing mental health symptoms and prediction of future ones compared to current methods. The study underscores the importance of considering the adolescent brain in conjunction with the environment in which it develops.
Aging is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, but the molecular mechanisms behind this relationship are not clear. In a recent study, researchers explored the role of PQBP3, a protein that helps stabilize the nuclear membrane, in cellular senescence and neurodegeneration. Their findings suggest that PQBP3 might be a promising therapeutic target for managing neurodegenerative diseases and the neuronal symptoms of aging.
Despite what we've been led to believe, the timing of evening screen use, rather than the activity itself, negatively impacts youth sleep, a new study has found.
New research reveals how dental check-ups could be the first line of defense against deadly sleep disorders.
A team of researchers has developed an innovative computational tool that analyzes the gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms within the digestive system, to provide insights into overall well-being.
We all know the adage, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.' As we age, our ability to learn new skills, like mastering a foreign language or picking up a musical instrument, seems to fade. The culprit? A decline in brain plasticity - the brain's capacity to rewire itself and adapt to new challenges. But what if we could rewind the clock on this age-related decline? A new study offers a tantalizing glimpse into this possibility.
A UK survey has found huge variation in treatment for ADHD, highlighting the struggle many young adults face once they turn 18. Researchers have warned that the current system is failing many young adults as they transition from children's to adult's services -- suddenly finding themselves unable to access treatment because services do not link up effectively.
Cities in the Global South are more exposed to extreme heat because they lack cooling green spaces, new research shows.
Wearable, long-term continuous heart monitors helped identify 52% more cases of atrial fibrillation compared to usual care, but that did not lead to a reduction in hospitalizations due to stroke, according to a new study.
The appropriate duration of beta-blocker treatment after a heart attack (a myocardial infarction [MI]) is unknown in patients who do not need to take beta-blockers for another reason. In the ABYSS trial, the cardiovascular safety of interrupting beta-blocker could not be shown in comparison with beta-blocker continuation and beta-blocker interruption did not improve quality of life. ABYSS suggests that long-term beta-blocker therapy is recommended after an MI, even in the absence of heart failure, arrhythmia or uncontrolled hypertension.
A recent study finds that hope appears to be more beneficial than mindfulness at helping people manage stress and stay professionally engaged during periods of prolonged stress at work. The study underscores the importance of looking ahead, rather than living 'in the moment,' during hard times.
The study explains why treatments for many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases raise the risk of contracting TB -- and also upends long-held assumptions about what kicks off an immune response.
Researchers have found a new method to increase both speed and success rates in drug discovery. The study offers renewed promise when it comes to discovering new drugs.
Facial recognition is a critical part of self-image and social interactions. In an era of advanced digital technology, we face intriguing questions about communication and identity. How does altering our facial identity affect our sense of 'self' and our interactions with others?
The invention of a tool capable of unlocking previously impossible organic chemical reactions has opened new pathways in the pharmaceutical industry to create effective drugs more quickly.
More than half of the global population consumes inadequate levels of several micronutrients essential to health, including calcium, iron, and vitamins C and E, according to a new study. It is the first study to provide global estimates of inadequate consumption of 15 micronutrients critical to human health.
Researchers found significant geographic variations in concussion diagnoses in United States emergency departments -- with the highest rates in the South and lower rates in the Midwest and Northeast.
The surprising discovery of a bacterium in a marine sponge from the Great Barrier Reef with striking similarity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the pathogen responsible for tuberculosis (TB), could unlock and inform future TB research and treatment strategies.
Researchers used real-world clinical data to attempt to emulate a randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of two blood thinners, apixaban and warfarin, to prevent stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The study provides a method to explore the effects of treatments in patients who are underrepresented or excluded from clinical trials.
Staphylococcus aureus has the potential to develop durable vancomycin resistance, according to a new study.
Researchers have developed a prototype for a smart mask that can be used to monitor a range of medical conditions, including respiratory ailments, such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and post-COVID-19 infections.
Researchers describe the neural processes behind how morphine relieves pain. This is valuable knowledge because the drug has such serious side effects.
A new tool for monitoring immune health patterns over time reveals how a pair of checkpoint inhibitor therapies works together to recruit new cancer-fighting T cells with every infusion.
Researchers revealed how certain liver cells contribute to inflammatory responses underlying chronic hepatitis. Using mouse and cell culture models, they observed increased levels of inflammatory genes, including signaling molecules called chemokines, when hepatic stellate cells did not express a protein known as A20. By inhibiting another protein called DCLK1, A20 decreases chemokine levels and thereby suppresses chronic hepatitis. A20 has potential involvement in novel therapeutic development for liver disease.
Modern lifestyles mean many people are sleep deprived on work or school days, and try to 'catch-up' with compensatory sleep on weekends. A new study of more than 90,000 individuals showed that those who had the most catch-up sleep on weekends had a 20% lower risk of developing heart disease than those with the least.
Researchers are searching for a better way to understand why many men with prostate cancer end up with Alzheimer's disease, and whether it's the standard hormone therapy treatment or an overactive immune response that actually contributes to the problem.
A research team has found that compounds in the nucleic acids derived from food can inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells.
A new study examined children's responses during a game where targets could only be achieved by working together. The study's authors say the findings provide valuable insights into how groups of people can work together to overcome communal challenges, and demonstrate the effectiveness of setting clear and unambiguous targets.
A new study provides the first evidence of a direct interaction between kisspeptins, proteins crucial for sexual development, and astrocytes, non-neuronal cells of the nervous system, blazing new trails towards understanding the reproductive system's regulation.
Researchers resent a new molecule for visualizing the sphingomyelin metabolism. This offers prospects for innovative therapeutic approaches in infection research.
Immersive virtual reality could open up a whole new world for people with intellectual disability, enabling them to learn practical life skills much faster without relying on caregivers, according to a new study.
Blinding diseases lead to permanent vision loss by damaging photoreceptor cells, which humans cannot naturally regenerate. While researchers are working on new methods to replace or regenerate these cells, the crucial question is whether these regenerated photoreceptors can fully restore vision. By studying zebrafish, an animal naturally capable of photoreceptor regeneration, a team showed that regenerated photoreceptors are as good as original ones and regain their normal function, allowing the fish to recover complete vision.
Recognizing spoken words is a split-second competition, and a new study defines how people approach that competition and ultimately recognize words. The researchers identified three main approaches by which people of all ages -- including those who use cochlear implants to hear -- recognize spoken language.
Innovative study of DNA's hidden structures may open up new approaches for treatment and diagnosis of diseases, including cancer.
For decades, scientists have dreamt of a future where genetic diseases, such as the blood clotting disorder hemophilia, could be a thing of the past. Gene therapy, the idea of fixing faulty genes with healthy ones, has held immense promise. But a major hurdle has been finding a safe and efficient way to deliver those genes. Researchers have now made a significant breakthrough in gene editing technology that could revolutionize how we treat genetic diseases.
Countries with greater inequalities -- whether economic, pollution or disease-based -- exhibited older brain ages.
Scientists who have described in a new study the step-by-step details of a bacterial defense strategy see the mechanism as a promising platform for development of a new genome-editing method.
Researchers report the discovery of a novel mechanism of cardiac inflammation that may expand therapeutic opportunities to prevent heart attacks from becoming heart failure.
Salmonella enterica causes disease in 1.2 million people in the U.S. every year. A new study found that Salmonella contamination is enhanced by high humidity and plant disease.
Microbes are part of the food we eat and can influence our own microbiome, but we know very little about the microbes in our foods. Now, researchers have developed a database of the 'food microbiome' by sequencing the metagenomes of 2,533 different foods. They identified 10,899 food-associated microbes, half of which were previously unknown species, and showed that food-associated microbes account for around 3% of the adult and 56% of the infant gut microbiome on average.
Researchers have taken a significant step forward in understanding the stability of proteins by leveraging the power of AI. The research team used AlphaFold2 to explore how mutations affect protein stability -- a crucial factor in ensuring proteins function correctly and do not cause diseases like Alzheimer's.
New research explores music's impact on learning, memory, and emotions in two studies. One reveals that familiar music can enhance concentration and learning, while the other demonstrates that music with a strong emotional tone can reshape the quality of existing memories. These findings suggest that music could be used for therapeutic interventions for cognitive function, or in conditions like PTSD and depression.
More than two decades ago, a research team discovered a type of T cell in humans that suppresses the immune system; they later found that these so-called regulatory T cells, when defective, are an underlying cause of autoimmune disease, specifically multiple sclerosis (MS). For many years, however, the mechanism behind this dysfunction has remained unclear. Now a team of researchers finds that this loss of immune regulation is triggered by an increase in PRDM1-S, a protein involved in immune function, triggering a dynamic interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors, including high salt uptake. The findings also reveal a new target for a universal treatment for human autoimmune disease.
When taken at the first signs of a migraine, before headache pain begins, a drug called ubrogepant may be effective in helping people with migraine go about their daily lives with little or no symptoms, according to a new study. The study focused on people with migraine who could tell when an attack was about to happen, due to early symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, neck pain or stiffness, or dizziness.
Scientists have discovered a virus that caused a nationwide die-off of superworms, a common food for birds, reptiles, other pets and, more and more so, even for humans as an alternative protein source. In doing so, they pioneered a different way to search for and identify emerging viruses and pathogens in humans, plants and animals.
New study find that our natural killer cells -- from the immune system which protect against disease and infections -- instinctively recognize and attack a protein that drives cancer growth.
A researcher is developing a patent-pending platform technology called LENN that mimics the dual-layer structure of viruses to deliver nucleic acid (NA)-based therapies to targeted cancer cells.
A discovery upends decades of assumptions regarding DNA replication. The study show that DNA replication in early embryos is different from what past research has taught, and includes a period of instability that is prone to chromosomal copying errors. As failed pregnancies and developmental disorders are often related to chromosomal abnormalities the findings could impact the field of reproductive medicine, perhaps leading to improved methods of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Analysis of 1.6 million brain cells from older adults has captured the cellular changes that occur in Alzheimer's early stages, revealing potential new targets and routes for prevention.
New insights into the biology of kidney cancer, including those informed by scientific discoveries that earned a Nobel Prize, have led to advances in treatment and increased survival rates.
Engineers have developed a device that noninvasively stimulates deep brain regions, potentially disrupting the faulty signals that lead to chronic pain. Preliminary trials show the therapy relieves pain after a single treatment.
Public health researchers have highlighting the compounded effects of frequent wildfires and smoke exposure on physical and mental health, local economies and community resilience in Southern California.
Researchers are adding new evidence to the emerging concept that 'silent' or synonymous mutations may have crucial consequences. Their study showed how a synonymous mutation in one gene can significantly affect a neighboring gene, increasing its protein production.
Gender nonconformity in 7-year-olds -- as measured by levels of gender-conforming play -- may be associated with autistic traits and behavioral difficulties in girls, and with peer relationship problems in boys, according to a new study.
A new study finds that, counter to expectations, geographic disparities in rates of homicides in the US have decreased in recent decades.
Slow growth in health sector spending is projected in Sub-Saharan Africa as reported in a study. The decline is expected to continue to 2050, according to the authors, and is driven by tepid growth in the share of government spending that is allocated to health and reductions in development assistance for health.
Diagnostic labels for people experiencing what some consider to be relatively milder forms of mental-ill health may affect how others perceive them for better and worse, according to a new study.
Researchers have demonstrated in mice a new method to combat pancreatic cancer. The study outlines the synergistic effects of a novel nanoparticle drug-delivery system to activate an immune pathway in combination with tumor-targeting agents.
A researcher's mathematical modeling approach for brain imaging analysis reveals links between genes, brain structure and autism.
Scientists have solved the mystery of unusual blood clotting and inflammation in COVID-19 -- and identified a promising therapeutic strategy.
New research shows that echocardiograms performed remotely using robot arm technology have similar accuracy to those performed in person by cardiologists, providing new options for patients with poor access.
How does one species become two? A new study shows what happens when individuals of a moth species become separated in time.
A research team developed an innovative method to quantify stress using Integrated Information Theory. This approach comprehensively evaluates biological signals and has demonstrated a strong correlation with subjective stress reports, especially in relation to feelings of boredom. This suggests that the method may serve as a comprehensive measure of stress, encompassing objective and subjective aspects.
A research team has verified the antibacterial effect of seven food-derived flavonoids against periodontal pathogenic bacteria. The results showed that though several of the compounds inhibited bacterial growth, Pru-C12 had the highest antimicrobial effect.
New research highlights the growing problem of death ideation and the increasing rates of both loneliness and suicidal thoughts among older individuals. The study explores the critical issue of social disconnection and its link to a 'wish to die' among older adults.
New research may enable potential solutions to metabolic disease by turning to evolution and to bats. 'Our study reports blood sugar levels that are the highest we have ever seen in nature -- what would be lethal, coma-inducing levels for mammals, but not for bats,' said one of the researchers. 'We are seeing a new trait we didn't know was possible.'
Pain may be the most prevalent and severe symptom reported by individuals with long COVID, according to a new study. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 people in England and Wales who logged their symptoms on an app between November 2020 and March 2022.
In-person contact helps lead to lower levels of loneliness in older people, but other ways of staying in touch, such as phoning, emailing or texting, are not as effective in lowering loneliness, a team of researchers found.
When you get infected with a virus, some of the first weapons your body deploys to fight it were passed down to us from our microbial ancestors billions of years ago. According to new research, two key elements of our innate immune system came from a group of microbes called Asgard archaea.
In the first 24 hours after a python devours its massive prey, its heart grows bigger, softer and stronger and its metabolism speeds up forty-fold. The extraordinary process could inspire novel treatments for heart disease and metabolic disorders.
Contrary to previous research, a new study of female participants finds no link between migraine and the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
Scientists have found infants and young children treated for brain tumors fell behind early in academic readiness, which predicted falling behind in later school years.
An international team of scientists has uncovered a mechanism by which acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells sustain their growth. AML cells prevent the synthesis of proteins that suppress their growth by forcibly isolating the mRNAs that encode such proteins within structures known as P-bodies. These findings offer a novel perspective into the survival mechanisms of AML and possibilities for new anti-cancer therapies.
The innovative strength of a society depends on the level of academic freedom. An international team has now demonstrated this relationship. The researchers analyzed patent applications and patent citations in a sample from around 160 countries over the 1900--2015 period in relation to indicators used in the Academic Freedom Index. In view of the global decline in academic freedom over the past 10 years, the researchers predict a loss in innovative output.
In awake mice, researchers found that even low deep brain stimulation currents in the central thalamus could sometimes still cause electrographic seizures.
Children who have persistently raised inflammation are at a higher risk of experiencing serious mental health disorders including psychosis and depression in early adulthood.
A newly identified identified cellular mechanism allows mitochondria to recycle localized damage and maintain healthy function.
Researchers have discovered the neurons responsible for 'item memory,' deepening our understanding of how the brain stores and retrieves the details of 'what' happened and offering a new target for treating Alzheimer's disease.
A team of researchers has discovered that an antioxidant found in rosemary extract can reduce volitional intakes of cocaine by moderating the brain's reward response, offering a new therapeutic target for treating addiction.
Researchers have used artificial intelligence tools to accelerate the understanding of the risk of specific cardiac arrhythmias when various parts of the heart are exposed to different thresholds of radiation as part of a treatment plan for lung cancer.
A new fluorescent imaging probe can for the first time objectively and non-invasively measure loss of smell, clinically known as anosmia. Targeting the olfactory nerve, the new tool has potential to eliminate biopsies used to diagnose certain anosmia conditions and to aid in the development of therapeutic interventions.
Meat consumption, particularly consumption of processed meat and unprocessed red meat, is associated with a higher type 2 diabetes risk, an analysis of data from 1.97 million participants.
A study in mice has found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve in the mother's gut during pregnancy supports healthy brain development in the fetus.
Computer science researchers have developed an approach that matches the performance of expert-scored polysomnography using just a single-lead echocardiogram. In addition to simplifying a typically expensive and cumbersome process, this insight highlights a deeper connection between the heart and the brain than previously understood.
A recent study found that frail older patients who waited to start dialysis died only nine days earlier on average -- and spent more time at home -- than those who began treatment immediately.
If you've visited a trendy cafe in the past few years, you might have noticed 'golden' turmeric milk on the menu. This fancy drink is caffeine-free, coffee-free and can even be vegan. And now, researchers have developed an efficient method to make a powdered, plant-based, instant version that maintains the beneficial properties of the ingredients while also extending its shelf life.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded in popularity as of late. But just like a human, it's hard to read an AI model's mind. Explainable AI (XAI) could help us do just that by providing justification for a model's decisions. And now, researchers are using XAI to scrutinize predictive AI models more closely, which could help make better antibiotics.
Some of the attractive hues of brightly colored, cloth-bound books from the Victorian era come from dyes that could pose a health risk to readers, collectors or librarians. The latest research on these 'poison books' used three techniques -- including one that hasn't previously been applied to books -- to assess dangerous dyes in a university collection and found some volumes had levels that might be unsafe.
Heart failure is a leading cause of death worldwide and is especially deadly for people who don't have access to medical facilities. A team of researchers aims to bring heart failure screening from the lab to the home with a point-of-care electrochemical biosensor prototype that measures levels of two biomarkers for heart failure in as little as 15 minutes from just a drop of saliva.
Children born with certain heart defects undergo a series of invasive surgeries early in life. The first surgery includes implantation of a shunt to improve blood flow. However, as children grow, the shunt must be replaced to accommodate their changing bodies. Now, researchers report designing a shunt that expands when activated by light. This device could reduce the number of open-chest surgeries these children receive.
A multidisciplinary team has developed an action plan to help patients with respiratory diseases mitigate the consequences of poor air quality from wildfires.
A new study on 'legalese' suggests this convoluted language acts to convey a sense of authority in legal documents. The researchers also found that even non-lawyers use legalese when asked to write laws.
Low- and moderate-severity forest wildfires can reduce the intensity of future fires, according to new research on 'reburns.'
Researchers have found a new way to manage the receptors that control the sense of touch, which could lead to treating chronic pain more effectively. Using phosphatidic acid as a regulator of the sense of touch may lead to better pain relief.
The avian influenza virus needs to mutate to cross the species barrier and to infect and replicate within mammalian cells. Scientists have now deciphered the structure of the avian influenza virus's polymerase when it interacts with a human protein essential for the virus to replicate within the cell. The structure of this replication complex provides important information about the mutations that avian influenza polymerase must undergo to adapt to mammals, including humans. These results can help scientists monitor the evolution and adaptability of bird flu strains, such as H5N1 or H7N9, towards infecting other species.
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent stem cells that can produce all cell types of an organism. ES cells proliferate rapidly and have been thought to experience high levels of intrinsic replication stress. However, a recent report challenges this assumption by providing a detailed molecular investigation of replication dynamics in these cells.
Researchers have uncovered DNA markers associated with retroelements, remnants of ancient viral genetic material, in our genes that act as highly accurate epigenetic clocks predicting chronological age. The results support the idea that certain retroelements in the human genome may be involved in aging.
Swiping through online videos to relieve boredom may actually make people more bored and less satisfied or engaged with the content, according to new research.
A new animal study shows that exposure to immune-stimulating proteins left behind by COVID-19 leads to lower cortisol, brain inflammation and a heightened reaction to subsequent stressors.
Flexibility and personalization were key in optimizing dieters' weight-loss success on the Individualized Diet Improvement Program, created by food scientists.
A new study found that using ChatGPT-4 to read medical notes from Emergency Department admissions to determine whether injured scooter and bicycle riders were wearing a helmet finds that AI can't yet do this reliably.
A new study found that Manuka honey could potentially be an alternative, natural option for breast cancer prevention and treatment -- particularly for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, the most common subtype of breast cancer that accounts for about 70-80% of all breast cancer cases.
Two new studies are pointing the way toward round-the-clock personalized care for people with Parkinson's disease through an implanted device that can treat movement problems during the day and insomnia at night.
A small feasibility study found that an implanted device regulated by the body's brain activity could provide continual and improved treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) in certain people with the disorder. This type of treatment, called adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS), is an improvement on a technique that has been used for PD and other brain disorders for many years. The study found aDBS was markedly more effective at controlling PD symptoms compared to conventional DBS treatments.
U.S. pediatric inpatient psychiatric bed capacity did not change 2017 -- 2020, despite increases in pediatric mental health emergency visits, according to a new study . Researchers also found substantial geographic variation in inpatient psychiatric bed capacity per 100,000 children, ranging from zero in Alaska to 75 in Arkansas. Over 90 percent of pediatric inpatient beds are in urban centers, raising concerns for youth living in rural areas.
Researchers surveyed the gut microbiomes of nearly 2,000 people, discovering dozens of potential new antibiotics. The lead candidate, prevotellin-2, demonstrated anti-infective capabilities on par with polymyxin B, an FDA-approved antibiotic used today to treat multidrug-resistant infections, suggesting that the human gut microbiome may contain antibiotics that will someday find clinical application.
A new machine learning model can predict autism in young children from relatively limited information. The model can facilitate early detection of autism, which is important to provide the right support.
People with Down syndrome are likely to develop Alzheimer's disease at a young age, with autopsy studies showing that by age 40 years, the brains of individuals with Down syndrome have amyloid plaques. Yet people with Down syndrome have been excluded from or underrepresented in clinical trials of new therapies for treating AD.
The latest research indicates that 16% to 85% of people recovering from a stroke experience at least one psychosocial symptom, including depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue and/or decreased quality of life. Critical nursing interventions, such as regular mental health screenings, education, symptom management and follow-up care, are key to reducing the negative effects on a patient's mental well-being after a stroke, yet only a small proportion of patients receive treatment.
Inherited diseases of metabolism and immunity have more in common than previously recognized, according to a new study. The findings point to a new set of metabolic genes that are important for the function of immune system T cells, and they offer insights that could improve care for patients with these disorders.
Researchers developed a novel reagent that enhances the precision of drug synthesis. This innovative method introduces a new sulfur fluoride exchange (SuFEx) reagent that allows for highly controlled production of crucial sulfur-based molecules, including sulfinamides, sulfonimidamides and sulfoximines.
With new medications on the market or in the works for Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of dementia, a new study suggests that getting the diagnosis needed to access these new treatments may depend on where you live.
A zinc-air microbattery could enable the deployment of cell-sized, autonomous robots for drug delivery within in the human body, as well as other applications such as locating leaks in gas pipelines.
In humans, the process of learning is driven by different groups of cells in the brain firing together. For instance, when the neurons associated with the process of recognizing a dog begin to fire in a coordinated manner in response to the cells that encode the features of a dog -- four legs, fur, a tail, etc. -- a young child will eventually be able to identify dogs going forward. But brain wiring begins before humans are born, before they have experiences or senses like sight to guide this cellular circuitry. How does that happen?
A mathematical framework that builds on the economic theory of hidden-action models provides insight into how the unobservable nature of effort and risk shapes investigators' research strategies and the incentive structures within which they work, according to a new study.
While everyone knows that a good night's sleep restores energy, a new study finds it resets another vital function: memory.
A new study reveals that the memory for a specific experience is stored in multiple parallel 'copies'. These are preserved for varying durations, modified to certain degrees, and sometimes deleted over time.
A new study finds that the effects of long COVID have caused many Americans to miss extensive work time, and that 14% of study participants reported not returning to work in the months after their infection. The findings suggest that long COVID may have affected millions of Americans and generated steep economic costs, highlighting the need for policies to support those with the condition, researchers said.
Endometriosis affects more than 11% of women of reproductive age in the U.S. and 190 million women worldwide. The average time to diagnose endometriosis is seven years after the onset of symptoms, which include abdominal pain and cramping before, during and after menstruation, among others. These circumstances may cause life-altering consequences such as chronic pain, infertility and quality of life. Researchers identify promising approaches for early diagnosis of endometriosis to address a major clinical and public health challenge.
A unique influenza vaccine candidate that's inhaled appears safe and could bolster protection against seasonal and pandemic influenza for people vulnerable to severe disease when they receive it in addition to the annual flu shot.
A newly compiled list of foods and drinks commonly consumed in the United States hints at why many adults unknowingly overdo it on saturated fat and added sugar in their daily diet, a new study suggests. Beyond the biggest sources of each dietary category -- cheese for saturated fat and soft drinks for added sugar -- the study identifies a longer list of popular sources that helps explain why it's so hard to limit fat and sugar to the recommended 10% of daily calories.
Over half of people with iron deficiency were found to still have low iron levels three years after diagnosis, and among patients whose condition was effectively treated within that timeframe, they faced longer-than-expected delays, pointing to substantial gaps in appropriate recognition and efficient treatment of the condition, according to a new study.
Researchers have developed a new two-photon fluorescence microscope that captures high-speed images of neural activity at cellular resolution. By imaging much faster and with less harm to brain tissue than traditional two-photon microscopy, the new approach could provide a clearer view of how neurons communicate in real time, leading to new insights into brain function and neurological diseases.
A new study found in adult power loom weavers, chronic noise exposure not only increased their blood pressure overall, but also each year of exposure increased their odds of having high blood pressure by 10%.
Middle-aged women who experience work-related stress have a significantly increased risk of future sick leave, a new study shows. Lack of influence and conflicts at work are clear stress factors.
Researchers have uncovered a significant genetic connection between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and several coronary artery disease (CAD) related disorders and lipid classes, offering opportunities to improve health outcomes across two of the more common causes of death in Australia.
Scientists have restored the brain's waste-clearing process in aging mice, offering potential new treatment for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's using existing drugs.
A new study maps out a detailed atlas of all the cells involved in regenerating the zebrafish spinal cord. In an unexpected finding, the researchers showed that survival and adaptability of the severed neurons themselves is required for full spinal cord regeneration. Surprisingly, the study showed that stem cells capable of forming new neurons play a complementary role but don t lead the process.
Researchers studying bacteria from freshwater lakes and soil say they have determined a protein's essential role in maintaining the germ's shape. Because the integrity of a bacterial cell's 'envelope' or enclosure is key to its survival, the finding could advance the search for new and better antibiotics.
Researchers have produced a genetic analysis of Lyme disease bacteria that may pave the way for improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the tick-borne ailment.
As global warming intensifies, people increasingly suffer from extreme heat. For those working in a high-temperature environment indoors or outdoors, keeping thermally comfortable becomes particularly crucial. A team has now developed thermally-insulated and breathable soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures, thereby helping to ensure worker safety in hot environments.
A new study has identified new genetic variants associated with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The results provide new insights into the genetic background of NPH and provide a basis for further research into the specific biological mechanisms underlying the condition.
Scientists have made a breakthrough which could help find new treatments for a deadly infection that can affect up to 40% of hospital patients using mechanical ventilators.
Newborn deaths in sub-Saharan Africa could be reduced by nationally scaling up in-country technologies, a review of 32 years' research has found.
Psychologists studied 'earworms,' the types of songs that get stuck in your head and play automatically on a loop, to show that highly accurate pitch memory is much more common than might be expected.
Recent trials of an experimental malaria vaccine in healthy Malian adults found that all three tested regimens were safe. One of the trials enrolled 300 healthy women ages 18 to 38 years who anticipated becoming pregnant soon after immunization. That trial began with drug treatment to remove malaria parasites, followed by three injections spaced over a month of either saline placebo or the investigational vaccine at one of two dosages.
New research found that brain scans can detect consciousness in some patients with brain injury who are unresponsive. In the study, 241 participants with severe brain injury who do not respond when given a simple instruction were assessed with functional MRI (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), or both tests, while hearing instructions, such as 'imagine opening and closing your hand.' Their brain responses showed that 25 percent of participants repeatedly followed this instruction covertly over minutes.
Millions of patients worldwide suffer from a chronic itching condition with no identifiable cause -- a condition known as chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) -- that has no targeted therapies approved to treat it. Many of these patients suffer for years with little relief, but a new study may provide hope for future treatments. Patients were found to have lower than normal levels of metabolite biomarkers in the blood plasma that could point to a cause of their excruciating symptoms.
Venting about your frustrations with one friend to another may feel good, but it doesn't necessarily reduce anger. Experiments showed that people who listened to a friend vent liked and supported that person more than those who were vented about -- but only if the person venting didn't derogate or seem aggressive toward the other friend. Venting might be an effective tool of competition for listeners' affections precisely because it is not readily recognized as a tool of competition.
A major international study has explained how bread wheat helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
A study has uncovered significant findings related to the early sensorimotor features and cognitive abilities of toddlers who are later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Researchers found discrepancies between crash reports and hospital data that might paint an incomplete or inaccurate picture of how crashes impact the safety of child passengers. Enhancing the quality of injury data reported in crash reports can aid researchers in assessing the effectiveness of various transportation safety strategies for children.
New York City neighborhoods subject to higher rates of policing during the Stop and Frisk years also experienced higher burdens of psychiatric hospitalization among their adolescent and young adult residents -- independent of underlying neighborhood socio-economic characteristics.
They're the little digital tools you can download in a few seconds, but despite their literal size, health and fitness apps pack a real punch when it comes to getting results, say researchers.
A new study comparing expected lifespans among six high-income English-speaking countries found that Australians live the longest while American lifespans faltered over the last three decades.
A new technique for mechanically manipulating stem cells could lead to new stem cell treatments, which have yet to fulfill their therapeutic potential.
A physician scientist is making strides in understanding the molecular origins of fatty liver disease, a leading cause of liver failure in the United States.
Adolescents were more likely to have consumed alcohol or tried marijuana by age 15 if they had later bedtimes and slept fewer hours during the night during childhood and adolescence, according to a new study.
A new study finds that preterm-born children fit into three profiles, with markedly different results on tests that measure cognition and behavior.
Linked to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in people, nanoplastics continue to build up, largely unnoticed, in the world's bodies of water. The challenge remains to develop a cost-effective solution to get rid of nanoplastics while leaving clean water behind. That's where Mizzou comes in. Recently, researchers created a new liquid-based solution that eliminates more than 98% of these microscopic plastic particles from water.
An unprecedented study reveals strategy to decrease the burden of alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions.
Chemists developed a way to synthesize complex molecules called oligocyclotryptamines, originally found in plants, which could hold potential as antibiotics, analgesics, or anticancer drugs.
The atmosphere within a group can influence the outcome of strategic decision-making, according to a new study. Researchers found that different atmospheres led to people speaking and interacting in different ways that changed how they made sense of the strategy.
A computer algorithm has achieved a 98% accuracy in predicting different diseases by analyzing the color of the human tongue. The proposed imaging system can diagnose diabetes, stroke, anemia, asthma, liver and gallbladder conditions, COVID-19, and a range of vascular and gastrointestinal issues, according to new research.
A new type of degenerative brain disease, limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), was recognized just a decade or so ago, and remains relatively unknown. In the disease, the TDP-43 protein accumulates particularly in the limbic brain regions, which are also affected in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Accordingly, symptoms of LATE are similar to those of early Alzheimer's, but typically progress more slowly and are milder.
Higher intake of heme iron, the type found in red meat and other animal products -- as opposed to non-heme iron, found mostly in plant-based foods -- was associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a new study. While the link between heme iron and T2D has been reported previously, the study's findings more clearly establish and explain the link.
A chemical process is the first to make it possible to quickly and easily produce modified peptides with boronic acids. These biologically active peptide boronic acids open up new possibilities in the young research field of synthetic immunology and could go on to be used primarily in immunotherapy.
Researchers established a suite of parameters that can be determined using ultrasound to quantitatively measure different physical characteristics of the lung. The researchers also demonstrated that the parameters can be used to accurately diagnose and assess the severity of lung diseases in an animal model.
A study has shown that different plant species tackle the same evolutionary hurdle in different ways, and the findings may give insight into aggressive forms of cancer.
A new study has rewritten the conventionally understood evolutionary history of certain ion channels -- proteins critical for electrical signaling in the nervous system. The study shows that the Shaker family of ion channels were present in microscopic single cell organisms well before the common ancestor of all animals and thus before the origin of the nervous system.
Targeting glycolysis can help lower neutrophil extracellular trap formation in antiphospholipid syndrome.
Cell-cell adhesion-induced patterning in keratinocytes can be explained by just starvation and strong adhesion researchers find.
New research explains the mathematics behind how initial predispositions and additional information affect decision making.
A new study has found that routine lab tests may not be useful in making a long COVID diagnosis for people who have symptoms of the condition. The study highlights how challenging it can be to identify and diagnose a novel illness such as long COVID.
Scientists have identified novel genetic variations that influence relapse risk in children with standard risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (SR B-ALL), the most common childhood cancer.
Respiratory infections can be severe, even deadly, in some individuals, but not in others. Scientists have gained new understanding of why this is the case by uncovering an early molecular driver that underpins fatal disease. Oleoyl-ACP-hydrolase (OLAH) is an enzyme involved in fatty acid metabolism. A study shows that OLAH drives severe disease outcomes.
Anyone who's tried to neatly gather a fitted sheet can tell you: folding is hard. Get it wrong with your laundry and the result can be a crumpled, wrinkled mess of fabric, but when folding fails among the approximately 7,000 proteins with an origami-like complexity that regulate essential cellular functions, the result can lead to one of a multitude of serious diseases ranging from emphysema and cystic fibrosis to Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately, our bodies have a quality-control system that identifies misfolded proteins and marks them either for additional folding work or destruction, but how, exactly, this quality-control process functions is not entirely known. Researchers have now made a major leap forward in our understanding of how this quality-control system works by discovering the 'hot spot' where all the action takes place.
Forest restoration can benefit humans, boost biodiversity and help tackle climate change simultaneously, new research suggests.
Anti-rejection regimens currently in use are broad immunosuppressive agents that make patients susceptible to infections. By using specific antibodies, it may be possible to just block the inflammation that leads to rejection but leave anti-microbial immunity intact.
In work conducted both at UC Santa Barbara and the Physics of Life Excellence Cluster of TU Dresden, biophysicist Otger Camp s and his research group have found that cell nuclei control the architecture and mechanics of eye and brain tissues during embryonic development. These results add a new role for the cell's nucleus in tissue organization, well beyond its established role in genetic regulation.
Nanotubes can serve as biosensors. They change their fluorescence when they bind to certain molecules. Until now, it was unclear why. Researchers have gained new insights into the cause of the fluorescence.
Women whose Fallopian tubes are removed during sterilization via laparoscopy have only marginally more surgical complications than those whose tubes are simply cut, a study shows. The removal, salpingectomy, is a safe procedure that can help protect against future ovarian cancer, according to a new study.
A new study has identified why a diet rich in magnesium is so important for our health, reducing the risk of DNA damage and chronic degenerative disorders.
Memory loss, confusion, speech problems Alzheimer s disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting about 35 million people worldwide, and the number is growing. The protein amyloid beta, which occurs naturally in the brain, plays a central role in the disease: It accumulates in patients in insoluble clumps that form plaques between neurons in the brain, damaging them. Researchers have now shown that, in addition to neurons, special glial cells in the brain also produce amyloid beta. This finding could open up new avenues for future therapies.
Researchers have shed new light on how the brain processes and synthesizes information. Findings help solve a longstanding mystery in neuroscience.
A new study shows how feeding mice a drug called GSM-15606 provided protection against air pollution-related increases in proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease.
MRI scans could replace invasive heart tests, as new research shows they can reliably estimate pressures inside the heart to predict if a patient will develop heart failure.
Radiation is a powerful tool for treating cancer, but prolonged exposure can damage the skin. Radiation-induced skin injuries are painful and increase a person's chances of infection and long-term inflammation. Now, researchers report an aspirin-containing hydrogel that mimics the nutrient-rich fluid between cells and accelerates healing of skin damaged by radiation in animals. With further development, the new salve could provide effective and rapid wound healing for humans.
Young children often display similar eating behavior as their parents, with a parent's own eating style influencing how they feed their children.
Patients with a common heart arrhythmia called Atrial Fibrillation could benefit from future treatments that target inefficiencies in heart cell metabolism, according to a new article.
People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive problems. A new study shows that the reason may be that people with type 2 diabetes have more difficulty getting rid of a protein that may cause the disease.
With the help of a tiny, transparent worm called Caenorhabditis elegans, researchers have identified novel players in dopamine signaling by taking advantage of a powerful platform generated via the Million Mutation Project (MMP) for the rapid identification of mutant genes based on their functional impact. They can seek insights from simpler organisms whose genes bear striking similarity to those found in humans and where opportunities for genetic insights to disease can be pursued more efficiently and inexpensively.
In a new study, researchers created a sort of simulated voting booth -- a space where people, or mathematical 'agents,' with various biases could deliberate over decisions. The results may help to reveal the mathematics of how the human brain acts when it needs to make a choice.
Scientists explain how the amyloid beta deposits long known to build up in the brains of Alzheimer's patients serve as a kind of scaffold for the accumulation of other proteins. Because many of these proteins have known signaling functions, their presence around the amyloid accumulations, known as plaques, could be the culprit causing brain cell damage rather than the amyloid itself.
New research shows the timing of others' reactions to their babbling is key to how babies begin learning language and social norms -- a process evident in infants' interactions with a robot.
More than 47,000 people died in Europe as a result of high temperatures in 2023, the warmest year on record globally and the second warmest in Europe.
The body has a veritable army constantly on guard to keep us safe from microscopic threats from infections to cancer. Chief among this force is the macrophage, a white blood cell that surveils tissues and consumes pathogens, debris, dead cells, and cancer. Macrophages have a delicate task. It's crucial that they ignore healthy cells while on patrol, otherwise they could trigger an autoimmune response while performing their duties.
Natural killer (NK) cells engineered to express interleukin-21 (IL-21) demonstrated sustained antitumor activity against glioblastoma stem cell-like cells (GSCs) both in vitro and in vivo, according to new research.
In a pilot study, most people viewed humor as an effective parenting tool and that a parent or caregiver's use of humor affected the quality of their relationship with their children, according to new research. Among those whose parents used humor, the majority viewed their relationship with their parents and the way they were parented in a positive light.
Researchers have uncovered a more nuanced view of what makes an 'ideal' computer science student, challenging long-held stereotypes of geeky, clever, detail-oriented men, who lack social skills.
As the threat of mpox returns, a survey finds that U.S. adults no longer know as much about the disease as they did during the outbreak of 2022.
Researchers have created Mindful Scroll, a mobile app that helps users transition from doom-scrolling to adding mindfulness into their daily routines.
Following record breaking heat, a survey reveals that most Americans do not know where their local cooling centers are in cases of extreme heat.
Climate-driven wildfire events are rapidly transferring harmful particulate matter containing toxic chemicals over long distances, compromising air quality in the New Jersey and New York City areas, according to recent research.
When COVID-19 booster vaccines are in short supply, prioritizing the elderly over other age groups for booster vaccination results in the lowest loss of life, researchers report.
A new, two-step flu vaccination strategy that pairs intramuscular injection of a viral vectored flu vaccine with nasal spray administration of a novel attenuated live flu virus appears to be safe and effective in pigs, researchers report.
Researchers used the setting of the human-made Ukrainian Holodomor famine of 1932-1933 to examine the relation between prenatal famine and adult Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A discovery may boost the effectiveness of stem-cell transplants, commonly used for patients with cancer, blood disorders, or autoimmune diseases caused by defective stem cells, which produce all the body's different blood cells.
While seeking to unravel how marine algae create their chemically complex toxins, scientists have discovered the largest protein yet identified in biology. Uncovering the biological machinery the algae evolved to make its intricate toxin also revealed previously unknown strategies for assembling chemicals, which could unlock the development of new medicines and materials.
Scientists report that gamma frequency light and sound stimulation preserves myelination in mouse models and reveal molecular mechanisms that may underlie the benefit.
Scientists use DNA methylation patterns as a roadmap for identifying causes of severe epilepsies in children.
38 scientists from five continents presented an international consensus on fasting terminology and key definitions. The recent study reflects the increasing popularity of diets tied to fasting and a significant increase in scientific studies of fasting. While the application of fasting is rapidly growing, there was previously no globally established terminology.
In 2023, roughly 60,000 firework shells exploded above Manhattan's East River as part of Macy's Fourth of July show. The resulting air pollutant levels were many times higher in the hours after the display than those seen when smoke from a Canadian wildfire had blanketed the area a month before, according to the results of a new study.
Grab a drink with friends at happy hour and you're likely to feel chatty, friendly and upbeat. But grab a drink alone and you may experience feelings of depression. Researchers think they now know why this happens.
Researchers have discovered new ways of preventing and treating respiratory viruses. In two new papers, the team reports the development and validation of NanoSTING, a nasal spray, as a broad-spectrum immune activator for controlling infection against multiple respiratory viruses; and the development of NanoSTING-SN, a pan-coronavirus nasal vaccine, that can protect against infection and disease by all members of the coronavirus family.
A new psychology study has revealed regular seasonal shifts in people's moral values. The research analyzed survey responses from more than 230,000 people in the U.S. over 10 years and revealed that people's endorsement of moral values that promote group cohesion and conformity is stronger in the spring and fall than it is in the summer and winter. This has potential implications for politics, law and health -- including the timing of elections and court cases.
Working with human stem cells that form a kind of 'mini intestine-in-a-dish,' scientists say they have found several molecular mechanisms for COVID-19-related diarrhea, suggesting potential ways to control it.
An AI-based analysis of over 2 million hospital visits has found that most of the time, a pneumonia diagnosis made in the hospital will change from a patient's entrance to their discharge -- either because someone who was initially diagnosed with pneumonia ended up with a different final diagnosis, or because a final diagnosis of pneumonia was missed when a patient entered the hospital.
Gold does not readily lend itself to being turned into long, thin threads. But researchers have now managed to create gold nanowires and develop soft electrodes that can be connected to the nervous system. The electrodes are soft as nerves, stretchable and electrically conductive, and are projected to last for a long time in the body.
A study reveals that ketogenic low-carbohydrate diets can increase cholesterol levels and reduce beneficial gut bacteria, specifically Bifidobacterium.
The brain chemical orexin is crucial when we choose between sport and the tasty temptations that beckon everywhere we turn. This research finding could also help people who find it difficult to motivate themselves to exercise.
People with higher levels of metals found in their blood and urine may be more likely to be diagnosed with -- and die from -- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a new study suggests. Investigators also discovered that participants working in occupations with a higher likelihood of metal exposure had increased levels of metal mixtures in their blood and urine. Researchers say by avoiding high risk activities associated with metal exposures, individuals might lower their overall exposure and potentially mitigate risk.
A new study reports the discovery of extremely rare early human fossils from the Indonesian island of Flores, including an astonishingly small adult limb bone. Dated to about 700,000 years old, the new findings shed light on the evolution of Homo floresiensis, the so-called 'Hobbits' of Flores whose remains were uncovered in 2003 at Liang Bua cave in the island's west.
A protein called Meteorin-like (METRNL) in the tumor microenvironment saps energy from T cells, thereby severely limiting their ability to fight cancer.
A study of horses -- which share many important similarities with humans in their chromosomes and pregnancies -- revealed that 42% of miscarriages and spontaneous abortions in the first two months of pregnancy were due to complications from an extra set of chromosomes, a condition called triploidy.
A new tool to track the neurons and molecules activated in the brain by psychedlic drugs could help scientists unlock the benefits of psychedelic treatments for patients with brain disorders.
In Brazil, climate and other human-made environmental changes threaten decades-long efforts to fight schistosomiasis, a widespread and debilitating parasitic disease. Now, researchers have developed models that can predict how the disease risk will shift in response to environmental changes.
A new study conducted in Canada's two largest cities has linked about 1,100 premature deaths per year to an unregulated air pollutant. Ultrafine particles (UFPs) primarily come from vehicle emissions and industrial activities. Canada's federal and provincial governments have not set concentration limits for UFPs, as they have for larger fine particles known as PM2.5.
If you enjoy a bowl of plain yogurt in the morning, adding a spoonful of honey is a delicious way to sweeten your favorite breakfast food. It also supports the probiotic cultures in the popular fermented dairy product, according to two new studies.
A new study reveals that a changing Africa is creating avenues of empowerment for Maasai women.
Investigators identified a chemokine/chemokine receptor mismatch for osteosarcoma (i.e., osteosarcomas secrete chemokines for which CAR T cells do not express receptors). The researchers modified CAR T cells targeting the osteosarcoma antigen B7-H3 to express CXCR2 or CXCR6 receptors, which recognize chemokines (CXCL8 or CXCL16) secreted by osteosarcoma.
A new review article outlines the genetic, neurobiological, and environmental foundations for schizophrenia.
Researchers analyzed dozens of previous studies into long COVID to examine the number and range of people affected, the underlying mechanisms of disease, the many symptoms that patients develop, and current and future treatments.
Known for their role in allergic reactions, mast cells have long been recognised as key players in our immune system. When they encounter allergens, they release chemicals that trigger typical allergy symptoms such as tissue swelling and inflammation. Now, researchers have discovered a hidden talent of mast cells: they can capture and use another type of immune cell called neutrophils. This surprising discovery sheds new light on how our immune system works, particularly during allergic reactions.
New research shows that many people believe they may be judged if they share mistaken beliefs with their care team -- and that doctors really do take strongly negative views of patients who disclose incorrect or unreasonable beliefs.
A new study has found that Native Hawaiians experience higher accelerated biological aging in comparison to White and Japanese American residents.
Unravelling the complexities of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in cancer biology has positioned scientists on the cusp of revolutionary breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. A new study predicts remarkable potential for circular RNAs to improve cancer treatment and patient outcomes within the next 5-10 years.
Innovative new research has revealed that the activity of different versions of genes expressed in the brain is associated with the accumulation of the protein tau, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
A breakthrough lays the foundations for vaccine development and for testing new preventative measures against the neglected tropical disease leishmaniasis.
Eye-tracking allows studying aspects that cannot be seen, for example, the thinking processes of a student solving a mathematical problem. Researchers have integrated eye-tracking into education and are using the technology to radically improve the teaching of mathematics.
When two people interact, their brain activity becomes synchronized, but it was unclear until now to what extent this 'brain-to-brain coupling' is due to linguistic information or other factors, such as body language or tone of voice. Researchers report that brain-to-brain coupling during conversation can be modeled by considering the words used during that conversation, and the context in which they are used.
Researchers investigated the environmental costs of AI, including energy consumption of AI systems in the medical field, carbon emissions of data centers, and electronic waste issues. Specific solutions to mitigate these environmental impacts were discussed, including the development of energy-efficient AI models, the implementation of green computing, and the use of renewable energy.
Researchers have discovered a new correlation between neural signaling in the brain and dopamine signaling in the striatum. The human brain requires fast neural signal processing in a short period of less than a second. Dopamine is known to have the strongest effect on brain neural signals, but the research team's newly developed 'optical neural chip-based multiple brain signal monitoring technology' shows that changes in dopamine signals within the physiological range do not affect brain neural signal processing.
Researchers have developed new real-time microscopy technology and successfully observed the behavior of 'motor proteins', which may hold the key to unraveling the efficient material transport strategy of cells.
Snacks provide, on average, about one-fourth of most people's daily calories. With nearly one in three adults in the United States overweight and more than two in five with obesity, researchers are investigating how Americans can snack smarter.
A drug that was developed to treat pancreatic cancer has now been shown to increase symptom-free survival in preclinical medulloblastoma models -- all without showing signs of toxicity.
Researchers have developed a way to study aged neurons in the lab without a brain biopsy, allowing them to accurately model the effects of aging in the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. By studying these cells, the researchers identified aspects of cells' genomes -- called retrotransposable elements, which change their activity as we age -- in the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest new treatment strategies targeting these factors.
New research suggests that an El Nino event may have aided the establishment and spread of a novel cholera strain during an early 20th-century pandemic, supporting the idea that climate anomalies could create opportunities for the emergence of new cholera strains.
Humans and baker's yeast have more in common than meets the eye, including an important mechanism that helps ensure DNA is copied correctly, reports a pair of studies. The findings visualize for the first time a molecular complex -- called CTF18-RFC in humans and Ctf18-RFC in yeast -- that loads a 'clamp' onto DNA to keep parts of the replication machinery from falling off the DNA strand.
A new small study has revealed the impact of obesity on muscle structure in patients having a form of heart failure called heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Strokes lead to irreversible damage to the brain and are one of the most common causes of dependency or death. As the cellular reactions to a cerebral infarction are not yet fully understood, there is a lack of possible approaches to promote the regeneration of damaged nerve tissue in the brain. A new study closes crucial gaps in our knowledge and paves the way for research into new, targeted therapeutic strategies.
A new study places the origin of the Imazighen in the Epipaleolithic, more than twenty thousand years ago. The research concludes that the genetic origin of the current Arab population of north Africa is far more recent than previously believed, placing it in the seventh century AD. The team has designed an innovative demographic model that uses artificial intelligence to analyze the complete genomes of the two populations.
Higher levels of urinary metals such as cadmium, tungsten, uranium, cobalt, copper and zinc are linked to increased cardiovascular disease and mortality in a racially and ethnically diverse U.S. population, according to a new study.
Highly localized TB strains are less infectious in cosmopolitan cities and more likely to infect people from the geographic area that is the strain's natural habitat. The research provides the first controlled evidence that TB strains may evolve with their human hosts, adapting to be more infectious to specific populations. The findings offer new clues for tailoring preventive treatments after exposure to TB based on affinity between strains host populations.
To diagnose heart conditions including heart attacks and heart rhythm disturbances, clinicians typically rely on 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) -- complex arrangements of electrodes and wires placed around the chest and limbs to detect the heart's electrical activity. But these ECGs require specialized equipment and expertise, and not all clinics have the capability to perform them. Scientists showed that, with help from an AI tool, cardiologists can diagnose heart attacks using a simpler, easier and more accessible electrocardiogram technology.
Identifying interventions that could increase vaccine coverage could help save lives. A new paper offers a comprehensive meta-analysis examining what types of vaccination intervention strategies have the greatest effect, and whether different intervention strategies work better in different countries.
Food in hospitals often does not enjoy a good reputation. The proportion of meat on the plate in particular is too high. Clinics can do a lot to motivate patients to choose a healthier menu, as two new studies show.
Geosmin is a volatile compound of microbial origin with a distinct 'earthy' to 'musty' odor that can affect the quality of water and food. A research team has now identified and characterized the human odorant receptor for geosmin for the first time.
Researchers develop a nanosensing platform that can assess the quality of individual viral vector particles Viral vectors hold much potential for gene editing and gene therapy, but there is a pressing need to develop quality control methods to minimize potential side effects on patients. Addressing this, researchers from Japan developed a nanosensing-based approach that can differentiate between functional and faulty viral vectors at the single-particle level. This convenient and inexpensive technique will hopefully get us one step closer to advancing treatments for genetic disorders.
Recently, researchers developed a non-invasive method combining electrical impedance tomography and extracellular voltage activation to evaluate drug effects on ion channels. The resulting printed circuit board sensor allows real-time monitoring of how newly developed drugs can affect ion flow in channels, providing a cost-effective and accurate alternative to traditional methods like patch-clamp techniques and paving the way toward more efficient and shorter preclinical testing in the drug discovery process.
Fewer side effects, improved chances of healing: the goal of precision medicine is to provide patients with the most individualized treatment possible. This requires a precise understanding of what is happening at the cellular level. Researchers have now succeeded in mapping the interactions of 144 active substances with around 8,000 proteins. The results could help to identify previously unknown potential benefits of existing drugs.
Companies and institutes are currently working on biotechnological processes for the production of 'dairy products' without the use of cows: In so-called precision fermentation, egg and milk proteins are produced with the help of bacteria, yeasts or other fungi. This results in foods such as milk or cheese with a familiar flavor and texture. Supporters hope that this will lead to more sustainable food production, as nutrient-rich proteins can be produced using fewer resources. But will consumers accept such products?
Judging how happy you are could backfire and negatively impact life satisfaction and psychological well-being, according to new research.
High blood pressure affects about 45% of U.S. adults. In the 1970s, only about 50% of patients were aware of their hypertension. Today, 54% are aware of their high blood pressure, 40% are actively treated and 21% are actively controlled. As such, researchers alert health care providers that the old 'silent killer' is alive and well. Healthy individuals should have a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or less, and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg or less.
Researchers offer a new perspective on antifragility, proposing a unified framework for understanding the property across different complex systems.
Researchers have developed a new model to explain the formation of giant planets such as Jupiter, which furnishes deeper insights into the processes of planet formation and could expand our understanding of planetary systems.
In a study of more than 100,000 people, researchers found that people with a less healthy lifestyle (higher BMI, greater smoking, greater alcohol consumption, less physical activity, poorer diet quality) had a greater reduction in risk of colorectal cancer associated with aspirin use, compared to participants with a healthier lifestyle. Participants with a healthier lifestyle had a lower baseline risk of colorectal cancer, and their benefit was less pronounced. The study's findings could encourage a more nuanced approach to preventive aspirin use.
A clinical trial suggests that a subset of older adults with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease may benefit from fish oil supplements.
Researchers have developed a formula and easy-to-use assessment tool for estimating fall risks using a database of older adults. Preventing falls among older adults is expected to extend life expectancy and reduce medical and nursing care costs.
A new large study suggests incidence rates continued to rise in successively younger generations in 17 of the 34 cancer types, including breast, pancreatic, and gastric cancers. Mortality trends also increased in conjunction with the incidence of liver (female only), uterine corpus, gallbladder, testicular, and colorectal cancers.
An artificial intelligence method to detect biomarkers in tumor biopsies promises to cut weeks and thousands of dollars from cancer detection, extending the benefits of precision oncology to underserved and under-resourced patients.
Researchers found a small molecule that increases fetal hemoglobin production in human blood stem cells and leads to fewer sickled red blood cells in mice, providing proof of principle for developing more effective therapeutics for sickle cell disease.
An international research team has succeeded in developing a new version of RNA building blocks with higher chemical reactivity and photosensitivity. This can significantly reduce the production time of RNA chips used in biotechnological and medical research. The chemical synthesis of these chips is now twice as fast and seven times more efficient.
An artificial intelligence program created explanations of heart test results that were in most cases accurate, relevant, and easy to understand by patients.
Recently published research shows a medical device may be beneficial for patients who have previously had a stroke and are planning to undergo a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, a type of heart valve operation.
Having high blood pressure, specifically high diastolic blood pressure, was linked to a slightly higher odds of ever having migraine in female participants, according to a new study. Diastolic pressure is when the heart is resting between beats. However, the study did not find an increased risk between other cardiovascular risk factors and migraine.
A nasal COVID-19 vaccine blocks transmission of the virus, according to an animal study. The findings suggest that vaccines delivered directly to the nose or mouth could play a critical role in containing the spread of respiratory infections.
A lesser-known cannabinoid that is gaining in popularity Cannabigerol (CBG) effectively reduced anxiety in a clinical trial without the intoxication typically associated with whole plant cannabis. It may even have some memory enhancing effects, according to a new study. For the study, researchers conducted the first human clinical trial investigating the acute effects of CBG on anxiety, stress and mood. The research revealed that 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG significantly reduced feelings of anxiety at 20, 45 and 60 minutes after ingestion compared to a placebo.
Researchers are using advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose rare diseases and prenatal exposure-related birth abnormalities in two new studies.
Researchers have discovered tumor-neuron interactions that regulate the growth of ependymoma brain tumors.
People from different cultures show both similarities and differences in how body appreciation, sociocultural pressure, and internalization of thin ideals vary, according to a new study.
Researchers create the first national glycemic index database, revealing how common foods impact health and contribute to chronic diseases.
The innermost layer of blood vessels is formed by endothelial cells, which in turn play a role in the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system. Human endothelial cells are therefore required for the 'in vitro' investigation of the causes of these diseases. Researchers have now established a highly efficient, cost-effective and reproducible way to generate functional endothelial cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for tests in cell culture dishes.
A genetic diagnostic method using a small sample of skin from the upper arm could identify rare neurodevelopmental disorders in a non-invasive way, according to researchers.
Glioblastomas are highly aggressive, usually incurable brain tumors. If all therapeutic options are exhausted, patients have an average life expectancy of less than two years. Now researchers have made a surprising discovery: in the vicinity of glioblastomas, they found islands of highly potent immune cells in the neighboring bone marrow of the skull, which play a central role in defending against cancer. The new data may open up prospects for innovative therapies. On the other hand, they cast a shadow over conventional strategies.
In a hopeful sign for demand for more safe, effective antibiotics for humans, researchers have leveraged artificial intelligence to develop a new drug that already is showing promise in animal trials.
Changes in gene expression in sebaceous glands have now been spatially mapped. The study documents at high resolution changes in gene expression in the course of sebum synthesis and identifies new candidates for the modulation of sebum production.
More than two-thirds of people taking blood thinners take direct oral anticoagulants, or DOACs, which are under- or over-prescribed in up to one in eight patients. A new study finds that most prescribing issues for DOACs occur after a provider writes the initial prescription. Researchers say the findings highlight why patients on DOACs need to be monitored consistently.
Scientists are using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyze electroencephalogram (EEG) tests more quickly and precisely, enabling neurologists to find early signs of dementia among data that typically go unexamined.
Researchers have succeeded in identifying and synthesizing a group of molecules that can act against the cause of tuberculosis in a new way. They describe that the so-called callyaerins act against the infectious disease by employing a fundamentally different mechanism compared to antibiotic agents used to date.
Neurotransmitter levels in the brain can indicate brain health and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. However, the protective blood-brain barrier (BBB) makes delivering fluorescent sensors that can detect these small molecules to the brain difficult. Now, researchers demonstrate a way of packaging these sensors for easy passage across the BBB in mice, allowing for improved brain imaging. With further development, the technology could help advance Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and treatment.
Lung diseases kill millions of people around the world each year. Treatment options are limited, and animal models for studying these illnesses and experimental medications are inadequate. Now, researchers describe their success in creating a mucus-based bioink for 3D printing lung tissue. This advance could one day help study and treat chronic lung conditions.
Remote and hybrid working may be great for employees' work-life balance, but it may be stifling innovation, according to new research.
Modern cutting-edge research generates enormous amounts of data, presenting scientists with the challenge of visualizing and analyzing it. Researchers have developed a tool for visualizing large data sets. The sCIRCLE tool allows users to explore single-cell analysis data in an interactive and user-friendly way.
Companies may unintentionally hurt their sales by including the words 'artificial intelligence' when describing their offerings that use the technology, according to a recent study. Researchers conducted experimental surveys with more than 1,000 adults in the U.S. to evaluate the relationship between AI disclosure and consumer behavior. The findings consistently showed products described as using artificial intelligence were less popular.
'Holiday' or 'vacation', 'to start' or 'to begin', 'my friend's cat' or 'the cat of my friend' -- in our language, there are different ways of expressing the same things and concepts. But can the choice of a particular variant determine whether we prefer to cooperate with certain people rather than with others? A research team investigated this and showed that people are more likely to co-operate with others if they make similar linguistic choices in a conversation. The experiment suggests that the decisive factor is probably the feeling of belonging to the same social group.
The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ2) was used to investigate how medical interventions influence the individual birth experience. The overall experience was rated positively.
Research shows that the physical activities we do as we go about our lives, at work or in the home, aren't enough to protect us from having a stroke. However, exercising in our free time and using active modes of transport are associated with a decreased risk of stroke.
An iron-binding drug that is already approved for treatment of other diseases could provide a novel way to attack ovarian tumors, according to a new study. The preclinical study combined the analysis of human ovarian tumors and animal models of the disease.
A canine gallbladder disease that involves the accumulation of abnormal mucus similar to that seen in human cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is caused by improper expression of the gene associated with CF in humans. The finding could have implications for human CF patients as well as for animal models of CF.
New research using live mouse-adapted influenza virus improves upon previous mouse experiments to explain how maternal infection impacts fetal brain development. The study also indicates fetal brain changes are more likely once the severity of the mother's infection meets a specific threshold.
A team of researchers has designed a molecule that impairs signaling mediated by two key drivers of cancer therapy resistance.
A new study found that adults with chronic pain are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression than people without chronic pain, yet they access mental health care at lower rates and are less likely to have their mental health needs met in treatment.
A large trial of strategies to reduce distracted driving showed that those that were 'gamified' yielded a lasting reduction in handheld phone usage while driving.
Researchers who study belief dynamics often use analogies to understand and model the complex cognitive-social systems that underlie why we believe the things we do and how those beliefs can change over time. Ideas can be transmitted like a virus, for instance, 'infecting' a population as they spread from person to person. We might be drawn -- like magnets -- to others with a similar worldview. A society's beliefs can shift slowly before reaching a tipping point that thrusts society into a new phase. A new article explores the benefits -- and potential pitfalls -- of several common analogies used to model belief dynamics.
Researchers have found a link between following a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially one without much added sugar, and having a younger biological age at the cellular level.
A research team has shown that a wearable, non-invasive device can measure activity in human cervical nerves in clinical settings. The results could help medical professionals tailor treatments for inflammatory conditions like sepsis and PTSD.
A study opens new perspectives to better understand how the molecular mechanisms involved in regenerative medicine work. The study focuses on tumor necrosis factor- (TNF- ) and its receptors TNFR, molecules of key interest in biomedicine due to their involvement in multiple diseases such as obesity related to type 2 diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease and several types of cancer.
Hair follicle infections are often difficult to treat because bacteria settle in the gap between hair and skin, where it is difficult for active substances to reach them. In order to investigate this scenario more closely in the laboratory, researchers have now developed a model with human hair follicles embedded in a matrix produced using 3D printing. In the future, this model can be used to test the effectiveness of new drug candidates against corresponding pathogens directly on human follicles.
The processes in the brain and body through which physical exercise reduces depressive symptoms have been explored.
Humanity must rethink migration as the climate crisis drives rapid global changes, researchers say.
Losing someone close, like a family member, can make you age faster. The study found that people who lost a parent, partner, sibling, or child, showed signs of older biological age compared to those who hadn't experienced such losses.
Scientists have developed the R-EDByUS score, a new model predicting neurological outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients using prehospital data only. The model allows for rapid decision-making upon hospital arrival, enhancing patient care and resource allocation. This innovation marks a significant advancement in emergency medical treatment.
For people moving through the Bronx at different times, exposure to particulate matter 2.5 microns or bigger rises by about 2.4 percent when daily travel patterns are taken into account, according to a new study.
New therapy uses synthetic nanofibers to mimic the natural signaling of a protein that is crucial for cartilage formation and maintenance. Researchers found that intensifying the motion of molecules within the nanofibers led to more components needed for regeneration. After just four hours, the treatment activated the gene expression necessary to generate cartilage. Therapy could be used to treat osteoarthritis, which affects nearly 530 million people worldwide.
The brain contains many cell types, from the prominent neurons to the lesser-known microglia. The latter are integral to the brain's immune system and play a crucial role as the brain's cleanup crew. A recent study highlights that microglia establish connections with neurons through tunneling nanotubes. The researchers observed that microglia utilize these tubes to facilitate the clearance of toxic proteins from neurons and to promote neuronal health.
When doctors sit at hospitalized patients' bedsides, it can have a more positive impact than if they stand, a review of data suggests -- but a new study seeks to find out for sure.
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neurological disease for which there is presently no cure, although current therapies can alleviate symptoms. In the search for better treatment options, scientists are now drawing attention to previously unnoticed abnormalities in embryonic development. They base their argument on studies of so-called organoids: Laboratory-grown tissue cultures that can reconstruct disease processes.
An experimental drug originally developed to treat cancer may help clear HIV from infected cells in the brain, according to a new study. By targeting infected cells in the brain, drug may clear virus from hidden areas that have been a major challenge in HIV treatment.
A new study brings researchers closer to better understanding the pathology of the fatty liver disease MASH, which stands for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. MASH is a consequence of poor diet and obesity and results in severe damage to the liver. In MASH, the liver becomes filled with active and rapidly multiplying T cells, which are a type of immune cell. In today's study researchers examine what these T cells look like and how they work in people with liver cirrhosis (a late stage of liver disease) and in an animal model of MASH.
Targeted physical training can improve the quality of life of patients with metastatic breast cancer and alleviate fatigue. This is shown by an international randomized multicenter study. In the course of the training program, which included two sessions per week over nine months, disease- and therapy-related symptoms were markedly reduced, which was associated with a improved quality of life compared to the control group.
Mammals that have evolved more developed brains tend to have a smaller size difference between males and females of that species, according to new research.
A new study adds to evidence which suggests treating breast cancer patients with sodium channel blockers could be a promising future treatment to prevent the spread of cancer during the gap between diagnosis and surgery.
3D-printed blood vessels, which closely mimic the properties of human veins, could transform the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Strong, flexible, gel-like tubes -- created using a novel 3D printing technology -- could improve outcomes for heart bypass patients by replacing the human and synthetic veins currently used in surgery to re-route blood flow, experts say.
Scientists have discovered a new evasion strategy used by the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles, that may allow it to affect tissues far from the original site of infection.
A new mathematical method, validated with experimental animal data, provides a fast, reliable and minimally invasive way of determining how to treat critical blood pressure changes during surgery or intensive care.
A gentle rumble ran under a researcher's feet as a rocket carrying her research -- live, human muscle cells grown on scaffolds fixed on tiny chips -- lifted off, climbed, and disappeared into the sky to the International Space Station National Laboratory. These chips would help her better understand muscle impairment, often seen in astronauts and older adults, and test drugs to counter the condition.
In a rigorous medical records study covering tens of thousands of patients, researchers conclude that some patients with preoperative anemia have better outcomes if they get iron infusions before surgery rather than standard red blood cell transfusions.
A noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test that can be done at home could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer death by 33%, according to a new study.
Scientists have discovered that electrical currents may make Natural Killer (NK) cells -- our very own cancer-killing immune cells -- even better killers, which could have significant implications for treating some cancers. The scientists found that Tumour Treating Fields (TTF) in the laboratory (which mimic exposure of brain tumors to electric currents via a simple hat worn by patients) evoked an even more deadly response from NK cells. They hope their promising findings may open the door to new combined therapies for people living with certain brain tumors, such as glioblastoma.
New research shows that a certain bug, Alcaligenes faecalis (A. faecalis), can facilitate healing of hard-to-treat wounds among people with diabetes. While there are many studies done on potentially harmful bacteria in wounds, the researchers discovered that A. faecalis, a bacterium found in many types of chronic wounds, actually boosts healing of diabetic wounds. The researchers found that the beneficial bacterium can promote skin cell movements that are essential for wound closure by inhibiting enzymes that are over-produced in people with diabetes.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed an array that assesses methylation levels of genes located in imprint control regions (ICRs) within the human genome. The array represents a cost-effective, efficient method for exploring potential links between environmental exposures and epigenetic dysregulation during the early developmental origins of diseases and behavioral disorders.
Over the last century, a once-deadly mosquito-borne virus has evolved so that it no longer sickens humans. New research shows that changes in the virus's ability to target human cells paralleled the decline in illness and death. The findings offer important lessons in virology that may help guide better preparedness for future outbreaks of other viral diseases.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in developing a new gene therapy approach that restores full-length dystrophin protein, which could lead to new treatments for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
For patients with Afib, using a wearable device can lead to higher rates of anxiety about their Afib symptoms and treatment, doctor visits, and use of informal healthcare resources, according to a new study.
New research has found that specific genes may be related to the trajectory of recovery for stroke survivors, providing doctors insights useful for developing targeted therapies.
People with high levels of body fat stored in their belly or arms may be more likely to develop diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's than people with low levels of fat in these areas, according to new research. The study also found that people with a high level of muscle strength were less likely to develop these diseases than people with low muscle strength.
Tweaking the numbers of receptors in a key brain area changes the daily rhythms of rest and wake in mice.
In mice with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), increasing ketone supply to the heart allowed their hearts to utilize more ketones and produce more energy.
Current medical guidelines recommend that people in a preliminary stage of type 2 diabetes lose at least 7 percent of their body weight in order to prevent manifest diabetes. Diabetes experts advocate glycemic remission (normalization of blood sugar regulation) as a prevention goal for people with prediabetes or a high risk of type 2 diabetes. The article's claim is supported by numerous international scientists as well as by the DZD's Prevention Academy.Current medical guidelines recommend that people in a preliminary stage of type 2 diabetes lose at least 7 percent of their body weight in order to prevent manifest diabetes. In an article in 'Nature Reviews Endocrinology,' diabetes experts Prof. Andreas Birkenfeld and Prof. Viswanathan Mohan advocate glycemic remission (normalization of blood sugar regulation) as a prevention goal for people with prediabetes or a high risk of type 2 diabetes. The article's claim is supported by numerous international scientists as well as by the DZD's Prevention Academy.
An interdisciplinary team of physicians and scientists show for the first time that a blood protein called fibrin blocks an essential biological process that drives brain development in early life. They identified a root cause of developmental delays that result from brain bleeds in premature infants, opening a path for new therapeutic strategies to counter long-term health risks.
A new machine-learning model can identify the stage of disease in ductal carcinoma in situ, a type of preinvasive tumor that can sometimes progress to a deadly form of breast cancer. This could help clinicians avoid overtreating patients whose disease is unlikely to progress.
Researchers are working to create the first strain of mice that's genetically susceptible to late-onset Alzheimer's, with potentially transformative implications for dementia research.
Researchers offer the first comprehensive ranking of the relative role and significance of every known gene and protein in the development of Alzheimer's Disease.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly widened existing economic and health disparities between wealthy and low-income countries and slowed progress toward health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a new study.
Researchers conducted a breakthrough proof-of-concept study that found an HIV-like virus particle that could cease the need for lifelong medications.
Acute myeloid leukemia is one of the deadliest cancers. Leukemic stem cells responsible for the disease are highly resistant to treatment. A team has made a breakthrough by identifying some of the genetic and energetic characteristics of these stem cells, notably a specific iron utilization process. This process could be blocked, leading to the death or weakening of these stem cells without affecting healthy cells. These results pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.
New insights into the prevalence and mechanisms of gene misexpression in a healthy population could help in diagnosing and developing treatments for complex diseases.
Researchers have discovered a novel pain control pathway that links the cingulate cortex in the front of the brain, through the pons region of the brainstem, to cerebellum in the back of the brain.
Surgeons compared traditional and new fully hydroxyapatite-coated hip replacement stems. They found the new stems offer larger contact areas, while traditional ones preserve bone density long-term. This insight aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce revision surgeries.
There's a lot that goes into an Olympic athlete's quest for gold -- years of training and rigor -- but also, an athlete's age. A team used statistics to figure out when an Olympic track-and-field athletes' peak performance will be.
A new study shows an average 20-percent spike of nitrogen dioxide polluting the air for communities located near huge warehouses. And people of color are harder hit.
Whether or not a person becomes seriously ill with COVID-19 depends, among other things, on genetic factors. With this in mind, researchers investigated a particularly large group of affected individuals. They confirmed the central and already known role of the TLR7 gene in severe courses of the disease in men, but were also able to find evidence for a contribution of the gene in women. In addition, they were able to show that genetic changes in three other genes of the innate immune system contribute to severe COVID-19.
The inaugural reporting guidelines for precision medicine research have just been published.
Ultrafine particles, UFPs, the smallest contributors to air pollution, hinder the function of mitochondria in human olfactory mucosa cells, a new study shows. The study showed that traffic-related UFPs impair mitochondrial functions in primary human olfactory mucosa cells by hampering oxidative phosphorylation and redox balance.
People who speak a language that has multiple words for different shades of colour perceive the shades more quickly.
A simple blood test that measures the number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell in the body, may predict whether people who have relapsed multiple myeloma are going to respond well to CAR-T immunotherapy, according to new research.
New research has advanced our knowledge of multiple roles for PTPRK, a receptor tyrosine phosphatase linked to the regulation of cell-cell adhesion, growth factor signalling and tumor suppression. Through a characterization of the function of PTPRK in human cell lines and mice, the team distinguished catalytic and non-catalytic functions of PTPRK. The findings extend what is known about the signalling mechanisms involving PTPRK as a phosphatase and its role in colorectal health but also shed new light on the extent of its function via non-catalytic signalling mechanisms.
Genomics and lab studies reveal numerous findings, including a key role for Reelin amid neuronal vulnerability, and for choline and antioxidants in sustaining cognition.
Rates of subsequent myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) following an acute illness were roughly the same between people whose acute illness was due to COVID-19 and those who did not have COVID-19, a new study finds.
Resulting atlas of the aging human brain holds molecular insights into the brain's vulnerability and resilience.
Cell membranes play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of cells. However, the mechanisms by which they perform these roles are not yet fully understood. Scientists have used cryo-electron microscopy to observe how lipids and proteins at the plasma membrane interact and react to mechanical stress. This work shows that, depending on conditions, small membrane regions can stabilize various lipids to trigger specific cellular responses. These discoveries confirm the existence of well-organized lipid domains and begin to reveal the role they play in cell survival.
Personalized text messages effectively promoted increased physical activity for patients after significant heart events -- such as a heart attack or surgery -- but those effects later diminished. Researcher say the results show incredible promise for simple, low cost interventions delivered through mobile technology and their potential to help prevent secondary cardiovascular events in patients.
A new study provides evidence that a spillover of avian influenza from birds to dairy cattle across several U.S. states has now led to mammal-to-mammal transmission -- between cows and from cows to cats and a raccoon.
Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) was safe and well tolerated as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) before and during pregnancy in the follow-up phase of a global study among cisgender women.
An international collaboration seeks to innovate the future of how a mechanical man's best friend interacts with its owner, using a combination of AI and edge computing called edge intelligence. The overarching project goal is to make the dog come 'alive' by adapting wearable-based sensing devices that can detect physiological and emotional stimuli inherent to one's personality and traits, such as introversions, or transient states, including pain and comfort levels.
The insecticide-treated bed nets and insecticide sprays that were so effective in preventing mosquito bites -- and therefore malaria -- are increasingly viewed as the causes of household pest resurgence after pests became resistant to pesticides, according to a new article.
Oligodendrocytes are an important source of amyloid beta and play a key role in promoting neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study.
A team of researchers has discovered that the tumor suppressor protein Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) can cause a unique type of cell death called ferroptosis in human glioblastoma -- the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor -- while sparing healthy cells. This new understanding has the potential to inform the development of novel treatments for various hard-to-treat cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
Psychologists have used the hit TV series Game of Thrones to understand how the brain enables us to recognize faces. Their findings provide new insights into prosopagnosia or face blindness, a condition that impairs facial recognition.
Consumers' attitudes and health behaviors respond negatively to the switch to daylight saving time.
Scientists utilize logic gate-based decision-making to construct circuits that control genes.
A research team has been exploring how mass layoffs and data breaches could be connected. Their theory: since layoffs create conditions where disgruntled employees face added stress or job insecurity, they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that heighten the company's vulnerability to data breaches.
An automated assessment technique that uses artificial intelligence could revolutionize the management of Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have developed a low-cost, flexible, and customizable sensor for badminton players that overcomes current monitoring constraints. The team used triboelectric sensors to construct their intelligent monitoring system because they are easy to adapt for flexible, wearable devices and to minimize interference during bending and twisting, they built a 3D-printed flexible arch-shaped sensor encased in a thermoplastic elastomer. This design is comfortable during use and can be easily customized to individual athletes.
In the crowded urban landscape, where small electric vehicles -- primarily scooters and bicycles -- have transformed short distance travel, researchers are reporting a major national surge in accidents tied to 'micromobility.'
Researchers have published new research that reports on a potential alternative and less-invasive approach to measure intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients.
The Stockholm3 blood test is equally effective at detecting prostate cancer in different ethnic groups, a new paper reports. The test produces significantly better results than the current PSA standard.
Adolescents with severe obesity who received meal-replacement therapy plus financial incentives experienced a greater reduction in body mass index compared to those who received meal replacement therapy alone, according to recent findings.
Nearly 40 million adults in the U.S. have sleep apnea, and more than 30 million of them use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine while sleeping. However, the machines tend to be expensive, clunky and uncomfortable -- resulting in many users giving up on using them. High blood pressure is often linked with sleep apnea because the brain works harder to regulate blood flow and breathing during sleep. A recent study offers new insight into the underlying mechanisms within the brain contributing to hypertension for those with sleep apnea.
New drug that disrupts two cellular targets would make it much harder for bacteria to evolve resistance.
Researchers have shown that a higher Brain Care Score is also associated with a lower risk of late-life depression. The findings provide further evidence of shared biological risk factors for stroke, dementia and depression and highlight the potential of the BCS to help patients make lifestyle changes to better care for their brain health.
Scientists use a multimodal approach that combines hard X-ray computed tomography and X-ray fluorescence imaging to see the structure and chemical processes inside of a single cell.
Researchers have discovered two proteins that act as regulators for mitophagy. The discovery opens a new avenue for researchers to boost mitophagy activity, to promote mitochondrial and neuronal health.
A new method that can rapidly determine whether a virus is infectious or non-infectious could revolutionize the response to future pandemics, researchers report.
Researchers found that an artificial intelligence (AI) model solved medical quiz questions -- designed to test health professionals' ability to diagnose patients based on clinical images and a brief text summary -- with high accuracy. However, physician-graders found the AI model made mistakes when describing images and explaining how its decision-making led to the correct answer.
A new study shows that over half of the medicines stocked in space -- staples such as pain relievers, antibiotics, allergy medicines, and sleep aids -- would expire before astronauts could return to Earth.
A new preclinical model offers a unique platform for studying the Parkinson's disease process and suggests a relatively easy method for detecting the disease in people.
A stroke not only causes acute damage to the brain, but can also have long-term health implications for other organs -- such as the heart. Researchers have worked on the hypothesis that the high rate of comorbidities that develop after a stroke could have a common immunological cause. And they actually managed to find it: The origin of the dysfunctions in other parts of the body lies in the immunological memory of the blood-forming cells in bone marrow.
A new study has identified new genetic and molecular risk factors that may reveal new pathways for treating patients after they experience their first stroke. The study identified CCL27 and TNFRSF14, two proteins that are associated with subsequent MACE, but not initial strokes. These proteins are known to activate inflammation, which plays a key role in the development of strokes and many chronic conditions and diseases. The findings suggest that inflammation is a contributing factor to MACE outcomes among people after they have their first stroke.
In a finding that opens the door to the development of targeted therapies for various muscle disorders, newly published research identifies key mechanisms of skeletal muscle regeneration and growth of muscles following resistance exercise.
Scientists have discovered a way to turn the body's B cells into tiny surveillance machines and antibody factories that can pump out specially designed antibodies to destroy cancer cells or HIV, two of medicine's most formidable foes.
In a large Singapore cohort study involving over 13,000 participants spanning close to 20 years, higher consumption of fruits during midlife was found to be associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms at late-life.
Researchers conduct large-scale studies with diverse groups to better understand the genetic factors that influence health and disease. The Million Veteran Program (MVP), for example, includes people from various backgrounds along with their detailed health records. A new study analyzed genetic data from 635,969 veterans and 2,069 traits and identified a total of 26,049 associations between specific genetic variants and various traits or health conditions.
Persistently unhealthy sleep, either not enough or too much, is associated with a significantly increased risk of Type 2 diabetes in a racially and economically diverse adult population, an international team of researchers has reported.
A meta-analysis of existing research shows exposure to nature, even as little as 10 minutes, could benefit those with diagnosed mental illness.
Researchers revealed an unexpected way in which the protein OTX2 drives the progression of medulloblastoma -- the most common aggressive childhood brain cancer. The findings suggest that targeting OTX2 or its effects can have therapeutic relevance.
Researchers have developed a new formal description of internal world models, thereby enabling interdisciplinary research. Internal world models help to make predictions about new situations based on previous experience and to help find one's bearings. The new formalized view helps to compare world models of humans, animals and AI and to eliminate deficits.
Solar cell, telescope and other optical component manufacturers may be able to design better devices more quickly with AI.
In a new study on the impact of doomscrolling from an existential perspective, researchers warn that habitual checking of disturbing stories on social media is linked with changes to how we view humankind and the meaning of life.
A naturally occurring peptide called PEPITEM could potentially rejuvenate the immune response in older individuals and protect against 'inflammageing', which is widely believed to be the root cause of many age-related diseases. A study raises the exciting possibility of a protective agent that could dampen age-related inflammation and restore normal immune function in older adults.
The risk of long COVID has declined over the course of the pandemic, although it remains a persistent threat. Researchers identified vaccination as a primary factor in reducing the risk of long COVID.
Globally, around 2.6 million children and adolescents are currently living with HIV, the majority of them in Africa. These young people are much more likely to experience treatment failure than adults. Experts long assumed that testing for viral drug resistance could improve treatment in cases where treatment has failed. However, a research team now shows that it is much more important to support patients in taking their medication regularly.
Although devices such as standing desks have been found to alleviate physical symptoms and increase worker productivity, questions remain regarding the best use of the primary types of workstations -- stand-biased, sit-stand or traditional -- for increasing workers' physical activity and preventing health problems. To answer these questions, researchers measured the computer usage and activity levels of 61 office workers for 10 days to evaluate any discomfort and develop possible remedies.
A new study shows that about two percent of the population develop autoantibodies against type 1 interferons, mostly later in life. This makes individuals more susceptible to viral diseases like COVID-19. The study is based on an analysis of a large collection of historical blood samples.
Burst sine wave electroporation was found to cause less damage to cells and tissue but more disruption to the blood-brain barrier.
In a study of several thousand companies in England, mental health training for line managers was associated with organizational-level benefits, including lower levels of long-term mental health-related sickness absence and better business performance, customer service, and staff recruitment and retention.
The human genome is filled with flecks of DNA left behind by viruses that infected primate ancestors tens of millions of years ago. Scientists used to think they were harmless, but new research shows that, when reawakened, they help cancer survive and thrive.
Adolescents consume around two-thirds of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs) new research has found. The study found that UPF consumption was highest among adolescents from deprived backgrounds, those of white ethnicity, and younger adolescents.
High-protein diets, known as 'Paleolithic diets', are popular. Using mouse models, scientists have studied their impact. While effective in regulating weight and stabilizing diabetes, these diets are not without risks. Excess protein greatly increases ammonium production, overwhelming the liver. Excess ammonium can cause neurological disorders and, in severe cases, lead to coma. These results suggest caution when following these diets.
During an event, details like what you saw, smelled, and felt aren't stored as a single memory. Rather, they are encoded and stored in your brain separately. To retrieve that memory, those pieces must get put back together. When that doesn't happen in the right way or details are distorted, it can lead to the creation of false memories. Now researchers have evidence that the common cuttlefish may create false memories, too.
Researchers have identified a new way to make opioids safer, increasing the pain-relieving properties of opioids while decreasing unwanted side effects through the spinal inhibition of a Heat shock protein 90 isoform.
CRISPR-Cas systems, defense systems in bacteria, have become a plentiful source of technologies for molecular diagnostics. Researchers have now expanded this extensive toolbox further. Their novel method, called PUMA, enables the detection of RNA with Cas12 nucleases, which naturally target DNA. PUMA promises a wide range of applications and high accuracy.
Rigorous exercise before bed has long been discouraged, but researchers have now found short bursts of light activity can lead to better sleep.
A new, large study confirms earlier findings that children with an autistic sibling have a 20% chance of being autistic themselves.
The largest neuroimaging study of conduct disorder to date has revealed extensive changes in brain structure among young people with the disorder. The largest difference was a smaller area of the brain's outer layer, known as the cerebral cortex, which is critical for many aspects of behavior, cognition and emotion.
Industrialized farming is often thought to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases because of better control, biosecurity and separation of livestock. A new study examines the effect of social and economic factors -- which are often overlooked in traditional assessments.
For the first time, scientists have found that sleep can be detected by patterns of neuronal activity just milliseconds long, 1000 times shorter than a second, revealing a new way to study and understand the basic brain wave patterns that govern consciousness.
A new report highlights a troubling trend: while global adolescent fertility rates have significantly declined, sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing an increase in teen births. This region's share of global adolescent births surged from 12 percent in 1950 to 47 percent in 2020 and is projected to reach a clear majority -- a full 67 percent -- by 2035.
In a new analysis of data, researchers have found that taking a daily supplement containing antioxidant vitamins and minerals slows progression of late-stage dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), potentially helping people with late-stage disease preserve their central vision.
Delivery systems in body continuously move materials between cells. Hijacking these systems allowed scientists to improve loading and delivery of therapeutic proteins. Biophysical principles could be used to enable more cost-effective loading of biological cargo into cell-derived delivery systems. Engineered molecules loaded up to 240 times more protein than other loading methods.
Our immune system is always on alert, detecting and eliminating pathogens and cancer cells. Cellular control mechanisms cause diseased cells to present antigens on their surface like signs for the immune system. For analysis of the necessary complex antigen processing and transport processes in real time, researchers have developed a 'cage' that is opened with light to release trapped antigens at a specific place and time.
Researchers have developed a strategy to identify new antimicrobial drugs with therapeutic promise from bacterial datasets, providing clues for discovering alternatives to traditional antibiotics.
Researchers studying antimicrobial-resistant E. coli -- the leading cause of human death due to antimicrobial resistance worldwide -- have identified a mechanism in dogs that may render multiple antibiotic classes ineffective.
Researchers examined the clinical, lifestyle, and multi-omic data of more than 1,400 healthy adults. How often people poop, they found, can have a large influence on one's physiology and health.
Hormone modulating therapy (HMT) used for the treatment of breast cancer was associated with a 7% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias later in life, according to a new study.
A new study shows that an AI tool can draft responses to patients' EHR queries as accurately as their human healthcare professionals, and with greater perceived 'empathy.'
The evolution of resistance to diseases, from infectious illnesses to cancers, poses a formidable challenge. Despite the expectation that resistance-conferring mutations would dwindle in the absence of treatment due to a reduced growth rate, preexisting resistance is pervasive across diseases that evolve -- like cancer and pathogens -- defying conventional wisdom.
A network of proteins found in the central nervous system could be harnessed to increase the effectiveness and reduce the side effects of popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs, according to new research.
Building upon groundbreaking research demonstrating how the SARS-CoV-2 virus disrupts mitochondrial function in multiple organs, researchers demonstrated that mitochondrially-targeted antioxidants could reduce the effects of the virus while avoiding viral gene mutation resistance, a strategy that may be useful for treating other viruses.
American diets may have gotten healthier and more diverse in the months following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study.
A recent study identified beta frequency neural activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of the brain's frontal lobe as the key neural signature underlying processes associated with recognizing rewards and determining subsequent choices and, thus, shaping future behaviors.
Liquid-liquid phase separation is not a precursor to formation of amyloid fibrils, a pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease, shows study. Rather, the formation of protein into liquid droplets may help to dissolve aggregated protein. The study deepens our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases linked to protein aggregation and could help develop new therapies.
A new study unveiled a groundbreaking approach to predicting the effectiveness of treatments for patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), a common form of blood cancer.
Bioengineering researchers developed ultrasmall, stable gas-filled protein nanostructures that could revolutionize ultrasound imaging and drug delivery for cancers and infectious diseases.
Despite treatment-related fertility challenges, female patients can become pregnant and give birth to healthy children after undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT), according to a new study.
Early exposure to antibiotics can trigger long term susceptibility to asthma, according to new research. Importantly the research team isolated a molecule produced by gut bacteria that in the future could potentially be trialed as a simple treatment, in the form of a dietary supplement, for children at risk of asthma to prevent them developing the disease.
Propofol, a drug commonly used for general anesthesia, induces unconsciousness by disrupting the brain's normal balance between stability and excitability.
The largest study of CTE to date has found a new link between playing contact sports, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and the development of a movement disorder known as parkinsonism.
A study helps explain why dairy cows infected by highly pathogenic avian influenza are shedding the virus in their milk. Their findings could help develop biosecurity measures aimed at slowing the spread of the illness.
It's been long established that certain men become aggressive when they see their manhood as being threatened. When does this behavior emerge during development --a nd why? A new study shows that adolescent boys may also respond aggressively when they believe their masculinity is under threat -- especially boys growing up in environments with rigid, stereotypical gender norms.
Drastically cutting back on caloric intake to lose weight ahead of competition is commonplace among athletes. However, this type of 'dieting' doesn't just diminish performances, it can also compromise their immune systems.
New results could ultimately help lead to interventions that spark creative thought or aid people who have mental illnesses that disrupt these regions of the brain.
Monitoring of heart rate and physical activity using consumer wearable devices was found to have clinical value for comparing the response to two treatments for atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
According to a new study, both 30-year risk for cardiovascular disease in addition to 10-year risk may be considered in making decisions about when to initiate high blood pressure medication.
New research could transform how we understand the way opioids affect the brain. Despite significant discussion surrounding the ongoing opioid crisis, current understanding of how opioids function in the brain is quite limited. This is primarily due to challenges in observing and measuring opioid effects in the brain in real-time. However, a recent technological breakthrough has overcome these limitations and is set to transform how scientists study opioid signaling in the brain.
Researchers have unveiled a pioneering study shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD).
A recent study has identified a specific neural activity pattern as a novel biomarker to accurately predict and monitor the clinical status of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who have undergone deep brain stimulation (DBS), a rapidly emerging therapeutic approach for severe psychiatric disorders.
Research reveals how brain inflammation triggers extreme muscle weakness across several diseases, including viral infection, bacterial infection and Alzheimer's disease. The study, in fruit flies and mice, also identified ways to block this process, which could have implications for treating or preventing the muscle wasting sometimes associated with inflammatory diseases, including bacterial infections, Alzheimer's disease and long COVID.
Scientists have successfully created mechanical force sensors directly in the developing brains and spinal cords of chicken embryos, which they hope will improve understanding and prevention of birth malformations such as spina bifida.
A new study suggests that giving users control over the interface feature of autoplay can help them realize that they are going down a rabbit hole. The work has implications for responsibly designing online content viewing platforms and algorithms, as well as helping users better recognize extreme content.
In a new study, researchers used low-intensity ultrasound technology to noninvasively alter a brain region associated with activities such as daydreaming, recalling memories and envisioning the future.
The human brain is remarkably adept at adjusting what we hear based on contexts, like our current environment or priorities, but it's still unknown how exactly the brain helps us detect, filter and react to sounds. Now, biologists are a step closer to solving that mystery. Using an animal model, the researchers found that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a brain region associated with decision-making but not typically linked to hearing, plays a central role in helping the auditory cortex (a primary hearing center of the brain) adapt to changing contexts or situations.
Researchers have revealed a novel association between chromosome 18q deletion syndrome and late-onset combined immunodeficiency (LOCID). Their finding challenges the previously held notion that 18q deletion syndrome only involves humoral immunodeficiency affecting B cells and antibody production. Moreover, the study highlights the need for regular immune function testing in 18q deletion syndrome patients for early diagnosis and improved management.
How do people like to interact with robots when navigating a crowded environment? And what algorithms should roboticists use to program robots to interact with humans? These are the questions that a team of mechanical engineers and computer scientists sought to answer in a recent study.
A study found distinct signatures in CD8-positive T cells in blood samples from children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes and in autoantibody-positive children who later developed type 1 diabetes.
International joint research led by Akihisa Osakabe and Yoshimasa Takizawa of the University of Tokyo has clarified the molecular mechanisms in thale cresses (Arabidopsis thaliana) by which the DDM1 (Decreased in DNA Methylation 1) protein prevents the transcription of 'jumping genes.' DDM1 makes 'jumping genes' more accessible for transcription-suppressing chemical marks to be deposited. Because a variant of this protein exists in humans, the discovery provides insight into genetic conditions caused by such 'jumping gene' mutations.
Researchers have identified an ion channel that contributes to chronic pain, suggesting a new target for pain medication.
PFAS, the potentially cancer-causing chemicals known as 'forever chemicals', have become an increasing concern in home drinking water. Solutions to reduce the risk of exposure range from mandated municipal-level water treatment to under-the-sink home treatment systems. But are consumers willing to foot the bill for an additional treatment system to help municipalities meet new federal drinking water regulations? Researchers found that they are, if it helps reduce the risk and fits their budget.
A multi-institutional study found that 1 in 6 youths fill an opioid prescription prior to surgery, and 3% of patients were still filling opioid prescriptions three to six months after surgery, indicating persistent opioid use and possible opioid dependence. The study underscores that more guidance is needed to steer clinicians away from prescribing opioids when they are not likely to be needed and recognizing patient-specific risk factors for persistent opioid use.
Do you grab a fork and take a first bite of cake, or say no and walk away? Our motivation to eat is driven by a complex web of cells in the brain that use signals from within the body, as well as sensory information about the food in front of us, to determine our behaviors. Now, scientists have identified a group of neurons in a small and understudied region of the brain -- the parasubthalamic nucleus (PSTN) -- that controls when an animal decides to take a first bite of food.
Christmas or Ramadan might seem to come around more quickly each year, for people who pay more attention to time, are more forgetful of plans, and love a good holiday, according to a new study. Researchers suggest this could mean that someone's experience of time is shaped not only by what they've done, but what is left to do.
Perceived warmth and competence predict the influence of race, gender and age on callback decisions, suggesting social perceptions might underlie such hiring bias, according to a new meta-analysis.
In preclinical studies, a team of researchers report new findings on a therapeutic combination that regenerated human insulin-producing beta cells, providing a possible new treatment for diabetes.
Using genetic engineering techniques, investigators designed a novel type of cell to recognize and fight cancer.
Researchers restored hearing in preclinical mouse models with a specific form of inherited deafness called DFNA50 caused by mutations in microRNA, by using a novel in vivo CRISPR genome editing approach. Since mouse and human microRNAs have identical sequences, the researchers hope this work can one day be translated into applications for humans.
About a third of Canadians feel lonely, and a study shows it has a greater negative impact on memory than even social isolation, though both present a significant risk to the aging population.
To offer cross-protection against diverse influenza virus variants, nanoparticle vaccines can produce pivotal cellular and mucosal immune responses that enhance vaccine efficacy and broaden protection, according to a new study.
A new study looks at predicting how quickly people with early Alzheimer's disease will experience cognitive decline. The study also looked at how the new drugs recently approved for the disease may reduce decline.
Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common genetic disorders, causing thick mucus build-up in the lungs and other parts of the body, breathing problems, and infection. Now, researchers have developed a gene-editing approach that efficiently corrects the most common mutation that causes cystic fibrosis, found in 85 percent of patients. With further development, it could pave the way for treatments that are administered only once and have fewer side effects. The new method precisely and durably corrects the mutation in human lung cells, restoring cell function to levels similar to that of Trikafta.
CAR-T cell therapy helps some with intractable lymphoma, but those who relapse have few options. Modifying the therapy's molecular target improved response.
A major clinical trial has shown the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD ) is more effective than the current speech and language therapy commonly provided, when treating patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).
A new study has found a startling disparity in the frequency of liver disease for transgender individuals and highlights the need for more specialized care.
By teasing apart the therapeutic benefits from the adverse effects of new generation obesity medications, researchers found a population of neurons in the brain that controls food intake without causing nausea in an animal model.
An unexpected find has enabled important progress to be made in the battle against harmful bacteria.
Unique recordings show that bats can ramp up heart rate from 6 to 900 b.p.m within minutes
A longitudinal study has found that high-intensity interval exercise improves brain function in older adults for up to 5 years.
New research shows how stem cell-derived therapy, targeting treatment-resistant liver cancer through genetically modified NK cells, offers promising new avenues for immunotherapy.
A team of researchers has identified and located a population of stem-like cells that initiates and maintains Group 3 medulloblastoma (Gr3-MB) in the developing brain. Gr3-MB is one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer in children and is associated with metastatic spread and poor survival. The researchers showed that eliminating the small population of stem-like cells present in Gr3-MB tumors led to tumor shrinkage in preclinical models. Although more research is needed, this novel approach may lead to new ways to treat children with Gr3-MB.
A study has identified a potential new treatment for food allergies in inulin, a naturally occurring plant fiber commonly used as a supplement, a prebiotic in soda, a replacement for sweeteners and for other products and purposes.
Researchers have developed an easy-to-use tool that enables someone to perform complicated statistical analyses on tabular data using just a few keystrokes. Their method combines probabilistic AI models with the programming language SQL to provide faster and more accurate results than other methods.
Individuals diagnosed with prediabetes can reduce their long-term risk of death and diabetes-related health complications if they delay the onset of diabetes for just four years through diet and exercise, according to new findings.
Certain types of light have proven to be an effective, minimally invasive treatment for cancers located on or near the skin when combined with a light-activated drug. But deep-seated cancers have been beyond the reach of light's therapeutic effects. To change this, engineers and scientists have devised a wireless LED device that can be implanted. This device, when combined with a light-sensitive dye, not only destroys cancer cells, but also mobilizes the immune system's cancer-targeting response.
Scientists have found that in premature newborns with very low birth weight, salt and water transporters on immature neurons can cause brain tissue to shrink in response to a lack of oxygen, which in turn results in brain bleeding and lifelong neurological damages.
Researchers have provided new insights into the lasting effects of chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the immune system, even after the disease has been successfully treated. The research team has discovered that traces of 'epigenetic scars' remain in regulatory T cells and exhibit sustained inflammatory properties long after the virus is cleared from the body.
Many women treated for breast cancer using taxanes, a type of cytostatic drug, often experience side effects in the nervous system. Researchers have developed a tool that can predict the risk level for each individual. The tool could help doctors adapt treatment to avoid persistent side effects in those at the greatest risk.
The ability to recognize and respond to emotionally-charged situations is essential to a species' evolutionary success. A new study advances our understanding of how the brain responds to emotionally charged objects and scenes.
New research has found a drug that treats insomnia works to prevent the addictive effects of the morphine opioids in mice while still providing effective pain relief.
New research offers an enhanced understanding of common defects in transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) -- a potential replacement for silicon in computer chips -- and lays the foundation for etching smaller features.
You look up into the clear blue sky and see something you can't quite identify. Is it a balloon? A plane? A UFO? You're curious, right? A research team has for the first time witnessed what is happening in the human brain when feelings of curiosity like this arise. The scientists revealed brain areas that appear to assess the degree of uncertainty in visually ambiguous situations, giving rise to subjective feelings of curiosity.
The study found that most survey respondents felt they would recover faster if cared for at home, rather than in the hospital, and that they felt safe being treated at home.
Researchers have taken a leap forward in understanding how we might fight back against the potentially deadly MRSA bacterium. They have shown in an animal model that targeting a key suppressive immune molecule (IL-10) during the delivery of a vaccine improves the ability of the vaccine to protect against infection.
Organizations using AI to monitor employees' behavior and productivity can expect them to complain more, be less productive and want to quit more -- unless the technology can be framed as supporting their development, research finds.
Researchers identified a novel compound aimed at improving the treatment of opioid overdoses.
New research shows combined use of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) is likely to offer additional protection against heart and kidney disease in patients with diabetes.
An artificial intelligence (AI) model that can estimate with high accuracy a person's lung function just by using a chest radiograph has been successfully developed.
Researchers have developed a bioelectric device that can detect and classify new variants of coronavirus to identify those that are most harmful. It has the potential to do the same with other viruses, as well.
Researchers have identified a small molecule that could lead to a safe and effective treatment for the neurodevelopmental condition known as Angelman syndrome.
The largest animals do not have proportionally bigger brains -- with humans bucking this trend -- a new study has revealed.
Researchers have developed a discovery platform to probe the function of genes involved in metabolism -- the sum of all life-sustaining chemical reactions. The investigators used the new platform, called GeneMAP (Gene-Metabolite Association Prediction), to identify a gene necessary for mitochondrial choline transport.
Researchers have discovered a new potential drug target for the lethal wasting disease known as cancer cachexia. Their findings illustrate that even small groups of neurons in the brain can have an outsized impact on the body's cancer response.
Why do employees sometimes accept working for an abusive boss? A new study suggests that when a leader is seen as a high performer, employees are more likely to label abuse as just 'tough love.'
Researchers have now developed a new way to make microbes hardy enough to withstand extreme conditions such as heat and the manufacturing processes used to formulate the microbes into powders or pills for long-term storage.
Researchers have discovered several rare types of helper T cells that are associated with immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even asthma. The discoveries were made possible by a newly developed technology they call ReapTEC. The new T cell atlas is publicly available and should help in the development of new drug therapies for immune-mediated diseases.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa -- an environmental bacteria that can cause devastating multidrug-resistant infections, particularly in people with underlying lung conditions -- evolved rapidly and then spread globally over the last 200 years, probably driven by changes in human behavior, a new study has found.
New findings challenge the idea that academically selective schools are necessary for clever pupils to achieve good outcomes.
Reducing consumption of processed meat by around one-third could prevent more than 350,000 cases of diabetes in the US over 10 years.
Drosophila -- known as fruit flies -- are a valuable model for human heart pathophysiology, including cardiac aging and cardiomyopathy. However, a choke point in evaluating fruit fly hearts is the need for human intervention to measure the heart at moments of its largest expansion or its greatest contraction to calculate cardiac dynamics. Researchers now show a way to significantly cut the time needed for that analysis while utilizing more of the heart region, using deep learning and high-speed video microscopy.
A recent study found that the way cerebellar neurons communicate with other brain regions is different in various movement disorders.
Childhood home temperature and community connectedness can help predict how U.S. residents set their thermostats, offering new ways to encourage energy conservation and combat climate change, according to a new study.
Young adults who have higher levels of inflammation, which is associated with obesity, physical inactivity, chronic illness, stress and smoking, may experience reduced cognitive function in midlife, a new study has found.
Researchers have created a questionnaire test for home use that quickly identifies high risk of heart attack. A study shows that it has the same level of accuracy as blood tests and blood pressure measurements.
Researchers developed molecules, called splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) that bind to the RNA molecules encoding a protein known as REST. In neuroendocrine tumors, these RNAs are incorrectly spliced together, which supports the cancerous phenotype. When injected into tumors in laboratory mice, SSOs could help restore normal REST function, leading to reduced tumor size. This approach is a promising new tool for treating neuroendocrine tumors that do not respond to conventional therapies.
A new study shows that already a 30-minute exercise can increase the proportion of tumor-killing white blood cells in the bloodstream of breast cancer patients.
It's no secret that kids aren't crazy about having too many seeds, pulp or chunks in their food. But six-year-olds in particular definitely can't stand lumps, according to a new study. The research sheds new light on children's food preferences across age groups and can serve parents, the health care sector and the food industry.
Post-COVID research has extensively focused on the efficacy of internal travel restrictions and cross-border travel has received less attention due to challenges in accessing quality data. In a major multidisciplinary collaboration effort across Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, a group of researchers -- including mathematicians, physicists and computer scientists -- have published a pioneering study on the spread of infections across Nordic borders from spring until the end of 2020. The report sheds light on the efficacy of cross-border travel restrictions, helping us better understand which measures actually make a difference.
Research could help drug developers improve the safety profiles of medications and reduce side effects.
Combining single-wall carbon nanotubes and poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) nanosheets, researchers developed a novel bioelectrode material for wearable devices. This innovative material is stretchable, permeable to humidity, and conforms closely to the skin, making it ideal for prolonged use. This development addresses critical limitations of current bioelectrode materials, promising more comfortable and effective wearables for healthcare and fitness applications.
Bowel cancer cells have the ability to regulate their growth using a genetic on-off switch to maximise their chances of survival.
Researchers found no infectious virus in the sampled pasteurized milk products tested for H5N1.
A large international and interdisciplinary research team has developed software to measure the objective kinematic features of movements that express emotions.
Researchers have identified a compound that, in mice, makes naloxone much more effective at counteracting a drug overdose.
Dexamethasone is one of the most important drugs in the treatment of severe COVID-19, but patients respond very differently to the therapy. Researchers have now discovered how the cortisone compound influences the impaired inflammatory response and which patients benefit from it. Their method uses so-called single-cell analyses and raises hopes for a precise prediction tool for other therapies and diseases as well.
Combining genomic data and human travel patterns over a 14-year period in South Africa reveals key insights into the spread, evolution and resistance patterns of a major bacterium behind pneumonia and meningitis globally.
Everyday clothing may soon be able to capture and record body movements according to new research.
Ever wondered why you performed worse than expected in that final university exam that you sat in a cavernous gymnasium or massive hall, despite countless hours, days and weeks of study? Now you have a genuine reason -- high ceilings.
A world-first study has found low-dose aspirin may treat flu-induced blood vessel inflammation, creating better blood flow to the placenta during pregnancy.
Drugs that selectively kill senescent cells may benefit otherwise healthy older women but are not a 'one-size-fits-all' remedy, Mayo Clinic researchers have found. Specifically, these drugs may only benefit people with a high number of senescent cells, according to findings publishing July 2 in Nature Medicine.
In a new paper, researchers and citizen mycologists describe the two new species as Psilocybe ingeli and Psilocybe maluti. The paper also contains information on the traditional use of P. maluti by Basotho traditional healers from the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. According to the researchers, this appears to be the only recorded first-hand report of hallucinogenic mushrooms being used traditionally in Africa.
Chemists have discovered a way to use visible light to synthesize a class of compounds particularly well suited for use in pharmaceuticals. The class of compounds, called azetidines, had been previously identified as a good candidate to build therapeutic drugs, but the compounds are difficult to produce in chemical reactions. Now, a team has developed a method to produce a specific class of azetidines called monocyclic azetidines using visible light and a photocatalyst.
The incidence of low birth weight rose sharply in India amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research.
In a recent study, researchers suggest the cell's messenger RNA (mRNA) -- the major translator and regulator of genetic material -- along with a critical protein called ZAK, spur the cell's initial response to UV radiation damage and play a critical role in whether the cell lives or dies.
A common infection-causing bacteria was much less likely to evolve antibiotic resistance when treated with a mixture of antimicrobial peptides rather than a single peptide, making these mixtures a viable strategy for developing new antibiotic treatments.
A major challenge in developing a vaccine for HIV is that the virus mutates fast -- very fast. Although a person initially becomes infected with one or a few HIV strains, the virus replicates and mutates quickly, resulting in a 'swarm' of viral strains existing in a single body.
Scientists have identified a gene which, when missing or impaired, can cause obesity, behavioural problems and, in mothers, postnatal depression. The discovery, reported today in Cell, may have wider implications for the treatment of postnatal depression, with a study in mice suggesting that oxytocin may alleviate symptoms.
Randomized controlled trials, or RCTs, are believed to be the best way to study the safety and efficacy of new treatments in clinical research. However, a recent study found that people of color and white women are significantly underrepresented in RCTs due to systematic biases.
A class of proteins that regulates cell repair and enhances cell growth-signaling systems could be a promising new target for the treatment of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, according to a new study. They found that disrupting necessary sugar modifications of these proteins promotes cell repair and reverses cellular abnormalities that occur in neurodegenerative diseases.
A promising therapy that treats blood cancers by harnessing the power of the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells could now treat solid tumors more efficiently.
The release in July 2024 of the blockbuster film Twisters (centred around a social-media celebrity storm-chaser) demonstrates an ongoing public fascination in hazards and extreme weather. The arrival of camera and streaming technologies have made it easier to collect and share such footage in recent years, resulting in often dramatic footage being live-streamed on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Discord. Now, a new study has analyzed what might be motivating people to watch these streams -- in some instances for up to 12 hours at a time.
A new study shows how the global economy could claw back billions of dollars lost each year due to workplace injuries and illness.
A medical team has developed a minimally invasive neurosurgical technique using an endoscope for the removal of tumors in the base of the skull. The results compare favorably with the conventional microscopic approach, with the added benefit of shorter operative times, less blood loss, and smaller craniotomies.
We unconsciously form prejudice toward groups when we see biased people interact with members of a group. That is according to new research by psychologists, who show for the first time that observational learning is an important mechanism of prejudice formation.
In a concert, members of the audience can respond emotionally to music, owing to their biological synchronization to the audio input. However, the mechanism underlying this biological response is unclear. Now, a pioneering study has found that music-induced heart-rate synchronization is highly correlated within an individual, compared to between two randomly selected individuals. It has been determined that individual differences in cognition reduce the consistency in physiological responses and affect synchronization.
A new study in mice hints at the promise of an eventual alternative treatment option for the 'wet' version of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researchers determined in mice that an enzyme related to cell growth and division is a culprit in the blood vessel invasion in the back of the eye that causes blurred central vision in wet AMD. Targeting the enzyme, called telomerase, with an experimental drug suppressed abnormal vascular growth in the animals' retina.
A new study detected both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in tattoo and permanent makeup inks.
Good news for all the treadmill runners who suffer from stubborn shin splints: A little outdoor gait training may help, new research suggests.
In 2019, more than 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed and upwards of 4,000 patients died in the U.S. The causal link between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the development of cervical cancer is well documented. Cervical cancer screening guidelines are currently in the review process for updates.
Research finds that booster doses of bivalent vaccines given every three to six months helps maintain a person's ability to neutralize multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains, including XBB.1.5
A team has developed the most comprehensive epidemiological dataset for youth diabetes and prediabetes research, derived from extensive National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data collected from 1999 to 2018. The dataset, revealed through the newly launched Prediabetes/diabetes in youth ONline Dashboard (POND), aims to ignite a new wave of research into the escalating issue of diabetes among young people.
Researchers developed a prototype of an implantable microphone for a cochlear implant. Their device, which senses the movement of the ear drum in the inner ear, performed as well as commercial hearing aids and could someday enable a fully internalized cochlear implant.
Bye bye sleep lab: An engineer is redesigning sleep studies, so they can be done at home without all the cumbersome wires dangling all over your body. Instead, only two wires needed.
A colder nose and warmer cheeks may be a telltale sign of rising blood pressure. Researchers discovered that temperatures in different face regions are associated with various chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. These temperature differences are not easily perceptible by one's own touch but can instead be identified using specific AI-derived spatial temperature patterns that require a thermal camera and a data-trained model. With further research, doctors could one day use this simple and non-invasive approach for early detection of diseases.
Researchers show for the first time that engineered human plasma B cells can be used to treat a disease -- specifically leukemia -- in a humanized animal model. The results mark a key step in the realization of ePCs as therapies to treat cancer, auto-immune disorders, and protein deficiency disorders.
When it comes to managing blood sugar levels, most people think about counting carbs. But new research shows that, for some, it may be just as important to consider the proteins and fats in their diet. The study is the first large-scale comparison of how different people produce insulin in response to each of the three macronutrients: carbohydrates (glucose), proteins (amino acids) and fats (fatty acids). The findings reveal that production of the blood sugar-regulating hormone is much more dynamic and individualized than previously thought, while showing for the first time a subset of the population who are hyper-responsive to fatty foods.
Researchers have identified new host factors that interact with the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to promote viral entry. This finding offers valuable mechanistic insights and potential therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Scientists have uncovered a brain circuit in primates that rapidly detects faces. The findings help not only explain how primates sense and recognize faces, but could also have implications for understanding conditions such as autism, where face detection and recognition are often impaired from early childhood.
A new method of precisely targeting troublesome cells for death using light could unlock new understanding of and treatments for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
A new study compared weight change across eight common first-line antidepressants for patients taking an antidepressant for the first time. The study found differences in weight change between the different antidepressants after medication initiation, with bupropion consistently showing the least weight gain. The study adds rigorous evidence on expected weight gain across common antidepressant treatments.
Researchers have reported finding major differences between postmortem and living prefrontal cortex brain tissues as they relate to one of the most abundant RNA modifications in the brain, known as adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing.
A research team has shown that exposure to air pollution during childhood is directly associated with bronchitis symptoms as an adult. To date, many investigations have established air pollution exposure while young is consistently associated with lung problems during childhood -- and childhood lung problems are consistently associated with lung issues as an adult.
Bringing a puppy home is usually a happy event, but sometimes the life change that comes with it can provoke significant negative emotions. Researchers found that almost half of dog owners experience anxiety, weariness or frustration during their dog's puppyhood stage.
A new study has produced supranormal hearing in mice, while also supporting a hypothesis on the cause of hidden hearing loss in people.
Research creates a framework to better balance the nutritional benefit of fish consumption with the risk of mercury exposure to the developing brain.
Children conceived by using egg or sperm donors have the same well-being outcomes as non-donor conceived people.
Researchers use statistical modeling to estimate infant deaths expected if one of the country's most stringent state abortion laws had not been enacted. The study estimates that infant deaths in Texas increased more than expected in the year following the state's 2021 ban on abortion in early pregnancy, especially among infants with congenital anomalies.
A new study by a team of international researchers has uncovered a biological explanation for long-term memories. It centers on the discovery of the role of a molecule, KIBRA, that serves as a 'glue' to other molecules, thereby solidifying memory formation.
A study has shown that both amateur and professional dancers are less neurotic than people who do not dance. They are also more agreeable, more open, and more extraverted.
A national position statement on emergency action plan development and implementation in sports from an athletic training researcher sets in motion new priorities for responding to catastrophic injuries. The recommendations apply to sports through all levels, from youth to high school to collegiate and professional leagues.
With a new microscope that's as light as a penny, researchers can now observe broad swaths of the brain in action as mice move about and interact with their environments.
New research describes how nerve cells and muscle cells communicate through electrical signals during development -- a phenomenon known as bioelectricity. The communication, which takes place via specialized channels between cells, is vital for proper development and behavior. The study identifies specific genes that control the process, and pins down what happens when it goes wrong. The finding offers clues to the genetic origins of muscle disorders in humans.
Even though there is substantial variability in the contents and nutritional profiles of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs), the nutritional profiles tend to reflect a heart-healthy dietary pattern. A review article of the available studies directly comparing the impact of plant-based and animal-based meats consistently suggests that the plant-based alternatives improve cardiovascular risk factors.
Young people aged 14 to 20 years are nowadays more satisfied with being single than their counterparts ten years ago.
Alfred Hitchcock observed that 'There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.' A common way to build suspense in a movie scene is for the audience to know something bad is going to happen, but not when it is going to happen. But how does uncertainty work to ratchet up our anxiety? Researchers took a deeper look into what builds fear.
Over a 20-year period people from these sectors changed their behavior -- resonating with one another significantly more than they used to and gearing towards a more engaging style. We talk like others to be more inclusive and 'resonate' with them.
Scientists are helping to develop standards and safety protocols that would allow pharmacies to print drugs onsite at a dosage best for you.
Computers have come so far in terms of their power and potential, rivaling and even eclipsing human brains in their ability to store and crunch data, make predictions and communicate. But there is one domain where human brains continue to dominate: energy efficiency.
Researchers have succeeded in directing floating objects around an aquatic obstacle course using only soundwaves. Their novel, optics-inspired method holds great promise for biomedical applications such as noninvasive targeted drug delivery.
A new study examined the differences in lung transplant graft outcomes from organs recovered from the two types of deceased organ donor care facilities operating in the United States. The research offers insights that could improve the organ donation and transplantation process for patients across the nation.
Researchers have developed a new method for detecting foodborne pathogens that is faster, cheaper, and more effective than existing methods. Their microfluidic chip uses light to detect multiple types of pathogens simultaneously and is created using 3D printing, making it easy to fabricate in large amounts and modify to target specific pathogens. The researchers hope their technique can improve screening processes and keep contaminated food out of the hands of consumers.
Children who report being more empathetic are more likely to show signs of poorer health in the face of more interparental conflict than less empathetic children, according to a new study.
Nutritionists generally advise everyone to eat more dietary fiber, but a new study suggests that its effects on health can vary from person to person. The findings indicate that recommendations should be tailored to each individual's gut microbiome.
Rising health care prices in the U.S. are leading employers outside the health care sector to reduce their payroll and decrease their number of employees, according to a new study. The study found that when health care prices increased, non-health care employers responded by reducing their payroll and cutting the jobs of middle-class workers. For the average county, a 1% increase in health care prices would reduce aggregate income in the area by approximately $8 million annually.
Meet CARMEN, short for Cognitively Assistive Robot for Motivation and Neurorehabilitation -- a small, tabletop robot designed to help people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) learn skills to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning at home.
Research shows that the increasingly popular weight-loss strategy is safe. Intermittent fasting has become an increasingly popular way to lose weight without counting calories. And a large body of research has shown it s safe. Still, several myths about fasting have gained traction.
Researchers have harnessed a bacterial immune defense system, known as CRISPR, to efficiently and precisely control the process of RNA splicing. The technology opens the door to new applications, including systematically interrogating the functions of parts of genes and correcting splicing deficiencies that underlie numerous diseases and disorders.
Do you have trouble recognizing faces, or do you never forget a face? The better you are at facial recognition, the more supportive relationships you are likely to have, regardless of your personality type.
A study of 17 commonly used synthetic 'forever chemicals' has shown that these toxic substances can readily be absorbed through human skin.
Type 2 diabetes in young people ages 10 to 19 has more than doubled in the past 20 years, yet it remains difficult for physicians to predict who will be diagnosed and who will improve with treatment. A new study shows that measuring the circulating abundance of microRNAs -- which affect insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas -- is likely as effective as measuring the level of sugar in the blood for determining how a young person with the condition will fare.
An international study shows new drug improves sleep, health in patients diagnosed with obesity and sleep apnea.
Fewer than one percent of people who get the flu every year get tested, in part because most tests require trained personnel and expensive equipment. Now researchers have developed a low-cost paper strip test that could allow more patients to find out which type of flu they have and get the right treatment. The test uses CRISPR to distinguish between the two main types of seasonal flu, influenza A and B, as well as seasonal flu subtypes H1N1 and H3N2. It can also identify strains that resist antiviral treatment, and with further work, could potentially detect swine and avian flu strains, including H5N1, which is currently infecting cattle.
Insights from advanced imaging technology show how neurons communicate at the atomic level for the first time.
Researchers found that ChatGPT consistently ranked resumes with disability-related honors and credentials -- such as the 'Tom Wilson Disability Leadership Award' -- lower than the same resumes without those honors and credentials. But when researchers customized the tool with written instructions directing it not to be ableist, the tool reduced this bias for all but one of the disabilities tested.
Our bone marrow the fatty, jelly-like substance inside our bones is an unseen powerhouse quietly producing 500 billion new blood cells every day. That process is driven by hematopoietic stem cells that generate all of the various types of blood cells in our bodies and regenerating themselves to keep the entire assembly line of blood production operating smoothly.
Menthol sensing appeared long before cold sensing, suggesting distinct activation modes that can be disentangled, paving the way for new pain therapies without adverse thermal side effects.
An orange teeming with antioxidants and other health benefits may be a shot in the arm for consumers and citrus growers, if the fruit is stored at cool temperatures, a new study shows.
Researchers have uncovered how specific DNA rearrangements called inverted triplications contribute to the development of various genetic diseases. The study reveals that during DNA repair, segments may switch templates within inverted repeats, leading to structural variations and gene dosage alterations, impacting conditions like MECP2 duplication syndrome. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding and treating rare genetic disorders.
A new study has found that resilient people exhibit neural activity in the brain regions associated with improved cognition and regulating of emotions, and were more mindful and better at describing their feelings.
Researchers have created a deep learning pipeline for designing soluble analogues of key protein structures used in pharmaceutical development, sidestepping the prohibitive cost of extracting these proteins from cell membranes.
Biomedical engineers have grown muscles in a lab to better understand and test treatments for a group of extremely rare muscle disorders called dysferlinopathy or limb girdle muscular dystrophies 2B (LGMD2B). The research revealed the biological mechanisms underlying the disease and showed that a combination of existing treatments could alleviate its symptoms.
While previous studies suggested an association of the most common cerebral small-vessel disease with dementia risk, new research provides evidence of causal link, identifying it as a major vascular factor.
Researchers have demonstrated that therapeutically restoring 'youthful' levels of a specific subunit of the telomerase enzyme can significantly reduce the signs and symptoms of aging in preclinical models. If these findings are confirmed in clinical studies, there may be therapeutic implications for age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, heart disease and cancer.
Researchers have discovered a new fundamental mechanism governing the rules of ageing in worms. The researchers were able to manipulate the mechanism through genetic interventions which dramatically extend not just the lifespan of the worms, but also their health-span. In other words, trading weak, frail old age with vigorous golden years -- all without altering their diet, environment or other external factors.
Pioneering research highlights the importance of combining neuroscience with traditional entrepreneurial studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of what makes successful entrepreneurs distinct at a neurological level.
A marketing professor articulates the appeal of inflicting mild misfortune on others, such as tossing pies into faces, for the purpose of charitable fundraising. The paper provides insights on how to best use this strategy to maximize charitable donations.
Adults with a history of low back pain went nearly twice as long without a recurrence of their back pain if they walked regularly, a world-first study has found.
Scientists have prototyped a new method for 'rationally engineering' enzymes to deliver improved performance. They have devised an algorithm, which takes into account an enzyme's evolutionary history, to flag where mutations could be introduced with a high likelihood of delivering functional improvements. Their work could have significant, wide-ranging impacts across a suite of industries, from food production to human health.
Your sleep tracker might give you information about more than just your sleep -- specifically, it might give you information about chronic conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnea, and illnesses such as COVID-19. This is one of the findings of a study that analyzed data from 5 million nights of sleep across roughly 33,000 people.
A wearable health monitor can reliably measure levels of important biochemicals in sweat during physical exercise. The 3D-printed monitor could someday provide a simple and non-invasive way to track health conditions and diagnose common diseases, such as diabetes, gout, kidney disease or heart disease. The monitor was able to accurately monitor the levels of volunteers' glucose, lactate and uric acid as well as the rate of sweating during exercise.
Women who have their ovaries removed before menopause, particularly before the age of 40, have reduced white matter integrity in multiple regions of the brain later in life, a new study suggests. White matter refers to the nerve fibers that connect neurons in different areas of the brain.
Scientists have developed a new, more energy-efficient way for AI algorithms to process data. His model may become the basis for a new generation of AI that learns like we do. Notably, these findings may also lend support to neuroscience theories surrounding memory's role in learning.
Advances in organoids and embryonic models of human development have the potential to prompt social and existential questions --e.g., what defines human individuality? However, bioethicists say that these models have the potential to strengthen rather than weaken the concept of human individuality when considered within the philosophical frameworks of 'personhood' and sentience.
Scientists have discovered a new cause of why people who lack a specific blood group are genetically predisposed to be overweight or obese.
Certain drugs commonly used to treat enlarged prostate may also decrease the risk for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), according to a new study. The researchers think that a specific side effect of the drugs targets a biological flaw shared by DLB and other neurodegenerative diseases, raising the possibility that they may have broad potential for treating a wide range of neurodegenerative conditions.
New research finds one copy of a protective genetic variant, APOE3 Christchurch, delayed onset of Alzheimer's disease for 27 members of a ~6,000-person family in Colombia at high risk for early-onset Alzheimer's in their 40s due to carrying the 'Paisa' (Presenilin-1 E280A) mutation. This work builds on a 2019 case report of a woman in this family who had two copies of the Christchurch variant and delayed Alzheimer's into her 70s. The new findings are the first to show that one copy of the variant confers some level of protection and increases the researchers' confidence that this genetic pathway should be targeted for therapeutics.
Researchers have developed a non-chemotherapy treatment regimen that is achieving full remissions for some people with aggressive B-cell lymphoma that has come back or is no longer responding to standard treatments. The five-drug combination targets multiple molecular pathways that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) tumors use to survive.
Roughly one in four U.S. households have soil exceeding the new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's lead screening levels of 200 parts per million (ppm), halved from the previous level of 400 ppm, a new study found. For households with exposure from multiple sources, the EPA lowered the guidance to 100 ppm; nearly 40% of households exceed that level, the study also found.
In low- and middle-income countries, anemia reduction efforts are often touted as a way to improve educational outcomes and reduce poverty. A new study evaluates the relationship between anemia and school attendance in India, debunking earlier research that could have misguided policy interventions.
Using sound to stimulate certain brain waves has the potential to help those with dementia or cognitive decline sleep better, reveals a new study. Sleep disturbances are a common feature in dementia and may affect up to half of people living with the condition.
Viruses, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, can get passed from person to person via contaminated surfaces. But can some surfaces reduce the risk of this type of transmission without the help of household disinfectants? Wood has natural antiviral properties that can reduce the time viruses persist on its surface -- and some species of wood are more effective than others at reducing infectivity.
Autoimmune diseases cannot currently be cured, only treated, and this is also true for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, which affects the central nervous system. A study of how the treatment acts on the immune system shows that it shifts the balance of types of immune cells. This finding may represent a step toward the development of personalized medicine for autoimmune diseases.
The severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the planetary science community is greater than in the general U.S. population, according to a new study.
Gravitational changes experienced by astronauts during space travel can cause fluids within the body to shift. This can cause changes to the cardiovascular system, including vessels in and around the eyes. These fluid shifts may be related to a phenomenon known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), which can cause astronauts to experience changes in eye shape and other ocular symptoms.
They're more than a simple clock, and understanding these cells' activity could ultimately aid in early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.
Women diagnosed with perinatal depression are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease in the following 20 years compared to women who have given birth without experiencing perinatal depression. The study is the first of its kind to look at cardiovascular health after perinatal depression and included data on around 600,000 women. It found the strongest links with risks of high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease and heart failure.
Tuberculosis is a serious health threat, and the efficacy of the BCG vaccine against tuberculosis diminishes in adulthood, making booster vaccines a realistic option. Mycobacterial DNA-binding protein 1 (MDP1), a protein found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, elicits higher protective IFN-gamma responses in individuals who suppress tuberculosis, thus making it a vaccine candidate.
Measuring the heart rate of great apes in captivity is essential for both health management and animal studies. However, existing most methods are either invasive or inaccurate. Now, researchers have investigated the potential of using millimeter-wave radar technology to estimate heart rate from subtle body movements in chimpanzees. Their efforts will hopefully pave the way to better practices and techniques for monitoring heart rates in wild and captive primates.
An innovative synthesis strategy opened up the way to 2D/3D fused frameworks using inexpensive quinolines as feedstock, report scientists. By leveraging a light-sensitive borate intermediate, the scientists could transform quinoline derivatives into a great variety of 2D/3D fused frameworks in a straightforward and cost-effective manner. Their findings are expected to enable the synthesis of highly customizable drug candidates.
When low doses of cancer drugs are administered continuously near malignant brain tumors using so-called iontronic technology, cancer cell growth drastically decreases. Researchers demonstrated this in experiments with bird embryos. The results are one step closer to new types of effective treatments for severe cancer forms.
Scientists have achieved a significant research milestone in the field of spinal cord injuries -- mapping out the cellular and molecular dynamics of paralysis in unprecedented detail with their open-source project 'Tabulae Paralytica'. Gr goire Courtine and his team have integrated cutting-edge cell and molecular mapping technologies with artificial intelligence to chart the complex molecular processes that unfold in each cell after spinal cord injuries (SCI). This seminal work not only identifies a specific set of neurons and genes that plays a key role for recovery but also proposes a successful gene therapy derived from its discoveries.
More than 130 years after cyclodextrins were first discovered and reported, a team of scientists has created chemical mirror images of these complex carbohydrates in the laboratory. This discovery may revolutionize how medications are delivered to patients.
The effects of coffee consumption on human health is a knotty question, but one thing is sure: coffee is a psychoactive substance.
Researchers have developed a 3D genomic profiling technique to identify small precancerous lesions in the pancreas -- called pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs) -- that lead to one of the most aggressive, deadly pancreatic cancers.
Black patients who leave hospice care and patients with short stays in hospice care are at increased risks for being admitted to a hospital after being discharged from hospice, according to researchers.
A single large population of healer cells, called regulatory T cells, is whizzing around our body -- not multiple specialist populations restricted to specific parts of the body as previously thought. These cells shut down inflammation and repair the collateral damage to cells caused after our immune system has responded to injury or illness. Tests, in mice, of a drug developed by the researchers showed that regulatory T cells can be attracted to specific body parts, boosted in number, and activated to suppress immune response and rebuild tissue. Current anti-inflammatory drugs used for this purpose suppress the body's whole immune system, making patients more vulnerable to infection. The discovery could lead to more targeted treatments, with fewer side-effects, for issues from lengthy COVID infections to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. Clinical trials in humans are now planned.
Researchers performed a study to quantify highly processed food consumption and to investigate its association with diet quality among Japanese children and adolescents. Highly processed foods (HPFs) accounted for over one-fourth of the total energy intake amongst youths. Consumption was negatively associated with the intake of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and pulses, and positively associated with the consumption of confectioneries.
An international research team has discovered a new way to effectively treat cancer, by using nutrients to reactivate suppressed metabolic pathways in cancer cells.
To get high scores at essay writing tests, learners of English as a foreign language need to focus on good arguments more than on complex grammar. The finding challenges conventional approaches to test preparation and scoring rubrics.
New research indicates that strong community bonds could hinder rather than help environmental initiatives.
Researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism whose genetic disruption boosts the growth of the most common type of lymphoma.
Researchers have surveyed people under the age of 25 who have had cancer since 1958. The study shows that cancer survivors are at greater risk for cardiovascular diseases, other cancers and other diagnoses later in life. In addition, the researchers saw that socioeconomic factors played a role in survival.
Opera singers have to use the extreme limits of their voice range. Many pedagogical and scientific sources suggest that the highest pitches reached in classical singing can only be produced with a so-called 'whistle' voice register, in analogy to ultrasonic vocalizations of mice and rats. An international research team has now rejected this assumption. In their study, the scientists showed that the high-frequency sounds of operatic sopranos are produced with the same principle than speech and most other forms of singing.
Osteoporosis or the weakening of bones makes the aging population vulnerable to fractures and a decreased quality of life. The parathyroid hormone (PTH)-derived peptide -- teriparatide has demonstrated strong bone promoting effects. However, it is also to known to exert bone-resorbing effects. A new study uncovers a novel PTH-inducible target gene -- Gprc5a which suppresses the proliferation and differentiation of 'osteoblasts' or bone-forming cells, and may serve as a therapeutic target in the treatment of osteoporosis.
Cumulative culture -- the accumulation of technological modifications and improvements over generations -- allowed humans to adapt to a diversity of environments and challenges. But, it is unclear when cumulative culture first developed during hominin evolution. A new study concludes that humans began to rapidly accumulate technological knowledge through social learning around 600,000 years ago.
The ketogenic diet has its fanatics and detractors among dieters, but either way, the diet has a scientifically documented impact on memory in mice. While uncovering how the high fat, low carbohydrate diet boosts memory in older mice, scientists identified a new molecular signaling pathway that improves synapse function and helps explain the diet's benefit on brain health and aging.
One in four parents describe getting their young child to bed as difficult -- and these parents are less likely to have a bedtime routine, more likely to leave on a video or TV show, and more likely to stay with their child until they're asleep.
Using computer-assisted neural networks, researchers have been able to accurately identify affective states from the body language of tennis players during games. For the first time, they trained a model based on artificial intelligence (AI) with data from actual games. Their study demonstrates that AI can assess body language and emotions with accuracy similar to that of humans. However, it also points to ethical concerns.
The number of individuals in the U.S. who had chronic hypertension or chronic high blood pressure during pregnancy doubled between 2008 and 2021.
A pioneering study has unveiled significant heterogeneity in the risk factors affecting healthy aging in Latin America and emphasized the limitations of current models of brain health, which are primarily based on data from high-income countries.
Treatment outcomes for breast cancer have become better over the years, but proportion of breast cancers still recur even after long periods without signs of cancer remaining dormant in the body. Cancer researchers discovered a mechanism that wakes up these dormant breast cancer cells and demonstrated that preventing the mechanism can significantly improve treatment outcomes in experimental models.
New research shows when animals are fed a diet high in saturated fat for nine weeks, their gut bacteria change in ways that influence brain chemicals and fuel anxiety.
Researchers have designed a new genetic therapy that could alleviate debilitating giant moles in a rare skin condition.
A new study has highlighted the widespread use of physical restraints among caregivers of older adults with advanced dementia living at home, revealing a need for better guidance and alternative care approaches.
A recently published paper on a kinase and its importance in triggering cellular responses caps more than 12 years of research.
Could measuring protein clumps in our cells be a new way to find out our risk of getting age-related diseases? Researchers propose the concept of a 'protein aggregation clock' to measure aging and health.
Early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) -- one of the most fatal malignancies -- is crucial to improve patient survival. In a breakthrough study investigators report on the development of a serum fusion-gene machine-learning model. This important screening tool may increase the five-year survival rate of patients with HCC from 20% to 90% because of its improved accuracy in early diagnosis of HCC and monitoring the impact of treatment.
Brain-computer interfaces or BCIs hold immense potential for individuals with a wide range of neurological conditions, but the road to implementation is long and nuanced for both the invasive and noninvasive versions of the technology. Scientists have now successfully integrated a novel focused ultrasound stimulation to realize bidirectional BCI that both encodes and decodes brain waves using machine learning in a study with 25 human subjects. This work opens up a new avenue to significantly enhance not only the signal quality, but also, overall nonivasive BCI performance by stimulating targeted neural circuits.
In studies with genetically engineered mice, researchers say they have identified a potentially new biological target involving Aplp1, a cell surface protein that drives the spread of Parkinson's disease-causing alpha-synuclein.
A new aging atlas gives scientists an in-depth view of how individual cells and tissues in worms age and how different lifespan-extending strategies might stop the clock.
A new method for neuroimaging analysis is shown to work with small groups of participants, opening the door for many studies that don't have access to massive sets of brain images.
The relationship between mother and child may offer clues to the mystery of why humans live longer than expected for their size -- and shed new light on what it means to be human -- according to a new study.
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has made possible a multitude of biomedical experiments including studies that systematically turn off genes in cancer cells to look for ones that the cancer cells heavily depend on to survive and grow. These genes, or 'cancer dependencies,' are often promising drug targets. But new research shows that many of these CRISPR screening experiments rely on components, called CRISPR/Cas9 guides, that do not perform equally well in cells from people of all ancestries, which can cause CRISPR screens to miss cancer dependencies.
Researchers have consistently shown that prenatal exposure to Di (2-ethyhexyl) phthalate harms the reproductive system in male mice and causes fertility defects. In a new study, scientists have shown that the combination of DEHP and a high-fat diet in pregnant mice can cause more damage to pups than each factor alone.
A new study identifies NLRC5 as an innate immune sensor that plays a crucial role in PANoptotic cell death -- making it a key therapeutic target.
Researchers have developed a new metric from measured blood circulation in our brain. This metric has implications for brain conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Scientists have shown in laboratory experiments that an increase in temperature from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius increased the resistance rate for two antimicrobials, while for a third antimicrobial, the higher temperature reduced the resistance rate. If these results can be replicated in human patients, fever control could be a new way to mitigate the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
A low vitamin B6 level has negative effects on brain performance. A research team has now found a way to delay the degradation of the vitamin.
An artificial intelligence-powered method for detecting tumor DNA in blood has shown unprecedented sensitivity in predicting cancer recurrence. The new technology has the potential to improve cancer care with the very early detection of recurrence and close monitoring of tumor response during therapy.
Results from a new phase 1 trial indicate that immunotherapy could be used to treat the most common form of colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer. Consistent responses to immunotherapy have been reported in patients with the most common type of colorectal tumors, known as MSS mCRC, with 61% of patients seeing their tumor shrink or remain stable after receiving treatment.
An international research team has uncovered a new insight into human evolution by comparing humans' hearts with those of other great apes.
Fatty liver disease (steatotic liver disease, SLD for short) is increasingly causing failure of the liver as a vital organ. A team led by researchers has now discovered that a saturated fatty acid in blood vessels leads to the production of the signalling molecule SEMA3A, which closes the 'windows' in the blood vessels. This hinders the transport of fat from the liver to the adipose tissue. The researchers report that the windows open again and the fat in the liver is reduced when SEMA3A is inhibited.
Researchers have found a new function for an existing protein. They discovered that TIMP-1, a protein traditionally known to prevent damage to the body's cells and tissues, plays a critical role in the immune system's defense against cancer. The findings of the study could improve the effectiveness of current cancer immunotherapies.
A team of researchers has shown for the first time that fasting can reprogram the metabolism of natural killer cells, helping them to survive in the harsh environment in and around tumors, while also improving their cancer-fighting ability.
The amount of infectious H5N1 influenza viruses in raw milk rapidly declined with heat treatment in laboratory research. However, small, detectable amounts of infectious virus remained in raw milk samples with high virus levels when treated at 72 degrees Celsius (161.6 degrees Fahrenheit) for 15 seconds -- one of the standard pasteurization methods used by the dairy industry. The authors of the study stress, however, that their findings reflect experimental conditions in a laboratory setting and are not identical to large-scale industrial pasteurization processes for raw milk.
Scientists address decades-long problem in the field of single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer, paving the way for more accurate experiments.
Critically ill patients are at risk of stress-induced upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Now, a global trial confirms that a widely available drug does prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Excess sodium intake and a lack of potassium are major contributing factors towards high blood pressure in Indonesia, prompting calls for low-sodium potassium-rich salt substitutes (LSSS) to be readily available to improve health and curb health costs.
A recent study found that hospitalized patients were 43 percent more likely to have their care escalated and significantly less likely to die if their care team received AI-generated alerts signaling adverse changes in their health.
Research suggests exercising in a park or other natural setting is more beneficial than exercising indoors.
The capacity to adjust beliefs about one's actions and their consequences in a constantly changing environment is a defining characteristic of advanced cognition. Disruptions to this ability, however, can negatively affect cognition and behavior, leading to such states of mind as paranoia, or the belief that others intend to harm us. In a new study, scientists uncover how one specific region of the brain might causally provoke these feelings of paranoia. Their novel approach -- which involved aligning data collected from monkeys with human data -- also offers a new cross-species framework through which scientists might better understand human cognition through the study of other species.
New research may help close the nutrition gap between infant formula and human breast milk. The study shows how plants can be programmed to produce a diverse array of beneficial sugars found in human breast milk. The findings could lead to healthier and more affordable formula for babies, or more nutritious non-dairy plant milk for adults.
Neuroscientists found that brains display distinct neural activity when experiencing emotions such as bitter-sweetness. The advance could help solve a longstanding scientific debate: whether 'mixed emotions' arise from unique activity in the brain, or if we're just flip-flopping back and forth between positive and negative feelings.
An analysis of reviews of translational biomedical research reveals that just 5% of therapies tested in animals reach regulatory approval for human use. The umbrella review summarizes other systematic reviews and provides high level evidence that while the rate of translation to human studies is 50%, there is steep drop off before final approval.
A suite of three innovations enables high-resolution, high-throughput imaging of human brain tissue at a full range of scales and mapping connectivity of neurons at single cell resolution. To demonstrate the advance, researchers compared a brain region in an Alzheimer's and a control sample.
Most people today would lean towards environmentally friendly life choices, but not at the expense of being clean. When it comes to our washing habits, the fear of being perceived as dirty often wins out over the desire to act in an environmentally friendly way. And the more inclined we are to feel disgusted, the more we wash our clothes. This is shown by a unique study that examines the driving forces behind our laundering behaviours and provides new tools for how people's environmental impact can be reduced.
Researchers are unlocking the mystery of how bacteria harness viruses to wipe out the competition. The answers could help spur the development of alternatives to antibiotics.
Findings indicate that such software can dramatically improve patient safety during surgery.
When people are asked for consent before being touched, they have a more pleasant experience of the interaction, researchers have discovered.
A lack of sleep can make it extraordinarily difficult to retain information. Two new studies uncover why this is and what is happening inside the brain during sleep and sleep deprivation to help or harm the formation of memories.
Loneliness may be harmful to our daily health, according to a new study focused on understanding the subtleties of loneliness and how variations in daily feelings of loneliness effect short- and long-term well-being. The researchers said the work provides more evidence in support of the devastating impact of loneliness and isolation on physical health in the country, calling it a public health crisis.
The E/I ratio of children decreases with healthy development. Children with a lower E/I ratio were observed to have better performance than their peers in cognitive tests such as memory and intelligence, according to researchers.
Climate change has many widespread and complicated effects on the well-being of people and the planet, and a new study has now added a surprising one to the list. After analyzing the language used in seven million parliamentary speeches around the world, it shows that high temperatures lead to a significant and immediate reduction in politicians' language complexity.
New research points to a potential approach to reducing the risk of diabetes associated with widely prescribed antipsychotic medications. The study presents early evidence in support of co-administering antipsychotic medications that block dopamine receptors in the brain alongside drugs that stop antipsychotics from blocking those same receptors in the pancreas. This approach could limit metabolic side effects, including impaired control over blood sugar, or dysglycemia.
A new study found chronic pain among older adults could be significantly reduced through a newly developed psychotherapy that works by confronting past trauma and stress-related emotions that can exacerbate pain symptoms.
Researchers have not only identified how two immune cells work together to fight cancer but also revealed the cascade of molecules that help coordinate this attack.
Increased use of blood transfusions after major traumatic brain injury could help people hospitalized in intensive care units regain greater functional independence and a better quality of life, according to new research.
A new computational method developed by physicists can be used to estimate the risk of sudden cardiac death from a one-minute heart rate measurement at rest. The study was carried out in interdisciplinary collaboration between cardiology and computational physics.
Cancer genomes are the result of diverse mutation processes that have often accumulated over decades. Scientists have analyzed the molecular evolution of tumors after exposure to mutagenic chemicals. DNA lesions that persists unrepaired over several cell generations lead to sequence variations at the site of damage, the quantification of which provides insights into the kinetics and mechanisms of DNA repair. This enabled the researchers to distinguish the contribution of the triggering lesion from that of the subsequent repair in shaping the mutation pattern.
A viral gene therapy has reversed some brain abnormalities in infant mice with FOXG1 syndrome, a significant step toward one day treating children with this severe neurodevelopmental disorder.
The reason why targeted treatment for non-small cell lung cancer fails to work for some patients, particularly those who have never smoked, has been discovered.
Younger workers are struggling with feelings of loneliness and a lack of appreciation at work and tend to feel more comfortable working with people their own age, according to a recent survey.
Momentary shifts in mood, even those lasting just a matter of seconds, profoundly alter the brain's response to pleasurable experiences in people with bipolar disorder, finds a new study.
In April, the FDA warned of risk of secondary cancers in people receiving CAR-T cell therapy. A large study now finds the risk is low and not related to the CAR-T cells.
People who give birth to infants less than 5.5 pounds may be more likely to have memory and thinking problems later in life than people who give birth to infants who do not have a low birth weight, according to a new study. The effect on memory and thinking skills was equivalent to one to two years of aging for those with low-birth-weight deliveries.
People who experience prolonged depressive symptoms starting in young adulthood may have worse thinking and memory skills in middle age, according to a new study. The study also found that depressive symptoms were experienced more often by Black adults than white adults.
Brain scans of more than 2,000 preadolescents suggests that early life exposure to heat and cold may have lasting effects on the microstructure of white matter in the brain, especially when living in poorer neighborhoods. The study highlights the vulnerability of fetuses and children to extreme temperatures.
Engineers have developed microscopic robots, known as microrobots, capable of swimming through the lungs to deliver cancer-fighting medication directly to metastatic tumors. This approach has shown promise in mice, where it inhibited the growth and spread of tumors that had metastasized to the lungs, thereby boosting survival rates compared to control treatments.
A new study identifies a druggable cellular target that, if controlled properly, could prevent or lessen autonomic dysfunction and improve quality of life for people with spinal cord injury.
A new detailed analysis of a patient's second cancer after receiving CAR-T therapy for the initial cancer provides rare but important insights intended to offer helpful guidance for oncologists and pathologists about the clinical presentation and pathologic features involved in a CAR-T related second cancer.
Louisiana's southeastern corridor is sometimes known colloquially as 'Cancer Alley' for its high cancer incidence rates connected to industrial air pollution. Most of the region's air pollution-related health risks are attributed to ethylene oxide, a volatile compound used to make plastics and sterilize medical equipment. Researchers measured concerning levels of ethylene oxide in this area with mobile optical instruments, a technique they say could improve health risk assessments.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown link between two key pathways that regulate the immune system in mammals -- a finding that impacts our understanding of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This family of disorders severely impacts the health and quality of life of more than 2 million people in the United States.
Including 'tactile emoticons' into social media communications can enhance communication, according to a new study.
Researchers have found that germ cells, which develop into eggs and sperm, drive sex-dependent differences in lifespan in vertebrates. Female and male germ cells increase and reduce lifespan, respectively. These effects are controlled via estrogen and growth factor hormones in females and vitamin D in males. Vitamin D supplementation extends lifespan in both males and females. The results clarify the link between reproduction and aging and show that vitamin D may improve longevity in vertebrates.
In a feat aimed at understanding how cells move and creating new ways to shuttle drugs through the body, scientists say they have built a minimal synthetic cell that follows an external chemical cue and demonstrates a governing principle of biology called 'symmetry breaking.'
Engineers have created a patch that combines sensors and bacteria to interact with the body.
Researchers have successfully used a new robot system to improve treatment for debilitating eye disease.
Flexible piezoelectric sensors are essential to monitor the motions of both humans and humanoid robots. However, existing designs are either are costly or have limited sensitivity. In a recent study, researchers tackled these issues by developing a novel piezoelectric composite material made from electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers combined with dopamine. Sensors made from this material showed significant performance and stability improvements at a low cost, promising advancements in medicine, healthcare, and robotics.
AI detects prostate cancer more often than radiologists. Additionally, AI triggers false alarms half as often. This was a large-scale study where an international team transparently evaluated and compared AI with radiologist assessments and clinical outcomes.
Researchers use epigenetic clock, DNA methylation and mouse model to demonstrate that T cell proliferation can stretch past organism lifespan and acuta lymphoblastic leukemia T cells appear hundreds of years old.
To shield older residents from dangerous air pollution, new care homes should be built as far from heavy traffic as possible, according to a new study.
A new study shows that analyzing nasal microbiota outperforms gut microbiota analysis to predict sepsis in the ICU.
One of the most common reasons for bypassing the COVID vaccine is concern about side effects like tiredness, muscle and joint pain, chills, headache, fever, nausea and feeling generally unwell. But a new study has found that the symptoms indicate a robust immune response that is likely to lessen the chances of infection.
Researchers have developed -- and shared -- a process for creating brain cortical organoids -- essentially miniature artificial brains with functioning neural networks.
People with an optimistic outlook on the future are less likely to be severe procrastinators, according to new research. While procrastinators often admonish themselves for their 'bad habit,' it turns out that their worries for the future are more to blame. Through a survey of nearly 300 young people, researchers found that those who had a positive view about their stress levels decreasing in the future, compared to the past or present, were less likely to experience severe procrastination. Views on personal well-being didn't appear to have an effect. Improving people's outlook and readiness for the future could help them overcome procrastination and achieve a less stressful lifestyle.
Academics are often accused of 'splitting hairs', but a team has now devised a machine to do just that. We all have a bad hair day from time to time, and split ends are a common problem. However, the science behind this kind of hair damage is poorly understood, which is why scientists are investigating this knotty problem.
People who eat a healthy, sustainable diet may substantially lower their risk of premature death in addition to their environmental impact, according to a new study. This large study directly evaluates the impacts of adherence to recommendations in the landmark 2019 EAT-Lancet report. The researchers have named the dietary pattern outlined in the report -- which emphasizes a variety of minimally processed plant foods but allows for modest consumption of meat and dairy foods -- the Planetary Health Diet (PHD).
The platitude that failure leads to success may be both inaccurate and damaging to society, according to new research.
New eye-tracking research has shown that simply looking at natural elements during urban walks can offer significant mental health benefits.
Online education is effective for teaching complicated topics like quantum information science (QIS) to high school science educators, according to a new article.
Severe chronic pancreatitis is treated by removing the pancreas. Without a pancreas, patients also lose insulin-producing cells called islets. To preserve insulin responses, surgeons transplant islets to the liver, which has poor outcomes. New strategy uses a synthetic gel to transplant islets to the omentum, showing promise in small and large animal studies. With the new approach, more islets survived transplantation and grew blood vessels into the omentum.
Giving a regular cash payment to the entire world population has the potential to increase global gross domestic product (GDP) by 130%, according to a new analysis. Researchers suggest that charging carbon emitters with an emission tax could help fund such basic income program while reducing environmental degradation.
By studying mutations in yeast and human cells, scientists say they have found that biochemical bonds between fats and proteins in the mitochondrion, the cell's powerhouse, play a crucial role in how our cells produce energy.
Where there's smoke, there's not always fire. Wildfire smoke drifted to nearly every lake in North America for at least one day per year from 2019 to 2021, found a UC Davis study.
A team of researchers has developed a wirelessly activated device that mimics the wavelike muscular function in the esophagus and small intestine responsible for transporting food and viscous fluids for digestion.
When we learn something new, our brain cells (neurons) communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals. If the same group of neurons communicate together often, the connections between them get stronger. This process helps our brains learn and remember things and is known as long-term potentiation or LTP. Another type of LTP occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen temporarily -- anoxia-induced long-term potentiationor aLTP. aLTP blocks the former process, thereby impairing learning and memory. Therefore, some scientists think that aLTP might be involved in memory problems seen in conditions like stroke.
By studying the brain anatomy of newborn baby baboons, a research group was able to predict what hand they would use to communicate after they had been weaned.
An international team of scientists has uncovered neural mechanisms used in planning. Its results suggest that an interplay between the brain's prefrontal cortex and hippocampus allows us to imagine future outcomes in order to guide our decisions.
Researchers have created digital babies to better understand infants' health in their critical first 180 days of life. The team created 360 advanced computer models that simulate the unique metabolic processes of each baby.
One of the most confusing aspects for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is that they have high fasting glucose levels. This is because in these insulin-resistant patients, glucose production by the liver is triggered, a process that is still full of questions for the scientific community. Now, a review article presents a comprehensive overview of the most important advances in understanding this mechanism.
Bioengineering is revolutionizing cancer research. This area of science integrates engineering and physical sciences with oncology to change how we understand and treat this complex disease.
Biomedical engineers have developed a silk-based, ultrathin membrane that can be used in organ-on-a-chip models to better mimic the natural environment of cells and tissues within the body. When used in a kidney organ-on-a-chip platform, the membrane helped tissues grow to recreate the functionality of both healthy and diseased kidneys.
Little is yet known about the health effects of nanoparticles on pregnancy. An interdisciplinary team is currently analyzing the risks for babies in the womb. Using a lab model, the researchers were able to determine that certain nanoparticles impair the release of chemical messengers in the placenta and thus the formation of blood vessels.
New research led by Lia Siegelman, a physical oceanographer at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, shows that the roiling storms at the planet Jupiter's polar regions are powered by processes known to physicists studying Earth's oceans and atmosphere. The geophysical commonalities spanning the 452 million miles between the two planets could even help facilitate an improved understanding of those processes on Earth.
Some say the next step in human evolution will be the integration of technology with flesh. Now, researchers have used virtual reality to test whether humans can feel embodiment -- the sense that something is part of one's body -- toward prosthetic 'hands' that resemble a pair of tweezers. They report that participants felt an equal degree of embodiment for the tweezer-hands and were also faster and more accurate in completing motor tasks in virtual reality than when they were equipped with a virtual human hand.
A new study suggests that people who take a few common drugs may have a decreased risk of having a bleeding stroke due to a ruptured brain aneurysm. The results do not prove that these drugs reduce the risk of this type of aneurysm; they only show an association.
Healthcare providers should watch out for new and highly contagious forms of ringworm or jock itch, which are emerging as a potential public health threat, according to a pair of reports.
Diabetes rates continue to rise. Scientists have now created a pain-free drug delivery method to help people with diabetes manage the disease and maintain their health more easily. Researchers have developed oral insulin drops that when placed under the tongue are quickly and efficiently absorbed by the body, potentially replacing the need for insulin injections.
Blood stem cells -- key to transplants that are used as life-saving treatments for blood cancers and blood and immune disorders -- have the capacity to self-renew, but quickly lose their ability to do so in a lab dish. Scientists have identified a protein that not only enables blood stem cells to self-renew in a lab dish, but also allows these expanded cells to function effectively after being transplanted into mouse models. The findings could help make blood stem cell transplants available to more people and improve the accessibility and safety of gene therapies that use these cells.
Strong bitterness is the main reason why people all over the world, especially children, avoid taking their medicines, putting their health, and sometimes, their lives at risk. Now, a group of scientists has identified the first temporary, universal taste blocker that works in people.
Researchers have established a new framework for understanding how classic antidepressants work in treating major depressive disorder (MDD), reemphasizing their importance and aiming to reframe clinical conversation around their role in treatment.
Large Language Models behind popular generative AI platforms like ChatGPT gave different answers when asked to respond to the same reasoning test and didn't improve when given additional context, finds a new study.
As prostate cancer progresses, it becomes increasingly aggressive and can metastasize. In this form, the tumor is difficult to treat, which is reflected in high mortality rates: Worldwide, the malignant disease of the prostate is the second most common cause of cancer death in men.
New research featuring more than 24,000 people has found that having diverse groups of friends improves wellbeing and social cohesion, despite people's tendency to gravitate towards people more similar to them.
A new clinical trial of five children with inherited deafness found administering gene therapy in both ears led to restored hearing and speech, and additional gains including sound source localization, ability to hear in noisy environments, and for two children, abillity to appreciate music. This is the first trial in the world to treat children with hereditary deafness in both ears with gene therapy. The investigators say their findings warrant larger international trials, and suggest this approach may be beneficial for other genetic and non-genetic causes of deafness.
Scientists have discovered genetic clues to the cause of restless leg syndrome, a condition common among older adults. The discovery could help identify those individuals at greatest risk of the condition and point to potential ways to treat it.
Babies' brains are not as immature as previously thought, rather they are using the period of postnatal 'helplessness' to learn powerful foundation models similar to those underpinning generative Artificial Intelligence, according to a new study.
Eating a poor quality diet might lead to brain changes that are associated with depression and anxiety. This is according to a first-of-its-kind study into the brain chemistry and structure, and diet quality of 30 volunteers.
Training exercises designed to improve cognitive control in children do not make a significant difference to their ability to delay gratification or to their academic achievement, nor do they lead to any brain changes.
A team of researchers has developed a new method for target DNA sequence amplification, testing and analysis.
Adolescents with elevated blood pressure and arterial stiffness may experience poorer cognitive functions, according to a recent study. Young people with higher blood pressure performed worse, especially in tasks that measured attention and learning. In addition, arterial stiffness was reflected in weaker working memory. In view of the findings, the importance of preventing high blood pressure and arterial stiffness in childhood and adolescence is emphasized.
For many parents, it can feel like curbing kids' screen use is a losing battle. But new research has found the parenting practices that work best to curb screen time and addictive screen behavior: restricting screens in bedrooms and at mealtimes and modeling healthy practices at home.
An international research team has found almost a million potential sources of antibiotics in the natural world.
Almost a century ago, the discovery of antibiotics like penicillin revolutionized medicine by harnessing the natural bacteria-killing abilities of microbes. A study suggests that natural-product antibiotic discovery is about to accelerate into a new era, powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
Scientists have found that the process of adaptive myelination, which helps the brain learn new skills, can also promote addiction to opioids.
Researchers invented a technique that allows them to observe which genes and enhancers are active in a cell at the same time. This could help them determine which enhancers control which genes and may reveal potential new drug targets for genetic disorders.
Researchers have discovered a new biological pathway that is a principal driver of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and related conditions, and which can be targeted using existing drugs.
Scientists discovered how macrophages, which act as the immune system's first line of defense, tailor their specific responses to various intruders through the independent and cooperative functions of three SWI/SNF protein complex variants: cBAF, ncBAF, and PBAF. The findings provide new insight into macrophage-initiated inflammation, which can potentially be utilized to create therapeutics that modulate excessive and damaging inflammation during disease.
A high sodium diet may increase the risk of eczema, according to researchers, who found that eating just one extra gram of sodium per day increases the likelihood of flares by 22%.
Nearly one in six patients in primary care reported cannabis use, with 35% of those using at levels indicating moderate- to high-risk use disorder. The findings indicate the need for routine cannabis use screening. Currently few healthcare systems offer this screening in primary care settings.
A recent study provides new insights into how fathers' diets and overweight can affect their children's health even before conception. The findings of the study can help develop preventive health measures for men wishing to become fathers: The healthier the father's diet, the lower the risk for their children to develop obesity or diseases such as diabetes later in life.
Antibiotic treatment prior to surgical repair of a pediatric elbow fracture does not reduce the risk for post-operative infection.
New research has linked multiple types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals') with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. Specifically, the study reveals how PFAS chemicals interact with pro-inflammatory pathways in older women, providing potential explanations for the increased risk.
According to preliminary data from a multi-institution Phase III trial intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) achieved similar clinical outcomes and offered significant patient benefits when compared to traditional intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) as part of chemoradiation treatment for patients with oropharyngeal (head and neck) cancer.
Driven by an older, more diverse population, along with a significant increase in risk factors including high blood pressure and obesity, total costs related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) conditions are likely to triple by 2050, according to recent projections. At least 6 in 10 U.S. adults (61%), more than 184 million people, are expected to have some type of CVD within the next 30 years, reflecting a disease prevalence that will have a $1.8 trillion price tag in direct and indirect costs.
Scientists have built upon BTE technology to develop new and improved recombinant and synthetic DNA versions of therapeutic antibodies that target CA9, called Persistent Multivalent T Cell Engager (CA9-PMTE), that shows promise in pre-clinical models as a potent, long-lasting treatment against ccRCC.
New research has found a connection between pleasant weather conditions and higher investment in lottery-like stocks.
A new study indicates that airplane noise may increase one's risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases, a cluster of conditions such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension. The study found that people who were exposed to airplane noise levels at 45 dB or more were more likely to have higher self-reported body mass index (BMI), with the highest BMI measures linked to aircraft noise levels at 55 dB or above.
Researchers combine AI and mobile health to predict recovery from lumbar spine surgery.
Obeldesivir (GS-5245), a novel investigational small molecule oral antiviral, represents a new tool in the ongoing effort to prepare for future pandemics.
A new computational machine learning method developed by computational biologists can help researchers discover spatial patterns of gene expression in diseased tissue.
Biological processes depend on puzzle pieces coming together and interacting. Under specific conditions, these interactions can create something new without external input. This is called self-organization, as seen in a school of fish or a flock of birds. Interestingly, the mammalian embryo develops similarly. Scientists now introduce a mathematical framework that analyzes self-organization from a single cell to a multicellular organism.
A humorous remark at just the right time can go a long way. Benevolent humor helps medical assistants (MAs) cope positively with their stressful working day, according to a new study.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of the large intestine, also called the colon and rectum. At least 40,000 people are living with IBD in Ireland, and over 5 million globally.
A team has scaled up the powerful brain-mapping tool BARseq. The technology is now capable of mapping millions of neurons throughout the brain. Identifying how neural connections are wired up over time is key to understanding the brain's perceptual abilities. It may also lead to better treatments for a variety of neurological conditions.
Blocking a protein known as CDK7 could prevent heart damage associated with a commonly used cancer chemotherapy medication, according to a new study. Importantly, the researchers also found that inhibiting CDK7 could help enhance the medication's cancer-killing capability. Based on an animal model, the study findings could provide a foundation for future treatment strategies to reduce chemotherapy-related heart toxicity and increase treatment effectiveness. This could ultimately help increase the lifespan of people with cancer.
Healthy adults under the age of 75 are unlikely to benefit from taking more than the daily intake of vitamin D recommended by the Institutes of Medicine (IOM) and do not require testing for vitamin D levels. For children, pregnant people, adults older than 75 years and adults with high-risk prediabetes, the guideline recommends vitamin D higher than the IOM recommended daily allowance.
Researchers have isolated human monoclonal antibodies against influenza B, a significant public health threat that disproportionately affects children, the elderly and other immunocompromised individuals.
A novel, human-inspired approach to training artificial intelligence (AI) systems to identify objects and navigate their surroundings could set the stage for the development of more advanced AI systems to explore extreme environments or distant worlds, according to new research.
When we're told 'This coffee is hot' upon being served a familiar caffeinated beverage at our local diner or cafe, the message is clear. But what about when we're told 'This coffee is not hot'? Does that mean we think it's cold? Or room temperature? Or just warm? A team of scientists has now identified how our brains work to process phrases that include negation (i.e., 'not'), revealing that it mitigates rather than inverts meaning -- in other words, in our minds, negation merely reduces the temperature of our coffee and does not make it 'cold.'
Reaserchers have created a prototype for what they call 'living bioelectronics': a combination of living cells, gel, and electronics that can integrate with living tissue. Tests in mice found that the devices could continuously monitor and improve psoriasis-like symptoms, without irritating skin.
Scientists studying ultra-processed foods have created a new tool for assessing the rewarding and reinforcing properties of foods that make up 58 percent of calories consumed in the United States. The foods have been linked to a wide range of negative health outcomes.
People who report early memory problems and whose partners also suspect they have memory problems have higher levels of tau tangles in the brain, a biomarker associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that mutated mouse embryos showing an abnormal epidermal differentiation and injected with mouse pluripotent stem cells grew large patches of mature epidermis derived from the donor cells that survived transplantation to adult mice and grew natural-looking fur. Injecting the embryos with human keratinoctyes produced sheets of semi-humanized skin, suggesting that this system could be developed further to grow autologous skin grafts for treating severe skin wounds.
The average age at menarche -- the first menstrual period -- has been decreasing among younger generations in the U.S., especially those belonging to racial minorities and lower socioeconomic statuses, according to a new study. It also found that the average time it takes for the menstrual cycle to become regular is increasing.
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of depression in adolescents and young adults -- and a simultaneous uptick in the inclusion of technology and social media in everyday life. In a new study, researchers investigated the association among social media use, depression and other health-related behaviors of young adults over time.
The benefits gained with higher lifestyle scores may be associated with the positive influence of heart disease risk factors on the aging of the body and its cells, finds a new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association
Researchers have shown that members of the public have little trouble in learning very quickly how to use a third thumb -- a controllable, prosthetic extra thumb -- to pick up and manipulate objects. The team tested the robotic device on a diverse range of participants, which they say is essential for ensuring new technologies are inclusive and can work for everyone.
Participants following an intermittent fasting and protein-pacing regimen, which involves evenly spaced protein intake throughout the day, saw better gut health, weight loss and metabolic responses. These benefits were notably greater than those seen with simple calorie restriction. The findings could advance our understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiome and metabolism and improve strategies for managing obesity.
A team of cancer researchers has discovered a new subset of T cells that may improve the outcome for patients treated with T-cell therapies.
A multidisciplinary research team has revealed that the circadian clock -- the biological pacemaker that governs daily rhythms in physiological processes, including immune functions -- can be leveraged to enhance the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitor cancer therapy. Checkpoint inhibitors block different proteins from binding to tumor cells, allowing the immune system's T cells to kill the tumor.
Researchers have demonstrated how B cells infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can contribute to a pathogenic, inflammatory phenotype that contributes to multiple sclerosis (MS); the group has also shown how these problematic B cells can be selectively targeted in a way that reduces the damaging autoimmune response of multiple sclerosis.
Scientists have designed a way to 'cloak' proteins in a generalized technique that could lead to repurposing things like antibodies for biological research and therapeutic applications.
Music and speech are among the most frequent types of sounds we hear. But how do we identify what we think are differences between the two? An international team of researchers mapped out this process through a series of experiments -- yielding insights that offer a potential means to optimize therapeutic programs that use music to regain the ability to speak in addressing aphasia.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men, and being a father may put men at an even greater risk of poor heart health later in life, reports a new study. The study of 2,814 men between the ages of 45 and 84 found cardiovascular health in older age was worse for fathers compared to non-fathers. Study participants' heart health was rated based on their diet, physical activity, smoking habits, weight, blood pressure, and level of lipids and glucose in their blood.
Low-level light therapy appears to affect healing in the brains of people who suffered significant brain injuries.
A baby's exposure to air pollution while in the womb is associated with the development of certain mental health problems once the infant reaches adolescence, new research has found. The study examined the long-term mental health impact of early-life exposure to air and noise pollution.
Discovery of an appetite-suppressing protein has doubled the potential for new avenues for treating obesity and metabolic disorders in animals and people.
Thousands of Australians struggle with serious mental health conditions. But when the recommended treatment involves antipsychotic medications, the side effects are excess kilos, which only adds weight to an already complex diagnosis. Now, new research shows that antipsychotics can be reformulated with a strategically engineered coating that not only mitigates unwanted weight gain but also boosts serotonin levels by more than 250%.
Researchers found that approximately one in 40 human bone marrow cells carry massive chromosomal alterations without causing any apparent disease or abnormality. Even so-called normal cells carry all sorts of genetic mutations, meaning there are more genetic differences between individual cells in our bodies than between different human beings. The discovery was enabled by a single-cell sequencing technology called Strand-seq, a unique DNA sequencing technique that can reveal subtle details of genomes in single cells that are too difficult to detect with other methods.
Greater use of pharmacists to treat minor illnesses could potentially save millions of dollars in health care costs, according to new research. The findings also indicate a way to improve healthcare access by expanding availability of pharmacists' clinical services including prescribing medications, amid an ongoing shortage of primary care providers. The study found that care for a range of minor health issues -- including urinary tract infections, shingles, animal bites and headaches -- costs an average of about $278 less when treated in pharmacies compared to patients with similar conditions treated at 'traditional sites' of primary care, urgent care or emergency room settings. Follow-ups with pharmacy patients showed that almost all their illnesses had resolved after the initial visit with a pharmacist. Notably, if all of the illnesses in the three-year study that were treated at a traditional site of care had been treated by community pharmacists, it would have saved an estimated $23 million in health care expenses.
New research finds that binge-eating disorder symptoms may persist longer than once believed, finding 61 percent and 45 percent of individuals still experienced binge-eating disorder 2.5 and 5 years after their initial diagnoses, respectively.
Feeding children peanuts regularly from infancy to age five was linked to a reduced rate of peanut allergy in adolescence, by 71%, even after many years when the children ate or avoided peanut as desired.
Researchers have identified the genetic basis behind certain severe immunodeficiencies in newborns, paving the way for potential screening and emerging therapies.
Engineers have developed an artificial intelligence system that lets someone wearing headphones look at a person speaking for three to five seconds to 'enroll' them. The system then plays just the enrolled speaker's voice in real time, even as the pair move around in noisy environments.
Mice administered raw milk samples from dairy cows infected with H5N1 influenza experienced high virus levels in their respiratory organs and lower virus levels in other vital organs, according to new findings. The results suggest that consumption of raw milk by animals poses a risk for H5N1 infection and raises questions about its potential risk in humans.
Researchers have developed a new strain of vaccinia virus, which can replicate in tumor cells while maintaining increased immunogenicity. Specifically, it can to induce so-called immunogenic cell death in tumor cells.
A groundbreaking study has unveiled the most detailed view of the complex biological mechanisms underlying autism, showing the first link between genetic risk of the disorder to observed cellular and genetic activity across different layers of the brain.
A consortium of researchers has produced the largest and most advanced multidimensional maps of gene regulation networks in the brains of people with and without mental disorders. These maps detail the many regulatory elements that coordinate the brain's biological pathways and cellular functions. The research used postmortem brain tissue from over 2,500 donors to map gene regulation networks across different stages of brain development and multiple brain-related disorders.
New research offers a possible explanation for how the brain learns to identify both color and black-and-white images. The researchers found evidence that early in life, when the retina is unable to process color information, the brain learns to distinguish objects based on luminance, rather than color.
New research provides a map for how the genes known to increase risk of schizophrenia affect specific cells within the brain -- information researchers hope can drive the development of new, effective treatments.
Researchers show in animal models that a novel, non-hormonal sperm-specific approach offers a promising option for reversible human male contraception.
A recently completed study demonstrates that mental disorders may be transmitted between individuals within social networks. The finding was the most evident in the case of mood, anxiety and eating disorders.
Researchers have developed an approach to 'deleting' a blood system affected by leukemia while simultaneously building up a new, healthy system with donor blood stem cells. The team reports on the promising results obtained in animal experiments and with human cells in the laboratory.
On the heels of a shortage of nirsevimab for infant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) prevention, a new tool may help identify newborns at highest risk for developing serious RSV LRTI, according to new research.
Scientists have used breast cancer cells' weakness against themselves by linking a tumor-selective antibody with a cell-killing drug to destroy hard-to-treat tumors.
Currently available flu medications only target the virus after it has already established an infection, but what if a drug could prevent infection in the first place? Now, scientists have designed drug-like molecules to do just that, by thwarting the first stage of influenza infection.
Researchers are reporting new findings that demonstrate a link between exposure to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in males and health issues in their offspring.
Researchers show that nocturnal heat significantly increases the risk of stroke. The findings can contribute to the development of preventive measures: With them, the population can better protect themselves against the risks of climate change with increasingly frequent hot nights. In addition, knowledge of the consequences of hot nights can improve patient care.
An increase in nightmares and hallucinations -- or 'daymares' -- could herald the onset of autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
Replacing diesel school buses with electric school buses may yield up to $247,600 in climate and health benefits per individual bus, according to a new study. The researchers found that these benefits -- including fewer greenhouse gas emissions and reduced rates of adult mortality and childhood asthma -- and their associated savings are strongest in large cities and among fleets of old (2005 and before) buses.
The dramatic decline in childhood mortality during the 20th century has added a full year to women's lives, according to a new study.
A quarter of parents report that caffeine is basically part of their teen's daily life, according to a new national poll.
Extreme heat events were associated with increased asthma hospital visits, according to new research.
Researchers have succeeded in delivering targeted cancer treatment via small membrane bubbles that our cells use to communicate. A new study shows that the treatment reduces tumor growth and improves survival in mice.
Two newly discovered mechanisms in bacteria have been identified that can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Changing the number of copies of resistance genes in bacteria increases antibiotic resistance, and can do so very quickly. These two mechanisms, along with a third known mechanism, can occur independently of each other, even within the same bacterial cell.
Using more robots to close labor gaps in the hospitality industry may backfire and cause more human workers to quit, according to a new study. The study, involving more than 620 lodging and food service employees, found that 'robot-phobia' -- specifically the fear that robots and technology will take human jobs -- increased workers' job insecurity and stress, leading to greater intentions to leave their jobs. The impact was more pronounced with employees who had real experience working with robotic technology. It also affected managers in addition to frontline workers.
For many patients with a deadly type of brain cancer called glioblastoma, chemotherapy resistance is a big problem. But now, researchers may have moved a step closer to a solution.
More than 40% of adults in the United States live with obesity, and the percentage of people living with obesity continues to increase dramatically. While experts have learned a great deal about the causes of obesity and effective treatments for it, that information isn't always implemented in clinical settings, which may be hindering progress in reducing the rates of cardiovascular disease.
Major advance promises to accelerate the understanding and improved treatment of a wide range of brain disorders, including stroke, cerebral vascular disorders, brain cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions.
A new advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm more accurately model how genes associated with specific autoimmune diseases are expressed and regulated and to identify additional genes of risk. The method outperforms existing methodologies and identified 26% more novel gene and trait associations.
A lack of detailed record-keeping in clinics and emergency departments may be getting in the way of reducing the inappropriate use of antibiotics, a pair of new studies suggests. In one of the studies, about 10% of children and 35% of adults who got an antibiotic prescription during an office visit had no specific reason for the antibiotic in their record.
The latest findings forecast that global life expectancy will increase by 4.9 years in males and 4.2 years in females between 2022 and 2050. Increases are expected to be largest in countries where life expectancy is lower, contributing to a convergence of increased life expectancy across geographies. The trend is largely driven by public health measures that have prevented and improved survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and a range of communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases (CMNNs).
A recombinant form of human ADAMTS13 approved for a different condition helped to save the life of a young mother with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
A study has found that repeat vaccination with updated versions of the COVID-19 vaccine promotes the development of antibodies that neutralize a wide range of variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as related coronaviruses.
The sweet-taste receptor might be the first stop in a metabolic surveillance system for sugar. The receptor is also expressed in certain intestinal cells, where it may facilitate glucose absorption and assimilation, as part of this system. A team found that stimulation and inhibition of the sweet receptor helps regulate glucose metabolism in humans and may have implications for managing such metabolic disorders as diabetes.
The brain modulates visual signals according to internal states, as a new study by neuroscientists reveals.
Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death, but the right early intervention can prevent severe consequences. Scientists developed a new test by combining blood-based biomarkers with a clinical score to identify patients experiencing large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke with high accuracy.
If fruit fly wings do not develop into the right shape, the flies will die. Researchers have learned how fly embryo cells develop as they need to, opening a window into human development and possible treatments for birth defects.
People who use metformin are less likely to develop a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) over time, indicating that the treatment may help prevent the development of certain types of cancers, according to a new study.
An HIV vaccine candidate triggered low levels of an elusive type of broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies among a small group of people enrolled in a 2019 clinical trial.
Large language model-based chatbots can't effectively recognize users' motivation when they are hesitant about making healthy behavior changes, but they can support those who are committed to take action, say researchers.
In the United States, about 30-40% of donor hearts aren't considered for transplant due to inadequate function in the donor. This leads to a drop in the number of donated hearts that are available to be matched with someone who needs a heart transplant.
In what they believe is a solution to a 30-year biological mystery, neuroscientists say they have used genetically engineered mice to address how one mutation in the gene for the light-sensing protein rhodopsin results in congenital stationary night blindness.
Abnormalities in the shape of the sclera, the white of the eye, can cause various complications and lead to blindness. However, techniques to observe the sclera in detail, such as its fibrous structure, are lacking. Now, researchers have used polarization-sensitive optical computed tomography to accurately visualize the density and orientation of scleral fibers in the eyes of living patients, opening doors to understanding ocular pathologies better and developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Important brain structures that are key for signaling in the brain are narrower and less dense in females, and more likely to be damaged by brain injuries, such as concussion. Long-term cognitive deficits occur when the signals between brain structures weaken due to the injury. The structural differences in male and female brains might explain why females are more prone to concussions and experience longer recovery from the injury than their male counterparts.
B cells can control responses of myeloid cells through the release of particular cytokines (small proteins that control the growth and activity of cells in the immune system), challenging the prevailing view that T cells are the principle orchestrators of immune responses. In individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), abnormally active respiration in B cells drives pro-inflammatory responses of myeloid cells and T cells, leading them to attack the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers, and leading to nerve damage that causes symptoms of MS.
To date, approaches to treatments for Alzheimer's disease have not addressed the contribution of protein insolubility as a general phenomenon, instead focusing on one or two insoluble proteins. Researchers have recently completed a systematic study in worms that paints an intricate picture of the connections between insoluble proteins in neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Furthermore, the work demonstrated an intervention that could reverse the toxic effects of the aggregates by boosting mitochondrial health.
Being stressed while witnessing injustice may push your brain towards altruism, according to a new study.
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells. But the way these cells die appears to be different than previously understood. Researchers have now uncovered a completely new way in which cancer cells die: due to the Schlafen11 gene. 'This is a very unexpected finding. Cancer patients have been treated with chemotherapy for almost a century, but this route to cell death has never been observed before. Where and when this occurs in patients will need to be further investigated. This discovery could ultimately have implications for the treatment of cancer patients.'
Researchers have determined that a protein prediction technology can yield accurate results in the hunt to efficiently find the best possible drug candidates for many conditions.
In an important step toward more effective gene therapies for brain diseases, researchers have engineered a gene-delivery vehicle that uses a human protein to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver a disease-relevant gene to the brain in mice expressing the human protein. Because the vehicle binds to a well-studied protein in the blood-brain barrier, the scientists say it has a good chance at working in patients.
Many people are concerned about residues of chemicals, contaminants or microplastics in their food. However, it is less well known that many foods also contain toxins of completely natural origin. These are often chemical compounds that plants use to ward off predators such as insects or microorganisms. These substances are found in beans and potatoes, for example, and can pose potential health risks.
What features does a robotic guide dog need? Ask the blind, say researchers. A new study identifies how to develop robot guide dogs with insights from guide dog users and trainers.
Singing rehabilitates speech production in post-stroke aphasia. Researchers investigated the rehabilitative effect of singing on the brain.
Perceiving something -- anything -- in your surroundings is to become aware of what your senses are detecting. Today, neuroscientists identify, for the first time, brain-cell circuitry in fruit flies that converts raw sensory signals into color perceptions that can guide behavior.
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that occurs in around one per cent of the world's population. It is triggered by the consumption of gluten proteins from wheat, barley, rye and some oats. A gluten-free diet protects celiac patients from severe intestinal damage.
Early identification of stroke type could be key to harnessing the benefits of very early in-ambulance blood pressure lowering treatment in patients with suspected acute stroke, according to new research.
Disc-related back pain may one day meet its therapeutic match: gene therapy delivered by naturally derived nanocarriers that, a new study shows, repairs damaged discs in the spine and lowers pain symptoms in mice.
If you tend to do other things or get distracted while eating dinner, you may be running the risk of over-consuming everyday pleasures later, possibly because the distraction caused you to enjoy yourself less, according to new research.
A groundbreaking article describes a promising new therapy for obesity that leads to greater weight loss in mice than existing medications. The approach smuggles molecules into the brain's appetite center and affects the brain's neuroplasticity.
By kindergarten age, most children have been taught that 'please' is a magic word. 'Please' is an expression of politeness that shows courtesy and respect, turning a potential demand into a request that will -- poof! -- magically be granted. But a new study on the ways people make requests of one another suggests that 'please' might not be an all-purpose marker of politeness, but rather a more focused, strategic tool to manage frictions or obstacles among family members, friends and even coworkers. The study shows that people say 'please' much less often than expected, and mostly when they expect a 'no' response is forthcoming.
Climate change, and its effects on weather patterns and adverse weather events, is likely to negatively affect the health of people with brain conditions, argue a team of researchers.
Compared with pre-surgical (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy alone, adding perioperative immunotherapy -- given before and after surgery -- significantly improved event-free survival (EFS) in patients with resectable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC), according to researchers.
Researchers have detected significant concentrations of microplastics in the testicular tissue of both humans and dogs, adding to growing concern about their possible effect on human reproductive health.
Access to gardens and citizen science projects at school can help promote pro-conservation behaviour among pupils, a new study shows.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza was detected in dairy cattle for the first time in the United States in March, with nine states reporting outbreaks by May. While the method of transmission among cattle is currently unknown, new research demonstrates that a related strain of H5N1, subtype clade 2.3.4.4b, which caused an outbreak in farmed mink in 2022, transmitted through the air to a limited number of ferrets. This is the first time that a member of the group of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses has been shown to exhibit this ability. According to the researchers, the findings suggest these viruses are evolving to infect mammals and with potentially increased risk to humans.
Eurasian jays can remember incidental details of past events, which is characteristic of episodic memory in humans, according to a new study.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are generally associated with better status on various medical factors linked to cardiovascular health and cancer risk, as well as lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and death, according to a new review of 49 previously published papers.
Wearable Bluetooth devices can shed light on the care that residents of care homes are receiving and which residents are most in need of social contact, according to a new study.
Spending time in nature is good for us. And knowing more about nature's effects on our bodies could not only help our well-being, but could also improve how we care for land, preserve ecosystems and design cities, homes and parks. Many studies have focused on how seeing nature affects us. A team of scientists from around the world wants to understand what the nose knows. They are calling for more research into how odors and scents from natural settings impact our health and well-being.
Are acoustic features of music and spoken language shared across cultures? Researchers recorded themselves performing traditional music and speaking in their native language. In all 50+ languages, the rhythms of songs and instrumental melodies were slower than those of speech, while the pitches were higher and more stable.
A new study has shown that repetitive practice not only is helpful in improving skills but also leads to profound changes in the brain's memory pathways.
Results from a new study are providing new insights into the therapeutic potential of bacteriophage (phage) therapy for treating diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF).
Scientists uncover why cancer patients with ARID1A gene mutations are more likely to respond to immunotherapy, discovering ARID1A mutations invite cancer-fighting immune cells into tumors by triggering an antiviral-like response. Their findings could help improve cancer care and drug development for many cancer types, including endometrial, ovarian, colon, gastric, liver, and pancreatic cancers.
Some proteins shift their shape when exposed to different temperatures, revealing previously unknown binding sites for medications. The findings could revolutionize wide swathes of biology by fundamentally changing how protein structure is studied and leveraged for drug design.
Among public school students in New York City, some of the greatest increases in childhood obesity in recent years were among those socioeconomic and demographic groups already bearing the greatest burden of obesity, including Black and Hispanic students and youth living in poverty, according to a new study.
New research has shed light in the complex interplay between cell proteins, and how they impact on neurons in neurodevelopmental disorders and Alzheimer's disease.
At present, there is no specific active substance against hepatitis E. As the disease kills 70,000 people every year, researchers are actively searching for one. A team may have found what they're looking for. The researchers showed that the compound K11777 prevents host cells from helping the virus out of its shell by cleaving the viral capsid. This means it can no longer infect cells.
The system is already in use in retirement homes. Researchers have now tested how effective it is in a scientific study.
Researchers have discovered that blocking both genes brings about a significant reduction in tumor size. The study reveals important differences between tumors in male and female Drosophila and how this often overlooked biological variable could impact cancer treatment.
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of adaptive malignant cells that promote tumor growth and drug resistance. Recently, researchers from Japan reported that Sfrp1, an angiocrine factor secreted by tumor blood vessels, plays a key role in the maintenance of CSC populations. Their findings clarify the elusive role of this factor, which could pave the way to novel treatments targeting vascular endothelial cells that nurture CSCs in drug-resistant cancers.
Although drug eruptions are often linked to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA), the mechanism of its involvement in presenting symptoms of the skin remains unclear. In a recent study, researchers used genetically engineered mice to demonstrate the role of HLA in mediating intracellular reactions in keratinocytes, leading to drug eruptions in the skin. Their findings could lead to improved preventive and treatment measures for drug eruptions.
Sprint interval training (SIT) is a form of exercise characterized by cycles of intense exercise which are interspersed by short durations of rest. In a recent study, researchers deep dive into the intricate connections among various parameters of SIT, such as duration and repetitions, and the resulting physiological responses. Their findings can aid in developing well-informed and tailored sprint training regimens that significantly benefit the modern-day population.
Obesity and inflammatory diseases are increasing in prevalence and contribute to the growing burden of lifestyle disorders such as diabetes and hypertension. There is a lack of naturally derived alternatives to tackle these issues. Researchers have synthesized novel amino acid derivatives of menthol and studied its properties. The menthyl esters showed exceptional anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities during preclinical studies and can be developed as therapeutic compounds with further research.
An important new study has advanced how heart failure is detected in women -- meaning more female patients can be diagnosed and at an earlier stage.
Research could pave the way for a prosthetic hand and robot to be able to feel touch like a human hand. The technology could also be used to help restore lost functionality to patients after a stroke.
Prions are the abnormal, pathogenic agents that are transmissible and are able to induce abnormal folding of specific normal cellular proteins. Prion disease is an umbrella term for a group of fatal and currently untreatable neurodegenerative diseases that not only affect humans, but also wild and captive animals. These diseases include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or 'mad cow disease'), and chronic wasting disease (CWD) affecting deer, elk and moose.
A small number of New York City wild birds carry highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, according to a recent study.
Introns are perhaps one of our genome's biggest mysteries. They are DNA sequences that interrupt the sensible protein-coding information in your genes, and need to be 'spliced out.'
Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer that accounts for 75% of all skin-cancer-related deaths, is often detected later in people with darker skin complexions -- and the consequences can be devastating, a new study reveals.
A breakthrough study features a biomedical engineering innovation with the potential to transform trauma care and surgical practices. A scientific research team has developed platelet-like particles that integrate into the body's clotting pathways to stop hemorrhage.
As often as four days a week, Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island fly loops overhead as pilots practice touch-and-go landings. The noise is immense. New research shows that the noise isn't just disruptive -- it presents a substantial risk to public health.
Researchers have identified molecular and genetic pathways that direct the generation and maturation of parietal cells, the only cells in the body that produce acid, from stem cells. The findings can lead to new strategies to regulate parietal cell function in different diseases involving these cells, including autoimmune gastritis and stomach and esophageal cancers.
Scientists reveal how ETV4 controls stem cell differentiation in response to mechanical cues.
Researchers have shed new light on the changes in metabolism that occur between birth and the presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) later in childhood. The researchers discovered that a small number of biochemical pathways are responsible for the majority of these changes, which could help inform new early detection and prevention strategies for autism.
Many neurons exhibit 'mixed selectivity,' meaning they can integrate multiple inputs and participate in multiple computations. Mechanisms such as oscillations and neuromodulators recruit their participation and tune them to focus on the relevant information.
The tool will help researchers better understand major challenges that afflict undernourished children, such as changes in cognitive development and higher infection rates.
A team has developed a vaccine approach that works like a GPS, guiding the immune system through the specific steps to make broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV.
Discrimination may speed up the biological processes of aging, according to a new study.
Most people with early-stage glaucoma don't know they have it, even though early treatment is key to reducing vision loss. While detecting a subtle increase in eye pressure helps doctors to diagnose glaucoma, it's challenging to monitor continuously, especially with the variety of temperatures eyes experience. Now, researchers report a prototype 'smart' contact lens that measures eye pressure accurately, regardless of temperature.
A new model for predicting the effects of climate change on malaria transmission in Africa could lead to more targeted interventions to control the disease according to a new study. Previous methods have used rainfall totals to indicate the presence of surface water suitable for breeding mosquitoes, but the new research used several climatic and hydrological models to include real-world processes of evaporation, infiltration and flow through rivers. This groundbreaking approach has created a more in-depth picture of malaria-friendly conditions on the African continent.
Researchers have created the largest synaptic-resolution, 3D reconstruction of a piece of human brain to date, showing in vivid detail each cell and its web of neural connections in a piece of human temporal cortex about half the size of a rice grain.
Researchers developed a potential new treatment for alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss. The microneedle patch delivers immune-regulating molecules that can teach T cells not to attack hair follicles, helping hair regrow.
An international collaboration recently uncovered a previously overlooked COVID-related syndrome: MDA5-autoimmunity and Interstitial Pneumonitis Contemporaneous with COVID-19, or MIP-C for short.
The Canadian wildfires of June 2023 exposed a large portion of the Northeastern United States to unprecedented levels of smoke. A new model that combines wildfire smoke forecasts and data from ground-based sensors may help public health officials plan targeted interventions in areas most at risk for the negative health effects of unexpected smoke events and air pollution, according to scientists.
A 'crazy idea' hatched during a walk in the woods and first tested by a high school student is now an innovative research tool used by scientists worldwide to predict neurotransmitters in fruit fly connectomes.
Just a few days on a night shift schedule throws off protein rhythms related to blood glucose regulation, energy metabolism and inflammation, processes that can influence the development of chronic metabolic conditions. The finding provides new clues as to why night shift workers are more prone to diabetes, obesity and other metabolic disorders. Though more research is needed, the researchers said the study shows that these disrupted rhythms can be seen in as little as three days, which suggests early intervention to prevent diabetes and obesity is possible. Such intervention could also help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, which is elevated in night shift workers as well.
Researchers present Tripath: new, deep learning models that can use 3D pathology datasets to make clinical outcome predictions. The research team imaged curated prostate cancer specimens, using two 3D high-resolution imaging techniques. The models were then trained to predict prostate cancer recurrence risk on volumetric human tissue biopsies. By comprehensively capturing 3D morphologies from the entire tissue volume, Tripath performed better than pathologists and outperformed deep learning models that rely on 2D morphology and thin tissue slices.
Researchers have developed a robotic feeding system that uses computer vision, machine learning and multimodal sensing to safely feed people with severe mobility limitations, including those with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.
Nature has consistently inspired engineering applications. Recently, a group of researchers drew new inspirations from the vascular network and developed a new type of fluidic system named VasFluidics.
A recent study led to the development of a powerful epigenetic editing technology. The system unlocks the ability to precisely program chromatin modifications at any specific position in the genome, to understand their causal role in transcription regulation. This innovative approach will help to investigate the role of chromatin modifications in many biological processes, and to program desired gene activity responses, which may prove useful in disease settings.
Aging clocks can measure the biological age of humans with high precision. Biological age can be influenced by environmental factors such as smoking or diet, thus deviating from the chronological age that is calculated using the date of birth. The precision of these aging clocks suggests that the aging process follows a program. Scientists have now discovered that aging clocks actually measure the increase in stochastic changes in cells.
Researchers lay out the need for design safety protocols that prevent the emerging 'digital afterlife industry' causing social and psychological harm.
Neuropathy, the nerve damage that causes pain and numbness in the feet and hands and can eventually lead to falls, infection and even amputation, is very common and underdiagnosed, according to a new study.
Spina bifida is the most common structural disorder of the human nervous system. The causes are largely unknown, but a new study points to a link involving a chromosomal microdeletion -- and also underscores the value of folic acid as a preventive measure.
A tiny, flexible electronic device that wraps around the spinal cord could represent a new approach to the treatment of spinal injuries, which can cause profound disability and paralysis. A team of engineers, neuroscientists and surgeons developed the devices and used them to record the nerve signals going back and forth between the brain and the spinal cord. Unlike current approaches, the new devices can record 360-degree information, giving a complete picture of spinal cord activity.
Researchers have shown that a breakthrough therapy for treating blood cancers can be adapted to treat solid tumors -- an advance that could transform cancer treatment. The promising findings involve CAR-T cell therapy, which supercharges the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells.
Experts released a new clinical guideline for effectively managing individuals diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The guideline reiterates the importance of collaborative decision-making with patients who have HCM and provides updated recommendations for the most effective treatment pathways for adult and pediatric patients.
Adolescents who view their households as more unstructured, disorganized, or hectic than their siblings develop more mental health and behavioral problems in early adulthood, according to new research.
Conversational agents (CAs) such as Alexa and Siri are designed to answer questions, offer suggestions -- and even display empathy. However, new research finds they do poorly compared to humans when interpreting and exploring a user's experience.
Psychiatrists and mental health professionals have a new standard for managing major depression, thanks to refreshed clinical guidelines.
Despite the high prevalence of substance abuse and its often devastating outcomes, especially among disadvantaged populations, few Americans receive treatment for substance use disorders. However, the rise of mobile health technologies can make treatments more accessible.
Researchers have found evidence of the molecular causes of the damaging impact heat stress causes on the gut, liver and brain in the elderly. These findings point to the potential of developing precise prognostic and therapeutic interventions.
Adjuvants make vaccines more effective, though one of the best is an expensive extract from the soap bark tree. To lower the cost and avoid the laborious extraction process from bark, synthetic biologists introduced 38 separate genes into yeast to recreate the synthesis of the active molecule, a complex chemical, QS-21, that has a terpene core and numerous sugars. This may be the longest biosynthetic pathway ever inserted into yeast.
Investigators discovered that a subset of myeloid and lymphoid leukemias depend on a molecular complex called PI3Kgamma for survival. The study provides both mechanistic and preclinical evidence supporting the rapid initiation of clinical trials for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to test an existing medicine that inhibits the complex, called eganelisib, both alone and in combination with the most used AML chemotherapy, cytarabine.
Starting people with opioid use disorder on extended-release, injectable naltrexone (XR-naltrexone) within five to seven days of seeking treatment is more effective than the standard treatment method of starting within 10-15 days, but requires closer medical supervision, according to results from a clinical trial. The findings suggest that this rapid treatment protocol could make XR-naltrexone more viable as a treatment option for opioid use disorder, which continues to take lives at an alarming rate.
An estimated 321,566 children in the United States lost a parent to drug overdose from 2011 to 2021, according to a new study. The rate of children who experienced this loss more than doubled during this period, from approximately 27 to 63 children per 100,000. The highest number of affected children were those with non-Hispanic white parents, but communities of color and tribal communities were disproportionately affected.
Is the status of 'perfect parent' attainable? Researchers leading a national dialogue about parental burnout say 'no,' and a new study finds that pressure to try to be 'perfect' leads to unhealthy impacts on both parents and their children.
A gene previously linked to intellectual disability has been found to regulate learning and memory in mice.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism that creates memories while reducing metabolic cost, even during sleep. This efficient memory occurs in a part of the brain that is crucial for learning and memory, and where Alzheimer's disease begins.
When breastfeeding mothers in a recent study used cannabis, its psychoactive component THC showed up in the milk they produced. The research also found that, unlike alcohol, when THC was detected in milk there was no consistent time when its concentration peaked and started to decline. Importantly, the researchers discovered that the amount of THC they detected in milk was low -- they estimated that infants received an average of 0.07 mg of THC per day. For comparison, a common low-dose edible contains 2 mg of THC. The research team stressed that it is unknown whether this amount has any impact on the infant.
In people's early- to mid-20s, they reach what is called peak bone mineral density, which is higher for men than it is for women, according to researchers. This peak is one of the main determinants of fracture risk later in life. After reaching this peak, a person's bone density remains roughly stable for a couple of decades. Then, when women enter the menopausal transition, they experience accelerated bone loss. Men also experience bone density decline as they age. Sleep patterns also evolve over time.
Emergency departments nationwide are overcrowded and overtaxed, but a new study suggests artificial intelligence (AI) could one day help prioritize which patients need treatment most urgently.
Using artificial intelligence, scientists have developed a powerful predictive model for identifying the most potent cancer killing immune cells for use in cancer immunotherapies.
Researchers have discovered a protein marker to help identify cells able to repopulate in patients with damaged blood vessels. Their findings could lead to new therapies for people with endothelial dysfunction, a type of disorder that contributes to coronary artery disease that may occlude with plaque and lack ability to carry sufficient blood into the heart tissue causing a heart attack.
According to a recent study, high levels of sedentary behavior and physical inactivity from childhood strain the heart in adolescence. High cardiac workload predicts heart failure and other heart diseases. In light of the findings, increasing moderate and vigorous physical activity from childhood onwards is particularly important in preventing heart diseases.
Recent reproductive research has opened the door for new treatments for solid cancer tumors, including breast cancer, lung cancer and melanoma.
For people with HIV, the risk of anal cancer varies according to their geographic region.
Fatty liver disease often leads to chronic liver inflammation and can even result in liver cancer. Scientists have now shown in mice that intermittent fasting on a 5:2 schedule can halt this development. The fasting regime reduces the development of liver cancer in mice with pre-existing liver inflammation. The researchers identified two proteins in liver cells that are jointly responsible for the protective effect of fasting. An approved drug can partially mimic this effect.
Understanding how mucus changes, and what it changes in response to, can help diagnose illnesses and develop treatments. Researchers develop a system to grow mucus-producing intestinal cells and study the characteristics of the mucus in different conditions. The process involves growing a layer of intestinal cells on a laboratory plate exposed to air. These cells produce a layer of mucus that the researchers can easily access for testing. Using a magnetic wire, they can measure the consistency of the mucus without affecting its properties, and the platform can explore the effects of pathogens and help develop medications to combat them.
Researchers used a breast cancer cell line panel and primary tumor explants from breast and cervical cancer patients to examine two different cellular contractility modes: one that generates collective tissue surface tension that keeps cell clusters compact and another, more directional, contractility that enables cells to pull themselves into the extracellular matrix. They found that more aggressive cells pull more strongly on the ECM than on themselves while noninvasive cells pull more strongly on themselves than on the ECM -- and that the different pulling behaviors are attributed to different structures of actin cytoskeleton inside the cells.
A new computational model simulating fruit fly wing development has enabled researchers to identify previously hidden mechanisms behind organ generation. An research team developed a fruit fly model to reverse engineer the mechanisms that generate organ tissue.
In one of the first studies of its kind, UC Santa Barbara researchers have found that the immune status of postpartum mothers shifts with how she feeds her baby. Certain inflammatory proteins -- substances that are secreted as part of an immune response -- peak at different times of day, correlating with whether the mothers breastfeed, pump or formula-feed their babies.
The world's largest study of cerebral palsy (CP) genetics has discovered genetic defects are most likely responsible for more than a quarter of cases in Chinese children, rather than a lack of oxygen at birth as previously thought.
The world's largest study of cerebral palsy (CP) genetics has discovered genetic defects are most likely responsible for more than a quarter of cases in Chinese children, rather than a lack of oxygen at birth as previously thought.
Researchers have harnessed the technology behind foundation models, which power tools like ChatGPT, to discover new cancer imaging biomarkers that could transform how patterns are identified from radiological images. Improved identification of such patterns can greatly impact the early detection and treatment of cancer.
Researchers have harnessed the technology behind foundation models, which power tools like ChatGPT, to discover new cancer imaging biomarkers that could transform how patterns are identified from radiological images. Improved identification of such patterns can greatly impact the early detection and treatment of cancer.
As the region reckons with its toxic history of offshore dumping off the California coast, new findings raise troubling questions about whether the banned pesticide remains a threat to wildlife and human health.
The toll cancer takes on lives in the U.S. has declined during the last 28 years, but not equitably. Disparities persist in many historically marginalized communities -- including communities disadvantaged by race, socioeconomic status, orientation or gender identity, and geographic location -- despite community outreach and engagement programs designed to address them.
Researchers have developed a new AI tool to that generate new drug candidates for cancer, which could help streamline the typically laborious drug discovery process.
Researchers have found a way to enhance and extend LN expansion, and study how this phenomenon affects both the immune system and efficacy of vaccinations against tumors. While the oversized LNs maintained a normal tissue organization, they displayed altered mechanical features and hosted higher numbers of various immune cell types that commonly are involved in immune responses against pathogens and cancers. Importantly, 'jump-starting' lymph node expansion prior to administering a traditional vaccine against a melanoma-specific model antigen led to more effective and sustained anti-tumor responses in mice.
A new study among ninth-graders attending lower secondary school in Swedish-speaking areas of Finland identified four perfectionistic profiles with varying associations with students' psychological well-being.
Substance use disorder treatment in the community is a superior alternative to incarceration for offenders with a substance misuse background, according to a recent study evaluating the effectiveness of the contract treatment sanction in Sweden.
About 79% of clinical trial participants experienced measurable improvement after receiving experimental, CRISPR-based gene editing that is designed to fix a rare form of blindness, according to a new article.
A new study provides some of the clearest and most comprehensive evidence to date on what is known about stress physiology and 'epigenetic programming.'
A new study has revealed that areas of age-related damage in the brain relate to motor outcomes after a stroke -- a phenomenon that may be under-recognized in stroke research. The new observational study looked at the relationship between stroke recovery and white matter hyper-intensities (WMHs) -- areas of age-related damage in the brain's white matter, which represent vascular dysfunction and are known to impact cognitive functions.
Motorcycles are designed to accommodate the average-sized rider, leaving taller and shorter riders vulnerable to discomfort.
In the sports industry, player data collection aids in personalized training feedback. Researchers have now gathered a detailed dataset and laid the foundation for delivering coaching assistance and feedback through the same. Utilizing wearable sensors and machine learning, their dataset offers real-time feedback and optimized movement suggestions. With over 7,763 badminton swings analyzed, stroke quality assessment offers valuable insights, making badminton training more accessible and affordable.
Researchers have developed peptide-based hydrogels that mimic the aligned structure of muscle and nerve tissues, which could enable the development of functional lab-grown tissue.
A new study of air pollution in U.S. homes reveals how much gas and propane stoves increase people's exposure to nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant linked to childhood asthma. Even in bedrooms far from kitchens, concentrations frequently exceed health limits while stoves are on and for hours after burners and ovens are turned off.
The famous axiom 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' is part of Austrian psychologist Fritz Heider's social balance theory, introduced in the 1940s. Previous studies have tried to model social networks based in famous theory but results remained controversial. New model takes into account two key pieces simultaneously: Not everyone knows everyone else in a social network, and some people are friendlier than others. With those two constraints, large-scale social networks consistently align with social balance theory. Model has broad applications for exploring political polarization, neural networks, drug interactions and more.
Activated T cells that carry a certain marker protein on their surface are controlled by natural killer (NK) cells, another cell type of the immune system. In this way, the body presumably curbs destructive immune reactions. Researchers have now discovered that NK cells can impair the effect of cancer therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in this way. They could also be responsible for the rapid decline of therapeutic CAR-T cells. Interventions in this mechanism could potentially improve the efficacy of these cellular cancer immunotherapies.
A new study finds people who have nature-based experiences report better well-being and lower psychological distress than those who do not. Birdwatching in particular yielded promising results, with higher gains in subjective well-being and more reduction in distress than more generic nature exposure, such as walks. Because birdwatching is an easily accessible activity, the results are encouraging for college students -- who are among those most likely to suffer from mental health problems.
St. Jude found 156 potential targets for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T--cell immunotherapy. Explore the discovery's promise to improve cancer therapies.
Scientists have discovered how glioblastoma evades the immune system by inducing pro-tumor macrophages via a glucose based epigenetic modification.
New research examines how the bacteria Escherichia coli, or E. coli -- responsible for most UTIs -- is able to use host nutrients to reproduce at an extraordinarily rapid pace during infection despite the near sterile environment of fresh urine.
The placenta's response to infections from malaria, toxoplasmosis and listeria has been mapped in high resolution, possibly paving the way for new treatment options.
Researchers have discovered that how a special protein complex called the Mediator moves along genes in DNA may have an impact on how cells divide. The discovery may be important for future research into the treatment of certain diseases.
Researchers describe a natural product-like molecule, Tantalosin, that inhibits interaction between two proteins in complexes that reshape membranes inside the cell. The findings lead to a deeper understanding of how membrane remodeling works in human cells and future development of new drugs.
Evidence from archaeological sites in the medieval English city of Winchester shows that English red squirrels once served as an important host for Mycobacterium leprae strains that caused leprosy in people, researchers report.
A new study sheds light on the complexities of achieving optimal vitamin D status across diverse populations. Despite substantial research on the determinants of vitamin D, levels of vitamin D deficiency remain high. Researchers believe their findings have significant implications for the development of tailored recommendations for vitamin D supplementation.
Working with human breast and lung cells, scientists say they have charted a molecular pathway that can lure cells down a hazardous path of duplicating their genome too many times, a hallmark of cancer cells.
A new study provides compelling evidence that genome-matched treatments can provide significant patient benefit.
Scented products with relevant images on their packaging and branding, such as flowers or fruit, are more attractive to potential customers and score better in produce evaluations, new research confirms. And such images, the researchers conclude, are particularly effective if manufacturers and marketers choose pictures that are more likely to stimulate a stronger sense of the imagined smell -- for example, cut rather than whole lemons. This, they say, suggests that as well as seducing our eyes, the images are stimulating our sense of smell.
Some neurological disorders can be improved through photobiomodulation, a non-invasive technique based on the application of low-intensity light to stimulate altered functions in specific regions of the body. Now, a study reveals how photobiomodulation applied to the brain-gut axis is effective in recovering some cognitive alterations and sequelae caused by chronic stress. The study opens up new perspectives for applying the technique in future therapies for the treatment of neurological diseases in patients.
Blood vessels in the lungs aren't like the others in the body. This difference becomes clear in pulmonary hypertension, in which only the lungs' blood vessels stiffen progressively, leading to chronic lung disease, heart failure and death. The underlying reasons for this organ-specific vessel stiffening remained a mystery until researchers made a surprising discovery about these blood vessel cells in patients with pulmonary hypertension -- they're hungry.
An asteroid discovered last November is in fact a solar system toddler -- just 2-3 million years old, a Cornell University-led research team estimates using novel statistical calculations.
Consistent adherence to physical activity guidelines throughout middle-age is associated with a higher health-related quality of life in women, according to a new study.
Natural malaria infections have been genetically analysed at a higher resolution than ever before, giving insights that could help understand and block transmission.
Two complementary research articles reveal that central and peripheral circadian clocks coordinate to regulate the daily activity of skin and muscles. The coordination between the two clocks (central and peripheral) guarantees 50% of the circadian functions of tissues, including vital processes such as the cell cycle, DNA repair, mitochondrial activity, and metabolism. Synchronization between the central brain clock and peripheral ones prevents premature muscle aging and improves muscle function, suggesting new strategies to tackle age-related decline through circadian rhythm modulation.
Vigorous exercise burns fat more in males than in females, but the benefits of exercise are broad for everyone.
A new prototype sensor is capable of detecting errors in MRI scans using laser light and gas. The new sensor can thereby do what is impossible for current electrical sensors -- and hopefully pave the way for MRI scans that are better, cheaper and faster.
Researchers have deciphered the complex interplay of various enzymes around the innate immune receptor toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), which plays an important role in defending our bodies against viruses.
A new study has revealed an association between favorable survival outcomes for melanoma patients and the presence of higher populations of tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM). Data obtained from this study could be used not only for a TRM-based machine learning model with predictive powers for melanoma prognosis but could also elucidate the role TRM cells can play in the tumor immune microenvironment. This could guide the development of more effective and personalized anti-tumor immunotherapeutic treatment regimens for cancer patients.
Scientists report that a gene previously implicated in the development of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary arteries could be key to understanding why many people don't benefit from the most used therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness.
Researchers are on a mission to kill drug-resistant bacteria, and a new study has identified a therapy that can penetrate the slime that such infections use to protect themselves from antibiotics.Researchers have shown that an antimicrobial peptide from cows has potential for treating incurable infections from the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. The bacteria, commonly found in the intestines, is usually harmless. It becomes a health hazard when it enters other parts of the body and can cause pneumonia, urinary tract and wound infections. Those at highest risk include seniors and patients with other health problems such as diabetes, cancer, kidney failure and liver disease.
A new device for taking blood samples uses microneedles and a suction cup instead of a large needle. People with a phobia of needles stand to benefit. More blood can be obtained than with the classic finger prick, making diagnostic measurements more reliable. Because the device can be produced at low cost, it is also suitable for developing countries.
A study has identified a therapy that can penetrate the slime that such infections use to protect themselves from antibiotics. Scientists showed that an antimicrobial peptide from cows has potential for treating incurable infections from the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. The bacteria, commonly found in the intestines, is usually harmless. It becomes a health hazard when it enters other parts of the body and can cause pneumonia, urinary tract and wound infections. Those at highest risk include seniors and patients with other health problems such as diabetes, cancer, kidney failure and liver disease.
A team has identified a molecular cellular mechanism that is linked to microencephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is much smaller than expected.
Researchers uncover why some homes in rural Madagascar where bubonic plague is endemic are infested with fleas. Based on their findings, they recommend ways to reduce the flea populations and their impact on human health.
A new study involved high-resolution scans that enabled the researchers to visualize brain connections at submillimeter spatial resolution. Together, these pathways form a 'default ascending arousal network' that sustains wakefulness in the resting, conscious human brain.
During sleep, the brain weakens the new connections between neurons that had been forged while awake -- but only during the first half of a night's sleep, according to a new study.
The brain can direct the immune system to an unexpected degree, capable of detecting, ramping up and tamping down inflammation, shows a new study in mice.
Early detection has the potential to transform treatment and outcomes in cancer care, especially for cancers like liver cancer, which is typically diagnosed at a late stage with limited options for cure. A new study suggests that proteins detectable in the blood could improve predictions about risk of liver cancer years before typical diagnosis.
There's a large and growing body of evidence pointing to potentially negative impacts of social media on mental health, from its addictive nature to disruptions in sleep patterns to effects on body image. Now, a new study has found that young women who took a social media break for as little as one week had a significant boost in self-esteem and body image -- particularly those most vulnerable to thin-ideal internalization.
Using multiple nicotine products can be associated with higher levels of nicotine dependence among youth and increased mortality in adults, compared with the use of one product alone. Researchers have now uncovered factors that contribute to adolescents using multiple nicotine products. These findings, they say, will help inform efforts to prevent escalation from single to multiple product use.
Human embryo compaction, an essential step in the first days of an embryo's development, is driven by the contractility of its cells. These results contradict the presupposed driving role of cell adhesion in this phenomenon and pave the way for improved assisted reproductive technology (ART).
An mRNA cancer vaccine quickly reprogrammed the immune system to attack the most aggressive type of brain tumor in a first-ever human clinical trial.
Researchers changed the composition of the gut microbiota in male mice through common antibiotics, inducing a condition called dysbiosis, and found that: - Mouse pups sired by a dysbiotic father show significantly lower birth weight, and have increased risk of growth disorders and postnatal mortality.
Researchers have identified a causal genetic variant strongly associated with childhood obesity. The study provides new insight into the importance of the hypothalamus of the brain and its role in common childhood obesity and the target gene may serve as a druggable target for future therapeutic interventions.
The health benefits of exercise are well known but new research shows that the body's response to exercise is more complex and far-reaching than previously thought. In a study on rats, a team of scientists has found that physical activity causes many cellular and molecular changes in all 19 of the organs they studied in the animals.
The team discovered that an essential nutrient called choline is transported into the brain, across the blood-brain barrier, by a protein transporter called FLVCR2. This is discovery will inform future design of drugs for diseases such as Alzheimer's and stroke, mimicking choline so they can be smuggled into the brain.
The mysteries of how memory works are explained in a new book that suggests anyone can boost their powers of recall -- and that losing your keys is normal.
Working with teens, researchers designed RESeT: a snowy virtual world with six activities intended to improve mood. In a 3-week study of 44 teens, researchers found that most of the teens used the technology about twice a week without being prompted and reported lower stress levels after using the environment.
Researchers have found that cells inside clogged arteries have cancer-like properties that aggravate atherosclerosis, and anticancer drugs could be a new treatment.
Better than expected life expectancy in two disadvantaged areas in England is probably due to population change according to local residents and professionals. In the UK, people from the most disadvantaged areas can expect to die nine years earlier compared with people from the least disadvantaged areas while people in the north of England have lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and worse health and wellbeing compared with national averages.
Women are 40% more likely to experience depression in the perimenopause than those who aren't experiencing any menopausal symptoms, finds a new study.
With recent studies having established the presence of nano and microplastic particles in the respiratory systems of both human and bird populations, new research has modeled what happens when people breathe in different kinds of plastic particles and where they end up.
A novel combination of two cancer drugs has shown great potential as a future treatment for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), one of the most common types of blood cancers. A new study has revealed the combination of two existing drugs eradicated AML cancer cells in lab-based tests. The discovery could soon lead to clinical trials.
The body clock has a significant impact on the performance of NBA players. Data shows vastly better win ratio for home teams from the Western Time Zone Area (PDT) when playing an EDT team, compared to vice versa.
Researchers have identified a novel Heat Shock Factor (HSF), designated as HSF5, which plays a crucial role in the completion of meiosis and the activation of genes essential for sperm formation. This discovery provides valuable insights into underlying causes of spermatogenic failure, the major contributor to male infertility. Furthermore, unlike other typical Heat Shock Factors, which primarily regulate gene expression in response to stress, such as heat shock, HSF5 plays a specific role in male germ production during meiosis under non-stress conditions.
A simple blood test could allow doctors to determine whether a person may be at higher risk for stroke or cognitive decline during their lifetime, according to a new study.
Common household products containing nanoparticles -- grains of engineered material so miniscule they are invisible to the eye -- could be contributing to a new form of indoor air pollution, according to a new study.
In an effort to improve delivery of costly medical treatments, a team of researchers in electrical engineering has developed a stimulating method that could make the human body more receptive to certain gene therapies.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic and debilitating pain disorder, typically considered lifelong with limited treatment options. Now, groundbreaking research finds that early detection and effective treatment can lead to significant recovery within 18 months, offering hope to millions of people worldwide.
The inventors of a suite of tests that enable food packages to signal if their contents are contaminated are working to bring producers and regulators together to get their inventions into commercial products, with the goal of preventing illness and reducing food waste.
An undergraduate student turns her honor's thesis into a peer-reviewed publication on schizophrenia research.
Researchers have discovered that the enzyme cyclophilin A, which is produced in large amounts in hematopoietic stem cells, is key for these cells to retain their regenerative potential and avert the effects of aging via an unexpected mechanism.
Proteins are the workhorses of life. Organisms use them as building blocks, receptors, processors, couriers and catalysts. A protein's structure is critical to its function. Malformed proteins not only fail to carry out their tasks, they can accumulate and eventually gum up the inner workings of cells. As a result, misfolded proteins cause a variety of degenerative diseases, from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's to the blinding disease retinitis pigmentosa. These disorders are currently incurable.
A research team embarked on a quest to understand the diversity and cellular mechanisms of human Th2 cells. By conducting gene expression analyses of inflamed tissues, they pinpointed a subset of Th2 cells called Th2-MPP cells. Their findings suggested that these cells might serve as precursors to several crucial Th2 cell populations responsible for disease symptoms. These discoveries lay the groundwork for therapeutic interventions targeting these cells, potentially offering relief to patients living with allergic diseases.
Scientists report significant progress in cultivating nephron progenitor cells (NPCs), the cells destined to form the kidney's filtration system, the nephrons. NPCs hold immense promise for understanding kidney development, modeling diseases, and discovering new treatments. The team improved the chemical cocktail for generating and growing NPCs in the laboratory, enabling the sustained growth of both mouse and human NPCs in a simple 2-dimensional format.
Loneliness in adulthood follows a U-shaped pattern: it's higher in younger and older adulthood, and lowest during middle adulthood, reports a new study that examined nine longitudinal studies from around the world. The study also identified several risk factors for heightened loneliness across the whole lifespan, including social isolation, education and physical impairment.
Researchers have discovered over a hundred new regions of the human genome, also known as genomic loci, that appear to influence a person's blood pressure. In total, over 2,000 independent genetic signals for blood pressure are now reported, demonstrating that blood pressure is a highly complex trait influenced by thousands of different genetic variants.
Researchers have found a way to better control the preclinical generation of key neurons depleted in Parkinson's disease, pointing toward a new approach for a disease with no cure and few effective treatments.
The first study of the use of microarray patches to vaccinate children has shown that the method is safe and induces strong immune responses. The phase 1/2 randomized trial compared results from the measles and rubella vaccine delivered by a microarray patch, a small sticking plaster-like device with an array of microscopic projections that painlessly penetrate the skin and deliver the vaccine, or by conventional injection with a needle and syringe.
A new study shows that school entry requirements are linked to an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations.
For most people, biting into a lemon would leave them puckered up and desperate to lose that sour flavor, but a new study revealed that roughly one in eight adults like intensely sour sensations. The cross-cultural study demonstrated there is a subset of 'sour likers' who enjoy exceptionally sour foods.
Researchers have discovered enzymes that remove hindrances that stood in the way of developing universal donor blood.
Many bacteria produce substances to gain an advantage over competitors in their highly competitive natural environment. Researchers have discovered a new so-called lantibiotic, namely epilancin A37. It is produced by staphylococci that colonize the skin and acts specifically against their main competitors there, the corynebacteria. This specificity is presumably mediated by a very special mechanism of action, which the researchers were able to decipher in detail.
Scientists say that an experimental monoclonal antibody drug called mAb43 appears to prevent and reverse the onset of clinical type 1 diabetes in mice, and in some cases, to lengthen the animals' lifespan.
Researchers tested a research-based intervention with English learners with math difficulty. The intervention proved to boost comprehension and help students synthesize and visualize information, which improved the students' math world problem-solving skills.
Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a state-of-the-art imaging technique useful for determining the composition of a variety of objects. Specifically, over-thousand-nanometer (OTN) HSI is particularly useful for detecting organic substances and in medical imaging. In a new study, researchers have developed the world's first rigid endoscope for visible-to-OTN HSI, utilizing supercontinuum lighting and an acoustic-opto tunable filter. This innovative system can pave the way for advanced medical imaging, helping both physicians and patients.
A modified pacifier and AI algorithms to analyze the data it produces could determine if newborns are learning the proper mechanics of nursing, a recent study shows. Specifically, the researchers measured if babies are generating enough suckling strength to breastfeed and whether they are suckling in a regular pattern based on eight independent parameters.
Spinocerebellar ataxia 4 is a devastating progressive movement disease that can begin as early as the late teens. Now, a multinational research team has conclusively identified the genetic difference that causes the disease, bringing answers to families and opening the door to future treatments.
Researchers have found a protein that is responsible for turning off brown fat activity. This new discovery could lead to a promising strategy for safely activating brown fat and tackling obesity and related health problems.
Rates of breast cancer in women under the age of 50 are rising in Canada according to a study which showed an increase in breast cancer diagnoses among females in their twenties, thirties, and forties.
Report details first-ever finding of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in North American dolphin.
In unincorporated communities in the United States-Mexico borderlands, historically and socially marginalized populations become invisible to the healthcare system, showing that geography acts as a structural determinant of health for low-income populations.
Researchers have created TopicVelo, a powerful new method of using the static snapshots from scRNA-seq to study how cells and genes change over time. This will help researchers better study how embryos develop, cells differentiate, cancers form, and the immune system reacts.
Researchers have constructed a robot that uses machine learning to fully automate a complicated microinjection process used in genetic research.
A study in more than 3,000 US counties, with 315 million residents, has suggested that air pollution is linked with stress and depression, putting under-65-year-olds at increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Research shows that a certain kind of visual illusion, neon color spreading, works on mice. The study is also the first to combine the use of two investigative techniques called electrophysiology and optogenetics to study this illusion. Results from experiments on mice settle a long-standing debate in neuroscience about which levels of neurons within the brain are responsible for the perception of brightness.
Researchers have developed tiny, flexible devices that can wrap around individual nerve fibers without damaging them. The researchers combined flexible electronics and soft robotics techniques to develop the devices, which could be used for the diagnosis and treatment of a range of disorders, including epilepsy and chronic pain, or the control of prosthetic limbs.
Regenerative heart therapies involve transplanting cardiac muscle cells into damaged areas of the heart to recover lost function. However, the risk of arrhythmias following this procedure is reportedly high. In a recent study, researchers tested a novel approach that involves injecting 'cardiac spheroids,' cultured from human stem cells, directly into damaged ventricles. The highly positive outcomes observed in primate models highlight the potential of this strategy.
A multicenter study has identified a potential new treatment for acute heart failure, a leading cause of hospitalization and death.
Life can be tough for young red squirrels living in the Canada's Yukon territory, where frigid winters, food scarcity and predators threaten their long-term survival. Scientists want to know what factors might protect young squirrels, especially as their environment becomes more impacted by climate change.
A team of researchers has identified a mechanism that causes mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's patients resulting in a reduction of the supply of energy to the brain.
Many surgeons remove the bursa when repairing rotator cuff injuries, but a new animal study suggests that the small tissue helps with healing.
Researchers have found that vitamin D encourages the growth of a type of gut bacteria in mice which improves immunity to cancer.
What happens in the body when we are hungry and see and smell food? A team of researchers has now been able to show in mice that adaptations in the liver mitochondria take place after only a few minutes. Stimulated by the activation of a group of nerve cells in the brain, the mitochondria of the liver cells change and prepare the liver for the adaptation of the sugar metabolism. The findings could open up new avenues for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
The antibiotic vancomycin, recommended as first-line treatment for infection caused by the deadly superbug C. difficile (C. diff), may not be living up to its promise, according to new research.
A newly developed nanomaterial that mimics the behavior of proteins could be an effective tool for treating Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. The nanomaterial alters the interaction between two key proteins in brain cells -- with a potentially powerful therapeutic effect.
Researchers discovered liver resident macrophages' pivotal role in defending against gut bacteria and related substances entering via the portal vein, particularly under compromised intestinal barrier conditions. Identified as 'sentinel macrophages,' they are activated by isoallo-lithocholic acid. This finding holds promise for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies for liver chronic inflammatory diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), by enhancing the function of these macrophages to mitigate inflammation and improve treatment efficacy.
An unexpected discovery surprised a scientist: nanometer-sized diamond particles, which were intended for a completely different purpose, shone brightly in a magnetic resonance imaging experiment -- much brighter than the actual contrast agent, the heavy metal gadolinium. Could diamond dust -- in addition to its use in drug delivery to treat tumor cells -- one day become a novel contrast agent used for MRI?
Physical activity in natural environments prevent almost 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases a year in England and save treatment costs of more than 100 million, new research has found.
A new study found certain genetic variants could help explain how long-term pesticide exposure could increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.
Uveitis is a rare inflammatory eye disease. Posterior and panuveitis in particular are associated with a poor prognosis and a protracted course of the disease. Diagnosis and monitoring can be challenging for healthcare professionals. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a fast and non-invasive imaging technique that supports this. Researchers have drafted a review on how FAF can facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of posterior uveitis and panuveitis.
Machines can learn not only to make predictions, but also to handle causal relationships. An international research team shows how this could make therapies safer, more efficient, and more individualized.
Two of the biggest challenges faced by new and potential electric vehicle (EV) drivers are range anxiety and speed of charging, but these shouldn't have to be challenges at all. Researchers discovered that a change in refueling mindset, rather than improving the size or performance of the battery, could be the answer to these concerns.
Researchers have developed a web-based platform that offers an unprecedented view of the human body at the cellular level. The aim is to create an invaluable resource for researchers worldwide to increase knowledge about human health and disease.
Diagnosing rare Mendelian disorders is a labor-intensive task, even for experienced geneticists. Investigators are trying to make the process more efficient using artificial intelligence. The team developed a machine learning system called AI-MARRVEL (AIM) to help prioritize potentially causative variants for Mendelian disorders.
A study shows that investment by maternal grandmothers can improve the well-being of grandchildren who have faced adversities in life. The positive effects can last well into adulthood.
Researchers discovered that more than 300 liver genes are under circadian control: Circadian variations affect how much of a drug is available and how effectively the body can break it down.
Chemokines are signalling proteins that orchestrate the interaction of immune cells against pathogens and tumors. To understand this complex network, various techniques have been developed to identify chemokine-producing cells. However, it has not yet been possible to determine which cells react to these chemokines. Researchers have now developed a new class of genetically modified mice that enables the simultaneous identification of chemokine producers and sensors.
Warning letters can safely cut prescribing of a powerful but risky antipsychotic, according to a new study. Researchers used Medicare data to study the effects of the letters on hundreds of thousands of older adults with dementia. They found a significant and lasting reduction in prescribing but no signs of adverse effects on patient health.
Investigators have uncovered a way to unleash in blood vessels the protective effects of a type of fat-related molecule known as a sphingolipid, suggesting a promising new strategy for the treatment of coronary artery disease.
People who take acid-reducing drugs may have a higher risk of migraine and other severe headache than people who do not take these medications, according to a new study. The acid-reducing drugs include proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, histamine H2-receptor antagonists, or H2 blockers, such as cimetidine and famotidine, and antacid supplements.
To improve chemotherapy dosing, engineers designed CLAUDIA, a way to continuously measure how much drug is in a patient's system during hours-long infusion.
Tumors actively prevent the formation of immune responses by so-called cytotoxic T cells, which are essential in combating cancer. Researchers have now uncovered for the first time how this exactly happens. The study provides rationales for new cancer immunotherapies and could make existing treatments more effective.
In a breakthrough for cancer research, scientists have created lab-grown mini-colons that can accurately mimic the development of colorectal tumors, offering a powerful new tool for studying and testing treatments for the disease.
Cleveland Clinic researchers developed an artficial intelligence (AI) model that can determine the best combination and timeline to use when prescribing drugs to treat a bacterial infection, based solely on how quickly the bacteria grow given certain perturbations. PNAS recently published their findings.
Conditions such as diabetes, heart attack and vascular diseases commonly diagnosed in people with spinal cord injuries can be traced to abnormal post-injury neuronal activity that causes abdominal fat tissue compounds to leak and pool in the liver and other organs, a new animal study has found.
Neuroscientists have revealed that recency bias in working memory naturally leads to central tendency bias, the phenomenon where people's (and animals') judgements are biased towards the average of previous observations. Their findings may hint at why the phenomenon is so ubiquitous.
A new study has discovered how a lipid molecule found at high levels within tumors undermines the anti-cancer immune response and compromises a recently approved immunotherapy known as adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, or TIL-ACT.
A groundbreaking study combined novel experimental data within an innovative modeling framework to examine how temperature might affect transmission risk of malaria in different environments in Africa.
Cells constantly navigate a dynamic environment, facing ever-changing conditions and challenges. But how do cells swiftly adapt to these environmental fluctuations? A new study is answering that question by challenging our understanding of how cells function. A team of researchers suggests that cells possess a previously unknown information processing system that allows them to make rapid decisions independent of their genes.
A thin film that combines an electrode grid and LEDs can both track and produce a visual representation of the brain's activity in real-time during surgery -- a huge improvement over the current state of the art. The device is designed to provide neurosurgeons visual information about a patient's brain to monitor brain states during surgical interventions to remove brain lesions including tumors and epileptic tissue.
A university professor has found a way to help students -- and himself -- power through long lecture classes: exercise breaks. A new study showed that five-minute exercise sessions during lectures were feasible and that students reported positive impacts on their attention and motivation, engagement with their peers and course enjoyment.
A new national survey finds a broad majority of parents experience isolation, loneliness and burnout from the demands of parenthood, with many feeling a lack of support in fulfilling that role.
The beginning of life is shrouded in mystery. While the intricate dynamics of mitosis is well-studied in the so-called somatic cells -- the cells that have a specialized function, like skin and muscle cells -- they remain elusive in the first cells of our bodies, the embryonic cells. Embryonic mitosis is notoriously difficult to study in vertebrates, as live functional analyses and -imaging of experimental embryos are technically limited, which makes it hard to track cells during embryogenesis.
A new computer process makes it possible to generate active pharmaceutical ingredients quickly and easily based on a protein's three-dimensional surface. The new process could revolutionize drug research.
New research has highlighted the profound link between dietary choices and brain health.
A study has now successfully controlled the effects of collagen hypersecretion at the cellular level. The experimental treatment consists of designer peptides which interrupt the interaction between TANGO1 and cTAGE5, two proteins important for collagen secretion. Experiments with patient-derived human cells and zebrafish showed the peptides are effective, non-toxic, and their effects reversible. The results pave the way for the development of new treatments that improve the cosmetic effects of scarring, relieve the symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma, or help prevent the development of fibrosis, a more serious condition attributed to 45% of deaths in the industrialized world.
Researchers have published results of a phase I clinical trial of a novel immunotherapy for high-risk sarcomas.
The emergence in the Neolithic of patrilineal social systems, in which children are affiliated with their father's lineage, may explain a spectacular decline in the genetic diversity of the Y chromosome observed worldwide between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago.
Researchers have found that people following healthy eating accounts on social media for as little as two weeks ate more fruit and vegetables and less junk food.
New research has found a significant association between participating in low to moderate intensity exercise and reduced rates of depression.
If a patient is successfully resuscitated after a cardiac arrest and circulation resumes, they are not out of the woods yet. A number of factors can influence whether and how they survive the trauma in the subsequent phase. The administration of the anaesthetic midazolam has a positive effect, as shown by a multicenter study of 571 patients.
A computer game helped upper secondary school students become better at distinguishing between reliable and misleading news.
The enzyme PI3K plays a critical role in cell migration. Scientists have long understood this function. But researchers have recently unveiled that a subunit of this enzyme also has the ability to slam on the breaks to this process.
Researchers have developed a method to determine how reliably target proteins can be labeled using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated that hagfish slime proteins can accurately replicate membranes in the human eye. Scientists were able to properly grow retinal cells on hagfish slime proteins and prove that the protein's behavior changes as the membrane mimics stages of aging and disease.
Western University has developed a ground-breaking method for predicting which intensive care unit (ICU) patients will survive a severe brain injury by combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with state-of-the art machine learning techniques.
During a bout of influenza, B cells interact with other immune cells and then take different paths to defend the body. One path is the B cells that differentiate into lung-resident memory B cells, or lung-BRMs, that are critical for pulmonary immunity. These long-lived, non-circulating lung-BRMs migrate to the lungs from draining lymph nodes and reside there permanently as the first layer of defense that can quickly react to produce antibodies in a future infection.
If the Chicago region replaced 30% of all on-road combustion-engine vehicles -- including motorcycles, passenger cars and trucks, buses, refuse trucks and short- and long-haul trucks -- with electric versions, it would annually save more than 1,000 lives and over $10 billion, according to a new study.
Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that has the potential to not only identify sight-threatening eye diseases but also predict general health, including heart attacks, stroke, and Parkinson's disease.
A research study has found that cerebellar inhibitory interneurons are essential for fear memory, a type of emotional memory formation. Inhibitory interneurons within the cerebellar circuitry act as gatekeepers and control the output of the cerebellar cortex. The formation of fear memory requires the activity of these interneurons. The findings may lead to a novel treatment approach for post-traumatic stress disorder.
A new study finds that a natural compound found in many plants inhibits the growth of drug-resistant Candida fungi -- including its most virulent species, Candida auris, an emerging global health threat.
Scientists identify a new and surprising function of a membrane protein on the surface of cancer cells: It supports and stabilizes an important 'co-stimulatory' factor that enhances the activation of T cells, thus improving the immune response against the tumor.
The benefits of four measures of socioeconomic status (education, income, employment status and health insurance) on ideal heart health were greater for non-Hispanic white adults compared to Black, Hispanic and Asian adults in the U.S.
Reflux disease manifests as acid regurgitation and heartburn and is a known risk factor for esophageal cancer. However, a new study now reports that the majority of patients do not have a higher risk of cancer. A large-scale study from three Nordic countries shows that the cancer risk is only elevated in patients whom gastroscopy reveals to have changes in the esophageal mucosa.
New research has found that depression and the risk of depression are linked to different inflammatory proteins in boys and girls.
A new study offers insights into the ways that education, work and motherhood shape the lives of women in the United States. In a longitudinal study of more than 8,100 women, the researchers found seven 'pathways' that illustrate the way major life events can have long-term ripple effects.
Thousands of people could be spared from a hip fracture each year if a new method to identify the risk of osteoporotic fractures were to be introduced in healthcare. This is the view of the researchers who are behind a new 3D-simulation method.
HIV anti-retroviral therapy is considered a treatment and not a cure because patients usually carry a reservoir of HIV-infected cells that can re-emerge if treatment stops. These reservoirs have long been thought to be dormant, but two independent groups of researchers report that a subset of these cells spontaneously produce HIV RNA and proteins that may impact patients' HIV-specific immune responses.
New data gives more evidence to the possibility that developing a pathobiome in the brain could cause some forms of Alzheimer's and related dementias.
A standard chemotherapy drug injures surrounding non-cancer cells, which can then awakens dormant cancer cells and promotes cancer growth, according to a new study. The finding is important for understanding cancer recurrence and may point to important new targets to prevent it.
A team of gastroenterologists and hepatologists examine psychosocial factors in older Americans with gastrointestinal conditions.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung alveoli caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, representing a clinical and economic burden and a global public health problem. The microbial ecosystem (or microbiome) of the human respiratory tract colonizes different niches. The respiratory tract microbiome is of interest to scientists as it contributes to human health by stimulating the immune system and protecting against infection by pathogens. Scientists have now demonstrated that the microbiome composition, pathogen load and clinical interventions influence the severity of bacterial pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method for mapping the human auditory pathway, which could potentially be used as a tool to help clinicians decide the best surgical strategy for patients with profound hearing loss.
A resource economist finds mandated in-school Body Mass Index assessments adopted in varying forms by 24 states to combat childhood obesity have the potential to improve the health of some students while introducing body-image issues for others. The research is believed to be the first to assess these policies as a whole, rather than in single states or school districts.
Researchers have produced a comprehensive picture of insulin signalling in mice and suggest that it is shaped by entangled effects of genetics and diet.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neurological disorder characterized by repeated behaviors such as cleaning and checking despite clear objective evidence of cleanliness, orderliness, and correctness. Although the disease is often mischaracterized as a disorder of 'fussiness,' the disorder actually stems from difficulty in processing uncertainty. However, the neural underpinnings of that aberrant processing remains unknown. Now, a new study uses brain imaging to get a closer look at the underpinnings of uncertainty processing in OCD.
Finding the right medication regimen to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex healthcare challenge. Wearable health trackers provide physicians with a detailed window into patients' symptoms, but translating this complex data into useful treatment insights can be difficult. New research accomplishes just that. Researchers found that combining wearable health tracker data with state-of-the-art algorithms results in promising treatment strategies that could improve PD patients' outcomes.
Researchers have uncovered new genetic insights into Staphylococcus aureus, revealing what makes the bacterium so dangerous when it enters the blood.
Researchers have invented a nano-thin superbug-slaying material that could one day be integrated into wound dressings and implants to prevent or heal bacterial infections. The innovation -- which has undergone advanced pre-clinical trials -- is effective against a broad range of drug-resistant bacterial cells, including 'golden staph', which are commonly referred to as superbugs.
A major study suggests that a possible cause of spontaneous brain haemorrhage could be transmitted via blood transfusion. At the same time, it is very unlikely that anyone should suffer a brain haemorrhage after receiving donated blood.
When you're under stress, your brain may release its own cannabinoid molecules to calm you, activating the same brain receptors as THC derived from cannabis plants. But the brain activity regulated by these cannabinoid molecules were not well known. A new study in mice has discovered a key emotional brain center, the amygdala, releases cannabinoid molecules under stress that dampen the incoming stress alarm from the hippocampus, a memory and emotion center in the brain. The finding may reveal novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of stress-related disorders.
Researchers have used machine learning to explore the links between sedentary behavior and dementia, finding that the total time spent sedentary matters for brain aging.
New findings indicate that the type of protein in the diet is not as important as the overall amount of weight loss for those with Type 2 diabetes. 106 adults with T2D were randomly assigned to either the high-protein or normal-protein diet for 52 weeks. Both diets were energy-restricted. The high-protein diet included recommendations to include lean beef in the diet, while the normal-protein diet instructed participants to refrain from eating any red meats. The team of researchers found that both a high-protein diet (40 percent of total calories from protein) and a moderate-protein diet (21 percent of total calories from protein) were effective in improving glucose control, weight loss and body composition in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Exposure to air pollution while in the womb is linked to alterations in proteins that can be detected after a baby is born, and which affect cell processes such as autophagy, the 'self-eating' of damaged cells that occurs in response to stress.
Particular combinations of bacteria found in dust at day care facilities have been linked to wheezing in young children. Wheezing in young children is often an early sign of asthma. The new research offers some clues as to why attending day care can affect children's lung health that could, in turn, point to measures for lowering the risk of asthma.
A ground-breaking study has revealed crucial insights into the role of the histone methyltransferase NSD2 and its epigenetic target PKC-alpha in causing t(4;14) translocated multiple myeloma (MM), a high-risk subtype of blood cancer, to be more aggressive and resistant to treatment.
Research has found that hazardous chemicals commonly encountered in aerosols, such as those produced by cooking and cleaning, can be 'protected' in 3D structures formed by surfactants, causing them to last longer in the air.
An international team of researchers has demonstrated that a combination of inhibitors may suppress tumor growth and prevent relapse in patients with certain cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma. Their findings support the future development of innovative therapeutic approaches targeting these cancers.
A new study looks at how college students react to being accused of using ChatGPT to cheat on assignments.
An advanced CT test can identify individuals with stable angina at a reduced risk of three-year adverse outcomes despite their having a high coronary artery calcium score, according to a new study.
Researchers discovered a new class of iron-targeting compounds that hamper the proliferation of cultured malignant cells in a laboratory setting.
Researchers found that living in an area with high levels of particulate air pollution was associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer. The study is one of the largest studies to date looking at the relationship between outdoor air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter, and breast cancer incidence.
New research has found that estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer presents differing metabolic signatures in the blood of African American women and non-Hispanic white women.
Researchers are one step closer to making the T cell army stronger. In a recent study, researchers found that by manipulating one molecular signaling pathway in the T cells that participate in clearing influenza virus in the lungs, the strength and longevity of immunological memory produced can be improved.
A healthy lifestyle that involves moderate alcohol consumption, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, healthy sleep and frequent social connection, while avoiding smoking and too much sedentary behavior, reduces the risk of depression, new research has found.
A new survey of an under-explored aspect of human biology uncovers the many roles of the body's 'greasy molecules.'
Researchers have identified a new pathological mechanism for a familial type of Parkinson's disease caused by a mutation in the CHCHD2 gene. Mutant CHCHD2 protein is mislocalized in cells and leads to alpha-synuclein protein aggregates via interactions with another protein, known as Csnk1e/d. These findings indicate that Csnk1e/d inhibition may slow or halt Parkinson's disease development in patients with CHCHD2 mutations, providing new hope for affected families.
A new study aimed to see if the benefits of hobbies were consistent in different national settings, and looked at data from 93,263 people aged 65 or over who had enrolled in five existing longitudinal studies in England, Japan, United States, China and 12 European countries.
New research suggests that hospital electronic health records (EHRs) that are difficult to use are also less likely to catch medical errors that could harm patients.
Genomic surveillance has revealed mutations in malaria-causing parasites that will complicate efforts to eradicate the disease in Africa.
New research finds that antidepressants may actually reduce negative memories in individuals suffering from depression while improving overall memory function.
Tea contains flavonoids such as catechins, which have numerous health benefits. Now, researchers reveal that the glazing on ceramic tea sets plays a crucial role in retaining the beneficial components of tea. By examining the effects of different glazes on the catechin content in green tea, they find that the choice of glaze materials affects the concentration of these compounds, as well as the color and flavor of tea.
A new Europe-wide study investigated the prevalence of protozoans, bacteria and viruses potentially pathogenic to humans and domestic animals in birds and bats in varying climatic conditions. The prevalence of many of these pathogens was associated with temperature or rainfall.
Using artificial intelligence applications to help craft a message to a friend is not a good idea -- at least if your friend finds out about the use of AI, a new study suggests.
Antibody treatments may be able to activate the immune system to fight diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and colorectal cancer, but they are less effective when they bind with themselves and other molecules that aren't markers of disease.
Researchers have unveiled an intriguing phenomenon of cellular reprogramming in mature adult organs, shedding light on a novel mechanism of adaptive growth. The study, which was conducted on fruit flies (Drosophila), provides further insights into dedifferentiation -- where specialized cells that have specific functions transform into less specialized, undifferentiated cells like stem cells.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique to observe active gene expression in real time. They found that four molecules work together to control the timing of each stage of the C. elegans worm's development. This timekeeping process could provide important clues about the natural rhythm of development in humans and other animals.
Medical researchers have used a 3D human neural cell culture model to show that the exercise-induced muscle hormone, irisin, reduces the level of amyloid beta deposits associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers investigated the relationship between historical traumatic events experienced by Alaska Native communities and epigenetic markers on genes that previous studies have linked to trauma. The new study found a similar pattern among Alaska Native participants, with specific epigenetic differences observed in those who reported experiencing the most intense symptoms of distress when reflecting on historic losses.
Some patients have experienced incredible recoveries after CAR-T-cell therapy. But they've also endured incredibly strong and scary side effects, in part because of the lymphodepleting chemotherapy that is performed before the CAR-T-cells are reinfused. What if CAR-T-cell therapy could be performed without lymphodepleting chemotherapy?
People who primarily use their own gut feeling to determine what is true and false are more likely to believe conspiracy theories. That is the conclusion of researchers who have investigated the relationship between susceptibility to misleading information and the conviction that the truth is relative.
Researchers found how carbon dioxide can be captured and converted through a single electrochemical process. A system based on these findings could help cut emissions from the hardest-to-decarbonize industries, such as steel and cement.
Researchers have developed the first electronic device for continuously monitoring the health of transplanted organs in real time. Sitting directly on a transplanted kidney, the ultrathin, soft implant can detect temperature irregularities associated with inflammation and other body responses that arise with transplant rejection. Then, it alerts the patient or physician by wirelessly streaming data to a nearby smartphone or tablet. In a rat study, it detected rejection up to three times earlier than blood biomarkers and biopsies.
Crustaceans, insects and mushrooms are rich sources of the dietary fiber chitin, which activates the immune system and benefits metabolism, according to a new study in mice.
Scientists found that a subset of CD8+ T cells in the brain lessens the activation of microglia and limits disease pathology in a model of Alzheimer's disease.
Every day we encounter circumstances we consider wrong: a starving child, a corrupt politician, an unfaithful partner, a fraudulent scientist. These examples highlight several moral issues, including matters of care, fairness and betrayal. But does anything unite them all?
An analysis of data from a long-running study of more than 11,000 adults from four diverse communities in the United States has found that adults who had high blood pressure while both seated upright and lying supine (flat on their backs) had a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure or premature death compared to adults without high blood pressure while upright and supine.
An analysis of electronic health records for more than 60,000 adults in the United States found that systolic, or top-number, blood pressure rose slightly during the winter compared to summer months. The health records were of adults being treated for high blood pressure from 2018 to 2023 at six health care centers of varying sizes located in the southeast and midwestern United States.
Children of a parent with alcohol or drug use disorder have a greater risk of intellectual disability, even if the problem only lies with the father, researchers report. According to the study, preventive measures should be directed at both parents.
A new study shows that counter to public perception, positive beliefs about the world are a poor indicator of a person's background.
A new artificial intelligence tool can help people with Parkinson's disease remotely assess the severity of their symptoms within minutes. While expert neurologists performed slightly better than the AI model, the AI model outperformed the primary care physicians with UPDRS certification.
Researchers have successfully created chimeric embryos containing a combination of human and pig cells. When transferred into surrogate pig mothers, the developing humanized kidneys had normal structure and tubule formation after 28 days. This is the first time that scientists have been able to grow a solid humanized organ inside another species, though previous studies have used similar methods to generate human tissues such as blood or skeletal muscle in pigs.
In many animals, including ants, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) ensures normal brain function by controlling the movement of various substances in and out of the brain. Now, researchers have made the unexpected discovery that the BBB in carpenter ants plays an active role in controlling behavior that's essential to the function of entire ant colonies. The key is production in the BBB of a particular hormone-degrading enzyme.
Scientists are reporting results from a Phase I trial in an area of promising research for Alzheimer's disease -- cellular senescence.
By adding synergistic self-adjuvanting properties to Covid-19 RNA vaccines, researchers showed they could significantly boost the immune response generated in mice.
In many neurodegenerative disorders, abnormal proteins progressively aggregate and propagate in the brain. But what comes first, aggregation or propagation? Researchers from Japan share some new insights about the mechanism involved in Parkinson's disease.
From the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment, 'monstrous births' -- malformed or anomalous fetuses -- were, to Western medicine, an object of superstition. In 19th-century America, they became instead an object of the 'modern scientific study of monstrosity,' a field formalized by French scientist Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. This clinical turn was positioned against the backdrop of social, political, and economic activity that codified laws governing slavery, citizenship, immigration, family, wealth, and access to resources.
It can be hard to know that you have glaucoma. Almost five percent of 70-year-olds were found to have glaucoma, and half of those diagnosed were unaware that they had the disease.
A new nanocomplex renders a tumor harmless -- and, on top of that, it trains the immune system to detect and eliminate metastases.
Herpes is not only unpleasant but it can, in some cases, also have dangerous complications and life-threatening consequences. A research team has now introduced a completely new approach for treating herpes. Their method is based on the inhibition of an enzyme that is needed for the release of newly formed virus particles from infected cells.
Many people with diseases such as cancer or diabetes or those who have had a heart attack or stroke also suffer from depression. How effective are antidepressants for these patients? And are they just as safe for these people as for those without physical health problems? Researchers compiled and analyzed studies published over several decades from around the world in a systematic review. Their findings are highly relevant to clinical practice.
Early findings of two studies shed light on new ways to anticipate recurrence in HPV-positive head and neck cancer sooner.
The ketogenic (keto) diet may lower testosterone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a new article.
Treating newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes patients with semaglutide (trade names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus) may drastically reduce or even eliminate their need for injected insulin.
Scientists have identified a key part of a mechanism that annotates genetic information before it is passed from fathers to their offspring. The findings shed new light on genomic imprinting, a fundamental, biological process in which a gene from one parent is switched off while the copy from the other parent remains active. Errors in imprinting are linked to a host of diseases, such as the rare disease Silver-Russell syndrome along with certain cancers and diabetes.
A study of twins shows that having a concussion early in life is tied to having lower scores on tests of thinking and memory skills decades later as well as having more rapid decline in those scores than twins who did not have a concussion, or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Not only does a lack of sleep make you feel awful, research has shown it impairs the brain. What's more, sleep loss over long periods can even increase risk for Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases. Researchers want to understand how sleep deprivation causes this harm. In a new study, a team working with mice has identified a protective protein whose level declines with sleep deprivation, leading to neuronal death.
New findings suggest that treating insomnia can stop opioid-seeking behavior, even after ending treatment.
The treadmill exercise test with electrocardiogram (ECG), also known as an exercise stress test, is one of the most familiar tests in medicine. While exercise testing typically is focused on diagnosing coronary artery disease, a recent study finds that exercise test abnormalities, such as low functional aerobic capacity, predicted non-cardiovascular causes of death such as cancer in addition to cardiovascular-related deaths.
A groundbreaking study has shed new light on the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer's disease.
New 'hypervirulent' strains of the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae have emerged in healthy people in community settings, prompting a research group to investigate how the human immune system defends against infection. After exposing the strains to components of the human immune system in a laboratory 'test tube' setting, scientists found that some strains were more likely to survive in blood and serum than others, and that neutrophils (white blood cells) are more likely to ingest and kill some strains than others.
A recent study has introduced a groundbreaking milestone in tissue regeneration by developing a technology that utilizes autologous blood to produce three-dimensional microvascular implants.
Human immune cells are capable of coordinating their own movement more independently than previously thought. Researchers discovered that immune cells do not just passively follow the chemical cues in their environment. Quite the contrary, they can also shape these cues and navigate in complex environments in a self-organized manner.
An international study tested transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on 62 patients suffering from consciousness disorders following severe brain injury. These results represent a significant advance in how we care for these patients and will enable us to refine the therapeutic strategies to implement.
Scientists identified new set of molecules that drive the growth of human pancreatic cancer cell lines, explaining how genetic mutations can activate genetic 'super-enhancers' that promote out-of-control pancreatic cancer growth. They show the efficacy of an experimental drug that targets a super-enhancer related protein, demonstrating the promise of therapeutics that block the effects of super-enhancers.
As drinking water flows through pipes and into a glass, it runs against the rubber seals inside some plumbing devices. These parts contain additives that contribute to their flexibility and durability, but these potentially harmful compounds can leak into drinking water, according to a small-scale study. The authors report that the released compounds, which are typically linked to tire pollution, also transformed into other unwanted byproducts.
Neuroscientists created the first non-human primate model of hereditary Alzheimer's in marmosets to accelerate the pace of drug discovery and rebuild the foundation for future translational studies.
The liver produces bile, which the intestine uses for digestion. For the transport of bile, the liver relies on a network of microscopic tubings, known as bile canaliculi, formed by liver cells called hepatocytes. When the outflow of bile to the intestine is blocked, it collects in the liver and can lead to serious liver disease. Researchers found that high pressure in the bile canaliculi alters the structure of the liver tissue. They found that elevated pressure leads to the obviation of apical bulkheads, structures known to reinforce the canaliculi. Subsequently, bile canaliculi enlarge into liver cell rosettes that are observed in many liver diseases. This study identifies pressure to be a potential common cause of various liver diseases with biliary obstruction and thus contributes to a better understanding of liver diseases.
Although about half of people go through menopause, less than 15% of them receive effective treatment for their symptoms. Treatment options for people experiencing irritating or severe menopause symptoms are often under researched, and some have questionable efficacy, or cause harmful side effects. Menopause experts now summarize what we know about menopause, call for more research into the timeline and treatment of menopause, and encourage individualized, holistic treatment that addresses both menopausal symptoms and other systemic changes happening in the body.
When we determine which communities are more likely to get their water from contaminated supplies, median household income is not the best measure. That's according to a recent study that found social factors -- such as low population density, high housing vacancy, disability and race -- can have a stronger influence than median household income on whether a community's municipal water supply is more likely to have health-based water-quality violations.
Researchers have discovered a new avenue of cell death in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The study reveals for the first time that a form of cell death known as ferroptosis -- caused by a buildup of iron in cells -- destroys microglia cells in cases of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
Plant-based alternatives such as tempeh and bean burgers provide protein-rich options for those who want to reduce their meat consumption. However, replicating meat's flavors and aromas has proven challenging, with companies often relying on synthetic additives. A recent study unveils a potential solution: onions, chives and leeks that produce natural chemicals akin to the savory scents of meat when fermented with common fungi.
An essential protein that acts as a gatekeeper for calcium entering cells promotes the growth of oral cancer and generates pain, according to a new study. Targeting this protein -- the ORAI1 calcium channel -- could provide a new approach to treating oral cancer, which causes persistent pain that worsens as it progresses.
If the region surrounding Chicago -- North America's largest freight hub -- shifted just 30% of its current on-road heavy-duty vehicles to electric versions, it would substantially reduce pollution and save hundreds of lives per year, with the benefits largely concentrated in disadvantaged communities, according to a new study. The study authors highlight that neighborhoods with predominantly Black, Hispanic and Latinx residents would benefit the most -- potentially reducing disproportionate pollution and health burdens in historically marginalized areas.
A major international study, involving 56,968 participants in 65 nations, has found that positive body image is strongly associated with better psychological wellbeing and life satisfaction. It also found that body appreciation is higher in those who are single and those living in rural areas. Amongst the 65 nations, Australia followed by India and then the United Kingdom recorded the lowest scores, while Malta scored highest.
New research shows that being infected with multiple strains of the Chagas-inducing parasite may hinder the disease's progression.
Reducing air pollution in kitchens could drastically improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable communities globally, say experts.
Every year, respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) cause countless respiratory infections worldwide. For infants, young children and people with preexisting conditions, the virus can be life-threatening. The team has explored ways to reduce the risk of infection. Their findings show that -- when used correctly -- alcohol-based hand sanitizers and commercially available surface disinfectants provide good protection against transmission of the virus via surfaces.
Nineteen-month-old toddlers already use natural logical thinking, even before they learn to speak, to deal with uncertainties about the world. This natural logic contributes to their learning process, both in terms of language and in other fields of knowledge, according to a new study.
ChatGPT could help to increase vaccine uptake by debunking myths around jab safety, say the authors of a new study.
Scientists have discovered two new genes that cause head and neck cancer patients to be resistant to chemotherapy, and that silencing either gene can make cancer cells previously unresponsive to chemotherapy subsequently respond to it.
Researchers developed a new software tool, SparkMaster 2, that allows scientists to analyze normal and abnormal calcium activity in cells.
A new large-scale research facility allows the complex behavior of animal groups to be studied in unprecedented detail.
When fighting disease, our immune cells need to reach their target quickly. Researchers have now discovered that immune cells actively generate their own guidance system to navigate through complex environments. This challenges earlier notions about these movements. The researchers' findings enhance our knowledge of the immune system and offer potential new approaches to improve human immune response.
Toxic mold left behind by Hurricane Idalia could initiate chemical intolerance (CI) in some individuals, experts said. In a survey of thousands of Americans, mold exposure was the most frequently cited initiating cause of CI, according to a recently published study.
A study sheds new light on why tumors that have spread to the brain from other parts of the body respond to immunotherapy while glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer that originates in the brain, does not.
Red blood cells exposed to oxygen deficiency protect against myocardial infarction, according to a new study. The study also shows that the protective effect is enhanced by a nitrate-rich vegetable diet.
People without a secure job contract can likely reduce their risk of premature death by 20 per cent if they gain permanent employment, a study reports.
Researchers have determined how Leishmaniasis vaccine candidates, created using mutated disease-causing parasites, prompt molecular-level changes in host cells that have specific roles in helping generate the immune response.
Biochemical researchers have identified a new function of a key protein that leads to cancer -- a finding they believe could lead to more effective treatments for a range of cancers and other diseases.
Researchers have unraveled the complex biological phenomena that enable the sensing of heat and pain.
Researchers have discovered some new and surprising ways that viral RNA and influenza virus are detected by human lung cells, which has potential implications for treating people affected by such viruses.
A broad new strategy could hold hope for treating virtually all blood cancers with CAR T cell therapy, which is currently approved for five subtypes of blood cancer. Scientists have demonstrated the potential efficacy of this approach a preclinical study.
New research has shown how a complex component of milk that can be added to infant formula has been shown to confer long-term cognitive benefits, including measures of intelligence and executive function in children.
Vitamin C and other antioxidants stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in lung cancer tumors, a new study shows. The discovery corroborates the idea that dietary supplements containing antioxidants can accelerate tumor growth and metastasis.
A new article examines the use of monoclonal antibody therapies for treating Alzheimer disease and alerts physicians to be on the lookout for a potential side effect: amyloid-related imaging abnormalities.
A new blood test called p-tau217 shows promise as an Alzheimer's disease biomarker, and when used in a two-step workflow very high accuracy to either identify or exclude brain amyloidosis, the most important and earliest pathology.
The mechanism by which breast cancer is formed in the cells of mammalian epithelium has been discovered. Although roughly 20 mutations accumulate annually in each epithelial cell until menopause, the mutation rate significantly decreases after menopause. Accumulation also decreased after childbirth, suggesting the effect of estrogen in mammary epithelium.
This is a significant development that brings hope to the one billion individuals with obesity worldwide. Researchers have discovered new insights into the regulation of fat metabolism. The focus of their study lies within the star-shaped non-neuronal cells in the brain, known as 'astrocytes'. Furthermore, the group announced successful animal experiments using the newly developed drug 'KDS2010', which allowed the mice to lose weigh without dietary restrictions.
A new economic analysis has linked, for the first time, conduct problems among kindergarten students with significant costs to society in terms of crime and associated medical expenses and lost productivity when they are adults.
A clinical trial has tested a potentially curative stem cell gene therapy for sickle cell disease. The results were promising.
Emphasising the need for energy independence and environmental stewardship could help to change people’s minds about the climate crisis, a new study says.
People who have had a stroke called an intracerebral hemorrhage who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins may have a lower risk of having another stroke, especially ischemic stroke, compared to people who also had an intracerebral hemorrhage but were not taking statins.
A massive study of medical and genetic data shows that people with a particular version of a gene involved in immune response had a lower risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
A new study shows that adding zinc to farmland soil can help prevent childhood stunting, a condition due to chronic undernutrition that is associated with poor brain development and long-lasting harmful consequences, such as reduced school performance and increased disease risks.
Researchers have developed a blood test that detects Parkinson's disease, potentially establishing a way to help diagnose the condition before nervous system damage worsens. A new blood-based diagnostic test would be a major advancement for Parkinson's disease, which afflicts 10 million people worldwide and is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's.
Research teams have detailed a pioneering breakthrough in medical device technology that could lead to intelligent, long-lasting, tailored treatment for patients, thanks to soft robotics and artificial intelligence.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria get extra nutrients and thrive when the drugs kill 'good' bacteria in the gut.
A new study further illustrates that when it comes to risk of Alzheimer's disease, even genetically determined forms of the disease, genetics is only one piece of the puzzle. Researchers investigated the influence of genetics and educational attainment on cognitive decline by studying data from 675 people who carry a mutation that predisposes them to early onset Alzheimer's disease. Carriers of this mutation -- known as PSEN1 E280A -- have a median age of 49 for onset of dementia. The team found that among carriers who also carried a second mutation that puts them at heightened risk -- APOE e4 -- had an accelerated age of onset of cognitive decline. Among carriers who had an APOE e2 mutation -- known to be protective -- age of onset was delayed. The team also assessed the effect of educational attainment on cognitive function among PSEN1 E280A mutation carriers, including those who carried different APOE genotypes. They found that higher educational attainment -- that is, more years of education -- was associated with preserved cognitive ability particularly for those at highest genetic risk.
Scientists have made a `paradigm shifting' discovery on the mechanisms required for learning and memory that could lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease and potentially Down syndrome.
A member of an important class of ion channel proteins can transiently rearrange itself into a larger structure with dramatically altered properties, according to a new study. The discovery is a significant advance in cell biology, likely solves a long-standing mystery about an unusual feature of some ion channels and has implications for the development of drugs targeting these proteins and for drug delivery.
Australian researchers have found an existing blood cancer drug can kill 'silent' HIV cells and delay reinfections -- a significant pre-clinical discovery that could lead to a future cure for the disease.
When an immunocompromised person's system begins to recover and produce more white blood cells, it's usually a good thing -- unless they develop C-IRIS, a potentially deadly inflammatory condition. New research has found that the pulmonary distress often associated with C-IRIS is caused not by damage to the lungs, but by newly populated T-cells infiltrating the brain. Knowing this mechanism of action can help researchers and physicians better understand the illness and provide new treatment targets.
Disrupted connections between memory and appetite regulating brain circuits are directly proportional to body mass index (BMI), notably in patients who suffer from disordered or overeating that can lead to obesity, such as binge eating disorder (BED), according to new research. The research notes that individuals who are obese have impaired connections between the dorsolateral hippocampus (dlHPC) and the lateral hypothalamus (LH), which may impact their ability to control or regulate emotional responses when anticipating rewarding meals or treats.
Starting a robust exercise program sooner after surgery could prevent patients with dislocated shoulders from sustaining a repeat injury and help them return to sport faster. Researchers spent three years analyzing evidence from 3,600 existing studies and found a tailored exercise program commencing three to six weeks after surgery was the best approach for preventing a secondary shoulder dislocation.
How much is adequate screen time for a child? It is the question at the forefront of many parents' minds. Now, a recent cohort study has found that the amount of screen time spent by one-year-olds is associated with developmental delays.
Even when humans see AI-based assistants purely as tools, they ascribe partial responsibility for decisions to them, as a new study shows.
A study of more than 83,000 questionnaires by women ages 50-79, found more than 25% developed irregular heart rhythms, known as atrial fibrillation, which may increase their risk for stroke and heart failure.
A new study found that 12% of Americans, mostly men or people aged 50-65, consume half of all beef on a given day, contributing to adverse health and environmental impacts. Educational programs targeting this group may help reduce consumption and address environmental concerns, as beef production has high greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the need for awareness and messaging.
Living in a racially segregated neighborhood puts Black children at a higher risk of having elevated blood lead levels, and this association has persisted over more than two decades, according to new research.
In the case of boredom, we think of many situations in life but intuitively not of exams. However, an international team of academics has now studied exactly this phenomenon of test boredom for the first time and found remarkable results. According to the study, many school students are actually very bored during exams. The study also showed that utter boredom has a negative effect on exam results.
A new study has revealed important associations between the gut microbiome and eczema in infancy.
The human immune system is adaptive, remembering past infections and training itself to guard against future similar infections. But what happens when people have compromised immune systems due to chronic conditions, aging, or medications that decrease immunity as a side effect? In such cases, people can get opportunistic infections, so called because the germs causing illness would have been eradicated by a fully healthy immune system. Conditions and medicines causing immune suppression are on the rise, and so are patients experiencing opportunistic infection. Now, researchers have uncovered a sex-based variance in the trained immune memory response to infection in mice that might translate to humans.
Students with disabilities are often bullied and socially excluded in school at a far greater rate than their classmates. To help teachers recognize, respond to and prevent bullying toward these students, researchers developed an evidence-based, online professional development curriculum. The curriculum highlights the value of teachers building a strong rapport with their students, noticing changes in student behavior as potential warning signs, incorporating social skills and communication skills into classroom learning objectives, as well as practicing behavior-specific praise in a way that showcases students' strengths and encourages collaboration with peers.
Immunologists have uncovered new approaches to enhance protection from tumors and infections. They have revealed new insights into the metabolism of specialized cells of the immune system known as tissue-resident CD8 T cells and how they could be enhanced as immune defense weapons against tumors.
Researchers have identified stem cells in the human thymus for the first time. These cells represent a potential new target to understand immune diseases and cancer and how to boost the immune system.
Researchers have developed a miniature battery that could be used to power tiny devices integrated into human tissues. The design uses an ionic gradient across a chain of droplets -- inspired by how electric eels generate electricity. The device was able to regulate the biological activity of human neurons. This could open the way to the development of tiny bio-integrated devices, with a range of applications in biology and medicine.
While self-driving vehicles (SDVs) are being hailed as a solution for safer, more efficient roads, new research suggests some are not quite ready to embrace self-driving cars wholeheartedly -- and will need a period of gradual transition before adoption.
The use of active mechanical circulatory support is growing rapidly around the world. The hope is that these systems will improve survival after the most severe form of acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock. A recent clinical trial has shown that extracorporeal life support (ECLS) does not reduce 30-day mortality after cardiogenic shock. The finding is likely to influence future guidelines.
Researchers applied a new technology to generate the full inventory of mutations in the bacterial species Escherichia coli where the antibiotic rifampicin attaches to and disables an essential bacterial enzyme known as RNA polymerase (RNAP).
Researchers used wireless neural recording and imaging devices to 'listen in' on the hippocampal brain activity of groups of Egyptian fruit bats as they flew freely within a large flight room. The researchers were surprised to find that, in this social setting, the bat's 'place' neurons encoded not only the animal's location, but also information about the presence or absence of other bats, and even the identity of bats in their path.
Researchers have shown that the content of diet in yeast, rather than caloric intake, influences yeast health in later stages of their lifecycle. The different diet placed cells on a path to age healthily and avoid aging pathologies, though they did not live longer.
New research, using objective measures of sleep rather than subjective reports, has shown that not only do people in Asia go to sleep later and have shorter sleep, they also have lower sleep quality than those in other parts of the world. Additionally, their sleep during the work week is more variable and they do not extend their sleep as much at the weekend.
Researchers investigated the associations of weight changes later in life with exceptional longevity and found that women who maintained their body weight after age 60 were more likely to reach exceptional longevity.
Adults at risk for heart disease who participated in produce prescription programs for an average of six months increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables and had reduced blood pressure, body mass index and blood sugar levels.
Scientists are working on a new approach to treating kidney failure that could one day free people from needing dialysis or having to take harsh drugs to suppress their immune system after a transplant.
Several major childhood allergies may all stem from the community of bacteria living in our gut, according to a new study. The research identifies gut microbiome features and early life influences that are associated with children developing any of four common allergies -- eczema, asthma, food allergy and/or hay fever. The findings could lead to methods of predicting whether a child will develop allergies, and ways to prevent them from developing at all.
A new study shows that people suffering from hospital-treated depression may have a high risk of developing conditions such as substance abuse, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety -- depending on their genetic predisposition to the individual disorder.
Early laboratory results in mice show the drug PXS-5505 increases survival when combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.
The global population of people older than 65 years of age is rapidly increasing the need for care. Although care robots are a promising solution to fill in for caregivers, their social implementation has been slow and unsatisfactory. A team of international researchers has now developed the first universal model that can be employed across cultural contexts to explain how ethical perceptions affect the willingness to use care robots.
Damage associated with Alzheimer's disease begins within hours after a concussion according to results from research that uses a 'mini-brain' lab on a chip device.
A new study suggests rough surfaces inspired by the bacteria-killing spikes on insect wings may be more effective at combating drug-resistant superbugs, including fungus, than previously understood.
Scientists have developed a specially formulated bioink, which contains microparticles engineered for sustained delivery of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This delivery enhances the formation of mature skeletal muscle tissue from muscle precursor cells and facilitates their structural alignment, leading to more efficient regeneration of functional skeletal muscle tissue. This, in turn, can lead to successful therapies for people suffering from muscle loss or injury.
In response to the low-fat craze of the 1990s, many food companies removed saturated fats from their products, only to replace them with sugars to maintain their palatability. Unfortunately, the resulting products were no healthier than the originals, and the average person today consumes too much saturated fat. Now, a team of researchers has figured out how to remove some saturated fat, sugar and salt from popular American foods while maintaining their tastiness. The trick? Replacing these over-consumed nutrients with a dose of healthy herbs and spices.
A potential new Alzheimer's drug represses the harmful inflammatory response of the brain's immune cells, reducing disease pathology, preserving neurons and improving cognition in preclinical tests.
A study used innovative markerless motion capture technology to study the biomechanics of proficient free-throw shooters. Results showed the best shooters had more controlled motion, less forward trunk lean and higher release points. Researchers also studied the difference between missed and made shots by better shooters and found overemphasizing release point height could be counterproductive. The results can help coaches and players maximize performance.
Brucellosis is a disease, caused by the members of bacterial Brucella family, that mainly infects cattle, goats and sheep, leading to pregnancy loss, which has caused billions of dollars in economic losses for livestock producers worldwide. The disease can also jump from animals to humans, mainly through consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or inhaling the spores from the tissues of infected animals. While the disease can cause arthritis, inflammation of the heart and flu-like symptoms in humans, the bacteria can also enter the brain and cause neurobrucellosis, which can lead to long-term neurological complications, headaches, nausea, disorientation, swelling of the brain and sometimes death. Now, a new study has highlighted the protective power of both innate lymphoid cells and specific signaling proteins, known as interferons, in reducing the harmful neurological effects of Brucella.
Among the negative impacts of extreme weather events around the world is one that most people may not think of: an increase in child marriages.
Sleep is a critical part of a child's overall health, but it can also be an important factor in the way they behave. According to a new study, getting enough sleep can help children combat the effects of stressful environments.
After a nearly threefold drop in prescriptions for the antibiotic ciprofloxacin between 2015 and 2021, the rates of ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli bacteria circulating in the community did not decline. In fact, a study of Seattle-area women over age 50 who had not taken any antibiotics for at least a year discovered that the incidence of gut-colonizing ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli actually increased. About 1 in 5 women in the study were affected. The results are consistent with theoretical models indicating that, once a drug-resistant form of E.coli emerges, it will continue to spread by taking up long-term residence in individuals' gut microbiomes. Antibiotic resistant E. coli in the gut is of concern because the bacteria can enter the urinary tract and cause difficult-to-treat infections, particularly in women. Evidence from studies such as this one may be changing paradigms on how to fight the rise in antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have looked beyond biochemistry to publish groundbreaking work on the physics of fat droplets found inside many types of cells, revealing them to be a potential threat to a cell's nucleus.They have discovered fat-filled lipid droplets' surprising capability to indent and puncture the nucleus, the organelle which contains and regulates a cell's DNA. The stakes of their findings are high: a ruptured nucleus can lead to elevated DNA damage that is characteristic of many diseases, including cancer.
Findings can open up new avenues for targeted approaches toward therapeutic strategies against the malaria-causing P. falciparum that are aimed at stopping the parasite's life cycle progression and its sexual differentiation, thus blocking the transmission of the parasite into mosquitoes.
Researchers have discovered that the same cellular mechanism involved in a form of cystic fibrosis is also implicated in a form of a rare disease called cystinosis. The mechanism cleans up mutated proteins. In cystinosis, a genetic disease, this allows cystine crystals to build up in the cell. This disrupts the cell, and eventually, tissues and ultimately organs, particularly the kidneys and the eyes.
A new study focused on neurobehavioral effects and inflammatory response to exposure to microplastics, as well as the accumulation of microplastics in tissues, including the brain. The research team has found that the infiltration of microplastics was as widespread in the body as it is in the environment, leading to behavioral changes, especially in older test subjects.
Studies show that on any given morning, about 40 percent of the working population recalls its dreams. New research shows that when dreams are first recalled, people often draw connections between their dreams and waking lives, and the connections they draw alter how they think, feel and act at work.
Scientists have successfully transformed rhabdomyosarcoma cells into healthy functioning muscle cells. Could this lab breakthrough help bring differentiation therapy to the clinic? If so, a new and safer way to fight cancer may be on the horizon.
Investigators are one step closer to helping individuals catch a sudden cardiac arrest before it happens, thanks to a new study. The study, led by sudden cardiac arrest experts, found that 50% of individuals who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest also experienced a telling symptom 24 hours before their loss of heart function.
Researchers have developed a new way of identifying patients at risk of an irregular heartbeat, known as 'atrial fibrillation'. While not life threatening, the condition increases people's risk of having a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke by up to five times. A new study reveals four specific factors that can predict which patients will have atrial fibrillation. These include older age, higher diastolic blood pressure and problems with both the coordination and function of the upper left chamber of the heart. The team went on to create an easy tool for doctors to use in practice to identify those at high risk. And they hope that this will help diagnose and treat more patients, reducing their risk of future strokes.
The UK's brightest pupils' chances of getting top GCSE grades are actually lower in grammar schools than in comprehensives, according to a major new piece of research.
Scientists have verified the anticancer effects of Kencur, a tropical plant of the ginger family, mainly grown in Southeast Asia, in cell and animal experiments. They found that Kencur extract and its main active components significantly inhibit cancer cell growth at the cellular and animal levels. Furthermore, the involvement of TFAM in the mechanism of action was confirmed.
Bees could become biomonitors, checking their neighborhoods to determine how far antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has spread, according to new research.
The NSL (non-specific lethal) complex regulates thousands of genes in fruit flies and mammals. Silencing the NSL genes leads to the death of the organism, which gave the complex its curious name. Researchers have now discovered that the genes regulated by the NSL complex also include genes of the intraciliary transport system. This enables different cell types to form cilia on their surface, which are important for cell communication. The study shows that these genes are 'switched on' by the NSL complex, regardless of whether a particular cell has cilia or not. The researchers found that this class of cilia-associated genes is crucial for the function of podocytes. This is a highly specialized cell type of the kidney that, paradoxically, does not have cilia. These findings have important implications for ciliopathies and kidney disease.
A new study has examined how T cells of the immune system are affected by weightlessness. The results could explain why astronauts' T cells become less active and less effective at fighting infection.
Engineers identified an optical signature in a widely used class of magnetic 'Dynabeads' that could be used to quickly detect contaminants in food, water, or the human body.
Middle-aged adults with three or more unhealthy traits including slightly high waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose have heart attacks and strokes two years earlier than their peers, according to new research.
'Eco-friendly' paper drinking straws contain long-lasting and potentially toxic chemicals, a new study has concluded.
A global team of scientists conducted one of the largest genetic association studies on heart failure to date. Using genomic data from over 90,000 heart failure patients and more than a million controls, the team identified 39 genetic mutations associated with heart failure, 18 of which had not been reported previously.
A bitter taste in the mouth is often a symptom or side effect of illness, which may be the result of how the body reacts to pathogens. A new study sheds light on the mechanisms involved in the complex interplay between taste perception and immune function. Their work also highlights the potential of a sequencing tool for investigating epigenetic mechanisms that affect taste-cell gene expression.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach for engrafting engineered cells into injured lung tissue. These findings may lead to new ways for treating lung diseases, such as emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and COVID-19. The two studies describe the methodologies for engineering lung stem cells and transplanting them into injured experimental lungs without immunosuppression.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a muscle degeneration disorder caused by mutations affecting the dystrophin gene. Researchers show how a dual CRISPR RNA method restored dystrophin protein function in induced pluripotent stem cells derived from DMD patients. The approach worked by removing large sections of the dystrophin gene, allowing the cells to skip faulty or misaligned sections of the genetic code. This yields truncated but still functional proteins for a wide variety of mutation patterns associated with DMD.
Researchers have uncovered a functional role for KRAS mutations in pancreatic cancer and rapidly translated these findings into a novel therapeutic approach combining a KRAS G12D inhibitor with immune checkpoint inhibitors for early- and late-stage KRAS G12D-mutant pancreatic cancer. The combination therapy led to durable tumor elimination and significantly improved survival outcomes in preclinical models, leading to the launch of a Phase I clinical trial.
For many patients, the internet serves as a powerful tool for self-education on medical topics. With ChatGPT now at patients' fingertips, researchers assessed how consistently the artificial intelligence chatbot provides recommendations for cancer treatment that align with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.
Researchers have uncovered a connection between the topography of the human genome and the presence of mutations in human cancer. Just as different terrains on Earth foster distinct ecosystems, certain regions in the genome seem to provide an environment for specific mutations to thrive.
Parents with children in adolescence know this all too well: one minute 'the little ones' are just up to your shoulder, and all of a sudden, they're growing over your head. Until now, it was assumed that such pubertal growth spurt in body length only occurs in humans, but not in other primates. Researchers have now investigated this widespread hypothesis in bonobos (Pan paniscus). The result: Pronounced, human-like growth in the adolescent years also exists in bonobos and presumably also in other monkeys. Thus, humans are less exceptional in this trait than previously thought.
Researchers are on the brink of a technological breakthrough in vaccine development with a possible new vaccine modality.
A new review argues ever-present microplastics could promote gene transfer among microbes, potentially resulting in greater antibiotic resistance. The review calls for more research on microplastic-microbe interactions where our food is grown.
Alcohol use and subsequent handgun carrying were positively associated during adolescence and young adulthood among individuals who grew up in rural areas, similar to findings in urban areas. Reducing alcohol use may be an important strategy to prevent handgun carrying and firearm-related harm among young people in rural areas.
Highly challenging to sequence and long overlooked, the human Y chromosome's contributions to health and disease remain largely unknown. A new paper that presents, for the first time, the complete sequences of multiple human Y chromosomes from lineages from around the globe provides an essential step forward in understanding the roles of the Y chromosome in human evolution and biology.
In a groundbreaking endeavor, researchers have successfully transferred a longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice, resulting in improved health and an extension of the mouse's lifespan. The research opens exciting possibilities for unlocking the secrets of aging and extending human lifespan.
Researchers compared a pair of superficially similar motor neurons in fruit flies to examine how their differing use of the same genome produced distinctions in form and function.
Parents should be taught how to better understand the increasingly volatile social media landscape that is deploying sophisticated algorithms, according to a new study.
Researchers have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) that has enabled a woman with severe paralysis from a brainstem stroke to speak through a digital avatar.
What was once the final frontier of the human genome -- the Y chromosome -- has just been mapped out in its entirety. Scientists used advanced sequencing technologies to read out the full DNA sequence of the Y chromosome -- a region of the genome that typically drives male reproductive development. The results demonstrate that this advance improves DNA sequencing accuracy for the chromosome, which could help identify certain genetic disorders and potentially uncover the genetic roots of others.
A study has discovered a new relationship between cancer cells and the immune system, and shows how cancer can selfishly hijack a normally helpful immune pathway.
Hours of inactivity during childhood could be setting the stage for heart attacks and strokes later in life, according to new research. The study found that sedentary time accumulated from childhood to young adulthood was associated with heart damage -- even in those with normal weight and blood pressure.
New Yorkers can apparently breathe a sigh of relief, at least for now. Their exposure to the smoke in June 2023 from Canadian wildfires led to only a slightly higher bump in visits to New York City hospital emergency departments for breathing problems or asthma attacks than what is seen on days when pollen counts are high. However, authors of a new study say other possible health effects, such as possible heart attacks and stroke, still need to be investigated.
Many researchers believe that the neurodegenerative disorder gets started in the gut. Research now suggests that an autoimmune reaction may be driving those early events.
Scientists have discovered a potential target for gastric cancers associated with Epstein-Barr Virus.
Researchers found some bacteria ship cellular cargo by 'surfing' along proteins called ParA/MinD ATPases.
A new study uses more genetically diverse mouse models to study the accumulation and spread of abnormal tau protein deposits in the brain -- a known sign of Alzheimer's disease and several other neurodegenerative diseases.
It's human nature to be judgmental. But why do we place less blame on someone, or give more praise, if we find out that person had a history of suffering in childhood? In a recent study, researchers discovered why someone's childhood adversity influences how others judge their behavior.
A study in more than 15,000 people has found that physical fitness is linked with a lower likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation and stroke. Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. It is estimated that one in three Europeans will develop atrial fibrillation in their lifetime. Patients with the condition have a five-fold higher risk of stroke than their peers. This study examined whether fitness was related to the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation.
A new powerful antibiotic, isolated from bacteria that could not be studied before, seems capable of combating harmful bacteria and even multi-resistant 'superbugs'. Named Clovibactin, the antibiotic appears to kill bacteria in an unusual way, making it more difficult for bacteria to develop any resistance against it.
Everyday symbols like &?!#@$ are highly memorable, according to new research. The new study aimed to investigate how well symbols are remembered compared to words with the same meaning.
Train elementary school students how to be creative and you can help increase their resilience in the face of real-life problems, new research suggests.
A team of researchers successfully tested a new antifungal therapy to treat fungal meningitis.
Researchers study the impact of hearing loss on subjects' enjoyment of different music mixes. They played different music mixes to listeners with and without hearing loss and found that those with hearing loss preferred louder lead vocals, higher frequencies, and sparser mixes with fewer frequencies overall. Previous research has found that music steadily shifted to quieter vocals and louder instrumentals leading up to 1975, meaning today's music may be less accessible to those with hearing loss.
Early data on activities that will be unsafe to undertake in automated vehicles has been released. From doing work to watching the world, from social media to resting -- preliminary results are in.
The world needs greener ways to make chemicals. In a new study, researchers demonstrate one potential path toward this goal by adapting hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
An analysis of a clinical trial of more than 2,500 people with Type 2 diabetes and kidney disease found that high levels of four biomarkers are strongly predictive for the development of heart and kidney issues.
A research team has developed a new approach that integrates a minimally invasive, painless microneedle platform capable of absorbing the cell-surrounding, biomarker-containing fluid from deeper layers of the skin with an ultra-sensitive, single-molecule detection method (Simoa) that detects often rare, yet relevant biomarkers with higher sensitivity than conventional methods.
A new study has demonstrated the ability for gene therapy to repair neural connections for those with the rare genetic brain disorder known as Hurler syndrome.
Researchers model and map how neurons across the tiny brain of a C. elegans worm encode its behaviors, revealing many new insights about the robustness and flexibility of its nervous system.
A new study has found that a natural language processing (NLP) system showed excellent performance when ported to a new health system and tested on more than six million clinical notes of patients seen in Florida. Performance was evaluated for generalizability and portability, defined as ease and accuracy when deploying the software in a new environment and of updating its use to meet the needs of new data.
As children head back to school, two issues have climbed higher on their parents' list of concerns: the role of social media and the internet in kids' lives.
Struggling with a teenager who refuses to ditch digital devices at night and wakes up grumpy? Boarding school could be the answer.
Various medical circumstances, including heart attacks and extreme cases of COVID-19, necessitate the use of anticoagulants, medicines that prevent blood clots. But the most commonly used, heparin, can induce potentially fatal side effects by making the blood clots worse rather than better. This only happens in a minority of patients so effective treatments are not commonly explored. Researchers have now proposed a side effect-free anticoagulating treatment that has so far proved effective in test mice and could be ready for human trials in just a few years.
Anti-estrogenic therapies can suppress the growth of cancer that does not express estrogen receptors; when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies, they halt tumor progression in mice models.
Pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) are artificial devices that can simulate the mechanics of human muscles, and have shown great promise in industries requiring human-robot interaction systems. Despite their potential, controlling the trajectory performance of PAM-based systems is challenging owing to their nonlinear characteristics. Now, researchers have developed a novel adaptive sliding mode controller that uses fuzzy logic to estimate PAM-based system's parameters, promising enhanced tracking accuracy and adaptability compared to traditional control methods.
Genetic remnants of viruses that are naturally present in the human genome could affect the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers come to this conclusion on the basis of studies on cell cultures.
Novel stem cell therapy called a CALEC transplant was performed safely in four patients with serious chemical burns tracked in a phase I clinical trial for 12 months. The patients experienced early clinical gains: two were able to undergo a corneal transplant and two reported significant improvements in vision without additional treatment. CALEC procedure takes small amount of stem cells from healthy eye, grows and expands stem cells on a graft, before it is transplanted into the patient's damaged eye.
An estimated 1 in 4 older Americans with dementia or mild cognitive impairment lives alone and is at risk of practices like unsafe driving, wandering outside the home, mixing up medications and failing to attend medical appointments.
Scientists have devised a highly accurate method for creating coatings of biologically active materials for a variety of medical products. Such a technique could pave the way for a new era of transdermal medication, including shot-free vaccinations, the researchers said.
Women with larger breasts tend to exercise less frequently and avoid high-intensity exercise and a new study has found much improved participation in recreational group exercises after breast reduction surgery. The new study further strengthens calls for more accessible, publicly funded breast reduction and other interventions in some cases.
Researchers took a leaf out of nature's book to develop 'eAir' -- a novel pressure sensing technology that promises to transform minimally-invasive surgeries and implantable sensors. This novel invention mirrors the lotus leaf's natural sensitivity to the extremely light touch of a water droplet, to achieve high accuracy and reliability in pressure detection. For example, during a laparoscopic or robotic surgery, graspers enhanced with eAir sensors could provide tactile feedback to help surgeons improve surgical and patient outcomes. eAir may also be used to improve the process of monitoring intracranial pressure -- the pressure within the skull that can influence brain health.
A new study suggests that using big data and machine learning in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in livestock production methods could help inform interventions and offer protections against germs that are becoming resistant to antibiotics.
A new study has demonstrated that the atlatl (i.e. spear thrower) functions as an 'equalizer', a finding which supports women's potential active role as prehistoric hunters.
Archaeologists have long been drawing conclusions about how ancient tools were used by the people who crafted them based on written records and context clues. But with dietary practices, they have had to make assumptions about what was eaten and how it was prepared. A new study analyzed protein residues from ancient cooking cauldrons and found that the people of Caucasus ate deer, sheep, goats, and members of the cow family during the Maykop period (3700--2900 BCE).
Researchers have found an injection of a specific blood factor can replicate the benefits of exercise in the brain. They've discovered that platelets secrete a protein, exerkine CXCL4/Platelet factor 4 or PF4, that rejuvenates neurons in aged mice in a similar way to physical exercise. This protein, which is released from platelets after exercise, results in regenerative and cognitive improvements when injected into aged mice.
Scientists have developed an AI model that accurately estimates a patient's age, using chest radiographs of healthy individuals collected from multiple facilities. Furthermore, they found a positive relationship between differences in the AI-estimated and chronological ages and a variety of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, hyperuricemia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the future, it is expected that AI biomarkers will be developed to predict life expectancy, estimate the severity of chronic diseases, and forecast surgery-related risks.
Prior vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria, with or without pertussis (Tdap/Td); herpes zoster (HZ), better known as shingles; and pneumococcus are all associated with a reduced risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.
People who adhere to a Mediterranean lifestyle -- which includes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; healthy eating habits like limiting added salts and sugars; and habits promoting adequate rest, physical activity, and socialization -- have a lower risk of all-cause and cancer mortality, according to a new study. People who adhered to the lifestyle's emphasis on rest, exercise, and socializing with friends had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.
The historically high heat waves that gripped the southwest United States and southern Europe this summer are causing problems for more than just humans. Extreme heat waves affect pollinators and the pathogens that live on them, creating a mutual imbalance that could have major economic and public health consequences.
Many linguists have proposed that languages spoken by numerous non-native speakers tend to have simpler grammars. A new study challenges this claim. By analyzing a global sample of 1,314 languages, they found that speech community size and the proportion of second-language speakers were not associated with simpler grammars.
The sensory receptor PIEZO1 changes shape in response to mechanical stimuli. The super high-resolution microscopy technology used in this discovery is a breakthrough in enabling protein structures to be studied within the cellular environment.
Cranial modification is a form of body alteration where the head is pressed or bound to permanently deform the skull. The practice has been reported across various cultures throughout history. Researchers report that the Hirota people -- who lived on the southern Japanese island of Tanegashima between the 3rd to 7th century CE -- also conducted cranial modification, with indication that both males and females performed the practice.
Over recent decades, there was a large variation in cyclone-related excess deaths by hurricane, state, county, year, and social vulnerability for counties in the United States, with 83 percent of hurricane-related deaths occurring more recently and 94 percent in more socially vulnerable counties.
Medications to treat various chronic diseases may hinder the body's ability to lose heat and regulate its core temperature to optimal levels. The loss of effective thermoregulation has implications for elderly people receiving treatment for illnesses like cancer, cardiovascular, Parkinson's disease/dementia and diabetes, particularly during hot weather, according to a review by a team of scientists.
Surgeons have transplanted a genetically engineered pig kidney that continues to function well after 32 days in a man declared dead by neurologic criteria and maintained with a beating heart on ventilator support. This represents the longest period that a gene-edited pig kidney has functioned in a human, and the latest step toward the advent of an alternate, sustainable supply of organs for transplant.
Teeth could be capable of preserving antibodies for hundreds of years, allowing scientists to investigate the history of infectious human diseases, a new study has found.
For those with neurological or developmental disorders compromising speech, brain machine interfaces could help them communicate. But today's interfaces are slow and, from electrodes placed on the scalp, can detect letters only. The speech generated is robotic and affectless. Neuroscientists have now shown that they can reconstruct the song a person is hearing from brain recordings alone, holding out the possibility of reconstructing not only words but the musicality of speech, which also conveys meaning.
Arterial stiffness is a novel cause of premature heart damage among adolescents, according to a new follow-up study.
Humans like to discover. Presented with something we've never seen before, most of us will be compelled to explore and learn more about it. The same can't exactly be said for our closest living relatives--the great apes. Although decades of studies have shown that captive chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans will eagerly explore unfamiliar objects in a laboratory, great apes have rarely been observed in these encounters in the wild.
New cancer drugs are being launched at a rapid pace, before their long-term effectiveness for patients can be evaluated. Several years later, most of them still lack scientific evidence for actually increasing life expectancy or improving quality of life.
Nanovesicles can be bioengineered to target cancer cells and deliver treatments directly, according to new research.
Scientists have drastically expanded the list of bivalve species, such as clams, oysters, mussels, scallops and their relatives, that humans are known to harvest and identified the traits that make these species prime targets for harvesting. They also discovered that some of these same traits have also made this group of shellfish less prone to extinction in the past and may protect these shellfish in the future. The authors flagged certain ocean regions, such as the east Atlantic and northeast and southeast Pacific, as areas of special concern for management and conservation.
Advanced microscopy techniques give scientists valuable clues for how to fight an enzyme that is leading to a rise in cases of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections worldwide.
Older adults who play digital puzzle games have the same memory abilities as people in their 20s, a new study has shown.
A deafened adult cannot recover the ability to hear, because the sensory hearing cells of the inner ear don't regenerate after damage. In two new studies scientists explain why this is the case and how we might be able to change it.
A new study suggests that the 'impact factor' used to evaluate scientific journals and research papers does not accurately capture the impact of medical papers on health outcomes for all patients, particularly those in low or middle-income countries. As an alternative, the researchers developed a metric that they call the 'diversity factor.' Evaluating articles and journals using a new 'diversity index' could promote a wider range of perspectives and better global health outcomes, researchers say.
Scientists have completed a deep analysis of the proteins driving cancer across multiple tumor types, information that can't be assessed by genome sequencing alone. Understanding how proteins operate in cancer cells raises the prospect of new therapies.
Needs related to housing, transportation, food, social support and more can be identified through AI/ML techniques, study of medical record notes from patients with dementia shows.
Researchers have identified brain circuits that, when injured, make conscious patients with acute brain injury appear unresponsive, a phenomenon known as hidden consciousness.
Recent paleogenomic research revealed that interbreeding was common among early human species. However, little was known about when, where, and how often this hominin interbreeding took place. Using paleoanthropological evidence, genetic data, and supercomputer simulations of past climate, a team of international researchers has found that interglacial climates and corresponding shifts in vegetation created common habitats for Neanderthals and Denisovans, increasing their chances for interbreeding and gene flow in parts of Europe and central Asia.
How can the amazing abilities of our memory be explained on the basis of brain anatomy? It is known that different brain functions are anchored in different areas and structures of the brain. For example, we know that certain areas of the cerebral cortex are responsible for perception of the outer world, imagining our future, and thinking about other people. However, little is knowing about connection of the brain regions supporting these important cognitive functions with the human memory system.
Medical imaging via X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds provide health-care professionals with unique perspectives and a better understanding of what's happening inside a patient's body. Using various forms of waves, these machines can visualize many unseen ailments and diseases. This imaging is beneficial for health-care professionals to make correct diagnoses, but the added insight of spectroscopy provides even more detail. Spectroscopy offers a means to identify biomolecules within specimens through their characteristic signatures for absorption in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Unexpected new insights into how COVID-19 infects cells help explain why coronaviruses are so good at jumping from species to species and will help scientists better predict how COVID-19 will evolve.
A form of gene therapy currently used to treat Parkinson's disease may dramatically reduce alcohol use among chronic heavy drinkers, researchers have found.
Organoids have now been created from stem cells to secrete the proteins that form dental enamel, the substance that protects teeth from damage and decay. A multi-disciplinary team of scientists led this effort. This is a critical first step to the long-term goal to develop stem cell-based treatments to repair damaged teeth and regenerate those that are lost. Enamel is made during tooth formation by specialized cells called amelobasts. These cells die off after tooth formation is complete. Consequently, the body has no way to repair or regenerate damaged enamel.
A new study reveals findings from over 800 clinical assays performed for kidney patients with MiTF family gene mutations.
Scientists have uncovered new molecular targets on a cell receptor that play a major role in cardiovascular regulation. The findings could lead to improved drugs for heart disease, an unfortunate side effect of some cancer therapies.
Men navigate their intimate partner relationships depending on their masculine style, says new research which drew from in-depth interviews with 92 straight men ages 19 to 43 from diverse cultural backgrounds. The study found three types of masculinities: neo-traditionalists, egalitarian and progressive.
A study uncovers a new mechanism to explain why some prostate tumors switch from a common, treatable form to a more rare and aggressive form of prostate cancer.
A first-in-human trial of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for post-stroke rehabilitation patients has shown that using DBS to target the dentate nucleus -- which regulates fine-control of voluntary movements, cognition, language, and sensory functions in the brain -- is safe and feasible.
More mock seafood options are needed because of unsustainable fishing and aquaculture practices, which can harm the environment. Now, researchers have a new approach for creating desirable vegan seafood mimics that taste good, while maintaining the healthful profile of real fish. They 3D-printed an ink made from microalgae protein and mung bean protein, and their proof-of-concept calamari rings were air-fried into a snack.
Patients with localized prostate cancer have a good chance of survival, but mortality rates among those with advanced, metastatic forms of the condition remain high. Until now, the precise mechanism behind the spread of the tumor has not been fully explained. But an international research team has succeeded in decoding the underlying cellular signal pathway and has carried out research using a common diabetes medication that could provide a new treatment option.
No amount of air pollution is good for the brain, but wildfires and the emissions resulting from agriculture and farming in particular may pose especially toxic threats to cognitive health, according to new research.
Receiving a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine or booster during pregnancy can benefit pregnant people and their newborn infants, according to new findings.
Producers of infant formula employ comprehensive food safety systems, including product testing to ensure those systems are working. A new study finds that some testing methods are more powerful at catching contaminants than others.
A multidisciplinary team -- engineers, soil scientists, and biologists -- digs in with them for a deeper look at what happens to the soil underneath a decomposing body.
Period product labels don't usually list the ingredients, so consumers don't know what's in their product of choice. Now, researchers have analyzed over 100 period products for fluorinated compounds, an indicator of potentially harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Their results show that while PFAS are absent from many products, they might be accidentally or intentionally added to others.
Physicists have come up with a simple new fabrication technique that may help physicists probe the fundamental properties of twisted layers of graphene and other 2D materials in a more systematic and reproducible way. They use long 'ribbons' of graphene, rather than square flakes, to create devices that offer a new level of predictability and control over both twist angle and strain. The resulting devices have continuous variation in the twist angle between the two sheets that spans from 0° to 5° across the length of the device, with evenly distributed strain throughout.
Yoga and breathing control practices, in combination with aerobic training, are particularly key exercises for asthmatic people seeking to improve their lung function, a new peer-reviewed study suggests.
Researchers have developed a new form of gene therapy that can stop cell division in fusion-driven cancer.
Specific receptors in the ears of mosquitoes have been revealed to modulate their hearing, finds a new study. Scientists say, this discovery could help develop new insecticides and control the spread of harmful diseases, such as malaria.
Receiving therapy for problematic social media use can be effective in improving the mental wellbeing of people with depression, a new study finds.
Researchers have created a panel of genetically diverse mice that accurately model the highly variable human response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The team uncovered differences in the innate immune and regulated proinflammatory responses, the timing and strength of which are associated with disease severity.
The skin, hair and eye color of more than eight billion humans is determined by the light-absorbing pigment known as melanin. New research has identified 135 new genes associated with pigmentation.
An experimental malaria vaccine appears safe and promotes an immune response in African infants, one of the groups most vulnerable to severe malaria disease. There is currently only one malaria vaccine, 'RTS,S' that is approved by the World Health Organization and offers partial disease protection. However, in the results of the early-stage phase Ib trial, researchers find that targeting RH5 -- a protein that the malaria pathogen Plasmodium falciparum uses to invade red blood cells -- can generate a promising immune response that is most pronounced in an infant cohort.
Scientists have developed a synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) that can support the growth of a mini endometrium in a dish for at least two weeks. The endometrium -- the mucosal lining of the uterus -- has been historically hard to model in the lab, which has limited scientists' ability to study its role in healthy and diseased states like endometriosis. The matrix allows cells to interact in an environment that recapitulates human physiology which could help researchers better simulate the healthy and pathological response to menstrual cycles.
Scientists discovered that anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy extended the lives of mice with glioblastoma by causing specialized CD4+ T immune cells to 1) infiltrate the brain and 2) tell brain-resident immune cells called microglia to destroy tumor cells. Their findings show the benefit of harnessing the body's own immune cells to fight brain cancer and could lead to more effective immunotherapies.
Identification of risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD) is essential for early diagnosis. Dating back to the 1920s, Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism -- an umbrella term that refers to motor symptoms found in Parkinson's disease and also other conditions -- have long been described in boxers. Repetitive head impacts from tackle football can also have long-term neurological consequences like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). But research on the association between participation in tackle football and PD is limited.
Researchers have found that the genes of the mitochondria, the energy producers of our cells, can be negatively impacted by the virus, leading to dysfunction in multiple organs beyond the lungs. These findings suggest new approaches for treating COVID-19.
A new analysis shows that infectious bacteria exposed to the antibiotic albicidin rapidly develop up to a 1,000-fold increase in resistance via a gene amplification mechanism.
A new study finds that past changes in atmospheric CO2 and corresponding shifts in climate and vegetation played a key role in determining when and where early human species interbred.
Long COVID can persist for at least a year after the acute illness has passed, or appear months later, according to the most comprehensive look yet at how symptoms play out over a year.
Creating new technologically advanced sensors, scientists have engineered bacteria that detect the presence of tumor DNA in live organisms. Their innovation could pave the way to new biosensors capable of identifying various infections, cancers and other diseases.
Concealed guns significantly impact homicide rates and public safety, according to a new study that found an increase in homicides based on the number of concealed carry weapons licenses issued.
New research has successfully reversed hearing loss in mice. Scientists used a genetic approach to fix deafness in mice, restoring their hearing abilities in low and middle frequency ranges.
A new observation suggests that a life-threatening blood clotting disorder can be caused by an infection with adenovirus, one of the most common respiratory viruses in pediatric and adult patients.
A study has identified a new pathway that human immune deficiency virus (HIV) uses to enter the nucleus of a healthy cell, where it can then replicate and go on to invade other cells.
Life is harder for adolescents who are not attractive or athletic. New research shows low attractive and low athletic youth became increasingly unpopular over the course of a school year, leading to subsequent increases in their loneliness and alcohol misuse. As their unpopularity grows, so do their problems. Put simply, the peer group punishes those who do not have highly valued traits such as being good-looking or being good at sports. Results also put to rest stereotypes about sex differences. The findings reveal a transformation in adolescent social culture such that the social penalties attached to being low in attractiveness or low in athleticism are no longer gender specific.
The administration of ranolazine, a drug currently used to treat heart conditions, improves the efficacy of current therapies for melanoma, in mouse models of this disease.
Partial recovery after ischemic stroke is possible, but the mechanisms involved in this process remain unclear. Researchers identified a whole new pathway promoting brain repair. They discovered lipids secreted from neurons surrounding the area of cell death can trigger brain-autonomous neural repair after ischemic brain injury. These findings might contribute to developing new compounds to stimulate the brain's intrinsic repair mechanisms.
A team of global experts have spent a decade creating a guide to clinical assessments which help inform exercise training for people living with cystic fibrosis.
Researchers are developing a way to incorporate one of the most human of characteristics -- uncertainty -- into machine learning systems.
A scientific journey decades in the making has found a new antibiotic strategy to defeat gram-negative bacteria like Salmonella, Pseudomonas and E. coli, the culprits in many urinary tract infections. The synthetic molecule works fast and is durable. It interferes with synthesis of the bacterial outer membrane by jamming an enzyme. When tested against a clinical collection of 285 bacterial strains, including some that were highly resistant to commercial antibiotics, it killed them all.
People who take acid reflux medications called proton pump inhibitors for four-and-a-half years or more may have a higher risk of dementia compared to people who do not take these medications, according to new research. This study does not prove that acid reflux drugs cause dementia; it only shows an association.
Neuroscientists find that key neurons in the front of the brain act as 'traffic control' to manage our attention to visual stimuli, and help us focus despite distractions.
Whether it's work or play that prevents us from getting enough shut-eye during the week, assuming we can make up for it by sleeping in over the weekend is a mistake. New research led by Penn State reveals that cardiovascular health measures, including heart rate and blood pressure, worsen over the course of the week when sleep is restricted to five hours per night, and attempting to catch up on sleep over the weekend is insufficient to return these measures to normal.
LIGO confirmed the existence of gravitational waves in 2015, detecting one-time perturbations of spacetime from the merger of large black holes. There should be a background of gravitational waves permeating space due to other cataclysmic events in the cosmos, perhaps dating from the Big Bang. The NANOGrav consortium reports evidence from pulsar timing arrays that space is filled with such waves. Simulations suggest the cosmic gravitational wave background is likely caused by the merger of hundreds of thousands of supermassive black holes over the history of the universe.
The first gene mapping study on human scalp hair whorls not only shows that hair whorl direction has a genetic basis, but also that it is affected by multiple genes. Four associated genetic variants that are likely to influence hair whorl direction are identified.
Innovative technology that creates ultra-thin layers of human cells in tube-like structures could spur development of lifelike blood vessels and intestines in the lab.
Between 1990 and 2019, the total annual number of premature CVD deaths and years of disability attributable to particulate matter air pollution rose by 31% worldwide.
Scientists have shown that immunotherapy after stem cell transplantation effectively combats certain nerve tumors in children. Crucially, stem cells from a parent provide children with a new immune system that responds much better to immunotherapies.
A collaborative study provides compelling evidence that combining an investigational oral drug with standard-of-care medications reverts hormone resistance and increases Rx effectiveness in experimental models of estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) and triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), respectively.
Breastfeeding has long been used as a method to help keep newborns healthy and protected against a variety of diseases. But certain sugars naturally found in breastmilk could also help prevent infections before a baby arrives. Researchers have found that these sugars can stop a common prenatal infection in human tissues and pregnant mice. This could someday help people avoid preterm births or complications without the need for additional antibiotics.
Everywhere scientists look for microplastics, they've found them -- food, water, air and some parts of the human body. But examinations of our innermost organs that aren't directly exposed to the environment are still limited. Now, in a pilot study of people who underwent heart surgery, researchers report that they have found microplastics in many heart tissues. They also report evidence suggesting that microplastics were unexpectedly introduced during the procedures.
Alzheimer's, stroke, multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases cause severe damage due to neuroinflammation mediated by immune cells. Managing this inflammation poses a significant medical challenge because the brain is protected by the skull and additional surrounding membranes that make the brain less accessible for treatment approaches. Scientists had previously discovered pathways going from the bone marrow of the skull towards the brain, allowing immune cell movement. Now, new research revealed that cells in the skull's bone marrow are unique in their composition and in their disease response. These findings offer new possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases and revolutionize brain health monitoring in the future with non-invasive skull imaging.
Researchers have discovered that a subcategory of brain cells responds to stress in a totally different manner in males and females. The findings could lead to a better understanding of health conditions affected by chronic stress, such as anxiety, depression and even obesity and diabetes, and they could pave the way toward personalized therapies for these disorders.
Researchers have long thought that rewards like food or money encourage learning in the brain by causing the release of the 'feel-good' hormone dopamine, known to reinforce storage of new information. Now, a new study in rodents describes how learning still occurs in the absence of an immediate incentive.
The drug tecovirimat is currently in use for the treatment of mpox -- the disease caused by monkeypox virus -- that spread worldwide in 2022. Tecovirimat is an anti-poxviral drug, and its use is driving the emergence of drug-resistant variants of the monkeypox virus. Scientists have identified how monkeypox virus exploits a cellular protein to evade host defenses, allowing it to replicate and spread better. Existing drugs -- developed to treat other viral infections -- also target this cellular protein. When tested against a range of poxviruses, including monkeypox, these drugs were found to have antiviral effects in all cases.
Simple home workouts using exercise apps can effectively reduce depressive symptoms in healthcare workers and could be a major tool to combat the global mental health crisis in the sector, says new research.
Researchers have conducted a systematic review of health and wellbeing-related indicators, as well as citizen science initiatives, to explore the potential of citizen science for mobilizing action toward the achievement of health and wellbeing related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the WHO's Triple Billion Targets.
Alzheimer's disease, one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, leads to progressive loss of memory and autonomy. It is characterized by the accumulation of neurotoxic proteins in the brain, namely amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Due to the silent development of pathology over decades, very early diagnosis is of utmost importance to be able to take action as early as possible in the disease process.
Researchers have created a functional 'humanized' liver in living mice that will help scientists find human-specific mechanisms for regulating cholesterol levels and potentially for treating chronic liver diseases afflicting tens of millions of people in the United States.
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of conservation educational activities in the Cape Verde Island of Maio.
The number of steps you should walk every day to start seeing benefits to your health is lower than previously thought, according to the largest analysis to investigate this. The study found that walking at least 3967 steps a day started to reduce the risk of dying from any cause, and 2337 steps a day reduced the risk of dying from diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease).
Scientists studied the behavior of the locusts and how the neurons in their brains responded to appealing and unappealing odors to learn more about how the brain encodes for preferences and how it learns.
New research found that inflammation in the body can slow down the development of malaria parasites in the bloodstream -- a discovery that may constitute a potential new strategy for preventing or limiting severe disease.
The proverb 'It takes a village to raise a child' takes on new significance when a mother of a child is experiencing depression.
Developed over the past six years, MINDWATCH is an algorithm that analyzes a person's brain activity from data collected via any wearable device that can monitor electrodermal activity (EDA). This activity reflects changes in electrical conductance triggered by emotional stress, linked to sweat responses.
Poor time management skills, particularly in organization, can lead to poor sleep quality for college students.
The world of at-home stroke rehabilitation is growing near, after the development of an EEG headset that connects the brain of stroke patients to powered exoskeletons for rehabilitation purposes.
When it comes to college-aged adults who are glued to their smartphones, experts argue over whether texting while walking increases the risk of an accident. Some studies have shown that texting pedestrians are more likely to walk into oncoming traffic, while other studies suggest that young adults have mastered the art of multitasking and are able to text accurately while navigating obstacles. However, few studies have measured how texters respond to unpredictable hazard conditions. By simulating an environment with random slipping threats, researchers report that texting increases the risk of falling in response to walkway hazards.
Cambridge scientists have shown that the hypothalamus, a key region of the brain involved in controlling appetite, is different in the brains of people who are overweight and people with obesity when compared to people who are a healthy weight.
Researchers have developed a new explainable artificial intelligence (AI) model to reduce bias and enhance trust and accuracy in machine learning-generated decision-making and knowledge organization.
Russia's war in the Ukraine has severe consequences not only for humans, it also has detrimental effects on populations of urban and semi-urban wildlife in the attacked cities and regions. Scientists recently examined the effects of war-related damages to buildings on urban populations of one important and widespread bat species, the Common Noctule (Nyctalus noctula), in the city of Kharkiv in north-eastern Ukraine. They showed that many buildings used by bats as roosts have been destroyed and approximately 7,000 bats were killed. In addition, partially destroyed buildings have become a death trap for bats, resulting in several thousand more victims.
It has been known for several years that the diagnosis 'multiple sclerosis' conceals a whole range of different illnesses, each requiring customized treatment. Researchers have now described a possible new MS-like disease and explained how to diagnose it.
Some HIV-1 carriers who have received an early antiretroviral treatment during several years are able to control the virus for a long term after treatment interruption. However, the mechanisms enabling this post-treatment control have not been fully elucidated. Scientists have now investigated and revealed how neutralizing antibodies, including those described as broadly neutralizing, contribute to virus control. A clinical trial involving the use of broadly neutralizing antibodies should begin in France before the end of 2023.
Overly active immune cells are often behind lung damage in diseases such as Covid-19. Researchers have developed an RNA agent for a lung spray that slows the activity of these cells, known as macrophages. A new, sugar-based transport mechanism is especially effective in bringing the therapeutic to its target.
Scientists discovered the unique molecular structure, which could have implications in age-related diseases like neurodegeneration.
Tumor cells are known to be fickle sleeper agents, often lying dormant in distant tissues for years before reactivating and forming metastasis. Numerous factors have been studied to understand why the activation occurs, from cells and molecules to other components in the so-called tissue microenvironment.
Fungal infections are killing thousands of Americans each year, some with a morbidity rate of nearly 80%. To make matters worse, only a handful of antifungal treatments are available, and even those are becoming less effective as fungi become more resistant. However, researchers recently published findings indicating that a novel breakthrough treatment may have been discovered.
Researchers discovered an entirely new and unexpected mechanism by which the immune system can get rid of cells lacking molecules that identify them as part of the self in mice. The finding has possible implications for cancer treatment.
One of the most actively debated questions about human and non-human culture is this: under what circumstances might we expect culture, in particular the ability to learn from one another, to be favored by natural selection? Researchers have developed a simulation model of the evolution of social learning. They showed that the interplay between learning, memory and forgetting broadens the conditions under which we expect to see social learning to evolve.
Engineers have developed nanoscale tattoos -- dots and wires that adhere to live cells -- in a breakthrough that puts researchers one step closer to tracking the health of individual cells.
An antibody therapy appears to have advantages over existing opioid-overdose treatments.
Social media can help women in Egypt identify more resources to help stop domestic violence, according to a study led by MIT researchers.
As we start to edge out of winter, improving our diet and boosting our exercise start to appear on our agenda. But, when it comes to encouraging a healthier lifestyle, it may surprise you that artificial intelligence could be your best friend.
A research team investigated the electrophysiological benefits of working in the presence of others from the perspectives of brain and autonomic nervous system activity. The researchers found that parasympathetic activity -- which indicates relaxation -- was significantly higher when two individuals were working separately than when one individual was working alone. This suggests that arranging the former condition in occupational therapy for individuals with high levels of tension or anxiety in clinical settings may potentially help alleviate these feelings.
Today in the U.S., a child with risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure, overweight, etc.) can wait close to a year to see a cardiologist because of high demand and limited resources. This is precious time that could be spent managing their conditions to help them avoid having a heart attack or stroke at a young age. A new study from Northwestern University and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago provides the firstcomprehensive look at the practice of pediatric preventive cardiology in 30 years. It found a high incidence of youth with risk factors for cardiovascular disease but a significant lack of resources and personnel to provide the timely, preventive care they need.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is known to convert resting B lymphocytes into immortal cells that continuously multiply, leading to posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Researchers have now uncovered the molecular mechanisms of this growth transformation, demonstrating the crucial role of the cancer-related gene IMPDH2 and nucleolar enlargement. Additionally, the research revealed strong evidence supporting the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil, an approved immunosuppressant, in inhibiting PTLD, highlighting its therapeutic significance.
Heart rate, an essential indicator of overall health and well-being, is traditionally measured by counting the number of cardiac pulses within a specific timeframe. Existing methods, however, require physical contact with the patient, which can lead to discomfort and skin-related issues. Now, researchers introduce an innovative non-contact approach that analyzes subtle color changes on the face to enable highly accurate heart rate estimation, even in scenes with ambient light fluctuations.
A new study suggests that Cytochromes P450 (CYP450s) enzymes can sense and respond to stimuli, acting like soft robots in living systems.
Chronic pain is often accompanied by depression and anxiety. Experts discuss the relationship between pain, the most common symptom for which individuals visit a physician, and depression and anxiety, the two most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide. Noting the existence of a feedback loop, experts highlight the importance of not neglecting psychological symptoms in patients experiencing pain.
An experiment on coral reefs provides the first evidence that predators use other animals for motion camouflage to approach their prey without detection.
The OncoNPC machine-learning model may help identify sites of origin for cancers whose origins are unknown, which could enable targeted tumor treatments.
The antibiotic cefazolin is an essential drug according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is usually produced via batch manufacturing, but this multistep process is time-consuming, wasteful and requires very specialized facilities. Now, researchers have manufactured cefazolin using the continuous-flow method. This method is cheaper, quicker, less wasteful and more flexible in terms of how much drug can be produced when it's needed. Improving access to cefazolin is vital for global health and particularly relevant for countries such as Japan, which experienced a shortage in 2019.
The research team at The University of Texas at Austin created a noninvasive electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor that they installed in a Meta VR headset that can be worn comfortably for long periods. The EEG measures the brain's electrical activity during the immersive VR interactions.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which bacteria share their genetic material through virus parasites. The insights could help scientists to better understand how bacteria rapidly adapt and evolve, and how they become more virulent and resistant to antibiotics.
Scientists tested the antiobesity effects of Mallotus furetianus extract native to Hainan Island, China, using obesity model mice. As a result, body weight and adipose tissue weight of obesity model mice were significantly reduced by the intake of Mallotus furetianus extract. Fatty liver was suppressed and adipocyte size reduction in adipose tissue was observed. Further investigation into the mechanism revealed that fat synthesis is inhibited by suppressing the expression of several transcription factors involved in differentiation into adipocytes.
New study identifies concerning gaps between how human radiologists score the accuracy of AI-generated radiology reports and how automated systems score them. Researchers designed two novel scoring systems that outperform current automated systems that evaluate the accuracy of AI narrative reports. Reliable scoring systems that accurately gauge the performance of AI models are critical for ensuring that AI continues to improve and that clinicians can trust them.
Hospital-acquired infections are often hard to treat because the corresponding pathogens become increasingly resistant against antibiotics. The bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii is particularly feared, and there is great pressure to devise novel therapeutic approaches to combat it. Bioinformaticians have now detected an unexpectedly wide diversity of certain cell appendages in A. baumannii that are associated with pathogenicity. This could lead to treatment strategies that are specifically tailored to a particular pathogen.
How people feel about their sleep has a greater impact on their well-being than what sleep-tracking technology says about their sleep quality, research has found.
Researchers have identified one of the key brain circuits for deciding the value of a reward based on the rewards that others have received, known as socially subjective reward valuation. A better understanding of the roles of this circuit, from the medial prefrontal cortex to the lateral hypothalamus, may be helpful for the future diagnosis and treatment of patients with injuries or alterations in these regions.
A research team has identified a novel target responsible for aging-related chronic metabolic disorders.
Deep learning methods have been used to augment existing energy-based physical models in 'do novo' or from-scratch computational protein design, resulting in a 10-fold increase in success rates verified in the lab for binding a designed protein with its target protein. The results will help scientists design better drugs against diseases like cancer and COVID-19.
A new study has identified a pair of genes whose expression by a type of immune cell within tumors is predictive of outcomes for cancer patients and is linked to a vast network of gene expression programs, engaged by multiple cell types in the tumor microenvironment, that control human cancers.
Researchers studied the relationship between dietary intake and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Research has identified a mechanism through which insulin-like growth factors facilitate brain plasticity. The insulin super-family of hormones, including insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), play a crucial role not only in regulating blood sugar, metabolism, and growth, but also in healthy brain development and function, including learning and memory. These hormones can enter the brain through the bloodstream from the liver or can be synthesized directly in neurons and glial cells within the brain. They bind to receptors, including the IGF1-Receptor, activating signals that modulate neuron growth and activity. Disruption of this signaling pathway is involved in cognitive decline and diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Mothers who eat apples and herbs in early pregnancy could be protecting the brain health of their children and grandchildren, a study using genetic models has found. The discovery is part of a project that found a mother's diet can affect not just her child's brain but also those of her grandchildren.
CAR-T immune therapies could be effective against solid tumors if the right targets are identified, a new study suggests. The researchers successfully deployed CAR-T in a mouse model of ovarian cancer, a type of aggressive, solid-tumor cancer that has eluded such therapies until now.
A population genetics team recently identified the genetic relationship between over 40,000 23andMe users and a population of enslaved and free African Americans that lived in Catoctin Furnace, Maryland between 1776--1850. Over the course of this study, the researchers considered how best to inform descendants and other genetic relatives of their genetic connection to the site.
Chemical structures called cyclopropanes can increase the potency of many drugs, but traditional methods to create this structure require highly reactive -- potentially explosive -- ingredients. Now, a team of researchers has identified and demonstrated a safe, efficient and practical way to create cyclopropanes on a wide variety of molecules.
The immune regulatory protein STING has a previously unknown function: acting as an ion channel that allows protons to leak into cells. This discovery makes it the first human immune sensor that can translate danger signals into ion flow.
Researchers have changed the way to look at DNA. They show that DNA is much more than a linear sequence of building blocks; it has a 3D structure that influences the variation of human genome-wide mutation rates meaningfully and consistently, and this is likely conserved among species.
By analyzing data from nearly 13,000 subjects who participated in a long-term aging study, researchers found that an interviewer's rating of a cognitively healthy person's memory successfully predicted the likelihood of developing dementia over a 15-year period.
In experiments using neonatal mice, researchers have identified a fatty molecule in breast milk that triggers a process in which stem cells in the brain produce cells that create new white matter, reversing brain injury.
Scientists define five types of colon neurons specialized for sending different signals to the brain.
In prehistoric societies, humans tended to learn from members of our ingroup or from more prestigious individuals, as this information was more likely to be reliable and result in group success. However, with the advent of diverse and complex modern communities -- and especially in social media -- these biases become less effective. For example, a person we are connected to online might not necessarily be trustworthy, and people can easily feign prestige on social media. Now, a group of social scientists describe how the functions of social media algorithms are misaligned with human social instincts meant to foster cooperation, which can lead to large-scale polarization and misinformation.
Although there is a long-standing, common assumption that most -- if not all -- dopamine neurons solely respond to rewards or reward-predicting cues, researchers instead discovered that one genetic subtype fires when the body moves and does not respond to rewards at all. The discovery could help explain why loss of dopamine neurons leads to Parkinson's disease.
Scientists have developed a nanoengineered bioink with improved bonding and cross-linking capabilities for 3D bioprinted tumor models. These capabilities are enabled by the addition of Laponite, highly charged, disk-shaped nanoparticles which enhance and retain the biological signaling that occurs in the tumor microenvironment so that more accurate tumor models can be created for study and anti-tumor drug development.
A research team has published rigorous new research that advances a quest to understand a puzzling -- and heartbreaking -- ultra-rare disease that's found almost exclusively in boys.
Four years ago, a report that a common species of fungus might fuel pancreatic cancer offered a promising new view of the deadly disease. But in working to validate the finding, researchers have found no such association.
Treatment with modern antidepressants may help prevent patients with bipolar disorder from relapsing into a depressive episode, according to an international clinical trial. The findings challenge current clinical practice guidelines and could change how bipolar depression is managed globally.
A recent interdisciplinary study used a novel method of data collection -- computer usage metrics -- to show that employees are less active and more prone to mistakes on afternoons and Fridays, with Friday afternoon representing the lowest point of worker productivity.
Researchers have published new insights on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction, which is one of the key risk factors for pelvic floor disorders, a set of morbid conditions that include pelvic organ prolapse and urinary and fecal incontinence, that impact close to a quarter of women in the U.S. and have a strong association with vaginal childbirth. The work is part of a larger effort to advance understanding, treatment and prevention of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction in humans.
Research recommends authorities mandate that schools and sports organizations enforce policies to prevent concussions.
From influencing how our body stores fat to how our brain regulates appetite, hundreds of genes, along with environmental factors, collectively determine our weight and body size. Now, researchers add several genes, which appear to affect obesity risk in certain sexes and ages, to that list. The study may shed light on new biological pathways that underlie obesity and highlight how sex and age contribute to health and disease.
A study of older U.S. adults found that the risk of negative effects of both mRNA vaccines is exceptionally low, but lowest with the Moderna vaccine.
A study on almost four thousand people of African descent has identified a gene that acts as natural defense against HIV by limiting its replication in certain white blood cells. This research paves the way for new treatment strategies and underscores the importance of studying diverse ancestral populations to better address their specific medical needs and global health disparities.
Scientists evaluate how accurate law-enforcement administered field sobriety tests are at measuring cannabis exposure and impairment.
One of the beneficial gut bacteria residing in the human gut, which normally cannot survive in an environment with oxygen, can now be made oxygen-tolerant. This is a key finding in the development of future probiotic treatment that is now being explored to improve glucose control in individuals with prediabetes.
New research has identified age-related changes in brain patterns associated with the risk for developing schizophrenia. The discovery could help clinicians identify the risk for developing mental illness earlier and improve treatment options.
Antiviral therapies are notoriously difficult to develop, as viruses can quickly mutate to become resistant to drugs. But what if a new generation of antivirals ignores the fast-mutating proteins on the surface of viruses and instead disrupts their protective layers?
New research has found irregular sleep patterns are associated with harmful bacteria in your gut.
Mammography screening supported by artificial intelligence (AI) is a safe alternative to today's conventional double reading by radiologists and can reduce heavy workloads for doctors. This has now been shown in an interim analysis of a prospective, randomised controlled trial, which addressed the clinical safety of using AI in mammography screening.
The first randomized controlled trial of its kind aimed at identifying an effective way to manage myopia was published last week.
In a breakthrough for bioengineering, researchers have developed organoids that can model the human respiratory tract. The organoids, called AirGels, allow them to uncover the mechanism by which antibiotic-resistant pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa infect the respiratory tract.
The availability, speed and effectiveness of genomic sequencing increased dramatically during the pandemic, as scientists worldwide rushed to find ways to track and predict the virus's movement and evolution. It also was critical in the development of effective vaccines. Biologists argue that building on this momentum is critical in society's response to future pandemics, but it requires significant collaboration and investment now, before the next pathogen is threatening society.
New research reveals a type of monoclonal antibody already tested in certain forms of cancer may be a promising treatment in stopping the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease.
The public funding of science is responsible for many of the biomedical and other scientific breakthroughs on which our lives depend. However, the process through which funding decisions are made, the peer review of grant proposals, has been historically understudied, and current approaches can lead to undesirable outcomes.
When a fragrance wafted through the bedrooms of older adults for two hours every night for six months, memories skyrocketed. Participants in this study reaped a 226% increase in cognitive capacity compared to the control group. The researchers say the finding transforms the long-known tie between smell and memory into an easy, non-invasive technique for strengthening memory and potentially deterring dementia.
Scientists have demonstrated how mice choose between three different strategies to navigate through their surroundings towards a goal.
Researchers have identified plasma protein-based biomarkers capable of identifying adolescents at risk of developing mental health issues.
Ion channels play a crucial role in many cellular processes, including neuronal communication, muscle contraction or cell proliferation. Most multi subunit ion channels exist in two functional states, either closed or open. During gating, one should expect that all subunits undergo conformational changes. The absence of intermediate conduction levels is surprising and asks for an explanation. A team of researchers has created a smart model system to answer this important question.
Para-cresol is an aromatic compound with a strong horse stable-like odor. It contributes to the off-flavor of some foods, but it is also detectable as a characteristic odorant in whiskey and tobacco, as well as in the urine of various mammals. A research team has now discovered which odorant receptor humans use to perceive para-cresol.
Computer scientists found that queries for medical information about dementia disease on ChatGPT provided more objective results than similar queries on Google, but both services have strengths and weaknesses. Google provided the most current information, but the query results are skewed by service and product providers seeking customers, the researchers found. ChatGPT, meanwhile, provides more objective information, but it can be outdated and lacks the sources of its information in its narrative responses.
It's an elegant solution: Remove the habitat of a parasite-carrying aquatic snail and reduce the level of infection in the local community; all while generating more feed and compost for local farmers.
Whether they're made from soybeans, almonds, oats, or just sourced straight from the cow, milk products must go through heat treatment to prevent harmful bacterial growth and keep them safe. But understanding how these processes affect new, plant-based milk formulations could make the beverages more pleasant to drink as well. Researchers have discovered how pasteurization and sterilization affects the look and feel of one such drink made from coconut and rice.
Researchers are delving into the molecular-level details of sperm formation, with a particular focus on how abnormalities in this process might lead to male-factor infertility.
Simply remembering events can trigger brain rhythms, even more so than when people are experiencing the actual event, says a new study. The findings could lay foundations for cognitive impairment therapy and help improve memory.
Researchers have identified two subtypes of human papillomavirus positive head and neck cancers, giving them a better glimpse into why some patients respond better to treatment than others.
Researchers have described a new class of molecules that inhibit efflux pumps so that antiboitics remain effective.
Results of a long-term, federally funded study of cognitively healthy adults -- most with a family history of Alzheimer's disease -- have added to evidence that low spinal fluid levels of a protein linked to learning and memory in mice may serve as an early predictor of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) years before symptoms appear.
In skin, some aberrant adult epidermal stem cells turn on SOX9, kickstarting a process that ultimately activates cancer genes.
Tuberculosis (TB) disproportionately affects vulnerable populations including those with limited economic resources, HIV patients, those whose diet is deficient in nutrients and others. Resistant TB (MDR TB) does not respond to first line medications and is difficult to treat, requiring long regimens of 15-20 months that are associated with significant side effects and poor outcomes.
A new study finds unsupervised, online exams can provide a valid and reliable assessment of student learning, but instructors should be aware of potential weak spots.
Pain experts suggest that scrambler therapy, a noninvasive pain treatment, can yield significant relief for approximately 80% -- 90% of patients with chronic pain, and it may be more effective than another noninvasive therapy: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
Using hundreds of entries from the New Yorker magazine's Cartoon Caption Contest as a testbed, researchers challenged AI models and humans with three tasks: matching a joke to a cartoon; identifying a winning caption; and explaining why a winning caption is funny.
The artificial intelligence language model GPT-3 performed as well as college students in solving certain logic problems like those that appear on standardized tests. The researchers who conducted the experiment write that the results prompt the question of whether the technology is mimicking human reasoning or using a new type of cognitive process. Solving that question would require access to the software that underpins GPT-3 and other AI software.
Scientists have identified a protein that plays a pivotal role in the action of several emerging cancer therapies. The researchers say the discovery will likely aid efforts to fine-tune the use of immunotherapies against several challenging cancers.
How did the Corona pandemic and the measures taken to get it under control affect the quality of life and mental health of men and women?
An analysis of data from seven studies involving more than 19,000 adults in the United States, Korea and Japan found a clear association between increases in systolic (top-number) blood pressure and the number of alcoholic beverages consumed daily.
Eosiniphilic esophagitis occurs more frequently in children and can prevent food from being swallowed, potentially leading to malnutrition, weight loss and poor growth. A new study has identified the pathway that causes the chronic immune system disease and a novel treatment strategy.
Researchers investigating brain activity in older people say the coordination between neuronal activity and the brain's oxygenation is altered. Non-invasive recording of the function of these neurovascular units in living humans has never been done before, but has now been achieved by using several measurement techniques coupled with novel analysis methods. The results promise a relatively simple and non-invasive method for assessing the state of the brain in healthy aging, and in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a new technique that vastly improves readings of protein-to-ligand interactions through Raman spectroscopy.
Common beans are important food sources with high nutritional content. Bean seeds also contain phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promote health. A study explored the composition of seed coat extracts from black and pinto bean varieties unique to the Chiapas region of Southern Mexico.
In hopes of improving the survival rate for breast cancer patients, researchers designed a wearable ultrasound device that could allow women to detect tumors when they are still in early stages.
Scientists showed that fixed mutations within a viral population most likely stem from how easy it is to acquire that mutation (i.e., mutation accessibility) rather than just its benefit.
A new study of cadmium in pregnant women yields crucial insights into the placenta's role in regulating toxin exposure.
Research found that direct injection of neonatal mesenchymal stem cells, derived from heart tissue discarded during surgery, reduces intestinal inflammation and promotes wound healing in a mouse model of Crohn's disease-like ileitis, an illness marked by chronic intestinal inflammation and progressive tissue damage. The study offers a promising new and alternative treatment approach that avoids the pitfalls of current Crohn's disease medications, including diminishing effectiveness, severe side effects and increased risk of gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Scientists appear to have discovered a way to produce a true structure of the rare but naturally-occurring anti-HIV compound Lancilactone C from start to finish. The domino-like reaction enables the total synthesis of lancilactones and related compounds. Its non-cytotoxicity in mammals could potentially make this triterpenoid an ideal candidate for treating AIDS.
Scientists have found a way to use nanotechnology to create a 3D 'scaffold' to grow cells from the retina -- paving the way for potential new ways of treating a common cause of blindness.
Originally, the powerhouses of higher cells, the mitochondria, were independent organisms. Researchers have investigated to what extent their metabolism has blended with that of their host cells in the course of evolution, using the example of a mitochondrial stress response. They have discovered that mitochondria send two different biochemical signals. These are processed together in the cell and trigger a support mechanism to restore cellular balance (homeostasis).
New Alzheimer's research suggests that enhanced light sensitivity may contribute to 'sundowning' -- the worsening of symptoms late in the day -- and spur sleep disruptions that contribute to the disease's progression.
A medical therapy that inhibits the growth of cancer cells may one day be effective at treating Lyme disease, according to new research study.
To study play behaviors in animals, scientists must be able to authentically simulate play-conducive environments in the laboratory. Animals like rats are less inclined to play if they are anxious or restrained, and there is minimal data on the brain activity of rats that are free to play. After getting rats comfortable with a human playmate, tickling them under controlled conditions, then measuring the rats' squeaks and brain activity, a research team reports that a structure in rat brains called the periaqueductal gray is essential for play and laughter.
A metabolic by-product that is more prevalent during fasting may supercharge immune cells as they fight infection and disease, reports an early stage study. The findings may pave the way for future personalized dietary recommendations to augment treatments for infection, cancer and other diseases.
Infants who nap a lot have smaller vocabularies and poorer cognitive skills -- according to new research.
Conventional wisdom holds that storing fat around your belly puts you at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. But unexpected new findings suggest that, for some people, conventional wisdom may be wrong.
The planet experienced the hottest day on record earlier this month and climate projections estimate the intensity of heat waves and poor air quality will increase and continue to cause severe impacts. Researchers have refined and expanded a method of data collection to assess their health impacts.
Dozens of viruses -- at least -- can eavesdrop on host information. Not only did they demonstrate the strategy's abundance, but they also discovered tools that control it and send signals that tell bacteriophage viruses to flip from chill (lysogeny) into kill (lysis) mode. They showed that in polylysogeny, phages can coexist, their viral DNA or RNA hidden tucked inside the bacterium's own, replicating right along with the cells. But the infiltrating phages aren't exactly peaceful; it's more like mutually assured destruction. And the tenuous detente lasts only until something triggers one or more of the phages to switch into kill mode.
Scientists have unraveled the step-by-step activation process of a protein with a deep evolutionary history in all domains of life, opening the door to harnessing its functions for use as a biotechnology tool.
Shifting from a high-pressure mindset to a curious one improves people's memory, finds new research. Study participants pre-meditating a robbery in a virtual art museum remembered more paintings than those executing the heist in-the-moment. The new findings may help address many real-world problems such as promoting vaccine uptake and climate change action, as well as inspiring new treatments for psychiatric disorders.
Researchers have designed a new co-training AI algorithm for medical imaging that can effectively mimic the process of seeking a second opinion.
Transitions from surfaces, such as moving from gravel or dirt to grass, proved to be the riskiest. Those riders were almost 60 times more likely to have a crash or near-crash experience. This was supported by data showing that riding off a designated path, or off-road, made users nearly 25 times more likely to experience such issues compared to those who rode on a shared-use path.
Researchers have developed a drug delivery system that shows promise for greatly enhancing the efficacy of the medicine given to women with the life-threatening condition of ectopic pregnancy.
Researchers have discovered that the sentinels guarding the healthy human cornea from pathogens and inflammation are T cells, and not another type of immune cells called dendritic cells, as previously thought.
A protein that transports lipid into cells reveals clues to treating a major health problem affecting kidneys.
An international team of researchers has uncovered 'unprecedented' snake venom resistance in an unexpected species -- the legless amphibian known as caecilians.
A new study has added weight to the evidence that watching too much television as a child can lead to poor health in adulthood. The research found that children who watched more television were more likely to develop metabolic syndrome as an adult.
Enzymes play a key role in cellular metabolic processes. To enable the quantitative assessment of these processes, researchers need to know the so-called 'turnover number' (for short: kcat) of the enzymes. A team of bioinformaticians now describes a tool for predicting this parameter for various enzymes using AI methods.
As artificial intelligence expands across more professions, robot preachers and AI programs offer new means of sharing religious beliefs, but they may undermine credibility and reduce donations for religious groups that rely on them.
Taking a significant leap in the field of vaccine development, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry researchers have discovered a potential 'super molecule' that can bolster the effectiveness of several vaccines against viral diseases, including influenza, COVID-19 and smallpox.
Women with a history of endometriosis had higher concentrations of cadmium in their urine compared to those without that diagnosis, according to a new study that suggests the toxic metal could be linked to the development of endometriosis.
Among nearly 10 million US infants born between 2016 and 2018, breastfed babies were 33% less likely to die during the post-perinatal period (day 7-364) than infants who were not breastfed, reports a new study. The findings build on previous US research with smaller datasets, which documented the association between the initiation of breastfeeding and the reduction of post-perinatal infant mortality by a range of 19% to 26%.
The discovery of insulin has saved the lives of millions of people with diabetes worldwide, but little is known about the first step of insulin synthesis.
More than 1.4 million times a year, people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia end up in emergency care, a new study shows, accounting for nearly 7% of all emergency visits for any reason by people over age 65. Compared with their peers who don't have dementia, these patients have twice the rate of seeking emergency care after an accident or a behavioral or mental health crisis.
Researchers have discovered the molecular mechanisms by which the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) becomes resistant to Dolutegravir, one of the most effective, clinically used antiviral drugs for treating HIV. Their findings reveal how changes to the 3D structures of integrase, an HIV protein, can lead to Dolutegravir resistance and how other compounds may be able to overcome this resistance.
New mothers can expect sleep deprivation in the first few years of baby's life. But too little sleep can take a toll on the health of both mother and child. A new study looks at maternal and infant sleep patterns, identifying predictors and providing recommendations for instilling healthy habits.
The secret to protecting your memory may be a staple of a bodybuilder's diet. Researchers recently discovered that a muscle-building supplement called beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate, also called HMB, may help protect memory, reduce plaques and ultimately help prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
In 2017, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a dramatic reversal in its approach to peanut-allergy prevention, recommending parents expose their infants as young as four months old to peanuts in an effort to prevent peanut allergy. In the five years since, early introduction to peanuts has been gaining traction among U.S. parents and caregivers, but more work must be done to communicate the guidelines more broadly, especially to those with less access to health-related information, reports a new study. Among all surveyed parents and caregivers in the U.S., 13% of parents said they're aware of the guidelines and 48% believed feeding peanuts early prevented peanut allergy, despite knowing about the guidelines or not.
The new carbon nanotube sensor design resembles a molecular toolbox that can be used to quickly assemble sensors for a variety of purposes -- for instance for detecting bacteria and viruses.
Scientists have discovered a possible way to block proteins produced in the body when a patient has cancer and which causes its spread to other parts of the body.
Researchers have found that people with longer-term COVID-19 symptoms including brain fog showed reduced performance in tasks testing different mental processes up to two years after infection with the virus.
New findings suggest that a probiotic combination could reduce incidence of toxic shock syndrome.
Researchers have developed a new rapid test that uses bacteriophages -- viruses that infect bacteria -- to quickly and accurately identify the pathogens that cause urinary tract infections. This enables the targeted use of a suitable antibiotic. The researchers also genetically modified the phages to make them more efficient in destroying the pathogenic bacteria.
Errors in installation of child car seats are common, even with seats that have a five-star rating for ease of use, according to a new study. The study found that although the rating system was a suitable indicator of ease of use, with fewer errors detected when parents installed seats that had higher ratings, more efforts are needed to ensure optimal safety for young passengers.
Researchers have shown that hundreds of proteins and mRNA molecules are found in the wrong place in nerve cells affected by Motor Neuron Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Immune systems develop specific genes to combat common bacteria such as those found in food, new research shows.
The genetic changes that made it possible for humans to walk upright have been uncovered in a study that also shows how slight variations in skeletal proportions are linked to arthritis.
In Africa, climate change impacts are experienced as extreme events like drought and floods. It has now been possible to predict and monitor these climatic events, providing early warning of their impacts on agriculture to support humanitarian and resilience programming in the most food insecure countries of the world.
Researchers have identified a process by which enzymes can help prevent heart damage in chemotherapy patients.
A new study has shown that hardship experienced by mothers during their own childhood or during pregnancy is reflected in the composition of their 2-year-old children's gut microbiome. It was previously understood that in rodents, prenatal stress affects microbiomes into adulthood, but how long after birth the effects lasted in humans was unknown. The changes to this community of microorganisms are likely among the ways that hardship affects a child's socioemotional development.
Scientists show how a fertilized egg cell, or zygote, hits 'reset' so that the newly formed embryo can develop according to its own genetic program.
Around one third of people with heart disease suffer from sleep problems. A team now shows that heart diseases affect the production of the sleep hormone melatonin in the pineal gland. The link between the two organs is a ganglion in the neck region. The study demonstrates a previously unknown role of ganglia and points to possible treatments.
Like us, cells communicate. Well, in their own special way. Using waves as their common language, cells tell one another where and when to move. They talk, they share information, and they work together -- much like interdisciplinary teams. Researchers conducted research on how cells communicate -- and how that matters to future projects, e.g. application to wound healing.
Volunteering in late life is associated with better cognitive function -- specifically, better executive function and episodic memory.
One of the world's largest studies on the impact of cholesterol-lowering medication has good and bad news for the 200 million people who take statins or other medication for high cholesterol.
The study showed that reptiles demonstrate spontaneous associations between two different sensory modalities: vision and hearing. Tortoises associated low sounds with large shapes and high pitch sounds with small shapes, even if they had not been trained to do so. These results show how brains are prepared to predict visuo-acoustic correspondences that are likely to occur in the natural world.
The majority of older adults with cognitive impairment are still driving, despite concerns raised by caregivers and others, a study finds. Researchers say it's best for caregivers to start conversations surrounding driving earlier while the care recipient is able to understand and actively participate in the discussion.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fish and fish oil supplements, appear promising for maintaining lung health, according to new evidence from a large, multi-faceted study in healthy adults. The study provides the strongest evidence to date of this association and underscores the importance of including omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, especially given that many Americans do not meet current guidelines.
Experiments showed that microwaving plastic baby food containers can release huge numbers of plastic particles -- in some cases, more than 2 billion nanoplastics and 4 million microplastics for every square centimeter of container.
Gastrulation, the process where an embryo reorganizes itself from a hollow sphere into a multilayered structure, is considered a 'black box' of human development. This is because human embryos are typically not cultured for longer than 14 days because of bioethical concerns, and gastrulation occurs between 17- and 21-days post-fertilization. In addition, current stem cell models that mimic gastrulation have not been able to include the necessary extraembryonic tissues that give rise to the yolk sac and the placenta. Researchers now report a new method to develop 'peri-gastruloids,' an embryo-like structure that includes one of the supporting tissues, the yolk sac, missing from previous models.
A study explores how ultraviolet radiation can alter the microstructure of human skin. Particularly affected is collagen, the fibrous protein that binds together tissue, tendon, cartilage and bone throughout our bodies.
Researchers have discovered a new type of stellar object in space with unique characteristics that has researchers wondering what it could be.
Three new biomarkers for prostate cancer have been identified to help pinpoint potentially aggressive cases of the disease, which kills 300,000 men each year.
Innovative treatment paves the way for reducing antimicrobial resistance in the treatment of a deadly infection in chickens, according to an international team of researchers.
As life expectancy increases worldwide, age-associated diseases such as osteoporosis are having an increasing impact. Although early detection could help physicians intervene as soon as possible -- when treatment might offer the greatest benefit -- this type of detection is not yet possible with current osteoporosis diagnostic tests. Now, researchers have developed a biosensor that could someday help identify those most at risk for osteoporosis using less than a drop of blood.
Whether enjoyed on its own or mixed into a latte, Americano or even a martini, espresso provides an ultra-concentrated jolt of caffeine to coffee lovers. But it might do more than just wake you up. Research now shows that, in preliminary in vitro laboratory tests, espresso compounds can inhibit tau protein aggregation -- a process that is believed to be involved in the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
People who contract COVID-19 but never develop symptoms -- the so-called super dodgers -- may have a genetic ace up their sleeve. They're more than twice as likely as those who become symptomatic to carry a specific gene variation that helps them obliterate the virus, according to a new study.
Omega-3 lysolipids are important for protecting the liver from dietary fat, according to researchers.
Researchers created a new audio chatbot, Self-Talk with Superhero Zip, aimed to help children speak positively to themselves. This chatbot is 'a 'Sesame Street' experience for a smart speaker.'
Membraneless organelles in cells contain high concentrations of semi-extractable RNAs, which could serve as potential biomarkers and drug targets. However, the identification and characterization of these RNAs have been limited. Researchers have now developed a novel bioinformatic pipeline to define and analyze semi-extractable RNAs, which has led to the identification of over 1000 RNAs involved in membraneless organelle formation. This study paves the way for future investigations into RNA-centric phase separations.
AI-guided electrical stimulation in the brains of patients with traumatic brain injury improved memory, a collaborative new study shows. This builds on previous research involving epilepsy patients without traumatic brain injury. Brain injuries can result in profound memory loss, and the current study provides a proof-of-concept for future AI-guided brain stimulation therapies.
To understand the main determinants behind worldwide antibiotic resistance dynamics, scientists developed a statistical model based on a large-scale spatial-temporal analysis. Using the ATLAS antimicrobial resistance surveillance database, the model revealed significant differences in trends and associated factors depending on bacterial species and resistance to certain antibiotics. For example, countries with high quality health systems were associated with low levels of antibiotic resistance among all the gram-negative bacteria1 investigated, while high temperatures were associated with high levels of antibiotic resistance in Enterobacteriaceae. Surprisingly, national antibiotic consumption levels were not correlated with resistance for the majority of the bacteria tested. The results suggest that antibiotic resistance control measures need to be adapted to the local context and to targeted bacteria-antibiotic combinations.
Researchers report achieving self-sustaining and long-term levitation of millimeter-sized droplets of several different liquids without any external forces. To get the droplets to levitate, they use solutocapillary convection, which occurs when a surface tension gradient is formed by nonuniform distribution of vapor molecules from the droplet at the pool surface. Further exploring the effects of various external conditions on self-sustained droplet levitation will reveal whether it can be harnessed and adapted for microbiology and biochemistry applications.
Lewy body disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. A research group has now shown that the disease can be detected before symptoms appear, using a spinal fluid test. Researchers also demonstrate that reduced sense of smell is strongly linked to Lewy body disease even before other clear symptoms have developed.
Groundbreaking research is shifting the understanding of human decision-making processes by highlighting the importance of goal-oriented rewards.
Fertilizer restrictions along Florida's 156-mile-long Indian River Lagoon were intended to reduce nutrient inputs from urban and agricultural land uses. The hope was that water quality would improve by reducing the nitrogen load. While these restrictions were well-intended, a study finds fertilizer use is not the root cause of the lagoon's environmental issues. It's sewage. For decades, fertilizer use was implicated for about 71 percent of the lagoon's environmental impairments. In fact, current estimates show 79 percent of nitrogen loading is from septic systems; 21 percent is from residential fertilizer use.
Researchers have found an anti-aging function in a protein deep within human cells. Researchers have discovered that a protein called ATSF-1 controls a fine balance between the creation of new mitochondria and the repair of damaged mitochondria.
Eating breakfast after 9 a.m. increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 59% compared to people who eat breakfast before 8 a.m. This is the main conclusion of a study which followed more than 100,000 participants in a French cohort. The results show that we can reduce the risk of diabetes not only by changing what we eat, but also when we eat it.
Because they are persistent, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are also known as 'chemicals for eternity'. They can lead to liver damage, thyroid disorders, obesity, hormonal disorders, and cancer. A team of researchers has now shown that PFAS can also reduce the activity of human immune cells and thus impair health. The method could also be used to reveal the immunomodulatory effects of other chemicals.
Researchers have shown for the first time how Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), which causes an aggressive skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma, initiates DNA replication in host cells.
There is news from the immune system: Dendritic cells migrate in a network along the outside of blood vessels. Local cytokines keep this dynamic network stable.
Columbia researchers have found why babies are susceptible to repeated bouts of common respiratory infections--but also have a unique weapon to fight off new pathogens that healthy adults lack.
A new study found that more than one million US deaths per year -- including many young and working-age adults -- could be avoided if the US had mortality rates similar to its peer nations. In 2021, 1.1 million deaths would have been averted in the United States if the US had mortality rates similar to other wealthy nations, according to a new study.
Data scientists have created an artificial intelligence model that may more accurately predict which existing medicines, not currently classified as harmful, may in fact lead to congenital disabilities. The model, or 'knowledge graph,' also has the potential to predict the involvement of pre-clinical compounds that may harm the developing fetus. The study is the first known of its kind to use knowledge graphs to integrate various data types to investigate the causes of congenital disabilities.
Many low-risk patients with a penicillin allergy were able to have their penicillin allergy label removed through a simple procedure known as 'direct oral challenge' as part of a world-first multicenter randomized control trial known as the Penicillin Allergy Clinical Decision Rule (PALACE) study.
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is on the rise worldwide. The benefits of current medications are limited by problematic side effects. A research team has now introduced a new method of treatment. It is based on nanoparticles that mimic a special carbohydrate layer (glycocalyx) located on inflamed bowel cells, and which trigger anti-inflammatory effects in the diseased sites in the intestine.
A recent study centers around the idea that various anti-inflammatory drugs could be effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease. This study focused on a protein known as p38. Many labs have been working with this protein as a potential target for drug development to treat Alzheimer's disease and other conditions with neuroinflammatory dysfunction.
Pharmaceutical scientists and biologists are teaming up to make the next generation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for drug delivery. Combining structural biology with cutting edge pharmaceutical science, the team is designing LNPs that can precisely deliver vaccines and therapeutics to target tissues while improving the product's shelf life and duration of action.
Researchers are using DNA 'origami' templates to control the way viruses are assembled. The global team behind the research developed a way to direct the assembly of virus capsids -- the protein shell of viruses -- at physiological conditions in a precise and programmable manner. Precise control over the size and shape of virus proteins would have advantages in the development of new vaccines and delivery systems.
Common bone density scans can detect a predictor of cardiovascular health risk -- a process which can now be done a LOT faster.
ChatGPT's responses to people's healthcare-related queries are nearly indistinguishable from those provided by humans, a new study reveals, suggesting the potential for chatbots to be effective allies to healthcare providers' communications with patients.
Giving patients with operable pancreatic cancers a three-pronged combination immunotherapy treatment consisting of the pancreatic cancer vaccine GVAX, the immune checkpoint therapy nivolumab and urelemab, an anti-CD137 agonist antibody treatment, is safe, it increases the amount of cancer-killing immune system T cells in the tumors and it appears effective when given two weeks prior to cancer-removal surgery, according to new research.
Researchers have uncovered the role the thymus gland plays in creating and 'training' specialised anti-cancer white blood cells -- known as gamma delta T cells. This unsung organ produces these amazing cells after we are born -- so they can enter the body and start fighting off disease and infection.
Mechanical engineering and materials science advancements could revolutionize safety equipment for athletes and more.
Aerobic glycolysis, the process by which cells transform glucose into lactate, is key for eye development in mammals, according to a new study.
Scientists have discovered that the genes required for learning, memory, aggression and other complex behaviors originated around 650 million years ago.
Promising results in a trial of ketamine for severe depression could lead to treatment becoming more affordable.
Antibodies are crucial, not only for treating tumors and infections. Sometimes, however, the immune reaction they trigger can be too strong and end up causing more damage, for example in the case of people infected with Covid-19. Problems such as these can often be avoided by finetuning antibodies, according to new research.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown 'housekeeping' process in kidney cells that ejects unwanted content, resulting in cells that rejuvenate themselves and remain functioning and healthy. The self-renewal process, which is fundamentally different from how other bodily tissues are thought to regenerate, helps explain how, barring injury or disease, the kidneys can remain healthy for a lifetime.
Averting our eyes from things that scare us may be due to a specific cluster of neurons in a visual region of the brain, according to new research. Researchers found that in fruit fly brains, these neurons release a chemical called tachykinin which appears to control the fly's movement to avoid facing a potential threat. Fruit fly brains can offer a useful analogy for larger mammals, so this research may help us better understand our own human reactions to scary situations and phobias. Next, the team want to find out how these neurons fit into the wider circuitry of the brain so they can ultimately map out how fear controls vision.
An international team of scientists has succeeded in experimentally confirming a characteristic of topological materials.
In contrast to different blood cancers, the effectiveness of adoptive T cell therapies in the treatment of solid tumors, which comprise about 90% of all tumors, has been very limited because of several formidable barriers. Now immune-engineers have developed a novel biomaterials-based immunotherapy approach named SIVET that has the potential to break down these barriers. The injectable biomaterial enables both: the local delivery of antigen-specific adoptively transferred T cells directly to tumor sites and their prolonged activation, as well as a broader engagement of the host immune system to provide much longer-lasting anti-tumor effects against tumor cells carrying new antigens. Validated in mice carrying melanomas, a particularly aggressive type of solid tumor, SIVET enabled the fast shrinking of tumors and long-term protection against them.
In all living organisms, the biomolecule transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a fundamental role in protein production. tRNAs are generated from precursor molecules in several steps. The enzyme tRNA splicing endonuclease (TSEN), among other things, catalyzes one step in this process. Mutations in TSEN lead to a neurodegenerative disorder called pontocerebellar hypoplasia, which is associated with severe disabilities and early death. Researchers have now deduced the function of TSEN from its structure and in so doing paved the way in the search for active substances against pontocerebellar hypoplasia.
Expanding home blood pressure monitoring among US adults with hypertension could substantially reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and save healthcare costs in the long term, according to a new study. The results of the study show that expanding home monitoring has the potential to address pervasive health disparities facing racial and ethnic minorities and rural residents because it would reduce cardiovascular events among US adults.
Why do some people take part in genetic studies while others do not? The answer may lie within our genetic makeup. According to a groundbreaking study, people who participate in genetic studies are genetically more likely to do so, leaving detectable 'footprints' in genetics data. This breakthrough equips researchers with the ability to identify and address participation bias, a significant challenge in genetic research.
Study suggests modulating the activity of certain neurons could be an effective approach to restoring circuit function.
Use of low-dose atropine eyedrops (concentration 0.01%) was no better than placebo at slowing myopia (nearsightedness) progression and elongation of the eye among children treated for two years, according to a randomized controlled trial. The trial aimed to identify an effective way to manage this leading and increasingly common cause of refractive error, which can cause serious uncorrectable vision loss later in life.
Researchers have discovered a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease in the cerebrospinal fluid known as MTBR-tau243 can be used to track the progression of the disease and could speed drug development.
A team has combined economic theory with biology to understand how natural systems respond to change. The researchers noticed a similarity between consumers' shopping behavior and the behavior of metabolic systems, which convert food into energy in our bodies. The team focused on predicting how different metabolic systems might respond to environmental change by using an economic tool called the Slutsky equation. Their calculations indicated that very different metabolic systems actually share previously unknown universal properties, and can be understood using tools from other academic fields. Metabolic processes are used in drug development, bioengineering, food production and other industries, so being able to predict how such systems will respond to change can offer many benefits.
A new study has found that aggression is not always the product of poor self-control but, instead, often can be the product of successful self-control in order to inflict greater retribution.
Researchers found that people with strong mind reading abilities -- the ability to understand and take the perspective of another person's feelings and intentions -- are more successful in cooperating to complete tasks than people with weaker mind reading abilities.
Research has shown quality sleep can help bolster resilience to depression and anxiety.
Homelessness has become an increasingly worrisome crisis in our nation over the past several years, but a new study shows that efforts to prevent homelessness work. Researchers found that individuals and families offered emergency financial assistance were 81 percent less likely to become homeless within six months and 73 percent less likely within 12 months. Furthermore, their estimates suggest that the benefits to homelessness prevention exceed the costs as communities get $2.47 back in benefits per net dollar spent on emergency financial assistance.
A new talking therapy for depression has shown encouraging early signs of being more effective and cheaper to deliver than the current best practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). A pilot trial has found Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) could be a significant advance in depression care.
Older people who have little social contact with others may be more likely to have loss of overall brain volume, and in areas of the brain affected by dementia, than people with more frequent social contact, according to a new study.
A new study in mice suggests experimental eye drops may be more effective than injections for treatment of retinal vein occlusion, a major cause of blindness.
A new study reveals that adults with multiple young children engage in significantly less vigorous physical activity compared to those with fewer or no children. The findings have important implications for adults who aspire to be more physically active but struggle to find the time due to their caregiving responsibilities.
Two injectable therapies accounted for nearly 100 percent of medications for patients in 2001, but by 2020 that decreased to about 25 percent.
The incidence of primary involuntary childlessness, the rate of women seeking treatment for infertility, as well as the success rate of assisted reproductive technology all increased in birth cohorts studied from 1916 to 1975, according to a new study.
For the first time, a person with an arm amputation can manipulate each finger of a bionic hand as if it was his own. Thanks to revolutionary surgical and engineering advancements that seamlessly merge humans with machines, this breakthrough offers new hope and possibilities for people with amputations worldwide. A study presents the first documented case of an individual whose body was surgically modified to incorporate implanted sensors and a skeletal implant. A.I. algorithms then translated the user's intentions into movement of the prosthesis.
Researchers have developed a model to estimate how much energy the original colonizers of New Zealand expended to maintain their body temperatures on the cold, harrowing ocean journey from Southeast Asia.
Companion robots enhanced with artificial intelligence may one day help alleviate the loneliness epidemic. A new report maps some of the ethical considerations, and urges stakeholders to come together to rapidly develop guidelines for trust, agency, engagement, and real-world efficacy. The authors also propose a new measure for whether a companion robot is helping someone.
A bacterium that causes a disease called scrub typhus -- a disease not previously reported in the United States -- has been detected in North Carolina, according to a new study.
Researchers found that removing invasive vegetation at water access points in and around several Senegalese villages reduced rates of schistosomiasis by almost a third. As a bonus, the removed vegetation can also be used for compost and livestock feed.
The signal, produced by neurons, helps the barrier form and maintain its protective properties.
Cancer therapies that target specific genetic abnormalities in tumors have revolutionized treatment possibilities over the past two decades. While quality of life and survival are improved with targeted therapies, relapse is common due to the evolution of new tumor cells that are resistant to the targeted therapy. A new study reveals how lung tumors may develop drug resistance over time, pointing to a protein, called APOBEC3A, that could be a promising target. Results may help researchers develop new solutions for tumor resistance to targeted cancer therapies.
Scientists have developed a new method to measure the smallest twists and torques of molecules within milliseconds. The method makes it possible to track the gene recognition of CRISPR-Cas protein complexes, also known as 'genetic scissors', in real time and with the highest resolution. With the data obtained, the recognition process can be accurately characterized and modeled to improve the precision of the genetic scissors.
In a major study, researchers have discovered a link between the levels of certain bacteria living in the gut and coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Such atherosclerotic plaques, which are formed by the build-up of fatty and cholesterol deposits, constitute a major cause of heart attacks.
Findings challenge the traditional view that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emerges from pathogens that acquire new mutations. Samples from ICU patients suggest that instead, highly diverse pathogen communities harbor pre-existing resistant genotypes. The results suggest that interventions aimed at limiting the spread of bacteria between patients may provide a powerful approach to combat AMR.
Scientists contest longstanding hypothesis about mysterious illness affecting Gulf War veterans, providing first direct evidence that symptoms are driven by impaired mitochondria.
A team has reported on the rapid generation of new fluorinated molecular fragments for drug discovery using organocatalysis.
The mixture of honey and vinegar, also known as oxymel, has been used as a medical treatment throughout history and now scientists have established that this combination could have modern applications in the treatment of wounds.
Researchers examined the anthropometric data of about 3,000 Israeli women and men and concluded that body fat percentage is a much more reliable indicator of an individual's overall health and cardiometabolic risk than the BMI index, widely used in clinics today.
Avoiding experiences associated with pain can be an adaptive behavior, but generalized avoidance can become problematic, even potentially culminating in disability.
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of death among American men, and it's resistant to one of the most powerful chemotherapy medications -- cisplatin. Now, researchers have developed the first therapy of its kind that disrupts prostate cancer cells' metabolism and releases cisplatin into the weakened cells, causing them to die. In mouse models, an orally administered version shrunk tumors substantially.
Leprosy has existed since at least Biblical times, yet scientists still don't know exactly how Mycobacterium leprae causes the disease's symptoms. Though antibiotics can treat the illness, researchers are concerned about the increase in drug-resistant strains. Now, a team has begun to understand the unique role certain immune receptors play in leprosy infections in mice, which could lead to new types of treatments for this disease and others in humans.
Researchers have found that providing access to advice about housing, debt and benefits within food banks could help lift people out of poverty. The initiative meant that people forced to use a food bank were also able to access advice on a range of issues -- from housing and debt to benefits.
Researchers have demonstrated that a transplant surgical procedure (called 'needle trauma') triggers a profound immune response and causes the death of most grafted dopamine neurons. They also found that co-transplantation of neuronal cell therapy with host regulatory T cells resulted in effective suppression of needle trauma and significant improvement in the survival and recovery of grafts. These findings suggest a path for the 'realistic' use of cell therapy to treat neurodegenerative disorders.
Like their viral cousins, retrotransposons have been found borrowing the cell's own machinery to achieve their goals. They hijack a little-known piece of the cell's DNA repair function to close themselves into a ring-like shape and then create a matching double strand. The finding upends 40 years of conventional wisdom and may offer new insights into cancer, viral infections and immune responses. It could also offer a new way to insert sequences into the genome.
The function of mast cells, which are part of the immune system, is still a mystery. Scientists have now shown in mice: mast cells function as a sensor that signals the animals to avoid antigens, including harmful allergens, and thereby protect themselves from health-threatening inflammatory reactions.
Researchers have produced the most detailed and comprehensive human Heart Cell Atlas to date, including the specialized tissue of the cardiac conduction system -- where the heartbeat originates.
Simply the smell of seafood can make those with an allergy to it violently ill -- and therefore more likely to avoid it. The same avoidance behavior is exhibited by people who develop food poisoning after eating a certain meal. Scientists have long known that the immune system played a key role in our reactions to allergens and pathogens in the environment, but it was unclear whether it played any role in prompting these types of behaviors towards allergic triggers.
Policy-makers are being urged to take notice of a study that confirms that undertaking a short program of high intensity interval training before surgery can substantially help with recovery.
New research has discovered neurons within the brain which detect and respond to changes in the level of sugar within the bloodstream. Understanding how this blood-sugar detection system works and how these neurocircuits operate would give researchers and doctors greater insights into how our brains regulate our blood sugar and, perhaps, how to target them therapeutically to treat metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity, according to the study authors.
A new national study has found whole genome sequencing (WGS) to be nearly twice as effective as a targeted gene sequencing test at identifying abnormalities responsible for genetic disorders in newborns and infants.
Biomedical engineers have developed an entirely new approach to building point-of-care diagnostic devices that only use gravity to transport, mix and otherwise manipulate the liquid droplets involved. The demonstration requires only commercially available materials and very little power to read results, making it a potentially attractive option for applications in low-resource settings.
Scientists demonstrate it is possible to build a healthy diet with 91 percent of the calories coming from ultra-processed foods (as classified using the NOVA scale) while still following the recommendations from the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). The study highlights the versatility of using DGA recommendations in constructing healthy menus.
Does the brain play a role in blood glucose regulation? Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found evidence in animal models that glucose-sensing neurons in the brain are important for whole body glucose regulation, including during diabetes.
Climate change is not only making Georgia hotter but also increasing the likelihood of snake bite, according to a new study. Every degree Celsius of daily temperature increase corresponds with about a 6% increase in snake bites, researchers found.
Group size and mating preferences may have caused male primates, including humans, to evolve deeper voices than females. The findings can help to shed light on social behavior in humans and their closest living relatives.
The entire biosynthetic pathway of actinopyridazone has been unveiled, revealing that an unprecedented carrier protein-mediated ring-forming step is key to its synthesis.
A 'biological camera' bypasses the constraints of current DNA storage methods, harnessing living cells and their inherent biological mechanisms to encode and store data. This represents a significant breakthrough in encoding and storing images directly within DNA, creating a new model for information storage reminiscent of a digital camera. Led by Principal Investigator Associate Professor Chueh Loo Poh from the College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore, and the NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), the team's findings, which could potentially shake up the data-storage industry, were published in Nature Communications on 3 July 2023.
A team of researchers has discovered that the memory of the immune system relies on characteristic epigenetic features and a specific 3D arrangement of the DNA in the nucleus of memory cells, allowing for a fast activation of these cells. These features are altered in chronic inflammation diseases like asthma and could be important in autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Researchers have made groundbreaking advancements in bionics with the development of a new electric variable-stiffness artificial muscle. This innovative technology possesses self-sensing capabilities and has the potential to revolutionize soft robotics and medical applications. The artificial muscle seamlessly transitions between soft and hard states, while also sensing forces and deformations. With flexibility and stretchability similar to natural muscle, it can be integrated into intricate soft robotic systems and adapt to various shapes. By adjusting voltages, the muscle rapidly changes its stiffness and can monitor its own deformation through resistance changes. The fabrication process is simple and reliable, making it ideal for a range of applications, including aiding individuals with disabilities or patients in rehabilitation training.
Mania, in which mood and energy level are extremely elevated for at least a week, and hypomania, which is less severe and lasts at least four days, are the defining features of bipolar spectrum disorders (BSD) and can be the most disruptive symptoms. A new study now identifies a signature of risk for developing future mania or hypomania.
In Physics of Fluids, Vega et al. researched human tears at the micron level to reveal new ways of customizing artificial tears to address individual symptoms of dry eye disease. The detailed insights they gained about the composition and behavior of tears could also apply to the study of ocular pathogens as well as other biological fluids. The authors collected healthy human tears and tested 10 different formulations of artificial tears and applied microrheology methods using dynamic light scattering.
Researchers have announced that they have developed the first stand-alone, conformable, fully organic bioelectronic device that can not only acquire and transmit neurophysiologic brain signals, but can also provide power for device operation.
Researchers have described a new fish species that's been popular in the aquarium trade since the early 2000s. Wild populations are rare and restricted to a small river basin along the Thailand/Myanmar border, which has made them difficult to study.
The summer of 2022 was the hottest summer ever recorded in Europe and was characterized by an intense series of record-breaking heat waves, droughts and forest fires. A study now estimates 61,672 heat-attributable deaths between 30 May and 4 September 2022. The research team obtained temperature and mortality data for the period 2015-2022 for 823 regions in 35 European countries, whose total population represents more than 543 million people. These data were used to estimate epidemiological models and predict temperature-attributable mortality for each region and week of the summer period.
Scientists have come together to present a new way to observe the brain's structure and dynamics -- in a high resolution and without damaging the tissue.
In-person mindfulness courses help improve mental health for at least six months, study shows. Adults who voluntarily take part in mindfulness courses are less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months after completing the programs, compared to adults who do not take part, a new analysis pooling data from 13 studies has confirmed.
A common childhood injury has been shown to slash school completion rates, adding to evidence that found being hospitalized can have a long-lasting effect on young people.
The free radical theory of aging is back in play after falling out of favor decades ago. (Remember when people were taking massive doses of various vitamins and minerals? Mopping up free radicals with antioxidants compromised beneficial metabolic signaling pathways leading to bad side effects). What brings the theory back? Researchers at the Buck discovered that they could specifically block free radical production in mitochondria. An elegant solution replaces an indiscriminate and messy mop up. These scientists developed a bioavailable compound -- available in a pill form -- that blocks free radical production. The compound both prevented and treated metabolic syndrome in mice. 'We think that mitochondrial radical production drives many chronic diseases of aging, and that blocking the production of free radicals is a viable disease-treating and anti-aging intervention,' said Martin Brand, Ph.D., Buck Professor Emeritus and senior investigator of the study.
Robots and artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to play a key role in nursing practice in the future. In this regard, researchers from Japan ask whether intelligent machines can replace humans as nurses. They investigate the potential of current advancements in robotics and AI to replicate the ethical concepts attributed to nurses, including advocacy, accountability, cooperation, and caring. While these technologies hold promise in enhancing healthcare practices, their integration into nursing requires careful consideration.
When unethical behavior is criticized, demands are often met with defensiveness and denial. How can we overcome this reaction? New research demonstrates that criticism is more persuasive when it is expressed with concern for the welfare of those being criticized.
A lollipop might be a sweet reward for a kid who's endured a trip to the doctor's office, but now, this candy could make diagnostic testing during a visit less invasive and more enjoyable. Researchers have shown that a lollipop-based saliva collection system can capture bacteria from adults and remain shelf-stable for up to a year. Study participants also preferred the candies over conventional collection systems.
The findings could benefit efforts to develop new ways to treat and prevent hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss.
A team of scientists has found that an existing cancer drug could be repurposed to target a subset of cancers that currently lack targeted treatment options and is often associated with poor outcomes. This subset of cancers makes up 15 per cent of all cancers and is especially prevalent in aggressive tumors such as osteosarcoma (bone tumor) and glioblastoma (brain tumor).
'Metarecognition' is the ability to objectively monitor, control, and improve one's learning ability. Researchers demonstrated that the human brain exhibits metacognitive abilities that regulate implicit motor learning to maximize monetary rewards. Unlike artificial intelligence, which is perpetually optimal, human metacognition exhibits an asymmetric bias in managing rewards (monetary gain) and punishments (monetary loss).
New research provides evidence that electric fields shared among neurons via 'ephaptic coupling' provide the coordination necessary to assemble the multi-region neural ensembles ('engrams') that represent remembered information.
Researchers investigated how seeing frightening news about climate change day after day may shape the way people feel about the phenomenon and how willing they are to take action to address it.
Human cells evolving in the laboratory undergo a series of predictable, sequential genetic changes that lead to pre-cancer. Blocking these changes may allow intervention before cancer occurs.
A new study shows that intentionally integrating art with data visualizations can help non-expert audiences more meaningfully engage with climate change while also bridging political divides in ways that data alone cannot.
Researchers have uncovered a potential mechanism in humans that explains how and why deep-sleep brain waves at night are able to regulate the body's sensitivity to insulin, which in turn improves blood sugar control the next day. It's an exciting advance because sleep is a modifiable lifestyle factor that could now be used as part of a therapeutic and painless adjunct treatment for those with high blood sugar or Type 2 diabetes.
A novel molecular pathway to explain how a mutation in the gene ACTA2 can cause individuals in their 30s -- with normal cholesterol levels and no other risk factors -- to develop coronary artery disease has now been identified,.
The prevalence of moderate or severe joint pain due to arthritis varies strikingly across American states, ranging from 6.9% of the population in Minnesota to 23.1% in West Virginia, according to a new study.
Researchers have found that fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) from healthy donors are safe and show promise in improving response to immunotherapy in patients with advanced melanoma.
New AI tool enables in-surgery genomic profiling of gliomas, the most aggressive and most common brain tumors. This information offers critical clues about how aggressive a cancer is, its future behavior, and its likely response to treatment. The tool can provide real-time guidance to surgeons on the optimal surgical approach for removal of cancerous tissue.
Researchers found that altered B cell function in children with mitochondrial disorders led to a weaker and less diverse antibody response to viral infections. Researchers analyzed gene activity of immune cells in children with mitochondrial disorders and found that B cells, which produce antibodies to fight viral infections, are less able to survive cellular stress.
The mucus in the airways is not as sticky, inflammation in the lungs significantly reduced: Triple combination therapy can achieve these positive, lasting effects in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). According to new research, this form of medication improves the symptoms of CF in many patients.
Unprocessed red meat and whole grains can be included or left out of a healthy diet, according to a study conducted in 80 countries across all inhabited continents. Diets emphasizing fruit, vegetables, dairy (mainly whole-fat), nuts, legumes and fish were linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature death in all world regions. The addition of unprocessed red meat or whole grains had little impact on outcomes.
Many at-risk forest tree species will probably need biotechnology along with traditional tree-breeding approaches to survive, according to new insights.
Scientists have successfully developed a model that utilizes AI to accurately classify cardiac functions and valvular heart diseases from chest radiographs. The Area Under the Curve, or AUC, of the AI classification showed a high level of accuracy, exceeding 0.85 for almost all indicators and reaching 0.92 for detecting left ventricular ejection fraction -- an important measure for monitoring cardiac function.
Researchers showed that consuming THC while pregnant could potentially affect development of the fetus and lead to life-long health impacts for offspring.
Discoveries by forensic scientists about how gunshot residue behaves on skin, hair and fabric will allow crime scene investigators to catch up to the proliferation of new, eco-friendly types of ammunition and make faster, more informed decisions at crime scenes and in forensic laboratories.
Cancer cells with extra chromosomes depend on those chromosomes for tumor growth, a new study reveals, and eliminating them prevents the cells from forming tumors. The findings, said the researchers, suggest that selectively targeting extra chromosomes may offer a new route for treating cancer.
A study has demonstrated for the first time that diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) can be significantly improved by additionally measuring the thickness of retinal layers in the eye. Use of the procedure helps to detect the condition at an earlier stage and predict its progression more accurately. This can lead to a decisive increase in the chance of improved patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed peptides that can help combat bacteria growing in biofilms, which occur in up to 80% of human infections. The team of researchers have developed antimicrobial peptides that can target the harmful bacteria growing in biofilms.
In the wake of Colorado's devastating Marshall Fire, a team of chemists and engineers undertook a first-of-its-kind study to explore homes that survived the blaze. Their results reveal the potential health hazards that wildfires can leave behind in buildings.
Wearable sensors are becoming a promising tool in personalized healthcare and exercise monitoring. In a recent study, researchers develop a novel wearable chemical sensor capable of measuring the concentration of chloride ions in sweat. By using a heat-transfer printing technique, the proposed sensor can be applied to the outer surface of common textiles to prevent skin irritation and allergies, and could also be useful in the early detection of heat stroke and dehydration.
Obesity risk genes make people feel hungrier and lose control over their eating, but practicing dietary restraint could counteract this. New research found that those with higher genetic risk of obesity can reduce the effects that are transmitted via hunger and uncontrolled eating by up to half through dietary restraint.
Viruses in human-made environments cause public health concerns, but they are generally less studied than bacteria. A recent study led by environmental scientists provided the first evidence of frequent interactions between viruses and bacteria in human-made environments. It found that viruses can potentially help host bacteria adapt and survive in nutrient-depleted human-made environments through a unique gene insertion.
For those with creative minds, screen-free downtime can be fruitful and entertaining: Creative people use their idle time by letting one idea lead to another.
A new study looked at cognitive function over 10 years in 8,958 people aged 50 and over in England. The research team investigated how different combinations of sleep and physical activity habits might affect people's cognitive function over time.
Encouraging adolescents to feel capable and purposeful -- rather than just happy -- could improve their academic results as well as their mental health, according to new research which recommends changing how wellbeing is supported in schools. The study involved over 600 teenagers from schools in England and examined two aspects of wellbeing: life satisfaction (which roughly equates to how happy a person is) and 'eudaimonia', which incorporates feelings of competence, motivation, self-esteem and of 'functioning well'. Students with higher eudaimonia consistently outperformed peers in GCSE-level assessments, especially Maths. The study's lead author suggests that attention to these aspects of wellbeing could improve some pupils' Maths scores 'by a couple of grades'. There was no link between academic performance and life satisfaction. Despite this, life satisfaction -- helping children to feel 'happy' and suppress negative thoughts -- remains the focus of wellbeing education in English schools.
In a world-first, 3D holographic images of an embryo have been developed. The images are created using minuscule amounts of light in a fraction of a second.
Older people who have fluctuating levels of cholesterol and triglycerides may have a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias compared to people who have steady levels, according to new research. While the study found a link, it does not prove that fluctuating levels of cholesterol and triglycerides cause dementia.
Taking good care of your teeth may be linked to better brain health, according to a new study. The study found that gum disease and tooth loss were linked to brain shrinkage in the hippocampus, which plays a role in memory and Alzheimer's disease. The study does not prove that gum disease or tooth loss causes Alzheimer's disease; it only shows an association.
New research suggests artificial intelligence can match the top 1% of human thinkers on a standard test for creativity.
Using CRISPR technology, scientists have engineered a new way to genetically suppress populations of Anopheles gambiae, the mosquitoes that primarily spread malaria in Africa and contribute to economic poverty in affected regions.
Researchers have developed a soft, flexible, wireless device to monitor and treat heart disease and dysfunction in the days, weeks or months following traumatic heart-related events. And, after the device is no longer needed, it harmlessly dissolves inside the body, bypassing the need for extraction.
Scientists have found that altering amounts of the nutrient glutamine in the tumor microenvironment could enhance or impair the immune system's anti-cancer response.
Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative joint disease, affecting 22% of adults over 40 globally. Although the condition has been extensively studied through a medical perspective, the molecular changes associated with osteoarthritis remain unclear. In a new study, researchers have used a combination of techniques to track the progression of the disease and the changes associated with it.
Workers feeling a specific form of stress are more likely than others to become the victims of a phishing attack, according to a new study.
New research has helped explain how melanoma evades the immune system and may guide the discovery of future therapies for the disease.
Computer scientists recently found that data-visualization experts have no agreed-upon understanding of who makes up one of their largest audiences -- novice users. The work is an important first step in ensuring more inclusive data visualizations, and thus data visualization that works for all users.
More than 10 urgent visits to the bathroom a day due to diarrhea can make it virtually impossible to lead a normal life. But new research can help doctors diagnose bile acid diarrhea and find the right treatment.
Kenyan patients who spend more than three days in the nation's hospitals are more likely to harbor a form of bacteria resistant to one of the most widely used antibiotic classes, according to a recent study. The research team found that 66% of hospitalized patients were colonized with bacteria resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, compared to 49% among community residents. Third-generation cephalosporins are typically used for serious infections, and resistance to these antibiotics leaves limited options for treating patients with some bacterial infections. The study was part of a pair of projects in Kenya and a third in Guatemala to determine the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The research also aimed to identify risk factors for colonization with bacteria resistant to important and frequently used classes of antibiotics, including third-generation cephalosporins.
Children taking a prescription stimulant to manage ADHD symptoms are not at a higher risk of substance use disorder as adolescents or young adults, according to new research.
A new vaccine boosts the response of engineered CAR-T cells and helps the immune system generate T cells that target other tumor antigens. The researchers found this approach made it more likely that a tumor can be eradicated in mice.
With a new method for examining virus samples researchers have solved an old riddle about how Hepatitis C virus avoids the human body's immune defenses. The result may have an impact on how we track and treat viral diseases in general.
A study of the genetic variation that makes mice more susceptible to bowel inflammation after a high-fat diet has identified candidate genes which may drive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans.
Fish consumption has long been associated with numerous health benefits. However, it is also the main dietary source of toxic mercury in humans. A year-round study from a boreal lake shows that mercury concentration in some fishes is significantly higher in winter and near spring spawning and lowest in autumn.
A study involving more than 745,000 adolescents from 41 countries across Europe and North America identified an increase in the amount of teenagers who underestimate their body weight.
A reduction in the amount of time spent physically active when adults are over sixty years old is linked to lower quality of life, a new study of almost 1,500 adults has shown. The same was also true for increases in the amount of sedentary time, such as watching TV or reading. The researchers say this highlights the need to encourage older adults to remain active.
A cochlear signal, the exact role of which has been unclear since its discovery around 70 years ago, probably gives the brain information on whether the ear is functioning normally or not. These new findings are an important piece of the puzzle in explaining what happens in the ear in hearing impairment caused by harmful noise, and may in the long run contribute to diagnosing noise-induced hearing injury.
Diet and training go hand in hand if you want to achieve the best results. Most athletes know this, and many of them closely monitor their energy intake and training. However, a new study shows that the bodies of female athletes are negatively affected when the athletes consumes too little energy through their diet in comparison with their training volume.
Taste receptors for bitter substances are not only found on the tongue but also on cells outside the oral cavity. As a new study now shows, extraoral bitter taste receptors could also serve as endogenous sensors for bile acids. This discovery suggests that, in addition to food components, endogenous substances may have influenced the evolution of bitter taste receptors. Furthermore, the study provides new approaches to explore the health effects of food constituents in which extraoral bitter taste receptors are involved.
A new study has found that maternal mortality rates have worsened from 1999 to 2019, hitting some racial and ethnic groups and states harder than others. The study found rates highest for Black populations and the largest increase was seen in American Indian and Alaskan Native populations. By region, high rates of maternal mortality were found in northern Mountain states and the Midwest in addition to the South, a region traditionally known to have high rates.
The study combines a deep learning model with CRISPR screens to control the expression of human genes in different ways -- such as flicking a light switch to shut them off completely or by using a dimmer knob to partially turn down their activity. These precise gene controls could be used to develop new CRISPR-based therapies.
Adenosine base editing restarted fetal hemoglobin expression in cells from patients with sickle cell disease.
LLM-based generative chat tools, such as ChatGPT or Google's MedPaLM have great medical potential, but there are inherent risks associated with their unregulated use in healthcare. A new article addresses one of the most pressing international issues of our time: How to regulate Large Language Models (LLMs) in general and specifically in health.
Pregnant women may be better supported by trained dietitians to control weight gain during pregnancy, according to a new analysis of almost 100 studies.
Researchers have identified a potential new immune checkpoint receptor that could lead to treatments for diseases such as lung and bowel cancer and autoimmune conditions including IBD.
A new soft robotic glove is lending a 'hand' and providing hope to piano players who have suffered a disabling stroke or other neurotrauma. Combining flexible tactile sensors, soft actuators and AI, this robotic glove is the first to 'feel' the difference between correct and incorrect versions of the same song and to combine these features into a single hand exoskeleton. Unlike prior exoskeletons, this new technology provides precise force and guidance in recovering the fine finger movements required for piano playing and other complex tasks.
Exploding populations of wild pigs and macaque monkeys in Southeast Asia are threatening native forests and disease outbreaks in livestock and people, according to new research.
Scientists have accurately monitored the breathing patterns of cane toads in a proof of principle to develop contactless vital-sign monitoring for humans in a range of settings such as intensive care units, aged-care facilities, for at-risk prisoners, or domestic use to monitor people with sleep apnea or infants at risk of breathing difficulties.
Climbing trees, making mud pies, or simply playing outside, parents and educators know that being in nature is an important part of every childhood. But when it comes to messy or risky play, it's a whole different story according to new research.
A new study has revealed the most extensive analysis to date on what led to the eventual heart failure in the world's first successful transplant of a genetically-modified pig heart into a human patient.
New research shows consumers' concerns about privacy when trying on clothing virtually can be reduced by making the technology versatile and easy to use.
In light of climate change and the impending transition to clean energy, many long-standing programs to address energy insecurity need to be refreshed. A new paper provides growing documentation of the connections between energy insecurity and poor health. The paper also offers an overview of current policy initiatives and discusses ways that current policies can be improved upon.
Despite being densely packed to fit into the nucleus, chromosomes storing our genetic information are always in motion. This allows specific regions to come into contact and thereby activate a gene. A group of scientists now visualized this dynamic process and give novel insights into the physical characteristics of DNA.
Children do better at maths when music is a key part of their lessons, an analysis of almost 50 years of research on the topic has revealed.
A new study suggests young children are more vocal when interacting with toys and household items, highlighting their importance for developing language skills.
Water fasts -- where people consume nothing but water for several days -- might help you lose weight, but it's unclear how long you'll keep it off, according to new research. And the other metabolic benefits of water fasts, such as lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol, seem to disappear soon after the fast ends, the researchers found.
Researchers have developed a new method to deliver drugs into the inner ear. The discovery was possible by harnessing the natural flow of fluids in the brain and employing a little understood backdoor into the cochlea. When combined to deliver a gene therapy that repairs inner ear hair cells, the researchers were able to restore hearing in deaf mice.
Compared to humans, artificial intelligence (AI) language models produce accurate tweets that are easier to understand and tweets containing disinformation that are harder to detect, according to a recent study. While these results can be leveraged to create more effective information campaigns, they also highlight the need to mitigate the risks connected to AI.
Have you ever studied hard for a test the night before, only to fail miserably the next day? Alternatively, you may have felt ill-prepared after studying the night before when, to your astonishment, you recall effortless the content on test day. This discrepancy may be down to the separate and independent way in which our brain processes short- and long-term memory, researchers have revealed.
Taking higher-than-recommended doses of vitamin D for five years reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation in older men and women, according to a new study.
A new study has uncovered the word properties that make slogans effective, as the researchers found that the attributes that make a slogan easier to process lead to it being more likeable but less memorable, and vice versa.
Researchers have developed a new type of tumor-targeted alpha-particle therapy that has the potential to generically treat several kinds of cancer, with fewer negative side effects than currently available methods. The proof-of-concept study showed that tumors in mice grew almost three times less and survival was 100% after just one injection of a compound that is designed to emit small amounts of alpha radiation from the inside of cancer cells, thus killing them but sparing healthy tissue.
A new study shows that information from body postures plays a similarly important role for dogs as it does for humans. The results offer new insights into how dogs and humans perceive each other and their environment. They confirm that the temporal lobe plays a central role in social communication and perception.
Measuring human brain activity down to the cellular level: until now, this has been possible only to a limited extent. With a new approach it will now be much easier. The method relies on microelectrodes along with the support of brain tumor patients, who participate in studies while undergoing 'awake' brain surgery. This enabled the team to identify how our brain processes numbers.
As we age, our bodies change and degenerate over time in a process called senescence. Stem cells, which have the unique ability to change into other cell types, also experience senescence, which presents an issue when trying to maintain cell cultures for therapeutic use. The biomolecules produced by these cell cultures are important for various medicines and treatments, but once the cells enter a senescent state they stop producing them, and worse, they instead produce biomolecules antagonistic to these therapeutics. In a recently published study, researchers describe a new method for reversing senescence in stem cells through delivering antioxidants in the form of a crystal.
A new study of a brain region called the rostro-medial prefrontal could potentially advance diagnosis and therapies for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
DNA barcoding is now being used to identify the plant matter in human feces, revealing what a person has eaten. A reliable genetic marker for plant-based foods can be retrieved from poop, showing not only what was eaten, but in what relative amounts. The technique should improve clinical trials, nutrition studies and more.
A survey finds nearly half of parents who rely on formula for their babies resorted to potentially harmful feeding methods during the infant formula shortage.
For the first two weeks of life, mice with a hereditary form of deafness have nearly normal neural activity in the auditory system, according to a new study. Previous studies indicate that this early auditory activity -- before the onset of hearing -- provides a kind of training to prepare the brain to process sound when hearing begins.
New research from Dartmouth takes a fresh look at game theory to show that being uncooperative can help people on the weaker side of a power dynamic achieve a more equal outcome -- and even inflict some loss on their abusive counterpart. The findings can be applied to help equalize the balance of power in labor negotiations, international relations and everyday interactions, as well as integrate cooperation into interconnected AI systems such as driverless cars.
Scientists have created a stem cell-derived model of the human embryo in the lab by reprogramming human stem cells. The breakthrough could help research into genetic disorders and in understanding why and how pregnancies fail.
Scientists have invented a paper-like, battery-free, AI-enabled sensor patch -- PETAL -- for convenient and effective monitoring of wound recovery. This novel technology provides early warning of complications to improve wound care. The paper-like, battery-free PETAL sensor patch uses five colorimetric sensors to measure biomarkers in the wound within 15 mins. A proprietary AI algorithm quickly analyses the digital image of the sensor patch to determine wound healing status with an accuracy rate of 97%.
People can be prone to believe in conspiracy theories due to a combination of personality traits and motivations, including relying strongly on their intuition, feeling a sense of antagonism and superiority toward others, and perceiving threats in their environment, according to new research.
T cells experience different mechanical signals in different tissues. Researchers have engineered a tissue-mimicking hydrogel model to show that more elastic tissues induce T cells to become effector-like T cells with strong tumor-killing potential, while more viscous tissues induce them to become memory-like T cells. This new concept could help advance adaptive T cell therapies by producing desired patient-specific T cell populations in the dish that could provide stronger effects when infused back into the same patient.
Scientists have identified potential new biomarkers that could indicate how someone diagnosed with metastatic melanoma will respond to immunotherapy treatment.
A sense of purpose in life -- whether it's a high-minded quest to make a difference or a simple hobby with personal meaning -- can offer potent protection against loneliness, according to new research.
Research links women's lean body mass with how quickly they eliminate alcohol from their system. Women with obesity and those who are older eliminate alcohol from their bloodstreams faster than those of normal weight and those who are younger.
Novel research found that apparent resistant hypertension (aRH) prevalence was lower in a real-world sample than previously reported, but still relatively frequent -- affecting nearly 1 in 10 hypertensive patients.
Guilt. It's a horrible feeling that causes us to question our worth as human beings. But while it's something that induces sleepless nights and stress-related physical symptoms in individuals, for society at large, the tendency toward guilt might have some benefits.
Using a combination of satellite data and modeling to study the temperatures and humidity people might feel in urban areas, researchers have pinpointed who in the U.S. is most vulnerable to heat stress.
Using surveys, cognitive tests and brain imaging, researchers have identified a type of depression that affects about a quarter of patients. The goal is to diagnose and treat the condition more precisely.
Scientists found pairing specific diets with diarrheal disease-causing bacteria can create lasting immunity in mice without a need to ever experience symptoms. The findings pave the way for vaccine development that could reduce symptoms and mortality of diarrheal illness and other diseases in humans.
Researchers report that, in laboratory cultures and animal models, a drug significantly reduces the ability of bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance, which might prolong antibiotic effectiveness.
The discovery of new genes linked to IgA nephropathy, a common kidney disease, confirms the idea that the immune system drives the disease.
Researchers invented a new reporting technique to monitor activity of CaMKII while screening the effects of nearly 5,000 FDA approved drugs on human cells that expressed the enzyme. The screen identified five previously unknown CaMKII inhibitors; ruxolitinib, which is used to treat cancers of the blood and bone marrow, along with skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and vitiligo, was the most effective.
Just as space holds infinite mysteries, when we zoom in at the level of biomolecules (one trillion times smaller than a meter), there is still so much to learn. Scientists are studying the conformational landscapes of biomolecules and how they modulate cell function. When biomolecules receive certain inputs, it can cause the atoms to rearrange and the biomolecule to change shape. This change in shape affects their function in cells, so understanding conformational dynamics is critical for drug development.
Researchers have deciphered a biochemical mechanism that ensures that newly formed proteins are processed correctly when they leave the cell's own protein factories. This solves a decade-old puzzle in protein sorting.
In the space of a few months generative AI models, such as ChatGPT, Google's Bard and Midjourney, have been adopted by more and more people in a variety of professional and personal ways. But growing research is underlining that they are encoding biases and negative stereotypes in their users, as well as mass generating and spreading seemingly accurate but nonsensical information. Worryingly, marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by the fabrication of this nonsensical information.
Clinicians have a new standard for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prevention after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, according to results from a phase III study. The new standard is more effective at preventing GVHD and came with less side effects, compared with the current gold standard.
Researchers have identified a group of nerve cells in the mouse brain that are involved in creating negative emotional states and chronic stress. The neurons, which have been mapped with a combination of advanced techniques, also have receptors for estrogen, which could explain why women as a group are more sensitive to stress than men.
Small-cell lung cancer is a particularly aggressive type of tumor with a consistently high mortality rate. In recent years, the research of scientists has significantly contributed to a better understanding and new therapeutic approaches in this malignant disease.
New research has found that in a mouse model mimicking Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pain signals are not processed in the same way as in healthy mice.
The genetic causes of very early menopause will have to be reconsidered after researchers found that nearly all women who carried variations thought to cause the condition in fact had their menopause at an older age.
The herpes simplex virus-1 can sometimes cause a dangerous brain infection. Combining an anti-inflammatory and an antiviral could help in these cases, report scientists.
A new survey finds that the American public is ill-informed about RSV, unfamiliar with its most common symptoms, and more hesitant to recommend a vaccine against it to pregnant people than to older adults.
A study has shown that prazosin, a drug used to treat high blood pressure, can prevent post-traumatic headaches.
Kinesiologists at McMaster University have found ketone supplements, used by some athletes hoping to cross the finish line faster, may in fact worsen performance. The new study tackles contradictory research findings related to the effectiveness of ketone supplements, which have gained popularity among athletes seeking a competitive advantage.
Collaborators have created 'living-like' bioactive interior architecture designed to one day protect us from hidden airborne threats. This publication establishes that the lab's biomaterial manufacturing process is compatible with the leading-edge cell-free engineering that gives the bioactive sites their life-like properties.
Social influence from phone communications is significant, reaching as far as four degrees of separation from the original caller, according to a new study.
Probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome or restore populations of 'good bacteria' after a heavy course of antibiotics. But now, they could also be used as an effective treatment strategy for certain intestinal diseases, such as Crohn's disease. Researchers have developed a microgel delivery system for probiotics that keeps 'good' bacteria safe while actively clearing out 'bad' ones. In mice, the system treated intestinal inflammation without side effects.
Scientists have written a review to discuss emerging research and evidence of the roles of alternative splicing defects in major neurodegenerative diseases. They also summarize the latest advances in RNA-based therapeutic strategies to target these disorders.
Anything with three hearts, blue blood and skin that can change colors like a display in Times Square is likely to turn heads. Meet Sepia bandensis, known more descriptively as the camouflaging dwarf cuttlefish. Over the past three years, neuroscientists have put together a brain atlas of this captivating cephalopod: a neuroanatomical roadmap depicting for the first time the brain's overall 32-lobed structure as well its cellular organization.
Insulin resistance is usually associated with type 2 diabetes. Now researchers have found it in cancer patients and learned that it can cause cancer to spread faster.
Scientists have uncovered a new quality control system that removes damaged cells from early developing embryos.
Scientists discover a treatment in mice to repair the blood-brain barrier, which is key to brain health.
Researchers have used an unprecedented stem cell zoo to compare six different mammalian species and their developmental time.
Research sheds light on human evolution, and demonstrates an approach for identifying significant differences in how genes are used between closely-related species.
New work has enabled robots to learn household chores by watching videos of people performing everyday tasks in their homes. Vision-Robotics Bridge, or VRB for short, uses the concept of affordances to teach the robot how to interact with an object. Affordances have their roots in psychology and refer to what an environment offers an individual. The concept has been extended to design and human-computer interaction to refer to potential actions perceived by an individual. With VRB, two robots successfully learned 12 tasks including opening a drawer, oven door and lid; taking a pot off the stove; and picking up a telephone, vegetable or can of soup.
New research has revealed that well-functioning ecosystems are crucial to human health and wellbeing, with human-biodiversity interactions delivering wellbeing gains equating to substantial healthcare cost-savings, when scaled-up across populations.
A new study analysing data from the landmark ASPREE trial has found that prolonged daily aspirin use increases the risk of anaemia by 20 per cent in people mostly aged 70 and over. The results have prompted researchers to suggest that regular monitoring for anaemia be considered for older adults who take low-dose aspirin, and if older adults have concerns about their health or medications they should discuss them with their GP.
A study analyzed data from people aged 40 to 69 and found a causal link between habitual napping and larger total brain volume -- a marker of good brain health linked to a lower risk of dementia and other diseases.
Adults who live in walkable neighborhoods are more likely to socialize and have a stronger sense of community, report researchers.
Algorithms that accurately reflect the behavior of road users -- vital for the safe roll out of driverless vehicles -- are still not available, warn scientists. They say there is 'formidable complexity' in developing software that can predict the way people behave and interact on the roads, be they pedestrians, motorists or bike riders. To improve the modelling, a research team has developed a simulation of how people behave on the roads based on key cognitive theories.
Receptor patterns define key organizational principles in the brain, scientists have discovered.
Investigators have identified several steps in a cellular process responsible for triggering one of the body's important inflammatory responses. Their findings open up possibilities for modulating the type of inflammation associated with several infections and inflammatory diseases.
Researchers look at how AI (large language models or LLMs in particular) could change the nature of social science research.
Concussions are an unfortunate reality of contact sports at junior and senior levels. Now, sports experts are suggesting extended recovery times may be needed for youth athletes suffering from head trauma as new research shows a concussion can increase future injury risk by 50%.
About 47 million homes use natural gas or propane-burning cooktops and ovens. Researchers found that cooking with gas stoves can raise indoor levels of the carcinogen benzene above those found in secondhand smoke.
Fathers can make a huge difference in whether an infant is breastfed and placed to sleep safely, according to a recent survey of new fathers.
Adverse cognitive effects linked to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure, a type of endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), have the potential to be passed down through generations, according to an animal study.
Engineers developed a metal-free, Jelly-like material that is as soft and tough as biological tissue and can conduct electricity similarly to conventional metals. The new material, which is a type of high-performance conducting polymer hydrogel, may one day replace metals in the electrodes of medical devices.
Numerous visual illusions are caused by limits in the way our eyes and visual neurones work -- rather than more complex psychological processes, new research shows.
Research suggests that complex tasks akin to real life decision-making take neurotypical people longer to complete when they take 'smart' drugs than when they do not. The smart drugs do motivate people, but the added effort can lead to 'erratic thinking,' adversely affecting above-average performers.
Scientists have created one of the most detailed 3D images of the synapse, the important juncture where neurons communicate with each other through an exchange of chemical signals. These nanometer scale models will help scientists better understand and study neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease and schizophrenia.
Conflict is unavoidable in all marriages. When it erupts in families with children, stressed or angry parents may take their pain out on the kids, projecting their anger or withdrawing emotionally or physically. In the worst cases, children's socioemotional development can suffer. But the way parents, especially fathers, deal with marital conflict can make a difference to kids, according to a new study.
Many men in northern Europe over the age of 60 suffer from the so-called Viking disease, which means that the fingers lock in a bent position. Now researchers have used data from over 7,000 affected individuals to look for genetic risk factors for the disease. The findings show that three of the strongest risk factors are inherited from Neanderthals.
Despite some of the most successful international vaccination campaigns in history, the poliovirus continues to circulate around the world, posing a threat of neurological damage and even paralysis to anyone who is not vaccinated.
The first image of the structures that power human cilia -- the tiny, hairlike projections that line our airways -- has now been produced and it could lead to much-needed treatments for people with rare cilial diseases.
Inhaled microplastics can pose serious health risks, so understanding how they travel in the respiratory system is essential for prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases. Researchers develop a computational fluid dynamics model to analyze microplastic transport and deposition in the upper airway. The team explored the movement of microplastics with different shapes and sizes and under slow and fast breathing conditions. Microplastics tended to collect in hot spots in the nasal cavity and oropharynx, or back of the throat.
In a pioneering study involving serial entrepreneurs and managers, a multidisciplinary research team, combining entrepreneurship researchers and brain specialists, found evidence of increased neuronal connectivity in the brains of entrepreneurs, which may contribute to distinct cognitive attributes.
A new study offers an explanation for why light-to-moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with lower risk of heart disease. For the first time, researchers found that alcohol, in light to moderate quantities, was associated with long-term reductions in stress signaling in the brain.
Around the world, most people are regularly exposed to low or moderate levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic in the environment, increasing risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease, according to a new statement.
Women who used combined contraceptive pills were at greater risk of developing depression than women who did not, according to a new study. Contraceptive pills increased women's risk by 73 per cent during the first two years of use.
Researchers have created a new method of studying the smallest bioparticles in the body. The study has considerable scientific potential, such as in the development of more effective vaccines.
Heavy alcohol consumption may cause permanent dysregulation of neurons, or brain cells, in adolescents, according to a new study in mice. The findings suggest that exposure to binge-levels of alcohol during adolescence, when the brain is still developing, lead to long-lasting changes in the brain's ability to signal and communicate -- potentially setting the stage for long-term behavioral changes and hinting towards the mechanisms of alcohol-induced cognitive changes in humans.
Recent scientific discoveries have shown that Neanderthal genes comprise some 1 to 4% of the genome of present-day humans whose ancestors migrated out of Africa, but the question remained open on how much those genes are still actively influencing human traits -- until now.
A study finds that deficiency of taurine, a molecule produced in our bodies, drives aging, and taurine supplements can improve health and increase lifespan in animals.
A team of scientists has discovered that IL-17 protein plays a central role in skin aging. The study highlights an IL-17-mediated ageing process to an inflammatory state.
Family and loved ones may be conspiring to sabotage your weight loss journey, according to a new study. The study is part of a growing body of evidence which suggests that not all social support results in positive health outcomes.
Keeping track of everything you eat and drink in a day is a tedious task that is tough to keep up with over time. Unfortunately, dutiful tracking is a vital component for successful weight loss, however, a new study finds that perfect tracking is not needed to achieve significant weight loss.
Nutrition is an important part of any top athlete's training program. And now, a new study proposes that supplementing the diet of athletes with colorful fruits and vegetables could improve their visual range. The paper examines how a group of plant compounds that build up in the retina, known as macular pigments, work to improve eye health and functional vision.
Large study in children reveals Selenomonas sputigena as a key partner of Streptococcus in cavity formation.
A new study brings together two schools of thought on the function of the neurotransmitter dopamine: one saying that dopamine provides a learning signal, the other saying that dopamine drives motivation.
A research collaboration between Cornell and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems has found an efficient way to expand the collective behavior of swarming microrobots: Mixing different sizes of the micron-scale 'bots enables them to self-organize into diverse patterns that can be manipulated when a magnetic field is applied. The technique even allows the swarm to 'cage' passive objects and then expel them.
New research shines light on how parents who talk more to their infants improve their children's brain development. Scientists used imaging and audio recordings to link early language skills to caregiver speech, delivering an affirming message that parents can greatly influence their child's linguistic growth in ways that are trackable in brain scans.
The first gene mapping study on eyebrow thickness in Europeans discovered three previously unreported genetic loci. The study demonstrates that eyebrow appearance has partly the same and partly different underlying genes in people from different parts of the world.
A double-blind randomized clinical trial of a device aimed at silencing the phantom sounds of tinnitus has yielded promising results.
Researchers have found that the ability to visually predict movement may be an important part of the ability to make a great catch -- or grab a moving object.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal motor neuron disease that causes people to gradually lose control of their muscles. There is no cure, and current treatments focus on reducing symptoms and providing supportive care. Researchers now show in an early clinical trial that the Parkinson's disease drug ropinirole is safe to use in ALS patients and delayed disease progression by 27.9 weeks on average.
The results of a new clinical trial suggest that the first drug therapy to slow the progression of nearsightedness in kids could be on the horizon. The three-year study found that a daily drop in each eye of a low dose of atropine, a drug used to dilate pupils, was better than a placebo at limiting eyeglass prescription changes and inhibiting elongation of the eye in nearsighted children aged 6 to 10.
Researchers using dashcam footage of real-world collisions involving large trucks to analyze driver and vehicle behavior has found that anti-drowsiness alarms or similar technologies to prevent falling asleep at the wheel need to go beyond a focus on monitoring the drivers' eyes, and consider other microsleep behaviors including a relaxation of back and neck muscles and abnormal activity of the vehicle itself.
Scientists have identified the neurons that are activated when perceiving others, as well as the neurons that represent value information associated with others in the CA1 region of the hippocampus using a novel social recognition experiment.
New research provides the first physiological evidence from inside the human brain supporting the dominant scientific theory on how the brain consolidates memory during sleep. Further, deep-brain stimulation during a critical time in the sleep cycle appeared to improve memory consolidation.
Some people live longer than others -- possibly due to a unique combination of bacteria in their intestines, new research concludes.
Researchers have partnered to create a first-of-its-kind open-source, reproducible analysis platform for pediatric brain tumors. With the help of thousands of genomically sequenced samples, researchers have used this platform to identify initial findings about genetic variants associated with poorer outcomes that could help guide future diagnostic and therapeutic advances.
Chess grandmasters are often held up as the epitome of thinking far ahead. But can others, with a modest amount of practice, learn to think further ahead? In addressing this question, a team of cognitive scientists has created a computational model that reveals our ability to plan for future events. The work enhances our understanding of the factors that affect decision-making and shows how we can boost our planning skills through practice.
Links have been reported between schizophrenia and proteins produced by the immune system that can act against one's own body, known as autoantibodies. Researchers have now identified autoantibodies that target a 'synaptic adhesion protein' in a subset of patients with schizophrenia. When injected into mice, the autoantibodies caused many schizophrenia-related changes.
About two-thirds of the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is thought to arise from genetic influences, but about a third could be influenced by environment and lifestyle, opening the door for behavioral interventions that could delay or prevent pathophysiological changes that occur with AD. Now a new study in a mouse model of AD examines the effects of environmental enrichment on AD symptom progression and pathology.
Chemists add another powerful tool to their 'molecular editing' toolkit for crafting pharmaceuticals and other valuable compounds.
Researchers suggest a simple tweak to the first meal of the day might help people living with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) better control their blood sugar levels. Switching from a traditional western-style low-fat breakfast, like oatmeal, toast and fruit, to a low-carb meal higher in protein and fat, like eggs with bacon or cheese, can help people with T2D better manage their blood sugar for most of the day.
Influenza epidemics, caused by influenza A or B viruses, result in acute respiratory infection. They kill half a million people worldwide every year. These viruses can also wreak havoc on animals, as in the case of avian flu. A team has now identified how the influenza A virus manages to penetrate cells to infect them. By attaching itself to a receptor on the cell surface, it hijacks the iron transport mechanism to start its infection cycle. By blocking the receptor involved, the researchers were also able to significantly reduce its ability to invade cells. These results highlight a vulnerability that could be exploited to combat the virus.
Some foods and medicines, such as many COVID-19 vaccines, must be kept cold. As a step toward a robust, stable technique that could indicate when these products exceed safe limits, researchers report a class of brilliantly colored microcrystals in materials that become colorless over a wide range of temperatures and response times. As a proof of concept, the team packaged the color-changing materials into a vial lid and QR code.
Consuming nutritious food can improve metabolic health and delay aging. But what are the appropriate quantities of dietary macronutrients that can help achieve this? To answer this, researchers fed isocaloric diets with varying amounts of protein to young and middle-aged male mice. They found that the mice were metabolically healthier when fed moderate-protein diets. These findings could provide valuable insights into developing nutritional interventions and improving metabolic health in people.
A team of researchers has been developing accessible and creative means of communicating sustainability research from the social sciences for policymakers and the wider public. Using fairy tale characters -- mermaids, vampires, and witches -- as metaphors, the team has sought to communicate typically complicated arguments in evocative and engaging terms.
Scientists found the virus strains that arrived in 2021 soon acquired genes from viruses in wild birds in North America. The resulting reassortant viruses have spread across the continent and caused more severe disease.
Engineers have developed ultraflexible implantable nanoelectrodes that can administer long-term, fine-grained brain stimulation.
Scientists have spent years trying to develop an effective HIV vaccine, but none have proven successful. Based on findings from a recently published study, a research team may have put science one step closer to that goal.
A group of world leading health and scientific experts are calling on the aviation industry to take action to protect passengers and aircrew from dangerous cabin fumes which they say have led to a new emerging disease. Led by former pilot and aviation health researcher, the specialists have released the first medical protocol of its kind to help treat those effected by contamination of the aircraft cabin breathing air supply and collect data on contamination events.
While it can take years for the pharmaceutical industry to create medicines capable of treating or curing human disease, a new study suggests that using generative artificial intelligence could vastly accelerate the drug-development process.
A scientific team has designed a strategy to fight obesity and diabetes in mice through ex vivo gene therapy which consists of implanting cells that have been manipulated and transformed in order to treat a disease. This is the first study to apply the ex vivo gene therapy technique to generate and implant cells that express the CPT1AM protein, an enzyme that plays a decisive role in many metabolic diseases such as obesity.
An artificial intelligence computer program that processes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can accurately identify changes in brain structure that result from repeated head injury, a new study in student athletes shows. These variations have not been captured by other traditional medical images such as computerized tomography (CT) scans. The new technology, researchers say, may help design new diagnostic tools to better understand subtle brain injuries that accumulate over time.
Low sexual satisfaction in middle age may serve as an early warning sign for future cognitive decline, according to a new study. The study, which tracked associations between erectile function, sexual satisfaction and cognition in hundreds of men aged 56 through 68, found that declines in sexual satisfaction and erectile function were correlated with future memory loss.
Being obese significantly increases the chances of also developing mental disorders. This applies to all age groups, with women at higher risk than men for most diseases.
Researchers have identified three 4,000-year-old British cases of Yersinia pestis, the bacteria causing the plague -- the oldest evidence of the plague in Britain to date.
Engineers have developed a simple 3D-printed attachment that clips over a smartphone's camera and flash to measure blood pressure at the user's fingertip. The clip works with a custom smartphone app and currently costs about 80 cents to make. Researchers say it could help make regular blood pressure monitoring easy, affordable and accessible to people in resource-poor communities.
Study from researchers at Western's Advanced Facility for Avian Research (AFAR), home to the world's first hypobaric climatic wind tunnel for bird flight, explores a brain region called cluster N that migratory birds use to perceive Earth's magnetic field. The team discovered the region is activated very flexibly, meaning these birds have an ability to process, or ignore, geomagnetic information, just as you may attend to music when you are interested or tune it out when you are not.
The first protein-based nano-computing agent that functions as a circuit has been created. The milestone puts them one step closer to developing next-generation cell-based therapies to treat diseases like diabetes and cancer.
As robots assume more roles in the world, a new analysis reviewed research on robot rights, concluding that granting rights to robots is a bad idea. Instead, the article looks to Confucianism to offer an alternative.
New animal research is helping explain why at least five people have become HIV-free after receiving a stem cell transplant, and may bring scientists closer to developing what they hope will be a widespread cure for the virus that causes AIDS. A new study describes how two nonhuman primates were cured of the monkey form of HIV after receiving a stem cell transplant. It also reveals that two circumstances must co-exist for a cure to occur and documents the order in which HIV is cleared from the body.
Analysing up to 100 years' worth of residents' records from various almshouses in England, new research suggests that living in these communities can reduce the negative impact on health and social wellbeing which is commonly experienced by the older population in lower socioeconomic groups, particularly those individuals who are living in isolation.
Stem cells from the human stomach can be converted into cells that secrete insulin in response to rising blood sugar levels, offering a promising approach to treating diabetes, according to a preclinical study.
Researchers is the largest of its kind that focuses on ancestry correlations with biomedical traits and the first study to examine the role of genetic variants across diverse ancestries in regulating gene expression.
Researchers say they have evidence that an experimental drug may prevent or slow vision loss in people with diabetes. The results are from a study that used mouse as well as human retinal organoids and eye cell lines.
Cancers often release molecules into the bloodstream that pathologically alter the liver, shifting it to an inflammatory state, causing fat buildup and impairing its normal detoxifying functions, according to a study from investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine. This discovery illuminates one of cancer's more insidious survival mechanisms and suggests the possibility of new tests and drugs for detecting and reversing this process.
Experts say medication commonly used to treat insomnia may also be a therapeutic option for the condition known as REM sleep behavior disorder.
New research offers insights into how researchers can use their platforms to help end the use of stigmatizing language.
The many types of cells in the human body are produced through the process of differentiation, in which stem cells are converted to more specialized types. Currently, it is challenging for researchers to control the differentiation of stem cells in the lab (in vitro). Of particular interest are oocytes, which are female germ cells that develop into eggs. Understanding their development could have far-ranging impacts, from infertility treatment to conservation of endangered species. A new study has successfully induced meiotic (dividing) oocytes from the embryonic stem cells of cynomolgus monkeys, which share many physiological traits with humans. By establishing a culture method for inducing the differentiation of meiotic oocytes, the researchers aimed to shed light on germ cell development in both humans and other primates.
Researchers found that, in neurons that produced the neuropeptide NMS, the interaction between molecules SIK3 and HDAC4 has a critical role in sleep regulation through both the length of the circadian period and sleep homoeostasis. Given the similarities among different mammals, new information about how the circadian system works in mice could lead to new treatments for sleep and circadian rhythm disorders in humans.
A new tool which could help reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance is showing early promise, through exploiting a bacterial immune system as a gene editing tool.
A team of researchers discovered mutations that occur during normal aging of human tissues that are induced by the jumping gene of 'long interspersed nuclear element-1' (L1).
Patients with MS show structural abnormalities in their white matter even before MS inflammation develops. Could this finding lead to a target for a new treatment to prevent MS inflammation?
Researchers developed a fully knitted, circuit-embedded knee wearable for wireless sensing of joint motion in real-time. Compared to other knitted electronics, this model has fewer externally integrated components and a more sensitive sensor, making it less error-prone.
New data from the phase III INTERACT3 study demonstrates that a new combination of treatments for stroke due to intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) significantly improves the chances of surviving without major disability.
A new study uses data from the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) study, a randomized controlled trial that compared an intensive lifestyle intervention with diabetes support and education in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity to track the development of cardiovascular disease over time.
The mental distress of cognitive dissonance -- encountering information that conflicts with how we act or what we believe -- can lead to added pressure on the neck and low back during lifting and lowering tasks, new research suggests.
A new study provides novel insight into the benefits of exercise, which should motivate adults to keep moving throughout their lifetime, especially during middle age. Long-term exercise profoundly benefits the aging brain and may prevent aging-related memory function decline by increasing the survival and modifying the network of the adult-born neurons born during early adulthood, and thereby facilitating their participation in cognitive processes.
Regular walks strengthen connections in and between brain networks, according to new research, adding to growing evidence linking exercise with slowing the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The study examined the brains and story recollection abilities of older adults with normal brain function and those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, which is a slight decline in mental abilities like memory, reasoning and judgment and a risk factor for Alzheimer's.
By comparing the structures of protein complexes from different lineages of the dangerous Lassa virus, a team identified new antibodies and vaccine targets.
Researchers have discovered that the oldest-old, those who live to be 90+ and have superior cognitive skills, have similar levels of brain pathology as Alzheimer's patients, however, they also have less brain pathology of other neurodegenerative diseases that cause memory and thinking problems.
Scientists studied how the epigenetic landscape influences the binding of pioneer transcription factors, affecting access to DNA.
A researcher is cautioning that a person's poor eating habits established during post-secondary studies can contribute to future health issues including obesity, respiratory illnesses and depression.
Researchers have successfully mapped specific regions in the brain that are activated in association with changes in blood sugar -- also known as glucose -- providing fundamental location information that could ultimately lead to more targeted therapies for people who struggle with conditions like diabetes.
Neuroscientists have shown how vitamin D deficiency affects developing neurons in the brain's dopamine circuit, which may lead to the dopamine dysfunction seen in adults with schizophrenia.
We've heard it time and time again -- the Mediterranean diet is great for our health. But despite the significant health benefits of this eating plan, a common deterrent is often the expected costs, especially when budgets are tight.
Researchers developed a new cell culture system for expanding human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the laboratory. The new system's culture medium is free of cytokines and albumin, once believed to be essential components for HSC growth. Using various molecular techniques, the team identified several chemicals that could activate necessary signaling pathways, stimulate cell proliferation, and support long-term HSC expansion. This work may help advance various HSC-related therapeutics in clinical development.
Repeatedly heading a soccer ball has been previously associated with negative long-term brain health for professional players. However, a new study found that a small number of repeated soccer headers equivalent to a throw-in did not cause immediate neurophysiological deficits for teens, suggesting that limited soccer heading exposure in youth sports may not result in irreversible harm if players are properly trained.
Engineers have designed a new class of 'microrobots' several times smaller than the width of a human hair that may be able to treat human illnesses like interstitial cystitis -- a painful bladder disease that affects millions of Americans.
A new study has shown that human T cells have an important role to play in controlling infection.
Tau protein is implicated in many neurogenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's. New findings point to a new potential drug target to slow the progress of the disease: the enzymes responsible for sulfation called heparan sulfate 3-O transferases.
Scientists have found evidence that microplastics in the digestive tract of seabirds altered the microbiome of the gut -- increasing the presence of pathogens and antibiotic-resistant microbes, while decreasing the beneficial bacteria found in the intestines.
Taking a daily multivitamin may help slow age-related memory decline, a new study has found.
Recent research has identified a new compound that can stimulate nerve regeneration after injury, as well as protect cardiac tissue from the sort of damage seen in heart attack.
Scientists have uncovered new clues about the origin of paired appendages -- a major evolutionary step that remains unresolved and highly debated.
Scientists have determined how the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex helps cancer cells 'remember' how to be cancerous after division.
A research team has discovered that by manipulating a certain protein in the immune system they can slow down disease progression and improve muscle function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Seaside residents and holidaymakers have felt it for centuries, but scientists have only recently started to investigate possible health benefits of the coast. Using data from 15 countries, new research confirms public intuition: Living near, but especially visiting, the seaside is associated with better health regardless of country or personal income.
Have you ever made a decision that, in hindsight, seemed irrational? A new study with mice, which could have implications for people, suggests that some decisions are, to a certain extent, beyond their control. Rather, the mice are hard-wired to make them.
Researchers at the University of Bath surveyed over 4,000 people to test social ability and found that being female and educated are some of the best predictors for how well you get on with and understand others.
Researchers have engineered bacteria to synthesize an amino acid that contains a rare functional group that others have shown to have implications in the regulation of our immune system. The researchers also taught a single bacterial strain to create the amino acid and place it at specific sites within target proteins. These findings provide a foundation for developing unique vaccines and immunotherapies in the future.
A new study has revealed how magnetic stimulation treats severe depression: by correcting the abnormal flow of brain signals.
Humans appear to resemble mammals that live in monogamous partnerships and to some extent, those classified as cooperative breeders, where breeding individuals have to rely on the help of others to raise their offspring.
A global phase 3 clinical trial found that a year-long immunotherapy through a skin patch safely desensitized toddlers with peanut allergy, lowering the risk of a severe allergic reaction from accidental exposure.
Study estimates there will be over 800 million cases of low back pain in 2050, a 36 percent increase from 2020. With an aging population, researchers say we must 'put the brakes' on low back pain cases before the burden becomes too great for our healthcare system.
Research has revealed features of early human brain development are mimicked in the brains of marsupials.
Marathon running is a popular sport. However, long-distance running can weaken and damage foot muscles, leading to chronic pain and running-related injuries. A new study reveals that marathon running can reduce foot arch height, as well as induce damage to extrinsic foot muscles, which connect the lower leg and foot.
Vaccines against smallpox given until the mid-1970s offer continuing cross-reactive immunity to mpox (previously known as monkeypox), researchers report.
We are quite good at spotting unexpected objects while focused on another activity if they are moving fast, reveals a new study. The findings cast doubt on a long-standing view that our ability to see the unexpected is necessarily impaired when our attention is already directed elsewhere.
Researchers argue that negative emotions -- if leveraged in the right way -- can help teams adapt. They make their case by dissecting scenes from three blockbuster movies, each of which represent a different type of team and threat.
Research has shown that social media users are likely to share posts that contain information that they feel is relevant to themselves or to the people they know.
CT scans are better at predicting a middle-aged person's risk for a heart disease, such as a heart attack, than genetics, reports a new study. Conventional measures of risk factor levels include blood pressure and cholesterol. Scientists had hoped genetics could better predict risk than conventional measure, but only when considering CT scan, half the study participants moved into the high-risk group.
Researchers design a novel algorithm for controlling implanted insulin pumps that accounts for the unique characteristics of individual patients. Their model, tested using an FDA-approved diabetes computer simulation, proves intraperitoneal (within the abdominal cavity) insulin delivery is fast and closely mimics natural physiological insulin delivery. They developed a model that can account for individual patient differences and validated a pump control algorithm that does not require meal announcement.
Excess sugar hampers cells that renew the colon's lining in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to a new study that could help get to the bottom of why limiting sugary foods can ease symptoms for patients with IBD.
Researchers synthesize fluorine-based compound via rapid biphasic (gas and liquid) mixing.
Regular physical activity and exercise may reduce bleeding in individuals with intracerebral hemorrhage, a new study shows. The researchers emphasize the importance of physical activity to protect the brain.
Scientists find an auto-signaling mechanism driving the T cell anti-tumor response; findings may inspire new cancer therapeutics and biomarkers.
Scientists have identified new genetic risk factors for two types of non-Alzheimer's dementia. These findings detail how researchers identified large-scale DNA changes, known as structural variants, by analyzing thousands of DNA samples. The team discovered several structural variants that could be risk factors Lewy body dementia (LBD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
A new study finds that incoming students who participated in an online belonging exercise completed their first year as full-time college students at a higher rate than their peers, but only when their institution had strong strategies and resources in place to support diverse students' belonging.
Researchers are creating a high-resolution atlas that depicts the development of the human retina. One technique they use is a new method that allows them to visualize more than 50 proteins simultaneously. The atlas helps scientists to better understand diseases.
Researchers have developed a zebrafish model that provides new insight into how the brain acquires essential omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and linolenic acid (ALA), with the potential to improve understanding of lipid transport across the blood-brain barrier and of disruptions in this process that can lead to birth defects or neurological conditions.
After a stroke, physical activity can be pivotal to successful recovery. People who spend four hours a week exercising after their stroke achieve better functional recovery within six months than those who do not, a new study shows.
Depression is a condition affecting millions across the globe. However, efficient drugs with minimal adverse effects are scarce. Now, researchers have reported how KNT-127, a delta opioid receptor agonist, quickly and efficiently reduces classic parameters of depression in a mouse model. This anti-depressant agent exhibits the dual nature of being a stress reliever and an anti-depressant and could broaden the potential of existing treatments.
As AI becomes increasingly realistic, our trust in those with whom we communicate may be compromised. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have examined how advanced AI systems impact our trust in the individuals we interact with.
Newly developed 'smart' coatings for surgical orthopedic implants can monitor strain on the devices to provide early warning of implant failures while killing infection-causing bacteria, researchers report. The coatings integrate flexible sensors with a nanostructured antibacterial surface inspired by the wings of dragonflies and cicadas.
Microbiologists have uncovered the evolutionary origins of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria. His studies on the bacterium that causes cholera, Vibrio cholerae, provide insight into deciphering what conditions must occur for infectious agents to become resistant. He studied genetic variants of a protein found in bacterial membranes called OmpU. Using computational and molecular approaches, his team found that several OmpU mutations in the cholera bacteria led to resistance to numerous antimicrobial agents. This resistance included antimicrobial peptides that act as defenses in the human gut.
Scientists have found a lipid transporter crucial to regulating the cells that make myelin, the nerve-protecting sheath.
A recent study sheds light on online art viewing as a source of pleasure and meaning-making that can boost our well-being.
A new study that analyzed 60 commonly available beverages found mixed-fruit juices and plant-based milks such as oat and almond were most likely to contain levels of toxic metals above federal drinking water standards.
A major challenge in human genetics is understanding which parts of the genome drive specific traits or contribute to disease risk. This challenge is even greater for genetic variants found in the 98% of the genome that does not encode proteins. A new approach combines genetic association studies, gene editing, and single-cell sequencing to address these challenges and discover causal variants and genetic mechanisms for blood cell traits.
Automation uncovers combinations of amino acids that feed two bacterial species and could tell us much more about the 90% of bacteria that humans have hardly studied. An artificial intelligence system enables robots to conduct autonomous scientific experiments -- as many as 10,000 per day -- potentially driving a drastic leap forward in the pace of discovery in areas from medicine to agriculture to environmental science.
Phytosterols are good for your health, but humans and other animals are not able to make them themselves, only plants can. To acquire phytosterols, humans are increasingly turning to supplements, green smoothies, or a Mediterranean diet with plenty of plant-based foods. Researchers have now discovered that tiny gutless worms from the Mediterranean can synthesize phytosterols on their own. Their study provides evidence that many other animals also have the genes needed to make their own phytosterols.
Proteins that act like air traffic controllers, managing the flow of signals in and out of human cells, have been observed for the first time with unprecedented detail using advanced microscopy techniques. New findings could inform the development of better drugs for pain relief, diabetes or heart failure.
Researchers discover a unique two-component molecular motor that uses a kind of renewable chemical energy to pull vesicles toward membrane-bound organelles.
The Beatles famously sang, 'Money can't buy me love,' but married couples who manage their finances together may love each other longer, according to new research.
Researchers have exposed roundworms (a well-established model organism in biological research) to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of drugs used for treating depression and anxiety. Surprisingly, this treatment improved the quality of aging females' egg cells.
In the first in-human clinical trial, scientists used a novel, skull-implantable ultrasound device to open the blood-brain barrier and repeatedly permeate large, critical regions of the human brain to deliver chemotherapy that was injected intravenously. This is potentially a huge advance for glioblastoma patients because the most potent chemotherapy can't permeate the blood-brain barrier to reach the aggressive and deadly brain tumor.
New guidance may help doctors correctly diagnose hoarding disorder. Hoarding disorder affects around 2% of the population but remains a largely misunderstood mental health condition. It was only added to the International Classification of Diseases in 2019, having previously been classified under Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The guidance is written by experts from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, who have also organised a free conference in Cambridge on Wednesday, 10 May to provide the public with more information about the condition.
Researchers find mutations of the Foxp2 gene disrupt the formation of synapses in the brain's striatum, which plays important roles in the control of movement, in mice. A new study sheds light on how Foxp2 controls speech production.
Most chromosomes have been around for millions of years. Now, researchers have revealed the dynamics of a new, very young chromosome in fruit flies that is similar to chromosomes that arise in humans and is associated with treatment-resistant cancer and infertility. The findings may one day lead to developing more targeted therapies for treating these conditions.
Neuropathic pain -- abnormal hypersensitivity to stimuli -- is associated with impaired quality of life and is often poorly managed. Estimates suggest that 3 percent to 17 percent of adults suffer from neuropathic pain, including a quarter of people with diabetes and a third of people with HIV. Researchers report that a mechanism involving the enzyme Tiam1 in dorsal horn excitatory neurons of the spinal cord both initiates and maintains neuropathic pain. Moreover, they show that targeting spinal Tiam1 with anti-sense oligonucleotides injected into the cerebrospinal fluid effectively alleviated neuropathic pain hypersensitivity.
Deep sleep, also known as non-REM slow-wave sleep, can act as a 'cognitive reserve factor' that may increase resilience against a protein in the brain called beta-amyloid that is linked to memory loss caused by dementia.
Goldenhar syndrome is a rare congenital disease, affecting early fetal development. This syndrome includes malformations of varying severity, affecting different parts of the face. Its causes and modes of transmission are still poorly understood. An international collaboration has discovered that pathogenic variants of the FOXI3 gene -- responsible for the development of the ear -- cause one form of this developmental disorder. The scientists were also able to identify the modes of transmission of the disease when this particular gene is involved.
Similar to humans, chimpanzees combine vocalizations into larger communicatively meaningful structures. UZH researchers suggest that this ability might be evolutionarily more ancient than previously thought.
Depressive symptoms have decreased among older people and they are more satisfied with their lives so far than people at the same age three decades ago.
Normal age-related changes in how we think, perceive and reason may increase the risk of older people viewing themselves through a negative and ageist lens, research suggests.
How are you sleeping? A new study has found the transition from daylight saving time to standard time, when one hour is gained overnight, was associated with a brief increase in sleep disorders such as difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep, but there was no such association when an hour is lost in the change from standard time to daylight saving time. The study also found a small difference in the amount of sleep people get depending on the season.
Sweat is more than just a sign of a good workout. It holds vital information about our health, providing clues to dehydration, fatigue, blood sugar levels and even serious conditions such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes and heart failure. Researchers have taken a giant leap forward in sweat analysis with an innovative 3D-printed wearable sweat sensor called the 'sweatainer.'
Scientists have identified a potential pathway to pain relief that neither triggers addiction nor causes hallucinations.
Immunotherapy has redefined cancer treatment, but not all patients experience the same benefit when treated. New research in mice identifies how gut bacteria alter the body's response to a common form of cancer immunotherapy. The animals' gut microbiota lowered the expression of two immune molecules, one previously unknown to play a role in cancer. • Using antibodies to block the activity of either molecule, or the interplay between them, enhanced response to cancer immunotherapy. • The findings can inform the design of treatments that boost the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy among patients with suboptimal response.
All human beings are genetically very similar, sharing approx. 99.9% of the DNA code. The remaining 0.1% explains the natural differences between people, including our predisposition to hereditary diseases. Although sequencing of our genetic material is becoming a routine diagnostic analysis, it is unfortunately far from simple to determine whether specific small differences in our DNA affect our risk of developing disease. The usefulness of DNA sequencing is therefore often limited to the few cases where it is already known if a gene variant increases the risk of disease.
A UCLA-led research team created an 'urban association index' that describes how closely bird species are associated with living in urban settings. With more of the planet being consumed by urbanization, the scientists write that a dramatic loss of biodiversity is likely unless there are practical plans to preserve it. Urban bird species tend to be smaller and less territorial and have greater ability to fly long distances than other species; they also tend to have broader dietary and habitat niches and to live at a wider range of elevations.
A new study shows that sleep spindles, brief bursts of brain activity occurring during one phase of sleep and captured by EEG, may regulate anxiety in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A team of researchers develops stem cell adhesive for arthritis treatment using mussel adhesion protein and hyaluronic acid.
Scientists have developed a new extraction protocol for RNA-seq and metabolomic analysis, offering a more complete picture of cellular activity than either technique on its own. The protocol employs a streamlined extraction from a single sample, which reduces variation, improves efficiency, preserves data fidelity and maximizes use of precious biospecimens.
Engineers have developed a stretchable ultrasonic array capable of serial, non-invasive, three-dimensional imaging of tissues as deep as four centimeters below the surface of human skin, at a spatial resolution of 0.5 millimeters. This new method provides a non-invasive, longer-term alternative to current methods, with improved penetration depth.
Researchers describe how exposure to ambient air pollution, such as car exhaust and power plant emissions -- is associated with a measurably greater risk of developing dementia over time.
A lab has developed a deep neural network that improves the accuracy of their unique devices for detecting pathogen biomarkers.
Stress causes the levels of Alzheimer's proteins to rise in females' brains but not males' brains, according to a new study. This difference may contribute to women's greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Listening to music could reduce the dizziness, nausea and headaches virtual reality users might experience after using digital devices, research suggests. Cybersickness -- a type of motion sickness from virtual reality experiences such as computer games -- significantly reduces when joyful music is part of the immersive experience, the study found. The intensity of the nausea-related symptoms of cybersickness was also found to substantially decrease with both joyful and calming music.
A new study that analyzed 17 years of migratory bird-nesting data in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, revealed that nest survival decreased significantly near high-use oil and gas infrastructure and its related noise, dust, traffic, air pollution, and other disturbances.
Applying machine learning models, a type of artificial intelligence (AI), to data collected passively from wearable devices can identify a patient's degree of resilience and well-being, according to investigators. The findings support wearable devices as a way to monitor and assess psychological states remotely without requiring the completion of mental health questionnaires.
A new study analyzing data on over 20,000 U.S. adults links a healthier diet and increased exercise to weight loss that reduces heart disease risk -- while associating skipping meals and taking prescription diet pills with minimal weight loss, weight maintenance or weight gain.
Marine biologists found the feces of fish that were long thought to promote healthy reefs can damage and, in some cases, kill corals in controlled experiments, possibly due to high levels of coral pathogens. Conversely, the feces of coral predators were found to contain high levels of beneficial bacteria and could act like a 'coral probiotic,' the researchers say.
Neuroscientists discovered anatomical changes that occur in the white matter of visual-processing areas of the brain, in children who have congenital cataracts surgically removed.
A new study provides early evidence of a surge of activity correlated with consciousness in the dying brain.
As major airline officials predict another record summer air travel season, a new analysis has found that exposure to even moderate levels of airplane noise may disrupt sleep, building upon a growing body of research on the adverse health effects of environmental noise. People who were exposed to airplane noise at levels as low as 45 dB were more likely to sleep less than 7 hours per night. For comparison, the sound of a whisper is 30 dB, a library setting is 40 dB, and a typical conversation at home is 50 dB.
A new AI-based system called a semantic decoder can translate a person's brain activity -- while listening to a story or silently imagining telling a story -- into a continuous stream of text. Unlike other thought decoding systems in development, this system does not require subjects to have surgical implants, making the process noninvasive.
A new study on herpes infections of the eye helps shed light on the question of viral reinfections by identifying a key protein involved in viral reinfections that could be targeted by antiviral drugs.
Astronomers have discovered 25 new sources of repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs), these explosions in the sky that come from far beyond the Milky Way. This discovery brings the total number of confirmed FRB sources to 50.
It's generally accepted we will lose muscle strength and slow down as we age, making it more difficult to perform simple tasks such as getting up, walking and sitting down. But new research indicates this could also be a signal for another sinister health concern of ageing: late-life dementia.
The way our senses adjust while playing high-intensity virtual reality games plays a critical role in understanding why some people experience severe cybersickness and others don't.
Neuroscientists have uncovered how exploratory actions enable animals to learn their spatial environment more efficiently. Their findings could help build better AI agents that can learn faster and require less experience.
A new study has identified potential broad-spectrum antiviral agents that can target multiple families of RNA viruses that continue to pose a significant threat for future pandemics.
A new study provides an early glimpse into the role that AI assistants could play in medicine. The research compared written responses from physicians with those from ChatGPT to real-world health questions. A panel of licensed healthcare professionals preferred ChatGPT's responses 79% of the time.
A new test revealed that FDA-approved antibiotics -- available at your neighborhood pharmacy -- can effectively treat superbugs. They are not prescribed, however, because the gold-standard test predicts they will not work. The new test may improve the way antibiotics are developed, tested and prescribed -- and it is openly available to all.
Scientists identified three biomaterial formulations that could help develop a more sustainable, long-term, self-regulating way to treat Type 1 diabetes using a new screening technique that involves tagging each biomaterial formulation in a library of hundreds with a unique 'barcode.'
Why is it that certain mammals have an exceptional sense of smell, some hibernate, and yet others, including humans, are predisposed to disease? A major international research project has surveyed and analyzed the genomes of 240 different mammals. The results show how the genomes of humans and other mammals have developed over the course of evolution. The research shows which regions have important functions in mammals, which genetic changes have led to specific characteristics in different species and which mutations can cause disease.
What the human genome is lacking compared with the genomes of other primates might have been as crucial to the development of humankind as what has been added during our evolutionary history, according to a new study led by researchers at Yale and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. The new findings, published April 28 in the journal Science, fill an important gap in what is known about historical changes to the human genome.
A new study may help explain why people choose to include themselves in some photos -- and it is not vanity. Researchers found that first-person photos (capturing the scene as it looks from one's own eyes) best represent the physical experience of an event for people. But third-person photos like selfies (documenting a moment with themselves in it) better depict the deeper meaning of the event in their lives.
How is 'junk food' defined for food policies like taxes? A combination of food category, processing, and nutrients can determine which foods should be subject to health-related policies, according to a new analysis examining three decades of U.S. food policies by researchers.
A new study investigated the combined effect of temperature and humidity on urban heat stress using observational data and an urban climate model calculation. Researchers found that the heat stress burden is dependent on local climate and a humidifying effect can erase the cooling benefits that would come from trees and vegetation.
Scientists found parallels between the neural circuitry that guides locomotion in sea slugs and in more complex animals like mammals.
Even mild concussion can cause long-lasting effects to the brain, according to researchers. Using data from a Europe-wide study, the team has shown that for almost a half of all people who receive a knock to the head, there are changes in how regions of the brain communicate with each other, potentially causing long term symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive impairment.
Viruses like influenza A and Ebola invade human cells in a number of steps. Research teams investigated the final stages of viral penetration using electron tomography and computer simulations. So-called fusion pores, through which the viral genome is released into the host cell, play a central role in these processes. If they can be prevented from forming, the virus is also blocked. The Heidelberg scientists describe previously unknown mechanisms, which might lead to new approaches to prevent infections.
Supply chain networks can be incredibly complex, with multiple manufacturing and distribution points -- and the location of each node in those networks has a significant effect on everything from profitability to product cost to environmental impact. New research shows that efficient mathematical tools serve almost as well as more computationally demanding optimization models for determining the best places to locate elements in a supply chain, and can provide businesses with the relevant information far more quickly.
A new study has highlighted under-prepared regions across the world most at risk of the devastating effects of scorching temperatures.
Helping your mother make pancakes when you were three...riding your bike without training wheels...your first romantic kiss: How do we retain vivid memories of long-ago events?
New research shows that poor air quality could be causing cognitive problems in babies and toddlers. A new study reveals an association between poor air quality in India and impaired cognition in infants under two. Without action, the negative impact on children's long-term brain development could have consequences for life.
The study is the first to identify a damage response pathway that is distinct from but parallel to the classical pathway triggered by pathogens.
A study found that people around the world signal others for assistance every couple of minutes. The research, which examined behaviors in towns and rural areas in several different countries, revealed that people comply with these small requests for help far more often than they decline them. The findings suggest that people from all cultures have more similar cooperative behaviors than prior research has established.
A new machine-learning method could help us gauge the time of our internal body clock, helping us all make better health decisions, including when and how long to sleep.
Researchers have developed a novel and highly efficient method for rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing using optical microscopy. The technique, called Optical Nanomotion Detection, is extremely rapid, single-cell sensitive, label-free, and requires only a basic traditional optical microscope, equipped with a camera or a mobile phone.
A new observational study has found that RSV infection in the first year of life is associated with a significantly increased risk of asthma in children. The study looks at the effects of RSV infections of all different severities on childhood asthma risk at a population level.
Problems with the brain's ability to 'prune' itself of unnecessary connections may underlie a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence, according to research published today. The findings may help explain why people are often affected by more than one mental health disorder, and may in future help identify those at greatest risk.
A research team has shown in early tests that a bioengineered drug candidate can counter infection with Staphylococcus aureus -- a bacterial species widely resistant to antibiotics.
New research suggests the stress levels of knowledge workers, such as researchers or journalists, stays the same with or without deadlines.
Despite the promise of new medications that promote cancer cell death in people with acute myeloid leukemia, leukemic cells often adopt features that let them evade the drugs' effects within a year.
Conditioning that once worked with Pavlov's dog does also work with an artificially induced change in nerve cell activity.
New research finds there is significant variation in the anatomy of the human digestive system, with pronounced differences possible between healthy individuals. The finding has implications for understanding the role that the digestive tract's anatomy can play in affecting human health, as well as providing potential insights into medical diagnoses and the microbial ecosystem of the gut.
A team showed how both alcohol intake and alcohol withdrawal can lead to increased pain and hypersensitivity.
Researchers describe a key player in the defense mechanism that safeguards against excessive insulin in the body, which can be as harmful as too little.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that destroys the protective myelin covering around nerves. Every five minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease around the world, adding to about 2.8 million individuals that currently have to live with it. Now researchers have developed a cell therapy that leverages myeloid cells, the very type of immune cells that cause MS-triggering nerve inflammation in patients. By attaching 'backpacks' loaded with anti-inflammatory drugs to the cells, and infusing them into a mouse model of MS, they were able to partially reverse paralysis and restore movement.
Despite the increasing use of genomic sequencing in clinical practice, interpreting rare genetic mutations, even among well-studied disease genes, remains difficult. Current predictive models are useful for interpreting those mutations, but they are prone to misclassify those that do not cause diseases, contributing to false positives.
The biological age of humans and mice undergoes a rapid increase in response to diverse forms of stress, which is reversed following recovery from stress, according to a new study. These changes occur over relatively short time periods of days or months, according to multiple independent epigenetic aging clocks.
When spurring action against climate change, NGOs and governmental agencies frequently operate on the assumption that people are unmotivated to act because they view climate change as a problem that affects distant regions far in the future. While this concept, known as psychological distance, seems intuitive, researchers report that most people see climate change as an important and timely issue even if its impacts are not immediately noticeable.
A majority of parents of children diagnosed with Lyme disease reported that their kids recovered within six months of completing antibiotic treatment, according to a new study. The findings, based on Lyme disease treatment outcome data from 102 children in the United States, also revealed that a notably small percentage of children took longer than six months to recover and experienced a significant impact on their daily functioning.
Storing donor lungs for transplant at 10 degrees Celsius markedly increases the length of time the organ can live outside the body according to new research.
An international team of researchers lays the foundation to examine how extracellular RNA and its carrier proteins found in bodily fluids function in a healthy as well as a diseased setting, potentially providing a means to accurately implement early detection and monitor disease processes.
A new article shows how the choice of network representation can influence the observed effects. Their work focuses on the phenomenon of synchronization, which emerges in systems from circadian clocks to vascular networks.
Researchers have found that an extra copy of a gene in Down syndrome patients causes improper development of neurons in mice.
A protein called FNIP1 is the critical link between a cell sensing low energy levels and eliminating and replacing damaged mitochondria. The finding will help scientists understand healthy aging, cancerous tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and beyond.
A wearable patch applies painless ultrasonic waves to the skin, creating tiny channels that drugs can pass through.
Marijuana (cannabis) is well known for giving people the 'munchies.' Not only does it make people want to eat more, but it also makes them crave the tastiest, most high-calorie foods. Now a new study shows that well-studied nematode worms (C. elegans) react to those chemicals known as cannabinoids in precisely the same way.
Investigators are developing a novel way to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and retinitis pigmentosa using engineered stem cells that may eventually lead to personalized treatments.
People with dementia have protein build-up in astrocytes that may trigger abnormal antiviral activity and memory loss, according to a preclinical study.
A new study shows that water arsenic levels are linked to higher urinary arsenic among the U.S. population for users of both private wells and public water systems.
Scientists have identified a protein-protein interaction that contributes to Parkinson's disease.
New research examines the impact that maternal stress during pregnancy has on the neuro-development of babies.
A new study found that signs of common infections in a sample of middle-aged and older adults were associated with poorer performance on a test of global cognitive function.
Two doses of an FDA-approved sleeping pill reduced levels of Alzheimer's proteins in a small study of healthy volunteers. The study hints at the potential of sleep medications to slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease, although much more work needs to be done to confirm the viability of such an approach.
Scientists hope the new tool could be used to make it easier for GPs and patients to get information on dementia risk factors.
Investigators have identified a genetic variant that increases people's risk of developing perianal Crohn's disease, the most debilitating manifestation of Crohn's disease. The variant generates changes to DNA that lead to a loss of protein function, which in turn, alters how the body recognizes and handles bacteria, making it less effective at fighting infections.
In people with no thinking and memory problems, a simple test may predict the risk of developing cognitive impairment years later, according to a new study.
What are the consequences of mothers consuming alcohol while breastfeeding? A research team at the University of California, Riverside, performed a mouse study to find out.
A new HIV vaccine has shown a significantly improved ability to neutralize the virus in preclinical tests, and it will soon be studied in healthy people who volunteer to participate in clinical trials.
A new study shows that exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs) during pregnancy enhances respiratory viral infection risk. According to the researchers, it is imperative that pregnant women in urban cities, where influenza and UFPs are more prevalent, are provided vaccinations and preventive measures limiting UFP exposure to protect maternal health.
Scientists have designed a new type of oral capsule that could mean pain-free delivery of insulin and other protein drugs. Protein drugs had proven challenging to deliver orally as the drugs degrade very quickly in the stomach -- until now.
Scientists have pinpointed a key driver of low bone density, a discovery that may lead to improved treatments with fewer side effects for women with osteoporosis. The findings reveal that loss of an epigenetic modulator, KDM5C, preserves bone mass in mice. KDM5C works by altering epigenetic 'marks,' which are akin to 'on' and 'off' switches that ensure the instructions written in DNA are used at the right time and in the right place.
The bone density of astronauts -- of both the human and rodent variety -- decreases in space. Researchers report that changes to the gut microbiomes of space travelers might be associated with this bone loss. Rodents that spent a month or more on the International Space Station had altered and more diverse microbiomes, and the bacterial species that bloomed in space may have contributed to the increased production of molecules that are known to influence the bone remodeling process.
Certain stem cells have a unique ability to move between growth compartments in hair follicles, but get stuck as people age and so lose their ability to mature and maintain hair color, a new study shows.
Chronic wounds are a major health problem for diabetic patients and the elderly -- in extreme cases they can even lead to amputation. Using electric stimulation, researchers have developed a method that speeds up the healing process, making wounds heal three times faster.
Shining like a brilliant beacon amidst a sea of galaxies, Arp 220 lights up the night sky in this view from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. Actually two spiral galaxies in the process of merging, Arp 220 glows brightest in infrared light, making it an ideal target for Webb. It is an ultra-luminous infrared galaxy (ULIRG) with a luminosity of more than a trillion suns. In comparison, our Milky Way galaxy has a much more modest luminosity of about ten billion suns.
Normal aging is associated with progressive cognitive decline. But can we train our brain to delay this process? A team has discovered that practicing and listening to music can alter cognitive decline in healthy seniors by stimulating the production of grey matter. To achieve these results, the researchers followed over 100 retired people who had never practiced music before. They were enrolled in piano and music awareness training for six months.
Discovery of a gene in multiple mammalian species could pave the way for a highly effective, reversible and non-hormonal male contraceptive for humans and animals. Researchers identified expression of the gene, Arrdc5, in the testicular tissue of mice, pigs, cattle and humans. When they knocked out the gene in mice, it created infertility only in the males, impacting their sperm count, movement and shape.
When it comes to height, our fate is sealed along with our growth plates -- cartilage near the ends of bones that hardens as a child develops. New research shows that cells in these plates determine the length and shape of our bones and can hint at our stature. The study identified potential 'height genes' and found that genetic changes affecting cartilage cell maturation may strongly influence adult height.
Research reveals a promising stem cell approach to correct photoreceptor cell degeneration, which underlies several forms of visual decline and blindness.
The consumption of fermented products is on the rise, and drinks like kombucha and kefir have gone viral in their popularity. But is there more to this than consumers searching for natural and healthy foods?
We are often attracted to others with whom we share an interest, but that attraction may be based on an erroneous belief that such shared interests reflect a deeper and more fundamental similarity -- we share an essence -- according to new research.
As a four-day work week is trialed in countries across the globe, health researchers say they're 'all in' when it comes to a long weekend, especially as new empirical research shows that the extra time off is good for our health.
In adolescents, sedentary time may increase heart size three times more than moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, a recent article concludes. The researchers explored the associations of sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with cardiac structure and function.
A type of cell usually characterized as the brain's support system appears to play an important role in OCD, providing a surprising new clue about potential therapeutic strategies for the disorder.
Dopamine, a brain chemical long associated with pleasure, motivation and reward-seeking, also appears to play an important role in why exercise and other physical efforts feel 'easy' to some people and exhausting to others, according to results of a study of people with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is marked by a loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain over time.
The exact mechanism of cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis is unknown, but damage from mechanical stress with insufficient self-repair is believed to be the main culprit. The composition of synovial fluid, or joint lubricant, changes significantly: The concentration and molecular weight of hyaluronic acid tends to decrease. Researchers explore the disease-driven breakdown of hyaluronan and the mechanistic implications of these changes on the lubrication and subsequent wear of joints.
New research has identified characteristics of aggressive driving -- which impact both road users and the transition to self-driving cars of the future.
A new study's finding that urban light pollution may disrupt the winter dormancy period for mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus could be considered both good news and bad news. The good news is that the disease-carrying pests may not survive the winter if their plans to fatten up are foiled. The bad news is their dormancy period, known as diapause, may simply be delayed -- meaning they're biting humans and animals longer into the fall.
Gossip influences if people receive advantages whether they work in an office in the U.S. or in India -- or even in a remote village in Africa, a new study found. In a set of experiments, anthropologists found that positive and negative gossip influenced whether participants were willing to give a person a resource, such as a raise or a family heirloom, especially when the gossip was specific to the circumstance.
Researchers have used a nanoplasmonics approach to observe the real-time production of cell secretions, including proteins and antibodies; an advancement that could aid in the development of cancer treatments, vaccines, and other therapies.
Researchers examined the interplay of environmental change and the internal and external conditions governing a venture's founding. For businesses founded in dynamic environments, they found that assembling more functionally diverse founding teams lead to longer survival when facing increasingly uncertain environments, while functionally homogeneous teams -- those with relatively few distinct roles and viewpoints -- do better when environments become more predictable.
Brain development does not occur uniformly across the brain, but follows a newly identified developmental sequence, according to a new study. Brain regions that support cognitive, social, and emotional functions appear to remain malleable -- or capable of changing, adapting, and remodeling -- longer than other brain regions, rendering youth sensitive to socioeconomic environments through adolescence.
A new drug, a monoclonal antibody known as enoblituzumab, is safe in men with aggressive prostate cancer and may induce clinical activity against cancer throughout the body, according to a phase 2 study. If confirmed in additional studies, enoblituzumab could become the first promising antibody-based immunotherapy agent against prostate cancer.
Most kids know it's wrong to yell or hit someone, but what if that someone is a robot named Alexa? A new study asked kids how smart and sensitive they thought the virtual assistant was compared to a robotic vacuum. Four- to eleven-year-olds rated Alexa as more intelligent than the Roomba but felt neither deserve to be yelled at or otherwise harmed.
New research identifies genetic cause for hypermobility and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a novel discovery that may also, for the first time, allow medical professionals to diagnose and treat the connective tissue disorders.
A new scientific statement reviews research about racial and ethnic differences in cardiovascular risk factors among women in the U.S. In addition to traditional risk factors, women of underrepresented races or ethnicities experience challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions due to language barriers, discrimination, difficulties in acculturation or assimilation, lack of financial resources or health insurance, or lack of access to health care.
For more than 100 million Americans who are obese, bariatric surgery may reverse complications related to diabetes, including regenerating damaged nerves, a new study shows. Researchers say the findings suggest that bariatric surgery likely enables the regeneration of the peripheral nerves and, therefore, may be an effective treatment for millions of individuals with obesity who are at risk of developing diabetes and peripheral neuropathy,
As teacher shortages continue to worsen across the United States, a new study gives insight into why so many stressed and burnt-out teachers are leaving the profession. The study found teachers who struggle to cope with the stress of their job report far lower job satisfaction compared to teachers who find ways to manage the pressure.
Researchers have spotted how specific proteins within the chromosomes of roundworms enable their offspring to produce specialized cells generations later, a startling finding that upends classical thinking that hereditary information for cell differentiation is mostly ingrained within DNA and other genetic factors.
A new study could help improve personalized medicine approaches in inflammatory bowel disease by understanding how patients with variants in the PTPN2 gene develop IBD.
The neural responses of lonely individuals differ from those of other people, suggesting that seeing the world differently may be a risk factor for loneliness regardless of friendships.
High blood pressure in early adulthood is associated with worse brain health in late life, according to a new study. Men, compared to women, may be more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of high blood pressure on the brain for some brain regions.
Medical researchers have found that glioblastoma tumor cells are particularly sensitive to ferroptosis -- a type of cell death that can be triggered by removing certain amino acids from the diet.
The U.S. experienced an unprecedented number of group A streptococcal infections in children from October to December of 2022, which should alert physicians to check for the potentially deadly infectious disease as the country moves out of the pandemic.
Researchers say tracking methodology in Southern Nevada fungal outbreak provides blueprint for monitoring and responding to emerging global public health threat.
New research investigates how cells divide, particularly in the fibrous environment of living tissue. Cells are typically studied in a flat environment, and the difference between flat and fibrous landscapes opens new windows into the behavior of cells and the diseases that impact them.
Broccoli is known to be beneficial to our health. For example, research has shown that increased consumption of the cruciferous vegetable decreases incidence of cancer and type 2 diabetes. In a recent study, researchers found that broccoli contains certain molecules that bind to a receptor within mice and help to protect the lining of the small intestine, thereby inhibiting the development of disease. The findings lend support to the idea that broccoli truly is a 'superfood.'
Analysing changes to DNA in the blood can improve the ability to predict a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes within a decade. The findings could lead to preventative measures being put in place earlier, reducing the economic and health burden caused by type 2 diabetes.
Human embryo development and early organ formation remain largely unexplored due to ethical issues surrounding the use of embryos for research as well as limited availability of materials to study. Investigators now report on the creation of embryo-like structures from monkey embryonic stem cells. The investigators also transferred these embryo-like structures into the uteruses of female monkeys and determined that the structures were able to implant and elicit a hormonal response similar to pregnancy.
People with Alzheimer's disease develop defects in cognitive functions like memory as well as problems with noncognitive functions that can lead to anxiety and depression. Investigators used mice to study a process through which new neurons are generated in adulthood, called adult hippocampus neurogenesis (AHN). The research showed that deep brain stimulation of new neurons helped restore both cognitive and noncognitive functions in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a system that connects two neurons by using light-emitting enzymes and light-sensitive ion channels.
Nanocages are tiny artificial containers that can be used to deliver therapeutics to a target destination in the body. But some drug molecules are like gifts that are too big for a standard-sized nanocage 'box'. Now researchers describe how they have built a super-sized nanocage that could be used to deliver larger drug cargoes. They have built a bigger box.
A fasting diet which focuses on eating early in the day could be the key to reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, following one of the largest study in the world to date.
A new machine learning model that estimates optimal treatment timing for sepsis could pave the way for support tools that help physicians personalize treatment decisions at the patient bedside, researchers say. The model, which uses artificial intelligence to take on the complex question of when to administer antibiotics to patients with a suspected case of sepsis, was designed to take into account uncertainties and time pressures.
In mice with melanoma, probiotic bacteria travel from the gut and establish in tumors, where they directly stimulate immune cells to make cancer immunotherapy more effective, according to a new study.
Chemists created a more reliable, robust and efficient way to monitor pesticide exposure and help protect the health and safety of agricultural workers, especially for emerging sectors like the cannabis industry.
A new study finds sex-specific brain signals that appear to confirm that different drivers lead men and women to develop obesity. The study combined data from several modes of MRI with patients' clinical features and personal histories to identify sex-specific mechanisms in the brain underlying obesity.
A new study tests an alternative to external stimulation for measuring when subjects lose and regain responsiveness during sedation and anesthesia.
The risk of developing cardiovascular disease is lower in people with obesity who have a genetic predisposition for high BMI than people with obesity influenced mainly by environmental factors such as lifestyle, researchers report.
Researchers used a computer simulation model to show that the four dementia-care interventions saved between $2,800 and $13,000 in societal costs, depending on the type of intervention, and all reduced nursing home admissions and improved quality of life compared to usual care.
Exposure to fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) may increase the risk of developing dementia, according to a new meta-analysis.
Researchers found childhood cancer survivors have higher mortality than the public, but survivors with a healthy lifestyle and fewer heart disease risk factors had lower risk.
Scientists have developed new technology to help couples undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) due to male fertility problems to increase their chances of success in having a baby.
Eating lots of fats increases the risk of metabolic disorders, but the mechanisms behind the problem have not been well understood. Now, biologists have made a key finding about how to ward off harmful effects caused by a high-fat diet.
Whether you're afraid of dogs, needles or enclosed spaces, one of the most effective interventions for this type of anxiety disorder is exposure therapy in which you confront your fear in a safe environment. A new study finds that exposure therapy is also a promising treatment for adolescents with eating disorders. They found that exposure to feared foods -- such as candy bars and pizza -- helped kids who were in a partial hospitalization program for eating disorders experience decreased anxiety toward food.
A new study provides a complete design overhaul for IMCs by creating a broadly applicable strategy that solves key challenges in the design of ear tubes and other 'implantable medical conduits.' The approach enables IMCs with predictable and effective uni- and bi-directional fluid transport at the millimeter scale that resist various contaminations.
Scientists have found that human ribosomes decode mRNA slower than bacteria, with implications for drug development.
Feeling like we have a degree of control makes us tolerate pain better. In the case of fibromyalgia, however, this simply doesn't work. A study provides clues as to why.
Chemotherapy treatments produce strong side effects. A new agent that accumulates in the tumour tissue and is activated there by ultrasound waves does not have this problem.
A recent study sheds light on the mechanisms of neural plasticity induced by the antidepressant fluoxetine.
Researchers have found people have more efficient conversations, use more positive language and perceive each other more positively when using an artificial intelligence-enabled chat tool.
In a twist on the question, 'Which came first, the chicken or the egg?', scientists have long faced a similar question about how human adenovirus replicates: 'Which comes first, assembly of the viral particle, or packaging of the viral genome?' Now, in a new study, scientists have answered that question, showing that viral proteins use a process called phase separation to coordinate production of viral progeny.
Investigators found AI proved superior in assessing and diagnosing cardiac function when compared with echocardiogram assessments made by sonographers.
Water in California's Central Valley contains enough manganese to cause cognitive disabilities and motor control issues in children, and Parkinson's-like symptoms in adults.
In a new study, researchers found that after traumatic brain injury, the brain's immune system cells' internal recycling function slowed dramatically, allowing waste products to build up and interfere with recovery from injury.
Humans use mental shortcuts to estimate the likelihood of events and tend to make a logical error called a conjunction fallacy, in which two events occurring simultaneously is thought to be more likely than one occurring alone. This logical error has long been thought unique to humans, but a new study shows that rats make the same mistakes. This could make rats good research models for studying psychopathological conditions characterized by false beliefs or the perception of nonexistent events, like schizophrenia and certain anxiety disorders.
Researchers have made a landmark discovery linking iron regulation to a rare blood cancer has led to clinical trials of a potential new treatment for patients with the incurable disease.
Genes influence different structures and the function of the brain. These in turn explain differences in behavior. Analyzing all three aspects at once is a challenge -- but has now been achieved.
Being overweight may be physically changing the environment within people's joints, as new research suggests that obesity is promoting pro-inflammatory conditions which worsen arthritis.
Researchers have characterized the seasonal effects on human social behavior to provide new insights on the risk of respiratory disease transmission.
Researchers have long known that many animals live longer in colder climates than in warmer climates. New research in C. elegans nematode worms suggests that this phenomenon is tied to a protein found in the nervous system that controls the expression of collagens, the primary building block of skin, bone and connective tissue in many animals. Since the C. elegans' protein is similar to nervous system receptor proteins found in other species including humans, the discovery potentially brings scientists closer to finding ways to harness collagen expression to slow down human aging and increase lifespan in the midst of global warming.
A team has induced stem cells to emulate the development of the human heart. The result is a sort of 'mini-heart' known as an organoid. It will permit the study of the earliest development phase of our heart and facilitate research on diseases.
An illusion involving a hidden thumb confounds capuchin and squirrel monkeys for the same reason it does humans -- it misdirects expected outcomes of actions they can carry out. However, marmosets have five equidistant digits, and were rarely fooled by the magician. The research adds to evidence that animals struggle to predict movements outside of their own 'biomechanical ability'.
Women are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD), with women making up two-thirds of the population living with AD. A new study sheds light on the relationship between the risk of Alzheimer's disease and age of menopause and use of hormone therapy (HT).
New insight into how the protein calmodulin interacts with an ion channel in the eye could explain how our eyes achieve remarkable sensitivity to dim light.
It is possible to retrieve forensically relevant information from human DNA in household dust.
Being a woman or racial minority can help someone stand out and be remembered when few others look like them. But they are more likely to be confused in settings where others share the same attributes.
Bioengineers may have the prescription for a $100 billion global problem: An innovative way to make time-released drugs could allow patients to receive months-worth of medicines or vaccines in a single shot.
A very subtle and seemingly random type of eye movement called ocular drift can be influenced by prior knowledge of the expected visual target, suggesting a surprising level of cognitive control over the eyes, according to a new study.
Researchers have discovered, using a recently developed technology, that genetically identical cells within a bacterial community have different functions, with some members behaving more docile and others producing the very toxins that make us feel ill.
Is our brain able to regenerate? And can we harness this regenerative potential during aging or in neurodegenerative conditions? These questions sparked intense controversy within the field of neuroscience for many years. A new study shows why there are conflicting results and proposes a roadmap on how to solve these issues.
For more than 50 years, it has been suspected that fat cells constantly remodel the lipids they store. Researchers have now demonstrated this process directly for the first time using culture cells. Among other things, the study shows that the cells quickly eliminate harmful fatty acids. They refine others into molecules that can be used more effectively. In the long term, this turns the components of palm fat into the building blocks of high-quality olive oil, for example.
A study looked at data from 83,000 people who had undergone a 15-second electrocardiogram (ECG) comparable to the kind carried out using smart watches and phone devices. The researchers identified ECG recordings containing extra heart beats which are usually benign but, if they occur frequently, are linked to conditions such as heart failure and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats). They found that people with an extra beat in this short recording (one in 25 of the total) had a twofold risk of developing heart failure or an irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) over the next 10 years.
New research zeroes in on the root cause of adverse health effects from disruption of the body's circadian rhythms, which typically occurs from jet lag and rotating work shifts.
Student researchers investigate how intentional robot deception affects trust, examining the effectiveness of apologies after robots lie.
Exposure to female odors and pheromones causes weight loss and extend the life spans of mice, which may have implications for humans, researchers have found. While it was already known that sensory cues in humans and animals influence the release of sex hormones, this study shows that these cues could have more wide-spread physiological effects on metabolism and aging.
Wastewater is a more potent environment for antibiotic resistance to evolve than previously known. A study shows that wastewaters have unique characteristics, allowing resistance genes to start their journey from harmless bacteria to those that cause disease.
A new study published in Nature Communications uses brain scans to understand how we experience and remember our daily surroundings.
A new study published in Nature Communications uses brain scans to understand how we experience and remember our daily surroundings.
New transistor technology boosts the body's electrochemical signals by 1,000 times, enabling diagnostic and disease-monitoring implants.
New transistor technology boosts the body's electrochemical signals by 1,000 times, enabling diagnostic and disease-monitoring implants.
Scientists say their study could shed light on stress-related mental illnesses but that more research is needed.
New research reveals that mutations in the stem of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein led to the virus becoming progressively tighter over time, which may have improved the virus's ability to transmit through nasal droplets and infect host cells once in the body.
Researchers have developed a technology for delivering a microrobot to a target point of a hippocampus in an in-vitro environment, connecting neural networks, and measuring neural signals. The findings are expected to contribute to neural network research and the verification and analysis of cell therapy products.
Shigella bacteria can infect humans but not mice. A team can now explain why. Their findings may explain the multifariousness of a key weapon of our immune system.
White blood cells called neutrophils have an unappreciated role in eradicating solid tumors, according to a surprise discovery.
White blood cells called neutrophils have an unappreciated role in eradicating solid tumors, according to a surprise discovery.
Planetary scientists Paul Byrne and Rebecca Hahn at Washington University in St. Louis have created the first comprehensive map of volcanoes on Venus, pinpointing 85,000 of them. Their study was posted online in JGR Planets, and the dataset is publicly available.
Planetary scientists Paul Byrne and Rebecca Hahn at Washington University in St. Louis have created the first comprehensive map of volcanoes on Venus, pinpointing 85,000 of them. Their study was posted online in JGR Planets, and the dataset is publicly available.
Growing concerns over the potential health effects of exposure to phthalates have led to a search for safer alternatives. Researchers found that the chemical acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) might not be the best replacement.
Sleep scientists' analyses show associations between early classes, less sleep, poor attendance and reduced grade point average. Studies in secondary and junior college students have shown that later start times can have positive impacts on grades.
Weight loss was associated with decreased risk factors for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes for at least five years -- even if some weight was regained, according to a review of research on behavioral weight loss programs. People who lost weight through an intensive behavioral weight loss program had lower systolic blood pressure levels, total cholesterol-to-good cholesterol ratio and HbA1c levels (a diabetes marker), when compared to people who did not participate in a program or participated in a lower-intensity behavioral program.
Researchers found that preschoolers prefer learning from what they perceive as a competent robot over an incompetent human. This study is the first to use both a human speaker and a robot to see if children deem social affiliation and similarity more important than competency when choosing which source to trust and learn from.
A nutrition scientist who has spent his career studying breast milk has demonstrated how beneficial microbes in the gut of infants use nitrogen from human milk to support pediatric nutrition and development.
Many people who have dieted are familiar with the yo-yo effect: after the diet, the kilos are quickly put back on. Researchers have now shown in mice that communication in the brain changes during a diet: The nerve cells that mediate the feeling of hunger receive stronger signals, so that the mice eat significantly more after the diet and gain weight more quickly. In the long term, these findings could help developing drugs to prevent this amplification and help to maintain a reduced body weight after dieting.
Metabolic pathways consist of a series of biochemical reactions in cells that convert a starting component into other products. There is growing evidence that metabolic pathways coupled with external stress factors influence the health of cells and tissues. Many human diseases, including retinal or neurodegenerative diseases, are associated with imbalances in metabolic pathways.
A study explains the unusual radar signatures of icy satellites orbiting Jupiter and Saturn. Their radar signatures, which differ significantly from those of rocky worlds and most ice on Earth, have long been a vexing question for the scientific community.
Continued warming of the climate would see a rise in the number and spread of potentially fatal infections caused by bacteria found along parts of the coast of the United States. Vibrio vulnificus bacteria grow in warm shallow coastal waters and can infect a cut or insect bite during contact with seawater. The researchers predict that by 2041--2060 infections may spread to encompass major population centers around New York. Combined with a growing and increasingly elderly population, who are more susceptible to infection, annual case numbers could double.
High fitness levels may reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in men with high blood pressure, according to a 29-year study.
Older adults with depression are actually aging faster than their peers, researchers report. They also have poor cardiovascular and brain health.
Mpox -- previously known as 'monkeypox' -- is currently spreading worldwide. Researchers have now identified a compound that could help fight the disease.
Changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer's disease are associated with shortening of the telomeres -- the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that shorten as cells age -- according to a new study.
Researchers have developed a handheld sensor that tests perspiration for cortisol and provides results in eight minutes, a key advance in monitoring a hormone whose levels are a marker for many illnesses including various cancers.
Chocolate bars, chips and fries - why can't we just ignore them in the supermarket? Researchers have now shown that foods with a high fat and sugar content change our brain: If we regularly eat even small amounts of them, the brain learns to consume precisely these foods in the future.
In 1802, Ludwig van Beethoven asked his brothers to request that his doctor, J.A. Schmidt, describe his malady -- his progressive hearing loss -- to the world upon his death so that 'as far as possible at least the world will be reconciled to me after my death.' Now, more than two centuries later, a team of researchers have partially fulfilled his wish by analyzing DNA they lifted and pieced together from locks of his hair.
By combing through genomic data of over 1 million people of European or African descent, scientists have identified genes commonly inherited across addiction disorders, regardless of the substance being used. This dataset -- one of largest and most diverse of its kind -- may help reveal new treatment targets across multiple substance use disorders, including for people diagnosed with more than one. The findings also reinforce the role of the dopamine system in addiction, by showing that the combination of genes underlying addiction disorders was also associated with regulation of dopamine signaling.
Researchers describe why SARS-CoV-2 subvariants spread more rapidly than the original virus strain, and how an early treatment might have made people more susceptible to future infections.
Physicists have built a new technology on a microchip by combining two Nobel Prize-winning techniques. This microchip could measure distances in materials at high precision, for example underwater or for medical imaging. Because the technology uses sound vibrations instead of light, it is useful for high-precision position measurements in opaque materials. There's no need for complex feedback loops or for tuning certain parameters to get it to operate properly. This makes it a very simple and low-power technology, that is much easier to miniaturize on a microchip. What makes it special is that it doesn't need any precision hardware and is therefore easy to produce. It only requires inserting a laser, and nothing else. The instrument could lead to new techniques to monitor the Earth's climate and human health.
Researchers behind the UK's first pilot public health surveillance system based on analysis of wastewater say that routine monitoring at sewage treatment works could provide a powerful early warning system for the next flu or norovirus epidemic, alerting hospitals to prepare and providing public health agencies with vital health information.
New research finds that simply anticipating stress related to political elections causes adverse physical health effects. However, the study also finds there is something people can do to mitigate those negative health effects.
A mosquito known only by its scientific name, Culex lactator, is the latest to establish in the Sunshine State, according to a new study.
Language that is easier to process encourages continued reading, as does language that evokes anxious, exciting, and hopeful emotions.
Deleting a gene that promotes magnesium transport into mitochondria (which are cells' power plants) resulted in more efficient metabolism of sugar and fat in the energy centers. The result: skinny, healthy mice. Now the research team, has developed a small-molecule drug that accomplishes the same effect in mice.
While listening to a favorite song is a known mood booster, researchers have discovered that music-listening interventions also can make medicines more effective.
New research has debunked the idea that there is an 'obesity paradox', whereby patients with heart failure who are overweight or obese are thought to be less likely to end up in hospital or die than people of normal weight. The study, which is published in the European Heart Journal, shows that if doctors measure the ratio of waist to height of their patients, rather than looking at their body mass index (BMI), the supposed survival advantage for people with a BMI of 25kg/m2 or more disappears.
Researchers find stem cells use a surprising system for discarding misfolded proteins. This unique pathway could be the key to maintaining long-term health and preventing age-related blood and immune disorders.
Focusing on immediate fixes such as diet and exercise programs alone won't curb the tide of childhood obesity, according to a new study that for the first time maps the complex pathways that lead to obesity in childhood.
Researchers have found positive parenting and family factors were associated with reduced risk for disordered eating behaviors but did not lessen the influence of weight-stigmatizing experiences on disordered eating in young people. Weight stigmatizing experiences -- like weight teasing and hurtful weight-related comments -- were associated with higher prevalence of disordered eating behaviors.
With the growth of the niche adaptive clothing market comes new challenges for retailers, including making the process of online shopping more inclusive for people with varying degrees of disability as well as expanding the functionality and aesthetic appeal of individual garments.
Researchers have found that adolescents who report strong relationships with their parents have better long-term health outcomes. Study findings suggest that investments in improving parent--adolescent relationships could help improve general health, mental health and sexual, health while also reducing substance use in young adulthood.
Researchers from the fields of healthcare, ocean science, and social science have collaborated to quantify plastic's considerable risks to all life on Earth. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health report presents a comprehensive analysis showing plastics as a hazard at every stage of their life cycle.
Pregnancies complicated by preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and gestational diabetes are linked with an increased risk of mortality. Researchers have investigated the question on how having pregnancy complications may inform one's long-term mortality risk, relative to those without the complications.
Scientists have created wearable microscopes to enable unprecedented insight into the signaling patterns that occur within the spinal cords of mice. This technological advancement will help researchers better understand the neural basis of sensations and movement in healthy and disease contexts, such as chronic pain, itch, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or multiple sclerosis (MS).
Researchers have determined a novel mechanism linking the metabolism of ribonucleic acids, RNA, to the development of leukemia in myelodysplastic syndrome patients, MDS. They explain what makes hematopoietic stem cells acquire malignant traits in cancer.
Researchers have discovered a new intracellular 'smoke detector.' The sensor warns of damage to the mitochondria -- the microscopic power plants that supply the cell with energy. If it does not function properly, chronic skin diseases can result. The sensor may also be important for unimpaired heart and bowel function.
The cellular glitches underlying a rare genetic disorder called activated PI3K Delta syndrome 2 (APDS2) have been identified. The disorder is caused by genetic variations that disrupt immune cell signalling through a protein called PI3K.
New clinical guidance has been developed to help physicians and patients identify if unexplained digestive symptoms are due to alpha-gal syndrome, a food allergy that is caused by lone star tick bites.
Researchers explore how anatomical variations in a speaker's vocal tract affect speech production. Using MRI, the team recorded the shape of the vocal tract for 41 speakers as the subjects produced a series of representative speech sounds. They averaged these shapes to establish a sound-independent model of the vocal tract. Then they used statistical analysis to extract the main variations between speakers. A handful of factors explained nearly 90% of the differences between speakers.
Research in languages other than English is critically important for biodiversity conservation and is shockingly under-utilized internationally, according to an international research team.
Women with obesity may share risk for the disease with their daughters, but not their sons, according to a new study.
Malaria control programs in Amazonian Peru helped reduce the incidence of the deadly parasitic disease by 78 percent. That is, until the programs ceased to operate. Within four years of the programs being de-funded, malaria rates where right back where they started. The rebound was driven not only by the removal of prevention programs, but also by climate change. Average temperatures in Peru have risen a half-degree Centigrade in the last 20 years.
Shigellosis, a highly contagious diarrheal disease, is caused by Shigella bacteria circulating in industrializing countries but also in industrialized countries. Scientists who have been monitoring Shigella in France for several years have detected the emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of Shigella sonnei.
A condition called CD3 delta SCID is caused by a mutation in the CD3D gene, which prevents the production of the CD3 delta protein that is needed for the normal development of T cells from blood stem cells. Researchers showed that a new genome editing technique called base editing can correct the mutation that causes CD3 delta SCID in blood stem cells and restore their ability to produce T cells. Base editing is an ultraprecise form of genome editing that enables scientists to correct single-letter mutations in DNA.
Researchers discovered that a protein called Stathmin-2 is lost in these neurons, which prevents them from regenerating after injury and disrupts their connection with the muscles to control movements.
Scientists have gleaned new insights into how psychedelics alter conscious experience via their action on brain activity.
Cancer treatment routinely involves taking out lymph nodes near the tumor in case they contain metastatic cancer cells. But new findings from a clinical trial show that immunotherapy can activate tumor-fighting T cells in nearby lymph nodes.
In 2020, bulevirtide (BLV) was conditionally approved for treating chronic hepatitis delta (CHD), an inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis D virus (HDV). Now real-world studies of patients treated outside of clinical trials confirm that long-term suppressive therapy with BLV monotherapy has the potential to reduce viral replication and improve liver tests of these difficult-to-treat patients for the first time in 45 years, report investigators.
Researchers have devised a tiny, nano-sized sensor capable of detecting protein biomarkers in a sample at single-molecule precision. Fittingly coined as 'hook and bait,' a tiny protein binder fuses to a small hole created in the membrane of a cell -- known as a nanopore -- which allows ionic solution to flow through it. When the sensor recognizes a targeted molecule, the ionic flow changes. This change in flow serves as the signal from the sensor that the biomarker has been found.
New research aims to increase autonomy for individuals with such motor impairments by introducing a head-worn device that will help them control a mobile manipulator. Teleoperated mobile manipulators can aid individuals in completing daily activities, but many existing technologies like hand-operated joysticks or web interfaces require a user to have substantial fine motor skills to effectively control them. Research led by robotics Ph.D. student Akhil Padmanabha offers a new device equipped with a hands-free microphone and head-worn sensor that allows users to control a mobile robot via head motion and speech recognition.
Genes long known to control the formation of bones before birth also control bone healing later in life, a new study found.
Scientists identified a previously unknown chloride ion channel, which they named alkaliphile (Alka), as a taste receptor for alkaline pH.
Muscle degeneration, the most prevalent cause of frailty in hereditary diseases and aging, could be caused by a deficiency in one key enzyme in a lipid biosynthesis pathway. Researchers now characterize how the enzyme PCYT2 affects muscle health in disease and aging in laboratory mouse models.
In experiments with mice and humans, a team led by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers says it has identified a particular intestinal immune cell that impacts the gut microbiome, which in turn may affect brain functions linked to stress-induced disorders such as depression. Targeting changes mediated by these immune cells in the gut, with drugs or other therapies, could potentially bring about new ways to treat depression.
Scientists show the commanding role of a specialized group of proteins in the nuclei of our cells, called mSWI/SNF (or BAF) complexes, both in activating T cells to attack cancer and triggering exhaustion. The discovery suggests that targeting certain of these complexes, either by gene-cutting technologies such as CRISPR or with targeted drugs, could reduce T cell exhaustion and give CAR T cells (and in general, all tumor-fighting T cells) the staying power to take on cancer.
When lymphatic vessels fail, typically their ability to pump out the fluid is compromised. Researchers have now developed a new treatment using nanoparticles that can repair lymphatic vessel pumping. Traditionally, researchers in the field have tried to regrow lymphatic vessels, but repairing the pumping action is a unique approach.
A new technique that combines highly detailed, real-time images of inside the body with a type of infrared light has been used during surgery to differentiate between cancerous tumors and healthy tissue.
A research team develops transfer-tattoo-like cell-sheet delivery induced by interfacial cell migration.
IQ scores have substantially increased from 1932 through the 20th century, with differences ranging from three to five IQ points per decade, according to a phenomenon known as the 'Flynn effect.' But a new study has found evidence of a reverse 'Flynn effect' in a large U.S. sample between 2006 and 2018 in every category except one. For the reverse Flynn effect, there were consistent negative slopes for three out of the four cognitive domains.
Most people who ranked high in 'joy of missing out' or JOMO also reported high levels of social anxiety in a recent study. The term JOMO has been popularized as a healthy enjoyment of solitude in almost direct opposition to the negative FOMO, the 'fear of missing out' people may have when seeing others having fun experiences without them. In an analysis of two samples of adults, researchers found mixed results when it comes to JOMO with evidence that there is some anxiety behind the joy.
Scientists developing new biomaterials often try to mimic the body's natural proteins, but a chemist shows that simpler polymers -- based on a handful of plastic building blocks -- also work well. Using AI, her team was able to design polymer mixtures that replicate simple protein functions within biological fluids. The random heteropolymers dissolve and stabilize proteins and can support cells' normal protein-making machinery. The technique could speed the design of materials for biomedical applications.
Certain personality traits are associated with satisfaction in life, and despite the changes people may experience in social roles and responsibilities over the course of their adult lives, that association is stable regardless of age, according to new research.
Gene therapy has been heralded as the new frontier of medicine, but there are still many limitations to current technologies; among them, how to deliver therapeutic genes to specific cells, and only activate them in the right context. A team has created a new RNA-based tool called DART VADAR to bring gene editing out of the 'dark side' of those problems and into the light. Using an engineered form of a naturally occurring enzyme, their sensors can automatically sense the presence of a trigger molecule and initiate the translation of payload genes within cells. The advance broadens the scope of conditions that can be treated with RNA-based therapeutics and enables the development of highly specific treatments for a variety of diseases.
Multiple types of beta cells produce insulin in the pancreas, helping to balance blood sugar levels. Losing a particularly productive type of beta cell may contribute to the development of diabetes, according to a new study.
A new study has revealed FDA-approved trametinib and entinostat (which is currently in clinical trials) can be given in tandem to produce fewer and smaller tumors in mice with LKB1-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.
The ability of a cell to divide, to proliferate, is essential for life and gives rise to the formation of complex organisms from a single cell. It also allows the replacement of used cells from a limited number of 'stem' cells, which then proliferate and specialize. In cancer, however, cell proliferation is no longer controlled and becomes chaotic. Researchers have discovered that, in a healthy individual, certain blood immune cells, the monocytes, also have this ability to proliferate, with the aim to replace tissue macrophages, which are essential for the proper functioning of our body.
Researchers uncovered the role of the third intracellular loop in the G protein-coupled receptors' signaling mechanism, which could lead to a more targeted approach to drug discovery and a paradigm shift for new therapeutics.
Researchers use a DNA designer drug to restore key protein levels in motor neurons, delaying paralysis in a mouse model of ALS.
Researchers outline the complexities of young-onset colorectal cancer and the research needed to map out a path toward understanding it.
An artificial pancreas improves blood sugar control in children ages 2 to 6 with type 1 diabetes, according to a new study.
More donated hearts could be suitable for transplantation if they are kept functioning within the body for a short time following the death of the donor, new research has concluded.
A new approach that delivers a 'one-two punch' to help T cells attack solid tumors is the focus of a preclinical study. The findings showed that targeting two regulators that control gene functions related to inflammation led to at least 10 times greater T cell expansion in models, resulting in increased anti-tumor immune activity and durability.
In a Phase II trial, adding ipilimumab to a neoadjuvant, or pre-surgical, combination of nivolumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy, resulted in a major pathologic response (MPR) in half of all treated patients with early-stage, resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). New findings from the NEOSTAR trial, published today in Nature Medicine, provide further support for neoadjuvant immunotherapy-based treatment as an approach to reduce viable tumor at surgery and to improve outcomes in NSCLC. The combination also was associated with an increase in immune cell infiltration and a favorable gut microbiome composition.
Criteria used by neurologists to assess for multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults may fail to identify the illness in children with imaging suspicious for the disease, an oversight that could delay treatment of the disease at its earliest stages, according to a new study.
Using a new computational approach they developed to analyze large genetic datasets from rare disease cohorts, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and colleagues have discovered previously unknown genetic causes of three rare conditions: primary lymphedema (characterized by tissue swelling), thoracic aortic aneurysm disease, and congenital deafness.
Preterm infants do not get used to repeated pain in the way that full-term infants, children and adults do habituate to pain, finds a new study.
A small nucleus in the brainstem called locus coeruleus (literally the 'blue spot,') is the primary source of a major neuromodulator, norepinephrine (NE), an important mediator of the 'fight or flight' response in animals. However, very little is known about the local connections of this small albeit critically important group of neurons. A recent pioneering study now reveals the cellular composition and circuit organization of the locus coeruleus in adult mice.
Sleeping less than five hours a night is associated with a 74% raised likelihood of developing peripheral artery disease (PAD) compared with seven to eight hours.
Heavy workloads make employees feel a greater need for a break, but new research finds they may actually discourage employees from taking breaks at work despite causing high levels of stress, fatigue, and poor performance.
New research makes it likely that proteins responsible for activating mosquito sperm can be shut down, preventing them from swimming to or fertilizing eggs.
A recent study makes it clear: Countries like Sweden that can link data from different areas -- such as the labor market and health care -- have a decisive advantage when it comes to setting targeted actions.
The human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 is able to infect various tissues in humans. Once inside the cells, the virus integrates its genome into the cellular genome and establishes persistent infections. The role of the structure and organization of the host genome in HIV-1 infection is not well understood. Using a cell culture model based on brain immune microglia cells, an international research team has now defined the insertion patterns of HIV-1 in the genome of microglia cells.
'Miniature shredders' are at work in each cell, disassembling and recycling cell components that are defective or no longer required. The exact structure of these shredders differs from cell type to cell type, a study now shows. For example, cancer cells have a special variant that can supply them particularly effectively with building blocks for their energy metabolism.
The androgen receptor is a key transcriptional factor for the proper sex development -- especially in males -- and the physiological balance of all the tissues that express this receptor. The androgen receptor is involved in several pathologies and syndromes, such as the spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy or androgen insensitivity syndrome, among others, for which there is no specific treatment. Regarded as the main initial and progression factor in prostate cancer -- the second most common malignant disease in men in industrialized countries -- this receptor has been, for decades, the main therapeutical target for the treatment against this disease.
Steps were taken in Canada to reduce the use of Bisphenol A (BPA), a toxic chemical linked to prostate and breast cancer, commonly found in plastics, the lining of food cans, water bottles, and paper receipts. But in many cases, it has been replaced with similar hormone disrupting chemicals, like Bisphenol S (BPS). A new study shows that every day Canadians are exposed to BPS in the fresh foods they eat, as chemicals migrate from labels on the packaging materials into the food.
While research has long established disparities in health outcomes among individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD), few studies have quantified these gaps. A new study finds that the average life expectancy of publicly insured patients living with SCD is roughly 52.6 years. In contrast, the CDC reports that the average life expectancy in the United States is 73.5 years for men and 79.3 years for women, demonstrating the considerable burden SCD can have on affected populations.
The sex hormone estrogen has a negative impact on heartbeat regulation, according to an experimental study. Estrogen impact seems to interact with hereditary changes causing a heart disease disturbing the heart's rhythm, while other endogenous substances may have a protecting effect.
Researchers are developing a 3D-printed insole with integrated sensors that allows the pressure of the sole to be measured in the shoe and thus during any activity. This helps athletes or patients to determine performance and therapy progress.
Learning, remembering something, and recalling memories is supported by multiple separate groups of neurons connected inside and across key regions in the brain. If these neural assemblies fail to sync together at the right time, the memories are lost, a new study has found.
It may be better to let a mild fever run its course instead of automatically reaching for medication, new University of Alberta research suggests. Researchers found that untreated moderate fever helped fish clear their bodies of infection rapidly, controlled inflammation and repaired damaged tissue. Moderate fever is self-resolving, meaning that the body can both induce it and shut it down naturally without medication. The health advantages of natural fever to humans still have to be confirmed through research, but the researchers say because the mechanisms driving and sustaining fever are shared among animals, it is reasonable to expect similar benefits are going to happen in humans.
New research has established a link between western diets high in fat and sugar and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the leading cause of chronic liver disease.
Researchers shed light on the neural stem and progenitor cell (NSPC) microenvironment during development. Neurosphere formation from embryonic mouse forebrain NSPCs was significantly increased under low oxygen conditions, and VEGF-A was identified as a factor released by NSPCs to contribute to this effect. This study demonstrates that NSPCs appear to maintain their own niche and population under low oxygen conditions during development.
Proteins are the heavy-lifters of biochemistry. These beefy molecules act as building blocks, receptors, processors, couriers and catalysts. Naturally, scientists have devoted a lot of research to understanding and manipulating proteins.
How mothers and fathers see each other as co-parents of their children plays a key role in how well-adjusted their kids become, a new study suggests.
A new targeted drug has not only sparked remissions in patients with a common form of leukemia but also induced the cancer cells to reveal one of their schemes for resisting the drug, investigators report in a new pair of studies.
A new study represents a first step towards generating highly detailed 3-dimensional maps of lung tumors using genetically engineered mouse models.
Using vision to efficiently move through an area by foot uses a unique region of the brain's cortex, according to a small study.
Despite recent advancements, many highly sensitive diagnostic tests for viral diseases still require complicated techniques to prepare a sample or interpret a result, making them impractical for point-of-care settings or areas with few resources. But now, a team has developed a sensitive method that analyzes viral nucleic acids in as little as 20 minutes and can be completed in one step with 'glow-in-the-dark' proteins.
Robots can be useful as mental wellbeing coaches in the workplace -- but perception of their effectiveness depends in large part on what the robot looks like.
Since the development of functional magnetic resonance imaging in the 1990s, the reliance on neuroimaging has skyrocketed as researchers investigate how fMRI data from the brain at rest, and anatomical brain structure itself, can be used to predict individual traits, such as depression, cognitive decline, and brain disorders. But how reliable brain imaging is for detecting traits has been a subject of wide debate. Researchers now report that stronger links between brain measures and traits can be obtained when state-of-the-art pattern recognition (or 'machine learning') algorithms are utilized, which can garner high-powered results from moderate sample sizes.
Thanks to technological advances in microbial DNA analysis, researchers have discovered that mountaineers' boots aren't the only things leaving footprints on the world's tallest mountain. When someone sneezes on Everest, their germs can last for centuries.
The relatively simple and low-cost procedure could empower laboratories in low-resource areas to generate nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2, as well as other viruses.
Researchers have uncovered a novel regulatory mechanism in the brain that is essential for making the right kinds of proteins that promote healthy brain function, and its malfunctioning may be an early contributor of the development of Alzheimer's disease.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on adolescent mental health and substance use, according to a new population-based study based on survey responses from a sample of over 64,000 13- to 18-year-olds assessed prior to and up to two years into the pandemic.
A global maternal immunization program for group B Streptococcus -- strep B -- would save millions in healthcare costs by reducing death and disability, but without tiered pricing, equitable access would likely not be achieved. Several vaccines are currently under development, and an assessment of the impact and value of a global program has now been published.
In a world experiencing growing inequality and intolerance, tools borrowed from science and mathematics could be the key to understanding and preventing prejudice. Experts apply evolutionary game theory, which combines techniques from economics and biology, and complex system analysis to investigate the relationship between inequality and intolerance. They found that inequality boosts intolerance and that redistribution of wealth can prevent its infectious spread.
Researchers create a biomimetic model to study wound healing in burn and laceration wounds. The team designed an in vitro model system made of fibroblasts embedded in a collagen hydrogel. Wounds were created in this microtissue using a microdissection knife to mimic laceration or a high-energy laser to simulate a burn. They discovered that fibroblasts clear away damaged tissue before depositing new material. This part of the healing process is slower in burn wounds.
Scientists have found that inhibiting a gene essential to making DNA can significantly reduce the destructive cell proliferation and disease progression in pulmonary hypertension.
Atopic dermatitis skin lesions and the lesions produced by infectious complications of the disease look so similar that it makes it impossible for patients to spot the difference and know when to visit their doctor for treatment. But an AI-powered mobile app developed by dermatologists now puts the power of diagnosis in the hands of patients.
Bioengineers found that lipid deposition on the surfaces of medical implants can play a mediating role between the body and implants, knowledge that could help scientists develop biomaterials or coatings for implants that could reduce malfunction rates.
Researchers have developed a new imaging tool, called electromyometrial imaging (EMMI), to create real-time, three-dimensional images and maps of contractions during labor. The non-invasive imaging technique generates new types of images and metrics that can help quantify contraction patterns, providing foundational knowledge to improve labor management, particularly for preterm birth.
Researchers compared a new genetic animal model of Down syndrome to the standard model and found the updated version to be enhanced. The new mouse model shows milder cognitive traits compared to a previously studied Down syndrome mouse model.
Scientists have developed an osteogenic barrier coating material that maximizes the effect of guided bone regeneration (GBR) for implant placements.
Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly partnering with real patients, or patient influencers, who share their experiences and advice on social media. A new study offers a first glimpse at why and how they do it.
Scientists have done research that opens up a whole new world within our cells. Their study uncovers a vast network of interactions that assist cells in adjusting in real time to withstand stresses on our health.
Researchers sheds light on a face-off in the intestines between the immune system and a bacterial pathogen whose family members cause gastrointestinal disease and the plague. The team's insights may extend to other chronic infections and could inform the development of immunotherapies capable of fully extinguishing such diseases.
A team of faculty has discovered new technology that will quickly and easily detect active Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection antibodies.
Using archaeological findings and survey data on contemporary gender attitudes, political scientists find individuals who live in areas that historically favored men over women display more pro-male bias today than those who live in places where gender relations were more egalitarian centuries ago. Findings speak to the power of cultural transmission of gender norms.
Word lists are the basis of so much research in so many fields. Researchers have now developed an algorithm that can be applied to different languages and can expand word lists significantly better than others.
A whole new world of antibiotics is waiting inside the viruses that infect bacteria. Scientists are making it easier to study them.
Scientists have discovered why breast cancer cells that have spread to the lungs may 'wake up' following years of sleep -- forming incurable secondary tumors. Their research reveals the mechanism that triggers this breast cancer 'time bomb' -- and suggests a strategy to defuse it.
Surprisingly, bitter taste receptors are not only located in the mouth, but also elsewhere in the body, including the airways. Activating those receptors opens up lung passageways, so they're a potential target for treating asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Now, researchers report that they have designed a potent and selective compound that could lead the way to such therapies.
Patients with 'blinding' headaches known as Idiopathic Intercranial Hypertension (IIH) could be treated with a GLP-1RA peptide used for type 2 diabetes, a new phase 2 trial has found.
Scientists successfully quantified the total reactive polysulfide content of 22 different types of vegetables, including onions and garlic. They also revealed that reactive polysulfides are not only found in the leek genus (Allium), such as onions and garlic but also in the cruciferous family of vegetables (Brassicaceae), such as broccoli and cabbage.
The skeleton, tendons, and glands of a functional jaw all derive from the same population of stem cells, which arise from a cell population known as neural crest. To discover how these neural crest-derived cells know to make the right type of cell in the right location, researchers focused on a particular gene, Nr5a2, that was active in a region of the face that makes tendons and glands, but not skeleton. To understand the role of Nr5a2, the scientists created zebrafish lacking this gene. These mutant zebrafish generated excess cartilage and were missing tendons in their jaws.
One in 10 adults suffer from the debilitating effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Research around a new breathing device developed by pulmonologists offers promise for improving their lives. The new device not only improves symptoms of breathlessness and quality of life for people with COPD, it also offers benefits for people dealing with stress and anxiety and those practicing mindfulness, meditation or yoga. The research was published in the journal Respiratory Care.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target that could lead to more effective treatment of glaucoma.
When astrocyte function is disrupted, neurons in the brain's motor cortex struggle to execute and refine motion, a new study in mice shows.
People with a third copy of chromosome 21, known as trisomy 21, are at high risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive form of blood cancer. Scientists have now identified the cause: although the additional chromosome 21 leads to increased gene dosage of many genes, it is above all the perturbation of the RUNX1 gene -- a gene that regulates many other genes -- that seems to be responsible for AML pathogenesis. Targeting the perturbed regulator could pave the way for new therapies.
New evidence shows that exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) ozone limit is associated with substantial increases in hospital admissions for heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Even ozone levels below the WHO maximum were linked with worsened health.
Researchers have discovered that softer gums hinder the development of gingiva fibroblasts -- the cells that help produce the fibers that hold our teeth in place.
Researchers have completed the most advanced brain map to date, that of an insect, a landmark achievement in neuroscience that brings scientists closer to true understanding of the mechanism of thought.
Researchers use UK Biobank data to uncover new information about rare diseases of the eye.
Researchers have examined how patient characteristics and COVID-19 infection may affect the antibody responses of people with HIV -- including responses against SARS-CoV-2 proteins as well as proteins from other viruses.
Most cells in the bodies of living things duplicate their contents and physically separate into new cells through the process of cell division. But across many species, germ cells, those that become eggs or sperm, don't fully separate. They remain interconnected through small bridges called ring canals and cluster together. In a new study, researchers uncover how it is that germ cells in fruit flies form these ring canals, a finding that they say will provide new insights into a widely shared feature of development and into diseases in which cell division is disrupted.
Engineers have developed a soft material with metal-like conductivity and self-healing properties that is the first to maintain enough electrical adhesion to support digital electronics and motors. This marks a breakthrough in softbotics and the fields of robotics, electronics, and medicine.
Sometimes the best things in life come by chance, when we happen to be in the right place at the right time. Now, researchers have found a way to ensure that new medications are delivered to the right place in the body and at the right point in time during disease progression, so that they have the best effect.
A new biosensor offers scientists the first dynamic glimpses of manganese, an elusive metal ion that is essential for life.
Fast gamers are more intelligent: Intelligence can be predicted through virtual reality games.
Researchers found evidence of heart muscle inflammation in a small number of patients with acute myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination, but not in patients without acute myocarditis, according to a new study.
New research shows that men who stick to a predominantly Mediterranean diet are less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. This diet also improves their chances of recovery if they have PC and are undergoing radiation treatment.
It makes a big difference whether someone perceives a test as a challenge or a threat. Examiners can have an influence on this.
F-Type ATP synthase, a catalytic complex of proteins, synthesizes adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of living cells. A lot of ambiguity exists over the rotational mechanism of this spinning enzyme. Now, researchers from Japan have demonstrated how each chemical event of ATP metabolism is linked to the 'stepwise' rotational movement of the F1 component of ATPase. Especially, they clarified the angle of shaft rotation before ATP-cleavage, a long-standing enigma, to be 200°.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is one of the deadliest birth defects. To better understand and treat this condition in the future, researchers designed a new cell model in the laboratory and tested a drug therapy on it.
Using a novel economic-epidemiological model, researchers examine the health and economic impacts that could have occurred if California took a 'business-as-usual' approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new study suggests the rise in mental health disorders in children and teens is attributed to a decline over decades in opportunities for them to play, roam and engage in activities independent of direct oversight and control by adults. Although well intended, adults' drive to guide and protect children has deprived them of the independence they need for mental health, contributing to record levels of anxiety, depression, and suicide among young people.
Researchers have developed an ultra-soft and highly stretchable tissue-adhesive hydrogel-based multifunctional implantable sensor for monitoring of overactive bladder.
Investigators have developed a technique to help surgeons reconstruct more natural-looking nipples for patients who have undergone breast reconstruction after mastectomy to treat breast cancer.
An international study has discovered a genetic variant that confers resistance to Chagas infection in Amazonian populations. Indigenous people from Amazon show genetic Q1 signatures of pathogen-driven selection.
A research team showed that the smell test SCENTinel 1.1 can successfully discriminate between different types of smell disorders. SCENTinel 1.1 can rapidly identify parosmia, the distorted perception of odors.
People who eat diets rich in green leafy vegetables as well as other vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, beans, nuts and fish may have fewer amyloid plaques and tau tangles in their brain -- signs of Alzheimer's disease -- than people who do not consume such diets, according to a new study.
People with a recent diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common irregular heart rhythm, have a modestly higher risk of developing dementia than people without the condition, according to new research. The research involved nearly 197,000 patient records from Kaiser Permanente health systems in California. Half of the patients had been recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation; their counterparts in the control group were selected for similar age and health profiles but did not have AF. Both patient groups' medical records were reviewed for three years, on average, to identify subsequent diagnoses of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Overall, people with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation had a 13% higher risk of developing dementia.
Scientists have shed new light on aging processes in the brain. By linking the increased presence of specialized immune cells to conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury for the first time, they have unearthed a possible new target for therapies aimed at treating age-related neurological diseases.
Researchers have learned that the same molecular pathway is involved in both the infectious and hemorrhagic forms of acquired hydrocephalus, a life-threatening disease that triggers a massive neuroinflammatory response and swelling of the ventricles of the brain.
New research has found that olive fruit water, a by-product typically thrown away during olive oil production, could have exercise benefits. The study tested olive fruit water during exercise and found it had positive effects on several key markers of running performance.
The nitrate ingested over the course of a person's adult lifetime through the consumption of tap water and bottled water could be a risk factor for prostate cancer, particularly in the case of aggressive tumors and in younger men.
Researchers identify potential therapeutic for acute myeloid leukemia that targets a DNA repair protein.
Researchers have identified a way to treat the area surrounding breast tumors that have spread to bone so that such tumors become vulnerable to attack by the body's immune system. When the researchers boosted the activity of certain immune cells, called T cells and macrophages, these immune cells worked together to clear metastatic breast tumors that had spread to the bones of mice.
Sarcoma is a rare and complex type of cancer of i.a. the bones and muscles. Now researchers have found a way to predict which sarcoma patients will benefit the most from a potential new treatment.
Juvenile dermatomyositis, a rare but often severe and chronic systemic autoimmune disease, includes a large number of patients who are treatment resistant, requiring long term immunosuppressive therapy. A small study shows promise using a targeted biologic therapy called abatacept to treat such patients.
Do cesarean-born babies miss out on essential microbes? New evidence suggests that the answer may be 'no.' Researchers report that mothers are able to transfer microbes to their babies via alternative, compensatory routes. While cesarean-born babies do receive less of their mother's gut microbiome during birth, they make up for this by drinking their mother's microbes in breastmilk.
A research team has identified and analyzed the steps by which immune cells 'see' and respond to cancer cells, providing insights into reasons some treatments may be effective for certain patients but not others.
Scientists have made an important breakthrough in understanding what goes wrong in our bodies during the progression of inflammatory diseases and -- in doing so -- unearthed a potential new therapeutic target. The scientists have found that an enzyme called fumarate hydratase is repressed in macrophages, a frontline inflammatory cell type implicated in a range of diseases including lupus, arthritis, sepsis and COVID-19.
A new global study, which takes a gender-sensitive approach, has found that a mother's educational status plays an increasingly important role in shaping their children's educational status, while the importance of the father's educational status has declined. Education expansion was expected to create greater social mobility around the world, but new global evidence from Lancaster University and the University of British Columbia challenges this assumption and shows how gender really matters.
In Alzheimer's and related neurodegenerative diseases, the brain protein tau is closely linked to brain damage and cognitive decline. A new study indicates that T cells play a key role in tau-related neurodegeneration, a finding that suggests new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's and related diseases.
New insights into the effects of a hormonal treatment on transgender men could have implications for the treatment of breast cancer.
Researchers discovered specific airway neurons in mice that alert the brain about the flu.
Because the distance remaining to completing a goal plays a role in people's psychological state, their tendency to follow a persuasive message depends heavily on whether the message matches their psychological state of thinking or feeling.
People with chronic back pain may turn to spinal cord stimulation to ease their pain, but a Cochrane Review found no sustained benefits to the surgery that outweigh the costs and risks.
Contracting a lower respiratory tract infection in early childhood is associated with a higher risk of dying from respiratory disease as an adult, according to new research.
Hunter-gatherers can help us understand the conditions that children may be psychologically adapted to because we lived as hunter-gatherers for 95% of our evolutionary history. And paying greater attention to hunter-gatherer childhoods may help economically developed countries improve education and wellbeing.
Having trouble sleeping? A new study examines the link between poor sleep and cardiovascular disease-free life expectancy.
A pilot trial tested the nasal administration of the drug Foralumab, an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. Investigators found evidence that the drug dampened the inflammatory T cell response and decreased lung inflammation in patients with COVID-19. Further analysis showed the same gene expression modulation in patients with multiple sclerosis, who experienced decreased brain inflammation, suggesting that Foralumab could be used to treat other diseases.
Researchers are using glow-in-the-dark materials to enhance and improve rapid COVID-19 home tests.
Researchers describe a new manner of detecting microbial infection that intercepts pathogen-derived signals of growth to assess the relative threat of virulent bacteria. A nuclear hormone receptor in the nematode C. elegans senses a toxic metabolite produced by the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to activate innate immunity. These data reveal an ancient strategy that informs the origins of pathogen detection and may be among the most primordial forms of immune sensing in animals.
Researchers reveal that cardiomyocytes and skeletal muscle cells replace their existing stock of ribosomes with a different type which can make physical contact with mitochondria, the batteries of the cells, and significantly boost the production of ATP. In the heart, the natural mechanism is triggered in response to myocardial infarction, as well as cardiac hypertrophy. The findings establish ribosomes as a new frontier for therapeutic strategies that prevent or heal damage to the heart.
In analyses of genetic and area-level socioeconomic data for more than 260,000 individuals, researchers found an additive effect of genetic and socioeconomic risk on the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
New research that may eventually enable far earlier autism diagnoses shows that typically developing infants perceive audio-video synchrony better than high-risk for autism infants.
Reducing the methylation of a key messenger RNA can promote migration of macrophages into the brain and ameliorate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in a mouse model, according to a new study. The results illuminate one pathway for entrance of peripheral immune cells into the brain, and may provide a new target for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have successfully developed a blood test for anxiety. The test examines biomarkers that can help them objectively determine someone’s risk for developing anxiety, the severity of their current anxiety and which therapies would likely treat their anxiety the best.
A hormone called fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) protects mice against ethanol-induced loss of balance and righting reflex, according to a new study.
Researchers have created software and hardware for a 4D printer with applications in the biomedical field. In addition to 3D printing, this machine allows for controlling extra functions: programming the material's response so that shape-changing occurs under external magnetic field, or changes in its electric properties develops under mechanical deformation. This opens the door to the design of soft robots or smart sensors and substrates that transmit signals to different cellular systems, among other applications.
Researchers are adding to their list of consumer products that contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a toxic class of fluorine compounds known as 'forever chemicals.' In a new study, fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic containers -- used for household cleaners, pesticides, personal care products and, potentially, food packaging -- tested positive for PFAS.
Space travel has always tested the human body by the effects of the new conditions of altered gravity on biological systems. It has long been known that continuous exposure to microgravity conditions human physiology and causes effects that compromise muscular, sensory, endocrine and cardiovascular functions. But is it also risky to be exposed to altered gravity for short periods of time?
An artificial intelligence (AI) tool can accurately identify normal and abnormal chest X-rays in a clinical setting, according to a new study.
Recent findings point toward a potential new drug target for treating alcohol use disorder.
In a new study of daily ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) across the globe, a new study has found that only 0.18% of the global land area and 0.001% of the global population are exposed to levels of PM2.5 -- the world's leading environmental health risk factor -- below levels of safety recommended by Word Health Organization (WHO). Importantly while daily levels have reduced in Europe and North America in the two decades to 2019, levels have increased Southern Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and the Caribbean, with more than 70% of days globally seeing levels above what is safe.
Researchers are looking to small towns in Iowa to understand how some support aging in place better than others. Their findings could help communities plan for the future and preserve a high quality of life for all residents.
Scientists have uncovered a chemical compound that holds potential as a therapeutical for various autoimmune diseases, and they've used it to treat mice.
Reconciling previously contradictory results, researchers find that for most people, there's a steady link between higher happiness and more money. The exception is people who are financially well-off but unhappy; for them, more money does not help.
The first global study to investigate how gender equality may be associated with life expectancy has found that both women and men live longer as it improves.
A team of scientists studying virus-host interactions of a globally abundant, armor-plated marine algae, Emiliania huxleyi, has found that the circular, chalk plates the algae produce can act as catalysts for viral infection, which has vast consequences for trillions of microscopic oceanic creatures and the global carbon cycle.
CTE is a progressive neurodegenerative disease frequently found in contact sports athletes. However, many former contact sports athletes suffer from thinking problems and impulsive behavior in the absence of CTE, or with very mild CTE. This new study suggests that a separate type of brain damage, which can appear earlier than CTE, may underlie some of these symptoms.
Adding to the growing body of evidence on sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment, new research finds significant links between three measures of sleep disturbance and the risk for developing dementia over a 10-year period. The results associate sleep-initiation insomnia (trouble falling asleep within 30 minutes) and sleep medication use with higher risk for developing dementia. The investigators also found that people who reported having sleep-maintenance insomnia (trouble falling back to sleep after waking) were less likely to develop dementia over the course of the study.
Hair analysis could be the key to understanding adolescent drug usage, as a new study uncovers almost double the number of children were found to be using substances than those who admitted to in a US survey.
Growing commercial crops on solar farms can both increase commercial food production and improve solar panel performance and longevity, according to new research.
Scientists reveal new information about the role humans have played in large-scale land loss in the Mississippi River Delta -- crucial information in determining solutions to the crisis.
When it comes to chronic infections and cancer, a particular type of immune cell plays a central role in our defenses. Researchers have uncovered the key to the tenacity of these immune cells in coping with the marathon that is fighting a chronic infection. Their results lay the foundations for more effective therapies and vaccination strategies.
In the fight against pollution, several regions in the U.S. have banned the use of plastic straws. Alternative materials exist, but most options are either too expensive to scale up, go limp in drinks or taste bad. But now, a team has developed a new type of bioplastic film from all-natural, degradable materials that can be rolled into a straw that doesn't get soggy and is stronger than plastic.
A research team proposes an innovative sequential narrow-field deep brain stimulation procedure to treat intractable epilepsy.
Researchers have used 100 seconds of laser irradiation to generate convection currents that selectively accelerate biochemical reactions -- due to the photothermal effect -- by concentrating biofunctional molecules at the cell surface. Using this method, useful molecules can be transported into cells at concentrations a hundred to a thousand times lower than with conventional methods. Furthermore, they also succeeded in selectively introducing small molecules into intracellular organelles usually impossible at low concentrations (hundreds of pmol/L) as well as inducing cell death in targeted cells by concentrating anticancer active peptides into them at concentrations so low that they would not be conventionally effective (several tens of nmol/L).
A cheap charcoal air filter can reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) inside vehicles by as much as 90%, compared to levels outside the vehicle.
New research shows that a microfluidic squeezing technology helps stimulate anti-tumor activity in a subtype of HPV16-positive cancers.
A ball, a saddle, or a flat plate. The curvature of biomaterials inhibits or stimulates bone cells to make new tissue. This study of geometries could be an important step in research into repairing damaged tissues.
Two studies found that adults who live a heart-healthy lifestyle tend to live longer and in optimal health compared to those with low cardiovascular health scores.
People who had higher scores for sleep health -- based on regularity, satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency and duration -- during a 12-month weight loss program were more likely to follow the caloric intake and exercise components of the program in comparison to peers who scored lower for sleep health.
For older adults with clinical depression that has not responded to standard treatments, adding the drug aripiprazole to an antidepressant they're already taking is more effective than switching from one antidepressant to another, according to a new multicenter study.
Cancer cells have an innate randomness in their ability to respond to chemotherapy, which is another tool in their arsenal of resisting treatment, new research shows.
Researchers have successfully predicted whether children have anemia using only a set of smartphone images.
A study of people ages 70 and older found walking an additional 500 steps per day, or an additional quarter mile of walking, was associated with a 14% lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure.
The thousands of languages spoken throughout the world draw on many of the same fundamental linguistic abilities and reflect universal aspects of how humans categorize events. Some aspects of language may also be universal to people who create their own sign languages, according to new research.
Researchers have developed and validated a deep learning-based method to detect Alzheimer's disease based on routinely collected clinical brain images.
A new study finds that high school students identify more with math if they see their math teacher treating everyone in the class equitably, especially in racially diverse schools. While the relationship between teacher equity and math identity was evident across races, there was an interesting exception. Black students, in general, had strong math identities, regardless of their teacher's actions. Learning about the factors that affect student math identity is important because a student's attitude towards the subject influences the courses that they take as well as their future career selections. This study suggests that teachers may have a larger role to play in helping students develop a positive math identity than previously recognized.
Neglected by government officials and medical professionals, parasitic infections can lead to lifelong health consequences, according to a biological anthropologist.
More than 350 former NFL players were studied on average 29 years after their playing careers ended. Retirees who experienced concussion symptoms during their playing careers were found to perform worse on a battery of cognitive tests. When comparing the retired players to more than 5,000 men who did not play football, cognitive performance was generally worse for former players, with older players performing worse.
Changes in our REM sleep patterns could potentially be used to diagnose the severity of epilepsy, a new study has suggested. Researchers showed that astrocytes -- star-shaped glial cells that control the local ionic and metabotropic environment of the brain -- exhibit an acid response with REM sleep in mice. They theorize that the acid response could be the underlying drive for specific information processing and generating plasticity during sleep.
Neurons perform numerous complex tasks by communicating with each other via small messenger molecules called neurotransmitters. Accurately detecting them is crucial to understanding the functioning of our brain. To this end, researchers have demonstrated that fluorescent nanoparticles imprinted with the molecular structure of a target neurotransmitter, immobilized on glass beads at a controlled surface density, can detect specific neurotransmitters based on their expansion during interaction with the target transmitters.
New research has confirmed that coastal water pollution transfers to the atmosphere in sea spray aerosol, which can reach people beyond just beachgoers, surfers, and swimmers.
For almost 140 years, the origin and behavior of an enigmatic cell type inside lymph nodes, called a tingible body macrophage, has remained a mystery. Now scientists have tracked the cell's lifecycle and function, with implications for our understanding of autoimmune disorders.
Researchers have developed a new drug delivery approach that uses nanoparticles to enable more effective and targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs to treat brain tumors in children.
An international team of researchers analyzed the genomes of 180 indigenous Africans from a dozen ethnically, culturally, linguistically, and geographically diverse populations. The results shed light on the origin of modern humans, historical migrations, linguistic evolution, and local adaptation, and lay the groundwork for more people to benefit from precision medicine.
Researchers have identified a new mutation that leads to the cardiac disease arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). They assessed the effect of this mutation on heart muscle cells and obtained new insights into the underlying mechanism that causes the disease. The results of this study could contribute to the development of new treatments for ACM.
A team of researchers has made a discovery that may have implications for therapeutic gene editing strategies, cancer diagnostics and therapies and other advancements in biotechnology.
Cognitive Functional Therapy treats chronic back pain as part of a person's entire pain experience, but more research is needed to assess its effectiveness.
Being overweight in childhood and in early adulthood are discrete risk factors for blood clots later in life, a University of Gothenburg study shows. The study is based on the early BMI history of more than 37,000 men and information about their thrombi, if any, in adulthood.
Scientists have developed biodegradable algae-based hydrogels for strain sensing devices -- such as those used in health monitors worn by runners and hospital patients to track heart rate -- using natural elements like rock salt, water and seaweed, combined with graphene. As well as being more environmentally friendly than polymer-based hydrogels, commonly used in health sensor technology, the graphene algae sensors perform strongly in terms of sensitivity.
Regular physical activity can improve adolescents' mental health and help with behavioral difficulties, research suggests. Engaging in regular moderate to vigorous physical activity at age 11 was associated with better mental health between the ages of 11 and 13, the study found.
Haptic holography promises to bring virtual reality to life, but a new study reveals a surprising physical obstacle that will need to be overcome.
High blood pressure disorders during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of thinking problems later in life, according to a study. Researchers found that those with these disorders had a higher risk of cognitive problems in later life than those who did not have high blood pressure during pregnancy. They also found that those with preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure that develops halfway through pregnancy and usually involves the kidneys and other organs, may have an even greater risk of cognitive decline later in life, compared to those with gestational high blood pressure, a condition with high blood pressure in pregnancy but without affecting the kidneys or other organs.
Some areas of the adult brain contain quiescent, or dormant, neural stem cells that can potentially be reactivated to form new neurons. However, the transition from quiescence to proliferation is still poorly understood. A team has discovered the importance of cell metabolism in this process and identified how to wake up these neural stem cells and reactivate them. Biologists succeeded in increasing the number of new neurons in the brain of adult and even elderly mice.
In a study of U.S. military veterans, researchers noted that participating in home-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with a 36% lower risk of death compared to veterans who chose not to participate in cardiac rehabilitation.
Scientists recently developed an efficient way to transplant pancreatic islets and demonstrated that the method can effectively reverse type 1 diabetes in nonhuman primates.
Researchers have discovered a strong immunological effect of the molecule LecB -- and a way to prevent it.
Iodized salt helps prevent iodine-deficiency disorders, including goiters and certain birth defects. Yet it's unclear how this seasoning interacts with chloramine-treated drinking water if some of the disinfectant is left behind. Now, researchers have demonstrated that cooking pasta in such water with iodized table salt could produce potentially harmful byproducts. But they also report four simple ways that people can reduce or avoid these unwanted compounds.
Researchers have developed a prototype for coral-reef-friendly sunscreens by using polymerization to create large molecules that still block UV radiation but are too big to penetrate our skin, coral, and algae. The polymeric UV filter was more effective at preventing sunburn in mice than existing sunscreens.
New research in mice shows bacteria hijack communication between nerve and immune cells in the meninges -- the protective layers that shield the brain from infection. The experiments detail step by step how bacteria activate pain receptors and initiate a signaling cascade that disables immune cells and culminates in bacterial invasion of the brain. The findings provide much-needed understanding into a critical window during the early stages of bacterial invasion when intervention could halt the spread of infection. The results point to therapeutic pathways for new treatments of bacterial meningitis, an often-fatal disease that can leave survivors with serious neurologic damage.
A major new study reveals a 'traffic light' mechanism controlling genetic activity within cells -- a system which could potentially be targeted by cancer drugs already in development. The research describes how 'epigenetic' changes to the structure of DNA can act as a stop-go signal in determining whether a gene should be read. Unlike our genetic make-up, which is well understood, the world of epigenetics is still largely unexplored and referred to as the 'dark matter' of the genome.
Decisions on cancer treatment could become better tailored to individual patients with the adoption of a new imaging method that maps the chemical makeup of a patient's tumor.
A new study focused on defense veterans' mental health has found strong evidence that assistance dogs used in conjunction with traditional therapies provide the most effective treatment outcomes.
Understanding how the knee joint environment affects cartilage cells is crucial for joint health. Knowledge of cell-driven cartilage degeneration mechanisms can support the development of effective pharmaceutical interventions for osteoarthritis. Researchers have now incorporated the influence of cells in a new numerical model to discover degeneration processes in mechanically loaded and inflamed cartilage.
Geoscientists have developed a cheap and environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of cerianite, a rare earth mineral which holds promise for the treatment of diseases associated with inflammation, including cancer.
Certain diseases, including Alzheimer's, are currently considered 'undruggable' because traditional small molecule drugs can't interfere with the proteins responsible for the illnesses. But a new technique that specifically targets and breaks apart certain proteins -- rather than just interfering with them -- may offer a pathway toward treatment. Researchers have now designed a compound that targets and breaks down a post-translationally modified protein closely associated with Alzheimer's disease.
One in ten early deaths could be prevented if everyone managed at least half the recommended level of physical activity, say a team. The researchers say that 11 minutes a day (75 minutes a week) of moderate-intensity physical activity -- such as a brisk walk -- would be sufficient to lower the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke and a number of cancers.
Researchers have identified gut bacteria that are associated with dementia with Lewy bodies. Changing the levels of three bacteria, Collinsella, Ruminococcus, and Bifidobacterium, may delay the onset and progression of this neurodegenerative disease.
A study inks precarious work with increases in body mass index and adds to a growing body of evidence that precarious work may contribute to poor health outcomes.
Engineers devised a way to purify protein drugs during manufacturing. Their approach, which uses nanoparticles to rapidly crystallize proteins, could help make protein drugs more affordable and accessible, especially in developing countries.
A new device that calms overactive kidney nerves with ultrasound consistently lowered blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, researchers have found.
Being a protective parent could set your kids up for a healthier life as an adult, according to new research. The study found that growing up in places where gunshots are common and heat and electricity are unreliable may lead to pain and other physical health limitations in adulthood. But being involved in your child's life, such as knowing their friends or where they're hanging out after school, can help counteract those effects, according to the new research.
Using whole genome sequencing, researchers identified a single variant in a microRNA gene, MIR145-5p, as the source of multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome, which had gone undiagnosed in a child for years.
A research team has shown that, as early as the first days of infection, HIV is able to create reservoirs where it will hide and persist during antiretroviral therapy.
Researchers describe how gut-on-a-chip devices can bridge lab models and human biology. Modeling the microbiome is particularly difficult because of its unique environmental conditions, but through creative design, gut-on-a-chip devices can simulate many of these properties, such as the gut's anaerobic atmosphere, fluid flow, and pulses of contraction/relaxation. Growing intestinal cells in this environment means that they more closely resemble human biology compared to standard laboratory cell cultures.
Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis have complex disease mechanisms that can differ from patient to patient with the same diagnosis. This means that currently available drugs have little effect on many patients. Using so-called digital twins, researchers have now obtained a deeper understanding of the 'off and on' proteins that control these diseases.
Leading environmental health experts have called for a comprehensive review of the UK's fire safety regulations, with a focus on the environmental and health risks of current chemical flame retardants.
Loneliness can often contribute to depression in expectant and new mothers, finds a new review of evidence.
Maternal obesity alters the structure of the placenta (a vital organ that nourishes the baby during pregnancy) more than gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM; a condition is diagnosed by poor glucose control in pregnancy). The new insight enhances understanding about the mechanisms underlying poor pregnancy outcomes and the subsequent greater risk of poor neonatal and offspring health. The identification of specific changes in the placenta could lead to the potential development of future placenta-targeted treatments or screening tests that may improve the health outcomes of the mother and offspring, particularly in low-middle income countries.
Not all pollution comes from people. When global temperatures increase by 4 degrees Celsius, harmful plant emissions and dust will also increase by as much as 14 percent, according to new research.
Despite awareness that pain is common in nursing home residents, there has been minimal attention focused on how this pain changes over time. A new study presents compelling evidence of the existence of four distinct pain trajectories in this population. This new understanding of pain over time can help nursing home staff and clinicians better understand, recognize and respond to risk factors associated with persistent pain in individuals living in nursing homes. Ultimately, consideration of pain trajectories may alter courses of care and illness, prevent adverse outcomes and improve quality of life.
Scientists have found that apremilast can reduce alcohol intake by more than half in people with severe alcohol use disorder.
Eliminating animal milk alone from the diet of adults with eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE, is as effective at treating the disease as eliminating animal milk plus five other common foods, a clinical trial has found. For people with EoE whose disease remains active after they forgo animal milk, a more restrictive diet may help them achieve remission, according to the researchers.
Researchers have developed a new device that can detect and analyze cancer cells from blood samples, enabling doctors to avoid invasive biopsy surgeries, and to monitor treatment progress.
A new brain connection can explain how early-life stress and adversity trigger disrupted operation of the brain's reward circuit, offering a new therapeutic target for treating mental illness. Impaired function of this circuit is thought to underlie several major disorders, such as depression, substance abuse and excessive risk-taking.
Researchers may be able to predict cardiovascular disease -- such as arterial fibrillation and heart failure -- in patients by using artificial intelligence (AI) to examine the genes in their DNA, according to a new study.
Three years into a five-year pledge to completely phase out lead shot in UK game hunting, a study finds that 94% of pheasants on sale for human consumption were killed using lead.
Research has found the biggest threat to the mental health of people living with chronic pain isn't necessarily how intense their pain is, but the extent to which it interferes with their daily life.
A tiny robot that could one day help doctors perform surgery was inspired by the incredible gripping ability of geckos and the efficient locomotion of inchworms.
New research has uncovered a novel link between the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene and cancer.
An earlier first birth, a higher number of live births, and starting periods at a younger age are all linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular problems in women, according to new research.
New research reveals how the relationship between nerves and immune cells in the lungs can contribute to the development of allergic asthma.
While apprehensions about employment and schools dominate headlines, the truth is that the effects of large-scale language models such as ChatGPT will touch virtually every corner of our lives. These new tools raise society-wide concerns about artificial intelligence's role in reinforcing social biases, committing fraud and identity theft, generating fake news, spreading misinformation and more. A team of researchers is seeking to empower tech users to mitigate these risks. The authors demonstrate that people can learn to spot the difference between machine-generated and human-written text.
Researchers have recommended a method to help diagnose preschool age children with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD).
Scientists know that TDP-43, which helps regulate processing of RNA, may be responsible for the death of nerve cells in ALS and frontotemporal dementia. And a study suggests that a common modification to RNA, a methylation event known as m6A, plays a pivotal role in TDP-43-related neurodegeneration in ALS. Through sequencing analysis, investigators showed that methylation strongly influences the binding of TDP-43 to its RNA targets. They also observed highly abundant RNA methylation in the end-stage tissues of patients with ALS.
To encourage more active lifestyles, public health agencies recommend mixed-use neighborhoods and 'complete' streets that are friendlier to walkers and bikers, but new research finds that while those strategies increase physical activity, an urban bias limits their applicability in many parts of the country.
Face blindness, a mystifying condition that can trick us into believing we recognize people we've never met or make us fail to recognize those we have, has been previously estimated to affect between 2 and 2.5 percent of people in the world. Now, a new study is providing fresh insights into the disorder, suggesting it may be more common than currently believed.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of severe blood cancers is the only medical intervention that has cured two people living with HIV in the past. An international group of physicians and researchers has now identified another case in which HIV infection has been shown to be cured in the same way. The successful healing process of this third patient was for the first time characterized in great detail virologically and immunologically over a time span of ten years.
Getting good sleep can play a role in supporting your heart and overall health -- and maybe even how long you live -- according to new research.
Adverse childhood experiences in mothers can affect their children's mental and physical health, as researchers report. The study found that maltreatment during a mother's childhood is associated with a higher risk of health problems such as asthma, autism, and depression in the next generation. Early intervention to support affected mothers might help to counter this effect.
The boundaries between biology and technology are becoming blurred. Researchers have now successfully grown electrodes in living tissue using the body's molecules as triggers. The result paves the way for the formation of fully integrated electronic circuits in living organisms.
Bowel leakage, the need for anal incontinence protection and a restricted social life may cause severe, decades-long suffering among women with obstetric injuries to the anal opening, according to a new study.
Researchers have identified a possible new targeted drug for treating acute myeloid leukemia. In the future, the discovery may help patients with certain rare subtypes of the disease.
Researchers show that while strong distractions may automatically capture our attention, the trained brain can rapidly suppress such distractions to help us efficiently reach our goals.
An air filter made out of corn protein instead of petroleum products can concurrently capture small particulates as well as toxic chemicals like formaldehyde that current air filters can't. The research could lead to better air purifiers, particularly in regions of the world that suffer from very poor air quality. The more environmentally friendly air filter was able to simultaneously capture 99.5% of small particulate matter, similar to commercial HEPA filters, and 87% of formaldehyde, which is higher than specially designed air filters for those types of toxics.
Some universities grapple with difficulties in integrating students from different countries. New research points to a method that both reduces academic and social gaps and increases well-being. The recipe for success is to work in pairs -- as chosen by the teacher.
Scientists have successfully recorded brain activity from freely moving octopuses, a feat made possible by implanting electrodes and a data logger directly into the creatures. The study, published online in Current Biology on February 23, is a critical step forward in figuring out how octopus' brains control their behavior, and could provide clues to the common principles needed for intelligence and cognition to occur.
A new study shows fasting can trigger a negative effect on fighting infection on a cellular level in mouse models.
Researchers have created and preliminarily tested what they believe may be one of the first models for predicting who has the highest probability of being resistant to COVID-19 in spite of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes it.
Engineers developed a procedure to 3D print a soft and flexible replica of a patient's heart. These models could help doctors tailor treatments, such as aortic valves, to an individual patient.
A new study suggests that men who regularly lift heavy objects at work have higher sperm counts.
A research team has engineered a new nanomaterial that can boost the potency of common disinfectants.
A new model offers a possible solution to the scientific question of why neutral sequences, sometimes referred to as 'junk DNA', are not eliminated from the genome of living creatures in nature and continue to exist within it even millions of years later.
Physicians have discovered why the immune system of prematurely born babies is not working optimally after birth.
Remdesivir was one of the first medications approved for treatment of COVID-19. Clinical studies evaluated its effectiveness, but did not generate conclusive results. A new analysis of the study data shows that a specific group of patients benefits the most from the drug.
A recent study found that a Medicaid program in Colorado can help address the shortage of home healthcare workers for children with complex medical needs by offering family members certified nursing assistant (CNA) training and paying them for at-home medical care their child requires. Results show that children who received family-CNA care were not more likely to be hospitalized than children cared for by a non-family CNA. Children with family-CNA caregivers also experienced greater care continuity since turnover was not an issue as it tends to be with traditional home healthcare workers.
In the arid and drought-stricken western Great Basin, sparse surface water means rural communities often rely on private groundwater wells. Unlike municipal water systems, well water quality in private wells is unregulated, and a new study shows that more than 49 thousand well users across the region may be at risk of exposure to unhealthy levels of arsenic in drinking water.
About 25 woolly sheep who seasonally -- for the past two years -- leave barns to nibble on lawns at various central campus locations, are doing much more than mowing, fertilizing and improving the ecosystem. The sheep also are improving people's mental health.
Scientists transform blood cells to regain a flexible fate, growing into a precursor of sperm cells.
Elevated levels of air pollutants are associated with bone damage among postmenopausal women, according to new research. The effects were most evident on the lumbar spine, with nitrous oxides twice as damaging to the area than seen with normal aging.
Researchers have identified a pill used to treat a common skin disease as an 'incredibly promising' treatment for alcohol use disorder. On average, people in a proof-of-concept study who received the medication, called apremilast, reduced their alcohol intake by more than half -- from five drinks per day to two.
Research involving 61 UK organizations found a 20% reduction in working time with no loss of pay led to significant drops in workforce stress and sick days, an increase in worker retention, and a much better work-life balance for most employees -- all while 'key business metrics' were met.
Sifting through sewage for SARS-CoV-2 genetic material could help authorities tailor infection control policies.
The metaverse is a technological revolution in the field of virtual reality, with potential benefits to public health research. A new article proposes several new ways in which the metaverse can help us design, test, and experience health-promoting environments to minimize the risk of non-communicable diseases.
Fewer people are dying from cardiovascular disease in the U.S., according to new research. But rural counties and those with a higher percentage of Black residents consistently experienced higher rates of cardiovascular disease than urban and more predominantly white counties. The study showed that deaths from heart disease consistently declined at the county level from 2009 to 2018.
If you watched the most recent Super Bowl, you know the importance of a referee's call on the outcome of a game. Slow-motion replays and close-watching eyes help, but a new sensor technology could someday serve as an even more reliable tool for officials. Researchers have developed a self-powered, hybrid nanogenerator sensor that could help make more accurate calls and allow boxers and cricket players to practice more efficiently.
A new analysis shows how convalescent plasma can be used to prevent hospitalizations and ultimately save lives, both for COVID-19 and for the next viral pandemic that inevitably arrives.
In a bid to understand why mosquitoes may be more attracted to one human than another, researchers say they have mapped specialized receptors on the insects' nerve cells that are able to fine-tune their ability to detect particularly 'welcoming' odors in human skin.
Researchers have generated the first induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from bats, gaining valuable insights into the close relationship between bats and viruses.
Pioneering clinical trial showed that spinal cord stimulation could enable survivors of moderate to severe stroke to conduct their normal daily activities more easily.
Scientists are a step closer to creating a new generation of light-activated cancer treatments. These new treatments would be highly targeted and more effective than current state-of-the-art cancer immunotherapies.
Some parents may not be properly measuring or responding to elevated temperatures in children, a new national poll suggests.
Asking patients to take a short survey on a tablet before their appointments may help mental health providers identify young people at risk of psychosis. A study found that when patients took a 21-question pre-visit survey, more than twice as many were identified at risk of psychosis compared to those who did not complete the survey. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, psychosis often begins when a person is in his or her late teens to mid-twenties. About 100,000 new cases of psychosis are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
Scientists develop testing model to enhance understanding of a condition known as 'third window syndrome.'
Researchers used the drug fasudil to restore neurons and improve methamphetamine-induced cognitive dysfunction in a mouse model of schizophrenia.
Scientists have found how the human brain changes and adapts to weightlessness, after being in space for 6 months. Some of the changes turned out to be lasting -- even after 8 months back on Earth.
Scientists have found how the human brain changes and adapts to weightlessness, after being in space for 6 months. Some of the changes turned out to be lasting -- even after 8 months back on Earth.
Scientists found that 2-oxo-imidazole-containing dipeptides (2-oxo-IDPs) exhibit very high antioxidant activity. Furthermore, they established a method to selectively and sensitively detect very small amounts of 2-oxo-IDPs and revealed for the first time that several types of 2-oxo-IDPs are contained in meat, including beef, pork, and chicken.
Scientists found that 2-oxo-imidazole-containing dipeptides (2-oxo-IDPs) exhibit very high antioxidant activity. Furthermore, they established a method to selectively and sensitively detect very small amounts of 2-oxo-IDPs and revealed for the first time that several types of 2-oxo-IDPs are contained in meat, including beef, pork, and chicken.
Black and Hispanic Americans appear to experience more symptoms and health problems related to long COVID, a lay term that captures an array of symptoms and health problems, than white people, but are not as likely to be diagnosed with the condition, according to new research.
A Danish creek has surprised researchers by containing previously unknown virus species.
The United States, the largest importer of wildlife in the world, is not prepared for future spread of animal-borne, or zoonotic, diseases due to gaps among governmental agencies designed to combat these threats, concludes a new analysis.
Researchers have used artificial intelligence to discover a link between alterations in the shape of children's faces and the amount of alcohol their mothers drank, before and during pregnancy. Even small amounts, less than one glass of wine a week, made a difference. Face shapes are an indicator of underlying health and developmental problems.
To clarify the mechanism of serial dependence in number perception, a research team conducted two tests, independently asking subjects to estimate the number of coins, or to estimate the value of those coins, shown on-screen for half a second. The results showed that serial dependence was confirmed in both tasks and that the most significant effect on serial dependence was not caused by the last stimuli, but the subjects last response. These results indicate that higher-order cognitive processing has a greater influence on the occurrence of serial dependence.
Using artificial intelligence (AI), researchers can now follow cell movement across time and space. The method could be very helpful for developing more effective cancer medications.
Neuroimaging techniques, like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), are not able to directly measure neuronal activity. To address this knowledge gap, a team has created a novel experimental platform that is able to optically record local neuronal activity during brain-wide fMRI in rodents.
Scientists enlist widely used cancer therapy systems to control gene expression in mammalian cells, a feat of synthetic biology that could change how diseases are treated.
The spread of antibiotic resistance, where infectious bacteria are able to defeat the drugs intended to kill them, may not be primarily driven by antibiotic consumption, according to a new study.
Infection with a bacterium that causes gum disease and bad breath may increase the risk of heart disease.
An experimental contraceptive drug temporarily stops sperm in their tracks and prevents pregnancies in preclinical models. The study demonstrates that an on-demand male contraceptive is possible.
A scientist has developed a formulation of low-fat chocolate that can be printed on a 3D printer in pretty much any shape a person can conceive, including a heart.
Daily reading improved language development in infants 12 months and younger, according to a recent study.
Ground-penetrating radar from China's Martian rover Zhurong reveals shallow impact craters and other geologic structures in the top five meters of the red planet's surface.
The most common cause of hearing loss is progressive because hair cells -- the primary cells to detect sound waves -- cannot regenerate if damaged or lost. Researchers are now getting closer to identifying the mechanisms that may promote this type of regeneration in mammals.
Could an app tell if a first date is just not that into you? Engineers say the technology might not be far off. They trained a computer to identify the type of conversation two people were having based on their physiological responses alone.
Physical activity at the right time of the day seems able to increase fat metabolism, at least in mice. A new study shows that mice that did exercise in an early active phase, which corresponds to morning exercise in humans, increased their metabolism more than mice that did exercise at a time when they usually rest.
Feeling a sense of purpose has a significant impact on adolescents' emotional well-being.
Traditionally, it has been assumed that cultivating food leads to a loss of biodiversity and negative impacts on an ecosystem. A new study defies this assumption, showing that community gardens and urban farms positively affect biodiversity, local ecosystems and the well-being of humans that work in them.
Scientists have discovered a new wrinkle in our understanding of how our genes work. The team shed light on a longstanding puzzle involved in a common way our genes are modified that is known as RNA methylation.
As anyone who’s worked in an office, a factory, or any other workplace can attest, sometimes bosses play favorites. Whether it’s assigning the most comfortable cubicles or the best parking spots, or deciding whose opinions take precedence during planning sessions, leaders inevitably wind up treating some employees better than others.
Millions of endurance runners use footwear that has an embedded carbon fiber plate (CFP) in the midsole. While the performance benefits that carbon fiber plate footwear offers have been well documented, little has been published about running injuries related to use of this footwear. In a current opinion piece, authors describe five cases in which runners using carbon fiber plate footwear sustained bone stress injuries.
Scientists provide additional evidence that intracranial pressure plays an important role in normal-tension glaucoma, which accounts for up to 50 per cent of all glaucoma cases. A recent clinical study demonstrates that low intracranial pressure correlates with impaired patient visibility, especially in the nasal zone.
When patients receive care after cardiac arrest, doctors can now -- by entering patient data in a web-based app -- find out how thousands of similar patients have fared. Researchers have developed three such systems of decision support for cardiac arrest that may, in the future, make a major difference to doctors' work.
In a new study, researchers discovered an unknown mechanism of how cells 'remember' their identity when they divide -- the cells' so-called epigenetic memory.
Researchers show how stimulating dendritic cells through certain pathways produces strong T cell activity against tumors and works in conjunction with immune checkpoint inhibitors to produce even stronger responses. The article also shares promising early results from a phase 1 clinical study of an oncolytic virus (MEM-288) that activates these pathways in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
A study expands the list of known genes with circadian variation and provides the first comprehensive list of genes with seasonal variation in each tissue. Tissues in the thoracic cavity, such as the lung and heart, were most sensitive to day-night cycles, while the brain and testes were most sensitive to seasonal changes. The researchers identified 91 day-night genes and 307 seasonal genes that are known-targets for drugs, including 11 chemotherapies. The drugs could benefit from being administered in a time or season-dependent manner.
A new study has identified a marker in the brain that controls the ability to reach and grasp, a fundamental fine motor skill that is often impaired in motor or neural injuries such as a stroke.
Scientists have solved the 3D structure of a protein in cilia, an organelle important to many diseases at nearly ten times the resolution of previous efforts.
Engineers have developed an ingestible sensor whose location can be monitored as it moves through the digestive tract, an advance that could help doctors more easily diagnose gastrointestinal motility disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastroparesis.
Odds are, you know someone who has been ghosted. And according to a new study, it can be a haunting experience. A recent study found nearly two-thirds of participants have ghosted -- ended a relationship by ignoring the other person, without offering a clear explanation -- and have been ghosted.
An ancient human foraging instinct, fueled by fructose production in the brain, may hold clues to the development and possible treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
New research illuminates the mechanisms at work that prevent the p53 gene from triggering effective cancer cell death.
Orange, starchy sweet potatoes are great mashed, cut into fries or just roasted whole. But you likely haven't considered grinding them into a flour and baking them into your next batch of cookies -- or at least, not yet! Recent research has reported the best method to turn sweet potatoes into gluten-free flours that are packed with antioxidants and perfect for thickening or baking.
Children as young as 4 years old show evidence of a network in the brain found in adults that tackles difficult cognitive problems, a new study found.
Researchers from the University of Rochester and the University of Colorado Boulder used experiments and zircon chemistry to build more accurate computer models of fluids that act as pathways from inner Earth to Earth's surface. The models allow researchers to simulate what metals may have been transported to Earth's surface when life first emerged, about four billion years ago. The research has important implications not only for discovering the origins of life but also in the search for life on other planets.
Computer software can predict what happens to complex gene networks when individual genes are missing or dialed up more than usual. Mapping the roles of single genes in these networks is key to understanding healthy development and finding ways to regrow damaged cells and tissues. Understanding genetic errors could provide insight into birth defects, miscarriage or even cancer.
Biomedical engineers present a robust new method for accurately measuring and identifying eight antidepressants most commonly prescribed to women.
Researchers have found that the movement of glaciers in Greenland is more complex than previously thought, with deformation in regions of warmer ice containing small amounts of water accounting for motion that had often been assumed to be caused by sliding where the ice meets the bedrock beneath.
In a study of nearly 3,000 schoolchildren, silver diamine fluoride -- a liquid that is brushed onto the surface of teeth to prevent cavities or keep them from worsening -- was as effective against cavities as dental sealants, the standard of care. A single dose of either topical treatment given in elementary schools prevented roughly 80% of cavities and kept 50% of cavities from worsening when children were seen two years later.
Scientists have demonstrated that personalizing CAR-T cell stimulation during manufacturing can significantly enhance the consistency and potency of the resulting CAR-T cell products. By using artificial antigen-presenting cell mimicking scaffolds (APC-ms), the team was able to fine-tune the levels of T cell stimulation to match the phenotype of T cells obtained from leukemia patients, and significantly enhanced their ex vivo and in vivo tumor-clearing abilities.
Regulatory T cells ensure that immune responses happen in a controlled way. But eating too much salt weakens these cells' energy supply, thus rendering them dysfunctional for a while. This may have implications for autoimmunity.
Researchers have discovered the active compound from an edible mushroom that boosts nerve growth and enhances memory.
Over 600 CTE cases have been published in the literature from multiple international research groups. And of those over 600 cases, 97 percent have confirmed exposure to RHI, primarily through contact and collision sports. CTE has been diagnosed in amateur and professional athletes, including athletes from American, Canadian, and Australian football, rugby union, rugby league, soccer, ice hockey, bull-riding, wrestling, mixed-martial arts, and boxing.
A large international study has identified 27 loci in the human genome with genetic variants that increase the risk of ADHD. This is more than twice as many as previous studies have found.
In a first of its kind randomized controlled trial an international team of researchers shows that caloric restriction can slow the pace of aging in healthy adults. The CALERIE™ intervention slowed pace of aging measured from participants' blood DNA methylation using the algorithm DunedinPACE (Pace of Aging, Computed from the Epigenome). The intervention effect on DunedinPACE represented a 2-3 percent slowing in the pace of aging, which in other studies translates to a 10-15 percent reduction in mortality risk, an effect similar to a smoking cessation intervention.
Researchers have calculated the carbon footprint for the full life cycle of fertilisers, which are responsible for approximately five percent of total greenhouse gas emissions -- the first time this has been accurately quantified -- and found that carbon emissions could be reduced to one-fifth of current levels by 2050.
Microexons, tiny fragments of genes that are just 3-27 nucleotides long, are known to play a 'tiny but mighty' role in neuronal cells. Through RNA splicing, microexons sculpt the surfaces of proteins in a highly precise manner, performing microsurgery on the nervous system's proteins. According to a new study, microexons are also crucial for pancreatic function and regulating blood glucose levels. The microexons are located on more than a hundred genes, including some critical for insulin secretion and type-2 diabetes risk. The researchers believe the discovery could lead to new high-precision treatments for type-2 diabetes, for example by repurposing existing treatments that already exploit RNA splicing mechanisms to treat other types of diseases.
Bioengineers and experts in tropical medicine have invented a new way of studying mosquito feeding behavior using technology instead of live volunteers. Their open-source design combines automated cameras, artificial intelligence and blood-infused, 3D-printed 'synthetic skin.'
The body reacts differently to online than to face-to-face teaching. Researchers show just what is required of digital formats in order to compete with face-to-face formats.
New artificial intelligence technology being developed by engineers could significantly cut down on the time and cost that goes into film study for Super Bowl-bound teams (and all NFL and college football teams), while also enhancing game strategy by harnessing the power of big data.
Researchers have unlocked one of the secrets as to why some forms of Strep A are associated with severe invasive infection.
When it comes to fighting off invaders, bacteria operate in a remarkably similar way to human cells, possessing the same core machinery required to switch immune pathways on and off, according to new research.
Malfunction of cellular condensates is a disease mechanism relevant for congenital malformations, common diseases, and cancer, new research suggests.
Common approaches to analyze DNA from a community of microbes, called a microbiome, can yield erroneous results, in large part due to the incomplete databases used to identify microbial DNA sequences, according to a new study.
The risk factors linked to cognitive decline in older adults explain a surprisingly modest amount about the large variation in mental abilities between older people, according to a new national study.
Researchers have investigated in detail how BPTA syndrome, an extremely rare hereditary condition, arises. A change in the charge of a protein disrupts cellular self-organization, resulting in a developmental disorder. The team also identified hundreds of comparable genetic changes associated with various conditions, such as brain development disorders and predisposition to cancer. This mechanism could be the cause of numerous unexplained diseases and health conditions.
How do you build complex structures for housing cells using a material as soft as jelly? Researchers have the answer with a new 3D-printing ink.
Despite old fears that bad effects follow excessive video game playing or questionable game choices, researchers found those factors mattered little, if any, in children's brain health. The bad news? Video games assumed to be effective learning tools showed no meaningful effects, either.
Engineers have developed artificial intelligence (AI) technology to predict if women with breast cancer would benefit from chemotherapy prior to surgery.
Characterized by antisocial behaviors and low academic achievement, conduct disorder (CD) impacts an estimated 9.5% of individuals in the United States. Childhood maltreatment is a major risk factor for CD. Past CD studies have identified structural alterations in various brain regions, such as those implicated in emotion processing, learning, and social cognition. A new study has now assessed whether youths with CD who experienced childhood maltreatment differ at the brain level from those with CD without a history of maltreatment.
A large study looking at the effects of fertility treatment has found no robust difference in blood pressure, heart rate, lipids, and glucose measurements between children conceived naturally and those conceived using assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
UC Riverside researchers have identified tiny organisms that not only survive but thrive during the first year after a wildfire. The findings could help bring land back to life after fires that are increasing in both size and severity.
Young blood may be an elixir for older bodies, rejuvenating aging hearts, muscles, and brains. But how can old blood become young again? Stem cell scientists may have found a way.
In five different types of cancers, researchers found that tumors were successful at proliferating on low-energy budgets in part because they neglect normal tissue functions that healthy organs carry out for the benefit of the body as a whole. The discovery has vast implications for anti-cancer strategies because it directs our attention to slow energy metabolism.
The human brain prepares skilled movements such as playing the piano, competing in athletics, or dancing by 'zipping and unzipping' information about the timing and order of movements ahead of the action being performed, a new study reveals.
Women who followed most aspects of a healthy lifestyle, including healthy body weight, not smoking, regular exercise, adequate sleep, high quality diet, and moderate alcohol consumption, had about half the risk of long COVID compared with women without any healthy lifestyle factors, according to a new study.
The number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide decreased last year, tying with 2020 for the fewest number of reported incidents in the last 10 years. There were a total of 57 unprovoked bites in 2022, most of which occurred in the United States and Australia. Of these, five attacks were fatal, down from nine deaths in 2021 and 10 the year prior.
Performing human-like motions that involve multiple contacts is challenging for robots. In this regard, a researcher has envisioned an interactive cyber-physical human (iCPH) platform with complementary humanoid (physical twin) and simulation (digital twin) elements. iCPH combines human measurement data, musculoskeletal analysis, and machine learning for data collection and augmentation. As a result, iCPH can understand, predict, and synthesize whole-body contact motions.
How long people live is less predictable and life expectancy for young people can be as much as 14 years shorter in violent countries, compared to peaceful countries, according to a new study. It reveals a direct link between the uncertainty of living in a violent setting, even for those not directly involved in the violence, and a 'double burden' of shorter and less predictable lives.
There is a correlation between traffic noise and risk of developing tinnitus, researchers have found. They point to a vicious cycle involving stress reactions and sleep disturbance as a potential cause. If you live near a busy road, it may increase your stress levels and affect your sleep. When we are under stress and sleep poorly, we may be at a higher risk of developing tinnitus.
A new study tracked what happens in the brains of rats in real time in the brain when presented with glucose, a type of sugar, labeled with a tracer. The tracer allowed the researchers to measure this new sugar in the brain.
A team of researchers have now begun to document the actual impact of electric vehicle adoption in the first study to use real-world data to link electric cars, air pollution and health. Leveraging publicly available datasets, the researchers analyzed a 'natural experiment' occurring in California as residents in the state rapidly transitioned to electric cars, or light-duty zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs). The team compared data on total ZEV registration, air pollution levels and asthma-related emergency room visits across the state between 2013 to 2019. As ZEV adoption increased within a given zip code, local air pollution levels and emergency room visits dropped.
Study shows just one quality conversation with a friend during the day makes you happier and less stressed by day's end.
Researchers show that brain organoids -- clumps of lab-grown neurons -- can integrate with rat brains and respond to visual stimulation like flashing lights.
Researchers found that alterations in the gut microbiome that are linked to graft-versus-host disease severity are connected to an increase in oxygen levels in the intestine that follows immune-mediated intestinal damage. Pharmacologically reducing intestinal oxygen levels alleviated the microbial imbalance and reduced the severity of the condition in animal models.
First detailed mapping and modeling of thalamus inputs onto visual cortex neurons show brain leverages 'wisdom of the crowd' to process sensory information.
A new microscopic technique allows for the real-time study of RNA G-quadruplexes in living cells, with implications for the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Potentially life-saving steroids commonly given to preterm babies also increase the risk of long-term cardiovascular problems, but a new study in rats has found that if given in conjunction with statins, their positive effects remain while the potential negative side-effects are 'weeded out'.
Scientists have analyzed data from Mexico's Ministry of Health to identify dengue fever hotspots. Working with epidemiologists at the University of North Texas and Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, the team calculated environmental and socioeconomic risk factors and mapped areas where severe outbreaks occur.
New research has found some antidepressants may be effective in treating certain chronic pain conditions, but others lack convincing evidence on their effectiveness.
A pair of researchers reports the success of their new, at-home method for early diagnosis and monitoring of lupus nephritis. or inflammation of the kidneys, one of the most severe complications for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, known as lupus.
People with a higher cumulative estrogen exposure throughout their life may have a lower risk of stroke, according to a new study. The lower risk was found for both ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage.
A researcher is one step closer to demonstrating the potential of a brain molecule called fractalkine to halt and even reverse the effects of multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers injected fractalkine into mice with chemically induced MS. They found the treatment increased the number of new oligodendrocytes -- vital brain and spinal cord cells that produce myelin in both embryonic and adult brains -- which are damaged during the MS autoimmune attack.
Recent advances in newborn heart surgery have greatly reduced brain injuries in infants with congenital heart disease, according to a 20-year study.
Neuroscientists have compiled extensive interdisciplinary findings from neuroscience, psychology, computer modelling and education on the topic of 'learning' in a recent review article. The results of the interdisciplinary review reveal the mechanisms the brain uses to achieve improved learning outcome by combining multiple senses or movements in learning. This kind of learning outcome applies to a wide variety of domains, such as letter and vocabulary acquisition, reading, mathematics, music, and spatial orientation.
The quail could be the unknown reservoir of the Toscana virus (TOSV) and the Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), mosquito-borne pathogens that can infect domestic animals and also cause disease in humans.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of circovirus, provisionally named human circovirus 1 (HCirV-1). Circoviruses are a family of small, highly resistant DNA viruses that were initially identified in 1974 in various animal species, where they can cause respiratory, renal, dermatological and reproductive problems. HCirV-1 is a novel virus that is distant from known animal circoviruses. It was shown to be implicated in damage to the liver of a patient undergoing immunosuppressive treatment.
MIT physicists have discovered a resonance in colliding ultracold molecules. The findings shed light on the forces that drive molecules to chemically react and suggest scientists could one day harness particles' natural resonances to steer and control certain reactions.
Engineers have developed a new way to make sharper, defect-free displays, which could improve augmented and virtual reality devices. Instead of replacing red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes side by side in a horizontal patchwork, the team stacks the diodes to create vertical, multicolored pixels.
Changing how tightly an antibody binds to a target could improve treatments for cancer.
Smart voice assistants are a popular way for people to get quick answers or play their favorite music. That same technology could make the laboratory safer for scientists and technicians who handle potentially infectious samples. Researchers now report a small, voice-activated device that can extract and pretreat bacterial DNA, helping protect those on the front lines of disease outbreaks. The system could also help scientists with disabilities conduct studies more easily.
Most cancer diagnostic techniques rely on uncomfortable and invasive procedures, such as biopsies, endoscopies or mammograms. Blood samples could be a less unpleasant option, though only a few forms of the disease can currently be diagnosed this way. But now, researchers have developed an easy-to-use method that can detect small amounts of cancer-related molecules in exosomes in plasma and effectively distinguish between malignant and benign samples.
Researchers have developed and repeatedly tested a procedure that captures more information from eyewitnesses and improves the accuracy of lineups in police investigations.
A genomic study of a sustained, multidrug-resistant Shigellosis outbreak in Seattle from 2017 to 2022 enabled scientists to retrace its origin and spread. Additional analysis of the gut pathogen and its transmission patterns helped direct approaches to testing, treatment, and public health responses. The aim of the study was to better understand the community transmission and spread of antimicrobial resistance and to treat these multi-drug resistant infections more effectively.
A new antimicrobial suture material that glows in medical imaging could provide a promising alternative for mesh implants and internal stitches.
A new study found people hospitalized for sepsis or who developed it while hospitalized were at an elevated risk for heart failure or rehospitalization within 12 years.
China's stricter clean heating policies have improved air quality in northern China, particularly in Beijing and surrounding cities -- potentially reducing 23,000 premature deaths due to air pollution in 2021 than in 2015, a new study reveals.
Over four percent of deaths in cities during the summer months are due to urban heat islands, and one third of these deaths could be prevented by reaching a tree cover of 30%, according to a modelling study. The study results, obtained with data from 93 European cities, highlight the substantial benefits of planting more trees in cities to attenuate the impact of climate change.
A new psychology study finds that if people are asked to reflect on their life values before engaging in discussions, debates are more convivial and harmonious.
A new study found that small amounts of silver nanoparticles combined with a low dose of a common antibiotic inhibited the growth of resistant bacteria.
Combating Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases by inserting healthy new immune cells into the brain has taken a leap toward reality. Neuroscientists have found a way to safely thwart the brain's resistance to them, vaulting a key hurdle in the quest.
A new study reveals that having a sense of purpose in daily life can influence college students' decisions on day-to-day alcohol consumption.
Bioengineers have developed a way to grow engineered skin in three-dimensional shapes, including a seamless 'glove' of skin that could be slipped onto a severely burned hand.
A new study finds that raised temperatures cause a pathogenic fungus known as Cryptococcus deneoformans to turn its adaptive responses into overdrive. Heat increases its number of genetic changes, some of which might presumably lead to higher heat resistance, and others perhaps toward greater disease-causing potential.
The stubborn superbug Clostridium difficile, or C. diff, may have met its match. A esearcher is reporting the first well-controlled study to demonstrate the effectiveness of a new medicine for patients with the debilitating recurrent infection and disease.
When noninvasive sound waves break apart tumors, they trigger an immune response in mice. By breaking down the cell wall 'cloak,' the treatment exposes cancer cell markers that had previously been hidden from the body's defenses, researchers have shown.
Researchers have developed a sustainable, inexpensive two-step process that can upcycle organic carbon waste -- including lignin, a difficult-to-breakdown material that gives plants their structure. By processing waste through a microbe-driven biorefinery, the researchers turned lignin into carbon sources that could be used in high-value, plant-derived pharmaceuticals and antioxidant nutraceuticals as well as carbon-based nanoparticles for drug or chemical delivery.
A new computational framework can predict the structures, properties, and performance of granular hydrogels. The new model could one day make it easier to design the right gel for a particular biomedical application.
A new vaccine could be the first clinically approved immunization to protect against invasive fungal infections, a growing concern as antifungal drug resistance increases. Fungal infections cause more than 1.5 million deaths worldwide each year and cost billions. They also double hospitalization costs, double the length of hospital stays and double the risk of death in hospitalized patients, according to a previous recent study.
Women are disproportionately affected by migraine, especially during their reproductive years. However, the relationship between migraine and adverse pregnancy outcomes has not been well understood. A new study analyzed data from thousands of women from the Nurses' Health Study II to assess the relationship between migraine and pregnancy complications.
A recent study of 81 babies between 14 and 19 months old found the same outcome: When these babies watched a video where they were shown pictures of toy cars and toy pigs and listened to someone count out loud prior to the toys being hidden in a box -- similar to an earlier study done in person -- the babies looked longer when the box was lifted and some of the objects disappeared. When there was no out loud counting and just pointing in the video, the babies became distracted and looked away, similar to the same earlier study done in person.
A new way to significantly increase the potency of almost any vaccine has been developed. The scientists used chemistry and nanotechnology to change the structural location of adjuvants and antigens on and within a nanoscale vaccine, greatly increasing vaccine performance in seven different types of cancer. The architecture is critical to vaccine effectiveness, the study shows.
Proper sleep is critical for the maintenance of good health, and vice versa -- a healthy lifestyle has been found to improve sleep quality. To better examine the relationship between physical activity and sleep, a team of researchers conducted a comprehensive study among middle-aged Japanese people. By outlining the factors improving sleep quality, this line of research can hopefully help in preventing sleep-related disorders.
A research team has developed a novel chemical tool to reveal how bacteria adapt to the host environment and control host cells. This tool can be used to investigate bacterial interactions with the host in real-time during an infection, which cannot be easily achieved by other methods.
First study to show that delivering information at the natural tempo of our neural pulses accelerates our ability to learn. Participants who got a simple 1.5-second visual cue at their personal brainwave frequency were at least three times faster when it came to improving at a cognitive task. When researchers tested participants again the next day, those who had improved faster were still just as good -- the learning stuck.
Memory loss, behavioural changes, cognitive deficits: Alzheimer's disease leads to a dramatic loss of autonomy for those affected and has a heavy impact on health costs. Its prevention has become a real social challenge. An international task force is setting out guidelines for innovative services to prevent Alzheimer's disease. These will soon be an integral part of second generation memory clinics.
New research found that using focused-ultrasound-mediated liquid biopsy in a mouse model released more tau proteins and another biomarker into the blood than without the intervention. This noninvasive method could facilitate diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders, the researchers said.
A research team has announced the results of a study on osteoblasts that damage joint bones in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Predominant stereotypes about eating disorders suggest that it is a condition mainly associated with girls from wealthy backgrounds. However, a new study found that boys living in disadvantaged circumstances are at an increased risk for disordered eating, particularly if they have underlying genetic risk factors.
Adopting a partner's perspective increases commitment and desire for the partner, while simultaneously decreasing sexual and romantic interest in alternative mates, according to a new study by a team of psychologists. The findings suggest that perspective taking discourages people from engaging in behaviors that may hurt their partners and damage their relationship.
A new biomaterial that can be injected intravenously, reduces inflammation in tissue and promotes cell and tissue repair. The biomaterial was tested and proven effective in treating tissue damage caused by heart attacks in both rodent and large animal models. Researchers also provided proof of concept in a rodent model that the biomaterial could be beneficial to patients with traumatic brain injury and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
A new article shows that an experimental vaccine against Marburg virus (MARV) was safe and induced an immune response in a small, first-in-human clinical trial. The vaccine could someday be an important tool to respond to Marburg virus outbreaks.
The annual incidence of sports-related sudden cardiac arrest in older adults is rare: 2 to 3 cases per 100,000 people.
Medications like dextromethorphan, used to treat coughs caused by cold and flu, could potentially be repurposed to help people quit smoking cigarettes, according to a new study. Researchers developed a novel machine learning method, where computer programs analyze data sets for patterns and trends, to identify the drugs and said that some of them are already being tested in clinical trials.
Researchers have synthesized a new material that solves one of the most difficult problems in the quest to create wearable, unobtrusive sensitive sensors: the problem of pressure.
New research is providing a fresh view into the ways a common chemotherapy agent, etoposide, stalls and poisons the essential enzymes that allow cancer cells to flourish.
Engineers have developed a contact lens prototype that is specially designed to prevent contact lens-induced dry eye (CLIDE). The lens alleviates this condition by facilitating tear flow in response to normal eye blinking. This can relieve the discomfort, visual impairment, and risk of inflammation experienced by millions of CLIDE sufferers.
Researchers combine a hand-held scanner with a neural network based on terahertz spectroscopy that can predict burn healing with 93% accuracy. The research has the potential to significantly improve burn healing outcomes by guiding surgical treatment plans.
An innovative technique finds seminal fluid protein transferred from male to female fruit flies during mating changes the expression of genes related to the fly's circadian clock.
Stem cells have been modified to carry a therapy to treat companion animal patients with late-stage cancer, preserving good quality of life and extending their lives, potentially leading to better understanding of cancer treatments and their use in humans.
Researchers have combined low-power chip design, machine learning algorithms, and soft implantable electrodes to produce a neural interface that can identify and suppress symptoms of various neurological disorders.
Having levels of potassium that are too high or too low can be fatal. A new mathematical model sheds light on the often mysterious ways the body regulates this important electrolyte.
Can something as simple as a cup of coffee with milk have an anti-inflammatory effect in humans? Apparently so, according to a new study. A combination of proteins and antioxidants doubles the anti-inflammatory properties in immune cells. The researchers hope to be able to study the health effects on humans.
Despite birth control existing for decades, almost none of the options specifically target sperm cells. Researchers are now developing approaches that target testosterone or otherwise interrupt the sperm's ability to fertilize an egg, yet these may not work for everyone. But now, researchers have identified a new candidate molecule that could become an effective non-hormonal contraceptive for many people who produce sperm.
Serotonin can impact the mitral valve of the heart and potentially accelerate a cardiac condition known as degenerative mitral regurgitation, according to a new study.
Patients with myelofibrosis had clinically significant improvement in disease-related symptoms, including anemia and spleen enlargement, when treated with the targeted therapy momelotinib, according to new results.
The world's first international clinical guidelines to help prevent and treat heart complications in children undergoing cancer treatment have been created.
The dairy industry strives to preserve the quality and safety of milk products while maintaining the freshest possible taste for consumers. To date, the industry has largely focused on packaging milk in light-blocking containers to preserve freshness, but little has been understood about how the packaging itself influences milk flavor. However, a new study confirms that packaging affects taste -- and paperboard cartons do not preserve milk freshness as well as glass and plastic containers.
New research has established a blood-based test that could be used to predict the risk of Alzheimer's disease up to 3.5 years before clinical diagnosis.
Scientists found that most children in the United States use makeup and body products that may contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals.
An artificial intelligence program may enable the first simple production of customizable proteins called zinc fingers to treat diseases by turning genes on and off. The researchers who designed the tool say it promises to accelerate the development of gene therapies on a large scale.
Scientists have created an AI system capable of generating artificial enzymes from scratch. In laboratory tests, some of these enzymes worked as well as those found in nature, even when their artificially generated amino acid sequences diverged significantly from any known natural protein.
In a new study, researchers have managed to curb skin cancer. The study was conducted on artificial human skin.
Researchers studying body phenotypes -- the observable characteristics like height, behavior, appearance and more measurables -- found that regardless of the muscle they had, high levels of fat mass in an individual were associated with poorer overall health.
The study adds to growing evidence that some often-underappreciated, 'non-essential' amino acids play important roles in the nervous system. The findings may provide a new way to identify people at high risk for peripheral neuropathy, as well as a potential treatment option.
Engineers and physicians have developed a wearable ultrasound device that can assess both the structure and function of the human heart. The portable device, which is roughly the size of a postage stamp, can be worn for up to 24 hours and works even during strenuous exercise.
Scientific claims that babies harbor live bacteria while still in the womb are inaccurate, and may have impeded research progress, according to new research/
Researchers uncover for the first time the mechanism that likely explains how embryos form either a larva or a miniature version of the adult.
Adults living in rural areas of the United States have a 19% higher risk of developing heart failure compared to their urban counterparts, and Black men living in rural areas have an especially higher risk -- 34%, according to a large observational study.
Researchers have discovered that a certain type of cell that sits on top of the brain's smallest blood vessels senses when their brain region needs energy. When glucose levels are low, these cells signal blood vessels to dilate, increasing the blood flow regionally and allowing more energy to fuel that part of the brain.
Researchers have discovered that an altered gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in endometriosis disease progression in an animal model.
In a new study using a rat model of Crohn's disease, a biodegradable hydrogel composite loaded with stem cells has shown significant success in treating perianal fistulas (PAF) -- one of the many complications of Crohn's disease.
Senior women were less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia if they did more daily walking and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
Adults who suffered any head injury during a 30-year study period had two times the rate of mortality than those who did not have any head injury, and mortality rates among those with moderate or severe head injuries were nearly three times higher, according to new research.
Understanding the neural interface within the brain is critical to understanding aging, learning, disease progression and more. A newly developed, pop-up electrode device could gather more in-depth information about individual neurons and their interactions with each other while limiting the potential for brain tissue damage.
Researchers are finding new clues to how the olfactory sensory system aids in threat assessment and have found neurons that 'learn' if a smell is a threat.
The transport of molecules along the cell's skeleton plays a role in cancer metastasis, researchers show.
New research findings show in detail how self-reactive T cells -- white blood cells dubbed Teffs that mistakenly attack healthy instead of infected cells, thereby causing an autoimmune or an inflammatory response -- are held in check by regulatory T cells, or Tregs. Tregs quickly deploy molecular measures to control rapid proliferation of Teffs, to make sure inflammation is kept in check during an immune response. Tregs biochemically interfere with the protein manufacturing machinery in Teff cells. This hinders their abundant production of proteins, which occurs just before cell division, the researchers found. This rapid Treg intervention reduces the size and number of Teff cells to appropriately manage the magnitude of the immune response.
By flagging disease-associated DNA biomarkers, medical professionals can make early diagnoses and provide personalized treatments, but the typical screening methods can be laborious, expensive or limited in scope. Now, a new biosensor could pave the way to accessible and expansive diagnostics.
A soldier suffers a serious gunshot wound on a remote battlefield or a machinist has a work accident and gets stuck in traffic on the way to the hospital. Secondary, uncontrolled bleeding from traumatic injury is the leading cause of death of Americans from ages one to 46. Chemical and biomedical engineers plan to change that with a novel microneedle patch that can immediately stop bleeding after injury.
A new study suggests that some patients diagnosed with behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) -- an incurable condition that robs patients of the ability to control their behavior and cope with daily living -- may instead have a cerebrospinal fluid leak, which is often treatable.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown signaling pathway cells use to protect their DNA while it is being copied. Targeting this pathway potentially could boost the potency of cancer therapeutics, the researchers said.
A new study has shown that common levels of traffic pollution can impair human brain function in only a matter of hours. The study was the first to show in a controlled experiment using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that exposure to diesel exhaust disrupts the ability of different areas of the human brain to interact and communicate with each other.
Researchers attempted to identify early symptoms of Parkinson's disease using voice data. In their study, the researchers used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze and assess speech signals, where calculations are done and diagnoses made in seconds rather than hours.
A camera-trap study of two ecosystems -- one with pumas and one without -- adds to scientists' understanding of the many ways apex predators influence the abundance, diversity and habits of other animals, including smaller carnivores.
A protein that prepares DNA for replication also prevents the replication process from running out of control, according to a new study. The work solves a mystery that has long puzzled biologists.
It's clear that chronic stress can impact our behavior, leading to problems like depression, reduced interest in things that previously brought us pleasure, even PTSD.
Scientists succeed in boosting the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 and related methods and modifying initially inaccessible DNA sequences. They fine-tuned these tools to enable effective genetic screening for modelling specific gene mutations.
Discovering new drugs has become increasingly rare for independent large pharmaceutical companies in recent times. Almost 60% of new drugs are discovered through mergers and acquisitions and drug licensing. Now, researchers shed light on the recent trends of spinouts from academia and investments in the U.S.A and Europe, foreshadowing a promising shift in the industry's interorganizational deal networks to improve research and development productivity in the future.
Researchers have uncovered a gene that is overexpressed in mutated IDH1. Studies in human cells and a novel mouse model both show that this gene, called ZMYND8, plays a critical role in the radiation resistance. When they knocked down the gene, the glioma cells became responsive to radiation treatment.
In the age-old battle against mosquitoes, DEET has proven effective at keeping this nemesis at bay, but the repellent is smelly and its protection is short-lived. Now, researchers report that they have designed safe alternatives that have some advantages over DEET, including a nice smell and much longer protection from bites.
Researchers have developed a new tool and technique that uses 'vortex ultrasound' -- a sort of ultrasonic tornado -- to break down blood clots in the brain. The new approach worked more quickly than existing techniques to eliminate clots formed in an in vitro model of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).
Bacteria of the genus Enterobacter are among the most dangerous bacteria associated with hospital infections worldwide. Some of their representatives are highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics, so that the reserve antibiotic colistin is increasingly used as a last resort therapy option. To avoid unnecessary reliance on colistin and risk increasing resistance, bacteria are tested for sensitivity or resistance to colistin before recommending treatment. However, commonly used tests for Enterobacter are not reliable.
The transition to agriculture from hunting and gathering in pre-colonial North America led to changes in age-independent mortality, or mortality caused by factors that are not associated with age, according to a new study. The team found that the intensification of crop use occurred in two phases, the first of which led to a decline in human age-independent mortality, while the second is associated with a rise in it. The study is the first to tie patterns of age-independent mortality to food production.
The next time you're struggling to remember exactly where you left your keys, parked your car or put down your glasses, don't necessarily give up on your memory completely. Previous research has shown that, if people are shown a large number of objects, they are very good at subsequently remembering which objects they have seen.
A potent plant toxin with a unique way of killing harmful bacteria has emerged as one of the strongest new antibiotic candidates in decades.
Scientists have captured the 3D structure of SPOP, revealing how mutations in previously unappreciated regions fuel cancer.
Researchers have identified a relatively natural way to increase the numbers and antitumor activities of TILs. A team demonstrates how L-fucose, a nontoxic dietary plant sugar that is enriched in red and brown seaweeds, can increase TILs, promote antitumor immunity and improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Many life-saving drugs directly interact with DNA to treat diseases such as cancer, but scientists have struggled to detect how and why they work -- until now.
Soybean varieties with greater proportions of the protein B-conglycinin reduce plasma cholesterol levels and promote liver homeostasis, showing potential for preventing fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis, according to research by food scientists.
Adolescent chimpanzees share some of the same risk-taking behaviors as human teens, but they may be less impulsive than their human counterparts, according to new research. The study gets at age-old nature/nurture questions about why adolescents take more risks: because of environment or because of biological predispositions?
A new study based on survey data from hundreds of U.S. adults links experiencing childhood trauma to public environmental engagement later in life, such as writing letters to elected officials or donating time and resources to an organization.
A new study has found that consuming dietary nitrate -- the active molecule in beetroot juice -- significantly increased muscle force while exercising. While it is known that dietary nitrate enhances exercise, both boosting endurance and enhancing high-intensity exercise, researchers still have much to learn about why this effect occurs, and how our bodies convert dietary nitrate that we ingest into the nitric oxide that can be used by our cells. To help close this gap, researchers at the University of Exeter and the U.S. National Institutes of Health traced the distribution of ingested nitrate in the saliva, blood, muscle and urine of ten healthy volunteers, who were then asked to perform maximal leg exercise. The team wanted to discover where in the body the dietary nitrate was active, to give clues on the mechanisms at work.
Scientists have worked out why common anti-depressants cause around a half of users to feel emotionally 'blunted'. They show that the drugs affect reinforcement learning, an important behavioral process that allows us to learn from our environment.
Immunogeneticists have discovered a new genetic disorder that causes immunodeficiency and profound susceptibility to opportunistic infections including a life-threatening fungal pneumonia.
The sport of orienteering, which draws on athleticism, navigational skills and memory, could be useful as an intervention or preventive measure to fight cognitive decline related to dementia, according to new research.
Scientists have long sought to better understand the human body's immune responses that occur during various diseases, including cancer and inflammatory diseases. Scientists have now analyzed how immunological memory -- the memory the body's immune system retains after an infection or vaccination that helps protect against reinfection -- gets generated and maintained, as well as the role inflammation plays in shaping that immunological memory.
Female and male hearts respond differently to 'fight or flight' stress hormone, according to a new study in mice. It may help explain sex differences in arrhythmia risk.
College students reporting a higher level of loneliness also reported a higher level of sedentary behavior and low activity.
A new study finds that rest, contrary to popular belief, may not always be the best cure after a concussion.
Biomedical engineers say interstitial fluid, the watery fluid found between and around cells, tissues or organs in the body, could provide an excellent medium for early disease diagnosis or long-term health monitoring.
Neuroscientists find two distinct cell populations in the striatum are affected differently by Huntington's disease. They believe neurodegeneration of one of these populations leads to motor impairments, while damage to the other population, located in a structure called the striosome, may account for the mood disorders that are often see in the early stages of the disease.
Recreating natural molecules in the laboratory as part of the search for potential new drugs for disease can be difficult, costly and slow. The problem? Many chemical processes tend to produce not only a version of the molecule found in nature but also a mirror-image version of the molecule that is potentially useless -- or even dangerous. In synthesizing a new, potentially therapeutic molecule found in a sea sponge, chemists used a reactive compound that helps them create only the desired version of the molecule, making synthesis more efficient and less costly.
A team of researchers unveils a novel, key aspect of enhancer-mediated regulation of gene expression and proposes a mechanism that explains the tight connection between gene enhancers and promoters.
For people who are blind or visually impaired, finding the right products in a crowded grocery store can be difficult without help. A team of computer scientists is trying to change that.
Researchers describe a new family of nano-scale capsules made of silica that can carry genome-editing tools into many organs around the body and then harmlessly dissolve.
Several genes that cause sarcoma have been identified in the first comprehensive genetic map of sarcomas. The research has wide implications for people living with sarcoma and their families -- allowing detection of the cancer earlier and potentially improving survival for patients.
Researchers describe how pancreatic cancer stem cells leverage a protein in a family of proteins that normally suppress tumors to instead do the opposite, boosting their resistance to conventional treatments and spurring growth.
The evolutionary secrets that enable the medicinal herb known as barbed skullcap to produce cancer fighting compounds have been unlocked.
Graphene-based olfactory sensors that can detect odor molecules based on the design of peptide sequences were recently demonstrated. The findings indicated that graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) functionalized with designable peptides can be used to develop electronic devices that mimic olfactory receptors and emulate the sense of smell by selectively detecting odor molecules.
People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have lower bacterial diversity in the intestine than do healthy people, according to a team of investigators. The investigators believe that theirs is the first analysis to find a clear association between IBS and reduced diversity in the microbiota of the gut.
Seeking to better understand more about the origins and movement of bubonic plague, in ancient and contemporary times, researchers have completed a painstaking granular examination of hundreds of modern and ancient genome sequences, creating the largest analysis of its kind.
Scientists have deciphered a comprehensive, continuous genome for a parasite responsible for transmitting Lyme disease and other serious infections to hundreds of thousands of Americans yearly. With their newly described genome for the black-legged tick, or deer tick, the researchers identified thousands of novel genes and new protein functions, including proteins associated with tick immunity, disease transmission and developmental stages.
Medical science has not yet been able to explain why the Epstein-Barr virus triggers infectious mononucleosis (IM) in some people with initial infections and not in others. But now, a research team has identified a specific immune response to the virus as the cause, and as a potential target for the development of vaccines.
A new study has identified the impact that fleeting natural events, such as sunrises and sunsets, can have on people, and sought to quantify their effects. Researchers used the latest computer graphics to show carefully controlled images of both urban and natural environments to more than 2,500 participants. When these scenes featured elements such as sunrise and sunset, participants considered them to be substantially more beautiful than when seen under sunny conditions at any other time of day. Unexpectedly, the paper revealed that sunrise and sunset could also trigger significant boosts in people's feelings of awe.
Researchers are building detailed maps of colorectal cancer to better understand the dynamics of the disease.
Researchers demonstrate that a bacteria can be modified to act as 'living medicine' in the lung. The treatment significantly reduced acute lung infections in mice and doubled their survival rate. It showed no signs of toxicity in the lungs and once the treatment had finished its course, it was cleared by the immune system in a period of four days. The treatment also cleared biofilms that accumulate on the surface of endotracheal tubes used by patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia, which is one of the leading causes of mortality in intensive care units. The study paves the way for researchers to repurpose the bacteria to treat other types of lung diseases such as cancer, asthma or pulmonary fibrosis.
A new scientific statement discusses rapid evaluation for transient ischemic attack (TIA) due to high risk of future stroke.
A team of researchers has finally identified the molecular mechanism by which a key protein regulates LDL cholesterol.
Advances in understanding the many different genetic causes of childhood-onset hearing loss indicate that genomic testing could assist in individualizing treatment planning, including the optimal timing of treatment. New findings show that genetic testing is a valuable tool in determining prognosis for a child's hearing loss and in predicting how useful a cochlear implant could be for that child's understanding of speech. With genetic diagnosis, it is possible to anticipate future hearing loss across sound frequencies, progression with age, and severity.
Researchers highlight new insights in gene expressions associated with body mass index.
Biomedical engineers have created semi-living 'cyborg cells.' Retaining the capabilities of living cells, but unable to replicate, the cyborg cells could have a wide range of applications, from producing therapeutic drugs to cleaning up pollution.
Researchers compared two methods of corneal transplant tissue preparation for a procedure that saves sight in patients with Fuchs' dystrophy.
A new study demonstrates the benefits of music education to adolescent health and wellbeing.
Researchers have identified a pathway in cells that could be used to reprogram the body's immune system to fight back against both chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases.
A new study suggests that athletes who recover more slowly from concussion may be able to return to play with an additional month of recovery beyond the typical recovery time, according to a new study. Slow recovery was defined as taking more than 14 days for symptoms to resolve or taking more than 24 days to return to play, both of which are considered the typical recovery times for about 80% of athletes with concussion.
High blood pressure and diabetes are known risk factors for stroke, but now a new study shows that the amount of risk may decrease as people age.
Five years after the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history, researchers document persistent differences in cognitive function among survivors.
Researchers are developing a new biosensor that can be used to screen for Alzheimer's disease and other diseases.
Patients hospitalized with fractures typically receive an injectable blood thinner, low-molecular-weight heparin, to prevent life-threatening blood clots. A new clinical trial, however, found that inexpensive over-the-counter aspirin is just as effective.
An investigational HIV vaccine regimen tested among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people was safe but did not provide protection against HIV acquisition, an independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) has determined. The HPX3002/HVTN 706, or 'Mosaico,' Phase 3 clinical trial began in 2019 and involved 3,900 volunteers ages 18 to 60 years in Europe, North America and South America. Based on the DSMB's recommendation, the study will be discontinued.
In a study of patients with a history of facial keratinocyte carcinoma, 20.9% of those treated with nonablative fractional lasers experienced a subsequent keratinocyte carcinoma, compared with 40.4% of patients who did not receive laser treatment.
A new electromagnetic device that enables high-precision measurements of a broad range of soft biological tissues, has established a new standard of precision in the mechanobiology field, say researchers. The method allows for the mechanical testing of tissues the size of human biopsy samples, making it particularly relevant for studies of human disease.
Scientists and engineers have modeled a hidden mechanism in the inner ear that helps mammals balance via the fastest-known signal in the brain.
The earlier infants begin to taste small samples of solid food, the earlier they eat more food and stop breastfeeding. This is shown in a new study, in which the mothers of 1,251 infants from all over Sweden participated. Almost half of the infants received tastings at the age of four months.
Eating disorders are stereotypically associated with adolescents and young adults. Growing evidence, however, suggests that these conditions can occur at any time during a woman's lifespan, including at midlife. A new study finds that body dissatisfaction is a primary cause of eating disorders, especially during perimenopause.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a WHO grade IV brain tumor with dismal prognosis. Although post-surgical radiation chemotherapy combined with temozolomide is the standard line of treatment, GBM cells surviving radiotherapy contribute to tumor progression and recurrence even more aggressively. Researchers have now unveiled the mechanism of radioresistance in GBM cells, identifying therapeutic targets to overcome radioresistance. Moreover, the team has discovered a clinical drug that sensitizes GBM cells to radiotherapy and could replace temozolomide.
A team of mathematicians and pharmaceutical scientists collaborated to identify the major cause of the low accuracy of the equation in the FDA guidance used to predict drug-drug interaction through an enzyme (cytochrome P450, CYP) induction mediation. To overcome the fundamental limit of the conventional equation, the scientists derived a new equation based on a mathematical theory. This dramatically improved the accuracy of the prediction to determine potential drug-drug interactions, which is critical in preventing drug failure and bringing about new drug development.
Timing from first meal to last meal was not associated with weight loss in a six-year study: Eating less overall and fewer large meals may be a more effective weight management strategy than restricting meals to a narrow time window, such as intermittent fasting, according to a study that analyzed the electronic health records of about 550 adults who were followed for six years. The time interval from first to last meal was not associated with weight change during the six-year study.
A tendency for one or both spouses to avoid or withdraw from tough conversations could set up married couples for emotional distress, bad feelings about their relationship, chronic inflammation and lowered immune function, new research suggests.
Choline, an essential nutrient produced in small amounts in the liver and found in foods including eggs, broccoli, beans, meat and poultry, is a vital ingredient for human health. A new study explores deficiency in dietary choline adversely affects the body and may be a missing piece in the puzzle of Alzheimer's disease.
Choline, an essential nutrient produced in small amounts in the liver and found in foods including eggs, broccoli, beans, meat and poultry, is a vital ingredient for human health. A new study explores deficiency in dietary choline adversely affects the body and may be a missing piece in the puzzle of Alzheimer's disease.
Many genetic diseases are caused by diverse mutations spread across an entire gene, and designing genome editing approaches for each patient's mutation would be impractical and costly.
Many genetic diseases are caused by diverse mutations spread across an entire gene, and designing genome editing approaches for each patient's mutation would be impractical and costly.
A trapped mountaineer survived after enduring 16 frigid hours wedged in a crevasse on Denali (Mount McKinley) in Alaska. His long and difficult rescue in frigid conditions and care in the critical aftermath are examined. This compelling case study highlights the distinguishing factors that led to the successful outcome.
A trapped mountaineer survived after enduring 16 frigid hours wedged in a crevasse on Denali (Mount McKinley) in Alaska. His long and difficult rescue in frigid conditions and care in the critical aftermath are examined. This compelling case study highlights the distinguishing factors that led to the successful outcome.
Research on fungi has helped transform tough-to-recycle plastic waste from the Pacific Ocean into key components for making pharmaceuticals.
Research on fungi has helped transform tough-to-recycle plastic waste from the Pacific Ocean into key components for making pharmaceuticals.
The ultraviolet nail polish drying devices used to cure gel manicures may pose more of a public health concern than previously thought. Researchers studied these ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting devices, and found that their use leads to cell death and cancer-causing mutations in human cells.
The ultraviolet nail polish drying devices used to cure gel manicures may pose more of a public health concern than previously thought. Researchers studied these ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting devices, and found that their use leads to cell death and cancer-causing mutations in human cells.
Researchers have developed a new system for developing gene drives for areas ranging from human health to global food supplies. The new 'hacking' system converts split gene drives into full drives, offering new flexibility for safely conducting gene drive experiments in a range of applications.
Researchers have developed a new system for developing gene drives for areas ranging from human health to global food supplies. The new 'hacking' system converts split gene drives into full drives, offering new flexibility for safely conducting gene drive experiments in a range of applications.
Researchers compared aging mice that had access to a weighted exercise wheel with mice that had undergone epigenetic reprogramming via the expression of Yamanaka factors. Ultimately, the team determined that exercise promotes a molecular profile consistent with epigenetic partial programming.
Researchers compared aging mice that had access to a weighted exercise wheel with mice that had undergone epigenetic reprogramming via the expression of Yamanaka factors. Ultimately, the team determined that exercise promotes a molecular profile consistent with epigenetic partial programming.
Researchers find that an antimicrobial molecule modifies T-cell-signalling and thus attenuates overshooting immune reactions.
Researchers find that an antimicrobial molecule modifies T-cell-signalling and thus attenuates overshooting immune reactions.
A promising approach to control Staphylococcus aureus bacterial colonization in people -- using a probiotic instead of antibiotics -- was safe and highly effective in a Phase 2 clinical trial. The new study found that the probiotic Bacillus subtilis markedly reduced S. aureus colonization in trial participants without harming the gut microbiota, which includes bacteria that can benefit people.
A diverse immune response hinges on naive B cells mingling with high affinity ones in the late-stage germinal center. Whether that helps or hinders, however, depends on the virus.
We've all been there. You made a promise you couldn't keep. Or something came up, and you didn't follow through on what you said you'd do. It turns out children pay attention to what we say when we don't deliver. A new study shows that by the time they reach preschool, kids understand that some reasons for reneging are more defensible than others.
Researchers studied human colon cancer tissue samples and animal models and found that exposure to salmonella was linked with colon cancers that developed earlier and grew larger.
Researchers have found new evidence that vitamin D may be metabolized differently in people with an elevated body mass index (BMI). The study is a new analysis of data from the VITAL trial, a large nationwide clinical trial that investigated whether taking vitamin D or marine omega-3 supplements could reduce the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, or stroke.
Living in a greener environment has an impact on the composition of oligosaccharides in mother's breastmilk, which in turn may affect the infant's health. A study showed that greater diversity and proportion of green environments in the residential area were associated with increased diversity in the composition of the oligosaccharides in breastmilk.
Chemists have developed a tool for noninvasive brain imaging that can help illuminate hard-to-access structures and processes. Their small-molecule dye is the first of its kind that can cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing researchers to differentiate between healthy brain tissue and a glioblastoma tumor in mice.
Aging and related diseases are associated with alterations in oxidative status and low-grade inflammation, as well as a decreased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR is a functional mechanism by which cells attempt to protect themselves against ER stress. Researchers analyzed these proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of elderly subjects and used computer simulation to predict the key proteins associated with these biomolecules underlying physiological adaptations to exercise. They collected blood samples about five to six days before and after the training period and analyzed various oxidative stress biomarkers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The study takes research one step further in helping to elucidate the benefits of exercise in this population.
Strict-sounding teachers are worse at inspiring the classroom than their kind colleagues, research has revealed. A ground-breaking psychological study of hundreds of children showed 'controlling sounding voices' didn't gain cooperation from 10-16-year-olds.
Separation leads to a significant but temporary increase in gender inequalities in parent-child time, according to new research.
Technology that enables an unprecedented, high-resolution look for all structural variants in our genes that are known to cause cancer can outperform standard tests used today for common blood cancers like leukemia, researchers report.
Powered by supermassive black holes swallowing matter in the centers of galaxies, active galactic nuclei are the most powerful compact steady sources of energy in the universe. The brightest active galactic nuclei have long been known to far outshine the combined light of the billions of stars in their host galaxies. A new study indicates that scientists have substantially underestimated the energy output of these objects by not recognizing the extent to which their light is dimmed by dust.
Researchers have created a computational model to predict the growth of deadly brain tumors more accurately.
New research finds that ice-sheet-wide collapse in West Antarctica isn't inevitable: the pace of ice loss varies according to regional differences in atmosphere and ocean circulation.
On Blue Monday -- supposedly the gloomiest day of the year -- a study shows adults with high levels of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than adults with high levels of autistic traits.
An international team of researchers achieves completely new insights into Bronze Age marriage rules and family structures in Greece. Analyses of ancient genomes show that the choice of marriage partners was determined by one's own kinship.
A new test 'fishes' for multiple respiratory viruses at once using single strands of DNA as 'bait', and gives highly accurate results in under an hour.
Doctors have used a new type of CT scan to light up tiny nodules in a hormone gland and cure high blood pressure by their removal. The nodules are discovered in one-in-twenty people with high blood pressure.
A new study shows that smoke particles from human-lit fires are responsible for over 80% of smoke-related deaths each year. The study shows that smoke pollution is on the rise, reducing air quality, and leading to increased illness and premature deaths.
There were no safety events that required removal of the device, no infections of the brain or nervous system, and no adverse events resulting in permanently increased disability related to the investigational device.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) could help prevent Alzheimer's Dementia among women at risk of developing the disease -- according to new research.
Participation in environmental education programs can motivate children across diverse language groups to act responsibly toward the environment, a recent study suggests.
Targeting iron metabolism in immune system cells may offer a new approach for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) -- the most common form of the chronic autoimmune disease lupus. A multidisciplinary team of investigators has discovered that blocking an iron uptake receptor reduces disease pathology and promotes the activity of anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells in a mouse model of SLE.
When people are in a negative mood, they may be quicker to spot inconsistencies in things they read, a new study suggests.
When genes are activated and expressed, they show patterns in cells that are similar in type and function across tissues and organs. Discovering these patterns improves our understanding of cells -- which has implications for unveiling disease mechanisms. The advent of spatial transcriptomics technologies has allowed researchers to observe gene expression in their spatial context across entire tissue samples. But new computational methods are needed to make sense of this data and help identify and understand these gene expression patterns. A research team led by Jian Ma, the Ray and Stephanie Lane Professor of Computational Biology in Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science, has developed a machine learning tool to fill this gap. Their paper on the method, called SPICEMIX, appeared as the cover story in the most recent issue of Nature Genetics.
Using artificial intelligence, engineers have simplified and reinforced models that accurately calculate the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) -- the soot, dust and exhaust emitted by trucks and cars that get into human lungs -- contained in urban air pollution.
Scientists have used paleogenomics to trace 10,000 years of human immune system evolution. They analyzed the genomes of more than 2,800 individuals who lived in Europe over the past ten millennia. They were able to date the increase in frequency of most of the mutations that are advantageous in defending against pathogens to after the Bronze Age, 4,500 years ago. The scientists also observed that mutations conferring a higher risk of developing inflammatory disorders have become more frequent over the past 10,000 years.
This laboratory protocol gives researchers a road map to understand the complex traffic system between the gut and the brain and its effects both in health and disease.'
Madagascar is home to a unique biodiversity with a large number of endemic species, among those many lemur species, including the mouse lemurs. This diversity is also found in their retroviruses. Biologists analyzed the mouse lemur genome and identified viruses of two classes that represent ancient infections of the mouse lemur germline. The viruses now behave similarly to lemur genes and are thus called endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). It was surprising that some of the identified retroviruses are closely related to viruses found in other, very different mammals such as polar bears or domestic sheep. This suggests an intriguing and complex pattern of host switching of retroviruses, much more complex than previously thought.
Scientists have decoded the physical process that takes place in the mouth when a piece of chocolate is eaten, as it changes from a solid into a smooth emulsion that many people find totally irresistible. By analyzing each of the steps, the interdisciplinary research team hope it will lead to the development of a new generation of luxury chocolates that will have the same feel and texture but will be healthier to consume. During the moments it is in the mouth, the chocolate sensation arises from the way the chocolate is lubricated, either from ingredients in the chocolate itself or from saliva or a combination of the two. Fat plays a key function almost immediately when a piece of chocolate is in contact with the tongue. After that, solid cocoa particles are released and they become important in terms of the tactile sensation, so fat deeper inside the chocolate plays a rather limited role and could be reduced without having an impact on the feel or sensation of chocolate.
Gut bacteria can influence brain health, according to a study of mice genetically predisposed to develop Alzheimer's-like brain damage. The study indicates that gut bacteria produce compounds that influence the behavior of immune cells, including ones in the brain that can cause neurodegeneration. The findings suggest a new approach to treating Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A new atlas maps more than 300 protein kinases found in human cells, and identifies which types of protein substrates they target. The atlas could help scientists understand what happens when cells become cancerous or are treated with specific drugs.
In two studies using nationally representative data gathered on thousands of Americans, researchers have significantly added to evidence that social isolation is a substantial risk factor for dementia in community-dwelling (noninstitutionalized) older adults, and identified technology as an effective way to intervene.
More than 2,500 genes exhibit significant sex differences in expression in mouse alveolar type II cells (AT2s), important for keeping the lungs functioning, potentially explaining sex biases in the prevalence and severity of lung diseases. In particular, very high numbers of X-linked genes escape transcriptional silencing in lung alveolar type 2 (AT2s) cells, researchers report.
Researchers have created the first highly mature neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), a feat that opens new opportunities for medical research and potential transplantation therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic injuries.
For men who undergo radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer, the precise targeting capabilities of MRI guidance resulted in fewer toxicities and better quality of life according to new research.
A team of researchers has developed a novel delivery system for messenger RNA (mRNA) using extracellular vesicles (EVs). The new technique has the potential to overcome many of the delivery hurdles faced by other promising mRNA therapies. The researchers use EV-encapsulated mRNA to initiate and sustain collagen production for several months in the cells of photoaged skin in laboratory models. It is the first therapy to demonstrate this ability and represents a proof-of-concept for deploying the EV mRNA therapy.
Brain structures which could predict an individual's predisposition to accidental awareness under anaesthetic have been identified by neuroscientists.
Scientists delved into the relationship between gait function and knee extension velocity after total knee arthroplasty and compared the effects of various factors on walking. The results reveal that knee extension velocity, measured while seated, on the operated side was the most important determinant of gait function. These findings are expected to contribute to the development of new rehabilitation programs for efficient gait function improvement.
A new study demonstrates that electrodes can be made using just screen printing, creating a stretchable, durable circuit pattern that can be transferred to fabric and worn directly on human skin. Such wearable electronics can be used for health monitoring in hospitals or at home. Current commercial manufacturing of wearable electronics requires expensive processes involving clean rooms. While some use screen printing for parts of the process, this new method relies wholly on screen printing, which can make manufacturing flexible, wearable electronics much easier and less expensive.
A new study has shed light on the many and varied fall-risk factors facing older adults in community-living environments. The research examined a comprehensive set of potential fall-risk factors -- including environmental factors, in addition to health and function -- in older community-living adults in the U.S., both with and without dementia.
While some people are concerned about America's falling birth rate, a new study suggests young people don't need to be convinced to have more children. In fact, young Americans haven't changed the number of children they intend to have in decades.
Guilt is an uncomfortable feeling and can be burdensome. Researchers have shown that placebos can help reduce feelings of guilt, even when the placebo is administered openly.
Six minutes of high-intensity exercise could extend the lifespan of a healthy brain and delay the onset of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. New research shows that a short but intense bout of cycling increases the production of a specialized protein that is essential for brain formation, learning and memory, and could protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline. This insight on exercise is part of the drive to develop accessible, equitable and affordable non-pharmacological approaches that anyone can adopt to promote healthy aging.
A research group recorded the autonomic nervous system activity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and healthy subjects using a wearable device and a proprietary smartphone application to record daily life events such as defecation and sleep. As a result, they found that sympathetic nervous system activity was activated in IBS patients from 2 minutes before defecation and continued until 9 minutes after defecation. Further research is expected to improve the quality of life of IBS patients and elucidate the pathophysiology.
Combing computational physics with experimental data, researchers have developed computer models for determining a drug candidate's ability to target and bind to proteins within cells.
How people perceive their own neighborhoods may have a lot to do with whether they choose to walk and cycle, according to a global study of nearly 40,000 adults. A health sciences professor says those who are most likely to walk more than 150 minutes a week for commuting or leisure purposes reported their neighborhoods had more desirable features. The likelihood of cycling and walking was associated with land use mix-diversity (amenities such as stores or parks within a 20-minute walk), street connectivity (number of three and four-way intersections) and safety from crime.
Water clarity is key to the health and restoration of marine plants and animals worldwide, particularly in shallow coastal systems such as the Chesapeake Bay. But it turns out that measuring water clarity isn't as clear-cut as it might appear. Research reveals that the 'clarity' of a water parcel depends on the method used to measure it, and that different research questions and management decisions merit different clarity-measuring tools and techniques.
Researchers combined heparin with a protein fragment, peptide, to slow down the release of the drug and convey the medication directly to the site of a clot.
This migration mode is one of the ways cancer cells navigate tissue during metastasis. In a new study researchers have explored mesenchymal migration through cell simulations and mathematical modeling. Their aim: to learn more about how cancer cells size up surrounding tissue for stiffness and adapt their gecko-like movements in response.
The opportunistic bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii rarely sickens healthy people but causes serious infections in hospitalized patients. A study in mice suggests that Acinetobacter can hide undetected in bladder cells and then reactivate when stimulated by medical intervention. The findings suggest that patients may bring Acinetobacter into hospitals and that screening patients could supplement current infection-control efforts.
Scientists have demonstrated in animal models the possibility of using lipid nanoparticles and messenger RNA, the technology underpinning COVID-19 vaccines, to treat blindness associated with a rare genetic condition.
CAR T cell therapy may enhance the effectiveness surgery for of solid tumors, according to a preclinical study.
Researchers have discovered how to modify the function of an enzyme crucial to fat production in fruit flies, which could lead to more effective treatments of cancer and childhood obesity in humans.
Vaccines that provide long-lasting protection against influenza, coronaviruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have proved exceptionally difficult to develop. Researchers now explore the challenges and outline approaches to improved vaccines.
Neuroimaging technology has been shown to hold great promise in helping clinicians link specific symptoms of mental health disorders to abnormal patterns of brain activity. But a new study shows there are still kinks to be ironed out before doctors can translate images of the brain to psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Researchers describe a ridge network on the membrane of B lymphocytes for the first time.
Researchers have found that a defect in an enzyme called APT1 interferes with the ability to secrete insulin, contributing to the development of Type 2 diabetes in people who are overweight or obese.
Researchers are developing a new ultrahigh-speed single-pixel camera. This new device, called single-pixel imaging accelerated via swept aggregate patterns (SPI-ASAP) is capable of streaming video at 12,000 frames per second using light modulation, giving it great flexibility. This work represents a breakthrough in ultra-high-speed single-pixel imaging.
Researchers have developed a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture stabilizer for broken bones to help in regions where such devices are expensive or in short supply and people sometimes resort to homemade options.
How cells shape complex tissues and organs during embryo development, which makes us what we are, has many mysteries. New research has examined one such process which leads to the formation of vertebral column or spinal column. If this process is disrupted, it results in a birth defect called congenital scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. The research not only advanced understanding of how complex biological tissues form, but it could also lead to possible treatments for scoliosis in the future.
Scientists have analyzed the viability of a new nanomolecule as drug delivery vehicle. The results show that liposomes are able to transport and deliver an anticancer drug that has been used as a model inside the cells.
Scientists have successfully trialed an artificial pancreas for use by patients living with type 2 diabetes. The device doubled the amount of time patients were in the target range for glucose compared to standard treatment and halved the time spent experiencing high glucose levels.
New research suggests coaching overweight or obese pregnant women to improve their ability to plan and make progress toward goals may be key to helping them lower the amount of fat in their diet.
New research has found a better education has a strong genetic correlation and a protective causal association with several gut disorders.
Experiencing abuse or neglect as a child can cause multiple mental health problems, finds a new study.
Teens who reported feeling optimism, happiness, self-esteem, belongingness and loved were more likely to reach their 20s and 30s in good cardiometabolic health compared to teens with fewer of these positive psychological assets. The association was especially strong among Black youth.
New research says the gut microbiome is involved in multiple pathways in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. The findings show a wide imbalance in microbiome composition in persons with Parkinson's disease. The investigators employed metagenomics, the study of genetic material recovered directly from the stool microbiome of persons with PD and neurologically healthy control subjects.
Researchers find that being overweight can make the cells of people's immune system destructive to their eyes as they age.
Using a predictive genomics approach called variant-to-gene mapping, Texas A&M biologist Alex Keene and colleagues prove the gene Pig-Q is associated with sleep regulation in humans, flies and zebrafish.
A new study looks at how student expectations of exam grades can exhibit which individuals have an optimistic or pessimistic outlook on life.
There are two fundamentally different cell types in the brain, neurons and glial cells. The latter, for example, insulate the 'wiring' of nerve cells or guarantee optimal working conditions for them. A new study has now discovered another function in rodents: The results suggest that a certain type of glial cell plays an important role in spatial learning.
In a rigorous new study virologists are describing an against-the-grain discovery that is a potential game changer in the field. It has the potential to show the way forward for HIV cure research.
Researchers develop an injectable hydrogel that treats infections around prosthetics without the problems caused by current treatments. The black phosphorus-enhanced gel has a porous structure, excellent injectability, and rapid self-healing properties. Tests show it has good stability and low toxicity to tissue cells, and irradiating the gel with near infrared light causes it to release silver ions. This process was highly efficient at inhibiting S. aureus, common bacteria that cause disease in humans.
School garden-based interventions can improve metabolic parameters such as blood sugar and cholesterol in children, according to a new study.
A new study has found that older adults with greater severity of hearing loss were more likely to have dementia, but the likelihood of dementia was lower among hearing aid users compared to non-users.
A research team has revealed a difference in neural activity in response to visual food stimuli, depending on whether those stimuli are presented consciously or unconsciously. Using a questionnaire to assess the study participants, the team found that this difference was associated with their scores on eating behaviors, including emotional eating and cognitive restraint of food intake. These results indicate that eating behavior cannot be understood without taking into account both unconscious and conscious neural processes.
Reformulating packaged foods available in Australia to contain less sodium may save about 1,700 lives per year, according to a new study. Using the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations for reducing the population's sodium intake, the researchers estimate following the WHO sodium guidance may also prevent nearly 7,000 annual diagnoses of heart disease, kidney disease and stomach cancer in Australia.
Scientists have successfully tested the use of machine learning models to guide the design of long-acting injectable drug formulations. The potential for machine learning algorithms to accelerate drug formulation could reduce the time and cost associated with drug development, making promising new medicines available faster.
A program to increase the use of magnesium sulfate, a inexpensive injection that helps prevent cerebral palsy in premature babies, is effective.
All chlamydiae today live inside the cells of hosts ranging from amoeba to animals. A team of scientists found that the ancestor of chlamydiae likely already lived inside host cells, but that chlamydiae infecting amoeba evolved later in ways unexpected for intracellular bacteria. The study is an important step for understanding the emergence and evolution of endosymbiotic bacteria, including human pathogens.
People suffering from symptoms of depression or anxiety may help heal themselves by doing good deeds for others, new research shows. The study found that performing acts of kindness led to improvements not seen in two other therapeutic techniques used to treat depression or anxiety.
In a study using data from nearly 1,200 older adults, researchers have added to a growing body of evidence that loss of the sense of smell is a predictive marker for an increased risk of frailty as people age.
Cats always land on their feet, but what makes them so agile? Their unique sense of balance has more in common with humans than it may appear. Researchers are studying cat locomotion to better understand how the spinal cord works to help humans with partial spinal cord damage walk and maintain balance.
A newly published study sheds light on the biological underpinnings in sex differences in obesity-related disease, with researchers observing 'striking' differences in the cells that build blood vessels in the fatty tissue of male versus female mice.
Smallpox was once one of humanity's most devastating diseases, but its origin is shrouded in mystery. For years, scientific estimates of when the smallpox virus first emerged have been at odds with historical records. Now, a new study reveals that the virus dates back 2,000 years further than scientists have previously shown, verifying historical sources and confirming for the first time that the disease has plagued human societies since ancient times.
Women's reproductive needs should be considered holistically by considering pregnancy prevention and pregnancy preparation at the same time, finds a new study.
Students sometimes pull an all-nighter to prepare for an exam. However, research has shown that sleep deprivation is bad for your memory. Now, neuroscientists have discovered that what you learn while being sleep deprived is not necessarily lost, it is just difficult to recall. Together with his team, he has found a way to make this 'hidden knowledge' accessible again.
Parasitologists have shown that a complex of two protein variants plays a significant role in toxoplasmosis infection.
For the millions of people living with diabetes, insulin is a life-saving drug. Unlike many other medicines, though, insulin cannot be easily delivered by swallowing a pill -- it needs to be injected under the skin with a syringe or pump. Researchers have been making steps toward an insulin pill, and now, a team reports that they've delivered insulin to the colons of rats using an orally administered tablet powered by chemical 'micromotors.'
A new approach using functional MRI, an imaging technique that allows you to see and measure brain activity through changes in blood flow over time, provides new insight into how we describe and study conscious states.
A new study found that deleting a gene called KMT2D caused normal (basal) lung cells grown in complex cultures called organoids to transform into lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) cells.
A new study could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration.
Education about gene-by-environment interaction (G X E) causes of eating behaviors can have beneficial downstream effects on attitudes toward people with higher weight. A recent study found that participants who received education about G X E concepts reported higher empathy and held fewer stigmatizing attitudes toward individuals with higher weight. G X E is when two different genotypes respond to variations in the environment in two different ways.
The risk for poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes can be predicted with confidence by using machine learning methods, a new study finds. The most important factors predicting glycemic control include prior glucose levels, duration of type 2 diabetes, and the patient's existing anti-diabetic medicines.
New research has identified a protein that makes melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, more aggressive by giving cancer cells the ability to change the shape of their nucleus -- a characteristic which allows the cells to migrate and spread around the body.
Investigators have created a unique and detailed molecular profile of endometriosis to help improve therapeutic options for the millions of women suffering from the disease.
Afamitresgene autoleucel (afami-cel; formerly ADP-A2M4), an adoptive T cell receptor (TCR) therapy targeting the MAGE-A4 cancer antigen, achieved clinically significant results for patients with multiple solid tumor types in a Phase I clinical trial.
Fewer cases of melanoma were observed among regular users of vitamin D supplements than among non-users, a new study finds. People taking vitamin D supplements regularly also had a considerably lower risk of skin cancer, according to estimates by experienced dermatologists. The study included nearly 500 people with an increased risk of skin cancer.
Researchers have identified a new trigger of brain inflammation in Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy, two neurodegenerative disorders.
New experiments that show that eukaryotic cells can robustly control average fluctuations in organelle size. By demonstrating that organelle sizes obey a universal scaling relationship that scientists can predict theoretically, a new framework suggests that organelles grow in random bursts from a limiting pool of building blocks.
A new study challenges existing ideas of how buildup of a protein called amyloid beta (A?) in the brain is related to Alzheimer's disease.
Using a new method based upon comparing DNA mutation rates between parents and offspring, evolutionary biologists have revealed the average age of mothers versus fathers over the past 250,000 years, including the discovery that the age gap is shrinking, with women's average age at conception increasing from 23.2 years to 26.4 years, on average, in the past 5,000 years.
A randomized, controlled trial of community gardening found that those who started gardening ate more fiber and got more physical activity -- two known ways to reduce risk of cancer and chronic diseases. They also saw their levels of stress and anxiety significantly decrease.
Researchers have found that hair follicle transplants can promote scar rejuvenation by altering their architecture and genetic makeup.
A new study now reveals that cilia in the organizer function as sensors for mechanical force exerted by flow to shape the left-right body plan of the developing embryo.
Researchers describe a previously unknown component of brain anatomy that acts as both a protective barrier and platform from which immune cells surveil the brain for infection and inflammation.
Collaborative research has found that patients with severe and complicated obesity respond differently to a dietary weight loss program based on their genes.
For some communities, the digital divide remains even after they have access to computers and fast internet, new research shows. A study of the Bhutanese refugee community in Columbus found that even though more than 95% of the population had access to the internet, very few were using it to connect with local resources and online news.
There is new evidence that a 50-year-old blood pressure drug could find new purpose as a treatment to mitigate the often life-altering effects of increasingly prevalent PTSD, scientists say.
Of the nearly 4 million births each year in the United States, roughly 50,000 are marked by life-threatening complications, and up to 900 result in maternal death during delivery. One major, often life-threatening complication is placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), which poses a threat to both the mother and the baby.
Research has shown for the first time that the effects of Alagille syndrome, an incurable genetic disorder that affects the liver, could be reversed with a single drug. The study has the potential to transform treatment for this rare disease and may also have implications for more common diseases.
Scientists have discovered that time spent exploring an environment causes neural representations to grow in surprising ways. This discovery provides valuable methods for analyzing data on neurocognitive disorders involving learning and memory, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Antibiotic residues in wastewater and wastewater treatment plants in the regions around China and India risk contributing to antibiotic resistance, and the drinking water may pose a threat to human health, according to a comprehensive analysis. The researchers also determined the relative contribution of various sources of antibiotic contamination in waterways, such as hospitals, municipals, livestock, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Moderate levels of two outdoor air pollutants, ozone and fine particulate matter, are associated with non-viral asthma attacks in children and adolescents who live in low-income urban areas. The study also identifies associations between exposure to the two pollutants and molecular changes in the children's airways during non-viral asthma attacks, suggesting potential mechanisms for those attacks.
Investigators have developed a new cell therapy approach to eliminate established tumors and induce long-term immunity, training the immune system so that it can prevent cancer from recurring. Dual-action cell therapy engineered to eliminate established tumors and train the immune system to eradicate primary tumor and prevent cancer's recurrence.
Using the latest technologies --i ncluding both single-nuclear sequencing of mice and human liver tissue and advanced 3D glass imaging of mice to characterize key scar-producing liver cells -- researchers have uncovered novel candidate drug targets for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
A three-dose regimen of a whole-parasite vaccine against malaria -- called Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite (PfSPZ) vaccine -- demonstrated safety and efficacy when tested in adults living in Burkina Faso, West Africa, which has endemic malaria.
The delicate fragrance of jasmine is a delight to the senses. The sweet scent is popular in teas, perfumes and potpourri. But take a whiff of the concentrated essential oil, and the pleasant aroma becomes almost cloying. Indeed, part of the flower's smell comes from the compound skatole, a prominent component of fecal odor.
Researchers have found that immune systems of men who had recovered from mild cases of COVID-19 responded more robustly to flu vaccines than women who had had mild cases or men and women who had never been infected. In essence, the baseline immune statuses in men previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 was altered in ways that changed the response to an exposure different from SARS-CoV-2, the researchers report.
Researchers have found that testing for the presence of a single immune system molecule on nasal swabs can help detect stealthy viruses not identified in standard tests.
All of the previously known CRISPR immune systems protect bacteria by deactivating genes from an invading virus. Now, a recently discovered CRISPR protein, called Cas12a2, has been found to act as a kind of multi-purpose self-destruct system for bacteria, capable of degrading single-stranded RNA, single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA. This ability could lead to a new approach to developing diagnostics for diseases such as COVID-19 and the flu.
A new study has found that individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience disaster-related home loss, and they are also more likely to develop functional limitations following the disaster.
A clinical trial has resulted in the first approval of a treatment for advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS). The immunotherapy drug atezolizumab (Tecentriq) was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults and children 2 years and older with ASPS that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery. ASPS is an extremely rare cancer that affects mostly adolescents and young adults.
A common fatty acid found in the Western diet breaks down into compounds that contribute to increased temperature and pain -- but not itch -- sensitivity in psoriatic lesions.
A team of researchers has discovered that the protein Grb10 promotes leptin activity in the brain, opening the possibility of developing Grb10-based new approaches to treat obesity.
Being on parental leave is protective against poorer mental health particularly among mothers, with evidence of this beneficial effect continuing in later life, according to a systematic review.
New research leads the discovery of applying amniotic fluid cells obtained during 16-24 weeks of pregnancy as a novel sample type for RNA-sequencing in prenatal diagnosis to help more families with tailored clinical management. This is a proof-of-concept study to demonstrate the potential clinical utility of amniotic fluid cells RNA-sequencing in the literature.
In a new paper, researchers have investigated the role of small RNAs that help Salmonella express their virulence genes.
Researchers hypothesized that AMD and COVID-19 share common genetic risk factors and carried out a study that identified a novel association of the two diseases with variants in the PDGFB gene. This gene encodes a platelet derived growth factor (Pdgf) which has a role in the formation of new blood vessels and is involved in the abnormal blood vessel changes that occur in AMD. They also found that more severe COVID-19 outcomes were associated with AMD likely arising from genetic predisposition to dysfunction involving complement proteins, as well as with a higher level of Pdgf in blood serum.
A study of children and adolescents who received a COVID-19 vaccination following multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) found that there were no reports of serious complications including myocarditis or MIS-C reoccurrence. About half of participants experienced mild and typical reactions, including arm soreness and fatigue. The study demonstrates that it is safe to get a vaccine after having MIS-C.
Scientists have discovered that both brown and white fat is filled with thousands of previously unknown microproteins, and show that one of these microproteins, called Gm8773, can increase appetite in mice. These findings could lead to the development of a therapeutic to help people gain weight in certain disease situations, such as during chemotherapy for cancer.
Scientists show in mice how time-restricted eating influences gene expression across more than 22 regions of the body and brain. The findings have implications for a wide range of health conditions where time-restricted eating has shown potential benefits, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and cancer.
If your alertness and reaction time is see-sawing more than usual, you may be more at risk of a viral illness. That's the key finding of a recent experiment.
Radiation, used to treat half of all cancer patients, can be measured during treatment for the first time with precise 3D imaging. By capturing and amplifying tiny sound waves created when X-rays heat tissues in the body, medical professionals can map the radiation dose within the body, giving them new data to guide treatments in real time. It's a first-of-its-kind view of an interaction doctors have previously been unable to 'see.'
A new study suggests that voice and face recognition are linked even more intimately than previously thought.
'Single-cell profiling' is helping neuroscientists see how disease affects major brain cell types and identify common, potentially targetable pathways.
In dual-earner couples, working from home may be a better deal for husbands than wives in some ways, according to two related studies of workers in China and South Korea.
Studying mice, researchers have found that proteins made by stem cells to help regenerate the cornea may become new targets for treating and preventing injuries to the cornea related to dry eye disease. When eyes are dry, the cornea is more susceptible to injury.
Unprecedented views of the interior of cells and other nanoscale structures are now possible thanks to innovations in expansion microscopy. The advancements could help provide future insight into neuroscience, pathology, and many other biological and medical fields.
A new method can illuminate the identities and activities of cells throughout an organ or a tumor at unprecedented resolution, according to a new study.
Adults who stay well-hydrated appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, and live longer than those who may not get sufficient fluids, according to a new study.
Researchers have discovered a novel immunotherapy combination, targeting checkpoints in both T cells and myeloid suppressor cells, that successfully reprogrammed the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and significantly improved anti-tumor responses in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer.
It is an exciting question why the internal clock runs almost unchanged at the same rate despite fluctuating temperatures. A team has now found an piece of the puzzle to answer this question.
Comparing models of working memory with real-world data, researchers found that information resides not in persistent neural activity, but in the pattern of their connections.
To find out how many scientists a region needs to become a leader in a discipline, researchers tracked millions of scientists moving across the globe. Their result: there is no critical mass, but you have to be a pioneer. Regions can catch up later, but this costs a lot.
Language function and the psychosocial wellbeing of patients and their families can be promoted with singing-based rehabilitation. Group intervention provides opportunities for peer support while being simultaneously cost effective.
Researchers are bridging mouse and human data to reveal the biology of senescent cells. Senescent cells stop dividing in response to stressors and seemingly have a role to play in human health and the aging process. Recent research with mice suggests that clearing senescent cells delays the onset of age-related dysfunction and disease as well as all-cause mortality.
A new paper presents a mathematical model for the motion of bacteria that includes cell division and death, the basic ingredients of the cell cycle.
Scientists have now been able to unravel a mystery surrounding the question of how cells use their sense of touch to make vital decisions during embryogenesis.
A new study reveals critical insights into the complex biology of tissue-specific T cells, paving the way for a new branch of precision therapeutics in immunity, autoimmunity, and cancer.
Researchers have found that antigen-specific killer T cells (CD8+ T cells) rapidly expand in the lungs when primed by antigen-presenting lung-resident alveolar macrophages (AMs). This interaction helps protect against viral infection and could form the basis for developing 'cell transplant'-type vaccines in the future.
Taking Hong Kong's famous Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak offers stunning views of its central business district, Victoria Harbor, and the surrounding islands. But a team of international scientists has recently discovered that the trams winding journey provides a previously unrecognized situation where our vertical perception gets distorted.
New insights into the opposing actions of serotonin-producing nerve fibers in mice could lead to drugs for treating addictions and major depression.
An enzyme that defends human cells against viruses can help drive cancer evolution towards greater malignancy by causing myriad mutations in cancer cells, according to a new study. The finding suggests that the enzyme may be a potential target for future cancer treatments.
The biomarker, called 'brain-derived tau,' or BD-tau, outperforms current blood diagnostic tests used to detect Alzheimer's-related neurodegeneration clinically. It is specific to Alzheimer's disease and correlates well with Alzheimer's neurodegeneration biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid. Scientists hope that monitoring blood levels of BD-tau could facilitate screening and enrollment of patients from populations that historically haven't been included in research cohorts.
A quarter-sized device could drastically alter the course of treatment for Type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition that impacts millions of Americans and does not have a cure.
A research group has revealed that the checkerboard-like arrangement of cells in the inner ear's organ of Corti is vital for hearing. The discovery gives a new insight into how hearing works from the perspective of cell self-organization and will also enable various hearing loss disorders to be better understood.
Finding where your family came from is as simple as a home DNA test. Determining ancestry from tumors alone is trickier, but could hold the key to cancer's origins. Now, researchers have software that accurately infers continental ancestry from tumor genomes. Their work may lead to a better understanding of the links between cancer and ethnicity, as well as future strategies for early detection and personalized treatment.
While most germinal centers shut down after a few weeks, some stay in business for more than six months. A new study helps explain why.
Researchers have identified key neurons that regulate body temperature at 37°C in mammals. This finding could pave the way for developing a technology that artificially adjusts body temperature to help treat heat stroke, hypothermia, and even obesity.
Researchers report that they have developed a new experimental pipeline to combine bacterial therapy with current cancer drugs. Their study, which explores resistance to bacterial therapy at the molecular level, has achieved better treatment efficacy without additional toxicity in laboratory models.
A remote fear memory is a memory of traumatic events that occurred in the distant past -- a few months to decades ago. A mouse study has now spelled out the fundamental mechanisms by which the brain consolidates remote fear memories. The study demonstrates that remote fear memories formed in the distant past are permanently stored in connections between memory neurons in the prefrontal cortex.
New research suggests that a portion of the Danish population has a composition of gut microbes that, on average, extracts more energy from food than do the microbes in the guts of their fellow Danes. The research is a step towards understanding why some people gain more weight than others, even when they eat the same.
A research group has revealed that a transcription cofactor gene called CREB-Regulated Transcription Coactivator 1 (CRTC1) mediates the obesity-suppressing effects of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) by regulating appetite for fats and oils, high-fat diet metabolism, and blood sugar. They found that there was no difference in weight gain between mice without CRTC1 in their MC4R-expressing neurons and control mice when they were reared on a standard diet. However, when given a high-fat diet, the CRTC1-deficient mice overate, becoming significantly obese and developing diabetes.
People sleep less in mid-adulthood than they do in early and late adulthood, finds a new study.
A study found that inexpensive, easy-to-assemble Corsi-Rosenthal boxes can help reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants. The air filters have already been shown to reduce particles carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Targeting a receptor responsible for our sense of touch and temperature, which researchers have now found to be present in our colon, could provide a new avenue for treating chronic pain associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. A team examining the colon identified the presence of Piezo2, the subject of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, now known to be responsible for sensing light touch on our skin.
Looking for answers about how the brain works amid age-related hearing loss, researchers say they found that old mice were less capable than young mice of 'turning off' certain actively firing brain cells in the midst of ambient noise. The result, they say, creates a 'fuzzy' sound stage that makes it difficult for the brain to focus on one type of sound -- such as spoken words -- and filter out surrounding 'noise.'
The artificial intelligence algorithms behind the chatbot program ChatGPT -- which has drawn attention for its ability to generate humanlike written responses to some of the most creative queries -- might one day be able to help doctors detect Alzheimer's Disease in its early stages. Research recently demonstrated that OpenAI's GPT-3 program can identify clues from spontaneous speech that are 80% accurate in predicting the early stages of dementia.
Researchers have shown that changes in gene expression happen almost entirely during the transcription stage while the cells are growing. The researchers have provided a simple quantitative formula linking regulatory control to mRNA and protein levels.
Nano-sized membrane bubbles known as extracellular vesicles activate the immune system in mice and seem to render their tumors sensitive to a type of immunotherapy drug called a checkpoint inhibitor.
After an intrepid, decade-long search, scientists say they have found a new role for a pair of enzymes that regulate genome function and, when missing or mutated, are linked to diseases such as brain tumors, blood cancers and Kleefstra syndrome -- a rare genetic, neurocognitive disorder.
Researchers have demonstrated that people suffering from blood cancer have a good immune response to COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccination protects patients with B-cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma against severe illness from COVID-19. Some patients even form highly potent antibodies.
A booster, researchers report, made for longer-lasting antibodies for all recipients, even those who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection.
By adding a gender dimension to the theory of 'affordance perception' and applying it to the home, a new hypothesis may help answer questions of why women still shoulder most housework, and why men never seem to notice.
Researchers describe the impact of epigenetics on cancer treatment and how it has become a crucial tool to improve early detection, predict disease progression and become a target for new treatments.
Pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and pneumococcus can cause severe pneumonia. If the airways then fill with fluid, the patient risks developing acute respiratory distress syndrome. Researchers have now discovered the molecular mechanisms that trigger fluid accumulation in the lungs. This also led them to discover a potential new therapy: A cystic fibrosis drug proved effective in their laboratory experiments, raising hope that this could be used to treat pneumonia regardless of the pathogen that caused it.
People with liver disease caused by eating too much sugar and fat could be at increased risk of developing serious neurological conditions like depression or dementia.
Sedentary behavior, a large waist circumference, and advanced age: These factors are clearly associated with inferior physical fitness among people aged 50 to 64. In a study with over 5,000 participants, investigating the correlations in detail, major fitness disparities are shown.
Children exhale significantly fewer potentially infectious particles than adults -- at least this is true for the small respiratory droplets that are predominantly produced in the lungs.
A team of medical researchers has analyzed damage by focused high energetic X-rays in bone samples from fish and mammals at BESSY II. With a combination of microscopy techniques, the scientists could document the destruction of collagen fibers induced by electrons emitted from the mineral crystals. X-ray methods might impact bone samples when measured for a long time they conclude.
Researchers concluded that PTSD, TBI, and a specific variant of the APOE gene showed strong associations with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD).
Humans displaying positive emotions in customer service interactions have long been known to improve customer experience, but researchers wanted to see if this also applied to AI. They conducted experimental studies to determine if positive emotional displays improved customer service and found that emotive AI is only appreciated if the customer expects it, and it may not be the best avenue for companies to invest in.
Ten young children born without functioning immune systems and lacking the ability to fight infections are on track for healthier lives thanks to a new gene therapy treatment.
In people with active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), hematopoietic stem cell transplants may delay disability longer than some other MS medications, according to a new study. The study involved autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplants, which use healthy blood stem cells from a person's own body to replace diseased cells.
While cluster headache is more common in men than in women, a new study suggests that the disorder may be more severe for women.
The evidence-based health benefits of walking continue to accumulate, according to ongoing research by a physical activity epidemiologist.
What keeps bones able to remodel themselves and stay healthy? A team has discovered clues to the key function of non-collagen protein compounds and how they help bone cells react to external load. The scientists used fish models to examine bone samples with and without bone cells to elucidate differences in microstructures and the incorporation of water. Using 3D neutron tomography they succeeded for the first time in precisely measuring the water diffusion across bone material -- with a surprising result.
A research team has linked the mutation that causes Huntington's disease to developmental deficits in the brain's oligodendrocyte cells that are caused by changes in metabolism. They found that high doses of thiamine and biotin can restore normal processes.
A perplexing range of neurodegenerative diseases are known to attack distinct regions of the brain, causing severe cognitive and motor deficit. The combined impact of these (generally fatal) diseases has inflicted a devastating toll on society. New insights suggest many of these afflictions have their origin in a constellation of common processes, which play out in different ways as each disease develops.
Nerve cells need a lot of energy and oxygen. They receive both through the blood. This is why nerve tissue is usually crisscrossed by a large number of blood vessels. But what prevents neurons and vascular cells from getting in each other's way as they grow? Researchers have identified a mechanism that takes care of this.
An artificial intelligence tool called DystoniaBoTXNet predicted which patients with dystonia would benefit from botulinum toxin injections with 96.3% accuracy. DystoniaBoTXNet could be a tool to aid clinical decision-making and address some of the issues patients with dystonia face with overtreatment and undertreatment with this first-line therapy.
Researchers have developed new software that integrates a variety of information from a single cell, allowing researchers to see how one change in a cell can lead to several others and providing important clues for pinpointing the exact causes of genetic-based diseases.
Glioblastoma is a deadly brain cancer with a grim prognosis. Unlike most cancers, it still grows in the presence of the P53 protein. For decades, scientists have been unable to crack the case . . . until now. Scientists have discovered a protein known as BRD8 has gone rogue in glioblastoma, crippling P53. The finding could help turn this deadly cancer into a treatable disease.
Researchers have revealed a brain mechanism that mice use to instinctively escape to shelter when faced with a threat. This is the first time that neuroscientists have been able to find such a clear link between spatial goals and actions.
Damage to the paternal genome of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans cannot be repaired and is instead passed on to its offspring, while the female egg repairs or limits the damage.
Evolutionary pressure across male mammals to guarantee the procreation of their own offspring led to a rapid evolution of the testicle. Bioinformatic studies show that this pressure particularly accelerated the evolution of later stages of sperm formation.
Researchers have genetically profiled nearly 200,000 cells from lungs, mapping their precise locations in tissue to discover an unexpected new immune niche in our airways
New research reveals how microorganisms in our guts can worsen dangerous C. difficile infections. The discovery could help doctors identify patients at risk for severe illness and open the door to new treatments.
Making an intentional effort to recognize positive life events and achievements while gathering for food and drink will leave you feeling more socially supported, new research shows.
Since 1931, researchers have been investigating the therapeutic effects of Japanese hot springs, also known as 'onsen.' In 2011, the hospital conducted a massive survey of Beppu residents over 65 on their 'onsen' habits and health. One result they found was that onsen bathing after 19:00 is linked to a lower prevalence of hypertension. The research team hypothesizes two reasons for such results: lower stress and faster sleep onset.
Researchers have used artificial DNA to target and kill cancer cells in a completely new way. The method was effective in lab tests against human cervical cancer- and breast cancer-derived cells, and against malignant melanoma cells from mice. The team created a pair of chemically synthesized, hairpin-shaped, cancer-killing DNA. When the DNA pairs were injected into cancer cells, they connected to microRNA (miRNA) molecules that are overproduced in certain cancers. Once connected to the miRNA, they unraveled and joined together, forming longer chains of DNA which triggered an immune response. This response not only killed the cancer cells but prevented further growth of cancerous tissue. This method is different from conventional anticancer drug treatments and is hoped to bring about a new era of drug development.
Biodegradable medical gowns, designed to be greener than conventional counterparts, actually produce harmful greenhouse gases, according to new research.
No matter how egotistical, power hungry or greedy the person is, many of us are still attracted to their dark side -- in part because we suspect some may have a redeeming quality. A recent study found that both adults and children more often reported that villains were inwardly good than that heroes were inwardly bad.
Antidepressant use during pregnancy may combine with inflammation to heighten the risk of lifelong neurodevelopmental changes in babies' brains, new research suggests.
3D Patient Tumor Avatar technology has great potential to enable optimum, precision treatment selections for cancer patients in a clinical setting. The benefits and challenges, as well as the future steps needed to implement this technology are described here.
A new study finds that antibodies produced in the nose decline nine months after COVID-19 infection, while antibodies found in the blood last at least a year.
New research shows that a third of long COVID patients suffer persistent smell loss, and almost a fifth suffer loss of taste. Researchers say that Christmas in particular can be a difficult time for people who have lost their sense of smell and taste -- who will be missing out smells like the Christmas tree and mulled wine, or being able to taste their Christmas dinner, mince pies and chocolates.
Researchers have designed and synthesized analogs of a new antibiotic that is effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria, opening a new front in the fight against these infections.
A large-scale study has found that rectal artesunate (RAS) has no beneficial effect on the survival of young children with severe malaria when used as an emergency treatment in resource-constrained settings. The study, which took place under real-world conditions in three African countries, concludes that the use of RAS is unlikely to reduce malaria deaths unless underlying health system weaknesses are addressed.
A probiotic bacterium called Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 prevents neurodegeneration in the C. elegans worm, an animal model used to study amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Both hot and cold environments trigger a stress response in the human body and can lead to cardiovascular problems. Physiologists have recently investigated both factors in scientific studies. The results are especially interesting in light of the current multiple global crises.
In our bones, specialized cells called osteoblasts are responsible for building up bone substance. A team of researchers has now identified an enzyme that controls the activity of osteoblasts. An agent that inhibits the activity of this enzyme reduced cancer-related bone loss and the number of bone metastases in multiple myeloma and in lung and breast cancer models in mice.
Mothers drank alcohol less frequently as the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, according to a small study of Ohio women, but another result was more concerning to researchers. Findings showed that the number of drinks per day increased for moms later in the pandemic, raising concerns that mothers may have been more likely to binge when they did drink.
Experts are investigating how cells called Muller glial cells, responsible for regenerating a damaged zebrafish retina, acquire stem cell properties with the hope of eventually developing techniques to encourage human retinas to regenerate.
Scientists have labored for decades to understand how brain structure and functional connectivity drive intelligence. A new analysis offers the clearest picture yet of how various brain regions and neural networks contribute to a person's problem-solving ability in a variety of contexts, a trait known as general intelligence, researchers report.
Childhood body mass index is unlikely to have a big impact on children's mood or behavioural disorders, according to a new study.
New research findings have revealed an underlying genetic cause for why some children who have had COVID-19 infection develop Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a rare but potentially life-threatening disease.
Research finds orangutans communicate using a complex repertoire of consonant-like calls, more so than African apes. Previous research has only linked the evolution of human language with the voiced-vowel sounds produced by non-human primates, despite human language being composed of vowel and consonant sounds. Orangutans' tree-dwelling nature means they use their mouth, lips and jaw as a 'fifth hand', unlike ground-dwelling African apes. Their sophisticated use of their mouths, mean orangutans communicate using a rich variety of consonant sounds.
Modern humans evolutionarily split from our chimpanzee ancestors nearly 7 million years ago, yet we are continuing to evolve. 155 new genes have been identified within the human lineage that spontaneously arose from tiny sections of our DNA. Some of these new genes date back to the ancient origin of mammals, with a few of these 'microgenes' predicted to be associated with human-specific diseases.
A collaborative study reveals a new gene associated with obesity and maladaptive behavior. The evidence shows that rare mutations in the gene for the serotonin 2C receptor play a role in the development of obesity and dysfunctional behaviors in humans and animal models.
Comparing the genetics and relocation patterns of habitat 'haves' and 'have-nots' among two populations of threatened rattlesnakes has produced a new way to use scientific landscape data to guide conservation planning that would give the 'have-nots' a better chance of surviving.
Comparing the genetics and relocation patterns of habitat 'haves' and 'have-nots' among two populations of threatened rattlesnakes has produced a new way to use scientific landscape data to guide conservation planning that would give the 'have-nots' a better chance of surviving.
Engineers compare wastewater 'snapshots' to daylong composite samples and find snapshots lead to bias in testing for the presence of antibiotic-resistant genes.
Engineers compare wastewater 'snapshots' to daylong composite samples and find snapshots lead to bias in testing for the presence of antibiotic-resistant genes.
Therapies to target neuromuscular disorders affecting million of people worldwide are on the horizon thanks to research at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute of Montreal. Fusion of myoblasts, the stem cells responsible for the formation of skeletal muscles, could allow the repair of muscles damaged by diseases such as muscular dystrophy.
Therapies to target neuromuscular disorders affecting million of people worldwide are on the horizon thanks to research at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute of Montreal. Fusion of myoblasts, the stem cells responsible for the formation of skeletal muscles, could allow the repair of muscles damaged by diseases such as muscular dystrophy.
A recent study suggests an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technique they developed is considerably more effective than the human eye when it comes to predicting therapy outcomes in patients with brain metastases. The team hopes the new research and technology could eventually lead to more tailored treatment plans and better health outcomes for cancer patients.
A recent study suggests an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technique they developed is considerably more effective than the human eye when it comes to predicting therapy outcomes in patients with brain metastases. The team hopes the new research and technology could eventually lead to more tailored treatment plans and better health outcomes for cancer patients.
Craving is known to be a key factor in substance use disorders and can increase the likelihood of future drug use or relapse. Yet its neural basis -- or, how the brain gives rise to craving -- is not well understood. In a new study, researchers from have identified a stable brain pattern, or neuromarker, for drug and food craving.
Craving is known to be a key factor in substance use disorders and can increase the likelihood of future drug use or relapse. Yet its neural basis -- or, how the brain gives rise to craving -- is not well understood. In a new study, researchers from have identified a stable brain pattern, or neuromarker, for drug and food craving.
An animal experiment demonstrates what big data analysis previously indicated: high doses of statins likely increase osteoporosis risk.
People with chronic epilepsy often experience impaired memory. Researchers have now found a mechanism in mice that could explain these deficits.
Cryo-electron microscopy has exposed the structure of a bacterial virus with unprecedented detail. This is the first structure of a virus able to infect Staphylococcus epidermidis, and high-resolution knowledge of structure is a key link between viral biology and potential therapeutic use of the virus to quell bacterial infections.
Avoiding mosquitoes to protect against bites is always a good idea. But a new study shows that the bacteria-ridden exteriors of mosquitoes may be another reason to arm yourself with a swatter.
Doctors and their family members are less likely than other people to comply with guidelines for taking medication, according to a new study.
Lipstick can be a confidence booster, enhance a costume and keep lips from chapping. But sharing a tube with a friend or family member can also spread infections. To develop a version with antimicrobial properties, researchers have added cranberry extract to the formulation. Their deep red cream quickly inactivates disease-causing viruses, bacteria and a fungus that come in contact with it.
Researchers hope their genome-assembly tool will spur the development of new treatments for bacterial infections.
Astronomers have found a way to peer into the physics of some of the brightest stars in the sky.
A new study examined the combination of the common immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a chemotherapy drug that targets myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Researchers found that the drug combination is effective, with an overall response rate of 71%. Fifty percent of patients experienced a complete response, and the one-year overall survival rate was 80%.
Past research has suggested that people's cultural differences may result in differences in basic visual perception. New research found no evidence that these differences play a significant role in how participants performed a basic visual task. The findings lend support to the idea that basic mechanisms of visual perception are universal.
Psychologists had people learn words from two phonetically similar languages in virtual reality environments. Those who learned each language in its own unique context mixed up fewer words and were able to recall 92% of the words they had learned. In contrast, participants who had learned both sets of words in the same VR context were more likely to confuse terms between the two languages and retained only 76% of the words. Regardless of group, those participants who felt immersed in the VR world remembered more than those who did not feel immersed.
Researchers have developed an AI based neural network to detect an early knee osteoarthritis from x-ray images. AI was able to match a doctors' diagnosis in 87% of cases. The result is important because x-rays are the primary diagnostic method for early knee osteoarthritis. An early diagnosis can save the patient from unnecessary examinations, treatments and even knee joint replacement surgery.
Researchers provide new insights into the pathology of limbic predominate age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy, which mimics Alzheimer's, making it very difficult to identify in living patients.
Researchers found there is often a disconnect between the medical language used by doctors and patient understanding.
Since the 1960s, researchers have postulated that major depression stems from disruptions in the serotonin neurotransmitter system, but the evidence for that idea, though plentiful, was indirect. In fact, a recent comprehensive analysis of existing studies concluded that there was not strong evidence to support the 'serotonin hypothesis.' In its wake, some in the field have called for a reexamination of the hypothesis. Not so fast, says a new study that provides direct evidence of disrupted serotonin release in the brains of individuals with depression.
In an effort to identify a more universal treatment for drug overdose, a team of scientists tested a chemical compound -- Pillar[6]MaxQ (P6AS) -- as an antidote for methamphetamine and fentanyl. Their findings were highly promising.
A clinical trial found that two first-line treatments for high blood pressure were equally effective.
Moving is considered stressful, but just how stressful is it? Researchers have developed an original method of investigation.
A serendipitous discovery in the lab has the potential to revolutionize embryo models and targeted drug therapies.
Dementia is a growing global public health concern currently affecting 50 million people and is expected to rise dramatically to more than 150 million cases worldwide by 2050. Obesity, commonly measured by body mass index (BMI), continues to be a global epidemic and earlier studies suggested that obesity at midlife may lead to increased risk for dementia. But the association between BMI and the risk of dementia remains unclear. Now, researchers have found that different patterns of BMI changes over one's life course may be an indicator of a person's risk for dementia.
Researchers have uncovered a protein produced by the immune system, suPAR, that causes atherosclerosis . Investigators say it's the first immune target to treat cardiovascular disease, which affects over 1 billion people worldwide. Researchers believe treatment could be developed within five years.
Millions of people across the globe regularly consume arsenic-contaminated water. Exposure to arsenic has previously been associated with the development of various cancers including skin cancer. Research on the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating arsenic-mediated carcinogenesis remains sparse. Using in vitro studies, researchers demonstrate how calcitriol, or activated vitamin D3, inhibits arsenic-mediated carcinogenesis in certain types of skin cells known as 'keratinocytes.'
Enhancing the virtual experience with the touch sensation has become a hot topic, but today's haptic devices remain typically bulky and tangled with wires. Researchers have now developed an advanced wireless haptic interface system, called WeTac, worn on the hand, which has soft, ultrathin soft features, and collects personalized tactile sensation data to provide a vivid touch experience in the metaverse.
A new gelatinous robot that crawls, powered by nothing more than temperature change and clever design, brings 'a kind of intelligence' to the field of soft robotics.
Scientists find that a modified immune protein harming brain connections is much more common in the brains of women with Alzheimer's, compared to men.
People with cluster headaches may be more than three times more likely to have other medical conditions such as heart disease, mental disorders and other neurologic diseases, according to a new study.
Two randomized, placebo-controlled trials evaluating three Ebola vaccine administration strategies in adults and children found that all the regimens were safe in both age groups, according to new results. Antibodies were produced in response to the vaccine regimens beginning at 14 days after the first vaccination and continued to be detectable at varying levels -- depending on the vaccine and regimen used -- in both children and adults for one year. The study enrolled volunteers at sites in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Mali to identify optimal vaccination strategies to curtail outbreaks of Ebola virus disease.
Researchers have found a method using molecular profiling and machine learning to develop blood-based dietary signatures that more accurately assess diet and predict the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. They say the metabolic snapshot could allow those studying food science to better understand the implications of diet and nutrition on health.
Viruses can inflame and disrupt connections between the olfactory system, which governs the sense of smell, and the part of the brain associated with memory and learning, possibly accelerating the onset of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study.
Researchers found that treating patients who have resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma, meaning that their tumor can be removed with surgery, with immunotherapy ahead of surgery resulted in favorable clinical outcomes.
Scientists have developed a machine learning model that uses the assortment of microbes found in wastewater to tease out how many individual people they represent.
Patients with treatment resistant depression have a 23 per cent higher risk of death than other depressed patients. They also have twice as much outpatient care and spend three times the number of days in inpatient care.
Some species of gut-dwelling bacteria activate nerves in the gut to promote the desire to exercise, according to a study in mice. The study reveals the gut-to-brain pathway that explains why some bacteria boost exercise performance.
Three approaches with a reputation for slowing aging processes have proven largely ineffective. For their study, researchers developed a new method to measure aging, which accounts for the complexity of aging in organisms.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the fifth leading cause of death in adults over 65 years old. While many potential treatments for the neurodegenerative disease focus on developing drugs to target key culprits, a relatively new approach aims to more directly treat the brain. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical technique of electrically exciting brain circuits to alleviate symptoms of disorders such as Parkinson's disease and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
After an intermittent fasting diet intervention, patients achieved complete diabetes remission, defined as an HbA1c (average blood sugar) level of less than 6.5% at least one year after stopping diabetes medication, according to a new study.
Humans are living further and further away from nature, leading to a decline in the number of our interactions with nature. The researchers highlight that human experience of nature is crucial for developing pro-environmental behavior and thus facing the global environmental crisis.
A single bout of exercise has been shown to elevate anti-cancer proteins called myokines in people with advanced prostate cancer, to levels which can significantly suppress tumour growth.
Inadequate pollination has led to a 3-5% loss of fruit, vegetable, and nut production and an estimated 427,000 excess deaths annually from lost healthy food consumption and associated diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers, according to new research. It is the first study to quantify the human health toll of insufficient wild (animal) pollinators on human health.
Researchers have characterised prostate cancer cell dynamics at a single-cell resolution across the timespan of the disease -- from its beginning to the point of androgen independence, where the tumour no longer responds to hormone deprivation therapy.
Scientists identify a new molecular model and potential therapeutic target for gout, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis.
A new study has found that young Brits would be willing to change to a more sustainable diet, but a lack of understanding about what that actually means is preventing many from doing so.
In a global study, researchers have identified that most reservoirs of rodent-borne diseases tend to live exclusively or occasionally in or near human dwellings, show large fluctuations in their numbers, and/or are hunted for meat or fur.
Wearable fitness devices offer new insights into the relationship between physical activity and type 2 diabetes, according to a new analysis.
For decades, doctors and scientists have known that exercise is important for older adults -- it can lower risk for cardiac issues, strengthen bones, improve mood and provide other benefits. Likewise, mindfulness training reduces stress, and stress can be bad for the brain, so many have thought that exercise and/or mindfulness training might improve brain function. In a large study, researchers had hypothesized that if older adults exercised regularly, practiced mindfulness or did both, there might be cognitive benefits -- but that's not what they found.
A team of scientists studying how other animals regrow damaged tissues has made an important step toward controlling at least one part of the regenerative machinery with precise control of timing and place. They used a mechanism zebrafish rely on to repair heart damage combined with viral vectors used for gene therapy in humans to show that the fish gene enhancers would work only where and when they sensed damage in a mammalian heart. This is a new level of precision that gene therapies have been missing.
With numerical simulations, researchers have demonstrated a new way to time weak electrical pulses that can stop certain life-threatening arrhythmias. The group shows that timed pulses are successful in ending atrial and ventricular fibrillations. The study provides early evidence that one theorized approach to controlling fibrillations -- adaptive deceleration pacing -- can improve the performance of defibrillators.
Since oral cancer occurs in one of the most accessible sites in the body, it can be easily treated if detected promptly. Researchers report a breakthrough hand-held biosensor that enables quick and accurate detection of oral cancer. The group's biosensor consists of a sensor strip, similar to a glucose strip, and a circuit board (a hand-held terminal like a glucometer) for detection.
Researchers who identified a novel mechanism for platelet activation in pathogenic blood clotting (thrombosis) are now turning their attention to sepsis.
New findings from mechanical engineers could, one day, help doctors screen patients for illnesses like depression or Parkinson's Disease.
With an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and legumes, the Mediterranean diet has long been applauded for its multiple health benefits. Now, new research shows that it may also help overcome infertility, making it a non-intrusive and affordable strategy for couples trying to conceive.
Females' propensity to deposit more fat in places like their hips, buttocks and the backs of their arms, so-called subcutaneous fat, is protective against brain inflammation, which can result in problems like dementia and stroke, at least until menopause, scientists report.
A new study suggests lipoprotein(a) cholesterol may affect relationship between hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk.
A new drug acts like a master reset switch in the intestines. The compound, called FexD, has previously been found to lower cholesterol, burn fat, and ward off colorectal cancer in mice. Now, the team reports that FexD can also prevent and reverse intestinal inflammation in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers have developed a new way to fortify foods with vitamin A, which they hope could help to improve the health of millions of people around the world. In a new study, they showed that encapsulating vitamin A in a protective polymer prevents the nutrient from being broken down during cooking or storage.
An ancient fish called a 'living fossil' has helped researchers understand the basics of stem cells. This will further stem cell research and be a step in the direction of creating artificial organs.
More heart failure deaths were linked with extreme temperatures than other heart conditions, from an international study.
A new therapy that makes the immune system kill bone marrow cancer cells was successful in as many as 73 percent of patients in two clinical trials.
Patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis who participated in a clinical trial of rocatinlimab -- a novel, patient-tailored monoclonal antibody therapy -- showed promising results both while taking the drug and up to 20 weeks after the therapy was stopped.
The past decade has seen a global surge in adolescent use of e-cigarettes/vaping, cannabis, and prescription opioids not-taken-as-prescribed. Relying on detection through informal observation is quickly becoming a thing of the past. A new article provides health care professionals and parents concrete steps for screening, detection and intervention.
Modern Papuans' immune system likely evolved with a little help from the Denisovans, a mysterious human ancestor who interbred with ancient humans, according to a new study.
In rural Bangladesh, areas with high levels of arsenic contamination in drinking water, compared to areas with less contamination, have a higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in both water and child stool samples, according to a new study.
Gait analysis systems measure certain metrics to give their results. These results then drive clinical treatment for gait correction. However, detailed gait analysis requires expensive equipment, and a lot of space, markers, time. Measurements from markerless, video-based gait analysis systems, on the other hand, are inaccurate. To improve upon existing systems, researchers have now combined RGB camera-based pose estimation and an inertial measurement unit sensor for gait analysis. This significantly reduces errors in the process.
A landmark study reveals how a tiny cellular machine called TRiC directs the folding of tubulin, a human protein that is the building block of microtubules that serve as the cell's scaffolding and transport system.
A new visualization of pathogen exposure risk in public bathrooms also provides a methodology to help reduce it.
Scientists compared the blood of nearly 300 individuals with type 1 diabetes to healthy controls, they found that a higher level of antibodies against gentamicin was associated with increased risk of progression to type 1 diabetes. G418 and sisomicin, analogs of gentamicin, also showed a similar association.
The availability of foods based on plant proteins to substitute for meat has increased dramatically as more people choose a plant-based diet. At the same time, there are many challenges regarding the nutritional value of these products. A study now shows that many of the meat substitutes sold in Sweden claim a high content of iron -- but in a form that cannot be absorbed by the body.
A patient's own immune cells, multiplied into an army of billions of immune cells in a lab, can be used as a living medicine against metastatic melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, as the TIL trial has shown. The TIL trial is the world's first comparative phase 3 trial looking into the effect of T cell therapy in melanoma, and solid tumors in general.
Recent research shows patients using virtual reality technology during elective hand surgery required less anesthesia for anxiety during surgery.
The fetuses of women working in the fields in extreme heat can show signs of strain before their mothers are affected, new research has shown.
People who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins may have a lower risk of having a type of stroke called an intracerebral hemorrhage, according to a new study. An intracerebral hemorrhage is caused by bleeding in the brain.
Researchers showed participants videos of human, dog, and macaque pairs to determine how well humans assess social interactions.
A new paper shows that when first-year female STEM students are mentored by student peers, the positive ripple effect lasts throughout their undergraduate years and into their postgraduate lives, enhancing the mentee's subjective experience as well as objective academic outcomes.
Audio cues can not only help us to recognize objects more quickly but can even alter our visual perception. That is, pair birdsong with a bird and we see a bird -- but replace that birdsong with a squirrel's chatter, and we're not quite so sure what we're looking at.
The Alongshan virus was discovered in China only five years ago. Now researchers have found the novel virus for the first time in Swiss ticks. It appears to be at least as widespread as the tickborne encephalitis virus and causes similar symptoms. The team is working on a diagnostic test to assess the epidemiological situation.
Researchers have examined the records of 87 patients admitted to hospital with brain abscesses, and found that the 52 patients for whom no cause had been found were about three times as likely to have oral bacteria present in their samples.
When cancer is detected at an early stage, the rates of survival increase drastically, but today only a few cancer types are screened for. An international study shows that a new, previously untested method can easily find multiple types of newly formed cancers at the same time -- including cancer types that are difficult to detect with comparable methods.
An agrivoltaics study shows how harvesting the light spectrum can make growing food and clean energy more efficient.
People who receive monoclonal antibodies before vaccines may benefit from increased coverage, due to antibody feedback inhibition, according to new research.
As climate change continues, human cases of rat lungworm disease are anticipated to become more widespread globally, especially in places where the parasite that causes the disease is not yet present. A review paper is now available to educate medical professionals in the U.S. and around the world as they encounter an increasing number of patients with the disease.
One of the major challenges in microbiome science has been distinguishing what is a potential environmental contaminant from a true, bona fide microbiome signal in low biomass studies -- studies that contain little microbial DNA like breastmilk, placenta or amniotic fluid. For instance, it can be challenging to differentiate between the DNA of a microbe in a sample from remnant contaminant DNA from a sampling kit or extraction kit or the environment.
Researchers have simulated how climate change will affect the distribution of two leading allergens -- oak and ragweed pollens -- across the contiguous United States. The results may make your eyes water. Using computer models, the team found that by 2050 climate change significantly will increase airborne pollen loads, with some of the largest surges occurring in areas where pollen is historically uncommon.
At the heart of every CRISPR reaction, whether naturally occurring in bacteria or harnessed by CRIPSR-Cas gene editing technology, is a strong molecular bond of a Cas protein via a guide RNA to its target site on DNA. It's like a nanoscale ski binding.
A small molecule inhibitor that attacks the difficult to target, cancer-causing gene mutation KRAS, found in nearly 30 percent of all human tumors, successfully shrunk tumors or stopped cancer growth in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer, researchers showed.
A new antimalarial drug is being introduced at a dose that is too low to be effective for all patients who need it, according to a new report.
A human factors engineer and health services researcher is developing and testing user-friendly health information tools and technology designed to enhance accessibility and value to older adults with both diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, and their caregivers. Without numerous finger sticks, these tools and technology will be designed to provide patients, caregivers, and clinicians with glucose metrics needed to diagnose hypoglycemia and identify treatment options.
Teens with Type 1 diabetes who took bromocriptine, a medication usually prescribed to treat Parkinson's disease, had lower blood pressure after one month of treatment compared to those who did not take the medicine. Participants taking the medication for one month also experienced significant improvements in aortic stiffness, a measure of vascular health. Larger, longer-term studies are needed to determine if bromocriptine may be recommended to adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.
A recent study details the neuronal response to excessive iron accumulation, which is associated with age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have shown that the cancer therapy known as CAR-T can be applied to multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the nervous system. The findings extend the powerful tool of immunotherapy to autoimmune diseases, a class of diseases that are often debilitating and difficult to treat.
Biomedical and genetic engineers have designed a small fluorescent protein that emits and absorbs light that penetrates deep into biological tissue. Tailored to wavelengths in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum, this protein can help researchers capture deeper, cleaner, more precise biomedical images.
A new tool could one day help clinicians better predict resistance to immunoglobulin therapy among children with Kawasaki disease in the United States. Compared to the Kobayashi score -- the most widely used method in Japan for predicting resistance to the antibody, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), in Kawasaki disease -- the newly developed tool is twice as accurate for Western New York children, achieving a sensitivity (detection) rate of 54%.
While it has long been recognized that drugs that block the cancer-promoting activity of estrogen reduce risk of developing new breast cancers, a new computer modeling study has shown that these treatments could also reduce the risk of dying from the disease in women who are at high risk.
A new study finds the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery is a promising option for measuring cognitive change in people with intellectual disability.
An interdisciplinary research team has found important clues about the functioning of the sensorimotor cortex. The new findings on neuronal activities in this brain area could be helpful for the further development and use of so-called neuroprostheses. These have an interface with the nervous system and are intended to help compensate for neuronal dysfunctions.
Healthy diets are rich in antioxidants like amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C, but exactly how beneficial these micronutrients are for cardiovascular health has long been controversial. Now a new meta-analysis provides some clarity.
An international team of researchers has uncovered a new mechanism that enables cancer cells to move throughout the body, providing a potential new target to stop metastasis, which is responsible for 90 per cent of cancer deaths. The team identifies that cancer cells move faster when they are surrounded by thicker fluids, a change that occurs when lymph drainage is compromised by a primary tumor.
Scientists have identified an off-patent drug that can be repurposed to prevent COVID-19 -- and may be capable of protecting against future variants of the virus -- in research involving a unique mix of 'mini-organs', donor organs, animal studies and patients. The research showed that an existing drug used to treat a type of liver disease is able to 'lock' the doorway by which SARS-CoV-2 enters our cells, a receptor on the cell surface known as ACE2. Because this drug targets the host cells and not the virus, it should protect against future new variants of the virus as well as other coronaviruses that might emerge.
New modeling shows how synonymous mutations -- those that change the DNA sequence of a gene but not the sequence of the encoded protein -- can still impact protein production and function.
Paying cash to people with obesity for losing a specific amount of weight or completing weight-reducing activities works better than offering stand-alone free tools, such as weight-loss programs, diet books, and wearable fitness trackers, a new study shows.
Researchers have uncovered inflammatory markers that may predict which COVID-19 patients are more likely to respond to therapies like the anti-cancer drug pacritinib, according to phase 2 trial results.
Women with prolonged mental health problems up to three years after childbirth may be suffering from irregular immune system responses, according to new research.
Researchers have found that growing human intestine-like spheroids in suspension and transferring them to a bioreactor for maturation results in the generation of differentiated human intestinal organoids (HIOs) suitable for subsequent transplantation into experimental mice. This technique is simpler than existing approaches and reliably produces healthy HIOs of predictable size, which could make it invaluable for translational research and regenerative medicine in the future.
A six-month study oncludes that the use of portable home air purifiers can improve some markers of cardiovascular health in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD
CRISPR, the Nobel Prize-winning gene editing technology, is poised to have a profound impact on the fields of microbiology and medicine yet again. A team has developed a tool to edit the genomes of bacteria-infecting viruses called bacteriophages using a rare form of CRISPR. The ability to easily engineer custom-designed phages will help researchers treat dangerous drug-resistant infections and control microbiomes without antibiotics or harsh chemicals.
Research has provided new insights into the mechanism behind how our circadian 24-hour body clock influences our immune response to vaccines, depending on the time of day.
Engineers have designed a system to remotely measure blood pressure by filming a person's forehead and extracting cardiac signals using artificial intelligence algorithms.
Up to 78% of walkers would take a more challenging route featuring obstacles such as balancing beams, stepping stones and high steps, research has found. The findings suggest that providing 'Active Landscape' routes in urban areas could help tackle an 'inactivity pandemic' and improve health outcomes.
Researchers are using a natural material derived from seaweed to promote vascular cell growth, prevent blood clots and improve the performance of synthetic vascular grafts used in heart bypass surgery.
The neurotransmitter serotonin plays a key role in both the onset and in the unlearning of fear and anxiety. A research team has been investigating the underlying mechanisms. The researchers showed that mice lacking a specific serotonin receptor unlearn fear much faster than the wild type. The results of the study provide a viable explanation how drugs that are typically used for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) alter our brain activity. The ability to unlearn fear is often impaired in PTSD patients, making it more difficult to carry out therapies.
The energy and health challenges of the human population require the development of advanced materials. In this regard, 3D COFs with their net-like structures and unprecedented porosity show promise. But their synthesis from pre-designed building units is extremely challenging. To this end, researchers have now developed TUS-84, the first 3D COF with a unique scu-c network structure, with enormous potential in drug delivery and clean energy.
Researchers led a large-scale global machine learning effort to securely aggregate knowledge from brain scans of 6,314 glioblastoma (GBM) patients at 71 sites around the globe and develop a model that can enhance identification and prediction of boundaries in three tumor sub-compartments, without compromising patient privacy.
Researchers have published a new study examining factors behind the decision to begin or decline medication treatment for childhood anxiety disorders after cognitive behavioral therapy did not lead to improvement.
Scientists have discovered a novel low-cost method of testing for cancers. Called the Heatrich-BS assay, this new test sequences clinical samples that have been heated in order to isolate cancer-specific signatures found in a patient's blood. The new method provides a promising non-invasive alternative to tissue biopsies. It costs around US$35 from start to finish, compared to other sequencing methods that can cost up to US$740 to conduct. The research team is now exploring industry partnerships to bring their technology to market.
It's well established that experiencing stress can hurt our physical health. Now two new studies find that younger adults who take preemptive steps to respond to stress are better able to avoid those negative health outcomes.
A collaborative team has re-engineered the process of microbial pathogen identification in blood samples from pediatric sepsis patients using broad-spectrum pathogen capture technology. The advance enables accurate pathogen detection with a combination of unprecedented sensitivity and speed, and could significantly improve clinical outcomes for pediatric and older patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) and sepsis.
Engineers have developed a device that uses sound waves to separate and sort the tiniest particles found in blood, in a matter of minutes. The technology is based on a concept called 'virtual pillars' and could be a boon to both scientific research and medical applications.
Scientists believe bats first transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to humans in December 2019, and while the virus has since evolved into several variants such as delta and omicron, a new study indicates the virus is still highly transmissible between mammals.
A randomized control trial led by psychologists shows the positive effects learning to play music for just a few weeks has on cognitive abilities.
Researchers have applied emerging electronic tattoo (e-tattoo) technology to the tricky task of measuring stress levels by attaching a device to people's palms.
As the Christmas season starts to ramp up, researchers are reminding people to prioritize a good night's sleep as new research shows that a troubled sleep may be associated with risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Exposure to traffic related air pollution is associated with an increased likelihood of having multiple long-term physical and mental health conditions according to a new study of more than 364,000 people in England.
Gamers who buy 'loot boxes' are up to two times more likely to gamble, shows new research.
About 80% of people with cancer suffer from significant muscle wasting, or loss of muscle tissue, and 30% of these patients die from this condition. New research in mice finds that the severity of muscle wasting is related to the type, size and location of the tumor.
A newly published follow-up study has found that the Moderna mRNA vaccine and a protein-based vaccine candidate containing an adjuvant, a substance that enhances immune responses, still provide protection against lung disease in rhesus macaques one year after they had been vaccinated as infants.
First discovered a year ago in South Africa, the SARS-CoV-2 variant later dubbed 'Omicron' spread across the globe at incredible speed. It is still unclear exactly how, when and where this virus originated. A new study shows that Omicron's predecessors existed on the African continent long before cases were first identified, suggesting that Omicron emerged gradually over several months in different countries across Africa.
A study that examined bias in the workplace has found that those in management positions demonstrate explicit and implicit bias toward others from marginalized groups and often express more implicit bias than people who are not in management.
mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are less effective against Omicron infections than other variants. A study suggests that the additional protection offered by the initial booster shot may be reduced among people with a previous COVID-19 infection.
Opioid-related overdose is now a leading cause of accidental death in the United States and Canada. A study suggests discontinuing prescribed opioids was associated with increased overdose risk.
Early life experiences can impact the activity of our genes much later on and even affect longevity, finds a new study in fruit flies.
Immune T cells are continuing to target the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, although mutations are making some T cells less effective, according to new research.
Long COVID patients can experience many of the same lingering negative effects on their physical, mental, and social well-being as those experienced by people who become ill with other, non-COVID illnesses. Researchers found that 40 percent of the COVID-positive and 54 percent of the COVID-negative group reported moderate-to-severe residual symptoms three months after enrolling in the study.
Researchers invent new method to treat obesity by using cationic nanomaterials that can target specific areas of fat and inhibit the unhealthy storage of enlarged fat cells.
Scientists have taken a key step toward better understanding neurodegenerative diseases by using a suite of biophysical techniques to learn more about a motor protein whose malfunction is associated with many disorders.
Many successful drugs have their origins in natural sources such as plants, fungi, and bacteria, but screening natural products to identify potential drugs remains a difficult undertaking. A new approach using molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and bioinformatics to integrate information from different screening platforms addresses some of the biggest challenges in natural products drug discovery.
Existing methods of identifying job burnout are lengthy and sometimes proprietary, but new research offers a faster and easier way.
An innovative protocol called PepSeq is changing the way researchers test for contagious diseases -- and this knowledge should change the way humanity responds to future pandemics. Researchers just published a comprehensive study about PepSeq that lays out the process, the tool and how to interpret the results, with the goal of more, better and faster information for the next outbreak.
A program that combines computer-based and driving simulator training may reduce the proportion of crashes and near crashes among teens with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a small study. Teens who took the training, which aims to reduce the number of long glances away from the roadway, had a nearly 40% lower risk for crash or near crash, compared to a similar group who did not undergo the training.
New research findings help explain the progression of Alzheimer-related dementia in each patient. The findings outline a biological classification system that predicts disease severity.
Female rhesus macaques 'actively reduce' their social networks and prioritize friends and family as they get older, new research shows.
The shift from manual to oral communication in our interactions with technology can affect what consumers disclose about themselves.
Researchers found an existing drug may help decrease side effects of cisplatin, a widely used cancer treatment that was discovered in 1965.
Medical researchers found a new way genetics influences the body's antiviral response by studying a life-threatening disease caused by a common virus: herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1).
New research points to the inactivation of a previously unidentified gene as a likely culprit in the development of pancreatic cancer. The findings could alter the scientific understanding of this deadly disease and inform the establishment of novel treatments.
Using state-of-the-art whole-genome sequencing and machine learning techniques, researchers conducted one of the first and the largest investigations of tandem repeats in schizophrenia, elucidating their contribution to the development of this devastating disease.
Testing time perception in an unusually lifelike setting -- a virtual reality ride on a New York City subway train -- an interdisciplinary research team found that crowding makes time seem to pass more slowly.
Neuroscientists discovered that the adult brain contains millions of 'silent synapses' -- immature connections between neurons that remain inactive until they're recruited to help form new memories.
Past social trauma is encoded by a population of stress/threat-responsive brain cells that become hyperactivated during subsequent interaction with non-threatening social targets. As a consequence, previously rewarding social targets are now perceived as social threats, which promotes generalized social avoidance and impaired social reward processing that can contribute to psychiatric disorders.
If you're blaming your genes for morning sluggishness, think again. A new study finds that genetics plays a minor role in morning alertness. Instead, test subjects were most alert after sleeping longer and later than typical for them, exercising the previous day, and eating a low sugar breakfast high in complex carbohydrates, with only moderate amounts of protein. It's also important to pay attention to how your blood glucose levels respond after a meal.
A new study reveals that the relationship between work demands and a good night's rest is nuanced. Conventional wisdom that suggests that people with the most demanding jobs would have the most trouble sleeping isn't necessarily true.
About one third of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) develop diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of blindness in working-age individuals. DR typically develops after many years of DM, and some patients do not develop DR for more than 50 years. New research suggests that an endogenous system that protects human retinal endothelial cells from harmful effects of the hyperglycemia (an excess of blood sugar) may be responsible for the delayed onset of DR. Furthermore, degradation of this protective system over time may set the stage for development of DR.
New research yields a novel method to use ultrasound to enhance machine learning's ability to accurately diagnose -- or rule out -- ovarian cancer.
Unique new material has shown significant promise in the treatment of spinal cord injury. The new hybrid biomaterials, in the form of nanoparticles and building on existing practice in the tissue engineering field, were successfully synthesized to promote repair and regeneration following spinal cord injury, according to the researchers.
Understanding how cancer cells evolve from healthy brain cells and evade treatment could open up potential new drug therapies for glioblastomas, one of the most common and lethal brain cancers, new research has revealed. By bringing together neuroscience and oncology, the team is hopeful of finding a new method to treat the deadly disease.
Researchers have found that cells in the rat hippocampus -- a brain region that is essential for making memories -- are specifically organized into small clusters when fear-based memories are formed. Furthermore, when rats slept after a learning period, they had improved memory and stabilized cluster formation in the hippocampus. A better understanding of memory formation at the cellular level may contribute to improvements in the care of patients with memory-related disorders.
Soon after cholesterol and fat start depositing on the lining of the blood vessels that supply your heart, the smooth muscle cells that give the blood vessels strength and flexibility start to get bigger and multiply. While scientists studying the phenomenon suspect these vascular smooth muscle cells are trying to help, this atypical behavior for these strong cells instead contributes to coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease in the United States.
Pregnant women living in U.S. states where cannabis is legal must be screened for the drug, for the health of both mother and baby, claim scientists who in a new national study have found that they are far more likely to use the substance.
Researchers demonstrate in a zebrafish model that two proteins prevent scar formation in the brain, thereby improving the ability of tissue to regenerate.
As a noninvasive neuromodulation method, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) shows great potential to treat a range of mental and psychiatric diseases, including major depression. Current methods don't go quite deep enough and are largely restricted to superficial targets within the brain, but a new TMS array with a special geometrical-shaped magnet structure will help stimulate deeper tissue.
Researchers have developed a method for classifying difficult-to-diagnose nasal cavity tumors.
Online gaming behavior can encourage gamers to gain a variety of soft skills which could assist them with training to support their career aspirations, according to new research.
Creating campaigns that tap the diverse community around many of the UK's schools could help to keep air pollution low, especially as much of the country experiences the cost-of-living crisis, according to a new study.
Scientists have discovered a new material that can be applied to diabetic wounds to heal them faster with just one application.
The brain's big-eating immune cells can slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Two new models could solve a problem that's long frustrated millions of people with epilepsy and the doctors who treat them: how to find precisely where seizures originate to treat exactly that part of the brain. By helping surgeons decide if and where to operate, the tools could help patients avoid risky and often-ineffective surgeries as well as prolonged hospital stays.
Humans accomplish a phenomenal amount of tasks by combining pieces of information. We perceive objects by combining edges, categorize scenes by combining objects, interpret events by combining actions, and understand sentences by combining words. But researchers don't yet have a clear understanding of how the brain forms and maintains the meaning of the whole -- such as a sentence -- from its parts. Researchers have now shed new light on the brain processes that support the emergent meaning of combined words.
Research has found for the first time that spending time in snowy surroundings can improve how you feel about your body. The study, published this month, found that walking in a snow-covered woodland results in greater body appreciation.
A scientific study exploring the appropriate interval for colorectal cancer screening via non-invasive multi-target stool DNA testing for individuals with average risk for the disease reported finding no colorectal cancers three years after an initial negative multi-target stool DNA test. These results suggest that at least a three-year interval between screenings using this method is clinically appropriate.
Two common drugs used by veterinarians to combat parasites may be effective against bed bugs, with one showing especially strong potential, according to a new study that examined the drugs in the context of controlling resurgent bed bug populations on poultry farms.
In 2018, researchers developed the 'Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-25)' to assess and identify hikikomori, a condition of pathological social withdrawal lasting more than six months. Now, the team has developed a new questionnaire they call HQ-25M in hopes of identifying the condition within just one month. Their initial analysis showed validation of the questionnaire as a possible tool for early detection of hikikomori.
At the end of a bad day, how do you feel about yourself? The answer could indicate not only how your self-perception formed, but also how it renews, according to experimental results.
An initiative improves the timeliness of treatment for women with severe pregnancy-related hypertension, one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related death.
Researchers found that across the U.S., anal cancer incidence and mortality rates increased 1.5-fold in men and women over 50 years old. However, the most prominent increase -- more than two-fold -- occurred among people over 50 years of age living in the Midwestern and Southeastern states.
A team of engineers and scientists has developed a new method for remote automation of the growth of cerebral organoids -- miniature, three-dimensional models of brain tissue grown from stem cells.
Researchers identify the PKC-alpha enzyme as a promising therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease; a mutation that increases its activity led to biochemical, cellular and cognitive impairments in mice.
A new study has identified a less invasive way to treat a subset of head and neck cancers that could potentially change the standard of care for patients. Combining radiation and immunotherapy primes patients for more successful surgeries, better responses to treatment and better quality of life.
Adding additional salt to foods at a lower frequency is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, heart failure and ischemic heart disease, according to a new study.
Researchers have devised a computer-based platform for drug discovery that could make the process more effective, more efficient and less costly.
Researchers used machine learning to pinpoint the most accurate means, and timelines, for anticipating the advancement of Alzheimer's disease in people who are either cognitively normal or experiencing mild cognitive impairment.
A research team has discovered important details about how therapeutically relevant human monoclonal antibodies can protect against Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus. Their work could lead to the development of targeted therapeutics for infected patients.
New findings in mice show that excessive weight gain while pregnant tips the scales for male but not female mice to be more depressed in adulthood due to less brain serotonin. A similar result was found in humans, where the more fat measured in a placenta corresponded to less serotonin in the developing brains of males, but not females.
Gene variants associated with leukemia can produce 'rogue' immune cells that drive autoimmune diseases, according to a new study.
Researchers have shown that astrocytes in the mouse brain exhibit an acid response with intensified epileptic seizures. The astrocytes' acid response could lead to the amplification of excitatory neuronal signals and be the underlying drive for generating plasticity for epileptogenesis.
Researchers have found that a set of proteins have different shapes in the spinal fluid of healthy individuals and Parkinson's patients. These could be used in the future as a new type of biomarker for this disease.
Research has revealed vitamin K1 can help reduce the risk of fractures in older populations -- especially hip fractures.
Researchers have identified a new method for scheduling radiation therapy that could be as much as 22 percent more effective at killing cancer cells than current standard radiation treatment regimens.
A research group has revealed a new system that allows them to control the behavior of the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, using two different animal opsins, a type of light-sensitive protein. The first opsin was expressed in the worms' sensory cells responsible for triggering avoidance behavior, making the worms move. This opsin was found to be approximately 7,000 times more sensitive to white light than the commonly used optogenetic protein channelrhodopsin-2. Likewise, a UV-sensitive opsin was expressed in the worms' motor neurons, causing the worms to stop when exposed to UV light and start moving again when exposed to green light. Both opsins tested can be switched on and off repeatedly without breaking down, making them robust tools for future research, including the field of drug discovery.
A common chemotherapy drug could carry a toxic inheritance for children and grandchildren of adolescent cancer survivors, new research indicates. The study found that male rats who received the drug ifosfamide during adolescence had offspring and grand-offspring with increased incidence of disease. While other research has shown that cancer treatments can increase patients' chance of developing disease later in life, this is one of the first-known studies showing that susceptibility can be passed down to a third generation of unexposed offspring.
States that legalized recreational cannabis saw a slight population-level uptick in alcohol consumption that was largely driven by young adults and men, according to new research.
Giving some homeless mothers with young children a place to live may do little to help them if it is not combined with support services, a first-of-its-kind study showed.
Researchers have taken a key step toward improving the lives of patients with epilepsy by developing a sensor system for quickly testing their saliva to see if they have the correct level of anti-epileptic medicine in their system.
Increasing intake of protein and drinking regular cups of tea or coffee is a way women could reduce their risk of suffering a hip fracture, according to new research. Food scientists have found that for women, a 25g a day increase in protein was associated with, on average, a 14% reduction in their risk of hip fracture. In a surprise twist, they also discovered that every additional cup of tea or coffee they drank was linked with a 4% reduction in risk.
With the help of an AI, researchers have succeeded in designing synthetic DNA that controls the cells' protein production. The technology can contribute to the development and production of vaccines, drugs for severe diseases, as well as alternative food proteins much faster and at significantly lower costs than today.
According to a new study, fossils of a tiny sea creature with a delicately preserved nervous system solve a century-old debate over how the brain evolved in arthropods, the most species-rich group in the animal kingdom. Combining detailed anatomical studies of the fossilized nervous system with analyses of gene expression patterns in living descendants, they conclude that a shared blueprint of brain organization has been maintained from the Cambrian until today.
A new study of thousands of people reveals a wide range in the amount of water people consume around the globe and over their lifespans, definitively spilling the oft-repeated idea that eight, 8-ounce glasses meet the human body's daily needs. Differences in environment, body composition and activity level contribute to daily water turnover of as little as 1 liter and as much as 10 liters.
Researchers examining the characteristics of picky eaters have found the color of the bowl food is served in has an influence on taste.
A newly compiled dataset quantitatively captures witchcraft beliefs in countries around the world, enabling investigation of key factors associated with such beliefs.
A new animal study points to a gene that is important for the earliest development of basic social behaviors. The work also suggests that exposure to certain drugs and environmental risk factors during embryonic development can cause changes to this gene, leading to alterations in social behavior that are similar to those found in individuals who have autism.
Scientists have discovered why some coronaviruses are more likely to cause severe disease, which has remained a mystery, until now. Researchers say their findings could lead to the development of a pan-coronavirus treatment to defeat all coronaviruses -- from the 2002 SARS-CoV outbreak to Omicron, the current variant of SARS-CoV-2, as well as dangerous variants that may emerge in future.
Researchers have found that patients who said they used vaping devices were more likely to have a higher risk of developing cavities.
Investigators have reported highly promising early results for CAR T therapy in a small set of patients with the autoimmune disease lupus.
A team of researchers has identified a group of human DNA sequences driving changes in brain development, digestion and immunity that seem to have evolved rapidly after our family line split from that of the chimpanzees, but before we split with the Neanderthals.
New research suggests spinal cord and brainstem are essential for processing touch signals as they travel to the brain
Some clinicians have recommended vitamin D supplements to ease the muscle aches of patients taking a statin, but a new study shows the vitamin appears to have no substantial impact.
Scientists have revealed the inner workings of a key protein involved in a wide range of cellular processes -- potentially paving the way for better and less toxic cancer drugs. Using Nobel Prize-winning microscopy techniques, the researchers revealed how the tankyrase protein switches itself on and off by self-assembling into 3D chain-like structures.
Research based on data from 11,000 students in the UK charted an across-the-board fall in well-being, regardless of circumstances, between ages 11 and 14. This decline is probably linked to the transition to secondary school.
A single drug compound simultaneously attacks hard-to-treat prostate cancer on several fronts, according to a new study in mice and human cells. It triggers immune cells to attack, helps the immune cells penetrate the tumor, and cuts off the tumor's ability to burn testosterone as fuel, according to new research.
Scientists have reported a new route for measuring blood sugar levels (BGLs) without drawing blood.
By measuring immune cells in the cerebrospinal fluid when diagnosing ALS, it is possible to predict how fast the disease may progress, according to a new study.
A new study suggests individuals with persistent asthma have higher levels of inflammation and artery plaque, which may increase heart attack or stroke risk. An analysis of data for more than 5,000 adults has found that those with persistent asthma appeared to be at increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Individuals with persistent asthma had nearly twice the odds of having plaque in their carotid arteries as those without asthma, after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, weight, other health conditions, prescription medication use and smoking. Study participants with persistent asthma also had higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers as compared to those without asthma.
Sometimes healthcare professionals treat patients with opioids such as morphine to relieve symptoms, but there has been a lack of evidence as to whether this helps with severe chronic breathlessness. A randomized Phase 3 study now finds that morphine does not reduce worst breathlessness.
Are the currently approved antibody therapies used to treat individuals at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease also effective against currently circulating viral variants? A recent study shows that the Omicron sub-lineage BQ.1.1, currently on the rise worldwide, is resistant to all approved antibody therapies.
Competing at elite level in sport is linked with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis and joint pain in later life, a study suggests. One in four retired Olympians reported a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, the form of arthritis that causes changes in the joint and can lead to discomfort, pain and disability, the research found.
A new study assesses the number of lives lost to the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia and introduces a novel methodology that will help to get a clearer view of pandemics in the future.
People who eat or drink more foods with antioxidant flavonols, which are found in several fruits and vegetables as well as tea and wine, may have a slower rate of memory decline, according to a new study.
Individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, still benefit from vaccination, gaining 60% to 94% protection against reinfection, depending on the variant, according to a new study.
Vaginal birth after a previous cesarean section is associated with an increased risk of pelvic floor surgery compared with planning another cesarean, according to a new study. The findings provide useful information to help women who have had a previous cesarean section when planning how to give birth in their next pregnancy.
Conception within three months of a miscarriage or an abortion is not associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, according to new research. The study suggests that, contrary to current advice, women could attempt pregnancy after a previous miscarriage or induced abortion without elevated perinatal risks and reassures those who want to try again sooner than guidelines recommend.
Three currently circulating omicron subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 are better at evading vaccine- and infection-generated neutralizing antibodies than earlier versions of omicron, new research suggests.
Adolescence is a time of significant skeletal development. In a new report, researchers showed that long-term use of minocycline, an antibiotic used for the systemic treatment of adolescent acne, disrupts the normal gut microbiome, leading to poor bone maturation. Surprisingly, these effects were caused by a change in the gut microbiome, leading to an altered profile of bile acids -- molecules that aid digestion and communicate with many organs -- that suppressed the activity of bone-forming cells called osteoblasts, even after treatment stopped.
A new study demonstrated that shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is associated with an almost 30% higher long-term risk of a major cardiovascular event such a stroke or heart attack.
A new MRI study revealed that consumption of alcohol even in low to moderate amounts during pregnancy can change the baby's brain structure and delay brain development.
A daily cup of tea could help you to enjoy better health late in life -- however if you're not a tea drinker, there are other things you can add to your diet. The key is flavonoids, which are naturally occurring substances found in many common foods and beverages such as black and green tea, apples, nuts, citrus fruit, berries and more.
A form of blood cancer known as mantle cell lymphoma is critically dependent on a protein that coordinates gene expression, such that blocking its activity with an experimental drug dramatically slows the growth of this lymphoma in preclinical tests.
Though antiretroviral therapy has made HIV a manageable disease, people living with HIV often suffer from chronic inflammation. This can put them at an increased risk of developing comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive dysfunction, impacting the longevity and quality of their lives. Now, a new study explains why chronic inflammation may be happening and how suppression or even eradication of HIV in the body may not resolve it.
A study found that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often called the 'good cholesterol,' may not be as effective as scientists once believed in uniformly predicting cardiovascular disease risk among adults of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Intestinal bacteria composition is crucial to driving the recovery of neutrophils counts in the blood of mice following treatments such as stem cell transplants or chemotherapy.
Infectious diseases experts warn of the rising threat and apparent spread of disease-causing fungi outside their traditional hot spots. Fungal lung infections are commonly misdiagnosed, leading to delays in treatment and increase in antimicrobial resistance in the community.
Tick bites can transmit Lyme disease. But even knowing where these ticks live doesn't necessarily mean you can predict the disease in humans. It's only one part of a broader picture which includes human behavior and the habits of the parasite's carriers.
A study has investigated the spread of Klebsiella bacteria between humans and the environment.
A team coaxed stem cells to take on the characteristics and functions of a human adrenal gland, progress that could lead to new therapies for adrenal insufficiencies and a deeper understanding of the genetics of such disorders.
Organs in the human body have complex networks of fluid-filled tubes and loops. They come in different shapes and their three-dimensional structures are differently connected to each other, depending on the organ. During the development of an embryo, organs develop their shape and tissue architecture out of a simple group of cells. Due to a lack of concepts and tools, it is challenging to understand how shape and the complex tissue network arise during organ development. Metrics for organ development have now been defined.
Radiotherapy has emerged as an important component of breast cancer treatment but can lead to cancer-related fatigue and negatively impact patients' health-related quality of life. Research has revealed exercise may make the treatment more tolerable for patients.
Toxins released by a type of bacteria that cause diarrheal disease hijack cell processes and force important proteins to assemble into 'roads to nowhere,' redirecting the proteins away from other jobs that are key to proper cell function, a new study has found.
Researchers discuss how mimicking sleep patterns of the human brain in artificial neural networks may help mitigate the threat of catastrophic forgetting in the latter, boosting their utility across a spectrum of research interests.
A study has found that anti-hyperglycemic medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes resulted in an increased risk of multiple sclerosis for people older than 45, particularly among women.
A research team showed how drugs can reduce alcohol preference in animal models of post-traumatic stress disorder.
A dietary change could be a key to enhancing colon cancer treatment, a new study finds. Researchers found in cells and in mice that a low-protein diet blocked the nutrient signaling pathway that fires up a master regulator of cancer growth.
No amount of alcohol consumption is safe for a developing fetus. A new study presents in molecular detail how alcohol harms growth and functioning of developing brain organoids.
A novel artificial intelligence blood testing technology has been used to successfully detect lung cancer in a 2021 study has now detected more than 80% of liver cancers in a new study of 724 people.
Researchers mapping a molecular atlas for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) have made a major advance toward distinguishing whether the early pre-cancers in the breast will develop into invasive cancers or remain stable.
A mind-controlled wheelchair can help a paralyzed person gain new mobility by translating users' thoughts into mechanical commands. Researchers now demonstrate that tetraplegic users can operate mind-controlled wheelchairs in a natural, cluttered environment after training for an extended period.
The wastewater draining from massive pools of sewage sludge has the potential to play a role in more sustainable agriculture, according to environmental engineering researchers.
An unusual type of antibody that even at miniscule levels neutralizes the Zika virus and renders the virus infection undetectable in preclinical models has been identified.
Genetic background has an effect on the metabolism of the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, a recent study shows.
So far, there no uniform guidelines have existed for the treatment of arthritis of the jaw, a potentially debilitating consequence of juvenile arthritis.
Scientists have developed a strategy that could give a boost to the development of pyridine-containing drugs and organic functional materials.
A new study has revealed a single protein expressed at high levels by cancer cells across a broad range of malignancies that erects a multifaceted barrier to anti-cancer immune responses in mouse models of cancer and so shields tumors from immune detection and destruction.
Researchers have developed an innovative way to 'see' the fine structure and chemical composition of human cells with unmatched clarity and precision. Their technique takes a creative approach to signal detection.
Personal sensing data could help monitor and alleviate stress among resident physicians, although privacy concerns over who sees the information and for what purposes must be addressed, according to collaborative research.
Your entire medical journey lives in digital health records, but how do you know if those records are wrong, incomplete or missing important information? That's the focus of new research.
The brains of people with Down syndrome develop the same neurodegenerative tangles and plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease and frequently demonstrate signs of the neurodegenerative disorder in their forties or fifties. A new study shows that these tangles and plaques are driven by the same amyloid beta and tau prions that researchers showed are behind Alzheimer's disease in 2019.
After statins, the next leading class of medications for managing cholesterol are PCSK9 inhibitors. These highly effective agents help the body pull excess cholesterol from the blood, but unlike statins, which are available as oral agents, PCSK9 inhibitors can only be administered as shots, creating barriers to their use. Now, a new study describes an orally administered small-molecule drug that reduces PCSK9 levels and lowers cholesterol in animal models by 70%. The findings represent a previously unrecognized strategy for managing cholesterol and may also impact cancer treatments.
Researchers have identified five genetic variants that increasingly raise a person's risk of becoming nearsighted the longer they stay in school.
Genetic correlation estimates typically assume that mating is random. But in the real world, partners tend to pair up because of many shared interests and social structures.
A new study has identified that heart attack, stroke and heart failure are linked to a specific type of age-related macular degeneration.
Scientists have identified a key protein that helps tumors evade attacks by the immune system, contributing to poor responses to immunotherapy in the clinic.
A promising new study suggests that recurrence of certain cancers can be significantly decreased by irradiating only a select set of lymph nodes near a tumor rather than all of them.
Race- and ethnicity-based discrepancies in exposure to air pollution, especially regarding proximity to roadways and industrial zones, are well-established. A new study reports the first nationwide patterns in atmospheric fine particulate pollution and nitrogen dioxide exposure at U.S. public schools.
A new study shows that data gathered from wearable activity trackers can be used to obtain several metrics associated with the user's general physical health and cardiovascular health status.
Researchers have developed a new method of protecting organs during heart and aortic surgery when blood circulation has to be blocked. Rather than relying on cold temperatures to induce hypometabolism and reduce the need for oxygen, the technique works by stimulating Q neurons in the brain, which slows metabolism down to a hibernation-like state. The findings could lead to new ways of performing similar surgeries in people.
Researchers have identified a protein that interacts and enhances the spread of neurotoxic species of tau -- which is primarily found in neurons that appear abnormal in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that explains why only some of the cells in a colon tumor respond to chemotherapy. The research team was able to establish that tumor cells dying off during chemotherapy communicate one last time with neighboring tumor cells to give them instructions on how to resist the therapy. The dying cells re-program the signalling cascades in the neighboring tumor cells in such a way that these are no longer vulnerable to chemotherapy. By doing so, the dying cells literally ensure that the tumor survives.
Researchers have developed modified alginate hydrogels that can endure the growth of bacteria, allowing them to synthesize important enzymes.
Simulations reveal details about the magnetic interactions between gadolinium contrast agents used in MRI scans and their environment.
A new study found that about 45 percent of patients who visit the emergency department for physical injuries and ailments also have mental health and substance use problems that are often overlooked.
Researchers found a link between deprivation in childhood and impulsive behavior -- leading to addictions later in life. The findings, which are a culmination of six years of research, also found a further link between impulsivity, obesity and the cost of living crisis.
A study has found that although there were steep learning losses in reading for elementary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person learning opportunities helped some of those students mitigate learning loss and accelerate gains in reading compared to online learners.
The first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase in mortality rates, both from COVID-19 and other causes, but the groups hardest hit shifted between the first and second years, according to an analysis of publicly available data. Both years saw an increase in deaths over the five years preceding the pandemic, even with COVID-19 numbers removed. But while the first year was most deadly for those over age 65, the second year hit middle-aged adults the hardest, researchers found.
Tick-borne pathogens, known for causing illnesses such as Lyme disease, are on the rise in Central Canada -- presenting new risks in areas where they were never previously detected. The findings demonstrate the need for more comprehensive testing and tracking to detect the spread and potential risk of tick-borne pathogens to human and wildlife populations throughout Canada.
A new study details individuals most likely to use different types of firearms in their deaths, how firearms are stored and where victims inflicted injuries upon themselves.
The gene DDX41 encodes the nuclear enzyme, DEAD-box-type RNA helicase. Mutation of DDX41 leads to hematopoietic cancers. However, the mechanism underlying this malignancy development is unclear. To this end, researchers characterized the functional significance of DDX41 in great detail. Their findings reveal that DDX41 serves crucial functions in transcriptional processes, RNA splicing, and overall genomic integrity maintenance. The findings may hold significance in treating hematopoietic malignancies.
Sharing medical data between laboratories and medical experts is important for medical research. However, data sharing is often sufficiently complex and sometimes even impossible due to the strict data regulatory legislation in Europe. Researchers addressed the problem and developed an artificial neural network that creates synthetic x-ray images that can fool even medical experts.
A 30-year tree planting campaign in Portland, Oregon, allowed researchers to show that the number of trees planted in the street is associated with reductions in mortality, and that the association grows stronger as the trees age and grow.
Inhalation therapy for asthma and other obstructive lung diseases often loses its effect following prolonged use. A research team has now shown an alternative signalling pathway through which the body's own cannabinoids cause the bronchial tubes to dilate. This gives rise to hope for alternative treatment options. Asthma is evidently also associated with a deficiency of these cannabinoids in the bronchial tubes, which could be one of the causes of the disease.
Mitochondria are primarily known as the powerhouse of the cell. However, these cellular organelles are required not only for providing energy: Researchers recently discovered that mitochondria play an important role in signal transduction in innate immune pathways. They regulate a signalling pathway that helps to eliminate pathogens, but can cause damage through inflammation upon overactivation.
Researchers have shown that patients with acute COVID-19 infection have increased levels of the cytokine IL-26 in their blood. Moreover, high IL-26 levels correlate with an exaggerated inflammatory response that signifies severe cases of the disease. The findings indicate that IL-26 is a potential biomarker for severe COVID-19.
Cancer that splits and develops in new organs around the body becomes significantly more difficult to fight. Now, researchers have shown that these metastatic cancers, that spread from the original, adapt their metabolism to the tissue in which they grow. The discovery represents a breakthrough for the understanding of metastatic cancer and is an important piece of the puzzle in the search for more effective treatments.
Researchers have discovered that the three main kinds of soil fungi that cause lung infections have all expanded their ranges in recent decades. Reliance on outdated maps could be causing delayed or missed diagnoses.
New research finds that the number of U.S. adult handgun owners carrying a loaded handgun on their person doubled from 2015 to 2019, and that a larger proportion of handgun owners carried handguns in states with less restrictive carrying regulations.
Researchers have revamped an anti-cancer drug to better target cancer cells and leave healthy tissues unharmed.
People with neurologic diseases like headache, dementia, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease may experience worsening symptoms due to climate change, according to a scoping review of research. The review also found that stroke may become more prevalent due to climate change.
People who have a COVID-19 infection are more likely to develop seizures or epilepsy within the next six months than people who have an influenza infection, according to a new study.
A study yields clues to why certain parts of the brain are particularly vulnerable to Alzheimer's damage. It comes down to the gene APOE, the greatest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The parts of the brain where APOE is most active are the areas that sustain the most damage, they found.
Researchers built a prototype social media platform to study the effects of giving users more agency to assess content for accuracy and control the posts they see based on accuracy assessments from others. Users were able to make accurate assessments, despite having no prior training, and they valued and utilized the assessment and filtering tools they designed.
A new study of 13,000 people from seven countries find that when people take a moment to reflect on the consequences of their actions, they err on the side of reducing others' health risks.
There is a high rate of adverse physical effects and challenging psychological effects from using the plant-based psychoactive ayahuasca, though they are generally not severe, according to a new study.
Less than half of mums meet the recommended levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity -- and mothers of younger children manage to do the least, researchers have found.
Researchers are developing skin-like electronics paired with artificial intelligence for health monitoring and diagnosis.
A research team has verified that gossypetin activates immune cells in the brain that clear A beta, which triggers Alzheimer's disease.
High-intensity isometric training is considered to be important in achieving greater strength gain. Recent study has shown that training volume is more important for strength gain than training intensity. Against this backdrop, researchers explore the association between interpersonal variability in training volume and strength gain. Their results suggest that training volume is an important factor in strength adaptations for people with a relatively high strength-to-weight ratio.
A diet containing lots of salt can contribute to increased levels of stress, a new study shows. Scientists found in studies of mice that a high-salt diet increased the levels of a stress hormone by 75 per cent.
A research team has identified a molecular target that could open up new therapeutic options to treat aging-associated diseases like Parkinson's.
The workplace can encourage a more wholesome lifestyle in employees regarding the consumption of healthy foods like fruit and vegetables, but it does not prompt them to exercise more, according to a new study.
Researchers have successfully identified differences in gene activity in the brains of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study found that individuals diagnosed with ADHD had differences in genes that code for known chemicals that brain cells use to communicate. The results show how genomic differences might contribute to symptoms.
Neuroscientists find that brain signatures of reading difficulties in students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are, on average, different from those of students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds who struggle with reading.
Although the complement system forms part of the innate immune system, it can cause damage to the body in some cases. This is because unwanted complement activation contributes to many autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Now, researchers have described molecular details of a recently approved class of drugs that can inhibit the complement system. These findings pave the way for further optimization of such inhibitors.
Don't spank your kids. That's the conventional wisdom that has emerged from decades of research linking corporal punishment to a decline in adolescent health and negative effects on behavior, including an increased risk for anxiety and depression. Now, a new study explores how corporal punishment might impact neural systems to produce those adverse effects.
The use of cannabis may have a negative impact on outcomes for a common bypass surgery, a study suggests. Patients who used cannabis prior to lower extremity bypass had decreased patency, meaning the graft had a higher chance of becoming blocked or occluded, higher rate of amputation and opioid use after discharge.
Recognizing someone may be more difficult when you are wearing a face mask -- even if the person you are looking at is maskless, according to new research.
In people carrying the APOE4 risk variant, a key brain cell type mismanages cholesterol needed to insulate neurons properly --another sign that APOE4 contributes to disease by disrupting lipids in the brain.
Two new studies reveal how bacteria infiltrate tumors and could be helping tumors progress and spread and suggest a link between oral health and cancer, as microbes in the mouth are associated with cancers elsewhere in the body. The two articles focus on an oral bacterium called Fusobacterium nucleatum, which has been linked to colorectal cancer.
The ADHD medication lisdexamfetamine was associated with the lowest risk of hospitalization and death in people with amphetamine addiction, when medications generally used among persons with substance use disorders were compared, according to a new study.
Myocarditis is a complication that can occur in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although the adverse event is rare -- affecting less than 1% of patients given the immunotherapy -- the mortality rate is nearly 50%. Now, researchers have identified the mechanism for the deadly heart inflammation.
Researchers have found that Enterococcus -- an antibiotic-resistant, opportunistic pathogen -- works together with C. difficile, reshaping and enhancing the metabolic environment in the gut so that C. difficile can thrive.
Preserving and restoring natural habitats could prevent pathogens that originate in wildlife from spilling over into domesticated animals and humans, according to two new companion studies.
In a real-world test of a new tool to better evaluate anti-poverty policies, a new study shows the economic benefits of expanding electricity access.
The first ever systematic review of its kind confirms that taking probiotics alongside antibiotics can protect against some of the negative impacts of antibiotics on the human gut microbiome.
Data from 53 countries shows that men in those regions share the significant decline in total sperm counts (TSC) and sperm concentration (SC) seen previously in North America, Europe and Australia. Furthermore, this study shows an accelerated post-2000 decline in TSC and SC globally.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as Keytruda and Opdivo work by unleashing the immune system's T cells to attack tumor cells. Their introduction a decade ago marked a major advance in cancer therapy, but only 10% to 30% of treated patients experience long-term improvement. New findings could now bolster the effectiveness of immune-checkpoint therapy.
Employees who perceive managerial controls to be restrictive and punitive will develop dysfunctional and negative responses to the organization where they work, according to a new study. These responses might be observed through what the researchers call 'workplace deviance' -- for example absenteeism, reducing effort, daydreaming, taking longer breaks -- and turning a blind eye, also referred to as 'deliberate ignorance.'
New research finds indoor relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent is associated with relatively lower rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths, while indoor conditions outside this range are associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes.
New research has found no evidence that cannabidiol (CBD) reduces the negative effects of cannabis.
In contrast to what many believe, Swedish men and women with higher incomes have more children, new research shows. This pattern is particularly clear for men and grows stronger over time: the more money, the more children. But after four children, things change.
Enzymes, which are crucial to controlling how cells replicate in the human body, could be the very ingredient that encourages DNA to spontaneously mutate -- causing potentially permanent genetic errors, according to new research.
Scientists have used synthetic biology to create artificial enzymes programmed to target the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2 and destroy the virus, an approach that could be used to develop a new generation of antiviral drugs.
The study showed that over the entire year the influenza vaccine reduced pneumonia by 40 per cent and hospitalization by 15 per cent in patients with heart failure. During influenza season in the fall and winter, the influenza vaccine reduced deaths by 20 per cent in these patients.
Researchers have assembled the first reference genome for the Nile rat -- a kind of genetic template of this species that may be used for laboratory and clinical studies. The hope is that it will be useful for those who investigate Type 2 diabetes and neurological disorders associated with a disrupted diurnal rhythm. The Nile rat is prone to diet-induced diabetes, and exhibits a clear diurnal pattern, unusual in rodents.
A new analysis evaluates barriers that have hindered the recent implementation of early warning systems intended to help local health officials predict and proactively respond to outbreaks of climate-related diseases in the tropics. The researchers use knowledge and tools from the field of implementation science to propose a four-step, science-based framework for overcoming these barriers and enhancing the success of the early warning systems.
There is currently relatively little objective evidence that the much-promoted 'learner-centered' approach to teaching is effective, according to new research.
An international study has identified a gene that plays an important role in the development of the human embryo. If it is altered, malformations of various organ systems can result. The gene emerged very early in evolution. It also exists in zebrafish, for example, and performs a similar function there.
A new study has found that traffic congestion may be linked to lower birthweights. The study found consistent associations between traffic delays and a nine-gram reduction in birthweight among infants born to parents who reside in areas with heavy traffic, such as highways or freeways.
Researchers have identified a novel treatment approach to an aggressive type of pediatric brain cancer, using therapies already approved to treat cancer. The team developed a mouse model of pediatric glioma with a histone mutation called H3.3-G34, which allowed them to study the tumor's biology in the presence of a functional immune system, revealing a promising outlook for long-term survival.
The method by which a baby was delivered is associated with how its immune system will respond to two key childhood vaccines, research suggests. Babies born naturally were found to have higher antibody levels, compared with those born via Caesarian section after receiving their jabs that protect against bacteria that cause lung infections and meningitis. Experts say the findings could help to inform conversations about C-sections between expectant mothers and their doctors, and shape the design of more tailored vaccination programs.
Part of understanding the underlying causes of autism spectrum disorder relies on figuring out which cells' signaling patterns in the brain are disrupted, and when during nervous system development the disruption occurs. New research findings in mouse models of one genetic risk for autism support the idea that loss of a specific gene interferes with cells in the brain whose role is to inhibit signaling.
Demand for mental health treatment has continued to increase as many psychologists report no longer having the capacity to see new patients, according to a new survey.
One aspect of hormonal contraceptives' effect on the teenage body remains a mystery -- whether and how they modify the developing brain. New research in young rats links synthetic hormones found in birth control pills, patches and injections with disordered signal transmission between cells in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that continues to develop throughout adolescence.
Currently, various classes of drugs are available for the treatment of mental illnesses -- such as depression and anxiety disorders. However, although these drugs confer benefits, they are also associated with adverse side-effects. Conseqeuntly, medical researchers continuously thrive to improve the pharmacological properties of therapeutic agents to optimize the benefit-to-side-effect ratio.
The behavior of sperm cells is due, in part, to the individual DNA make-up of these cells, rather than only to the genetics of males. The results, which provide a new understanding of the competition among sperm cells to fertilize the egg, have larger implications for the reproductive process.
An analysis of more than 2,400 women who did not have high blood pressure while pregnant found that about 1 in 10 were diagnosed with high blood pressure in the year after childbirth. Almost a quarter of the women who were diagnosed with high blood pressure were found to have elevated blood pressure more than 6 weeks after delivery. Cigarette smoking, being age 35 or older or having a Cesarean delivery were associated with a higher risk of developing postpartum high blood pressure for women without previous blood pressure issues.
A new study has shown that people in the early stages of their careers were more likely to be impacted by workplace stress during the COVID-19 pandemic than senior colleagues.
An international team of researchers have discovered a new genetic variant that is responsible for close to 7% of all cases of diabetes in Greenland. People with this form of diabetes, caused by the high-impact genetic variant, may require special treatment, which will be possible through improved genetic screening of patients.
Adults who frequently worry about being rejected or abandoned by those closest to them are more prone to having false memories when they can see who is conveying the information, a new study suggests.
New research found that in utero exposure to certain flame retardant chemicals may be a risk factor for developing anxiety symptoms in early adolescence.
Children with a severe form of epilepsy should be vaccinated against the flu due to the high risk of seizures being triggered by an influenza infection, according to a new study.
Water -- which makes up the majority of every cell in the body -- plays a key role in how proteins, including those associated with Parkinson's disease, fold, misfold, or clump together, according to a new study.
Scientists have made bone marrow 'organoids' that capture the key features of human bone marrow.
Financial stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic took a distinct toll on adolescent mental health and contributed to depressive symptoms, according to new research. The study found the effect was most pronounced in low-income adolescents but also affected all income groups who experienced financial strain due to loss of income.
Researchers found disparities in the completion of follow-up concussion care, particularly among pediatric patients who are publicly insured and identify as Black, suggesting barriers to care exist.
Night owls may be looking forward to falling back into autumn standard time but a new study has found Daylight Saving Time may also suit morning types just fine.
Night owls may be looking forward to falling back into autumn standard time but a new study has found Daylight Saving Time may also suit morning types just fine.
A research team found higher death rates among people in prisons without air conditioning compared to those in climate-controlled institutions.
A research team found higher death rates among people in prisons without air conditioning compared to those in climate-controlled institutions.
Scientists have unearthed a secret that may explain why some people are able to resist viral infections, having screened the immune systems of women exposed to hepatitis C (HCV) through contaminated anti-D transfusions given over 40 years ago in Ireland. The extraordinary work has wide-ranging implications from improving our fundamental understanding of viral resistance to the potential design of therapies to treat infected people.
Scientists have unearthed a secret that may explain why some people are able to resist viral infections, having screened the immune systems of women exposed to hepatitis C (HCV) through contaminated anti-D transfusions given over 40 years ago in Ireland. The extraordinary work has wide-ranging implications from improving our fundamental understanding of viral resistance to the potential design of therapies to treat infected people.
The unreasonable use of antibiotics has pushed bacteria to develop resistance mechanisms to this type of treatment. This phenomenon, known as antibiotic resistance, is now considered by the WHO as one of the greatest threats to health. The lack of treatment against multi-resistant bacteria could bring us back to a time when millions of people died of pneumonia or salmonella.
The unreasonable use of antibiotics has pushed bacteria to develop resistance mechanisms to this type of treatment. This phenomenon, known as antibiotic resistance, is now considered by the WHO as one of the greatest threats to health. The lack of treatment against multi-resistant bacteria could bring us back to a time when millions of people died of pneumonia or salmonella.
A new study has shown that Psychological First Aid, training originally created for people to support others, can help healthcare workers in care homes improve their own mental wellbeing.
A new study has shown that Psychological First Aid, training originally created for people to support others, can help healthcare workers in care homes improve their own mental wellbeing.
New research shows how click chemistry can be used to more efficiently deliver drugs to treat tumors in large dogs with bone cancer -- a process that had previously only been successful in small mice.
New research shows how click chemistry can be used to more efficiently deliver drugs to treat tumors in large dogs with bone cancer -- a process that had previously only been successful in small mice.
People with elevated blood pressure saw improvement after 12 weeks of a telehealth support program, with or without support from a dietitian, a new study found.
People with elevated blood pressure saw improvement after 12 weeks of a telehealth support program, with or without support from a dietitian, a new study found.
Life on land may have quieted down during the height of the pandemic, but far offshore the Atlantic Ocean was just as active as ever according to a new study. Researchers found that there was no significant change in the continental shelf's underwater soundscape during the year 2020 -- a surprising contrast to earlier reports of quieter coastal waters during that same timeframe.
Life on land may have quieted down during the height of the pandemic, but far offshore the Atlantic Ocean was just as active as ever according to a new study. Researchers found that there was no significant change in the continental shelf's underwater soundscape during the year 2020 -- a surprising contrast to earlier reports of quieter coastal waters during that same timeframe.
Researchers have identified therapies that can help patients with the blood cancer multiple myeloma who try an immunotherapy known as CAR-T only to find their cancer coming back afterwards.
Researchers have identified therapies that can help patients with the blood cancer multiple myeloma who try an immunotherapy known as CAR-T only to find their cancer coming back afterwards.
Sex differences in the aging brain may offer an enticing clue for developing more effective neuroprotective treatments, according to a new research strategy.
Sex differences in the aging brain may offer an enticing clue for developing more effective neuroprotective treatments, according to a new research strategy.
Researchers have identified the specific mutations in the monkeypox virus that contribute to its continued infectiousness. The findings could lead to several outcomes: modified versions of existing drugs used to treat people suffering from monkeypox or the development of new drugs that account for the current mutations to increase their effectiveness at reducing symptoms and the spread of the virus.
Researchers have identified the specific mutations in the monkeypox virus that contribute to its continued infectiousness. The findings could lead to several outcomes: modified versions of existing drugs used to treat people suffering from monkeypox or the development of new drugs that account for the current mutations to increase their effectiveness at reducing symptoms and the spread of the virus.
The number of new diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis fell by 20 percent in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, new research suggests.
The number of new diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis fell by 20 percent in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, new research suggests.
A new study found that the risk of stomach bleeding caused by using aspirin long-term, can be reduced with a short course of antibiotics, potentially improving the safety of aspirin when used to prevent heart attacks, strokes and possibly some cancers.
A new study found that the risk of stomach bleeding caused by using aspirin long-term, can be reduced with a short course of antibiotics, potentially improving the safety of aspirin when used to prevent heart attacks, strokes and possibly some cancers.
COVID-19 infections can result in long-lasting neurological symptoms. New research suggests an already approved anti-viral may inhibit viral replication and rescue impaired neurons.
COVID-19 infections can result in long-lasting neurological symptoms. New research suggests an already approved anti-viral may inhibit viral replication and rescue impaired neurons.
Researchers have discovered the mechanistic steps underlying a new type of synaptic plasticity called behavioral timescale synaptic plasticity (BTSP). The study reveals how the entorhinal cortex (EC) sends instructive signals to the hippocampus -- the brain region critical for spatial navigation, memory encoding, and consolidation -- and directs it to specifically re-organize the location and activity of a specific subset of its neurons to achieve altered behavior in response to its changing environment and spatial cues.
Researchers have discovered the mechanistic steps underlying a new type of synaptic plasticity called behavioral timescale synaptic plasticity (BTSP). The study reveals how the entorhinal cortex (EC) sends instructive signals to the hippocampus -- the brain region critical for spatial navigation, memory encoding, and consolidation -- and directs it to specifically re-organize the location and activity of a specific subset of its neurons to achieve altered behavior in response to its changing environment and spatial cues.
Scientists illuminated the molecular events underlying an inherited movement and neurodegenerative disorder known as ARSACS -- Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay, named for two Quebec valleys where the first cases were found.
Scientists illuminated the molecular events underlying an inherited movement and neurodegenerative disorder known as ARSACS -- Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay, named for two Quebec valleys where the first cases were found.
Maternal consumption of a Western-style diet alters the transcriptional landscape of fetal blood stem cells in rhesus macaques, researchers report.
Maternal consumption of a Western-style diet alters the transcriptional landscape of fetal blood stem cells in rhesus macaques, researchers report.
A new collaborative study shows how blood vessel genes play a critical role in motor neuron development by telling blood vessels to get out of the way. The discovery has implications for understanding diseases in which motor neuron connections are destroyed, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
A new collaborative study shows how blood vessel genes play a critical role in motor neuron development by telling blood vessels to get out of the way. The discovery has implications for understanding diseases in which motor neuron connections are destroyed, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
A new global COVID-19 study provides actionable recommendations to end the public health threat without exacerbating socio-economic burdens or putting the most vulnerable at greater risk.
A new global COVID-19 study provides actionable recommendations to end the public health threat without exacerbating socio-economic burdens or putting the most vulnerable at greater risk.
In a study of nearly 100 women, participants with certain dissociative symptoms had increased connections within some brain networks and decreased connections within others. The new findings shed light on the brain connectivity associated with these debilitating symptoms and ultimately may help clinicians diagnose and treat affected patients.
In a study of nearly 100 women, participants with certain dissociative symptoms had increased connections within some brain networks and decreased connections within others. The new findings shed light on the brain connectivity associated with these debilitating symptoms and ultimately may help clinicians diagnose and treat affected patients.
Researchers have provided the first demonstration of a progressive increase in epileptic spasms along with learning and memory deficits in an animal model of this disorder.
Researchers have provided the first demonstration of a progressive increase in epileptic spasms along with learning and memory deficits in an animal model of this disorder.
It's not the individual brain regions but rather their connections that matter: neuroscientists propose a new model of how the brain works. This new view enables us to understand better why and how our brains vary between individuals.
It's not the individual brain regions but rather their connections that matter: neuroscientists propose a new model of how the brain works. This new view enables us to understand better why and how our brains vary between individuals.
Some genetic variants may put people at risk of autoimmune diseases while conferring protection against the outcome of viral infection. A new study suggests that genetic predisposition for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be protective against severe COVID-19 infection.
Some genetic variants may put people at risk of autoimmune diseases while conferring protection against the outcome of viral infection. A new study suggests that genetic predisposition for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be protective against severe COVID-19 infection.
A new treatment for neurological and psychiatric diseases, that works by reducing the excitability of overactive brain cells, has been developed.
A new treatment for neurological and psychiatric diseases, that works by reducing the excitability of overactive brain cells, has been developed.
Finding uncovers a key property needed for CELMoD drugs, a type of protein degrader, to work effectively.
Finding uncovers a key property needed for CELMoD drugs, a type of protein degrader, to work effectively.
A new study compares the self-esteem and social activities of teens with no or poor home Internet access to teens who are the heaviest users of screens as well as teens with parents who tightly control or limit their screen use.
A new study compares the self-esteem and social activities of teens with no or poor home Internet access to teens who are the heaviest users of screens as well as teens with parents who tightly control or limit their screen use.
Patients with cancer and a weakened immune system who are treated with immunotherapies tend to fare far worse from COVID-19 than those who haven't received such therapies in the three months before their COVID diagnosis, show findings in a new study. Researchers found worse outcomes in both the disease itself as well as the fierce immune response that sometimes accompanies it.
Patients with cancer and a weakened immune system who are treated with immunotherapies tend to fare far worse from COVID-19 than those who haven't received such therapies in the three months before their COVID diagnosis, show findings in a new study. Researchers found worse outcomes in both the disease itself as well as the fierce immune response that sometimes accompanies it.
Researchers have developed a fast and cost-effective method to test liquids for a ubiquitous family of chemical compounds known as amphiphiles, which are used to detect diseases such as early-stage tuberculosis and cancer as well as to detect toxins in drugs, food, medical devices and water supplies.
Researchers have developed a fast and cost-effective method to test liquids for a ubiquitous family of chemical compounds known as amphiphiles, which are used to detect diseases such as early-stage tuberculosis and cancer as well as to detect toxins in drugs, food, medical devices and water supplies.
Therapeutic community gardening helped reduce loneliness as the pandemic paralyzed the United Kingdom, research has revealed. As people sowed, planted and tended to vegetables and flowers, their self-reported life satisfaction and mental well-being increased by 9 percent.
Therapeutic community gardening helped reduce loneliness as the pandemic paralyzed the United Kingdom, research has revealed. As people sowed, planted and tended to vegetables and flowers, their self-reported life satisfaction and mental well-being increased by 9 percent.
A drug called semaglutide, which is approved for adults with obesity or overweight, also helps adolescents shed pounds and have healthier hearts, according to a new study.
A drug called semaglutide, which is approved for adults with obesity or overweight, also helps adolescents shed pounds and have healthier hearts, according to a new study.
When a child with RSV requires intensive care, parents often ask about how long it will take before their child can go home. Currently, there is no reliable way to answer this question. Results of a new study, however, offer important insights.
When a child with RSV requires intensive care, parents often ask about how long it will take before their child can go home. Currently, there is no reliable way to answer this question. Results of a new study, however, offer important insights.
New research has shown one type of muscle contraction is most effective at increasing muscle strength and muscle size -- and rather than lifting weights, the emphasis should be on lowering them.
New research has shown one type of muscle contraction is most effective at increasing muscle strength and muscle size -- and rather than lifting weights, the emphasis should be on lowering them.
A study shows there are 2.5 times as many breast cancer survivors in Canada today as there were in 2007 -- a success story that brings some new health challenges.
A study shows there are 2.5 times as many breast cancer survivors in Canada today as there were in 2007 -- a success story that brings some new health challenges.
A new study links psychological trauma in childhood with an increased risk of developing some kind of mental disorder years later.
A new study links psychological trauma in childhood with an increased risk of developing some kind of mental disorder years later.
Even after chronic hepatitis C has been cured, portal hypertension remains the major factor driving the development of complications in advanced liver disease. Researchers have shown that the non-invasive tests explored in their earlier studies accurately estimate the probability of sequelae.
Even after chronic hepatitis C has been cured, portal hypertension remains the major factor driving the development of complications in advanced liver disease. Researchers have shown that the non-invasive tests explored in their earlier studies accurately estimate the probability of sequelae.
New research addresses a long-standing question in pulmonary medicine about whether modern ventilators overstretch lung tissue.
New research addresses a long-standing question in pulmonary medicine about whether modern ventilators overstretch lung tissue.
Researchers have published an interdisciplinary framework that enables the development of extracellular matrix-inspired hydrogels for biomedical applications.
Researchers have published an interdisciplinary framework that enables the development of extracellular matrix-inspired hydrogels for biomedical applications.
Schizophrenia patients have fewer connections between nerve cells. This is believed to be caused by genetic risk variants leading to an excessive elimination of nerve cell connections by the immune cells of the brain. Researchers now report that the levels of protein from the relevant risk gene are elevated in first-episode patients and that inflammation further increases the expression of the risk gene.
Schizophrenia patients have fewer connections between nerve cells. This is believed to be caused by genetic risk variants leading to an excessive elimination of nerve cell connections by the immune cells of the brain. Researchers now report that the levels of protein from the relevant risk gene are elevated in first-episode patients and that inflammation further increases the expression of the risk gene.
Sport and exercise experts are calling for better education around periods and pregnancy in women's football. New research carried out at women's football clubs across six European countries shows that education around the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraception and pregnancy is severely lacking.
Sport and exercise experts are calling for better education around periods and pregnancy in women's football. New research carried out at women's football clubs across six European countries shows that education around the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraception and pregnancy is severely lacking.
Parents can transmit a genetic risk for alcohol problems to their children not only directly, but also indirectly via genetically influenced aspects of the home environment, such as marital discord or divorce, according to a new study.
Parents can transmit a genetic risk for alcohol problems to their children not only directly, but also indirectly via genetically influenced aspects of the home environment, such as marital discord or divorce, according to a new study.
Cancer cells have a series of features that allow the immune system to identify and attack them. However, these same cells create an environment that blocks immune cells and protects the tumor. This means that immune cells cannot reach the cancer cells to remove them. The scientific community has been working for years to increase the effectiveness of the immune system against cancer by using vaccines based on dead tumor cells.
Cancer cells have a series of features that allow the immune system to identify and attack them. However, these same cells create an environment that blocks immune cells and protects the tumor. This means that immune cells cannot reach the cancer cells to remove them. The scientific community has been working for years to increase the effectiveness of the immune system against cancer by using vaccines based on dead tumor cells.
Innate lymphoid cells are a recently discovered family of white blood cells that reside in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, airways and other barrier tissues of the body. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have an essential role in protecting these tissues from parasitic infections as well as damage associated with allergic inflammation and asthma, according to a new study.
A type of dietary fiber called inulin, commonly used in health supplements and known to have certain anti-inflammatory properties, can also promote an allergy-related type of inflammation in the lung and gut, and other parts of the body, according to a preclinical study.
People in their 20s and 30s who drink moderate to heavy amounts of alcohol may be more likely to have a stroke as young adults than people who drink low amounts or no alcohol, according to a new study. The risk of stroke increased the more years people reported moderate or heavy drinking.
People who suffer from chronic pain at age 44 are more like to report pain, poor general health, poor mental health outcomes and joblessness in their 50s and 60s, according to a new study.
Researchers have developed a new model for understanding which patients with sepsis, COVID-19 and influenza have immune dysfunction and are more likely to suffer poor outcomes.
A new preclinical study has discovered the underlying cause of gender differences in immunotherapy-associated myocarditis after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. Their findings point to possible treatment strategies for this side effect, which disproportionately affects female patients.
Inflammation and increased mucus production are typical symptoms of worm infections and allergies. This immune response involves our innate immune cells, but their exact functions are not yet fully understood. A research team has now shed light on the key tasks that these cells perform. In the study the researchers also identify potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of allergies.
Inflammation and increased mucus production are typical symptoms of worm infections and allergies. This immune response involves our innate immune cells, but their exact functions are not yet fully understood. A research team has now shed light on the key tasks that these cells perform. In the study the researchers also identify potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of allergies.
In a recent trial, nine patients whose tumors were resistant to androgen-blocking therapy continued that therapy but were also given a CD105 inhibitor called carotuximab. Forty percent of those patients experienced progression-free survival, based on radiographic imaging
In a recent trial, nine patients whose tumors were resistant to androgen-blocking therapy continued that therapy but were also given a CD105 inhibitor called carotuximab. Forty percent of those patients experienced progression-free survival, based on radiographic imaging
Scientists have used a mathematical model to reveal how toxic proteins cluster together inside the brain during the early stages of Alzheimer's. The researchers say the discovery could have important implications for future treatments.
Scientists have used a mathematical model to reveal how toxic proteins cluster together inside the brain during the early stages of Alzheimer's. The researchers say the discovery could have important implications for future treatments.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine are looking for ways to heal wounds by using a healing protein that is active in fetuses, but largely inactive in adults and absent in diabetic adults.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine are looking for ways to heal wounds by using a healing protein that is active in fetuses, but largely inactive in adults and absent in diabetic adults.
New research findings show how higher viscosity, or resistance to flow, of the extracellular fluid that surrounds cells enables cancer cells to migrate more rapidly from a primary tumor to other sites in the body.
New research findings show how higher viscosity, or resistance to flow, of the extracellular fluid that surrounds cells enables cancer cells to migrate more rapidly from a primary tumor to other sites in the body.
Researchers have recently shown that vitamin C improves the immunogenic properties of dendritic cells, in vitro. Results recently made public show that treating the cells with vitamin C leads to a more consistent activation of genes involved in the immune response, mainly through DNA demethylation, a kind of epigenetic reprogramming. This discovery may be useful to generate more potent dendritic cell-based therapies in the future.
Researchers have recently shown that vitamin C improves the immunogenic properties of dendritic cells, in vitro. Results recently made public show that treating the cells with vitamin C leads to a more consistent activation of genes involved in the immune response, mainly through DNA demethylation, a kind of epigenetic reprogramming. This discovery may be useful to generate more potent dendritic cell-based therapies in the future.
Researchers have discovered that the affinity between cells can control complex developmental processes.
Researchers have discovered that the affinity between cells can control complex developmental processes.
As our brains develop, cells within it 'eat' neuronal elements to clear out debris, pathogens and help improve efficiency. A recent study showed that motor learning in mice helped enhance the engulfing of synapses by Bergmann glial cells. The discovery could have possible implications for explaining why synaptic shrinkage and loss occur in depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.
As our brains develop, cells within it 'eat' neuronal elements to clear out debris, pathogens and help improve efficiency. A recent study showed that motor learning in mice helped enhance the engulfing of synapses by Bergmann glial cells. The discovery could have possible implications for explaining why synaptic shrinkage and loss occur in depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a three-dimensional model that shows how exposure to cadmium might lead to congenital heart disease. Affecting nearly 40,000 newborns a year, congenital heart disease is the most common type of birth defect in the United States.
Researchers have developed a three-dimensional model that shows how exposure to cadmium might lead to congenital heart disease. Affecting nearly 40,000 newborns a year, congenital heart disease is the most common type of birth defect in the United States.
Diabetes, which affects millions of people worldwide, develops when the body either generates insufficient amounts of the hormone insulin -- a hormone that maintains healthy blood sugar -- or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. When the number of beta cells is too low or they aren't functioning properly, there isn't enough insulin getting released. Beta cells communicate with each other to secrete insulin in a coordinated manner. Scientists now show that the gene Wnt4 in beta cells enables them to sense glucose and release the hormone insulin that enables other cells in the body to store glucose. These insights could help to create replacement beta cells for diabetes therapy in the future.
Diabetes, which affects millions of people worldwide, develops when the body either generates insufficient amounts of the hormone insulin -- a hormone that maintains healthy blood sugar -- or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. When the number of beta cells is too low or they aren't functioning properly, there isn't enough insulin getting released. Beta cells communicate with each other to secrete insulin in a coordinated manner. Scientists now show that the gene Wnt4 in beta cells enables them to sense glucose and release the hormone insulin that enables other cells in the body to store glucose. These insights could help to create replacement beta cells for diabetes therapy in the future.
Toxicologists have found that the protein p53 continuously protects our cells from tumorigenesis by coordinating important metabolic processes that stabilize their genomes.
Toxicologists have found that the protein p53 continuously protects our cells from tumorigenesis by coordinating important metabolic processes that stabilize their genomes.
Inflammatory reactions in the skin can reduce damage from UV radiation or infections, but can also result in painful symptoms such as sunburn. A recent study has now identified a molecular control which integrates these stress signals.
Inflammatory reactions in the skin can reduce damage from UV radiation or infections, but can also result in painful symptoms such as sunburn. A recent study has now identified a molecular control which integrates these stress signals.
A novel metric that estimates our 'burden,' or cumulative exposure, to a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals that we encounter in everyday life with potentially adverse health impacts, has been created.
A novel metric that estimates our 'burden,' or cumulative exposure, to a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals that we encounter in everyday life with potentially adverse health impacts, has been created.
Chemists specializing in nanotechnology draw inspiration from nature to create molecular transporters that optimize the release of therapeutic drugs.
Chemists specializing in nanotechnology draw inspiration from nature to create molecular transporters that optimize the release of therapeutic drugs.
Researchers explore a noninvasive, drug-free treatment that offers hope for healing from the severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers explore a noninvasive, drug-free treatment that offers hope for healing from the severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
A new study has revealed men and women experience change while travelling in similar ways. Consumers are increasingly seeking activities that help them achieve new levels of enrichment and since the lift of COVID-19 travel restrictions, they are more conscious of the value they want to gain from their holidays.
A new study has revealed men and women experience change while travelling in similar ways. Consumers are increasingly seeking activities that help them achieve new levels of enrichment and since the lift of COVID-19 travel restrictions, they are more conscious of the value they want to gain from their holidays.
A multi-institution study has identified that iron drives the formation of fatty tissue in the heart and leads to chronic heart failure in about fifty percent of heart attack survivors.
A multi-institution study has identified that iron drives the formation of fatty tissue in the heart and leads to chronic heart failure in about fifty percent of heart attack survivors.
Using an approach based on the CRISPR gene-editing system, researchers developed a way to precisely control the amount of a particular protein that is produced in mammalian cells.
Using an approach based on the CRISPR gene-editing system, researchers developed a way to precisely control the amount of a particular protein that is produced in mammalian cells.
Reproduction permanently alters females' bones in ways not previously known, a team of anthropologists has found. Its discovery, based on an analysis of primates, sheds new light on how giving birth can permanently change the body.
Reproduction permanently alters females' bones in ways not previously known, a team of anthropologists has found. Its discovery, based on an analysis of primates, sheds new light on how giving birth can permanently change the body.
Scientists report a method for stable attachment of peptides to tRNAs, which has allowed them to gain new fundamental insights into ribosome function by determining the atomic-level structures of ribosomes and the shapes that peptides take inside the ribosome.
Scientists report a method for stable attachment of peptides to tRNAs, which has allowed them to gain new fundamental insights into ribosome function by determining the atomic-level structures of ribosomes and the shapes that peptides take inside the ribosome.
Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, a lab has captured functional brain activity as humans collaborated with robots on a manufacturing task.
Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, a lab has captured functional brain activity as humans collaborated with robots on a manufacturing task.
The protein kinase CK2 is involved in a wide range of biological processes and cellular functions, including inflammatory responses and pathologies associated with inflammation. CD8+ T cells, also known as killer T cells, are critical to maintain health by controlling infections by intracellular pathogens, including viruses and intracellular bacteria. Researchers now report that protein kinase CK2 controls CD8+ T cell effector and memory functions during infection. These experiments were done in mouse CD8+ T cells and a mouse model of infection by the intracellular pathogenic bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.
The protein kinase CK2 is involved in a wide range of biological processes and cellular functions, including inflammatory responses and pathologies associated with inflammation. CD8+ T cells, also known as killer T cells, are critical to maintain health by controlling infections by intracellular pathogens, including viruses and intracellular bacteria. Researchers now report that protein kinase CK2 controls CD8+ T cell effector and memory functions during infection. These experiments were done in mouse CD8+ T cells and a mouse model of infection by the intracellular pathogenic bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.
Bacteria in the small intestine adapt dynamically to our nutritional state, with individual species disappearing and reappearing. Researchers have now been able to comprehensively study the bacteria of the small intestine and their unique adaptability for the first time. The findings contribute to a better understanding of intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease or Celiac disease and to the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Bacteria in the small intestine adapt dynamically to our nutritional state, with individual species disappearing and reappearing. Researchers have now been able to comprehensively study the bacteria of the small intestine and their unique adaptability for the first time. The findings contribute to a better understanding of intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease or Celiac disease and to the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Peering inside common atmospheric particles is providing important clues to their climate and health effects, according to a new study by chemists. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles are ubiquitous in the atmosphere and play an important role in air quality and climate. They can add to air pollution and damage the lungs, as well as help deflect solar radiation or aid cloud formation. Different types of SOA can mix together in a single particle and their environmental impacts are governed by the new particles' physical and chemical properties, particularly the number of phases --or states-- it can exist in. In a new research letter published in the European Geosciences Union's open access journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, an international team of researchers found that particles with two phases can form when different types of SOA mix. The finding could help improve current models that predict SOA climate and health effects.
Peering inside common atmospheric particles is providing important clues to their climate and health effects, according to a new study by chemists. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles are ubiquitous in the atmosphere and play an important role in air quality and climate. They can add to air pollution and damage the lungs, as well as help deflect solar radiation or aid cloud formation. Different types of SOA can mix together in a single particle and their environmental impacts are governed by the new particles' physical and chemical properties, particularly the number of phases --or states-- it can exist in. In a new research letter published in the European Geosciences Union's open access journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, an international team of researchers found that particles with two phases can form when different types of SOA mix. The finding could help improve current models that predict SOA climate and health effects.
Adults who were making lifestyle changes to lose weight tended to overestimate how healthy their diet was, according to a new study. In addition, self-perceptions of how much their diet improved over the course of the 12- month study were often inaccurate -- most thought they improved the quality of their diet, yet there actually was not much change based on researchers' assessment. Future research focused on perceptions vs. reality about nutrition may lead to healthier eating patterns.
Adults who were making lifestyle changes to lose weight tended to overestimate how healthy their diet was, according to a new study. In addition, self-perceptions of how much their diet improved over the course of the 12- month study were often inaccurate -- most thought they improved the quality of their diet, yet there actually was not much change based on researchers' assessment. Future research focused on perceptions vs. reality about nutrition may lead to healthier eating patterns.
Common gut bacteria can enhance the effects of cocaine in mice, researchers report. Their study demonstrates how cocaine use supports the growth of the bacteria, which in turn eat up a chemical, glycine, that contributes to normal brain function. As levels of glycine become depleted, mice exhibit a higher response to the drug with behavior abnormalities, such as significantly increasing drug-induced locomotion and seeking behaviors.
Common gut bacteria can enhance the effects of cocaine in mice, researchers report. Their study demonstrates how cocaine use supports the growth of the bacteria, which in turn eat up a chemical, glycine, that contributes to normal brain function. As levels of glycine become depleted, mice exhibit a higher response to the drug with behavior abnormalities, such as significantly increasing drug-induced locomotion and seeking behaviors.
The urge to vomit after eating contaminated food is the body's natural defensive response to get rid of bacterial toxins. However, the process of how our brain initiates this biological reaction upon detecting the germs remains elusive. For the first time, researchers mapped out the detailed neural pathway of the defensive responses from the gut to the brain in mice.
The urge to vomit after eating contaminated food is the body's natural defensive response to get rid of bacterial toxins. However, the process of how our brain initiates this biological reaction upon detecting the germs remains elusive. For the first time, researchers mapped out the detailed neural pathway of the defensive responses from the gut to the brain in mice.
When two musical notes are played simultaneously, the human ear can perceive weak additional tones called combination tones. While less perceivable, objective combination tones are also generated by some musical instruments. Researchers have now used violins to explore these rarely studied objective combination tones. They found that the combination tones produced by higher-quality violins were much stronger and clearly audible and powerful air resonance and violin sound quality are linked. The higher-quality violins produced a stronger air resonance due to several factors, including structural material and crafting techniques.
When two musical notes are played simultaneously, the human ear can perceive weak additional tones called combination tones. While less perceivable, objective combination tones are also generated by some musical instruments. Researchers have now used violins to explore these rarely studied objective combination tones. They found that the combination tones produced by higher-quality violins were much stronger and clearly audible and powerful air resonance and violin sound quality are linked. The higher-quality violins produced a stronger air resonance due to several factors, including structural material and crafting techniques.
The destruction of red blood cells, or mechanical hemolysis, is an inevitable complication of interventional devices, so scientists want to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon. Researchers develop a red blood cell destruction model based on simulations of dissipative particle dynamics within a high shear flow. The team discovered that acceleration during shearing is a major factor in red blood cell destruction, beyond exposure time and shear stress. They recommend adding a flow buffer structure to the structural design of ventricular assist devices to reduce part of the hemolysis caused by shear acceleration.
The destruction of red blood cells, or mechanical hemolysis, is an inevitable complication of interventional devices, so scientists want to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon. Researchers develop a red blood cell destruction model based on simulations of dissipative particle dynamics within a high shear flow. The team discovered that acceleration during shearing is a major factor in red blood cell destruction, beyond exposure time and shear stress. They recommend adding a flow buffer structure to the structural design of ventricular assist devices to reduce part of the hemolysis caused by shear acceleration.
Researchers have catalogued thousands of sites in the brain where RNA is modified throughout the human lifespan in a process known as adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing, offering important new avenues for understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain development and how they factor into both health and disease.
Researchers have catalogued thousands of sites in the brain where RNA is modified throughout the human lifespan in a process known as adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing, offering important new avenues for understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain development and how they factor into both health and disease.
Surgical care experts have today unveiled two studies that will help to provide safer surgery for thousands of patients around the world -- particularly in Low- and Middle-income Countries (LMIC).
Surgical care experts have today unveiled two studies that will help to provide safer surgery for thousands of patients around the world -- particularly in Low- and Middle-income Countries (LMIC).
One dose of an antibody drug safely protected healthy, non-pregnant adults from malaria infection during an intense six-month malaria season in Mali, Africa, a National Institutes of Health clinical trial has found. The antibody was up to 88.2% effective at preventing infection over a 24-week period, demonstrating for the first time that a monoclonal antibody can prevent malaria infection in an endemic region.
One dose of an antibody drug safely protected healthy, non-pregnant adults from malaria infection during an intense six-month malaria season in Mali, Africa, a National Institutes of Health clinical trial has found. The antibody was up to 88.2% effective at preventing infection over a 24-week period, demonstrating for the first time that a monoclonal antibody can prevent malaria infection in an endemic region.
Researchers have found that COVID-19 activates the same inflammatory response in the brain as Parkinson's disease. The discovery identified a potential future risk for neurodegenerative conditions in people who've had COVID-19, but also a possible treatment.
Researchers have found that COVID-19 activates the same inflammatory response in the brain as Parkinson's disease. The discovery identified a potential future risk for neurodegenerative conditions in people who've had COVID-19, but also a possible treatment.
In the tough war against glioblastoma, scientists are taking a cue from viruses on how to make the aggressive cancer more vulnerable to treatment. Their target is SAMHD1, a protein which can protect us from viral infections by destroying an essential building block of DNA that viruses and cancer need to replicate.
In the tough war against glioblastoma, scientists are taking a cue from viruses on how to make the aggressive cancer more vulnerable to treatment. Their target is SAMHD1, a protein which can protect us from viral infections by destroying an essential building block of DNA that viruses and cancer need to replicate.
Researchers have developed a new method for determining which genes are relevant to the aging process. The work was done in an animal species widely used as a model for genetic and biological research, but the finding has broader applications for research into the genetics of aging.
Researchers have developed a new method for determining which genes are relevant to the aging process. The work was done in an animal species widely used as a model for genetic and biological research, but the finding has broader applications for research into the genetics of aging.
A large-scale comparison of direct oral anticoagulants (blood thinners), commonly prescribed for irregular heartbeats, has identified the drug with the lowest risk of bleeding.
A large-scale comparison of direct oral anticoagulants (blood thinners), commonly prescribed for irregular heartbeats, has identified the drug with the lowest risk of bleeding.
Researchers have developed and validated a machine learning--based method to predict which patients with early-stage melanoma are most likely to experience a cancer recurrence.
Researchers have developed and validated a machine learning--based method to predict which patients with early-stage melanoma are most likely to experience a cancer recurrence.
Scientists reveal another factor implicated in the aging process -- a class of lipids called SGDGs (3-sulfogalactosyl diacylglycerols) that decline in the brain with age and may have anti-inflammatory effects. The research helps unravel the molecular basis of brain aging, reveals new mechanisms underlying age-related neurological diseases, and offers future opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Scientists reveal another factor implicated in the aging process -- a class of lipids called SGDGs (3-sulfogalactosyl diacylglycerols) that decline in the brain with age and may have anti-inflammatory effects. The research helps unravel the molecular basis of brain aging, reveals new mechanisms underlying age-related neurological diseases, and offers future opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Researchers have developed a computational method to map the architecture of human tissues in unprecedented detail. Their approach promises to accelerate studies on organ-scale cellular interactions and could enable powerful new diagnostic strategies for a wide range of diseases.
Researchers have developed a computational method to map the architecture of human tissues in unprecedented detail. Their approach promises to accelerate studies on organ-scale cellular interactions and could enable powerful new diagnostic strategies for a wide range of diseases.
Researchers have found that a system based on ion-sensitive field effect transistors -- a tiny electrical circuit that is activated by a change in pH -- and enzymatic chemical signal amplification can accurately detect EGFR on breast cancer cells. This technology has the potential to be used with multiple markers simultaneously to assess cancer patient status from liquid biopsy samples.
Researchers have found that a system based on ion-sensitive field effect transistors -- a tiny electrical circuit that is activated by a change in pH -- and enzymatic chemical signal amplification can accurately detect EGFR on breast cancer cells. This technology has the potential to be used with multiple markers simultaneously to assess cancer patient status from liquid biopsy samples.
Researchers and others report that more than one-third of the COVID-19 patients who did not receive any treatment experienced complete resolution of symptoms for at least two consecutive days, but then subsequently reported a return of symptoms.
Researchers and others report that more than one-third of the COVID-19 patients who did not receive any treatment experienced complete resolution of symptoms for at least two consecutive days, but then subsequently reported a return of symptoms.
There has long been an assumption that a connection exists between affective polarization and anti-democratic attitudes. A new study tests several depolarization interventions and finds that, while they depolarize, they do not affect anti-democratic attitudes.
There has long been an assumption that a connection exists between affective polarization and anti-democratic attitudes. A new study tests several depolarization interventions and finds that, while they depolarize, they do not affect anti-democratic attitudes.
Researchers have created a newborn hearing screening system that uses cheap earbuds and a smartphone instead of an expensive commercial device.
Researchers have created a newborn hearing screening system that uses cheap earbuds and a smartphone instead of an expensive commercial device.
Hair loss is undesirable for many men -- and women -- because one's hairstyle is often closely tied to their self-confidence. And while some people embrace it, others wish they could regrow their lost strands. Now, researchers have used artificial intelligence (AI) to predict compounds that could neutralize baldness-causing reactive oxygen species in the scalp. Using the best candidate, they constructed a proof-of-concept microneedle patch and effectively regenerated hair on mice.
Hair loss is undesirable for many men -- and women -- because one's hairstyle is often closely tied to their self-confidence. And while some people embrace it, others wish they could regrow their lost strands. Now, researchers have used artificial intelligence (AI) to predict compounds that could neutralize baldness-causing reactive oxygen species in the scalp. Using the best candidate, they constructed a proof-of-concept microneedle patch and effectively regenerated hair on mice.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of the proteolytic enzyme PAPP-A. The results may allow us to better understand the basic biology that regulates linear growth of vertebrates. The same regulatory mechanisms are also involved in several age-related diseases, and thus, the research is an important step towards the development of novel types of drugs.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of the proteolytic enzyme PAPP-A. The results may allow us to better understand the basic biology that regulates linear growth of vertebrates. The same regulatory mechanisms are also involved in several age-related diseases, and thus, the research is an important step towards the development of novel types of drugs.
While both protect from severe disease, inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and spike mRNA vaccines trigger different T-cell responses.
While both protect from severe disease, inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and spike mRNA vaccines trigger different T-cell responses.
A new technique to improve the coating of nanoparticles used in cancer therapy may enhance tumor targeting.
A new technique to improve the coating of nanoparticles used in cancer therapy may enhance tumor targeting.
A new way of reprogramming our immune cells to shrink or kill off cancer cells has been shown to work in the otherwise hard to treat and devastating skin cancer, melanoma. The discovery demonstrates a new way to clear early stage pre-cancerous and even late-stage tumor cells.
A new way of reprogramming our immune cells to shrink or kill off cancer cells has been shown to work in the otherwise hard to treat and devastating skin cancer, melanoma. The discovery demonstrates a new way to clear early stage pre-cancerous and even late-stage tumor cells.
Physicists have identified a natural delivery system which can safely carry potent antibiotics throughout the body to selectively attack and kill bacteria by using red blood cells as a vehicle.
Physicists have identified a natural delivery system which can safely carry potent antibiotics throughout the body to selectively attack and kill bacteria by using red blood cells as a vehicle.
The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in what are known as dense breasts, which appear white in mammograms, than in nondense breasts, which appear grey. Researchers have now shown that there are major biological differences dense breasts and nondense breasts. The results suggest that the properties of dense breasts promote cancer growth.
The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in what are known as dense breasts, which appear white in mammograms, than in nondense breasts, which appear grey. Researchers have now shown that there are major biological differences dense breasts and nondense breasts. The results suggest that the properties of dense breasts promote cancer growth.
The researchers suggest that mass school shootings are different from other forms of mass murder, and that they should be looked at as a distinct phenomenon. Factors other than severe mental illness contribute to the vast majority of cases.
The researchers suggest that mass school shootings are different from other forms of mass murder, and that they should be looked at as a distinct phenomenon. Factors other than severe mental illness contribute to the vast majority of cases.
Findings suggest COVID-19 presents caregivers with unique challenges not evident in other patients. Data also confirm previous research that, in general, the bulk of family caregiving falls to women, with 75 percent of the COVID-19 caregivers in the study identifying as female and 75 percent of patients identifying as male.
Findings suggest COVID-19 presents caregivers with unique challenges not evident in other patients. Data also confirm previous research that, in general, the bulk of family caregiving falls to women, with 75 percent of the COVID-19 caregivers in the study identifying as female and 75 percent of patients identifying as male.
A new study looks at several aspects of the effects of exposure to earlier forms of the SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen on the immune system's reaction to the prevailing Omicron variants.
A new study looks at several aspects of the effects of exposure to earlier forms of the SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen on the immune system's reaction to the prevailing Omicron variants.
A study has found that Eurasian jays can pass a version of the 'marshmallow test' -- and those with the greatest self-control also score the highest on intelligence tests.
A study has found that Eurasian jays can pass a version of the 'marshmallow test' -- and those with the greatest self-control also score the highest on intelligence tests.
A study indicated that sleep quality impacted women's mood and changed how they felt about advancing in their careers. Meanwhile, men's aspirations were not impacted by sleep quality. The researchers discovered this finding in a two-week-long survey study of 135 full-time workers in the U.S. Each day the participants first noted how well they had slept and the quality of their current mood, and then later in the day how they felt about striving for more status and responsibility at work. Both men and women reported good and bad sleep quality over the course of the study, notably with no gender difference in reported sleep quality. However, women more often reported lowered intentions to pursue more status at work on days following a night of poor sleep.
A study indicated that sleep quality impacted women's mood and changed how they felt about advancing in their careers. Meanwhile, men's aspirations were not impacted by sleep quality. The researchers discovered this finding in a two-week-long survey study of 135 full-time workers in the U.S. Each day the participants first noted how well they had slept and the quality of their current mood, and then later in the day how they felt about striving for more status and responsibility at work. Both men and women reported good and bad sleep quality over the course of the study, notably with no gender difference in reported sleep quality. However, women more often reported lowered intentions to pursue more status at work on days following a night of poor sleep.
People who feel a lack of personal control in their lives are more likely to prefer a culture that imposes order, according to new research. These 'tighter' cultures, in turn, perpetuate their existence by reducing individuals' sense of personal control and increasing their sense of collective control.
People who feel a lack of personal control in their lives are more likely to prefer a culture that imposes order, according to new research. These 'tighter' cultures, in turn, perpetuate their existence by reducing individuals' sense of personal control and increasing their sense of collective control.
In a new study with obese mice, researchers say they have added to evidence that specialized channel proteins are possible therapeutic targets for sleep apnea and similar abnormally slow breathing disorders in obese people.
In a new study with obese mice, researchers say they have added to evidence that specialized channel proteins are possible therapeutic targets for sleep apnea and similar abnormally slow breathing disorders in obese people.
Bacteria love moist surfaces. Once they have settled there, they do not live as solitary organisms but form larger communities that are embedded in a protective film. These biofilms are found on various surfaces and can lead to contact infections. The bacteria are often persistent and defy the body's own immune system or chemical biocides. Current research approaches are therefore trying to prevent bacterial colonization of material surfaces or at least to make it more difficult. A team of researchers has now developed a new approach using ceria nanoparticles.
Bacteria love moist surfaces. Once they have settled there, they do not live as solitary organisms but form larger communities that are embedded in a protective film. These biofilms are found on various surfaces and can lead to contact infections. The bacteria are often persistent and defy the body's own immune system or chemical biocides. Current research approaches are therefore trying to prevent bacterial colonization of material surfaces or at least to make it more difficult. A team of researchers has now developed a new approach using ceria nanoparticles.
Researchers report that more severe heat waves resulting from global warming have already cost the world economy trillions of dollars since the early 1990s -- with the world's poorest and lowest carbon-emitting nations suffering the most. The researchers used newly available, in-depth economic data for regions worldwide to find that from 1992-2013, heat waves statistically coincided with variations in economic growth and that an estimated $16 trillion was lost to the effects of high temperatures on human health, productivity and agricultural output. The findings stress the immediate need for policies and technologies that protect people during the hottest days of the year, particularly in the world's warmest, most economically vulnerable nations.
Researchers report that more severe heat waves resulting from global warming have already cost the world economy trillions of dollars since the early 1990s -- with the world's poorest and lowest carbon-emitting nations suffering the most. The researchers used newly available, in-depth economic data for regions worldwide to find that from 1992-2013, heat waves statistically coincided with variations in economic growth and that an estimated $16 trillion was lost to the effects of high temperatures on human health, productivity and agricultural output. The findings stress the immediate need for policies and technologies that protect people during the hottest days of the year, particularly in the world's warmest, most economically vulnerable nations.
Vaccines work their magic by effectively creating immune cells that are long lived, often for over decades. These immune cells create both a protective barrier that can prevent or minimize re-infection and a memory that allows us to recognize an old invader like a virus and to kill it before it causes disease. The antibody in our blood that is the barrier is made by 'long lived plasma cells' and while the importance of these cells has always been know, how and when they are generated following a vaccination has remained a mystery. Until now. A research team has shown in real time how immune memory cells are stored in the bone marrow at around one single cell per hour for several weeks after immunization.
Vaccines work their magic by effectively creating immune cells that are long lived, often for over decades. These immune cells create both a protective barrier that can prevent or minimize re-infection and a memory that allows us to recognize an old invader like a virus and to kill it before it causes disease. The antibody in our blood that is the barrier is made by 'long lived plasma cells' and while the importance of these cells has always been know, how and when they are generated following a vaccination has remained a mystery. Until now. A research team has shown in real time how immune memory cells are stored in the bone marrow at around one single cell per hour for several weeks after immunization.
A new study looks deep inside the brain, where previous learning was reactivated during sleep, resulting in improved memory. Neuroscientists teamed up with clinicians to study the brain electrical activity in five of the center's patients in response to sounds administered by the research team as part of a learning exercise. While prior studies have used EEG recordings captured by electrodes on the head to measure memory processing during sleep, in this study electrical activity was recorded from inside the brain.
Researchers wanted to know if the Clean Air Act is capable of reducing air pollution disparities or if a new approach would be needed. The team compared two approaches that mirror main aspects of the Clean Air Act and a third approach that is not commonly used to see if it would be better at addressing disparities across the contiguous U.S.
Why do some 4- and 5-year-olds still nap like clockwork every afternoon, while other preschoolers start giving up habitual napping at age 3? It's a question many parents no doubt ponder and one that a sleep scientist has been considering for years. Now, sleep scientists describe a new theory about why and when young children transition out of naps. It's not about age as much as the brain.
Research has found sharing real-time air quality readings in developing countries can reduce air pollution and lead to lower mortality rates.
Using a neural network model, neuroscientists have found that, as the brain moves between REM and slow-wave sleep cycles, the hippocampus teaches the neocortex what it learned. This process seems to convert novel, fleeting data into enduring memories.
New findings suggest an explanation for the century-old mystery of how chromosome recombination is regulated during sexual reproduction.
Whether it's a car door not properly closed, a shanked kick in football, or a misplaced note in music, our ears tell us when something doesn't sound right. A team of neuroscientists has recently uncovered how the brain works to make distinctions between 'right' and 'wrong' sounds -- research that provides a deeper understanding of how we learn complex audio-motor tasks like speaking or playing music.
As heart cells mature in mice, the number of communication pathways called nuclear pores dramatically decreases, according to new research. While this might protect the organ from damaging signals, it could also prevent adult heart cells from regenerating, the researchers found.
In the first nationally representative study of cognitive impairment prevalence in more than 20 years, researchers found almost 10% of older adults have dementia and 22% have mild cognitive impairment.
Prescribed fire -- a tool increasingly used by forest managers and landowners to combat invasive species, improve wildlife habitat and restore ecosystem health -- also could play a role in reducing the abundance of ticks and the transmission of disease pathogens they carry, according to a team of scientists.
Exposure in utero to a specific flame retardant, or to its individual brominated (BFR) or organophosphate ester (OPFR) components, resulted in altered brain development in newborn rats.
In a new study, researchers found more people shifted blame for shark bites away from the animals after watching positive YouTube videos about them.
An intranasal vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 could quickly get to the respiratory tract, where the virus most commonly causes symptoms. And a spray or droplets could be a more palatable option for people who fear needles. But so far, only a few countries have approved COVID nasal vaccines. Now researchers report that they've developed one that can fight off the original virus and two variants in hamsters.
A study of nearly 2,000 children found that those who reported playing video games for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory compared to children who had never played video games.
A lifestyle intervention of diet and exercise in pregnancy protects against cardiovascular risk in infants, a new study has found.
A computer scientist has used artificial intelligence (AI) to show that we are not as individual as we may like to think.
Researchers are working to reveal potential threats to the efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, even when it appears to be working as planned.
Researchers have developed new tools and approaches to image, monitor, and probe heme in biological systems to study how organisms handle this essential but potentially cytotoxic metabolite.
Investigations in Japan have uncovered some molecular mechanisms behind mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic heart failure.
An international consortium of researchers has developed technology to enable the manufacturing of materials that mimic the structure of living blood vessels, with significant implications for the future of surgery.
Membrane proteins are key targets for many drugs. They are located between the outside and inside of our cells. Some of them, called 'transporters', move certain substances in and out of the cellular environment. Yet, extracting and storing them for observation is particularly complex. A team has now developed an innovative method to study their structure in their native environment: the cell. The technique is based on electron spin resonance spectroscopy. These results may facilitate future development of new drugs.
Medical researchers have identified a new type of microglia associated with stroke in the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injured brain.
Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by an accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in brain tissue, is a leading cause of dementia. Researchers now show that an oxytocin derivative with modifications to enhance brain perfusion can reverse cognitive impairment in mice.
A lack of fresh air was found in a deep London Underground station, and air pollution is at its worst during the evening rush hour, according to new research.
Engineered particles of purified sand could be the next anti-obesity therapy as new research shows that porous silica can prevent fats and carbohydrates from being adsorbed in the body.
Scientists have uncovered the mechanism behind why eating late at night is linked to weight gain and diabetes. The connection between eating time, sleep and obesity is well-known but poorly understood, with research showing that over-nutrition can disrupt circadian rhythms and change fat tissue.
If jet lag, nighttime snacking, lack of sleep, or irregular work schedules factor into your life, a recent study adds to the evidence of cancer risk.
An innovative program to support children with reading difficulties helped them make significant progress when used online, new analysis shows.
A new study may prompt medical experts to rethink when to start mammograms for women who have a mother, sister or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer.
A mouse study provides new ways to determine how maternal and paternal exercise improve metabolic health of offspring. This study used mice to evaluate how their lifestyles -- eating fatty foods vs. healthy and exercising vs. not -- affected the metabolites of their offspring.
Starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) early in the course of HIV infection when the immune system is stronger results in better long-term health outcomes compared with delaying ART, according to new findings.
Scientists have successfully placed a bioinspired steerable catheter into the brain of an animal.
By embracing a broader definition of learning that includes any behavioral adaption developed in response to regular features of an environment, researchers could better collaborate across the fields of psychology, computer science, sociology, and genetics, according to a new Perspectives on Psychological Science article.
One promising strategy to remuscularize the injured heart is the direct cardiac reprogramming of heart fibroblast cells into cardiomyocytes. Researchers have identified TBX20 as the key missing transcription factor in existing cocktails for direct cardiac reprogramming of human fibroblasts. Adding TBX20 to the reprogramming cocktail MGT 133, they report, promoted cardiac reprogramming and activated genes associated with cardiac contractility, maturation and a ventricular location of the heart muscle cell.
A three-dose course of the hepatitis B vaccine HEPLISAV-B fully protected adults living with HIV who had never been vaccinated against or infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), according to new study.
Researchers have shown that pain experienced by patients during medical treatments can be considerably alleviated by holding and experiencing the motions of a soft furry robot. Based on measures of pain, fear, and biomarker collection, the researchers believe that the robot can improve patient experience.
Authorities on bariatric and metabolic surgery have issued new evidence-based clinical guidelines that among a slew of recommendations expand patient eligibility for weight-loss surgery and endorse metabolic surgery for patients with type 2 diabetes beginning at a body mass index (BMI) of 30, a measure of body fat based on a person's height and weight and one of several important screening criteria for surgery.
Researchers have discovered that septins -- a part of the cytoskeleton -- form a barrier to the penetration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The process is dependent on the LecA molecule on the surface of the bacteria.
The discovery of a genetic variant that is relatively common among people of Polynesian ancestry, but incredibly rare in most other populations, is giving clues to the genetic underpinnings of high cholesterol in all people, according to new research.
Biomedical engineers have demonstrated the most effective treatment for pancreatic cancer in mouse models ever recorded. While most mouse trials consider simply halting growth a success, the new treatment completely eliminated tumors in 80% of mice across several model types, including those considered the most difficult to treat. The approach combines traditional chemotherapy drugs with a new method for irradiating the tumor.
A major clinical trial looking at surgery for women at risk of miscarriage and stillbirth have found that a type of wire commonly used reduces risk of infection.
At population level, passive monitoring of walking activity using smartphones offers a pathway toward national screening for health and mortality risk, researchers conclude.
Scientists have developed a new way of looking at sex-biased diseases that is rooted in evolutionary biology.
Research into genetic mutations that affect circadian rhythms offers new insight into the rest-wake cycle and provides a new model for investigating human disease and ultimately developing medical treatments.
Scientists have identified a long-sought gene-encoded protein that enables the brain to communicate a broad range of signals across gaps between neurons, known as synapses.
Eating a handful of almonds a day significantly increases the production of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that promotes gut health, according to a recent study.
The skin is a large, complex organ, and it serves as the body's primary interface with the environment, playing key roles in sensory, thermoregulatory, barrier, and immunological functioning. As floods, wildfires, and extreme heat events increase in frequency and severity, they pose a significant threat to global dermatological health, as many skin diseases are climate sensitive.
In response to a high-competition environment, Trinidadian killifish evolve larger brains, increasing their fitness and survival rates, according to a new study.
A new study identifies common and rare gene mutations that impact radiation resistance and sensitivity, an important step toward providing more individualized and effective radiotherapy for patients with cancer. The discovery ultimately could allow radiation dosage to be calibrated based on genetic mutations. Radiotherapy continues to be delivered using generic schedules and doses, unlike newer targeted drug therapy that are guided by the genomics of an individual's cancer.
College-educated Black women in the United States give birth to fewer children than their white and Hispanic counterparts, according to a new study. The study examines the interplay of race, ethnicity, and education in shaping the fertility levels of U.S. women born between 1960 and 1980.
A recent study sought to identify FTD patients with TDP-43 accumulation from a large patient cohort, which included all of the most common subtypes of the disease. TDP-43 levels were measured from patients' blood samples using a sensitive single-molecule array (Simoa) technology.
A study found that high aerobic fitness does not protect children from metabolic syndrome. The study also found that the amount of fat tissue in the body has distorted the results obtained in several previous studies on the protective effect of aerobic fitness from metabolic syndrome. The researchers also found that poor aerobic fitness is not a feature of metabolic syndrome in adults. Still, good aerobic fitness may indicate a lack of risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
A new sensor can measure biological and environmental signals, and evaluate how well a face mask fits by measuring physical contact between the mask and the wearer's face.
First induced pluripotent stem cell model of PTSD offers insights into underlying genetics and opportunities for new therapies.
Scientists have for the first time pinpointed a large number of genes that are reliably associated with dyslexia. Around a third of the 42 genetic variants identified have been previously linked to general cognitive ability and educational attainment. The researchers say their findings aid our understanding of the biology behind why some children struggle to read or spell.
An increasing number of people are seeking emergency medical help for sexual assault, according to a new study.
A recent study of alligators in the Cape Fear River found the animals had elevated levels of 14 different per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals in their blood serum, as well as clinical and genetic indicators of immune system effects. The work adds to the body of evidence connecting PFAS exposure with adverse immune system effects.
Researchers are combining psychological principles with innovative virtual reality technology to create a new immersive therapy for people with substance use disorders.
The more hours someone works each week in a stressful job, the more their risk of depression rises, a study in new doctors finds. Working 90 or more hours a week was associated with changes in depression symptom scores three times larger than the change in depression symptoms among those working 40 to 45 hours a week. A higher percentage of those who worked a large number of hours had scores high enough to qualify for a diagnosis of moderate to severe depression.
A new technique which combines the use of two ultrasound technologies may offer an option to move kidney stones out of the ureter with minimal pain and no anesthesia, according to a new feasibility study.
An important new clue for preventing and treating brain tumors known as gliomas has been identified. The study provides a rare window into the biological changes behind glioma development.
Our genetics, the environment and our age all play important roles in our health, but which of these is the most important? A new study suggests that in many cases, age plays a more important role than genetics in determining which genes in our bodies are turned on or off, influencing our susceptibility to disease.
Autonomous optimal navigation of microswimmers is in fact possible, as researchers have recently shown. In contrast to the targeted navigation of boats, the motion of swimmers at the microscale is strongly disturbed by fluctuations. The researchers now described a navigation strategy for microswimmers that does not need an external interpreter. Their findings may contribute to the understanding of transport mechanisms in the microcosm as well as to applications such as targeted drug delivery.
Communicating with babies in infant-directed-speech is considered an essential prerequisite for successful language development of the little ones. Researchers have now investigated how the mood of mothers in the postpartum period affects their child's development. They found that even children whose mothers suffer from mild depressive mood that do not yet require medical treatment show early signs of delayed language development. The reason for this could be the way the women talk to the newborns. The findings could help prevent potential deficits early on.
Researchers mapped the organization of human retinal cell chromatin, the fibers that package 3 billion nucleotide-long DNA molecules into compact structures that fit into chromosomes within each cell's nucleus. The resulting comprehensive gene regulatory network provides insights into regulation of gene expression in general, and in retinal function, in both rare and common eye diseases.
Researchers have observed that the length of daylight hours impacts opioid receptor levels in brown fat. When daylight hours shorten, the receptor activity levels elevate. A similar phenomenon also takes place in the brain. Both phenomena help people and animals in the adaptation to seasonal changes.
Using state of the art techniques, researchers have shown that the metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes was much more disturbed than previously known, and that it varied between organs and severity of the disease.
By analyzing movie reviews from Rotten Tomatoes, a film and TV review website, new research proposes a 'topic consistency' measure to capture the degree of overlap between critic and user review content and finds that it does impact movie sales.
Jazz must swing -- jazz musicians agree on that. However, even 100 years after the beginnings of jazz, it is still unclear what exactly constitutes the swing feel. With a sophisticated experiment and data analyses on more than 450 well-known jazz solos, physicists together with psychologists have unraveled a secret of swing. They were able to demonstrate that certain systematic deviations in timing are a key component of swing. These microtiming deviations are so small that they are not perceived as such even by professional jazz musicians, who nonetheless are using them unconsciously.
Standing electric scooters, commonly referred to as e-scooters, have been increasing in popularity across the country over the past decade. According to a new research, e-scooter injuries are becoming much more common and increasingly severe.
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in adolescents, and risky driving behaviors like speeding, rapid accelerations, and cellphone use can contribute to crashes. New research finds many teens struggle to abide the rules of the road.
Researchers have developed a method to detect build-up of amyloid beta in the brain, a characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, from biomarkers in blood samples.
More than one million U.S. children fractured a bone while riding a bicycle over the past 20 years, and most of them were boys between ages 10 to 15 years old, according to new research.
Three babies have been born after receiving the world's first spina bifida treatment combining surgery with stem cells.
Scientists have long looked to the brain as an inspiration for designing computing systems. Some researchers have recently gone even further by making computer hardware with a brainlike structure. These 'neuromorphic chips' have already shown great promise, but they have used conventional digital electronics, limiting their complexity and speed.
The key to a new cardiomyocyte-making technique is a gene activity-controlling protein called Ascl1, which is known to be a crucial protein involved in turning fibroblasts into neurons. Researchers had thought Ascl1 was neuron-specific.
Researchers have developed a screening method to discover new drug targets for cancer treatment in the so-called 'Dark Matter' of the genome. They applied their method to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the greatest cancer killer for which effective therapies are urgently sought. They could show that inhibiting identified targets could greatly slow down cancer growth, and their method is adaptable to other cancers.
The drug tofacitinib was well tolerated among patients with early scleroderma, primarily affecting the protein interferon both in fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Researchers say the drug is safe and can possibly be repurposed for systemic sclerosis treatment.
Researchers have developed an imaging agent for demyelination and evaluated its use in healthy human volunteers.
Scientists have made a significant genetic discovery that sheds light on the use of the drug caspofungin to treat a deadly fungal infection, Aspergillus fumigatus, which kills some 100,000 severely immunocompromised people each year.
In a rare disease called mucolipidosis type II, people's hearts and abdomens swell, and their bones grow malformed.
This year, about 200,000 people will be diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer, the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease. Researchers are working to improve the odds for these patients in two recently published studies that combine novel multiplex cellular imaging methods with artificial intelligence to learn why and how patients respond differently to disease and treatments.
Using chemical design and synthesis, scientists brought together the Nobel-prize winning technology with therapeutic technology to overcome a critical limitation of CRISPR. Specifically, the groundbreaking work provides a system to deliver the cargo required for generating the gene editing machine known as CRISPR-Cas9.
Researchers have identified the gene TDRD7 as a key regulator against influenza A virus (IAV), which causes respiratory tract infections in 5 to 20 percent of the human population.
Researchers have discovered that the organization of different types of immune cells within pancreatic tumors is associated with how well patients with pancreatic cancer respond to treatment and how long they survive.
A discovery about how some visually impaired adults could start to see offers a new vision of the brain's possibilities. The adult brain has the potential to partially recover from inherited blindness, according to new research.
Researchers have developed a low-cost imaging system that can provide quantitative information about how deep within tissue a cancer cell resides. The system can help surgeons distinguish healthy tissue from tumors and could minimize health disparities in low-resource clinical centers.
Targeting a condition suffered by nearly a billion people worldwide, a new study has shown a drug previously used to treat depression can reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. While not yet identifying a cure, the authors say the study opens up further avenues for the development of future drug treatments targeted at the huge number of people unable to tolerate current sleep apnea therapies, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
Researchers have revealed that common liver diseases are not driven by inflammatory cell death as previously thought, resolving a long-standing controversy in gastroenterology and pointing to a new direction for treatment.
Two proteins ensure that cells can take up iron when needed. If both control proteins are switched off in mice, the animals develop severe anemia, as expected. Surprisingly, at the same time a cell type of the innate immune defense, the neutrophils, also dramatically decreases. Iron deficiency, a known defense mechanism against infectious pathogens, is a double edged sword, as it simultaneously curbs the defensive power of an important arm of the innate immune system.
A recent study has investigated the possible sources of charge mosaics for over a decade.
An advanced design technique, used to develop components for aerospace and automotive industries, has been harnessed in the production of bespoke medical devices.
Findings from a small study of eight patients suggest that COVID-19 rebound is likely not caused by impaired immune responses. The study aimed to define the clinical course and the immunologic and virologic characteristics of COVID-19 rebound in patients who have taken nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid).
A team of scientists has brought together more than forty existing brain maps in one place. The database, called neuromaps, will help scientists find correlations between patterns across different brain regions, spatial scales, modalities and brain functions. It provides a standardized space to view each map in comparison to each other, and assesses the statistical significance of these comparisons, to help researchers distinguish a meaningful correlation from a random pattern.
A large study of COVID-19 disease following vaccination and booster reports surprisingly low incidence, especially in individuals younger than 65 years of age with no high-risk conditions.
Researchers have found considerable variations in per-capita spending on long-term care across Japan's municipalities. They identified the drivers of regional variation in per-capita spending on long-term care using regression analysis. Demand-related factors, particularly the proportion of the population over 85 years of age and the proportion with severe care-need classifications, were found to be the most significant drivers of spending.
Low concentrations of cetylpyridinium chloride, an antimicrobial agent present in mouthwashes, inhibit the infectivity of four variants of SARS-CoV-2, according to a recent study.
The wear and tear on the body from chronic and lifelong stress can also lead to an increased risk of dying from cancer, researchers report.
One year after mass vaccination against COVID-19 was launched, inactivated virus vaccines accounted for half of the doses administered worldwide. Now, a large observational study performed in Brazil shows that, in people who initially received two doses of the inactivated CoronaVac vaccine, an mRNA boost offers considerably better protection against mild and severe COVID-19 than a boost with the same vaccine.
The cerebellum is known primarily for the regulation of movement. Researchers have now discovered that the cerebellum also plays an important role in remembering emotional experiences.
People with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are 2.5 times more likely than those without a psychotic disorder to eventually develop dementia, according to a new review.
When people believe that a door is closing -- that they have a limited amount of time left to enjoy something, such as dining out or traveling -- they gravitate to the comfort of something familiar rather than the excitement of something new.
Referrals to Cambridge's long COVID clinic fell dramatically in the period August 2021 to June 2022, which researchers say is likely due to the successful rollout of the vaccine.
Researchers discover that quality and mix of protein in a type of pancreatic cancer is the determinant of whether the prognosis is poor or very poor.
Researchers have shown that the phenomenology of 'mind blanking' challenges the belief that the human mind is always thinking.
Scientists are exploring the elaborate interplay between genes, sex, growth, and age and how they influence variation in longevity.
Healthy study volunteers whose red blood cells contained higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids were found to have better brain structure and cognitive function in middle age.
Researchers have pioneered the CMU Array -- a customizable, 3D nano-printed, ultra-high-density microelectrode array platform for next generation brain-computer interfaces. This technology can transform the way doctors are able to treat neurological disorders.
A study provides compelling evidence of the important role of hepatocyte adenosine kinase in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD.
Researchers report that viewing, feeling, and touching real dogs leads to increasingly higher levels of activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. The study shows that this effect persists after the dogs are no longer present, but is reduced when real dogs are replaced with stuffed animals. The findings have implications for animal-assisted clinical therapy.
The fear of missing out (FoMO) on rewarding and fun experiences is something that most people feel at some point in life. Among college students, the degree to which someone experiences FoMO is associated with their risk of participating in maladaptive behaviors including academic misconduct, drug and alcohol use, and breaking the law, according to a new study.
An epigenetics drug currently being used for the treatment of blood cancers and rare sarcomas can stop the growth of bladder cancer by activating the immune system, reports a new study in mice. The drug is now being tested in a national clinical trial for patients with late-stage bladder cancer.
Synthetic biology strives to achieve robust control of biological processes in order to create designer organisms for a variety of industrial, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. Researchers have developed RNA origami sponges and CRISPR-based regulators for advanced genetic control of enzymatic pathways in microorganisms to improve production of valuable biochemicals.
Trying to understand people we disagree with can feel like a lost cause, particularly in contentious political environments. But new research finds that valuing empathy across party lines can make our political arguments more persuasive.
Researchers have developed a customizable, RNA-based platform to target cells rather than genes. CellREADR enables scientists to add any protein to a designated cell type. Initial evidence demonstrates the new technology works for brain tissue in rodents and humans and its design relies on an enzyme found in every animal cell, suggesting easy adoption for other creatures and organs. It may provide an effective route to treating complex diseases like schizophrenia or cancer.
A new screening test app could help advance the early detection of Parkinson's disease and severe COVID-19, improving the management of these illnesses. Developed by a research team of engineers and neurologists, the test can produce accurate results using just people's voice recordings.
In a recent study, researchers predict disruptions in the immune system that can lead to long-term or severe COVID-19.
In the brain of adult mammals neural stem cells ensure that new nerve cells, i.e. neurons, are constantly formed. This process, known as adult neurogenesis, helps mice maintain their sense of smell. A research team recently discovered a second stem cell population in the mouse brain, which is primarily involved in the production of new neurons in the olfactory bulb of adult mice.
Older people exposed to food flavors from their youth were able to 'time travel' back to the past with an enhanced memory of the event. For food memory, the researchers worked with the participants to create bespoke flavor-based cues for each one. The 3D printed flavour-based cues are small edible balls, modelling the original food. A striking outcome was the large number of memories cued by flavours recalled with strong feelings of being brought back in time.
A new study has found that older people with insomnia are at greater risk of developing memory decline and long-term cognitive impairment such as dementia.
Healthy young people with just a mild COVID infection can sometimes suffer temporary post-infection consequences such as tiredness, loss of smell and taste or reduced fertility. These symptoms usually improve with time. But a new conducted with Swiss Armed Forces personnel shows that young people post Covid are likely to have increased cholesterol, a high BMI, and a reduced level of physical stamina. As a result, they may be more likely to develop metabolic disorders and cardiovascular complications in the long term.
Due to the uncertainty of the timing of vaccine approval at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers struggled to find the best mitigation measures. In a new study, researchers analyzed how the expectation of a vaccine influences optimal lockdown measures.
After a 60-minute walk in nature, activity in brain regions involved in stress processing decreases.
A woman's mercury level during pregnancy is unlikely to have an adverse effect on the development of the child provided that the mother eats fish, according to a new study.
Researchers test the efficacy of a soft, bioresorbable, implantable device to block pain signals from sciatic nerves of rat models.
Scientists have developed a novel approach for dynamic difficulty adjustment where the players' emotions are estimated using in-game data, and the difficulty level is tweaked accordingly to maximize player satisfaction. Their efforts could contribute to balancing the difficulty of games and making them more appealing to all types of players.
When holding information in mind, neural activity is more focused when and where there are bursts of gamma frequency rhythms, according to a new study.
A new study shows that the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known to cause hospital-acquired infections such as pneumonia, secretes a toxin that has evolved to kill other species of bacteria.
Scientists have created a model alveolar system that mimics the breathing action of the human lung and allows visualization of flow patterns within the alveoli. The chip they designed includes tubes arranged like the structure of a bifurcation point in the bronchial network. The upper layer of the chip is made of a flexible polymer molded into small tubes that mimic the alveolar structure. The lower layer is glass, which allows the authors to visualize fluid flow through the tubes.
New CT technology paired with artificial intelligence (AI)-based noise reduction offers superior detection of bone disease associated with multiple myeloma at lower radiation doses than conventional CT, according to a new study.
In a study of both socioeconomically disadvantaged and socioeconomically advantaged neighborhoods, better access to primary health care was associated with improved high blood pressure awareness and control. These associations existed whether residents lived in socioeconomically disadvantaged or socioeconomically advantaged neighborhoods. The study's findings suggest that regardless of where people live, they may benefit from blood pressure control programs that increase access to primary health care.
Premenstrual mood swings and anxiety are so common -- experienced by more than 64% of women -- that they represent a 'key public health issue globally,' according to a new study.
A new study finds that whilst climate anxiety is low amongst the UK public, it may be an important driver of climate action such as cutting down on waste.
An examination of data of people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Israel found males 14 to 30 years of age were the most susceptible to myocarditis after a second or third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, however, the overall risk remains relatively low. Among males ages 16 to 19 years, approximately 1 in 15,000 developed myocarditis after a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. All confirmed cases of myocarditis were mild and resolved after a short hospital stay (average of 3.5 days), and no hospital readmissions were reported in the following 90 days.
Investigators have developed an investigational therapy using support cells and a protective protein that can be delivered past the blood-brain barrier. This combined stem cell and gene therapy can potentially protect diseased motor neurons in the spinal cord of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal neurological disorder known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease.
A new approach, which mimics the physical forces exerted by immune cells as they crawl over host cells, could help scientists develop more effective cancer immunotherapies.
Researchers have found that dual bronchodilators -- long-lasting inhalers that relax the airways and make it easier to breathe -- do little to help people who do not have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but who do have respiratory symptoms and a history of smoking.
Though many of us may seek a quiet place in which to study, 'noise' may play a key role in helping some people improve their learning potential.
Even a small temperature drop in the tropical climate of Singapore increases the risk of heart attack among people aged 65 and above.
An updated analysis of American COVID-19 deaths throughout 2021 highlights a continued drop in overall life expectancy as well as persistent disparities by race and ethnicity.
A comprehensive historical assessment of knowledge and beliefs about disease transmission sheds light on why influential institutions worldwide took too long to recognize that COVID-19 is primarily airborne. The authors trace this deadly resistance one hundred years back in history, to the rejection of sickly air called 'miasma,' the rise of germ theory and our own stubborn tendency to retain beliefs in spite of accumulating evidence to the contrary.
Researchers have discovered that the motion of chromatin, the material that DNA is made of, can help facilitate effective repair of DNA damage in the human nucleus -- a finding that could lead to improved cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Many transgender parents with children between one-and-a-half and six years of age hesitate to label their child's gender identity, according to new research. In addition, the results suggest that many children with transgender parents play in ways that conform to gendered societal expectations, while others play in more gender-expansive ways.
Men with low testosterone who develop COVID-19 are at elevated risk of becoming seriously ill and ending up in the hospital, according to a new study.
New research reveals private equity firms that acquire physician-owned medical practices appear to be imposing measures to squeeze out more profits. It's not clear whether these practices hurt clinical outcomes for patients. However, the findings raise concerning parallels with the rapid growth of private equity acquisition of nursing homes and hospital systems.
Today, when an algorithm identifies a tumor in a tissue sample, it doesn't reveal how it arrived at this result. And that does not inspire trust. Researchers are therefore pursuing a new approach.
A large amount of lungs donated cannot be used for transplantation. Researchers have conducted an animal study bringing hope that more donor lungs could be used in the future. The researchers have launched a pilot study to investigate whether the treatment will have the same positive effects on human beings.
The pandemic has impacted our lives in a multitude of ways, many of which will no doubt be felt for years to come. While many of those effects are clearly negative, researchers have identified at least one positive impact -- our perception of natural spaces changed.
In the young population, arterial stiffness, an emerging risk factor for hypertension, indirectly raises blood pressure via an increase in insulin resistance but not via an increase in body fat, a new article concludes.
Researchers have partners detected unique fluorescence blinking patterns in experiments of electron transfer to single DNA molecules. They used these patterns to identify mRNA glioma point mutations in cell culture. The results of this work could help simplify surgical biopsies, enable real-time targeted therapy, and advance scientific understanding of cancer progression.
Researchers have characterized the new omicron variant BA.2.75, comparing its ability to evade antibodies against current and previous variants. The study suggests that BA.2.75 is not more resistant to antibodies than the currently dominating BA.5, which is positive news.
When researchers tested a large number of old toys and dress-up items made of plastic, 84 per cent of the items were found to contain toxins that can disrupt growth and development and reproductive capacities in children. These toxins are an obstacle for the circular economy in the future involving reuse and recycling, the researchers explain.
Scientists hypothesize that circadian rhythm disruption is a psychopathology factor shared by a broad range of mental illnesses and that research into its molecular foundation could be key to unlocking better therapies and treatments.
Scientists have discovered how some cancer cells survive treatment and cause cancer to recur, along with a potential way to stop the process.
A new methodology predicts disease transmission from wildlife to humans, from one wildlife species to another and determines who is at risk of infection.
High levels of hydroxyl radicals (OH) can be generated indoors, simply due to the presence of people and ozone.
Researchers have examined how social and economic factors, such as level of education and general knowledge of Ebola, might contribute to 'high-risk behaviors' that may bring individuals into contact with potentially infected animals. A focus on geographical locations with high concentrations of individuals at high-risk could help public health officials better target prevention and education resources.
Scientists have managed to generate a new type of human cell in the lab using stem cells. The new cells closely resemble their natural counterparts in early human embryos. As a result, researchers can now better study what happens just after an embryo implants in the womb.
About 30,000 cases of lung cancer occur in Spain each year. Mutations in KRAS oncogenes account for 10-15% of these cases, a subgroup against which there are still no effective therapies. Researchers have succeeded in determining the structure of the RAF1 protein, a therapeutic target against cancers associated with KRAS oncogenes.
Two vaccine doses provide only limited and short-lived protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection with the Omicron variant. A new study suggests that a third COVID-19 vaccine dose increased the level and duration of protection against Omicron infection and hospitalization.
Researchers have developed a new method to identify people who are at greater genetic risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, before any symptoms appear -- which could help speed creation of novel treatments.
Scientists have tested the efficacy of GnRH injection therapy in order to improve the cognitive functions of a small group of patients with Down syndrome. First the scientists revealed a dysfunction of the GnRH neurons in an animal model of Down syndrome and its impacts on the cognitive function impairment associated with the condition. Then a pilot study testing GnRH pulsatile injection therapy was conducted in seven patients. The results were promising: the therapy led to improved cognitive function and brain connectivity.
A new study of more than 8 million children in Nordic countries suggests the possibility that children born after use of a fertility procedure known as frozen-thawed embryo transfer may have a higher risk of cancer than children born through other means.
Robots can be better at detecting mental wellbeing issues in children than parent-reported or self-reported testing, a new study suggests.
Researchers have published results that show encouraging therapeutic options for patients with the blood cancer multiple myeloma after first-line treatment with bispecific antibodies fails. Bispecific antibodies are a type of antibody that can bind to two different antigens at the same time -- they are meant to enhance the immune system's destruction of tumor cells.
New findings have demonstrated a molecular link between COVID-19 and serotonin cells in the gut. The research could help provide further clues to what could be driving COVID-19 infection and disease severity and supports previous evidence that antidepressants, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), could reduce the severity of COVID symptoms.
A new study reveals how a rare genetic mutation leads to intellectual disability. The P212L mutation in an enzyme called CaMKIIalpha, which is important for learning and memory, is known to be linked to intellectual disability. However, the exact process by which the mutation affected the enzyme's activity was unclear, until now.
Overweight increases the risk of an imbalance in sugar metabolism and even of diabetes. A research group has now shown the opposite is true as well: deficits in the body's insulin production contribute to overweight.
In a new study, researchers report that they effectively eradicated glioblastoma, a highly lethal type of brain cancer. The researchers achieved the outcome using a method they developed based on their discovery of two critical mechanisms in the brain that support tumor growth and survival: one protects cancer cells from the immune system, while the other supplies the energy required for rapid tumor growth. The work found that both mechanisms are controlled by brain cells called astrocytes, and in their absence, the tumor cells die and are eliminated.
As public health officials around the world contend with the latest surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have created a computer model that could help them be better prepared for the next one. Using machine learning algorithms, trained to identify correlations between changes in the genetic sequence of the COVID-19 virus and upticks in transmission, hospitalizations and deaths, the model can provide an early warning about the severity of new variants.
As the world adapts to the post-COVID era, disinfectants have become an irreplaceable part of life. Foam disinfectants are excellent but suffer from foam destabilization when mixed with high ethanol concentrations. To address this issue, researchers from Japan have added an anionic surfactant, a long-chain alcohol, and an inorganic electrolyte to aqueous solutions with high ethanol concentrations, demonstrating enhanced foam stability. Their strategy could enable the formulation of stable, foam-type hand sanitizers.
For people trying to improve their health and lose weight by themselves -- privately tracking and journaling meals and exercise -- new research suggests it is time to call in the professionals.
A novel protein design could lead to a new generation of defensive biosensors and treatments against weapons of mass destruction.
Every day in the United States, 17 people die waiting for an organ transplant, and every nine minutes, another person is added to the transplant waiting list, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. One potential solution to alleviate the shortage is to develop biomaterials that can be three-dimensionally (3D) printed as complex organ shapes, capable of hosting cells and forming tissues. Attempts so far, though, have fallen short, with the so-called bulk hydrogel bioinks failing to integrate into the body properly and support cells in thick tissue constructs. Researchers have now developed a novel nanoengineered granular hydrogel bioink that makes use of self-assembling nanoparticles and hydrogel microparticles, or microgels, to achieve previously unattained levels of porosity, shape fidelity and cell integration.
Researchers have shown that inhibiting a key metabolic enzyme selectively kills melanoma cells and stops tumor growth. The findings could lead to a new class of drugs to selectively treat melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer.
A new study suggests a simple blood test -- administered before CAR-T cell treatment is initiated -- may identify which patients are predisposed to developing neurotoxic side effects in the days and weeks after CAR-T cell therapy.
Scientists have created a roadmap of the genetic mutations present in the most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The study supplies a comprehensive view of the genomics of all subtypes of ALL.