Scientists shocked by durability of surgery-sparing technique

A nanotechnology-based drug delivery system developed to save patients from repeated surgeries has proved to have unexpectedly long-lasting benefits in lab tests -- a promising sign for its potential to help human patients.

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No scientific link found between sickle cell trait and sudden death

A systematic literature review found no evidence to support that physical exertion without rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) or heat injury can cause sudden death for individuals with sickle cell trait (SCT), nor is there any high-level evidence that SCT causes acute pain crises.

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Suboptimal dietary patterns may accelerate biological aging as early as young adulthood

Humans do not always age biologically at the same rate as their chronological age. Faster biological aging compared to chronological age has been linked to higher risks of disease and mortality. According to a recent study, a diet low in vegetables and fruits and high in red meat, fast food, and sugar-sweetened soft drinks was associated with accelerated biological aging even in young adulthood.

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Study shows potential of resveratrol to aid fertility

A new study has highlighted the potential of resveratrol, a natural compound found in grapes, blueberries, and raspberries, to enhance female fertility. The systematic review found that resveratrol can improve the quantity and quality of egg cells, offering hope for new, less invasive fertility treatments.

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Better nurse staffing linked to fewer C-sections

Labor and delivery units that are adequately staffed by nurses have lower cesarean birth rates, according to new research published in the journal Nursing Outlook.

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Novel lab-on-chip platform promises to expedite cancer diagnoses

Researchers propose a novel system that uses standing surface acoustic waves to separate circulating tumor cells from red blood cells with unprecedented precision and efficiency. The platform integrates advanced computational modeling, experimental analysis, and artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze complex acoustofluidic phenomena. The researchers included an innovative use of dualized pressure acoustic fields and strategically located them at critical channel geometry positions on a lithium niobate substrate. By means of acoustic pressure applied within the microchannel, the system design provides for the generation of reliable datasets.

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How simple prompts can make partially automated cars safer

A new study finds that prompts do a good job of getting drivers to engage with their environment and take over control of the vehicle when necessary while using partially automated driving systems -- with one exception. If drivers are deeply distracted, these system-generated prompts have little or no effect.

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First mouse with two male parents to reach adulthood

A team of stem cell scientists have successfully used embryonic stem cell engineering to create a bi-paternal mouse -- a mouse with two male parents -- that lived until adulthood. Their results describe how targeting a particular set of genes involved in reproduction allowed the researchers to overcome previously insurmountable challenges in unisexual reproduction in mammals.

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Researchers uncover new approach to predict pain sensitivity

Researchers have uncovered how specific patterns in brain activity can predict an individual's sensitivity to pain, expanding opportunities for improved pain management strategies.

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New drug shows promise in restoring vision for people with nerve damage

Researchers have found a promising drug candidate that could help restore vision in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions that damage neurons.

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Researchers map the brain's self-healing abilities after stroke

A new study sheds light on one of the most severe consequences of stroke: damage to the brain's 'cables'-- the so-called nerve fibers -- which leads to permanent impairments.

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Targeting potassium channel shows promise for treating brain tumors

Researchers find blocking the KCNB2 gene can slow tumor growth, paving the way for next-gen treatments for childhood brain cancer.

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Exercise improves brain function, possibly reducing dementia risk

Scientists have shown that specialized cells involved in how the body responds to insulin are activated in the brain after exercise, suggesting that physical activity may directly improve brain function.

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Hot or cold? How the brain deciphers thermal sensations

Thermal sensations are consciously differentiated as hot or cold by the brain; however, the neural mechanism that enables this differentiation is not well understood. To address this, researchers have used electroencephalography to record brain activity during hot or cold stimuli. They found that while both temperatures activate the same ten cortical regions, their patterns of EEG across frequencies differ, influencing behavior. These findings contribute to developing objective methods for evaluating thermal comfort.

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Green tea-based adhesive films show promise as a novel treatment for oral mucositis

Oral mucositis is a painful condition in which the mucous membranes inside the mouth become inflamed. To help alleviate this, researchers have developed a mucoadhesive film using xyloglucan and antioxidant-rich green tea extract containing catechins. With its strong adhesive properties, the film directly adheres to the affected area. Made from accessible ingredients, this solution could provide localized relief and improve the quality of life for patients.

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Single-cell elemental analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is prominently used for analyzing elemental composition in individual cells. However, the conventional sample introduction system of ICP-MS causes damage to large mammalian cells. Now, researchers suggest an efficient method of introducing mammalian cells using a microdroplet generator that maintains the cell's structure without compromising elemental composition. These findings can open new avenues for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases.

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Researchers make breakthrough in bioprinting functional human heart tissue

Researchers have developed a way of bioprinting tissues that change shape as a result of cell-generated forces, in the same way that it happens in biological tissues during organ development. The breakthrough science focused on replicating heart tissues, bringing research closer to generating functional, bioprinted organs, which would have broad applications in disease modelling, drug screening and regenerative medicine.

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Recommendations for studying the impact of AI on young people's mental health

Experts highlight the need for a clear framework when it comes to AI research, given the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence by children and adolescents using digital devices to access the internet and social media.

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Fighting experience plays key role in brain chemical's control of male aggression

Like humans, mice will compete over territory and mates, and show increased confidence in their fighting skills the more they win. At first, a brain chemical called dopamine is essential for young males to master this behavior. But as they gain experience, the chemical grows less important in promoting aggression, a new study shows.

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Telephone therapy reduces fatigue interference with activities, mood and cognition for metastatic breast cancer survivors

A clinical trial demonstrates the effectiveness of telephone-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in reducing fatigue's interference with functioning and improving the quality of life for survivors of metastatic breast cancer. The ACT intervention helped study participants to fall asleep with greater ease. Fatigue remains a significant challenge for these survivors, affecting up to 63 percent of patients and severely impacting daily functioning.

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Treatment for children with obesity has lasting effect

When children with obesity undergo weight-loss treatment, the effects have repercussions later in life and the risk of serious health problems and premature death is lower as they reach young adulthood. However, this is not the case for depression and anxiety, a study reports.

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Fatty muscles raise the risk of serious heart disease regardless of overall body weight

People with pockets of fat hidden inside their muscles are at a higher risk of dying or being hospitalized from a heart attack or heart failure, regardless of their body mass index, according to new research. This 'intermuscular' fat is highly prized in beef steaks for cooking. However, little is known about this type of body fat in humans, and its impact on health. This is the first study to comprehensively investigate the effects of fatty muscles on heart disease. The new finding adds evidence that existing measures, such as body mass index or waist circumference, are not adequate to evaluate the risk of heart disease accurately for all people.

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Ancient viral DNA shapes early embryo development

Over half of our genomes consists of thousands of remnants of ancient viral DNA, known as transposable elements, which are widespread across the tree of life. Once dismissed as the 'dark side' of the genome, researchers have now revealed their crucial role in early embryo development.

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New study paves way for immunotherapies tailored for childhood cancers

Researchers have determined how children's immune systems react to different kinds of cancer depending on their age. The study reveals significant differences between the immune response of children and adults, and has the potential to lead to new tailored treatments for children with cancer.

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Brain changes in Huntington's disease decades before diagnosis will guide future prevention trials

Subtle changes in the brain, detectable through advanced imaging, blood and spinal fluid analysis, happen approximately twenty years before a clinical motor diagnosis in people with Huntington's disease, finds a new study.

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Florescent probes illuminate cholesterol and Alzheimer's research

Cutting-edge fluorescent cholesterol probes now enable scientists to visualize cholesterol movement and distribution in live cells with unprecedented detail. By combining computer simulations with live-cell imaging, researchers have uncovered how different probe designs influence cholesterol probe behavior. These probes could reveal how cholesterol imbalances drive Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative disorders, aiding drug development to modulate lipid activity and potentially offering new treatments or prevention strategies.

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Excess weight gain in first trimester associated with fetal fat accumulation

Fetuses of pregnant people who gained excess weight in the first trimester of pregnancy show signs of excess fat distribution in the upper arm and in the abdomen, according to a new study. These findings may inform efforts to prevent excessive weight gain early in life, a risk factor for adult obesity and related conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

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Study shows effectiveness of method to stem nearsightedness

A new report shows the benefit of wearing contact lenses for slowing myopia has a lasting effect -- good news since 50% of the world (5 billion people) will likely be nearsighted by 2050.

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Continuous glucose monitor data predicts type 1 diabetes complications

Data from continuous glucose monitors can predict nerve, eye and kidney damage caused by type 1 diabetes researchers have found. That suggests doctors may be able to use data from the devices to help save patients from blindness, diabetic neuropathy and other life-changing diabetes complications.

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MRI scanning and biopsy could reduce delays in the correct treatment for bladder cancer by more than six weeks

Patients with a common aggressive type of bladder cancer could get correct treatment significantly quicker as new research suggests that initial MRI imaging and biopsy could be used to reduce the time patients wait.

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Scientists identify new epigenetic approach to target colorectal cancer

A little-known mouse protein disrupts cancer-causing chemical changes to genes associated with human colorectal cancer cells and potentially could be used to treat solid tumors, according to a new study.

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Three drug cocktail shows potential to boost CAR-T cancer therapy

Researchers have discovered a three-drug combination that enhances the generation of CAR-T cells, a type of cancer immunotherapy, and could improve CAR-T cell production for clinical treatments. The study emphasizes the importance of T-memory stem cells (TSCM) linked to stronger and more lasting cancer responses. The findings demonstrate the advantages of pharmacological approaches over genetic approaches to enrich TSCM-like cells as most gene-targeted therapies have not proven to be very effective in this arena.

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Study uses design features of the ICU to evaluate delirium

ICU delirium can be associated with a multitude of factors including underlying and acute medical conditions, pharmacologic agents or treatment regimens like surgery. Currently there is no definitive consensus on drug interventions that aid in the prevention of delirium or its treatment. While there has been some evidence that the ICU environment plays a role in delirium, more research is needed to understand this association. Researchers found windowed patient rooms were associated with an increase in the odds of developing delirium, when compared to patient rooms without windows.

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Uncurling a single DNA molecule and gluing it down helps sharpen images

Using advanced imaging techniques and precise microfluidics control to stretch out curly DNA into a straight line, new research demonstrates techniques for stretching and immobilizing DNA with minimum thermal fluctuation to enable detailed analysis. A team at Nagoya University experimented with ways to uncurl a DNA molecule using pressure applied to liquid flowing in a channel, with the pressure flow providing shear force that uncurled the DNA molecule. They found that controlling the flow velocity of the liquid helps fine-tune the shear force applied and allows precise adjustments of the stretch ratio of the DNA.

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Global study pinpoints genes for depression across ethnicities

New genetic risk factors for depression have been identified across all major global populations for the first time, allowing scientists to predict risk of depression regardless of ethnicity. The world's largest and most diverse genetic study ever into major depression has revealed nearly 300 previously unknown genetic links to the condition, experts say.

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United States dementia cases estimated to double by 2060

A new study shows that the risk of developing dementia anytime after age 55 among Americans is 42%, more than double the risk reported by older studies.

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DNA nanorobots can alter artificial cells

Scientists have succeeded in controlling the structure and function of biological membranes with the help of 'DNA origami'. The system they developed may facilitate the transportation of large therapeutic loads into cells. This opens up a new way for the targeted administration of medication and other therapeutic interventions. Thus, a very valuable instrument can be added to the toolbox of synthetic biology.

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Researchers achieve real-time detection of low gas concentrations

Researchers have developed a method for quickly detecting and identifying very low concentrations of gases, which, could form the basis for highly sensitive real-time sensors for applications such as environmental monitoring, breath analysis and chemical process control.

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May the force not be with you: Cell migration doesn't only rely on generating force

Researchers find cell migration doesn't only rely on generating force. A professor of mechanical engineering and materials science found that groups of cells moved faster with lower force when adhered to soft surfaces with aligned collagen fibers.

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Tongue cancer organoids reveal secrets of chemotherapy resistance

Tongue cancer (TC) cells can enter a chemo-resistant state by activating pathways related to autophagy and cholesterol synthesis, report researchers. Using a large-scale library of TC organoids they developed, the researchers performed comprehensive comparative analyses of chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant cells. Their efforts shed light on promising avenues toward new treatments for tongue cancer.

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New AI platform identifies which patients are likely to benefit most from a clinical trial

A new study demonstrates that a first-of-its-kind platform using artificial intelligence (AI) could help clinicians and patients assess whether and how much an individual patient may benefit from a particular therapy being tested in a clinical trial. This AI platform can help with making informed treatment decisions, understanding the expected benefits of novel therapies and planning future care.

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Physical signals as fate deciders: How mechanical forces extrude cells from tissues

Epithelial tissues are in constant interaction with their environment. Maintaining their functionality requires dynamic balance (homeostasis) and that their cell numbers are tightly regulated. This is achieved by cell extrusion programs, a checkpoint mechanism eliminating unwanted or harmful cells. Researchers have now demonstrated how physical signals can have an impact on the fate of extruding cells governing their death or survival. The results may establish novel paths for understanding tissue properties in both normal and pathological conditions.

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Signaling circuit interplay pushes newborn neurons out of the neuronal nest

Scientists have uncovered the intricate circuit cues behind neuronal cell maturation and migration, which is required for proper cognitive function.

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Potential new therapeutic targets for Huntington's disease

A research team has discovered intricate molecular mechanisms driving the RNA processing defects that lead to Huntington's disease and link HD with other neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal lobar dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

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'Sandwich carers' experience decline in mental and physical health

People who care for both their children and older family members -- also known as 'sandwich carers' -- suffer from deterioration in both their mental and physical health over time, finds a new study.

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Overcoming resistance: Researchers find new utility for old antibiotics

Researchers at discovered a critical vulnerability in drug-resistant bacteria: zinc -- or a lack thereof.

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Efforts to reduce kids' screen time weakened by unequal access to green space

When children have a place to play outside, programs aimed at reducing their screen time use are more successful.

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Your work habits may be threatening your sleep

A new study examined data from more than 1,000 workers over a 10-year period. Sedentary workers experience a 37% increase in insomnia-like symptoms. Employees working nontraditional schedules experience a 66% greater risk of needing 'catch-up sleep.'

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New mechanism discovered that triggers immune response in cells with damaged DNA

A research team has revealed a previously unknown mechanism that triggers an inflammatory immune response in cells when their DNA is damaged. This discovery deepens the understanding of a new type of cell signaling that may lead to more effective treatments for cancer.

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Age matters: Kidney disorder indicator gains precision

A team has devised a more accurate way of measuring an indicator of kidney function known as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by taking aging into account.

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Brain study challenges long-held views about Parkinson's movement disorders

Researchers uncovered new findings about involuntary muscle movements that come with long-term administration of Parkinson's drug levodopa.

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Patients with heart disease may be at increased risk for advanced breast cancer

Patients diagnosed with late-stage or metastatic breast cancer have a statistically significant increased risk of pre-diagnosis cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to those with early-stage cancer at diagnosis.

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Enzyme promoting tumor growth and spread in pancreatic cancer identified

An enzyme called MICAL2 promotes tumor growth and metastasis in the most common form of pancreatic cancer, according to a new study.

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Pupil size in sleep reveals how memories are sorted, preserved

Researchers have found the pupil is key to understanding how, and when, the brain forms strong, long-lasting memories.

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Ancient DNA unlocks new understanding of migrations in the first millennium AD

Waves of human migration across Europe during the first millennium AD have been revealed using a more precise method of analysing ancestry with ancient DNA, in research led by the Francis Crick Institute.

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New study uncovers key insights into protein interactions in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, paving way for more targeted therapies

A groundbreaking study has shed light on the complex interactions between dystrophin, a protein critical to muscle stability, and its partner protein, dystrobrevin, offering new pathways for understanding and treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

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