Here’s a look at other notable health studies, innovations and research from around the world. Links will take you to press releases or journal entries.
Researchers Identify Specific Genes that Play Key Role in Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder that starts in late adolescence or early adulthood and affects around 1 in 300 people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
Inflammasome activation in infected macrophages drives COVID-19 pathology
Severe COVID-19 is characterized by persistent lung inflammation, inflammatory cytokine production, viral RNA, and sustained interferon (IFN) response all of which are recapitulated and required for pathology in the SARS-CoV-2 infected MISTRG6-hACE2 humanized mouse model of COVID-19 with a human immune system.
Cancer cells use self-inflicted DNA breaks to evade growth limits imposed by genotoxic stress
Genotoxic treatments, such as radiation and some chemotherapy drugs, are a mainstay of cancer therapy, but they often fail to fully destroy tumor cells.
Unlocked Enzyme Structure Shows How Strigolactone Hormone Controls Plant Growth
As sessile organisms, plants have to continually adapt their growth and architecture to the ever-changing environment.
P-wave and S-wave response of coal rock containing gas-water with different saturation: an experimental perspective
The acoustic response of gas and/or water saturated coal rock is fundamental for establishing the correspondence between the physical properties of the coal reservoir and the characteristics of the well-logging response, which is the technology essential for the geophysical exploration of coalbed methane (CBM).
Lipofilling procedure improves pain and function in finger osteoarthritis
For patients with painful finger osteoarthritis, a nonsurgical procedure called lipofilling – in which fat obtained from another part of the body is transferred into the arthritic joints – produces lasting improvements in hand function and especially pain, suggests a study in the May issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Neural pathway key to sensation of pleasant touch identified
Studying mice, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a neural circuit and a neuropeptide — a chemical messenger that carries signals between nerve cells — that transmit the sensation known as pleasant touch from the skin to the brain.
Engineers at UBC get under the skin of ionic skin
In the quest to build smart skin that mimics the sensing capabilities of natural skin, ionic skins have shown significant advantages.
Higher COVID-19 Death Rates in the Southern U.S. Due to Behavior Differences
During the pre-Omicron phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, regions of the U.S. had markedly different mortality rates, primarily due to differences in mask use, school attendance, social distancing and other behaviors.
Rabies shows how scale of transmission can enable acute infections to persist at low prevalence
Rabies is a deadly zoonotic disease that causes tens of thousands of deaths every year, mainly among African and Asian children.
Genetic links revealed between severe COVID-19 and other diseases
A new analysis of data from the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program has uncovered genetic links between COVID-19 severity and certain medical conditions that are known risk factors for severe COVID-19.
Predictive metabolic networks reveal sex- and APOE genotype-specific metabolic signatures and drivers for precision medicine in Alzheimer’s disease
Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterized by multiple progressive stages, glucose metabolic dysregulation, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology, and inexorable cognitive decline.
Researchers Create Self-Assembled Logic Circuits From Proteins
In a proof-of-concept study, researchers have created self-assembled, protein-based circuits that can perform simple logic functions.
High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation Shows Improved Longer Lasting Pain Relief
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic pain involves delivering low levels of electricity directly into the spinal cord using an implanted device, which modifies or blocks nerve activity to minimize the sensation of pain reaching the brain.
Nemours Children’s Health Researchers Awarded $10.9 Million NIH COBRE Grant Supporting Work ‘Well Beyond Medicine’
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently awarded a Phase 1, 5-year $10.9 million Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) award, entitled Research Expanding Access to Child Health (REACH) Center to Anne Kazak, PhD, Enterprise Director, and Melissa Alderfer, PhD, Director of the Center for Healthcare and Delivery Science (CHDS) at Nemours Children’s Health.
Understanding Black grief
The average life span for Black Americans is 78 years – six years shorter than it is for white Americans. Compared with white Americans, Black Americans are twice as likely to die of heart disease, 50% more likely to have high blood pressure and are likelier to die at earlier ages of all causes.
Viewing a Microcosm Through a Physics Lens
“What can physics offer biology?” This was how Alison Patteson, assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ physics department and also a faculty member in the BioInspired Institute, began the explanation of why her physics lab was studying bacteria.
CAR T drives acute myeloid leukemia into submission in pre-clinical studies
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers have developed a novel treatment strategy that has the potential to bring the life-saving benefits of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T) to patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) the most common form of leukemia in adults.
Tumors on withdrawal: Amino acid deficiency shrinks childhood tumors
Every year, approximately one in 100,000 children develops a new neuroblastoma, often in the first year of life.
A molecular glue for turning on human cell pluripotency
There are cells in the body known as pluripotent stem cells that are yet to specialize in a particular biological function.
Tufts Researchers Discover New Function Performed by Nearly Half of Brain Cells
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have discovered a previously unknown function performed by a type of cell that comprises nearly half of all cells in the brain.
Study exhibits sleep deprivation impairs stem cells within the cornea
Sleep deprivation, which implies getting too little high-quality sleep, is a critical well being downside.
Gut microbiome could alter response to most cancers remedy
Since historic instances, our intestine microbiome, dwelling to an unlimited variety of micro organism, viruses, fungi, and different microorganisms, has been thought to affect many facets of human well being.
Researchers Share Insights about Mechanisms of Human Embryo and Create Method to Develop Transcriptionally Similar Cells in Tissue Culture
Blood-forming stem cells found in bone marrow are the life-saving component used in bone marrow transplants.
Seven hours of sleep is optimal in middle and old age, say researchers
Seven hours is the ideal amount of sleep for people in their middle age and upwards, with too little or too much little sleep associated with poorer cognitive performance and mental health, say researchers from the University of Cambridge and Fudan University.
Stanford scientists found that ‘free-living’ runners default to an energy-saving speed, no matter the distance
Stanford University scientists have found that when recreational runners are left to their own devices and outfitted with a wearable fitness tracker, they prefer to run at the same calorie-saving pace, regardless of the distance ran – contrary to the explicit goals of competitive racing.
New Article Outlines the Characteristics of a “Longevity Diet”
Examining a range of nutrition research from studies in laboratory animals to epidemiological research in human populations provides a clearer picture of the best diet for a longer, healthier life, said USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology professor Valter Longo.
Study tracks COVID-19 infection dynamics in adults
A team led by scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign tracked the rise and fall of SARS-CoV-2 in the saliva and nasal cavities of people newly infected with the virus.
Humans run at the most energy-efficient speed, regardless of distance
As race season approaches, many runners have the same goal: go faster. But in a study publishing April 28 in the journal Current Biology, researchers show that speeding up might require defying our natural biology.
Not All Dietary Fibers Are Equal: Here’s Why
That’s according to a new studyTrusted Source in which researchers found that the benefits of fiber can depend on the type of fiber, the amount of fiber, and the individual consuming the fiber.
Combination of weak muscles and abdominal obesity can be an early sign of functional decline in men
A study conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in Brazil suggests that early detection of functional decline – the dwindling capacity to perform everyday tasks independently – is possible by observing patients as they engage in simple actions such as sitting down and getting up from a chair, standing still, and walking a short distance.
Changing Guidelines for Treating Mild Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy
A study published this month in the New England Journal of Medicine proves through a large clinical trial that treating high blood pressure—even mild cases—during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for both mother and developing baby.
New report calls on bioethics to take a stand against anti-black racism
A new Hastings Center special report calls on the field of bioethics to take the lead in efforts to remedy racial injustice and health inequities in the United States.
Mother and child vulnerable to endocrine disruptor exposure
They can be found in cosmetics, plastic containers, furniture, toys, or baby bottles. Endocrine disruptors, molecules disrupting our hormones, are everywhere in our daily lives.
Supporting school-community collaboration for the implementation of a multi-tiered school mental health program: The Behavioral Health Team model
Investing in school mental health programs has the potential to improve youths’ access to mental health services.
Inclusive Design and Research Methods Will Lead To More Innovative, Intelligent Technology
That observation is at the heart of her latest research exploring how older Black adults in lower income environments feel about asking health questions, how they pose those questions verbally, and whether voice assistant devices respond as expected.
Aspirin does not cut risk in non-obstructive coronary artery disease
Aspirin therapy, as opposed to statin use, for non-obstructive coronary artery disease does not reduce major cardiovascular events, according to a new study published in the journal Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging.
From Blurry to Bright: AI Tech Helps Researchers Peer into the Brains of Mice
Johns Hopkins biomedical engineers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) training strategy to capture images of mouse brain cells in action.
MD Anderson and Community Health Network announce partnership to create fully integrated cancer program
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Indianapolis-based Community Health Network today announced a partnership agreement to create Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Improving mental health in Multiple Sclerosis with an interpersonal emotion regulation intervention: A prospective, randomized controlled trial
Over a third of people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) struggle with poor mental health, which exacerbates physical symptoms and complicates clinical treatment.
Decreased Genetic Diversity in Immune System Could Impact Endangered Toad Survival
A new study from North Carolina State University examines immune system diversity in the critically endangered Wyoming toad and finds that genetic bottlenecks could impact a species’ ability to respond to new pathogens.
Vaccination campaign messages often prove ineffective
A study in eight European countries shows that information on the benefits of vaccines can even reduce the willingness to get immunized.
Online health and wellbeing program using singing techniques can improve quality of life and breathlessness after COVID-19
There are few evidence-based interventions for long COVID; however, holistic approaches supporting recovery are advocated.
A complete ban on all smoking would not improve healthy life expectancy for 40 years
The negative impact of smoking on health inequalities in the UK means even if smoking stopped tomorrow, the full health benefits would not be seen until 40 years down the line.
UTHealth Houston’s UTMOVE program receives distinguished Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders
UTHealth Houston’s Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases Fellowship Training Program (UTMOVE fellowship program) has been chosen by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) as one of eight international academic centers to train a new movement disorder clinician-researcher — a neurologist with additional training and expertise in diagnosing and treating Parkinson’s and related diseases — as part of the Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders Class of 2025.
More than a million smokers likely to quit after U.S. bans menthol cigarettes
A new study projects that a U.S. ban on menthol cigarettes, proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, will lead more than 1.3 million smokers to quit. Among them, Black smokers will see the greatest impact.
Pediatric transplant patients may skip adult appointments
Young adults who received organ transplants as children may not be regularly attending their doctor appointments after leaving their pediatric providers.
Large-Scale Social Media Analysis Reveals Emotions Associated with Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use
The behaviors and emotions associated with and reasons for nonmedical prescription drug use (NMPDU) are not well-captured through traditional instruments such as surveys and insurance claims.
Atherosclerosis: How diseased blood vessels communicate with the brain
LMU scientists have been able to demonstrate for the first time that nerve signals are exchanged between arteries and the brain in atherosclerosis.
New insight in patient response to surgical disruption in life-saving hormones
Cardiac surgery patients may experience different levels of disruption to their body producing life-saving hormones during their operations, a new study reveals.
Radiologists, AI Systems Show Differences in Breast-Cancer Screenings, New Case Study Finds
Radiologists and artificial intelligence systems yield significant differences in breast-cancer screenings, revealing the potential value of using both human and AI methods in making medical diagnoses.
Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center Finds CAR-T Therapy Effective in Black and Hispanic Patients
CAR-T therapy, a form of immunotherapy that revs up T-cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells, has revolutionized the treatment of blood cancers, including certain leukemias, lymphomas, and most recently, multiple myeloma.
Tackling the Consequences of Long Covid
A research team at the University of Zurich has helped people affected by Long Covid identify the problems they most urgently want scientists to tackle, through a collaborative citizen science approach.
Self-sampling for cervical screening offered at the point of invitation: A cross-sectional study of preferences in England
This study assessed preferences for human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling if offered as an alternative to clinician-based screening at the point of invitation for cervical screening.
A sharper image for proteins
Proteins may be the most important and varied biomolecules within living systems. These strings of amino acids, assuming complex 3-dimensional forms, are essential for the growth and maintenance of tissue, the initiation of thousands of biochemical reactions, and protection the body from pathogens through the immune system.
New study identifies genetic changes in patients who progress to esophageal cancer
Led by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, a scientific team that studies a precancerous condition of the esophagus (called Barrett’s esophagus or BE) are working to answer this question.
Mould, pesticides, toxic chemical exposures reported in survey of Canadian child care professionals
Nearly half of some 2,000 professionals in child care programs across Canada report unhealthy conditions for children, according to survey data released on nationalHealthy Environments for Learning Day (HELD).
Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 in Hospitalized Adults Differ by Age
A just-published study provides previously unknown answers about which hospitalized COVID-19 patients are most likely to need mechanical ventilation or to die.
Hypoxia-activated neuropeptide Y/Y5 receptor/RhoA pathway triggers chromosomal instability and bone metastasis in Ewing sarcoma
Adverse prognosis in Ewing sarcoma (ES) is associated with the presence of metastases, particularly in bone, tumor hypoxia and chromosomal instability (CIN).
Unravelling the origins of the human spine
EMBL Barcelona scientists have recapitulated for the first time in the laboratory how the cellular structures that give rise to our spinal column form sequentially.
New Study Finds Climate Change Could Spark the Next Pandemic
As the Earth’s climate continues to warm, researchers predict wild animals will be forced to relocate their habitats — likely to regions with large human populations — dramatically increasing the risk of a viral jump to humans that could lead to the next pandemic.
How brains form visual maps
Maps have played an important role in scientific progress. Claudius Ptolemaeus transformed our understanding of the world with his map of Earth and Tycho Brahe our understanding of the Universe with his map of the stars.
Efficient dendritic learning as an alternative to synaptic plasticity hypothesis
Synaptic plasticity is a long-lasting core hypothesis of brain learning that suggests local adaptation between two connecting neurons and forms the foundation of machine learning.
More Relaxation and Less Stress Through Combined Yoga Techniques
Yoga is often equated with acrobatic stretching exercises that are supposed to induce relaxation and a better body awareness.
Carrier for Chemotherapy Medications Created
A group of scientists at Ural Federal University has proposed the use of polyoxometallate nanoclusters as a carrier for chemotherapy medication.
Free Fundamental Biology of Endocrine, Metabolic & Resistant conditions
The reference “Free Radical Biology of Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune disorders” uniquely explores the science of signalling mechanisms associated with diseases like endocrine, metabolic, and immune disorders which are linked to oxidative stress-mediated disease mechanisms.
All Cells Are Important: A Roadmap to Characterize Lymphoma Stroma
Lymphomas are blood cancers that often start from lymph nodes. Lymph nodes contain not only hematopoietic cells, mainly B- and T-lymphoid cells, but also non-hematopoietic cells (NHCs), also called stromal cells.
Machine learning can help address stigma of substance abuse in developing countries
Now, a research team is using machine learning and anonymized data to get a clearer picture of the underlying factors that influence tendencies to abuse drugs and alcohol.
Study identifies barriers to successful bloodstream infection surveillance in home healthcare settings
New data published today in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) highlight major barriers impacting healthcare workers’ ability to perform successful central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) surveillance among patients receiving home infusion therapy.
Gene mutations that contribute to head and neck cancer also provide “precision” treatment targets
About one-fifth of often deadly head and neck cancers harbor genetic mutations in a pathway that is key to normal cell growth, and scientists report those mutations, which enable abnormal cancer cell growth, can also make the cancer vulnerable.