ScienceDaily: Top News

I was here first! This is how hepatitis C inhibits hepatitis E

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:07 AM PDT

Infections with hepatitis C and E are so common that, going only by statistics, many people should be infected with both viruses at the same time. However, only very few such cases have been reported. A research team has a guess as to why this is the case: The researchers found that the viruses inhibit each other when they infect at the same time.

Critical and underutilized: Fire and police responders associated with higher cardiac arrest survival rates

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:07 AM PDT

Police and fire first responders are often first on the scene during an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and a new study finds that their intervention correlates with significantly higher chances of patient survival and hospital discharge with good neurological outcomes. Researchers say non-medical first responders are likely underutilized as lifesaving resources in these cases.

Rehabilitation psychologists: Specialists you may not yet know, but might one day need

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:07 AM PDT

Rehabilitation psychology is a field that focuses on assessing and treating cognitive, emotional and functional difficulties for patients in a rehabilitation setting. In a recent state of the field survey paper, researchers conclude that providers need to communicate the value they bring to organizations through saving costs from decreased hospitalizations, assessing the likelihood of successful interventions and recovery, and more. Authors also call for broad and simultaneous promotion and recruitment in the field.

Improving asphalt road pavement using engineered nano mineral composites

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:07 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a new, greener nano asphalt binder that produces a new type of asphalt which uses less energy and produces less vapor and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Pharmacogenetic testing shows promise improving symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:07 AM PDT

Pharmacogenetic testing was associated with nearly a two-fold (89 per cent) increase in remission rates compared to treatment as usual in a recent clinical study.

Potential window for treating ALS identified

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:07 AM PDT

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects as many as 30,000 people in the United States, with 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It weakens muscles over time, impacting physical function and ultimately leading to death. There is no single cause for the disease and no known cure. However, researchers have found a possible window of opportunity during ALS treatment to target astrocyte abnormalities.

Solid aerosols found in Arctic atmosphere could impact cloud formation and climate

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 01:53 PM PDT

Solid aerosols can change how clouds form in the Arctic. And, as the Arctic loses ice, researchers expect to see more of these unique particles formed from oceanic emissions combined with ammonia from birds, which will impact cloud formation and climate. Additionally, understanding the characteristics of aerosols in the atmosphere is critical for improving the ability of climate models to predict current and future climate in the Arctic and beyond.

Lack of sleep increases unhealthy abdominal fat, study finds

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 01:53 PM PDT

New research shows that lack of sufficient sleep combined with free access to food increases calorie consumption and consequently fat accumulation, especially unhealthy fat inside the belly.

Caribou herd rebounds as Indigenous stewards lead conservation efforts

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 01:06 PM PDT

Despite recovery efforts from federal and provincial governments, caribou populations across Canada continue to decline, largely due to human activity. But as a new study finds, in central British Columbia there is one herd of mountain caribou, the Klinse-Za, whose numbers are going in the opposite direction -- all thanks to a collaborative recovery effort led by West Moberly First Nations and Saulteau First Nations.

New information about amyloid filaments in neurodegenerative diseases

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 01:06 PM PDT

Researchers have helped identify that a common protein found in neurodegenerative diseases forms amyloid filaments in an age-dependent manner without a connection to disease.

Scientists observe mysterious death of a star emitting six rings

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 12:39 PM PDT

Astrophysicists studying in unprecedented detail a red giant star named V Hydrae have witnessed the star's mysterious death throes. Researchers discovered that the carbon-rich star has expelled six slowly expanding molecular rings and two hourglass-shaped structures ejecting matter out into space at high speeds.

Quantum information theory: Quantum complexity grows linearly for an exponentially long time

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 12:06 PM PDT

Physicists know about the huge chasm between quantum physics and the theory of gravity. However, in recent decades, theoretical physics has provided some plausible conjecture to bridge this gap and to describe the behavior of complex quantum many-body systems -- for example, black holes and wormholes in the universe. Now, researchers have proven a mathematical conjecture about the behavior of complexity in such systems, increasing the viability of this bridge.

Hundreds of new mammal species waiting to be found, study says

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 12:05 PM PDT

At least hundreds of so-far unidentified species of mammals are hiding in plain sight around the world, a new study suggests. Researchers found that most of these hidden mammals are small bodied, many of them bats, rodents, shrews, and moles.

Invading hordes of crazy ants may have finally met their kryptonite

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 12:05 PM PDT

Scientists have have demonstrated how to use a naturally occurring fungus to crush local populations of tawny crazy ants.

Spirituality can improve quality of life for heart failure patients, study finds

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 11:10 AM PDT

Numerous studies have shown that spirituality can help improve quality of life for people with chronic diseases like cancer. According to a literature review, spirituality can also have a positive impact on quality of life for heart failure patients.

Black patients with cancer fare worse with COVID-19, study shows

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 10:38 AM PDT

Lack of access to health care, social determinants of health, preexisting comorbidities and reduced access to clinical research are common to both cancer and COVID-19 in Black individuals. Together these two diseases create a perfect storm in this population, a new study indicates.

New test predicts sepsis before blood clots cause permanent organ damage, markedly increasing survival

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 10:38 AM PDT

In a potential paradigm change for sepsis diagnostics, a new test predicted sepsis soon after infection in mice -- well before blood clotting and organ failure -- enabling early antibiotic treatment and markedly increased survival. The findings provide a platform to develop rapid and easy-to-perform clinical tests for early sepsis detection and clinical intervention in human patients.

Squid skin-inspired cup cozy will keep your hands cool and your coffee hot

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 10:37 AM PDT

Drawing inspiration from cephalopod skin, engineers have invented an adaptive fabric that can be used to insulate the contents of coffee cups, to-go boxes and containers of almost any size. In a new paper, the researchers describe the manufacturing process they developed which enables economical mass production of their novel material.

Unprecedented videos show RNA switching ‘on’ and ‘off’

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 10:36 AM PDT

Using new simulations, researchers discovered one part of RNA smoothly invades and displaces another part of the same RNA, enabling the structure to rapidly and dramatically change shape. Called strand displacement, this mechanism appears to switch genetic expression from 'on' to 'off'.

Genetic risk for asthma comes from changes in airway cells, study finds

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 10:36 AM PDT

A significant amount of genetic risk for asthma is likely mediated through altered gene expression within the airway epithelium. That is the conclusion of a new study to identify genetic variants that cause asthma by altering the function of airway cells.

New nasal spray treats Delta variant infection in mice, indicating broad spectrum results

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 10:36 AM PDT

Researchers have shown a new compound delivered in a nasal spray is highly effective in preventing and treating COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant in mice. The researchers believe this is the first treatment of its kind proven to be effective against all COVID-19 variants of concern reported to date, including alpha, beta, gamma and delta.

Ancient helium leaking from core offers clues to Earth's formation

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 10:36 AM PDT

Helium-3, a rare isotope of helium gas, is leaking out of Earth's core, a new study reports. Because almost all helium-3 is from the Big Bang, the gas leak adds evidence that Earth formed inside a solar nebula, which has long been debated.

Identifying risk factors following ICH strokes

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 09:13 AM PDT

Researchers reveal new insights into how different risk factors following intracerebral hemorrhages can affect patient outcomes.

The surprising diversity of the fallopian tube

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:27 AM PDT

A new study creates a detailed 'atlas' of the various cell types and their gene activities within the highly specialized fallopian tube, paving the way for new research into infertility and other diseases affecting this organ, including some cancers.

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy does not increase complications around the time of childbirth, study finds

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:27 AM PDT

Researchers have found that receiving a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy does not lead to increases in the frequency of complications around the time of childbirth. The findings provide further assurances about the safety of mRNA vaccines for this particularly unique population.

Marmoset monkeys solve hearing tests on the touchscreen

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:26 AM PDT

Researchers have developed an automated auditory training program that marmoset monkeys can perform in their familiar environment on a voluntary basis. The team has accomplished getting non-human primates to complete a series of tests in which they hear different sounds and then match them to the appropriate, previously learned visual stimuli by clicking on a touchscreen. This allows scientists to track which sounds the animals can hear and discriminate.

How cells control their borders

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:24 AM PDT

Bacteria and yeast need to prevent leakage of numerous small molecules through their cell membrane. Biochemists have studied how the composition of the membrane affects passive diffusion and the robustness of this membrane. Their results could help the biotech industry to optimize microbial production of useful molecules and help in drug design.

Layover or nonstop? Unique pattern of connectivity lets highly creative people's brains take road less traveled to their destination

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:23 AM PDT

A new study shows highly creative people's brains appear to work differently than others, with an atypical approach that makes distant connections more quickly by bypassing the 'hubs' seen in non-creative brains.

Solar energy explains fast yearly retreat of Antarctica's sea ice

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:23 AM PDT

Sea ice around Antarctica retreats more quickly than it advances, an asymmetry that has been a puzzle. New analysis shows that the Southern Hemisphere is following simple rules of physics, as peak midsummer sun causes rapid changes. In this respect, it seems, it's Arctic sea ice that is more mysterious.

Smells like ancient society: Scientists find ways to study and reconstruct past scents

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:21 AM PDT

In a new paper, researchers discuss the importance of scent in human history and address how and why experts might investigate smells from the past.

New technology could make biopsies a thing of the past

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:21 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a technology that could replace conventional biopsies and histology with real-time imaging within the living body. MediSCAPE is a high-speed 3D microscope capable of capturing images of tissue structures that could guide surgeons to navigate tumors and their boundaries without needing to remove tissues and wait for pathology results.

Atlas of migraine cell types sheds light on new therapeutic targets

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:21 AM PDT

By mapping the cell types and genes expressed in the human and mouse trigeminal ganglion, researchers have created an online resource for studying the molecular basis of headache and facial pain.

Researchers offer new treatment protocol for advanced head and neck cancer

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:18 AM PDT

The current treatment of patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC) is ineffective. Researchers have investigated and validated a potential treatment combination against the aggressive disease driven by hyper-activation of a specific signaling pathway, which is found in over 40 percent of HNC patients.

Deleting a protein might reduce cardiovascular disease

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:17 AM PDT

Macrophages travel through our arteries, gobbling fat. But fat-filled macrophages can narrow blood vessels and cause heart disease. Now, researchers describe how deleting a protein could prevent this and potentially prevent heart attacks and strokes in humans.

Brain waves reveal the active nature of engaging with art

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 07:13 AM PDT

A new study suggests that aesthetic experience goes hand in hand with both actively constructing meaning from an artwork and being in a state of heightened attention.

Chaos theory provides hints for controlling the weather

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 07:13 AM PDT

Researchers have used computer simulations to show that weather phenomena such as sudden downpours could potentially be modified by making small adjustments to certain variables in the weather system. They did this by taking advantage of a system known as a 'butterfly attractor' in chaos theory, where a system can have one of two states -- like the wings of a butterfly -- and that it switches back and forth between the two states depending on small changes in certain conditions.

Less antibody diversity as we age

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 06:21 AM PDT

As we age, our immune system works less well. We become more susceptible to infections and vaccinations no longer work as effectively. A research team has investigated whether short-lived killifish also undergo aging of the immune system. Indeed, they found that as early as four months of age, killifish have less diverse circulating antibodies compared to younger fish, which may contribute to a generalized decrease in the immune function.

Mysterious death of carbon star plays out like six-ring circus

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 06:20 AM PDT

Scientists studying V Hydrae (V Hya) have witnessed the star's mysterious death throes in unprecedented detail. The team discovered six slowly-expanding rings and two hourglass-shaped structures caused by the high-speed ejection of matter out into space.

Evidence of brain changes in those at risk of bipolar disorder captured with MRI scans

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 06:20 AM PDT

A study that showed changes in the brain in those at risk of developing bipolar disorder raises new hopes about early intervention.

Scientists discover body's natural alarm to battle blood loss

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 06:20 AM PDT

Fresh insights into how the body responds to blood loss could lead to a new treatment for traumatic injuries.

Relatedness and size interact in shaping cannibal aggression

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 06:00 AM PDT

New research finds that in addition to size difference, relatedness affects whether or not a poison frog tadpole is more likely to be eaten.

Stroke treatments safe and effective for people with existing disability or dementia, study suggests

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 06:00 AM PDT

A research review found that clot-busting therapy and mechanical clot removal to treat ischemic stroke in people with a pre-existing disability or dementia was as safe and effective as in adults without those conditions. These treatments are key to preventing additional disability. A person's pre-existing disabilities or dementia may cloud the stroke assessment process, which may lead to clinicians thinking the stroke is more severe and beyond the window for optimal treatment. This often results in delayed treatment or no treatment. People with a disability or dementia should be included in randomized controlled trials for stroke treatment. Currently, evidence-based stroke treatment data and guidance for people with disability or dementia are extremely limited.

Potential therapy may boost chemoimmunotherapy response in bladder cancer

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 06:00 AM PDT

Adding an anti-inflammatory medication to immunotherapy and standard chemotherapy drugs may provide long-term suppression of aggressive bladder tumor growth, according to a proof-of-concept study.

Octopus-like tentacles help cancer cells invade the body

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 06:00 AM PDT

With help from the best tweezers in the world a team of researchers has shed new light on a fundamental mechanism in all living cells that helps them explore their surroundings and even invade tissue. Their discovery could have implications for research into cancer, neurological disorders and much else.

Scientists find that the impact of social media on wellbeing varies across adolescence

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 06:00 AM PDT

Girls and boys might be more vulnerable to the negative effects of social media use at different times during their adolescence, say an international team of scientists. The researchers show that, in UK data, girls experience a negative link between social media use and life satisfaction when they are 11-13 years old and boys when they are 14-15 years old. Increased social media use again predicts lower life satisfaction at age 19 years. At other times the link was not statistically significant.