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press releases.

Science2 May 2024

Stay active – or get active – to boost quality of life while aging, study suggests to middle-aged women

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 publishing May 2nd in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine by Binh Nguyen of University of Sydney, Australia, and colleagues. The evidence for an association between physical activity and health-related quality of life has been based primarily on cross-sectional studies and short-term randomized controlled trials. Few longitudinal studies have measured physical activity at more than one time point and examined the long-term causal effects ...

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Science2 May 2024

Chromosomal 22q11.2 deletion confers risk for severe spina bifida

Chromosomal 22q11.2 deletions increase risk for meningomyelocele, one of the most severe and common forms of spina bifida, researchers report. According to the findings, this risk is mediated by the loss of Crkl, one of several neural tube expressed genes located on the 22q11.2 deletion interval, and this risk is only partially alleviated by folate supplementation. Meningomyelocele (MM) is a severe type of neural tube defect, which often requires pre- or post-natal surgical repair and can result in a variety of physical and developmental difficulties. Although the incidence of the condition has declined in recent decades, largely due to folic acid (FA) fortification, MM ...

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Science2 May 2024

Synchronization between the central circadian clock and the circadian clocks of tissues preserves their functioning and prevents ageing

Barcelona, 2 May 2024 - Discovered in the 1970s, circadian clocks are essential for the regulation of biological time in most cells in the human body. These internal mechanisms adjust biological processes to a 24-hour cycle, allowing the synchronisation of cellular functions with daily variations in the environment. Circadian rhythms, which are coordinated by a central clock in the brain that communicates with clocks in different peripheral tissues, influence many functions, from our sleep patterns to our ability to metabolise food. A team led by Dr. Salvador Aznar Benitah, an ICREA researcher ...

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Science2 May 2024

Human activity is causing toxic thallium to enter the Baltic sea, according to new study

Woods Hole, Mass. (May 2, 2024) -- Human activities account for a substantial amount - anywhere from 20% to more than 60% - of toxic thallium that has entered the Baltic Sea over the past 80 years, according to new research by scientists affiliated with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and other institutions. Currently, the amount of thallium (element symbol TI), which is considered the most toxic metal for mammals, remains low in Baltic seawater. However, the research suggests that the amount of thallium could increase due to further anthropogenic, or human induced, activities, or due to natural or human re-oxygenation of the Baltic that could make the sea ...

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Science2 May 2024

Scent sells – but the right picture titillates both eyes and nose, research finds

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. The study, published online in the International Journal of Research in Marketing, could provide manufacturers and marketers ...

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Science2 May 2024

Low intensity light to fight the effects of chronic stress

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 published in the Journal of Affective Disorders 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. The article, based on the study of laboratory animal models, ...

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Science2 May 2024

ISSCR announces Hong Kong, SAR as location for its 2025 Annual Meeting

The world’s leading stem cell scientists will convene in Hong Kong, SAR, 11-14 June 2025 for the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2025 Annual Meeting, illuminating the future of stem cell science and highlighting the most compelling research and clinical advances of the year. The meeting is co-sponsored by The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Commission and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre provided significant support to enable the ISSCR to bring its hallmark event to the city of ...

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Science2 May 2024

Increasing doses of varenicline or nicotine replacement helps persistent smokers quit

HOUSTON ― For most smokers, quitting on the first attempt is likely to be unsuccessful, but a new study from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found patients were more likely to quit if their cessation regimen was altered and doses were increased. Researchers also found that varenicline, a cessation medication, was more effective than combined nicotine replacement therapy (CNRT), such as patches or lozenges. The study, published today in JAMA, revealed smokers who failed to quit with varenicline in the trial’s first phase were seven times more likely to quit by the end of the second phase if varenicline ...

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Science2 May 2024

Novel score system accurately identifies lesions reducing risk of PCI complications

Long Beach, Calif. – May 2, 2024 – New data demonstrated that a left main (LM) bifurcation-specific novel scoring system (LM V-RESOLVE), based on three simple baseline angiographic findings, could help to rapidly discriminate lesions at risk of side branch (SB) occlusion during LM bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) – reducing risk during the procedure. The results from the prospective trial were presented today as late-breaking science at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) ...

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Science2 May 2024

Radial arterial access found superior to femoral access in percutaneous coronary intervention

Long Beach, Calif. – May 2, 2024 – New data demonstrate the superiority of radial arterial access compared to femoral arterial access for coronary interventions. Findings showed radial access was associated with lower rates of in-hospital mortality, major access bleeding, and other major vascular complications compared with femoral access. The late-breaking results were presented today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2024 Scientific Sessions. Historically, femoral arterial access, through the groin, for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was the standard. Radial access, or ...

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Science2 May 2024

Empire Discovery Institute receives commercial funding award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

ROCHESTER, NY, May 2, 2024 – Empire Discovery Institute (EDI) has entered into a collaborative research partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and its commercial development program Fast Forward, LLC. Through a competitive application and review process, EDI was awarded $791,933 from Fast Forward along with technical support from its network of key opinion leaders in multiple sclerosis (MS) who will help contribute to the advancement of EDI’s technology. Fast Forward provides research funding to commercial entities who develop promising new therapies for the treatment of MS, a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system impacting ...

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Science2 May 2024

A link between breast changes and … UTIs?

Women’s health is often talked about in terms of major, life-altering events like pregnancy and menopause. A new study from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) underscores the importance of considering everyday occurrences’ impact on women’s well-being. CSHL researchers have made a surprising discovery involving urinary tract infections (UTIs). The scientists found that UTIs in mice can provoke a bodily response that results in structural changes in breast tissue. Remarkably, these changes are reversible ...

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Science2 May 2024

Researchers create new chemical compound to solve 120-year-old problem

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (05/02/2024) — For the first time, chemists in the University of Minnesota Twin Cities College of Science and Engineering have created a highly reactive chemical compound that has eluded scientists for more than 120 years. The discovery could lead to new drug treatments, safer agricultural products, and better electronics. For decades, researchers have been investigating molecules called N-heteroarenes, which are ring-shaped chemical compounds that contain one or more nitrogen atoms. Bio-active molecules having a N-heteroarene core are widely ...

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Science2 May 2024

Why do male chicks play more than females? Study finds answers in distant ancestor

Play is widespread, but far from ubiquitous, across the animal kingdom. Especially common in mammals, play is also known to occur in taxa as diverse as birds, fish, octopuses, and even insects. But what is its function, given that natural selection never selects fun for its own sake? One prominent hypothesis is that play is beneficial to individuals because it allows them to practice skills needed later in life. Now, a study in Frontiers in Ethology has shown that male baby chickens play far more than females. This result is of interest given that domestic ...

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Science2 May 2024

Scientists’ new approach in fight against counterfeit alcohol spirits

In the shadowy world of counterfeit alcoholic spirit production, where profits soar and brands are exploited, the true extent of this illegal market remains shrouded. Now scientists from the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) at Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, Scotland, working alongside Dr John Edwards of Process NMR Associates, based in New York, are compiling a database to test, compare and log counterfeit spirits. The research has featured in a paper, titled, Worldwide Illicit and Counterfeit ...

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Science2 May 2024

The solution to kidney bleeding and recovery lies within a hemostasis sponge, using the inherent capabilities of the kidneys

Professor Dong-Woo Cho from the Department of Mechanical Engineering along with Jae Yun Kim, a PhD candidate, from the School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering and Tugce Sen, a PhD student, from Department of Mechanical Engineering at POSTECH, teamed up with Professor Jae Yeon Lee from Daegu Haany University's Department of Companion Animal Health. Together, they crafted a material aimed at swiftly staunching kidney bleeding and facilitating wound recovery. Their research featured in the online edition of Biomaterials, an ...

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Science2 May 2024

New study supports psilocybin’s potential as an antidepressant

Psilocybin - the active ingredient in “magic” mushrooms - is a more effective treatment for symptoms of depression than controls, providing further support for its potential as an antidepressant, suggests a study published by The BMJ today. The researchers say the findings are encouraging but “further research is needed to clarify the factors that maximise psilocybin’s treatment potential for symptoms of depression.” Depression affects an estimated 300 million ...

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Science2 May 2024

Hepatitis B is globally underassessed and undertreated, especially among women and Asian minorities in the West

Amsterdam, May 2, 2024 – New evidence reveals global underassessment and undertreatment of chronic hepatitis B (HBV), especially among women and Asian minorities in the West, a new study in the Journal of Hepatology, published by Elsevier, details. "In clinical practice we continue to see patients with advanced liver disease due to HBV despite having vaccines for prevention and excellent oral therapy for those who are treatment eligible. Simplifying and broadening HBV management is crucial," according to the researchers. With the World Health Organization's goal to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 fast approaching, targeted outreach is needed to reduce new infections ...

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Science1 May 2024

A novel deep proteomic approach unveils molecular signatures affected by aging and resistance training

“Resistance training can reverse certain aspects of skeletal muscle aging.” BUFFALO, NY- May 1, 2024 – A new research paper was published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science) Volume 16, Issue 8, entitled, “A novel deep proteomic approach in human skeletal muscle unveils distinct molecular signatures affected by aging and resistance training.” The skeletal muscle proteome alterations to aging and resistance training have been reported in prior studies. However, ...

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Science1 May 2024

Precipitation may brighten Colorado River’s future

The Colorado River’s future may be a little brighter than expected, according to a new modeling study from CIRES researchers. Warming temperatures, which deplete water in the river, have raised doubts the Colorado River could recover from a multi-decade drought. The new study fully accounts for both rising temperatures and precipitation in the Colorado’s headwaters, and finds precipitation, not temperature, will likely continue to dictate the flow of the river for the next 25 years. Precipitation falling in the river’s headwaters region is likely to be more abundant ...

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Science1 May 2024

Identifying risks of human flea infestations in plague-endemic areas of Madagascar

Madagascar is one of the last places where outbreaks of human bubonic plague still happen regularly. Fleas carrying the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis can spread the disease through their bites. And while a species commonly known as “the rat flea” has been fingered as the main culprit in plague outbreaks, a species known as “the human flea” may play a secondary role. As an investigator during plague outbreaks in rural Madagascar, medical entomologist Adelaide Miarinjara knew that many households were teeming with these human fleas. Miarinjara grew up in the ...

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Science1 May 2024

Archaea can be picky parasites

A parasite that not only feeds of its host, but also makes the host change its own metabolism and thus biology. NIOZ microbiologists Su Ding and Joshua Hamm, Nicole Bale, Jaap Damsté and Anja Spang have shown this for the very first time in a specific group of parasitic microbes, so-called DPANN archea. Their study, published in Nature Communications, shows that these archaea are very ‘picky eaters’, which might drive their hosts to change the menu. Archaea are a distinct group of microbes, similar to bacteria [see box]. The team of NIOZ microbiologists studies the so-called ...

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Science1 May 2024

MD Anderson researcher Sharon Dent elected to prestigious National Academy of Sciences

HOUSTON ― Sharon Dent, Ph.D., professor of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Dent is a global leader in the field of chromatin research whose foundational work has helped define the role of chromatin in cancer growth and development. Dent is one of 120 members and 24 international members elected this year in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. The NAS, established in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln, is a private, nonprofit society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research. With ...

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Science1 May 2024

Nonmotor seizures may be missed in children, teens

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 4 P.M. ET, WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2024 MINNEAPOLIS – Children and teens may experience nonmotor seizures for months or years before being seen in an emergency department for a more obvious seizure that includes convulsions, according to a study published in the May 1, 2024, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Even then, the history of nonmotor seizures may not be recognized. “Early diagnosis of epilepsy is of the utmost importance because epileptic seizures can lead to injury and even death,” said study author Jacqueline French, MD, of NYU Grossman School of Medicine ...

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Science1 May 2024

Emergency departments frequently miss signs of epilepsy in children

A subtle type of seizure goes undetected two thirds of the time in pediatric emergency departments, a new study shows. The work focuses on “nonmotor” seizures, which cause children to “zone out” and stare into space or fidget. They may also feel sudden changes in emotions, thoughts, or sensations, as opposed to motor seizures, which cause muscles to move in abrupt, jerking motions. According to the authors, improving recognition of nonmotor seizures may speed up the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy in children, ...

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