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Five of the most important International Space Station experiments

From artificial retinas to ageing mice, here are five of the most promising results from research performed on the ISS – and what they might mean for humans on Earth and in space




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Being in two places at once could make a quantum battery charge faster

The quantum principle of superposition – the idea of particles being in multiple places at once – could help make quantum batteries that charge within minutes




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What "naked" singularities are revealing about quantum space-time

Are points of infinite curvature, where general relativity breaks down, always hidden inside black holes? An audacious attempt to find out is shedding light on the mystery of quantum gravity




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Are space and time illusions? The answer could lie in black holes

Whether space and time are part of the universe or they emerge from quantum entanglement is one of the biggest questions in physics. And we are getting close to the truth




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Indestructible quantum rifts can exist in two places at once

Researchers used a collection of charged atoms to create a quantum superposition of an exotic type of defect




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Jets of liquid bounce off hot surfaces without ever touching them

Droplets of fluid have been known to hover above a hot surface, but a new experiment suggests the same can happen to tiny jets of liquid too




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Earth is coated in ancient space dust that could be from the moon

A 33-million-year-old layer of Earth's crust is laced with helium-3, which is normally only found in space. Now we might have an explanation for how it got there




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Dead spacecraft are seeding the upper atmosphere with metal

The stratosphere seems to be full of aluminium particles and other metals that come from spacecraft burning up in the atmosphere, and those particles could mess up polar clouds




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Jets of liquid bounce off hot surfaces without ever touching them

Droplets of fluid have been known to hover above a hot surface, but a new experiment suggests the same can happen to tiny jets of liquid too




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SpaceX targets Starship flight next week – just a month after last one

SpaceX is preparing for the sixth test flight of Starship, the world's most powerful rocket. Next week's launch – if successful – will be the fastest turnaround yet




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Orbital wins the Booker prize: “I see it as a kind of space pastoral"

Samantha Harvey has won the UK's top fiction prize for a novel that takes place over 24 hours on the International Space Station




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Did rock art spread from one place or was it invented many times?

Rock art is a truly global phenomenon, with discoveries of cave paintings and etchings on every continent that ancient humans inhabited – but how many times was it invented over human history?




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Bioengineering Could Replace Pacemakers

Title: Bioengineering Could Replace Pacemakers
Category: Health News
Created: 8/30/2006 8:24:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/30/2006 8:24:29 AM




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Brain 'Pacemaker' Treats Parkinson's

Title: Brain 'Pacemaker' Treats Parkinson's
Category: Health News
Created: 8/31/2006 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/31/2006 12:00:00 AM




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'Extended Cycle' Contraception Garners More Interest

Title: 'Extended Cycle' Contraception Garners More Interest
Category: Health News
Created: 8/25/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/25/2008 12:00:00 AM




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Pump Placed in Aorta Doesn't Improve Angioplasty Outcomes: Study

Title: Pump Placed in Aorta Doesn't Improve Angioplasty Outcomes: Study
Category: Health News
Created: 8/24/2010 4:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/25/2010 12:00:00 AM




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Making Parental Peace With Kids' Homework

Title: Making Parental Peace With Kids' Homework
Category: Health News
Created: 8/25/2012 10:05:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2012 12:00:00 AM




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Race May Affect Quality of Prostate Cancer Surgical Care

Title: Race May Affect Quality of Prostate Cancer Surgical Care
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2012 6:05:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/29/2012 12:00:00 AM




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Could Bacteria in Skin Mites Help Cause Rosacea?

Title: Could Bacteria in Skin Mites Help Cause Rosacea?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/30/2012 10:05:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/30/2012 12:00:00 AM




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FDA Approves 1st Topical Gel to Ease Redness of Rosacea

Title: FDA Approves 1st Topical Gel to Ease Redness of Rosacea
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2013 12:35:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2013 12:00:00 AM




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Facebook Use Linked to Brain's Reward Center

Title: Facebook Use Linked to Brain's Reward Center
Category: Health News
Created: 8/29/2013 4:36:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/30/2013 12:00:00 AM




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Anxiety Linked to a Need for More Personal Space

Title: Anxiety Linked to a Need for More Personal Space
Category: Health News
Created: 8/29/2013 2:35:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/30/2013 12:00:00 AM




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Could a Laser Skin Test Someday Replace Biopsy to Spot Melanoma?

Title: Could a Laser Skin Test Someday Replace Biopsy to Spot Melanoma?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/21/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/24/2015 12:00:00 AM




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Could Oral Contraceptives Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Title: Could Oral Contraceptives Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2015 12:00:00 AM




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Cheap Face Masks Little Help Against Air Pollutants

Title: Cheap Face Masks Little Help Against Air Pollutants
Category: Health News
Created: 8/24/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/25/2016 12:00:00 AM




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Slow and Steady Wins the Weight-Loss Race

Title: Slow and Steady Wins the Weight-Loss Race
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2017 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2017 12:00:00 AM




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Women at Risk for Alzheimer's Face Critical 10-Year Window, Study Says

Title: Women at Risk for Alzheimer's Face Critical 10-Year Window, Study Says
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2017 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/29/2017 12:00:00 AM




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Does Race Matter in Care 'Preemie' Babies Receive?

Title: Does Race Matter in Care 'Preemie' Babies Receive?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2017 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/29/2017 12:00:00 AM




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6 in 10 of America's Single Guys 'Take Responsibility' for Contraception

Title: 6 in 10 of America's Single Guys 'Take Responsibility' for Contraception
Category: Health News
Created: 8/31/2017 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/31/2017 12:00:00 AM




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Another Outbreak of Salmonella Traced to Pet Turtles

Title: Another Outbreak of Salmonella Traced to Pet Turtles
Category: Health News
Created: 8/30/2017 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/31/2017 12:00:00 AM




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Goats Can Read Human Emotions, Prefer Happy Faces

Title: Goats Can Read Human Emotions, Prefer Happy Faces
Category: Health News
Created: 8/31/2018 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/31/2018 12:00:00 AM




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'Synthetic Pot' Laced With Rat Poison Lands People in the ER

Title: 'Synthetic Pot' Laced With Rat Poison Lands People in the ER
Category: Health News
Created: 8/26/2019 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2019 12:00:00 AM




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Anxious Teens May Face Higher Odds for Future Heart Attack: Study

Title: Anxious Teens May Face Higher Odds for Future Heart Attack: Study
Category: Health News
Created: 8/26/2020 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/26/2020 12:00:00 AM




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AHA News: Native People Find Support, 'Sacred Space' Through This Nonprofit's Work

Title: AHA News: Native People Find Support, 'Sacred Space' Through This Nonprofit's Work
Category: Health News
Created: 8/23/2021 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/24/2021 12:00:00 AM




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Smart Phones, Watches Can Mess With Implanted Pacemakers

Title: Smart Phones, Watches Can Mess With Implanted Pacemakers
Category: Health News
Created: 8/26/2021 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/26/2021 12:00:00 AM




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Half of American Workers Support COVID Vaccination, Mask Mandates in Workplace

Title: Half of American Workers Support COVID Vaccination, Mask Mandates in Workplace
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2021 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2021 12:00:00 AM




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Space Travel Speeds Up Aging, Weakening of Bones

Title: Space Travel Speeds Up Aging, Weakening of Bones
Category: Health News
Created: 8/4/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/4/2022 12:00:00 AM




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Taking a Shot at Pain Relief After Knee Replacement

Title: Taking a Shot at Pain Relief After Knee Replacement
Category: Health News
Created: 8/18/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/19/2022 12:00:00 AM




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acetylcholine

Title: acetylcholine
Category: Medications
Created: 8/5/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/5/2022 12:00:00 AM




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Common Diabetes Drug May Contain Traces of Carcinogen

Title: Common Diabetes Drug May Contain Traces of Carcinogen
Category: Health News
Created: 8/12/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/12/2022 12:00:00 AM




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ACE Inhibitors

Title: ACE Inhibitors
Category: Medications
Created: 4/19/2001 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/22/2022 12:00:00 AM




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FDA Mulling Over-the-Counter Sale of Contraceptive Pill

Title: FDA Mulling Over-the-Counter Sale of Contraceptive Pill
Category: Health News
Created: 7/11/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/11/2022 12:00:00 AM




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Picture of Nickel Contact Dermatitis from Necklace

Title: Picture of Nickel Contact Dermatitis from Necklace
Category: Images
Created: 2/22/2010 3:21:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 6/28/2022 12:00:00 AM




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The Challenge of Implementing Race-Neutral PFT Reference Equations




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Perspectives on Using Race in Pulmonary Function Testing: A National Survey of Fellows and Program Directors

BACKGROUND:Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) have historically used race-specific prediction equations. The recent American Thoracic Society guidelines recommend the use of a race-neutral approach in prediction equations. There are limited studies centering the opinions of practicing pulmonologists on the use of race in spirometry. Provider opinion will impact adoption of the new guideline. The aim of this study was to ascertain the beliefs of academic pulmonary and critical care providers regarding the use of race as a variable in spirometry prediction equations.METHODS:We report data from 151 open-ended responses from a voluntary, nationwide survey (distributed by the Association of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine Program Directors) of academic pulmonary and critical care providers regarding the use of race in PFT prediction equations. Responses were coded using inductive and deductive methods, and a thematic content analysis was conducted.RESULTS:There was a balanced distribution of opinions among respondents supporting, opposing, or being unsure about the incorporation of race in spirometry prediction equations. Responses demonstrated a wide array of understanding related to the concept and definition of race and its relationship to physiology.CONCLUSIONS:There was no consensus among providers regarding the use of race in spirometry prediction equations. Concepts of race having biologic implications persist among pulmonary providers and will likely affect the uptake of the Global Lung Function Initiative per the American Thoracic Society guidelines.




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Identification and Root Cause Analysis of the Visible Particles Commonly Encountered in the Biopharmaceutical Industry

Visible particle is an important issue in the biopharmaceutical industry, and it may occur across all the stages in the life cycle of biologics. Upon the occurrence of visible particles, it is often necessary to conduct chemical identification and root cause analysis to safeguard the safety and efficacy of the biotherapeutic products. In this article, we present a number of typical particles and relevant root cause analysis in the categories of extrinsic, intrinsic, and inherent particles that are commonly encountered in the biopharma industry. In particular, the optical images of particles obtained both in situ and after isolation are provided, along with spectral and elemental information. The particle identification was carried out with multiple microscopic and microspectroscopic techniques, including stereo optical microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared microscopy, confocal Raman microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Both commercial and in-house spectral databases were used for comparison and identification. In addition to particle identification, we placed significant efforts on the root cause analysis of the addressed particles with the intention to provide a relatively whole picture of the particle-related issues and practical references to particle mitigation for our peers in the biopharmaceutical industry.




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Development and Validation of a Customized Amplex UltraRed Assay for Sensitive Hydrogen Peroxide Detection in Pharmaceutical Water

For clean-room technologies such as isolators and restricted access barrier systems (RABS), decontamination using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is increasingly attractive to fulfill regulatory requirements. Several approaches are currently used, ranging from manual wipe disinfection to vapor phase hydrogen peroxide (VPHP) or automated nebulization sanitization. Although the residual airborne H2O2 concentration can be easily monitored, detection of trace H2O2 residues in filled products is rather challenging. To simulate the filling process in a specific clean room, technical runs with water for injection (WfI) are popular. Thus, the ability to detect traces of H2O2 in water is an important prerequisite to ensure a safe and reliable use of H2O2 for isolator or clean room decontamination. The objective of this study was to provide a validated quantitative, fluorometric Amplex UltraRed assay, which satisfies the analytical target profile of quantifying H2O2 in WfI at low nanomolar to low micromolar concentrations (ppb range) with high accuracy and high precision. The Amplex UltraRed technology provides a solid basis for this purpose; however, no commercial assay kit that fulfills these requirements is available. Therefore, a customized Amplex UltraRed assay was developed, optimized, and validated. This approach resulted in an assay that is capable of quantifying H2O2 in WfI selectively, sensitively, accurately, precisely, and robustly. This assay is used in process development and qualification approaches using WfI in H2O2-decontaminated clean rooms and isolators.




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Cancer neuroscience at the brain-body interface [Special Section: Symposium Outlook]

Our approaches toward understanding cancer have evolved beyond cell-intrinsic and local microenvironmental changes within the tumor to encompass how the cancer interfaces with the entire host organism. The nervous system is uniquely situated at the interface between the brain and body, constantly receiving and sending signals back and forth to maintain homeostasis and respond to salient stimuli. It is becoming clear that various cancers disrupt this dialog between the brain and body via both neuronal and humoral routes, leading to aberrant brain activity and accelerated disease. In this outlook, I discuss this view of cancer as a homeostatic challenge, emphasize cutting-edge work, and provide outstanding questions that need to be answered to move the field forward.




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The noninvasive ventilation outcomes score in patients requiring NIV for COPD exacerbation without prior evidence of airflow obstruction

Introduction

Exacerbation of COPD complicated by respiratory acidaemia is the commonest indication for noninvasive ventilation (NIV). The NIV outcomes (NIVO) score offers the best estimate of survival for those ventilated. Unfortunately, two-thirds of cases of COPD are unrecognised, and patients may present without COPD having been confirmed by spirometry.

Methods

In the 10-centre NIVO validation study there was no pre-admission spirometry in 111 of 844 consecutive patients (termed "clinical diagnosis" patients). We compared the performance of the NIVO, DECAF and CURB-65 scores for in-hospital mortality in the clinical diagnosis cohort. Usual clinical practice was not influenced, but confirmation of COPD in the year following discharge was captured.

Results

In the clinical diagnosis cohort, in-hospital mortality was 19.8% and rose incrementally across the NIVO risk categories, consistent with the NIVO validation cohort. NIVO showed good discrimination in the clinical diagnosis cohort: area under the receiver operating curve 0.724, versus 0.79 in the NIVO validation cohort. At 1 year after discharge, 41 of 89 clinical diagnosis patients had undertaken diagnostic spirometry; 33 of 41 had confirmation of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/(forced) vital capacity <0.7), meaning the diagnosis of COPD was incorrect in 19.5% of cases.

Discussion

These data support the use of the NIVO score in patients with a "clinical diagnosis" of COPD. NIVO can help guide shared decision-making, assess risk-adjusted outcomes by centre and challenge prognostic pessimism. Accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure that acute and long-term treatment is optimised; this study highlights failings in the follow-up of such patients.




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Characteristics of exacerbators in the US Bronchiectasis and NTM Research Registry: a cross-sectional study

Background

Exacerbations of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (bronchiectasis) are associated with reduced health-related quality of life and increased mortality, likelihood of hospitalisation and lung function decline. This study investigated patient clinical characteristics associated with exacerbation frequency.

Methods

A cross-sectional cohort study of patients ≥18 years with bronchiectasis enrolled in the US Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Research Registry (BRR) September 2008–March 2020. Patients were stratified by exacerbation frequency in their 2 years before enrolment. Patient demographics, respiratory symptoms, healthcare resource utilisation, microbiology, modified bronchiectasis severity index (mBSI) and select comorbidities were collected at enrolment. Patient characteristics associated with exacerbation frequency were assessed using a negative binomial model.

Results

The study included 2950 patients (mean age 65.6 years; 79.1% female). Frequency of moderate to severe airway obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % predicted <50%; most recent measure) was 15.9%, 17.8%, and 24.6% in patients with 1, 2, and ≥3 exacerbations versus 8.9% in patients with 0 exacerbations; severe disease (mBSI) was 27.8%, 24.2% and 51.1% versus 13.2%; respiratory hospitalisation was 24.5%, 33.0% and 36.5% versus 4.1%; and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection was 18.8%, 23.4% and 35.2% versus 11.9%. In multivariable model analysis, respiratory hospitalisation, cough, haemoptysis, P.  aeruginosa, younger age, lower FEV1% predicted, asthma, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were associated with more exacerbations.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate a high disease burden, including increased respiratory symptoms, healthcare resource utilisation, and P.  aeruginosa infection in patients with bronchiectasis and multiple exacerbations.