Research by Mark Jung-Beeman and colleagues found increased neural activity in the right temporal lobe when solving problems with insight, suggesting a distinct computational and neural mechanism. This suggests that creative thinking relies on at least one unique brain process that involves reinterpretation and integration of information.
A long-term study by Cornell University finds that marine-organism disease is increasing in some taxa, such as turtles and mammals, but declining in fish due to over-fishing. However, disease rates are still too low to be observed for many populations of wild fish.
Scientists have created a system to identify specific protein fragments bound to T cells, allowing researchers to better understand the immune system's attack on foreign invaders. The breakthrough could lead to major advancements in preventing and treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
In a groundbreaking study, Robert Sapolsky and Lisa Share found evidence of a pacific culture among wild olive baboons in Kenya, where males became less aggressive after an outbreak of TB. This unique cultural tradition suggests that females may play a key role in regulating male behavior.
Scientists have developed a 3D image of the UvsW enzyme, crucial for understanding replication-dependent replication in human cells. The findings reveal how this enzyme orchestrates the process by which viruses, plants and animals introduce new genes into DNA during replication.
Researchers found that salt-tolerant rice varieties can be accurately predicted using DNA markers and a crop growth model, allowing breeders to select the best varieties for specific conditions. This is crucial for increasing yields in areas with sub-optimal conditions, such as those affected by salinity.
A study examines the reasons behind the US epidemic of lung cancer in women, citing data on rising smoking rates and disproportionate impact on adenocarcinoma cases. The authors emphasize the need for more comprehensive research on lung cancer prevention and early diagnosis, particularly among women.
Concussions are linked to depression and confusion in athletes after injury. The study found that emotional changes disappeared within three weeks of recovery.
A new method by Jessica Ward and Kevin Lafferty confirms fears of rising distress in threatened populations, revealing a real underlying pattern in nature. Disease trends were found to increase in all groups except seagrasses, decapods, and sharks/rays, while fishes experienced decreased disease reports.
The estrogen-alone study, part of the WHI, found that women taking this form of hormone therapy had an increased risk of stroke, with 44 cases per 10,000 women per year. However, it did not reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The study involved 10,739 postmenopausal women and was stopped early due to these findings.
Studies using fMRI and EEG reveal a distinct neural activity pattern in the right hemisphere's anterior Superior Temporal Gyrus (aSTG) associated with insightful problem-solving. This finding suggests that insight involves integration of distantly related information, providing new insights into cognitive processes.
A randomized trial of conjugated equine estrogen found no significant effect on coronary heart disease risk, but increased stroke risk and reduced hip fracture risk. The study concluded that estrogen therapy has no overall benefit for chronic disease prevention in postmenopausal women with hysterectomy.
A recent study has found a dramatic increase in lung cancer incidence in women, with many cases occurring in non-smokers who stopped smoking years ago. The study also reveals that women's response to targeted therapies is more favorable than men, raising questions about the differences between male and female lung cancer.
A study by Northwestern Memorial Hospital suggests that CPOE systems with significant clinical decision support and pharmacist involvement can improve medication safety. However, the system's limitations in artificial intelligence mean that human oversight remains crucial to prevent prescribing errors.
Researchers found that a widely used reading test, the National Adult Reading Test (NART), can accurately predict an individual's pre-dementia cognitive abilities. The study compared NART scores with IQ scores from childhood and showed no significant difference between demented and non-demented individuals in terms of NART scores.
A study estimates that 937,000 Americans are blind, with white persons affected by age-related macular degeneration. The prevalence of visual impairment is expected to increase due to aging, with blacks and Hispanics more likely to be affected by cataracts and glaucoma.
The Cancer Screening Project for Women found that unmarried women are less likely to obtain regular cancer screenings due to assumptions about their relationships. The study's findings suggest that a trusting relationship with at least one provider who knows about the woman's life and sexual history is crucial for her health care.
Researchers studied 502 hospital patients and found that nearly two-thirds experienced an adverse event before admission, with many being preventable. The study emphasizes the need for improved patient safety through ambulatory care and hospital-based interventions.
A team of scientists led by UC Berkeley's Richard Mathies is developing the Mars Organic Analyzer to test for amino acid handedness, a crucial characteristic of life-based amino acids. The instrument aims to provide absolute proof of life on Mars, as detecting left-handed or right-handed amino acids could indicate biological activity.
Researchers found that statin use was associated with a 50% reduced risk of developing wet AMD, while aspirin use was linked to a 40% lower risk. The study suggests that these medications may prevent irreversible vision loss in older adults.
Researchers at Purdue University have identified a method to identify chemical compounds that can be added to pesticides to overcome insect resistance. The approach, which was tested on fruit flies, shows promise for increasing the effectiveness of current pesticides and reducing the need for new ones.
A study by the Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group found that approximately two-fifths of persons aged 40 and older with DM are affected by diabetic retinopathy, while one in twelve have reached a vision-threatening stage. The prevalence rates were estimated using data from eight population-based eye surveys.
Researchers found that patients taking newer antipsychotics had less than one-third the incidence of violent behavior compared to those on older conventional medications. The study, which followed 229 patients with schizophrenia for two years, suggests that these medications may be more effective in reducing violence.
A study published in Endocrine Practice found that continuous insulin monitoring and endocrinologist involvement did not increase the cost of treating diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery. The protocol showed significantly better glycemic control, leading to shorter hospital stays and fewer deep sternal wound infections.
The prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is estimated to be 1.47% in the US population aged 40 and older, with an expected increase to 2.95 million cases by 2020. The risk of AMD increases dramatically with age, especially among white individuals.
Researchers found that patients with kidney transplants from donors aged 55-79 had comparable allograft survival rates as those from younger donors. The study also revealed that older recipient patients may benefit from receiving kidneys from older deceased or living donors, particularly those facing prolonged waiting times on dialysis.
The length of hospital stay for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has significantly shortened over the past few decades, from six weeks in the 1950s to less than one week today. Despite this decline, there is considerable variation in hospitalization duration among AMI patients.
The Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group has conducted large, population-based studies to determine the prevalence of cataract, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye disorders. The estimates are likely to be reliable and available without waiting many years and spending tens of millions of dollars.
Researchers found that nearly one-quarter of hospitalized individuals with current alcohol use disorders had undetected diagnoses, and only half of detected cases received intervention or treatment referral. The study highlights the need for routine screening and education among medical professionals to address this issue.
A recent UC Berkeley-led study found that vitamin C supplements can decrease levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) by 24% in healthy adults. CRP is a biomarker of inflammation linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy, a leading eye complication in people with type 1 diabetes, affects nearly 774,000 Americans under age 30. The prevalence is highest among 40-49 year olds and older, driven by aging US population.
Researchers found that embryonic keratinocytes differentiate into skin cells much sooner than cells after birth. The study suggests a higher commitment to differentiation in embryonic skin cells, which may apply to other epithelial tissues.
A commentary by Pauls and Downie argues that mandatory reporting could erode trust between patients and physicians. Ovens, writing on behalf of the OMA's Section on Emergency Medicine, counters that exceptions exist to protect patient confidentiality while maintaining public safety.
A study of police officers in Australia found that they rate the accuracy of a profile more when they think it was written by a professional profiler, regardless of its actual content. The researchers suggest that this bias can lead to false positives and undermine the effectiveness of profiling.
The study found that approximately one-third of people older than 40 experience vision disturbances, with myopia being the most prevalent eye disorder. The estimated prevalence rates for myopia vary by region, affecting about one in four people in the US and Western Europe, and one in six Australians.
A study found that over a third of patients are interested in reading their medical records, with the most common reasons being to understand their condition and be more involved in healthcare. Patients who want to review their records are often those seeking alternative health information and have concerns about errors in care.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that extended lymph node dissection does not increase long-term survival among gastric cancer patients, potentially increasing morbidity and hospital mortality. The procedure may only be beneficial if safe and effective alternatives can be developed.
A study by Ohio State University suggests that rewards for high-performing schools and strong district support are key to successful accountability systems. Research found that sanctions led to teacher disengagement and ineffective professional development.
Researchers developed a new method to alter gene expression levels without disrupting essential control elements. This technique uses the 3' untranslated region (UTR) to influence protein production, allowing for predictable and controlled changes in gene expression.
A majority of US immigrant adults perform at the lowest literacy level, with those having higher literacy proficiencies showing better labor market outcomes and wages.
A study examining health care benefits and disadvantages when physicians treat themselves found that even doctors who disapprove of self-doctoring may do so due to lack of thought. Benefits include convenience and control, but also risks such as delayed care and ignoring medical instincts.
A new AAN guideline has resolved debate surrounding the role of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) in stroke risk. The guideline found no evidence to support or refute closing PFOs, but notes an increased risk for younger patients with both a PFO and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). Further research is needed to determine the best treatment options.
Diverse classes of antimicrobial peptides share a common structural signature, revealing fundamental interactions between host and pathogen. This discovery offers new insights into immune defense and drives technology to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Mortality rates among homeless women aged 18-44 are significantly higher than the general population, with a 10-fold increased risk of death. The authors suggest addressing addictions, HIV infection, and mental health issues through targeted programs to save lives.
Researchers found that a gene variation associated with schizophrenia may have an evolutionary advantage, promoting human survival. The HOPA12pb polymorphism is more common in men and may be involved in resistance to infection and infant survival.
The prevalence of cataracts among Americans over 40 is estimated at 17.2%, with 20.5 million affected, and expected to rise to 30.1 million by 2020. Women are almost 40% more likely to develop cataract than men.
Researchers found that ultrasound treatment didn't hasten healing for muscle contusions in rats. In fact, the treated muscles healed at the same rate as non-treated muscles, suggesting no physiological benefit from ultrasound.
Scientists have found that nighttime chemistry removes nitrogen oxides from the marine boundary layer off New England's coast, leading to reduced ozone production. This process can short-circuit some ozone formation and affects air quality forecasts.
Research suggests that community-acquired pneumonia patients who are discharged from the hospital may face a higher risk of mortality in the subsequent 2-3 years if they have certain predictors, such as increasing age and cardiovascular disease. The study also found no excess mortality in younger patients without accompanying diseases.
The amount of time required to perform common surgical procedures increases with the addition of a surgical resident in the operating room, according to researchers. The study found that each procedure took significantly longer with a resident present, with increases ranging from eight minutes for hernia surgery to 60 minutes for parti...
The study projects that vision loss from eye diseases will reach 5.5 million Americans by 2020, with age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataract being the most common causes. Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for preventing and/or delaying eye disease in those at higher risk.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has been awarded $3.9 million to assess the Afghan health system and develop a new financing system. The evaluation system will measure progress in providing basic health services, particularly for vulnerable populations like women and children.
Researchers have successfully engineered plant-dwelling bacteria to break down toxic pollutants, enabling plants to thrive in contaminated environments. The technique uses naturally occurring bacteria and natural gene-transfer methods, offering a promising solution for environmental cleanup.
Research suggests that mathematically gifted youth exhibit improved interhemispheric interaction, enabling them to process global and local elements with equal efficiency. This cooperative left-right brain organization may underlie their exceptional math abilities.
U of T researchers identify gene responsible for protein malfunction in Crohn's patients, enabling diagnostic test and potential new treatments. The findings provide valuable insights into chronic inflammation and its impact on the disease.
The new database contains approximately 100 Reference Measurement Procedures, including 30 developed and maintained by NIST. The database lists 96 approved reference materials; NIST is the source for 72 of these, facilitating worldwide comparability of clinical measurements and reducing technical barriers to trade.
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography have received a $1.1 million NSF grant to study the impact of Earth's rotation on ocean circulation and mixing. The grant will be used to simulate the rotation of the earth and investigate horizontal stirring in the ocean caused by small eddies.
Researchers have developed a new technique called X-ray standing wave imaging, which enables direct visualization of ion site distributions at mineral-water interfaces. This breakthrough streamlines the tedious process of structure determination, allowing scientists to complete data acquisition and analysis in under 24 hours.
Researchers at NIST have developed a chip-scale device that uses magnetic force microscopy to manipulate individual biomolecules. The device can stretch, twist, and uncoil strands of DNA with piconewton forces, paving the way for genomic studies.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a new collection of critically evaluated phase diagrams, improving search capabilities and reducing design errors. The ACerS-NIST collaboration saves research time and money by providing reliable data.