A study published in Psychological Science found that extra-curricular music lessons significantly improved IQ scores and academic performance in six-year-old children. The research, led by Dr. E. Glenn Schellenberg, showed that music lessons had a more pronounced effect on cognitive development than drama lessons or no lessons at all.
A comprehensive review of media reports and government documents reveals widespread failure of medical staff to uphold human rights standards at Abu Ghraib, including falsified records and coercive interrogations. The incident highlights the need for reforms to military medical services and a re-emphasis on principles of medical ethics.
Researchers found that adult members of the Pirahã tribe performed accurately with small sets of objects but struggled with larger numbers, indicating that their language lacks precise numerical representation. The study suggests that having the right linguistic resources can carve out one's reality and influence perception.
The TARGET study found that COX2 inhibitor lumiracoxib significantly reduces ulcer complications in osteoarthritis patients, but no significant difference was seen in cardiovascular events. Lumiracoxib showed a three to four-fold reduction in ulcer complications compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
A mouse model of Werner's syndrome reveals a link between aging and cancer development, suggesting that telomere shortening accelerates disease progression. The study suggests that genomic instability is a common denominator in both aging and cancer, with telomere length playing a key role.
A new study has identified 11 genetic mutations in SIDS cases, with a significant association found in African American babies. The study suggests that these mutations may contribute to the increased risk of SIDS in this ethnic group.
A study of 137 newborns found significant brain damage in 36% of early-born and 61% of term-born babies, suggesting that birth-related injuries are often overlooked.
A study found that atorvastatin reduced cardiovascular events, deaths, and strokes by a third in patients with type 2 diabetes without high LDL cholesterol. The results suggest statin therapy may be safe and effective for this patient group.
A new study found that undernutrition significantly contributes to the global malaria burden, particularly in children less than 5 years old. Well-nourished children are better equipped to fight and survive malaria infection.
A recent audit found that using diathermy in tonsillectomies increases the risk of postoperative haemorrhage, particularly in adults and procedures performed by junior surgeons. The study suggests that hot techniques should be used with caution and emphasizes the importance of training junior surgeons to control bleeding.
A study of 250 patients aged over 55 will examine whether prescribing GPs a supplement can help those with memory loss. Gingko may slow down dementia's degenerative process through improving blood flow and thinning the blood.
A team of scientists and volunteers counted fox faeces in 400 one-kilometre squares to estimate UK fox population, finding 225,000 adult foxes. Habitat features have a greater influence on fox numbers than hunting activities.
Researchers discovered a specific Mlo gene fragment in the genome of mutant barley, which enables plants to resist powdery mildew. The mutation is believed to have occurred less than 10,000 years ago in Ethiopia, highlighting the importance of preserving crop diversity.
Researchers have developed a C. elegans-based screening tool to identify novel protein regulators of a potassium channel involved in the heartbeat, which may help prevent arrhythmias and sudden death associated with blockage of the HERG gene.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a technique to produce organic molecules by attaching them to single DNA strands, which can then be used as a sequence-programmable assembly line for chemical synthesis. This method enables the selection and amplification of molecules with desired functional properties.
Researchers found that even minor temperature shifts in the deep sea can rapidly alter species richness and functional diversity. The study highlights the vulnerability of deep-sea fauna to environmental alteration, providing new insights into climate change's potential consequences.
Duke University researchers studied tree roots in place, finding they adjust anatomy and physiology to maximize water transport deep underground. The findings improve theoretical models of water transport within trees, revealing the importance of deep roots in efficient water flow.
Researchers found that residential development is the primary cause of sweetgrass scarcity, and basket makers support alternative management plans. They propose setting aside land for growing sweetgrass and working with island residents to access the resource.
Researchers discovered that muscles use acidosis to maintain proper nerve signal response, avoiding fatigue. By peeling away the muscle fiber's surface membrane, the team studied the effects of acidity on force response, finding it counteracts fatigue at a critical step in excitation-contraction-coupling.
The Panama Biological Survey (1910-1912) tracked fish migration between the Atlantic and Pacific slopes of Panama's Isthmus. New research finds that dispersal played a key role in increasing species richness in local freshwater fish assemblages, even after many generations.
The article explores the links between child care quality and children's development using ecological systems theory. Higher-quality care produces healthier development, and Marshall suggests integrating societal goals to support healthy families, economic self-sufficiency, and women's employment.
Scientists warn of international spread of antimalarial drug resistance, tracing mutations to South East Asia and recommending screening of passengers from affected regions. Artemisinin-based combination therapy may help slow the spread, but a coordinated global response is needed.
Researchers developed first mouse embryos without D-type cyclins, which sparked hope for anti-cancer therapy. The triple-knockout mice followed a normal course of cell division until late stages, contradicting previous theory and experiments.
Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology have discovered a novel filtration system that can efficiently separate proteins, a crucial step for pharmaceutical applications. The new technology uses a membrane with almost identical molecular weights for proteins, making the process more cost-effective and faster.