Researchers found that whooping cranes exhibit high-amplitude head movements to control their visual world while searching for food. By holding the head still more than 50% of the time, they permit close and stable examination of objects in view, allowing accurate detection, localization, and recognition of food items.
Despite extensive education, few high-risk women consider taking tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer due to concerns over side effects and low perceived risk. Only a small percentage of eligible women would take the drug after learning about its benefits.
A population-based study found that Aboriginal Canadians are nearly four times as likely to sustain severe trauma as the reference population. Motor vehicle crashes were identified as a primary cause of traumatic injuries and death among this group.
The American Cancer Society no longer recommends testing for early lung cancer detection, citing reduced risks after quitting smoking. However, a new position statement strongly advocates for asymptomatic screening in clinical trials or informed discussion of options.
Research investigates how an Atkins-type high meat, low carbohydrate diet in late pregnancy affects offspring's response to mental stress tests. The study, focusing on the 'Motherwell babies,' explores the long-term effects of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on adulthood health outcomes.
Researchers are exploring new technologies to regenerate bone, enhance ligament healing, produce tissue-engineered cartilage and improve bone healing with stem cells derived from muscle. These advances hold promise for treating devastating congenital or traumatic problems and preventing degenerative processes in the aging population.
A recent study found that nearly a third of college students are overweight, while six percent are pre-diabetic. The findings suggest that early screening is crucial for preventing long-term health problems. Researchers also discovered that polyunsaturated fat intake may be linked to slower growth of prostate cancer.
Researchers analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study to assess the number of patients whose health is at risk from being uninsured. At least 23.3% of participants aged 51-57 were uninsured at some point, with a higher proportion in late middle age., Urgent policy measures are needed to expand coverage for this group
The current dyslipidemia guidelines have raised controversy due to concerns that they may lead to more people being screened and prescribed statin therapy. The debate centers around the data used in the guidelines and its implications for patient care.
Researchers from McGill University and the University of Illinois found that toddlers can understand when others have mistaken beliefs. The study presented infants with an actor who played with a toy and hid it in a box to verify their understanding of false beliefs.
A study of 594 dental patients found that 71% were willing to receive information and assistance from their dentist to quit using tobacco products. The majority (71%) of patients who use tobacco are considering quitting or currently trying to quit, with overwhelming support for asking about tobacco usage and access to cessation programs.
Scientists at UCSD successfully shape carbon nanotubes into sharp bends, enabling new applications in atomic force microscopy and fuel cells. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient and compact electronic devices.
Research by Heather Bortfeld shows that babies can discern the beginnings and endings of words that follow their names, providing a foundation for learning language. By using familiar words like their names, babies can anchor their early learning of other word forms and tap into the process at an earliest stage possible.
Research suggests that excessive visceral and muscle adipose tissue accumulation is associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in older adults, regardless of their body weight. Visceral fat was linked to an increased risk, while subcutaneous thigh fat showed an inverse association in obese individuals.
A new study ranks top nanotech applications to aid poor, with energy storage and agriculture leading the list. The study's authors believe these technologies can contribute to UN Millennium Development Goals and improve living standards in developing countries.
A new blood test using NT-proBNP assay can accurately diagnose heart failure in emergency patients with shortness of breath. Combining the test results with clinical judgement provides the most accurate diagnosis.
Older adults with mild hypertension did not experience significant reductions in blood pressure through exercise alone, according to a new study. However, those who lost fat and gained muscle showed more substantial benefits.
The new device achieves a speed of 604 gigahertz, faster than previously thought possible with traditional transistor structures. The researchers' design improves current density and signal charging time by lowering the bandgap in selected areas.
A recent study found that desert vegetation can maintain dry conditions in the soil, minimizing leaching of wastes into underlying aquifers. This has important implications for radioactive and hazardous waste disposal, as well as water resources management.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Geological Survey of Israel developed a new method to date ancient earthquakes using cave evidence. They found evidence of earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.5 or greater occurring in the region over the last 200,000 years, but not in recent times.
A McGill doctoral student presents findings that educators have a responsibility to protect students from verbal and physical abuse. The study highlights the need for effective policies and enforcement to prevent homophobic harassment in schools.
Researchers found that smokers receiving multiple abnormal CT scans were more likely to quit smoking and remain smoke-free. The study suggests that abnormal lung cancer screening results can serve as a psychological push for smokers to quit, leading to increased success rates.
A USC study found that tobacco's harmful effects on lungs can be passed down through generations, increasing the risk of asthma in children and grandchildren. Grandmothers who smoked during pregnancy had a significant impact on their grandchild's asthma risk.
Scientists discovered the ESCO2 gene responsible for pseudothalidomide syndrome through advanced genetic analysis and comparative genomics. The study provides new insights into craniofacial and limb development, health, and disease.
A new cancer test uses the physical strength of each cell to diagnose and stage cancer, reducing the need for biopsies and potentially saving lives. The 'optical stretcher' can detect cancer in as few as 50 cells, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that freedom from rejection after 12 months was 10% higher with those treated with CellCept (63%) compared to azathioprine (53%). Additionally, the one-year survival rate was significantly better in CellCept patients (96%), compared to only 87% of AZA patients.
Researchers have isolated embryo-quality stem cells from adult blood for the first time using a physical characteristic of each cell's stretchiness. This breakthrough technique could revolutionize medical research and treatment by providing an alternative to embryonic stem cells.
A study of French Canadian families found a strong genetic link to restless legs syndrome on chromosome 12q, with periodic leg movements during sleep being a key distinguishing feature. The findings support the involvement of multiple genetic loci in the common sleep disorder.
A Northwestern University team has designed organic molecules that self-assemble into ultra-thin layers for use in transistors. Their tailored molecular components reduce operating voltage and power consumption, making low-power consumption OTFTs a reality.
Researchers calculate that ultra-cold atoms can be used to perform controlled coherent processing with light, preserving information content. This technology has the potential to revolutionize optical computing and create faster-than-electron computers.
Researchers developed patient scenarios to compare costs of three therapies for treating chronic arthritis pain. The study found that combining a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with an acid-reducing drug was less expensive, safer, and more effective than using a Cox-2 inhibitor alone.
A national trial has shown that treatment can improve vision in many older children with amblyopia, a condition affecting up to three percent of US children. The study found significant improvement in vision among children aged 7-17 who received glasses, patches, and near activities.
A new study identifies top 10 nanotechnology applications that can transform lives of billions worldwide, including energy production, agriculture, water treatment, disease diagnosis, and more. These innovations aim to close the gap between rich and poor nations, promoting sustainable development and improving living standards.
A recent study published in Neurology found no evidence that cell phone use increases the risk of developing brain tumors. Researchers analyzed data from over 400 people with and without brain tumors and found no correlation between cell phone use frequency or duration and brain tumor incidence.
Treatment improved vision in older children with amblyopia, with 53% of age seven-12 year olds showing significant improvement when treated with glasses and patches. Most children were left with some visual impairment despite treatment.
Researchers used advanced supercomputing technology and chemical analysis to reconstruct past sea temperatures, finding that increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere initiated warming. This breakthrough sheds light on how climate may respond to greenhouse gas emissions in the future.
A three-year course in the stock market and investing resulted in improved attendance and academic performance among at-risk middle school students. The program, which allowed students to buy shares of stock by improving their grades and attendance, showed statistically significant gains in vocabulary, reading comprehension, and applie...
A new adhesive inspired by mussel protein has been developed, offering superior strength and water resistance. The adhesive is made from natural resources such as soy flour and lignin and does not use formaldehyde or other toxic chemicals.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh have created a new method to calculate the phase-resetting curve (PRC) of living neurons, which can help elucidate mechanisms for neural synchrony and study learning. The tool combines computational and experimental approaches to simplify complex dynamics of single neurons.
A randomized treatment trial found that amblyopia treatment improved visual acuity in 53% of seven- to 12-year-olds and 25% of 13- to 17-year-olds. However, the authors note that sustained improvement is unknown after treatment discontinuation.
Researchers found that public school students from similar social and economic backgrounds outperformed their peers in private schools on national math achievement tests. The study's findings call into question common assumptions about public and private school effects.
Researchers have successfully cloned meat and milk from bulls and cows, showing no significant differences in quality compared to naturally bred animals. Meanwhile, a study suggests that early humans may have driven elephant extinctions on multiple continents.
A study found that deep brain stimulation with STN and GPi targets improves off-medication motor scores and levodopa-induced dyskinesia for at least one year. STN stimulation may be better for younger patients with prominent bradykinesia, while GPi stimulation is better suited for dose-limiting dyskinesia.
A new study reveals that overfishing of sharks triggers a domino effect of changes in abundance, contributing to the degradation of Caribbean reefs. The researchers found that sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the ecosystem, and their removal can lead to a decline in plant-eating fish populations.
A new study suggests that mammography is catching breast cancer earlier, but the increasing number of in situ cancers poses a challenge to healthcare professionals. The researchers found a sixfold increase in noncomedo DCIS and a nearly fourfold increase in LCIS among postmenopausal women.
The TRUST consortium, funded by NSF's Science and Technology Centers program, aims to create new technologies that make computer software and networks inherently secure. Researchers will focus on protecting against attacks, ensuring data integrity, and developing tools for building trustworthy systems.
A new painless diagnostic test for Sjögren's syndrome could be available in two to three years, promising faster diagnosis and reduced severity of symptoms. The test involves analyzing teardrops collected from patients' eyes, which may help identify specific protein biomarkers for the disease.
A team of researchers has discovered a neural mechanism related to impulsive decision-making in pigeons. The study found that single neurons in the avian forebrain show increased activity when anticipating rewards, with activation levels decreasing as delays increase, leading to preferences for immediate over delayed rewards. This brea...
A Hopkins study found that treating older children with amblyopia can be effective in improving vision. The research challenged traditional age-based treatment guidelines, showing success in teenagers as young as 13. While some visual impairment remains, the treatment offers hope for improved sight.
The Team for Research in Ubiquitous Secure Technology (TRUST) center aims to develop new technologies to design, build, and operate trustworthy information systems. The researchers will focus on developing secure embedded systems, integrating trusted components, and creating information management software tools.
Researchers have demonstrated that NMDA receptors are actively needed for both associative learning and long-term memory. Disrupting the receptor resulted in difficulties with learning to associate an odor with a footshock, but not with initial learning through training.
The American Chemical Society's Academic Employment Initiative (AEI) offers advice on applying for chemistry faculty positions. AEI aims to broaden the hiring process to include more women, minorities, and candidates from lesser-known universities. The initiative emphasizes research fit and highlighting one's unique qualities.
A study by Texas A&M University psychologist David H. Rosen found that watching a comedy video significantly increased participants' scores for hopefulness. The finding suggests humor can be a legitimate strategy for relieving stress and maintaining well-being while increasing hope.