Indeterminacy, or the unplanned part of a show, makes live television more appealing. Researchers found that this characteristic alters people's experienced utility in various consumption domains like TV, performing arts, vacations, and gaming.
The genetic code of marsupials has been documented for the first time, revealing insights into mammalian immune system evolution. The analysis of the gray, short-tailed opossum's genome found that an important cluster of immune genes, known as MHC, was likely present in ancestral mammals and has since fragmented into multiple chromosomes.
Researchers discovered that PrP protein plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy human stem cells, particularly in the brain. The findings suggest that PrP's positive function is essential for preventing prion-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a new framework to study chronic deja vu, a condition where people experience a strong sense of familiarity for new experiences. The Cognitive Feelings Framework (CFF) uses subjective reports and neuro-imaging to better understand everyday sensations like deja vu.
Researchers evaluated innovative approaches to mitigate the urban heat island effect, including light-colored surfaces and vegetation. Strategies such as planting urban forests and creating living roofs showed promise in reducing air temperatures.
A human trial has shown that a ricin vaccine is safe and induces protective immunity in humans. The vaccine, called RiVax, produced neutralizing antibodies in all participants, even at the lowest dose tested.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that fine particulate matter from pollution causes cardiovascular problems in rats with obesity and insulin resistance. The findings suggest a significant public health risk for vulnerable populations, particularly those living near areas burning coal or diesel exhaust.
A study by Andrew D. Gershoff and Gita Johar found that people overestimate their closest friends' knowledge of their tastes and preferences, leading to less accurate recommendations. The researchers suggest that this overestimation is driven by a desire to maintain self-image and protect relationships.
Researchers found that statins, such as fluvastatin, can induce apoptosis in RA synovial cells through the inhibition of protein geranygeranylation. This suggests that statins may be ideal therapeutic agents for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Further clinical trials are proposed to confirm these findings.
A study found that people tend to choose more varied snacks for their partners than for themselves, even when justifying choices. The authors attribute this tendency to a desire for conformity and a focus on consumptions rather than activities, but a 'de-focusing' task reduced variety in snack selection.
Researchers found that consumers are more likely to join and stay loyal to programs if they feel like they're making consistent progress. The study also shows that the motivation behind this effect is crucial, with fake or specious reasons often being sufficient.
Researchers at Yale discovered that brain changes associated with bipolar disorder are diminished in patients taking mood-stabilizing medications, holding promise for halting the progression of the disorder. The study's findings highlight the importance of research on bipolar disorder in youths, who are at high risk for suicide.
Researchers found that genetically engineered muscle-derived stem cells (MDSC-B4) improved cartilage repair in rats, with well-integrated repaired tissue at 8, 12, and 24 weeks after surgery. The study also showed that MDSC-B4 could differentiate into chondrogenic cells depending on the type of medium they grew in.
Researchers analyzed data from multiple satellites, including NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites, to understand the rapid weakening of Hurricane Lili in 2002. The study found that dry air moving into the storm's low levels created an 'open eyewall' that led to a significant decrease in strength.
A significant number of emphysema patients experience improved survival, exercise ability, and quality of life after lung-volume reduction surgery. The study confirms earlier findings and suggests the operation should be recommended for many patients with end-stage emphysema.
The March of Dimes Global Report reveals that at least 3.3 million children under 5 years old die annually due to serious birth defects, with an estimated 3.2 million surviving with lifelong disabilities. The report highlights the global toll of birth defects on mortality and disability rates in middle- and low-income countries.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that over 63,000 Ontario patients with diabetes had inadequate blood sugar control, with testing rates decreasing among younger adults. The research highlights concerns about unequal access to care and its impact on health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Maternal mortality rates in Canada are significantly higher than those in many developed countries, according to a Canadian Medical Association Journal study. The findings highlight the need for improved maternal healthcare and increased awareness of pregnancy-related complications.
A study by Dr. Richard Frankel found that nonverbal cues in medical interactions can influence patient satisfaction and compliance with doctor's instructions. Effective nonverbal behavior can convey empathy and improve communication, whereas inappropriate gestures can lead to feelings of humiliation or anxiety.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found a strong correlation between height and the risk of amputation among patients with diabetes mellitus. The research showed that every 10-cm increase in height was associated with a 16% higher risk of amputation, even among those with well-controlled diabetes.
Researchers discovered that single-celled cyanobacterium Synechococcus fixes nitrogen gas at night, converting it into biologically useful compounds. This finding sheds light on how hot-spring microbial communities obtain essential nutrients, and highlights the complex metabolic strategies of these microorganisms.
The newly discovered Photocorynus spiniceps is not only the smallest fish and vertebrate, but also one of the most unique reproductive strategies in nature. The tiny male anglerfish, measuring just 6.2 mm, attaches to a much larger female and provides her body with everything she needs to reproduce, essentially turning her into a herma...
A recent study suggests that controlling neglected tropical diseases like leprosy and sleeping sickness may help combat the global fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Integrating these efforts could provide a cost-effective solution to control or eliminate seven neglected tropical diseases for just $200 million annually.
A study suggests that Alzheimer's patients can recognize and appreciate music, with one patient singing old songs from her youth. The researchers believe a more musical environment could improve the lives of demented individuals, sparking interest from caregivers to share their experiences.
Researchers at Yale University discovered a key to identifying areas within subduction zones prone to severe damage during earthquakes. Sediment layers deposited on top of the overriding plate cause it to 'stick,' increasing the likelihood of earthquake events in these regions.
Researchers have identified individual, isolated hematopoietic stem cells at the edge of bone marrow using a novel gene expression technique. This breakthrough allows for the study of these rare cells in their natural environment, shedding light on how they maintain their pluripotency and function.
A UCSD study reveals that anthrax toxins, known as lethal factor and edema factor, can cause cellular damage and death in fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The findings suggest that fruit flies can be used to test the effects of anthrax toxins on signaling pathways shared by flies and humans.
Scientists identify Langerhans cell precursor cells and protein Csf-1 essential for their transformation. This discovery may lead to new therapies for patients with Langerhans histocytosis, a rare disease affecting approximately 200,000 children annually.
The study found that regular use of selective COX-2 inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer. Daily doses of celecoxib (83% reduction) and rofecoxib (64% reduction) had a more significant impact on reducing the risk.
A Yale University study found that mobile phone use by medical personnel reduces error rates in hospital care. The study, which surveyed 4,018 anesthesiologists, found that digital cell phones have a lower risk of electromagnetic interference than analog cell phones.
A new test can identify up to a third of patients who are unlikely to benefit from implanted cardiac defibrillators. The Microvolt T-wave Alternans (MTWA) test measures electrical activity in the heart and may reduce healthcare expenses due to lower ICD implantation costs.
Researchers identified patient-population most-at-risk for secondary strokes based on five clinical factors: severe stenosis, recent symptoms, and female gender. Stenting and angioplasty in the brain may offer promising treatments for intracranial stenosis.
Researchers at Lehigh University have determined the structure of a type of gold-palladium nanoparticle, which is crucial for an environmentally friendly catalyst promoting the oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes. The catalyst outperformed similar ones in terms of efficiency.
A study by John Chambers found that individuals view their opponents' arguments as attacks on their core values, leading to intense conflicts. Despite perceived disagreements, groups often agree on issues important to the other side.
Satellite and side population cells, a major source of muscle repair cells, arise from somites in the embryo. These cells are better at forming muscle than those not produced by somites, offering new hope for treating Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.
The new alliance brings together researchers from Yale and BIPI to explore the intersection of cardiovascular and immunological diseases. Initial projects focus on cytokine pathways, calcium channels, and therapeutic potential in the cardiovascular system.
A new technology allows researchers to observe RNA metabolism in live cells, enabling the identification of RNA-binding proteins and their interactions with specific RNAs. This breakthrough has the potential to reveal disease-associated RNAs, which could lead to new therapeutic targets.
Researchers successfully produced fusion neutrons using sonofusion without an external neutron source, verifying the presence of nuclear emissions. The new setup used natural uranium to produce bubbles through radioactive decay, obviating the need for an external neutron source.
The Yale guidelines ban faculty from receiving gifts, meals, and free drug samples from industry, setting standards for financial conflict of interest disclosure in educational programs. The guidelines aim to promote an effective and ethical partnership between medical schools and pharmaceutical companies.
A randomized study found that fluoride varnish significantly reduced tooth decay risk in young children, with no adverse events reported. The study's results support the use of fluoride varnish to prevent tooth decay in very young children and highlight the importance of early dental visits.
Researchers at Penn State found that electrolyzed oxidizing water can effectively clean milk pipes without the need for harsh chemicals. The new method is also less expensive and has no skin irritation risks, making it a promising solution for the dairy industry.
Researchers at Cornell University found that people who served themselves from large bowls ate 56% more than those who used smaller serving bowls. This led to an extra 142 calories consumed. The study suggests using smaller serving bowls for party foods, while larger bowls can encourage healthy eating.
A team led by FSU physicist Sam Tabor has discovered a novel form of radioactive decay in which two protons are ejected simultaneously from a silver atom. This unexpected finding expands knowledge of nuclear physics and has implications for astrophysics and the production of elements on Earth.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that free HIV tests are more cost-effective in preventing infections, drawing in three times as many people for testing. The research showed that the cost of prevention dropped from $170 to $92 per person when testing rates increased.
Women who implemented intensive lifestyle changes and lost 5-7% of their weight had fewer episodes of weekly incontinence compared to those in the metformin or placebo groups. Weight loss was particularly effective in reducing stress incontinence, which is linked to obesity and diabetes.
Researchers have discovered a way to create complex 3D nanostructures using standard semiconductor tools, opening up new possibilities for device manufacturing and applications. The new structures are stable, well-defined, and nearly defect-free over large areas.
Astronomers discover an Earth-like planet with a solid core, orbiting a red dwarf star five times less massive than the sun. The discovery, made using microlensing technique, reveals thousands of potentially habitable planets in distant parts of the galaxy.
Genomatix has developed a new version of ChipInspector specifically for analyzing exon arrays, which promises to enhance transcript separation and promoter identification. The updated tool is expected to be released in Q2 2006 and will be an integral part of Genomatix's complete microarray analysis pipeline.
The Tumor-Host Genomics project aims to understand the molecular and cellular interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment. By developing advanced functional genomics instruments and technologies, researchers hope to identify new targets for anti-cancer therapy.
Johns Hopkins engineers discover that metallic glass atoms form unique Kasper polyhedra, joining together in clusters and forming cavities. This breakthrough advances materials science knowledge and paves the way for intelligent design techniques to create materials with precise mechanical characteristics.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found a connection between cataract development and cholesterol levels. Researchers discovered that rats with specific gene mutations had lower cholesterol levels in their eyes, suggesting an abnormality in epithelial cell maturation contributing to lens opacity. This link has ...
A study found that early friendships are strongly linked to positive sibling relationships, teaching children essential social and emotional skills. Children who had a good friend before their sibling's birth were more likely to have a harmonious relationship with their sibling throughout adolescence.
In 2005, Research to Prevent Blindness awarded over $7.9 million in grants to support eye disease research at 46 medical schools nationwide. The funding enabled significant breakthroughs in understanding and treating various eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
The study provides fundamental insight into the evolution of influenza viruses in nature and could lead to effective strategies for controlling outbreaks of bird flu viruses in humans and birds. The results reveal new forms of bird flu genes, how these viruses evolve through time and the identification of genes that travel together.
A Stevens Institute of Technology professor has been awarded a grant from the Office of Naval Research to develop more efficient energy-sensitive sensor networks for the US military. The project aims to improve sensor performance and reduce energy consumption in these critical systems.
Researchers at UNC have identified CIB1 as a 'gatekeeper' protein that inhibits platelet-to-platelet interactions in the blood. By binding to GPIIb/IIIa, CIB1 prevents platelet activation and clot formation.
Despite increased participation in the workforce, women remain secondary breadwinners in marriages, with a significant proportion earning substantially more than their husbands. The study found that only 24% of wives have an income equal to that of their husbands, highlighting the persistent gender gap in family financial arrangements.
Researchers sequenced DNA from microbes and viruses collected at different ocean depths, discovering thousands of new genes and evidence of frequent gene exchange. This study provides a comprehensive picture of ocean microbial communities and their interactions with the environment.
Cataract formation is linked to cholesterol biosynthesis defects. Epithelial cells in the lens mature abnormally, leading to opacity. The study identifies a connection between cholesterol synthesis and cataract development.
Scientists have re-evaluated mountain building processes after discovering ancient mountain elevation data reveals a rapid uplift of the Andes between 10-7 million years ago. This suggests that 'deblobbing' - the detachment of dense mantle roots beneath the Earth's crust - may be responsible for mountain range formation.