Research found that sleep strengthens memory by protecting and consolidating information, leading to improved recall rates compared to wakefulness without interference. Sleep also helped individuals handle competing information more effectively.
Researchers discovered that ceiling height influences consumer thinking, with higher ceilings promoting abstract thought and lower ceilings encouraging detailed processing. This finding has important implications for retailers seeking to optimize sales persuasion strategies.
Researchers identified a regenerative process in the sea squirt that could be applied to humans, allowing damaged organs to repair themselves. This breakthrough has major implications for regenerative medicine, potentially treating conditions such as missing limbs and scarred hearts.
A team of scientists has conducted molecular simulations to understand the cellulose enzyme complex's role in breaking down tightly bound cellulose into sugars. By discovering key steps in this process, researchers can develop protein engineering strategies to speed up the reaction and produce ethanol more efficiently.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois has made significant discoveries about germ cell development in planarians, a tiny flatworm species. They found that planarians express a key gene, nanos, which plays a critical role in germ cell formation and maintenance, similar to mammals.
A new discovery by a University of Missouri-Columbia research team allows scientists to manipulate molecules to give them metal-like properties, creating a new pseudo-element. This 'pseudo-metal' can be adjusted for various uses and may change the way scientists think about attacking disease or building electronics.
A study by the University of Liverpool found that obese and overweight children increased their food intake by over 100% after watching food adverts on TV. The obese group consistently chose high-fat products, while the overweight group opted for lower-fat options.
Research found that individuals with moderate to vigorous exercise levels were 40% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those with low activity levels. The study of over 143,000 people suggested a potential benefit of regular physical activity in reducing the risk of this debilitating condition.
A new study found that adjustable-height chairs with ergonomically curved seats can significantly reduce neck and shoulder pain in garment workers. The custom-designed chair, tested in a four-month trial, provided more benefit than traditional flat-seat pan chairs, particularly for thin workers and those with high hand-arm workloads.
FSU researcher Feng Zhao will receive a $450,000 fellowship award to develop methods for regenerating blood vessels damaged by secondhand tobacco smoke. She aims to construct small-diameter blood vessels that mimic the elasticity of living tissue, which could help thousands of patients undergoing bypass surgery.
Studies show obese workers are more likely to file workers' compensation claims for injuries on the job. Older Americans with a BMI of 25-30 have a higher risk of disability but lower risk of death compared to those within the recommended weight range.
A study of 4,681 older adults found that those with high levels of depressive symptoms were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes over a 10-year period. The researchers followed participants for 10 years, tracking changes in depressive symptom scores and the development of diabetes.
A brain imaging study found that a specific gene variant associated with Alzheimer's disease is linked to thinner brain structures in youth, which may increase the risk of mental decline. The ApoE4 variant affects learning and memory hubs, but its impact on intellectual ability appears harmless.
Researchers found that de-stocking livestock and receiving cash helped families feed themselves, maintain core herds, and access vital services during droughts. This approach supported local economies and reduced the need for humanitarian assistance.
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) has introduced a new bi-monthly feature called OR Forum, which highlights important research in operations research. The first article in OR Forum examines how auction theory fails in practice, specifically combinatorial auctions.
A meta-analysis of studies found that controlling for socioeconomic factors reduced racial disparities in colorectal cancer survival. Lower socioeconomic status is linked to poorer health outcomes and reduced access to healthcare.
A new study found that biodiesel from rapeseed could emit nearly the same amount of CO2 equivalents as conventional diesel. However, switching to tree farming for rapeseed production could significantly reduce emissions compared to petroleum diesel.
A new study finds that virtual colonoscopy with removal of lesions 6 mm or greater is the most cost-effective colon cancer screening test. The study reveals that targeting smaller lesions has little impact on reducing CRC incidence and increases financial costs, while also leading to adverse events.
New research questions the effectiveness of routine screening for overweight and obese schoolchildren, citing limited evidence that preventive approaches or current treatments drive down long-term obesity rates. Instead, weight monitoring is seen as useful for gathering information on obesity trends and informing resource allocation.
Art McDonald and his SNO team have won the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics for their discovery that neutrinos change flavour and have mass, modifying the Standard Model of particle physics. The award recognizes their outstanding scientific achievement in understanding the nature of matter and the universe.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found a clear inverse relationship between the strength of alcohol control policies and alcohol consumption rates in 30 countries. The researchers used a new metric called the Alcohol Policy Index to compare policy strength across countries.
A study published in PNAS reveals that deactivating the protein cyclophilin D can protect nerve fibers in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Researchers hope to develop drugs that target this protein to treat the progressive form of MS, which affects half of all patients.
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that a single high-fat meal can make people more prone to physical harm from stress. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, compared the stress responses of students who consumed a fast-food breakfast versus those who ate a low-fat breakfast.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a potent and selective killer of leukemia cells, specifically cyanidin-3-rutinoside, a naturally occurring compound found in many fruits and vegetables as well as red wine. This finding offers hope for a more targeted and less toxic therapy for leukemia.
A study of 105,716 premenopausal women found no association between abortion or miscarriage and breast cancer risk. Women who carried a pregnancy to term may have a reduced lifetime risk of breast cancer due to accelerated breast cell differentiation.
Researchers found that East Asians have lower levels of the EGFR protein, but those with lung cancer tend to have increased levels. This could explain why East Asians respond better to a certain type of chemotherapy.
The study reports on a case-based approach to managing forest ecosystems before and after hurricanes, considering risk assessment and outcome mitigation strategies. Key findings include the importance of stand spacing, tree height, and species selection in reducing hurricane damage, as well as the need for long-term recovery plans.
Research found that practicing Qigong helped chronically ill people reduce stress levels and cope with stigmatization during the SARS crisis. The study showed that Qigong provided a way for them to feel more in control of their health and connect with others who shared similar experiences.
A new virus has been identified as the cause of death in three organ transplant recipients in Australia, who received organs from the same donor. The virus is related to known strains of lymphocytic choreomeningitis virus but has a distinct genetic sequence that could not be detected with existing diagnostic methods.
Research shows that elderly patients (90+ years) who receive recommended treatments for acute coronary syndromes have better survival rates, but at a higher risk of bleeding complications. Guidelines must be balanced to balance survival benefits with increased bleeding risk.
A new study found that mothers' early menarche is associated with their children's fast growth tempo, leading to taller childhood stature but potentially shorter adult height. This pattern of rapid growth increases the risk of childhood-onset obesity.
The study found that lung cancer cells can become resistant to novel targeted agents by undergoing a miniscule molecular change in the EGFR protein. Researchers developed compounds to overcome resistance with innovative combinations of medications, which showed promise in preventing further resistance.
Researchers analyzed data from 48 US states between 1975 and 2001 to determine the impact of minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) and beer taxes on youth traffic fatalities. The study found that raising MLDA or beer taxes in isolation led to fewer youth-traffic fatalities, but that these effects were more pronounced when other policies we...
A community-based study found that women with a lifetime history of migraine performed worse on cognitive tests initially but showed a 17% less decline in performance over time compared to those without migraines. Lifestyle factors such as diet and behavior may play a role in protecting memory.
Dartmouth-led research reveals that animals fed nutritious food have lower concentrations of methylmercury, a neurotoxin that can accumulate to hazardous levels. This discovery suggests ways to slow methylmercury's passage up the food chain to fish, potentially reducing its toxicity.
Researchers found that alcoholics experience impaired HPA axis reactivity, leading to increased stress vulnerability. Exercise can exacerbate this issue, but a balanced approach is recommended for early abstinence.
Xuejun Wen aims to repair spinal cord nerves using tissue engineering and implantable bridging devices. His research has the potential to improve lives and generate commercial interest.
Researchers found that a specific class of PCB causes significant developmental abnormalities in rat pups whose mothers were exposed to the toxicant during pregnancy and early nursing. The study suggests that non-coplanar PCBs may be particularly hazardous due to their stability and prevalence in environmental samples.
A new report explores nanotechnology's future, focusing on its potential to address the energy crisis, improve medical treatments, and provide clean water. Experts predict significant benefits in areas like cancer treatment, artificial tissues, and clean energy production.
Workers with obesity filed twice the number of workers' compensation claims, had seven times higher medical costs, and lost 13 times more days of work compared to non-obese workers. Obesity was also linked to higher risk jobs and more severe injuries.
Researchers have developed a rapid test that accurately predicts nitrogen levels in corn soil, enabling growers to optimize fertilizer use. This test has the potential to reduce economic and environmental costs associated with excessive nitrogen application.
Patients who received cataract surgery within 6 weeks experienced better visual outcomes and fewer adverse events compared to those who waited longer. The optimal wait time for cataract surgery remains unclear due to mixed results between 6 weeks and 6 months.
Researchers have localized two new genes associated with febrile seizures in infancy and childhood, which could improve the understanding, treatment, and prevention of this disorder. The study found that chromosome 3 was shared by all family members who had febrile seizures, while a modifier gene on chromosome 18 may also be involved.
The discovery of a 300-million-year-old rainforest fossil has transformed our understanding of the ecology of the Earth's first rainforests. The fossilized forest, covering over 10,000 hectares, provides a unique snapshot of tropical rainforests 300 million years ago.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and the University of California-Santa Cruz found nearly 10,000 identical genetic snippets that play a role in controlling when genes turn on and off. These 'regulatory jungles' are abundant near genes involved in cell migration and organ development.
A study of Dutch rescue workers who responded to a fireworks explosion found increased rates of sick leave due to musculoskeletal and respiratory problems that persisted for 3-4 years after the disaster. Psychological symptoms, however, returned to pre-disaster levels within 2-3 years.
A recent study found that a virulent strain of H. pylori may help protect children from developing asthma, with those carrying the strain being 40% less likely to have had asthma before age 15. The microbe was also associated with protection against ragweed and other allergies in younger adults.
Researchers discovered that damaged motor neurons in ALS send incorrect signals, triggering an immune cell response that accelerates their own death. This finding offers a new approach for therapies targeting the motor neurons themselves.
A new survey of health care opinion leaders supports expanding SCHIP to cover legal immigrant children, families with higher incomes, and parents of covered children. The program should also incorporate high-quality health care standards and innovative mechanisms to encourage better care.
The International Pediatric MS Study Group has published a supplement on pediatric MS research and care, highlighting the need for standardized diagnosis and treatment. The study group aims to improve understanding of MS in children and adolescents, and its management, with the goal of enhancing international collaborative research.
Researchers have produced the first chromosomal map that shows regions of chromosomes that activate – and are apparently evolving – in animals in response to climate change. The map allows for identification of specific genes controlling seasonal development, which will help predict animal survival and disease-carrying vector movement.
Researchers discover that genetic alterations in NRG1-erbB signaling contribute to psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. They find that blocking this signaling pathway leads to changes in brain structure and function, affecting the dopamine system and causing behavioral symptoms.
A new study by the Institute for Policy Studies reveals significant concerns about GNEP's practicability and potential waste disposal issues. The report concludes that the program is unlikely to succeed due to unprecedented radioactive waste generation and unmanageable risks.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine raises questions about the humanity of lethal injection protocols. The authors found that prisoners may be conscious and experience pain during execution, potentially leading to death by asphyxiation. This challenges the conventional view of lethal injection as a peaceful and painless death.
A new study examines the impact of spousal similarity on alcohol dependence (AD) risk. Assortative mating increases AD frequency, while reciprocal spousal interaction appears to protect against AD after accounting for assortative mating. This finding suggests that having an AD spouse may reduce the likelihood of developing AD.
Researchers found that burrowing behavior, escape response, and population abundance of salt marsh fiddler crabs are significantly altered when exposed to leftover oil compounds from a 1969 spill. The study provides clear evidence for the long-term impacts of oil pollution on marine ecosystems.
A new study reveals that female alcoholics experience both physiological and cognitive declines from alcohol use sooner and with less consumption than men. Women are at risk of developing cognitive problems more rapidly than men, with deficits in executive functioning having a more pervasive effect on daily life.
A former drug rep reveals how sales forces use tactics like finely-tuned doses of friendship, free samples, and lavish gifts to manipulate physicians into selling their drugs. This manipulation can lead to increased prescribing of targeted medications, often at the expense of more effective alternatives.
A Georgetown University expert reveals how drug reps manipulate physicians with finely-tuned doses of friendship and financial incentives. The authors found that friendly doctors are the easiest to influence, while those who refuse are often wooed with gifts and flattery.
A team of researchers at the Burnham Institute will investigate neuron-glia communication in development, with a focus on demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The five-year study aims to resolve how glial cells function in the normal brain and provide new insights into the mechanisms of demyelinating diseases.