Scientists report biochemical proof that female mammals can sense sperm presence and alter uterine environment to favor fertilization. This discovery has profound implications for in-vitro fertilization, cloning, and animal breeding.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have created a new tool to measure elusive atmospheric chemicals involved in smog formation. The device can predict the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies by quantitatively assessing hydroperoxyl radicals and their chemical pathways.
Research suggests that male adolescents are more likely to practice weight control behaviors and develop eating disorder symptoms due to societal pressures. In contrast, black female adolescents appear to resist these pressures, but may be at risk of becoming overweight in a culture that emphasizes super-sized portions.
A study by Kaiser Permanente and Harvard Medical School found that new mothers who slept five hours or less per day had a threefold higher risk for substantial weight retention (11 pounds or more) at their baby’s first birthday. Getting enough sleep, even just two hours more, may be as important as a healthy diet and exercise for new m...
A Northwestern University study quantifies the volumes of movement and sensation in animals, defining three modes - collision, reactive, and deliberative. The findings apply to understanding behavioral control strategies in animals and can aid in designing autonomous robots and improving cockpit information systems.
A new organ allocation system has been linked to a significant decrease in deaths among individuals on the liver transplant waiting list. The improved outcomes have also led to shorter wait times for transplantation, with many patients receiving transplants within days of being added to the list.
A study by researchers at University Hospitals of Cleveland and Johns Hopkins University found that intraoperative MRI can help detect residual disease and modify surgical plans, leading to additional resections in 73% of cases. The added imaging time was approximately 35 minutes per case.
A European Molecular Biology Organization study reveals that traditional gender roles and negative workplace cultures limit women's career advancement. Women publish less, have fewer mentoring opportunities, and are slower to advance due to family responsibilities.
Four distinct skin disorders were found in construction workers who helped repair buildings after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. These disorders affected 42.6% of the workers, with papular urticaria being the most common, followed by bacterial folliculitis and fiberglass dermatitis.
A Dutch study found that tonsillectomy was not cost-effective for mild or moderate throat infection symptoms in young children. The procedure increased annual costs by 46% without significant health benefits, according to the study.
Researchers have pushed back the known use of cacao by 500 years, tracing it to fermented beverages made from sweet pulp and seeds between 1400 and 1100 B.C.E. This discovery sheds light on the early development of chocolate culture in the Americas.
Research from the University of Texas at Austin found college students drink larger amounts of alcohol on football game days. Women, particularly lighter drinkers, were more likely to engage in risky behaviors after consuming alcohol. The study suggests that social context plays a significant role in increased drinking rates.
A new model regarding physical activity recommendations is emerging, highlighting the importance of non-exercise activities in countering health risks. Researchers found that sitting for extended periods can have negative effects on fat and cholesterol metabolism, while standing can burn double the number of calories.
A Northwestern University study found that college students' choice of social networking sites is influenced by their race, ethnicity, and parents' education level. The research challenges the common assumption that all college students use Facebook, revealing differences in usage among various groups.
The Lupus Research Institute's groundbreaking strategy has yielded significant progress in novel lupus research, with 61% of investigators turning hypotheses into confirmed discoveries. The institute's support has enabled the development of breakthroughs in genetics, molecular science, and other fields.
The study revealed that Rhesus protein is made by a bacterium, Nitrosomonas europaea, and determined its first X-ray crystal structure at high resolution. This provides important insights into how these proteins facilitate ammonium movement across cell membranes in humans.
Four Stevens Institute of Technology professors received Bright Ideas Awards for their outstanding business research, including Sherwat Ibrahim and M. Hosein Fallah. The awards recognize their innovative work in technology management and information technology.
A population-based study found that having a primary physician and high continuity of care lowered emergency department use among elderly patients. Additionally, rural residence, low socioeconomic status, and higher physician-to-population ratio were associated with increased emergency department use.
Research highlights correlation between unstable housing and higher likelihood of HIV transmission; stable housing linked to reduced risk behaviors and improved healthcare outcomes. Findings challenge prevailing models and suggest housing as a key target for intervention to combat the AIDS epidemic.
A new study by MIT economists suggests that US greenhouse gas emissions could accelerate in the next 50 years, with technological change possibly contributing to increased emissions. The researchers found that energy use and CO2 emissions may grow at rates higher than historical averages, despite increasing energy prices.
A versatile algorithm called Cascades, developed by Carnegie Mellon researchers, identifies the best 100 blogs to read for early access to news. The algorithm also helps design efficient sensor networks in water supply systems by balancing cost and information collection.
A meta-analysis of 46 studies on telecommuting involving 12,833 employees found that flexible work arrangements result in higher morale, lower employee stress, and improved performance ratings. The study also showed that women may derive greater benefits from telecommuting, with improved career prospects and better work-life balance.
The University of Arizona has received a $2.5 million grant to study the future of Amazon forests under climate change. The project will combine international collaboration with interdisciplinary training in earth system science, remote sensing, and modeling.
A survey of 740 Taiwanese men found a statistically significant positive association between smoking and moderate to severe androgenetic alopecia, a common type of hair loss in men. The study suggests that smoking may destroy hair follicles or damage the papilla that circulates blood and hormones to stimulate hair growth.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that a pedometer program that counts every step, regardless of duration, is more satisfying for people with diabetes. This approach led to increased walking and better adherence compared to structured goals.
Researchers are conducting a phase 1 clinical trial using gene therapy to treat LCA2, aiming to restore vision in individuals with inherited blindness. The treatment involves injecting trillions of replacement genes into the retina, using an adeno-associated virus to deliver the therapeutic gene.
A study found that state Medicaid policies, such as restricting access to pharmacy networks and preferred drug lists, limit the use of naltrexone, an inexpensive therapy proven to reduce problem drinking. Changing these policies could increase naltrexone's availability and address the huge financial burden of alcohol abuse.
A study using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans found that men and women's brains respond differently to stress, with women exhibiting stronger lasting responses in the limbic system involved in emotion. The findings suggest a fundamental difference in stress response between genders.
The US is relying on medical graduates from low-income countries to fill primary care gaps, draining developing nations of needed physicians. Family physicians play a vital role in equity in healthcare, with disproportionately high rates of care for disadvantaged populations.
Researchers found significant improvements in memory gains and perception of cognitive abilities in participants who completed a computer-based brain fitness program, surpassing traditional educational training.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that nasal irrigations with saline are more effective than saline sprays in providing short-term relief of chronic nasal and sinus symptoms. The treatment resulted in a clinically significant improvement in quality of life, with participants experiencing 50% lower odds of frequent nasal symptoms.
Researchers found that drug-eluting stents were not associated with excess risk of death or heart attack compared to bare-metal stents, with a cumulative mortality rate of 7.6% vs 8.7%. The study also showed reduced target vessel revascularization rates and enhanced durability of initial angioplasty with drug-eluting stents.
Researchers found combining methotrexate with a biologic medication works better than using either alone. The combination also shows short-term results in reducing joint inflammation and improving quality of life.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that the brain uses a mechanism in the V2 region to identify figure and background regions of an image, providing a structure for conscious perception. This mechanism enables the brain to quickly generate a foreground-background map, allowing us to focus attention on one region at a time.
Researchers at MIT have identified a family of proteins essential for the formation of communication networks in the brain. The discovery could lead to therapies involving stimulation of neurite growth, repairing spinal column injuries or treating brain injuries or neurodegenerative disorders.
A recent study using PET scans shows that an experimental gene therapy can normalize brain function in Parkinson's patients. The treatment was found to alter brain activity in a favorable way, primarily affecting motor networks.
A study by UC Irvine researchers has revealed how human embryos regulate levels of retinoic acid, a derivative of Vitamin A, to avoid birth defects. The study found that cells regulate retinoic acid within a certain range, using enzymes and proteins to maintain optimal levels.
Most states have implemented NCLB test-based accountability requirements, with three-quarters of schools making adequate yearly progress in 2003-04. However, performance varies significantly across states, with high-poverty and minority schools more likely to be identified for improvement.
Scientists discovered that regulatory T cells can reverse macrophages' role in causing inflammation, allowing tumors to go undetected by the body's natural defenses. This knowledge may lead to new treatments for tumors and could also be applied to block chronic inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers found that most crime is committed by a small fraction of criminals, and investing in rehabilitation for these individuals may have prevented some murders. By focusing on high-risk areas, governments can reduce crime and violence with more efficient resource allocation.
Research published in Applied Cognitive Psychology found that doctored photos of past events can change people's memories and attitudes. The study showed significant differences in responses between those who viewed original and doctored images, highlighting the impact of manipulated media on our recall of history.
Scientists at UC Berkeley have discovered a technique that enables the detection of biomolecules' dynamic reactions in a single living cell, providing unprecedented resolution. By using gold nanoparticles, researchers can determine enzyme activation and gene expression in real-time without killing the cells.
A 7,000-year-old flood is believed to have triggered the expansion of farming across Europe. The study suggests that rising sea levels led to dramatic social change and displaced millions of people.
A protein called RGS13 has been found to suppress allergic responses in mice, including severe anaphylaxis. Researchers believe RGS13 may be a target for developing new drugs to treat certain allergic diseases.
Jurors presented with gruesome evidence are more likely to convict, a study finds. The evidence can influence jurors' decisions at an unconscious level, leading to unfair outcomes for defendants.
Researchers have discovered that the immune system can enter a dormant state with cancer cells, controlling their growth without eliminating them. This finding may lead to alternative treatments for cancer, such as using immunotherapy to induce equilibrium and convert cancers into chronic but controllable diseases.
Researchers have discovered a potential therapeutic approach to prevent the accumulation of toxic protein plaques in the brain, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that binding cystatin C to soluble amyloid beta prevents its aggregation into insoluble plaques.
Researchers at MIT have created a novel way to model the full-sized human liver using tiny colonies of living human liver cells. These model livers can survive for up to six weeks and allow for more accurate prediction of drug toxicity, reducing the costs associated with their development.
A team of researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology has developed a computer version of the honeybee dance, which directs server power between tasks to reduce the chances of server overload. This system improves service by up to 25% in tests based on real Internet traffic.
Geisinger's rheumatology department redesigned osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis care by simplifying the ordering process for bone density scans. As a result, 88% of patients received the scan, compared to 18% previously, with quadrupling the number of patients who underwent testing.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have received a $2.2 million grant to develop therapeutics for suppressing cocaine cravings by targeting 5-HT2 receptors in the brain. These receptors play a crucial role in controlling a person's desire to use drugs.
A National Academy report attributes gender inequality in academia to unconscious biases and archaic university structures. The editorial advocates for educating the academic community about unconscious bias and reforming the tenure system to promote women's career growth.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found a protein called Rev-erb that coordinates the body's daily oxygen cycle to maintain correct metabolism. This discovery provides new pathways for treating metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.
A new NASA study estimates that most US ground-level particulate pollution comes from regional sources within North America. The research found that controlling local pollution emissions is the most effective way to manage US air quality.
This special issue of JRRD examines the clinical characteristics of military personnel with TBI and describes healthcare models providing care and support to them and their families. Topics include posttraumatic stress disorder, telemedicine systems, and neuropsychiatric perspectives on TBI.
A new method of administering antiemetic granisetron, subcutaneously, achieves similar blood concentrations as intravenous administration, making it a potential alternative for non-hospitalized patients. The study supports the use of subcutaneous granisetron for treating chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
Researchers develop nanoparticles that can be controlled by electromagnetic pulses to release therapeutic drugs directly into tumors, a potential breakthrough in cancer treatment. The system uses heat-sensitive DNA tethers to release drugs, allowing for customizable and targeted delivery.
Researchers at the University of Bath have discovered a new method for manipulating light, using a hollow-core photonic crystal fibre that reduces power consumption by a million times. This breakthrough could enable more accurate measurements of subatomic particles and potentially revolutionize attotechnology.
A university-industry team led by Virginia Tech is developing a low-cost dry beneficiation technology for India to increase energy production and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The project aims to test advanced technologies for cleaning coal, increasing thermal efficiencies and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 45%.
A study found Tinea unguium cases increased significantly among children, with 66.6% showing tinea pedis co-infection, highlighting need for proper diagnosis and treatment. Pediatricians should recognize symptoms like onycholysis, nail changes, and environmental factors to accurately diagnose the condition.