The Peters' elephantnose fish uses its electric sense to detect the capacitative properties of objects, allowing it to distinguish between living and dead organisms. It can also measure distances with a precision of several millimeters and perceive complex images of its surroundings.
A new study involving 100,000 U.S. women found no association between acrylamide intake and breast cancer risk, contradicting prior animal studies. Researchers estimated daily acrylamide intake and tracked incidence of breast cancer over 20 years, concluding that levels in foods are unlikely to cause cancer.
A coalition of physicians from various medical specialties urges the expansion of catheter-based treatments for stroke, citing a shortage of trained physicians and limited use of clot-busting drugs. They propose adapting neuro-rescue skills to increase the number of available physicians for 24/7 treatment.
A five-year study led by Lehigh University's College of Education identified effective nonmedicinal strategies to decrease aggressiveness and improve behavior in preschoolers with ADHD. The 'Project Achieve' study showed a 17-percent decrease in aggression and a 21-percent improvement in social skills for parents, while teachers saw a ...
Recent progress enables interpretation and prediction of actinide compounds' properties using first principle theory. Researchers are identifying molecules that can extract uranium from its natural environment, improving nuclear energy systems and environmental remediation technologies.
Researchers at Clemson University have created a method to improve fluorescent nanoparticle longevity, enabling the tracking of molecule motion in living cells. This technology could reveal details on virus invasion and protein operation within the body.
A symposium exploring acrylamide's health effects and ways to reduce its content in food will be held. Experts from around the world will provide new insights into the compound and its biological effects.
Researchers found that Shuar participants could distinguish infant-directed speech from adult-directed speech with 73% accuracy, indicating a universal understanding of vocal emotional communication. This study provides support for the notion that baby talk conveys similar intentions across cultures.
A review of 77 articles found that most claims of sex-related genetic differences in disease associations are insufficiently documented and validated. Only one out of 60 seemingly well-documented claims was consistently replicated in other studies.
A study found that increasing vitamin D levels can prevent 250,000 cases of colorectal cancer and 350,000 cases of breast cancer worldwide. Researchers recommend optimal vitamin D serum levels to be around 24-32 nanograms per milliliter for prevention.
A new method to safely store, dispense and easily 'refuel' hydrogen using small AB pellets is being developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientists. The pellets hold promise in meeting long-term targets for transportation use, occupying less space and weight than systems using pressurized hydrogen gas.
Leading researchers from IAVI, CDC and USMHRP presented final results of independent studies reexamining medical criteria for African volunteers in AIDS vaccine trials. The findings suggest that many healthy Africans have been excluded due to laboratory reference ranges developed for Western populations.
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois found that tetracycline resistance genes migrate from hog waste lagoons into groundwater wells, often diluting or amplifying these genes. The study, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, tracks the passage of these genes across species and environments.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed new single-site catalysts that can increase hydrogen production at lower temperatures, potentially reducing costs. These catalysts offer improved thermal stability and protection from sulfur species, which are common byproducts in fuel reforming.
Researchers have developed a new non-invasive brain scan method using light to monitor the development of infants' brains. The technique, called high-density diffuse optical tomography, allows for the mapping of the visual cortex with high accuracy.
A systematic review found ICDs to be safe and effective in reducing mortality among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The devices reduced overall death from all causes by 20%, mostly due to a significant decrease in sudden cardiac deaths.
Researchers at OHSU demonstrate a new technique using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and targeted microbubbles to detect inflammatory processes leading to atherosclerosis. This could enable early detection and prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke, two of the nation's most lethal diseases.
The CU-Boulder team discovered the first ancient manioc field in the Americas, providing insight into how the Classic Maya supported dense populations. The field, buried under volcanic ash, was found to have been recently planted with manioc stalks, indicating a high level of agricultural productivity.
The Internet platform is being exploited by HIV denialists to spread false information about the virus, posing risks to both uninfected and infected individuals. The scientific consensus confirms that HIV causes AIDS, yet denying this fact can lead to distrust of authority and adoption of ineffective treatments.
Advanced age does not increase risk of death following liver transplant, according to a study. The authors analyzed 26 variables related to the recipients and found that preoperative hospitalization, cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C, and increasing model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were associated with higher death rates.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that pomegranate juice does not impair the clearance of oral or intravenous midazolam, a test drug used to assess CYP3A activity. This suggests that pomegranate juice is safe for patients taking medications.
Researchers found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with lower CD4 cell counts and faster HIV disease progression in HIV-infected persons who are not on antiretroviral therapy. The study suggests that abstaining from alcohol use may decrease the risk of disease progression for these individuals.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new molecular zip code and potential drug target for Huntington's disease. They found that mutant huntingtin protein can be prevented from entering the nucleus by kinase inhibitors, which may lead to effective treatment options.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that a case-management approach helped lower heart disease risks by approximately 10 percent among a diverse group of patients, making it a cost-effective way to improve patient outcomes. The study also showed significant benefits for patients with chronic conditions.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified taste receptors in the human intestines that sense glucose and regulate appetite. These receptors may lead to new treatments for obesity and diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels.
A observational cohort study from Côte d'Ivoire found that antiretroviral therapy according to WHO recommendations prevents mother-to-child HIV transmission. The study's findings support the WHO's guidelines for preventing perinatal and postnatal HIV transmission in West Africa.
Researchers identified a brain network in the frontal lobe associated with cognitive reserve, which builds through mentally-stimulating activities and provides protection against Alzheimer's disease. The study found that participants with higher levels of cognitive reserve could activate this network while working on difficult tasks.
Researchers used World of Warcraft to simulate a virtual epidemic, revealing the importance of individual behavior in spreading diseases. The outbreak, caused by a programming error, highlighted the limitations of computer models in predicting human behavior.
Researchers create nanoreactors with enzymes and plastic membranes to run three different enzymatic reactions simultaneously without interference. The system allows small molecules to pass through while trapping larger ones, enabling precise control over reaction cascades.
A study of over 300,000 genetic markers found a strong association between the ORMDL3 gene and an increased risk of childhood asthma. The research suggests that identifying this gene could lead to improved prevention and diagnosis of asthma.
Aging does not seem to affect people's ability to judge their own learning of text materials, according to a new study. Researchers found that older adults can regulate their learning more effectively if they have accurate self-evaluation skills.
A study found that unconscious racial biases among doctors can lead to disparities in medical treatment, with doctors showing a preference for treating white patients over black patients. The bias is not based on conscious attitudes but rather on implicit stereotypes of cooperativeness by race.
Researchers at Durham University have created a chemical compound containing fluorine that can be used in a 'chemically-sensitive MRI scan' to identify disease progression without biopsies. The compound reacts differently according to body acidity levels, highlighting tumors on the resulting scan.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found specific mutations that distinguish influenza viruses in birds from those that infect humans. These markers can be used to track changes in H5N1 avian influenza strains threatening humans, suggesting potential adaptation and spread.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new eye-staining technique using Lissamine green to detect early stages of dry eye syndrome. The test reveals staining patterns that indicate the severity and progression of the condition, allowing for earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment options.
A new study suggests that infection with human adenovirus-36 (Ad-36) may contribute to the development of obesity in some individuals. The virus transforms adult stem cells into fat cells, leading to increased fat accumulation.
The team will develop a comprehensive set of hands-on learning activities aligned with the 12 Principles of Plant Biology. The project aims to engage middle school students in plant science education through inquiry-based learning and disseminate the materials to various settings.
Researchers identified an unusually high rate of severe allergic reactions to cetuximab among patients living in the middle South, with a 22% rate compared to 2% nationwide. The strongest predictor of a reaction was a history of other hypersensitivities.
A Northwestern University study found that participants who forecasted a breakup's impact actually felt less distress than expected. Those most in love were the biggest offenders, exaggerating their emotional pain. The research suggests people tend to be more resilient than they think, and recover from breakups sooner than predicted.
A new study reveals that cats can remember having stepped over an obstacle for at least ten minutes, but only if their forelegs have done so. In contrast, visual memories of the obstacle proved fleeting. This finding suggests that cats' working memories may be longer than previously thought.
Astronomers have identified Calvera, a bright X-ray source in Ursa Minor, as a promising candidate for an isolated neutron star, potentially the closest known. The team used NASA's Swift satellite and other telescopes to pinpoint its position and confirm its characteristics.
A large cohort study found that heavy drinking was associated with a higher risk of stroke in Chinese men. Drinking more than 21 drinks per week increased the risk by 22%, while heavier drinking correlated to higher mortality rates.
Researchers have created synthetic antibiotics called Teflon AMPs that are more resistant to bacterial defenses than their natural counterparts. These compounds mimic the immune system's early line of defense and show promise in battling a range of infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers design catalysts inspired by photosynthesis to produce fuels directly from carbon dioxide or water using renewable solar energy. They also reveal a jumpstart in organic electron transfer that could lead to technological advances in small-scale circuits for improving solar cells.
A new study by USC researchers suggests that children with specific genetic variations are more susceptible to developing asthma, particularly if they live near major roadways. The study found that high levels of microsomal epoxide hydrolase enzyme in response to vehicle emissions increased the risk for lifetime asthma.
Researchers at Rutgers developed novel biodegradable polymers incorporating natural antimicrobial agents to prevent bacterial biofilm formation on food surfaces and packaging. This approach offers a broader spectrum of microorganisms protection and avoids increasing antibiotic resistance.
Research reveals that estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus serve as a master switch to control food intake, energy expenditure, and body fat distribution. The study shows that when these receptors are destroyed, animals immediately begin to eat more, burn less energy, and gain weight.
A team of researchers is using cutting-edge neuroimaging technology to identify predictors of adaptive functioning in adults who survived pediatric brain tumors. The study aims to develop interventions to lessen the severity of late effects of treatment and optimize adaptive functioning across the patient's lifespan.
John P. Donoghue, a Brown University brain scientist, has been awarded the K.J. Zülch Prize for his groundbreaking research on translating thoughts into action, enabling people with paralysis to control devices using brain signals.
Researchers have discovered that sulforaphane can prevent severe blistering and skin breakage associated with the rare genetic disease EBS. The study, funded by various organizations, found marked improvement in treated mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic for this condition.
A recent study found that diabetics who use insulin pens have significantly lower healthcare costs compared to those who use syringes. The annual average healthcare costs were nearly $17,000 lower for pen users than for syringe users, resulting in substantial savings to diabetics and their insurers.
A study by University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher Hector Douglas found that crested auklets use chemical anointment during courtship to protect themselves from parasites like ticks. The birds rub their wick feathers with a citrus-like scent, which repels ticks and helps keep them healthy.
Researchers found African Americans experiencing racial discrimination more likely to report current tobacco use, recent alcohol consumption, and lifetime use of marijuana and cocaine. This association was also seen in Whites, suggesting that substance use may be an unhealthy coping response to perceived unfair treatment.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified a pattern of gene expression shared by patients who successfully stopped taking anti-rejection drugs. This discovery may allow some transplant patients to reduce or eliminate their lifelong dependence on immunosuppressive drugs, improving their quality of life.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed nanogels that can uniformly release encapsulated carbohydrate-based drugs, enabling targeted delivery to specific tissues like cancer cells. The nanogels are biodegradable and non-toxic, allowing for prolonged circulation time within the bloodstream.
A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher found that AIDS compounds poverty in households, especially when a primary income earner dies. Older women play a crucial role in day-to-day survival through government pensions and are more likely to be affected than infected with HIV/AIDS.
Researchers found that the northern portion of the Tibetan Plateau rose later than previously thought, revealing a complex timeline for the plateau's growth. This discovery can help climate models and understand ancient biological communities.
Lemaux's group will use the grant to update and expand materials for safe, robust, and environmentally friendly foods. The team plans to create a hands-on activity, the GENE-ie Juice Bar, to demonstrate DNA and genes in daily life.
HIV denialists are spreading misinformation about HIV/AIDS, which can have severe consequences. The scientific community has established that HIV is the cause of AIDS, but denialist groups continue to promote false ideas, putting people at risk of infection and seeking ineffective treatments.
A survey of 369 Florida high school students found that white Hispanic teens were more likely to use tanning beds and less likely to protect themselves from the sun, compared to their white non-Hispanic peers. White Hispanics have a lower rate of skin cancer but are often diagnosed at a later stage, suggesting differences in knowledge ...