Researchers discovered a key role for fictive learning in evaluating behavior, influencing decisions and potential addiction. The study used investment games and fMRI to measure brain responses to 'what could have been' outcomes, revealing a distinct signal in the ventral caudate nucleus.
Researchers are using a virtual reality simulation called Virtual Iraq to better understand how symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develop. The study found that participating veterans with PTSD experience increased physiological arousal, anxiety, and suppressed memories after viewing the simulation.
A new study found that cancer survivors are more likely to attend support groups compared to people with other chronic conditions. However, few survivors receive referrals to such programs from their physicians. The study also revealed that predictors of use include female gender, Caucasian race, and symptoms of depression or anxiety.
A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is associated with a 50% lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study tracked the health of over 43,000 US men, finding that those who followed a Western diet were more than four times as likely to develop COPD.
Researchers found that while both treatments showed promise, treatment 2 was associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence and shingles. The study suggests that patients should be thoroughly informed about the pros and cons of each treatment to make an informed decision.
A new study reveals how protein Yin Yang 1 regulates early B cell development, a crucial step in the immune system. The research demonstrates that YY1 plays a key role in controlling variable segment recombination, a process essential for B cell differentiation.
Researchers developed a cell culture test for assessing genetic toxicity that may prove dramatically cheaper than existing animal tests. The assay allows genetic toxicity to be examined far earlier in the drug development process, making it much more efficient.
A recently discovered fossil skull of Aegyptopithecus zeuxis, an ancient primate relative of humans, apes, and monkeys, contradicts previous assumptions about its brain size. The study suggests that the species' brain was smaller than expected, with a visual cortex indicating sharp vision, and may have had a large social group.
A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that pharmacist care can significantly improve medication adherence among heart-failure patients. By providing customized educational materials and regular reminders, pharmacists can help patients take their medications consistently, leading to lower health-care costs and...
Johns Hopkins students develop a thin film drug-delivery system that dissolves in the mouth, coating with a material protecting it in the stomach and releasing the vaccine in the small intestine. The system could make rotavirus vaccine more accessible to children in developing nations.
A study published in Neurology found that people with migraines are 1.3-1.5 times more likely to develop retinopathy than those without headaches. The association was strongest among those with migraine headaches and other headaches with aura, even after controlling for diabetes, glucose levels, and blood pressure.
A study of over 8,000 British government workers found that unfair treatment increased the risk of a heart attack or angina, with those in the highest category being 55% more likely to have serious heart disease. Women and lower-income individuals were also disproportionately affected.
Research reveals that parasites can significantly alter the abundance of edible algae, which is a crucial resource for various organisms. This finding suggests that non-lethal impacts of parasites can have far-reaching effects on entire ecosystems.
Researchers found that sick flies lose their circadian rhythm patterns when infected with bacteria, leading to shorter periods of continuous sleep. This disruption affects the immune system, making infected flies more susceptible to infection and increasing their mortality rate.
A small pilot study suggests that testosterone treatment is safe and well-tolerated and may reduce symptoms, slow brain degeneration, and increase muscle mass in men with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Testosterone treatment showed a possible neuroprotective effect on the brain.
A new study reveals that mammography rates have declined significantly in the US between 2000 and 2005, with a notable decrease among women aged 50-64 and higher socioeconomic levels. The decline in screening rates coincides with a reduction in reported breast cancer incidence, raising concerns about potential impact on mortality rates.
A randomized clinical trial found that a 300-milligram dose of CoQ10 did not improve Parkinson's disease symptoms in patients. However, the treatment was well-tolerated and increased blood levels of CoQ10, suggesting potential benefits at higher doses.
A new study from the University of Michigan Stroke Program finds that ICH patients who had a do-not-resuscitate order issued in the first 24 hours or had care withdrawn were twice as likely to die. Early limitations on care may be an overlooked factor in calculating ICH survival odds, according to researchers.
A 10% increase in urban green space could reduce surface temperatures by as much as 4°C, effectively 'climate proofing' cities. However, this may not significantly impact the amount of rainwater captured and retained by urban areas.
A study found that using a 'walk-and-work' desk increases energy expenditure by 100 kilocalories per hour, equivalent to shedding 20-30 kg annually. The device allows workers to walk on a treadmill while working, reducing sedentary behavior.
The US Naval Academy is partnering with NASA to build a satellite called MidSTAR-2, which will carry four experiments into space in 2011. The satellite will study the Earth's thermosphere, gamma rays, and solar winds, providing valuable insights into these phenomena.
A large-scale study found that calcium and vitamin D supplements can slow weight gain in postmenopausal women. The benefits are most pronounced in those who weren't already meeting the daily recommended amount of calcium.
Researchers found that thale cress responds differently to various plant pests and microorganisms, with specific hormone compositions leading to unique gene expressions.
A study finds that women who migrate from Bangladesh to the UK during infancy and early childhood reach puberty earlier, are taller, and have higher progesterone levels as adults. This suggests a critical window of time between 0-8 years influences reproductive hormone levels.
Researchers investigated how speakers choose words to avoid conflict in conversation, revealing a 'social cohesion principle' underlying simple talk. The study found that speakers tend to use the correct form of words to suit the situation, often correcting themselves if needed.
Researchers found that HIV patients with regular medical care have better survival rates compared to those without. The study, conducted on 2,619 men with HIV, showed that patients who visited their healthcare provider at least once each quarter had significantly lower risk of dying.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found inherited genes associated with chemotherapy drug toxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The study identified specific polymorphisms linked to toxic side effects during treatment, which could enable individualized therapy and reduce toxicity.
Dr. W. Gene Corley, a leading expert on building collapse investigations and building codes, received the National Engineering Award from IEEE-USA for his inspirational leadership and tireless devotion to improving engineering education. The award also recognizes his work in promoting sound public policies as an engineer-statesman.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has awarded $14 million to support the first class of physician-scientists through the Career Awards for Medical Scientists program. The recipients will receive career development funding to advance their research and transition into independent academic careers.
Pretreatment with high-dose clopidogrel (600 mg or more) reduces the risk of cardiac death or nonfatal heart attack by 50% during hospitalization and within 30 days after PCI. The study found no increase in major or minor bleeding, regardless of dose.
Parkinson's disease and narcolepsy share symptoms due to damage in the same small group of neurons. Researchers found that Parkinson's patients have severe loss of hypocretin cells, which may be reversible with treatments aimed at reversing this deficit.
Renowned experts Roxanna Mehran and Michael J. Mack debate the role of stenting versus bypass surgery in treating left main coronary artery disease. The Synergy Between PCI With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery trial is expected to provide critical data on the effectiveness of drug-eluting stents compared to bypass surgery.
A study found that climate swings brought great CO2 pulses up from the deep sea, contributing to further warming. The researchers discovered ancient carbon dioxide in sediment cores from the Pacific Ocean, indicating that massive amounts of CO2 were released into the atmosphere during ocean circulation changes.
New research by CSIRO Australia confirms deforestation is a critical climate change role, releasing 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon annually. Preserving tropical forests as carbon sinks can help stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
Researchers found that a single-tablet combination of atorvastatin and amlodipine is less costly and at least as effective in preventing cardiovascular events. The study suggests this approach may be beneficial for patients with high blood pressure, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing medical costs.
A new study reveals two ancient CO2 pulses from the southern ocean around Antarctica, shedding light on Earth's CO2 cycles and their implications for climate change. The research tracked CO2 from the deep ocean to the upper ocean and atmosphere, providing insights into natural CO2 cycles and human-caused climate change.
For patients who need non-cardiac surgery a short time after an interventional heart procedure, bare metal stents provide a safer choice. Drug-eluting stents can lead to life-threatening cardiac complications in these patients, according to a study by Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
A study by the American Heart Association found that patients who used an online education program were more aware of treatment options and asked their doctors about care. The program provided personalized information in lay language, leading to improved patient knowledge and behavior.
Researchers developed a technique to detect and sort different-sized polymer chains that pass through or block tiny pores in thin membranes. This non-destructive method measures individual biomolecules at the nanoscale level, enabling future applications in lab-on-a-chip molecular analyzers.
A team of surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine has found that using motor nerves to repair damaged muscles yields better results than traditional sensory nerve grafts. The study used a novel approach, where intact motor nerves were used as grafts in rat models, resulting in significant improvements in muscle function.
Scientists created a model of proline dehydrogenase, an enzyme that enables the creation of superoxide, a reactive oxygen species involved in cell death and cancer prevention. The human form of this enzyme is difficult to work with, so researchers studied its bacterial counterpart, Thermus thermophilus.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College and Yale University discovered that dynamin 1 is not essential to all synaptic transmission, but rather acts more subtly during moments of high activity. This finding has significant implications for understanding neurological injury and disease.
Experts disagree on the criticality of a 90-minute door-to-balloon time in heart attack treatment. Dr. Eric R. Bates believes that timely balloon inflation is crucial for better outcomes, while Dr. Timothy D. Henry argues that an arbitrary deadline may be counterproductive in some cases.
Researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell developed a simple and effective technique to reconstruct key anatomical structures that ensure continence. The procedure added only two to five minutes to standard robotic prostatectomy and achieved a 95% continence rate among patients 16 weeks after their surgeries.
Scientists have found an enzyme called Pak 1 that acts on the heart's pacemaker to slow the rapid beating of the heart's 'fight-or-flight' reaction to adrenaline. This discovery opens up new avenues for diagnosis, drug design and treatment of common heart diseases.
A minimally invasive stenting procedure has shown promising results in treating chronic mesenteric ischemia, a condition similar to intestinal angina. The technique was successful in 96% of patients, with over 90% experiencing relief from abdominal pain and weight gain.
Researchers found that doubling state spending on these services reduces the risk of nursing home admission among childless seniors by 35 percent. States' varying levels of commitment to providing these services have been linked to different outcomes for seniors with and without family support.
New research reveals that active estrogen metabolites are a strong predictor of bone mineral density in men. Higher levels of these hormones tend to result in higher bone density, while lower levels increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Subconjunctival insulin delivery has been shown to treat degenerative and inflammatory responses in diabetic rat retinas. Low-dose periocular insulin delivery may also be a potential treatment for early diabetic retinopathy, according to researchers.
Brain structures reflect sex differences due to varying pressures on males and females, with larger neocortex linked to female sociability. Greater male competition correlates with reduced septum size, suggesting less control over aggression.
The Shape Up Somerville program, a community-based environmental change intervention, reduced weight gain among elementary school-aged children by approximately one pound over eight months. The multi-faceted program included initiatives to promote healthy eating options and physical activity in schools, homes, and communities.
The AmIVital project aims to develop specific ready-to-use products and a technological platform for remote assistance using intelligent devices, biosensors, and multimodal interfaces. The project will benefit 21.6% of the world's population aged 65+, with a focus on elderly and disabled people.
A nationwide clinical trial is evaluating whether omega-3 fatty acid DHA slows cognitive and functional decline in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The 18-month study aims to measure the impact of DHA on brain atrophy, proteins, and other biological markers.
A novel catheter technique successfully patched ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in nearly all patients, restoring normal blood circulation and relieving fluid backup in the lungs. After recovery, patients regained enough strength to safely undergo surgical repair or return to active lives.
Astronomers have measured the age of a star in our Galaxy using ESO's VLT, finding it to be 13.2 billion years old, nearly as old as the Universe itself. This discovery was made possible by a new technique that combines radioactive elements thorium and uranium to accurately determine a star's age.
Researchers have determined the atomic structure of a key protein that helps toxoplasmosis parasites invade human cells. The protein binds to specific sugars on host cell surfaces, allowing the parasite to stick and enter cells.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati have found that bone marrow stem cells can differentiate into keratocan-producing cells, potentially treating abnormal corneal cell growth. The study showed that injected stem cells altered the shape and healed abnormal corneas in animal models within a week
Researchers in Japan have found that over 95% of pigs are infected with the hepatitis E virus by 150 days of age, minimizing human infection risk. This reduces the likelihood of pigs passing on the virus to humans at slaughter.
A University of Colorado study reveals two ancient 'burps' from the deep ocean, releasing carbon into the upper ocean and atmosphere, contributing to high CO2 levels today. The findings provide insight into natural CO2 cycles and potential impacts of human-caused climate change.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and UNIVET have developed an artificial canine skin model that replicates the characteristics of dog's skin. The model allows for study of skin biology and pathology without using live animals, providing an alternative to traditional research methods.