A study published in SLEEP found that combining low-dose alcohol with moderate sleep restriction significantly impaired young men's subjective alertness and driving performance. Steering deviation increased significantly with the combination, suggesting a reduced threshold for safe driving.
Data suggests MIF may provide a target for developing therapeutics to treat West Nile Virus encephalitis. Abnormal microglial cell migration is also implicated in age-related macular degeneration, with CX3CR1-dependent accumulation linked to disease progression.
Astronomers have discovered 'embryonic planets' forming in nearby star systems using new Hubble Space Telescope imagery. These small, Pluto-sized bodies are thought to be the first stage of planet formation and may hold the key to understanding how our own planet came to be.
LAX police are experimenting with a system developed by USC researchers that uses game theory insights to create unpredictable vehicle security routines. The system, called ARMOR, was created to thwart potential terrorists at the earliest stages of planning.
Researchers found a link between depression, latent viral infections, and increased inflammation, which may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that chronic depression can trigger a cascade of events that lead to the buildup of plaques in coronary arteries.
The American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society released joint guidelines on diagnosing and treating low back pain, emphasizing that clinicians should not routinely order imaging tests. Non-pharmacologic treatments like acupuncture and spinal manipulations can provide relief for those with severe pain.
A new study examines the correlation between race and police force size, finding that white fear of crime and economic threats account for most of the effect. Police forces tend to be larger in areas with more black residents, but this effect levels off as the black population increases.
A large-scale twin study found that short sleep (less than seven hours) and long sleep (more than eight hours) were linked to increased mortality rates in both men and women. Frequent use of medications also contributed to a higher risk of death.
A new study by UMass Medical School researchers found that certain popular weight-loss plans significantly outperform others in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. The Ornish, Weight Watchers High Carbohydrate, and New Glucose Revolution plans scored highest due to their emphasis on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features two new methods for neuroscience research: a step-by-step approach to prepare brain slices from rats or mice for growth in culture and how to properly assess courtship behavior in male fruit flies. These protocols allow researchers to examine the structure and function of neurons in their native en...
UC Irvine has been awarded a $2.18 million grant to develop faster and less costly DNA sequencing methods using nanotechnology. This could lead to more accurate diagnoses, better treatment options, and reduced healthcare costs by making DNA analysis feasible as a routine part of healthcare.
Researchers found that a combined treatment with rapamycin and Gleevec significantly reduced splanchnic neovascularization and portal pressure in rats with established portal hypertension. The combination treatment was more effective than using either drug alone, suggesting a potential new approach for treating human patients.
A recent study found that foster youth who leave the system are more likely to experience homelessness and have unstable housing situations, leading to higher rates of uninsuredness and unmet medical needs. Approximately half of emancipated participants were still in the foster care system, highlighting the need for continued support.
A recent clinical trial funded by the NIH found that combining psychotherapy and antidepressant medication is the most effective treatment for adolescents with major depressive disorder. The TADS study showed improved recovery rates compared to using medication or therapy alone.
Researchers suggest expanding kidney acceptance criteria and identify key factors improving transplant success. Matching donor and recipient ages and reducing waiting times may optimize results, while understanding risk factors like delayed graft function and acute rejection can aid preventive measures.
Scientists have identified three genes associated with dopamine functioning in the brain, predicting individual differences in learning behaviors. These genes affect implicit reward learning and change choice strategies after negative feedback. The study offers insights into the genetic basis for learning differences and potential impl...
New findings suggest that misfolded proinsulin can cause beta cell dysfunction and death, leading to an insulin shortage. This can result in the hallmark symptoms of diabetes, including high blood glucose levels.
A study published in Neurology found that individuals with lower levels of education are at a higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Those with higher levels of education had an 80-percent lower risk, possibly due to a greater cognitive reserve.
A three-way mating struggle observed in North American lizards has been discovered in a distant European relative, the European common lizard. The species share behavioral and reproductive details, including gaudy colors of males, indicating a potential universal evolutionary pattern among social animals.
A large-scale study of 2,889 older women found that poorer sleep is associated with worse physical function during the day. Women who slept less than six hours per night walked slower and took longer to complete daily activities. Maintaining good sleep hygiene is crucial for optimal daytime function in older adults.
Dr. Gumbo's award aims to develop a treatment regimen based on blocking the mechanisms that tuberculosis bacteria use to avoid being killed by antibiotics, potentially reducing treatment time from months to weeks.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that standard androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer may increase the production of nestin, a protein that promotes cell migration and metastasis. The therapy is effective in slowing tumor growth but may inadvertently encourage cancer cells to spread throughout the body.
Tufts researchers are developing techniques to allow computers to respond to users' thoughts of frustration, boredom, or overwhelm. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology is being used to monitor brain blood flow and provide real-time insight into user experiences.
Conscientious individuals have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and experiencing cognitive decline. A study of over 997 older adults found that those with high levels of conscientiousness had an 89% lower risk of developing the disease.
A study of US children found that nearly one-third take dietary supplements regularly, with multivitamins and multiminerals being the most common. Supplement use was linked to higher family income, smoke-free homes, and lower body mass index in children.
A study of 3,369 postmenopausal women found that those who experienced at least one full-blown panic attack had a four times higher risk of heart attack and nearly twice the risk of death from any cause. The findings suggest that panic attacks may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events.
Scientists are studying the mechanics of brain folding in higher mammals to better understand its relationship with cognitive ability and neurological diseases. They have found that tension in axons may play a key role in driving this process, which could lead to new insights into conditions such as schizophrenia and autism.
Researchers found a link between high-normal uric acid levels and mini strokes, which may contribute to mental decline in aging adults. High-UA levels were associated with increased volumes of white matter hyperintensities in the brain.
Researchers compiled global census of protein architectures to plot evolution of Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. The study found evidence that archaeal microbes emerged first as an evolutionarily distinguishable group, losing a fold in the process.
A recent Scripps Research study found that chronic nicotine use recruits a major brain stress system in rats, contributing to continued tobacco use by exacerbating anxiety and craving upon withdrawal. Administering a compound blocking the receptors involved in this stress system alleviated withdrawal symptoms.