Researchers discovered that cockroaches learn better at night and retain memories for several days, while morning training leads to complete memory loss. This study provides new insights into the interaction between circadian clocks and learning in insects.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that 94% of 14-15 year olds watched R-rated movies and 38.5% watched weekly, suggesting the R rating may not prevent teen smoking. The study suggests glamorization of smoking in movies can be a significant risk factor for youth smoking.
A Yale University study found that structural changes to the human genome, including missing or rearranged segments, contribute to individual differences. These variations were identified using Paired-End Mapping and rapid sequencing methods.
Traces of oxygen appeared in Earth's atmosphere 2.5 billion years ago, 50-100 million years before the Great Oxidation Event. The discovery was made by analyzing a drill core from Western Australia and provides new insights into the history of atmospheric oxygen.
A new electronic system created by researchers from the University of Granada improves driving ability at night using information extracted from night visors. The system makes intelligent cars more sophisticated by informing drivers about obstacles on the road.
The 2007 International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge has selected its top winning entries, featuring visually striking images that showcase the beauty of science. The contest, sponsored by AAAS and NSF, honors artists who use visual media to promote scientific research.
A new study suggests that deep-sea temperatures warmed about 1,300 years before the tropical surface ocean and well before the rise in atmospheric CO2. The finding indicates that rising greenhouse gas was likely a result of warming and may have accelerated the meltdown, but was not its main cause.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered a genetic link between maternal and altruistic behaviors in wasps, finding similarities with honey bee workers. The study suggests that eusociality may have evolved from maternal behavior in paper wasps, challenging Darwinian predictions.
Activation of DNA damage response in early stages of Kaposi's sarcoma development functions as an anti-cancer barrier also in virus-induced malignancies. The study found that viral oncogene-induced DNA damage response is activated in Kaposi's sarcoma tumorigenesis, leading to growth arrest or apoptosis.
A comprehensive survey of maternal depression found that 8.7% of women were depressed before pregnancy, 6.9% during pregnancy, and 10.4% after childbirth. Nearly three-fourths of women with postpartum depression also experienced depression before or during pregnancy.
A recent Stanford-AP survey found that Americans are pessimistic about the state of the environment and want immediate action to improve it. The survey revealed that 52% expect the world's natural environment to be in worse shape in 10 years, while 84% believe global warming is occurring.
A study published in EMBO reports reveals that AKAP18, a crucial regulator of protein kinase A, may help the heart beat faster in response to adrenaline or noradrenaline. This could lead to improved survival rates for patients with heart failure and heritable heart disease.
Researchers identified two genes linked to suicidal thinking during antidepressant treatment, with certain versions increasing the risk by 2-15 fold. The findings may lead to genetic testing and individualized treatments for depression.
A new method using 454 sequencing has identified significant human genetic variation, including structural variations that play a crucial role in genetic diversity. The study found over 1000 structural variations in two individuals and suggests that these variations may have notable physical effects on an individual.
Researchers estimate a significant increase in summer heat-related deaths in New York City due to climate change, with a 47-95% rise projected by the 2050s. The urban heat island effect and population vulnerability will exacerbate this risk.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Chicago found that many diabetics experience a significant burden from managing their condition, which can be as impactful on quality of life as the disease itself. Patients reported being distressed by end-stage complications and disliked intensive treatments.
A new communication tool, VMS, improves the effectiveness of medication instructions and reduces complications among patients taking warfarin. The study found that VMS worked especially well among Spanish-speaking patients, correcting misunderstandings within 28 days.
A study published in The Lancet found that the IPS program is twice as effective as vocational services in establishing people with severe mental illness in competitive employment. IPS involves job searching based on patient preference and continuing support from an employment specialist.
Researchers found that 96% of Nigerian consumer paints contained higher than recommended lead levels, with bright-colored paints posing the greatest risk. The study highlights the need for international regulations to supplement local efforts and eliminate lead from paint globally.
An Editorial in The Lancet concludes that politicians should focus on evidence-based solutions to prevent hospital-acquired infections, rather than relying on populist measures. Disinfection of high-touch surfaces is a key strategy for reducing HAIs, and efforts should be made to improve hand hygiene among healthcare staff.
The study found that the H5N1 virus not only affects the respiratory system but also spreads to the gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and central nervous system. In one case, the virus was transmitted from mother to fetus through the placenta.
The 2007 Arctic sea ice season saw a remarkable decrease, with record losses shown in NASA satellite images. This drastic change has significant implications for the environment and climate, highlighting the impact of global warming on the Arctic region.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that the amount of alcohol consumed, regardless of type, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Women who drank between one and two drinks per day had a 10% increased risk, while those who drank more than three drinks daily had a 30% increased risk.
Most diabetes drug trials prioritize reducing blood sugar levels over patient-relevant outcomes like complication risk and quality of life. This can lead to ineffective treatments that cause more harm than good.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure require more coordinated brain blood flow to perform memory tasks, even after treatment. This increased coordination was observed in the four areas of the brain involved in memory: thalamus, posterior parietal, prefrontal area, and hippocampus.
A novel method for sequencing ancient DNA has been developed using the Genome Sequencer FLX system, enabling researchers to study extinct animals with unprecedented accuracy. The technique involves extracting DNA from hair shafts, which are more undamaged and uncontaminated than traditional samples.
Researchers found that doctors can learn to control their brain's automatic pain response, allowing them to better treat patients. The study showed that doctors activate the neural circuit related to emotion regulation and cognitive control when watching videos of people in pain.
The Clinical Trials Directive has led to a stagnation in clinical trials across Europe, with non-commercial sponsors contributing less than one-fifth of newly started trials. The directive's administrative burdens and cost have also discouraged many commercial and non-commercial organizations from participating.
A large study found that drinking three or more alcoholic drinks a day increases breast cancer risk by 10-30% compared to light drinkers. The researchers discovered no difference in risk between wine, beer, and spirits consumption.
Two teams of scientists found evidence of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere 2.5 billion years ago, 100 million years before the Great Oxidation Event, which marked the rise of animal life. This discovery suggests that the evolution of life on Earth was more complex and occurred earlier than previously believed.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered that loss of progranulin gene causes errant splicing of a protein that disrupts normal functioning of neurons. Accumulation of toxic TDP-43 proteins is found in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia.
A Duke University professor developed an instructional tactic to boost science knowledge in high school students, teaching them about the chemistry of cocaine addiction and methamphetamine harm. The 'stealth learning' method increased basic science knowledge by 16 percent among 7,210 students.
A new study found that gemcitabine chemotherapy after surgery doubles disease-free survival from 4.9 to 11.4 months in patients with operable pancreatic cancer, improving outcomes by 41 percent
Researchers have found a 'whiff' of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere 50-100 million years before the Great Oxidation Event (GOE), suggesting a gradual buildup of oxygen. This discovery provides new insights into the origins of oxygen on Earth and challenges the long-held timeline of the GOE.
Researchers at the NIH conference present advances in male contraception, including a non-hormonal pill and a testosterone-like treatment. These developments aim to provide men with more control over their fertility, offering an alternative to existing methods like condoms and vasectomy.
Researchers develop technique to identify and repair small cracks in high-performance aircraft wings and polymer composites. A structure infused with electrically conductive carbon nanotubes can detect and repair stress-induced cracks, regaining 70% of its original strength.
The complete genetic sequence of Giardia lamblia has been completed, revealing opportunities for new drug and vaccine targets. The parasite's genome shows unusual proteins that could be exploited to treat or prevent infections.
A new genetic test, Mark-C, has been announced to identify patients at risk of suicidal ideation when prescribed antidepressant drugs. The test is expected to help reduce suicide rates among U.S. youth and make antidepressant medication safer for patients worldwide.
Researchers used 454 sequencing to analyze messenger RNA from wasp brains, correlating expression patterns with social behaviors. Insulin-related genes showed distinct patterns, suggesting eusociality involves major nutritional and reproductive pathways.
Researchers have developed a novel device that can trap, detect and manipulate the spin of a single electron, overcoming major obstacles in spintronics and quantum computing. The device uses quantum point contacts to steer electrical current and detect trapped spins.
Studies found that music and language rely on common processes in the mind, including two memory systems: one for rules and syntax, and another for memorized melodies. The discovery opens new avenues of research into the relationship between language and music.
A large study found that healthy individuals with schizophrenia risk alleles had minute decrements in cognitive ability and altered schizotypal beliefs, highlighting the genetic liability to psychosis expressed at the population level.
New research suggests that Antarctic plant and animal life has a striking ability to survive global climate change. The findings contradict current reconstructions of past glacial ice extent and highlight the importance of integrating biological evidence into climate models.
Pertuzumab prolongs survival time for women with Stage 3 ovarian cancer, a Phase II clinical trial found. The experimental drug added weeks to the standard survival period and was well-tolerated by the body.
Researchers found a small but significant amount of oxygen in the oceans and atmosphere 2.5 billion years ago, with oxygen nearly undetectable just before that time. The discovery provides compelling evidence for a shift in the oxidation state of the surface ocean 50 million years before the Great Oxidation Event.
A new UCL study reveals that people with a strong fear of crime are almost twice as likely to show symptoms of depression. The research also shows that fear of crime is associated with decreased physical functioning and lower quality of life.
A recent study at the University of Illinois found that improper handling techniques in catch-and-release fishing can increase the likelihood of released fish being caught by predators. The researchers recommend minimizing time spent angling and releasing fish quickly to reduce physiological stress.
A new biosensor can detect avian influenza virus in just minutes, improving quick identification and controlling outbreaks. The sensor is economical, field-deployable, sensitive to different strains and requires no labels or reagents.
Research found that fibromyalgia patients have reduced mu-opioid receptor availability in brain regions processing pain signals. This reduces the effectiveness of painkillers such as morphine, leading to increased pain among those with fibromyalgia.
Researchers developed two new southernpeas, WhipperSnapper and GreenPack-DG, with improved characteristics. These peas offer nutrient-rich benefits, pleasing textures, and attractive colors, making them suitable for various applications, including fresh consumption and processing into frozen pea products.
Researchers have performed the first atomic-detail computer simulation of how proteins vibrate in a crystal, enabling testing with new neutron analysis tools. The study aims to understand protein-protein interactions and could lead to breakthroughs in understanding biological systems.
Researchers detected viral genetic material in the placenta of a pregnant woman who died from bird flu. The study found that H5N1 virus can infect organs other than the lungs, including the brain, liver, and intestinal cells, in infected adults and fetuses.
Researchers at University of Illinois created nanowire that produces power through piezoelectric material, generating voltage when mechanically deformed. The breakthrough uses extremely sensitive and precise mechanical testing stage to accurately measure the nanowire's response to vibrations.
A Brown University team has won the International Science and Technology Visualization Challenge with their visualization of bat flight, revealing fine details of wing and body movement during flight. The winning entry showcases the team's innovative use of motion-capture technology to capture the aerodynamics of bat flight.
The complete Giardia genome has been unlocked, revealing several unusual proteins that could lead to the development of new drugs. The parasite's unique genetic makeup is thought to have allowed it to evade the human immune system and survive for long periods in contaminated water.
Researchers from Penn State University and Copenhagen discovered that hair shafts can preserve ancient DNA, allowing for the sequencing of entire mitochondrial genomes from 10 individual woolly mammoths. This breakthrough enables efficient analysis of genetic material from extinct species.
A meta-analysis of seven clinical trials found that rosiglitazone and pioglitazone increased the risk of congestive heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. However, these drugs did not increase the risk of cardiovascular death. The authors recommend caution when prescribing TZDs to patients with cardiovascular di...
L.T. Fan, a renowned chemical engineer at K-State, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to particle technology and teaching. The American Institute of Chemical Engineers awarded him the Particle Technology Forum Award for his advocacy in industry, academia, and government.
A new DNA method developed at the University of Copenhagen uses hair samples to answer questions about human history, such as why mammoths died out. The technique also holds promise for forensic analysis in crime solving, providing faster results than traditional methods.
A new study of 24,479 Australian women found that those with high levels of physical activity were more likely to develop ovarian cancer, with a statistically significant dose-response effect. The study suggests exercise may not have the protective effects previously thought, but rather an increased risk, particularly at medium levels.
The study found that over 50% of asthma cases are linked to allergies, with cat allergy being the leading cause. Atopy, a condition resulting from gene-environment interactions, is measured by skin tests and was associated with nearly 57% of asthma cases.
A recent study has found that couples are more likely to divorce if one of their spouses develops cervical or testicular cancer. Most types of cancer resulted in a slight decrease in the divorce rate in the first few years following the diagnosis.
A large study of Norwegian women with cancer found that pregnancy did not affect survival rates, except for breast cancer diagnosed during lactation where mortality was higher. The study tracked 45,511 women over eight years and compared their survival rates to non-pregnant patients.