A new study found that writing about important values decreases defensiveness and increases feelings of love and connection. Researchers suggest this happens by enabling people to transcend the self and focus on others.
A minimally invasive treatment called venous embolization has been shown to significantly improve a couple's chances of pregnancy in infertile men. The study found that patients with high sperm motility prior to treatment had the highest success rates, with over 26% of couples becoming pregnant after six months.
The Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine will lead a six-year, $16 million international collaboration to study inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers hope to identify biomarkers in individuals with known mutations to shorten diagnosis time and develop new treatments.
A study led by Dr. Scott Solomon found that ice age climate change and ancient flooding contributed to the evolution of new insect species in the Amazon region. The researchers tested three hypotheses, concluding that riverine barriers cannot explain the region's high biodiversity.
The IBM Blue Gene/P Intrepid supercomputer will have a new data analytics and visualization capability, complementing its distinction as the fastest computer in the world for open science. The system, nicknamed Eureka, will enable researchers to explore and visualize data produced by Intrepid.
TB is a threat throughout the course of HIV disease, and addressing it is crucial for saving patient lives and curbing the global TB burden. The authors propose several strategic approaches, including intensified case finding, treating individuals with active TB, and implementing infection control measures.
The new guidelines update strategies for treating rheumatoid arthritis with a focus on preventing joint damage and disability. The recommendations include the use of methotrexate or leflunomide therapy, as well as anti-TNF agents in combination with these therapies.
A large study of 5837 middle-aged civil servants found that coronary heart disease is associated with impaired cognitive performance, particularly for men. The study suggests that preventive measures such as smoking cessation and physical exercise can help mitigate this effect.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering found that robot interactions can increase social behavior and utterances in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The creation of therapy tools using bubble-blowing robots is the next step in this research.
A randomized controlled phase III trial found that everolimus significantly improves progression-free survival compared to placebo in patients with metastatic kidney cancer who have failed on sunitinib and sorafenib. The study also reported common adverse events, including stomatitis and fatigue.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast aim to discover improved treatments for nicotine dependence and symptoms of schizophrenia. The three-year fellowship will investigate the effects of nicotine and withdrawal on response inhibition and brain activity in smokers with and without schizophrenia.
A study identifies US foreign-born persons from certain regions as being at a higher risk of contracting and spreading tuberculosis. The research highlights the need for targeted TB control strategies to address the growing burden of latent TB infection in this population.
Researchers propose integrating TB prevention and treatment into HIV care to address the major cause of mortality among HIV patients. The authors recommend intensified TB case finding, preventive isoniazid therapy for non-TB infected HIV patients, and earlier provision of antiretroviral therapy.
A study found that less than a quarter of nursing homes have a specific pandemic plan, while over half do not. The researchers emphasize the need for communication with health departments and hospitals, as well as staff training and planning for staff shortages.
The UCSD Socrates Fellows Program pairs high school science teachers with PhD students in active research labs, enhancing both teacher's and student's learning experiences. The project aims to boost teamwork, problem-solving skills, and broaden professional outlook among graduate students.
A Montana State University microbiologist is studying how microbes living together interact to understand their potential use in energy production, climate change mitigation, and soil remediation. The research could lead to cheaper and more efficient methods for remediating contaminated sites.
A study published in JAMA found that sildenafil significantly improved sexual function in women with major depression experiencing sexual dysfunction related to antidepressant use. This improvement was associated with a reduced risk of premature medication discontinuation and enhanced treatment adherence.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that bovine tuberculosis is prevalent among wild boar, red deer, and fallow deer in Doñana National Park, threatening the health of endangered lynx and domestic cattle. The high prevalence suggests that a feeding ban alone would have limited effect on controlling the disease.
Researchers found specific alterations in heart and circulation in children with small birth weight, differing between boys and girls. These changes are associated with higher blood pressure and risk of hypertension and heart disease.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNM) has awarded $170,000 in research grants to support nuclear medicine and molecular imaging research. This funding supports independent research projects, including the work of talented young scientists who will further advance diagnostic tools and treatments.
A new study finds that a topical application of 4% lidocaine gel significantly reduces breast discomfort during mammography. Women who received the gel reported less pain and were more likely to undergo regular screening, with 88% indicating they would definitely get a mammogram the following year.
Researchers found that adolescent girls who experienced serious school failures were significantly more likely to develop depression by age 21 compared to their male counterparts. The study also revealed that early conduct problems in elementary school increased the risk of depression in early adulthood for girls, but not boys.
A study found that physician-patient communication training using the Four Habits Model can have a positive impact on the delivery of end-of-life care. The training increased professional satisfaction among physicians and enhanced their ability to express condolences, advance care planning discussions, and manage family emotions.
The Combining Medication to Enhance Outcomes of Depression (CO-MED) trial aims to test multiple-medication treatment for depression. Researchers hope to find a better approach than using single medication, with the goal of improving remission rates and long-term prognosis.
New research reveals that commercial bees are infecting and spreading diseases to wild pollinators, contributing to declining pollinator populations. The study found that commercially produced bumble bees carry a harmful pathogen that can be transmitted to wild bees at flowers.
A new study from Northwestern University found that cancer patients treated at high-volume hospitals have more lymph nodes examined for cancer spread, leading to improved long-term outcomes. This increased nodal evaluation can accurately diagnose stage disease and predict patient prognosis.
A team of researchers has developed a chlorine-tolerant membrane that simplifies the water desalination process, increasing access to fresh water. The new membrane reduces the need for de-chlorination steps, leading to cost savings and potentially lowering carbon-dioxide emissions.
Researchers have developed a computational language called Little b that can assemble complex models of proteins and their interactions with DNA. By incorporating principles of engineering, the program allows for modularity and abstraction, enabling scientists to build upon existing models and refine them in new ways.
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country study plants' defence mechanisms to predict photo-oxidative stress. They discover antioxidants like vitamin E and carotenoids, which help protect plants from excessive light, and identify new cycles like the lutein epoxide cycle.
Researchers analyzed ancient magic tricks to gain insights into human psychology, revealing the power of misdirection and illusion in shaping our perceptions. The study's findings have long-term implications for fields like human-computer interfaces, where understanding attention and perception is crucial.
Researchers have confirmed a new population of critically endangered greater bamboo lemurs in eastern Madagascar's Torotorofotsy wetlands. The discovery raises hopes for the species' survival and increases efforts to protect its habitat from destruction.
Researchers at the University of Montreal identified Wnt4 protein as a stimulator of T-cell production, reversing age-related immune system decline. Elevated Wnt4 levels increase T cell progenitors and immature T cells in the thymus, improving immune response to infections.
Researchers found that when females capture more pollen, female-determining pollen tubes out-compete male-determining ones. The team's study on Rumex nivalis in the Swiss Alps shows how demographic aspects can influence plant sex ratios.
A new study from Saint Louis University has identified the PET-CT scanner as a reliable tool for detecting secondary cancers in head and neck cancer patients. The research suggests that this technology can replace traditional tests, allowing patients to begin treatment earlier and potentially improving outcomes.
New research from Saint Louis University found that combining nuclear medicine clinicians and treating physicians to interpret PET-CT scans reduces false positive results by 51%, resulting in fewer unnecessary biopsies. This collaboration improves scan accuracy, sparring patients from painful and potentially catastrophic complications.
A recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that parasitic worm infections can increase the risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS. The study showed that rhesus macaques with acute schistosomiasis were more susceptible to an HIV-like virus, with higher peak viral loads and memory cell concentrations.
Scientists have discovered a new fossil in Antarctica that suggests the polar region was once much warmer. The fossils, found in an ancient lake, date back 14 million years and provide evidence of a substantial cooling of the Antarctic climate.
Researchers have developed a genetically engineered mouse model of chronic sinusitis, which mimics the disease's symptoms and provides a new tool for studying and treating the condition. The 'stuffy nose' mice suffer from reversible loss of smell due to inflammation, offering hope for developing new therapies.
A recent study published in BMC Cancer reveals that a family history of breast cancer does not significantly increase the likelihood of developing the disease at an early age. The research suggests that applying strict screening criteria can help reduce unnecessary testing and alleviate psychological harm.
A recent study found that past climate changes and sea level fluctuations may have contributed to the formation of new species in the Amazon. The research, published in PLOS ONE, used leafcutter ants as a model organism to investigate how geography and climate affect species diversity.
Researchers found milkweed plants have declined in three key defense traits against caterpillars, such as hairs, cardenolides and latex, but increased ability to regrow. This evolutionary trend may be an energy-efficient response to counter caterpillar attacks.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a technique that can deliver cancer-fighting drugs to diseased areas within hours, reducing the current delivery time from two days. The system uses gold nanoparticle vectors to deliver photodynamic therapy (PDT) drugs through the bloodstream.
The Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease has developed WikiPathways, an open collaborative platform for curating biological pathways. This tool enables easy participation from the scientific community in peer review, editorial curation, and maintenance of pathway content.
Researchers used different hues of orange and yellow on various objects to examine color perception and constancy. Participants redefined colors based on their knowledge of object colors, not just the hue.
Scientists investigate how cells make different sugar types and test theories on how sugars influence cell behavior. They aim to develop new ways to instruct cells to behave in particular ways, potentially leading to therapies for heart disease and nerve damage.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered the key nerve connections that enable flies to maintain a steady gaze while flying and responding to obstacles. This finding could lead to improvements in technical control systems for autonomous air vehicles.
Research finds that international malaria financing is insufficient to achieve the goal of halving the global burden of malaria by 2015. Funding commitments are largely tied to stable P. falciparum risk, leaving countries with high but low-risk populations poorly supported.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that inhaling stomach fluid can drive the development of asthma by altering the immune system's response. This study suggests chronic micro-aspiration of gastric fluid may be a key factor in linking GERD and asthma, offering new directions for treatment options.
Low-budget, locally led mangrove replanting projects are more successful than high-cost government-led projects, achieving survival rates of up to 97%. Planting the correct species in suitable sites and community involvement are key to ecological benefits.
A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that women are more likely to remove their tattoos due to social stigma and embarrassment, with 69% of participants being women. The study also revealed that societal support for women with tattoos is limited, leading to increased dissatisfaction with their tattoos over time.
According to a report by Professor Bob Snow, funding for malaria control is severely inadequate, with many countries receiving less than $0.50 per person at risk. The research highlights regional disparities and shortfalls in funding, particularly in South East Asia and the Western Pacific regions.
The study applies the 12 'late lessons from early warnings' to nanotechnology, concluding that industry and government are repeating past mistakes. The authors call for improved risk research strategies, stakeholder engagement, and a more holistic approach to ensure the safe development of emerging nanotechnologies.
A team of scientists found that genes controlling heme synthesis in red blood cells also control a gene and protein causing Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that targeting the GATA-1 and GATA-2 proteins may lead to new treatments for the neurological disorder.
Researchers found evidence that humans fought back against an ancient retrovirus with a defense mechanism called APOBEC3G, which is still used to attack modern retroviruses. This discovery provides insight into the evolutionary battle between humans and viruses.
A gene expression test could help determine which patients need more aggressive treatment, improving lung cancer survival rates. The study used a large dataset of lung cancer tissue samples to analyze hundreds of genes and predict patient outcomes.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered an unexpected gap-like feature in graphene's energy spectrum, attributed to phonon interactions. This finding opens new possibilities for graphene nanodevices and applications.
A new research project at Case Western Reserve University is developing simulated experiences for dental students to practice communicating with patients. The virtual scenarios aim to revolutionize dental education and national testing for patient-side communication skills.
Researchers found a significant association between mild memory impairment and impaired central auditory processing. Individuals with mild memory impairment showed lower scores on central auditory processing tests, indicating difficulty managing competing signals.
A study of 489 adult liver transplants found that older donors (age 60+) were not associated with negative outcomes in hepatitis C recipients. In fact, patients with and without hepatitis C had similar survival rates, suggesting the practice is safe. The expanded donor pool may help increase available organs for transplantation.
Researchers propose an alternative explanation for monsoon formation, suggesting interaction between tropical circulation and large-scale turbulent eddies. This new understanding may lead to better predictions of monsoons and semi-empirical models.