A novel data analysis method has been developed that extracts representative spatial filters for each individual subject, reducing the need for calibration before every session. This approach may pave the way for practical daily use of brain-computer interfacing technology for both patients and healthy users.
A recent study by The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin found significant variations in green roof performance across six manufacturers. Green roofs were found to cool buildings' interiors by up to 21% and capture rainwater during downpours, but differences varied greatly among products.
The growing demand for long-term care services is straining the workforce, with workers lacking support in pay and work relationships. The studies found that recruitment and retention are industry-wide problems, but also discovered that older people can play a role in addressing these issues.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that disrupting or erasing memories associated with drug use during recall can prevent relapse in recovering drug abusers. By blocking a brain chemical receptor important to learning and memory, scientists reduced drug-seeking behaviors in rats for up to four weeks.
A new PET study reveals a direct correlation between hereditary personality traits, particularly reward dependency, and brain chemistry. Individuals with high reward dependence have higher opiate receptor binding in the ventral striatum, associated with increased cravings and addictive behavior.
Researchers from UC Berkeley argue that devastating declines of amphibians worldwide signal a biodiversity disaster. The study highlights the impact of chytridiomycosis, habitat constriction, and pollution on frog populations, contributing to a sixth mass extinction event.
Researchers investigated physiological methods used by well-trained runners to control exercise intensity and avoid exhaustion. They found that heart rate response scales with race distance, indicating athletes actively manage their body's increasing strain.
A new nano vaccine for hepatitis B has been developed to address the drawbacks of current vaccines, which require refrigeration and can cause side effects. The vaccine uses a needle-free nasal delivery method and has been shown to be effective in producing strong immune responses in animal studies.
The American Society of Hematology honors Clara D. Bloomfield, Kenneth Anderson, and Robert Kyle for their significant contributions to the understanding of hematologic diseases. Drs. Bloomfield and Anderson will be recognized for their work on acute myelogenous leukemia and multiple myeloma, respectively.
Researchers identified specific HBV genotypes and mutations associated with increased liver cancer risk, including genotype C and basal core promoter mutation A1762T/G1764A. A combination of doxorubicin and zoledronic acid was found to reduce tumor size substantially in a mouse model of breast cancer.
Younger service members and Reserve/National Guard personnel returning from combat are at increased risk of new-onset heavy drinking and other alcohol-related problems. Deployment with combat exposures is associated with a significant increase in rates of heavy weekly drinking, binge drinking, and alcohol-related problems.
Researchers compared online prescribing and traditional physician consultation for treating erectile dysfunction, finding that the online system outperformed in patient education and prescription appropriateness. The study concludes that a well-regulated Internet prescriber service can be comparable to traditional medical practice.
Active physical therapy for patients with acute low back pain is associated with better clinical outcomes and lower healthcare costs. Physical therapists can help reduce healthcare utilization by providing hands-on therapy and exercises to alleviate low back pain.
A study published in JAMA found that former child soldiers in Nepal experience higher rates of mental health issues, including PTSD and depression. The study compared the mental health of 141 former child soldiers with 141 never-conscripted children, and found significant differences in symptoms of depression and PTSD.
A study of married Indian women found that those who experienced physical and sexual violence from their husbands had an increased risk of HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV among abused women was approximately four times higher than non-abused women, highlighting the importance of addressing intimate partner violence in preventing H...
A new study reveals married Indian women who experience physical and sexual abuse are approximately four times more likely to become infected with HIV than those not abused. The study highlights the importance of addressing intimate partner violence in preventing HIV transmission among women in India.
Despite five years of systemic therapy, breast cancer patients remain at risk for disease recurrence. Women with hormone receptor-positive cancer have a higher risk of relapse, highlighting an unmet clinical need for new strategies to reduce this risk.
A groundbreaking study by Brown University economist Yona Rubinstein and Casey Mulligan of the University of Chicago reveals that the apparent narrowing of the gender wage gap in recent decades is due to changes in the type of women entering the workforce, not actual pay increases. The research found that growing wage inequality within...
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that caregivers of spouses with dementia report sadness, loneliness, and a lack of positive emotions. The research analyzed data from 391 caregivers and 226 non-caregivers, revealing that 25% of caregivers suffered from depression compared to 5% of non-caregivers.
A recent study predicts a fast rise in scorching days, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. Another record reveals a 1000-year history of hurricane activity in Boston, Massachusetts. Climate zones are also shifting southward in Australia due to warming sea surface temperatures.
Researchers use ruthenium as a catalyst to increase oxidant levels in infected cells, ultimately destroying cancerous cells. The study offers a promising alternative to traditional cancer treatments, which often adapt quickly to targeted drugs.
A study of 439 Latinas found elevated levels of depression among those more 'Americanized', with being single and pregnant also associated with depression. Screening during pregnancy is crucial for this population, particularly acculturated U.S.-born Latinas.
A retrospective analysis of postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer found that previous use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), hormone-receptor positivity, and treatment with anastrozole versus tamoxifen were associated with joint symptoms. Obesity was also linked to increased joint symptoms in these patients.
Researchers have identified a unique molecule essential to breaking down pollutants in the atmosphere, including acid rain. This breakthrough discovery will help scientists model pollutant reactions and predict potential outcomes.
A new study reveals that transfer RNA's (tRNA) dual functions of reading the genetic blueprint and adding amino acids to proteins evolved independently. The findings suggest that these functions were acquired at different points in time, with protein synthesis preceding the refinement of the genetic code.
New research suggests that climate change may increase Middle East rainfall by up to 50% in the Euphrates-Tigris watershed, contrary to previous projections. This could alleviate agricultural challenges and reduce food shortages.
A new analysis of ice cores reveals that West Antarctica's climate is influenced by atmospheric and oceanic changes in the tropical Pacific, with dramatic year-to-year temperature swings and a century-long warming trend. The findings show the connection between global warming and periodic events like El Niño.
Researchers found that the same brain regions are activated when observing facial expressions of disgust in others and experiencing it oneself. This study suggests that reading a book can elicit emotional responses comparable to those experienced while watching a movie, thanks to the shared brain activity patterns.
Research by UK and Australian scientists suggests that humans hunted Tasmania's giant kangaroos and marsupial 'rhinos' and 'leopards' until their extinction, contrary to previous climate change theories. The findings provide the first evidence of human involvement in the mass extinction event, which took place around 41,000 years ago.
The 9th International Kimberlite Conference at the Goethe University Frankfurt explores the science of diamonds, their inclusions, and their significance for geoscientists. The conference features over 500 participants from 37 countries, with a focus on basic scientific research, diamond production, and industry.
A new national study found that only 36% of babies are breastfed through six months, well short of the federal government's goal. Breastfeeding promotion programs encourage women to start but often fail to provide support to continue.
A recent study found significant racial, age and geographic disparities in the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), a treatment for heart failure. The research examined nearly 34,000 hospital admissions and discovered that CRT was underutilized in certain populations, such as older patients and those from the Northeast.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a gene's effect on height that may change tumor disorder treatment for patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. The study found that the NF1 gene affects stature through a different pathway than previously focused on for cancer treatment.
A recent study in monkeys found that auditory stimulation directly improves visual perception without involving higher brain areas. The researchers recorded neuronal responses and measured latency, showing a 5-10% decrease in response time when visual signals were weaker, suggesting the auditory cue speeds up the response.
Researchers at UC Berkeley develop breakthrough metamaterials with negative refraction, enabling higher resolution optical imaging and potential applications for nanocircuits and invisibility cloaks. The materials can bend visible and near-infrared light backwards, a crucial step towards practical applications.
Two scientists call for a large-scale trial of a 'ceiling' on hen harrier numbers in grouse moors to end long-standing conflicts. The proposal aims to find a compromise between conservationists and grouse managers, while also improving the conservation status of harriers.
The study sheds light on the complex interactions between genes and environmental factors that cause holoprosencephaly, a developmental malformation affecting the anterior brain and face. Researchers found that a gene called Six3 plays a crucial role in regulating fetal brain development.
Researchers found a 26% increased risk of death among individuals with low blood levels of vitamin D. The study suggests that adequate vitamin D levels may be crucial in preventing cardiovascular disease.
Patients taking proton pump inhibitors for 7 years or more are at higher risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. The study found a significant increase in hip fracture risk after 5 years and any fracture risk after 7 years of continuous exposure.
Regeneron's ARCALYST (rilonacept) has been shown to effectively manage symptoms of Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS), a rare inherited disease. The treatment demonstrated an 84% improvement in overall symptom scores and high patient response rates.
A UCR graduate student has discovered a new bacterial pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous, closely related to citrus greening disease, that causes yellowing of tomato and potato leaves. The bacterium is vectored by the tomato/potato psyllid into host plants, resulting in yield losses up to 85% in commercial crops.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine tracked 500 older runners for over 20 years, finding that regular running delays disability and reduces the risk of early death. The study's findings support the theory that 'comparing morbidity' - compressing the period of declining health - can extend high-quality life.
Research indicates that obesity can be metabolically benign, with some obese individuals having a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes. The studies found that visceral fat accumulation was more important than total body fat in determining the beneficial phenotype in obesity.
A type of PET scanning may be useful in non-invasive assessment of brain plaque formation. Six patients with beta-amyloid plaques displayed a higher uptake of the marker [11C]PiB in certain brain areas compared to those without such accumulations.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics reveals a significant presence of mitochondrial DNA mutations in the general population. Researchers found that at least 1 in 200 individuals harbor pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations, which may lead to diseases such as muscle weakness and diabetes.
A UBC study of Olympic athletes found that pride and shame are innate biological responses to success and failure, expressed universally across cultures. The researchers used cross-cultural data gathered at the 2004 Olympics to analyze non-verbal expressions and body language.
A study published by researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that only one-fifth of men under age 50 reported undergoing a PSA test in the previous year. Black men and men with a family history are disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for increased awareness and screening efforts.
A study found that one in five men in their 40s have undergone a PSA test within the previous year. Young black men are more likely than young white men to have been screened. The study also revealed that younger Hispanic men and those with higher household income and education level were more likely to undergo testing.
A study confirms climate change is causing thousands of trees and shrubs to die in the Santa Rosa Mountains, with plant species moving up an average of 213 feet as their habitat shifts. This finding has implications for forest management, ruling out air pollution and fire suppression as main causes of plant death.
Researchers found that individuals with lower educational achievement and smaller head sizes were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, suggesting an early sign of the illness. The study suggests that brain damage related to Alzheimer's may begin earlier in life, compromising intellectual ability and leading to reduced education.
A new study reveals that chili peppers' spiciness is a defense mechanism against microbial fungus that destroys seeds. The pungency acts as a unique defense, slowing down microbial growth and protecting the plant's progeny.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and UCSF have uncovered new origins for childhood brain tumors, suggesting that targeting the mutated cell-signaling pathway may lead to more effective treatment approaches. The findings hint that not all patients' tumors may be born from the same cells.
Researchers have discovered a single dose of small interfering RNA (siRNA) can significantly reduce cholesterol levels in rodents, with effects lasting for weeks. The siRNA works by blocking the production of PCSK9, a protein that raises LDL cholesterol, and has shown promise in nonhuman primates as well.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have created a solar collector system that can harness heat from asphalt roads and parking lots to generate electricity and hot water. The technology has the potential to reduce urban 'heat island' effects and provide a cost-effective source of renewable energy.
A U-M study finds that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a cost-effective way to prevent upper GI bleeding in patients taking aspirin for cardiac events. Starting PPI therapy at age 50 or older is estimated to be highly cost-effective, while starting at younger ages may only be marginally so.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment are more likely to develop diabetes, have longer durations of diabetes, and experience greater severity. Poor blood glucose control over time may lead to neuronal damage, contributing to cognitive impairment.
A study with sheep found that blocking acid-sensitive potassium channels prevents damage to the fetal cerebellum, which is vulnerable to injury from alcohol. The researchers also found that a drug called doxapram can block these channels, preventing damage and reducing the number of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum.
A systematic review of antiepileptic drugs found that children with drug-resistant partial epilepsy have a greater response to placebo treatments compared to adults. This suggests that clinical trials in children require careful design and reporting to provide valid results.
According to Paul Ehrlich and Robert Pringle, a multi-pronged approach involving individual and small group efforts is crucial for preserving biodiversity. By making modest actions such as reducing meat consumption or maintaining living hedges, people can collectively have a significant impact on the environment.
Researchers found that egg P bodies lack degradation proteins Pat1 and DCAP-2 to safeguard maternally-derived gene messages until fertilization. The specialized P bodies interact with each other, suggesting they exchange mRNAs.