A recent study suggests that experienced elephant matriarchs give their family groups an edge in periods of famine and drought. The study found correlations between calf survivorship and the movements of the group, with older female members playing a crucial role.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified two types of cells in the brain that can give rise to medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor. The study provides critical insight into how cancers develop and may help develop more rational and effective approaches to treatment.
A study published in Neurology found that physical frailty is associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology in both people with and without dementia. The researchers found that participants with high levels of AD pathology had approximately twice the level of frailty compared to those with low levels.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will receive a $247,000 grant to test a new method of identifying children at risk for developmental delays. Researchers aim to design service packages tailored to each child's risk level, with potential benefits including more frequent visits and home visits.
Scientists have developed a novel method to study the Southern Ocean using elephant seals equipped with oceanographic sensors, providing a 30-fold increase in data recorded under sea ice. This technology complements traditional sampling methods, allowing for better understanding of climate change and its effects on global oceans.
Researchers found that neighborhoods with low mixed-land use and high fast-food density were more likely to have overweight residents. In contrast, areas with high street connectivity, public transportation, and green spaces promoted neighborhood walking and physical activity.
A UK study found that financial incentives reduced inequalities in clinical care between affluent and poor areas. Practices serving poorer populations improved their performance over time, narrowing the gap with more affluent areas.
A new report details the historic mass extinction of amphibians, with extinction rates reaching unprecedented levels. The authors attribute the decline to human activities exacerbating climate change and a deadly infectious disease, chytridiomycosis.
Researchers found that microRNA miR-126 regulates vascular development, structure, migration, proliferation and survival of endothelial cells. The study provides clues to potential therapeutic targets for diseases impacted by the vascular system.
Professor John Rice, Chair of Statistics at UC Berkeley, wins the 2008 Jerome Sacks Award for his diverse cross-disciplinary contributions to various fields. The award recognizes sustained high-quality research involving statistical sciences.
Researchers from Royal Free and University College London Medical School used Mendelian randomization to examine the association between CRP levels and type 2 diabetes risk. They found that elevated CRP levels in the blood are unlikely to cause diabetes, challenging previous research suggesting a potential causal link.
Inwood Hill Park faces challenges preserving native species due to human impact and invasive species proliferation. A collaborative research approach can help understand plant losses and address causes, ensuring the survival of future plantings.
A study using MRI found that lower eyelids get fatter with age due to increased orbital fat. Plastic surgeons also discovered the importance of excision in treating under-eye bags during eyelid surgery. Meanwhile, body contouring procedures after gastric bypass surgery are performed by only 11.3% of patients.
Researchers at USC School of Dentistry have discovered a new pathway that contributes to palate formation, bypassing the TGF-ß signaling molecule. This finding has implications for understanding cleft palate, tooth development, and diseases like cancer.
A study found that refractive errors affect approximately half of U.S. adults aged 20 and older, resulting in significant vision impairment. The prevalence of refractive error increases with age, affecting individuals across all ethnicities, and is estimated to cost between $3.8 and $7.2 billion annually for glasses or contacts.
Researchers found that parents who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to have children who also consume these foods. A five-year study showed that the High 5 for Kids program increased fruit and vegetable intake in preschoolers of normal weight, but not in overweight children.
Researchers found that 76% of studies on pediatric adherence to ART in low-income countries reported more than 75% adherence, compared to lower rates in high-income countries. The study's findings suggest that children in these countries can maintain comparable or better adherence to ART as those in high-income countries.
A study found that Americans with health insurance are equally likely to access eye care as Canadians, while those without insurance visit less often. Individuals with higher incomes and optional vision insurance tend to use eye care services more frequently.
Researchers discovered that the Douglas-fir tree's wood structure prevents water from being pulled any higher than 350 feet due to air bubble formation. At this height, trees experience drought-like conditions and struggle to transport water, limiting their growth.
A new study published in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology found that conscious thinking can lead to better choices for complex decisions, debunking a controversial 2006 research result. The study suggests that unconscious thought is more susceptible to irrelevant factors and that conscious thinkers given adequate time t...
Drug doping poses significant health risks to athletes and undermines fair competition. The introduction of effective anti-doping programs is essential to maintain trust in sports and protect athlete well-being.
Despite a median waiting time of 8 months, 63% of patients preferred to stay with their current surgeon due to trust, reputation, and personal experience. This highlights the importance of addressing patient concerns in setting waiting-time guarantees.
A team of scientists has identified a key protein called Maelstrom that suppresses jumping genes in mouse sperm, essential for sperm formation. The study found that the protein plays a crucial role in keeping genes from jumping around in germ cells.
Research from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management shows that consumers often gravitate towards the most similar remaining option when one attractive choice becomes unavailable. This phenomenon, known as the 'phantom decoy effect,' can have significant impacts on consumer preference and even election outcomes.
A study found that older runners were less likely to become disabled and may survive longer than non-runners. Regular exercise, including running, was associated with improved health outcomes, including lower levels of inflammatory markers and better cognitive function.
Anemia of chronic disease could be an adaptive response to inflammatory illness, rather than a disorder. Researchers suggest treating mild to moderate cases to avoid increased mortality from treatment.
Researchers found that capsaicin slows microbial growth and protects the fruit from Fusarium fungus, allowing seeds to be dispersed. The production of capsaicin comes at a cost for chili plants, with thin seed coats being a consequence of prioritizing chemical protection.
New research from Michigan State University suggests that encouraging marriage to promote health may be misguided. Never-married individuals are seeing significant improvements in their self-reported health, particularly men, closing the gap with their married counterparts.
Studies reveal temperature is primary driver of oceanic bacterial diversity, contradicting productivity theories. Microbial life also thrives in Rocky Mountains, with diversity peaking just above foothills.
Individuals with low vitamin D levels have a higher risk of death from all causes, according to a study analyzing data from the Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. The analysis found that those with vitamin D deficiency had a 26% increased rate of death compared to those with adequate levels.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered a central molecular switch that instructs cells to form sensory nerves or blood cells. The switch, which involves the competition between Hox and Senseless genes, regulates genetic signals that determine cell differentiation.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that laboratory rats' brains signal uncertainty when making decisions, reflecting their level of confidence. The study found that rats preferentially abort uncertain trials, indicating that confidence plays a crucial role in guiding behavior.
Researchers at CSIRO and the University of Sydney are working to develop new wheat varieties resistant to Ug99, a highly destructive fungus threatening global food security. By identifying multiple resistance gene combinations, they aim to protect wheat from this bio-security threat and ensure food availability for the future.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience identifies GABA as a key player in regulating energy balance, leading to leaner mice with increased energy expenditure and resistance to diet-induced obesity. The discovery suggests that targeting GABA release may be an effective strategy for tackling obesity and metabolic disease.
A study of quarter of a million patients found epidural anaesthesia to be safe for intermediate to high-risk surgery, but only slightly improving survival rates. The procedure offers better postoperative pain relief and reduces surgical stress response.
A study of 228 women identified two genetic variants associated with body shape, one affecting European American women and the other African American women. These variants were also linked to weight, lean mass, height, total fat mass, and HDL-cholesterol levels.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have prevented age-related decline in liver function and shown that maintaining efficient protein clearance can help stave off functional losses. The study suggests therapies to boost protein clearance might help maintain healthy lives well into old age.
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory developed a way to produce plastic sheets containing billions of nanoantennas that collect heat energy generated by the sun. The technology has potential to be mass-produced on flexible materials, powering devices with higher efficiency than traditional solar cells.
Researchers found that people carrying a specific gene variation are more prone to anxiety and have an exaggerated startle reflex in response to unpleasant pictures. This suggests that genetic differences may play a role in regulating emotional arousal and contributing to anxiety disorders.
Scientists discovered a new Prevotella species in the mouth, which could help understand oral diseases. The finding confirms that oral bacteria can invade tissues and individual cells, paving the way for new prevention measures and treatments.
Athletes with asthma face increased risk of symptoms due to high minute ventilation and poor air quality during exercise. Individualized management plans are crucial to comply with anti-doping regulations.
The New Zealand mud snail is outcompeting native species, altering food chains and ecosystems in the Great Lakes. Research suggests the snails can survive being frozen for short periods, making control difficult.
Scientists at the University of California, Davis have developed a simple and inexpensive process to directly convert cellulose into furan-based biofuels. This method surpasses previous conversions, offering a promising solution for sustainable energy production.
A study published in the Journal of Computational Neuroscience found that brain cells processing visual information adjust their filtering properties to make sense of incoming data. The researchers discovered that odd-symmetric components induce systematic changes across the population of neurons in the V1 area of the visual cortex.
Researchers discovered insects use air bubbles to survive underwater, but find limits to depth and surface area. The study found bugs can dive as deep as 30 meters without bubble rupture.
A team of scientists discovered that mirid bugs possess a 30 times thicker coating than blowflies, which disrupts the glue's adhesive powers, allowing them to escape. The unique greasy layer prevents the glue from forming discrete blobs, instead running like a fluid over the surface.
Researchers have shown that early treatment for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) within the first months following an infection develops a rapid poly-functional immune response against HCV. This finding suggests that early treatment can restore immune response and help eliminate the virus rapidly, contributing to the development of new treatments.
A new study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council argues that hope is essential for effective HIV prevention strategies. People with hope are more likely to adopt realistic plans and engage in protective behaviors.
Researchers at UCLA and Intrinsic LifeSciences have developed the first method to directly measure hepcidin, a hormone that regulates iron absorption. The new blood test will help clinicians diagnose conditions like anemia of chronic disease and hemochromatosis more efficiently.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center are launching a study to investigate the impact of mistrust in medical care on Latino HIV patients' mortality rates. The study aims to understand cultural and social factors contributing to this disparity.
The MIBBI initiative brings together grassroots standardisation groups to create a unified framework for high-throughput biology. By sharing minimal information standards, researchers can increase data reproducibility and analysis power.
A phase I/II study found that intrabone administration of unrelated cord-blood cells increased the number of patients who could receive hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. The technique reduced the incidence of graft-versus-host disease, a common complication of allogeneic transplants.
A study found a link between genetic variation in the CHRNA5 gene, initial smoking experiences, and current smoking habits. Smokers were eight times more likely to report pleasurable first cigarettes, suggesting that genetics may play a role in nicotine addiction.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming oily fish at least once a week may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 50%. Researchers associated high levels of omega-3 fatty acids with lower AMD risk, particularly those above 300mg per day.
A paper by F. Stuart Chapin III and colleagues presents policy strategies for sustainable management of Alaskan boreal forests in response to climate change, integrating ecological and social sciences. The award recognizes the research's contribution to sustainability science.
Researchers found that nearly 60% of tree species in Guam rely on native birds for seed dispersal, which could have significant impacts on forest ecosystems. The study suggests that the loss of native bird species due to invasive brown tree snakes may lead to reduced tree populations and altered ecosystem dynamics.
Researchers found that dopamine strengthens the 'go' circuit and weakens the 'stop' circuit in the brain, leading to compulsive behavior and addictive tendencies. The study also shows how Parkinson's patients' reduced dopamine levels lead to frozen motor skills.
Research finds that PSA screening can lead to delayed diagnosis and more aggressive cancer outcomes for obese men. The study suggests that alternative screening methods or lower threshold for worrisome PSA levels may be necessary for this population.
A new study found that referees tend to award more points to tae kwon do competitors dressed in red than those dressed in blue. The researchers discovered a split-second bias toward red-clad athletes when competitors are evenly matched in skill.
Research suggests that increased testosterone in male mice increases their ability to transmit diseases, driving transmission through close social contact. The study found that treated mice made significantly more contacts with both males and females than untreated mice, leading to a higher risk of disease spread.