A new international study reveals how the Komodo dragon can efficiently kill prey despite having a weak bite and featherweight skull. The 'space-frame' skull, combined with powerful neck muscles and razor-sharp teeth, allows it to butcher large animal prey.
The LIREC project aims to develop emotionally intelligent companion technology that can engage humans in the long term. Researchers will study people's perceptions of robots and explore how humans bond with synthetic companions, inspired by human-pet relationships.
The CAROD project aims to create more realistic simulation models by incorporating real-world deviations and variations. This technology has the potential to improve product quality and reduce errors in industries such as automotive and manufacturing.
A study by Baystate Health found that using mammography and sonography together can exclude breast cancer in 98% of patients. However, some cases may remain undiagnosed due to dense tissue or late detection.
A new study suggests that low-dose CT coronary angiography can measure cardiac function effectively, offering a lower radiation dose alternative to traditional exams. The technique has the potential to replace high-radiation exams for patients with mobility or other issues.
Researchers in Spain have compiled 20th century temperature data to show evidence of climatic change. They found signs of 'pollution' that needed to be removed through homogeneization, a process that ensures the data reflects only climatic evolution.
Patients with cystic fibrosis who develop life-threatening lung infections pose significant challenges for lung transplantation. The success rate of lung transplants in these patients is lower compared to those without such infections, sparking debate about whether to allocate donor lungs to them.
A recent study found that 3T MRI without an endorectal coil can detect prostate cancer with diagnostic image quality and accurate tumor localization. The technique provided undistorted images of the prostate and surrounding tissue, allowing for precise surgical planning.
A new cardiac CT technique, prospective gated 64-channel cardiac CT, has been shown to significantly reduce patient exposure to radiation. Compared to the standard retrospective ECG gating technique, this method produces high-quality images with a 76% lower radiation dose.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of multipolar radiofrequency ablation in treating patients with liver cancer, achieving complete tumor destruction in 66 out of 67 cases. After four years, 52% of patients are now tumor-free and 78% are still living.
A study found that MRI examinations before surgical treatment changed the treatment plan in 28% of cases, with 15 patients opting for mastectomy. The delay caused by MRI screenings also increased treatment time by 14 days on average.
A recent study found that USFNA of axillary lymph nodes in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer improves diagnostic accuracy while minimizing negative results. The procedure, which measures cortical thickness, is safe and minimally invasive.
A new University of Michigan study finds major gaps in hospice care availability across the US, attributed to low Medicare funding and reliance on charity. The study shows that communities with lower average incomes and education levels have fewer hospices, while areas with higher incomes and educated populations have more.
A new study questions the effectiveness of $220 million in malaria prevention efforts, citing a surge in annual mortality rates among teens and adults. The researchers call for addressing environmental factors contributing to malaria growth and developing more efficient control programs.
A recent study found that MDCT is accurate in detecting stenosis in small and moderate-sized calcified coronary artery plaque, with a high concordance rate with cardiac catheterization. However, overestimation of stenosis occurred in large and heavily calcified lesions, highlighting the need for caution when interpreting MDCT results.
A unique study found that people with anxious personality traits face a higher risk of first-time clinically significant depression after age 70. Long-standing personality traits can predict onset of depression into older adulthood, especially among women and those from working-class backgrounds.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a new lithium-ion battery with non-flammable polymer electrolytes, enhancing safety and increasing conductivity. The improved batteries are expected to compete with lead batteries in cars within 3-5 years.
A networked electronic display system allows store managers to quickly update prices on displays via a central computer, eliminating the need for physical price tag changes. The system uses small data packages transmitted between receivers and transmitters, ensuring fast and reliable price updates.
The Landon Foundation-AACR INNOVATOR Award for Cancer Prevention Research supports early career scientists, while the International Collaboration award promotes global cooperation to accelerate progress against cancer. The awards aim to encourage innovative approaches to cancer prevention and treatment.
Elderly patients over 70 years old benefit from frequent mammograms, which can detect breast cancers earlier and reduce surgical procedures. The study found that 19 of 24 cases of breast malignancy were initially identified on screening mammography.
Researchers aim to understand the mechanisms that regulate stem cell function, which may contribute to malignant brain tumor formation. The study finds similarities in stem cell regulation and cancer tumor maintenance, potentially paving the way for targeted therapies.
A new study of 145 triple-negative breast cancers found that moderate or low-grade lesions were present in 23% of cases, with only a small percentage showing lymph node metastasis. The findings suggest that triple-negative breast cancers are a heterogeneous group and may not always be associated with cancer spread.
A recent study found that macadamia nut consumption as part of a heart-healthy diet reduced low-density cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The researchers used a controlled feeding study with participants who consumed either a standard American diet or a diet supplemented with macadamia nuts.
Researchers discovered disparities in depression among older Hispanics in the US, with Puerto Ricans having higher rates than other groups. The study found nearly 7% of Puerto Ricans suffer from major depression, compared to 2.8% of Mexican Americans and 2.5% of Cuban Americans.
A recent study found that contrast-enhanced MRI significantly outperforms 16 slice multidetector CT in detecting endoleaks after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurisms. The study detected 21 endoleaks in 18 patients with 100% sensitivity and accuracy on MRI, while MDCT had lower detection rates.
Researchers have identified a cell that can produce enough of a person's own cartilage to treat cartilage lesions and mark the onset of osteoarthritis. This breakthrough could lead to effective transplantation of transplanted cells into damaged joints, overcoming current limitations in treating arthritis.
Researchers are investigating whether embryonic stem cell-derived tissues can be accepted by the immune system, paving the way for new treatments. The study suggests that ES cells display an underlying immune privilege, which could be harnessed to promote regulatory T-cell activity and suppress immune activation.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College found that 3T MR-guided focused ultrasound effectively reduces symptoms of uterine fibroids in 20 patients, with minimal side effects. The non-invasive procedure allows for quick recovery times and eliminates risks associated with surgery.
Researchers at the Bradley Hasbro Children’s Research Center presented on two studies at the 2008 National Conference on Child Health Psychology. The first study explored parent-teen communication in Latino families, finding that issues like religion and gender roles impact risky behaviors. Another study found that weight control treat...
Research found that medial breast tumors primarily receive blood from internal mammary vessels, while lateral tumors have a more complex blood supply. This study supports the use of MRI for analyzing breast cancer's impact on surrounding anatomy, particularly vascular supply and lymphatic drainage.
A new sonographic method, Sonoenteroclysis, has been shown to be an effective alternative to traditional barium enteroclysis in diagnosing small bowel disorders. The study found comparable results and additional information regarding bowel wall and surrounding structures.
A new 'Structural Health Monitoring' (SHM) system uses sensors and signal processing devices to detect cracks and defects in aircraft, pipelines, and wind turbines. The system aims to prevent damage and optimize maintenance with real-time data.
A new study shows that MRI and PET/CT can triage patients with stage 1B cervical cancer to optimal first-line therapy, preventing unnecessary trimodality therapy. The combination of both imaging modalities results in a 95% reduction in patients being triaged to high-morbidity treatment.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed intelligent bicycle pedals that track pedaling force and provide real-time feedback to cyclists. The integrated sensors and electronic components enable the system to optimize cycling performance and detect potential issues, such as material fatigue in aircraft parts.
A recent study found that CT scans are highly effective in diagnosing patients with large bowel obstruction, identifying the site and cause of obstruction. The study showed a sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 100%, respectively.
A new study by the University of Colorado at Boulder and California Institute of Technology suggests that the Grand Canyon is significantly older than previously thought, potentially dating back to the time of dinosaurs. The research uses radiometric dating to show that the canyon may have formed over 55 million years ago.
Research reveals female vets exposed to x-rays, anaesthetic gases, and pesticides are twice as likely to miscarry during pregnancy. The study emphasizes the need for veterinarians to prioritize preventive measures and use protective devices at work.
A new study found that doctors are dissatisfied with treating non-native patients due to cultural differences and language barriers. Over 2400 doctor questionnaires revealed that Turkish patients received lower-quality care, highlighting the need for improved communication and intercultural training.
Researchers found that phytochemical-rich foods like blueberries improve spatial working memory tasks within three weeks. The enhancement is attributed to flavonoids, which stimulate neuronal regeneration and improve cellular communications.
Mark Friedman, a leading researcher in eating behavior, has received a Guggenheim Fellowship to study the effects of diet on obesity. His work aims to elucidate the mechanisms driving diet-induced obesity, with a focus on the interaction between dietary fat and carbohydrate.
Researchers uncover rare two-billion-year-old window into the Earth's mantle, shedding light on geological history. The discovery suggests the mantle is not as well-mixed or homogenous as previously believed.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has launched a new e-book initiative, partnering with MPS Technologies to make its content easily accessible. The initial launch includes 130 titles from the AIAA Education Series and Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics series.
A joint Argentinian-French study suggests that elastic stresses may play a crucial role in determining leaf venation patterns. By developing a numerical model, the researchers found simulated patterns with statistical properties similar to natural ones, challenging the existing view of auxin's role in vein formation.
A Swedish study found that women who consumed wine regularly had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who drank beer or liquor. The study, which followed 1,458 women over 34 years, suggests that moderate wine consumption may have protective effects against dementia.
A new study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family reveals that attending religious services is predictive of marital fidelity. The researchers found that prayer, faith, and other dimensions of religious life had no association with infidelity.
A massive study of Madagascar's wildlife provides a blueprint for conservation, highlighting key areas to protect and prioritizing endangered species. The research uses data from thousands of species and advanced techniques to identify the most important areas for saving fauna and flora.
The study reveals that high-temperature superconductors do not rely on a 'glue' binding electrons, but instead utilize their strong repulsive forces to facilitate superconductivity. The researchers used specialized equipment to measure electron pairing mechanisms and found unique quantum properties at warmer temperatures.
A study by University of Kentucky researchers found that targeted mass media campaigns can be successful alone in convincing young adults to adopt safer sex practices. The campaign effectively increased condom use and intentions to use condoms, resulting in a significant reduction in unprotected sex occasions.
The new report 'Every Death Counts' analyzes data on maternal, neonatal, and child deaths in South Africa, highlighting five major health challenges contributing to the high mortality rates. The authors emphasize the need for national leadership and fully implementing recommendations to reduce mortality rates.
A team led by Byron Brehm-Stecher is investigating the potential of silver nanoparticles to improve food safety. They aim to develop applications such as antimicrobial fabrics and surfaces, which could help kill foodborne pathogens and enhance shelf life.
A randomized controlled trial found that spending time with farm animals improved patients' self-efficacy and coping ability, particularly those with schizophrenia and long-lasting psychiatric symptoms. The study suggests that farm animal-assisted therapy may be a beneficial treatment option for individuals with mental health conditions.
The SAPPHIRE trial found that carotid stenting was comparably effective to surgery in preventing stroke, heart attack, and death in high-risk patients. Patients undergoing stenting had similar rates of revascularization procedures as those who underwent surgery.
Researchers developed an electronic medical record system called ESP that increased reported infections of Chlamydia and gonorrhoea by 40-50% and provided more complete information on patient conditions. The system is designed to report seven types of infections and offers promise for faster detection and prevention of public health th...
New research suggests that irradiation can effectively kill internalized pathogens beyond the reach of conventional chemical sanitizers, including E. coli and Salmonella. Studies show that washing alone may not be enough to reduce foodborne illnesses, highlighting the potential benefits of irradiation in reducing the risk.
Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million queries to find that 80% are informational, while 10% are navigational or transactional in nature. An algorithm developed by Penn State researchers achieved a 74% accuracy rate in classifying these searches.
During embryonic development, ephrin/Eph signaling helps regulate the growth of sensory and motor neurons. When this cross-talk is interrupted, motor neurons can mistakenly join sensory pathways, leading to a 'wiring disaster.' Researchers hope to use these findings to develop new treatments for spinal cord injuries
A team of Penn State paleoclimatologists found that a lack of cloud cover led to pre-human supergreenhouse periods during the Cetaceous and Eocene. By altering the Earth's albedo through changes in cloud cover, the researchers were able to recreate temperature regimes with mean annual temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
A new policy implemented in a Michigan clinic helped identify 35% of patients misusing opioid medications, while steering dependent patients to treatment. The approach logged and screened all patients receiving opioids for non-cancer pain, with the goal of protecting doctors' ability to prescribe these drugs.
Researchers present data on gene-based blood testing that may help reduce immunosuppression and predict cardiac allograft rejection. Non-invasive molecular testing of routine blood samples provides information on the immune, inflammatory, and injury status of transplanted hearts before tissue damage occurs.
Researchers found that the probability of bird migration errors increases with species abundance in Asia, while body size has no effect. The scientists suspect an error in the genetic migratory programme as the cause, rather than weather or other factors.