Researchers found that happiness can spread through social networks like an emotional contagion, benefiting not only friends but also friends' friends and even those three degrees removed. The effect is strongest among close relationships and lasts for up to a year.
A Brandeis University study published in Poetics analyzed 683 prayers written between 1999 and 2005. The researchers found that prayer writers typically frame their prayers broadly to allow multiple outcomes to be interpreted as evidence of being answered. Most writers anthropomorphized God, addressing it as a relative or friend.
A recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that antipsychotic drugs do not form homogeneous classes, with individual differences in efficacy, side effects, and cost. This challenges the traditional classification of 'first-generation' and 'second-generation' antipsychotics.
Research suggests Vitamin E's antioxidant properties may reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in skeletal and cardiac muscle. The study found significant reductions in oxidized proteins and two cytokines with Vitamin E treatment compared to placebo, potentially correlating with increased muscle strength.
A UCSF study found that maternal cells enter the fetus during pregnancy, inducing regulatory T cells that enforce a state of tolerance between the fetus and mother. This discovery defines a previously-unrecognized pathway for human tolerance development.
Researchers found that single-celled organisms spontaneously silence large numbers of metabolic reactions to optimize growth, with around 300 active reactions for all four organisms under optimal conditions. This finding provides new insights into the interplay between metabolic network activity and biological function.
Researchers have developed a new method to prioritize disease-associated SNPs by analyzing genes with high differential expression rates. This approach, called fitSNPs, successfully distinguished true disease genes from false positives in genome-wide association studies, and can serve as a powerful tool for prioritizing disease genes.
Gene expression varies among African Americans based on European ancestry proportion. Small population differences found in gene regulation compared to individual variations within the same population.
A new study identifies specific characteristics of immune cells called CD8+ T cells that successfully destroy HIV-infected cells. These cells are able to load granules with proteins necessary for delivering a death-inducing molecule called granzyme B to infected cells.
Researchers created a model that explains how genes are turned on and off by analyzing DNA sequences and transcription factor interactions. The study found that simple rules govern gene expression patterns, accounting for 65% of variation between cells.
A new angled gantry approach to coronary CT angiography significantly reduced breast radiation exposure by half. Researchers found that imaging the heart with an angled gantry acquisition reduced the overlap with the lower breast from 6.5cm to 3.2cm, warranting further machine development.
Researchers have discovered novel prion infectivity in white and brown fat tissues of mice, shedding new light on the pathogenesis of prion diseases. This finding may have significant implications for preventing prion infection in animals and humans, particularly in ruminants suspected of exposure to or infection with prions.
The Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology has received a $1.6-million grant to improve and expand CLASLite, a user-friendly method for mapping tropical forests from desktops. The technology will help rainforest nations monitor their changing carbon budgets and advance deforestation and degradation mapping in Latin America.
Dr. Scott Mintzer has received a $843,000 NIH grant to investigate the cardiovascular side effects of anti-seizure medications in patients with epilepsy and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study aims to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing potential risks.
Researchers have identified a gene that directly affects the production of fetal hemoglobin, which could lead to the development of new therapies for sickle cell disease and thalassemia. By suppressing a specific gene called BCL11A, HbF production improves dramatically, providing a potential new target for treatments.
The International Society of Andrology, European Association of Urology, and other scientific organizations have formulated new recommendations on late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) treatment. These guidelines emphasize the importance of addressing symptoms such as erectile dysfunction and low testosterone levels in aging men.
A new study by researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that over half of fertility patients are against implanting stored embryos in others, highlighting concerns about embryo disposition. The study surveyed over 1,000 patients and revealed previously unexplored concerns about their embryos.
Scientists analyzed coral and GPS data to determine the details of the 2007 breaks, finding that only one section had broken, releasing a quarter of the accumulated deficit over two centuries. The study provides valuable insights into the stress accumulation on the Sumatra megathrust.
A team of University of Cincinnati researchers has found that zinc plays a crucial role in the formation of biofilms that cause hospital-acquired infections. By removing zinc from bacterial cells, they were able to prevent biofilm formation and growth, offering new hope for preventing these infections.
The annual bonefish census reported a modest decrease in population numbers to 321,000, attributed to increased participation among counters. The survey found that the population is relatively stable, with no significant difference year-over-year.
A large international study found that treatment with the medication irbesartan did not reduce the risk of death or hospitalization for cardiovascular causes among patients with diastolic heart failure, nor did it improve quality of life. The study also showed that the medication was safe for patients with the condition.
A balance between large research groups and individual scientists is optimal for success, according to a novel theory by Adrian Bejan. Successful research groups grow naturally and contribute to the whole, while solitary thinkers have flourished throughout history due to science being good for society.
Biologists have found a critical mechanism in cell division, promoting cytokinesis completion by down-regulating branched microfilaments. The discovery uses roundworms and provides insight into protein interactions and signaling mechanisms.
Researchers are exploring the PI3-kinase pathway's role in cancer, with studies showing its inhibition can suppress tumor growth and cell survival. The pathway is also involved in angiogenesis, differentiation, and cell growth, making it a critical target for novel therapies.
Research reveals high Sephardic Jewish ancestry in Iberian populations, suggesting significant religious conversion events. Low diversity in North African lineage indicates recent arrival after 711 AD conquest.
Researchers at Caltech identified layered rock outcrops on Mars indicating regular climate change due to planetary tilt variations. The layers suggest that Mars experienced cyclical climate changes similar to those on Earth, which were driven by variations in the planet's obliquity.
Researchers found higher degrees of hyperactivity, aggression, and depression among boys with asthma exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Even low levels of tobacco smoke were detrimental to behavior, with a two-fold increase in behavioral problems for every doubling in exposure.
Researchers led by Prof. Itzhak Fried discovered that the same neurons excited during an experience are also activated when remembering it, providing a clearer picture of how memory recall works. This finding has important implications for understanding dementias like Alzheimer's.
Research at Gothenburg University and Oxford University found that middle-aged men prefer younger women in lonely hearts ads. However, this contradicts the idea that men place more emphasis on attractive appearance than resources and social status. In contrast, younger women tend to prefer older men.
Scientists can now access valuable hurricane research information and easy data access to a collection of multi-sensor datasets via the NASA Hurricane Data Analysis tool. The tool allows users to visualize key parameters, such as area plots and animations, for tropical cyclones around the world.
The Virginia Tech Center for Injury Biomechanics received the Army Modeling and Simulation Award for developing the Facial and Ocular Countermeasures Safety (FOCUS) headform, a state-of-the-art test dummy capable of measuring impact loads to the face and eyes.
Researchers have found that bone marrow-derived stem cells can increase production of the col7 protein and form anchoring fibrils, improving the connection between the dermis and epidermis. This treatment has shown promise in increasing survival time and reducing blister formation in mouse models of the disease.
Researchers use simulated earthquake tests to improve seismic assessment tools and critical retrofit designs for non-ductile reinforced concrete frames with masonry-infilled walls. The project aims to assess the resistance of these structures under realistic seismic load conditions, developing reliable analytical models to evaluate the...
A randomised, placebo-controlled trial found that Carraguard, a carrageenan-based compound, did not prevent HIV infection in women. Despite high rates of gel use and condom application, the study showed no significant difference in time to seroconversion between the treatment and control groups.
Physicists use ultracold atoms in optical lattices to simulate complex materials like high-temperature superconductors. They successfully detect the Mott insulator, a state of strong electronic interactions, and confirm a key theoretical model.
A literature review found that patients receiving coerced medication are more likely to have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or another psychotic disorder. The practice is often used in the UK and has been linked to negative feelings among patients.
A new study by James Fowler and Nicholas Christakis reveals that happiness can spread rapidly through social networks, with happy friends increasing one's chances of happiness by 9 percent. The research also shows that the structure of connections plays a significant role in determining individual happiness.
A clinical tool called TAG-IT has been developed to assess the risk of undetected hyperglycemia, impaired fasting glucose, and undiagnosed diabetes in patients. By identifying high-risk patients early, clinicians can implement preventative strategies to minimize progression to diabetes and related diseases.
Nucleolar dominance is a phenomenon where an entire parental set of ribosomal RNA genes are silenced in hybrid plants or animals. Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding this process, which may have important implications for cancer research.
Researchers found that cancer cells' chromatin packaging, including Polycomb group proteins, plays a crucial role in deactivating tumor suppressor genes. By disrupting this packaging, demethylating agents can restore gene expression and potentially lead to new cancer therapies.
New research suggests that excess liver fat is a key contributor to metabolic problems, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The study found that children with fatty liver disease had abnormalities in glucose and fat metabolism, including lower levels of HDL cholesterol.
Researchers have identified a group of dormant stem cells in mouse bone marrow that divide only five times throughout their lifespan, equivalent to one cell division in 18 years. These 'sleeping' stem cells can rapidly self-renew and replace damaged bone marrow in emergency situations.
Ethan Clark Garner has won the top award for understanding DNA segregation, assembly and regulation of bacterial actin-like proteins. His research has focused on a minimal DNA segregating machine that ensures dividing bacteria provide both halves with duplicate genetic material.
A team of researchers has discovered MEDNIK Syndrome, a debilitating genetic syndrome characterized by mental retardation, enteropathy, deafness, and peripheral neuropathy. The AP1S1 gene mutation causes this disorder, affecting development in the skin and spinal cord.
Researchers at University of British Columbia have identified hemichannels as a potential target for treating epileptic seizures caused by brain trauma or stroke. Blocking these channels may lead to the development of new therapies for epilepsy patients.
The 'Jollbot' can jump over obstacles and roll on smoother terrain, solving the problem of robots being able to move over rough terrain. It uses electrical motors to store energy in its springy skeleton, allowing it to leap up to half a metre high.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found no difference in liver disease progression among patients treated with interferon compared to those who did not receive it. The HALT-C Trial showed that interferon, often used as a maintenance treatment, is ineffective in slowing disease progression.
Dr. Marc Nuwer, UCLA professor, argues that US healthcare's high cost is due to individualistic approach and lack of attention to care-related expenditures. He recommends educating physicians about costs to reduce defensive medicine and promote more efficient care.
A new study reveals that long-term non-progressors' immune cells can effectively contain HIV by stockpiling molecular weapons, enabling them to kill infected cells efficiently. The discovery advances understanding of the unique mechanisms behind this phenomenon and may inform the development of an HIV vaccine.
Researchers found that moderate wine consumption is associated with increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body, considered protective against coronary heart disease. The study suggests that compounds other than alcohol may be responsible for this effect, and polyphenols in wine are a potential key player.
A new study found that a bacterial pathogen disables the tomato plant's intruder alarm system by deactivating cell surface receptors, allowing the bacteria to spread rapidly without resistance. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new ways of tackling plant diseases without pesticides.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have determined the first 3D structure of ZP3, a protein essential for fertilization in mammals. The findings provide insights into the molecular architecture of animal egg coats and may lead to the development of novel contraceptives.
Researchers have identified MEDNIK syndrome as a debilitating genetic disorder characterized by mental retardation, enteropathy, deafness, and other symptoms. The AP1S1 gene mutation is found to cause impairment of neural networks, including the spinal cord, inner ear, and brain.
A recent Ontario study found that only 19% of women with invasive ovarian cancer were referred for genetic testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, highlighting a lack of awareness about the risks and benefits of genetic testing. This omission puts family members at risk as they are unaware of their potential cancer risk.
Research published in BMC Medical Education reveals a high prevalence of depression among medical students, particularly females, with symptoms including somatic and affective clusters. The study suggests that this period is crucial for professors and educators to monitor suicidal thoughts and risk in their students.