Researchers found that, when jazz musicians improvise, a large portion of the brain's prefrontal region 'takes 5' to let creativity flow. This shutdown allows for novel ideas and impulses to emerge. The study suggests this brain pattern is key to highly creative thought.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed an oil-based nanoemulsion vaccine that produces strong immunity against smallpox and HIV in animal studies. The vaccine uses a mixture of soybean oil, alcohol, water, and detergents emulsified into ultra-small particles to trigger the body's immune response.
Researchers discovered a protein imbalance in Parkinson's disease patients and found that adding a phosphate group can reduce toxicity. The study suggests alpha-synuclein protein plays a key role in brain cell communication and may be a potential target for therapy.
Researchers at Indiana University have designed an organic molecule that can bind negatively charged ions, including fluorine and chlorine. The molecule's unique structure allows it to selectively grab these ions, making it a promising tool for various applications in biology and medicine.
A study found that 46% of patients received a maximum dose above 10% beyond the prescribed level, while 63% got a minimum dose below 10%, highlighting the need for standardization in intensity-modulated radiation therapy.
A study found that nearly 55% of teenagers with treatment-resistant depression showed improvement when switched to a different medication combined with cognitive behavioral therapy. The results suggest that clinicians should not hesitate to switch treatments, especially if an adolescent hasn't responded to initial treatment.
A new study using neurophysiology technology will track pelvic floor damage in women before, during, and after pregnancy. The goal is to determine if vaginal birth affects pelvic floor strength and coordination, or if other factors like pregnancy itself play a role.
Researchers developed artificial cell-like particles made of biodegradable material that can target specific diseases or infections. The new method enhances T cell activation by up to 45 times, addressing limitations of previous immunotherapy procedures.
Researchers have discovered that heart hormones can eliminate human pancreatic and breast cancers in mice, reducing tumors by up to 97%. The treatment has shown no side effects and has the potential to make cancer a chronic condition.
The Encyclopedia of Life (EOL) has launched with the first 30,000 species pages, providing a vast resource for scientists and policymakers to compare and contrast information about life on Earth. The EOL aims to accelerate biological and biomedical discovery by aggregating knowledge on Earth's estimated 1.8 million known species.
A new primer on human taste perception and biology has been published, providing a clear overview of recent advances in understanding this primal sense. The study reveals the importance of taste in both positive experiences, such as enjoying food, and critical life-dependent responses, like spitting out toxic substances.
A study on Mercury's gravity reveals a comet-like tail extending over 2.5 million kilometers away from the planet. Meanwhile, research finds that rising carbon dioxide levels are linked to increased ground-level ozone concentrations, harming lung function and respiratory systems.
Research at the University of Bath found that acne sufferers are less likely to participate in sport or exercise due to skin anxiety, leading to lower self-esteem and a poorer quality of life. The study aims to develop new ways to encourage acne sufferers to stay physically active.
Researchers have created a genetic reference collection of mutant Pisum sativum plants, enabling the investigation of essential genes using TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes) technique. This new tool has major benefits for crop breeders worldwide, providing an alternative to Agrobacterium-based techniques.
Research reveals invasive garden ants have already established widely in Europe, with potential for further infestations. The ants' dispersal strategy and originators were found to be limited, suggesting many more infestations may remain undiscovered.
A study of 214 residents found that nearly two-thirds received antibiotics during their stay, with most prescriptions given in the final weeks of life. The excessive use of antibiotics raises concerns about individual treatment burden and the development of antimicrobial resistance in nursing homes.
Researchers have found that electrons lose energy to carbon monoxide faster than to carbon dioxide at higher atmospheric levels on Mars and Venus. This discovery contributes to modeling techniques used for Earth's atmosphere, providing opportunities for validation and testing.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that combined hormone therapy significantly increases the risk of abnormal mammograms and breast biopsies, compromising their diagnostic performance. The research involved 16,608 post-menopausal women and revealed a four percent greater risk of mammogram abnormalities afte...
A new study by UC Santa Cruz researchers found that rats on islands in the Aleutian Archipelago dramatically alter the intertidal zone, reducing seaweed and increasing snails, barnacles, and other invertebrates. The presence of rats also leads to a trophic cascade, resulting in reduced seabird populations and altered marine ecosystems.
A global malaria map reveals a significant reduction in risk, with 1 billion people under lower infection rates. The map, produced by the Malaria Atlas Project, provides critical data for targeted control measures and potential elimination efforts.
Researchers at Iowa State University contributed to the draft sequence of the corn genome, providing valuable data for plant scientists to improve crops. The genome's complexity, with 2.5 billion base pairs and repetitive code, was overcome using advanced software technology, enabling faster assembly and analysis.
Research suggests that about one in four women with HIV expect pregnancy and motherhood, with younger women more likely to make this choice. The study highlights the need for clinicians to discuss pregnancy options with HIV-positive women of childbearing age.
A study examining long-term outcomes following blood clots found that patients with pulmonary embolism are at higher risk of experiencing recurrent clotting, major bleeding episodes, or death. The research also highlights the need for better anticoagulation strategies to reduce complications in the community setting.
Recent discoveries at Yalbac, a Maya center in Belize, suggest that different groups, including nobles and commoners, built temples. The archaeologist's findings indicate that non-royals had the freedom to choose which temples to worship in and support.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have created silica nanoparticles that store and release nitric oxide to kill bacteria effectively. This approach avoids the issue of controlling NO release with small molecules, which can be toxic to healthy cells.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that antidepressants only provide clinically significant benefits for a small group of severely depressed patients. However, even among these patients, the improvement is not very great, and depressed people can still improve without chemical treatments.
Tropical disease experts believe African sleeping sickness could be eliminated with maintained control efforts, but risk of losing disease control capacity remains. The greatest challenge will be to increase and sustain existing control efforts using available tools.
Two oxygenation events in ancient oceans between 635 and 551 million years ago led to the increase and spread of complex life, including animals. This finding supports the growing view that life and environment co-evolved during this tumultuous period of Earth history.
The 2008 HealthGrades America's 50 Best Hospitals list identifies top-performing facilities with superior patient outcomes, including an average 27% lower mortality rate compared to all other US hospitals. These elite hospitals demonstrate consistent quality care across multiple procedures and diagnoses.
A new Saint Louis University study suggests that nursing home residents can form strong connections with both real dogs and robotic companions like Aibo. The research found that these interactions alleviate loneliness and attachment issues in residents.
Researchers create hair analysis method to track past movements of suspects or unidentified murder victims based on hydrogen and oxygen isotope levels. The technique helps identify general geographic areas where individuals drank water, providing a valuable lead for law enforcement.
A new book by Professor Frank Trentmann shows that Free Trade was once a popular movement in Britain, promoting citizenship, justice, and democracy. It argues that consumerism did not necessarily make people apathetic, but rather mobilized them politically.
Researchers at University of Maryland's Institute for Advanced Computer Studies create SOMA Terror Organization Portal (STOP) to analyze and forecast terrorist organization behavior. The technology allows analysts to query learned rules, network with other experts, and test theories using data-driven forecasting capabilities.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that heart failure incidence declined among the very elderly, while overall cases rose due to an aging population. The study examined Medicare beneficiaries' claims between 1994 and 2003 and found a decline in heart failure rates among those aged 80-84 years old.
Scientists have discovered Antarctic krill thriving in deep waters, down to 3000 meters, contrary to earlier assumptions about their surface-dwelling nature. This finding sheds light on the complex behavior of marine organisms and highlights the importance of exploring the deep sea to understand our planet.
Researchers at Ohio State University identified two proteins, MprF1 and MprF2, that contribute to bacterial resistance by altering the electrical charge of cell membranes. This finding could lead to the development of new drugs targeting bacterial resistance at its cellular source.
A Phase II study found that the tenofovir gel was favorably self-applied and well-tolerated by HIV-negative women, with 80% following instructions to use the gel after sex. The researchers plan to proceed with larger studies to determine if the gel can prevent HIV infection.
A team of linguists, led by Professor Michael Krauss, will document 11 endangered languages in Alaska using a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The project aims to preserve the Atuuan dialect, Southern Tsimshian, and other critically endangered languages.
Researchers analyzed over 3.6 million patient records to find thousands of cases of probable undiagnosed diabetes in the UK. The study suggests that tens of thousands of people may be at risk of diabetes and require further assessment.
Erin Lavik, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Yale University, was recognized as one of the Connecticut Technology Council's 2008 Women of Innovation. Her research focuses on developing new therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury and retinal degeneration.
A study of post-menopausal women found that hormone therapy increased the risk of abnormal mammograms and breast biopsies, while also decreasing the effectiveness of these methods for detecting breast cancer. The therapy may delay diagnosis and increase breast density, which can lead to a higher risk of breast cancer.
The completed draft sequence of the corn genome will enable researchers to accurately and efficiently probe the genetic blueprint for the corn plant. Scientists can now look for ways to improve breeding, increase crop yields, and resistance to drought and disease.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo found that up to 20% of patients taking aspirin for stroke and heart attack prevention do not respond to the medication, leading to increased risk of clinical failure. The study also identified factors associated with aspirin resistance, including younger age and underlying vascular disease.
The Omololu Falobi Award honors advocates for their work in community advocacy and international leadership in HIV prevention research. Srikrishnan Aylur Kailasam was recognized for his role in working with marginalized communities, while Lori Heise received the award for her leadership in microbicide research as a partner.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have isolated biomarkers in the blood that identify mood disorders, providing an objective tool for diagnosing and assessing the severity of illness. The discovery may alter the way bipolar illness is diagnosed and treated, offering a new approach to psychiatric treatment.
A recent study found that US disparities in health status have reversed since the 1960s, contrary to previous findings. The research demonstrates that improvements in overall population health led to declines in social inequities in health between 1966 and 1980.
Researchers are facing the challenge of balancing computing power and storage technology in high-performance computing (HPC) environments, as noted by Virginia Tech's Ali R. Butt. Modern scientific computations require powerful computing resources and manage large amounts of data, with terabyte speeds becoming increasingly common.
The 5th annual Keys bonefish population census has shown a fairly steady population of approximately 364,000 bonefish, indicating reliable research methods. The study also highlights the importance of understanding the bonefish population for environmental conservation and sustainable tourism in Florida.
A new approach identifies five genes involved in myelination and six genes involved in growth factor signaling as potential biomarkers for high and low mood states. The study suggests that blood biomarkers may offer an informative window into brain functioning and disease state.
A new global malaria map highlights the 2.37 billion people at risk from Plasmodium falciparum, with almost one billion in areas where the risk of infection is extremely low. The map aims to help researchers and funding agencies allocate resources more effectively by understanding the relative risk affecting different regions.
A comprehensive study published in Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that nearly 70% of Americans with dementia receive antibiotic medications, particularly in the final stages of their disease. The researchers warn that this practice poses a significant public health risk due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
A Phase II study has shown that tenofovir gel is safe for daily use and most women adhere to the regimen, suggesting a potential new approach to preventing HIV transmission. The findings are significant for women who are at high risk of infection due to heterosexual intercourse.
A new study has revealed in high definition how a blood protein gives blood clots their elasticity. Fibrinogen molecules form elastic fibers that seal the vessel, with cells like platelets filling the gaps. The protein's flexibility can be enhanced or altered by changing calcium levels or pH.
Researchers at University of California and University of Virginia develop novel technique to quantify molecular concentrations and aggregation states in real-time. This new method, N and B analysis, enables fast and spatially resolved imaging of protein interactions in complex cellular processes.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered a new gene involved in determining hair texture in humans. Mutations in P2RY5 cause hereditary woolly hair, which is characterized by coarse, dry, tightly curled and sparse hair.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology found that mothers of autistic children may produce antibodies against their fetuses' brain tissue, which can cause changes leading to autism. The study suggests an association between maternal antibody production and developmental regression in children with autism.
Researchers develop phylogenomic toolkit to analyze lemur genomes, confirming a single ancestral species for the diverse array of lemurs. The study provides insights into primate evolution and highlights the importance of Madagascar as a biodiversity hotspot.
A global malaria risk map has been released, revealing high-risk areas and providing estimates of people living in low-risk zones. The map identifies regions where existing control strategies can be used to eliminate P. falciparum transmission, potentially reducing deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.
The number of elderly individuals newly diagnosed with heart failure has declined, but those already living with the condition have increased steadily since 1994. This study found a significant economic burden on Medicare due to an aging population.
Harding Middle School of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, won the IEEE-USA Best Communications System Award for its innovative 'xMax' technology, providing fast and non-line of sight connectivity. The students also developed a comprehensive 'Smart Home Programming' system to control their city's infrastructure.