UC San Diego computer scientists found that people first fixate on the left of the center of the nose and then the center of the nose to determine if a face is familiar. Looking at two spots, such as the nose and eye, does not improve recognition, but allows for better performance. Understanding how humans recognize faces may help crea...
A recent study has found that anxiety levels in mice are directly influenced by the immune system, specifically through mast cells. Mice without mast cells showed reduced willingness to navigate open and high spaces, indicating lower anxiety levels.
A new study suggests that racial bias affects face perception, with names significantly influencing how people see multiracial faces. Researchers used a study titled Barack Obama or Barry Dunham? to test the hypothesis that racially-suggestive names would influence participants' perception of identical multiracial faces.
A new study challenged conventional notions about salmon survival, finding that juvenile salmon in two west coast rivers had similar survival rates despite the presence of extensive dam networks. The study used tagging and tracking technologies to track small juvenile Pacific salmon from freshwater to ocean destinations.
The global financial crisis may delay the discovery and production of many new life-saving medicines due to reduced investment in biotechnology research. Biotechs made profits for the first time last year, but financing is still a struggle.
Researchers have identified a single microRNA, miR-138, critical to the development of heart chambers in zebrafish. This discovery may provide new approaches for treating congenital heart defects. The study showed that miR-138 regulates numerous gene functions and is required during a specific developmental window.
A Université de Montréal study discovered that facial expressions of intense pain are a genuine reflection of the brain's response to painful stimulation. The research, led by Miriam Kunz, found that individuals with more intense facial reactions had lower pain thresholds.
Researchers found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve delicate task performance by 24%, outperforming single-hemisphere and sham treatments. The study used healthy volunteers to test the effects of dual-hemisphere tDCS, showing significant benefits for non-dominant hand skills.
Researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation to restore some experience of color in a patient with 'blindsight', a condition where people don't consciously see but can detect objects. The breakthrough suggests that even damaged parts of the brain, like V1, are not essential for visual awareness.
New research suggests that statins may significantly reduce the occurrence of venous thromboembolism in patients with solid organ tumors. The study found that patients receiving statins were less likely to develop blood clots, with a significant reduction in incidence compared to those who did not use statins.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a computer program that can accurately map the human body's shape from digital images or video. The new technology allows for the creation of realistic 3-D body shapes without requiring people to stand still in minimal clothing.
A polymeric drug developed by University of Alberta researcher David Bundle binds to the E. coli toxin, preventing it from affecting the kidneys and causing life-threatening damage.
A study found that diabetes treatment costs increased from $6.7 billion in 2001 to $12.5 billion in 2007, driven by the rise of newer, more expensive medications. The average number of medications per patient also increased, with only 47% prescribed a single drug in 2007.
Off-label prescription of a drug is generally legal, but promotion of off-label uses by drug manufacturers is illegal. Drug companies employ techniques such as the 'decoy indication' and using unlicensed representatives to promote off-label use, potentially putting patients at risk.
A recent study found that 87% of physicians receive less than 5 hours of training on tobacco dependence, and only 6% know Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guidelines. This lack of knowledge may contribute to low quit rates among smokers, who are more likely to succeed with provider assistance.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that newer, more expensive diabetes medications do not automatically translate to improved patient outcomes. The study suggests that the higher cost of these medications may be due in part to increased use and diagnosis rates, rather than actual clinical benefits.
Researchers successfully tracked juvenile Pacific salmon from their release in freshwater to distant ocean destinations, providing insights into their life experience and decline. The study also found that survival rates were comparable between dammed and un-dammed rivers.
Researchers found that stress activates immune cells, which initiate and perpetuate skin diseases. Blocking specific proteins prevented the increase in white blood cells, suggesting a key role for ICAM-1/LFA-1 interactions.
Scientists at Harvard University found that different plant families near Walden Pond have reacted to climate change in varying ways, with some facing sharp declines or local extinction due to their inability to adjust flowering times, while others remain more resilient.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that declines in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B concentrations predict the time to menopause, while changes in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stages identify different reproductive periods. This information can help women understand their biological clock and fertility.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health are leading a $24 million national survey on older Americans' disability patterns. The study aims to understand how people's ability to function independently changes over time, influenced by social environment and medical care.
The American Society of Agronomy recognized 2008 ASA Fellows for their professional achievements and meritorious service. The class includes experts in plant-environment interactions, environmental impact analysis, breeding for disease resistance, and crop biotechnology.
Researchers found that a healing process in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) actually worsens symptoms. In healthy individuals, the body forms new blood vessels to promote wound healing, but in IPF patients, this process backfires, causing more shortness of breath.
Common osteoporosis medications bisphosphonates may cause irregular heartbeats and serious atrial fibrillation in patients. The risk is significant, with up to two times more likelihood of serious AF compared to placebo, highlighting the need for caution when prescribing these medications.
A recent study found that some endangered Pacific salmon stocks are surviving as well as or better in rivers with hydroelectric dams as in those without. Researchers used acoustic telemetry technology to track juvenile salmon migration and survival rates in the Fraser and Columbia Rivers, revealing a surprising similarity between damme...
Researchers found that Republicans generally value financial success over helping others, while Democrats tend to prioritize intrinsic values. Notable exceptions included non-religious Republicans and religious Democrats who did not differ from each other.
The McGovern Institute's MINT program awards up to $100,000 in seed funding for innovative collaborative projects in neuroscience research. Recent awards focus on developing alternative electrode materials, manipulating intracellular signaling pathways with light, and improving computational analysis of brain imaging data.
A study found that individuals taking statins before hospitalization for pneumonia had a lower risk of death within 90 days, particularly among those older than 80 and with bacteremia. The benefits were seen primarily in the early phase of infection, suggesting that statin use is beneficial primarily in the initial stages of infection.
Elsevier announces a new partnership with Society of Powder Technology Japan (SPTJ) to publish Advanced Powder Technology, a bimonthly journal covering powder engineering and technology. The internationalization of the journal will expand its reach and contribute high-quality content to ScienceDirect.
The Crop Science Society of America has elected 2008 Fellows, recognizing individuals for their professional achievements and meritorious service. The selected members are Prakash R. Arelli, Patrick G. Hunt, James D. Kelly, Schuyler S. Korban, Nora L. Lapitan, Rajendra Malhotra, David S. Marshall, J. Paul Murphy, and Matt A. Sanderson.
Researchers have discovered a computer security vulnerability in RISC architectures that can be automated and applied to various systems, bypassing traditional software defenses. Return-oriented programming allows attackers to create malicious computations without injecting outside code.
In an animal model, sulfonylureas' effects were found to be reversible after cessation, suggesting beta cells can recover and produce insulin again. This finding may lead to rethink treatment strategies, such as using older drugs or alternating periods of drug treatment with insulin injections.
Research suggests that cerebral inflammation and microglia activation contribute to schizophrenia development. Anti-inflammatory agents targeting activated microglia may provide a new treatment option for the condition.
A new study reveals that acidification of oceans from human CO2 emissions can worsen coral bleaching and death. Key findings indicate that coralline algae may be lost in near future due to increased CO2 levels. On the positive side, some coral species show ability to cope with ocean acidification by enhancing photosynthesis.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution develop new technique to improve diamond properties, producing single-crystal diamonds with controlled compositions and few defects. The method, called chemical vapor deposition, allows for rapid growth of diamonds at low pressure, enhancing optical clarity.
Research published in BMC Pediatrics reveals that children who engage in behaviors like sexual activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking are more likely to use methamphetamines. Long-term use of the drug can be a serious problem due to its low cost and ready availability.
A study of 2,432 older Canadians found that positive outlook, low stress, and no smoking contribute to healthy aging. Factors such as moderate income, absence of chronic illness, and moderate alcohol consumption also play a role.
Research suggests that birth hypoxia may contribute to the development of schizophrenia by reducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. The study found a significant decrease in BDNF among individuals who later developed schizophrenia, highlighting the importance of maternal health during pregnancy.
A woman with phonagnosia, unable to recognize her daughter's voice on the phone, undergoes tests that reveal difficulties in recognizing famous actors' voices but not other sounds or music. The study suggests there may be more people with similar conditions, and researchers seek contact from potential sufferers.
A new study found that salmon smolts survive at similar rates of 70-80% in both the Columbia and Fraser rivers, with differences attributed to stressors such as dams, water temperature, and contaminants. The research used acoustic and transponder tags to track survival rates over a four-year period.
Researchers found that ants living more than 60 miles inland preferred a 1% salt solution over a sugar solution 10 times more concentrated. This preference was true for plant-eating ants, but not carnivorous ones.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have successfully tested a genetic strategy to treat human infections caused by Candida albicans. Inhibiting a key protein could provide a new drug target against the yeast, which inhabits mucous membranes of most humans.
Researchers have invented a device called chemistrode that can stimulate, record and analyze molecular signals at high resolution. The device can be used on any surface and has the potential to study diseases such as diabetes and neurology disorders.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that roads in Central Africa's Congo Basin are creating 'siege mentality' among forest elephants, forcing them to become isolated and confined. This reduces their ability to find suitable habitat and increases the risk of poaching.
The University of Missouri Health Communication Research Center has received an $8.6 million grant to improve health literacy and outcomes for at-risk populations. The grant will fund the continuation of Ozioma, a bi-weekly news service that produces localized cancer-related news releases for black communities.
A study published in PLoS Medicine calls for strengthened restrictions on off-label promotion by pharmaceutical companies, citing potential dangers to public health. The researchers argue that marketing of off-label uses is widespread and should be heavily fined to prioritize patient safety.
The Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository has received two major NIH awards to support investigations into the genetics of mental disorders, metabolic diseases, and digestive health. The funds will enable researchers to study the genetic causes of complex diseases such as autism, bipolar disorder, and diabetes.
The Soil Science Society of America presented several awards to recognize outstanding contributions in precision agriculture and soil management. The Lloyd R. Frederick Soil Teaching Travel Award supports international teaching experiences for top soil science instructors, while the L.R. Ahuja Ag Systems Modeling Award honors early car...
The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) presented various scholarships to students pursuing careers in agronomic sciences. The scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership activities, and future plans related to the field.
Researchers have discovered a crucial mechanism behind the formation of sea urchin spicules, which can inform the development of new superhard materials and microelectronics. The study reveals how amorphous calcium carbonate transforms into calcite through an unusual process involving crystallinity propagation.
Patients who receive written and verbal instructions on proper warfarin use are less likely to experience gastrointestinal and brain bleeding problems. Improved doctor-patient communication may also prevent a substantial number of injuries and resulting hospitalizations.
Researchers discovered that using Valproic Acid as a treatment in early stages of Alzheimer's disease reverses memory deficits, reduces plaque formation and prevents brain cell death, according to a new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.
A meta-analysis of 40 clinical trials found that metformin hydrochloride was associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to other oral diabetes agents or placebo. However, the study did not find significant associations between other diabetes medications and beneficial or harmful cardiovascular effects.
Two studies published in PLOS Medicine show that increasing flu vaccination rates can decrease the burden of influenza. A universal immunization program in Ontario led to reductions in flu-related deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits compared to other provinces.
Researchers found that deleting the gene for glutamate transporter EAAT1 leads to increased responses to NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801, resulting in schizophrenia-like features in mice. The study suggests a promising new class of glutamate-targeting antipsychotic treatments may help correct these abnormalities.
Researchers at Boston University and Harvard University have found that wildflowers in Thoreau's Concord woods are declining due to climate change. The study, which analyzed phylogenetic patterns of species loss, reveals that species with the ability to track short-term temperature changes have faired better under recent warming trends.
A new study found that nearly half of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses in northern pintail ducks in Alaska contained genes more closely related to Asian strains. This research validates surveillance sampling processes and demonstrates the effectiveness of genetic analysis in understanding virus exchange between continents.
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of ancient copper-production center at Khirbat en-Nahas, dating back to the 10th century BCE, pushing back archaeological chronology by three centuries. The discovery supports biblical narratives and raises questions about the historicity of King David and Solomon's rule.
Researchers found that valproic acid improved memory and reduced brain lesions in mice with an AD-like disease. The drug also prompted damaged nerves to start repairing themselves and improved performance in memory-related tests.
A universal bias in visual perception affects tennis referees, leading to more incorrect calls of balls being out than in. This bias can be exploited by players, who may focus on challenging 'out' calls for an advantage.