The MAION, a 30-cm, fixed-wing micro air vehicle with counter-rotating propellers, can make smooth transitions between hover and fast forward flight. This design has potential for both military and civil applications.
Researchers discovered that tropical paper wasps' brain structures alter to tackle complex tasks, integrating sensory inputs. The brain's dendrite network grows in complexity as the wasps transition from nest work to foraging, adapting to new environments.
The article suggests that nephrologists should consider the potential quality of life for frail elders with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) when deciding between dialysis and conservative therapies. Larger studies are needed to determine the actual benefit of dialysis for this population.
Researchers discovered that high-fructose corn syrup can form a potentially harmful substance called hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) when heated. HMF levels increase steadily with rising temperatures, posing a threat to honey bee health and human consumption of HFCS products.
Researchers have charted extreme genetic differences in the malaria parasite, which could make it difficult to develop a broadly protective vaccine. The study found that certain regions of the protein are recognized by the immune response, allowing researchers to narrow their focus and reduce the number of immunologically important types.
Research on autism spectrum disorders has made significant progress, with advancements in early brain development and diagnosis. The review highlights the importance of parent involvement and genetic factors in the disorder, and suggests potential future treatments using neuroimaging tools and intensive behavioral therapies.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a potassium channel KvLQT as the molecular trigger for sudden death in epilepsy. This discovery could lead to a simple genetic screening test to identify patients at risk, offering effective treatments such as beta blockers and cardiac pacemakers.
A study found that stricter hand hygiene practices in schools are difficult to maintain over time. School children may be more susceptible to H1N1 influenza than adults, but hand hygiene is not an effective long-term solution.
Research reveals 41% increase in unplanned hospital admissions for children under ten, primarily due to short stays of less than two days. The study highlights a potential link between parental access to out-of-hours primary care and the rise in hospital admissions.
A study found that reducing class size in early grades raises achievement for all students through middle school and closes the gap between high- and low-achievers. Students in consistently small classes had substantially higher test scores in grades four through eight.
A recent study published in the journal Transplantation has found that a newer, less expensive anti-rejection drug is just as effective as its more expensive counterpart, alemtuzumab. The researchers, led by Alan C. Farney, compared the two drugs and found similar survival rates for patients and transplanted organs.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered how plants recognize their siblings through chemical cues in roots. This finding has significant implications for agriculture, where crop yields and growth patterns may be improved by understanding plant sibling recognition.
This field guide features 33 geological trips in the Pacific Northwest, covering topics such as volcanoes, floods, and vineyard terroir. The guide offers new insights into the region's geologic processes and history, inspiring readers to explore and understand this dynamic corner of the world.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dialysis for nursing home seniors does not improve functional capacity and may even worsen quality of life. Researchers call for individualized approaches to treatment, considering patients' goals and prognostic information.
Research by McMaster University reveals that identity theft and fraud are increasing concerns for consumers, with phishing, credit card skimming, and insider theft being major threats. The study's model defines ID theft and fraud as two distinct problems, aiming to educate the public on how their personal data can be misappropriated an...
The center will investigate the link between schizophrenia and dysfunctional brain N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA). Researchers aim to identify pre-symptomatic individuals in adolescence to intervene before disease effects take hold. The grant also supports a summer undergraduate research program.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered that a gene associated with immunological disorders plays a crucial role in preventing breast cancer. The study suggests that drugs targeting this gene may inadvertently promote breast cancer development.
A study by Ascensión Riva and colleagues reveals that darker fabric colors offer superior UV absorption, with deep blue shades providing the highest level of protection. This research could lead to more affordable and effective sun-blocking fabrics for consumers.
Researchers have found that patients with severe cases of the H1N1 virus are at risk for developing severe complications, including pulmonary embolism. Imaging studies may need to be repeated in severely ill patients to monitor disease progression.
Researchers aim to decipher human odor chemistry for detection and classification of smells, with progress in identifying odors associated with diseases like diabetes and cancer. Scientists also explore detecting 'smell of deception' to screen and identify terrorists and criminals.
Researchers found no association between light-to-moderate alcohol consumption and reduced risk of functional decline over time. Lifestyle-related characteristics such as physical activity, body weight, education, and income were identified as the real determinants of the reported beneficial effects of alcohol.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that a gentle touch application can decrease grip force required to lift objects in individuals with multiple sclerosis. This study suggests that applying a light touch from the opposite hand's finger may aid in regaining control and coordination, making everyday tasks more manage...
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have achieved an impressive 93% success rate in animal tests of non-incision, endoscopic ulcer repair using Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES). The technique, which minimizes physical impact on the patient, may soon be tested in human clinical trials.
Researchers at the Max-Planck Institute for Brain Research found that brain cells can generate nerve impulses while being energy efficient. This discovery challenges previous estimates and has implications for understanding brain metabolism and non-invasive brain imaging techniques.
Palliative care is crucial for dementia patients as they often suffer from untreated pain and symptoms due to their inability to report their condition. The need for improved symptom management, emotional support, and family support has been emphasized by experts.
A University of Toronto study found that genetically eliminating certain pheromones triggered a surge in fruit flies' libido, leading to same-sex and interspecies mating. The research suggests a link between sex, species recognition, and chemical signals in fly behavior.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dementia is a terminal illness characterized by uncomfortable symptoms and high mortality rates. The research highlights the need for improved palliative care in nursing homes to reduce physical suffering and enhance communication with family members.
Halos of Hope, a non-profit organization established in 2007, will partner with ASTRO to provide comfort and dignity to chemo patients. The partnership aims to educate members about the organization's mission and programs focused on supporting cancer survivors.
A new study estimates that Arctic lands and oceans are responsible for up to 25 percent of the global net sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The Arctic's potential to alter Earth's climate is significant, as current predictions suggest it could be diminished or reversed under global warming, potentially accelerating climate change.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an artificial neuromuscular junction that can relay motor and sensory electrical impulses, potentially improving fine motor control and restoring the sense of touch. The bioengineered interface was tested in laboratory rats and showed promising results.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University created a server architecture that uses low-power, embedded processors and flash memory to handle more queries with less energy. The Fast Array of Wimpy Nodes (FAWN) cluster can operate on less energy than a 100-watt light bulb, making it an attractive option for data-intensive applications.
Michigan State University has been awarded a $6.2 million Morris K. Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's disease research grant. The grant makes MSU's College of Human Medicine a major player in research of the degenerative disease, with eight investigators expected to join the center by next summer.
A new study by Stanford University School of Medicine found that areas with high concentrations of magnetic resonance imaging machines are more likely to have patients undergoing back surgeries. The researchers correlated the number of MRI machines in an area with the likelihood of low-back pain patients receiving MRIs and subsequent s...
Researchers have found that severe H1N1 cases are associated with an increased risk of developing acute pulmonary embolism. A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology used CT scans to identify patients at risk, highlighting the importance of monitoring for this serious complication.
Archaeologists at Tel Aviv University have uncovered clues about the development of communal meat-cutting habits in early humans. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that our ancestors shared meat differently than later periods.
A study published in Virology demonstrates that the ancient pathogen cowpox still has much to teach us about developing novel vaccines. Researchers identified 9 new protective components of the virus, which offered superior protection in a mouse model compared to existing vaccines.
The Government of Canada is supporting scientific research to deepen knowledge of the H1N1 flu virus. Five new projects, totaling $2.4 million over two years, will investigate how to manage health-care resources during a pandemic, impact on pregnant women, and development of new drug therapies.
A new report by UNICEF and WHO outlines a seven-point plan to combat diarrhoeal diseases in children, a leading cause of child mortality. The plan includes treatment and prevention strategies such as vaccination, breastfeeding promotion, and improved water quality, aiming to reduce child deaths from diarrhoea.
A new study suggests that China's efforts to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions may not mitigate the effects of acid rain if nitrogen emissions are not addressed. The research highlights the importance of integrating measures to reduce sulfur, nitrogen, and particulate matter in order to effectively control pollution.
Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered novel electronic properties in 2D carbon structure graphene, exhibiting strongly correlated behavior among charge-carrying particles. The findings are similar to superconductivity observed in some metals and complex materials, enabling the flow of electric current with no resistance.
A Virginia Tech chemist has received an NIH New Innovator grant to develop new heart disease and cancer medicines with improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Her team is creating carbohydrate-based polymers that can deliver genetic drugs directly to cells.
Researchers found that chimpanzees altruistically help conspecifics, even without direct personal gain or reciprocation, but mostly upon request. The study suggests that 'help upon request' may be a more effective strategy for altruism in animals.
Researchers at the Salk Institute provide the first detailed map of the human epigenome, which regulates gene function beyond DNA sequence. The study reveals a novel DNA methylation pattern unique to stem cells, influencing their pluripotent state and disease development.
Frequent video game players show reduced brain activity and behavioral disruption in proactive attention, a mechanism for preparing to act. In contrast, reactive attention is similar across gamers and non-gamers, suggesting other benefits of action games on visual processing.
A new study found that patients who underwent less-invasive endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms had a lower risk of death in the first 30 days after surgery compared to those who received open repair. The procedure also resulted in reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications.
The Ion Tiger fuel cell unmanned air vehicle has achieved an unprecedented 23-hour flight duration, making it a significant milestone in electric UAV technology. The aircraft's 550-Watt fuel cell system provides 7 times the energy of equivalent batteries, enabling long-endurance missions with reduced noise and signature.
A simulation model shows that early action and rapid vaccine rollout are extremely effective in reducing the attack rate of the H1N1 influenza virus. The model predicts that vaccination can have a disproportionately large impact on reducing infection rates, especially when implemented quickly.
Researchers have successfully predicted a previously unknown cellular mechanism using mathematical modeling of DNA microarray data. This breakthrough brings biologists closer to understanding and controlling the inner workings of cells, similar to NASA's trajectory prediction capabilities.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researcher has been awarded a four-year grant to study the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines in Nicaragua. The study aims to determine how well the vaccine works in developing countries and identify shifts in rotavirus strains as a result of immunization programs.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has partnered with SAGE to publish the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, a peer-reviewed international journal focusing on scientific developments and clinical techniques in aesthetic surgery. The journal will cover topics relevant to safe and effective practice of aesthetic surgery.
A new study found that exposure to folic acid antagonists in the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube, cardiovascular, and urinary tract defects. The risk more than doubles, with neural tube defects increasing by six-fold after exposure.
A HealthGrades study found that patients at top-rated hospitals in the US have a significantly lower risk of dying compared to those at lower-rated hospitals. The study also revealed that Joint Commission stroke-certified hospitals had an 8% lower risk-adjusted mortality rate and were more likely to receive high ratings.
Researchers found that consumers' choices between healthy snacks and indulgent treats depend on the words and concepts presented to them. When induced to think of self-control, participants opted for healthier options now, but more indulgent ones later. This phenomenon highlights how our past influences future decisions.
A new study found that socio-economic disparities in breast cancer survival are linked to stage at diagnosis, treatment, and race. Women from low-income areas were more likely to receive late-stage cancer diagnoses and less access to first-course treatment.
A new cancer gene has been identified as the cause of adenoid cystic carcinoma, a slow-growing but deadly form of cancer. The discovery could lead to quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment through genetic testing.
A new study from Canada found that young adults are the most likely to donate blood, but this trend may not be sustainable due to an aging population. The research also highlights positive ties between level of education and ability to speak English with donation likelihood.
A recent study published in the American Heart Journal found that more than half of randomized clinical trials for cardiovascular disease fail to report vital information about patient race or ethnicity. Only 15% of trials had sufficient diversity, highlighting the need for better representation of minority groups in RCTs.
Six outstanding students have been chosen as the newest recipients of the prestigious Hartford Doctoral Fellowship in geriatric social work. The program provides $50,000 dissertation grants and matching support to help fellows overcome obstacles and cultivate the next generation of geriatric social work faculty.
A study of 84,832 babies found that folic acid antagonists in early pregnancy more than doubled the risk of congenital malformations. Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, increased by six-fold after exposure to these medications.
The Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease and partners will use induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology to develop human neurons with Huntington's disease characteristics, offering hope for new treatments. The goal is to understand the molecular differences between mice and humans that lead to ineffective therapies.