Research suggests that reading surreal literature like Kafka's 'The Country Doctor' can enhance implicit pattern learning and accuracy. Participants who read the nonsensical story performed better on an artificial-grammar task than those who read a rewritten version with a logical plot.
A new model of Britain's Ice Sheet reveals it reversed its flow back up valleys, creating unique 'drumlins' along the A66 road through Eden Valley and Lake District lowlands. The ice sheet flowed downhill initially but complex flow directions switched significantly over short timescales.
Experts advocate standardizing recycling technologies and government policies worldwide to extend product life, recover valuable metals, and reduce CO2 emissions. The initiative could transform millions of old devices into functional units, reducing e-waste and promoting sustainable consumption.
A University of Toronto study reveals climate change will reduce UV radiation in northern high latitude regions such as Siberia, Scandinavia and northern Canada, while increasing it in other areas like the tropics and Antarctica.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have received over $12 million in grants to support innovative research and create jobs. The funding is being used to explore treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, among others.
Two new studies conclude that parents who use physical discipline through childhood are more likely to have children with behavior problems in adolescence. Parents who stop using physical discipline when their children are young are less likely to have these behavior problems.
Two studies by Dartmouth researchers analyzed how personal genetic testing companies use genome data to judge customer health, finding the knowledge base is still in its infancy. The authors also used genetic data to reveal ancestry information, discovering six subgroups of people with distinct genetic backgrounds.
Treatments like insulin and metformin do not reduce inflammatory biomarkers, such as hsCRP, despite improving glucose control. No consistent association was found between glucose reduction and improvement in inflammatory status.
A new study predicts that tamarisk's range will expand in the Northwest US by century's end due to climate change. The invasive plant can displace native species and increase wildfire risk, with suitable habitat covering 20% of the region east of the Cascade Mountains.
A new study suggests that genetic factors, rather than environmental theories, contribute to the association between fathers' absence and early sex. The researchers found that traits such as impulsivity, substance use, and argumentativeness can increase the likelihood of earlier sexual behavior in children.
A new study finds that cognitive stress can significantly impact decision making, leading participants to overlook information predicting negative outcomes. Under pressure, individuals may rely on past rewards rather than rational considerations, resulting in irrational biases.
A new study finds that high-quality child care in early childhood combats the effects of poverty on academic achievement. Low-income children who received high-quality care achieved similar academic levels as their more affluent peers.
Robert Wolf, associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering at K-State, was named a 2009 Fellow of the American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators. He is recognized for his contributions to drift mitigation programming and training, resulting in a 25% reduction of drift incidents over the past decade.
A team led by Professor Stephen Eikenberry captured the first images of the cosmos using a UF-designed camera/spectrometer attached to the Gemini South telescope in Chile. The instrument, FLAMINGOS-2, will enable accurate tracking of black hole growth and evolution over 4 billion years.
A Rutgers University research team has identified the mechanism that causes learning and memory formation during sleep. Short transient brain events called sharp wave ripples are responsible for consolidating memory and transferring learned information from the hippocampus to the neocortex, where long-term memories are stored.
Studies found significant DNA damage in humans with minor zinc deficiency, highlighting the health implications of inadequate intake. Experts recommend multivitamins for elderly individuals to ensure adequate levels, as zinc is essential for antioxidant defense and DNA repair.
Researchers found that a specific glutathione S-transferase in the insect gut converts plant hormone cis-OPDA into iso-OPDA, which is then used by caterpillars to survive on host plants. This adaptation allows generalist caterpillars to thrive on diverse plant species.
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous syndrome with substantial variation in symptomatology and life history. A paradigm shift in research focuses on identifying critical domains of pathology, such as positive and negative symptoms, cognitive impairment, and impaired cognition. This shift aims to improve treatment efficacy by targeting spec...
The UCLA School of Dentistry is building a state-of-the-art cancer research facility to consolidate and expand its oral cancer research. The Yip Center for Oral/Head & Neck Oncology Research will include cutting-edge laboratories for genomics, proteomics, and salivary diagnostics research.
The GRADE framework has been criticized for its reliability, with Brian Kavanagh arguing that it lacks evidence-based support. International collaborations are crucial in evaluating eHealth, as highlighted in two related articles by Mohammed Ansari and David Bates, who recommend increasing knowledge generation and data exchange.
Researchers have found that T cells from individuals with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) are resistant to cell death triggered by repeated stimulation of a cell surface protein complex, leading to uncontrolled expansion upon infection. Additionally, a molecular regulatory network controlled by the protein SPDEF governs alle...
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new vaccine adjuvant using lecithin nanoparticles, which showed improved immune response and reduced toxicity compared to existing alum-based adjuvants. The new adjuvant could potentially become a universal carrier for vaccines and help tackle various diseases more effectively.
A team of researchers from UC San Diego, MIT, and UC Berkeley are working on fundamental multiscale studies of plasma-material interactions to improve the scientific understanding of magnetic confinement fusion. Their goal is to engineer plasma walls that can survive in the environment necessary for fusion power generation.
A new study reveals that communication problems and misunderstandings are the primary causes of physical strain in dementia care. Effective communication techniques, such as explaining instructions with different words and using body language, can help reduce this strain.
Research reveals that SPDEF regulates mucus hyperproduction in common lung diseases through goblet cell differentiation. The study found that this network is active in patients with chronic lung diseases, suggesting new therapeutic targets.
Intersex fish were found in about a third of all sites examined from the Apalachicola, Colorado, Columbia, Mobile, Mississippi, Pee Dee, Rio Grande, Savannah, and Yukon River basins. Largemouth bass in southeastern U.S. had the highest prevalence of intersex, with some sites reporting up to 73% incidence.
The Medical College of Wisconsin's Center for AIDS Intervention Research received a five-year, $11.16 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue its HIV prevention research. The center will focus on high-risk population segments in the US and expand international HIV prevention programs.
Researchers found that tamoxifen citrate, raloxifene, and tibolone reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer, but increase the risk for adverse events. Particle beam radiation therapy may be more effective in treating cancer while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Excessive sodium consumption linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and various cancers. A population-wide reduction in sodium intake could prevent significant cardiovascular events.
Research papers published in PLOS Medicine identified gaps in TB treatment guidelines, suggesting improvements are needed. Regimens with shorter rifampin use had higher failure rates, while longer duration and more drugs were associated with lower relapse rates.
Physicists at ETH Zurich have successfully manipulated molecules of hydrogen using electric fields, leveraging the shape of nanoscopic magnetic islands for control. This breakthrough enables new dimensions of control in magnetic device design and could revolutionize data storage.
Researchers found that primary lung cancer shifts to metastatic disease by suppressing microRNA-200, a family of small molecules that normally locks the tumor in a noninvasive state. Protecting miR-200 from blockade completely prevented metastasis in mice.
Researchers found that patients with cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis who received anti-TB medications supplemented with nebulized interferon-gamma had fewer bacilli in the lungs and less inflammation, reducing transmissibility. This treatment approach could be critical in controlling TB spread.
Researchers found that a 1-milligram dose of triamcinolone significantly improved vision in some patients with retinal vein occlusion. The treatment also showed superior safety compared to existing laser therapies. However, grid photocoagulation remained the preferred option for those with blockages in smaller branches of the vein.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that those with more difficulties performing daily activities are at increased risk for progressing quickly to dementia. Functional impairment at baseline was the only factor associated with conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
Researchers found that nearly 50% of people shown fake footage were prepared to believe the video version rather than what they actually saw. Fake video evidence was used in an experiment to test whether it could induce individuals to accuse another person of doing something they never did.
A researcher at Virginia Tech has identified a disease-resistant gene in corn that can be transferred to other plants, offering new hope for disease-free crops. The gene, Rxo1, defies traditional plant pathology rules and could revolutionize crop breeding.
A study led by biologists at UC Berkeley found that 48 out of 53 bird species in California's Sierra Nevada mountains have adjusted their ranges in response to climate change, with some moving towards warmer temperatures and others preferring wetter conditions. The researchers used data from a survey of 82 sites and compared past and p...
Researchers have found that neurons integrate synaptic inputs locally before sending signals to the central axon, similar to how electoral votes contribute to a president's election. The study suggests a two-stage model of dendritic integration, which could lead to better understanding of brain processes like learning and memory.
The article examines asthma risk factors across different age groups, including prenatal, infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Genetic, environmental, and host characteristics are identified as significant contributors to the development of persistent asthma.
Using validated prediction rules, researchers found that 1 in 4 children under 2 years and 1 in 5 older than 2 years could avoid CT scans without increasing the risk of clinically-important traumatic brain injuries. The study analyzed over 42,000 children and identified accurate prediction rules for low-risk patients.
NASA's Aqua satellite revealed extremely high thunderstorms in Typhoon Choi-Wan as it approached the island of Sai-Pan. The typhoon is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the area, with storm surge and inundation possible along shorelines.
Regular exercise is associated with increased longevity and reduced disability in older adults. The study found that physical activity can delay functional decline and improve health outcomes in those who start exercising later in life.
Researchers have identified a genetic switch that causes excessive mucus in the lungs, shedding light on a medical mystery. The study found that a transcription factor called SPDEF regulates a chain of genes involved in mucus production, and blocking its influence may be a potential pathway for new treatments.
Researchers found that universal health insurance reduces income inequities in healthcare access, but education-related disparities persist. Insured children with uninsured parents are more likely to experience unmet healthcare needs and lack preventive services.
A new DNA barcoding tool has been developed to track endangered sea turtles, distinguishing between species based on short genetic sequences. The research found that all seven sea turtle species can be consistently distinguished from each other by DNA barcodes.
A recent study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association found that longer periods of uninterrupted chest compressions during CPR lead to better survival outcomes. The study analyzed data from 506 patients and discovered that a return to spontaneous circulation was achieved in 58% of cases with minimal compres...
A recent study by MUHC/McGill researchers suggests that tuberculosis treatment guidelines should be revised, recommending extended treatment periods for new cases and more effective combinations of drugs to avoid drug resistance. The World Health Organization is urged to review its directives to benefit the global community
Researchers found that athletes with previous injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tend to have smaller ACLs than those without injuries. The study suggests that a smaller ACL may be more susceptible to injury due to various factors such as activity level, neuromuscular coordination, and muscle strength.
Researchers found a diabetes drug, metformin, selectively targets and kills cancer stem cells in mice, reducing tumor growth and prolonging remission. The compound's effectiveness is attributed to its ability to work independently of insulin sensitivity improvements.
A CU-Boulder study found that 30% of showerheads harbor significant levels of Mycobacterium avium, a pathogen linked to pulmonary disease. The researchers discovered biofilms on the inside of showerheads containing high loads of M. avium and related pathogens.
A meta-analysis of previously published research found that implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy does not significantly reduce all-cause mortality in women with advanced heart failure. This suggests that a larger study population may be needed to show any benefit of defibrillator implantation in women.
Researchers are studying the principles of perception in art using both artistic and neuroscientific viewpoints. The collaboration aims to understand how we gaze at art pieces compared to non-artistic images.
Dean Franklin, an engineer, and two physicians, Robert Rushmer and Robert Van Citters, pioneered noninvasive imaging and treatment of the heart. They developed devices that measured blood flow, heartbeat dimensions, and blood pressure without cutting open the body.
A study by psychologists found that individuals with strong moral convictions tend to distrust authorities' decisions, while those with high religiosity trust them. Participants based their trust on gut reactions rather than thoughtful deliberation.
A study published in Aging Cell found that the conserved protein d4eBP protects heart function against aging, revealing a potential mechanism for cardiac aging. The research also sheds light on the TOR and FoxO signaling pathways, with implications for human heart health.
Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a nanoemulsion lotion that sharples curbs bacterial growth and reduces inflammation in second-degree burns. The treatment shows promise in overcoming current creams' limitations, reducing bacterial growth one-thousand-fold compared to control animals.
A web-based screening tool identified unhealthy alcohol use among university students, who received personalized interventions to reduce drinking. After one month, participants showed significant decreases in drinking frequency and volume.
John Leslie, K-State's plant pathology head, received the Fellowship honor from the American Phytopathological Society. He will also join Seoul National University as an adjunct professor, continuing collaborative research and educational opportunities.
Children with microcephaly are at risk of neurologic and cognitive problems, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and eye and ear disorders. Doctors recommend screening for coexisting conditions, brain scans, and genetic testing to identify the causes of microcephaly.