Researchers at Oregon State University have identified the gene Ctip2 as controlling tooth enamel production, a significant step towards repairing damaged enamel and preventing cavities. This discovery could lead to new approaches in dental health, including using tooth stem cells to stimulate enamel growth.
A study found that vitamin B and folic acid supplements decreased the risk of age-related macular degeneration in women, with a 34% lower risk of any AMD and a 41% lower risk of visually significant AMD. The beneficial effect began to emerge after two years of follow-up.
A new study found that mentioning time makes consumers more likely to purchase and enjoy products. Consumers are more likely to feel personal connections with products when they're primed to think about time. However, there were exceptions to this finding, particularly for status products like designer jeans.
A study found that people tend to overestimate their long-term enjoyment of products, leading them to choose cheaper options with fewer features. This is because consumers who think about how long they will use a product and anticipate decreased enjoyment are less likely to buy premium items.
The NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies found that 2008 was the coolest year on record since 2000, with most of the world experiencing near-normal or warmer temperatures. A strong La Niña event in the Pacific Ocean contributed to the cooling effect.
Researchers discovered that capsaicin, found in chili peppers, triggers a desensitization process in pain receptors, allowing them to adapt to painful stimuli. This adaptive response enables the receptor to continuously respond to varying stimuli, leading to a shift in responsiveness threshold.
Case Western Reserve researchers have developed a new method for stimulating brain circuits wirelessly using light-activated semiconductor nanoparticles. This technology eliminates the need for cumbersome wiring and has potential applicability in treating nerve or brain impairments.
The SYNTAX study found that CABG is associated with lower rates of repeat revascularization and stroke compared to PCI. Patients with high SYNTAX scores had significantly higher rates of major adverse cardiac events when treated with PCI.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers has identified lipocalin 2 as a protein that triggers the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human breast cancer cells, increasing invasiveness and metastasis. The protein is detectable in urine samples, suggesting it may be used for prognostic testing.
A new study found that parents of donor-conceived children who sought their siblings' contact experienced positive relationships, often forming close bonds. The practice is creating new family forms based on genetic links and notions of family and kinship.
Research suggests that lowering cholesterol levels can block the growth of prostate tumors and reduce cancer incidence. Ezetimibe, a cholesterol-lowering drug, has been shown to inhibit tumor angiogenesis, promoting less aggressive tumors.
A Purdue University researcher has discovered a way to increase access to cellulose in plant cell walls by shredding corn stover instead of chopping. This results in better access to the main component needed for making ethanol. Shredding corn stalks also increases the surface area of the material and reduces energy consumption.
Experts explore using social networking tools to identify prior art in patent applications, streamlining the process for the US Patent and Trademark Office. The Peer-to-Patent pilot project demonstrates a promising approach to reducing backlog, with similar initiatives being investigated by UK and European offices.
A new immune-system 'atlas' will improve doctors' ability to monitor transplanted organs and shed light on the mechanisms of gradual, cumulative kidney malfunction after transplant. The atlas allows for inexpensive, noninvasive blood tests that show whether a donated kidney is infected or accruing chronic injuries.
A University of Illinois researcher has developed a program that helps children manage their emotions and interact positively with their siblings. The study found that the program improved sibling relationship quality, reduced parental involvement, and increased children's ability to regulate their emotions.
Scientists at Uppsala University have explained the 'hidden order' phenomenon, a long-sought mystery in materials science. The discovery can control and exploit new material properties, crucial for future energy supply.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that donations are driven by overlap between donors and recipients, rather than cause-worthiness. Women tend to donate more to victims of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, while men donate more to victims of terrorist attacks.
A team of European scientists discovered that going gray is caused by a massive build-up of hydrogen peroxide, which blocks the normal synthesis of melanin, our hair's natural pigment. This research provides an important first step in understanding the root cause of gray hair.
MIT scientists have developed a new rocket called the Mini-Helicon Plasma Thruster, which runs on inexpensive gases and could slash fuel consumption by 10 times that of conventional systems. The propulsion system uses electrical energy to accelerate propellant, providing thrust for spacecraft maneuvers.
A 15-month study found that patients who received mailed reminders for colorectal cancer screenings were more likely to schedule screenings than those without reminders. This approach increased screening rates by 16% compared to the control group.
Researchers discover gene ATOH1 regulates cell specialization, preventing cancer formation in organisms. Reactivating the gene in human colon cancer cells halts tumor growth and induces cell death.
A study found that prior work experience can lead to lower performance at a new job, as workers bring old habits and skills that don't adapt to the new role. Employees who score high on adaptability and fit in with their company's culture tend to perform better.
Bias in medical literature can be prevented through recognition and declaration of competing interests, detailed authorship policies, and mechanisms to control outcome reporting bias. The PLoS Medicine editors propose these measures to reestablish the integrity of the scientific record.
A new study demonstrates simple techniques to avoid extreme actions when feeling depressed or happy. Focusing on reasons why feelings will pass or last can help individuals act in their long-term interests.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a way to modify bacterial sugar molecules, which could be used to create potent vaccines. This technique allows for the easy production of vaccine components through simple fermentation.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that highly materialistic individuals were equally happy with positive purchases of either experiential or material goods. However, emotional intensity decreases more quickly after material purchases than experiential ones.
A study by ISU researcher Yeon-Kyun Shin found that statins can reduce brain function by depriving the brain of cholesterol, a vital component for efficient brain function. This affects neurotransmitter release, data-processing, and memory functions.
Researchers discovered that a deep-sea fish's tubular eyes can rotate within a transparent shield, allowing it to peer up at prey or focus forward to see its surroundings. This unique adaptation enables the 'barreleye' fish to capture small prey and navigate through the dark environment.
A new study describes how telomere dysfunction in skin cells can lead to increased skin cancer risk and pigmentation. Limiting the activity of a tumor suppressor protein, p53, restores cell regeneration but also advances skin cancer progression.
Researchers found that consumers' quality expectations were initially misled by biasing cues, but they learned from these mistakes and made more accurate judgments in subsequent purchases. The study suggests marketers should rethink their strategies for misleading consumers with false attributes, as it may backfire on repeat purchases.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that mail reminders increased colon cancer screening rates by 44% compared to non-reminded patients. Electronic physician reminders also showed promise, especially among patients with three or more primary care visits, resulting in a 59.5% screening rate.
A briefcase-sized kit, called PADLOC, aims to detect plant diseases rapidly and accurately, allowing farmers to take action to prevent damage. The kit uses nanotechnology to measure microorganisms and provide real-time recommendations for farmers.
Research reveals women are 30 percent less likely to experience a stroke within 30 days of a mini-stroke, with significant reductions in cardiac events and mortality rates over the course of one year.
Researchers used genetic markers to study coral groupings and found that skeletal shape is not a reliable way to differentiate species. This discovery highlights the need for accurate understanding of coral biodiversity to conserve coral reefs.
Researchers found that HAART contributes to pulmonary hypertension in HIV-infected patients by impairing blood vessel-lining endothelial cell function. A novel treatment for chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) involves neprilysin, which protects against PHTN by regulating neural signaling molecules.
Researchers Johannes Soeding and Andreas Biegert have developed a new method called CS-BLAST that takes into account the sequence context to improve similarity searches. This approach can identify twice as many distant relatives of proteins compared to traditional BLAST, leading to better insights into gene and protein functions.
A US Department of Defense-funded project led by Arizona State University aims to understand strategies used by Muslims in West Africa and Europe to counter extremist interpretations. The research, titled 'Finding Allies for the War of Words,' involves a global team of scholars from multiple disciplines.
Researchers develop cheap and efficient method to identify small molecules for diabetes treatment, finding NAADP plays a crucial role in insulin secretion. This discovery could lead to a new class of drugs to treat type 2 diabetes.
A large-scale study suggests that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of respiratory infections, such as colds and flu. Individuals with chronic respiratory disorders, like asthma and emphysema, are particularly susceptible to these infections.
Research found that adolescents in single-parent households and stepfamilies who spend more time with their grandparents experience better emotional and behavioral adjustment. They report reduced hyperactivity and improved peer relationships.
A new study by Stanford University scientists updates IPCC findings, suggesting even smaller temperature increases could cause significant problems in unique ecosystems, extreme weather events, distribution of impacts, aggregate damages, and risks of large-scale discontinuities. The research highlights increased evidence of climate cha...
A study published by the American Cancer Society found that patients seeking health information online are more likely to be aware of and receive the latest cancer treatments. Patients who search for information on targeted therapies like Avastin and Erbitux are up to 3.22 times more likely to receive these treatments.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a targeted strategy to substantially increase the thermodynamic stability of nearly any protein while preserving its unique function. The design technique creates proteins that remain stable at temperatures 10 degrees Celsius higher than normal.
A network of low-power wireless sensors will be used to capture and transmit data on bridge conditions, reducing inspection costs. The technology aims to identify signs of corrosion and wear in aging bridges before they fail, ensuring public safety.
Researchers found that children born in the fall and winter have a higher risk of developing early symptoms of asthma due to exposure to fungal spores and pollen. High concentrations of specific spore groups and total pollen concentration during the first three months of life were linked to an increased risk of early wheezing.
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that Asian consumers are more tolerant of nonsocial failures due to their strong belief in fate, while Western consumers are more demanding. The researchers also discovered that brands emphasizing fate can increase Asian consumers' tolerance for social failures.
A new study found that parental permission to watch R-rated movies increases the likelihood that children believe it's easy to obtain cigarettes. This perception is associated with a higher risk of smoking among kids, suggesting parental smoking and home environment can contribute to youth smoking.
A new study suggests that women's attitudes toward sexually oriented advertising can improve if ads depict sex in a manner consistent with women's intrinsic values, such as devotion and commitment. Experiment 1 found that commitment-related cues in the ad boosted women's attitudes towards the product.
The AGI Workforce Program releases its third chapter, Geoscience Employment Sectors, which examines the demographics and dynamics of the geoscience workforce. The report provides insights into salaries, experience, and job transitions for geosciences graduates, as well as employment projections for 2016.
Researchers have developed a human cell-derived model of ALS, allowing for the study of the disease's progression and potential therapeutics. The model, derived from motor neurons generated from human embryonic stem cells, exhibits characteristics typical of the disease.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and Berkeley developed a new method for producing defect-free, thin polymer films using layered block copolymers. The technique achieved densities over 15 times higher than previous efforts, enabling up to 10 terabits per square inch of storage space.
Researchers have discovered a new connection between Carter's constant and Newtonian gravity, shedding light on the behavior of rotating black holes. The findings have significant implications for gravitational-wave astronomy, potentially allowing the detection of small black hole orbits.
Researchers have developed a new technique to determine tumor methylation status in archived tissue samples, providing a potential biomarker for early cancer diagnosis and risk assessment. The technique uses high-resolution melting analysis and has been validated on archival and fresh tissues.
UAB researchers have developed a new method to produce and study HPV-18, which could lead to a better understanding of how the virus functions and causes diseases. The new approach allows for the reproduction of the entire infection cycle of HPV-18 in primary human skin cells, providing opportunities to understand its molecular mechani...
A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that commercials improve television viewing experience by disrupting viewer adaptation, making shows more enjoyable. Commercial interruptions were particularly beneficial for younger consumers and certain types of content, such as sitcoms and documentaries.
Researchers found that exposing consumers to product features from outside their initial category can increase awareness and improve evaluations. Hybrid products, such as phones with cameras or watch/cameras, often confuse consumers due to the single-category belief problem.
A new study reveals that socially desirable responding, where people present a more favorable image of themselves, affects the accuracy of surveys globally. Cognitive busyness and cultural orientation play a significant role in this phenomenon.
Researchers developed small molecules targeting Hsp90 in mitochondria to induce tumor cell death. This combinatorial approach may be more effective than targeting single signaling pathways. Gene therapy also restored muscle strength in a mouse model of muscular dystrophy by anchoring nNOS to the sarcolemma.
Men with male factor infertility are 2.8 times more likely to develop testicular cancer than those without this condition. A total of 34 men diagnosed with testicular cancer were found in a study of 22,562 infertile men.
A new study suggests that doctors and nurses should offer high-risk patients targeted advice to improve heart health. The research found that boosting patients' sense of vulnerability does not help, but rather provides personalized information on specific CHD preventative diets.