A new study reveals that prime-time television series portray mixed messages about alcohol, with positive messages associated with fun and partying, while negative messages are linked to crime, addiction, or job performance loss. This can undermine efforts to dissuade youth consumption through negative depictions.
Researchers found brain activity in a patient who experienced a supernumerary phantom limb (SPL) that could be felt, seen, and moved intentionally. The study suggests multiple areas of the brain may be involved in SPLs, potentially offering insights into how the brain constructs normal bodily awareness and the self.
A significant minority of therapists continue to offer treatments aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation, despite a lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. The therapies, often rooted in moral and religious views, can be harmful and lead to increased stress for clients who are already discriminated against.
Researchers found that bacteria in the soil and sediment of river basins in Asia convert iron and arsenic into a form that readily dissolves in water, contaminating groundwater. This discovery has significant implications for policymakers trying to reverse the mass poisoning crisis.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed new antimicrobial agents to combat hospital-acquired infections. The agents, made of ionic liquids, kill colonies and prevent bacterial growth in biofilms, providing a promising solution for MRSA and other resistant microbes.
Researchers have engineered a new version of the tumour-inhibiting protein VHL that can target hypoxic areas in tumours, reducing HIF levels and causing tumours to regress. This breakthrough has implications for treating various types of cancer, particularly those resistant to conventional therapies.
A new study reveals that less than 2% of US hospitals have comprehensive electronic health records, while 8% use basic EHRs in at least one care unit. The barriers to adoption include high costs and interoperability issues.
A NIST research collaboration has solved the internal structure of Galfenol, a compound that changes shape in response to magnetic fields. The team found that adding gallium creates clusters of distorted cells within an otherwise regular crystal lattice, leading to its enhanced magnetostrictive properties.
A new measurement standard for vitamin D may lead to better bone health, particularly in children, women, and the elderly. The standard, developed by NIST and NIH, will enable more accurate and reliable vitamin D measurements in blood samples.
Researchers have identified a connection between daily cannabis consumption and the appearance of psychosis and schizophrenia in subjects with good premorbid performance. The study found that 66% of patients with normal neurodevelopment admitted to daily cannabis use, while 43% of those with abnormal neurodevelopment also used cannabis.
Researchers successfully identified an asteroid in space before it entered Earth's atmosphere, predicting its area of origin and arrival time. The event tested the society's response to a predicted impact, showcasing the ability to quickly evacuate danger zones and take cover.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a method for coating metal surfaces with nanoparticles, rendering them resistant to corrosion and eliminating toxic chromium. The new coating is produced through a simple two-step process and can be applied to various metals, offering improved performance and efficiency.
At-risk teens are more likely to seriously consider suicide if a friend of a friend attempts it, but holding summer jobs can be a deterrent. Summer employment is thought to create self-esteem while reducing isolation and substance abuse, and can even prevent the spread of suicidal thoughts among friends.
A survey of wholesale and retail nursery owners reveals that while customer interest in native plants is increasing, market demand and public education play a key role in its growth. Nursery professionals suggest providing better information sources and marketing campaigns to promote native plants.
A new study found that less than 2% of US hospitals have implemented comprehensive electronic health records, citing high costs as a major barrier. The study suggests that the $19 billion stimulus package may help improve adoption rates, but widespread adoption is still a long way off.
The current system shifts liability solely to healthcare providers, even when they follow vendor instructions and software faults cause errors. The 'learned intermediary' doctrine holds physicians and other clinicians responsible for identifying HIT errors, despite the potential for fatal consequences.
New data from Ugandan scientists find that adult male circumcision decreases rates of herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV), two most common sexually transmitted infections. Circumcision is linked to a 25% reduction in HPV risk and a third reduction in HPV risk, according to researchers at the University of Washington.
The new edition of Discovering Statistics Using SPSS provides an accessible guide to all aspects of statistics, using humorous real-world case studies. The book has been fully revised and restructured with updated materials and online resources, making it the only statistics textbook a student will ever need.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston conducted a visual learning study that found viewers can learn about objects in their field of vision without paying attention. This challenges the common belief that attention is necessary for learning from visual stimuli. The study's findings suggest that ignorin...
Researchers found that alternative teacher certification programs (ATCPs) lack focus on teacher development and support. Teachers with prior educational-relevant experience demonstrate higher instruction quality and greater empathy for students.
A new study by Oregon State University and other institutions reveals that invading diseases can accelerate their spread, posing serious concerns for human diseases and a new fungus threatening global wheat production. The research suggests that the right set of conditions could lead to significant crop losses in some parts of the world.
Patients with end-stage renal disease who receive pre-dialysis care from a nephrologist have higher chances of surviving the first year on dialysis. The study also identified geographic clusters where suboptimal care is prevalent, suggesting targeted improvement efforts could be beneficial.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a way to control the geometry and stability of self-assembled monolayers using different carboranethiol isomers. The new SAMs show exceptional properties, including selective capture of biomolecules and high-quality patterning.
Researchers calibrated laboratory analyses of a meteorite with telescopic observations of its precursor asteroid, providing new insights into asteroid compositions and origins. The study identified the asteroid as a ureilite, potentially originating from the same parent body.
A collaborative study by McGill University researchers discovered a positive correlation between cognitive ability and cortical thickness in the brains of healthy 6 to 18-year-olds. The link was found in regions integrating information from different parts of the brain, including 'multi-modal association' areas.
A rapid assessment program expedition to Papua New Guinea's highlands wilderness revealed 50 new spider species, three frogs, two plants, and one gecko. The discovery underscores the region's critical role in sequestering carbon dioxide and highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge for conservation.
A new study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics challenges the concept of consensus in anti-aging medical intervention, citing diverse therapeutic approaches and conflicting opinions. Dr. Imre Zs.-Nagy proposes an open-minded approach to reconcile differences and achieve a realistic goal of aging intervention.
Researchers have found ancient coral beds off the coast of Hawaii that are over 4,200 years old, making them some of the oldest living creatures on Earth. The discovery was made using carbon dating methods and has significant implications for the protection of these reefs.
A breakthrough study has revealed that blood stem cells produce chemical signals of their own that influence their attachment to the bone marrow or migration into the circulatory system. This discovery holds implications for improving leukemia treatment and artificially culturing infection-fighting immune cells.
Researchers traced a genetic mutation in the Fry family, who arrived in Massachusetts colony in the 1630s, to its impact on colon cancer. Through routine screening and education, individuals with the mutated gene can prevent cancer.
Researchers found that HIV-1 protease inhibitors like nelfinavir induce oxidative stress in pancreatic beta-cells, leading to decreased insulin secretion. Thymoquinone, an antioxidant from black seed oil, protects these cells by decreasing reactive oxygen species and increasing antioxidant levels.
Researchers propose a platform model for health information infrastructure that would improve healthcare delivery, increase productivity and stimulate job growth. The model aims to support applications for clinical care, public health, and research, with key characteristics including data liquidity and substitutability of applications.
A study published in HortScience found that herbicide drift is causing 'leaf tatters' on white oak trees, reducing their canopy health. The research recommends timing herbicide applications before or after leaf unfolding to prevent injury.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a nine percent drop in surgical procedures and a five percent increase in minimally-invasive procedures in 2008. Reconstructive procedures saw a three percent increase, with tumor removal and hand surgery being among the top performers.
Research suggests that fructose metabolism in the brain plays a significant role in increasing food intake and obesity risk, particularly with high consumption of high fructose sweeteners. The study's findings raise health concerns for youth and adults consuming large amounts of these sweeteners.
Researchers track autoimmune disease development with bioluminescent imaging of NF-κB activation, revealing pathology in multiple organ systems. Early detection is critical for assessing new treatments and preventing disease progression.
Researchers discovered a mechanism for regulating the rate at which stellar-mass black holes grow, suggesting that they can regulate themselves. The study found that the black hole in GRS 1915+105 toggles between expelling mass via a jet and a wind from its accretion disk.
The protein LMO4 helps maintain a critical balance between two types of neurons, preventing motor dysfunction in mammals. Inhibitory neurons promote calm activity, while excitatory neurons encourage activity. LMO4 promotes inhibitory neurons by forming a complex that binds to DNA and blocks the development of excitatory neurons.
Researchers at USC have identified a key mechanism that guides the migration of blood-forming stem cells to the bone marrow. The finding may lead to improved efficiency in bone marrow transplants by activating a specific signaling pathway.
A new anti-cancer agent, BPH-715, has been developed that is highly effective at inhibiting multiple enzymes in the cancer pathway. The compound has shown promising results in cell culture and animal studies, demonstrating its potential as a treatment for various cancers.
A study by Henry Ford Health found that energy drink consumption increased blood pressure and heart rate in healthy adults. However, the effects could be particularly concerning for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, highlighting the need to avoid energy drinks.
A study by University of Virginia professor Robert Tai and Harvard University researcher Philip Sadler found that high school students with weak math backgrounds who engage in self-structured learning practices may perform poorly in college science. In contrast, those with stronger math skills who receive more guidance in their high sc...
Researchers at UTSA and Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine found that somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) does not increase point mutation rates in cloned mice, with naturally conceived fetuses having similar rates as their cloned counterparts.
A new study in Clinical Cardiology examines the fitness level of morbidly obese individuals and finds they are sedentary for more than 99% of the day. The results show that even light physical activity, such as walking at a speed of 1-2 miles per hour, may yield significant health benefits and improve aerobic capacity over time.
Research at University of Gothenburg reveals that egg cells can rejuvenate sperm by extending telomeres, reducing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. This breakthrough has significant implications for future stem cell therapy, which aims to replace diseased or dying cells.
Researchers found that mice with mutated or missing clock genes developed thick and inflexible blood vessels, a hallmark of vascular disease. This suggests that clocks may work normally in the brain but malfunction in blood vessels to bring on hypertension and vascular disease.
A new study suggests that charging consumers a fee at the time of sale can significantly reduce electronic waste (e-waste) in the US. The approach is found to be more effective than fees upon disposal, increasing manufacturer profits while decreasing e-waste quantities.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo identified a novel biomarker to monitor acute kidney injury, while a study found that the unfolded protein response contributes to nerve cell death in Alzheimer's Disease. Additionally, a bacterial toxin disrupts intestinal epithelial barrier function, leading to systemic infection.
Research highlights coral reefs' decline due to rising CO2 levels and ocean acidification. Ocean proximity also exacerbates ozone pollution in Houston by increasing reactive chlorine mass. New measurements reveal the impact of nitryl chloride on ozone formation, with significant increases observed.
Webscalers' technology integrates multiple small search engines to retrieve a vast amount of information, including deep Web content. The system aims to provide fresher results and overcome limitations of existing search engines like Google and Yahoo.
Researchers found that 50% of hippocampal cells differentiate between correct and incorrect responses, influencing new learning by changing cell sensitivity. The study establishes a physiological link between associative learning and processing trial outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Utah developed a new method to locate trapped miners in collapsed mines by installing seismic listening devices on the ground. The system uses unique 'fingerprints' generated by miners banging on iron plates to pinpoint their location, showing promising results in tests.
A new study reveals the remarkable ability of marine fish larvae to disperse over long distances, connecting populations across marine protected areas. The research provides critical insights into larval dispersal patterns, which affect population resilience and ecosystem dynamics.
The Journal of General Physiology explores the mysteries of TRP channels, which are crucial for various senses. The latest Perspectives series provides a comprehensive overview of their biophysics, protein structure, and gating processes, shedding light on areas in need of further exploration.
Graduates of the Program in Clinical Effectiveness have successfully obtained grant funding, published research, and gained promotions. Factors associated with success include being a generalist, publishing coursework projects, and attending the program at age 40 or less.
Researchers at NIST have discovered that magnetism plays a crucial role in governing the physical properties of iron pnictides, allowing them to superconduct at high temperatures. The team's findings provide strong evidence for the importance of magnetism in understanding iron-based superconductivity.
Researchers at Uppsala University mapped the genome of a bacterium that manipulates insect sex ratios, revealing high frequencies of gene exchange within this group. The study's findings may lead to development of eco-friendly pesticides using these bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that volcanic plumes rotate around their axis due to a phenomenon called mesocyclones. This rotation triggers lightning and creates waterspouts or dust devils. The study provides new insights into understanding volcanic eruptions and predicts effects more accurately.
Researchers have identified new alternative substrates to pine bark and peatmoss, finding that landscape annuals can thrive in ground pine tree and pine bark substrates. The study showed comparable foliage growth, flower density, and root proliferation for plants grown in both substrates.
A study published in HortTechnology found that consumers' floral purchase decisions are driven by sensory hedonics for men and emotion conditioning for women. Consumers from rural areas prioritize curiosity fulfillment and monetary worth, while urban consumers value emotion conditioning.
A new study published in the Journal of Personality reveals that personality at adolescence predicts reproductive success later in life. Adolescents with socially dominant personalities were more likely to have children as adults, suggesting that status striving may be important for reproductive success even in modern humans.
Researchers at NIST and CU have developed a method to detect and monitor light reflected off the probe needle point, improving AFM stability under ambient conditions. This enables sensitive atomic-scale measurements at room temperature in liquids, with improved image quality and reduced drift.
Researchers at Salk Institute uncover how the brain uses attention to bring salient details into focus and filter out background clutter. By exploiting the center-surround organization of receptive fields, the brain separates task-relevant information from irrelevant clutter.
Researchers have developed a novel, eco-friendly process to convert algae oil into biodiesel fuel, promising a cheaper alternative to traditional methods. The 'continuously flowing fixed-bed' method produces no wastewater and uses a proprietary solid catalyst, reducing processing costs and increasing efficiency.
A Rochester Institute of Technology scientist improved Hubble's Near-Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer calibration to enable high-precision polarimetry. This technique helps scientists study active galactic nuclei and proto-planets around young stars.
Researchers have found that sarcosine distinguishes between slow-growing and aggressive prostate cancers. The metabolomic analysis suggests that sarcosine is highly associated with tumour development and can predict the aggressiveness of tumors.
A team of researchers has created a microdevice that uses magnetism to remove pathogens from the bloodstream, showing promise as a potential treatment for sepsis. The device, developed by Chong Wing Yung and Don Ingber, achieved over 80% clearance of fungi in contaminated human blood.
A new study found that many academic institutions lack clear policies covering IRB members' industrial relationships, leading to inconsistent reporting and handling of conflicts. The study suggests that more consistent policies and accountability are needed to ensure the integrity and safety of medical research.
Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute ruled out transcriptional coactivators as useful herpes antiviral drug targets. The study found that the viral genes do not depend on cellular proteins called coactivators for expression, contrary to earlier models.
A new report by Michael Rodemeyer examines the benefits and drawbacks of regulating synthetic biology using the current U.S. biotechnology framework. While early applications may be adequately covered, advances in the field are expected to create significant challenges for regulatory agencies, including the EPA and FDA.
Rice University scientists have developed a method to optimize the attack on cancer cells using laser-nanoparticles. By adjusting the size and composition of nanoparticles, researchers can create more uniform temperature profiles within tumors.
A new study published in Risk Analysis found that public support for nuclear power is highest among those who trust the industry and hold traditional values. The study's findings suggest that increasing public trust in the nuclear industry is crucial for a resurgence of nuclear power in the US.
Researchers at UVA Health System found that SRC gene promotes growth suppression in bladder cancer, contradicting its role in most cancers. The study suggests caution when using targeted therapeutic agents that inhibit SRC in bladder cancer treatment.
A study found that medically supervised male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of acquiring genital herpes (HSV-2) and human papillomavirus (HPV), but has no effect on syphilis. Circumcision was also associated with a 28% lower risk of HSV-2 infection and a 35% reduced prevalence of HPV.
The new center aims to prevent, treat, or cure Huntington's disease by 2020 through cutting-edge research and collaboration with pharmaceutical companies. Investigators will focus on identifying potential drug targets and developing innovative technologies to modulate the disease.
A study published in the International Journal of Biometrics proposes using knee X-rays for biometric validation, providing a unique and secure method for identifying individuals. The Wnd-charm algorithm rapidly analyzes X-ray images to identify specific knees and match them with a database, making it difficult for fraudsters to spoof ...