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.
Research identifies a 12-step process where morally upstanding individuals become embroiled in white-collar criminality due to organizational culture and leadership behavior. Key findings include the role of personality, life circumstances, and passive participants in the descent into crime.
Noninvasive ventilation can save lives in acute respiratory failure without increased risk of infectious transmission. The author argues that the precautionary principle suggests using noninvasive ventilation to conserve ICU equipment during an epidemic.
A new study uses bioluminescence imaging to detect eye tumors in vivo, enabling early treatment options that don't require surgery. The technology offers higher sensitivity and accuracy than traditional biopsy analysis, promising improved outcomes for patients.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded a $15.7 million contract to develop an open-access national online database and analysis resource center for viral pathogens. The database will contain information on viruses such as herpes, hepatitis C, and smallpox, as well as newly emerging pathogenic viruses.
The Gerontological Society of America presents its prestigious awards to recognize leadership in teaching and service, as well as outstanding research. This year's awardees include Barbara Berkman and M. Powell Lawton Award recipient, and the awards will be presented at GSA's 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting in Atlanta.
A study found that minimally invasive radical prostatectomy with robotic assistance may shorten hospital stays and decrease surgical complications, but increase genitourinary complications. Men of higher socioeconomic status opted for this high-technology alternative despite limited data demonstrating superiority.
A massive genetic analysis of over 1,500 whale DNA samples has revealed new insights into the population dynamics and relationships of Southern Hemisphere humpback whales. The study provides a detailed understanding of gene flow between populations and highlights the complex interactions within marine ecosystems.
Researchers at Lund University have discovered that proteins change structure and stick together to form structures believed to underlie ALS. The discovery opens the possibility of designing drugs to prevent misfolding and its fatal consequences.
A recent study found that expressing uncertainty can make recommendations from experts more influential than those from novices. The researchers conducted three experiments and found that participants were more surprised by reviews from novice reviewers who expressed certainty and from expert reviewers who expressed uncertainty.
The university will receive a $20.5 million gift to support education and research programs at its schools of medicine and dental medicine. The gift has established two professorships, including the Dr. Donald and Ruth Goodman Professorship in Innovative Cancer Therapeutics.
Landon Cox, a Duke University assistant professor of computer science, is researching peer-to-peer systems that distribute users' personal information across multiple servers. This aims to reduce the risk of data exploitation and provide more control over users' online presence.
Dr. Hans-Werner Wahl is recognized for his significant contribution in gerontology, which led to innovation in treatment and practice. His work focuses on environmental gerontology, adaptation to low vision, and independence and autonomy issues in old age.
The USGS report highlights five giant non-native snake species that pose high ecological risks to the US, including Burmese pythons, anacondas, and boas. These snakes have been documented reproducing in the wild in South Florida and can attack and kill people, posing a small risk.
The study highlights the need for a portfolio of measures to minimize climate change impacts while allowing city growth. It emphasizes protecting homes from flooding and reducing carbon emissions, water usage, and moving towards cleaner transport.
Casework Genetics has developed a new technology to overcome mixed sample complexity, enabling law enforcement labs to solve crimes with greater precision and efficiency. The technology uses ultra high-density Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) arrays to distinguish characters within DNA.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) has chosen Derek M. Isaacowitz as the recipient of the 2009 Baltes Foundation Award in Behavioral and Social Gerontology. The award recognizes his work on emotion regulation and well-being across the lifespan.
Researchers used medical imaging to identify a severe case of H1N1 after a negative nasal swab test. CT scans revealed peripheral ground-glass opacities, which raised suspicion of the virus and were later confirmed as a cause of death. The study suggests that early CT scans may help clinicians recognize cases of severe influenza.
Tropical Storm Parma is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall to Vietnam before and after landfall. The storm has already caused significant damage and loss of life in China, with reports of three fatalities and over 35,000 people evacuated.
The institution has received a total of $122M in NIH grants last year, with this latest award bringing the total to over $150M. The funding supports research in various fields including HIV/AIDS, cancer, immunology, and Alzheimer's disease.
A team from Florida State University is studying patterns of collaboration in diverse, virtual teams using the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory as a case study. The goal is to create a model for efficient, interdisciplinary virtual teams that can turn short-term collaborations into long-term partnerships.
Researchers controlled cell orientation on a micropatterned surface based on a delicate material technique. The study used photolithography to generate a surface with cell-adhesive stripes in an adhesion-resistant background, allowing for semi-quantitative description of cell orientation.
Vision scientists at Washington University School of Medicine identified a process that allows the human eye to adapt to darkness quickly, also enabling it to function in bright light. This discovery may contribute to better understanding of age-related macular degeneration and potential treatments.
Researchers found that parents favor names gaining popularity relative to those falling out of favor, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. The study analyzed historical data on baby name frequencies over 127 years, revealing a shift towards consistent momentum in name popularity.
Tropical Storm Nepartak is transitioning into an extra-tropical storm, developing frontal qualities in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The storm's circulation will soon fade as it continues to speed northeast, with dry air in the mid-levels of the atmosphere contributing to its transformation.
The UCLA School of Public Health has received a grant to establish a center focused on strengthening public health agency preparedness for natural and human-induced disasters. The new center will explore interorganizational cooperation, community-based partnerships, and environmental health emergency resilience.
Researchers found that chocolate and water can blunt a rat's response to heat by blinding the brainstem's activation during consumption, suggesting it may aid animals and help modern humans avoid overeating
A new study published in Economic Inquiry explores how potential losers can use small concessions to successfully appease expected winners, but only under specific conditions. The researchers found that appeasement can be a good plan when choice is possible, and trade should be chosen over conflict.
A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers respond best to vacation ads that match their current emotions, whether it's excitement or relaxation. The researchers suggest that marketers can facilitate a positive impression by displaying products in contexts where pre-existing feelings align with the product's claims.
Researchers in the Baltimore Ecosystem Study found that urban grasslands retain a significant amount of nitrogen, with losses typically less than 40% of applied fertilizer. This surprising result suggests that these ecosystems have considerable capacity for nutrient retention, contrary to concerns about environmental impacts.
A recent study has shown that conservation targets are often too small to prevent extinction due to global climate change and habitat loss. Populations of endangered species require at least 5000 mature individuals to persist, highlighting the need for more effective conservation management.
New research from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Southern California found a direct link between supervisors' self-perceived incompetence and aggression. The study challenges previous assumptions that abusive bosses are solely driven by ambition.
Researchers will catalog digitized images and artifacts, building tools for online searches of ancient Cyprian artifacts. The project aims to preserve artistic and cultural heritage in Cyprus, with potential benefits for other ancient cultures.
A new study suggests that invasive procedures may not be necessary for all patients with narrowed arteries in and around the kidneys. The researchers found that only a small percentage of cases progress to a dangerous blockage, and progression does not always predict severe kidney function decline.
The University of North Carolina has secured a five-year, $6.2 million renewal grant to continue its work in the National Institutes of Health's Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. This funding will enable the discovery of rare disease-causing gene mutations and define early adverse clinical events in infant and childhood studies.
Researchers found that online communities facilitate learning by transforming individual experiences into usable knowledge, enabling individuals to become empowered patients who make informed decisions about their health. However, the value of these communities depends on how individuals choose to act on the information they receive.
Researchers found that macaque monkeys react with revulsion when viewing nearly human-like images, supporting theories of an evolutionary basis for the uncanny valley. The study indicates that the brain mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are likely biological adaptations.
A study published in BJS found that inexpensive dressings are just as effective as expensive silver dressings in treating venous leg ulcers. The study showed no significant differences in healing rates and quality of life between the two groups.
A feasibility study on new carbon capture and storage technology has been funded for the $140 billion pulp, paper and paperboard industry. The study aims to assess the potential for safely storing CO2 in deep underground basalt formations.
A study found that breast-conserving surgery was offered to the majority of patients, with surgeons' recommendations and patient preferences playing key roles. The study suggests that increased patient involvement in breast surgery decisions is associated with greater probability of mastectomy.
A team of international molecular scientists has discovered a fast mechanism by which cells communicate changes, such as location during cancer spread, to adjacent cells. This discovery sheds light on cell behavior and could lead to the development of new drugs for diseases like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease.
Mathy Mezey, a renowned gerontological nurse researcher, received the 2009 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award from the Gerontological Society of America. She is recognized for her sustained efforts in developing geriatric competencies and educational tools.
A national study found that retirees who continue to work in a bridge job experience fewer major diseases and functional limitations than those who fully retire. People whose post-retirement jobs are related to their previous careers report better mental health.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered compounds that interact with Nef protein, which plays an essential role in AIDS progression. These compounds also inhibit HIV replication and may slow disease progression.
A study published in JAMA found that attending physicians working nighttime hours did not have a significantly increased rate of complications for procedures performed the next day. However, having less than six hours of sleep opportunity between procedures was associated with an increased rate of surgical complications.
Sue Goldie and Ichiro Kawachi, two Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health faculty members, have been elected to the Institute of Medicine. Their work focuses on developing models that link disease biology to population outcomes, with a focus on women's health and social determinants of health.
An international research team has discovered a common genetic program for programmed cell death in plants and animals, which is evolutionarily related and functions similarly. This finding highlights the importance of comparative studies across different species to understand fundamental cellular mechanisms.
Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, UT Southwestern president, has been elected to the Institute of Medicine for his scientific and medical achievements. He joins 19 current UT Southwestern faculty members as a national member.
Researchers at Stony Brook University found that rip currents at East Hampton Village Beach lasted on average a little over one minute, posing a risk to swimmers. The study's findings suggest that seismometers can be used to measure wave patterns that may lead to rip currents.
A new study from McMaster University found that young adults are more likely to donate blood, but this trend may not sustain due to aging population. The study suggests targeting campaigns to encourage more Canadians to consider blood donation.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that microchipped animals were reunited with their owners in almost three out of four cases. The return-to-owner rate for cats was 20 times higher and for dogs 2 1/2 times higher than for all stray cats and dogs, highlighting the effectiveness of microchip technology in pet reunification.
Eric A. Coleman has been awarded the 2009 Maxwell A. Pollack Award for his work on enhancing patient care transitions and promoting safe and effective care across acute and post-acute settings.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina pioneer bilateral epidural prefrontal cortical stimulation, providing significant improvement in depressive symptoms. Five patients showed average improvement of 54.9% after seven months, including three who reached remission.
Tropical Storm Patricia is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches across the extreme southern portion of Baja California. The storm's track brings it closer to Southern Baja California, with a closest approach between 8 p.m. PDT tonight and 8 a.m. PDT Wednesday morning.
A study by Professor Diego Becerril Ruiz found that 79% of Spanish people think divorce is the best solution when a couple can't solve marital problems. The country ranks second in social acceptation of divorce, after Brazil, and shows an increase in divorce acceptance since the 1990s.
Researchers at Kansas State University have created 'gold snowflakes' on graphene, improving its electrical properties. These nanostars can be used to functionalize DNA and enhance sensitivity. The discovery shows promise for biological devices and electronics.
Researchers found that older adults are more willing than younger ones to have a robot perform critical monitoring tasks with minimal interaction. Robots can perform routine tasks like cleaning, but most respondents preferred non-interactive tasks. The study challenges the stereotype that older adults are less accepting of new technology.
A team of scientists at UCR has developed a high-density consensus genetic map of cowpea, accelerating conventional breeding and facilitating the production of new varieties. The map enables breeders to locate valuable genes and incorporate them into new varieties more efficiently.
Canadian engineers warn that current safety equipment may not be sufficient to protect workers from nanoprotection risks. The growing field of nanotechnology manufacture poses unknown hazards, and urgent research is needed to develop appropriate protective measures.
A study of nearly 2,000 women with breast cancer found that 75.4% received breast-conserving surgery as initial therapy, while 23% underwent mastectomy. The results suggest that most surgeons recommend local therapy options and that patient preferences play a role in shaping treatment choices.
A study found that overweight women's self-esteem decreases when exposed to thin models, while underweight women's esteem increases regardless of model size. Comparably, overweight and underweight women showed similar levels of self-esteem when not looking at models.
Research papers published in Geophysical Research Letters highlight a surge in Arctic ozone-destroying gas levels and the discovery of lunar subsurface features. Climate models are also being revised to account for ozone variations, improving our understanding of atmospheric interactions.