Scientists at Oklahoma State University are working on a new type of thermoelectric technology that can convert waste heat into electricity. This breakthrough has the potential to power military aircraft without toxic emissions or expensive cooling systems.
A new study published in BMC Medicine found that the popular antidepressant nortriptyline is associated with a dramatic increase in suicidal thoughts among men. Compared to its competitor escitalopram, nortriptyline was linked to a 9.8-fold increase in emerging suicidal thoughts and a 2.4-fold increase in worsening suicidal thoughts.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered specific immune cells that attract corrupted proteins, increasing the risk of variant CJD in younger individuals. This finding may lead to better diagnosis methods and potential vaccine development.
A study found that men tend to react better to messages invoking disgust, while women respond to reminders. Handwashing rates were higher among women, with 64% washing their hands compared to 32% of men.
A recent study by Dr. Khaled El Emam found that hospital pharmacy prescription records can easily re-identify patients, posing a significant privacy risk. The study demonstrates a methodology for de-identifying patient data to maintain patient confidentiality.
Researchers used former Colombian guerrillas to study brain structure changes after learning to read. They found higher grey matter density in left hemisphere areas responsible for letter recognition and increased white matter connections, particularly with the angular gyrus.
Researchers at the University of Rochester are developing a system to derive usable hydrogen fuel from water using only sunlight. The team will investigate artificial photosynthesis and use three modules to optimize the process. The goal is to create a clean energy source that can be used in fuel cells for cars, homes, or power plants.
The Arctic has been a carbon sink since the last Ice Age, but rapid climate change could eliminate it. Warmer temperatures and permafrost thawing could release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
Researchers found molecular sites on the 2009 H1N1 virus that are also present in seasonal flu viruses, explaining why older adults may have some immunity to the new virus. This immunity may be due to cell-mediated responses triggered by cytotoxic T-cells.
Researchers at Miriam Hospital's Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center are studying various approaches to prevent and treat obesity, including behavioral interventions and gene-based research. These studies aim to develop innovative strategies to curb the obesity epidemic and its devastating health consequences.
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.