A new study by Uppsala University researchers Elena Jazin and Björn Reinius found that genetic expression in cerebral cortices exhibits sex-based differences, which are thought to be associated with later divergences in brain development. The study suggests that genes on the Y chromosome play a crucial role in these differences.
The report analyzes the similarities, differences, potential impacts, and costs of current bills passed by Congress, including provisions for expanding coverage, improving quality, and controlling costs. The bills differ in how reform would be financed and what actions would be taken to control costs and expand coverage.
Despite high risk, older African Americans are less likely to get the flu vaccine due to lack of accurate information and lingering distrust from the infamous Tuskegee syphilis studies. This results in lower vaccination rates among this age group, with only 48% vaccinated compared to 65% for non-Hispanic white seniors.
Researchers found that depression-related genes and stress-related genes have almost no overlap, indicating that chronic stress does not cause the same molecular changes as depression. This finding challenges the long-held belief that stressful life events are a major cause of depression.
A workshop conducted by the National Cancer Institute and FDA identified critical decision points in cancer biomarker and drug development. The points emphasize the importance of understanding the biology of the target and its interaction with drugs, as well as rigorous sample collection and quality control.
A new study from Columbia University found that US patients are almost five times more likely to spend their last hospital days in the ICU than patients in England. The research also revealed that ICU usage among terminal patients is eight times higher in the US than in England, particularly among those over 85.
Tropical Storm Neki continues to exhibit intense areas of heavy rainfall despite weakening, according to NASA's TRMM satellite. Rainfall rates reached up to 2 inches per hour in the storm's northeast and northern quadrants.
A team of Harvard chemists has developed a new microscopic technique that allows researchers to identify previously unseen molecules in living organisms. The room-temperature technique uses stimulated emission to generate images of non-fluorescent molecules, offering broad applications in biomedical imaging and research.
The Great Diseases curriculum, funded by a $1.35 million NIH grant, introduces current global health threats through laboratory learning, multimedia, and case-based studies to 11th and 12th graders in three Boston high schools. The program aims to teach students how to think like scientists and generate interest in biotechnology careers.
A PNAS paper reveals that dramatic changes in the Arctic began after the midpoint of the 20th century and are unprecedented. The unique sediment cores contain rare paleoclimate information about the past 200,000 years, providing a longer record than most other sediments.
During Saturn's equinox, light hits the ring particles at low angles, giving a three-dimensional view of the rings. The CIRS instrument on board the Cassini spacecraft observed record-low temperatures of 382 degrees below zero Fahrenheit in the A-ring.
A University of Pennsylvania team has developed a method to transform semiconducting nanowires into various nanoscale materials using ion exchange reactions. This process enables the creation of reconfigurable materials and circuits with precise control over their chemical composition, structure, and morphology.
UC Davis launches PREDICT initiative to detect disease-causing organisms in wildlife before they spill over into people. The team aims to minimize pandemic impact by being ready for early detection and rapid response.
A 7-year study found that South Carolina beaches can be preserved through a systematic approach and partnerships between government and local organizations. The research identified offshore sand sources that can be used for beach replenishment without exacerbating erosion.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society recognizes Dr. Gavin Y. Oudit's groundbreaking research on a new class of drugs for treating heart failure, with the potential to also treat kidney and lung diseases. Oudit's innovative program has yielded major discoveries and established him as a world leader in this exciting area of research.
A new Iowa State University study suggests that frequent video game players have difficulty maintaining focus on tasks requiring longer attention. The research found that brain wave and behavioral measures of proactive attention were significantly diminished in high-volume gamers compared to those who played less frequently.
A new study found that nearly half of high-risk American adults who intend to get vaccinated against seasonal flu actually do, but nearly 45% cite a perceived lack of need as the main reason for not being vaccinated. The researchers suggest that educating these individuals about the benefits of vaccination and making it more convenient...
A new study finds that a global biofuels program could result in twice as much carbon loss from displaced food crops and pastures as the CO2 emissions from land dedicated to biofuels production. Increased fertilizer use for biofuels production also causes significant nitrous oxide emissions, potentially surpassing CO2 emissions by 2100.
A new method for harvesting purified protein molecules has been discovered, utilizing an enzymatic 'on-switch' to separate desired proteins from impurities. The technique, developed by a multi-institutional research team, shows promise for obtaining high-purity proteins with greater than 95% efficiency.
FSU researchers found that older adults face barriers to adopting new technology due to declining cognitive processes and abilities. Designers can create better products with simplified menus, large fonts, and external noise reduction to help seniors bridge the tech gap.
A University of Michigan study found that color differences in fruit flies have a common genetic basis with those in humans and chimps. Genetic analysis revealed the tan gene as responsible for part of the color variation within and between species.
Hurricane Neki's strong winds and heavy rainfall threaten the Papahanaumokuakea National Monument, home to rare species such as the green sea turtle and Hawaiian monk seal. The storm is expected to weaken as it heads into cooler waters, but high seas pose a concern for the smaller islands within the monument.
A study by Dr. Dave Marcotte found community college graduates earn 45.8% more annually than high school graduates, with men earning 12.2% more. The research also showed that completing coursework without a degree still yields substantial economic benefits.
Researchers have developed a system to track RNA movement in live bacterial cells, revealing new information on its localization and structure. The study shows that RNA is not evenly distributed throughout the cell but instead forms helical structures resembling those found in proteins involved in DNA replication.
Adult male monkeys exposed to cocaine in-utero show poor impulse control and may be more vulnerable to drug abuse than female monkeys. The study suggests that males may be more susceptible to the long-lasting behavioral and neurobiological consequences of cocaine exposure during gestation.
Researchers argue that short- and medium-lived pollutants like soot, ozone, and methane contribute significantly to near-term climate change. Experts recommend adopting aggressive reduction targets for these pollutants and establishing a new treaty framework.
A recent survey reveals that most healthcare professionals do not have access to reliable tests to diagnose primary syphilis. The study's authors emphasize the need for a rapid point-of-care test to accurately detect early-stage syphilis, which is critical for preventing transmission.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured Rick's remnant clouds and showers as they merged with a low-pressure system over Missouri, stretching precipitation from Louisiana to Michigan. The National Hurricane Center confirmed that Rick's center of circulation had dissipated by October 21.
Historian R.M. Douglas's research challenges the notion that British forces used chemical weapons against Iraqis after World War I, citing faulty evidence and official records that contradict these claims. Despite the lack of evidence, the allegations have persisted as a rallying cry for anti-war critics.
Two University of Washington studies show that drinking alcohol doubles the risk of non-adherence to HIV medication. A third study found that peer support, electronic pagers, or both had no lasting impact on adherence rates. The challenges of adhering to life-long HIV treatment highlight the need for individualized comprehensive programs.
Researchers created simplified synthetic cells that shed light on electric voltage generation in real cells and can act as tiny batteries. The cells harness a modified protein to create pores allowing ions to flow, generating a stable voltage across the bilayer.
Scientists have identified a new type of cell in the inner ear that carries sound signals to the brain, responding only to extremely loud sounds. The discovery sheds light on how the human ear processes sound and may have implications for understanding hearing loss.
Researchers at Southern Methodist University discovered that Ethiopia's climate 27 million years ago had warmer soil temperatures and higher rainfall. The study used oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in fossil soils found in the highlands of northwest Ethiopia, providing a previously unknown picture of the paleolandscape.
An international team of top climate scientists has found a critical error in the carbon accounting method used to measure compliance with carbon limits. The flaw could create strong economic incentives for large-scale land conversion, which would exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that trauma history, not endurance, influences ability to dampen emotional responses. Resilient individuals enhance emotional brain circuitry, suggesting a key strategy for trauma recovery.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a method to control the assembly of nanoparticles into complex arrays using small molecules, enabling precise spatial distribution over multiple length scales. The technique uses block copolymers as a platform and can be directed by external stimuli such as light or heat.
Typhoon Lupit is already affecting the northern Luzon region with heavy rainfall, while its center moves westward at 8 mph. The storm's large size and slow movement are expected to cause more flooding in the Philippines, which has already suffered from Tropical cyclones Ketsana and Parma.
Scientists at Lund University successfully injected nanowires into rat brains, revealing that the brain's 'clean-up' cells (microglia) take care of the wires. After 12 weeks, only minor differences were observed between test and control groups.
The IDF has released important new guidelines to improve the treatment of diabetes globally. The guidelines address critical areas such as pregnancy, self-monitoring blood glucose, and oral health, aiming to tackle the spiraling epidemic of diabetes.
Researchers at UC Riverside successfully created metal-free 'abnormal N-heterocyclic carbenes', which are highly reactive molecules used to make catalysts. These carbenes are stable and can be used in numerous catalytic chemical reactions, greatly benefiting industry.
Researchers argue that concurrency is not a major driver of the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa due to lack of conclusive evidence. They suggest that other factors are more likely to contribute to the spread of the virus, and recommend further research initiatives.
A new system identifies common patterns in song versions, allowing for the analysis of musical similarities and potential applications in various fields. The technique, appearing in New Journal of Physics, uses mathematical equations to quantify cross recurrences between two songs.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry examined the role of GABA receptors in anxiety disorders, revealing that inserting GABA receptors into neurons in the amygdala increases inhibition and prevents fear extinction. This discovery provides evidence for molecular mechanisms behind cognitive and behavioral therapies.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a fluid-dynamical model that reveals nanopillars form through thermocapillary flow, not pressure fluctuations. This discovery paves the way for a new 3D lithography method with high precision and potentially limitless patterns.
Researchers found that men and women who consume low amounts of alcohol have higher healthcare costs compared to non-drinkers. The study challenges the common assumption that moderate drinking is good for your health.
A fixable error in carbon counting could undermine biofuels' effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Correct accounting is crucial to mitigate climate change and protect investments. Bioenergy can capture more carbon than existing plants, but cutting down forests to replace them releases more CO2.
Researchers are empowering Bengali women and children to identify contaminated water sources, helping them make informed decisions about where to dig wells. They're also providing testing kits to detect high levels of arsenic in the water.
Research by Wake Forest University School of Medicine suggests that blocking the NMDA receptor in immature rats leads to profound brain injury and disruption of auditory function. This raises concerns about the potential impact of general anesthetics on children's cognitive development.
A new method using laser light can convert methane into methanol, producing a low-cost, clean fuel that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The process also yields hydrogen for fuel cells and other industrial applications.
A study found that emodin reduces hepatic hydroxyproline content, serum AST and ALT activities, and inhibits HSC activation by down-regulating TGF-b1 and Smad4. Emodin may be an attractive therapeutic agent for treating fibrotic liver diseases.
A two-year grant will explore advanced information security risks in complex systems, combining computer science and technology management. The project aims to develop an innovative interdisciplinary framework to optimize system information security and productivity.
A team of scientists identified an error in climate treaty accounting rules for bioenergy that could encourage deforestation. The error stems from exempting carbon dioxide from bioenergy use without counting land-use emissions, creating perverse incentives to clear land.
Rohit Negi will lead a team of experts to analyze the robustness of cyber-physical systems, including electric and water grids. The goal is to develop methods to monitor and ensure the robustness of these networks, which play a critical role in daily life.
In the study, participants on liraglutide lost significantly more weight than those on placebo and orlistat. Liraglutide also reduced blood pressure and improved prediabetes rates with all doses.
Researchers found no support for theory that female choice is connected to 'good genes', suggesting females resist mating attempts primarily for their own benefit. Females with increased ability to reject males had higher fitness, while inadvertent selection for male persistence played a minor role.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that employees with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated chronic disease can incur healthcare costs up to $5,867 annually. Employers can prevent these conditions by implementing health risk appraisals and prevention programs, which cost as little as $150 per year.
Researchers at Scripps Research and UC San Diego have solved the structure of a critical molecule that helps plants survive during droughts. The study provides important clues about how hormones regulate crucial physiological responses in humans, potentially improving crop yields worldwide.
Researchers discovered a crucial immune system quirk that can lead to effective vaccines against tularemia infection of the lungs. By targeting IL-17 cytokine responses, scientists hope to develop better vaccines that can prevent lung infections.
Scientists at the University of Washington and North Carolina have made a breakthrough in converting methane to methanol, a liquid that can be transported easily. This discovery could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly production of chemicals and fuels.
Researchers Lawrence Weider and Amy V. Callaghan will investigate how aquatic organisms cope with drastic environmental changes caused by nutrient pollution. The study targets lakes in Canada and Minnesota, where Daphnia diapausing eggs have remained dormant for over 50 years.