New research reveals how diet affects brain chemistry, influencing behavior and physiological changes related to obesity. Studies show that high-fat diets can lead to addictive-like behaviors, reduced insulin sensitivity, and impaired brain development in offspring.
EMBO has elected 66 top-life scientists with expertise in various molecular biology fields, including evolutionary and computational biology. The new members come from 16 countries and include 15 female researchers recognized for their contributions to life science research.
Research suggests that drinking V8 100% vegetable juice can help people meet daily vegetable guidelines, leading to improved health outcomes such as weight loss and lower blood pressure. The addition of portable drink was more successful than nutrition education or counseling in increasing veggie intake.
Researchers found that young animals treated with commonly-prescribed mood, pain, and epilepsy drugs developed behavioral abnormalities in adulthood. The study suggests these drugs may predispose to psychiatric disorders later in life.
Using electrophysiological recording techniques, researchers found neurons tuned to fundamental frequencies and harmonic sounds in awake monkeys. This discovery sheds light on the neural mechanisms of music processing and its potential therapeutic benefits for patients with severe neurological disorders.
Researchers propose diverting sediment-rich water from Mississippi River to create new land, compensating for projected losses and protecting upriver areas. The model predicts creating up to 45% of the anticipated new land area, with enough flow remaining in the main channel for navigation.
Recent data suggests that less than one-third of hospitalized heart failure patients received guideline-recommended aldosterone antagonist therapy. The study analyzed hospital-based quality improvement registry data and found modest increases in treatment use over time, but significant variation among hospitals.
Engineers at North Carolina State University created a new material that can store equivalent of 20 high-definition DVDs or 250 million pages of text, far exceeding current computer memory systems. This breakthrough process also shows promise for boosting fuel economy and reducing heat in semiconductors.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found a new mechanism for regulating the circadian rhythm in chickens' eyes, which could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The discovery involves microRNA-26a, a small RNA molecule that plays a crucial role in controlling the activity ...
A study by Durham and Northumbria Universities found that second-generation Irish immigrants preferred English Protestant names over traditional Irish Catholic names, indicating a desire to minimize prejudice. The research suggests that this trend was also observed in other immigrant communities worldwide.
The researcher aims to understand the nesting ecology of bog turtles in southwestern Virginia and evaluate factors limiting nesting success. Diagnostic ultrasound is used to examine ovarian cycle and clutch characteristics.
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has received a US$100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a genetically attenuated live malaria vaccine. The project aims to provide strong and lasting immunity against Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes deadly human malaria.
Researchers have developed a way to accurately predict power outages in advance of a hurricane, allowing utilities to plan crew requests and locations more effectively. The study's findings could help save utilities money and restore power faster after the storm.
Thomas A. Wright, K-State professor and Jon Wefald Leadership Chair, was named a Fellow of the American Psychological Association for outstanding contributions to the field of psychology. He is also a Fellow in two other prestigious organizations, marking a rare achievement by a single scholar.
UF scientists have re-examined the technique using MRI imaging and found that it works by compressing a different structure in the neck. The esophagus is not involved in the procedure, contrary to previous assumptions. This new understanding will help anesthesiologists use the maneuver more effectively.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that a growth factor implicated in mental retardation disorders regulates dendritic spine development and spatial learning. Increasing the transport of this growth factor may be a way to treat these conditions.
The Penn team demonstrated a novel method for controlled formation of patchy particles using charged, self-assembling molecules. The positive electrical charges of calcium ions form bridges between negatively-charged polymers, creating patchy structures that can be used as drug-delivery vehicles or in small batteries.
New research confirms the effectiveness of alteplase in treating strokes up to 4.5 hours after symptoms appear, regardless of age, gender, or underlying health conditions. The study's findings suggest that extending the treatment window could improve outcomes for stroke patients.
The use of external teleradiology services (EOTSs) has slowed in recent years, contradicting predictions of market expansion. Many radiology practices that initially adopted EOTSs have since stopped using them, suggesting a possible decline in their widespread adoption.
Researchers have discovered a new giant golden orb weaver spider species, Nephila komaci, in South Africa and Madagascar, which is the largest web-spinning spider known to science. The female spiders of this species can reach up to 1.5 inches in body length, while males are significantly smaller.
Researchers in Japan developed a computer program that accurately predicts patients' risk of dying at the time of an emergency call. The algorithm achieved over 80% sensitivity and has potential to prioritize ambulances for critical cases.
A study found that lung scintigraphy is more reliable than CTA for diagnosing and excluding pulmonary embolism in pregnant patients. Lung scintigraphy produces better diagnostic quality images more often than CTA, particularly due to hemodynamic effects of pregnancy.
A study by researchers at Duke University and the University of Michigan found that men who voted for McCain or Barr experienced a significant drop in testosterone levels after the election results were announced. In contrast, Obama voters showed stable testosterone levels. The study suggests that vicarious participation in elections c...
Researchers discovered Snail and Twist are the major inducers of EMT in HCC, associated with reduced E-cadherin function and larger tumor size. The study provides essential information for determining liver cancer prognosis and identifying potential new treatments.
The genomes of two popular E. coli laboratory strains, K-12 and B, have been sequenced for the first time, revealing their genetic similarities and differences. The study provides valuable information on the evolutionary mechanisms that produced these differences and will guide future research in basic molecular biology and genetics.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found a significant association between psychiatric disorders, sexual trauma, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women. Women with psychiatric comorbidities and history of sexual trauma were more likely to experience LUTS such as incontinence and overactive bladder.
A study by Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business found that Americans with low power-distance belief (PDB) scores tend to exhibit more self-control and be less impulsive when shopping. This results in spending one-and-a-half times more on daily items compared to those with high PDB scores.
Rice University scientists win grant to investigate flu virus's complex replication process and develop more effective antiviral drugs. The research will focus on understanding the assembly of viral RNA segments into a viable package, which is crucial for the virus to reproduce.
Scott Anderson of Palm Beach, Fla., and his team won the 2009 ConocoPhillips Energy Prize with their ECO-Auger, a hydrokinetic machine harnessing tidal currents for renewable electric energy. The prize recognizes innovative ideas to create a more secure energy future.
Researchers have developed two experimental treatments that restored some vision to people with blinding eye diseases. A retinal prosthesis and fetal tissue transplant showed promise in human studies, improving visual acuity in several individuals with retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.
A recent study has discovered evidence of early human tool-making activities in a 2-million-year-old grassland-dominated ecosystem. The researchers found well-preserved faunal remains and chemical analyses of ancient soils at the Kanjera South site, which reveal that hominins were active in open settings.
Researchers at MIT and San Camillo Hospital have shown that motor impairments in stroke patients can be understood as impairments in specific combinations of muscle activity. The findings support the concept of synergies, which are thought to represent fundamental building blocks for complex movements.
A recent study by Cornell economist Michael Lovenheim found that teachers' unions have little impact on school districts' allocation of money, including teacher pay and spending per student. Unionization was linked to an increase in the number of teachers employed, but this effect was offset by increases in student enrollment, resultin...
Researchers found that antiepileptic drugs administered during brain development increase schizophrenia-like behaviors in animal models. In humans, having a history of seizures is a significant risk factor for developing schizophrenia.
A study by Christy Buchanan found that adolescents whose mothers expected them to take more risks and be more rebellious reported higher levels of risk-taking behavior. Parents who expect their kids to become rebellious at a certain age may inadvertently contribute to negative behaviors.
A recent large-scale swine flu outbreak at the US Air Force Academy provided valuable insights into the natural behavior of the nH1N1 virus, including shedding patterns. The study found that viable virus shedding occurred in about one quarter of confirmed patients and persisted even after symptom-free periods.
Patients with chronic hepatitis C who drink three or more cups of coffee per day have a lower risk of liver disease progression compared to non-coffee drinkers. The study found no association between tea intake and liver disease progression.
A new publication in Molecular Therapy outlines the dramatic effects of an exon skipping PPMO in preventing severe deterioration of dystrophin-deficient mice. The treatment restores dystrophin protein expression and maintains near-normal muscle function, suggesting great potential for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients.
Researchers have discovered a diet high in fat can accelerate spinal cord injury recovery, while stem cell implants pre-screened for immature cells show promising results. The findings offer new hope for the over one million people affected by spinal cord injuries in North America.
Pramod Kumar Aggarwal and Carlos Clemente Cerri are the winners of the 2009 TWAS Ernesto Illy Trieste Science Prize, recognized for their groundbreaking research on climate change's impact on agriculture. Their work aims to enhance understanding of climate change's effects on food supplies and develop innovative strategies to mitigate ...
A NOAA-funded project aims to protect a community by providing decision-support for implementation of stakeholder-driven adaptation. The study will develop a reliable, local-scale adaptation protocol to maintain historical flood protection levels.
Emergency medical services providers can now securely access patients' pre-existing health information, enabling informed treatment decisions and efficient care delivery. The Indiana Network for Patient Care (INPC) link allows paramedics and EMTs to access patient records in real-time, improving care quality and safety.
Researchers have developed a novel method to generate functional hepatocytes for drug testing, offering an unlimited and reliable source of liver cells. The new technique uses induced pluripotent stem cell technology to create hepatocytes from adult skin cells, overcoming the limitations of primary human hepatocytes.
Current screening programs have not significantly decreased deaths from breast and prostate cancers, despite high costs and increased treatment. Experts recommend focusing on identifying patients at risk for aggressive cancers and developing new tools to improve screening.
Researchers at Texas A&M University, led by Steve DiMarco, have been awarded a five-year, $3.72 million project to better understand and predict the formation of 'dead zones' in the Gulf of Mexico. The team aims to identify key factors contributing to these areas, which can cause fish kills and harm marine life.
Scientists are using seismic noise to reconstruct the history of hurricanes in the North Atlantic, analyzing patterns produced during hurricanes and regular storms. Preliminary results suggest that hurricanes produce recognizable patterns, allowing researchers to potentially establish a link between global warming and hurricane frequen...
The Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam initiative awards $10,000 grants to 15 teams of high school students to create technological solutions for global challenges. These projects include a human-powered UV water filtration device and a physical therapy chair designed to reduce muscular atrophy.
A new Harvard study reveals that uninsured adults with diabetes or high cholesterol are more likely to be misdiagnosed and undertreated. The researchers found significant gaps in care for these conditions, with the uninsured being more likely to experience poor blood pressure control and inadequate treatment.
A study published in JAMA Network found considerable differences in estimates of future physician workforce supply, with US Census Bureau data suggesting a potential younger but fewer physician workforce. The analysis used Masterfile and CPS data to identify significant age discrepancies between the two datasets.
Tropical Storm Rick is expected to pass south of the Baja, bringing heavy rainfall to extreme southern Baja California and northwestern Mexico. The storm's center is currently located 200 miles south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph.
Research using animal models has identified key brain cells and circuits affected by addiction, shedding light on the cognitive problems associated with it. These findings may lead to more effective treatment options to weaken powerful cravings, ultimately guarding against relapse.
Researchers at KIT have successfully manufactured the world's smallest optical nanoantennas from gold using electron beam lithography. These nanoantennas enable rapid information transmission and are considered a major basis for new optical high-speed data networks.
Researchers found that a high protein diet led to smaller brains in mice with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a possible link between high protein intake and reduced AD risk.
The University of Florida and collaborators will implement a new networking system across seven schools, linking researchers nationally and internationally to facilitate collaborations and improve ongoing studies. The program aims to create a verifiable database of researchers using Cornell's VIVO software.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a biologically active scaffold made from soluble fibers that can help replace lost or missing bone. The technology, which has shown promise in animal models, could also be used to regenerate other types of human tissues, including muscle, arteries, and skin.
Children with a history of diabetic ketoacidosis may experience persistent memory issues, according to a new study from UC Davis. The research highlights the importance of maintaining glucose control and prompt diagnosis of new cases.
Researchers at RIT are using supercomputers to study the massive dark objects, simulating what cannot be seen directly. The grants and allocations will enhance their access to sophisticated computer power, staying at the forefront of scientific computation.
Researchers found that infants can match human speech to human faces and monkey calls to monkey faces. However, they struggled to match non-human vocalizations to their corresponding species. This ability may help infants identify conspecifics even when out of view.
Stanford University researchers propose that transitioning to renewable energy could reduce global power demand by 30%, making it cheaper than fossil fuels or nuclear energy. The study finds that wind, water, and solar energy can meet the world's power demands with minimal land area required.
A study at Georgia Tech found that older adults have difficulty recognizing emotions on robots, particularly happiness and disgust. Despite this, they excel at reading sadness. The researchers suggest that the robot's facial features may not be exaggerated enough to overcome age-related recognition challenges.