A study by psychologists at the University of Leicester identified characteristics of people prone to shoplifting, including males, unpleasant and antisocial individuals, and those with disorganized and unreliable personalities. Younger and outgoing individuals were more likely to engage in minor fraud.
The Office of Naval Research has selected nine researchers to receive funding for their innovative energy projects, aiming to help the Navy decrease its reliance on fossil fuels. The winners will use up to $100,000 to develop technologies such as solar power and microbial energy generation.
Four new gorgonea species have been discovered in the Antarctic region, including Tauroprimnoa austasensis and Digitogorgia kuekenthali. The study found distinct characteristics among these species, such as differences in scale pattern and ramification of colonies.
Data from NASA's Swift satellite have solved a decades-long mystery about black holes emitting vast amounts of energy. The survey confirms that galaxies colliding trigger the 'lighting up' of supermassive black holes.
Complete Genomics sequenced a patient's lung tumor and normal tissue to detect somatic mutations and structural variations. The study found over 50,000 high-confidence single nucleotide variations, revealing an estimated genome-wide somatic mutation rate of 17.7 per Mb.
A Spanish Centre for Pharmacoepidemiological Research study found that slow-release NSAIDs increase the risk of gastrointestinal complications, including GI bleeding and perforation. Long half-life or slow-release formulations were associated with a greater risk.
A Kaiser Permanente study associates increasing BPA levels in urine with decreased sexual desire, difficulty having an erection, and lower overall satisfaction with sex life. The five-year study of 427 Chinese factory workers found a dose-response association between higher BPA exposure and male sexual dysfunction.
A new study from UCSF reveals that vigorous physical activity can protect individuals from the effects of stress by reducing its impact on telomere length. The researchers found that even moderate amounts of exercise can provide critical protection for telomeres.
Researchers find threespot damselfish kill slow-growing head corals due to habitat needs. Restoring staghorn coral populations can alleviate pressure on other corals and help mitigate the damage.
A new study suggests that hurricanes can propel underwater currents with enough force to dig up the seabed, potentially creating underwater mudslides and damaging pipes or other equipment. Researchers warn that major oil leaks from damaged pipelines could have irreversible impacts on the ocean environment.
Researchers discovered that the key signaling molecule nitric oxide is crucial for maintaining the number of collateral vessels and their growth into natural bypass vessels. The study found that a lack of nitric oxide impairs collateral remodeling, which can lead to reduced blood flow and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study found that patients with positive CT exam results who exhibit inconsistent symptoms may have chronic or recurrent appendicitis and should undergo surgical treatment. The researchers reviewed medical records of 2,283 patients who underwent CT scans between 2002 and 2007.
A new approach calculates the change in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from changes in land use, taking into account factors such as plant density and ecosystem vulnerability. This comprehensive method provides a more accurate assessment of land-use projects' impact on climate change.
A new surgical procedure has been shown to improve survival rates in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a severe form of congenital heart disease. Researchers compared two techniques used in the initial stage of surgery and found that the newer technique, RVPA shunt, resulted in higher survival rates at 12 months.
The new system integrates optical scanning, data processing, and encryption with manual ballot paper writing, ensuring total vote-counting accuracy. It also allows voters to verify their vote without revealing how they voted.
Scientists at UCI created an eight-layer, early-stage retina from human embryonic stem cells, a complex tissue structure that could lead to transplant-ready retinas for treating eye disorders. The breakthrough uses differentiation technique to create multiple cell types necessary for the retina, mimicking early-stage retinal development.
A study found that quaternary amines in household cleaning products can form NDMA when mixed with chloramine. This process is of concern to health officials as sewage treatment plants may not remove all these precursors, potentially leading to environmental contamination.
Researchers found that blocking a receptor thought to mediate cell suicide in normal cells paradoxically stopped tumor growth. The study suggests using a drug that blocks the receptor to treat cancer. Further research will explore how this receptor promotes tumor growth and develop new therapies.
Dr. X. Frank Xu has been awarded the 2010 K.J. Bathe Award for his groundbreaking work on multiscale methods for uncertainty quantification of heterogeneous materials. His research aims to improve the assessment and optimization of advanced materials like functionally graded materials.
A study published in International Journal of Eating Disorders found that adults with anorexia can regain brain volume after weight gain through specialist treatment. Brain volume deficits among underweight patients with Anorexia Nervosa were reversed within several weeks of weight restoration.
The discovery of four new mutations of Ug99 stem rust poses a significant threat to global wheat production and food security. The new variants have acquired the ability to defeat two of the most important stem rust-resistant genes, making existing breeding programs less effective.
Professor Richard Radke is leading a new study to develop novel computer automation techniques to reduce prep time of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) from several hours to minutes. IMRT delivers non-uniform doses of radiation to tumors, but requires manual adjustments and optimizations.
Researchers found that extended-release injectable naltrexone (XR-NTX) decreases the brain's craving response when presented with alcohol cues. XR-NTX works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain and was approved for treating alcohol dependence in 2006.
A University of Montreal study found that hyper-masculine drivers are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior, such as speeding and disregarding traffic rules. The researchers used a driving simulator to test the effect of macho masculinity on driving behavior.
Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have discovered two new frog species in Panama, Pristimantis educatoris and P. adnus, which were identified through genetic analysis. The discoveries bring the total number of frog species to 197, with nearly 15% described in the past seven years.
A study of 549 newborns found that infants who underwent a newer surgical procedure were more likely to survive their first year without needing a heart transplant. After the first year, both procedures yielded similar results.
Researchers tracked orchid bees using tiny radio transmitters, revealing they travel surprisingly long distances through sparse tropical forest patches. The study opens doors to future research on temperate forests and highlights the importance of preserving plant pollination.
A genetic variant in the ISL1 gene has been identified as a strong risk factor for congenital heart disease, which affects at least one in 100 live births. The study found that different variants of the gene increase the risk of CHD in white and African American children.
A study found that patients taking bisphosphonates are often uninformed about the drug's possible side effects on oral health, including bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BON). The researchers interviewed 73 participants and discovered that 82% were unsure if their physicians had informed them about potential adverse ...
Queen's University biochemistry professor Zongchao Jia and post-doctoral student Jimin Zheng discovered a unique protein switch in bacteria, allowing them to adapt to low-nutrient environments. This breakthrough could lead to the development of molecules that can kill bacteria in water, reducing contamination risks.
A recent study found that antiretroviral treatment (ART) significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission in heterosexual couples, with a 92% lower rate of transmission among those on ART compared to those not on treatment. The greatest benefit was seen in individuals with CD4 counts below 200 cells per μL.
A new report by SSPEED Center warns that a major hurricane could endanger tens of thousands of lives and cripple the Houston Ship Channel. The study highlights vulnerabilities in existing dikes and levees, highway infrastructure for evacuation, and coastal flooding risks.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital describe mathematical patterns underlying human preference, potentially guiding psychiatric disorder diagnosis and treatment. The study's findings meet criteria for scientific laws, showing predictable patterns in preference behavior.
A phase III clinical trial found no significant difference in overall survival between AE-941 and placebo arms for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The study suggests that shark cartilage-derived products do not support the treatment of lung cancer.
Researchers used CASL MRI to compare cerebral blood flow in 11 non-medicated patients with schizophrenia and 25 healthy controls. The study revealed extensive areas of hypoperfusion in frontal lobes and higher cognitive function regions, while hyperperfusion was observed in cerebellum and brainstem.
Researchers have reconstructed the formation of two curious features in Mars' northern ice cap, including Chasma Boreale and spiral troughs, revealing that wind shapes polar ice caps over millions of years. The study provides new evidence of climate change on Mars and vindicates an early explanation for the spiral troughs.
Researchers at the University of Michigan's Congenital Heart Center led a groundbreaking trial on shunts used to direct blood flow to the lungs, improving outcomes for kids born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The study found that one type of shunt was more effective over the first year, but its long-term impact is still uncertain.
A new study reveals that reduced energy expenditure is the primary cause of rising body mass index (BMI) levels in children in Great Britain. Despite a marginal increase in total sugar intake, mean body weight and BMI increased significantly over the period.
Researchers present new slip rate estimates for the Alpine fault near Inchbonnie, New Zealand, yielding dextral, vertical, and reverse-slip rates of ~13.6, ~3, and ~3.4 mm/yr. These values have important implications for understanding plate boundary kinematics and comparing short-term strain with medium-term geologic rates.
A modified measles virus has been shown to effectively kill medulloblastoma cells in laboratory studies and mouse models, suggesting its potential as a new treatment option for childhood brain tumors. The vaccine strain targets the CD46 receptor, which is highly expressed in multiple tumor types.
The partnership will help broaden the reach of Electronic News to academic, educational, and professional markets. The Journal focuses on teaching, practice, and research of electronic news, with goals including enhancing engaged learning of radio, television, and online journalism.
Researchers have developed a real-time wireless monitoring system to track vital signs of patients with debilitating conditions like Parkinson's disease and COPD. The system uses wearable sensors and a web portal for medical personnel to receive alerts in case of life-threatening events.
Scientists tracked 17 iridescent orchid bees using radio transmitters, finding that males spent most of their time in small core areas but could visit farther afield. These long-distance movements help explain why some orchids are rare despite being pollinated by these bees.
Researchers at GTRI are designing, fabricating and testing planar ion traps to create large, interconnected trap arrays for a useful quantum computer. The team has used state-of-the-art simulations and genetic algorithms to design versatile traps capable of holding many ions.
Hydrogen gas clouds found near Galactic bar exhibit distinct properties, indicating they originated from supernova explosions and young star winds. This discovery sheds light on critical process of material movement between Galaxy's disk and halo.
Researchers found that inflammasome activation increases muscle damage in muscular dystrophy, while galectin-7 expression levels are associated with metastasis in breast cancer. These findings provide new insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at Caltech identified two learning strategies associated with unique neural signatures, model-free and model-based learning. Model-free learning relies on trial-and-error comparisons, while model-based learning generates cognitive maps of environments, enabling adaptability in novel situations.
A new study from Ben-Gurion University found that older drivers are more sensitive to potential hazards and focus on risky situations. The research showed that experienced and older-experienced drivers were equally proficient at hazard detection, whereas young-inexperienced drivers struggled with detecting hazardous events.
Researchers identified a genetic variant in the ISL1 gene that strongly raises the risk of congenital heart disease, affecting multiple subtypes of the condition. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of heart disease and may lead to better understanding and treatment options for children with CHD.
Threespot damselfish are killing head corals and adding stress to Caribbean coral reefs due to habitat competition. Restoring staghorn coral, their preferred home, can alleviate pressure on other corals. The fish were not overfished, but rather limited by available real estate.
NASA engineers have completed a critical design review of the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) instrument, which will help monitor water consumption in the U.S. West. TIRS will extend the Landsat database in the thermal infrared bands needed by various users, providing high-sensitivity cryogenically cooled detector arrays.
A Texas A&M University oceanographer is leading a team to investigate the massive amounts of methane in the Gulf oil spill. The research aims to understand how this potent greenhouse gas affects oxygen levels and potentially exacerbates 'dead zones.'
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found a new aggressive treatment approach for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma to be highly effective, resulting in 70% one-year survival rate. The treatment combines surgery, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, and is being tested in a nationwide clinical trial.
Studies found correlations between specific bacterial groups and obesity, as well as genetic variations affecting gut diversity. These results could lead to individualized probiotic or antibiotic treatments for obesity.
Global air traffic will significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, doubling or tripling by 2050. The increase in emissions will be driven by the growing number of flights and the lack of improvement in fuel efficiency.
Researchers developed a detailed metabolic profile of exercise effects, revealing changes in over 20 metabolites reflecting sugar, fat, and amino acid processing as fuels. These findings have implications for optimal training programs, nutritional supplements, and potential treatments for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a new influenza vaccine that targets the HA globular head, bringing science closer to a universal influenza vaccine. The vaccine was shown to be effective against multiple strains in mice, with all vaccinated mice surviving and unvaccinated mice dying.
Research found that termite mounds contribute significantly to grassland productivity in central Kenya by enhancing plant and animal activity locally and maximizing ecosystem-wide productivity. The evenly distributed colonies of termites create an optimized network of plant and animal output.
A large population-based study found a small increase in heart disease risk linked to higher blood sugar levels, but the changes were not substantial. The researchers confirmed their findings in a systematic review of existing literature.
A study found that CEO pay increased significantly over 20 years, driven by 'leapfrogs' who receive large raises, affecting peer groups and company pay. The research suggests that benchmarking practices contribute to the surge in executive compensation.