Researchers taught goldfish to associate a light flash with a shock, inducing fear. However, fish injected with lidocaine in the cerebellum showed no fear and returned to normal behavior after the anesthesia wore off. This study suggests that understanding brain processes related to fear may lead to human phobia cures.
A study by Susan Christopherson and Ned Rightor found that film subsidy programs reduce finite state funds, benefit few citizens, and foster a race-to-the-bottom mentality. The researchers argue that policy makers need to carefully evaluate the methods used to rationalize public expenditures on incentives for economic development.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that the number of living donor organs available for transplant has declined over the past five years, while the number of deceased donors decreased in 2008. This decline has resulted in a widening gap between the number of organs available and the number of patients awaiting a donor organ.
A study in JCB identifies TWEAK as a key trigger for muscle breakdown in disused skeletal muscle. Blocking this pathway could prevent muscle loss in immobilized patients. Inhibiting TWEAK with an antibody was sufficient to block muscle breakdown, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
The American Chemical Society's top R&D official, Paul T. Anastas, emphasizes the importance of green chemistry in achieving sustainability. Green chemistry aims to incorporate 12 principles, including prevention of waste and use of safer chemicals, into product design and manufacture.
A new database reveals that precipitation in Spain has declined in quantity in March and June, but increased in October. The study analyzed monthly precipitation series over the Iberian Peninsula between 1945 and 2005, providing a detailed image of precipitation behavior.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified three genes that contribute significantly to blood clotting speed in healthy individuals. These findings may help further understanding and treatment of conditions like deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks, and bleeding disorders.
The AFib Educator app and desktop widget provide detailed, animated diagrams of the human heart to help patients understand atrial fibrillation. Healthcare professionals can share resources with patients, including facts about signs, symptoms, prevalence, and risks, as well as links to additional information.
A new study by the American College of Radiology found that X-rays are often inconclusive in detecting hip and pelvic fractures. The study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm or rule out fractures, revealing a significant number of missed diagnoses.
The study identified path cell neurons in the entorhinal cortex that encode travel direction during navigation. These neurons work together with place cells to help people remember directions and navigate to destinations.
A study found that Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) surpassed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates in southeast community hospitals. CDI was also comparable to other healthcare-associated infections, such as bloodstream and device-related infections.
The University of Kansas researcher has evaluated the stone balls for UNESCO, exploring their outstanding value to humanity. The study sheds light on the ancient origins of the massive orbs, which were created around 600 A.D.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers found that people with Alzheimer's disease experience a rate of cognitive decline four times greater than those with no cognitive impairment. The study, published in Neurology, also revealed no significant racial differences in the progression of the disease.
A new study estimates that smoking, high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, and overweight/obesity reduce life expectancy in the US by 4.9 years for men and 4.1 years for women. The four risk factors account for significant disparities in life expectancy across different racial and socioeconomic groups.
Scientists at UC Berkeley propose helium rain as explanation for neon depletion in Jupiter's atmosphere, with helium droplets forming around 10,000 km below the surface and releasing heat that explains Saturn's excess brightness.
A study of 52 famous Last Supper paintings found that portion sizes have increased by 69% for entrées, 66% for plates, and 23% for bread over the past millennium. This trend suggests that art imitates life, reflecting changes in food production, availability, and affordability.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique to incorporate biological functionality into nanomaterials, enabling the creation of effective and affordable water purification devices. The technology has been shown to neutralize two common pathogens, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, in membrane filters.
A study found that household pesticide labels fail to provide clear maximum safe use guidelines, allowing consumers to overuse products like para-dichlorobenzene. This can lead to increased exposure to indoor air pollutants, posing health risks to family members and pets.
Researchers have discovered 65,000 unique relationships between proteins and plant-cell membranes in Arabidopsis, a relative of the mustard plant. This breakthrough using high-throughput screening technology will aid in understanding protein interactions to develop better crops and medicines.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 19%. Increasing polyunsaturated fat consumption as a replacement for saturated fats may significantly reduce the rate of heart attacks and cardiac deaths in the population.
Researchers found that some genes have opposing effects on the risk of developing both autoimmune diseases, while others may increase the risk for both. The study suggests a possible genetic switch that could be triggered by specific infectious agents.
Researchers found that mouse Bloom's syndrome protein is involved in proper homologous chromosome pairing and segregation during meiosis. The protein also plays a role in synapsis without affecting the entry into prophase I stage.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests that women with radial scars should undergo surgical excision to rule out an underlying malignancy. The study found that up to 40% of radial scars are associated with cancer, and that mammographic and sonographic appearances are not reliable indicators of malign...
Researchers found that rats fed high-fructose corn syrup gained significantly more weight than those with table sugar, leading to abnormal increases in body fat and triglycerides. The study highlights the link between high-fructose corn syrup consumption and obesity, particularly in the context of metabolic syndrome.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne used eye-tracking technology to predict the next chosen number based on participants' vertical and horizontal eye position. The study found that a leftward and downward change in eye position indicated smaller numbers, while a rightward and upward movement forecast larger numbers.
Researchers discovered a link between height loss and vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. The study found that patients with a height loss of at least 4 cm were more likely to have an existing vertebral fracture. This suggests that measuring height loss could be an accurate method for detecting spinal fractures.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that consuming walnuts can significantly slow prostate cancer growth in mice. The walnut diet resulted in smaller tumors and reduced levels of the protein IGF-1, which is associated with prostate cancer.
Scientists use repeat photography to study riparian areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of experiential learning in understanding spatial and temporal variability. Participants found that using photographs enhanced their understanding of these concepts, especially climate change impacts.
New research from Karolinska Institutet found that radiotherapy can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life due to sustained inflammation in arteries. The study suggests that post-radiotherapy changes in gene expression may be the cause of this increased risk, which can appear years after treatment.
A 15-year French hospital program using surveillance, precautions, training, and feedback led to a 35% decrease in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) burden. The program was most effective in intensive care units, with a 59% decline in MRSA cases.
African American patients with similar treatment settings as white counterparts show reduced mortality rates, highlighting the impact of institutional factors on cancer outcomes. The study suggests that where patients receive care may partly explain observed racial disparities.
Researchers have discovered that blocking Mcl-1, a protein inhibiting Bak activation, enables TRAIL to activate Bak and kill resistant tumor cells. This strategy has potential for improving the efficacy of anti-cancer treatment.
A new study published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences found that dormancy is crucial for maintaining microbial diversity in natural communities. Researchers used a mathematical model and molecular tools to investigate how dormancy affects biodiversity, especially in lakes.
Scientists have discovered that a tiny piece of RNA in cells lowers protein production needed for skin cell growth, suggesting new treatment strategies for chronic wounds. Researchers used an experimental drug to silence the RNA segment and saw increased protein levels and skin-cell growth.
A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology reveals dual-energy CT as an effective diagnostic tool for gout. The technique offers high accuracy in detecting vessels and bones, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment.
A new study confirms that early angiosperms were fast-growing and weedy, with leaf lifespans of less than 12 months. The research used fossil plant morphology to estimate life history strategies, suggesting that this growth pattern was common among plants 100 million years ago.
Researchers found that physicians prioritize what's best for the patient overall, followed by the patient's preferences and pain management. However, ageist assumptions may influence decision-making, with a decreased reliance on patient preferences among older adults.
Primitive recycling processes used in developing countries contaminate air, water, and soil with pollutants like dioxins and toxic cyanide. Alternative solutions, such as paying recyclers not to recycle or promoting repair and reuse, are proposed to address the growing e-waste problem.
A new test developed by UC Davis researchers helps Uruguayan rice farmers determine if their waterways are safe to drain after flooded fields. The test can detect high levels of the herbicide clomazone, which can harm fish and other aquatic life.
A study found that walnuts reduced the size and growth rate of prostate cancer in test animals by 50% and 30% respectively. The scientists attributed this effect to walnuts' ability to lower levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and endothelin, a substance linked to inflammation.
Researchers at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center are working on a five-year $7.5 million grant to understand the role of the estrogen receptor in breast cells, aiming to develop more advanced and targeted therapies for ER+ breast cancer cases. The project involves collaborative research with Virginia Tech and Fox Chase Cancer Center.
A study of 1,292,462 Taiwanese women over 20 years found that motherhood protects against suicide, with a significant decrease in mortality rates. The study confirms Emile Durkheim's hypothesis that parenthood is protective against suicide, particularly among women with multiple live births.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University are developing a new retinal implant technology that can stimulate cell growth in the retina, potentially leading to improved vision. The technology uses electrodes to merge retinal nerves with nano-sized carbon tubes, allowing for the growth of living neurons on a synthetic structure.
A study by Loveland et al. found that people prefer nostalgic products in situations where they feel a heightened need to belong. In experiments, participants who felt excluded chose more nostalgic products than contemporary ones.
A recent study found that consumers tend to choose healthier options when purchasing for themselves, but opt for less healthy choices when buying for others. This phenomenon may be contributing to public health issues such as obesity.
A new portable device can determine the strength of alcoholic drinks rapidly and easily, using a simple infrared sensor. The technique has been shown to be just as accurate as traditional lab-based methods and can be used in developing countries.
Researchers have developed a GlidArc reactor that uses electrically-charged clouds of gas to produce super-clean fuels from waste materials. The process can be done at a low cost and using common materials, making it an attractive alternative for producing biofuels.
A new study explores how casino gambling went from a stigmatized practice to a thriving industry, with regulation changes and media language playing key roles. Regulatory actions in 1976, 1988, and 1999 led to shifts in public discourse, with discussions focusing on wealth and poverty.
A new literature review synthesizes information on climate change, pathogens, and forests to inform land managers. The study reveals that climate change generally leads to reductions in tree health and improves conditions for certain damaging pathogens, such as Phytophthora and Red Band Needle Blight.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that risky drinkers report poorer health-related practices, including stress relief with alcohol and cigarettes, unhealthy eating, and not regularly seeing doctors. Moderate drinking was associated with better health and more likely medical care seeking.
A study of 1,158 participants with mild cognitive impairment showed rapid memory and thinking skill declines compared to those without cognitive problems. The decline in skills was twice as fast for those with mild cognitive impairment than those without, while four times faster for those with Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that black patients were less likely than white and Hispanic patients to receive evidence-based stroke care, but hospital improvements narrowed the gap. Despite lower treatment rates, black patients had better hospital mortality rates than whites and Hispanics.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that four risk factors - smoking, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity - contribute to a significant reduction in life expectancy among US populations, with disparities worsening among certain groups
TRMM data revealed that Cyclone Ului brought heavy rainfall to western Queensland, with estimates suggesting 5.1-7.0 inches of rain fell in some areas. The satellite's precipitation radar and microwave radiometers provided detailed insights into the cyclone's track and potential flooding.
The study found significant variations in pulmonary embolism diagnosis imaging tests used by physicians, depending on their specialty and geographic location. This suggests that some imaging may be unnecessary or inappropriate.
A physical therapy exercise and health education program has been shown to improve postnatal well-being and reduce the risk of postnatal depression. The study found that the program reduced depressive symptoms and improved psychological well-being in new mothers, with a significant positive effect at 8 weeks after completion.
A report by air quality expert Frank Mitloehner rejects the claim that reducing meat and dairy consumption can combat climate change. Instead, he suggests focusing on more efficient farming practices in developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study by Stacey Finkelstein and Ayelet Fishbach found that individuals who choose healthy food options feel hungrier if there are no other choices available. The researchers also discovered that this effect is not present when consumers have the freedom to make their own choices.
A study in Journal of Consumer Research explores how street art initiates conversations about the search for common space and democratization of art. Various stakeholders have different reactions to street art, but it rejuvenates public spaces while talking back to corporate logos.
A Brown University-led team discovered that massive volcanic eruptions led to a spike in atmospheric carbon dioxide, wiping out half of plant species and decimating crurotarsans. This allowed early theropods, including dinosaurs, to become dominant in the animal world.