A recent study by Penn State researchers found that restaurant patrons are willing to pay more for meals made with local ingredients. When the price of local options was 18% higher than non-local options, a higher proportion of customers chose the local meal.
A new analysis forecasts inevitable biodiversity decline, but offers hope that it can be slowed through climate change mitigation and better policies. Emerging policy choices have the potential to reduce biodiversity loss by up to 15% by 2030.
A study found that medical journals with higher levels of industry support had lower impact factors. The researchers suggest that journals should apply the same level of transparency to themselves as they do to authors. By disclosing sources and amounts of income, journals can improve trust and maintain their reputation.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers has revealed that an anti-obesity drug changes the way the brain responds to high-calorie foods in obese individuals. The drug sibutramine reduced activity in two regions of the brain involved in appetite control and eating behaviour, leading to greater weight loss.
A meta-analysis of nine studies found that patients with common genetic variants of the CYP2C19 gene and taking clopidogrel for cardiac procedures are at increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including blood clots in stents. The study suggests that individualized treatment regimens may be needed to tailor therapy.
Newfoundland researchers have cracked the genetic code of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare genetic condition causing sudden cardiac death. The team developed an implantable cardiodefibrillator program to prevent fatal arrhythmic events, significantly improving survival rates among high-risk individuals.
Carbon dioxide emissions from UK consumption grew by 217 Million tonnes(Mt) of carbon dioxide from increased spending, while efficiency improvements led to reductions of 148 Mt, resulting in a net growth of 69 Mt. The study highlights the importance of taking a global perspective when analyzing CO2 emission patterns.
A new assessment reveals that 20% of the world's vertebrates are currently threatened with extinction, with 52 species moving closer to extinction each year. The study highlights the alarming rate of decline among vertebrate species globally.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that agricultural pesticide poisoning is the single most common means of suicide worldwide, with significant variation in case fatality rates among different pesticides. The authors argue that basing regulation on human toxicity, rather than animal data, could help reduce suicides and improve pu...
A study found that consuming polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, is associated with a reduced prevalence of periodontitis. The research suggests that dietary therapy using n-3 fatty acids could be a less expensive and safer method for preventing and treating gum disease.
Scientists have discovered that long non-protein-coding RNA (lncRNA) are involved in the host response to viral infection. The study found that lncRNAs were triggered by virus infection and regulated in response, suggesting a new paradigm shift in understanding of innate immunity.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers shows that providing small amounts of flexible, targeted follow-up care can help chronically depressed patients manage their symptoms. The approach includes self-monitoring tools and follow-up phone calls from a care manager, resulting in higher remission rates and reduced-function days.
A new computer program helps researchers map brain connectivity in children and adults, showing how white matter improves with age. The tool may aid epilepsy and schizophrenia research, and inform brain surgeons about potential surgical sites.
Dr. Stephan Grill's innovative laser-assisted method enables non-invasive measurement of mechanical forces in living cells, opening new avenues for understanding interactions between mechanics and biochemistry in cell biology. The Paul Ehrlich Prize recognizes his outstanding contributions to the field.
Two clinical trials show lifestyle interventions, including physical activity and structured weight loss programs, can result in significant weight loss. The studies found that intensive lifestyle interventions using a behavior-based approach can lead to clinically significant weight loss and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.
USDA scientists have developed a first-of-its-kind mathematical model to select optimal temperature and salt concentrations to reduce or eliminate microbial contamination in smoked salmon. The research aims to protect the pleasing flavor and texture of smoked salmon while ensuring food safety.
A landmark study found that a high resting heart rate is associated with a higher risk of death from cardiovascular and all causes, even after adjusting for other risk factors. Patients with heart rates above 78 beats per minute had a 39% increased risk of major vascular events.
The 2010 DGAC Report highlights key features, including a strong evidence base on vulnerable subgroups like infants, children, and pregnant women. The report also emphasizes the importance of primary prevention of obesity in childhood to halt and reverse America's obesity epidemic.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $101.9 million in new grants to advance knowledge of genome structure and function, focusing on economically important crop plants such as corn, cotton, and soybean. The projects aim to improve the quality and yield of these crops and support the bio-based economy.
A University of Oklahoma research team has established a new Center for Interfacial Reaction Engineering, focusing on biofuel and fossil fuel upgrading using revolutionary nanocatalysts. The $2.9M grant will accelerate reactions at the interface of water and oil, creating emulsions for refining processes.
Researchers propose new techniques for analyzing methane hydrate structures, finding signs of life in iron-oxide-rich spheres and pipes near Escalante, Utah. The study also explores the impact of the Three Gorges Dam on the middle Yangtze, as well as a ~300-million-year-old bivalve shell.
A study found that colorectal cancer patients with the KRAS p.G13D gene mutation had longer overall and progression-free survival when treated with cetuximab compared to those with other KRAS mutations. This suggests a potential benefit of cetuximab in certain patients with chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer.
A study of Canadian adolescents found that poor sleep patterns, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy diets are increasing cardiovascular risk factors. Experts recommend implementing healthy habits at schools to reduce the alarming trend in poor sleep among teens.
Research suggests that women choose not to pursue careers in math-intensive fields due to personal preferences and family commitments. Women are more likely to prioritize family needs over academic ambitions.
A team of scientists has detected six new isotopes of superheavy elements, including copernicium and rutherfordium. The discovery contributes to a better understanding of the theory of nuclear shell structure and its potential for creating an 'Island of Stability'.
A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that five minutes of green exercise can improve mental health. The research analyzed data from 1,252 people and showed a tangible impact on mood and self-esteem. ACS' Global Challenges podcast series explores this topic further.
The NIH has awarded six grants totaling $12 million to promote scientific workforce diversity. The grants support innovative approaches to addressing the underrepresentation of diverse groups in science, technology, engineering, and medicine.
Researchers conclude that cutting mosquito surveillance would lead to exponential increases in human cases and health costs. A delayed response can result in drastically escalated costs, with some estimates suggesting a 10-fold increase. The study highlights the need for sustained funding of mosquito surveillance programs.
Researchers have identified key molecules in multiple myeloma that can trigger expression of the P53 tumor suppressor gene, slowing cell growth and leading to death. The study suggests re-activating these microRNAs could provide a new treatment strategy for the disease.
Researchers have discovered haptoglobin as a reliable serum biomarker for predicting the onset of virus-induced type 1 diabetes in rats. The findings suggest that sustained elevations of serum haptoglobin are predictive of ensuing diabetes, with early detection potentially allowing for timely intervention.
Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed a method to reveal how electricity is being lost in organic solar cells by manipulating the magnetic properties of charge-carrying particles. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in organic solar cell technology.
A Spanish study found that women disproportionately carry the burden of household chores, even as they participate more in the workforce. Only 12% of women share household tasks with their partner, while 55% take on all responsibilities, highlighting the need for greater gender equality.
A two-year study found that children who approach food with emotional over-eating or boredom tend to be overweight, while those who avoid food due to fussiness or slow eating are more likely to be underweight. The researchers suggest that household environments and parental behaviors play a significant role in shaping these early food ...
Professor Cesare Montecucco has won the prestigious Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize for his significant contributions to understanding bacterial diseases. The award recognizes his research on tetanus, botulism, anthrax, and Helicobacter pylori-associated diseases.
A recent study by Michigan State University found that only 63 percent of people understand the severity of tornado warnings. The research suggests that prior experience with severe weather plays a significant role in how people react to warnings.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new software that can track facial features on mobile phones with high accuracy. The technology, built on 20 years of research, has great potential to replace passwords and PIN numbers, enabling novel ways of interacting with phones.
A global study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reveals that 33% of shark, skate, and ray species are threatened with extinction. Conservation actions have benefited a few vertebrate species worldwide, but insufficient efforts to slow the overall increase in threatened species.
The new field guide covers evolution of the Colorado Rockies, Front Range uplift, and urban ecosystems, among other topics. It also examines tectonic evolution, sedimentation, and anthropogenic impacts on the San Juan volcanic field.
A study found 70 pediatric deaths related to pandemic influenza A H1N1 in England over a 9-month period. Children from Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities had significantly higher mortality rates compared to white British children.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to tune the band gap of graphene using water. By exposing graphene to humidity, they created a band gap in the nanomaterial, opening the door to new graphene-based transistors and nanoelectronics.
Researchers from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia report that two-thirds of fetuses with HLHS have a strong chance of survival after reconstructive surgery. The study, which analyzed 240 cases over five years, found that standard-risk fetuses had a higher survival rate compared to high-risk cases.
Researchers have discovered that eggshell membranes can absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, with one study showing absorption of up to seven times the membrane's own weight. This finding presents a promising approach for mitigating climate change by utilizing waste eggshells as a carbon capture material.
A recent study from the University of North Carolina Health Care found that current infertility tests may label many women as infertile who actually get pregnant naturally. The researchers suggest using another hormone, antimullerian hormone (AMH), as a more accurate predictor of fertility.
A study from Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute shows that barbers can improve hypertension control in African-American men by conducting monitoring, education and physician-referral programs. The intervention resulted in 20% more patients with controlled blood pressure compared to the comparison group.
Most physicians believe Medicare reimbursement is inequitable, and a national survey found little consensus on proposed reforms. Financial incentives for quality care were the most popular proposal, with 49.1% support.
A study found that intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) minimizes side effects of prostate cancer treatment, particularly gastrointestinal complications. In contrast, urinary side effects did not differ significantly between the two treatments.
A team of researchers has uncovered well-dated human fossils in southern China, pushing back the known emergence of modern humans by at least 60,000 years. The discovery indicates that early modern humans co-existed with late archaic humans for tens of millennia across Eurasia.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that full-text analysis is needed to uncover duplicate citations in the scientific literature. The researchers found that most papers are novel, but certain sections like the introduction and methods section frequently have reused content. The study offers hope for developing guidelines on acce...
Researchers have discovered the world's largest marine virus, Cafeteria roenbergensis virus, which has a genome larger than some cellular organisms. This complex 'mimi-like' virus infects an ecologically important planktonic predator and challenges the traditional boundary between living and non-living entities.
Researchers discovered that U1 plays a crucial role in protecting mRNA transcripts from premature termination. By binding to the transcriptome, U1 keeps the cleavage/polyadenylation machinery in check until the RNA polymerase enzyme reaches its finish line.
According to a study, primary care physicians earn significantly lower hourly wages compared to specialists in surgery, internal medicine, and other fields. The average annual income of primary care physicians is $187,857, which is 48% lower than that of surgeons.
A child's chances of developing allergies or wheezing are related to their growth in the womb, according to new research. Fetuses that grow quickly early on but falter later may be more likely to develop allergies and asthma as children.
New University of Florida research reveals that old carbon was stored in the icy waters of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica during the last glacial period. This discovery has significant implications for understanding future global warming scenarios and how much atmospheric carbon dioxide the oceans can absorb in the future.
Scientists at MIT find molecular mechanism for storing and releasing heat on demand, enabling potential for rechargeable batteries and fuel, and opening door to more abundant materials.
Research by Tufts University found a significant difference in childhood asthma prevalence between U.S.-born and foreign-born children. Foreign-born children were less likely to develop asthma due to factors such as lower socioeconomic status and exposure to pests, which was not observed in U.S.-born children.
Researchers found that heat acclimation provided significant benefits for athletes competing in cool weather, including improved aerobic performance. The study's findings suggest that heat acclimation could be a practical and effective approach to improve athletic performance in cooler conditions.
A new international research project will explore how nutrient pollution and biodiversity changes affect seagrass beds worldwide. The project aims to improve computer models and management strategies for predicting coastal zone change.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that positive psychological attributes, such as meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose, can counteract the negative effects of socioeconomic status on health. The study suggests that these characteristics may moderate the levels of inflammatory protein Interleukin-6 ...
Two new tools, Wildlife Health Event Reporter and Outbreaks Near Me, enable public reporting of sick or dead wild animals to detect wildlife disease outbreaks that may pose a risk to humans. These tools can also provide early warnings of emerging diseases.
A new assessment warns that current imbalances in energy technology R&D portfolios will hinder climate change mitigation unless investments in energy efficiency are increased. Energy efficiency accounts for up to 50% of potential GHG emissions reductions, yet receives less than 10% of overall public sector investment.