A study published in Neuron found that the perirhinal cortex plays a crucial role in forming unconscious conceptual memories. Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans to map brain activity while participants performed memory tests, revealing that damage to this area impairs memory formation.
The study aims to fill knowledge gaps in cold-formed steel's performance during earthquakes, providing structural engineers with better tools to predict and mitigate damage. The researchers will test two-story buildings and develop computer models to analyze how various building components respond to seismic forces.
Researchers developed a nanotechnology-based platform to diagnose atypical pneumonia with over 97% accuracy using a 10-minute test. The device has the potential to limit complications and transmission of the infection.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that iota-carrageenan directly binds to influenza viruses, blocking attachment and spread. In animal experiments, it demonstrated equivalent efficacy to Tamiflu, offering a potential alternative for treating H1N1 influenza.
Researchers used near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate 7-8 month old infants' brain activity while perceiving their mother's face and female strangers. The study found increased hemodynamic responses in the bilateral temporal cortex for mothers, but only in the left temporaI cortex for maternal recognition.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that delaying elective surgical procedures after hospital admission significantly increases the risk of infectious complications. The study analyzed data from over 163,000 patients and found that infection rates increased with delays in procedures such as...
A new study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that oxysterols, previously thought to be associated with multiple sclerosis, are not present in significant amounts in MS patients. The research contradicts a previous study and suggests the potential role of oxysterols in MS needs reconsideration.
A new study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that people with symptoms of potential celiac disease may not be 'potential' patients at all. The study suggests that these individuals have the same distinctive metabolic fingerprint as those with full-blown disease who benefit from gluten-free diets.
A new USGS study models the impact of reduced greenhouse gas emissions on Arctic sea-ice loss and polar bear habitats. The research indicates that lowered emissions could help preserve polar bears in all four ecoregions where they exist, reversing projected declines in population size.
Researchers found that a mother's voice preferentially activates the brain's language learning centers in newborns. The study used electrical recordings on infants within 24 hours of birth and revealed that other women's voices only activate the voice recognition parts of the brains.
A new study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that patients wearing immobilization devices, such as splints or braces, take longer to brake than those wearing normal footwear. The results showed a significant impairment in braking response time for drivers using various types of devices.
Researchers at University of Illinois found that soft gel substrates promote homogeneous pluripotent stem cell cultures without expensive growth chemicals. This discovery has huge applications in regenerative medicine, offering a step toward understanding the basic biology of stem cells.
The University of Houston will receive a $5 million grant from the Houston Endowment to strengthen its doctoral programs in key fields. The funding will support increased recruitment, retention, and graduation rates for highly qualified doctoral students.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simpler method to add iron to tiny carbon spheres, creating catalytic materials that can remove pollutants. The new technique uses ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and produces ash-free, inexpensive materials with potential applications for fuel cells and environmental remediation.
A study published in Journal of Medical Microbiology found that low-temperature plasma was effective in killing drug-resistant bacteria causing wound infections, and increased the rate of wound healing. Plasma therapy may offer a promising method to treat chronic wound infections where other approaches fail.
A UK doctor shares a poignant story of an elderly patient struggling with loneliness, highlighting the need for companionship and support. The Lancet argues that tackling loneliness requires a multi-faceted approach, including social clubs, workshops, and simply spending time with neighbors.
A consortium of scientists has been awarded $7.5 million to develop novel compounds that could become treatments for nicotine addiction and possibly other drug addictions.
A team of researchers has discovered a mummified forest in the Arctic that provides valuable insights into how plants adapted to a long-ago global cooling event. The trees, which are estimated to be 2-8 million years old, show signs of stress and suffered from extreme conditions, including half a year of darkness and cooling climate.
A study led by the University of Colorado at Boulder found a four-fold increase in dissolved zinc over 30 years in the Snake River watershed, affecting stream ecology and fish populations. Climate change is believed to be the cause, linked to changes in groundwater conditions and snowmelt patterns.
Researchers have identified new yeast genes that improve ethanol tolerance, allowing for higher ethanol concentrations in biofuel production. This breakthrough could make cellulosic ethanol economically competitive with fossil fuels.
A study by the University of California, San Francisco found that increased BPA exposure in women can lead to a 50% decline in fertilized eggs during IVF treatment. The researchers recommend reducing BPA levels through lifestyle and dietary modifications to minimize reproductive health risks.
The article highlights the significant impact of human microbiome on overall health, with microbes contributing to protection from disease and production of essential vitamins. Researchers are also exploring how the gut microbiome affects body weight and odor.
Michigan State University veterinarians are providing expertise to Iraqi farmers and veterinarians through bi-weekly videoconferencing sessions, focusing on farm management, animal nutrition, and diseases. The project aims to revitalize Iraq's livestock industry and improve productivity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a potential therapy strategy by restoring lost microRNAs in human pancreatic tumor cells. The study found that these microRNAs put brakes on tumors when the KRAS gene is mutated, a common event in pancreatic cancer.
A new Harvard Medical School study found that physical proximity of researchers strongly correlates with the impact of their work. The closer the first and last author are located, the more impactful a paper is as measured by citations.
High expression of TRIM24 in breast cancer correlates with poor survival, as it disables tumor suppressor p53 and stimulates estrogen receptor activity. The study suggests that TRIM24 could be a therapeutic target to prevent breast tumorigenesis.
Research suggests that MDMA produces empathogenic effects, increasing feelings of friendliness, playfulness, and loving feelings in individuals. However, it also reduces the ability to recognize facial expressions of fear, potentially leading to increased social risk-taking.
A new study finds that the proportion of nursing home residents with dementia benefiting from Medicare hospice care nearly tripled between 1999 and 2006, with duration of care more than doubling. This trend has implications for policymakers seeking to control Medicare costs while preserving access to essential end-of-life care.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that a positive mood enhances creative problem solving and flexible yet careful thinking. Volunteers who listened to happy music and watched funny videos performed better on a category learning task than those in negative moods.
Researchers have compiled more reliable data, which will help science and industry. The changes include expressing atomic weights as intervals with upper and lower bounds for accuracy.
A new study suggests that requiring a second brain death exam may be unnecessary and can lead to prolonged family suffering while waiting for the exam. The study found that no one declared brain dead in the first exam was found to have restored brain stem function in the second exam.
Researchers have developed a novel virus-based gene therapy for renal cell carcinoma, killing cancer cells both locally and distantly. The therapy combines Sorafenib with Ad.5/3-mda-7 adenovirus, which activates the MDA-7/IL-24 protein to stop tumor growth.
A study by the University of Kentucky found that earthworms can absorb copper nanoparticles present in soil, raising concerns about potential exposure to humans and animals. The research has significant implications for understanding the interactions of nanomaterials in the environment.
A new genetic analysis published in PLoS One found that Franciscana dolphins entangled in fishing nets are more likely to be mother-offspring pairs, leading to reduced genetic diversity and reproductive potential. The study's findings have significant implications for the conservation of small marine mammals.
A cyclone on Saturn has been detected to last more than 5 years, making it the longest-lasting cyclone recorded on a giant planet. The cyclone, similar in size to Europe, was tracked using images from the Cassini probe and found to have a weak circulation with properties similar to its surroundings.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins and VCU have developed a nanoparticle-based gene 'ignition switch' to detect and treat cancer. The promoter-based system activates specific genes only in cancer cells, showing a 30-fold difference in identification.
A new analysis by ACS suggests that banning toxic substances in toys and children's products is crucial. The authors recommend government action, including restrictions on well-documented toxins, and industry-wide efforts to establish safe production practices.
Researchers discovered a genetic link between the gene CRTC3 and obesity. Mice lacking the gene were protected from weight gain on high-fat diets, suggesting that increased brown fat cells may control obesity. Human studies also found a higher incidence of obesity in individuals with an active version of the gene.
Researchers found that approximately 90% of protein-protein interfaces have close structural neighbors, and most interfaces are roughly planar. The study suggests that the interfaces' structures depend on simple physics principles and are primed for promiscuity, which could help explain biological phenomena and inform drug discovery.
Researchers at Kimmel Cancer Center have found that breast inflammation promotes the development and progression of breast cancer. By selectively blocking inflammation in the breast, they were able to prevent tumor formation and reduce cancer stem cells.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how HIV mutates and evades treatment, providing new insights into developing better tests and treatments for patients. The study found that a specific mutation allows the virus to resist two main families of drugs, highlighting the need for tailored therapies.
Scientists from deCODE genetics and academic colleagues report discovering genetic markers that impact individual baseline levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Analyzing four SNPs in tandem with genetic risk factors detected by the deCODE ProstateCancer test yields substantial improvement in PSA screening efficacy.
A US study suggests a link between sudden infant death syndrome and alcohol consumption by caretakers, particularly on New Year's Day. The research found that SIDS deaths rose by 33% on this day, with no similar spike observed during other holidays or weekends.
A survey of 405 postgraduate trainee doctors found that nearly three-quarters had a Facebook profile, with many sharing personal information and photos. The authors warn that this could lead to an ethically problematic situation if patients access their profiles, as it may be misinterpreted outside its original context.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria favor human hemoglobin over other animal hemoglobins, which may contribute to why some people are more susceptible to staph infections. Genetic variations in hemoglobin could be a key factor in individual susceptibility to these infections.
A new shellfish marker developed by University of California, San Diego researchers enables the detection of toxin-producing dinoflagellates in shellfish. The marker reveals fluorescent tags on dinoflagellates, indicating potential food poisoning risks, and can be used to develop early warning systems for aquaculturists.
A study found that body fat distribution is associated with an increased risk of ER-negative breast cancer. Abdominal adiposity was more strongly linked to ER-negative breast cancer than ER-positive breast cancer, suggesting sex hormone-independent pathways may be involved.
New research indicates that if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced substantially, enough Arctic ice may remain for polar bears to survive. The study found no 'tipping point' beyond which summer sea ice loss would be unstoppable, offering a hopeful message but also an incentive to mitigate emissions.
Researchers expand study of 2008 TC3 meteorite, finding diverse oxygen isotopes that suggest the asteroid's source had a complex formation history. The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the meteorite's origin and potential connections to other celestial bodies.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified over 2,000 genetic regions, called enhancers, that trigger gene expression in human embryonic stem cells. These enhancers play a crucial role in regulating cell-type-specific gene expression during early development.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that satellite data can significantly improve forecast accuracy for thunderstorms, which can bring intense rain, hail, lightning, and tornadoes. By incorporating upper atmosphere conditions into storm prediction models, scientists can better anticipate severe weather events.
Researchers found that inactivating the NLRP3 protein can increase the effectiveness of therapeutic cancer vaccines. This discovery may lead to more effective cancer treatments and is the first to link immature myeloid cells, NLRP3, and vaccine response.
A new Université de Montréal study examines early indicators of a criminal lifestyle in preteens. The findings reveal that children with conduct disorders are six times more likely to sell illicit drugs, nine times more likely to join a gang, and eight times more likely to be arrested.
Eberhard Möbius, a professor at the University of New Hampshire, has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union for his exceptional scientific contributions to space plasma physics. His work on pickup ions in the solar wind and the development of state-of-the-art instrumentation have far-reaching applications in gala...
Research by University of Guelph scientists reveals that female squirrel behavior is driven by opportunities for mating, rather than genetic influences. The study found that females tend to mate with multiple males in a single heat cycle, despite potential risks such as increased energy expenditure and predator exposure.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a major pathway that infected cells use to root out Epstein-Barr virus infections, which can cause cancer in people with compromised immune systems. The study found that two enzymes play a critical role in mediating this response and preventing unchecked cell growth.
A new research paper published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reveals a genetic mutation that leads to abnormal metabolic processes in gliomas, potentially leading to targeted therapies. The study shows that almost all tumors with IDH mutations have the same methylation pattern.
Adhering to UK dietary guidelines on fruit and vegetable consumption, fibre, fats, and salt could prevent or delay up to 33,000 deaths annually. Reducing these components' intake significantly impacts mortality rates.
Scientists challenge conventional wisdom on fluoride's effectiveness in preventing tooth decay, finding the protective shield on teeth is just 6 nanometers thick, sparking questions about its ability to protect teeth.
Researchers at NC State University create core/shell nanoparticles with gold and silver, as well as alloy nanoparticles, using the 'digestive ripening' technique. This method allows for control over optical properties of the resulting nanoparticles.
A new report by Brown University sociologists John Logan and Brian Stults found that despite increased diversity, American neighborhoods remain segregated. The US2010 project analyzed data from the American Community Survey to track changes in society over time.
A team of researchers from the University of California - San Diego discovered a molecule dubbed 'longdaysin' with the most potent effects on the biological clock, slowing it down by more than 10 hours in larval zebra fish. The compound could be used to treat severe sleep disorders or quickly reset jet-lagged travelers' clocks.
Researchers found that individuals with multiple group memberships recover faster from physical challenges and are more resilient in the face of stress. This suggests that belonging to several groups can provide psychological strength and promote overall well-being.
Scientists have discovered that cilantro's (E,E)-2,4-Undecadienal compound effectively eliminates the strong smell of chitlins. The ingredient can suppress odor at very low concentrations, equivalent to about 10 drops in an Olympic-size pool.
A new software tool visualizes biomechanical data to help professionals understand and address mobility challenges. This improves diagnostic, therapeutic, communication, and education procedures, leading to better-designed products and healthcare strategies. The tool has the potential to enhance quality of life for older people.
The Malaspina 2010 expedition aims to assess the impact of global change on the ocean and explore its biodiversity. Over 250 researchers will study temperature, salinity, and nutrient concentration in various ocean regions.
Researchers found that papers with authors in the same building were cited 45% more than those in different buildings. The closer first and last authors are located, the more impactful the paper is, according to a new Harvard study.
A University of Illinois research team has developed a strain of yeast that can efficiently ferment galactose, a key component of seaweed, making it a viable option for biofuel production. The discovery improves the economic viability of marine biofuels by increasing fermentation rates and reducing production costs.
A study published in PLoS Biology found that p53 determines organ size by regulating tissue growth. The protein's activation in response to stress leads to a coordinated reduction in the growth of healthy tissues, allowing damaged areas to repair themselves.
New NASA research reveals a significant increase in plant consumption globally, driven by growing populations and economic development. The global demand for land-based materials has risen from 20% to 25% over the past decade, with per capita consumption increasing in some regions.
A recent study published in HortScience found that Bounce fabric softener sheets can repel adult gnats, with a mean proportion of fungus gnat adults collected being significantly lower in sample compartments containing dryer sheets. The study attributed the effect to volatile compounds such as linalool and beta-citronellol.
A new colonoscopy skills assessment tool, MCSAT, was developed to evaluate cognitive and motor skills in trainees. The tool provides a standardized method to assess individual progress and establish normal learning curves.
Aaron Hertzmann, a professor at the University of Toronto's Department of Computer Science, has received the 2010 Steacie Prize for his exceptional contributions to computer graphics and machine learning research. His work focuses on applying machine-learning techniques to resolve complex problems in computer graphics.