Meghan Baker, a J.D./M.S.W. dual degree student at the University of Houston, has been recognized as Social Work Student of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Texas Chapter. Her commitment to social justice and service work promotes equality for marginalized communities.
A new study reveals that consistent year-round temperatures in the tropics, rather than higher temperatures or more sunlight, are key to its stunning biodiversity. The research suggests that the world is likely less diverse today than it was tens of millions of years ago, when the entire Earth had consistent year-round temperatures.
Women respond equally to naltrexone as a treatment for alcohol dependence, with similar outcomes on various outcome measures. The study found that women initiate substance use at an earlier age than men, but progress more rapidly to severe consequences.
A study found that consumers are overconfident in their learning abilities for new tasks and tend to underestimate the time required to master them. This leads to a higher willingness to pay for products before trying them, as they anticipate needing more time to learn.
Research categorizes meditation into three types: focused attention (beta/gamma activity), open monitoring (theta activity), and automatic self-transcending (alpha1 activity). Different techniques produce distinct results, and lumping them together can lead to inaccurate interpretations.
A study found that the gender of both the alcoholic parent and child influences psychopathology in children, with female parent-female child pairings showing the strongest effect. The findings suggest a significant positive relationship between parental alcoholism and increased risk of psychiatric illnesses in adult children.
HIV-infected drug users are at a higher risk of developing co-morbidities such as viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and mental illness. Evidence-based treatments like medication-assisted therapies can improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates.
A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial found that high doses of ursodeoxycholic acid failed to improve overall liver histology in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Only lobular inflammation showed significant improvement in certain subgroups.
A new study found that prenatal alcohol exposure has a greater impact on the attention of children born to older mothers. Children of older women are more vulnerable to the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, with increased cognitive-behavioral deficits and physical anomalies compared to younger mothers.
The large-scale roll-out of adult male circumcision (AMC) in Orange Farm, South Africa has been successful in reducing HIV prevalence. The study's findings suggest that AMC can be a feasible short-term strategy for HIV prevention in low-income communities with high HIV prevalence.
Experts call for decriminalization of drug users, alongside a massive scale-up of opioid substitution, needle and syringe programs, and antiretroviral treatment. Current treatment programmes only reach around 10% of people who use drugs worldwide, highlighting the need for reform in justice systems and policy decision making.
A study found a rise in drinkers across all three ethnic groups, with specific challenges faced by Blacks and Hispanics. Despite increased numbers of drinkers, alcohol consumption did not rise among Blacks and Hispanics.
Researchers found that people with depression have difficulty detecting black-and-white contrast differences in their retina. The study used a pattern electroretinogram to measure retinal responses in patients with depression and healthy individuals, revealing dramatically lower contrast gain in depressed patients.
UT Southwestern researchers found blocking a specific enzyme step can halt tumor growth. The study suggests this approach may provide new therapy options for patients with end-stage prostate cancer, which has limited treatment choices.
Researchers replaced hydrogen with deuterium in fluorescent probes to increase stability and detect smaller concentrations of reactive oxygen species. The new probes showed improved detection ability and reduced degradation by air and light, making them more accurate for imaging and analysis.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is setting up six new Research Units to facilitate transregional and interdisciplinary cooperation among researchers. The new networks focus on topics such as neurophysiological processes, correlated solids, the Mamluk era, combustion processes and climate change.
A new study found that concrete thinking increases consumer confidence, especially when making choices based on clear information, whereas abstract thinking leads to decreased confidence. The researchers tested this hypothesis in various product categories, including electronics and charitable giving.
The FDA has accepted historical controls for epilepsy monotherapy studies, allowing patients to receive promising AEDs at effective doses. This design reduces the need for placebo/pseudo-placebo trials and makes the study more attractive to patients and physicians.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a method to trap and hold tiny microparticles using a silicon-based circular resonator. This technique uses optical forces to confine particles stably for up to several minutes, enabling the potential for all-optical chip manipulation.
The new WUIDDRC aims to prevent and treat developmental disabilities in children through clinical and translational research, while also providing resources and services to families and the community. The center will focus on cerebral connectivity, genetics, and environmental influences, and collaborate with other IDDRCs in the Midwest.
A recent study found that data presented in frequency format elicits higher confidence and more accurate conclusions in consumers. In contrast, percentages appear easier for consumers to understand, but may lead to averaging errors. The results have practical implications for regulators trying to discourage smoking behavior.
Physicians who provided Guided Care reported higher levels of satisfaction with patient/family communications and knowledge of their patients' clinical characteristics. The study found significant benefits to physicians in improving chronic care, including reduced costs and improved health outcomes.
A learning collaborative approach increases access to quality PMTCT care in Eastern Rwanda by testing multiple improvement ideas simultaneously. The method strengthens health systems and engages local health workers, ultimately increasing the health value delivered to families.
Archaeologists are studying the production of large quantities of decorated ceramic vessels by the prehistoric Hohokam people without a managerial elite hierarchy. The researchers aim to understand how a egalitarian society achieved mass-production techniques.
A recent expedition to the Mid-Cayman Rise identified three unique types of hydrothermal vents, expanding our knowledge of extreme environments. The discovery provides insight into the origins and evolution of life on Earth and has implications for searching for life elsewhere in the universe.
Scientists aim to measure electron's electric dipole moment using sensitive ceramic and SQUID magnetometer. A possible imbalance in matter and antimatter could be explained by this tiny electric dipole moment.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology are developing novel methods to prevent bacterial infections in orthopedic implants, such as inkjet printing of drug-eluting micropatterns. This technology aims to overcome the challenge of biofilm formation and promote rapid bone healing.
Researchers implanted genetically engineered stem cells with cytokines HGF, SDF-1, and VEGF to reduce organ damage and improve cardiac function after a heart attack. The results showed that two therapies - SDF-1 and Akt1 overproduction - limited cardiac damage.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute identify CSI1 protein involved in cellulose synthesis, linked to improved cell wall digestibility and energy generation. The discovery aims to increase animal feed efficiency and tap into plant cell walls as a renewable energy source.
Rapid losses of African native livestock threaten the continent's food supply as investments are needed to preserve unique traits and prevent extinction. Experts urge urgent action to stop the loss of genetic diversity, particularly in West Africa, where drought- and disease-resistant animals are under siege.
Dr. Fauci presents new insights on the early pathogenic events following sexual exposure to HIV, informing strategies for prevention and vaccination. He focuses on the role of α4β7 in enhancing HIV binding to CD4+ T cells, a potential target for vaccine development.
Astronomers have discovered a quasar that acts as a gravitational lens, allowing them to weigh and measure a distant galaxy containing a black hole. This groundbreaking observation was made possible by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey database and will provide new insights into the distribution of matter in the universe.
A study found that consumers perceive products as more expensive when grouped with expensive items and less expensive when grouped with inexpensive ones. Marketers can help consumers form accurate perceptions of prices by encouraging a 'discriminating' mindset.
Scientists have created a first-of-its-kind map detailing the height of the world's forests using satellite data. The map provides insights into how much carbon the world's forests store and how it cycles through ecosystems, helping to explain the 'missing' 2 billion tons of carbon annually.
A new study finds that hazardous alcohol consumption is linked to increased HIV infection rates in Southern and Eastern Africa. Venue-based interventions have been shown to be effective in changing individual behavior and social norms, but more research is needed to address the gender gap in these programs.
Researchers found that depressive symptoms are commonly overlooked in routine clinical interviews for HCV patients, leading to compromised treatment outcomes. Studies also revealed higher healthcare benefit costs and lower productivity among HCV-infected workers.
Sharon Walker, a US engineer, partnered with Ben-Gurion University in Israel to develop innovative approaches to water management. The collaboration aims to enhance global competency of graduate students and faculty through research and education.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that female guppies that grew rapidly as juveniles produced fewer offspring than expected. This suggests long-term costs of early rapid growth and weight gain in adulthood, potentially impacting human reproductive success.
Research by Professor Aaron Kupchik finds that schools are safer than ever, yet disciplinary practices continue to be overly aggressive and ineffective. He recommends alternatives such as removing police from schools and involving students in the rule-making process to promote safety and well-being.
Researchers have found that the wild populations giving rise to melons and cucumbers originated in Asia, contrary to previous assumptions. The study analyzed genetic material from over 100 species of Cucumis, revealing a close living relative of the cultivated melon is native to Australia.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool construct molecular 'knots' with dimensions of around two nanometers, using a process called self-assembly to mechanically bond interpenetrating loops. The discovery has potential applications in building molecular machines to trap harmful gases and pollutants.
Children account for 18% of HIV-related deaths and 15% of infections annually, highlighting the need for improved testing. New approaches, such as routine newborn testing, could help detect more children with HIV in resource-limited settings.
USDA researchers found that using stainless steel water troughs with chlorinated water significantly reduces the survival of Johne's disease-causing bacteria. Chlorine is particularly effective in killing the bacteria on stainless and galvanized steel surfaces, but has limited impact on concrete and plastic.
Researchers have isolated the first stage of tissue production in human embryonic stem cells, marking a significant breakthrough in regenerative medicine. The discovery may lead to the development of safer tissues for use in treating various medical conditions, including leukemia and sickle cell anemia.
A meta-analysis found that only intensive, multi-session treatment programs reduced amphetamine use. The authors emphasize the need for scalable and cost-effective interventions to address the relationship between amphetamine drug use and HIV risk.
Women who use drugs face double neglect and risk of HIV infection via unprotected sex and unsafe injections. A new proposal outlines trauma-informed approaches to prevent HIV infection, including couple-based interventions and empowerment strategies.
The growing HIV epidemic in people who use drugs is a significant public health concern, with 16 million injecting drug users worldwide and 3 million living with HIV. A comprehensive approach combining access to antiretroviral treatment, opioid substitution therapy, and needle programs can help contain the outbreak.
Researchers found that genetic variation, known as gene expression noise, can lead to increased vigour in species hybrids. This study provides a new explanation for hybrid vigor, covering both natural and domesticated varieties.
Researchers found that foreign accents undermine a person's credibility by making them harder to understand, leading listeners to judge statements as less truthful. The severity of the accent increases the impact on credibility, with heavy accents being rated as less truthful than native speakers.
Researchers at Louisiana State University are conducting vital studies to understand the effects of the ongoing oil spill on marine ecosystems, including oyster beds and the health of naturally-occurring bacteria. Additionally, LSU faculty are exploring how people cope with major disasters through social networks, shedding light on a c...
A new test developed at Stanford University School of Medicine predicts the outcomes of a subsequent round of IVF for women who have already gone through a cycle. The test is 1,000 times more accurate than current age-based guidelines and provides personalized predictions based on clinical data from prior failed treatments.
The CSIRO has granted a global license to Monomer-Polymer for its patented RAFT technology, a powerful polymerization process that enables the creation of complex molecules. This agreement will allow Monomer-Polymer to market the technology worldwide and strengthen their position in material development.
Researchers confirm bevacizumab's safety in treating advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer when combined with chemotherapy. The comprehensive study found no new safety signals beyond previously known toxicities, including life-threatening effects like bleeding.
A three-year project exploring the nature of character will investigate existence, development and relationship between character traits and beliefs, desires, identities and behaviors. The Character Project will bring together psychology, philosophy and theology perspectives.
A new study analyzing interactions between players in a virtual universe game has provided large-scale evidence to prove an 80-year-old psychological theory called Structural Balance Theory. The research shows that individuals tend to avoid stress-causing relationships when they develop a society, resulting in more stable social networks.
Researchers used nanoparticles to destroy atherosclerotic plaque in pigs, reducing plaque volume by 56.8% after six months. Combining nanoparticles with adult stem cells showed the greatest reductions in plaque volume and signs of new blood vessel growth.
Researchers found that treating people with botulinum toxin to block facial expressions caused them to take longer to read angry and sad sentences compared to happy ones. The study supports the embodied cognition hypothesis, suggesting that emotions are rooted in basic bodily processes of perception and action.
A new study finds that pre-verbal vocalizations of children with autism are distinctly different from those of typically developing children. The LENA system automatically analyzed 1,486 recordings and achieved 86% accuracy in distinguishing between the two groups.
A research consortium at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has received a $410,000 grant to study targeted therapy for children with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia. The Phase I study aims to determine a safe and biologically-active dose of a new drug in young patients with FLT3 and c-Kit genetic mutations.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that a fungal disease has decimated amphibian abundance and species diversity in Central America's highlands. The researchers used DNA barcoding to estimate the impact of the epidemic, discovering five new species were also lost.