Experts warn of a bleak outlook for social science due to funding cuts and an 'anti-research' mood in government. However, they also highlight the importance of social sciences in tackling complex challenges and propose solutions to strengthen their involvement in policymaking.
Researchers identified differences in transcription factor binding to DNA that affect gene expression in different people. Variability in these regulatory regions can influence disease susceptibility and gene product levels.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital investigators have identified a protein that plays a pivotal role in protecting the intestinal tract from colitis. The Nlrp3 protein helps maintain healthy colon function by triggering production of epithelial cells to compensate for damage caused by colitis.
Researchers genetically alter fruit flies to create fluorescent sperm, allowing them to observe in detail what happens to live sperm inside the female. The findings may have huge implications for understanding postcopulatory sexual selection and its role in evolutionary change.
A new study proposes that slow-growing animals waste energy in two ways, making too much protein and then discarding excess. Fast-growing oysters, on the other hand, are more efficient at protein production, according to USC marine biologists.
A UBC-led research team explores the evolutionary underpinnings of human societies, contradicting previous theories on cooperation. The study found that small-scale societies with limited market integration and world religion adherence show less concern for fairness and punishment.
Researchers successfully created genetically engineered mosquitoes that can deliver a malaria vaccine through blood feeding, raising hopes for a new strategy in disease control. The study, led by Associate Professor Shigeto Yoshida, targeted the saliva gland of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes and induced protective immune responses.
Scientists reconstructed a 3,000-year fire history in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park using giant sequoia tree rings. The research found that the years from 800 to 1300 had the most frequent fires during this period, and that climate change may subject the trees to similar conditions again.
The Pathways to Inquiry program developed by LSU professors Yiping Lou and Pamela Blanchard has shown a significant increase in student science inquiry skills, with an average gain of 12%. The program provides teachers and students with evidence-based tools to analyze and build inquiry skills through interactive activities.
Women who witness sexism may experience negative emotions and feel motivated to take action against men in general. Research by Chaudoir and Quinn found that catcalls can shape women's feelings and attitudes towards men, with bystander sexism impacting how female observers view all men more negatively.
The RECAN project developed novel fluorochrome dyes bound to monoclonal antibodies, enabling improved diagnosis of leukaemia and rheumatic diseases. The project also produced recombinant proteins for immunisation and created a range of specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies with great commercial potential.
A new technique has been developed to reduce tobacco smoke damage to lungs in mice by blocking the GM-CSF protein. This research holds promise for identifying more effective therapies for cigarette smoke-induced lung damage.
A global database is necessary to guarantee accurate identification of victims in mass disasters, according to a new study. Radiological techniques are crucial in this process, providing documentation and useful information on skeletal trauma and tooth location.
Researchers have discovered how cyanobacteria's rate of cell division is regulated by the same circadian clocks that control human sleep patterns. The study found that cells divide once per day at specific points in the 24-hour cycle, with implications for understanding cellular renewal and cancer.
The Cassini spacecraft has provided stunning insights into Saturn's ring system, showing routine collisions and debris trails. The rings are composed mostly of water ice, with a mysterious reddish contaminant that could be rust or small organic molecules.
A study published in Immunity reveals that immune cells' signals can interfere with the ability of intestinal cells to regenerate, leading to hyper-activation of growth and increasing the risk of colon cancer. Interfering with a protein called dickkopf 1 may aid in controlling inflammatory bowel diseases.
A multinational study found that cystic fibrosis patients from EU countries live longer than those in neighboring non-EU countries. The data suggest a higher proportion of patients surviving to age 40 and a larger CF population if demographic profiles were comparable to EU countries.
Researchers at EMBL and Yale found that up to a quarter of human genes are regulated differently in people, with variations in non-coding regions and protein interactions contributing to these differences. This new understanding may lead to novel approaches for studying diseases and personalizing treatments.
A study found that most kidney donors (86%) and recipients (80%) want to share personal health information that may influence transplant success. However, healthcare professionals are more conservative, with only 61% in favor of sharing donor info in incompatible exchanges.
Researchers at University Clinic in Leuven, Belgium successfully treated premature infants with constricted aortas using bailout stenting. The procedure resulted in better surgical outcomes and improved hemodynamic stability for patients.
UAB researchers emphasize the need for community-driven approaches to reduce cancer disparities, citing limited access to care and differences in healthy behaviors as contributing factors. They highlight successful programs that have eliminated disparities in screenings for certain cancers and advocate for engaging diverse populations ...
A Michigan State University scientist warns that China and India's growing economies and populations will significantly impact the global environment unless they work together. The two countries are urged to exercise environmental stewardship to ensure future economic growth.
A study published in Physical Review Special Topics: Physics Education Research found that college students copy homework frequently, with those who procrastinate and start late more likely to repeat offenders. The researchers also discovered that changes to course formats can reduce copying by fourfold.
Researchers at Stanford University have made major advances in the optogenetics technique, enabling a wider range of experiments with larger animals. The new capabilities include using any visible color of light and harnessing intracellular trafficking to spread the optogenetic effect throughout brain circuits.
A new study suggests that cooperation in large societies is partly dependent on historical forces like religious beliefs and market transactions. The extent of punishment used to enforce norms increases and decreases with the number of people in the society.
A new multifunctional polymer material can rapidly neutralize both biological and chemical toxins, including bacteria, viruses, and nerve agents. The material has been shown to be effective in restoring enzyme activity after exposure to toxins.
Troubled children diagnosed with bipolar disorder may benefit from alternative diagnoses like Severe Mood Dysregulation or Temper Dysregulation Disorder. The Hastings Center researchers recommend reframing the diagnosis and treatment approach to address family and social contexts.
The University of Nevada, Reno is testing a demonstration-scale waste-to-energy system that uses patented technology to turn wastewater sludge into electricity. The system aims to generate 600 kilowatts of electricity per day and reduce operating costs for the water treatment plant.
Researchers at the University of Florida have successfully ignited nanoparticles using a weak laser, with potential applications in cancer treatment, explosives, and precise lithography. The discovery could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies in various industries.
A British study found that Westerners reliably recognized six basic human emotions through non-verbal vocalizations, but culturally isolated Himba people only recognized a subset of these emotions. The study highlights the importance of considering positive emotions in cross-cultural research.
The Lancet Editorial praises DFID's global health successes, including education and undernutrition strategies, but criticizes intragovernmental tensions and fragmentation of responsibilities. The publication calls for a post-election independent review to address these issues and ensure the department's continued success.
Researchers have discovered that infantile hemangiomas originate from stem cells. Steroids target these stem cells specifically, inhibiting their ability to stimulate blood vessel growth. This finding opens the way for more specific and safer therapies for hemangioma.
Astronomers have discovered two ancient supermassive black holes that provide insight into the universe's early evolution. The objects lack characteristic signatures of hot dust, suggesting they formed in a dust-free medium at the earliest stages of universe formation.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that patient referrals between hospitals influence the rates of hospital-acquired infections, with University Medical Centers showing higher rates. The authors suggest focusing interventions on central hospitals in the network of patient referrals.
Rice researchers have developed an inexpensive, printable transmitter for RFID tags that can be invisibly embedded in packaging. This technology has the potential to revolutionize checkout processes by allowing customers to walk through a scanner with their groceries without stopping at each item.
A subset of adults with Social Anxiety Disorder exhibit aggressive, risky behaviors, causing short-term positive experiences but long-term negative impacts on quality of life. Understanding the underlying causes of these actions can help psychologists develop more effective interventions.
A study in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that young men took greater physical risks and had higher testosterone levels when attempting tricks in front of an attractive female. This suggests that the presence of a beautiful woman can lead to increased risk-taking behavior and elevated testosterone levels in men.
Researchers are using songbirds to understand how the human brain produces complex vocal behaviors, including speech. By studying the neural mechanisms that govern birdsong, they hope to develop a better understanding of speech disorders and language processing.
A novel brain receptor, alpha4-beta-delta, emerges at puberty and impairs spatial learning. However, reversing this effect with a stress steroid may facilitate learning, offering new strategies for adolescents with learning disabilities.
Research found that high stress levels in mothers are associated with differences in immune function markers in cord blood, which may increase the risk of asthma and allergy in offspring. The study suggests a link between prenatal stress and the development of asthma later in life.
Corot-9b, a gas giant planet, has an interior similar to that of Jupiter and Saturn, allowing it to maintain liquid water. The planet's distance from its star and lack of tidal forces make this possibility plausible.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health will receive nearly $15 million in funding to renovate and modernize its laboratory space, enhancing its research capabilities. The grant supports the update of outdated facilities, including the 45-year-old Hume Wing, which houses 25% of the school's research laboratories.
The HSBC Climate Partnership has made significant progress in understanding the effects of climate change on forest ecosystems and carbon storage. Researchers have found rapid increases in tree growth, proposed a novel biodiversity theory, and examined the impact of changing climate on white-tailed deer and mosquitoes.
Two studies found that using the Third Eye Retroscope (TER) during colonoscopy detected 13.2% more polyps than standard colonoscopy alone, including 11% additional adenomas. The TER improved polyp detection rates significantly with experienced endoscopists.
A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professor and his team are monitoring aftershocks in Chile following a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake on Feb. 27. The 10-member team installed over 50 broadband seismometers to record seismic activity along a 500-kilometer zone, providing valuable data for understanding the earthquake's impact.
A large eight-year study found that Medicare patients are 5.5 times more likely to undergo routine cataract surgery than those receiving care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The disparity may be attributed to financial incentives, physician-driven decisions, or a lack of ophthalmologists within the VA system.
A French national program to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) reported important successes with mandatory public reporting. The program led to a drop of 40% in MRSA cases and improved infection control measures across the country. Key initiatives included advancing research, improving communication with patients, and stan...
A molecule called Rab35 acts as a switch to activate the fast-track recycling pathway, allowing cargo to be rapidly selected and transported. Defects in this trafficking pathway can lead to numerous diseases, including high cholesterol and neuropathies.
A study by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals that US cancer centers have varying levels of palliative care programs and services, with NCI-designated centers having more comprehensive programs. Despite the differences, there is strong support for integrating palliative care into oncology care.
Astronomers have discovered a temperate exoplanet, Corot-9b, with a mass about 80% that of Jupiter and an orbit similar to Mercury's. The planet is thought to have a temperature range of -20°C to 160°C, making it a significant finding in the study of exoplanets.
A recent survey found that plant-parasitic nematodes are present in both Miscanthus and switchgrass, which are used for biofuels. The most prevalent species included lesion, root-knot, and needle nematodes, which can cause significant damage to the crops.
Researchers analyzed over 900 dogs and 200 wild gray wolves worldwide, finding that modern dogs share more genetic similarity with Middle Eastern gray wolves than other wolf populations. The study's findings contradict previous research suggesting an East Asian origin for dogs.
Research published in Gut journal finds that a purified form of omega 3 reduces rectal polyp number and size in familial adenomatous polyposis patients. The treatment is as effective as prescription medicine but without cardiovascular side effects.
Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is characterized by cystic-solid tumors in young women, often with hemorrhage and necrosis. Immunohistochemistry helps differentiate it from pancreatic endocrine tumor (PET), which harbors distinct genetic mutations.
The Arctic Species Trend Index reports a 26% decline in species populations, including lemmings and caribou, due to climate change. In contrast, some marine mammal and fish populations are increasing in response to changes in the Arctic ecosystem.
A study in Organization Science finds that securities analysts prefer incumbent companies' hybrid products that combine old and new technologies, ignoring their attempts to develop new ones. This bias may harm these companies as they struggle to compete with emerging technologies.
Researchers found that male pipefishes who like their mates tend to be nurturing fathers, while those who don't show less care for their offspring. The key factor influencing this attitude is how the male feels about the mother.
Research by LSU Health Sciences Center scientists has found that drug metabolism is influenced by the interaction between enzymes, which can affect a drug's elimination from the body or conversion into toxic byproducts. The study suggests that testing individual enzymes alone may not be sufficient to predict drug effectiveness and safety.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that about one-fourth of physicians would be misclassified under cost ranking systems, raising questions about their utility for high-stakes activities like tiered health plans. Only about 40% of physicians had cost profile scores at least 70% reliable, and fewer than 10% were at least 90% reliable.
Researchers at Rutgers University developed a modified PlayStation 3-based system to improve hand functions in teenagers with cerebral palsy. The system improved participants' abilities to perform daily activities such as brushing teeth and dressing.