A recent study led by Iowa State University's Craig Anderson analyzed over 130,000 subjects worldwide and found that exposure to violent video games is a causal risk factor for increased aggressive thoughts and behavior. The research suggests that playing violent video games increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior in both short...
A genome-wide association study supports an association between alcohol dependence and genes on chromosome 11. The study identified a cluster of genes in this region that may contribute to the risk of developing alcoholism.
A gene regulator, miR-125b-2, has been identified as a key player in the development of leukemia typical of Down syndrome. The over-expression of this microRNA is found to be necessary for the disease's progression. Further studies suggest that miR-125b-2 silences tumor-suppression genes and regulatory microRNAs, spurting the leukemia.
A study of 3,801 young adults found that those who used cannabis for six or more years were twice as likely to develop non-affective psychosis. The longer duration since first cannabis use was associated with higher risk of psychosis-related outcomes.
Researchers at Great Ape Trust argue that bonobo Kanzi and others point with specific intent, unlike captive apes. The study builds on previous research on the effect of rearing culture on cognitive capabilities, potentially shedding light on human disorders such as Down's Syndrome or Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
Thalassemia Foundation of Canada awards Concordia University professor Dr. Peter Pawelek a two-year grant to study a receptor protein found on the surface of a lethal bacterial pathogen that can 'hijack' thalassemia treatment drugs. The research aims to develop new antibiotics to combat opportunistic infections in thalassemia patients.
A study found that extreme sleep duration is related to increased abdominal fat in minority young adults, particularly those with short sleep (5 hours or less) and long sleep (8 hours or more). This association was observed across genders and ethnicities.
A rare ancient polar bear fossil has yielded essential information about the species' evolutionary history and response to past climate changes. The research confirms that polar bears evolved recently and adapted quickly, with a split from brown bears around 150,000 years ago.
Research at Texas A&M University reveals that atmospheric nanoparticles can grow rapidly, scattering light back into space and cooling the planet. This phenomenon can alter weather patterns and have negative effects on human health, particularly for individuals with breathing problems like asthma.
A new study suggests that mosquitoes, particularly Culex tarsalis, played a significant role in spreading West Nile virus across the US. The findings reveal that mosquitoes' flight patterns mimic the actual path of the virus's spread, contradicting previous assumptions that birds were primarily responsible.
Kansas State University researcher Weiqiao Yuan has received a five-year, $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's CAREER program to develop economically viable methods for producing energy from algae. His project aims to identify optimal solid carriers and surface textures for algae growth in ocean biofuels manufacturing.
A study published in PLoS Medicine examines the impact of HIV and noncommunicable diseases on poor countries' progress towards the UN Millennium Development Goals. The research found that these factors are strongly associated with the difficulty countries have meeting health targets, accounting for over half of the inequality in progress.
A study of over 19,500 Chinese participants found that frequent napping is associated with a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose. The observed associations were unaltered even after removing participants with potential health issues, suggesting that napping may increase the risk of diabetes.
A new study found that obese teenage girls with a higher ratio of visceral fat to subcutaneous fat have lower bone density than their peers. Visceral fat may also increase the risk of fractures in some obese individuals, highlighting its negative impact on bone health.
A new report suggests that a comprehensive assessment one week after hospital discharge can identify heart failure patients at highest risk for adverse outcomes. This evaluation includes patient history, review of medications, physical examination, laboratory data, and health status assessments.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found a strong relationship between healthy eating and prolonged ovarian cancer survival. Higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, and healthier grains was associated with improved survival rates.
Researchers transformed an agricultural science course for Kú teachers to incorporate culturally relevant learning, improving teacher confidence and student satisfaction. The course built a community of practice among teachers, incorporating project-based learning and Hawaiian culture.
A two-year study led by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that moderate weight loss significantly reverses carotid artery atherosclerosis, reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. The study compared low-carbohydrate, low-fat and Mediterranean diets, showing improved results for those with greater weight loss.
Researchers have discovered a Bt protein that is highly effective at curing intestinal parasitic roundworm infections in humans. The Cry5B protein produced by the Bt bacterium is three times better than tribendimidine and shows promise as an alternative to existing treatments.
A new study found that elevated dissolved oxygen concentrations in alcoholic drinks can accelerate the metabolism and elimination of alcohol. This could provide clinical significance by allowing individuals to become sober faster, reducing acetaldehyde's side effects, and potentially decreasing alcohol-related accidents.
A unique program, Philadelphia FRESH, provides intensive, individualized smoking cessation treatments to new mothers in underserved areas. The program shows promising results, with participants exposed to less second-hand smoke and children having lower levels of urine cotinine.
The FiberNet Embolic Protection System had a 97.5% success rate in preventing strokes during carotid artery stenting in high-risk patients with CAD. The study found a combined major adverse event rate of 3.0% at 30 days following carotid endarterectomy.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to predict the fate of stem cells using advanced computer vision technology. With up to 99 percent accuracy, this method can forecast how cells will divide and what characteristics their daughter cells will exhibit.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found sociodemographic characteristics significantly influence a patient's willingness to participate in cancer screenings. Lower education and income levels are associated with lower rates of cancer screenings, leading to potential disparities in mortality rates.
A study on fossil corals found that reef ecosystems persisted through massive environmental changes, including sharply falling sea levels. The research suggests that coral reefs can survive adverse conditions given suitable shallow rocky habitat, and complex ecosystems were maintained during less optimal periods.
A study found that losartan-M6PHSA, a targeted delivery system of losartan, reduced liver inflammation and fibrosis in rats. In contrast, oral losartan alone had no significant effect on disease activity. The researchers believe early detection of fibrosis offers potential for therapies to prevent further scarring.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a graphene-hybrid material by stitching together graphene and hexagonal boron nitride. This 2D structure offers new possibilities for materials scientists, with electric properties ranging from metallic conductor to semiconductor to insulator.
Researchers Gary Feinman and Linda Nicholas integrated textual information with archaeological research to provide a more holistic view of Shihuangdi's reign and its impact on eastern China. Their study reveals that the area was already inhabited before the emperor's colonization efforts, contradicting previous historical accounts.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that individuals with major depressive disorder have altered GABA functions, with the most treatment-resistant forms demonstrating greatest reductions in GABA levels. This finding suggests medications targeting GABA imbalance may advance depression treatment.
The use of electronic health records is critical for patient safety and Canada is lagging behind; the country needs timely targets for universal adoption, especially in primary care. Mandating the use of e-health records may be necessary to avoid long delays and ensure its effective implementation.
Researchers found that collaboration with industry would decrease mean population sodium intake by 9.5% and prevent 513,885 strokes and 480,358 heart attacks. Vitamin D supplements may reduce cardiovascular disease risk, while low-carbohydrate diets showed no difference in weight loss after 12 months.
Kerry Whisnant, a physicist at Iowa State University, has developed a formula that predicts baseball team success by considering run consistency and slugging percentage. His study shows that more consistent teams with higher SLG tend to win more games for the same RPG.
Researchers found that an enzyme suspected of causing inflammation has only limited role in spurring edema. A two-hit model is proposed to explain vascular permeability regulation, suggesting other drug targets for preventing or reversing inflammation and edema.
Visual Analytics enables users to evaluate data more accurately by highlighting patterns and connections that may be overlooked, ultimately leading to reliable decision-making. The technology has significant potential for the financial market, allowing trends and risks to be identified quickly.
Biophysicist Ilya Nemenman has identified parameters for several biochemical networks, simplifying the research models and potentially streamlining the development of drugs and diagnostic tools. The discovery applies to complex biological systems, such as cellular networks involving hundreds or thousands of variables.
A large academic medical center found that a significant percentage of outpatient referrals for CT and MRI studies from primary care physicians were inappropriate. The study, performed at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA, included medical records from 459 elective outpatient CT and MR examinations.
Researchers have identified unique features of the dog genome that enable genetic studies, highlighting breeds as a model for understanding genomic mechanisms. The study shows how genetic mechanisms may control breed-defining traits, such as short legs and skeletal size.
A new imaging technique combines ultrasound and specially modified contrast agents to detect cancer at the molecular level, allowing for early detection and potentially saving lives. The technique uses microbubbles paired with a peptide that binds to tumor vessel cells, enabling visualization of tumor activity.
The study found that overexpressing ARD1A reduces primary tumors and metastases by blocking VEGFA expression. ARD1A's effect on tumor growth was confirmed through reduced microvessel density.
A team of researchers has discovered that kinesin proteins use a string of water molecules to harness the energy of ATP breakdown. This breakthrough reveals a critical role for water molecules in cellular function and may lead to novel drugs to combat diseases. The study provides a clearer picture of how cells function and flourishes.
Teenagers who spend more time watching TV or using computers are more likely to report low attachment to parents and peers. Conversely, reading and homework are associated with a higher level of attachment to parents.
A new study found that fruit flies without the key gene controlling circadian rhythms were more resilient to stress at a young age, but their health declined faster as they aged. The research suggests that biological clocks may play a role in aging and health, with intact genes potentially improving health and longevity.
A new study suggests that factors contributing to childhood obesity begin at infancy and during pregnancy, with disparities affecting minority children. Researchers found that African-American and Hispanic infants are more likely to be born small, gain excess weight after birth, and have other risk factors.
Researchers found that ghrelin reduced liver fibrosis by 25% in treated rats, prevented acute liver damage, and decreased oxidative stress and inflammation. Human studies also showed lower ghrelin serum levels in patients with chronic liver disease, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
A recent UNC study found that obese children as young as 3 years old have elevated levels of C-reactive protein and other inflammatory markers, indicating a strong relationship between weight status and inflammation. The study suggests that obesity may be unhealthy for young children, even at a young age.
A nearly complete fossilized snake from India, Sanajeh indicus, has been discovered coiled around a sauropod dinosaur egg and a freshly hatched hatchling. The find provides critical information about the early diversification of snakes and how they evolved to eat large prey.
A recent study found that embedding clinical images in radiology reports enhances communication between radiologists and referring physicians, leading to improved patient care. The study, which included 35 cases of abdominal CT scans, showed that attaching relevant images to the report helped make management decisions more confident an...