Researchers at UAB Center for Research in Applied Gerontology are testing InSight software to enhance reflexes and reaction time among senior adult drivers, aiming to reduce car crashes. The study involves training exercises on a computer screen and has the potential to help older adults maintain their cognitive function and mobility.
A study analyzed 52 paintings of the Last Supper and found that portion size, plate size, and bread size increased dramatically over the past thousand years. The main courses depicted grew by 69%, while plate sizes increased by 66% and bread sizes by 23%.
A new study has found that people in their 20s and 30s have significant balance issues, increasing their risk for falling. The test, developed by University of Missouri researcher Carmen Abbott, is a combination of a health questionnaire and physical performance tests.
Researchers have identified the shape of a protein molecule at various stages as it breaks down sugar to produce energy, offering insights into how cells regulate their activities. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as sleeping sickness.
Scientists found widespread global contamination of sea sand and seawater with BPA from hard plastic trash and epoxy paint. The biodegradation of hard plastics releases BPA, posing risks to marine life in low concentrations.
Research involving over 5000 people found hair dye and smoking increase risk of primary biliary cirrhosis, a progressive autoimmune liver disease. Smoking was also more common among those with PBC compared to the general population.
Researchers found that infants are more likely to help an actress who has previously shown good intentions, even if they were unable to provide a toy. This suggests that by 21 months, infants display selective helping behavior based on their previous interactions with others.
A University of Montreal study found that men and women respond differently to stress, with high blood pressure and heart rate in women who are more defensive. Older men with low defensive reactions have higher cardiovascular rates. The study suggests that socialization and maintaining self-esteem contribute to these responses.
Researchers found that queso fresco can retain its characteristic texture for two months when stored at 39 degrees Fahrenheit, but breaks down at 50 degrees F. The study suggests lowering the supermarket display case temperature to improve shelf life and quality of this popular Mexican cheese.
A new model of tectonic-plate movements has been developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison geophysicist Chuck DeMets and his collaborators. The MORVEL model offers a precise description of the relative movements of 25 interlocking plates, accounting for 97% of the Earth's surface.
A study of 70,709 American nurses found that consuming long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of endometriosis by 22%, while eating trans fats increases the risk by 48%. Dietary changes, such as reducing trans fats and increasing Omega-3 oils, may be a useful strategy for preventing or alleviating endometriosis symptoms.
A new study in the journal Political Insight suggests that older adults can play a pivotal role in their communities through dedicated volunteering and participation. The researchers argue that promoting lifelong learning and community action among older people can help them feel less overwhelmed and isolated, and may even lead to bett...
Research reveals commercial cooking as a significant source of air pollutants, including carcinogenic chemicals. The study found that fatty foods cooked with high heat and certain oils increase emissions, highlighting the need for emission control measures.
Researchers developed a new approach to quantify the influence of microRNAs on protein production, discovering that a single microRNA can regulate hundreds of proteins.
A University of Montreal student is tracking the decline of frog species in Quebec, finding a slight decrease in frogs near Phragmites australis growth, but intact northern leopard frog populations. Experimental research aims to understand pH levels, oxygen, and temperature effects on amphibians in controlled water basins.
Researchers found an inverse association between high systolic blood pressure and mortality risk, with those having high BP having a favorable prognosis. Patients with higher systolic BP had lower mortality rates compared to those with lower BP levels.
Curcumin reduces bile duct blockage, liver cell damage, and scarring in mice with chronic liver inflammation. The spice interferes with chemical signalling pathways involved in the inflammatory process, offering a promising alternative to current treatments like ursodeoxycholic acid.
Researchers have discovered elderly people with super-sharp memory who escaped formation of brain tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. These 'super-aged' individuals were found to be protected from the negative effects of tangle formation.
Researchers at UCLA have created a new material combining quantum dots and silicon, enabling electronic devices to operate without passing an electric current. This breakthrough could lead to the development of non-volatile electronics with much lower power consumption.
A new study aims to investigate whether erectile dysfunction drugs can improve muscle blood flow and reduce fatigue in muscular dystrophy patients. The research, led by Ronald G. Victor, will test the effects of tadalafil on muscle blood flow during exercise in adult males with Becker muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed mini generators that can produce electricity from random, non-periodic vibrations. These devices have the potential to power a range of applications, including remote wireless sensors and surgically implanted medical devices.
Researchers at UK universities are developing nanotechnology solutions to convert CO2 into chemicals for fuel cells, produce vehicle fuels, and remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The projects aim to reduce energy consumption and create new industries.
A new virtual biopsy probe system has shown high accuracy in detecting precancerous polyps during colonoscopy, with a success rate of 91%. The system uses Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy to magnify cells and detect changes that may indicate cancer. This technology could potentially eliminate the need for biopsies in some patients.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found a significant association between HIV infection and community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) rates. CA-MRSA cases were nearly six-fold higher in HIV-infected patients compared to those without HIV, highlighting the need for education and research into preventive strategies.
A team of life scientists and computer researchers, led by Thomas Brutnell, is working on the iPlant project to develop a computational pipeline for processing ultra-high-throughput sequence datasets. The goal is to make it easier to analyze large datasets and predict plant responses to environmental changes.
Tropical Storm 02W is moving northwestward, weakening due to a trough and increasing vertical wind shear. High surf and swells are expected to persist along all shores in Micronesia until Wednesday morning, posing a risk of coastal inundation and hazardous marine conditions.
In a controlled experiment, researchers found that binge drinking did not impact academic test scores, but slowed attention and reaction times. Binge drinking may still affect other types of academic performance, such as essay-writing and problem-solving.
A study found that agave fructans can boost calcium absorption, potentially preventing osteoporosis. Fructans also have anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Rival bacterial colonies use a toxic protein called sibling lethal factor to outcompete each other for limited nutrients. The protein kills cells at the edge of a colony closest to a competing group, creating a lopsided growth pattern and preserving scarce resources.
Scientists have created a bio-based sunscreen active ingredient from soybean oil, providing a natural solution to replace hazardous ingredients in personal care products. The new agent, feruloyl soy glycerides, absorbs both UV-A and UV-B light while being anti-aging and anti-wrinkle.
Researchers found significant changes in facial bones, particularly the jaw bone, occur with age and contribute to an aging appearance. The study suggests a two-step approach to facial rejuvenation: first restoring structure underneath before performing skin-tightening procedures.
Amit Hagar's three-year NSF grant will support the first comprehensive study of fundamental length, exploring its history and philosophy. The research aims to reconcile this concept with established principles and drive innovation in theoretical physics.
A new study finds that the Greenland ice sheet is losing mass on its northwest coast, with uplift rates increasing by 1.5 inches from 2005 to 2009. This acceleration in ice loss suggests that glaciers are sliding downhill faster and dumping more ice in the ocean, contributing to global sea-level rise.
Scientists from Queen's University Belfast have successfully boosted the endangered freshwater mussel population through a 12-year cultivation project, releasing over 300 mussels into the wild. The conservation team can track the mussels using Passive Integrated Transponders, allowing for relocation and monitoring of the animals.
Researchers analyzed 15 female loggerheads' shells to discover their surprising dietary and travel habits. The findings suggest the turtles are surprisingly different in their range, diet, or both, with individualistic patterns revealed over a span of 12 years.
Researchers found that each junco has a unique and recognizable odor profile stable over two weeks, distinguishable from other individuals. The study's findings suggest that smell could play a role in reproductive isolation and the origin of new bird species.
A study published in Psychological Science found that law students' optimism about their future affected their immune response, with more optimistic students showing stronger immune responses. The researchers measured the students' immune systems over six months and found a significant correlation between optimism and immune strength.
UC engineering researchers have created a paradigm shift in microfluidics by developing a lab-on-a-chip with programmable microfluidic systems. This innovation enables the reconfiguration of microchannel structure as needed for performing various biomedical assays, such as DNA analysis and immunoassays.
Tropical Cyclone 21S is a compact storm about 90 miles in diameter, with maximum sustained winds near 46 mph. The storm is moving southwest at 8 mph and is expected to be short-lived due to vertical wind shear, posing no threat to land areas.
Scientists develop non-destructive carbon dating technique to analyze hundreds of museum collections and priceless objects like the Shroud of Turin. The new method uses plasma to oxidize surface of artifact, producing carbon dioxide for C-14 analysis.
Researchers at University of Leeds assess the impact of a proposed EU fishing discard ban on North Sea gannet success. Gannets have developed specialized feeding habits, with some relying heavily on discards, making a ban potentially harmful to their breeding.
The second tropical depression of the northwestern Pacific season has formed, located about 235 miles east-southeast of Yap, Micronesia. Strong convection and thunderstorms are expected, generating 10-foot high waves and high surf across the region.
Researchers taught goldfish to associate a light flash with a shock, inducing fear. However, fish injected with lidocaine in the cerebellum showed no fear and returned to normal behavior after the anesthesia wore off. This study suggests that understanding brain processes related to fear may lead to human phobia cures.
A study by Susan Christopherson and Ned Rightor found that film subsidy programs reduce finite state funds, benefit few citizens, and foster a race-to-the-bottom mentality. The researchers argue that policy makers need to carefully evaluate the methods used to rationalize public expenditures on incentives for economic development.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that the number of living donor organs available for transplant has declined over the past five years, while the number of deceased donors decreased in 2008. This decline has resulted in a widening gap between the number of organs available and the number of patients awaiting a donor organ.
A study in JCB identifies TWEAK as a key trigger for muscle breakdown in disused skeletal muscle. Blocking this pathway could prevent muscle loss in immobilized patients. Inhibiting TWEAK with an antibody was sufficient to block muscle breakdown, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
The American Chemical Society's top R&D official, Paul T. Anastas, emphasizes the importance of green chemistry in achieving sustainability. Green chemistry aims to incorporate 12 principles, including prevention of waste and use of safer chemicals, into product design and manufacture.
A new database reveals that precipitation in Spain has declined in quantity in March and June, but increased in October. The study analyzed monthly precipitation series over the Iberian Peninsula between 1945 and 2005, providing a detailed image of precipitation behavior.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified three genes that contribute significantly to blood clotting speed in healthy individuals. These findings may help further understanding and treatment of conditions like deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks, and bleeding disorders.
The AFib Educator app and desktop widget provide detailed, animated diagrams of the human heart to help patients understand atrial fibrillation. Healthcare professionals can share resources with patients, including facts about signs, symptoms, prevalence, and risks, as well as links to additional information.
A new study by the American College of Radiology found that X-rays are often inconclusive in detecting hip and pelvic fractures. The study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm or rule out fractures, revealing a significant number of missed diagnoses.
The study identified path cell neurons in the entorhinal cortex that encode travel direction during navigation. These neurons work together with place cells to help people remember directions and navigate to destinations.
A study found that Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) surpassed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates in southeast community hospitals. CDI was also comparable to other healthcare-associated infections, such as bloodstream and device-related infections.
The University of Kansas researcher has evaluated the stone balls for UNESCO, exploring their outstanding value to humanity. The study sheds light on the ancient origins of the massive orbs, which were created around 600 A.D.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers found that people with Alzheimer's disease experience a rate of cognitive decline four times greater than those with no cognitive impairment. The study, published in Neurology, also revealed no significant racial differences in the progression of the disease.
A new study estimates that smoking, high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, and overweight/obesity reduce life expectancy in the US by 4.9 years for men and 4.1 years for women. The four risk factors account for significant disparities in life expectancy across different racial and socioeconomic groups.
Scientists at UC Berkeley propose helium rain as explanation for neon depletion in Jupiter's atmosphere, with helium droplets forming around 10,000 km below the surface and releasing heat that explains Saturn's excess brightness.
A study of 52 famous Last Supper paintings found that portion sizes have increased by 69% for entrées, 66% for plates, and 23% for bread over the past millennium. This trend suggests that art imitates life, reflecting changes in food production, availability, and affordability.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique to incorporate biological functionality into nanomaterials, enabling the creation of effective and affordable water purification devices. The technology has been shown to neutralize two common pathogens, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, in membrane filters.
A study found that household pesticide labels fail to provide clear maximum safe use guidelines, allowing consumers to overuse products like para-dichlorobenzene. This can lead to increased exposure to indoor air pollutants, posing health risks to family members and pets.