A team of engineers from four US universities aims to create a prosthetic arm that can be controlled by brain signals, allowing amputees to perceive tactile sensations. The project combines noninvasive neural decoding, direct brain control, and sensory feedback to improve the user experience.
A study found that women with dense breasts are at higher risk of certain breast cancers and their tumors are more likely to be aggressive. Breast density was also linked to specific tumor characteristics, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and estrogen receptor-negative tumors.
Researchers have developed a reflective 'carpet cloak' made of silicon oxide and silicon nitride, which conceals an object under layers and bends light waves around it. The device demonstrates the possibility of actual invisibility for the light seen by the human eye, surpassing previous infrared-based demonstrations.
Tropical Depression 11W is currently located southwest of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, with maximum sustained winds near 30 knots. The storm is expected to move northwestward for the next day or two before shifting in a northeasterly direction.
A team of Brandeis researchers has created artificial cilia-like structures that spontaneously organize into active bundles and beat in a periodic manner. This breakthrough offers a new approach for studying the beating patterns of real cilia, which could lead to advances in nanotechnology.
Researchers used CT scans to identify structural changes in lungs of COPD patients linked to exacerbations. These findings suggest that distinct subgroups of patients may require targeted therapies, independent of spirometry measures.
A new study by Michigan State University found that teacher influence persists in early grades, affecting students' reading and math scores in later grades. The research highlights the importance of identifying and hiring effective teachers in elementary school to improve student achievement.
A study tracking 126 leatherbacks found that they migrate across vast Pacific areas and require greater international collaboration for protection. The researchers discovered diverse foraging behaviors influenced by oceanographic features, shedding light on conservation efforts.
Berkeley Lab researchers have created a graphene and tin nanoscale composite material for high-capacity energy storage. The new material, dubbed a 'sandwich' structure, bolsters battery performance and enables quick charging and repeated cycling without degradation.
Researchers have discovered a range of new colors by tweaking the chemical structure of the existing blue pigment, which could lead to safer and more durable pigments. The new orange pigment is already being explored for commercial use.
A recent study suggests that social media tools like Facebook and Twitter can improve disaster preparedness and response by harnessing crowd-sourcing technologies and electronic communications. The authors propose several examples of social media tactics to boost disaster preparedness, including mobile apps, buddy systems, and RSS feeds.
A study by Michigan State University found that farmers are more likely to reenroll their land in a conservation program if they talk to their neighbors about it. Farmers who interacted with each other were willing to reenroll more land, with over 15% more land being reenrolled after 10 interactions.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins University psychologist Amy Shelton found that people with better social skills are more proficient in taking another person's perspective, including spatial ones. This ability is crucial for those on the autism spectrum and may be related to empathy and tolerance.
Scientists develop aquatic microrobot that stands effortlessly on water surfaces, walking and turning freely. The robot incorporates improvements over previous devices, making it a prime candidate for military spy missions and water pollution monitoring.
Researchers use Photo Activated Localization Microscopy (PALM) to accurately count proteins on the cell surface, gaining insight into their interactions and evolution. This technique may help develop more effective drugs by understanding how cells react to external agents.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that children and adolescent mobile phone users are not at a statistically significant increased risk of brain cancer compared to non-users. The study included data from over 352 brain cancer patients and 646 control subjects, and found no clear exposure-res...
A York University study found that yoga significantly reduces physical and psychological symptoms of chronic pain in women with fibromyalgia. Practicing hatha yoga twice weekly for eight weeks led to elevated cortisol levels and decreased pain intensity, suggesting a positive impact on the body's stress response.
Astrid Matthey and Tobias Regner's study found that individuals tend to act fairly if consequences are clear, but ignore them for personal gain. The researchers suggest providing information can improve behavior, such as promoting sustainable consumer choices.
A new study by University of Vermont geologists provides the first broad, standardized view of pre-human erosion rates, measuring 1599 measurements from 87 sites worldwide. The study reveals that slope is a key driver of erosion, contradicting previous assumptions about rainfall's role.
Researchers have identified genetic mutations in patients with Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, linking a heritable cause to the disease. Three genes, MSR1, ASCC1, and CTHRC1, were found to be mutated in 11% of BE/EAC patients, suggesting a significant genetic predisposition.
A study of extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) children found that chronic health conditions and asthma rates remained stable between ages 8-14. However, the obesity rate increased among ELBW children, mirroring the current obesity epidemic.
Researchers tracked female Asian elephant friendships for five seasons in Sri Lanka's Uda Walawe National Park, finding that elephants tend to congregate in groups of three adult females. Analysis revealed a larger, stable network of friends, with those having few companions being more loyal than those with many.
Scientists have designed a new type of polymer solar cell that can effectively tune its band gap and energy levels by incorporating different acceptor groups. The resulting polymers exhibit promising photovoltaic properties, with high open-circuit voltages achieved despite their varying band gaps.
A new study has identified possible genetic variations that could influence a patient's recovery from an eating disorder. The findings suggest that certain genetic traits, including those associated with anxiety and concerns over mistakes, may be linked to chronic eating disorders.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that simple guidelines decreased unnecessary antibiotic use in Quebec, Canada. The guidelines, which emphasized proper antibiotic use and selection of shortest treatment duration, resulted in a 4.2% decrease in outpatient antibiotic prescriptions.
Researchers at University of Illinois developed vascularized structural composites that are lightweight, strong and multifunctional. They achieved this by circulating fluids through tiny channels, creating materials that can regulate temperature, chemistry, conductivity and electromagnetism.
Mutations in MSR1, ASCC1, and CTHRC1 genes are linked to increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma and Barrett esophagus, a premalignant condition caused by chronic GERD. The study found that these three genes accounted for 11 percent of cases, highlighting the potential importance of genetic testing in risk assessment.
Researchers found that shifting attention towards healthy food options can influence decision-making, leading to healthier choices. External cues, such as instructions to consider healthiness or tastiness, can also help individuals exhibit more self-control.
A comparative study of nematode species reveals that changes in a short protein domain can alter signaling networks involved in organ development. The modular structure of proteins allows for the conservation of important parts while enabling opportunities for short domains to change, facilitating evolutionary development.
A recent study found that menopause has little to no impact on the risk of developing diabetes. Instead, lifestyle changes such as losing 7% of body weight and exercising for at least 150 minutes a week can significantly lower the risk of diabetes in postmenopausal women.
Researchers used models to estimate the impact of urban land development on Coho salmon populations, predicting a significant decline in numbers due to spawner mortality syndrome. The study suggests that toxic chemical contaminants in urban storm water runoff may be the primary cause of the recurrent fish kills.
The Urban Water ERC aims to develop new, sustainable ways to manage urban water. Researchers will work in close partnership with industry to address the critical importance of this issue.
A new INFORMS study proves that mathematical models of hepatitis B interventions are cost-effective and have saved millions of lives. The models verified the effectiveness of screening, treating, and vaccinating millions of Asian and Pacific Islander adults in the US and millions of children in China.
A research team led by Bradley Davidson discovered that specialized structures in sea squirt cells, called invadopodia, may help cancer cells evade elimination processes. In contrast to cancer cells, sea squirt cells use these structures to pick up chemical signals for development, not invasion.
Elsevier presents awards to exceptional wilderness medicine professionals who demonstrate dedication to saving lives in austere environments. Recipients receive an e-reader pre-loaded with critical medical content, including Dr. Paul Auerbach's 'Medicine for the Outdoors and Wilderness Medicine.'
A meta-analysis of 13 trials found that zinc lozenges shortened the duration of common colds by an average of 32%, with higher doses showing greater reductions. Zinc lozenges were generally well-tolerated, with no significant long-term harm observed.
The DFG is establishing eight new Research Units to study bone metastases, test innovative models for water research, and explore synthesis technology. The funding supports diverse research fields, including elite education and dynamic growth societies.
A new study published in the American Sociological Review found that the decline of unions in America is a major contributor to rising wage inequality. Union decline accounts for approximately a fifth of the increase in hourly wage inequality among women and about a third among men, according to the study.
A study analyzed media coverage of for-profit colleges and found a shift from negative to neutral-to-positive sentiment, with a notable spike in criticism after an initial May 2010 article.
A survey of undocumented young adults raised and educated in America found that they end up working in the same labor jobs as their parents, despite having a college education. The study highlights the challenges faced by these individuals due to their lack of legal status, which limits their career options and daily lives.
Tropical Storm Nock-ten is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and localized flooding to central Philippines. The storm is expected to weaken over land but re-energize once it enters the South China Sea.
Scientists developed a computational model to analyze rapeseed plant metabolism and optimize oil production. The model, published in the Plant Journal, can simulate complex metabolic processes under varying conditions, helping identify ways to maximize carbon conversion to biomass.
A recent study led by Amy Przeworski at Case Western Reserve University found that people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) exhibit four distinct interactive styles - intrusive, cold, nonassertive, and exploitable - which manifest their worries in different ways.
A new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that people who abused methamphetamine had a 76% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those with no disorder. The study analyzed nearly 300,000 hospital records in California over 16 years.
Research in southern Norway found that sheep browsing had a significant impact on tree ring widths, with temperatures still visible in the records. The study highlights the importance of considering herbivore densities when estimating past climatic conditions.
A new study published in Social Development journal found that schools using corporal punishment performed worse on tasks requiring planning and self-control. Children exposed to punitive environments had lower verbal intelligence and increased behavioral problems related to executive-functioning deficits.
A pilot project assesses the feasibility of virtual reality to treat alcohol abuse in veterans, targeting those with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress syndrome. The eight-week study uses augmented relapse prevention therapy sessions, where participants practice coping skills in simulated bar settings or home environments.
A new device called myVisionTrack has been developed to monitor degenerative eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The hand-held device allows patients to track changes in their vision over time with high accuracy, enabling timely treatment and preventing preventable vision loss.
A study in PLoS Medicine found significant improvements in Afghanistan's health care services between 2004 and 2008, particularly in capacity and delivery of care. However, the authors warn that security issues threaten progress and the likelihood of Afghanistan emerging from its fragile status.
Researchers have determined the complete three-dimensional atomic structure of an activated GPCR complexing with its G protein, shedding light on transmembrane signaling. The beta-2 adrenergic receptor's function was unknown despite being a key target for anti-asthma and blood pressure medications.
A Quebec-based study shows a significant reduction in multiple pregnancies after implementing single embryo transfers, sparking debate on the balance between patient rights and government intervention in IVF treatment. Experts weigh in on the ethics of regulating assisted reproductive technology.
A study of extremely low-birth-weight children found no increase in chronic health conditions and asthma between ages 8 and 14. However, obesity rates among these children increased during this period.
A study found that Medicare Part D implementation led to significant reductions in nondrug medical spending, particularly for inpatient care. The reduction was attributed to increased medication use and adherence among beneficiaries with limited prior drug coverage.
Researchers at Caltech have created a tunable acoustic diode that allows acoustic information to travel only in one direction, controllable by frequency. This technology brings soundproofing closer to reality, with potential applications in biomedical ultrasound devices and energy-harvesting systems.
A study found no association between occult metastases in lymph nodes and overall survival among women with early-stage breast cancer. Researchers detected micro-metastases using immunohistochemical staining but did not find significant impact on death or recurrence rates.
Cedars-Sinai's COACH for Kids program will receive a $300,000 grant to expand its oral health services in 14 Los Angeles elementary schools. The program will conduct oral health screenings, education, and apply fluoride varnish to address the most common unmet need among children.
High-dose vitamin D significantly reduces musculoskeletal pain and improves quality of life for breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors. The study found that high-dose vitamin D may also help maintain bone density, providing a potential tool to enhance treatment tolerability.
The Harvard School of Public Health is testing a WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist program in 120 hospitals in India to reduce deaths and improve outcomes for mothers and infants. The four-year study aims to evaluate the impact of the checklist program on maternal and infant mortality rates.
A new automated DNA test for tuberculosis can significantly increase detection rates, especially in HIV-positive patients. However, economic challenges and implications of the diagnostic tests need exploration.
A study by Roberto G. Gonzales finds that college-educated undocumented young adults in the US face the same labor jobs as their parents, including construction and service work. This highlights the need for a more diverse approach to immigration policy and better support systems for these individuals.