A new study shows that when students write for Wikipedia, they become more diligent in their research and fact-checking. The study found that this is due to the perceived transferability of these skills to other areas of life.
A recent study published in Neurology found that stress does not increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Researchers studied two groups of nurses and found no significant link between severe stress at home or during childhood and adolescence and the development of MS.
Researchers found a 95% chance of an unaffected child when mutant mtDNA levels are below 18%, enabling PGD as a viable option. This discovery gives genetic counselling and the chance to have a healthy baby to women at risk, affecting 146,000 European families.
Scientists have launched a major push against Striga, a parasitic weed causing up to $1.2 billion in damage to maize and cowpea crops in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to introduce proven technologies for fighting the weed, resulting in 50% higher yields for farmers.
A phase 3 trial of a novel gene therapy failed to reduce amputations or deaths in patients with critical limb ischemia. The study highlights the need for effective treatments for this condition, which affects millions worldwide and results in significant healthcare costs.
Researchers mapped hereditary factors for venous thromboembolism in the Swedish population, finding higher risks in children of parents with VTE. Hereditary factors are significant at younger ages and occur equally in men and women, making a parental history an important risk factor to include in medical histories.
In flowering plants, maternal gene activity dominates early embryogenesis, silencing paternal genes. This finding may be crucial for maintaining species boundaries and could aid in developing novel crop varieties.
Scientists have solved the structure of a key malaria parasite protein that controls cell movement, overturning decades-long understanding. The discovery could lead to novel anti-malarial treatments and cancer therapies targeting actin proteins.
Researchers at Brown University found a significant link between climate change and the Norse settlements' disappearance in Greenland. The Little Ice Age, which began in the 1400s, is believed to have played a major role in their demise.
New research suggests that same-sex classrooms can have a positive impact on girls' academic performance. However, the study also highlights the challenges and limitations of such arrangements. The study's findings challenge traditional views on single-sex education and provide new insights into its effectiveness.
Researchers found that woolly mammoths interbred with the Columbian mammoth, a species 25% larger, due to climate change and geographic overlap. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary history of these ancient creatures.
A new study led by St. Michael's Hospital found that private weight-loss surgery clinics in Canada offer significantly shorter wait times than the public system, with median wait times of only one month compared to 21 months in the public health-care system. However, the quality of patient care may be suffering due to a lack of critica...
Researchers developed a new test that identifies specific tumour types in ovarian cancer patients, enabling doctors to personalize treatment programmes. The test may improve survival rates by identifying aggressive forms of cancer that respond well to targeted drug treatments.
A recent study by Rachel Kalf found that DTC genetic tests have moderate predictive ability but often assign increased risk to individuals without substantially higher disease rates. The researchers concluded that these tests are inaccurate and do not provide significant benefits to individuals.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics discovered a genetic cause of progressive hearing impairment: mutations in the SMPX gene. The disease affects both males and females, although women are usually less severely affected.
A case report reveals NDM-1 enzyme was acquired by a Canadian resident without travel history, highlighting local transmission risk. Enhanced precautions, including isolation and screening procedures, are necessary to contain the outbreak.
Researchers have identified a small noncoding RNA that promotes the production of an alternative splice variant of KCNIP4, leading to neurodegeneration and potential disruption in beta-amyloid processing. Elevated levels of this RNA were found in brain cells from Alzheimer's disease patients.
E-waste has been linked to adverse effects on human health, including inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Researchers found significant increases in inflammatory response and oxidative stress markers in lung epithelial cells exposed to e-waste air samples.
A recent Korean survey found that most cancer patients, family members, oncologists, and the general public are receptive to ending futile life-sustaining treatments for terminally ill patients. This positive attitude towards withdrawing such treatments is attributed to patient autonomy and hastening the dying process.
A study by Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that acupuncture significantly improved the overall health status of patients with unexplained symptoms. The treatment also led to reduced medication use and improved wellbeing, without affecting GP visits or clinical outcomes. Patients reported positive experiences with the ...
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a previously unknown biological pathway explaining why influenza induces asthma attacks. Activation of natural helper cells presents a new set of drug targets for asthma.
Researchers discovered a novel molecular pathway used by myeloid cells to regulate blood vessel patterning in the developing retina. The pathway, involving the Wnt protein signaling network, has potential as a therapeutic option for fighting retinal diseases and cancers.
A new online tool, Mouse Phylogeny Viewer, allows researchers to select from 162 strains of laboratory mice for which the entire genome has been characterized. This tool enables scientists to design better experiments by selecting strains with greater genetic diversity, ultimately improving the translation of results to humans.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new drug target that may prevent the onset of Huntington's disease by restoring a critical chemical change in the huntingtin protein. The kinase inhibitor drugs work similarly to those used for heart diseases, and could potentially delay symptom onset.
Scientists have developed a novel technique to image the distribution of carbon and oxygen in samples with complex chemistry. The new method allows for the detection of tiny inclusions of water or diamond inside martian rock samples, providing insights into the molecular level structure of various materials.
Researchers have created a genome-wide map of most inbred mouse strains, finding that they represent only limited genetic diversity. The team hopes to expand this diversity by adding wild mouse populations, which could lead to more effective translation of experimental results to humans.
Researchers at the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health found that virtual environments can promote improved human health and wellbeing. The development of accurate simulations has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with infirmity or other limitations, but not a substitute for real-world nature interaction.
New research reveals ocean acidification will reduce coral reef ecosystem diversity, leading to severe impacts on coral reefs globally. The study shows reduced biodiversity, recruitment, and development of reef ecosystems under acidic conditions.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in detecting diabetes and cardiovascular disease through advanced lipid genetics. Dr. Joanne Curran discovered that dihydroceramide (dhCer) is a reliable early indicator of diabetes risk, while Dr. Sara Willems found a link between genetic variants and atherosclerosis.
A pan-Canadian clinical trial led by UBC researchers aims to revolutionize oral cancer surgery with a new fluorescence visualization technique, potentially reducing recurrence rates and improving patient outcomes.
The EUREKA project has developed a new worldwide used standard called CoaXPress, which enables faster data processing and improves the viewing experience for 3D TV broadcasting. The technology adds depth information to existing 2D HDTV images, reducing transmission bandwidth and providing more flexibility for image display.
A team of scientists has created a curved cross-section of the North American continent, extending from the Cascadia subduction zone to the Atlantic margin. The cross-section reveals scars of ancient continental collisions and eons of oceanic subduction, indicating processes that have shaped the continent for over three billion years.
A NASA infrared satellite captured a powerful storm system over northwestern Georgia, revealing very strong thunderstorms with icy cold cloud tops. The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument measured cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 Fahrenheit/-52 Celsius, indicating the potential for intense rainfall and damage.
A study by Columbia Business School found that people's beliefs on global warming are influenced by daily temperature, with warmer days leading to increased concern. The researchers surveyed over 1,200 people and found that perceptions of temperature correlated with reality three-quarters of the time.
A new intervention using cognitive activities is being tested to help patients with delirium superimposed on dementia. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to improve physical function and resolution of delirium.
Researchers found that metyrapone, a stress hormone-reducing drug, impaired memory recall for negative events in men, but not neutral ones. The study offers hope for future clinical treatments of post-traumatic stress disorder by allowing people to 'write-over' traumatic memories during therapy.
Researchers discover a material that can transform from nonmagnetic to magnetic at room temperature, enabling the creation of chameleon magnets. These materials have the potential to revolutionize computing by providing tunable and reprogrammable transistors.
A study of 98,454 patients found that RA patients were approximately 20% less likely to receive standard MI treatments after a heart attack. This trend remained relatively unchanged over time, highlighting potential undertreatment of cardiovascular disease in these patients.
Scientists have found that 'ultrabad' LDL, a form of cholesterol found in people with type 2 diabetes and the elderly, is stickier than normal LDL, making it more likely to attach to artery walls and form dangerous fatty plaques. This discovery could lead to new treatments to prevent heart disease.
A recent study found that 91% of clinical trials with financial conflicts of interest reported positive outcomes, compared to 66.7% without FCOIs. Authors receiving consulting fees from industry had the strongest correlation with positive trial results.
A study found that older smokers and men are more likely to successfully quit than younger and female smokers, despite women attending more smoking cessation services. Pregnant women and disadvantaged groups face unique challenges in quitting, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that specific personality traits contribute to being a good judge of attractiveness. Men who are more promiscuous tend to accurately predict a woman's interest, while women who are agreeable make men feel comfortable and increase the likelihood of a repeat encounter.
The ASU research group is studying the FoF1 molecular motor using a gold nanorod attached to the c-ring, which allows them to measure the rotary motion of the c-ring. They have found that the rotation is periodically interrupted, similar to a ratchet mechanism, and are exploring its potential for use in synthetic molecular motors.
A $1.3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will support a project led by University of Maryland researcher Vivian Hoffmann to shed light on women's menstrual practices, needs, and product demands in developing countries.
Researchers found that female birds choose partners based on their genetic compatibility, specifically high MHC gene diversity, rather than physical attractiveness. This study provides the first experimental evidence for MHC-dependent mate preference in birds.
A new study from George Mason University found that greater medical spending among Medicare participants leads to improved overall health and survival rates. The research team analyzed data from over 17,000 beneficiaries and discovered a positive correlation between increased medical care spending and better health outcomes.
Case Western Reserve University is partnering with industry to improve solar energy technologies' productive lifetime. The S-Durability and Lifetime Extension Center will expose materials under solar radiation of up to 1,000 suns and various environmental factors.
Typhoon Songda has weakened due to adverse wind conditions, but still poses a threat to Taiwan and Japan. The storm's cloud tops are warming, indicating weakening convection and thunderstorms.
The article discusses the complexity and influence of Alaska glaciers, highlighting the need for integrating field observations and glacier simulation models to better understand process changes. Rapid mass loss of Alaska glaciers since the mid-1990s poses a significant threat to coastal communities, particularly in developing countries.
A new treatment combines minimally invasive surgery and t-PA to dissolve blood clots in brain tissue. The treatment showed significant improvement in clot size reduction and patient recovery compared to supportive care.
A recent study published by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) found that arthritis patients treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor agents do not have an overall increased cancer risk. The nine-year follow-up study showed no significant difference in cancer risk among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ps...
Researchers at Stanford University have developed an improved imaging method using fluorescent carbon nanotubes that allows them to see centimeters deep into a mouse with far more clarity than conventional dyes provide. This breakthrough enables the simultaneous drug delivery and imaging of internal organs in real-time.
Researchers at UCL discovered 'inattentional deafness' when participants focused on tasks requiring high concentration. In experiments, only 2 out of 10 participants missed the tone when judging colors, but 8 out of 10 failed to notice it during length-discrimination tasks.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have elucidated the molecular mechanism of autophagy in intestinal cells, revealing how salmonella is marked and digested. Impaired autophagy may be linked to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
A team of researchers has developed a method to track the movement of geostationary objects in space using the position of stars. This technique can be used with small telescopes and in places that are not very dark, allowing for precise location and orbit determination of GEO satellites.
A new study by EULAR suggests that using placebo in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical trials can negatively impact patients. The study analyzed current study designs for new therapies and found that patients in the placebo group experienced no change in medication, forcing them to continue with their former ineffective treatment.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that shorter warm-ups can result in less muscle fatigue and improved peak power output. The study suggested that sprint athletes may benefit from adopting a shorter and less strenuous warm-up for better performance.
Astronomers confirm 13.14 billion light-year distance for GRB 090429B, making it contender for most distant object detected, and shedding light on the cosmos' earliest stars and galaxies.
As people age, their brain responses to morally laden scenarios change, with adults showing reduced punishment for accidental harm and increased empathy. Young children's brains are more activated by emotional responses, but gradually develop cognitive processes that improve moral judgments.
A new study estimates that over 19 million people will be affected by rising sea levels in four regions by 2030. The analysis highlights the importance of considering population movement patterns and demographic vulnerability to better understand environmental impacts.