A report in the Journal of Service Research found that corporate social responsibility initiatives are ineffective against criticism and bad press, as consumers separate ethics from product quality issues. To combat negative information, firms must focus on service quality and prioritize customer outcomes.
A €12 billion annual economic impact of invasive species worldwide and a new $4 million project will control invasive plants like giant hogweed in Ireland and Scotland's river catchments. The CIRB project aims to restore biodiversity and prevent environmental damage.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found a way to reprogram adult cells with the properties of embryonic stem cells using a small blood sample. The new method avoids creating DNA changes that could lead to tumor formation, resulting in safer and more reliable iPS cells for research and potential clinical applications.
A study of over 90,000 Medicare managed care patients with rheumatoid arthritis found significant variations in the receipt of recommended medications. Demographic factors such as age, sex, race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location played a role in determining medication use.
The new center, OpSIS, will provide access to high-end semiconductor manufacturing for researchers worldwide. It aims to create a system that enables non-specialists to design and build functioning chips combining photonics and electronics.
A study published in Psychological Science found that states with higher physical activity rates tend to have higher voter turnout. Researchers created an 'action-tendency index' using data on exercise, diabetes rates, and other factors, which roughly matched voter turnout in the 2004 election.
A new study suggests that two years of pre-K is beneficial for children, improving literacy skills and setting them up for success in kindergarten. However, researchers recommend focusing on additional skills like vocabulary instruction and self-regulation to create a more comprehensive curriculum.
Researchers used fMRI scans to measure brain activity in response to pro-health messages, finding a positive correlation between neural reactions and successful quitting. The study suggests that brain activity can provide valuable information for behavior change, potentially leading to more effective interventions.
Researchers have created a method to detect protein oligomers, small toxic aggregations that can initiate amyloid fiber formation in neurodegenerative diseases. The test uses fluorescence techniques and genetically modified yeast to locate and monitor oligomer formations.
A new study by Cassandra Walsh and Adam Sulkowski found a significant positive relationship between employee satisfaction and level of perceived environmental performance. The research suggests that companies should engage in sustainability reporting to improve employee morale and recruitment.
Researchers Prof. Tamir Sheafer and Dr. Shaul Shenhav found a 'negative democratic gap' in states such as Egypt, Iran, and Morocco, where citizens' aspirations for democracy exceed the actual level of democracy granted. This gap increases the likelihood of instability. On the other hand, countries with a 'positive democratic gap', like...
Researchers Anatoly Kolomeisky and Alexey Akimov decoded the behavior of molecular whirligigs attached to a gold surface through simulations. Their findings could lead to new materials in nanoscale machines, including radio filters with finely tuned signals.
Researchers found that closely-related generalist bees differ in their ability to develop on the same pollen diet, suggesting physiological adaptations. The study suggests that pollen chemistry plays a crucial role in constraining pollen loss to bees, with some plants using chemical defenses to protect their pollen.
A recent study published in the Journal of Productivity Analysis found that high rates of temporary hiring among workers in technology and energy industries are hindering overall productivity growth. The research suggests that this type of contracting can lead to greater instability in employment and reduce investment in human capital.
Researchers have discovered a novel molecular mechanism that triggers plant infection by Pseudomonas syringae, a bacterium responsible for bacterial speck in tomatoes. The two-gene system is an evolutionary innovation that has provided the bacteria with a selective advantage, allowing them to infect a wide range of plants.
A study published in Alcohol and Alcoholism found that sportspeople receiving alcohol industry sponsorship had higher drinking levels compared to those with non-alcohol sponsorships. The research suggests a link between the financial resources provided by alcohol companies and increased drinking habits.
A University of Montreal study found that playing on a criminal's guilt can yield more effective confessions than coercive methods. The research analyzed the conditions under which prisoners confessed to their crimes, highlighting the importance of police evidence and the interrogator's attitude.
A new surgical strategy using a single donor cornea can successfully treat two patients with different corneal diseases, such as Fuchs' dystrophy and keratoconus. The approach may nearly double the available corneal tissue supply and make timely treatment available to many more patients.
A recent Internet census reveals that only 14% of allocated IPv4 addresses are visible on the public Internet, highlighting an uneven shortage. The IPv6 protocol offers more addresses, but its implementation may involve significant transition costs.
A targeted delivery combination has been developed to selectively cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to brain tumors, enabling imaging and treatment. The approach uses a peptide that mimics iron, binding agent glides through the blood-brain barrier to target glioblastoma tumors.
A recent study sequenced the genome of a red harvester ant and found significant differences in genes related to sense of smell, chemical signal detection, and immune system. These findings suggest that epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in regulating gene expression for division of labor and reproduction.
Using microbubbles and ultrasound can help determine treatment for early breast cancer patients, reducing the need for additional surgeries. The study found that microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound accurately identified sentinel lymph nodes in 89% of patients.
A study published in Biology Letters reveals a strong correlation between habitat change and significant adjustments in body size among turtles and tortoises. The research shows that chelonians living in marine or island habitats have an optimal body size several times larger than their cousins on the mainland.
A Tel Aviv University researcher has developed a 3D tool that generates anatomically accurate before-and-after images in cosmetic surgery, helping patients avoid unexpected results and surgeons achieve more favorable outcomes. The tool uses real clinical data and machine learning algorithms to predict deformations of non-rigid objects.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals a common set of dysregulated miRNAs in murine lupus models, which may lead to the development of molecular markers for early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. The findings could ultimately improve the treatment and management of autoimmune diseases like lupus.
MESSENGER's successful entry into Mercury's orbit marks a major milestone in understanding the planet's origin, composition, and geological history. The spacecraft has captured stunning images of Mercury's previously unexplored hemisphere, revealing its intricate details.
A team of researchers from Denmark and Japan have developed a new technology to convert waste heat into electricity using oxide materials. The project aims to integrate the technology into existing systems and reduce CO2 emissions, potentially enabling the use of thermoelectric material in various applications such as cars and stoves.
A recent study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center researchers found that nonprofit hospice agencies disproportionately care for patients with diagnoses associated with less skilled care and longer lengths of stay. This may lead to financial obstacles in providing appropriate care for the neediest patients.
Researchers have successfully destroyed tumors of human brain cancer cells in animal tests using light-activated nanoparticles. The treatment showed promising results, with over half of the treated animals remaining cancer-free after three months.
Rhode Island Hospital physician James A. Arrighi examines the challenges of implementing quality improvement efforts among physicians, highlighting the need for multifaceted and interactive approaches to educational initiatives. He recommends techniques such as personalized feedback and sequential longitudinal efforts to maximize their...
Researchers have developed an aptamer that blocks P-selectin receptors, reducing adhesion of sickle-shaped red blood cells and white blood cells. The compound may prevent debilitating pain crises and associated mortality in sickle cell disease, offering a potential new therapy for patients.
Hal Caswell has been awarded the 2010 Humboldt Research Award for his significant contributions to understanding population dynamics and demography. He will use this award to collaborate with researchers in Germany, focusing on evolutionary biology and human aging.
A new study suggests that consuming inorganic nitrate from spinach can improve mitochondrial efficiency, leading to reduced oxygen consumption while exercising. This increase in efficiency may contribute to the known health benefits of fruits and vegetables, particularly leafy greens like spinach.
African American women have lower incidence rates yet poorer survival rates for ovarian cancer compared to women of other races. The study aims to determine how risk factors differ between African American and white women, with the goal of preventing this deadly disease.
A combination of IPTc and insecticide-treated bednets can substantially reduce the incidence of severe malaria in children, with a protective efficacy of up to 70%. IPTc also reduced the prevalence of malaria infection at the end of the transmission season by 73%.
A new study uses PET scans to image metabolic changes in thyroid cancer patients treated with vandetanib, a protein kinase inhibitor. The findings show that PET imaging can help define the therapy response and identify potential markers of treatment efficacy.
Researchers propose using patterns of mild weight loss as an early-warning signal for underlying public health threats, such as disease epidemics or changes in child feeding practices. The study found that changes in the number of mildly undernourished children were more closely linked to child mortality than extreme cases.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that 36 patients out of 1,800 HIV-infected men were diagnosed with hepatitis C, with 25% having a history of injection drug use. The study emphasizes the need for continued screening and awareness of risk behaviors among HIV-infected individuals.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a progenitor cell in adult zebrafish kidneys that can be transplanted to generate new nephrons. This finding offers hope for improving kidney function and treating renal disease.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society publishes two important position statements covering common management problems in post-reproductive health, including hormone therapy options for Cardiovascular disease and Osteoporosis. The statements provide summary recommendations for clinicians to manage menopause-related symptoms.
A new study found that repeat MRI screenings for breast cancer result in fewer false-positive results, with a cancer detection rate nearly twice as high as baseline exams. This improved detection rate reassures high-risk patients about the effectiveness of annual MRI screening.
A team of researchers has identified a potential biomarker for predicting future metastasis in patients with the most common form of liver cancer. They also explored a new gene therapy approach to treating the underlying cause of most forms of muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University developed a new real-time tumor tracking technique that minimizes radiation delivery to surrounding healthy tissue by up to 50%. This approach enables radiation oncologists to administer more radiation and faster to tumors, potentially decreasing side effects.
A study led by Dr. Andrej Romanovsky found that mice with TRPV1-deficient receptors exhibited higher locomotor activity, especially during the day, suggesting a suppressive effect of TRPV1 on physical movement.
Researchers found that mice with chronic morphine exposure showed decreasing physical dependence during abstinence, but developed depressive-like symptoms. Treatment with antidepressant fluoxetine prevented these symptoms.
A new study reveals that estrogen receptors in the liver are critical for maintaining fertility, with dietary protein playing a crucial role. The researchers found that mice on calorie-restricted diets showed reduced reproductive cycles, but those given more protein restored normal function.
A new FDA-approved drug, Sodium Fluoride F18, has been approved for use in bone scans, providing a safer alternative to the radioactive tracer Technetium-99m. The drug offers improved images using PET imaging, enabling better and earlier detection of bone metastases in cancer patients.
A Stanford researcher's study reveals that many rheumatoid arthritis patients are not receiving recommended disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) due to high costs and health disparities. The study found that 63% of Medicare-managed care patients received any DMARD treatment, with significant variations by income level, race, ...
Researchers at BWH have engineered human mesenchymal adult stem cells with internal depots that can slowly release agents to influence cell behavior. The cells demonstrated controlled differentiation into bone cells, even affecting distant cells.
Human amniotic epithelial cells, derived from discarded human placenta, demonstrate therapeutic response when transplanted into lab test tubes and animal models of stroke. The interaction with melatonin receptor MT1 promotes functional recovery.
A global collaboration found that invasive plant species have similar or lower abundance at introduced versus native sites, challenging the 'abundance assumption'. This study used standardized protocols across over 60 sites worldwide to collect population and community data, providing a new approach to address critical ecological issues.
Bevacizumab, a cancer treatment drug, increases the risk of fatal adverse events (FAEs) when combined with chemotherapy or biological therapy. According to a review of published trials, the overall incidence of FAEs was 2.5%, with a significant increase in patients receiving taxanes or platinum agents.
Two Cluster satellites encounter a natural particle accelerator above the northern hemisphere, mapping its electrical landscape. This discovery sheds light on the generation of auroras and provides new insights into space plasma.
Teenage girls and young women infected with HIV are more likely to get pregnant and experience pregnancy complications compared to their HIV-negative peers. The study found that behaviorally acquired HIV-infected teens were seven times more likely to have multiple pregnancies than those infected at birth.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed a technique to create graphene oxide films with adjustable surface roughness, leading to the creation of super-hydrophobic and super-hydrophilic surfaces. This could lead to applications in self-cleaning glasses, antifogging surfaces, corrosion protection, and more.
Dr. Strauf's research focuses on scalability of semiconductor quantum photonic devices, which could enable novel applications in quantum communication, lithography, and national security. His award will support his work at Stevens and Brookhaven National Lab, as well as graduate student researchers.
A dry powder, live-attenuated measles vaccine was successfully tested in rhesus macaques, providing complete protection with a single dose. The novel vaccine can be shipped as powder and does not require reconstitution or special training to administer.
Scientists studied arctic ptarmigan to understand how they cope with extreme environments, discovering their efficient gaits and energy-saving strategies that could improve domesticated breeds' welfare and meat yield. The research aims to prevent future food security crises by breeding birds that can store energy efficiently.
The BigBOSS Collaboration will use 500 nights of observing time on the Mayall Telescope to create a massive galaxy-redshift map, reaching back 10 billion years to investigate dark energy. The instrument will enable precise measurements of thousands of astronomical objects, providing unprecedented opportunities for scientific research.
A study by radiologists suggests that radiologic case studies can effectively teach physiology to medical students, highlighting four broad physiologic principles: homeostasis, biologic energy use, structure-function relationships, and communication.