A recent study published in Psychological Science found that people's perceptions of gender are influenced by their sense of touch. When touched by a hard object, individuals were more likely to categorize neutral faces as male, while soft textures led them to perceive these same faces as female.
A European study funded by the ECDC and coordinated by EpiConcept found that one dose of the pandemic flu vaccine provided good protection against H1N1 influenza, particularly in people under 65 and those without chronic conditions. The authors suggest that future studies should focus on the new trivalent vaccine for the 2010-11 season.
A study found that a behavioral training program significantly reduced incontinence episodes in men with persisting symptoms after radical prostatectomy. The program included pelvic floor muscle training, bladder control strategies, and fluid management, yielding a 55% reduction in incontinence episodes at 8 weeks.
A study by Columbia University researchers found dramatic spatial and environmental variation in social behavior among birds globally. Environmental factors like temperature and rainfall influenced the incidence and distribution of family-living species.
India faces significant challenges in its public health-care system, including infectious diseases, maternal and child mortality, chronic diseases, and inequities. Experts call for a universal health-care system to be established by 2020, with a focus on improving infrastructure, human resources, and access to care.
A systematic process defined research priorities to reduce birth asphyxia mortality, with a focus on delivery and implementation research. The study aims to reduce almost one million deaths from birth asphyxia by 2015.
Researchers found that 5a-reductase inhibitors, used to treat BPH and hair loss, can cause significant adverse effects in some individuals, including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and depression. The study suggests that caution should be exercised before prescribing these medications to patients.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that consuming fruit and vegetables rich in carotenoids can produce a healthier golden glow. Eating more portions per day can result in a more attractive skin color, as people tend to prefer this appearance over suntans.
Researchers found a statistically significant decrease in peritoneal cavity fluid and clinical and biochemical improvement in many patients. The study suggests that cell transplantation might be clinically significant beyond improving laboratory parameters, potentially through paracrine effects.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully created the first coils of silicon nanowires on a stretchable substrate that can be stretched to more than double their original length. The new design improves the stretchability of electronic materials without compromising their electric functionality.
NIDCR funding to US dental schools decreased by 10% between 2005 and 2009, with dollars from other NIH Institutes and Centers increasing 34.6%. This trend may threaten the identity of dental schools as a profession if research infrastructure is not strengthened.
Researchers are working to identify factors that cause neural implants to fail, which can occur within six to eight weeks. A team led by the University of Houston is using advanced software and imaging techniques to analyze brain cell responses to implants, aiming to improve prosthetic limbs for amputees.
The discovery of an ancient wine production facility in Armenia has confirmed that humans were producing wine 6,100 years ago. The facility, dated between 4100 B.C. and 4000 B.C., included a wine press, fermentation vats, and storage jars, providing the oldest complete archaeological picture of wine production.
A new molecular imaging technology has been developed by researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid to detect live cellular processes. This technology differs from conventional medical imaging, allowing for earlier detection of anomalies and facilitating treatment.
Scientists using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope have detected beams of antimatter produced above thunderstorms, a phenomenon never seen before. The detection is attributed to terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs) associated with lightning and the spacecraft's ability to magnetically connect with distant storms.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method for reporting solar data, allowing policymakers and businesses to understand solar resources. The method presents solar data in a geographic information system (GIS) format, providing daily, monthly, and yearly averages.
A recent study published in Obesity found that young adults with social connections to overweight friends and family members are more likely to have higher weight status. Researchers also discovered that these individuals who had close relationships with people trying to lose weight themselves were more motivated to do the same.
Researchers trained dogs to detect scat from various species, showing they can accurately locate targets at distances of up to 33 feet. Environmental factors like wind, humidity, and precipitation influenced detection rates, highlighting the need for standardized survey conditions.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that deliver the cancer drug cisplatin more effectively and safely, reducing its potentially severe side effects. The new particles successfully shrink tumors in mice using only one-third of the conventional dose.
A recent study published in Biology Letters indicates that giant pandas are associated with old-growth forests more than any other ecological variable besides bamboo. This finding suggests that conserving both bamboo and old-growth forests is crucial to protect this critically endangered bear species.
A recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry has shed light on how human papillomavirus (HPV) proteins evade the human immune system. The research reveals that HPV's E6 protein can latch onto and inhibit human protein SAP97, preventing its normal function.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a more accurate solar map for California, suggesting that west-facing solar panels can increase energy production. By optimizing panel orientation, households and businesses can maximize their solar power output during peak demand hours.
Researchers have created a new type of nanoparticle called nanodisks, which can carry genetic material and enter cells quickly without losing its potency. These nanodisks offer a promising alternative to traditional gene therapy vectors, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes.
A Texas A&M study shows that genes are activated in fruit flies when they interact with the opposite sex, affecting physiology and behavior. This discovery may lead to insights into disorders such as autism and has significant implications for understanding human social interactions.
Researchers developed a planar microfluidic reactor that harnesses sunlight to break down contaminants in water using photocatalysis. The technology has shown dramatic improvements in efficiency, with plans to scale up the process for industrial water treatment applications.
Researchers developed a non-invasive ultra-high-speed microscope to visualize brain activity in real-time, recording the firing of thousands of individual neurons in 3D. This technology could help decipher 'miscommunications' in neuropsychiatric disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that receiving the herpes zoster vaccine reduced the risk of shingles by 55% in adults 60 years and older. The vaccine also showed effectiveness in preventing shingles in adults over 75, supporting CDC recommendations to offer it to all eligible patients.
Research from Rice University and other institutions shows that employees in neutral professions spend more energy suppressing emotions, leading to burnout. Neutral expressions also lead to less positive customer reactions and lower ratings.
A new oral anticoagulant agent, Apixaban, has been found to be more effective and easier to use than current medicines in preventing blood clots after hip replacement surgery. The study involved over 5,000 patients and showed Apixaban reduced the risk of blood clots without increasing bleeding side effects.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers identifies LRP1, a lipoprotein receptor, as a co-receptor with the leptin receptor that regulates appetite and metabolism. Mice engineered to lack LRP1 gained weight and became obese, indicating its critical role in lipid metabolism and energy balance.
A new study aims to shut down the viral assembly line of coronaviruses, a process crucial for their replication. The research focuses on the M protein, which forms the outer shell of the virus and is critical for its pathogenesis.
Researchers have discovered a new factor in multiple sclerosis (MS) that can serve as a potential target for therapeutics. The study found that inhibiting the molecular switch EMMPRIN reduces MS-like symptoms in mice.
A study published in Psychological Science suggests that acknowledging group-based differences fosters cooperation among coworkers from different backgrounds. Recognizing expatriates as foreigners can lead to sharing work-related and cultural information, promoting collaboration.
A new three-drug regimen including docetaxel has been shown to significantly improve the long-term survival of patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. The addition of docetaxel to a standard two-drug chemotherapy regimen reduced the likelihood of death by 26% over six years, according to results from the TAX 324 trial.
A recent study found that taking regular breaks while sitting can lower waist circumference and decrease inflammation. The research analyzed data from over 4,700 people and discovered that those who took more breaks had smaller waists and improved cardio-metabolic function.
The Healthy People Curriculum Task Force aims to promote integrated, seamless approaches to education for health, with a focus on interprofessional prevention education. The task force outlines key objectives to increase the inclusion of core clinical prevention and population health content in health professions education.
Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) can accurately pinpoint bullet trajectory angles, enabling investigators to determine sniper locations. This technology also has potential benefits in crime scene analysis and patient treatment, according to a recent study.
The growth of winter tourism in European mountain ranges is threatening the population of indigenous bird species, including the Capercaillie. A recent study found that Capercaillie droppings showed a marked increase in stress hormone levels closer to locations with winter recreation activity.
A study published in JAMA Network found that candesartan was linked to a lower risk of death at 1 and 5 years, compared to losartan, in patients with heart failure. The analysis of data from an HF registry involved 30,254 patients treated with either candesartan or losartan.
A new genetic blood test predicts IVF success by identifying the FMR1 gene subtype, with different subtypes associated with varying pregnancy rates. The test also suggests a link between autoimmunity and infertility, potentially informing fertility planning.
Researchers from Innsbruck and Vienna have isolated gas-phase carbonic acid, a molecule previously thought to be non-existent. The team used infrared spectroscopy to characterize the molecules and found that they exist in at least three different species.
A study published in JAMA found no significant difference in 1-year angiographic patency between radial artery and saphenous vein grafts, contradicting previous assumptions that arterial grafts are superior.
Researchers have developed a new spectroscopy technique that can distinguish between individual notes and musical ensembles with high accuracy. This breakthrough technology has potential applications in fields such as astronomy, communication signal recovery, and atomic physics.
A national survey of US family physicians found that many have gaps in knowledge about IUDs, are uncomfortable discussing them with patients, and believe their patients would not be receptive. In contrast, those who insert IUDs in their practice tend to be more knowledgeable and confident in discussing the devices with their patients.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have discovered that water on the moon may have originated from comets smashing into the moon soon after its formation. This finding suggests that the moon can act as a stepping stone for further space exploration, enabling missions to fuel up with liquid hydrogen and oxygen.
Researchers found a genetic mutation in Arabidopsis thaliana that reduces stomata, conserving water while maintaining carbon dioxide intake. The mutant plant exhibits 20% reduced transpiration and increased drought tolerance.
Recent research suggests that P. acnes within the body may be the cause of infections, contradicting previous assumptions about contamination from skin. This oversight could lead to incorrect diagnoses and complications if treated with the wrong bug.
A new study projects that mountain glacier melt will contribute up to 12 centimeters to global sea-level increases by 2100. Glaciers in Arctic Canada and Alaska are expected to be the largest contributors.
Researchers discovered that carbon monoxide binds to metalloporphyrins in a unique saddle-shaped configuration, contrary to previous expectations. This finding has significant implications for the development of catalyzers and sensors.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have developed particles that closely mirror key properties of red blood cells, potentially paving the way for synthetic blood. The new discovery has also shown promise in treating life-threatening medical conditions like cancer.
The federal peer review system is under scrutiny for being overwhelmed by an increasing number of funding proposals, leaving room for errors. Experts recommend a calibration system to mitigate these errors, which can occur due to biased reviewers or overconfident assessments.
A new study by Brown University researchers finds that nursing home closures are concentrated in poor, urban areas, leaving millions without choices for long-term care. The closures have been attributed to changing Medicare payment policies and the increasing bifurcation of society into rich and poor.
A new study published in CMAJ found that people over 65 undergoing latent tuberculosis infection therapy are at a higher risk of severe adverse reactions requiring hospitalization. The study provides age-stratified estimates of the risk of these events, accounting for comorbidities and similar health events in the general population.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute develop liquid pistons using oscillating ferrofluid droplets to pump small volumes of liquid. These devices can function as adaptive lenses for camera applications and precise drug delivery systems.
New research from UC Davis Cancer Center found that colon cancer screening rates vary significantly across geographic regions, with African Americans and Hispanics facing lower rates. In contrast, Asian-Pacific Islanders in Hawaii had the highest screening rates among any group, suggesting potential cultural factors at play.
Children are at risk of severe eye injuries from bottle rockets, which can lead to permanent visual impairment. The study reports on 11 cases where children were injured by bottle rockets, with eight requiring surgical interventions.
Researchers found that people infected with 2009 H1N1 and recovered produced antibodies protective against a variety of flu strains. The study suggests incorporating these defenses into a vaccine could provide broad protection against all influenza strains.
A study analyzing the Infectious Diseases Society of America's practice guidelines found that more than half are based on opinion rather than evidence from clinical trials. The researchers recommend cautious use of current guidelines and prioritizing critical thinking in patient care.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and international partners have identified potential new therapeutic targets for Huntington's disease using cutting-edge genetic techniques. The study found that flavonoids can prevent cell death in yeast, suggesting a possible new treatment approach.
A Purdue University study found that Lake Erie's large hypoxic zone negatively impacts aquatic life, but not all fish species equally. The study showed that some species, like yellow perch, were less affected, while round goby and rainbow smelt were more significantly impacted by the low oxygen levels.