Researchers have developed an interactive environment using multi-touch screen technology to help autistic children develop social skills beyond their anticipated levels. Children interact with virtual characters in real-time, allowing researchers to compare their reactions with those displayed in real-world situations.
Researchers studied model cavity and tunnel structures resembling protein binding sites to understand their ability to stay dry. Geometric shields prevent water molecules from penetrating at the nanoscale.
A new study found that orienting products toward a dominant hand in ads increases imagined product use and purchase intentions, especially for positive products. The researchers created advertisements with handles oriented towards the right or left to test this effect.
Svante Björck's study reveals that global warming events have not occurred simultaneously in the two hemispheres for 20,000 years. Instead, temperature changes are regionally specific, with similar effects only occurring during external processes like meteorite crashes or volcanic eruptions.
A study by researchers at the University of Strathclyde found that vividness in face descriptions can be achieved through holistic approaches rather than detailed features. This approach leverages the reader's emotional response to create a more vivid image.
Scientists developed a small molecule, SJ-AK, that selectively blocks a thyroid hormone signaling pathway. This approach could lead to more tailored drugs with fewer side effects, offering new hope for treating conditions like leukemia and autoimmune disorders.
A study published in Cancer Cell reveals that the coupling of proteins FoxM1 and beta-catenin promotes glioblastoma development. The researchers found that this protein connection supports the self-renewal and differentiation of glioma-initiating cells, cancer stem cells thought to drive glioblastoma multiforme.
A commonly prescribed blood pressure-lowering medication appears to kick start recovery in the unaffected brain hemisphere after a stroke by boosting blood vessel growth. The study found that candesartan increased levels of growth factors and a 'pro-survival' protein, suggesting potential healing properties beyond the area of damage.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that people who share sensory experiences, such as enjoying a cupcake, tend to dampen their emotions and are less likely to spread word-of-mouth opinions about them. In contrast, sharing practical experiences, like using a USB stick, increases understanding and enthusiasm.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) has established nine new Research Units and three Clinical Research Units, earmarking over 23 million euros for the first funding period. The units will explore topical research questions using innovative methods and approaches, covering a broad spectrum of research areas.
A study found that consumers associate larger food sizes with higher status, particularly among vulnerable populations. However, when given smaller options at prestigious events, powerless individuals chose smaller items with fewer calories.
A new study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science suggests that paying too much attention to performance can lead to decreased success. Research has shown that athletes under pressure exhibit changes in movement patterns, such as altered club head angles during golf swings and reduced joint mobility in climbers.
Researchers found a strong connection between math success and activity in brain areas involved in controlling attention and regulating negative emotional reactions. Students who could focus their attention were able to complete difficult math problems more successfully.
A study by researchers at the University of Chicago found that moving to lower-poverty neighborhoods decreases the risk of obesity and diabetes. The study collected data from 4,498 women and children who participated in a residential mobility program called Moving to Opportunity.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have identified microRNA-33a/b as a novel therapeutic target to suppress triglyceride levels and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The study shows that inhibition of miR-33a/b markedly suppresses triglycerides and causes a sustained increase in HDL-C.
A recent study from USC and University of San Diego professors found that African-American consumers are more likely to pay more for products and services when they feel their status is threatened due to race. In contrast, those who strongly identify with their race have lower willingness to pay. The researchers also discovered that po...
Researchers have pushed back the timeline of North America's first known hunters to at least 14,000 years ago, revealing a longer period of large mammal hunting and potentially contributing to their extinction. The discovery was made through DNA analysis of a spearhead found in a mastodon remains.
Post-menopausal women with high hormone levels, including estrogen and testosterone, have a higher risk of breast cancer. Researchers found that each additional elevated hormone level increases risk by 16%. The study suggests that models assessing breast cancer risk could be improved by considering multiple hormone levels.
The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) has awarded four individuals with Signature Awards for their groundbreaking work in biomedical and health informatics. The recipients include Dr. Kai Zheng, Rita D. Zielstorff, Julie McGowan, and R. Scott Evans, who have made significant contributions to sociotechnical integration, cl...
Researchers at Boston University have discovered how Wolbachia bacteria alter insect reproduction, leading to increased egg production and reduced death rates. The study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms behind this relationship, which could inform novel approaches to disease control.
A University of Bristol researcher is using £1.3 million to study diatoms' ability to coat themselves in glass, with potential applications in medical imaging tools and novel catalysts.
A Texas A&M study confirms that humans were hunting mastodons in North America around 13,800 years ago, 800 years before the traditional Clovis culture. This find supports extinction theories of large mammals at the end of the last Ice Age.
The BIG 1-98 study found that letrozole monotherapy reduced the risk of relapse and death by at least a fifth compared to tamoxifen treatment alone. Long-term follow-up showed significant survival benefits, with women given letrozole having a 20% lower risk of breast cancer recurrence.
Dr. Eric Hassall cautions against over-diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants under one year old, as most symptoms can be attributed to physiological reflux or normal developmental phenomena. Non-pharmacological measures such as dietary changes and reassurance are often sufficient to resolve the issue.
Researchers have made significant progress in xenotransplantation using genetically modified pigs, showing promising results in pig islet and neuronal cell transplants. Clinical trials are underway or planned for these techniques, which could expand to include other organs such as the liver and heart.
A reconstruction based on the skull of Norway's best-preserved Stone Age skeleton, Viste Boy, has been scientifically rebuilt to study features of a boy who lived outside Stavanger 7,500 years ago. The model reveals a strong and muscular individual with scaphocephaly, challenging earlier theories about his health.
Research finds West Nile virus transmission is highest in urbanized and agricultural habitats, with robins and specific mosquito species playing a crucial role. The virus has had an impact on human health, particularly due to its ability to target abundant bird species.
Junrong Zheng will use a five-year grant to develop a laser-based spectroscopic device for real-time, three-dimensional analysis of molecular conformations. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as chemical reactions, protein folding, and drug interactions.
A recent study has demonstrated the effectiveness of antimicrobial copper surfaces in reducing hospital-acquired infections. By replacing traditional objects with antimicrobial copper versions, the study found a significant decrease in bacterial growth and infection rates.
A new algorithm embedded in flight control software will augment landing approaches on Navy carrier decks, reducing workload and boosting safety. The software ties the movement of the pilot's control stick to the aircraft's flight path, projecting a dotted green line over a target light.
New Zealand's strategic approach to health care, from patient to provider and community, has enabled the development of integrated care services. The country's experience with electronic medical records and health IT systems has helped make it a leader in overall quality of care delivery.
Researchers at UCLA found that boys with autism have slower growth rates in brain regions important for language and social skills, leading to unusual brain circuits. This study suggests delayed brain development may contribute to symptoms of autism and could improve treatment options.
Rutgers University has established a stem cell repository to study mental health disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. The repository will provide researchers with induced pluripotent stem cells derived from individuals with these conditions, enabling them to better understand the causes of mental disorders.
A study by University of Maryland researchers found that mortgage default is associated with substantially increased risk of depression and food insecurity among older adults. The study also found that lower-income and minority homeowners were at higher risk for mortgage default.
A meta-study of over 1.3 million participants found that moderate-intensity physical activity decreases all-cause mortality by 10%, while vigorous-intensity aerobic activity or sports reduces it by 22%. Engaging in any physical activity, including daily activities, can still provide a survival benefit.
Theoretical chemists at Emory University have solved an important mystery about the rates of chemical reactions and the Polanyi rules. They found that a pre-reactive long-range force can align the reaction of a chlorine atom with methane, inhibiting the reaction. The research has implications for the development of cleaner fuels.
The Intelligent River project aims to provide real-time data on water quality and flow rate across a 312-mile stretch of the Savannah River. A network of environmental sensors, including MoteStacks, will be deployed to collect data, which will then be processed and transmitted to a high-performance computing system.
The Antarctic ozone hole reached its annual peak on September 12, spanning 10.05 million square miles. Despite declining levels of manmade chemicals, the hole is expected to persist one to two decades beyond this century due to natural temperature fluctuations and other factors.
Pediatricians are urged to explore nonpharmacological approaches to address infant symptoms. Acid-suppressing medications may have adverse effects on infants, including increased risk of infections and mineral/vitamin imbalances.
A study found that men are rated higher than women in Wall Street law firms despite receiving equally positive evaluations. The researchers suggest that stereotypes and biases lead to a pro-male bias in numerical ratings.
A study by University of Leeds ecologists reveals that over 80% of ant species found in pristine forests were also present in logged areas. This finding has implications for forest conservation, suggesting that areas previously thought to have little value can still support diverse communities.
A new study by Oregon State University found that men experiencing persistently moderate to high levels of stressful life events have a 50% higher mortality rate. The study, which documented patterns of stress over 18 years, identified protective factors such as good health and moderate drinking habits.
The Federal Government has released a national strategy for environmental, health, and safety research needs in the field of nanotechnology. The strategy identifies six core categories of research to drive responsible development of nanotechnology, including human exposure assessment, human health, and environment.
Researchers have discovered a new Ebola-like virus, Lloviu, in bats from northern Spain, which is the first filovirus native to Europe. The study reveals that Lloviu may be a cause for concern as it was detected in deceased bats with signs of an immune response, but not in healthy bats.
Scientists have discovered thousands of Earth-oceans' worth of water within the planet-forming disk of TW Hydrae. This finding suggests that comets could deliver vast amounts of water to new planets through impacts. The detection was made using the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared on the Hershel Space Observatory.
A UT Southwestern study found that estrogen acts on two hypothalamic neural centers to regulate hunger and energy expenditure in female mice, keeping their body weight in check. This discovery has potential implications for postmenopausal women, who may benefit from targeted hormonal replacement therapies.
Researchers found that most molecular markers associated with breast cancer in animals or cell cultures have little predictive value in humans, questioning their validity. The study highlights the need for a better understanding of the connection between experimental models and human biology.
Researchers have determined the evolutionary family tree for the Hawaiian honeycreeper bird family, revealing they evolved from Eurasian rosefinches. The study used genetic data from 28 bird species to identify the ancestors of the 19 remaining species, which are facing significant extinction threats.
Researchers at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery by creating giant flakes of graphene oxide that form a gel-like liquid crystal in water. This alignment enables the creation of metamaterials with unique mechanical and electronic properties, as well as high-strength fibers with enhanced properties.
Scientists at UH outline a new strategy for developing drugs to treat cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular diseases. They identify estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) as a potential target for these treatments.
A study found that US adolescents are heavily exposed to alcohol brand references in popular music, often associated with a luxury lifestyle. The researchers suggest that frequent exposure may contribute to early initiation and maintenance of substance use among adolescents.
Scripps Research scientists identify a new metabolic pathway for controlling brain inflammation, suggesting anti-inflammatory drugs with tissue-specific effects. Blocking enzyme MAGL reduces brain inflammation in mice, providing protection against conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers found that 2-deoxyglucose reduces tumor size in mice on either diet, while a carbohydrate-free diet led to greater tumor growth. This combination imposes energy stress on tumors and correlates with lower serum glucose levels.
Researchers find that the brain's responses to movies reveal a detailed code that is the same for all individuals. A new method called hyperalignment allows activity patterns in one individual's brain to be decoded by comparing them to patterns in other people's brains.
A partnership between Xavier University, Daughters of Charity Services and Children's Health Fund is bringing reliable healthcare to children with asthma in New Orleans. The program uses a unique approach to deliver evidence-based care through community health centers and mobile clinics.
Scientists at the University of California at Berkeley developed a technique to direct benign viruses to self-assemble into thin-film structures with complex properties. By controlling the physical environment, they created films with specific bending properties and guided cell growth, shedding light on biological tissue assembly in na...
Researchers identified three patterns in couples dealing with male depression: 'trading places,' where partners assume atypical roles; 'business as usual,' where couples downplay problems; and 'edgy tensions,' where resentment builds. The study underscores women's crucial role in helping men manage their depression.
New York University and University of Iowa biologists have identified a critical protein called Zelda that orchestrates gene networks in an exquisitely coordinated fashion. The researchers found that Zelda is essential for the proper order of gene interactions, leading to drastic changes in body plan formation if absent.
Studies of older adults reveal distinct immunologic patterns associated with physical and cognitive resilience, which could help identify individuals at risk for illness. The findings suggest that the immune system undergoes dynamic changes with age, influencing function.
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation reveals that women who undergo a kidney transplant can successfully carry a pregnancy with a live birth rate of 73.5%. However, pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and preterm delivery are common, especially among those pregnant within two years of the transplant.