A study published in Psychological Science found that individuals' happiness is influenced by the relative value of their experiences, rather than their absolute value. Those who received a 'better' outcome reported equal levels of happiness, while those who received a less desirable outcome still experienced increased happiness as the...
The FASEB MARC Program has conferred 28 awards totaling $46,200 to underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates at the 2011 ACSM Annual Meeting. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical and behavioral research.
Highly diverse reef fish systems are the most vulnerable to human threats, yet they produce a greater range of goods and services. The study found that these ecosystems do not saturate with additional species, and their biomass production is negatively impacted by increasing human density.
Concordia University's Calvin Kalman found that incorporating reflective writing into introductory science courses enhances students' conceptual understanding. Students who practiced reflective writing reported better grasp of key concepts and improved retention rates in the field.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have developed three new technologies to aid in stroke rehabilitation. The 'tactile' devices mimic everyday sensations, such as holding a hot cup of tea, to help patients regain movement in their arms and hands.
Researchers successfully demonstrated quantum behavior in molecules with over 400 atoms, resolving a key aspect of 'Schroedinger's cat.' The experiment used tailor-made organic molecules that can exist in a superposition of clearly distinguishable positions.
The Lancet NCD Action Group and the NCD Alliance recommend five priority interventions: reducing tobacco use, lowering salt intake, improving diets, reducing hazardous alcohol intake, and increasing access to essential drugs. These actions aim to reduce NCD death rates by 2% per year, avoiding an estimated 36 million deaths over 10 years.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced 37 travel award recipients for the 98th Annual Meeting of The American Association of Immunologists. These awards aim to promote diversity in biomedical research by supporting junior faculty and students from underrepresented minority groups.
Scientists and volunteers are working together to track the spread of a deadly amphibian fungus across the UK. The survey aims to identify the most at-risk species and develop strategies for conservation.
A Tel Aviv University study found that EKG screenings for young athletes do not prevent sudden death syndrome, contradicting mandatory screening laws. The study suggests that the screenings are costly and have limited effectiveness, with over 30,000 athletes needing to be screened to save one life.
A new study has identified a molecular switch, TBL1, that appears to be a common feature in the development of fatty liver disease. The discovery is consistent with data from human patients and suggests an underlying explanation for the condition.
New research from the University of Cincinnati shows that elevated levels of sodium can suppress social anxiety by inhibiting stress hormones in the body. The study found that rats exposed to high sodium levels responded less to stress and displayed reduced cardiovascular responses.
A new study suggests that males can learn to recognize subtle fertility signals in female rhesus macaques by spending more time with them. The research found that over 80% of males could distinguish between pictures of the same female's face during ovulation and before, indicating a possible key role for experience in reading others' m...
The research shows that bonobos have more developed circuitry for key nodes within the limbic system, which may be responsible for their social tolerance. In contrast, chimpanzees have better-developed visual system pathways, possibly linked to their tool-use skills.
Researchers have created a simple bench-top technique to harness the force of acoustical waves, enabling the creation of various 3D structures. This technology has the potential to become a platform technology for the creation of new materials with extensive flexibility in terms of periodicity and material variety.
A new study finds that shallow disk injection of manure is an effective way to reduce nutrient losses to the environment. This technique, which increases the incorporation of manure, reduces ammonia emissions and phosphorus runoff, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
Researchers are developing a new antidote to regenerate an enzyme that ages after exposure to deadly chemical warfare agents. Dr. Christopher Hadad is using supercomputers to test reagents for this treatment, which could provide complete recovery from severe muscle spasms and death.
A Purdue University study suggests that drought-exposed leaves may negatively impact soil nutrients by accumulating high levels of tannins. These tannins can interfere with critical enzymes in soil, potentially slowing down decomposition and nutrient cycling.
A recent NIH analysis found that over half of patients receiving opioid prescriptions in 2009 had filled another opioid prescription within the previous 30 days. The study also identified potential opportunities for intervention to reduce prescription opioid abuse, particularly among younger patients.
A massive pool of icy meltwater in the Arctic Ocean is growing, with potential to flood quickly into the Atlantic with unpredictable effects. The situation echoes concerns about future ocean circulation changes that could impact Europe's marine environment and climate.
Researchers have identified a new gene, SETDB1, that promotes the growth of melanoma and may play a role in up to 70 percent of malignant melanomas. The discovery was made using zebrafish and could lead to better therapeutic strategies for patients with melanoma.
The Rheos System, a device that regulates blood pressure like a pacemaker regulates heart rhythm, helped lower blood pressure by 33 points. This substantial drop could require up to five additional drugs to control difficult-to-treat hypertension in patients with resistant hypertension.
A study of beef 'trim' found US procedures for monitoring imported beef trim are adequate for detecting pathogens like E. coli. Researchers have since shared pathogen detection technologies with Uruguayan national laboratories.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a database of 2.6 million possible zeolite structures, which could improve catalytic applications and enable the discovery of new materials with unique properties. The database was created using computational methods and has been made publicly available.
The Amniochip technology uses microarray technology to detect genetic syndromes with a diagnostic resolution 100 times greater than conventional techniques. This reduces the waiting time for results to 48 hours, compared to three weeks with traditional methods.
A new joint research centre between Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Innovative Vector Control Consortium and Saudi Ministry of Health will focus on cutting-edge research for vector-borne disease control. The centre aims to develop innovative ways to monitor and evaluate insect-borne diseases.
The University of Oklahoma has acquired a new mobile radar to better understand tornadoes and their formation. The radar's dual-polarization capabilities will enable researchers to distinguish between raindrops and hail, and determine the size and shape of storm elements.
A longer-term follow-up of postmenopausal women who used estrogen therapy for 6 years found that the increased risk of stroke during treatment had dissipated, while the decreased risk of breast cancer persisted. The risk of hip fracture was not maintained during the postintervention phase.
Research shows that brief, high-intensity exercise is more beneficial than traditional endurance training for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in young people. The study found significant improvements in CVD risk factors after only 15% of the total exercise time.
New research reveals mangroves play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by storing vast amounts of carbon. The study found that mangrove destruction contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with potential impacts of up to 10% of global deforestation emissions.
A study found a five-fold increase in pediatric CT exams from 1995 to 2008, with abdominal pain being the leading complaint. The effective dose of radiation for abdominal CT is up to seven times that of head CT, highlighting concerns over cumulative lifetime exposure.
A study found that receiving higher prescribed doses of opioids is associated with an increased risk of opioid overdose death, but receiving both as-needed and regularly scheduled doses is not. The study included data on over 154,000 patients who received opioid therapy for pain.
Researchers found evidence that lice began to diversify before the mass extinction of dinosaurs, supporting the idea that major groups of birds and mammals were around before their extinction. The discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding the evolutionary history of these animals.
A cross-sectional study found that pneumococcal conjugate vaccination in the UK reduced invasive disease in vaccinated children, but increased carriage of non-vaccine serotypes. The replacement serotypes had lower invasiveness, resulting in a net reduction in IPD.
Researchers have developed inexpensive instruments to test building sealants in real-world conditions, simulating movement and environmental factors. This allows for more accurate prediction of sealant failure, addressing the challenge of fatigue caused by temperature-induced expansion and contraction.
Women who are obese during early pregnancy have a significantly increased risk of their baby dying before, during or up to one year after birth. Obesity also increases the risk of complications such as bleeding and infections during and after a hysterectomy operation.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have discovered a gene expression pattern in breast tissue that differs between post-menopausal women who had children and those who did not. This genomic signature may help scientists understand why pregnancy reduces breast cancer risk and develop chemopreventive strategies.
A study found that higher levels of the protein clusterin in blood are associated with increased prevalence and severity of Alzheimer's disease. However, clusterin levels do not predict the development of new AD cases or all-cause dementia.
Researchers found that death rates within 30 days of initial hospitalization dropped by half, and one-year mortality fell by 20.6%, among U.S. veterans age 80 or older hospitalized for heart failure from 1999 to 2008. Improved outcomes were seen in the 90+ age group, where 30-day and one-year death rates decreased by 11% and 26%, respe...
A multifaceted intervention improved clinical knowledge, skills, and practices in pediatric care among Kenyan hospital staff. The study found higher completion of admission tasks and guideline-recommended practices in intervention hospitals compared to control hospitals.
A McGill biologist's findings raise doubts about the Differential Adhesion Hypothesis, proposing that repulsive cues may drive tissue formation instead of adhesion. The study reveals a cycle of adhesion followed by repulsion at embryonic cell boundaries.
Dr. Mala S. Mahendroo will investigate biological mechanisms and causes of premature birth with a new $600,000 Burroughs Wellcome Fund grant. She aims to develop an imaging tool to assess collagen changes that precede preterm birth.
Vibrations in the inner ear persist even after a sound has stopped, potentially serving as a short-term memory of past stimuli. This phenomenon may help explain why some gaps between sounds are too brief to be perceived by the human ear.
A recent study found that even educators struggle to agree on the meanings of these terms, making it difficult to compare learning methods and provide accurate course previews. Researchers argue that a common understanding is crucial for evaluating best practices in student learning.
UCSD scientists create a new type of genetic tag visible under an electron microscope, allowing for detailed, three-dimensional images of individual cells. The modified protein, dubbed miniSOG, produces abundant singlet oxygen when exposed to blue light, enabling its visualization.
A brain imaging study found that meditation significantly reduced pain ratings and activity in the primary somatosensory cortex, an area crucial for creating the feeling of pain. Meditation also increased activity in areas including the anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula, and orbito-frontal cortex.
A recent study analyzed data from almost 2,000 coral reef locations worldwide to determine the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The research found that biomass production decreases with increasing human density, especially in more diverse ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found a novel drug combination that successfully treats advanced cancer patients. The temsirolimus-hydroxychloroquine combination was shown to halt tumor growth in two-thirds of patients, including those with melanoma, colorectal, and head and neck cancers.
A new study finds that vismodegib, a hedgehog pathway inhibitor, prevents the development of advanced basal cell carcinomas in patients with basal cell nevus syndrome. The treatment also shows promise for patients with an inherited predisposition to basal cell carcinoma.
A recent Penn study found that heart patients support discussions about ICD deactivation at the end of life and post-mortem donation for product improvement or reuse. Most patients want their ICDs deactivated in an end-of-life illness, and many support donating their devices to improve global health disparities.
Breast cancer survivors who experience extreme weight gain have an increased risk of death and cancer recurrence. Moderate weight gain did not affect breast cancer outcomes, according to a study presented at the AACR 102nd Annual Meeting.
A group of experts has identified 40 critical environmental questions to guide scientific research and inform natural resource management. These questions aim to balance economic, social, and ecological considerations, facilitating collaboration between researchers and policymakers.
A recent study suggests that estrogen-only hormone therapy may decrease the risk of breast cancer in women who have had a hysterectomy. However, experts caution against long-term use due to unknown consequences and conflicting evidence from previous studies.
A recent study published in Psychiatry Research found that 50% of patients with bipolar disorder experience work, social, or family disabilities. Factors associated with these disabilities include high recurrence of maniac episodes, recurrent psychiatric hospitalization, depression, and low educational levels.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have found a direct correlation between the expression of a key tumor suppressor protein and premature aging in mice. The study suggests that blocking cell proliferation induced by the p16 protein leads to features of premature aging, not just molecular damage.
A study published in Cell Metabolism identifies a previously underappreciated cellular fat storage depot controlled by sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2), which plays a crucial role in balancing cellular cholesterol levels and regulating autophagy.
A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that 40.3% of college students reported smoking tobacco from a hookah, while 17.4% were current users. Hookah smokers mistakenly believed it to be safer than cigarette smoking, with some even using hookahs as their first tobacco product.
A study published in PLOS Medicine analyzed whistleblower complaints related to 18 alleged cases of off-label marketing. The findings revealed common practices, including prescriber-related incentives and internal sales quotas, which can be challenging to regulate.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have found that Metformin treatment can decrease the invasiveness of endometrial cancer cells in women with PCOS. The study suggests that long-term use of Metformin may provide protection against endometrial cancer, a significant finding for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have developed a screen to identify proteins that work with histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases to repress gene expression. The method revealed 128 factors involved in regulating gene expression, potentially leading to broader cancer therapies
A University of Missouri study finds that students justify cheating with excuses like 'too hard to do' or 'severe illness'. Instructors can reduce cheating by communicating clear expectations and providing consistent enforcement, according to the researcher.
Mattress Firm has named Translational Genomics Research Institute as its charitable partner of choice to support globalCure's fight against pancreatic cancer. The company will donate $50 to globalCure for every Simmons Beautyrest dual floor sample sold nationwide, aiming to raise over $100,000.
A Purdue University biochemist has created a nanopolymer that can be coated with drugs and then removed to determine which proteins the drug has entered. This development may help reduce side effects associated with cancer drugs by allowing for more targeted drug delivery.
Rafael Davalos has developed a method to treat cancerous tumors using irreversible electroporation, achieving complete remission in a seven-year-old dog. He aims to explore its potential in treating other pathologies, such as cardiac arrhythmias and glioblastoma multiforme.
A new study from the British Journal of Social Psychology examines the impact of materialistic messages on women's feelings about their bodies. Women who focus more strongly on their appearance when materialistic values are highlighted are more vulnerable to negative body image.
A study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers suggests that activation of the beta-catenin oncogene is key to understanding why many women with HPV infection do not develop cervical cancer. The discovery could lead to new screening methods and therapeutic approaches, including targeting the Wnt pathway.
Scientists discovered minerals requiring liquid water for formation in comet Wild-2, shattering the current paradigm that comets are frozen in time. The discovery provides evidence of a warm water phase and puts an upper limit on temperatures encountered by the comet during its origin.
A recent study published by the American Association for Cancer Research found that consuming soy food did not increase the risk of cancer recurrence or death among breast cancer survivors. In fact, women who consumed more soy isoflavones had a reduced risk of mortality and cancer recurrence compared to those with lower intake levels.
Breast cancer survivors who experience large weight gain (10% or more over pre-diagnosis weight) are 14% more likely to experience a cancer recurrence compared to women whose weight remains stable. Researchers found that moderate weight gain does not affect breast cancer outcomes.
A study found that early menstruation (before age 10) increases the risk of lung complaints in adulthood, with southern European women being most affected. Women who started their periods earlier also tend to have lower lung capacity and higher body fat.
A new study reveals that Huntington's disease protein causes metabolic imbalances in the hypothalamus, leading to increased appetite and weight. The research provides evidence of a causal link between mutant huntingtin expression and metabolic dysfunction.
A new study found that long-term depression is associated with premature aging of immune cells, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to other illnesses. Researchers also discovered a link between telomere shortening and oxidative stress in depressed individuals.
Researchers found that thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and fibrates, commonly used to treat type-2 diabetes, may help counteract nicotine and alcohol addiction by activating specific receptors in the brain. These drugs stimulate PPAR-α and PPAR-γ receptors, reducing inflammation and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
Researchers investigated the association between bleeding and mortality in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) versus aspirin alone. The study shows patients with moderate or severe bleeding had a higher incidence of all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality.
A study by Kansas State University researchers found that producing eco-friendly diesel fuel from algae is technically feasible but economically unviable. The team's analysis revealed that scaling up algae production to meet demand would require a massive investment, surpassing the laws of physics and economics.
A systematic review and pooled analysis found that low-frequency HIV-1 drug resistance mutations are associated with a 2.3 times increased risk of virologic failure in treatment-naive adults, particularly those with NNRTI-resistant minority variants.
A study confirms that climate change is causing rapid environmental fluctuations, resulting in 'bluer' environments and higher extinction risks for animals. The research links temperature changes to population dynamics, with bluer populations indicating faster oscillations and lower extinction risks.
Researchers have mixed nanoparticles into heat-transfer oils to increase the efficiency of solar collectors. This could lead to significant revenue gains for solar power plants. The use of nanoparticles also has potential applications in filtering out pollutants from coal power plants.
The discovery of the SIRT3 protein's role in altering the nutrition of breast cancer cells has significant implications for cancer treatment. By identifying this protein as a 'guardian' of metabolism, researchers may develop targeted therapies to promote its activation and inhibit cancer growth.
A new study is planned to investigate the health effects of high lithium levels in drinking water on mothers and children in Andean villages. Researchers have found high levels of arsenic, lithium, and other substances in the drinking water and urine of women studied, which may pose a health risk.
Projections predict tsunami debris will spread out eastward, reaching Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in a year and US West Coast in three years. The debris will then enter the North Pacific Garbage Patch, where it will break into smaller pieces.
Scientists at UCSD and colleagues create a new type of genetic tag visible under electron microscopy, enabling detailed three-dimensional images of individual cells. The breakthrough enhances electron microscopy capabilities, allowing researchers to visualize proteins in unprecedented detail.
Researchers found that modern spinal fusion techniques do not cause significant damage to the spine just below the fused discs, contrary to previous beliefs. Patients who underwent surgery showed good functional scores, balance maintenance, and minimal lower back pain ten years post-operatively.
A recent study by University of Western Ontario researchers has identified a critical brain pathway responsible for the effects of cannabinoid drugs on emotional processing. The findings suggest that activating cannabinoid receptors in the amygdala region can significantly impact emotional information and memory processes.
A drastic shift in prescribing patterns has led to a fivefold increase in opioid addiction admissions, with prescriptions for hydrocodone and oxycodone accounting for 84.9% of opioid scripts. Experts recommend comprehensive training and public education to protect vulnerable populations.
A nutrient sensing pathway has been identified as responsible for disrupting cellular lipid homeostasis in obese and insulin-resistant mice. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs to slow or stop diabetes progression, as well as improve current treatments.
Fox Chase researchers identify retinoic acid as a promising therapy for early-stage breast cancer, inhibiting cell growth and proliferation. The study's findings suggest that the treatment may be effective in stopping tumor progression at its earliest stages.
A new study by Yale researchers found that states with insurance coverage for infertility have significantly lower multiple birth rates. The study analyzed assisted reproductive technology cycle data and found a reduction in twin and triplet births among younger women, leading to improved maternal-fetal health and economic savings.