A study by University of Illinois professor Alejandro Lleras found that brief diversions from a task can dramatically improve one's ability to focus on that task for prolonged periods. The study tested participants' ability to focus on a repetitive computerized task under various conditions, and showed that taking brief mental breaks h...
A new study concludes that the air pollution control measures implemented in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games can significantly reduce lifetime lung cancer risk. If continued, these measures could lead to about 10,000 fewer lifetime cases of lung cancer.
A recent study revealed that more than one in three hospital patients are malnourished, with rates as high as 70% in residential aged care. Malnutrition increases hospital length of stay and health care costs. Experts call for better education and screening to address this issue.
A recent study published in PLoS Medicine found that Zimbabwe's HIV epidemic has declined dramatically, with the percentage of infected individuals dropping from 29% to 16% between 1997 and 2007. The researchers attribute this change to improved public awareness of AIDS deaths and a subsequent fear of infection.
A new study reveals that deaf people in Nicaragua who developed their own 'homesigns' language lack a complete understanding of numbers greater than three. The research suggests that language plays a vital role in learning mathematical concepts, including the value of large numbers.
Researchers predict nearly 1.3 million cancer deaths in Europe in 2011, with a 7% drop in men's death rates and a 6% decrease in women's mortality. The number of lung cancer deaths is increasing steadily, particularly among Polish and UK women, while breast cancer mortality falls.
A recent study proposes a new method for assessing the societal benefits of mandating more stringent food processing practices. Consumers were surveyed and found willing to pay $305 million annually for a 10% reduction in E. coli contamination, exceeding a previous USDA estimate of $446 million.
Two new studies provide definitive evidence that administering a naturally-occurring enzyme called oxolacetate can reduce glutamate levels and improve outcomes in stroke patients. High glutamate levels correlate with poor outcomes, while high oxolacetate levels are associated with better recovery.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a protective mechanism in Streptococcus pyogenes that could be exploited to create new antibiotics. The discovery reveals how the antitoxin blocks the toxin's activity, sparing the bacteria from self-destruction.
A new study by Robert Faris and Diane Felmlee found that popular adolescents are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior towards their peers. However, students at the top of the social hierarchy, along with those at the bottom, exhibit reduced levels of aggression.
A pharmacist-directed anticoagulation service improved the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in patients. Patients treated by the service responded to alternative anticoagulant drugs three times faster, and were 32% more likely to receive proper dosing.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of biological and chemical sensor using thin stripes of a gelatinous material called a hydrogel. The sensor is highly sensitive and can measure changes in pH smaller than one-1,000th on the scale, enabling environmental monitoring and glucose monitoring.
Researchers discover nematodes stick together like Cheerios in milk, but surprisingly don't gain mechanical advantage by grouping. This phenomenon sheds light on capillary forces in colloidal particles.
Researchers warn that wolverines' habitat is likely to warm dramatically due to climate change, threatening their survival. Snowpack that lasts through winter and well into spring is crucial for wolverine young, but projected warming could imperil their ability to adapt.
Researchers have discovered a link between a variation of the BDNF gene and Alzheimer's disease, with those carrying the gene more likely to exhibit thinner temporal lobe structures and disrupted neural connections. This breakthrough study could lead to early identification and intervention for the disease.
Researchers have created a novel technique to detect transiently folded protein structures in intrinsically disordered proteins, such as α-synuclein. This method enables scientists to study the mechanism of plaque formation in neurodegenerative disorders and potentially develop new ways to regulate these complex proteins.
Researchers identify two distinct neuronal signaling pathways activated by Imiquimod, a topical cream that treats skin diseases while inducing severe itching as a side effect. The study may lead to designing future drugs that effectively treat targeted conditions while blocking problematic itching and scratching.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that people are more likely to abandon a failing investment when they focus on their hopes and aspirations, rather than their duties and obligations. This suggests that changing one's mindset can help individuals make more rational decisions about continuing or ending a project.
A recent study by researchers at the University of California - San Diego suggests that medication education is a key factor in helping patients with diabetes stick to their drug treatment plans. Counseling opportunities can be more effective if pharmacists understand individual patient motivations and provide tailored advice.
Researchers have identified a protein that corrects errors in the brain's neuronal connections during development. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) helps eliminate incorrect connections, establishing proper specificity in the cerebellum and potentially contributing to neurological disorders like autism.
Researchers from the University of Granada and CSIC have made significant progress in understanding lipid membranes used in drug products and gene therapies. The study discovered how certain membranes can invert their surface electrostatic charge, allowing them to function as positive charges in specific circumstances.
Studies reveal marine ferromanganese crusts as potential mineral resources, while CO2 emissions from volcanic lakes are also highlighted. Additionally, progressive uplift of the north Tibetan Plateau is confirmed since the middle Miocene, with implications for geological processes and catastrophic events.
A study found that removing only the first lymph node (sentinel lymph node dissection) did not impact overall survival for women with early-stage breast cancer. The use of this method resulted in fewer complications compared to more extensive axillary lymph node dissection.
A study found that infants exposed to HIV at birth but not infected had lower antibody levels to diseases like pertussis, tetanus, and pneumococcus. This group is vulnerable to infections and has higher mortality rates compared to uninfected infants.
A $4.7 million grant from the USDA will strengthen K-12 education related to sustainable bioenergy production in northern Wisconsin. The POSOH project aims to connect researchers, educators, and students from diverse backgrounds to prepare rural youth for bioenergy- and sustainability-related careers.
A new study finds that popular adolescents, particularly those in the second tier of popularity, are more likely to engage in bullying behavior. The researchers argue that social status and aggression are linked, with students who occupy the center of the social hierarchy wielding power and potentially deterring retaliation.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found a direct correlation between elevated troponin and creatine phosphokinase levels and increased risk of death, even among those who initially recover well from CABG surgery.
Research from University of Warwick reveals prolonged sleep deprivation increases risk of strokes, heart attacks, and cardiovascular disorders, highlighting importance of getting 7 hours of sleep per night.
The use of second-generation antipsychotic medications in dementia patients began to decline significantly in 2003, years before a FDA 'black box' warning was issued. This drop in medication use is attributed to emerging understanding of the increased risk of diabetes and stroke associated with these medications.
A recent study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that lifestyle factors such as not smoking, moderate coffee consumption, and good socio-economic status have a significant impact on life expectancy. The study, which followed men born in 1913, showed that these factors can increase the chances of reaching age 90 by up ...
The FASEB MARC Program has selected two recipients to receive travel awards totaling $2,000 for their poster presentations at the 2011 ACSM Southeast Chapter Annual Meeting. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical and behavioral research by supporting underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates.
A case report published in Canadian Medical Association Journal details the probable transmission of a vaccine strain of yellow fever virus from an infected mother to her infant through breastfeeding. This supports current recommendations for lactating mothers to avoid vaccination with yellow fever vaccine.
A study published in Psychological Science found that women are more attracted to men when they're uncertain about how much he likes them. Women who were told the men liked them most or average were less attractive than those who didn't know their interest level.
Researchers at UC Davis School of Medicine found that children exposed to coal emissions for heating and cooking had shorter stature at 36 months compared to those in households using other fuels. The study notes that the difference is not large but indicates a possible influence on growth processes.
A new venue for imaging tests has been inaugurated for the PESA study, aiming to improve early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disorders. The research aims to identify risk factors and daily habits influencing atherosclerosis development.
A team of researchers at the University of Gothenburg has identified an enzyme called GGTase-I that, when blocked, can lead to chronic inflammation and joint destruction in mice. The study suggests that GGTase-I plays a crucial role in suppressing RAC1 activity, which is behind the development of inflammatory disorders.
A magnetic resonance scanner is being developed for airport security to detect explosives in liquids, a technology originally created to analyze wine quality. The system uses high-frequency radio waves to identify chemical structures, and has shown promise in early tests.
Researchers have discovered a genetic variation linked to lower neuropeptide Y levels, increasing stress sensitivity and emotional processing in key brain circuits. This finding may aid in identifying individuals at high risk of developing major depressive disorder, enabling targeted interventions.
Researchers propose cancer cells employ ancient genetic pathways, a 'toolkit' from 1 billion years ago, to evade control and develop resistance. This concept offers new hope for personalized medicine and potentially reveals clues about life's history.
A high-fat, high-sugar processed food diet in early childhood may lower IQ, while a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients may boost intelligence. Research based on over 14,000 children found a strong association between dietary patterns in childhood and IQ at age 8.
Researchers are studying the unique species Amborella to learn about the evolution of flowers and their characteristics, such as drought resistance and fruit maturity. The team hopes to gain insights into how flowers diversified over time and how they respond to global warming.
A study by Cornell University social scientists suggests that differences in resources and career choices rather than sex discrimination limit women's representation in STEM fields. The researchers found no systematic evidence of sex discrimination in hiring, funding, or evaluation when men and women had similar resources.
A new meta-analysis of over 20,000 patients shows that cannabis use is associated with an earlier onset of psychotic illness by up to 2.7 years, with possible life-long consequences for brain development and mental health outcomes.
Anthropologist Jane Desmond explores how Body Worlds exhibits tolerate the public display of human corpses, idealizing them as objects of scientific curiosity. The exhibitors promote the display as an advancement in anatomy studies, using de-emotional screens and depersonalization to create a universal experience.
Researchers at Princeton University used mathematical concepts to discover new drugs for HIV and other diseases by calculating physical properties of biological molecules. The technique identified several potential new drugs that were effective against strains of HIV, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
A team of scientists discovered remnants of a protein-chitin complex in Paleozoic-era arthropod fossils, which could revolutionize our understanding of organic fossilization. The findings were made possible by advanced analytical instruments and suggest that the complex may play a critical role in preserving fossils.
Researchers have developed a new method for treating genetic diseases using modified mRNAs, which can be administered repeatedly without increasing the risk of cancer or severe immune reactions. In mouse models, this technique successfully restored lung function in mice with a congenital lung defect.
Research finds men and women with contact to criminal justice system have higher rate of suicide compared to general population, even without imprisonment or guilty verdict. Exposure to the justice system is independently associated with elevated suicide risk, particularly among younger individuals with violent charges.
Research on grizzly bears reveals a complex series of changes in their hearts as they hibernate, including the adaptation of a protein called myosin heavy chain. The left atrium produces more alpha protein, resulting in a weaker beat, to prevent damage from pushing against the stiffened ventricle.
A study of 1,133 children in the Czech Republic found that indoor coal use was associated with a half-inch shorter height at age 36 months compared to households using other fuel sources. Exposure to coal smoke may also impair growth through mechanisms such as endocrine disruptors.
The economic burden of dengue fever in the Western Hemisphere surpasses other viral illnesses, with estimated annual costs of $2.1 billion. Direct and indirect costs include ambulatory care, hospitalization, productivity losses, and government expenditures.
Researchers found that hematopoietic stem cells can shift between rapidly dividing and dormant states, suggesting a more equal sharing of blood cell production burden. This adaptability allows cells to respond quickly to life-threatening situations, such as bacterial infections.
Neutron analysis reveals that magnetic interactions responsible for high-temperature superconductivity occur in a next-nearest-neighbor ordering of atoms, not just adjacent ones. This discovery suggests that superconductivity shares a common magnetic origin among different materials.
Frank Millero, a leading expert in marine geochemistry, has been awarded the prestigious V.M. Goldschmidt Award for his major achievements in the field. His research focuses on understanding biogeochemical processes and the global carbon dioxide cycle in the world's oceans.
A systematic review of international evidence found that up to three-quarters of hospital tests are not followed up after discharge, posing serious safety implications for patients.
The FASEB MARC Program has awarded 5 travel grants to promote diversity in biomedical research, totaling $8,250. The awards recognize underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates participating in ABRF 2011.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University are studying the neurological functioning of cockroaches to design more efficient robots with compact builds. The insects' stable tripod gate movement and ability to adapt to terrain inspire robotics engineers to create faster and more robust robots for future space exploration.
A meta-analysis of 83 studies suggests that cannabis users develop psychosis about 2.7 years younger than non-users. The study supports the view that cannabis precipitates schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, potentially through genetic and environmental interactions or disrupting brain development.
Scientists have discovered how chocolate boosts the body's production of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), also known as 'good' cholesterol. By enhancing the activity of proteins that attach to genetic material, polyphenols in cocoa increase ApoA1 levels and decrease ApoB levels, leading to improved heart health.
Kinship caregivers often lack support services and resources, despite providing care to vulnerable children. The study found that kinship caregivers are more likely to experience lower socioeconomic status, yet receive fewer financial and training support compared to foster parents.