A large-scale study by the University of Michigan found a link between phthalates and BPA exposure and decreased thyroid hormone levels in adults. The study suggests that exposure to these chemicals may have significant health implications, particularly for fetal and child development.
Researchers found that 4-month-old babies associated sounds with larger and smaller objects, indicating an early capacity for conceptual development. The study used nonsense syllables and visual stimuli to test the babies' perception of physical properties of speech.
A study by Understanding Society reveals that individuals with long-term debilitating physical illnesses exhibit similar mental well-being as those without such conditions. The research, based on data from 40,000 UK households, also shows that over half of those experiencing high levels of distress report positive overall mental health.
Researchers discovered a genetic switch controlling limb development in ancient fish, suggesting that the recipe for limb development is conserved across species. The discovery challenges previous findings and provides new insights into the evolution of limbs in tetrapods.
New research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea can cause changes in blood vessel function, reducing blood supply to the heart. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been shown to improve blood supply and function in study participants.
A comprehensive review of 172 research papers found a significant association between smoking during pregnancy and an increased risk of birth defects. Missing or deformed limbs, clubfoot, facial disorders, and gastrointestinal problems were among the most common malformations linked to maternal smoking.
A new study by University of Guelph researchers found that parents are just as likely as their teenagers to disclose personal information on Facebook. The study also revealed that both parents and teens share and show more about themselves than they might in other social settings, driven by psychological factors.
Researchers found that SUMO proteins can hinder the formation of insoluble protein clusters, a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that sumoylation, the process by which SUMO molecules attach to alpha-synuclein, may play a role in preventing protein aggregation.
A new study examining climate change impacts on plant and animal species finds that predictions are generally accurate, with many species already declining. The research covers a wide range of species worldwide and confirms human-induced climate change as a threat to global biodiversity.
A regional system for cooling cardiac arrest patients improved survival rates and neurological scores, according to a US-based study. The protocol, which was implemented across a network of hospitals and EMS departments, showed comparable outcomes between patients transferred within the network and those not.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have been awarded $32 million to establish two Programs of Excellence in Glycosciences. The programs aim to better understand the roles of sugars in molecular mechanisms of disease, particularly lung and heart diseases.
A long-term study found that students who understand numbers and low-level arithmetic in first grade have better success in learning mathematics through fifth grade. The researchers identified understanding the number line and basic facts as critical beginning-of-school math skills.
Researchers found that the threat of gossip suppressed selfish behavior, with people becoming substantially less selfish when their actions were public. The study suggests that the fear of being judged can lead to increased cooperation and generosity among group members.
Na Zhu, a PhD student at Wayne State University, has received the American Tinnitus Association Student Research Grant Program award. Her innovative 3D diagnostic system aims to pinpoint neural network activities in the brain's auditory structure.
Researchers found that fully photosynthetic orchids associate with specific fungal clades, not shared with other sympatric orchids, and depend on their symbionts for nutrition. The study used stable isotope analysis to assess how much of the organic carbon and nitrogen in orchid tissue was acquired from their fungal partners.
The Gladstone Institutes will explore the molecular basis of HIV latency and develop inhibitors against cellular proteins to potentially cure HIV-infected patients. The funding is part of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases' Martin Delaney Collaboratory initiative.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that cardiologists in the US are still performing late artery-opening procedures despite guideline changes. The study examined nearly 29,000 patients and showed no decline in monthly rates of late procedures from 2005 to 2008.
A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that stainless steel- and/or co-polyester lined-aluminum bottles did not release BPA, while aluminum bottles with epoxy-based resins showed variable contamination. However, boiling water increased BPA migration from epoxy-lined bottles.
A recent study published in Oecologia sheds light on the dispersal of marine fish larvae, crucial information for designing marine protected areas. Researchers found that larval fish traveled an average distance of 77 km from their home reef, with some traveling over 200 km.
Researchers identified PXR as a key protein sensing xenogens, which enhances cancer characteristics in human cells. Activation of PXR leads to colon cancer growth through FGF19 induction, suggesting environmental factors may influence tumor recurrence.
A recent study by UCLA found that nearly all patients with high-grade, non-invasive bladder cancer are not receiving comprehensive care recommended by the American Urology Association and National Comprehensive Cancer Network. This is critical as it can significantly minimize the likelihood of patient death from their cancer.
Research demonstrates that higher-protein meals lead to greater satiety throughout the day, reducing hunger and increasing fullness. Higher-protein diets are associated with reduced calorie consumption and support muscle maintenance, making them an essential component of a healthy meal pattern.
Researchers from Dartmouth used waist-mounted wireless mobile devices to track elderly patients' physical activity and social interactions, finding strong correlations with established questionnaires. The study suggests that automated inference of behavior using mobile devices could be a valid and feasible tool for older populations.
A history of psychiatric illness before TBI is strongly predictive of post-TBI psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric symptoms during the acute post-injury period and concurrent limb injuries also increase the risk of psychiatric illnesses.
Research from Psychology of Women Quarterly found that using incense or lighting a candle may increase racial tension among African-American women. The study suggests that certain coping strategies employed by these women may not be effective in alleviating stress.
The International AIDS Society announced six winners of prestigious scientific awards to be presented at the 6th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention. These awards recognize innovative HIV research throughout the world, highlighting the challenges faced by women and girls in the epidemic.
Researchers found that mice lacking fibrin showed dramatically decreased survival and increased bacterial loads during gram-negative sepsis. Fibrin helps protect bodies during infection, and its regulation may hold the key to preventing organ failure in sepsis patients.
A study of college athletes and non-athletes found that athletes tend to use marijuana for recreational purposes, whereas non-athletes often use it to cope with stress. However, male athletes who continued to use marijuana during their competitive season reported more anxiety and negative mood.
A team of international researchers has successfully sequenced the potato genome, revealing secrets of its tuber and potential for improvement. The study aims to accelerate efforts in improving potato varieties with desirable traits such as quality, yield, drought tolerance, and disease resistance.
A University of Toronto study found that female minorities experience racism more deeply than sexism, leading to personal rejection and emotional distress. The research highlights the unique impact of racism on women from diverse backgrounds.
Researchers from Virginia Tech and the Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium successfully sequenced the genome of a diploid potato variety, revealing approximately 39,000 protein coding genes. The study provides insights into the evolution of the potato tuber and its genetic variation.
Researchers from the University of Bologna have designed an automatic accident detection system that could reduce motorway pile-ups by up to 40 percent. The system uses peer-to-peer communication among cars to quickly share information and prevent accidents.
A new study published in INFORMS Journal found that online consumers are willing to pay a premium for purchases from vendors with clear and protective privacy policies. In an experimental study, participants were more likely to buy from high-privacy sites than low-privacy sites, with an average additional payment of $0.59 for batteries.
People with multiple sclerosis are at risk of poor bone health in the early stages of the disease, with 51% experiencing osteoporosis or osteopenia. Low vitamin D levels can lead to reduced calcium absorption and bone mineralization.
Researchers tested biofilter systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from old landfills, finding the radial design outperformed the vertical design in methane oxidation rates. The technology could significantly mitigate global warming impacts.
Researchers have created a new model to study germ cell tumors in testes by transplanting embryonic stem cells into mouse models. The resulting tumors mimic the early stages of tumor development and offer valuable insights into the genetic regulation of these cancers. This approach has potential applications for developing novel therap...
The University of California, Davis has signed an exclusive license agreement with Barobo, Inc. to commercialize the iMobot modular robot technology. The technology enables flexible and adaptable robots that can be reconfigured for various applications.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that addictive drugs may hijack the same nerve cells and connections as salt appetite in the brain. This could explain why addiction treatment with abstinence is so difficult, and offers new approaches to addiction research.
The Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium completed the genome sequence and analysis of the potato, revealing new insights into its evolutionary history and potential mechanisms for tuber initiation and development. BGI's bioinformatics expertise facilitated the annotation of 39,031 protein-coding genes.
Researchers found that patient outcomes improve when fracture clinics have a dedicated person to screen for and treat osteoporosis. The study also shows that testing and treatment within the program leads to better outcomes, rather than referring patients elsewhere.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine developed a new method for scoring illness severity in post-cardiac arrest patients, showing improved survival rates and neurologic outcomes. The study found that objective data available to clinicians during initial evaluation can better predict patient outcomes.
A four-year project aims to test CO2 injection methods and enhance coalbed methane recovery. The research is part of a larger DOE effort to develop safe and environmentally secure carbon dioxide storage practices.
Researchers found that genetically identical trees grew differently in response to drought conditions depending on their nursery origin. This study reveals a form of molecular 'memory' where trees retain information about their past experiences, influencing their behavior in the environment.
Researchers from the Broad Institute and Harvard identified genes essential for ovarian tumor growth, including PAX8, which is altered in nearly one-fifth of surveyed tumors. The study's findings have implications for cancer research, suggesting that classification based on genetic mutations may be more revealing than tissue origin.
A University of Cincinnati study found that successful correctional programs in Ohio reduced recidivism rates by 50% compared to unsuccessful ones, which increased rates by 32%. The research identified five key program characteristics: leadership, staff training, offender assessment, treatment components, and quality assurance.
Researchers found that domestic chickens have a significant preference for consonant sounds, which may be an innate auditory preference. This finding challenges the notion that aesthetic tastes are solely learned behaviors and highlights the importance of distinguishing among sounds in the natural environment.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered how cells create alternate versions of mRNA transcripts by altering how they read DNA. This leads to alternative forms of proteins, which can be used in different developmental stages or cell types.
Researchers identified a new gonorrhea strain, H041, with extreme resistance to cephalosporin-class antibiotics. This discovery poses a significant threat to public health as the last remaining effective treatments are no longer effective against the bacterium.
A study involving over 5,000 people with ankylosing spondylitis has identified three regions of the genome strongly associated with the condition. The findings suggest that a particular process in cells and genetic variants of ERAP1 interact to affect disease susceptibility.
Researchers have developed a method to predict whether someone will produce high levels of antibodies against a flu shot, allowing for the rapid development of vaccines and monitoring of suboptimal immune responses in vulnerable populations. The test uses gene activity data to identify predictive signatures with up to 90% accuracy.
Research at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that ant colonies with higher levels of aggression and behavioral variability are more productive, producing more offspring and biomass. This suggests that a division of labor based on individual personality traits may be the key to their ecological success.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have engineered nanomaterials that absorb and funnel light energy to specific locations. Inspired by nature's light harvesting antennas, these artificial molecules exhibit new properties with potential applications in fields such as electronics and photonics.
The UW-Madison team's expertise in cytogenetics helped analyze the potato genome's 12 chromosomes, revealing unique physical characteristics. This information is expected to speed up breeding projects and improve potato varieties globally.
Researchers found a rare case of non-parental infanticide in the black-billed magpie, where an adult bird attacked and killed nestlings. The suspected perpetrator was a female parent from a neighboring nest, due to aggressive interactions and territorial expansion.
New research reveals that climate change is negatively impacting the ocean's capacity to absorb human-produced carbon dioxide, with warmer water holding less carbon. This finding challenges previous studies and highlights the need for improved data sets and expanded analysis in other oceans.
Researchers found significant improvements in hip flexion (3.8 degrees) and internal rotation (9.3 degrees) after arthroscopic treatment for femoro-acetabular impingement, restoring range of motion across the joint.
A recent study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that 80% of NFL football players had vitamin D insufficiency. Players who suffered from muscle injuries had significantly lower levels of vitamin D, with African American players and those with injury-related time lost having particularly low levels.
Researchers found that de novo mutations, genetic errors present in patients but not their parents, are more common in schizophrenic patients. This discovery may help define how the disease results from these mutations and develop new treatments.
Researchers identified patients with high femoral anteversion who experience poor surgical outcomes for snapping psoas tendon treatment. This study suggests that releasing the psoas tendon in these patients may result in delayed return to activities and inferior outcomes.
Researchers discovered seven new genes linked to Ankylosing Spondylitis, bringing the total to thirteen known predisposing genes. The study also revealed an interaction between genetic mutations HLA-B27 and ERAP1, providing insight into the disease's cause.