Researchers found that rapid growth and wrinkling at the periphery of petals create stress within the bud, forcing it to open. This contradicts earlier theories about flower blooming, but supports a theory proposed by German literary master Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
A recent survey of over 22,000 individuals found that those with higher education levels are more willing to pay for environmentally-friendly products, but less likely to make small changes to their daily habits.
Research suggests that prayer can help people cope with their anger by changing how they view a negative situation and taking it less personally. The benefits of prayer do not rely on divine intervention.
A US study found that adolescent girls and young women living in high socioeconomic neighborhoods are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma. The incidence of melanoma increased over time among these groups, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
Research reveals prenatal exposure to nicotine increases vulnerability to nicotine self-administration in adolescent mice, making them more likely to start smoking and susceptible to addictive effects. The study supports the hypothesis that adolescents with prenatal nicotine exposure are more prone to nicotine addiction.
A recent study published in Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery found that periocular treatment significantly improved overall quality of life for patients with facial paralysis. The treatment also reduced symptoms of dryness and irritation around the eyes.
The DSF Charitable Foundation has given a $3.9 million grant to Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST) to develop novel biomedical tools for monitoring and manipulating gene expression. The grant will support the development of peptide nucleic acids, synthetic analogs of DNA and RNA with ex...
Scientists at Notre Dame and Cornell have made a breakthrough in understanding the genetic disorder Niemann-Pick Type C, which affects brain cells and causes devastating symptoms. Using histone deacetylase inhibitors, researchers were able to correct the damage done by the genetic flaw and restore normal cell function.
Children with chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) experience changes in their sense of taste, which may be related to childhood obesity. Researchers found that the taste thresholds of sweet and salty tastes were elevated for children in the COME group.
A Monash University study has found a direct link between time lived with obesity and the risk of mortality. Participants who experienced medium to long durations of obesity had significantly higher mortality rates compared to those who were never obese.
Researchers deciphered a molecular code that regulates brain channel protein activity, modulating neuronal excitability. SNX27 distinguishes GIRK channels from similar proteins, targeting them for destruction and affecting substance abuse behaviors.
A Canadian study published in CMAJ found that avalanche victims buried in Canada died significantly quicker than those buried in Switzerland. The study analyzed data from 301 Canadian and 946 Swiss records of completely buried avalanche victims between 1980 and 2005.
The Philippine Foundation was awarded a grant to establish an innovative bone health awareness program, promoting healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits to prevent osteoporosis. The program aims to raise awareness and make a real difference in communities, with a focus on education and community engagement.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a significant increase in men undergoing cosmetic procedures, with over 1.1 million procedures performed in 2010. Facelifts and other surgical procedures saw substantial growth, bucking the trend of minimally-invasive treatments.
A study conducted in Sri Lanka found that a polypill, which combines multiple medications into one dose, was well-tolerated and accepted by both patients and doctors. The trial showed significant reductions in cardiovascular disease risk factors, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Researchers have reanalyzed Stanley Miller's 1958 'primordial soup' samples and found a diverse array of organic compounds, including sulfur amino acids. The discovery supports the hypothesis that volcanoes and lightning played a key role in creating the building blocks of life on Earth.
The genome sequence of Daphnia pulex, a small freshwater crustacean, has revealed neurotrophins that suggest the nervous system of crustaceans is more complex than previously believed. This finding may have implications for understanding the impact of climate change on crustacean behavior.
The North Carolina State University Engineering Entrepreneurs Program (EEP) has been successful in producing results, with alumni 73% more likely to start a new company and 23% more likely to create new products and services. The program focuses on learning by doing, encouraging students to form their own start-up companies and develop...
A rigorous bioinformatic analysis of the strengths and limitations of a screening protocol method recommended by the federal government was conducted, leading to the development of GenoTHREAT. The software tool helps detect the use of synthetic DNA as bioterrorism agents and is being released in an open-source format.
A new DNA study by University of Gothenburg researchers has uncovered over 120 previously unknown bryozoan species in Swedish waters, including a completely new species. The findings shed light on the evolution and relationships of these nearly invisible animals, which are found in marine and freshwater environments.
Researchers are exploring ways to use distributed energy sources, such as wind turbines, to avoid cascading failures in power grids. The team plans to test their approach using the university's wind turbine and four other wind turbines installed at the Riley County Public Works Facility.
Researchers developed a breakthrough sensor using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) that boosts faint signals, allowing identification of substances based on reflected light color. The chip's design features uniform rows of tiny pillars made of metals and insulators, significantly boosting the Raman signal.
A study of 82 patients found gastric banding resulted in a mean excess weight loss of 42.8%, with 40% experiencing major complications and nearly half requiring band removal, despite a 60.3% patient satisfaction rate.
Brown University researcher Robert Reenan has created mutant fruit flies that mimic human epilepsy, with the goal of finding genes that can suppress seizures. By using a unique technique called homologous recombination, Reenan hopes to induce mutations in the flies that may lead to a genetic cure for epilepsy.
Researchers used image-analysis methods to analyze microcinematic movies of bacteria forming aggregates, revealing that size matters most in predicting survival. The team found a signaling mechanism within the aggregate itself that trumps neighbor-related factors, contradicting existing theories.
A study found nearly one-third of pediatric cochlear implant recipients passed newborn screening but were diagnosed later with hearing loss. Children who failed screenings were diagnosed and implanted earlier than those who passed or weren
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that coupling electronic prescription drug ordering systems with computerized adverse event reporting dramatically reduced medication errors in a psychiatric unit from 27.89 to 3.43 per 1,000 patient days over four years. The system's integration of decision support and safety net tools furth...
A study published in CMAJ found that elderly patients taking combination ACE inhibitors and ARBs had a higher risk of kidney failure and death. The researchers observed that most patients stopped the combination therapy within three months due to low blood pressure.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a templated growth technique to produce graphene nanoribbons with metallic properties, addressing the challenge of connecting graphene devices. The narrow ribbons can conduct current with minimal resistance, making them ideal for quantum devices.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that people can use comfort food as a social surrogate to combat loneliness. Participants who wrote about eating a comfort food reported reduced feelings of loneliness compared to those who wrote about an unfamiliar food.
A study published in Education found that Transcendental Meditation improved math and English academic achievement in low-performing students. Meditating students showed significant increases in scale scores and performance level scores compared to non-meditating controls.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a single, stationary lens to create 3D images of microscopic objects from nine different angles. The freeform lens, made from thermoplastic material, enables miniaturized products with reduced equipment needs and improved precision.
A new study reveals that people who experience flooding are more likely to perceive climate change as a pressing issue and take action to reduce their energy use. The research found that direct experience of extreme weather events can increase concern about climate change and willingness to engage in energy-saving behavior.
New research suggests that ancient trash mounds, or middens, left behind by prehistoric humans may be responsible for the formation of tree islands in the Florida Everglades. These elevated areas allowed trees to grow and provided a habitat for wildlife. Human disturbance is now threatening the existence of these unique ecosystems.
Jason Julian, a University of Oklahoma geography professor, has been awarded a Fulbright fellowship to research the impact of land use changes on optical water quality in New Zealand rivers. His study will explore connections between landscape characteristics, land use, and water clarity over the past 20 years.
A new study found that primary care doctors are less likely to refer short girls for diagnostic testing compared to boys, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Girls with growth faltering may go undiagnosed or be diagnosed later than boys, particularly those with Turner syndrome, a genetic condition that affects height.
Researchers at WashU Medicine successfully grew and manipulated human intestinal microbes, identifying new probiotics and exploring microbe transplants as a treatment for obesity and diseases. The study provides a pipeline for manipulating diverse microbial communities from people of different ages and cultures.
Researchers examine if lowering blood pressure reduces kidney disease progression in a federally funded study. About half of the 100 patients will have their systolic pressure below 120 to measure its impact.
Researchers have developed a new battery structure that allows for faster charging and discharging without sacrificing energy storage capacity. This innovation could enable phones to charge in seconds and laptops to charge in minutes, while also improving performance in electric vehicles and medical devices.
Researchers found that fish exposed to speargun fishing are wary and keep their distance, fleeing earlier than those in protected zones. In some cases, the flight distance increased by 2.6 meters, putting them beyond spear range.
A new study finds that ethnicity, depression, lack of exercise and social support are major risk factors for CFS. Moderate exercise halves the risk, while social status and cultural background play a significant role.
The IOF-AMGEN/GSK Health Professionals Awareness Grants aim to improve knowledge of osteoporosis among clinicians and allied health professionals. The three grants support innovative projects by IOF member societies that focus on improving knowledge and diagnosis of osteoporosis.
A new synchrotron-based imaging technique provides high-resolution pictures of tissue molecular composition with unprecedented speed and quality. The IRENI facility cuts imaging time from hours to minutes while quadrupling sample size range, revealing detailed structure and chemistry.
Researchers found that levels of five amino acids, including isoleucine and leucine, can signal future disease risk and indicate candidates for preventive measures. The study used metabolite measurements to identify individuals at elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have created an organic nanoparticle that uses sound and heat to target tumors, offering a promising new approach to cancer treatment. The nanoparticle's ability to absorb light and accumulate in tumors makes it ideal for photothermal therapy.
Tiny LNA-based compounds developed by Santaris Pharma A/S successfully inhibit entire microRNA families, targeting cancer, viral infections, and cardiovascular diseases. The high affinity and target specificity of these compounds enable functional inhibition without off-target effects.
Researchers discovered a novel regulatory role for lincRNA in determining cell protein selection and identity. The study identifies HOTTIP as a molecule that marks key genes as 'open for business,' allowing cells to maintain their characteristic patterns.
A new study by Cardiff University and Ipsos-MORI found that direct experience of extreme weather events like flooding can significantly affect people's perceptions of climate change. As a result, individuals who have experienced flooding are more prepared to take personal action and reduce their energy use.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered that mutant prions can aid cells in overcoming harmful protein misfolding, a process thought to be catastrophic. The findings suggest that targeted interventions at various stages of the misfolding process can enable cells to overcome the problem.
Biologists from University of Texas at Austin suggest focusing on interactions between climate change and human activities like air pollution, invasive species, and habitat fragmentation. Local factors like host plant competition and water pollution are critical in understanding species decline.
A study of nearly 800 severely mentally ill patients found two-thirds were overweight or obese, and a disproportionate number suffered from diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and raised cholesterol. Life expectancy for these patients is reduced by up to 25 years, with cardiovascular disease being the major cause of death.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found a cascade of signaling molecules that allow brief signals to last for tens of minutes, forming stronger connections in the brain. This discovery could lead to new insights into diseases like Alzheimer's and autism.
A large randomized trial found that preventive antibiotic use significantly reduces the risk of infection with highly resistant microorganisms in intensive care patients. Patients treated with selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) were 59% less likely to develop bacteraemia and 38% less likely to colonize respiratory tracts.
The Association 'Women without Osteoporosis' of Bulgaria has received the 2011 IOF Linda Edwards Memorial Award for its outstanding campaigns to increase awareness, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis. The award recognizes the organization's efforts to improve care for patients and its dedication to raising osteoporosis awareness.
Research reveals that Red Nose Day's success lies in its ability to harness public enthusiasm, but major appeals do not contribute to long-term charity giving. Household donations have increased over the past two decades, with 28% of households donating in 2008 compared to 32% in 1978.
Researchers developed biodegradable tooth-binding micelles that effectively bind to teeth and inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a primary cause of tooth decay. These micelles showed promising results in reducing biofilm formation on hydroxyapatite particles.
Researchers compared two pulp extraction techniques on dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) quality and quantity. The study found that the second technique resulted in higher stem cell integrity, growth rate, and quality, while also improving quantity.
The Government of Canada has announced a breakthrough in producing an affordable and reliable malaria treatment, expected to treat 200 million cases and prevent over one million deaths annually. The new technology is the result of a public-private partnership led by OneWorld Health and will be made available on a not-for-profit basis.
Researchers have revealed a new single-stage method for recharging the hydrogen storage compound ammonia borane, enabling the potential use of hydrogen in vehicles. This breakthrough could reduce the expense and complexity of the recycle stage, making hydrogen a more attractive fuel option.
Researchers have discovered a unique antibody from llamas that can interfere with the toxins produced by Clostridium difficile, a health problem affecting hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide. This discovery promises to provide a much-needed alternative treatment option for this increasing healthcare problem.