A groundbreaking JHU study reveals that human brains are wired to recognize unlikely word orders in languages, confirming a long-held theory by Noam Chomsky. The research shows that learners' inherent biases influence what they will learn, and that knowledge of certain grammatical rules is hardwired into the brain from birth.
Astronomers at UC Berkeley are using the Green Bank radio telescope to search for signals from advanced civilizations on 86 Earth-like planets identified by Kepler. The team aims to detect signals that could be indicative of life, scanning a range of frequencies including the water hole, a canonical place to look for intentional signals.
Researchers used Facebook to accurately crowdsource data on a fish survey in the Cuyuni River. Almost every fish specimen was identified by experts within 24 hours. The successful crowdsourcing project has implications for future scientific studies.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that induced pluripotent stem cells could be rejected by the immune system, challenging their potential as a promising means to develop stem cell therapies. The study suggests that iPSCs are subject to some of the same problems of immune system rejection as embryonic stem cells.
The healthcare system will double the size of its cancer treatment facility in a new hospital, allowing more patients to receive care from more physicians. The remaining funds will support critical cancer research, bridging the gap between lab discoveries and patient therapies.
Yuribia Munoz, a senior in the department of Earth and atmospheric sciences at UH, recently earned fellowships through the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Merage Foundation for the American Dream. The $110,000 awards will support her graduate research in geology over the next three years.
Researchers found a single neuron that tracks activity of tens of thousands of neurons in an olfactory centre and feeds inhibition back to maintain sparse regime. The giant interneuron enables real-time population averaging, simplifying storage of odor representations in memory.
The ELIAS project has developed common agreed test methods and quantitative ageing models for semiconductor devices, improving product reliability and reducing failures. The project's simulation-based methodologies have also enabled the rapid introduction of new smart-power technologies with proven reliability.
Researchers found that Zaire ebolavirus replicates in pigs, causing disease and transmitting the virus to unexposed animals. Pigs with respiratory symptoms shed high viral loads, posing a risk of transmission to humans.
A recent meta-analysis suggests that elevated levels of cardiac troponin T or I following elective angioplasty are associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and long-term adverse events such as heart attack. Routine monitoring of these protein levels could improve long-term outcomes for patients.
Researchers found a relationship between discretionary heart failure admissions and higher readmission rates. Hospitalization after heart attack shows no correlation with readmission rates, contrary to expectations.
A four-year school intervention in Michigan improved middle school students' cholesterol levels and resting heart rates, reducing obesity-related health risks. The program goals included eating more fruits and vegetables, getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity, and spending less time in front of screens.
Pirfenidone reduces lung function decline in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients, showing a clinically meaningful benefit and favourable safety profile. The treatment has been approved for mild to moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Europe and shows promise for the estimated 100,000 people affected across the continent.
Recent Landsat satellite data captured by NASA and the USGS show extreme flooding of the Mississippi River around Memphis, Tenn., with a crest height of 47.87 feet, surpassing the second-highest record in 1937. The flood is expected to cause widespread damage and cost approximately $1 billion.
Researchers from NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell presented studies on the effectiveness of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, finding lower perioperative morbidity and improved oncologic outcomes compared to open and laparoscopic approaches. Additionally, they investigated the feasibility and safety of robot-assist...
Researchers analyzed genome sequences of two Aspergillus niger strains to improve biofuel production. They found unique genes in each strain that contribute to their characteristics, including high citric acid yields and efficient enzyme production.
A Spanish study reveals that livestock, particularly pigs and cattle, are prone to traffic accidents during transport, resulting in pain and stress. The study calls for specific protocols and emergency services training to deal with these incidents and improve animal welfare.
A study by North Carolina State University found that perceived media bias on specific issues can increase political engagement, while general bias may lead to apathy. Researchers discovered a direct link between biased views on stem cell research and increased political action.
Scientists have identified a class of naturally occurring bacteria that can strongly inhibit malaria-causing parasites in Anopheles mosquitoes. The study found that Enterobacter inhibits parasite growth by producing short-lived molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing malaria infection by 98-99%.
Researchers studied chiropractic manipulation and found that maximum chest compression during typical manipulations is unlikely to result in injury. The study's findings suggest safer manipulation procedures and reduced risk of adverse patient outcomes.
Researchers designed two new protein molecules that can target specific surfaces of flu virus molecules, blocking viral replication. The study's findings suggest the potential for novel antiviral therapies against multiple influenza subtypes.
Researchers create comprehensive maps of the moon's slopes and roughness, revealing insights into crater formation and volcanic activity. The study provides clues about the impact processes that shaped the moon's surface over billions of years.
A new study published in Neurobiology of Aging suggests that the pathological forms of amyloid beta and tau proteins may collude to decrease the survival of brain cells. This finding raises hopes for early markers and treatment strategies to combat the disease by targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.
MIT physicists have discovered a new physical phenomenon that can greatly enhance capacitance in transistors, which may lead to increased clock speed and reduced heat. The discovery, reported in the journal Science, challenges existing understanding of physics and has potential implications for computer chip design.
A new study explores the reasons behind grandparents' investment in their grandchildren, revealing that this behavior may be a relic of the past but still beneficial. Grandparents provide financial resources, emotional support, and care for their grandchildren, potentially contributing to improved child development.
Researchers found unhealthy substance use is a barrier to completing recommended preventive services, including mammograms and flu shots. The study suggests targeting individuals with substance use problems for tailored interventions to improve service adherence.
Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center presented studies on nutritional insufficiencies, including supplement use, folate and niacin levels, and artificial food dye effects. The studies aim to identify effective interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders and explore potential environmental factors.
A recent study by researchers at Seoul National University found that magpies can recognize individual humans, but only through visual cues. The birds showed aggressive responses to climbers and were able to distinguish them from non-climbers, suggesting a level of cognitive ability similar to that of domesticated animals.
Engineers at Asius Technologies create a device that seals the ear canal, boosting sound pressures and alleviating listener fatigue. The technology uses a sacrificial membrane to absorb pressure waves, protecting the ear drum and preventing over-activation of the acoustic reflex.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that aging brains have difficulty processing new information due to reduced input from the rest of the brain. This leads to confusion and a greater reliance on old memories, making it harder to recall recent events.