A new study reveals that students struggling with math may have a neurocognitive disorder called dyscalculia, which affects roughly the same number of people as dyslexia. The research uses magnetic resonance imaging to map the neural network supporting arithmetic and discovers abnormalities in this network among learners with dyscalculia.
Engineers at MIT validate the scratch test as a simple method to assess a material's fracture properties. By analyzing the force and dimensions of scratches, researchers can determine a material's toughness, making it a valuable tool for understanding how materials break.
Researchers studied sediment transfer from land to deep sea using LiDAR and cosmogenic radionuclide-derived erosion rates. They found that sediment fluxes influence landscape evolution and geochemical cycling. Additionally, unique sedimentary desiccation structures were discovered in Bahamian ooid grainstone.
Researchers used fMRI to identify how precision-tinted lenses work, finding that they normalize brain activity in patients with migraine headaches. The study showed a 70% improvement in symptoms compared to control lenses, suggesting a potential biomarker for identifying patients who may benefit from tinted lenses.
A new research study by UM Frost School of Music's Music Engineering Technology Group explores the potential of multi-touch surfaces in music performance. The study reveals a custom system that reduces latency to an average of 30 ms while providing programmable haptic feedback.
Researchers discovered that reindeer can see ultraviolet light, which helps them find food and avoid predators. This unique adaptation allows them to thrive in the harsh arctic environment where humans would be vulnerable to snow blindness.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified over 11,000 protein interaction networks that control gene regulation in human cells. These networks, which consist of thousands of multi-protein complexes, play a crucial role in regulating the expression of genes and producing proteins.
Researchers from the University of Granada have proven that music therapy combined with guided imagery reduces pain, depression, anxiety, and improves sleep among patients suffering from fibromyalgia. The study shows that these techniques enhance well-being and personal power, allowing patients to take part in their own treatment.
A study by Dutch researchers has found that a hormone level test can predict when women will reach menopause, enabling them to make informed decisions about family planning and career choices. The test uses Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels to determine an individual's predicted age of menopause.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a new fMRI technique that can distinguish between different mental states based on synchronized brain network activity. The study used a novel approach to capture brain activity in real-world, self-paced conditions, allowing for more accurate identification of brain states.
Two renowned physicists and a chemist will collaborate on cancer research at Rice's BioScience Research Collaborative. They plan to apply physical principles to understand complex biological systems and develop new approaches to treat cancer.
A Chinese study shows that HPV vaccine Gardasil does not increase disease flares or antibody measures in inactive SLE patients receiving stable medications. The study confirms the safety of Gardasil vaccination to prevent HPV infection in this population.
Engineers at Vanderbilt University created a 'spongy' silicon biosensor that detects small molecules with high sensitivity. The new sensor's porous structure increases its surface area, allowing it to capture more molecules than traditional sensors.
Researchers are developing targeted treatments for serious disabilities like autism and schizophrenia by studying gene regulation networks in the cerebellum. The goal is to identify key genes involved in brain development and develop new drugs and cognitive therapies.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are two times more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to healthy controls. The study controlling for risk factors like smoking and obesity found a significant association, suggesting a link between the two conditions
Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have developed an electrohydrodynamic (EHD)-based thermal control technology that promises to make it easier and more efficient to remove heat from small spaces. The technology, which uses electric fields to pump coolant through tiny ducts, could benefit a wide range of applications, in...
Advancements in telemedicine, medical robots, biomarkers, neural engineering, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine are transforming patient care. Five key areas of convergence will drive healthcare's future.
A new study published in Cephalalgia suggests that precision ophthalmic tints can suppress cortical activation in the brain, reducing migraine symptoms. The lenses significantly reduced discomfort when viewing stressful patterns, with a 70% reduction in distress.
A new study reveals that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can normalize behavior in mice models of bipolar disorder, reducing depressive symptoms and decreasing alcohol abuse. The researchers also found correlations between molecular changes and biomarkers, paving the way for targeted clinical studies in humans.
Researchers found that preharvest rainfall and firm fruit are key factors contributing to blueberry splitting. The study also showed that some cultivars, like 'Premier,' have a lower incidence of splitting than others, such as widely grown 'Tifblue.'
Researchers at the University of Maryland have identified a protein called HRG-3 that transports heme from the mother's intestine to her developing embryos in C. elegans. This finding could lead to new treatments for parasitic worm infections and iron deficiency, affecting over two billion people worldwide.
The new composites have a co-continuous structure, allowing for the combination of materials with different properties. This results in materials that are stiff, strong and tough, as well as damage-tolerant even when subjected to multiple cracks.
A small study on yoga in rheumatoid arthritis patients showed statistically significant improvements in disease activity scores, while another study demonstrated positive effects on the quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia. Yoga practice has been found to reduce anxiety levels and improve overall well-being.
A recent study published in Science argues against a widely publicized conclusion that bacteria consumed Deepwater Horizon methane, casting doubt on the attribution of low oxygen zones to methane oxidation. The researchers highlight uncertainties in methane discharge and oxygen depletion data, as well as limitations in the model used b...
Researchers discovered that babies as young as 12 months old can use their knowledge of basic rules to form expectations about new events. A computational model accurately predicts infants' surprise at unexpected events, suggesting they reason by mentally simulating possible scenarios.
A UCF scientist is part of a historic mission to retrieve the first-ever sample from an asteroid in orbit. The team will navigate unusual gravity fields and rotate quickly to land on the asteroid, collecting pristine space rock for insights into Earth's origins.
Researchers created functional neurons from human skin cells using four proteins, bypassing the creation of induced pluripotent stem cells. This advancement enables the study of neural diseases and development of more effective treatments and cures.
Researchers used the Jaguar supercomputer to simulate the interactions within carbon-14 nuclei and found that strong three-nucleon forces extend its decay. This discovery helps explain why carbon-14 is a useful tool for dating ancient objects.
Coastal communities can address localized ocean acidification hotspots by applying federal and state laws and policies at a local level, reducing the impact on marine environments.
Researchers found that cooperative bacteria can evolve behaviors that eliminate fitness advantages derived from cheating within social groups. The 'policing' mechanism allows cooperators to outcompete cheaters in mixed groups, but also strongly benefits cooperator cells in certain contexts.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund found that nearly half of young adults (45%) couldn't afford needed healthcare in 2010, with 40% struggling to pay medical bills. The Affordable Care Act is already making a difference, with over 600,000 young adults gaining new insurance coverage since 2010.
Researchers aim to create biological circuits using RNA molecules for the engineering of programmable genetic networks. They have successfully eliminated protein requirements and developed a system that can sense RNA input and synthesize output signals, performing logic operations and regulating multiple genes. This breakthrough has si...
The latest issue of Cell journal features QR codes connecting readers to author-narrated figure walks and hidden treasures of animated figures, videos, podcasts, and more. This innovative approach improves the reader's experience and conceptualization of scientific content.
The study found that countries such as Japan, Korea, Singapore and Pakistan are much tighter whereas countries such as the Ukraine, Israel, Brazil, and the U.S. are looser. Tight and loose societies vary in their institutions—with tight societies having more autocratic governments, media, and criminal justice systems.
Researchers have identified two gene classes associated with new prion formation in yeast, which may provide a genetic key to understanding neurodegenerative disorders like Creutzfeldt-Jakob and Huntington's disease. The study found that genes important for prion generation also increased toxicity in the presence of certain proteins.
A UK survey found variations in approaches to treating women with rheumatic conditions during pregnancy, with some clinicians continuing treatment while others discontinued it. Guidelines for managing this patient population are also lacking, with only 25% of rheumatologists and 6% of obstetricians having locally developed guidelines.
Typhoon Songda intensified into a super typhoon with wind speeds estimated at over 130 knots, causing heavy rainfall and rough seas in the Philippines and nearby regions. NASA's TRMM satellite captured detailed images of the storm's circular eye and rain bands.
Research emphasizes strengthening simple number concepts through specially-designed teaching schemes supported by adaptive software, aiming to help learners build basic understanding of arithmetic and tackle math difficulties.
Researchers at TGen found that naturally occurring plant compounds could slow down Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting a protein linked to memory loss. Harmine and other beta-carboline alkaloids show promise as therapeutic drugs, targeting tau phosphorylation and neurofibrillary tangles.
Chronic estrogen exposure has been linked to an increase in superoxide, a compound that causes stress in the body, leading to hypertension. Resveratrol has been shown to reverse this effect, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for female patients using hormone replacement therapy.
A study in C. elegans reveals that the tiny protein HRG-3 plays a crucial role in transporting heme to developing embryos and other parts of the worm's body. This finding holds promise for developing effective treatments against parasitic worms, which affect over a quarter of the world's population.
Researchers found that closely related species respond similarly to noise by tweaking their songs in different ways, with plumbeous vireos raising the pitch of their lowest note and grey vireos adjusting the highest part of their song. The study provides insight into how birds cope with increasing noise levels in their environments.
Researchers have identified a master gene controlling lysosome and autophagosome function, shedding light on rare genetic diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. The discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches for inherited conditions like Tay-Sachs and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found that folic acid supplements given to mother rats significantly protect their offspring from developing colorectal cancer. The research suggests that folic acid may have different effects on cancer development in different organs, and more studies are needed.
A study found that RA patients had lower seroprotection rates and seroconversion rates compared to healthy individuals after receiving the H1N1 vaccine. This highlights the need for specific immunization strategies for patients with rheumatoid arthritis in future flu pandemics.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology found that residents of the Stroke Belt, a southern region of the US, have a higher incidence of cognitive decline than other regions. The research team believes shared risk factors are to blame and suggests investigating regional patterns contributing to modifiable risk factors.
A new study developed by McGill Professor Roussos Dimitrakopoulos has created more accurate mine planning models that take into account uncertainty in the supply of minerals. This results in higher return on investment for mining companies while increasing metal production from the same asset.
A new UCLA study reveals that individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) exhibit abnormal brain activity when processing holistic visual elements, such as the overall shape of an object. This finding suggests that BDD patients have general abnormalities in visual processing, which may contribute to the development of the disorder.
Researchers found that a specific section of the AKAP12 gene responds to retinoid treatment, reducing vascular cell growth. The study suggests that this gene could be a target for treating vascular diseases and potentially other cancers.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women's risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can be identified up to seven years before pregnancy based on routine measures of blood sugar and body weight. The study revealed a strong correlation between adverse cardio-metabolic risk factors, including high blood sugar, hypertension, and bein...
Neurologix presents 1-year data from its Phase 2 study of NLX-P101, a gene therapy for Parkinson's disease, showing sustained improvements in motor symptoms. Patients treated with NLX-P101 experienced highly clinically meaningful symptom improvements, with a mean 37% improvement after one year.
A University of Toronto study found that formerly depressed patients' brain activity responses to sadness can predict future depression relapse. The research suggests that a frontal brain region's analysis and interpretation of sadness may perpetuate depression.
Austrian researchers have successfully implemented an algorithm for error correction in a quantum processor, enabling repetitive corrections. This achievement is a significant milestone towards developing practical quantum computers.
Research suggests that implementing landfill gas-recovery projects quickly can maximize methane gas retrieval from organic waste. Landfill gas (LFG) has the potential to be used as an alternative fuel, with half the caloric value of natural gas.
A two-year study reveals the daily habits of feral and free-roaming house cats, with some having surprisingly large territories. The owned cats had significantly smaller territories and were less active than the un-owned cats, which had to search harder for food to survive.
A UNC laboratory study shows that Tacrolimus, a commonly used organ transplant rejection medication, inhibits breast cancer growth by over 70 percent in pre-clinical studies. The drug works by blocking new blood vessel growth to tumors, a therapeutic strategy to inhibit tumor growth.
Researchers found that combined exposure to the three chemicals increases the risk of Parkinson's disease threefold. People who live and work near fields sprayed with these pesticides experience the greatest increase in risk.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that our brain uses multiple senses to understand spatial awareness, challenging the long-held assumption that sight is the primary trigger. The study's findings suggest that technologies can be developed to help the visually impaired through tactile means.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered that parts of the moon's interior contain as much water as the Earth's upper mantle. The presence of this water challenges the current theory of the moon's formation and strengthens the idea that the moon and Earth share a common origin.
A team of scientists from Brown University has detected an Earth-equivalent amount of water within the moon, rivaling the amount found in the Earth's upper mantle. The discovery was made through measurements of lunar melt inclusions and suggests that the Moon's formation theory may need to be reevaluated.
The study, published by Professor Bernard Schutz, demonstrates that an additional detector would more than double the detection rate of gravitational waves. The new network could detect around 370 events per year, increasing to 500 events after a few years of operation.
Research suggests that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current played a key role in the onset of ancient global cooling, with evidence pointing to its impact around 30 million years ago. This finding is significant as it places the development of the current's shallow circulation in the same interval when the climate began its long-term shif...
Scientists have discovered magma trapped within lunar crystals contain 100 times more water than earlier measurements, changing the prevailing theory about the Moon's origin. The findings could also shed light on the origin of water ice detected in craters at the lunar poles.
A new international study found that countries like Japan, Korea, and Singapore have strong social norms and low tolerance for deviation, while nations like Ukraine, Israel, and the US have weak social norms and high tolerance. Understanding these cultural differences can foster greater cross-cultural tolerance and understanding.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine successfully converted human skin cells into functional neurons in a period of four to five weeks. Adding a fourth transcription factor called NeuroD proved crucial for the transformation, generating electrical activity and integrating with mouse neurons.
A new study by Hagen Scherb and Kristina Voigt found a significant gender gap in human populations exposed to nuclear radiation, with increases in male births relative to female births. The study reveals a long-term, dose-dependent impact of radiation exposure on human sex odds.
Research suggests that aging lung cells are more susceptible to infection by pneumonia-causing bacteria, increasing the risk of community-acquired pneumonia. Controlling inflammation may hold the key to preventing this deadly disease in the elderly.
Researchers found that cancer cells induce oxidative stress in normal connective tissue to extract vital nutrients, accelerating aging and inflammation. This process can identify breast cancer patients at risk of metastasis and offers a potential therapeutic target via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs.
A CU-Boulder team will participate in the OSIRIS-REx mission, which aims to map and collect samples from a primitive asteroid. The mission is expected to provide insights into the formation of the solar system and potentially shed light on the origins of life.
Research published in Science finds that early ACC development impacted global climate, causing significant temperature differences between the equator and Antarctica. The study suggests that the ACC's formation led to the modern ocean structure and heat distribution system.
A pan-European study found gout prevalence highest in the UK and lowest in France, with lower quality of life scores and more comorbidities. New treatments like pegloticase demonstrated long-term efficacy and safety, with up to 90% complete resolution of tophi and improved patient-reported outcomes.
A research team at Arizona State University has developed a process that reprograms photosynthetic microbes to secrete high-energy fats, eliminating the need for costly additional processing steps. This breakthrough could make renewable biofuels more commercially viable.
Researchers have discovered the genetic basis for a key parasite function in malaria, revealing that parasites create feeding ion channels in blood cells using two distinct genes. This finding opens up new research directions, including the development of antimalarial drugs targeting these channels.
Research found that caffeine inhibits specialized pacemaker cells in the Fallopian tubes, which coordinate muscle contractions and egg movement. This discovery provides a possible explanation for why women with high caffeine consumption take longer to conceive.
A study of 1,030 patients with celiac disease found they were 4.5 times more likely to develop osteoporosis compared to healthy individuals. The bone mineral density loss was significantly pronounced in the lumbar spine but not the femoral neck.
The University of Nottingham's YouTube sensation, The Periodic Table of Videos (PTOV), has gained a global audience of over 15 million. PTOV's creators reveal their secret to internet success by embracing spontaneity and humanizing scientists.
The National Institutes of Health stopped a clinical trial studying the combination of high-dose niacin and statin treatment after 18 months, finding it did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. The trial involved 3,414 participants with heart disease and low HDL cholesterol, who were assigned to receive either high-dose niacin...
A study from Romania highlights the importance of traditional agriculture in protecting amphibians, finding that roads have a direct and indirect negative impact on their populations. Preserving traditional agricultural practices could be key to protecting these species in Central and Eastern Europe.
A study found that patients with Sjögren's syndrome are more likely to experience difficulty identifying and describing emotions (alexithymia), which is associated with poorer mental wellbeing. The inability to cry may also contribute to this issue, as patients rely on words and facial expressions instead of tears.