A 120 million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil found in Australia shows healed bite wounds, suggesting the creature survived an attack from another member of its species. The discovery provides insights into the social behaviors of ancient sea creatures during the time of dinosaurs.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that ancestral genetic heritage is not fixed at the individual level for African-American and Hispanic patients, but rather varies widely within each group. This research challenges traditional ethnic labels and highlights the importance of considering individual genotypes in personalized medi...
Penn State's Childhood Obesity Prevention Graduate Training Program aims to reduce child obesity rates through comprehensive training in ingestive behavior, nutrition education, and research methods. The five-year grant will support nine graduate students and provide on-the-job training in four career areas.
A group of prominent social scientists weigh in on topics such as the future of African American studies and intra-minority group relations. The authors explore how racial minorities will react to demographic shifts, with some finding that a separate line of research suggests distinct racial minority groups may react differently.
A study of over 6.6 million California births from 1990 to 2002 found that children conceived in winter had a significantly greater risk of autism. The risk increased progressively throughout the fall and winter months, with the highest risk seen in March.
A recent publication by Dirk Helbing and Santo Fortunato shows that innovations can overcome the rich-gets-richer dynamics in scientific achievements through the boost factor, identifying landmark papers with sharp peaks. This finding suggests that science undergoes phase transitions, where sudden systemic shifts occur, and citation av...
A group of US biology educators advocates for better coordination of research efforts at undergraduate institutions to produce transformative contributions cost-effectively. Undergraduates can conduct high-quality research with close supervision, expanding the scope of studies conducted at these institutions.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health conducted a comprehensive study finding no evidence of XMRV in CFS patients or healthy controls. The study's results contradict previous findings that linked the retrovirus to CFS, and experts emphasize the need for further research into potential infectious agents associated with the disease.
A new study finds that MDCT arthrography is more accurate than MR arthrography in detecting labro-ligamentous injuries, glenoid cartilage lesions, and Hill-Sachs fractures related to anterior shoulder instability. The imaging modality also shows high sensitivity for identifying glenoid rim fractures.
A novel vaccine technology using genetically engineered tobacco and lettuce plants could revolutionize the production of vaccines. The new method is expected to be more effective, safer, and cheaper than current methods, making it potentially life-saving for people in developing countries.
A recent study published in Gastroenterology highlights the increased risk of gastrointestinal complications in childhood cancer survivors after therapy. Risks for colostomy/ileostomy, cirrhosis or liver biopsy were highest among older patients and those exposed to abdominal radiation or certain chemotherapy treatments.
The 3D TESTBENCH project aims to overcome complexity in software-intensive systems by developing an adaptive tool for the integrating phase. The system, featuring a 3D wall display, highlights potential conflicts and optimizes workflows for collaborative engineering environments.
Research published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery suggests that taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy may reduce the risk of developing cerebral aneurysms. The study found that women with cerebral aneurysms were less likely to have taken these medications and had an earlier average age of menopause.
The new PaperPhone prototype boasts a flexible iPhone-like design, allowing users to interact with it by bending or flipping corners. This invention heralds a paperless office era, where lightweight and thin-film computers replace traditional devices, offering a power-efficient and interactive experience.
Research finds that women with heart failure who suppress their emotions tend to have higher symptoms of depression and anxiety, even with knowledge about their illness. This suggests that clinicians should consider individual coping styles when educating patients about their condition.
A recent study by nurse researchers found that 29% of overweight and obese individuals reported exercising for six months, while 39% regularly exercised. The study suggests that just because someone is overweight does not mean they are not exercising or considering it.
A recent study by researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of Valencia found that regional leaders in Spain have less experience in central government compared to their counterparts in France and the UK. This trend has significant implications for decentralization and its impact on citizens.
A new study found that Latinas who endure domestic violence during or within a year of pregnancy are five times more likely to experience postpartum depression. The researchers suggest that recent exposure to intimate partner violence is a stronger predictor of postpartum depression than prenatal depression.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine identified the role of nitric oxide in protecting the heart from injury. Exercise boosts levels of an enzyme that produces nitric oxide, which is stored in the bloodstream and heart as nitrite and nitrosothiols.
Researchers recommend a community-centered model that improves existing school practices and partners with schools to evaluate innovative solutions. This approach acknowledges the unique context of each school and prioritizes collaboration over evidence-based practices.
A study by researchers from University of British Columbia found a strong relationship between depressive symptoms and functional limitations in older married couples. The study, which tracked over 1,700 couples for 15 years, suggests that spouses have a significant impact on each other's health.
The EU Future Emerging Technology flagship pilot aims to bring together a large European research community to develop graphene science and technology. The coordination action will pave the way for a 10-year, €1 billion research program.
The number of children dying a violent death has fallen by nearly 90% since 1974, according to analysis of national mortality data. The decline is attributed to improved child protection services, with reductions in family violence and neglect in infancy and early childhood.
New policy proposals aim to reduce toxic chemical exposure and subsequent burden of disease on children, with estimated annual costs of $76.6 billion. The studies also found a statistically significant association between air pollution and infectious respiratory illness in children.
A University of Alberta study found that submandibular gland transfer helps prevent radiation-induced dry mouth in cancer patients. The procedure improved speech but made swallowing more difficult, leading to nutritional issues and decreased quality of life.
A UK survey found that adults with autism were rarely aware they had the condition, with prevalence higher in males and lower educated individuals. The study suggests that changes in diagnosis methods may be responsible for recent increases in reported cases.
Researchers at Caltech have found a specific brain region, the dorsal striatum, to be involved in reinforcement-learning behaviors and the gambler's fallacy. This discovery provides insight into how people make decisions in real-world situations.
A new study shows that susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a powerful tool for characterizing infarctions in patients earlier, directing more prompt treatment. SWI detected thromboemboli in 30 patients out of 35 with thromboembolic infarctions, improving the classification of cerebral infarctions.
New research suggests that caffeine is a rich source of antioxidants in the diet, helping protect against diseases like Alzheimer's and heart disease. The study provides detailed calculations on how caffeine interacts with free radicals, bolstering evidence for its healthful antioxidant effects.
A new study found that schools in areas with high industrial air pollution levels had lower attendance rates and higher failure rates on standardized tests. Minority students were disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for environmental justice measures to protect children's health.
Heparan sulfate on human cells modifies growth factor proteins' connection to cell surfaces. The structure and interaction of heparan sulfate chains with growth factors determine normal cell growth.
The University Health System increased flu vaccinations rates from 59 percent to 77 percent through interventions including vaccine kits, educational conferences and a dashboard to track vaccination rates. The effort led to the hospital surpassing national average for healthcare worker vaccination rates.
Researchers identified a regulatory protein that inhibits cancer cell spread by removing an invasive enzyme. This enzyme degrades surrounding tissues, facilitating cancer metastasis. The discovery may lead to more targeted therapies with specific inhibitory functions.
A new study finds that depressed individuals perform better than non-depressed peers in sequential decision tasks, approximating an optimal strategy more closely. This discovery provides evidence that clinical depression may carry some benefits, which could help uncover its evolutionary roots and open avenues for treatment.
Research suggests that a balanced diet with mono- and polyunsaturated fats can improve cardiac function in patients with heart failure. By providing sufficient energy to the heart, a damaged heart can maintain its normal metabolic profile and utilize its preferred energy source.
Researchers found that PTPe inhibits certain molecules, dampening the leptin signal and reducing appetite and increasing physical activity. The discovery suggests that inhibiting PTPe might help reestablish the leptin response in obese humans with leptin insensitivity.
The study reveals that the brain's amygdala plays a key role in triggering an automatic reaction to unfairness, even when rational thinking suggests otherwise. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of human behavior and decision-making processes.
Researchers urge the EPA to partner with academic institutions to test and evaluate the risks of high-priority chemicals, prioritizing those that pose a risk to children's health. The authors also propose reforms to the Toxic Substances Control Act to improve chemical policy and reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals.
New research report shows dramatic changes in Arctic climate, including thawing permafrost and reduced snow cover. The carbon stored in permafrost is estimated to be double the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today.
The study found that the private market for TB drugs is substantial and poses a significant risk of drug misuse and resistance. In many countries, private sector sales account for nearly equal amounts of treatment as the public sector, but often exceed international guidelines.
A new blood test has been developed to diagnose Alzheimer's disease at an early stage using biochemical analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) production. The test was able to accurately detect the disease with small samples of blood and differentiate it from other types of dementia.
A recent study found that low-dose chest CT is effective in reducing radiation doses for evaluating cardiothoracic surgery patients. The study, conducted at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center, demonstrated a 42% reduction in radiation dose compared to traditional methods.
A Northwestern University study found that people who go to bed late and sleep in eat more fast food, fewer fruits and vegetables, and weigh more than those with earlier sleep times. The extra calories consumed can lead to significant weight gain if not balanced by physical activity.
Increased peripheral arterial disease (PAD) screening is correlated with substantial growth in PAD revascularization procedures, particularly vascular surgery. Non-invasive physiologic testing in cardiology has demonstrated a nearly twice the compounded annual growth rate of vascular surgery and radiology.
Researchers create engineered mesoporous silica nanoparticles that improve drug delivery to tumors, increasing particle retention by up to 10% and reducing systemic side effects. The optimized platform achieves significant increases in doxorubicin delivery, inducing tumor shrinkage and apoptosis while improving safety profiles.
Researchers found that nonprofit health groups effectively use Twitter to share interactive health information and raise awareness, increasing health literacy. About 30% of tweets were re-published by readers, expanding the audience for health messages.
A new UK-wide centre of excellence will train PhD researchers to use next-generation laser-operated accelerator devices for improved cancer treatment and enhanced homeland security. The programme combines physics with biology and medicine, offering students opportunities to work with industry and health authorities.
Using age alone to identify those at risk of heart disease or stroke is a viable alternative to current screening methods. According to the study, this approach has an 84% detection rate and false-positive rate of 24%, comparable to existing methods with slightly lower rates.
A new study found that adding community mobilization activities and post-test psychosocial support services to easily accessible HIV counseling and testing programs improved initial and repeat testing rates significantly. The project detected almost four times as many HIV cases in community-based areas than clinic-only programs.
Researchers discover natural compound acetyl resveratrol protects mice from radiation damage, potentially overcoming existing drug's limitations. The substance can be easily produced in large quantities and administered orally.
Cola detectives use protein testing to verify natural ingredients in premium soft drinks, detecting plant proteins in drinks claiming 'organic agave syrup and cola nut extracts'. Coca Cola products, without natural cola extract claims, have no detected protein, giving consumers a certificate of authenticity.
A new UTHealth trial aims to help pregnant women quit smoking by testing the safety and efficacy of bupropion, a medication that has been shown to almost double the success rate of smoking cessation in nonpregnant smokers. Pregnant women who smoke are at risk for premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
The FASEB MARC Program has selected two award recipients for the 2011 GSA Mouse Genetics conference, recognizing poster/platform presenters and faculty mentors from underrepresented minority groups. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research by providing travel awards totaling $3,300.
A new review challenges the idea that holistic processing comes with expertise, finding that both novices and experts use holistic processing for different reasons. Researchers tested people in music, Chinese characters, and face recognition, revealing strategic and automatic processing.
Researchers develop a new method to visualize lipid distribution in the human brain, revealing detailed information about neurodegenerative diseases. The study uses imaging mass spectrometry and functional autoradiography to identify 43 types of lipids in three distinct brain regions.
A team of scientists at Karolinska Institutet has identified a key component in mitochondria's function, which combines with another protein to control ribosome formation and energy production. The discovery sheds light on the regulation mechanisms involved in inherited and age-related diseases.
Researchers analyzed data from studies on atrial fibrillation, finding that AFib significantly increases the risk for stroke, heart failure, and death. The studies suggest that AFib has a substantial economic impact on the US healthcare system, warranting further investigation to understand its true costs.
Researchers at MIT have found a way to manipulate the electrical and thermal properties of materials by changing external conditions such as temperature. The technique can change electrical conductivity by over 100 times and heat conductivity by threefold, making it suitable for various applications including electronic circuitry and t...
Scientists have discovered a new plant fossil that sheds light on the phylogenetic age and ecology of the horsetail plant genus Equisetum. The fossil, dated to 150 million years ago, reveals that the genus has maintained its successful set of tools for extreme environments over millions of years.
New research from the University of Cincinnati suggests that small business owners who consult with outside advisors are more likely to achieve revenues sooner. By seeking input from respected colleagues, business owners can bring fresh perspectives and information into their decision-making process, leading to better outcomes.
Virginia Tech researchers aim to fuse top-down and bottom-up approaches to study cells, combining computational models with experimental analysis to understand cellular responses.
A new study finds that breast shields can significantly reduce skin entrance radiation dose to the breast by up to 38% without increasing overall radiation dose. This technique is considered the best method for protecting women from radiation exposure during chest CT examinations.
Researchers found that leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) can manage chronic asthma equally successfully as steroid inhalers when used in addition to steroid inhalers. This could provide an alternative for patients who struggle with inhaler use due to side effects or preference