Research finds UK betting shops are drawing in a new type of customer, particularly young males and ethnic minority groups, with the use of fixed odds betting terminals. These machines are associated with higher risks of problem gambling due to their fast-paced nature and high stakes.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic's Zebrafish Core Facility successfully switched individual genes on and off in zebrafish, allowing them to observe embryonic and juvenile development. This breakthrough enables the study of protein function and its relation to health problems like cancer, heart attacks, and addiction.
Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa used GPS data to find that a section of the eastern Andes is locked in place, allowing stress to build up and potentially leading to large earthquakes. The study suggests that earthquakes with magnitudes up to 8.9 are possible in the region.
A study found that celiac disease is more common among Massachusetts children born in the spring or summer, suggesting a link between gluten introduction timing and birth season. The study suggests rethinking gluten introduction for some children based on their birth season.
Research at Digestive Disease Week 2011 reveals that a high carbohydrate intake increases the risk of developing gallstones during pregnancy. Additionally, symptoms of lactose intolerance may actually be linked to somatoform disorders, which can lead to counterproductive behaviors like restrictive diets.
Research by Dr. Wei Ji Ma and colleagues found that the brain can perform visual search tasks near optimally, even in complex environments. By weighing different pieces of visual information based on reliability, humans can quickly integrate data to detect targets.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) held its seventh annual Crystal Awards dinner to recognize outstanding contributions to endoscopy. The event honored recipients of the Rudolf V. Schindler Award, Distinguished Service Award, and other prestigious awards.
A randomized trial found women are at more than double the short-term risk of stroke following carotid stenting compared to traditional surgery. This study suggests that sex should be considered when choosing treatment options for carotid disease, as men show little difference in stroke risk between procedures.
Researchers investigated zombie ants in Thailand's rainforest, finding they were manipulated by the fungus into dying at optimal conditions for reproduction. The fungus causes muscle atrophy, central nervous system damage, and 'lock jaw', forcing infected ants to bite leaves to release spores.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a graphene-based optical device that can switch light on and off, enabling faster data transmission. The technology has the potential to revolutionize high-speed communications and computing, allowing for faster data streaming and processing.
Researchers detected adalimumab levels in cord blood and infants exposed to the medication in utero, highlighting the need for close monitoring of infection risk in newborns. The study suggests that pregnant women with Crohn's disease should not discontinue the medication, as it may exacerbate flares and lead to complications.
The Alliance for Global Good has partnered with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev to support research programs focused on education, water desalinization, and third-world healthcare. The partnership aims to improve access to fresh water and reduce the prevalence of neglected tropical diseases in Jordan and Ethiopia.
Researchers discovered a novel strain of Staphylococcus aureus, ST398, in an Iowa child care worker who reported no contact with livestock. The finding is an unexpected occurrence in a study examining the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in child day care facilities.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) will present exciting, cutting-edge data during the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) meeting that will help change the way physicians diagnose and treat GI disorders. AGA researchers will focus on the latest research and clinical advances in gastroenterology.
A team of climate scientists has found that annually resolved tree-ring records from North America can be used to improve El Niño prediction in climate models. The study shows that the intensity of El Niño events has been highly variable, with decades of strong and weak activity over the past 1,100 years.
Researchers deciphered how hair stem cells communicate with each other to encourage mutually coordinated regeneration, holding potential for finding a cure for alopecia. The study's findings provide insight into potential stem cell behavior in other organs, which holds ramifications for regenerative medicine research.
A Planet of Viruses delves into the world of viruses, revealing how they've shaped the evolution of life and continue to pose a threat to human health. The book also discusses innovative ways to harness viruses for medical breakthroughs.
BC scientists are part of an international team creating a vast resource bank for gene function research. The project aims to build tools to discover mutant genes' roles in human diseases, potentially leading to medical therapy advances.
University of Houston students Nicholas Eastham and Thomas Markovich have been named Barry M. Goldwater Scholars, while Mason Biamonte and Abdulrahman Ibrahim received honorable mentions for their outstanding research work. The scholarships recognize academic merit and provide funding for further research and education.
Researchers have discovered that a specific type of T-cell can kill neurons, raising concerns about the potential effectiveness of an MS therapy. The study found that these protective T-cells, which are meant to regulate the immune system, can instead cause autoimmune diseases like MS.
A new 'Swiss cheese' design for thin film silicon solar cells offers improved stability and efficiency, potentially boosting industrial production. The nanostructured substrate enables strong absorption and tight spacing between electrodes.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of genetic counseling and comprehensive clinical evaluation in treatment decisions. The guidelines also recommend specialized centers for genetic testing and interpretation, covering 13 inherited cardiac conditions.
The May issue of JAMIA features research on protecting provider identities during disease surveillance, rapid outbreak detection, and disparities in internet patient portal use in diabetes. The study highlights the importance of understanding people's information needs and social networks in improving healthcare services.
The IU-Regenstrief programs have expanded enrollment by 50% with the addition of distance learning options, providing a solution to the growing shortage of health information technology specialists in Indiana and nationwide.
Tobin Marks has developed major new industrial catalysts and a deeper understanding of their chemical structures and mechanisms. His research has led to multi-billion dollar industrial processes and enormous savings in energy and resources.
A study by researchers at UC San Diego finds that Filipino children are more likely to develop aneurysms and inflammation of the blood vessels of the heart compared to other Asian and non-Asian backgrounds. The research highlights the need for medical providers to be aware of Kawasaki disease in high-risk populations.
Scientists at University of Cambridge and Rutgers University develop new class of organic thin films on surfaces, exhibiting unique properties ideal for high-density stable thin films. The findings pave the way for creating smaller electronic devices, replacing conventional fabrication techniques.
A Rice University study found that daily deal promotions can be effective for retail startup businesses in local markets, increasing profits by up to 30% when unredeemed Groupons are accounted for. The promotion also brought greater exposure, earning revenues almost 140% higher than expected.
A new study from the University of Cambridge shows that simple chemical reactions can delay or prevent CO2 from spreading in deep saline rock formations. The findings have implications for carbon sequestration methods and may enable engineers to manipulate reaction strength to enhance storage.
A study published in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that factors influencing children's use of and time spent in fast-food and full-service restaurants include parental work schedules and parenting styles. Fathers who frequently dine out with their kids tend to have a greater impact on their eating habits.
Researchers have discovered a new way to understand the interactions between cells and their environment using single-cell marine organisms. By sequencing the genomes of these tiny microbes, scientists can gain insights into diverse questions such as cancer cell growth rates and the impact of climate change on ecosystems.
The National Academies Keck Futures Initiative has awarded $1 million for 13 interdisciplinary research projects in imaging science, aiming to improve detection and treatment of diseases. The selected projects focus on developing new biomedical imaging methods, including adaptive optics, statistical analysis, and multiscale modeling.
Researchers have discovered a gene regulatory network structure, 'medusa,' that governs gene expression profiles in cancer cells. Transcription factors play a central role, controlling the collective activity of thousands of genes.
Researchers at Columbia University have established a new method to repair damaged hearts using a tissue-engineering platform. This breakthrough enables heart tissue to repair itself and has the potential to combat cardiovascular disease, one of the most serious health problems today.
A team of scientists has discovered a new mineral, krotite, which is believed to be one of the earliest minerals formed in our solar system. The mineral was found in an unusual inclusion embedded in a meteorite and is composed of calcium-aluminum-rich refractory material.
Researchers found that HIV evolves to evade ADCC antibodies, but these antibodies can force the virus to become weaker. This study suggests that inducing ADCC responses through a vaccine could help prevent HIV infection.
Researchers have developed a novel algorithm that uses evolutionary computation to optimize frequency curves for realistic synthetic vocals. The system compares human performances and home in on the most nuanced curve, making it possible to create high-quality, natural-sounding vocal renditions.
Scientists have identified a molecular sensor of temperature within immune cells, which primes the immune response to temperature shifts. This discovery could provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying fever and its effects on the immune system.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed an online auction protocol to optimize electric vehicle charging, increasing overnight capacity by up to 40%. The system ensures that drivers specify their requirements and pay accordingly, preventing 'gaming' the system.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that obese male patients seeing male physicians had higher odds of receiving weight-related counseling. This suggests that societal norms linking physical fitness to masculinity may influence physicians' attitudes towards obesity care. The findings highlight the imp...
Researchers found that implementing a tobacco-free policy at an Ohio women's substance abuse treatment center led to a 28 percentage point decrease in program completion rates. The study suggests that smoking bans may pose challenges for treatment centers, but they are not a reason to abandon tobacco-free policies entirely.
Researchers at NRL demonstrate electrical injection, detection and precession of spin accumulation in silicon at temperatures up to 225°C, overcoming a major obstacle for spin-based devices. The findings provide key enabling steps for developing semiconductor spintronics that offer higher performance and lower power consumption.
Research published in BioMed Central's EvoDevo journal reveals that sloths and manatees have evolved unusual neck structures without apparent problems. The study suggests that slow lifestyles and low metabolic rates allowed these animals to alter their neck length without side effects, unlike other mammals.
Researchers analyzed 198 cases of differentiated thyroid cancer patients in Japan and found that delaying treatment beyond 180 days increased mortality risk. The Society of Nuclear Medicine supports maintaining current regulations, citing existing scientific evidence as safe for patients and the public.
Despite 89% saying they'd call 9-1-1 at the first sign of a stroke, only 12% actually did, highlighting a significant gap between intention and action. Prompt hospital arrival is critical for preventing permanent damage, with intravenous clot-busting drugs administered within three hours being the most effective treatment.
Scientists have identified a single amino acid change in the chikungunya virus' exterior protein that enables it to infect Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, allowing for rapid spread across India and Southeast Asia. The discovery sheds light on why outbreaks occurred despite previous strains being present in the region.
A recent study analyzing data from 6,400 low-income immigrant children in Montreal reveals that their BMI drops significantly as they grow up in Canada. The 'healthy immigrant effect' seen in adult immigrants is lost in successive generations of children.
Scientists deciphered a community of soil microbes that enables a patch of soil to suppress a plant-killing pathogen. The researchers found 17 unique types of bacteria working together to reduce the incidence of fungal infection.
The sequencing of the Selaginella genome provides a unique insight into plant evolution, revealing new genetic mechanisms and potential sources for pharmaceuticals. By comparing this genome with others, researchers have identified genes that played important roles in the early evolution of vascular and flowering plants.
A study found that sonography with power Doppler can identify subclinical disease and joint activity in children with JIA, which complements the physical exam. The study also showed that certain combinations of physical exam findings are highly sensitive and ultrasound does not add value to clinical management.
Jack Levis, INFORMS Vice President and Director of Process Management at UPS, led his team to win the 2011 Gartner Business Intelligence Excellence Award. The award recognizes UPS's successful implementation of business intelligence and advanced analytics to improve operational efficiency and customer service.
A new study found that cattle infected with foot-and-mouth disease are only contagious for 1.7 days, sparking hope for reduced culling and improved testing methods. Researchers recommend developing pre-clinical diagnostic tools to detect infected animals before symptoms appear, allowing for more targeted interventions.
Two widely used multi-gene tests produce broadly similar results for high- and low-risk breast cancer patients, but differ for those at intermediate risk. The study's findings suggest that these tests can provide additional independent prognostic information to help clinicians make informed treatment decisions.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that mimics the social deficits of autism and schizophrenia, showing improved social behavior with oxytocin treatment. The study provides insights into biological factors related to social deficits and may be useful in evaluating new treatments for these disorders.
A new study funded by the National Institute of Justice will investigate the issue of untested rape kits in Houston and develop strategies to solve the problem. The project includes collaboration between researchers from Sam Houston State University, the University of Texas at Austin, and law enforcement agencies.
Scientists have developed a new test that can diagnose Aspergillus infection and spot signs of antifungal resistance to azoles. Using this test, the team found 55% of aspergillosis patients had telltale signs of resistance to azoles.
A study by Behnam Taebi explores the moral desirability of nuclear power production methods, considering technological realities and ethical issues. The author argues that distinguishing between different nuclear energy production methods is crucial before making informed choices.
A broad shift in federal policies is needed to develop farm practices that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. Current policies focus on a few crops and farmers, while neglecting issues like global warming, biodiversity loss, and public health problems.
A team of researchers studied the evolution of parareptiles, finding that they were not hit as hard by the end-Permian extinction as previously thought. The study used evolutionary relationships to infer missing diversity and revealed new patterns in the fossil record.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have found a specific gene in corn associated with resistance to three important plant leaf diseases. The glutathione S-transferase gene is linked to modest levels of resistance to Southern leaf blight, gray leaf spot, and Northern leaf blight.