Research shows that forgetting can be beneficial for memory and problem-solving. By eliminating irrelevant information, we can better retain and recall important details. This phenomenon is particularly evident in situations where updating our knowledge becomes necessary.
Geneticist Tad Sonstegard and his team identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to gastrointestinal nematode parasites in African native sheep. The study found significant QTL on chromosomes 3, 6, 14, and 22 that can improve production of grazing animals.
The UK and Norway are among European countries taking a leading role in improving social determinants of health. The WHO European Region has set up a review to address the growing health divide, which shows vast differences in life expectancy within and between countries.
Researchers at Sam Houston State University are developing new methods to detect designer drugs like 'bath salts', which can produce powerful and unpredictable effects. The study uses solid phase extraction, chromatography, and spectroscopy to identify beta-keto amphetamines in biological samples.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new cell-based vaccine that shows promise in treating canine non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The vaccine, which uses B-cells instead of dendritic cells, has been shown to increase overall survival time for dogs with the disease.
Researchers found a significant reduction in glioma risk among people with borderline elevated IgE levels. However, the protective effect couldn't be measured in people with higher IgE levels. The study suggests an immune response to allergies may affect brain tumors.
A new study published in Social Science Quarterly suggests that a preference for physically formidable leaders may have evolved to ensure survival in ancient human history. The research found a statistically significant association between height and perceived leadership capability and interest in running for office.
A predictive model of polio outbreaks in Africa was developed using outbreak data from 2003-2010. The model indicates that continued transmission in Nigeria and other countries, as well as poor immunization status, are the main causes of polio outbreaks in Africa.
Michael LeFevre, a renowned family medicine leader, has been elected to the Institute of Medicine. As a distinguished expert in prevention, detection, and treatment of high blood pressure, he will contribute to evidence-based medicine and improve health care outcomes.
The Chem-TCM database, developed by King's College London researchers, provides a comprehensive tool for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to explore age-old remedies. The database features four major parts, including chemical identification and predicted activity against Western therapeutic targets.
Francisco J. Ayala, a renowned evolutionary geneticist and UC Irvine professor, has donated $10 million to the School of Biological Sciences, the largest gift ever made by a UCI faculty member. The donation will fund four new research chairs in his name and support the department's efforts to recruit top talent.
Scientists have described two new species of extremely long-legged beetles from the Philippines, assigning larval stages to adult images using mitochondrial DNA. The researchers aim to provide basic knowledge and identification tools for tropical species as freshwater bioindicators.
The study identified key success factors for achieving good health at low cost, including leadership, capacity, continuity, and taking context into account. Key findings include improved maternal mortality rates, increased life expectancy, and universal healthcare coverage in several study countries.
A study found that using electron beam sterilized dialyzers increased the risk of thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count associated with bleeding, in hemodialysis patients. The use of non-electron beam sterilized dialyzers reduced this risk.
Researchers believe that timing has finally come to support the conduct of human clinical trials for stem cell therapy in spinal cord injuries. Currently, research is largely stuck at the animal model stage. Studies evaluate 11 different cell types/sources and provide evidence justifying their use.
Dr. Thomas Rid argues that cyber warfare has never taken place and is unlikely to occur in the future due to the lack of lethality in most attacks. He suggests that modern cyber attacks are more sophisticated versions of traditional sabotage, espionage, and subversion.
Researchers at Wayne State University developed a novel gene therapy approach to restore vision in people with age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. A license agreement has been signed with RetroSense Therapeutics, paving the way for Phase I clinical trials.
Glacier Bay's de-glaciation reveals new stream ecosystems supporting salmon migration; overfishing in lakes may not impact fish scarcity due to anglers' priorities.
Fertilizer trees have been adopted by hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers in Southern Africa, resulting in doubling of maize yields and significant increases in incomes and food security. The trees' natural ability to draw nitrogen from the air improves water efficiency and reduces soil erosion.
The Phase III trial of RTS,S, a malaria vaccine candidate, demonstrates significant protection against clinical and severe malaria in African children aged 5 to 17 months. The results show the vaccine can provide young African children with significant protection against malaria, with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile.
Researchers at CHEO have identified a series of genes that magnify the impact of oncolytic viruses, allowing for up to 10,000 times more potent killing of tumor cells. By short-circuiting these rescue systems, tumor cells can be triggered to commit suicide, preserving healthy cells.
Researchers found that alternating between learning and unlearning an unusual walking pattern on a split-belt treadmill improved relearning speed. The standard approach of repetitive practice may not be the most effective way to help patients recover from stroke or other injuries.
A recent study reveals a diverse range of microscopic animals in soils from tropical forests to tundra and boreal forests. The research found that each ecosystem has its unique set of soil animals, contradicting the long-held assumption that diversity decreases at higher latitudes.
A study in The Gambia found that vaccinating young children reduced carriage of pneumococcus not only in vaccinated children but also in older children and adults. The vaccine also showed no increase in non-vaccine serotype pneumococci carriage after two years.
A study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology found that adolescents sleeping more hours scored higher in math, especially in physical education. Those with good sleep latency (less than 15 minutes) also performed better academically.
Researchers at UC Davis found a genetic variant associated with autoantibodies in pregnant women that may increase their child's risk of developing autism. The study suggests a potential screening test for women at risk of having an autistic child, offering new hope for early intervention and prevention.
Researchers from the Economic and Social Research Council's Genomics Network are exploring how society can develop an appetite for synthetic blood. They argue that it is vital to involve the public in discussions about biotechnology developments, including stem cell research and in vitro meat production.
A Michigan State University researcher is working on a $450,000 grant to better understand breast cancer's genetic complexity and heterogeneity. The study aims to create more accurate models to study human cases, potentially leading to tailored therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology discovered that simple nerve cells in Platynereis larvae regulate ciliary beating to control swimming depth. The discovery provides insights into the early evolutionary stage of the nervous system and could be relevant for marine ecology.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of physician practices in the US do not meet national standards for 'medical homes', a model of care that aims to provide higher quality and cost-efficient care. The lack of access to these medical homes disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including those living below the poverty l...
The upgraded Beocat will have 2,000 total cores and 512 gigabytes of memory per machine, enabling researchers to handle large computing tasks such as analyzing 5,000 genomes. The project aims to improve research across campus and support faculty members in producing accurate and cost-effective research.
The Ontario Genomics Institute has launched a new education program to enhance genomics research commercialization. The 'Leaders in the Lab' program aims to equip scientists with business skills and knowledge necessary to respond to market opportunities for Genomics research.
Researchers quantify urban 'heat island' effect for the first time, showing its modest contribution to global warming. The study reveals that white roofs do not reduce the urban heat island effect and may even cause a net global warming due to increased cloudiness.
A study published today found a direct link between the number of 'Facebook friends' a person has and the size of particular brain regions. The researchers discovered that having more online friends is associated with having more real-world friends.
Researchers developed a method to optimize ion channel activity, reversing abnormal neuronal function and pathology in epilepsy. The study suggests this approach may be useful for other brain diseases and organs with excitable cells.
African-American donors were more likely to be related to the transplant recipient and to donate to their parents compared to Caucasian donors. The study also found that most African-American kidney donors are men and younger than white donors, which may explain why African-American children are more often able to donate to their parents.
The study found a significant decline in hospitalization rates for heart failure among Medicare patients, with black men experiencing the lowest rate of decline. The researchers estimated that over 229,000 hospitalizations for heart failure were avoided in 2008 due to this decline.
A new method has enabled the accurate sequencing and identification of genetic variants on the X chromosome, a hotspot for genes linked to autism and intellectual disability. The technology allows for fast and efficient analysis, potentially leading to easier clinical diagnosis and novel discoveries.
A new study by Indiana University and George Mason University found that gay men have surprisingly diverse sexual behaviors, with over 1,300 unique combinations reported. The most common behavior was kissing a partner on the mouth, while anal sex was the least common, contrary to the misconception that 'gay sex equals anal sex'.
A University of Missouri study found that relationship quality, history of mutual help, and resource availability influence decisions about who cares for parents and stepparents. Middle-aged adults are advised to have open conversations with parents and stepparents about caregiving expectations before needs arise.
Researchers at Poggio Colla excavation site in Italy discovered a ceramic fragment with two images of a woman giving birth to a child, over 2,600 years old. The unique find is the first of its kind ever found in an Etruscan excavation, providing new insights into the culture.
A mathematical model predicts that expanding HIV treatment to discordant couples in Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, and Rwanda can prevent 96% of transmission. The intervention's effectiveness varies by country, with potential for significant impact in certain nations.
The FUTURAGE Road Map provides a comprehensive European research agenda for ageing, focusing on tackling health inequalities and promoting active ageing. The project's key recommendations include engaging end users of research, improving coordination among existing and future research, and building capacity in ageing research.
Researchers found that young, human-specific genes are more likely to be expressed in the developing human brain. This correlation suggests that these genes may play a key role in constructing the uniquely powerful human brain.
Researchers found that the brain can selectively focus on visual information from one eye, even when both eyes are receiving images. This selective attention enhances the processing of visual information from the focused eye.
Researchers sequenced Hemp (Cannabis sativa) genome, revealing the genetic changes that led to marijuana's psychoactive properties. The study suggests domestication and breeding of marijuana strains resulted in the loss of an enzyme competing with THCA production.
A new analysis found that coughing is more common in patients with advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and predicts rapid disease progression. The study suggests that patients who cough may have a worse prognosis, benefiting from closer monitoring and aggressive treatments.
Awareness of mortality increases support for heroic figures and punitive policies. Psychological research reveals how 'mortality salience' can bias voters toward emotions over rational decision-making, leading to polarization and demonization of opposing views.
A Yale University study found a 29.5% decline in heart failure hospitalization rates from 1998 to 2008, resulting in an estimated 229,000 fewer hospitalizations. One-year mortality rates also declined slightly, with black men experiencing the lowest rate of decline.
Researchers have gained insights into the synchronised mass nesting of female olive ridley sea turtles, shedding light on their reproductive behaviour and population dynamics. The study's findings suggest that this small population in French Guiana has increased its nest number three-fold over the past decade, but also makes them more ...
A Phase III trial of RTS,S, a malaria vaccine candidate, has shown significant protection against clinical and severe malaria in young African children. The vaccine reduced the risk of malaria by 56% and 47% after three doses, with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile.
The research aims to identify essential ingredients of a successful transition from intensive early intervention to the public school system. It focuses on student-teacher relationships, which are particularly important for children with autism spectrum disorders.
Research from Imperial College London found that premature babies show multiple biological signs of risks to future health, including higher blood pressure and excess fat tissue. Monitoring preterm babies into adulthood is crucial for early detection of disease.
A new study found that alcohol-related fatal motor vehicle crashes in the US were lower among Canadian drivers than drivers with US or Mexican licenses. The prevalence of alcohol involvement was 27% for US and Mexican drivers, while 11% for Canadian drivers.
Current approaches to medical education in developing world are insufficient and require a symbiotic relationship between education and population health. A more effective model would prioritize impact on health outcomes as a key criterion for measuring excellence.
A systematic review of 26 validated readmission risk prediction models found most models have poor predictive ability for both clinical and administrative use. The review suggests that only a few models can accurately identify high-risk patients for early intervention.
A new study shows that hospital heart attack death rates are improving, but elderly patients (85+) continue to lack access to specialist care, including emergency coronary angioplasty and vital heart medicines. This highlights the need for improved age-sensitive care to address inequalities in heart health.
Researchers have discovered that meteorite impacts can produce rapid ground-hugging currents of gas and debris similar to pyroclastic density currents from explosive volcanoes. The study found that ash and dust particles stick together in a way identical to volcanic eruptions, leading to the formation of accretionary lapilli.
Scientists have revised their estimate of the North Pacific humpback whale population, increasing it from 20,000 to possibly over 21,000. This new research uses a refined statistical analysis of data compiled in 2008 and suggests a strong recovery from whaling.
Researchers at Miriam Hospital demonstrated a practical strategy for regularly screening HIV-infected patients for acute hepatitis C virus infection, which can lead to serious health complications. The study found that even in a busy clinic setting, it is possible to screen for and diagnose HCV in its earliest stages.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children under 2 years old 'screen-free' to promote healthy brain development. The policy also calls for further research into the long-term effects of early media exposure on physical, mental and social health.
A research team at Georgia Tech has developed a technique to decode keyboard vibrations and decipher complete sentences with up to 80 percent accuracy. By analyzing the accelerometer's data, the system can identify pairs of keystrokes and compare them to a preloaded dictionary to determine the typed word.
Research suggests that shift work in teenagers may increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis, a central nervous system autoimmune inflammatory disorder. Disruption of the circadian rhythm and sleep patterns are believed to contribute to this increased risk.
Researchers discovered that corticosteroids are ineffective for COPD patients due to reduced HDAC2 activity, which is caused by S-nitrosylation from cigarette smoke. Sulforaphane treatment restored HDAC2 activity and improved corticosteroid sensitivity in COPD patients.
A new study by University of Bristol researchers found that racehorses can adapt rapidly to changes in the daily light-dark cycle, leading to improved physical performance. The horses were able to run at full gallop for an additional 25 seconds before reaching fatigue after experiencing a shift in their 24-hour light-dark cycle.
A study suggests that alternating between learning and unlearning an unusual walking pattern on a split-belt treadmill can improve motor learning in healthy adults. This approach may help patients relearn how to walk after stroke or injury, improving therapeutic outcomes.
Scientists have discovered two new, closely related bee species on Coiba Island in Panama, which originated from a group of stingless bees that moved into Central America. The presence of one of these new species on the island raises questions about Panama's geological history and biodiversity.
A new Scripps Health study aims to fill the knowledge gap on idiopathic human diseases by using whole genome sequencing to determine their causes. The study, dubbed IDIOM, will include up to six participants and collaborate with other medical centers to share key findings.
A team of UGA scientists has successfully determined the structure of a glycosaminoglycan proteoglycan for the first time, identifying key sites of sulfation and paving the way for future research on its role in diseases such as cancer.
A new study finds that Canada is failing to support young families, with stagnant household incomes and high housing costs squeezing them for time and resources. Experts propose policy changes to address the issue, including universal childcare and flexible work arrangements.
The US health care system scored 64 out of 100 on key measures, with notable improvements in quality of care but significant erosion in access and affordability. The scorecard highlights the need for targeted efforts to improve areas such as adoption and use of health information technology and prevention of premature deaths.
Biologists at Florida State University devise novel method to replicate cell motility in vitro using worm sperm, revealing unprecedented insight into cell crawling mechanisms. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding human health and developing therapies to combat cancer.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has expanded its guidelines on safe sleep for babies, providing specific recommendations to create a safe environment for their infants to sleep. The new guidelines aim to eliminate all sleep-related infant deaths, including SIDS and suffocation deaths.
Researchers at Trudeau Institute found a link between the formation of new lymphoid tissue in the lungs and protection from tuberculosis. The study, published in The Journal of Immunology, may lead to improved vaccines and therapies for fighting deadly disease.
The Hogg Foundation has awarded Scott & White Healthcare a $638,853 five-year grant to establish an internship program for doctoral psychology students. Thirteen interns will receive supervised training and experience, expanding the healthcare system's mental health services.
A new study finds that young human-specific genes are correlated with the development of advanced brain structures, such as the neocortex and prefrontal cortex. The genes are most often expressed during fetal or infant development, indicating an early role in shaping the complexity of the human brain.
Researchers from Virginia Tech have conducted the first study to investigate head impact characteristics in youth football. The study has collected data on over 400 head impacts experienced by a local youth team, revealing that most impacts are less severe and less frequent than in adult football.
A UCSF study found significant vision improvement in patients with severe bacterial corneal ulcers who received steroid therapy. Researchers tested 500 participants from the US and India, and results showed no harm but a benefit for those with more serious forms of ulcers.
Thyroid dysfunction is a common side effect of antineoplastic agents in 20-50% of cancer patients, causing fatigue, weakness, and depression. Researchers recommend screening for thyroid disease and monitoring of thyroid function tests to improve patient quality of life.
Researchers at Imperial College London have successfully created logic gates using harmless gut bacteria and DNA, paving the way for biological computing devices. The new biological logic gates can be connected to form more complex components, potentially leading to applications in sensors, cancer detection, and pollution monitoring.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed software using facial recognition technology to identify and join digitized fragments of the Cairo Genizah collection. This has led to the discovery of pages from a work by Saadia Gaon, a prominent rabbi and philosopher from the 10th century.