Recent advances in paleogenetics provide new insights into human evolution in Europe, showing that cultural and demographic events have shaped genetic variation among modern-day populations. The study reveals a more diverse range of mechanisms influencing genetic diversity than previously thought.
A new study found that donors show stronger judgments and increased concern for group members when they are part of a cohesive unit, leading to greater donations. In contrast, individuals from groups with negative traits receive less support.
Naylor's work has consistently shown that transitional care significantly decreases hospital re-admissions and healthcare costs. Her research demonstrates the effectiveness of nurse-led transition teams in improving functional status, quality of life, and patient satisfaction.
Researchers are testing the upgraded Ekso, a wearable robotic exoskeletal device, to improve mobility in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The new features enable greater user control and collect usage data for monitoring progress.
Studies investigate the connection between serotonin, BDNF, and TG2 in depression. High levels of TG2 may disrupt serotonin signaling, leading to depressive symptoms.
Ann Kolanowski, a renowned expert in gerontological nursing research, has been awarded the 2012 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award. Her work focuses on developing theory-based non-pharmacological interventions for behavioral symptoms in persons with dementia and delirium.
A study published in JAMA found that couple's therapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy (CBCT), can significantly decrease PTSD symptom severity and improve intimate relationship satisfaction in couples. The treatment was more effective than a wait-list condition, with improvements maintained at a 3-month follow-up.
A new study finds that ownership enhances product attractiveness by creating an association between the item and consumer identity. Gender differences are also noted, with men prioritizing social group distinctions and women focusing on connections.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory use RHIC to study the transition from quark-gluon plasma to nuclear matter, with initial hints of a phase boundary revealed. The experiment varies energy and ion types to explore the properties of primordial plasma.
Anna Csiszar, a renowned expert in cardiovascular aging and cellular oxidative stress resistance, has been awarded the 2012 Nathan Shock New Investigator Award. Her research focuses on understanding the pathways involved in microvascular redox homeostasis, which may lead to prevention or delay of vascular cognitive impairment.
Researchers discovered that catechins, found in green tea and cocoa, can protect neurons from damage and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. This could lead to new hope for patients with HIV-associated cognitive impairment.
A phase III study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that denosumab reduced skeletal-related events by 31% compared to zoledronic acid, while also maintaining health-related quality of life. Treatment with denosumab also showed fewer acute reactions and adverse events.
Scientists have discovered a key mechanism in the body's immune system that amplifies opioid addiction. Laboratory studies show that the drug (+)-naloxone selectively blocks this immune-addiction response, reducing cravings for opioid drugs without targeting the brain's wiring.
Researchers at Montana State University discovered a gene mutation in male moths that allows them to detect subtle changes in female pheromones. This adaptation enables males to find females despite scent changes over time.
Despite looming policy uncertainty, the US wind power market expanded rapidly in 2011, with new installations exceeding 6.8 GW and contributing $14 billion in investment. The study predicts continued strong growth in 2012 but warns of significant layoffs if demand for turbines does not pick up after 2012.
Two studies examine the psychological status of Fukushima nuclear plant workers and residents' internal radiation exposure after the 2011 meltdown. Researchers found high rates of psychological distress and posttraumatic stress response among Daiichi plant workers, while Minamisoma residents had low levels of cesium radiation exposure.
A team from MSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine applies four osteopathic manipulative treatments to patients with moderate to severe COPD. The study aims to determine the biochemical changes in patients' blood following manipulation and correlate it with pulmonary function.
Scientists have developed fluorescent probes that change color depending on the type of amyloid they encounter, offering hope for differentiating between related brain disorders. The technology has been licensed for commercial development of diagnostic tests.
Cornelia Beck, PhD, RN, FAAN, has been recognized with the 2012 M. Powell Lawton Award for her groundbreaking work in gerontology, focusing on non-drug interventions to improve care for persons with dementia. Her research has demonstrated the retention of ability to perform daily activities and improved outcomes.
A new study suggests that slowing down consumption of enjoyable products can lead to greater enjoyment and a longer experience. By pacing oneself, consumers can avoid satiation and savor the pleasure of their favorite items. This finding challenges common behaviors that prioritize immediate gratification over long-term satisfaction.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a new combination therapy that dramatically increases multiple myeloma cell death. The treatment, involving obatoclax and flavopiridol, promotes apoptosis through different mechanisms, offering new hope for patients with multiple myeloma.
Researchers have developed a new mass spectrometry technique that allows for the mapping of metabolites in plant material at the single cell level. This breakthrough provides unprecedented insights into plant biological processes and has significant potential for advancing biofuels research and crop genetics.
A study published in PLOS Biology reveals how the brain's vascular network forms in zebrafish, driven by blood flow and influenced by a protein called Rac1. The researchers found that vessel pruning occurs at loop-forming segments, leading to a simplified final form of the vasculature.
Christiane A. Hoppmann has received the 2012 Baltes Foundation Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her groundbreaking research on lifespan human development and health psychology. Her work focuses on understanding the mechanisms linking social interrelations to long-term developmental outcomes.
OpenStax College's free physics and sociology textbooks have been adopted by 55 colleges, saving students at least $1 million this fall. The publisher expects to reach its five-year goal of saving 1 million college students $95 million.
Scientists used two jets to film sprites at 10,000 frames per second, capturing movies that shed light on this poorly understood phenomenon. The research aims to study the forces behind sprite formation and its connection to lightning and atmospheric energy exchange.
Researchers from University of Zurich detect presence of os interparietale in over 300 species using micro-CT imaging, resolving previous assumptions about its existence and evolutionary history. The discovery sheds new light on human anatomy and refutes earlier theories.
Microcystins are present in every Canadian lake, posing health risks to humans and wildlife. The study found that water quality is most at risk in lakes with high microcystin concentrations, which are linked to low nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios.
Eileen Crimmins, PhD, receives the Robert W. Kleemeier Award for her research on socioeconomic factors and life expectancy. She is recognized as an internationally acclaimed expert on aging, focusing on genetic influences, trends in mortality, morbidity, and disability
A recent study found that soil microbes play a crucial role in helping plants survive the effects of global changes, such as increased CO2 concentrations and altered precipitation patterns. By interacting with microbes, plants can adapt to drought stress more quickly, allowing them to thrive in new environments.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic and University of California, San Francisco found that infantile hemangiomas, also known as 'strawberry' birthmarks, grow rapidly in infants between 5.5 and 7.5 weeks old. Early referral to dermatologists for further evaluation is recommended to prevent potential complications.
A 2009-2010 study by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre found an average 66% decrease in sulphur dioxide concentrations in EU harbors, while non-EU ports showed no change. The policy limits fuel sulfur content to less than 0.1%.
New research reveals that tropical forest fragments are nearly emptied of wildlife, with many species like jaguars and lowland tapirs virtually extinct. The study emphasizes the importance of strictly protected areas to conserve biodiversity in these ecosystems.
Magaziner has made seminal contributions to the field of rehabilitation of older adults with chronic disability, frailty, and dependence through his work on hip fracture recovery. He will receive the GSA's 2012 Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award for his outstanding contributions.
Researchers found that confident consumers pay more attention to high-level product features and abstract benefits, while less confident consumers focus on concrete details. This shift in attention is attributed to psychological confidence affecting consumers' perception of information relevance.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) has chosen Sidney M. Stahl, PhD, as the 2012 recipient of the Donald P. Kent Award for his outstanding leadership in translating research findings into practical use. He was instrumental in establishing the NIA's national research agenda on processes linking health and behavior.
A Rice University researcher has received a National Institutes of Health grant to study the effects of delay in gene transcription on cellular processes. The goal is to create techniques for generating and analyzing models of gene networks that incorporate delay, which can help predict how genetic networks function and fail.
Researchers deciphered the neural code of a mouse retina and created a novel prosthetic device that restores normal vision. The device uses a chip to convert light patterns into electrical impulses, which are then sent to the brain via light-sensitive proteins.
A team of researchers aims to grow whole salivary glands using patient's own cells to replace those destroyed by cancer radiation therapy, benefiting thousands of cancer patients with dry mouth. The regenerative method could also help those with Sjögren's syndrome, a chronic disease that affects moisture-producing glands.
A study by University of Exeter researchers found that the demise of one carnivore species can indirectly cause another to become extinct due to ripple effects on a food web. This supports growing evidence against 'single species' conservation approaches, favoring instead ecosystem-centric strategies.
A new study published in The Lancet shows that nurse-centred care of HIV patients can be just as safe and effective as care delivered by doctors. The research found significant improvements in detection of tuberculosis, white blood cell count, weight, and treatment adherence.
Thomas M. Gill, MD, recipient of the 2012 GSA Joseph T. Freeman Award, is a leading authority on epidemiology and prevention of disability among older persons.
The TRMM satellite captured a small area of moderate to heavy rainfall around the center of Tropical Storm Hector, with rainfall rates reaching 2 inches per hour. However, wind shear from moderate east winds is expected to persist, preventing Hector from strengthening.
A new study published in the journal Metabolism found that yo-yo dieting does not negatively impact metabolism or weight loss ability in the long term. The study involved 439 overweight women who were assigned to different weight loss groups, and found no significant differences between those with a history of yo-yo dieting and those w...
Dr. Toni Antonucci is recognized for her groundbreaking work on the convoy model of social relations, a widely cited concept in social and behavioral gerontology. Her research has informed the study of personal relationships and aging, with practical implications for improving quality of life among older adults.
A study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that people's performance worsened when they had to make sense of feedback while performing a main task. The research highlights the importance of considering task complexity when providing feedback to avoid hindering performance.
Stephen M. Golant has received the prestigious award for his innovative publication on the emotional and theoretical aspects of older adults' experiences in their living environments. His work proposes a new framework to understand how aging individuals optimize the fit between themselves and their physical and social environments.
A systematic approach to improve screening rates for colorectal cancer resulted in a fourfold increase in screening among low-risk individuals. The protocol, which included introductory phone calls and mailed testing kits, saw CRC screening rates jump from 47 to 72 percent in three years.
A new discovery by University of Illinois scientist Hao Feng doubles butanol production while reducing energy costs. The extractive fermentation process uses a non-ionic surfactant to capture and hold butanol molecules, increasing yields by 100% or more.
A study by Thorsten Dittmar and colleagues reveals that the Atlantic Ocean is receiving a significant amount of stable carbon compounds from the Brazilian rainforest, which was heavily deforested in the 1970s. The compounds, originating from charcoal left in the soil, are affecting biogeochemical cycles for centuries and millennia.
Researchers from the University of Sheffield and Harvard Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery on the TREX protein system, which acts as a passport for mRNA transport. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for cancer, Motor Neuron Disease, and myotonic dystrophy.
A new study in Journal of Consumer Research finds that long-distance runners leverage social and economic resources to overcome differences, fostering collective belonging. The research highlights the potential for diverse communities to thrive through resource dependence, benefiting companies and charities alike.
A new study found that people with blood types A, B, or AB have a higher risk of coronary heart disease compared to those with blood type O. The study's findings suggest that knowing one's blood type can help physicians better understand who is at risk for developing heart disease.
A new super-resolution microscope will be built at the University of Houston with a $1 million grant, allowing scientists to study the chemical properties of surfaces more accurately. The device combines sum frequency generation and compressive sensing imaging techniques to provide detailed data on surface reactions.
Scientists at UNSW have developed a nano-structure that can store and release hydrogen, paving the way for practical applications in fuel cells and vehicles. The breakthrough uses sodium borohydride nanoparticles encased in nickel shells, demonstrating improved thermodynamic and kinetic properties.
A team of archaeologists and geologists have discovered a large quantity of skeletal remains at the Alken Enge site, including a fractured skull and thigh bone hacked in half, suggesting violent conflict. The remains are believed to be from hundreds of warriors who were sacrificed around the time of the birth of Christ.
A recent study found that radiation therapy after lumpectomy can help prevent mastectomy in early-stage breast cancer patients, particularly those with high-grade tumors. The research, published in the Journal Cancer, contradicts current national treatment guidelines.
Researchers identified two oncogenes, FAM83A and B, that allow breast cancer cells to survive tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. Increased expression of FAM83A enhances proliferation and invasion, while decreased expression delays tumor growth and renders cancer cells sensitive to TKIs.
A new study has found that patients taking thiazolidinedione (TZD) diabetes drugs are two to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who took sulfonylurea drugs. The risk is especially high among Type 2 diabetes patients, with 170 expected cases per 100,000 treated with TZDs.
A new technology produced by Oregon State University can generate up to 50 times more electricity per volume than most other approaches, opening the door to a future in which waste treatment plants power themselves and sell excess electricity. The new approach effectively cleans wastewater while producing significant amounts of electri...