New research suggests that Neandertal arm morphology was caused by scraping activities such as hide preparation, not spear thrusting. This challenges the previous hypothesis that spear thrusting was responsible for the observed asymmetry in their skeletons.
A new report by the European Science Foundation highlights ten key issues in innovation policy, including the need for context-specific policies and better understanding of knowledge transfer. The report calls for a more evidence-based approach to innovation policy, with a focus on public value and risk-sharing models.
A two-year study published in PLOS ONE found that the largest oil spill on open water, combined with cold freshwater from snowmelt, led to historically high dolphin deaths in the Gulf of Mexico. The majority of young dolphins (perinatal strandings) washed ashore along the Mississippi-Alabama coast.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem identified mechanisms allowing embryonic stem cells to become any cell type by examining epigenetic pathways and chromatin structure. This discovery could lead to the creation of cells in labs for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other degenerative diseases.
A new research association, MetBioMat, will develop and test degradable magnesium implants for orthopedic applications. The focus is on reducing the need for second surgeries by dissolvable implants.
Researchers have developed a new body shape index (ABSI) that combines BMI and waist circumference to predict mortality hazard independently of BMI. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 US adults, finding ABSI to be strongly correlated with death rate.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara shed light on the kinetics of hydrogen release from aluminum hydride, a material that is highly promising for energy storage. Their research reveals the basic mechanisms governing these chemical reactions in general, challenging outdated reaction curve interpretations.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have defined the structure of mitoKATP, a potassium channel protecting against tissue damage due to heart attacks and strokes. The discovery improves heart cell survival and demonstrates an essential life-saving role.
A study found that exposure to sexual content in movies predicts earlier sexual debut and increased risk-taking behavior in adolescents. Researchers discovered that greater exposure to sexual content led to a higher peak in sensation-seeking during adolescence, which can last into young adulthood.
Researchers from the Zoological Society of London identified the factors influencing the success of malaria parasites in New Zealand bird species, including two previously unknown strains. The study's findings provide insights into the traits that enable parasites to survive and thrive in new environments.
A study by the University of Illinois discovered that supplementing pig feed with varying levels of phytase increases phosphorus digestibility in different ingredients. The research found that enzymes can unlock bound phosphorus, reducing environmental impact and costs for producers.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that public reporting of hospital-acquired infection data led to a significant reduction in C. difficile cases. The study showed a 26% decrease in C. difficile infections after mandatory hospital reporting was introduced in Ontario, Canada.
A UCLA-led study found that reporting models for mortality may unfairly skew hospital rankings if stroke severity isn't considered. The researchers discovered that more than half of hospitals initially classified as having higher-than-expected mortality rates were reclassified after adjusting for stroke severity.
Johns Hopkins researchers found a cause-and-effect relationship between the Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) gene and its impact on glia cells in the brain. The study suggests that abnormalities in these support cells could contribute to schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
Cedars-Sinai researchers found a strong connection between Kawasaki Disease and accelerated atherosclerosis, a leading cause of adult heart disease. Children with Kawasaki Disease are at increased risk of developing early-onset atherosclerosis, which can lead to hardening of the arteries.
The new hub will address pressing challenges in bioenergy, including reducing emissions and improving sustainability. It will focus on whole-life impact, cost-effective methods, and creating economic opportunities for the UK.
A team led by Dr. James Adovasio and Dr. C. Andrew Hemmings will explore ancient coastlines in the northeastern Gulf to determine where early Americans might have lived over 12,000 years ago. The mission aims to shed light on the peopling of the Americas and may uncover new evidence that challenges current archaeological record.
Research from Drexel University School of Public Health found that obese individuals with low vitamin D levels had insulin resistance 32 times more common than the general population. The combination of obesity and vitamin D deficiency may put people at a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Two genetic variants have been found to be associated with rapid weight gain in patients taking antipsychotic medications. These variations near the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene may enable clinicians to identify which patients are at risk and choose strategies to prevent serious side effects.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that non-inferiority trials, which involve switching HIV patients to a new antiretroviral therapy, may not be beneficial to participants. The authors argue that these trials often enroll patients who cannot benefit from the switch and do not capture or report all potential risks.
Tropical Storm Fabio is expected to bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to southern California as it approaches the coast. NASA's Aqua satellite data indicates the storm has weakened due to cooler ocean temperatures.
Researchers have discovered that tPA can protect brain cells from oxygen and glucose loss after a stroke, even when its clot-dissolving powers are removed. A modified version of tPA could provide benefits to patients without increasing the risk of bleeding.
A study of 2656 BC patients found no strong evidence that beta interferons prescribed for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis slowed long-term disability progression. Researchers emphasize the need for individualized treatment approaches and further studies on novel treatments.
A study published in Diabetes found that exercise benefits diabetic hearts by improving energy exchange and resisting oxidative stress. Fatty acids, previously thought to be detrimental, were shown to improve heart function when the heart needs to beat faster.
Researchers found that aging mice's dendritic cells accumulated oxidation-damaged proteins, impairing their function. Administering antioxidants reversed some effects, suggesting a potential therapy to improve vaccine responses in the elderly.
Researchers develop method for separating liquids using individual carbon nanotubes, which act as separation channels for chemically distinct molecules. This technology could prove useful in forensic studies and analyzing molecules from single cells, enabling analysis of trace evidence and invisible stains.
A recent study by Clemson University psychologist Richard Pak found that humanizing computer aids can significantly alter perceptions of their reliability, leading to increased trust and dependence among adults. The design of decision-support aids on consumer devices plays a crucial role in shaping user behavior.
Researchers have discovered a drug that boosts memory function in individuals with Down syndrome, improving verbal episodic memory and showing significant improvement in cognitive abilities. The study suggests potential implications for slowing down or halting the development of Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down syndrome.
A German study found that focusing on high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, irregular heartbeat, and depression reduced the need for long-term care by 10% in women and 9.6% in men. The study also showed a decrease in death rates, with 2,112 expected deaths vs. 1,939 actual deaths.
A novel yeast strain has been developed that can produce bioethanol from xylose, a previously untapped sugar in plants. The hybrid yeast outperforms existing strains in ethanol production and xylose fermentation efficiency.
Researchers developed a statistical method using phylogenetics to enhance GWAS studies, improving reliability and identifying consistently reproducible alleles. The new approach enhances personalized medicine by pinpointing reliable mutation correlates of complex diseases.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that breast cancer mortality rates in Swedish women aged 40-69 declined at a rate similar to the prescreening period, suggesting limited impact of mammography screening. Researchers note potential limitations, including obesity and population mobility biases.
A new study by UCSB researchers refines the tool kit for sustainable fisheries, finding that a mix of spatial management approaches can substantially increase fishery profits. Strategically placed MPAs and nuanced zoning systems can also boost profits, but careful placement is crucial.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that overexpressing the c-Kit receptor increases insulin production and counteracts early diabetic effects of high-fat diets. This breakthrough research provides a promising lead for developing strategies to preserve and restore function to beta cells.
A Wayne State University researcher has launched a program to target safer river fishing practices among Detroit River anglers. The 'Improving Community Awareness for Detroit River Fish Consumption Advisories' program aims to educate anglers on the importance of choosing less-contaminated fish.
A community-based nursing program delivered in collaboration with existing healthcare services showed promise in reducing deaths from chronic illnesses among older adults. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, found a 25% lower relative risk of death among intervention group participants compared to the control group.
Teenage girls with eating disorders experienced improved essential fatty acid levels once their weight normalized. The study suggests that providing omega-3 supplements is not necessary if they adopt healthy eating behaviors and gain weight.
The RBSP mission seeks to characterize the Van Allen Radiation Belts, which contain 99% of the universe's electrified gas. The study will address questions about particle origins, mechanisms giving them extreme speed and energy, and their effects on Earth's magnetosphere.
A new study published in Radiology found that sodium accumulation in the brain correlates directly with disability in multiple sclerosis patients. The research used 3 Tesla sodium MRI to detect abnormal sodium concentrations in specific brain regions and throughout the whole brain.
A large national study found that marriage does not boost longevity for black Americans in the same way it does for white Americans. Black couples who live together without marrying have similar mortality rates as married black couples.
Researchers analyzed data from 782 hospitals on 127,950 Medicare beneficiaries with acute ischemic stroke. They found that including stroke severity in hospital mortality models significantly improved predicting the risk of death within 30 days and changed performance rankings for many hospitals.
Researchers developed a new method to map how physicians share patients, revealing practice variation and potential for improving patient outcomes at lower costs. The study suggests that natural networks formed by shared patient-sharing can shed light on the spread of innovation and influence practice differences across geographic areas.
A study found that interferon beta treatment did not slow disease progression in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. The researchers compared patients treated with interferon beta to those without treatment, but did not find a significant difference in disability progression.
A novel approach using a gift card incentive is being tested in a new HIV study. Patients who adhere to HIV treatment regularly can receive rewards and motivation through the program, which aims to improve patient engagement and viral suppression.
A pilot study found that adding vitamin B12 to standard hepatitis C virus treatment significantly boosts the body's ability to keep the virus at bay, especially in patients with genotype 1 HCV or high viral loads. The treatment strengthened the rate of sustained viral response by 34%.
A multicenter clinical trial published in JAMA found that silymarin supplements have no effect on serum ALT levels or hepatitis C virus levels. The study involved 154 patients with chronic hepatitis C and showed no significant differences in response between treatment groups.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a collection of compounds called bryologs that can activate latent HIV reservoirs with equal or greater potency than the original substance. The discovery holds promise as a practical way to flush out dormant viruses, offering hope for a cure for AIDS patients.
A study examines how physicians' professional networks vary in different regions of the US, finding patterns that reflect personal traits and practice styles. Connected physicians tend to share similar patient demographics, hospital affiliations, and geographical locations.
Tropical Storm Khanun is expected to increase in power and affect South and North Korea as it moves northward through the Yellow Sea. The TRMM satellite provided a 3-D view of Khanun's rainfall structure, showing powerful convective storms near the center pushing to heights of about 17 kilometers.
A new study by Patrick Coughlin and Jay Wade found that macho men who accept their partner's higher income have better quality relationships. Conversely, those with traditional masculinity ideologies report low-quality relationships due to the disparity in income.
Research found associations between exposure to certain organic solvents and an increased risk of heart defects in newborns. The study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, suggests that workplace exposure to organic solvents may be a potential risk factor for several types of congenital heart defects at birth.
New research reveals that adolescents and young adult cancer patients often lack access to the necessary psychological, social support, and information resources. Studies found significant proportions of patients in this age group report unmet needs for mental health services, camp programs, and age-appropriate online resources.
Scientists at Hebrew University and Weizmann Institute discover interaction between proteins responsible for programmed cell death, allowing for potential anti-cancer therapies. The study's findings have the potential to stimulate apoptosis in cancer cells by interfering with protein regulation.
A large international study found that marijuana use during pregnancy more than doubles the risk of premature birth. The study identified strong family history, pre-eclampsia, vaginal bleeds, and diabetes as major risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth.
The roadmap provides evidence-based solutions to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities, emphasizing the need for integrating disparities reduction into broader quality improvement efforts. Successful interventions utilize team approaches, patient navigation, cultural tailoring, and interactive skill-based training.
A new study from Purdue University found that children who were frequently abused by their parents are more likely to develop cancer in adulthood. The researchers also discovered that the link between abuse and cancer is stronger when fathers abuse sons and mothers abuse daughters.
A study published in Biology Letters found that humans punish cheats only when they end up better off than the punisher, challenging the notion of revenge-based motivation. The researchers aimed to clarify the relationship between punishment and cooperation by investigating underlying motivations.
A recent study from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that delivering a high-birth-weight infant more than doubles a woman's breast cancer risk. The researchers suggest that this increased risk is due to an elevated hormonal environment during pregnancy, which creates a pro-carcinogenic effect.
A research team at University at Buffalo has created synthetic pores inspired by nature, which selectively allow potassium ions and water to pass through while restricting other substances. The discovery paves the way for new technologies in water purification, tumor treatment, and disease regulation.
The AACR-Kure It Grant will support innovative kidney cancer research, aiming to improve patient survival and quality of life. The grant recipient will receive $250,000 over two years and recognition at the AACR Annual Meeting.