Researchers at the University of Central Florida's Anxiety Disorders Clinic have developed a new computer simulation program to help children with social anxiety disorders. The program, designed for ages 8-12, allows clinicians to play the roles of avatars while children practice greetings, compliments, and assertiveness in a realistic...
Researchers identified a molecular marker that quickly distinguishes between fast- and slow-progressing forms of chronic leukemia. The finding enables patients with aggressive disease to start treatment sooner.
A recent study found significant gender differences in salaries among mid-career academic physician researchers. On average, male physicians earned $200,433 per year, while female physicians earned $167,669 per year. The study controlled for various factors, including specialty and productivity, but still found a substantial gap.
Between 1996 and 2010, the use of advanced diagnostic imaging like CT and MRI tripled and nearly quadrupled, respectively. Estimated radiation exposure also increased substantially, with a significant association between CT usage and radiation dose.
A new study using Chandra data reveals two galaxies with supermassive black holes growing at a rate outpacing their host galaxies. The findings suggest that dark matter halos and black holes are linked in the growth of these galaxies, contradicting previous assumptions.
Conducting clinical trials in developing countries can bring significant improvements to health outcomes with simple interventions. However, locally led research is challenged by one-size-fits-all requirements, which push up costs and deter investigators.
A recent UCSF study found that radiation exposure from medical imaging doubled in integrated health care systems (HMOs) between 1996 and 2010, with significant variations between systems. The study, which analyzed millions of patient records, showed a dramatic increase in imaging rates and high radiation doses.
Researchers discovered that the Microprocessor complex adjusts its production levels based on available precursor miRNA, reducing the risk of chopping off-target RNAs. This finding has implications for efficiently producing small RNA therapies for diseases.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that a nevirapine-based treatment regimen was as effective as lopinavir/ritonavir in suppressing the HIV virus, but had a higher stop-treatment rate due to adverse health effects. The researchers emphasize the need for better-tolerated regimes and improved access to effective treatments.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center found that a single light-shock event isn't enough to make rats afraid of the light, but a repeat of the pairing is. This priming effect could lead to new insights into learning and memory treatments or interfere with troubling memories.
Researchers at Penn State found that social marketing campaigns could motivate farmers to install rollover protective structures on older-model tractors, reducing deaths in tractor-rollover accidents. Offering rebates and highlighting child safety concerns were key motivators for farmers.
A new study reveals that an ice cap and valley glaciers were present in the centre of Dartmoor during the last Ice Age, sculpting its rocky landscape. The research found distinctive outer tors survived while inner tors were destroyed or prevented from forming due to the glacier's presence.
Researchers at USC have demonstrated that quantum computing can potentially speed up web page ranking calculations, making it easier for search engines to keep up with the ever-expanding Internet. The study showed that a quantum computer could return the ranking of the most important pages in the web faster than traditional computers.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics provides evidence that genetic variations in the embryo may predispose individuals to cancer later in life. The study found that mutations in key genes were present in cells of patients with congenital skin lesions, suggesting an early origin for some tumors.
Weekly fertility hormone injections are as safe and effective as standard daily injections in increasing pregnancies and minimizing serious side effects. Women undergoing fertility treatment may prefer weekly injections for their patient-friendly nature.
Research by Rutgers-Camden professor Cindy Dell Clark analyzes Hollywood's portrayal of children with asthma, revealing common stereotypes that can lead to stigma and unfair treatment. Her study suggests that depicting asthma as a form of weakness or stress-induced condition is not supported by medical evidence.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that many common lifestyle choices, including smoking and alcohol consumption, have little effect on male fertility. Instead, factors such as ethnicity, occupation, and previous conception history may play a greater role in determining sperm quality.
A new study reveals that insects store voicemails via their effects on soil fungi, passing signals to future plants and their enemies.
Researchers found that elevated erythropoietin in the brain improved motivation for higher exercise performance in mice. The study suggests a potential new approach to increasing physical activity, which could benefit people with mental health disorders and other health problems.
Lily Jan and Yuh Nung Jan receive the award for their fundamental contributions to understanding potassium channel function, neuronal morphologies, and developmental neuroscience. They have mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows, inspiring new generations of researchers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a lab-on-chip platform that can sort microscopic particles and bits of biological matter using gravity or simple forces. The device, similar to speed bumps on a road, separates particles based on weight, size or other factors, holding promise for early cancer detection.
Researchers at MIT have developed an algorithm allowing robots to quickly learn an individual's preference for a task and adapt accordingly. This enables robots and humans to work side by side, improving productivity and efficiency in manufacturing plants.
The study found that the putamen supports the concatenation process of motor chunking, while cortical regions in the left hemisphere respond more during the parsing process. As participants practiced motor sequences, their brains adapted to perform the most efficient movement, suggesting a key role for functional plasticity.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are developing a visualization system to detect suspicious network activity in real-time, using a geographic map metaphor to facilitate human analysis. The system aims to provide quick high-level information to non-experts and comprehensive data to experts, while also offering customization opti...
Researchers found that genetic and environmental factors influence childhood characteristics differently across the UK, with some traits more strongly linked to genes in certain regions. The study's nature-nurture maps provide a global overview of how environment interacts with genetics.
A modern recurrence of a 'flood lava' eruption in Iceland could inject large quantities of hazardous gases into North Atlantic and European flight corridors. The emissions could exceed WHO chronic exposure guidelines and pose significant health risks to air travelers, particularly if the event were to occur during late spring or summer.
Scientists will analyze satellite pictures, airplane data, and tree core samples to determine how trees respond to longer growing seasons. This study aims to understand whether faster-growing trees are taking more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a positive factor in combating global warming.
A cost-effectiveness analysis found that improving quality of care for sick children in district hospitals in Kenya is affordable and effective, with a significant increase in care quality and low additional costs. The intervention was estimated to be approximately $3.6 million annually, or 0.6% of the annual child health budget.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed new microscopy techniques to analyze pollen grains, enabling better classification of prehistoric flora. The research highlights the importance of pollen morphology in understanding the evolution and diversity of ancient vegetation.
A new study found that positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy improves depressive symptoms in all patients with sleep apnea, regardless of adherence to treatment. Patients who used their PAP devices more than four hours per night showed greater improvements in PHQ-9 scores.
A cluster of unusual illnesses at a Colorado children's hospital led to the discovery of contaminated alcohol prep pads with Bacillus cereus bacteria. The investigation resulted in an international recall of the products and highlighted the importance of clear labeling on non-sterile healthcare supplies.
The Substance Abuse Librarians and Information Specialists are warning of the impending loss of specialist libraries and databases due to continued closures. Over 25 libraries worldwide have been downsized or closed since SALIS' campaign began eight years ago, with valuable grey literature and documents at risk of being lost forever.
A new sociological study shows that alcohol consumption leads to increased social stress and poor grades among teens, especially those in tightly-connected friendship cliques. The study found a correlation between drinking and feelings of loneliness and not fitting in, which can lead to declining grades.
Researchers have developed a novel porous material with unique carbon dioxide retention properties, which could be used in new carbon capture products to reduce emissions from fossil fuel processes. The material's structure allows selective adsorption of CO2, even at low temperatures.
Researchers used NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and New Solar Telescope to observe ultrafine loops in the sun's corona. These narrow loops are connected to higher lying, wider loops and may help explain how temperatures rise throughout the corona.
A UCLA program has proven effective in teaching social skills to high-functioning autistic teens, leading to improved relationships and social functioning. The PEERS clinic's 14-week program helps teens develop critical skills needed to make and keep friends, resulting in fewer problem behaviors and greater understanding of social skills.
Researchers discovered a rare yeast species, Saccharomycopsis fodiens, in geographically distant locations, suggesting its spread may be linked to human migrations. The novel strain is parasitic and unusual in using alternative growth methods, providing clues about global micro-organism dispersal.
A joint supplement published by two leading journals calls for better integration between primary care and public health to meet today's health challenges. The effort aims to eliminate duplication and competition, and showcase successful examples of shared accountability in improving community and population health outcomes.
University of Utah physicists created a spintronic device that uses MEH-PPV plastic paint to detect magnetic fields, showing exceptional impact in real-world applications. The new magnetometer can accurately measure fields ranging from weak to strong, with potential consumer products on the market in three years or less.
Research reveals that NFL players with lower daytime sleepiness tend to stay with their original drafting teams, while baseball players experience higher attrition rates at rates above MLB averages. The study suggests measuring sleepiness could help prolong a pro athlete's career.
A three-center study found four key factors underlying unprofessional behavior among hospitalists: making fun of others, conduct in the learning environment, workload management, and time pressures. Most hospitalists reported witnessing these behaviors more frequently than participating in them.
Retention forestry is a management practice that deliberately leaves selected trees standing during harvesting, reducing ecological simplification and preserving natural forest complexity. It brings benefits such as maintaining ecosystem services, increasing public acceptance, and ensuring habitat continuity.
Advanced time-lapse imaging techniques show promise for increasing IVF success rates by selecting high-quality single embryos for transfer. Reliable assessment of embryonic quality could reduce emotional costs and improve procedure efficiency.
A new study from Duke University found that a drug blocking fatty acid amide hydrolase activity reduces fear in mice by increasing endocannabinoids. Human genetic differences related to the same enzyme also influence how well people cope with fear and stress.
Children with persistent sleep apnea (OSA) into their teens experience behavioral and emotional difficulties, including attention problems and aggression, impacting daily life skills. OSA remission or absence is a protective factor against these issues, highlighting the need for early identification and treatment.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and Legacy Health have discovered a method to stabilize liquid glucagon, enabling its use in standard diabetes pumps. This breakthrough could lead to future-generation artificial pancreas systems that dispense both insulin and glucagon for optimal glucose control.
NJIT designer creates a chair to reduce back pain and promote good playing posture among professional musicians. The chair features adjustable seat height, backrests, and a lightweight carbon fiber frame to support individual preferences and body characteristics.
A new systematic review found no benefit from omega-3 supplements on cognitive health in older adults, but suggests longer-term effects are worth investigating. The researchers recommend eating fish as part of a healthy diet to support brain health.
A new study has led to the introduction of rapid syphilis tests in six countries, including China, Peru, Brazil, Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tests have been shown to be effective in remote areas and could save up to one million children's lives every year.
A new biomedical device aims to alleviate chronic back pain by duplicating the natural motion of the spine. Developed by BYU engineers and licensed to Crocker Spinal Technologies, the artificial disc has shown promise in studies and is set to begin international sales distribution as early as next year.
Researchers create DCA-fold tool to spot subtle interactions between amino acids in proteins, refining methods for predicting protein form and function. The new method uses genomic sequence information to eliminate possibilities from the range of forms a protein might take.
Researchers use green fluorescent protein to detect defective genes in children with glycosylation disorders, enabling the development of targeted therapies. The tool helps identify genes causing intellectual disability, digestive problems, seizures, and low blood sugar in children.
Distorted music triggers strong emotional responses by tapping into distress calls of animals, according to UCLA researchers. Listeners rate music with distortion as more exciting and charged with negative emotion than neutral compositions.
Research reveals that fatherly love is critical to a person's development, with rejection having a significant impact on anxiety, insecurity, and relationships. The study suggests that the influence of one parent's rejection can be greater than the other's, highlighting the importance of fathers in child care.
A systematic review found that aggressive blood sugar control can prevent diabetic neuropathy, a disabling condition affecting nerves in the feet and legs. However, the review suggests that optimal target levels for glucose control need to be established to balance benefits and side effects.
A new study projects increased fire activity across large parts of the planet due to climate change, particularly in the western United States. Meanwhile, fire activity is expected to decrease in tropical rainforests as a result of increased rainfall.
A new study from Children's National Medical Center found that routine echocardiogram screenings can identify three times as many cases of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) as clinical examinations. The screenings can detect clinically silent RHD in children, allowing for early intervention and prevention of serious complications.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology's Sonification Lab converted numerical data from Kepler telescope star data into sounds to create a musically appealing melody. The team used this sound in a song by Echo Movement, showcasing the potential of sonification as a tool for analyzing large data sets.
The NIH's Therapeutics Discovery program has partnered with eight pharmaceutical companies to make nearly 60 compounds available for research, accelerating the development of new treatments. Researchers can explore these compounds in disease areas where they haven't been previously explored.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring protein involved in generating chronic pain in rats, which could lead to new therapeutic treatments. The discovery highlights the impact of molecular signalling events on nerve transmission and offers promising avenues for pain relief.