A new study from the University of Missouri found that brief interventions, as short as 30 minutes, can significantly improve exercise habits in college students. Participants who received personalized feedback and set health goals reported increased physical activity compared to those who did not receive the intervention.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that young surgical residents made major mistakes nearly half the time during simulated gall bladder removals due to distractions in the operating room. The analysis showed that young surgeons, particularly those in the afternoon, struggled with interruptions and conversations.
A new program will explore solutions for preserving high-energy physics data from the LHC, Fermilab Tevatron, and other research communities. The team aims to develop a global data and software preservation infrastructure.
Seven University of Tennessee professors have been named AAAS fellows, recognized for their contributions to discovery and education. The new fellows include experts in physics, nuclear security, polymer chemistry, microbiology, anthropology, and information sciences.
A new study reveals how Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) co-opts cells' abilities to repair themselves, leading to preferential repair of the viral genome. The research, published in PLOS Pathogens, shows that HCMV-infected cells can efficiently repair their own DNA but not the viral DNA, with implications for developing antiviral therapies.
A €26.4 million European public-private partnership, led by the University of Manchester and GlaxoSmithKline, aims to create sustainable pharmaceuticals manufacturing processes using biotechnology. The CHEM21 project will establish a European research hub to develop training packages and provide information on green chemistry.
Susan Celniker, a leading expert in genomic analysis of Drosophila, and Wim Leemans, a world leader in laser plasma acceleration, have been named AAAS Fellows for their outstanding contributions to science. They were recognized by their peers for their pioneering work in genomics, genetics, and laser-plasma particle beam research.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that human stem cells are resistant to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a leading cause of congenital intellectual disability and deafness. The research findings suggest that HCMV infection distorts cell differentiation, leading to impaired brain maturation and intellectual ability.
Researchers found that men with higher visceral and total abdominal fat had lower failure load and stiffness, two measures of bone strength. Muscle mass was also positively associated with bone strength. The study suggests that excess belly fat is a risk factor for bone loss in obese men.
A panel of experts recommends more research on the health effects of medical imaging and ways to reduce unnecessary CT tests, as well as industry standardization of CT machines. The experts stress that despite widespread public concern about radiation risks, the biologic effects from medical imaging tests are not entirely understood.
Researchers found that high levels of COUP-TFII can overcome a natural barrier to prostate cancer progression, allowing tumor cells to grow and spread throughout the body. The study suggests that COUP-TFII is an important 'second hit' for the progression of prostate cancer and metastasis.
A study at Cedars-Sinai found that the common drug tadalafil reversed the effects of a biochemical chain in patients with Becker muscular dystrophy, improving blood flow and oxygenation. The researchers plan longer-term studies to determine if this strategy can slow the course of the disease.
A record-setting X-ray jet has been detected 12.4 billion light years from Earth, providing a glimpse into the explosive activity associated with supermassive black holes in the early universe. The jet is thought to be boosted by cosmic background radiation and points almost directly toward us.
Researchers discovered that microRNA-223 regulates the brain's response to oxygen deprivation and glutamate signals, offering a potential protective mechanism against stroke-induced brain damage. The molecule's broad regulatory effects raise questions about its therapeutic application.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have created a test that combines blood DNA analysis with genome sequencing to detect cancers. The new approach was successful in identifying cancer-specific chromosome changes in the blood of patients, but may require larger clinical trials to determine its effectiveness.
The Geosphere journal has published 17 new studies on various topics including the Hosgri strike-slip fault zone, Mount Katmai's eruptive history, and the Barreirinhas Basin in Brazil. These studies provide insights into shallow structure, geomorphology, volcanic eruptions, and climate-tectonic interactions.
Researchers found a significant association between NSAID use and reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death from chronic liver disease. Aspirin use was found to have the strongest protective effect, with participants experiencing a 41% reduced risk of HCC and 45% reduced risk of CLD mortality.
Researchers successfully produce intricate pieces using 3-D printing, which offers benefits over traditional manufacturing methods. The technology also enables easy sharing of designs, allowing for better replication of experiments and collaboration among soil scientists.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that social isolation can reduce myelin production in mice, affecting the formation of new oligodendrocytes and leading to behavioral changes. Reintroduction into a social group reverses these effects, suggesting environmental factors play a crucial role in maintaining healthy nerve cells.
Researchers develop principles to generate ideal protein structures by consistently favoring specific folding patterns. This allows for the creation of robust and stable building blocks for engineered functional proteins, which could be useful in drug development, vaccine creation, and industrial applications.
A study found that 93% of new couches purchased in the last seven years contained flame retardants. The most concerning were 'Tris' chemicals, which are considered probable human carcinogens and have raised health concerns. Researchers detected untested or high-risk flame retardants in over half of the analyzed foam samples.
A new study demonstrates that a targeted therapy, selumetinib, and chemotherapy work better together than chemotherapy alone in treating patients with KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. The combination improved patient survival by 3.2 months and showed significant tumor shrinkage, offering hope for a potential new treatment strategy.
Researchers from North Carolina State University and the University of Oregon have found a way to use cloud-based Web browsers for large-scale computing tasks anonymously. This exploitation has potential ramifications for the security of cloud browser services.
A set of chemical tools simplifies the creation of potential new drug compounds, enabling previously time- and cost-prohibitive chemical modifications. The toolkit works in a variety of conditions, including water and biological media.
A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that children from low socioeconomic status work harder to filter out irrelevant environmental information than those from a high-income background. This is due to learned differences in what they pay attention to, which requires more mental effort.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes. In a mouse model study, turning off the PTPN22 gene reduced the risk of autoimmune diabetes and increased regulatory T cells.
Research suggests that times of economic hardship can limit the inclusiveness of people's racial in-groups, making them more likely to categorize biracial faces as Black. The study found that participants exposed to scarce resources were more likely to do so compared to those exposed to abundant resources.
Two tiny algae, Bigelowellia natans and Guillardia theta, have complex genomes with unique genes and alternative splicing, challenging the paradigm that complex splicing is limited to multicellular organisms. The study sheds light on photosynthesis as a dynamic property and provides insights into eukaryotic evolution.
Researchers uncovered 41 highly odor-active compounds in durian, including previously unknown substances associated with fruity and oniony smells. The study identified four new chemical compounds that had never been found before in food, contributing to the fruit's distinctive smell.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new method to visualize the molecular structure of blended polymers, resolving details at sub-micrometer levels. This technique has important implications for designing industrially important polymers like polyethylene blends used in water pipes.
The USDA has completed a shotgun sequencing of the wheat genome, a major step towards increasing yields and developing drought-tolerant varieties. The achievement is expected to help feed growing populations worldwide and address climate change-related threats to agriculture.
An international team discovered that the interaction between hot electrons and cool ions in graphite is significantly slower than previously thought, leading to a deeper understanding of planetary evolution and laser-driven fusion. The findings have wide implications for material processing, inertial confinement fusion, and astrophysi...
Recent analysis by Oregon State University scientists suggests that both fish consumption and omega-3 supplements can prevent heart disease. The review highlights the importance of DHA and EPA in human health, and notes that plant-derived sources have less benefit than cold-water fish.
The NREL team developed a breakthrough method using microscopic imaging to study the relationships between biomass cell wall structure and enzyme digestibility. They found that understanding the localization of enzymes and their effects on the cell wall is crucial for optimizing sugar yields and reducing costs in biofuel production.
In a phase I trial, ponatinib showed promising results in treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), particularly for patients with the T315I mutation. The drug achieved complete hematologic responses in all 12 patients and major cytogenetic responses in 67% of those with other mutations.
Researchers have created synthetic fibers from protein-based raw materials, including those found in hagfish slime, to replace petroleum-based synthetics. The new fibers offer a sustainable alternative for the textile industry.
A new study published in Global Change Biology explores the impact of climate change on entire forest ecosystems through changes in cloud cover. The research found that altered cloud cover can lead to increased carbon cycling and tree growth due to fog drip, which provides essential water input to the soil.
A study finds that most patients who have undergone imaging exams know little about radiologists, with only 53.5% aware they are physicians. Radiologists now see an opportunity to educate the public about their role in healthcare.
Researchers discovered a cognitive biomarker in young adolescents at high risk of developing depression and anxiety. The test can help initiate early intervention, which has proven to be an effective way to combat mental illness.
Data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft show a shift in seasonal sunlight causing a sudden change in atmospheric circulation on Saturn's moon Titan. This unexpected turn reveals the key factor in Titan's atmosphere circulation is the slant of light, which led to sinking air at altitudes previously thought to be upwelling.
San Diego State University has received a nearly $500,000 NSF grant to create a Science demilitarized zone (DMZ) for high-speed data exchange between the campus and national labs. The DMZ will enable researchers to generate and rapidly exchange large datasets, promoting new partnerships and mentorship opportunities.
A new brain study suggests that recognizing intentionality is the first step in moral computations, linking emotion to morality. The study found that adults can detect intentional harm within 60 milliseconds, triggering an emotional response.
Loyola University Chicago has received more than $10 million in funding from the American Heart Association for cardiac research. The latest award of $60,666 will support vital research studies to build lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Poverty in older age poses significant risks to the UK's health system. The authors highlight poor performing pensions, taxation changes, and social care funding as key factors contributing to this issue. They also express concerns about the potential for private for-profit providers to impact vulnerable individuals' care.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that kerosene lamps produce 7-9% black carbon when burned, leading to a twentyfold increase in estimated black carbon emissions from lighting. Replacing kerosene lamps with cleaner alternatives could yield significant climate benefits and improve public health.
Research finds that seasonal dietary shifts in blue monkeys increase fecal glucocorticoids, a stress marker, particularly in lactating females and those in late pregnancy. This suggests potential effects on female reproduction and infant development.
Scientists have discovered that microscopic protozoa stole genes from algae to produce energy, leading to the evolution of a new species. This process, called endosymbiosis, reveals a key moment in the history of life on Earth and may have implications for algae biofuel production.
Researchers found four well-preserved ships and an ancient harbor structure from the Hellenistic period, shedding light on a lesser-known era of history. The discoveries suggest that additional remains may be found in the coastal sediment before storms destroy them.
A cost-effectiveness analysis found that KRAS testing is cost-saving, while BRAF testing offers additional savings. The study suggests that molecular testing primarily generates cost savings by identifying nonresponders, rather than improving survival.
Several studies presented at the 2012 Quality Care Symposium provide insight into improving quality of cancer care. Researchers found that increasing awareness among physicians and patients can reduce the overuse of diagnostic imaging in young adult cancer survivors, resulting in decreased anxiety and unnecessary radiation exposure.
A combination of anti-HIV drugs reduces malaria incidence among HIV-positive children by 40% compared to NNRTI treatment. High blood levels of anti-malarial drugs in children receiving protease inhibitors may explain their effectiveness.
A Baylor University study found that materialism and impulsiveness drive cell phone addiction. Cell phones are used as a status symbol and can erode personal relationships.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that the drug suvorexant may be an effective alternative strategy for treating insomnia. Participants who took suvorexant experienced improved sleep efficiency and reduced awakenings, with significant improvements compared to those taking a placebo.
Scientists have observed a significant increase in exotic trace gases over Titan's south pole during the autumnal season. This change is attributed to the reversal of the planet's atmospheric circulation cell direction, which extends to altitudes above 450 km.
A study by Duke University found that more than half of all US couches tested contained potentially toxic or untested chemical flame retardants. Tris, a known carcinogen, was detected in 41% of the foam samples, while pentaBDE was banned in 172 countries and 12 US states but still found in some couches.
A recent survey of female adult entertainment club workers in Rhode Island found that many have never been tested for HIV despite risky sexual behavior and substance abuse. The study highlights the need for proactive education and interventions to reduce health risks among this population.
Health-care providers can help reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) by screening and referring patients to resources. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 35.6% of women are raped or stalked by intimate partners, with significant annual healthcare costs.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a quasar with the most energetic outflow ever recorded, exceeding the Milky Way galaxy's total power output by 100 times. The massive material ejected has a rate equivalent to two trillion times the sun's power output.
Researchers found that the order of symptoms matters more for clinicians' descriptions of disorders that are different than those that overlap. This contradicts the assumption that order doesn't matter in psychiatric diagnoses. The study's findings have implications for bringing classification and clinical practice closer together.
Nearly 23% of American women aged 16-49 have high levels of lead, mercury, and PCBs in their blood. Risk factors include age, fish consumption, heavy drinking, and breastfeeding. Women should learn about their risks before becoming pregnant.