A study by Max Planck researchers found that looking at pictures of food increases the hormone ghrelin in the blood, leading to feelings of hunger. This suggests that external stimuli like advertising can contribute to weight gain in Western populations.
Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa report that native forest birds are experiencing prolonged molting periods due to increased competition with introduced Japanese white-eye birds. This change in molt timing and duration is associated with food scarcity and has significant implications for bird survival and growth.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London study geothermally-heated streams in Iceland to explore how temperature affects respiration rates. The research reveals that the intrinsic temperature sensitivity of respiration is consistent across a range of organisms, adapted to different temperatures.
Researchers at NYU-Poly and REL, Inc. are developing a next-generation aluminum composite brake rotor with triple the life expectancy of traditional cast iron rotors. The new rotor is expected to weigh 60% less and improve fuel efficiency by shaving approximately 30 pounds from a mid-size sedan.
High levels of TNF receptors in the blood increase diabetes patients' risk of developing kidney problems by three- to five-fold. Measuring blood levels of TNF receptors may help predict which patients' kidneys are in jeopardy, and targeting TNF receptors may help protect them.
A review highlights the need for early identification and treatment of insomnia to reduce the risk of developing other illnesses, including depression, diabetes, and hypertension. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is shown to be highly effective in treating insomnia with long-lasting benefits.
Researchers aim to create a predictive model for liver metabolism using cellular control of fat metabolism as an optimal feedback-control system. The goal is to analyze and optimally compute possible interventions for treating fatty livers, leading to personalized medicine approaches.
A new imaging platform has been developed by Lawson researchers to study the moment when cancer cells turn deadly. The approach uses a shell-less chick embryo model implanted with human cancer cells, allowing scientists to modulate and monitor protein effects in real-time.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new approach using stem cells to deliver gene therapy specifically targeting the genetic abnormality found in Huntington's disease. By transferring inhibitory RNA sequences from donor cells into target neurons, they significantly decreased the synthesis of the abnormal huntingtin protein.
Statins, cholesterol-lowering medications, have been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells with mutant p53 genes. By targeting a specific pathway involved in cell proliferation, statins may be effective in treating these types of tumors.
A new study found that adults who participated in high-quality early childhood education programs in the 1970s had significantly more years of education and were four times more likely to have earned college degrees. They also had better employment rates and were less likely to use public assistance.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has appointed Nottingham Business School as Retail Knowledge Navigators to build relationships with the retail sector. The team will include experts Professor Kim Cassidy, Dr Sheilagh Resnick, and Professor Paul Whysall, who bring extensive experience in marketing and management.
A new approach to HIV prevention is being developed by Michigan State University's Institute of International Health, focusing on cultural competency to address the epidemic in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The plan involves training and mentoring local health care professionals to strengthen HIV prevention, particularly among youth.
A new study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics found that regular exercise can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Women who underwent six weeks of strength or aerobic exercise training experienced remission rates higher than those in a control group.
Upper GI bleeding is common and serious in dialysis patients, with rates 10 times higher than in the general population. The condition can lead to early deaths and substantial negative effects on kidney function.
Louis St. Laurent of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution received the 2012 Nicholas P. Fofonoff Award for his groundbreaking research on small-scale mixing processes and dynamical processes involved. The award recognizes his fundamental contributions to understanding ocean dynamics.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that labeling foods with a simple red, yellow, and green color scheme led to increased purchases of healthier items. Rearranging display cases to make healthy options more visible also contributed to improved nutritional quality.
Left-handed Z-DNA, normally only found at sites of DNA replication, can also form on nucleosomes, according to a new study. This discovery sheds light on the roles of chromosome remodeling and Z-DNA in regulating gene expression.
A team of chemists from Michigan State University has discovered a way to isolate and test the P2X1 receptor in blood platelets, unlocking its potential as a new drug target for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cystic fibrosis. The research allows researchers to re-test existing medications by attaching to the receptor.
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center identified two novel markers that can predict renal failure in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, ten years in advance. High concentrations of TNFR1 and TNFR2 accurately predict the risk of renal function loss.
Researchers at UCSF have found that neutrophils use mechanical force to transmit tension across their membrane, restricting activity to the leading edge and enabling them to attack invaders. This discovery could lead to new therapies for conditions such as spinal cord injury and cancer.
Tropical Storm Ethel is intensifying due to warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 35 knots (40 mph) on January 19.
A new class of nanoparticles has been developed to prevent premature drug release and ensure targeted delivery to tumors. The dual-responsive boronate cross-linked micelles (BCMs) can release drugs in response to acidic environments or mannitol, minimizing premature release and maximizing tumor targeting.
Jackson Laboratory researchers discovered a defect in RNA splicing process that contributes to neurological disease. A mutation in one copy of the U2 snRNA gene causes neurodegeneration, leading to movement problems and early neuron death in mice.
A Kansas State University researcher is studying the genetic basis of natural variation in sunflowers, a process known as ecological or evolutionary genetics. The study has found that massive proliferation events of LTR retrotransposons contribute to the increase in genome size of hybrid species.
A new study found that religious people tend to have higher social self-esteem and better psychological adjustment. However, this effect is only seen in countries with a high value on religion, such as devoutly Catholic Poland. The researchers suggest that the reason for this lies in the societal values of these countries.
A new VCU study suggests using antimicrobial impregnated scrubs combined with good hand hygiene can effectively reduce MRSA burden on healthcare workers' apparel. The study found that antimicrobial scrubs reduced the bioburden of MRSA on healthcare worker apparel, but did not impact hand hygiene practices.
Scientists have developed a framework for predicting tornado activity up to a month out, giving communities a chance to plan and potentially aid in the understanding of whether tornadoes are growing more frequent due to climate warming.
Researchers found a strong link between an inherited TP53 gene mutation and chromothripsis, a condition where chromosomes shatter and reassemble incorrectly. This discovery has significant implications for diagnosis and treatment, as patients with the mutation may be at high risk of developing certain types of cancer.
A new search-and-rescue robot, Scalybot 2, is designed to use less energy and navigate tight spaces like snakes. The robot replicates rectilinear locomotion, a efficient movement method that allows snakes to crawl through crevices with minimal energy expenditure.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have discovered that manganese completely protects against Shiga toxicosis in animal models. The findings suggest that manganese could be a promising treatment for neutralizing the effects of Shiga toxin in humans, offering an affordable solution to this deadly infection.
A study by University of Illinois economist Kathy Baylis found that Quebec's fast-food ad ban reduced fast-food purchases among French-speaking households by 13% per week, leading to 11-22 million fewer meals eaten per year. The ban was most effective in isolated media markets, and the study suggests a nationwide U.S. ban could be succ...
A systematic review of FDA warnings and alerts over 20 years found that communicating health risks can be a complex science, with varying impacts on drug use and health behaviors. The most effective notices were those warning about serious adverse events, but even these had variable effects.
Researchers found that MET gene overexpression leads to deregulation of microRNAs, causing gefitinib resistance in lung cancer. Combining targeted drugs with microRNA blockers may improve treatment efficacy.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that pancreatic cancer cells in an animal model begin to spread before clinically obvious tumor tissue is detected. Inflammation plays a crucial role in enhancing cancer progression, leading to the entry of cancer cells into the bloodstream. The study used...
Research found that children exposed to PCE-contaminated drinking water before birth and during early childhood were at a higher risk of developing bipolar disorder and PTSD. The study suggests that prolonged exposure to the neurotoxin may contribute to long-term mental health issues.
The FDA has revised labeling guidelines for erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) drugs in chronic kidney disease patients. These updates aim to minimize the risk of heart-related problems, but critics argue that they may be too conservative and not tailored to individual patient needs.
A literature review highlights the decisive role of grandmothers in mother and child nutrition and health, particularly in rural and urban areas of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Grandmothers provide care for women and children, advise on nutrition and health matters, and influence maternal and child nutrition-related practices.
Researchers decoded the behavior of lysozymes, a protein in teardrops that chomps through bacterial cell walls. The discovery could lead to early detection and treatment of cancers.
A Baylor University study finds that people who vote near churches report more conservative attitudes and negativity toward non-Christians. This suggests that the location of polling places can shape voter behavior and may impact election results. The study's findings have implications for how our surroundings influence our attitudes.
A new study found that intuition plays a significant role in accepting evolution, with knowledge level being less of a factor. The research suggests using exercises to help students become aware of their dual processing, allowing them to judge ideas on their merits.
According to NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, 2011 was the ninth warmest year since 1880, with temperatures around the globe 0.92 degrees F warmer than the mid-20th century average.
A faulty version of the RHBDF2 gene is responsible for tylosis with oesophageal cancer, a rare inherited condition. The study reveals that this gene malfunction leads to uncontrolled cell growth and division, causing cancer.
Bio Architecture Lab's technology has engineered an enzyme to degrade alginate and a pathway to metabolize it, making seaweed a cost-effective source of biomass for renewable fuel production. The company's breakthrough could help meet increasing global demand for renewable energy sources.
Researchers found that senior male and female marathon runners have consistently improved their performance over the last 30 years, while younger runners have remained stable. The study suggests that physical activity may slow aging-related processes, but further research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved.
Researchers have traced the family tree of pigeons to understand how their remarkable variation arose. The study found that some characteristics may have arisen independently on different branches of the family tree or spread through interbreeding, leading to diverse breeds.
Researchers found artists average 3.95-6.16 years on album charts, 34% debut once, 50% on singles chart; second phase examines music trends and artist longevity
Researchers discovered that the interaction between CD4 T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) can inhibit T-cell function, while CD8 T cells are not affected. The study suggests a potential mechanism for controlling dysregulated immune responses in cancer.
Researchers have discovered a gene called distal-less critical to the fruit fly's ability to receive and process smells. In humans, this gene has also been linked to autism and epilepsy. The study found that the gene plays a key role in generating and maintaining stem cells responsible for processing odors.
A study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology reveals a significant reduction in new cases of legal blindness in Denmark, with the rate of blindness from AMD falling by over 50% between 2000 and 2010. The introduction of new treatment for wet AMD has been credited with this progress.
Expert Rongfang Liu will address concerns about China's high-speed rail development at the Transportation Research Board conference. Her research suggests that investments in high-speed rails can receive adequate returns when linked to investment recovery periods and fare structures corresponding to traveler demographics.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that dung beetles perform a specific dance before moving away from the pile, upon encountering obstacles, or when losing control of their dung ball. This behavior is crucial for efficient navigation and allows them to quickly move away from intense competition.
A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that people's internal mental maps are oriented towards the north, improving accuracy in spatial tasks. The study found that participants performed best when facing north and drew differently oriented maps, but only used their memorized map as a reliable source of spatial information.
A study found that nursing home residents with dementia who use average doses of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are three times more likely to have an injurious fall than those who don't. The risk increases as people take higher doses of SSRIs, and combining them with hypnotic or sedative drugs further elevates the risk.
Scientists have identified a crucial molecule called PfSET10 that instructs malaria parasites to employ their 'invisibility cloak' to hide from the immune system. The research sheds light on how Plasmodium falciparum causes disease and evades the immune response, with implications for developing targeted treatments.
Researchers at Boston University identified genetic variants that play a critical role in conferring exceptional longevity. The study found that genes associated with age-related diseases also influence survival beyond 100 years of age.
Researchers found that HIV induces expression of the COX-2/prostaglandin E2 inflammatory pathway in cervical tissue samples from Haitian women. Aspirin's potential role in preventing cervical cancer is being explored as a simple and inexpensive solution for high-risk populations.
A team of scientists has detected a faint 'satellite galaxy' 10 billion light years away, making it the lowest-mass object at such a distance. This finding could help confirm or reject theories about the structure of the cosmos.
A study by Sam Houston State University found that nearly 16% of college students in Texas have played the Choking Game, a dangerous behavior involving manual choking or suffocation. The majority of participants were males under 15 years old, and most learned about it from peers.
Researchers have accurately quantified molecular-scale interactions between gases and water molecules in gas hydrates. The study shows that hydrates can hold hydrogen at an optimal capacity of 5 weight-percent, meeting the Department of Energy standard.