At around 2 meters per second, running makes better use of a key calf muscle than walking, increasing efficiency and conserving energy. This discovery sheds light on why speed walking is generally confined to the Olympics.
A study examined the user experience of popular functions in the Department of Veterans Affairs' My HealtheVet system, finding that users found the prescription refill function particularly useful. Patients also sought features that would allow them to easily download and share their health information with healthcare providers.
A new study by Columbia Business School researchers found that retailer characteristics, not individual stores, explain variation in price dynamics. The analysis used millions of price observations to document high-frequency price movements across stores and chains.
A recent study identified effective agents from approved drugs with anti-cancer activity in thyroid cancer cells, offering potential repurposing opportunities for aggressive recurrent or metastatic cases. The compounds found had potent activity across different therapeutic categories and modes of action.
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that a pneumonia outbreak among endangered markhors in Tajikistan reduced their numbers by as much as 20 percent. The disease is believed to have been transmitted from domestic goats, highlighting the need for continuous disease surveillance.
Scientists have solved the three-dimensional structure of a newly discovered type of gene-targeting protein called TAL effector, which has a unique LEGO-like modular architecture. This discovery enables researchers to engineer the protein for targeted gene modification, genetic engineering, and corrective gene therapy.
The new treatment section provides insight into different treatment options for children with autism, including behavioral interventions and clinical therapies. Families can view examples of treatment in action to help determine the best course of treatment for their child.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that individual gallium nitride nanowires exhibit strong piezoelectricity in three dimensions, with efficiency up to six times greater than bulk material. This finding has significant implications for the development of nanogenerators capable of powering self-powered devices.
A study of nearly 12,600 participants found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with a decreased risk of current depression, particularly among those with a prior history of depression. Low vitamin D levels were linked to depressive symptoms in patients with a history of depression.
A recent study by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute found that B cells can have multiple fates, including death, division, antibody production, or changes in antibody type. The researchers proposed that cell fates are determined by internal processes rather than external cues.
Researchers successfully created the narrowest conducting wires in silicon with a diameter of just one atom, exhibiting excellent electrical properties and beating out copper. This breakthrough could pave the way for atomic-scale components in future quantum computers.
Sathyanaryanan Puthanveettil, a Scripps Research scientist, has been awarded two notable grants to study the critical component of long-term memory formation. He will investigate the role of kinesin in this process using the marine snail Aplysia.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a low-dose combination therapy using cancer medicines to eliminate or prevent the immune response in children with Pompe disease. This treatment has saved the lives of four patients who were previously predicted to fail enzyme replacement therapy.
Engineers created graphene's pseudo-piezoelectric behavior by punching triangle-shaped holes into it, producing strong piezoelectricity comparable to well-known substances like quartz. The results have the potential to open new avenues for graphene and applications relying on piezoelectricity.
Taking part in philosophical dialogue sessions improved children's listening skills, respect for others, and ability to consider alternative perspectives. The Community of Philosophical Inquiry approach also helped them analyze problems and make informed decisions.
Researchers have successfully produced chimeric monkeys with six distinct genomes, expanding the scope of biomedical research. The breakthrough suggests limitations in using cultured embryonic stem cells and highlights the importance of studying primate and human embryos.
Emerging evidence-based interventions can make drugs less available, reduce violence in drug markets, and lessen misuse of legal drugs. The Lancet Series on Addiction suggests that policy makers should focus on interventions with the largest potential population effect and strongest evidence of effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered that massive volcanic eruptions in the late Permian period likely caused the extinction of nearly all marine species and a majority of land life. Mercury levels were found to be significantly higher than today's human-caused emissions, contributing to the loss of 95% of life in the sea.
Scientists have developed the thinnest silicon wires yet, four atoms wide and one atom tall, which can carry electrical currents just like copper wires. This breakthrough has significant implications for future nanoscale computational devices and quantum computing.
A new methodology developed by Northwestern University researchers reveals that people's implicit, split-second responses to physically attractive individuals better predict their attraction to them. This challenges the idea that stated preferences for partners accurately reflect one's true desires.
Researchers have discovered how to harness the bacterial immune system to selectively target and silence genes. This finding has far-reaching implications for biotechnology and biomedical research, allowing for the modification of gene expression in bacteria used for biofuels and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a gene activator, Mef2, crucial to the development of schistosomes in humans. The discovery provides a potential target for a vaccine to prevent the disease, which affects over 200 million people worldwide.
Research from Rice University and UC Berkeley reveals graphene tears along energetically favorable lines, creating desirable edges. The study suggests a new way to control graphene's electrical properties by manipulating its edges.
Researchers used Cell-CT technology to examine cells in 3D, revealing subtle cellular details inaccessible by conventional microscopy. The study found that cancerous cells had distinct nuclear shapes and sizes, which can be used as biosignatures for disease staging and diagnosis.
A recent study published in Neurology reveals a sophisticated link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis (MS), potentially leading to new treatments and prevention strategies. Researchers found that EBV triggers inflammation and nerve cell damage in the brain, which is known to cause MS symptoms.
Adult stem cells have been found in the retina of the eye, which can divide and form other cell types. This discovery opens up potential treatments for diseases like age-related macular degeneration, as these cells may be able to repair damaged tissue.
A small clinical trial found that taking varenicline (Chantix) for four weeks before quitting increased tobacco-free rates by 27% compared to one week. Women showed the greatest improvement, reducing smoking by over 50%. The study suggests a longer treatment period may lead to better outcomes.
The international treaty system has been criticized for its lack of flexibility and failure to address the root causes of drug misuse. Despite eight countries' efforts to introduce supervised injecting centres, UNODC and other agencies continue to argue that these measures contravene existing treaties.
A new radar system uses ultra-wideband radio waves to quickly identify objects on train tracks, including luggage items and people who may have fallen. The system has been successfully tested in simulations and real-life experiments, showing its potential to prevent serious accidents and reduce delays.
A team led by UC Riverside entomologist Thomas Miller is traveling to Rwanda to help solve the mystery of a defect called 'potato taste' that's threatening the country's specialty coffee exports. The team aims to determine the cause of the defect and devise a strategy to eliminate it.
Researchers discovered that planarians lack centrosomes and yet retain regenerative powers. By studying planarian homologs, the team identified conserved proteins required for centriole assembly in human cells, suggesting alternative functions for centrosomes.
Around 200 million people worldwide use illicit drugs each year, with the highest rates in developed countries. The global burden of disease due to drug use is similar to that caused by alcohol consumption in these nations.
Researchers at UCLA have identified dihydromyricetin as a potential treatment for acute alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms. The compound blocks the action of alcohol on the brain's GABAA receptors, reducing voluntary consumption without major side effects.
Researchers from Jena University developed a new type of glass ceramic that can be used in dentistry due to its high strength and optical characteristics. The material, which is composed of nanocrystals, achieves a strength five times higher than comparable denture ceramics available today.
Scientists at OHSU successfully produced the world's first primate chimeric offspring, three baby rhesus macaques, shedding light on stem cell functions and abilities in primates compared to rodents. The research has significant implications for regenerative medicine, particularly in treating diseases like Parkinson's.
Jane Grande-Allen, Rice University's first faculty member to win the award, will receive a five-year research grant to study the unique biological properties of heart valves. Her goal is to develop novel therapies for valve disease and create living, healing heart-valve replacements.
Researchers have determined the 3-D structure of a TAL effector bound to DNA, allowing scientists to better understand its ability to recognize and stick to specific sequences. This discovery will improve scientists' ability to target the proteins to different locations in a genome and predict their binding to unintended sites.
A new study published in Acta Paediatrica found that children prefer colorful food plates with multiple items and figurative designs, while adults tend to prefer simpler arrangements. The study suggests that adding color to meals can make nutritionally diverse foods more appealing to picky eaters.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that fibroblasts play a significant role in melanoma tumor growth and progression. The study also revealed that fibroblasts contribute to drug resistance and the 'flare' response, where tumors exhibit enhanced metabolism after targeted therapy is stopped.
A study by the University of Leeds found that older adults tend to stay in the middle lane while driving, an adaptive strategy that helps them stay safe. This tendency is linked to their reduced motor skills due to aging.
A QUT research team is developing a GPS-based system to aid Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in making safer emergency landings. The system will incorporate a camera to pinpoint safe landing options, such as fields or roads, and help pilots navigate away from populated areas.
A new genre of medical imaging technology uses optical techniques to peer below the skin and through muscle and bone, revealing body structures. Devices such as blood vessel mappers and cancer detectors are already in use or in development, providing non-invasive views for diagnosis and study.
A recent study published by the Technical University of Munich found no evidence to support the theory that fish oil consumption during pregnancy prevents excessive infant adipose tissue growth. The INFAT study, which monitored 208 expectant mothers and their children for over a year, showed no difference in infant adipose tissue growt...
A global study on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) reveals increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The study found that IBD affects individuals in their most productive years of life, resulting in significant healthcare costs.
A statewide survey will help assess the pediatric emergency readiness of hospital emergency departments in California and beyond. The project aims to determine what resources hospitals are lacking to treat young patients and how they can acquire them.
Researchers discovered that male wolf spiders eavesdrop on rival males' courtship signals to improve their chances of mating. The study found that experienced spiders are more likely to exhibit this 'signal matching' behavior.
Researchers found that a new vaccine was partially effective at preventing genital herpes disease caused by HSV-1, with significant protection offered to some women. However, the vaccine did not protect women from genital disease caused by HSV-2.
A new study recommends using the body mass index (BMI) method to calculate expected body weights in children with eating disorders. The research found that this method is more accurate than others and can account for varying heights and weights, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers.
Researchers have developed a technology that reduces air pollutant emissions from chicken and swine barns by up to 79% while recovering heat. The system uses biofiltration and heat exchangers to temper fresh air and generate heat, reducing energy consumption.
Research at Pompeii counters previous theories that tombs were abandoned due to garbage, suggesting people continued to maintain burial spaces alongside public areas. The ancient city's casual treatment of waste is also revealed, with trash found in homes, streets, and alleys.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of endomannosidase, an enzyme used by devastating human viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C to replicate. This breakthrough opens the door to developing inhibitors that block both pathways used by these viruses.
A new gene called RGS9-2 has been found to regulate body weight by modulating metabolism. The discovery was made by a University of Rhode Island researcher who initially studied the gene's role in brain protein dyskinesia, a side effect of certain medications.
A new guideline issued by the American Academy of Neurology recommends caution when selecting seizure medications for individuals with HIV/AIDS due to the risk of adverse interactions. The guideline aims to minimize the impact of these drug combinations, particularly in developing countries where treatment options are limited.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham used a powerful magnet to levitate fruit flies, simulating weightlessness on Earth. The results show that the flies walk more quickly than expected, suggesting potential effects on living organisms in space. The study provides valuable insights for future space exploration and long-term survival.
A new US study confirms that updated rotavirus vaccines do not increase the occurrence of severe bowel obstruction, a potentially fatal side effect. The re-introduction of these vaccines has been credited with reducing diarrhea-related hospitalizations among children.
A study of over 26,000 patients found that therapeutic hypothermia was used in only 0.35% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases in the US. Despite its proven benefits in reducing mortality and improving neurologic outcomes after a heart attack, hypothermic therapy is not being widely adopted in clinical practice.
Women with breast cancer who take anti-estrogen supplements may be decreasing their risk for melanoma. Risk for melanoma was 60 percent higher among patients who did not receive anti-estrogen therapy compared to those who received it.
A new downloadable tool from the University of Colorado Cancer Center guides cancer survivors through a personalized exercise plan, helping them set goals and track progress. The program aims to overcome common challenges faced by cancer patients, including fatigue and self-doubt.
A study found that genital herpes can reactivate in 'breakthrough episodes' even when taking high dose antiviral therapy, highlighting the need for new treatments to prevent onward transmission. Current antiviral therapies only reduce shedding by 50%, but don't eliminate breakthrough episodes.
New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology provide treatment recommendations for people with HIV/AIDS taking seizure drugs. The guidelines aim to prevent drug interactions that could make HIV drugs less effective or lead to a more virulent strain of the disease.