An analysis of 42 US presidents suggests that fearless dominance, a trait associated with psychopathy, may be an important predictor of presidential performance. This study found correlations between boldness and higher ratings for leadership, persuasiveness, crisis management, and Congressional relations.
A study by University of Southampton researchers found that women are delaying motherhood due to longer periods of education and training. The average age of first-time mothers rose from 24 in 1974 to 27 in 2004.
A Concordia University study has found that adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are impaired in several aspects of executive functioning, particularly inhibitory control. The researchers hope their work will lead to the development of more reliable tools for detecting Alzheimer's disease at an earlier stage.
Researchers studied 980 children undergoing cardiac surgery and found no benefits from tight glycemic control using insulin. The study suggests that routine control of blood sugar levels in pediatric cardiac intensive care units should not be standard practice.
Balint's syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that badly impairs a patient's ability to make sense of what they see. Patients experience difficulties with eye movements, arm pointing, and visual field constriction.
A new study published today reveals the extent of type 2 diabetes problems in black and minority ethnic populations in the UK. By age 80, approximately half of all South Asians, Africans, and African Caribbean individuals will develop diabetes, with twice as many British South Asian, African, and African Caribbean men and women diagnos...
A Tel Aviv University researcher has developed a control algorithm that optimizes energy collection from waves by predicting wave height and force. The system doubles the energy previously collected by Wave Energy Converters (WECs), making marine energy more competitive.
A study found a fourfold increase in dissolved zinc in the upper Snake River over the last 30 years, driven by warmer air temperatures. Rising temperatures also accelerated mineral weathering rates, leading to increased metal concentrations in other months.
A study of nearly 1 million patients who underwent surgery found that preoperative hyponatremia was associated with a 44% increased risk of 30-day perioperative mortality. The condition also led to higher risks of major coronary events, surgical site infections, and prolonged hospital stays.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new software tool to identify and respond to potential anomalies in cloud computing systems. The program uses system-level data to define normal behavior for each virtual machine, predicting anomalies that could affect system performance.
Two recent cases highlight the risks of foreign body mishaps in the gut, including a woman who developed a liver abscess and sepsis after swallowing a toothpick. Surgical swabs left behind during procedures can also cause problems, as seen in another case where removal resolved symptoms.
A study published in American Journal of Pathology found that two genetic mutations, beta-catenin and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), cooperate to induce adrenal cancer. The research provides new insights into the rare and deadly disease, which affects about 600 Americans annually, and may lead to targeted therapies.
A Vanderbilt study found that pregnant women who have had prior preterm births may benefit from additional hormone, progestogens, to prevent early childbirth. However, the review also found that progestogens do not seem to help prevent preterm labor in women carrying twins or triplets.
The San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) has been awarded a $810,000 grant to develop a cyberinfrastructure for rapidly sharing and streaming scientific visualizations. The project aims to provide an essential component in computational research and the current high-performance computing infrastructure.
Professor Artur Jaworski receives Royal Society Industry Fellowship to apply thermoacoustic technology to improve efficiency of energy sources. He aims to integrate devices into European Thermodynamics Ltd products to widen range and enhance performance.
Researchers have developed a novel human liver-chimeric mouse model that enables the study of human malaria's lethal forms. The FRGTM KO mouse model will be used to study new drug interventions, parasite attenuation, and innate immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum liver stage infection.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal raises questions about the safety of prescription drugs manufactured overseas, particularly from countries like India and China. Regulatory agencies are criticized for lacking transparency in inspection processes, leaving Canadians uncertain about the quality of their medications.
Experts surveyed by Near Zero identify reliability as the primary barrier to airborne wind energy, citing need for long-term stability in shifting winds. Government funding is seen as key to accelerating industry growth, with $10 million annual investment potentially cutting years off significant scale deployment.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found a small molecule, P5091, that triggers programmed cell death in drug-resistant myeloma cells. Combining P5091 with other therapies enhances its anti-myeloma effects.
A new study examines the role of psychological distance and violation severity in humor, suggesting that a balance between the two is necessary for comedy. The findings support the 'Benign Violation Theory,' which proposes that humor emerges when we perceive something wrong while seeing it as okay.
A Mayo Clinic psychiatrist proposes four steps to curb military suicide: gun locks, improved depression care, better sleep monitoring, and more. The expert emphasizes the need for ongoing resources to prevent, diagnose, and treat psychiatric illnesses among service members.
A new study found that the RV144 vaccine was effective in preventing certain HIV viruses, particularly those carrying specific genetic footprints. The vaccine's immune response targeted the Env-V2 region, leading to increased efficacy of up to 80 percent.
A new study found a potential link between recreational marijuana use and an increased risk of developing subtypes of testicular cancer. The research suggests that marijuana may trigger carcinogenesis in the testis through the endocannabinoid system.
A study of 29 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective than no treatment or sham acupuncture for managing some types of chronic pain. Patients who received acupuncture had lower pain scores compared to those in control groups.
A computer model developed by researchers can help healthcare clinics manage no-shows and last-minute cancellations by incorporating overbooking into the system. This approach has been shown to increase efficiency, bringing it back up to around 73% in some cases.
A Penn team led by Joshua Hawk identified nuclear receptors as key molecules in converting short-term memories into long-term ones. The study found that blocking the activity of these receptors impaired contextual memory, while leaving amygdala-associated memories intact.
A broadly protective, fully human monoclonal antibody targeting a conserved region on the influenza hemagglutinin protein provides 100% protection against all H1N1 and H3N2 strains in mouse models. This antibody approach may be a turning point for seasonal and pandemic influenza prevention and treatment.
Researchers identified a novel mechanism that explains the power of placebos and nocebos, demonstrating the unconscious mind plays a key role in pain experiences. Studies showed that patients can show clinical improvement even when receiving treatments devoid of active ingredients or known therapeutic efficacy.
Researchers are developing a new computing approach to discover new materials by harnessing the key characteristics of data: volume, velocity, variety and veracity. The approach helps identify promising solutions by applying statistical learning techniques to large datasets.
A novel CT scanner with grating-based x-ray phase contrast technology demonstrates improved soft tissue visibility in preclinical research. The technology, developed by a German-Swedish-Belgian team, has the potential to revolutionize biomedical imaging and could lead to medical CT scanning applications in the future.
The US has seen a dramatic increase in West Nile Virus cases, exceeding 2012 levels. Experts urge health care professionals and the public to take mosquito-prevention measures to avoid life-threatening diseases.
Researchers have defined perfect forward secrecy for email, which prevents decryption even if a sender's private key is compromised. The new protocol uses a technique that creates a unique session hash for each message, ensuring that emails remain confidential and secure.
A new study links forest greenness in the western United States to fluctuating year-to-year snowpack extent, with mid-elevation mountain ecosystems found to be most sensitive to rising temperatures and changes in precipitation and snowmelt. The research provides important insights into the tipping point between water-limited forests an...
Researchers have successfully used papaya as a banker plant to control silverleaf whiteflies, reducing pesticide use and promoting environmentally friendly pest management. The system involves using non-stinging wasps to feed on the whiteflies and is being tested in commercial greenhouses.
A massive online metabolite database, METLIN, has been developed to provide comprehensive biochemical information about cellular metabolism. The database includes over 60,000 compounds with detailed tandem mass spectrometry information on more than 10,000 metabolites.
A collaborative maternity care program in Vancouver reduced cesarean deliveries by 25% and shortened hospital stays by 22 hours for mothers and babies. The program also increased breastfeeding rates, with midwives delivering 42% of births compared to obstetricians.
New guidelines from Infectious Diseases Society of America recommend penicillin or amoxicillin for confirmed strep throat infections. The guidelines also advise against tonsillectomy for children with recurrent strep throat unless in specific cases.
A new diagnostic test has been identified as the most effective method for measuring treatment response in young patients with acute myeloid leukemia, which could lead to a higher cure rate. The test uses flow cytometry to identify minimal residual disease in patient bone marrow, allowing for more intensive therapy to be guided.
Francois Baccelli, renowned French mathematician and engineer, joins The University of Texas at Austin as the first Simons Chair in Mathematics and Electrical and Computer Engineering. He brings a $1.5 million grant to establish a new Center in Information and Network Science.
Researchers found that nearly 5 percent of pregnant women are prescribed high blood pressure drugs, including some considered unsafe for mothers and babies, according to new research. The study highlights the need for more research on safe and effective antihypertensives during pregnancy.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered that ants have four to five times more odor receptors than most other insects, enabling them to form highly organized colonies. The team mapped the olfactory system of two ant species, finding significant differences in receptor expression and chemical signals between males and females.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully infected various types of canine cancer cells with a pox virus while sparing healthy cells. The study's findings suggest that viral therapies could complement or replace standard cancer treatments, making it a promising approach for treating dog cancer.
Researchers at NTNU have patented a method to grow semiconductor nanowires on graphene, offering excellent optoelectronic properties. This technology has the potential to enable new types of device systems, including solar cells and self-powered nanomachines, with large market potential.
A new vaccine for hayfever could be more effective, less invasive and cheaper than existing options. Researchers found a significant reduction in skin sensitivity to grass pollen with intradermal injections, promising results for potential allergy treatments.
Researchers at Penn Vet found that a compound derived from the Coriolus versicolor mushroom, called polysaccharopeptide, significantly lengthened survival times for dogs with hemangiosarcoma. The study showed promising results, with some dogs living beyond a year without traditional chemotherapy.
Infants can automatically detect and learn complex syllable dependencies in spoken language, a skill lost in adulthood. Young infants also exhibit stronger brain responses to pitch changes, suggesting a link between basic auditory skills and sophisticated rule learning abilities.
A new study suggests that wind power has plenty of potential to meet half the world's power demand by 2030, with a capacity to exceed demand by several times. Researchers used a sophisticated climate model to calculate the theoretical maximum wind power potential on Earth.
Researchers identify a subpopulation of cancer stem cells that display resistance to chemotherapy and contribute to tumor progression. The study suggests a new therapeutic strategy by targeting these cancer stem cells with a combination of standard chemotherapy and signaling pathway inhibitors.
The Endangered Species Act focuses on boosting species' numbers, but many will require continued management actions. Individual conservation agreements can help such 'conservation-reliant species',
Breast cancer cells spread to surrounding lymph nodes through invasion into lymph vessels. Johns Hopkins researchers discover protein HIF-1 triggers this process by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and activating genes involved in lymph vessel formation.
Large-scale high altitude wind power generation is unlikely to substantially affect climate, according to a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory study. The researchers found that wind turbines could extract kinetic energy at a rate of at least 400 terawatts on the surface and over 1800 terawatts in high-altitude winds.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an all-optical photonic switch made from cadmium sulfide nanowires, enabling faster and more efficient light manipulation. This breakthrough paves the way for significant advancements in photonics and its applications in computing.
Researchers develop a human liver-chimeric mouse model to study malaria parasites and understand human host/parasite interactions. Additionally, studies reveal the link between serum ferritin levels and insulin sensitivity, as well as the role of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in protecting against influenza infection.
Researchers have discovered a way to store diverse forms of artificial short-term memories in isolated brain tissue. They demonstrated that neural circuits in the hippocampus can maintain memories for more than 10 seconds and recognize specific contexts, such as sequences of stimuli. This breakthrough has significant implications for u...
Rhode Island Hospital has been awarded a $10.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support translational research on cartilage and joint health. The five-year project aims to develop treatments and preventative tactics for diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and bone-related cancers.
Studies find extended office hours reduce health expenditures and improve breast cancer outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries. Additionally, research on adult cancer survivors reveals the need for primary care engagement in follow-up care, while a team-based model of primary care offers potential solutions to excessive patient panel sizes.
Bacteria use a reversible switching mechanism to adapt to environments lacking oxygen, revealing a new 'antioxidant' pathway for repairing damaged proteins. This discovery has implications for the development of new antibiotics and our understanding of iron-sulfur cluster proteins in various cellular processes.
Cocaine withdrawal affects emotion and motivation due to the activation of CB1 cells in the brain. These cells, responsible for regulating nerve cell communication, slow down activity in the nucleus accumbens when an addict is high on cocaine, leading to a drag on emotions and motivation during withdrawal.
A review of twelve studies on joint replacement surgery found no conclusive evidence for weight loss after the procedure. In fact, some patients even gained weight due to improved mobility and reduced pain.
Two groundbreaking papers from the CMS and ATLAS experiments announce the discovery of the elusive Higgs boson, marking a major milestone in particle physics. The observation confirms the Standard Model of particle physics and validates theories explaining how elementary particles can have mass.
The University of British Columbia has secured over $20 million in funding to combat neglected global diseases, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Research projects include a $7M grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to study pre-eclampsia and a project to improve nutrition in rural Cambodia.
Researchers have found that an off-patent anti-inflammatory drug, oxyphenbutazone, can kill both replicating and non-replicating drug-resistant tuberculosis in laboratory tests. The effective drug may offer a potential new therapy for the over 500,000 people worldwide whose TB has become resistant to standard drug treatments.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that women with moyamoya disease are at higher risk of adverse outcomes, including stroke, after surgical treatment. Despite this, both men and women experience significant improvements in health and functioning after surgery.
Tropical Storm Leslie and Hurricane Michael are being closely monitored by NASA, with Leslie now past Bermuda and Michael weakening due to cooler waters. Leslie is expected to transition from a warm core system to a cold core system, while Michael's weakening is attributed to atmospheric conditions and ocean temperatures.
MicroRNA-145-based gene therapy reduces plaque size and increases stability in mice, providing new insights into atherosclerosis treatment. The approach also makes the fibrous cap area more resilient to rupture, a key event in heart attacks.
A reduced dietary pattern featuring less red and processed meat significantly reduces the risk of coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and bowel cancer by 3-12%. It also leads to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 28 million tonnes of CO2 per year.
A study published in Circulation found that moderate red wine consumption reduces cardiovascular risk more effectively than vodka, thanks to its antioxidant properties. The researchers also discovered that red wine dilates blood vessels, while vodka induces the development of collateral vessels.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have found that cardiac stem cells from newborns have a three-fold ability to restore heart function compared to adult-derived cells. This discovery may lead to new treatment options for congenital heart syndrome and improve heart function in children by up to 15 percent.
Researchers found that aerosol particles in the Amazon rainforest, including those containing organic compounds and terpenes, often have high levels of potassium salts. These salts play a crucial role in cloud formation by providing seeds for liquid droplets to condense on.
A large-scale study confirms that empathic physician-patient relationships are associated with better clinical outcomes, including lower hospitalization rates and fewer complications. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 diabetic patients and 242 physicians in Italy.
Researchers developed an emotion detector using a genetic algorithm that recognizes six human emotions and neutral expression. The system analyzes upper and lower lip shapes to improve interaction between humans and computers.
A new study published in Neurology finds that people who drink heavily (3+ drinks/day) are at higher risk for stroke almost a decade and a half earlier than those who don't. Heavy drinking is linked to a more severe form of stroke, leading to poorer long-term outcomes.
A study by CWRU nurse researchers found that the physical, mental, emotional, and time-related cost of home caregiving saps caregivers' energy. Higher effort correlated with higher depressive symptoms in caregivers.
Researchers at UW-Madison have identified a small DNA sequence, the +9.5 GATA2 switch site, that plays a crucial role in controlling GATA2 production and generating self-renewing blood stem cells.
Researchers found that droughts exacerbated by warming temperatures are causing plants to experience stressful growing conditions, especially in low to middle elevations. The study used a growing season index to model and map potential plant responses to droughts under past, present, and future conditions.
A Mayo-led study finds that pancreatic cancer develops from the interaction of KRAS mutations, inflammation, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), requiring multiple genetic factors for tumor formation. The study suggests that EGFR inhibitors may be effective in treating patients with chronic pancreatitis or normal p53 activity.
Researchers warn that pending cases threaten public health in India, highlighting legal challenges to key provisions of the Patents Act. The report argues that the country's patent laws can help improve access to medicines if properly applied.
A new study shows that crows react to threats in a human-like way, with brain regions activated similarly to those in mammals. The research used a novel approach to study bird behavior, involving awake crows wearing masks, and has implications for reducing stress in captive animals.
Researchers calculated wind power potential worldwide, accounting for climate impacts and found it exceeds global energy demands. The maximum theoretical potential is over 250 terawatts globally and 80 TW over land and ocean areas.
A new dengue vaccine candidate, CYD-TDV, has shown promising results in a phase 2b trial with an effective rate of 60-90% against DENV 1, 3, and 4 viruses. The vaccine was also found to be safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.
A study by UNC pediatrics researchers found that younger overweight children consume more calories per day than their healthy weight peers, but older overweight children consume fewer calories. This surprising finding suggests that different strategies may be needed to help children in both age groups reach a healthy weight.
Researchers developed a method to measure mercury and other toxic metals in fluids using nano-velcro, which can detect methyl mercury at record-breaking accuracy. The device is cheap, easy to use and may lead to safer foods on the dinner table.
A new report by the Zoological Society of London identifies 100 of the most threatened animals, plants, and fungi on the planet, highlighting their unique value to nature. The report emphasizes that all species have a right to exist and should be protected, regardless of their perceived utility for humans.
A Canadian study found that vigorous physical activity is associated with reduced body mass index z score, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and increased cardiorespiratory fitness in youth. The study included 605 youth aged 12.1 years and found that performing more than seven minutes of vigorous PA daily was linked to lowe...
This September 2012 issue of the Genetics Society of America's journal features studies on weak selection in molecular evolution, a new method for mapping quantitative trait loci onto phylogenetic trees, and the role of DNA replication defects in causing chromosome rearrangements. Additionally, researchers investigate ultraconserved el...
A new study shows that combining a protein inhibitor with VEGF targeting could more effectively treat diseases by shutting down abnormal blood vessel growth. This approach may also lead to improved treatments for eye diseases and autoimmune disorders.
A new study found that flu vaccination rates vary widely by ethnicity in Canada, with non-white Canadians having lower rates. The study analyzed data from 12 ethnic groups and found significantly higher vaccination rates among Filipino, Japanese, and Chinese Canadians compared to white and black Canadians.
Higher serum ferritin levels are linked to lower adiponectin production, a protein regulating blood glucose. Reducing ferritin levels improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in humans.
Researchers at UGA have made a major medical breakthrough by discovering how an oxygen-sensing bacterial protein senses oxygen through reversible structural changes in an iron-sulfur cluster. This mechanism could ultimately lead to a better understanding of the aging process and new treatments for human diseases.
A University of Illinois metabolic engineer has synthesized a key breast milk ingredient, 2-fluoro-lactose (2FL), which could lead to the development of infant formula. This breakthrough allows researchers to study the role of 2FL in infant nutrition and make recommendations for its addition to infant formula.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against annual screening for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women due to potential harms. Reduced out-of-pocket expenses can improve medication adherence for chronic conditions, with case management and patient education showing strong evidence.
Archaeologists are near discovering King Richard III's possible burial place following major finds including medieval inlaid floor tiles, paving stones and a lost garden. The University of Leicester's archaeological dig at Greyfriars will continue for another week after huge public support and global media interest.
Researchers at the University of Utah discovered that Wnt signaling is essential for the production and specialization of nerve cell precursors in the hypothalamus. The study found that Wnt signaling continues to be required for adult neurogenesis, suggesting a key role in brain plasticity.
A 10-week LifeSkills program improved teens' ability to control anger, decreased anxiety, and lowered blood pressures, with benefits holding up at six months. The program, adapted for adolescents, teaches assertiveness, sound decision-making, and positive interactions to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.