A new study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers has identified a crucial signaling molecule involved in counterbalancing the immune system attack. Regulatory T cells, or Tregs, play a key role in suppressing inflammatory responses and preventing autoimmune diseases.
A Northwestern University study reveals that our brains make complex decisions for us without our knowledge or consent. Researchers found that even when people are aware of the trick, their brains still rely on visual information to guide hand movements.
Tadpole shrimp have been identified as a new pest of rice production systems in the midsouthern United States. The shrimp feed on rice seedlings and uproot them during foraging, causing water to become muddy and reducing light penetration.
A new malaria-transmitting mosquito species has been discovered in western Kenya by Notre Dame researchers. The mosquito breeds outdoors and bites people earlier in the evening, threatening current malaria control techniques.
Researchers observed phytoplankton fleeing from zooplankton and even from chemical scents of predators. Fleeing helps the alga survive and makes a difference between life and death.
A new study defines boredom as a mental state fueled by attention failures, leading to frustration and potential dangers such as accidents, impulse control issues, and mortality. The researchers aim to stimulate further research to understand and address the issue.
Researchers in Dresden observed how electrons in individual quantum dots absorb energy and emit it as light. They used scanning near-field microscopy to excite electrons and measure their energy levels.
A new study found that cherry consumption lowered gout attack risk by 35% compared to non-consumers, while combined with allopurinol it decreased risk by 75%. The findings suggest cherries may be a preventive option for patients with gout.
Researchers estimate that maximizing observation unit potential can result in significant cost savings, with an average annual saving of $4.6 million per hospital and up to $3.1 billion nationwide. This could be achieved by avoiding 2.4 million unnecessary inpatient admissions.
A new study reveals that summers on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard are warmer than any other time in the last 1,800 years, with temperatures exceeding even the warmest periods during the Medieval Warm Period. This finding casts doubt on skeptics who argue that current warming is also natural.
A 15-year analysis shows that state-of-the-art HIV care improves health outcomes across all patient groups, including those most affected by the disease. Comprehensive care models with multiple levels of support lead to better clinical outcomes.
A study led by Dr. Najma Ahmed found that lack of control over resources and work-life balance contribute to dissatisfaction among general surgeons. Surgeons cite enjoying patient interactions and resolving problems quickly as key sources of satisfaction.
Super Typhoon Jelawat's eye has grown to 36 nautical miles, with extreme rainmaking and symmetrical circulation. The storm is expected to make landfall near Kyoto, Japan on Sept. 30, maintaining strong winds.
Three USP Global Fellowship awards have been presented to Darash Desai, Jose Napolitano, and Ting Wang to develop cutting-edge solutions for counterfeit drug detection, pharmacopeial reference standards analysis, and excipient identification. The fellowship program aims to support innovative thinking and approaches to global challenges.
Tropical Storm Nadine has weakened significantly with light rainfall surrounding its center of circulation, according to NASA's TRMM satellite data. The storm is expected to turn west and northwest as it moves around a high pressure area.
A study by George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services suggests that work-family conflict is linked to a higher risk of neck and shoulder pain in hospital workers. Researchers found that employees with high work-life imbalance were nearly three times more likely to report arm pain.
A recent study found that nearly 20 percent of people who underwent low back fusion surgery developed post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. The strongest factor in determining whether a patient suffered PTSD symptoms was a pre-surgery psychiatric disturbance, but some patients without such diagnoses also experienced symptoms.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that contrast-enhanced ultrasound detected higher-grade prostate cancers in 55% of patients, compared to 17% with conventional biopsy methods. The technique uses microbubbles to measure changes in blood flow and requires fewer needle biopsies.
The UCSD-based Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research Consortium will continue its critical work on understanding CLL's development and progression. The five-year grant will enable researchers to develop new drugs and treatments for the disease, which affects over 15,000 people annually in the US.
Researchers evaluated MDHearingAid's acoustic properties and tested it on patients with mild to moderately-severe hearing loss. The study found the device to be electroacoustically adequate and a reasonable low-cost solution for those who cannot afford custom hearing aids.
A new digital compilation of geological data provides valuable insights into the seismic hazards associated with active fault zones. The Active Tectonics of the Andes Database includes over 400 mapped faults and will allow geoscientists to better understand the long-term history and evolution of deformation in fault zones.
Researchers are exploring three materials - magnesium borohydride, ammonia borane, and alkanes - that could be used to create a safe and efficient hydrogen storage solution. Hydrogen has great promise as an alternative fuel due to its abundance and energy content.
Children and adults with epilepsy often experience psychiatric disorders, cognitive disorders, and social problems. Early detection and treatment of these comorbidities can improve quality of care and life.
Boston University School of Medicine is receiving a $250,000 grant to build on existing policies and programs promoting professional and personal balance. The award will support initiatives such as midcareer faculty development and online mentorship databases.
Researchers found that a specific flavonoid in dark chocolate enhances the memories of pond snails, allowing them to learn and retain information more effectively. The study suggests that this compound may have potential cognitive benefits for humans as well, potentially improving learning and memory retention.
A new report from the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth reveals that African-American youth are being over-exposed to alcohol advertising, with certain brands and channels dominating their exposure. The report's findings highlight the need for immediate action to protect the health and well-being of young African Americans.
A new viral outbreak in Africa has been linked to the Bas-Congo virus, a previously unknown microbe that causes deadly acute hemorrhagic fever. Genetic analysis reveals the virus is distinct from other rhabdoviruses, including those causing rabies.
A new study confirms the existence of a shared pathway between Lou Gehrig's disease and spinal muscular atrophy, linking the two diseases through their impact on motor neuron function. The study suggests that this shared pathway may lead to common treatment options for both conditions.
Researchers used computer simulations to explore the mergers of supersized black holes, revealing a 'funnel-like structure' that could drive particle jets. The study sheds light on the universe's most extreme phenomena, including gravitational waves, black holes, and the death of stars.
A new UCSF study reveals a significant uptick in cinematic smoking, with top-grossing films featuring nearly 1,900 tobacco incidents in 2011. The increase in onscreen smoking targeted young audiences, contributing to the risk of starting to smoke and developing tobacco-induced disease.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that adolescents' brains have impaired fear extinction learning, making it difficult for them to overcome fear. This may explain why anxiety and depression rates surge during adolescence.
A new species of freshwater fish, Gambusia quadruncus, has been discovered in east-central Mexico with distinctive male genitalia and colorful female anal spots. These characteristics may play a role in mating control and success, offering insights into reproductive strategies in aquatic species.
A new optical imaging technology, developed at Tufts University School of Engineering, uses near infrared light to scan breast tissue and can identify water, fats, and oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor tissue. This non-invasive technique could complement standard mammography, particularly for women with dense breast tissue.
Researchers found that nickel creates a barrier in electrode materials, reducing charging and discharging rates. The team suggests ways to improve the materials by preventing nickel from forming these barriers.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories created a method to analyze food supply networks using stochastic network representation, which can help identify contaminated food sources more quickly. This technique uses probability maps to express uncertainties in supplier-customer relationships and assess the risk of foodborne illness.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a way to detect and eliminate potentially troublemaking stem cells, making stem cell therapy safer. The new approach uses a chemotherapeutic agent that selectively damages the DNA of the stem cells, efficiently killing the tumor-forming cells without affecting healthy ones.
The burden of epilepsy in low- and lower-middle-income countries is substantial, with twice as many people affected than in higher income nations. Despite being a cost-effective disorder to treat, only 40% of those affected receive appropriate care due to factors such as stigma, cultural beliefs, and lack of skilled manpower.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed Bi-Fi, a biological internet that allows cells to communicate using DNA strands. This system increases the complexity and amount of data that can be transmitted between cells, paving the way for greater control over biological functions and potential applications in biosynthetic factories.
A $20 billion funding boost has been made towards improving women's and children's health, with $10 billion already spent. The funding gap between initial pledges and actual spending remains significant, highlighting the need for better targeting of funds to areas of greatest need.
Astronomers have measured the closest distance that matter can approach a black hole without being pulled in. The findings suggest that the accretion disk is spinning in the same direction as the black hole, providing new insights into gravity and space.
A study found a shared genetic link between rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism, a rare movement disorder, and psychiatric problems like anxiety, mood disorders, and substance abuse. Researchers believe the ATP1A3 genetic mutation may contribute to mental illness in individuals with the condition.
A study has identified 12 genetic markers associated with erectile dysfunction in prostate cancer patients treated with radiation. The findings may help clinicians predict complications and develop therapies to alleviate side effects.
Scientists sequenced nearly all genes in an underground microbe community at a contaminated uranium mill site, assigning them to 80 different microbes. The findings could help improve clean-up methods for heavy metal contamination, including arsenic and mercury.
A new study published in Science magazine provides population assessments for thousands of data-poor fisheries worldwide, revealing that over half are in decline. However, the research highlights hope for recovery: most unassessed fisheries have not yet collapsed and can provide a significant seafood supply boost if managed sustainably.
A Johns Hopkins research suggests that the commonly prescribed anti-retroviral drug efavirenz attacks brain cells, contributing to cognitive impairment. The study found that 8-hydroxyefavirenz is 10 times more toxic to brain cells than the drug itself.
In Enga, village court magistrates focus on restitution and 'restorative justice,' sending combatants home with compensation. The system has reduced violence and deaths, showing that indigenous means of conflict resolution can be more effective than Western law.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that single-site laparoscopic surgery reduced pain and narcotic use in kidney cancer patients. The study compared LESS with traditional multiport laparoscopy in 74 patients, showing a 40% reduction in pain rating and 50% less medication need.
A new regulator for heart formation has been discovered by studying DNA packaging in embryonic stem cells. The researchers found that specific genetic regulators are activated at distinct times during the process of transforming stem cells into heart muscle cells, revealing potential insights into human development and organ repair.
A study by Penn State researchers found that kindergartners' aggressive behavior can be attributed to varying levels of verbal ability and physiological arousal. The team identified two groups: one characterized by low verbal ability and the other by high emotional reactivity.
UNM Cancer Center researchers have identified R-ketorolac as a potential treatment for ovarian cancer cells, using flow cytometry and computer modeling to target specific GTPases. Initial animal studies show promising results in controlling tumor growth.
A new Indiana University research study found that social bullying is prevalent in children's television, with 92% of top programs featuring characters involved in social aggression. Social aggression was more likely to be enacted by attractive perpetrators and featured in humorous contexts, posing a risk for young viewers.
A recent study published in the Journal of Mass Communication Quarterly found that readers are looking for more engaging content from newspapers. The authors suggest that journalists and practitioners focus on creating stimulating content to curb the decline in newspaper sales.
A new 'smart' surgical tool combines advanced technology with human hand precision to minimize surgical accidents. The device uses an optical fiber sensor to compensate for hand tremors, allowing for accurate and precise movements during delicate procedures.
A study found that nearly half of Canadians view financial incentives for deceased kidney donation as acceptable. Lower-income individuals were not more likely to donate for financial gain, according to the researchers. The study suggests that financial incentives may increase donations from both living and deceased donors.
Scientists have identified a key metabolic hormone called leptin in fruit flies, which regulates energy intake and appetite. The discovery opens up new avenues for genetic research on the molecular mechanisms of fat sensing and could provide insights into obesity and diabetes.
A UCLA study found that female politicians with stereotypically feminine facial features are more likely to be Republican, while those with less feminine features are more likely to be Democrat. The researchers used a computer model to analyze the faces of 434 House Representatives and found a strong correlation between facial features...
A new study has identified genetic origins of aortic valve disease affecting 10% of cases, shedding light on hereditary component and progression of the disease. The research found rare genetic variants linked to severe health effects and disease processes, with many affected patients carrying multiple variants.
Researchers at Tufts University developed 'transient electronics' that can dissolve in a prescribed time, ranging from minutes to years. These devices promise medical implants that never need removal and consumer electronics that become compost.
Researchers from Northwestern University and others demonstrate 'transient electronics' that dissolve in a well-controlled manner. These biocompatible devices could be used for medical implants, environmental monitors, or military applications, offering advantages over conventional electronics.
Researchers found that Napiergrass is a viable biofuel crop in the Southeast's southern tier, offering advantages such as continued biomass production until the first frost. Further studies are underway to improve yields, fiber content, and disease resistance.