Researchers found that IVRs with male voices tend to be perceived as more usable than those with female voices, but they are not considered more trustworthy. The study encourages designers to consider voice characteristics when developing future systems to improve user experience.
Researchers Dr. Helen Genova and Starla Weaver received three-year grants to investigate cognitive function after traumatic brain injury. They aim to develop strategies for rehabilitation using neuroimaging techniques like diffusion tensor imaging.
A recent study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) explores the effectiveness of 'nudge' and 'think' techniques in encouraging citizen participation. The researchers found that nudge techniques, such as doorstep canvassing and public recognition, yielded better results but were not always sustained in the long term.
Scientists predict that climate change will rehabilitate the ecosystem of around 2.5 million years ago on Bylot Island in Nunavut, Canada. The island's fossilized forest is between 2.6 and 3 million years old, with wood samples preserved in peat and permafrost.
Tropical Storm Nadine has cleared of convection, indicating a decrease in thunderstorms. A low-pressure area is forming in the central Atlantic, while another in the eastern Pacific shows promising signs of organization and warm sea surface temperatures.
Researchers found that blocking the activity of PUMA and NOXA proteins may lead to new strategies to protect women's fertility. The study also showed that missing these proteins can provide protection against radiation damage, potentially delaying menopause and prolonging female fertility.
Researchers found that genetic diversity in natural killer cells contributes to lung cancer susceptibility. In mice, manipulating the immune system can significantly block tumor growth. The study suggests a key role for natural killer cells in lung cancer, potentially offering new targets for therapy.
A new study finds that environmental cues like queue guides can serve as virtual boundaries, dividing those waiting into in-system and out-system categories. This divide is associated with increased action initiation, persistence, and optimism.
A historian has discovered three previously unknown essays by Edmund Burke, a prominent British statesman from the 18th century. The newly attributed manuscripts offer insight into Burke's philosophical thinking and intellectual influences, which likely shaped his 30-year parliamentary career.
Researchers reveal that beneficial root bacteria, like Bacillus subtilis, suppress plant immunity to control the relationship, boosting growth through nitrogen conversion. This complex interaction raises questions about the benefits and drawbacks of these symbiotic relationships.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered how E. coli evolved to consume citrate, a previously inaccessible food source. The study reveals that multiple mutations were required for the bacteria to develop this new trait, and that complex traits can evolve quickly and repeatedly in microbial populations.
Researchers have successfully imaged cells growing on spherical surfaces using a novel class of substrates. This technique has potential applications in cancer detection and treatment, as well as stem cell differentiation and tissue engineering.
The study investigates the effects of Mikania micrantha on agriculture and human communities in Chitwan National Park. Researchers aim to understand the social and ecological forces that make communities more resistant or vulnerable to rapid environmental change.
A global study has found that anaesthetic-related deaths have declined dramatically over the past five decades, with a 90% reduction in post-anaesthetic fatalities since before the 1970s. The study, published in The Lancet, also revealed an 88% decrease in mortality rates within 48 hours of surgery globally.
A Spanish research study has identified 23 nuclear power plants in Asia and beyond as being at high risk due to tsunamis, including Fukushima I. The study found that 74 reactors are located in the east and southeast of Asia, with some countries like China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Pakistan also facing significant risks.
New research reveals that our moral judgments can be driven by intuition and emotional reactions, but also regulated through reappraisal. Additionally, studies show that visual imagery plays a crucial role in shaping our moral decisions, particularly in cases involving difficult trade-offs.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adolescents who eliminated sugar-sweetened beverages for one year gained less weight than those who didn't. The study showed that providing non-caloric beverages to teens can be an effective intervention to help combat adolescent obesity.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed a novel technology to produce an enzyme used to treat lysosomal storage disease, reducing costs by up to $300,000 per year. The breakthrough uses greenhouse-grown maize seeds to manipulate messenger RNAs and control sugar processing, paving the way for more affordable treatments.
A Florida State University researcher is studying the unique ability shared between histone deacetylase inhibitors and psychostimulant drugs to control gene expression. The goal is to root out dormant HIV cells evading treatment and develop new treatments, potentially leading to an HIV cure.
A new sensor and monitoring system is being developed to enable consumers to monitor their energy, gas, and water use, saving them money. The system, funded by the NSF, uses pervasive computing technology to provide homeowners and businesses with real-time insights into their resource consumption.
The University of Texas at Arlington's College of Nursing and School of Social Work will use a $900,000 grant to develop an interprofessional education program for graduate students. The program will focus on teaching nurses and social workers to work collaboratively through in-person collaboration, virtual meetings, and simulations.
A phase II study found denosumab decreased giant cells and increased new bone formation in patients with giant-cell tumor of the bone, offering an alternative to radical surgery. The treatment reduced tumor burden by 90% or greater in all 20 patients, improving outcomes for young patients who previously required joint replacements.
The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine hosted its first stem cell institute symposium, showcasing the latest research on induced pluripotent stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells. The event featured four presentations by renowned speakers fr...
Researchers found that eggs that don't fertilise due to defective PLCz protein can be treated with human PLCz, initiating fertilisation and improving pregnancy chances. The study strengthens potential use of PLCz in treating male infertility.
A new study has documented the experiences of women receiving abnormal prenatal chromosomal microarray testing results, revealing a range of negative reactions. The research highlights the importance of providing emotional support and nuanced counseling to help parents navigate the ambiguities of genetic testing.
Tropical Storm Jelawat forms in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing its true-color image on Sept. 20. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 45 knots, moving west-southwest at 7 knots.
Researchers studied how naked mole-rats adapt to acidic environments, finding that they don't respond to acidification with physiological or behavioral responses. This lack of response is thought to be related to their unique nerve system, which may offer clues to alleviating pain in humans.
The European Society for Medical Oncology has released the ESMO 2012 Congress press conference schedule, featuring live streaming and remote participation. Media representatives can access updated information on the official ESMO website.
Griffith University researchers have developed a new technique for ultra-precise motion tracking using quantum-enhanced optical phase tracking. By combining
A study of over 2,500 medical students found that those anticipating high debt levels and prioritizing income were more likely to choose high-paying specialties. The findings highlight the need for measures to encourage primary care careers, such as incentive pay and scholarships.
A study of 234 people with high blood pressure found that those with poor sleep quality were twice as likely to have resistant hypertension. Women were more likely to report lower sleep quality than men.
Melbourne researchers have discovered a new way to protect female fertility by targeting two proteins that cause egg cell death. The study found that blocking the activity of PUMA and NOXA can prevent damaged eggs from dying, potentially maintaining fertility in women undergoing cancer treatment.
A UT Arlington civil engineering assistant professor is teaming up with a private sector engineer to develop a tool for rehabilitating manholes. The project aims to improve the structural capabilities of common manhole materials and provide vital information for decision-makers.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered that the protein DOCK7 regulates the fate decision of radial glial cells, determining whether they proliferate or differentiate into neurons. DOCK7 interacts with TACC3 to control interkinetic nuclear migration, a mechanism essential for cortical development.
Researchers found that greater sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with a higher genetic susceptibility to high BMI and increased obesity risk. The study suggests that environmental factors can amplify the genetic risk of obesity by consuming sugary drinks.
A recent study by researchers at North Carolina State University found that many medical students are opting for higher-paying specialties like dermatology and radiology due to the significantly higher incomes they offer. In contrast, primary care physicians earn substantially less, with a median income of just under $200,000 per year.
Researchers found a unique partnership between tiny algae and specialized bacteria that fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, supporting the oceans' fertilization and contributing to global carbon cycles. The discovery provides insights into an early stage in photosynthesis evolution, analogous to chloroplasts in plants.
Scientists have discovered an enzyme in a bacterium that can catalyse an aromatic nitration reaction, potentially reducing the use of corrosive chemicals like nitric acid. The enzyme, TxtE, could be used to create environmentally-benign biocatalysts for industrial production.
A simple three-question paper-and-pencil survey can effectively identify women experiencing symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer. The study involved 1,200 women and found that the screening tool identified 5% of women with a positive symptom score, resulting in one diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea have intensified since 1997, attributed to decreased vertical wind shear. The earlier occurrence of these storms is linked to a warming Asian landmass and an advanced southwesterly monsoon onset. This shift creates more favorable conditions for tropical cyclone formation and intensification.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a novel approach for single molecule electronic DNA sequencing that can accurately distinguish four DNA bases using nanopores. The technique, called Nano-SBS, uses distinct chemical tags to label DNA building blocks, overcoming the challenge of small differences among the four nucleotides.
New research found that lithium-responsive patients exhibit increased expression of anti-apoptotic genes like Bcl2 and IRS2, while those who don't respond show decreased Bcl2 levels. This study provides insight into personalized treatment for bipolar disorder.
Studies show that some structural features of languages are relatively stable over time, while others exhibit individual family-specific factors. Researchers found probable connections between the Americas and NE Eurasian languages dating back to peopling of the Americas 12,000 years ago.
Researchers found that auditory cues had the greatest influence on human gait, while visual cues had no significant effect. The study suggests that auditory cues could be particularly helpful for patients with Parkinson's Disease in their rehabilitation.
A recent study found that the abandonment of rice cultivation in Taiwanese paddies has led to an increase in disease-carrying ticks and chiggers, resulting in higher incidence rates of scrub typhus. This demonstrates the potential for global commodities pricing to drive the spread of infections.
Research from the University of Copenhagen suggests that dividing campaigns into combating non-communicable or communicable diseases is ineffective and expensive. Integrated health programmes focusing on common risk factors like poor nutrition can effectively combat diseases such as diabetes and tuberculosis.
Researchers identified a molecular basis of coat patterning in mammals, revealing that a single gene mutation causes striped tabbies to have blotchy coats. The study used DNA samples from feral cats, captive cheetahs, and domestic cats to uncover the role of a protease called Taqpep.
The Modeling Good Research Practices Task Force provides comprehensive guidance on designing, implementing, and validating model-based studies. The seven reports offer recommendations for conceptualizing models, dealing with uncertainty, and validating models transparently.
The largest genomic study ever conducted among Khoe and San groups reveals that these groups from southern Africa are descendants of the earliest diversification event in human history. The research found evidence of local adaptation in different Khoe and San groups, as well as surprising stratification among the groups.
Researchers found that the spread of scores across different sports, such as volleyball and snooker, follows a similar distribution. They also discovered that this phenomenon applies to other everyday phenomena, including human wealth and population distribution, governed by power laws and the Pareto principle.
A study published in European Heart Journal found that between 30-40% of obese patients are metabolically healthy, exhibiting better cardiorespiratory fitness and a lower mortality risk. Health professionals can use lipid profile, BMI, and fitness to assess the risk for heart or cancer disease in obese individuals.
A virtual reality simulator called NeuroTouch provides neurosurgery trainees with valuable opportunities to practice essential skills and techniques for brain cancer surgery. The system uses 3-D graphics and haptic technology to simulate common tasks and tools, allowing surgeons to practice basic surgical skills.
Dr. James Sowers, a renowned endocrinologist, has received the American Heart Association's Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work on the deadly link between cardiovascular disease and diabetes. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of insulin action, vascular biology, and metabolic disorders.
Researchers at Caltech used Caenorhabditis elegans to study cell migration, identifying genes that are active during this process. These findings may lead to the development of new drugs that block cell migration, which is linked to tumor formation and metastatic cancer.
The University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine has received a five-year, $3.4 million federal grant to improve healthcare for Latinos by increasing opportunities for students to pursue health careers and enrich their education.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that replacing intravenous catheters only when clinically necessary is safe and could save millions. This policy change would prevent up to 6 million unnecessary catheter insertions and save about $60 million annually in health costs, according to the research.
Researchers discovered a gene called Taqpep that helps establish periodic patterns like stripes or spots in felines. Variations in the Edn3 gene are responsible for dark hair color, suggesting a link between genetic mechanisms and animal coat patterns.
A Swedish commercial weight loss program called Itrim was evaluated for its effectiveness, and researchers found that participants lost an average of 11 kg after one year. The program, which includes three different diets and group sessions, showed promising results with the most rigorous diet resulting in the greatest weight loss.
Tropical Storm Nadine has continued to display tropical characteristics, indicating it has not transitioned to an extra-tropical storm. NASA's TRMM satellite gathered rainfall data, showing convection near the center and a maximum intensity of rainfall about 20 mm/hr.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine emphasizes that NCD prevention requires significant economic changes across populations and industries to reduce premature deaths by 25% by 2025. Effective policies must consider the broader macro-economic picture, not just micro-economic approaches.