Researchers identified a molecular memory switch in the basolateral amygdala that controls opiate addiction memories. The switch is triggered by exposure to heroin and involves two distinct signaling pathways controlled by ERK and CaMKII molecules.
A study found that using electronic health records (EHRs) with computerized and automated growth monitoring led to a higher detection rate of growth disorders in children. The system referred abnormal data for review, resulting in 28 new diagnoses compared to 4 in the control period.
A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that the body's production of fructose from non-fructose containing carbohydrates may be a key factor in obesity and insulin resistance. Researchers found that mice converted glucose to fructose in the liver, leading to the development of fatty liver and insulin resistance.
Researchers have developed two rapid tests to monitor resistance spread and screen new drugs for malaria. The simple tests can predict whether a patient has slow-clearing, drug-resistant parasites in just 72 hours.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that bilingual education programs have a positive impact on non-targeted students, including those who speak native English. The program improved test scores in math and reading for both Spanish-speaking and native English-speaking students.
Scientists have identified over 40 microbes in giant panda feces that can break down lignocellulose, a key step in producing ethanol and biodiesel from non-food plant material. This discovery could help shift production away from food crops and toward sustainable biofuels.
Researchers found that a combination of interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin reduced viral replication and lung damage in monkeys infected with the MERS-CoV virus. The treatment worked by moderating the immune response and promoting repair of damaged lung tissue.
A Rutgers University professor's advanced analysis of cerebrospinal fluid has found that multiple sclerosis may originate in the gray matter of the brain, challenging long-held assumptions about the disease. This new understanding could lead to more effective treatments and earlier diagnoses.
A study at the European Respiratory Society Annual Congress found that a music video produced by Dr. Tapas Mukherjee increased awareness of new guidelines for managing acute asthma. The video was shared on social media sites, leading to improved knowledge among healthcare professionals.
Researchers found complex oxygen-rich compounds and polyethers in the Sutter's Mill meteorite, expanding our understanding of extraterrestrial organic molecules. The discovery suggests a greater availability of these molecules for molecular evolution and life on Earth.
A new study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found significant racial and ethnic differences in outcomes following a type of stroke called subarachnoid hemorrhage. Hispanic patients were more likely to survive, while Asian/Pacific Islanders were more likely to die from the condition.
Research by Susanne Waiblinger found that introducing young dairy goats into the adult herd after parturition reduces social stress. Lactating mothers and their kids appear to be a calming influence on other goats, with reduced aggressive behavior.
A Binghamton University researcher has received funding to develop a more accurate way of determining a patient's risk of heart attack or stroke. The goal is to identify which plaques are stable and which ones are dangerous, allowing doctors to make informed decisions.
A study of over 850,000 Danish children found a significant increase in ADHD medication use from 2003 to 2010. The prescription rates of stimulant medications for ADHD, ASD, and other psychiatric disorders rose by 61%, 16% and 3% respectively during this period.
A new simple and rapid test can clearly identify artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites in people with the disease. The test was developed using ring-stage survival assays (RSAs) and shows promise for use in field-based settings to monitor artemisinin resistance.
Researchers have developed edible films to keep produce fresh for longer periods, improving food safety and convenience. The technology uses invisible, colorless, odorless coatings made from natural materials like carnauba wax and vitamin C to prevent spoilage and discoloration.
Professor Yasuhisa Asano received the 2013 Enzyme Engineering Award for his contributions to microbial degradation and transformation of nitrile compounds. He has engineered enzymes for large-scale production of amino acids, nucleic acids, and other biotechnological tools.
Archaeologists at the University of Bonn have discovered a 1,400-year-old mass grave containing 24 skeletons from the Maya civilization. The remains show signs of violent death and dismemberment, including decapitation and hatchet marks.
Researchers have developed a tri-linear interpolation algorithm for accurate white matter fiber tracking, resulting in longer tracked fibers with smoother orientations. This method achieved reliable tracking results that aligned with actual brain anatomy and disease conditions.
Medical scientists at the University of Alberta have made a key discovery about how the immune system kills healthy cells while attacking infections. Their research could lead to better solutions for cancer and anti-viral treatments by manipulating the immune system response to block collateral damage.
The landmark study discovered four novel gene variations linked to blood pressure in African-Americans, which also show associations across other populations. Genetic factors account for 40-50% of individuals' susceptibility to hypertension.
Researchers found that atorvastatin treatment decreased levels of inflammatory markers, thrombogenesis, and hyperlipidemia, suggesting its anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects. This study expanded the use of atorvastatin for acute ischemic stroke treatment by measuring multiple biomarkers.
A new study by Oxford University found that while obesity increases the risk of complications in childbirth, the risks are not the same for all obese women. Healthy first-time mothers of normal weight face a higher risk of medical interventions and complications than 'very obese' but otherwise healthy women having their second or subse...
A new study finds that figurative language in advertising can be effective, but its impact on attitudes depends on the product type. For hedonic products like truffles and ice cream, consumer reviews use more emotional language than utilitarian products like laundry detergent.
A University of Tennessee professor helped discover that a near-Earth object is actually a comet, not an asteroid. The body, 3552 Don Quixote, contains water ice and has a coma and tail, suggesting it may be the source of Earth's water.
A new study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics finds that gas flaring from oil extraction in the Arctic accounts for 42% of black carbon concentrations. Residential combustion emissions also play a significant role in black carbon pollution, contributing to the warming effect on ice and snow.
A new analysis finds that patients with chronic kidney disease are being prescribed statins inappropriately, despite no proven benefit. The study recommends lower dosages for early-stage kidney disease to minimize risks such as muscle pain and diabetes.
A Northern Arizona University-led team used the Spitzer Space Telescope to detect cometary activity in asteroid (3552) Don Quixote, a near-Earth object that was previously thought to be dead. The discovery suggests that water and carbon dioxide ice deposits may still exist on other near-Earth asteroids.
Researchers are identifying genetic biomarkers in patient blood samples to predict aggressive breast cancer progression. Large oncosomes, tumor-derived vesicles, may serve as valuable insights into disease progression.
Scientists like David Shiffman and Emily Darling document how tweeting supports scientific communication and outreach. They argue that a little effort on Twitter can provide enormous value for connecting with a diverse audience and sparking interdisciplinary collaborations.
Experts warn that UK and US policies to screen for pre-dementia may lead to unnecessary investigation and treatment. Up to 65% of people aged over 80 may be incorrectly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
A study in the Journal of Consumer Research examines how low-income consumers negotiate their social status within a resource-restrained and stigmatized community. The research reveals five distinct social groups with varying moral values and approaches to life in the trailer park.
A team of researchers has developed a unique $24 million project to create a 'body on a chip' that can model the human response to harmful agents, accelerating the development of new therapies. The miniaturized system of human organs will predict the effects of chemical and biologic agents and test potential treatments.
Transnational tobacco companies invested in smokeless tobacco products like snus in Europe for business gains, not health concerns. The industry's efforts to influence EU policy and maintain the status quo in favor of cigarettes have been revealed through internal documents.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected powerful thunderstorms with cloud-top temperatures of -63F/-52C, indicating strong uplift and potential for heavy rainfall. The Global Hawk unmanned aircraft is gathering data on the storm, which is expected to pass over or near Bermuda, producing rainfall amounts of 3-5 inches and a storm surge of 2-3 feet.
Researchers at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network have discovered a novel protein called Butyrophilin 3A1 that activates human gamma delta cells, which then coordinate an immune response to clear infections. This breakthrough opens doors to developing new treatments for cancer therapy and infectious diseases.
Astragaloside IV, a compound from traditional Chinese medicine, enhances sciatic nerve repair through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Upregulation of growth-associated protein-43 is associated with this process.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that federal, state, and local laws give only partial support to diabetes guidelines and evidence-based interventions. To address this, the authors suggest six specific actions to improve law's role in preventing and controlling diabetes.
Researchers found that replacing positive and negative needleless connectors with zero fluid displacement connectors reduced CLABSIs by 60% and 94%, respectively. This simple change saved an estimated 13 lives and over $3 million in healthcare costs.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute successfully erased dangerous drug-associated memories in mice and rats without affecting other memories. The study's findings suggest a clear method to disrupt unwanted memories while leaving benign ones intact.
A new study investigates why gorgonian corals, which can form a 'canopy' over reefs, appear to be proliferating in certain places. Preliminary data suggests that gorgonian coral density has been increasing on shallow reefs surrounding St. John, even as stony corals have declined.
A new study examines the combined effect of two risk factors on preeclampsia: maternal-fetal HLA gene sharing and seminal fluid exposure. The findings suggest that women with high levels of HLA similarity and low semen exposure have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism of DNA repair that operates differently from previously thought. The research reveals how proteins BRCA1 and TopBP1 communicate, which could lead to more targeted cancer therapies. Researchers aim to explore ways to exploit these findings for improved treatments.
Research reveals how ancient crocodiles evolved and survived alongside dinosaurs, with notable variations in jaw shapes and biomechanics. The study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, provides new insights into the evolution and adaptation of ancient crocodiles during the Mesozoic Era.
Researchers discovered that over 70% of bladder tumours display somatic mutations in the TERT gene, a protector of genetic material involved in cellular ageing and cancer. The study suggests that these mutations may occur early in the carcinogenesis process, with potential implications for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that women's desire for luxury goods is linked to their motivation to guard relationships. Women perceive luxury products as signals of a partner's devotion and are less likely to pursue men who wear similar items. This phenomenon, known as 'mate guarding,' highlights the role of luxury consumption in relationships.
A new £800,000 grant from the Medical Research Council will enable scientists to connect diverse databases and investigate links between climate, environment, and human health. The project aims to develop an IT system and database linking weather, climate, and environmental data with information on health and wellbeing.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that electronic health records were associated with a decrease in emergency room visits and hospitalizations for patients with diabetes. The use of EHRs improved the quality of care, resulting in fewer negative events.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a new compound, strontium tin oxide (Sr3SnO), that can be integrated into silicon chips and exhibits dilute magnetic semiconductor properties. This material could enable the development of spin-based devices, or spintronics, which rely on magnetic forces to operate.
MSU's UAV measures crop health, helping farmers pinpoint problem areas and apply precise treatments. The combination of drone and SALUS model allows for sustainable farming practices.
The American Chemical Society's symposium on innovation and entrepreneurship emphasizes the shift from large companies to smaller entrepreneurs and startups in transforming ideas into goods and services. The ACS Entrepreneurial Initiative provides training, resources, and support for budding entrepreneurs in the chemical sciences to fo...
Researchers found that adding a mental health component to school-based lifestyle programs for teens can lead to improved grades, lower obesity rates, and reduced substance use. The program, called COPE, emphasizes cognitive behavioral skills building and was found to sustain positive outcomes for six months.
A multi-country study surveyed over 10,000 men in Asia-Pacific regions, finding that 11% reported raping a woman not their partner, rising to 24% including partners. Factors associated with rape perpetration include sexual entitlement, entertainment, and history of victimization.
The American Chemical Society has issued guidelines to enhance the safety of research laboratories, emphasizing the importance of hazard identification, evaluation, and mitigation. The report provides five methods for scientists and students to implement immediately, including Chemical Safety Levels and Job Hazards Analysis.
A recent study by University of Miami political scientist Casey Klofstad found that liberals and conservatives are looking for partners who share their characteristics, regardless of ideology. The research team analyzed data from a popular online dating site and discovered that both groups prioritize similar traits in a potential partner.
A new study links obstructive lung disease to impaired cognitive functions, including memory and information processing. Researchers analyzed 5,764 people with OLD and found significant declines in memory tests, pairs matching tests, and reaction time.
A new study finds that entering lotteries can lead to a loss of self-control due to materialistic thoughts. Consumers who buy lottery tickets show stronger preferences for immediate rewards and exhibit poor impulse control.
A new species of translucent snail was found at a depth of 980m in the Lukina Jama–Trojama cave system in Croatia. The species, Zospeum tholussum, is a miniature and fragile snail with a beautifully shaped dome-like shell.
A study found that active television viewing is linked to accelerated language change in Glasgow, using specific features of London English. The authors recommend further research on social interaction's role in influencing language change.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that current ALK-positive lung cancer criteria may miss patients who could benefit from crizotinib. The researchers suggest that doctors should re-evaluate borderline or atypical cases, potentially expanding treatment eligibility.