A magnetic pen for smartphones, called the MagPen, can be used on both mobile devices and tablet computers with magnetometers embedded in them. The technology enhances expressiveness of stylus pens without requiring additional hardware.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identifies a genetic mutation in Africans with HIV that increases their risk of tuberculosis. The research found that low expression of immune response gene MIF confers almost a two-and-a-half fold increased risk for severe TB.
Researchers at University of Bristol suggest combining antiviral treatment, opiate substitution therapy, and high-coverage needle and syringe programs to achieve substantial reductions in HCV prevalence among people who inject drugs. This approach can lead to a 45% reduction in HCV prevalence over ten years.
Tropical Depression 4 (TD4) formed on July 24 in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. The storm is moving west-northwest at 20 mph and has a minimum central pressure of 1008 millibars.
A study found that nearly half of older adults undergoing surgery with general anesthesia developed delirium in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), with 45% of patients experiencing delirium. Delirium is linked to decreased cognitive function and an increased risk of nursing home admission. The study suggests that even brief episodes ...
A study found that strong doctor-patient relationships facilitate conversations about healthcare costs, particularly when patients feel trust their physician. Patients are more willing to discuss personal out-of-pocket costs than insurer costs, and older and sicker individuals are more receptive to discussing costs.
Researchers at SISSA have developed a circuit simulating the ferromagnetic Kondo effect, a phenomenon linked to spin of metal electrons. The team predicts this effect can be observed with sufficient low temperature, which would change material properties like resistivity.
Scientists from EPFL's Blue Brain Project and the Allen Institute join forces to simulate brain wave behavior using a detailed computer model. The simulation reveals similarities between modeled brain activity and measured EEG signals in rodents, offering insights into the neural circuitry behind brain waves.
UCSF researchers have discovered a new adenovirus that can spread from primate to primate and potentially from monkeys to humans. The study suggests that adenoviruses may pose a risk for cross-species infections, highlighting the need for vigilance in tracking animal viruses.
A significant association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring conduct problems was observed among genetically related and unrelated mothers. Conduct disorder is a significant concern globally, and the study sheds light on prenatal risk factors for child psychological problems.
Infants develop wariness of heights after gaining locomotor experience, contradicting the idea that they follow a maturational script. The study suggests that exploration and movement strategies are crucial in developing skills and learning to adapt to terrain.
A new study published in Radiology found that hospital mammography recall rates are higher than those at community office practices. The study, which analyzed data from 2008 to 2011, identified patients with previous surgeries and biopsies as a key factor contributing to the increased recall rate.
Researchers detect single cancer marker protein and smaller molecules without labels, shattering previous records and advancing early disease diagnostics. The novel 'whispering gallery-mode biosensing' method enables real-time detection of proteins in blood serum within minutes.
A study published in Neuron found that precommitment, or restricting access to tempting options, is a more effective self-control strategy than willpower. This approach can help individuals avoid unhealthy choices and achieve their weight loss goals.
Researchers found that intracerebroventricular injection of neuropeptide Y gene suppressed mossy fiber sprouting, inhibited abnormal synaptophysin expression, and reduced epileptic seizures. This study suggests a recombinant adeno-associated virus expression vector carrying the neuropeptide Y gene as a potential therapeutic approach.
A recent study suggests that forced-air patient warming systems may affect airflow in operating rooms, potentially increasing exposure to bacteria and other contaminants during surgery. Conductive warming systems, on the other hand, do not disrupt ventilation airflows over the surgical site.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center discovered a new genetic mutation, KCNK3, linked to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare fatal disease. The mutation affects potassium channels in the pulmonary artery and can be reversed with a phospholipase inhibitor.
A gene mutation disrupts immune cell activity, causing liver attacks in autoimmune hepatitis. Researchers create model to study treatment targets and therapies.
Researchers found that physical inactivity, poor diet, and smoking are linked to an increased risk of disability in older adults. The study, which followed over 3,982 participants for 12 years, found that the incidence of disability increased with age, with those over 90 years old at highest risk.
Researchers have detected perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the brain tissue of polar bears, which could have severe impacts on human health. The study suggests that PFASs are crossing the blood-brain barrier and accumulating in all parts of the brain, highlighting the need for further research into their effects.
The NIH has awarded four new grants to explore the use of genome sequencing in medical care, including informing couples about reproductive risks and detecting genomic alterations that can lead to cancer. The grants total approximately $6.7 million in the first year and aim to advance treatment and improve patient outcomes.
A survey of US physicians found that they generally agree on quality initiatives to reduce costs but express less enthusiasm for payment model changes. Most believed trial lawyers and patients have a significant role in reducing costs, while practicing physicians reported having limited responsibility. Physicians were enthusiastic abou...
Researchers have unraveled the secrets of mussels' clinginess, discovering that their byssus threads can withstand impact forces nine times greater than stretching in one direction. The unique distribution of stiffness along the threads enables them to absorb nutrients while minimizing damage from waves.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed non-toxic flame retardants, replacing conventional halogenated chemicals. The new compounds, derived from organic phosphorus, have been shown to be effective without harming the manufacturing process or environment.
A study of 5-year survival rates among black and white women with breast cancer found that black women continued to have a lower rate of survival. The difference was largely attributed to factors such as poorer health at diagnosis and more advanced disease, rather than treatment differences.
A fatal case of raccoon rabies virus exposure has been linked to a kidney transplant 18 months earlier, suggesting a long incubation period. The study emphasizes the importance of increased awareness and modified organ donor screening and recipient monitoring for infectious encephalitis.
A recent study found that in K9 osteosarcoma samples, NOTCH signaling was elevated overall but aspects of Notch signaling were noticeably deactivated in the worst cancers. The researchers also discovered that HES1 protein expression was lower in aggressive tumors, contradicting previous expectations.
A systematic review of guidelines for in vivo animal experiments identified key procedures to enhance preclinical efficacy studies. Researchers recommend prioritizing sample size calculation, randomized treatment allocation, and disease phenotype characterization to improve clinical relevance.
European grassland butterflies have declined dramatically between 1990 and 2011, mainly due to agricultural intensification and habitat loss. This trend is alarming as butterflies are indicators of ecosystem health and biodiversity.
A recent study by University Hospitals Case Medical Center found that poor sleep quality accelerates signs of skin aging and weakens the skin's ability to repair itself. The study involved 60 pre-menopausal women and showed increased fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and reduced elasticity in poor quality sleepers.
A new study finds that atmospheric rivers are projected to increase in frequency and intensity under future climate change scenarios, leading to more severe and frequent winter floods in the UK. The research suggests that thermodynamic changes in the atmosphere, rather than natural climate variability, are driving these changes.
A study by University of Illinois economist Peter Goldsmith highlights the need for better communication between the livestock industry and local communities. The research found that more effective communication can help reconcile important issues and build common experiences, leading to a more factual conversation.
A retrospective clinical controlled study found that dissecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery significantly reduces the risk of nerve injury. The study analyzed data from 5,344 patients and showed a lower incidence of nerve injury in those undergoing nerve dissection.
Researchers at Mount Sinai identified a critical protein called VP35 that deactivates the innate immune system, allowing Ebola viruses to spread. Overexpressing a cellular protein called PACT inhibited viral replication, providing a potential target for new treatments.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that mechanical tension contributes to the formation of hyperplastic scars and stimulates nerve growth factor expression. This suggests a possible role of the cutaneous nervous system in hypertrophic scar formation, providing new insights into scar tissue development.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis found that people with diabetes are at least 50% more likely to develop physical disability. The study also showed a significant association between diabetes and functional disability, including impaired mobility and ability to perform daily activities.
Aerospace engineers can now detect adhesive failures in hard-to-reach places more quickly and precisely using the right ultrasonic frequency. The selection process could save time and effort for engineers performing maintenance on complex composite materials.
Researchers have developed a new technology that can quickly turn genes on and off by shining light, enabling precise control over gene expression. This innovation has potential applications in understanding learning and memory, as well as studying epigenetic modifications.
Researchers have identified a pathway of self-destruction that triggers the spread of cell death in worms, causing a 'blue Grim Reaper' to track death through the body. This discovery sheds light on how ageing causes death and provides insights into preventing it.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of California, Berkeley, simulated almost every important configuration of cloth after six months of computation. The team developed an iterative technique that continuously samples cloth motions, automatically detecting areas where data is lacking or where errors occur.
Researchers discovered that the transcription factor EBF1 is crucial for maintaining B cell identity and preventing alternative fates. When EBF1 was switched off, transplanted B cells forgot their previous identity and developed into T cells and natural killer cells.
Researchers at Brown University found evidence of orographic precipitation causing water-carved valleys on Mars, indicating ancient snowfall. The study's findings shed light on early Martian climate and atmosphere.
Researchers analyze proton diffusion mechanism using theoretical calculations, finding that protons hop quickly between water molecules, followed by rest periods. The discovery may be relevant to enzymes and macromolecules, improving understanding of proton transfer in aqueous systems.
A study by Concordia University researchers found that optimists tend to have more stable cortisol levels, indicating better regulation of stress. In contrast, pessimists struggle to control their stress response, especially during high-stress situations.
University of Miami researchers found that purple bacteria can survive in extreme alien light by distributing photons across multiple reaction centers, allowing each one enough time to recover. This discovery suggests new possibilities for life on Earth and elsewhere in the universe.
The incidence of Type 1 diabetes in Finland has plateaued after rising rapidly between 2006 and 2011, with some research suggesting changes in vitamin D intake may be a contributing factor. A total of 3,332 new cases were diagnosed between 2006 and 2011, down from an initial peak in 2006.
Researchers at the University of Bonn used computer simulations to show that seismic waves can focus over long distances, triggering mud eruptions. The study found that a dome-shaped structure under the mud volcano focused energy into the mud layer, liquifying it and injecting it into nearby faults.
A new study published in eLife reveals how our brains track frequency and time to distinguish important sounds from background noise. The findings suggest that both pitch and timing are crucial for sound pattern recognition, shedding light on a fundamental brain mechanism for detecting sound patterns.
Male guppies develop genital claws to increase sperm transfer during mating, with a study showing clawed males transferred up to three times more sperm than declawed males. This adaptation suggests sexual conflict between the sexes played a role in the diversification of the fish's genitalia.
Researchers found that ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 promoted and prolonged the proliferation of neural stem cells in rats with vascular dementia. The treatment significantly improved learning and memory in these animals.
A team of scientists has discovered a crucial mechanism controlling centriole separation during cell division, shedding light on the process and its potential links to cancer. The study's findings suggest that the dense mass surrounding centrioles, called PCM, plays a key role in regulating their separation.
Researchers discovered that significant others' excessive fears about SAH recurrence negatively impact patients' psychosocial recovery. Patients whose significant others were the most fearful experienced compromised recovery, with worse general health and limitations in everyday activities.
A UC Davis study reveals that astrocytes can protect brain tissue and reduce disability due to stroke. The research found that a specific type of astrocyte called Olig2PC-Astros has greater antioxidant effects and improves learning and memory in rats.
A study found that large cities have a lower risk of injury death compared to rural areas, with a 40% higher risk of unintentional injury death in the most rural counties. The risk of firearm-related deaths varied by age and race, but was generally higher in rural areas.
A recent study by a MU, K-State research team disproved the theory that Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) binds to CD169 molecules in pigs. This discovery will help scientists narrow their search for an ultimate cure.
Research found that removing even one bumblebee species from an ecosystem significantly reduces pollination effectiveness and plant seed production. The study showed that reduced competition among pollinators disrupts floral fidelity, leading to less successful plant reproduction.
A large clinical study found no evidence that THC slows progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. However, participants at the lower end of the disability scale showed some benefits. The study suggests that further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Scientists describe a new species of Hero Shrew with an interlocking spine that may represent intermediate character states between other shrews. The new species possesses features that enable it to position itself between palm trunks and access beetle larvae, providing a unique adaptation for survival.
A study by Stanford researchers found that genetic testing improved student learning in a personalized medicine class. Students who had their genome tested as part of the course showed a 31% increase in knowledge compared to those who didn't undergo testing.
Researchers at Harvard University are developing new techniques to improve digital imaging, including a method to mimic the appearance of translucent objects and optimize screen hardware for adaptive displays. Their work has the potential to advance artificial vision, 3D displays, and video editing.