Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed a system to help children with autism learn joint attention, a basic social skill. The humanoid robot NAO was found to be effective in improving attention and following instructions, suggesting robots could play a crucial role in responding to the growing number of autism diagnoses.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health confirms that news stories about mass shootings involving a shooter with mental illness contribute to negative perceptions of mental illness. Reading such articles raised readers' support for both gun restrictions for persons with serious mental illness and policies to ban ...
NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft has traveled beyond the influence of the Sun and exited the heliosphere, a region dominated by the Sun's wind. Anomalous cosmic rays dropped to less than 1% of previous amounts while galactic cosmic rays spiked to levels not seen since launch.
A Yale University study found that hyperoxia can activate stress pathways in developing lungs, leading to conditions like bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Blocking Cox2 with a pain drug reversed BPD in mice, suggesting it as a potential treatment target.
A Roman mausoleum in Turkey's Pinara has been found to have been damaged by an earthquake, with researchers concluding that a magnitude 6.3 quake could have caused the damage. The study used laser scans and 3D computer modeling to analyze the structure's stability.
A team of scientists from the University of Vermont and France has discovered the tiny protein SMIM1, which causes the rare 'Vel-negative' blood type. This breakthrough allows for fast DNA-based tests to identify Vel-negative individuals, enabling them to receive life-saving transusions.
A study analyzed mood words in 20th century books and found a decrease in emotional words overall, but an increase in fear since the 1970s. Books written in American English are significantly more 'emotional' than their British counterparts.
The US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA, and FEMA invested over $51 million in restoring the 2011 flood-damaged Birds Point-New Madrid floodway. Experts recommend revising the comprehensive plan to integrate levee engineering with ecological infrastructure to mitigate future flooding.
A new nanomaterial dubbed Multi-use Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) can generate hydrogen, produce clean water, and create energy. It also desalinate water, be used as flexible water filtration membranes, recover energy from waste brine, and double the lifespan of lithium ion batteries.
Many Ph.D. students are seeking jobs outside academia due to a tight job market and scarce tenure-track positions. The "Beyond Academia" conference aims to provide a platform for exploration and career development.
Only about one in five central Pennsylvania women who experienced intimate partner violence were asked or counseled by a health care provider about abuse. The study highlights the need for improved preventive healthcare services, particularly among women exposed to IPV.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered a 25-kilometer-thick layer of partially melted rock below the edge of the Cocos plate, which may be facilitating the sliding motions of tectonic plates. This finding has significant implications for understanding earthquakes and volcanism.
Researchers found that Omalizumab eliminated symptoms in 23% and 53% of patients with chronic urticaria. The treatment has faster effectiveness and fewer side effects than current immunosuppressors, offering hope to millions suffering from the condition.
Researchers tested the hypothesis that intraplate earthquakes could produce stronger ground shaking than those at plate boundaries. The study found no significant extension of the 1872 Owens Valley earthquake rupture, contradicting previous estimates. Instead, the data suggest that soil liquefaction occurred in nearby wetlands and mead...
Post-menopausal women who received estrogen-only medication reported significantly lower joint pain frequencies compared to those receiving a placebo. The study found modest but sustained relief from joint pain in these women.
A recent study by Northwestern University found that antidepressant exposure during pregnancy does not impact infant growth over the first year. Infants born to mothers who took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) had similar weight, length, and head circumference as infants born to non-depressed women.
A multi-center analysis shows fully covered self-expanding metal stents can effectively resolve painful and potentially life-threatening benign biliary strictures. The study found that 91.6% of patients had symptom relief after metal stent removal, with successful stricture resolution rates varying by patient group.
A recent NIST test found that nearly 90% of green laser pointers and about 44% of red pointers tested were out of compliance with federal safety regulations. The tests also showed that many commercial laser pointers emit more visible power than allowed under the Code of Federal Regulations.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that low-income parents who receive federal child care subsidies are more satisfied with their child care and have an easier time balancing work and family. The study also showed that the subsidy program was underutilized, with only 37% of eligible families receiving assistance.
A new eLearning resource provides guidance on supporting individuals with dementia in addressing intimacy, sexualities, and sexual behaviors. The tool aims to increase awareness and promote proactive approaches among healthcare professionals.
A new study demonstrates that sleep consolidation helps retain both new memories, overcoming interference from learned tasks. Researchers measured starlings' ability to recognize new songs and found that a good night's sleep improves performance on previously learned tasks.
Researchers have successfully tested a new clean coal technology that captures 99.5% of carbon dioxide emissions, paving the way for potential commercial use. The technology uses two inexpensive but polluting forms of coal and operated continuously for 200 hours without shutdown.
University of South Florida researchers played a key role in discovering a promising new antimalarial drug called ELQ-300, which has the potential to cure malaria and prevent its transmission. The drug targets the malaria parasite's energy household, selectively hitting only the parasite while sparing human cells.
A new imaging dye has been shown to effectively detect and map cancers in lymph nodes, improving staging accuracy. The radioactive dye successfully identified cancerous lymph nodes, detecting 94% of malignancies compared to the standard blue dye's 76%.
Researchers explore the potential of quasicrystals in fundamental optics research, offering opportunities for building smaller optical circuits and creating more efficient devices. Quasicrystals' unique properties make them an attractive area of study for applications in biosensing, solar cells, and spectroscopy.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has selected two graduate students, Jennifer Rood and Paul Tanger, to receive the 2013 Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award for their interest and aptitude in science and public policy. The winners will participate in a training program on communicating with policymakers and brief...
A recent study by Brigham Young University found that couples who do housework together and spend quality time with their children are more satisfied with the division of labor. The researchers also discovered that fathers' involvement in childcare significantly contributes to a better marriage relationship.
Researchers will study the effectiveness of a mobile phone app/game in improving antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV-infected youth and young adults. The goal is to enhance CD4+ cell count, reduce HIV viral load, and decrease transmission risk.
James Mier's research focuses on tumor angiogenesis in renal cell carcinomas and overcoming resistance to VEGF inhibition. He aims to block the dual-survival strategy of kidney cancer using HDM2 inhibitors and VEGF-targeted drugs.
Research reveals that maternal diabetes impairs the methylation of the maternal imprinting gene Peg3, contributing to impaired development in offspring. This effect is observed even before the onset of overt symptoms and affects embryo development and number of offspring.
A new study found that teen mentors led by Ohio State University researchers can help younger students make healthier lifestyle changes and lose weight. In contrast to traditional teaching methods, the teen-mentored group showed significant improvements in physical activity and nutrition knowledge.
Researchers used brain mapping to study decision-making in rats and found that the hippocampus plays a crucial role in linking memories to future choices. The study suggests that considering possibilities is essential for making better decisions and could lead to interventions to improve cognitive function.
A Concordia University study found that Canadian aerospace companies can adapt to the global pace by adopting a smaller-is-better approach and focusing on integrated low-cost differentiation strategies. The research suggests that companies should develop marketing plans to convince large global companies of the benefits of working with...
Researchers identified a new class of anti-malarial compounds, 4-(1 H )-quinolone-3-diarylethers, derived from endochin, which effectively treats malaria in birds. The compounds demonstrated strong activity against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, the parasites responsible for most human cases of malaria.
Researchers found that fans forgave Josh Hamilton through various narratives, including offering support and attributing his actions to personal struggles. Most people extended forgiveness due to perceived similarity with Hamilton's public struggles with addiction.
The International Council for Science recommends six new Sustainable Development Goals that integrate planetary stability with poverty eradication. The goals aim to alleviate poverty while protecting the Earth's life support system, which is facing increasing threats from climate change and environmental degradation.
Researchers alter mouse brain activity to mimic schizophrenia changes, revealing a causal link between brain activity and cognitive problems in normal mice. Decreased thalamic activity disrupts communication between the thalamus and prefrontal cortex, leading to working memory deficits.
A new UCSF study shows that using discharge diagnoses to determine ER visit validity could dissuade patients from seeking emergency care for serious conditions. The research highlights the complexity of the issue, suggesting strategies to narrow ER use may not improve health or lower costs.
A six-week cooking program with plant-based recipes reduced food spending and improved food security among participants. Adopting a few plant-based meals per week can lead to significant financial benefits and improved health outcomes.
Scientists chart individual T cells' fates to better understand immune response modeling and manipulation. They found that a sample of at least 50 individual cells is needed to generate a predictable immune response.
A new study finds weak support for the dilution effect, which suggests that higher biodiversity reduces disease transmission from animals to humans. Instead, researchers found variable links between biodiversity and disease prevalence, influenced by disease systems, local ecology, and human social context.
Researchers from NC State University have developed low-cost filtration systems that filter out most bacteria in stormwater runoff by 96 percent. The systems, installed beneath sand dunes, show minimal impact on groundwater levels and effectively limit bacterial pollution.
New research found that total hip and knee replacement surgeries significantly improve sexual function in 90% of patients, with women experiencing a higher rate of improvement. The study also revealed that psychological issues related to osteoarthritis were common among patients, but improved following surgery.
African experts argue that immunization systems are failing due to issues with vaccine supply, financing, and sustainability. The authors call for strengthened programs to address regional and country-specific problems and develop precise strategies to overcome challenges.
A new report from The Hastings Center highlights the need to integrate undocumented immigrants into the US healthcare system, as they lack insurance and are ineligible for most federal programs. The report recommends addressing this issue in immigration reform proposals to improve population health, particularly among children and Hisp...
A meta-analysis of 51 studies found a positive correlation between conscientiousness and college grade point averages. The study suggests that individuals with higher levels of conscientiousness tend to excel academically beyond their initial high school grades or achievement test scores.
Research found that cushioned heel trainers alter an adolescent runner's biomechanics and diminish performance by promoting a heel-strike pattern. In contrast, runners with track flats and barefoot had a forefoot or mid-foot strike pattern.
A recent study links sugar-sweetened beverages to 133,000 diabetes deaths and 44,000 cardiovascular disease deaths worldwide. The research highlights the significant impact of sugary drink consumption on obesity and related health issues, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A University of Alberta study found that wealthy households emit more greenhouse gases than average, while low-income households generate significantly less. The study recommends policymakers consider incentives for smaller homes and public transit to address this issue.
A new study in Canada has found that over 40% of healthy individuals are taking daily aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease, despite recent literature suggesting its limited benefits. The study's authors hope to raise awareness among physicians and patients about the importance of discussing anti-platelet medication use.
Researchers have discovered a set of genes that can predict which women are at high risk for estrogen-sensitive breast cancer, making it possible to identify potential beneficiaries of preventive drugs. The study identifies 13 genes associated with lipid or fat metabolism in women with hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.
Three new species of parasitoid wasps were discovered in Papua New Guinea and Thailand, with the Thai species named after Beatrix Kiddo due to its deadly biology. The wasps' reproductive habits involve developing eggs in other insects and killing or immobilizing their hosts.
A study published in Psychopathology found that sports gamblers who believed they could control the outcome using knowledge of the game were actually no more successful than those with no prior experience or knowledge. Cognitive therapy may be a better approach for treating this type of addiction.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that the greater likelihood of females having high verbal abilities may lead them to consider a wider range of occupations, resulting in fewer STEM career choices. Researchers found that students with high math and moderate verbal abilities were more likely to pursue STEM careers,...
Researchers at Cambridge University have successfully generated high-quality photons identical to lasers from solid-state devices, a major breakthrough towards quantum networking. This achievement brings us closer to realizing a quantum internet, where distributed networks can share highly coherent and programmable photonic interconnects.
Researchers found high activity levels of miR-93 in fat cells of women with PCOS and insulin resistance, contributing to glucose impairment. This study provides a new molecular mechanism for PCOS and insulin resistance, pointing towards targeted therapies.
A new study by Lund University researchers has found that epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, can influence the function of insulin-producing cells and alter genetic risk variants for type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that these modifications may play a key role in the development of the disease.
A University of Pittsburgh study published in Psychological Science suggests that women are less likely to pursue STEM careers because they have more career choices. The research found that students with high verbal abilities and moderate math skills were less likely to choose STEM occupations.
Chronic fatigue is three times more prevalent among adult cancer survivors than the general population. A persistent low-grade inflammatory response may contribute to chronic fatigue in these individuals. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to communicate with cancer survivor patients about possible chronic fatigue.
A compact wireless sensor recorded and transmitted brain activity data wirelessly for over a year in animal tests, representing a major step toward cord-free control of advanced prosthetics. The device has the potential to revolutionize rehabilitation options for people with physical disabilities.