A $3 million NIH grant will fund a two-year study investigating the short and long-term consequences of soccer heading on the brain. The researchers, led by Dr. Michael Lipton, will assess the relationship between heading frequency and structural and cognitive measures using advanced MRI technology and cognitive tests.
Researchers have devised a model of oxygen-ion dynamics that contribute to the conductivity of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ), a material of great interest in electrochemical devices. By understanding oxygen-ion diffusion, scientists aim to reduce fuel cell operating temperatures from above 700°C to room temperature.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln study finds that childhood socioeconomic disadvantages and maternal depression increase the risk of major depression and chronic pain in working-aged adults. Hunger experienced in childhood can lead to chronic pain and depression later in life.
A new study found that CRE-positive patients took an average of 387 days to be clear of the organism after hospital discharge. Risk factors for extended carriage included multiple hospitalizations and active infections.
A camera embedded in a rubber-sheathed plastic foam football can record video while in flight, providing a unique ball's-eye view of the field. The researchers developed a computer algorithm that converts raw video into a stable, wide-angle view.
Indiana University neuroscientists have found evidence of source memory in rats, which has implications for future research into the biological underpinnings of memory and the treatment of diseases marked by memory failure. The study provides converging evidence that rats rely on source memory to recall how they acquired information.
A recent study published by the American Sociological Association found that same-sex cohabitors experience poorer self-rated health compared to their heterosexual married counterparts. The study controlled for socioeconomic status and found significant disparities in health between same-sex cohabitors and married individuals.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel immunotherapy that could work like a vaccine against metastatic cancers. The therapy, called Flagrp-170, uses a molecule engineered to stimulate the immune system and attack cancer cells, with promising results in animal models.
Researchers reveal extraordinary fossil find of fuxianhuiid arthropod with legs used to shovel sediment into the mouth, shedding light on one of Earth's earliest evolutionary examples of complex animal life. The discovery also features the oldest known post-cephalic nervous system, dating back 520 million years.
A large epidemiological study found that increased sugar availability was linked to higher diabetes rates, independent of obesity. The researchers analyzed data from 175 countries and found a 1% increase in diabetes prevalence for every additional 150 calories of sugar per person per day.
Bioengineering researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that changing the shape of chemotherapy drug nanoparticles from spherical to rod-shaped made them up to 10,000 times more effective at targeting and delivering anti-cancer drugs to breast cancer cells. The rod-shaped nanoparticles were engineered with an antibody called trastuzumab t...
Researchers have successfully revived ancient enzymes that enable antibiotic-resistant bacteria to thrive. The 2-3 billion-year-old proteins were reconstructed and studied for their stability, structure, and function, offering insights into the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
Surgeons who played games on a Nintendo Wii improved certain metrics of performance on laparascopies. The study found that Wii-trained surgeons showed significant improvements in economy of instrument movements and efficient cautery.
Researchers used NuSTAR to observe X-rays emitted by hot gas near a supermassive black hole, ruling out obscuring clouds and conclusively measuring its spin rate. The findings provide crucial clues about the fundamental relationship between black holes and their host galaxies.
The University of Nottingham has received two five-year research grants to develop next-gen 'smart' manufacturing systems that can adapt quickly to changes in product requirements and technology. These systems will enable self-repair, self-adaptation, and reconfiguration with low-cost maintenance.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that children with autism spectrum disorders display more social behaviors like talking and physical contact when interacting with animals than with toys. The presence of animals also increases instances of smiling and laughing, and reduces negative behaviors.
Scientists have created a new water-repellent coating that rapidly absorbs water molecules preventing freezing and allows larger droplets to form as flattened droplets. This coating could be used in various applications such as automobile windshields and camera lenses.
A study by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found a link between high vitamin D levels in expectant mothers and increased infant allergy risks. Mothers with low vitamin D levels had fewer food allergies in their children, while those with high levels had higher risks.
A small study found that babies born to overweight or obese mothers already have thickened artery walls, a sign of heart disease. This finding suggests that maternal weight may contribute to a child's risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified 25 human proteins that may be critical to HIV-1's ability to infect new cells. These proteins are found in viruses from two different types of infected cells, providing a potential target for diagnosis and treatment.
The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope's complex motion is visualized as a Spirograph-like pattern from the pulsar Vela. The pattern captures the spacecraft's 95-minute orbit around Earth and its precession, a slow circuit every 54 days. This data also shows the LAT's nodding pattern to capture the entire sky.
A study found a 14-fold increased risk of narcolepsy after receiving the AS03 adjuvanted pandemic A/H1N1 2009 vaccine, with vaccination within six months associated with an even higher risk. The authors suggest that the true risk may be lower due to delayed diagnosis.
A new University of Michigan study found that the protein HER2 plays a role even in breast cancers traditionally classified as HER2-negative. The research suggests that the drug Herceptin may have a greater impact on treating breast cancer and preventing its spread, particularly when given early to prevent tumor recurrence.
Researchers studied wind erosion and sediment traps in the Qaidam basin, rain erosion on Kauai, new insights from the Petrified Forest, a forearc sliver in Costa Rica, and bending and buckling mountain belts. Erosion rates on Kauai vary across a steep rainfall gradient, with modern rates no more than 2.3 times faster than past rates.
Researchers evaluated an afterschool program called the Good Behavior Game, finding that high organizational ability and community involvement are key to its effectiveness. The study suggests that combining these elements can lead to improved implementation of evidence-based practices in afterschool settings.
Harvard researchers show that insulin-like peptides play a crucial role in regulating learning and memory by fine-tuning neuronal activity. The study reveals a bidirectional regulation of learning, with some peptides inhibiting learning while others facilitate it.
A study found that morning sickness lasting all day is often linked to hormonal and genetic factors, with ethnicity and diet also playing a role. Women who have experienced hyperemesis gravidarum in previous pregnancies are at higher risk of severe nausea during subsequent pregnancies.
Researchers found that ship noise increases crab metabolic rate, indicating elevated stress, and larger crabs are affected most strongly. This study highlights the importance of reducing noise in busy shipping areas to protect commercially important crustacean species.
The new forum will examine key issues affecting MOOC success, such as completion rates and course content security. Established thought leader Jack M. Wilson is Editor-in-Chief of the journal.
A recent study published in the BMJ found that home-based telehealth had no effect on quality of life, anxiety, or depressive symptoms for patients with chronic conditions. The study, which involved over 1,500 participants, suggests that concerns about telehealth's potential benefits are unfounded.
Scientists have developed a web-like scaffold coated with long-sugar molecules that enhances stem-cell cultures and encourages the formation of neuronal cell types. The results, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, are promising for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.
Researchers warn of catastrophic loss as nesting sites show 78% decline over 27 years. Conservation efforts face challenges due to feral pig predation and climate change.
Research found that obesity increases the risk of colorectal cancer with a specific molecular characteristic, known as CTNNB1-positive cancer. Physical activity, on the other hand, was linked to a lower risk for this type of cancer.
A Norwegian study examines the cases of soldiers convicted for sexual violence during the Bosnian War, highlighting three categories of perpetrators: romantic heroes, opportunists, and repentant sinners. The research emphasizes the importance of clear training and leadership to prevent such behavior.
The Brazilian Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases has moved to BioMed Central's open access publishing platform, expanding the publisher's portfolio to 250 journals. The journal will publish research on all aspects of toxins, venomous animals, and tropical diseases.
Women with Lynch Syndrome have a 50-60% lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer, but an 11% risk of breast cancer, 11% risk of kidney cancer, and 9% risk of bladder cancer. This study expands the spectrum of cancers associated with Lynch Syndrome.
Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that makes glioblastoma resistant to mTOR inhibitors, leading to the development of a new treatment approach. The novel combination therapy combines an mTOR inhibitor with low-dose arsenic to reverse resistance and induce tumor cell death.
Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health, receives the highest honor from SOPHE for his work in disease prevention, health promotion, and eliminating health disparities. His efforts catalyze action across public and private partners to strengthen the nation's public health systems.
Researchers recommend 'low-intensity' interventions like self-help books and websites as a first step in treating depression. These interventions can provide significant clinical benefits, especially for patients with more severe depression at baseline.
Paulo Oemig, a NASA Goddard educator fellow, has been chosen as the new teacher liaison for space education. He will use Space Foundation-provided training and resources to integrate space principles into the classroom.
NREL Engineer Ian Metzger named ASHRAE's New Face of Engineering, recognized for increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment. The Research Support Facility in Golden, Colorado, also won an ASHRAE Technology Award for its net-zero design, using 50% less energy than traditional commercial buildings.
Functional bowel disorders affect 50% of patients consulting a gastroenterologist. Recent research suggests that gut microbiota plays a significant role in these conditions. The AGA reports on the latest findings and potential therapeutic avenues.
A research project led by Dr Laura Azzarito found that young people from ethnic minorities, especially girls, are more likely to be physically inactive and unhealthy due to negative stereotypes. The study used visual diaries to capture their experiences with physical activity, revealing visible gender, race, and social class boundaries.
Researchers created a high-resolution atlas of the human heart using 3D images from 138 people, demonstrating its feasibility for comparing individual cases and differentiating healthy from pathologies. The study provides a statistical description of the heart's shape and variations, offering an advantage over existing cardiac models.
Researchers found that superbugs like E. coli require a balance between two proteins, RbfA and KsgA, to produce proteins. Disrupting this balance could potentially kill the bacteria without harming humans.
The Dynamic Gastric Model simulates human stomach processes accurately, enabling drug and food testing. A new £900k project will refine the model to predict nutrient and drug availability in humans.
Scientists have identified a complex of three molecules that regulates the production of defective Huntingtin protein, a key contributor to Huntington's disease. By targeting this complex with pharmaceuticals, it may be possible to directly affect the production of defective proteins and treat the underlying causes of the disease.
A new study found that infants of African ancestry are more likely to be born prematurely and have low birth weights, compared to those with European-only ancestry. The researchers attribute these disparities to differences in geographic location and access to prenatal care.
A two-year study found that gastric bypass surgery reverses diabetes by uniquely restoring pancreatic function, particularly in reducing belly fat. The study showed a remarkable 5.8-fold increase in overall pancreatic cell function in patients who underwent gastric bypass.
A new study by the University of Notre Dame examines the impact of bridal registries on traditional wedding rituals and gift-giving practices. The research reveals that these registries have become a lucrative industry, with $19 billion in gifts purchased by invited guests in 2010.
BMC Psychology is the first solely dedicated open access psychology journal, covering all aspects of psychology. The new journal will practice open peer review and welcome submissions of replications and null findings in addition to positive results.
Researchers implemented small changes to school cafeterias, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption by 18% and 25%, respectively. These low-cost interventions, called the smarter lunchroom makeover, preserved student choice while promoting healthier habits.
Fecal microbiota transplantation has been shown to be highly effective in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infections, with over 90% of patients being cured within a short period. The treatment offers a rapidly acting alternative to standard antibiotic treatments.
NASA's Aqua satellite data reveals Tropical Cyclone 18S continues to experience wind shear, pushing precipitation away from its center. The storm's main convection is being hindered by strong easterly vertical wind shear, affecting its ability to consolidate and intensify.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) had a significant impact on Colorado's economy in FY 2012, with a total economic benefit of $814.8 million. The laboratory supported approximately 2,300 jobs and invested heavily in construction, including a new parking garage and energy-efficient building.
The Harvard Wyss Institute's Lung-on-a-Chip has won a UK award for its potential to revolutionize drug development by reducing animal testing. The device, which mimics the complex functions of the human lung, has been used to study a life-threatening condition and identify potential new therapies.
A novel screening method using genetically engineered baker's yeast identifies chemical compounds that target disease-causing parasites without harming human hosts. The approach has shown promise in identifying potential anti-parasitic compounds with high sensitivity, reducing costs, and increasing reproducibility.
Scientists develop a method to preserve quantum bits (qubits) for longer periods, using hole spins instead of electron spins. This breakthrough brings the researchers closer to creating the first viable high-speed quantum computer.
A new imaging technique using infrared digital holography allows firefighters to see through thick veils of smoke and walls of flame to find people in need of rescue. The system can capture a live, 3-D movie of the room and its contents, enabling the detection of moving people.
The HPS2-THRIVE study found that vitamin niacin combined with statin treatment increases adverse side-effects, including skin flushing and gastrointestinal problems. Patients taking the experimental treatment were four times more likely to stop due to skin-related reasons.