Researchers at Aarhus University are using pigs, zebrafish and jellyfish to investigate hereditary forms of nervous disorders. They have successfully transferred the SYN1 gene from humans to pigs, which is involved in communication between nerve cells, to create a model for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease.
The Dartmouth Atlas report shows wide variation in prescription drug use among Medicare patients across US regions, with higher spending not related to proven treatment use. Effective therapies are underused in some areas, while potentially harmful medications are overprescribed.
New research suggests that racial biases impact economic decisions, leading participants to accept lower offers from White proposers and larger offers from Black proposers. The findings highlight how specific stereotypes can influence fairness perceptions, with implications for legal and economic contexts.
A recent study published in the journal Obesity found that home-schooled children were less likely to be obese and had lower calorie intakes than traditionally schooled kids. The study's lead author noted that differences may reflect the unique environment of home-school families, but further research is needed.
Researchers found that a fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, blocks the adaptive immune response in amphibians, allowing it to survive. The study suggests that the fungus targets a conserved vulnerability shared by both amphibian and mammalian lymphocytes.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified a rare genetic mutation that causes severe respiratory infections and lung damage. The researchers believe that existing leukemia drugs may also be effective in treating this debilitating disease, which they are calling Activated PI3K-δ Syndrome.
A comprehensive botanical data set reveals that stable climates and small habitat areas are key factors in the distribution of rare plant species. The study highlights the importance of preserving these regions from human-induced climate changes, which could threaten the survival of many unique species.
A recent study by Celmatix Inc. suggests that women may be stopping IVF treatment prematurely, with 68% conceiving within two cycles and over half (60%) becoming pregnant if they proceeded with an additional two cycles. The study also explored genetic markers for female infertility and IVF success.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered a combination of two drugs that can effectively treat toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The therapy uses cholesterol-lowering statin atorvastatin and osteoporosis medication zoledronic acid to block parasite replication and spread.
Researchers have identified a source of gut stem cells that can repair damaged gut tissue in mice with inflammatory bowel disease. These stem cells were found to be actively dividing and could form mature intestinal tissue under the right conditions.
A University of Missouri study found that warmer Pacific Ocean surface temperatures are linked to a 20.3% increase in EF-2 to EF-5 tornados, which tend to occur west and north of tornado alley.
A study of over 67,000 Canadians found that depression is nearly twice as prevalent among migraine sufferers as the general population, particularly among younger women and those with difficulty performing daily activities. The study also highlights a higher risk of suicidal ideation among young migraineurs.
Researchers suggest that Denisovans, an ancient human relative, successfully crossed Wallace's Line, a powerful marine current, to interbreed with modern humans. This finding opens up questions about the behaviors and capabilities of this group and how far they could have spread.
Astronomers have found the most distant gravitational lens yet, which provides a rare opportunity to directly measure the mass of a distant galaxy. The discovery poses a puzzle as lenses are expected to be exceedingly rare, suggesting either luck or underestimated small galaxies in the early Universe.
Researchers developed precise monitoring systems by analyzing gut microbiota of invasive Asian carp and native gizzard shad, revealing key differences between species. The study uses next-generation gene sequencing technology to identify biomarkers for each species, promising a new approach to preventing their spread in the Great Lakes.
A new study by Joyce You found that newer anticoagulants are more cost-effective than warfarin when patients' therapeutic ranges drop below 60%. Warfarin is most cost-effective when patients are within the successful range for more than 70% of the time. The study's results have implications for clinicians and policymakers.
Researchers estimate 16,000 tree species in Amazonia, with 227 dominant species having 50% of the region's tree population. This study provides valuable information for conservation efforts and further research.
Researchers found chemical signatures similar to plume volcanoes in the Marie Byrd Seamounts, which do not fit typical models of fire mountain formation. They propose that mantle material was shifted under oceanic plates, leading to volcanic eruptions on the adjacent seamounts.
Researchers found that consciousness does not reside in a specific area of the brain but rather arises from the communication among billions of neurons. The study provides an initial step toward developing a scientific definition of consciousness.
Tufts University geologist Andrew Kemp warns that rising sea levels make coastal areas vulnerable to flooding from smaller storms. He cites glacio-isostatic adjustment and ocean thermal expansion as factors contributing to sea-level rise.
An international team of scientists has provided proof of Heisenberg's error-disturbance relation, describing a reciprocal relation between position accuracy and momentum disturbance. The work has important implications for quantum cryptography and computing, reaffirming the security of quantum-encrypted messages.
Researchers identified a novel HBV mutation in Korean men that may explain the gender disparity in liver cancer incidence. The mutation is associated with severe liver disease and was found exclusively in male patients.
A complete skull from early Homo has been discovered in Georgia, combining features like a small braincase with large teeth. The finding suggests that all Homo species may have belonged to the same evolving lineage.
A study of 69,000 Medicare patients shows that vertebrae cement injections (augmentation) can improve survival rates by 77.8% at one year and 59.9% at three years compared to conservative management.
A study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that genetic differences can affect an individual's recovery from traumatic brain injury. Genetic variations in cytokine genes impact the magnitude and duration of neuroinflammation, affecting long-term repair processes.
A large-scale trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduced symptoms of health anxiety in medical patients, with improvements sustained at 2 years. The treatment was delivered by non-specialist staff with minimal training and cost-effectively reduced healthcare costs.
Researchers have found that funeral pyres in South Asia emit significant amounts of sunlight-absorbing organic carbon aerosols, known as brown carbon. This finding highlights the importance of quantifying and characterizing regional combustion activities to enhance climate models.
Researchers found that video-based group instruction promotes far-reaching gains for students with ASD in social behaviors. The method has been shown to be effective and practical, even with limited resources.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a nanotech system that combines heat and chemotherapeutic drugs to kill 95% of ovarian cancer cells. The system uses iron oxide nanoparticles coated with a cancer-killing drug, which are heated using an oscillating magnetic field, improving efficacy while minimizing side effects.
A recent study published in Science shows that the brain's unique glymphatic system, responsible for removing waste, is highly active during sleep. This process clears away toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a vital function of sleep in maintaining brain health.
Tropical Storm Priscilla formed and rapidly weakened over 3 days in the eastern Pacific, skipping the depression phase. Its maximum sustained winds dropped to 35 mph/55 kph within a day of formation, marking one of the shortest-lived tropical storms of the season.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University developed a hologram-like display of a patient's organs using molecular PET/CT images. This approach allows surgeons to plan surgery and visualize tumors in 3D, reducing complications and improving outcomes.
Researchers from the UMass Amherst Psychology of Peace and Violence program argue that social psychology can be used to promote nonviolence and peace. They emphasize the importance of increasing empathy and understanding of others in reducing conflict, and highlight the need for more research on constructive approaches to violence.
Marmosets exhibit cooperative vocal exchange in a conversational manner, taking turns without interruptions, and follow unspoken rules of etiquette. This unique behavior is distinct from other animals and shares similarities with human communication patterns.
A study found that mothers with high LDL cholesterol before pregnancy have a 5-fold increase in their children's risk of developing high cholesterol as adults. This risk factor may be influenced by epigenetic changes, highlighting the importance of managing cholesterol levels throughout life.
Researchers found that purple loosestrife rapidly adapted to local climate conditions, allowing it to thrive and increase seed production. This adaptation enabled the species to outcompete native plants for resources, facilitating its spread in northern Ontario.
The number of donor eggs used in IVF has increased significantly in the US, from 10,801 in 2000 to 18,306 in 2010. Good perinatal outcomes also improved, with a rise from 18.5% to 24.4%, while average donor age remained stable at 28 years and recipient age was not associated with outcomes.
Maurizio Porfiri, an associate professor at NYU-Poly, has been named the ASME Dynamic Systems and Controls Division Outstanding Young Investigator Award winner. His research on biomimetic robotic fish contributes to understanding animal collective behavior.
A new LSUHSC study identified two microRNAs regulating FOXP2 levels in zebra finch brains, showing that social context influences their function. The findings provide insights into speech and language impairments and autism disorders.
The constructive conservation framework combines strategies for preserving biodiversity in both natural and designed landscapes. By prioritizing ecologically viable habitats, actively creating new ecosystems, and accepting novel ecosystems as natural landscapes, researchers aim to maximize the effective use of resources. This approach ...
Researchers have uncovered tiny changes in plants' physiology that enable advanced photosynthesis, allowing for increased growth rate and water efficiency. This knowledge could be used to breed faster-growing, drought-resistant crops like rice.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that the newly insured will make more outpatient visits and fewer emergency room (ER) visits than they do today. The study found that clinic visits rose significantly among adolescents after the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) went into effect, while ER visits remained flat. Howeve...
Research suggests that NICU environments may affect premature infants' developmental outcomes. Private rooms showed lower language scores and motor skills in some children at 2 years old. Further research is needed to determine the optimal environment for premature infants in the NICU.
A team of University of Washington computer scientists has developed a software program called Eyes-Free Yoga, which uses Microsoft Kinect to track body movements and provide auditory feedback for six yoga poses. The program allows blind and low-vision individuals to participate in yoga exercises in a more comfortable setting.
Scientists have developed a novel software tool, Molecular Control Toolkit, allowing researchers to intuitively control 3D molecular graphics using gestures and voice commands. This innovation enables life scientists to visualize complex molecule structures more easily, model behavior, and design better drugs.
Researchers used data from NASA's Kepler space telescope to observe a distant planetary system with multiple planets at severe tilt to their host star. The discovery suggests that tilted planetary orbits are possible even in systems without a hot Jupiter, providing new insights into the architecture of alien solar systems.
Researchers have isolated viruses that specifically target the highly infectious hospital superbug C. diff, which can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration. The discovery could lead to a new treatment for this condition, with the potential to revolutionise the way it is treated in clinics.
Researchers have developed a simple and reliable urine test to detect blood clots, which can cause life-threatening conditions. The test uses synthetic biomarkers that can sense vascular diseases remotely from the urine.
A study found that stroke patients who participated in cardiac rehabilitation programs for six months showed significant improvements in walking function, with average gains of 21% in limb strength, 19% in walking speed, and 16% in walking distance. Early referral to the program was crucial for better results.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a link between abnormal brain waves and schizophrenia symptoms in mice. The study found that mice lacking the brain protein calcineurin exhibit hyperactive brain-wave oscillations during rest and impaired mental replay, mirroring some schizophrenia symptoms.
In a breakthrough study, researchers found that brain neurons can regulate their own activity to maintain a constant level of activity even after significant changes, such as sensory organ loss. This allows for regeneration and adaptation, essential for healthy brain function and recovery from injury.
A new study found that financial deprivation can lead to a decline in ethical principles, resulting in workplace sabotage and theft. People who experience financial loss are more likely to judge others' unethical behavior more leniently.
A study found that nearly all nurses who used mobile devices to look up drug information prevented at least one adverse event. The use of these tools improved patient safety and reduced healthcare costs, with estimated savings of $4 billion annually.
Scientists have discovered a critical clue about why some people can control HIV without taking antiviral drugs. These 'controllers' have an extra helping of the immune protein APOBEC3G, which blocks HIV from spreading within the body.
A recent study on gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology found that it can reduce particulate matter emissions to meet new California and EPA standards. GDI vehicles tested over a lifetime of 150,000 miles hovered near or below the limit set by the new regulations.
Insomnia affects up to 54% of US military personnel and veterans since 2001, with deployment-related stressors contributing to chronic sleeplessness. Behavioral interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy show promise in reducing insomnia's effects.
Researchers at Salk Institute create technique to activate proteins in brain using light, allowing precise control over neuronal activity and enabling study of specific proteins. The method expands genetic code of mammals and opens possibilities for optically regulating protein modifications and interactions.
Researchers have identified a variant of common soil-based pathogen Clostridium perfringens type B as a potential multiple sclerosis trigger. The bacterium produces a toxin that targets damaged tissues in MS patients, with levels of epsilon toxin antibodies found to be 10 times higher in MS patients than healthy controls.
Researchers created a heat-resistant thermal emitter that can convert heat into infrared light, enhancing the efficiency of solar cells. The new material remains stable at temperatures up to 2500 F, surpassing earlier prototypes.
Researchers at Brandeis University observed a neural firing-rate set point in neocortical neurons, which remains stable even during sensory deprivation or sleep. This homeostatic mechanism could lead to new approaches for neurological disorders.