Researchers found that rats preferred potato chips over bland chow due to an unknown ingredient sparking the brain's reward center. This study sheds light on hedonic hyperphagia, a condition causing people to overeat for pleasure.
A new device allows cellphone cameras to take images from fluorescent microscopes and flow cytometers, enabling areas with limited resources to conduct tests such as checking for contaminated water and monitoring HIV positive patients. The device is expected to be helpful in resource-poor countries and fast-paced clinical environments.
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital have developed a new method to detect drug interactions at very low doses, which can be used to study interactions between drugs without posing risks to patients. This breakthrough improves the reliability of pharmacological studies and has the potential to reduce medication errors.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured smoke and heat signatures from fires in Victoria's national parks on April 9, 2013. The affected areas include Snowy River, Errinundra, and Coopracamba National Parks.
The American Cancer Society's report emphasizes the importance of reducing tobacco use, improving nutrition and physical activity, and expanding cancer screening tests. The report notes significant declines in cigarette smoking prevalence but highlights concerns about heavy smoking, indoor tanning, and HPV vaccination coverage.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) have released a policy paper providing guidance on best practices for physicians' online behavior. The recommendations aim to preserve trust in patient-physician relationships and protect patient interests when using social media.
A national marine biodiversity observation network is proposed to track ocean ecosystem health, monitor trends, and facilitate proactive responses to environmental pressures. The study recommends coordination of existing efforts, digitization of historical data, and establishment of regional centers to process and identify specimens.
Researchers have empirically calibrated the Maya Long Count calendar to the modern European calendar using carbon-14 dating, offering a more accurate understanding of Maya dates relative to historic events. The study's findings suggest that climate change played an important role in the development and demise of the complex civilization.
Researchers found a consistent pattern of activity across individuals in several brain structures, including those involved in movement planning, memory, and attention. The study suggests that higher-level centers direct subcortical auditory structures to respond preferentially to music.
Researchers from Grand Valley State University and the University of Notre Dame are investigating how watershed environments affect contaminant levels in stream resident fish. The study aims to develop a mathematical process that predicts changes to the watershed landscape on native fish populations.
Scientists developed tiny devices containing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to activate brain cells with light. Using these devices, mice were taught to poke their noses through a hole in a maze, triggering the system to release dopamine and associate rewards, revealing potential for treating depression, anxiety, and addiction.
A new study by King's College London and University of Arizona scientists has found deep similarities in brain regulation between arthropods and vertebrates, shedding light on evolution and disease mechanisms. The discovery suggests a common evolutionary origin for brain circuits underlying behavioral choice.
A study found significant racial disparities in end-of-life care among US adults with kidney failure, with black patients less likely to be referred to hospice and discontinue dialysis compared to white patients. The differences were most pronounced in regions with the highest levels of end-of-life spending.
Researchers have identified two key compounds produced by mast cells that promote fibrogenesis, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Introducing mast cells into mice lungs can reverse disease protection and cause pulmonary fibrosis.
The study found that while the program was rarely used, those who participated reported gratitude for receiving a lethal prescription, regardless of use. The most common reasons for participation included loss of autonomy, inability to engage in enjoyable activities, and loss of dignity. SCCA's approach prioritizes palliative care and ...
Researchers are developing implantable electrical devices to target specific cells in the body and control diseases like inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Initial results show that it is possible to manipulate neural signals specific to different inflammatory mediators.
Researchers have discovered that brain damage in Alzheimer's disease is caused by the overactivation of an enzyme called AMPK, leading to the loss of synapses and neuron damage. Blocking this enzyme in mouse models prevented further neuronal loss.
Breast cancers with high androgen receptor (AR) levels are more likely to relapse after estrogen-targeting therapies. Anti-androgen therapy shows promising responses in cell lines and preclinical models, offering a new potential target for breast cancer treatment.
Researchers found chimpanzees inspect trees with similar fruit characteristics, relying on botanical knowledge to predict fruit availability. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of categorization abilities and abstract thinking in humans.
A record-breaking algae bloom in Lake Erie was triggered by a combination of long-term agricultural practices and extreme weather events. The researchers predict that future blooms will be even more severe unless agricultural policies are revised to reduce nutrient runoff.
A study by New York University researchers found that the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) seafood certification process is too lenient and discretionary. The study examined 19 formal objections to MSC certifications and found that many fisheries did not meet the organization's sustainability principles.
A team reconstructed the genome sequence of a Shiga-toxigenic E. coli outbreak strain using direct DNA sequencing from clinical specimens. The approach highlights the potential of metagenomics for identifying bacterial pathogens in outbreaks.
Researchers developed Epimorex to target bacterial weaknesses exploited by viruses that attack them. In mice, Epimorex protected against anthrax and killed MRSA with no evidence of resistance.
A study by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio found that baby marmoset monkeys who started eating solid food earlier were more likely to become obese by age one. The research also showed metabolic damage such as insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control, setting the stage for future obesity.
Researchers employ terahertz spectroscopy to uncover a hidden ancient Roman fresco beneath a 19th-century painting in the Louvre. This non-invasive technique may lead to wider application in art conservation and analysis of cultural artifacts.
Researchers have created the first self-propelled micromotors and microrockets that utilize their surroundings as a source of fuel, eliminating damage to healthy tissue. These tiny devices can potentially perform microsurgery, clean clogged arteries, or transport drugs to specific areas in the body.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals unique social interactions among great white sharks while scavenging on dead whales in South Africa. The team observed 40 different sharks feeding on a carcass over a single day, suggesting that shark populations may rely on scavenging to supplement their regular feeding activities.
Researchers have developed a new method called CLARITY that allows for the analysis of brain tissue in its entirety, preserving its 3D structure and integrity. This breakthrough method enables scientists to study the brain's finer workings, including cells and molecules, without losing larger-scale circuit perspective.
Researchers found that E. coli flagella can act as biological grappling hooks, reaching deep into nanoscale crevices and latching the bacteria in place. This ability to stick to any surface at all allows bacteria to survive on medical implants.
The joint research collaboration aims to develop new approaches to tackle emerging infectious diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. The project will focus on designing treatments and vaccines for tuberculosis, predicting patients at risk of severe dengue, and developing improved vaccines against virus diseases.
Researchers found that remains of dovekies were recovered from the stomachs of 14 goosefish caught during winters between 2007 and 2010. The study suggests that timing is key in bringing these deep-water fish and shallow-feeding birds together in offshore waters.
Scientists at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered the inner workings of E6AP enzyme, controlling functions in nerve cells and viral replication. This finding provides potential strategies for designing drugs to block E6AP function in HPV and Hepatitis C viruses.
Researchers found high numbers of HPV type 53 in normal cervical smears from HIV positive women, but not in cervical cancers. This sub-type may inhibit progression to cervical cancer, potentially providing a simple biological therapy for prevention.
Researchers at MIT found that measuring recovery length, a spatial counterpart to recovery time, can help predict population collapse risk. By analyzing variations in population density in neighboring regions, scientists can identify areas at risk of collapse, allowing for timely intervention.
Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and NOAA's ECOHAB program have developed a testing protocol that allows fishermen to safely harvest surf clams and ocean quahogs on Georges Bank. The shellfish industry can now produce up to 1 million bushels of product annually, valued at $10-15 million.
An interdisciplinary team has successfully depleted electrons from the bulk of topological insulators, demonstrating superconducting surface states. This breakthrough enables experimentation with TIs and paves the way for investigating the Majorana quasiparticle, a fermion that could serve as a quantum bit in quantum computing.
A large cohort study found that more recently born generations have a higher prevalence of metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including overweight, obesity, and hypertension. This trend is attributed to studies reporting an increase in physical inactivity.
Researchers found genes in turtles that become more active in low-oxygen conditions, including one 130 times more active than in humans, which may improve oxygen-deprivation treatment. Turtles' long lifespan may come from silencing 'life-shortening' genes, similar to those present in humans.
Orthopedic surgery faces challenges with obese patients due to increased risk of complications, poor nutrition, and diminished treatment outcomes. Weight loss is recommended for pre-joint replacement surgery to improve outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Marketing found that after a diagnosis of diabetes, patients tend to consume more sugary beverages and foods high in sodium or fat. The key to managing health risks is to consult with a healthcare professional about all foods that pose risks.
Researchers from Amsterdam University and DESY discovered coexisting structural states in a glass made from microscopic silica spheres under shear stress. The study revealed that the glass's inner structure varies depending on the applied shear rate, affecting its flow behavior.
A nationwide field study will quantify methane emissions throughout US natural gas distribution systems to estimate national emissions rates. The study aims to improve energy policies and management practices for a cleaner environment.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that children as young as 2 understand basic grammar rules when they first learn to speak, contradicting a long-held debate. The research also applied statistical analysis to data from the famous Project Nim experiment and found that Nim Chimpsky never grasped such rules.
Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) without advanced fibrosis do not have higher mortality risk, according to new research. However, those likely to progress to advanced fibrosis had a 69% increase in mortality compared to those without fibrosis.
A team of scientists from Canada, Taiwan, and Australia excavated over 200 bones from embryonic dinosaurs, providing a rare glimpse into their growth patterns. The fossils, dating back over 100 million years, show evidence of protein structures, suggesting that dinosaurs moved around inside their eggs.
A pioneering study reveals that prehistoric hunter-gatherers in Japan used ceramic vessels to cook freshwater and marine organisms, including high-trophic level aquatic foods. The discovery sheds light on the emergence and widespread adoption of ceramic technology in hunter-gatherer societies.
The study found that lithium-ion battery performance begins to suffer at temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and proper charging habits can extend its life. The researchers recommended second-life applications for batteries after they reach their full capacity, such as utility storage or recycling.
Researchers found that mobility shoes significantly reduced knee loading and improved gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Long-term use of the shoes helped participants adapt their walking pattern, leading to a 18% reduction in knee adduction moment.
Researchers developed a simple tool to help governments assess traveler screening during infectious disease outbreaks. The tool considers exit and entry screening, as well as flight patterns and disease incubation periods.
The ACP Clinical Guidelines app provides clinicians with easy access to evidence-based clinical recommendations and rationale, saving them time in their practice. Available on iPhone, iPad, and Android, the app includes guidance statements and high-value care advice for all currently active guidelines.
Bozhi Tian has been selected as a 2013 Searle Scholar for his innovative research on single-neuron dynamics and bioelectric circuits. He will use the grant to develop silicon-based biomaterials, with a long-term goal of understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
The study reveals that varying genetic information copies affect cell tolerance to cancer medication and antibiotics. This discovery may help explain differences in organism responses to environmental changes and certain medications' side effects on sperm and eggs.
A new study suggests that transgastric appendicectomy, a minimally invasive procedure through the stomach, may offer an alternative to traditional appendectomies. The procedure causes less pain than classical surgical methods and avoids external incisions, reducing wound infections and incisional hernias.
Gossypin, a naturally-occurring substance, has been shown to inhibit the growth of human melanoma cells and reduce tumor volume in mice. The compound may have great therapeutic potential as a dual inhibitor of mutations that occur in the vast majority of melanoma patients.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that improve siRNA delivery, enabling more efficient silencing of specific genes. The approach shows promise in addressing the challenge of targeted delivery for gene therapies.
A 370-million-year-old fossil fish with paired anal fins has been found, providing a unique window into the evolution of vertebrates. The discovery sheds light on the developmental experimentation that led to the formation of paired appendages in early vertebrates.
A genetic analysis of local bed bug populations reveals two dominant bacterial types that could be exploited for biological pest control methods. The study found that 97% of the microbial community is made up of these bacteria, which may serve beneficial functions for the bed bugs' growth and reproduction.
Scientists have developed GUMBOS-based materials with targeted properties for medical use, such as selectively toxic to cancer cells and non-toxic to normal cells. The technology also has potential uses in solar cells and biomedical imaging.
Researchers are developing ultra-sensitive devices using retroreflectors, the same technology that increases nighttime visibility of traffic signs, to detect multiple disease-causing microbes in a single test. This can help first responders identify the source of a bioterrorism attack or diagnose everyday infectious diseases more quickly.
Researchers have discovered a new therapy for fragile X chromosome syndrome by modulating the cerebral endocannabinoid system. The treatment has shown promise in normalizing cognitive alterations and sensitivity to pain in genetically modified mice, suggesting a potential new strategy for treating patients with FXS.