The Arizona State University Biodesign Institute is partnering with Life Technologies to develop a gene-expression based system for rapidly assessing radiation exposure in individuals. This system aims to provide an accurate indication of the level of absorbed radiation, with potential applications in nuclear incidents.
HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has been announced as patron of the Australian Twin Registry, a pioneer in twin medical research. The registry's work has contributed to breakthroughs in understanding human development and aging, including serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
A study found that smartphone apps incorrectly diagnose 30% or more melanomas as 'unconcerning', potentially delaying doctor visits and life-saving treatment. The apps often lack regulatory oversight and are marketed to nonclinical users, increasing the risk of harm to the uninsured or economically disadvantaged.
A new model from Queen Mary University of London predicts human movements in invisible areas of large venues, enhancing security and evacuation efficiency. The research combines behavioural models with floor plans to track individuals in crowded spaces like airport terminals and shopping centers.
A new robot technology called RP-7 enables remote presence in programming brain and spine stimulators, allowing non-expert nurses to be guided by specialists. The study found no significant difference in accuracy or clinical outcomes between remote-presence and conventional programming.
The article highlights the contributions fMRI has made to understanding human thought over the past two decades, with some researchers questioning its usefulness. The special section features 12 provocative articles exploring the impact of fMRI on cognition and brain function.
Researchers at LA BioMed identified a potential new target for medications to halt status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition causing brain damage. The study found that NMDA receptor activity increases during persistent seizures, leading to increased medication effectiveness with NMDA antagonists.
Researchers discovered that grape seed extract selectively targets advanced colorectal cancer cells with fewer genetic mutations, leading to increased effectiveness in treatment. The compound induces oxidative stress and programmed cell death, reversing its effects when antioxidants are present.
A new study using historical records from iconic naturalists Henry David Thoreau and Aldo Leopold found that native plants in the eastern US are flowering up to a month earlier due to climate change. This shift affects not only agricultural crops but also animals and insects that depend on these plants for survival.
Clear risk factors have been identified for prolonged sports concussion symptoms, including four or more initial symptoms and drowsiness. These findings could change return to play guidelines, prioritizing individualized assessments rather than one-size-fits-all policies.
A study published in Medical Care suggests that attempting to correct false beliefs about health care reform can backfire among individuals with positive views of Sarah Palin and high levels of political knowledge. The researchers found that more aggressive fact-checking increased misperceptions and opposition to the Affordable Care Ac...
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine identified a mutated gene, SF3B1, in eye melanoma tumors that predict a good outcome. The mutation is found in a distinct subtype of melanomas unlikely to spread and become deadly.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing a decision-making aid to support parents in making informed decisions about their child's diagnosis and treatment. The guide will educate families about sex development, genetic testing, and possible consequences of decisions on their child and entire family.
Assistant professor David Kisailus develops nanoscale materials using the chiton's radula, a conveyor belt-like structure with 70-80 parallel rows of teeth. The resulting materials can improve the efficiency of solar cells and lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers identified a genetic marker in over 300 women with breast cancer, finding that those with this marker were more likely to experience recurrence. This breakthrough could enable doctors to tailor treatment strategies for high-risk patients based on their unique genetic profiles.
The new methods have been applied to analyse the genetic variation of MRSA bacteria, demonstrating that more than half of its genetic variation is caused by horizontal genomic transfer. This allows for the estimation of when a certain strain of MRSA has entered a country and started to spread to hospitals.
Researchers develop efficient methods for creating nanomaterials and lithium-ion batteries using graphene films grown on copper and nickel foils. Graphene-based battery shows improved performance due to well-defined Bernal Stacking, while tungsten disulfide nanosheets store and release lithium ions through conversion reactions.
The Polarimeter Definition Experiment (PODEX) tests new instruments designed to analyze aerosols and clouds, which can impact human health and climate. The experiment aims to develop a new class of polarimeters that can provide more detailed information about aerosols and clouds.
A new study in Spain found that breast cancer mortality among women under 50 has decreased, but among those over 85, it has remained stable. The researchers suggest adapting preventative practices according to patient age to improve outcomes.
A study found that common shore crabs are willing to trade a valued shelter to avoid future electric shock, suggesting they experience pain. The research highlights the need for better treatment of crustaceans in food industries like aquaculture.
Researchers have created 'superomniphobic' surfaces that can resist a wide range of liquids, including both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. These surfaces will have numerous applications, such as stain-free clothing, spill-resistant protective wear, and corrosion-resistant coatings.
A study of over 800 twins found that genetic factors account for 73% of relationship problems in kindergarten through Grade 4. Identifying children at risk early on can help intervene and prevent chronic rejection or victimization, which can lead to academic, health, and mental health issues.
A new study reveals the European Jewish genome is a mosaic of Caucasus, European, and Semitic ancestries, supporting the Khazarian Hypothesis. The research challenges the long-held Rhineland Hypothesis, suggesting a complex multi-ethnical ancestry with a dominant Caucasus-Near Eastern signature.
The aft-optics subsystem of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has completed performance testing, marking a significant milestone in the telescope's integration and test activities. The successful completion of this testing demonstrates that the AOS can withstand the extreme temperatures and vibration environment of space.
A study found that four smartphone applications assessing melanoma risk had varying levels of accuracy, ranging from 6.8% to 98.1% sensitivity and 30.4% to 93.7% specificity. Many apps incorrectly classified most melanomas as non-concerning.
Researchers found that starting antiretroviral therapy within four months of estimated HIV-1 infection significantly improves restoration of CD4+ T-cell counts. The study used data from 468 patients followed in the San Diego Primary Infection Cohort, and recovery rates were observed to be higher for those initiating therapy early.
A new study aims to determine the prevalence of abnormal anal cytology and high-risk HPV among women with a history of cervical pre-cancer or cancer. The researcher hopes to gather basic information to design larger studies that will analyze sensitivity and specificity of anal cytology and HPV testing.
A NIH-funded study confirmed that some children who were accurately diagnosed with autism in early childhood can lose the symptoms and diagnosis as they grow older. The research team documented a small group of school-age children and young adults who no longer exhibit signs of the disorder, now comparable to their mainstream peers.
The study found that the Minoan civilization, known for its complex urban societies, had strong martial traditions and warrior culture. The research challenges the common view of Minoans as a peace-loving people, instead revealing war as a defining characteristic of their society.
Researchers investigate patterns of dysgraphia in participants with primary progressive aphasia, comparing them to those with stroke-related dysgraphia. They also explore nonverbal semantic processing in individuals with semantic aphasia and dementia, shedding light on brain-behavior relationships.
Research finds heightened activity in brain circuits for negative emotions and reduced activation of emotion-suppressing circuits in borderline personality disorder, with reduced frontal brain activity unique to the condition. The study suggests improved emotion regulation skills may be normalized after successful treatment.
Researchers found cancers with EGFR exon 20 insertions have similar clinical characteristics to those with common mutations but a poorer prognosis. Median survival was 16 months for these patients, shorter than those with other mutations.
A study of 13,000 adults in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Estonia found that plumbers and spray painters were at high risk of developing new-onset asthma due to workplace exposure. The study identified high-risk substances and occupations, highlighting the need for primary prevention measures.
Researchers found that Facebook status updates were significantly more memorable than sentences from books and faces. The study suggests that the casual, personal style of digital communication resonates with our hardwired memory abilities.
Researchers used fruit flies to model diet-induced type 2 diabetes, revealing a specific biochemical system linked to the condition. Blocking this pathway prevents some of the disease's negative effects on the heart, providing new avenues for therapy.
Researchers at SMU are analyzing social networks and isolation's role in fighting hunger in North Texas. The study aims to understand the causes of food insecurity beyond household economic resources.
The average global temperature in 2012 was 58.3 degrees Fahrenheit, 1.0 F warmer than the mid-20th century baseline, continuing a long-term trend of rising global temperatures.
Scientists study snow bunting populations in North America, revealing east-west migratory divide and mixed-data approach for tracking connectivity. The research supports the need for a versatile mix of data to assess habitat changes and climate change effects on breeding success.
Researchers have developed 61 new strains of genetically engineered bacteria that can boost the immune response to vaccines. The bacteria are designed to express endotoxin molecules in different configurations, creating a range of potential adjuvants for vaccine design.
Researchers compared the patterns of failure between stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), lobectomy, and pneumonectomy for patients with stage I non-small-cell lung cancer. The results show comparable patterns of failure, but highlight the challenges in making such comparisons due to differences in patient and tumor-related factors.
A new study found that people's memory for Facebook posts is stronger than their memory for human faces or sentences from books. The researchers suggest that this is because online posts are in 'mind-ready' formats, which are spontaneous, unedited, and closer to natural speech.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the behavior of graphene grain boundaries, which scatter electrons and hinder electronic performance. The study suggests that controlling grain boundary orientation could be key to improving graphene's electronic properties.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine reveals that the accuracy of quality measures in electronic health records can vary widely. The researchers found that automated reports generally performed well but underestimated certain measures, such as asthma prescriptions and diabetes cholesterol control.
Recent research challenges the predominance of facial expressions as an indicator of emotions, suggesting that body language is a more accurate cue. In experiments, participants were more accurate in guessing emotions from body language alone or combined with facial expressions than from facial context alone.
A new international study finds that black carbon, a byproduct of smoke and smog, contributes twice as much to global warming as previously estimated. The research suggests that controlling emissions can deliver more immediate climate benefits than reducing carbon dioxide.
Researchers have identified a new genetic mutation in the ARHGEF28 gene that is present in all cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The protein arising from this gene appears to play a critical role in the disease, and understanding its function could lead to targeted therapies.
Researchers from the University of York and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya have made significant discoveries about novae, explosive events driven by nuclear processes. The study's findings improve our understanding of key nuclear reactions and the final abundance of radioactive isotopes involved in these explosions.
The U.S. Department of Energy's NREL has created the Buildings, Industry, Transportation, Electricity, and Transportation Scenarios (BITES) tool to help users understand the complex issues surrounding cleaner energy. Users can adjust inputs to explore 'what-if' scenarios and compare outcomes to baseline cases.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research finds that creative and skilled viewers can overturn and personalize commercial advertising meanings for family benefit. Researchers placed cameras in suburban homes to study viewer behavior during TV ad breaks, revealing the impact of family interaction on advertising response.
A study published in American Journal of Pathology found that tamoxifen can counteract some pathologic features in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Tamoxifen improved muscle force, diaphragm and cardiac structure, reducing fibrosis by up to 50%.
A recent study found that higher-quality Medicare Advantage plans are associated with increased likelihood of enrollment among beneficiaries. The research analyzed data from nearly 1.3 million Medicare beneficiaries and discovered that plans with higher star ratings had more enrollees, particularly those switching plans.
Tropical Storm Emang showed sinking air in its southwestern quadrant, weakening convection. The storm's low-level center became slightly elongated, hindering intensification, but forecasters expect improved atmospheric conditions to strengthen the storm.
A study of 78 Spanish footballers found variations in muscle contraction and recovery times depending on their field position. The rectus femoris muscle, which extends the knee, shows different characteristics for central defenders, midfielders, and goalkeepers.
Researchers have successfully treated Duchenne muscular dystrophy in dogs using gene therapy, reducing inflammation and improving muscle strength. The study, published in Molecular Therapy, provides a quantum leap forward in fighting this devastating disease, paving the way for future human clinical trials.
A new study by University of California, Merced, sociology professor Laura T. Hamilton found that students' GPAs decreased with increased financial support from their parents. Students with parental aid were more likely to complete college and earn a degree.
A recent study found that Success for All instruction had no positive or negative effect on reading achievement in grades 3 through 5, contrasting with earlier findings in kindergarten through grade 2. This suggests that alternative strategies may be needed to promote stronger impacts for older students.
Researchers discovered that the protein transport system in chloroplasts of higher plants evolved from a bacterial system, with Physcomitrella patens serving as an intermediate stage. The moss has both old and new components of the SRP system, guiding proteins to their place of work in the cell membrane.
A new study published in the Journal of Media Psychology found that sports fans enjoy watching athletic events with high drama and suspense, regardless of the outcome. The researchers discovered that viewers root for heroic athletes and against unfavorable ones, yet report enjoying the game despite the winner.
The African Partnership for Chronic Disease Research will collect detailed health and disease information from over 24,000 individuals across 10 countries. This will provide a unique framework for researchers in these countries and enable the development of long-term strategies for disease control and management.
Scientists have developed a flexible, nanoscale material that can deliver precise doses of drugs to specific targets in the body. The new technology, called a 'bed of nails', uses aligned carbon nanofibers embedded in an elastic membrane to pierce cell walls and release medication.