Talking on a cellphone while driving raises the risk of collision by four to six times. Physicians can educate patients through open dialogue about the hazards of talking while behind the wheel, and offer advice such as turning off cellphones or pulling over to make important calls.
Research suggests that mothers stressed during pregnancy, especially those with a passive stress coping style, are more likely to have obese offspring. This style is typically seen in introverted personality types, whereas proactive coping styles are more common in extroverts.
A study found that people often prefer to maintain the status quo, even if it's undesirable, when faced with a choice that requires proactive decision-making. Researchers suggest that giving patients a nudge in the right direction can help them make productive choices about their health.
Researchers at EPFL discovered that Full Body Illusions can be accompanied by a decrease in skin temperature, which is highly significant but small. The study used 3D head-mounted displays and robotic devices to induce the illusion, leading to widespread brain activity changes.
The AGA Research Foundation has awarded a $2.25M grant to support basic research in pancreatic cancer, a devastating disease with over 38,400 deaths expected in the US in 2013. Young researchers will receive $90,000 per year for three years to conduct research related to pancreatic cancer.
A new study published in Radiology found that digital tomosynthesis reduces the recall rate in breast cancer screening, particularly in younger women and those with dense breast tissue. The addition of tomosynthesis resulted in a 30 percent reduction in overall recall rate, compared to conventional mammography alone.
Researchers have shown that inhalable gene therapy can completely reverse pulmonary arterial hypertension in rat models and reduce expression of SERCA2a, an enzyme critical for calcium pumping. This approach may offer a promising therapeutic intervention for PAH patients.
Researchers found that mineralocorticoid receptors play a crucial role in enabling the brain to adapt to stressful situations. When these receptors are blocked, learning efficiency decreases and brain activity shifts from conscious to unconscious learning systems.
Scientists from Wildlife Conservation Society examine implications of economic development and climate change on conserving Myanmar's biodiversity. Recommendations include strengthening protected area systems and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies to protect unique biodiversity.
Research shows that sight, smell, and consumption of healthy food can help dieters reduce their food intake. Healthy foods associated with diets like salads and fruits remind dieters of their weight loss goals.
Research suggests that early-life stress exposure increases adulthood anxiety, hormonal stress responses, and a preference for comfort foods. These changes may be used as self-medication to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
A study of nearly 46,000 caregivers in 17 low- to middle-income countries found that disabled children were more likely to receive violent treatment, including being hit on the head or beaten with an object. The study suggests that harsh discipline may be a result of stigma around disabilities rather than the disability itself.
A University of Zurich study found online psychotherapy to be equally effective, and in some cases better than, face-to-face therapy in reducing depression. After treatment, 53-57% of patients showed significant improvement, with higher satisfaction rates for both groups.
The University of South Florida is adapting a proven program to reduce sexual risk behavior among African-American college women. The study aims to test if this tailored approach helps reduce HIV/AIDS risk, which disproportionately affects young black women.
Purdue University researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of real-time hybrid simulations for testing magnetorheological-fluid dampers, which can reduce structural damage during earthquakes. The simulations allow for reliable and efficient testing of these devices, enabling the optimization of building design and construction.
A new definition of chronic kidney disease labels over 1 in 8 adults as having the disease, but low rates of kidney failure suggest many may never progress to severe disease. Experts argue that this is evidence of overdiagnosis and call for greater scrutiny and public awareness.
The study highlights how digital macro photography and photo sharing websites are democratizing the study of biodiversity, allowing for more efficient identification and conservation efforts. The platform provides valuable metadata, such as date and location, which contribute to insect biology, taxonomy, and species conservation.
Research suggests that fetal programming can shape feeding behavior and preferences, with newborns of undernourished mothers displaying stronger reactions to sweet tastes. This study found IUGR rat pups exhibit enhanced hedonic responses to sucrose compared to controls, potentially contributing to adult diseases.
Researchers have discovered that protein surface defects, called dehydrons, allow water molecules to become unstable and easily expelled. This finding provides a novel strategy for designing drug candidates that can dislodge these water molecules upon association with the protein.
A systematic review of six studies involving over 900,000 patients found a positive association between severe hypoglycaemia and cardiovascular disease risk. The link was consistent across all studies, suggesting that avoiding severe hypoglycaemia may be crucial to preventing CVD in type 2 diabetics.
A research team led by Wayne State University aims to update the Highway Capacity Manual with the Michigan left turn design, enabling its adoption by other countries. The project will develop equations, text, and software for four alternative designs, improving traffic flow and safety.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute developed a microfluidic circulatory system for windows that can cool the glass while letting in sunlight. The system uses water to absorb heat and could reduce air-conditioning costs dramatically, cutting energy consumption by up to 8C.
Increased visit-to-visit blood pressure variability is associated with worse performance on cognitive tests, including selective attention and reaction time, general cognitive speed, immediate and delayed memory. Higher variability also links to higher stroke risk, independent of average blood pressure.
A new study by Kaiser Permanente and Yale University School of Medicine found that severe hypoglycemia affects many patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Nearly 11% of respondents experienced severe low blood sugar in the prior year, regardless of their blood sugar control level.
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center have received a $16 million NIH grant to investigate the impact of HIV and AIDS on women. The study will focus on identifying immune factors that protect women against HIV infection, understanding virus transmission, and predicting treatment response.
A novel approach to treating venomous snakebites involves administering antiparalytics topically via a nasal spray, which has been shown to counteract paralysis in minutes. The treatment has the potential to dramatically reduce global snakebite fatalities, currently estimated at 125,000 per year.
Researchers develop method to filter out cancer cells from cerebrospinal fluid to prevent brain metastasis and decrease complications. This technique may help treat breast cancer and other metastasizing cancers earlier and with potentially fewer drugs.
Research found that aging elicits changes in taste preferences, with older animals preferring less sweet and umami tastes and more bitter tastes. Despite no differences in neural activity, these age-related changes were observed in behavioral studies.
Tropical Storm Flossie weakened as it interacted with the Hawaiian Islands, with NASA's TRMM satellite detecting a small area of heavy rain west of the center. The rest of Flossie's rainfall was light to moderate, and forecasters predict continued weakening over the next two days.
The study found that pig digestive systems can utilize oil from full-fat soybeans more easily than oils from corn co-products. Digestibility of fats was highest in extracted corn oil and lowest in DDGS, corn germ, and high-oil corn.
Rice University researchers have discovered a novel technique to create sub-10-nanometer graphene nanoribbons by utilizing the meniscus effect of water. This breakthrough enables the formation of long wires only a few nanometers wide, which is crucial for the development of microelectronics devices.
The University of Toronto has awarded Michel Devoret and Robert Schoelkopf the John Stewart Bell Prize for their groundbreaking contributions to quantum mechanics. Their pioneering work in 'circuit quantum electrodynamics' has opened up new avenues for studying fundamental quantum physics.
A recent study by UK and Canadian researchers found that reducing patient drug co-payments can lead to improved hypertension control and treatment adherence in countries without universal healthcare. The authors suggest minimizing medication co-payments as a way to improve outcomes for high blood pressure patients worldwide.
Research shows that Veeries eavesdrop on owls and adjust their evening songs to minimize risk of predation. The study found a significant reduction in extended singing bouts at dusk after playback of recorded owl vocalization.
Contemplating reasons for seeking or avoiding health information increases willingness to follow up with the doctor, particularly for treatable conditions. This effect was found in two studies investigating participants' motivations and risk calculators.
Researchers at St. Laurent Institute discovered 'dark matter' in the human genome that functions in cancer biology and cell death. VlincRNAs triggered by ancient viruses may regulate gene expression in cancer cells, making them a potential target for therapy and diagnostics.
A study found that a moderate increase in vancomycin-resistant enterococci at one hospital led to a nearly 3% increase in VRE across the county. The Regional Healthcare Ecosystem Analyst model showed that hospitals in populated areas were more likely to spread the infection.
A recent study predicts that biodiversity on polar seabeds could be reduced by up to one third within decades as the poles warm, leading to widespread ecosystem shifts. The research reveals that even slight changes in sea-ice timing can cause a tipping point, resulting in unique communities being replaced by algal beds.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that children from low-income backgrounds are more likely to smoke cigarettes and less likely to binge drink as adolescents. Economic strains in early life erode self-control, leading to substance use, while positive parenting mitigates this effect.
A small study at Massachusetts General Hospital found evidence of nerve damage in approximately half of fibromyalgia patients, leading to the identification of a treatable disease called small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN). Researchers hope that this discovery will lead to better treatments for some with chronic pain syndrome.
NASA's GOES Project captured images of Dorian's remnants using GOES-13 satellite data, showing an elongated shape stretching a few hundred miles east and northeast of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The National Hurricane Center notes that re-development is unlikely over the next couple of days as the remnant low moves west to northwest.
Dr. John Eng's research on gila monster venom led to the discovery of Exendin-4, a compound that stimulates insulin-producing cells and regulates blood sugar levels, improving the lives of millions of diabetics worldwide.
Tropical Depression 7E formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean with strong but fragmented thunderstorms. The depression is expected to intensify into a tropical storm and potentially become a hurricane, moving west-northwest at 16 mph.
Researchers found that injected methamphetamine significantly enhanced colonization of the lungs by Cryptococcus neoformans and accelerated progression of the disease. The fungus can cause a deadly brain infection when it crosses the blood-brain barrier, which is more susceptible due to drug-induced changes in the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers have successfully documented the atomic-level mechanism of oxide material switching, which occurs in two stages and proceeds in under a picosecond. This confirms that oxides can represent an exciting alternative to semi-conductors for faster, more energy-efficient electronics.
GP Margaret McCartney argues that NHS patient information leaflets are inadequate, providing inconsistent guidance and conflicting advice. The problem persists despite previous studies and a planned major project to standardize information, highlighting the need for high standards in updating and accessibility.
Researchers found that juvenile Atlantic salmon raised in enriched tanks with pebbles, rocks, and artificial plants outperformed those in standard tanks. The study suggests that creating more natural environments can boost fish intelligence and adaptability, leading to higher survivability when released into the wild.
A novel theory, proposed by Michael Russell and colleagues, suggests that life arose from geochemical processes, including serpentinization, which produced essential components for life. This theory could provide insights into the origins of life and potentially shed light on its existence elsewhere in the universe.
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is providing $90 million over five years to support basic research in condensed matter physics, focusing on emergent phenomena in quantum materials. This initiative aims to advance understanding of complex quantum systems and fuel new discoveries through conceptual breakthroughs and innovations.
A patient who suffered a stroke developed synesthesia, a neurological condition where people experience multiple senses at the same time. The patient's brain activity showed targeted and specific responses to certain stimuli, suggesting that his synesthesia was caused by cross-wiring in his brain after the injury.
Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to track the genetic development of a human and mouse embryo at an unprecedented level of accuracy. The technique could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of genetic diseases, even when the embryo consists of only eight cells.
Researchers found a lower thermal radiation threshold for the runaway greenhouse process, making it easier to initiate than previously thought. This could lead to a revised understanding of the habitable zone and potentially revoke candidacy for some planets as possible habitable worlds.
University of Minnesota engineers discover technology to produce 'electronic ink' using non-toxic nanometer-sized crystals of silicon. The research could lead to affordable electronic touch pads and home solar cells.
Researchers from the University of Washington monitored Arctic ice and found a melt pond at the North Pole, but it was not extreme. The pond drained in late July, revealing typical summer conditions.
Research finds that children as young as 4-7 years old differentiate between living and non-living beings, but also show a paradox in moral thinking where harming plants is considered worse than breaking social rules. This suggests early development of environmental awareness tied to emotional experience.
A study led by researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh found that immune cells in children with chronic arthritis show signs of premature aging. This discovery could lead to the development of cell-targeted therapies to prevent premature immune aging.
Researchers found a significant rise in discordant treatments, such as advanced imaging and narcotics, while NSAIDs or acetaminophen use declined. This trend may lead to increased healthcare costs and potential disparities in pain management.
A new modular vaccine design called MAPS technology may generate vaccines conferring strong immunity at reduced cost and risk. The method allows for rapid construction of new vaccines that activate multiple arms of the immune system simultaneously against one or more pathogens, reducing the risk of adverse effects.
University of Texas Medical Branch researchers have figured out how mammalian cells repair damaged bases in the single-stranded genome. The 'cowcatcher' enzyme, NEIL1, rides in front of the replication complex to scout for damage and stalls machinery until it's repaired.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a method to measure the shape of the huntingtin protein in living cells, revealing a key clue to solving Huntington's disease. The team discovered that the mutant huntingtin protein causing disease changes shape and can be corrected with chemicals.