A national survey conducted by Concordia University found that Canadians have varying opinions on the country's social welfare programs and Aboriginal self-governance. While a majority (65%) supports universal access to assistance programs, there is significant variation in prioritization, with families with children living in poverty ...
Researchers found that a mixture of blue and red LEDs enhances lettuce growth rate, biomass accumulation, and antioxidant compound production. Red LED alone stimulates biomass but induces abnormal leaf shape and negative effects on antioxidants.
A new method combines selective lysis, centrifugation, and fluorescence spectroscopy to diagnose blood infections in 96.5% of positive samples. The technique eliminates the need for expensive equipment and manual processing, enabling faster treatment with targeted antibiotics.
Researchers found that when a brand's narrative has more to give, closure is harder to accept, while a more believable end is easier. The study also shows that brand death leads to the loss of sociality surrounding the brand.
A new study classifies urban residential desert landscapes into nine common types, providing recommendations for planning and integrating lower water-use plants. The research also reveals differences in front and backyard environments, with low-maintenance landscapes prevalent in front yards.
Researchers found that publicly observable initial acts of support lead to less subsequent engagement, while private acts stimulate a deeper connection with the cause. Nonprofits can increase token campaign effectiveness by making them relatively private or highlighting value similarity.
A recent study published in Psychological Science reveals that individuals with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to make decisions that are not swayed by unrelated emotions. This allows them to assess risks more accurately and make more informed investment choices.
A study found that synaesthesia occurs in 18.9% of people with autism, compared to 7.2% of typical individuals. The researchers suggest that both conditions involve neural over-connectivity, leading to atypical connections between brain areas.
A new Cochrane review shows that non-specialist health workers, such as doctors and nurses, can alleviate depression and anxiety in people with mental health problems. Non-specialists may also help treat maternal depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol abuse, although the benefits may be smaller.
A new study published at AHA Scientific Sessions 2013 found that a single dose of stem cell therapy during surgery may improve heart function in LVAD patients. Researchers discovered that 50% of patients who received the treatment could tolerate temporarily turning down their device, compared to 20% of placebo patients.
A new study reveals fewer differences in white shark gene products associated with metabolism compared to humans than zebrafish, sparking questions about the distinctiveness of this iconic species. The research also finds greater similarity between white sharks and humans in other aspects of their heart transcriptome.
A new bioabsorbable magnesium stent has shown promising results in reducing the risk of heart attacks for up to three years after implantation. Of 46 patients, only two required vessel-opening procedures and one suffered a heart attack within the first year, with no incidents reported in the second year.
Researchers have discovered a blood biomarker that accurately diagnoses concussions and predicts long-term cognitive disability. The protein SNTF levels were found to correlate with brain tissue damage, making it a potential tool for identifying patients at risk of persistent cognitive deficits.
Researchers at University of Kansas found that listeners process words grammatically faster when speakers match their sex, affecting higher-level processes like grammar. Native Spanish speakers showed reduced accuracy when mismatched sex was present.
Researchers from Japan have developed a new method to align the individual grains of lithium cobalt oxide in a cathode, resulting in improved Li-ion battery performance. The aligned structure allows for easier access for lithium ions, reducing stress and increasing efficiency, making it a major breakthrough in Li-ion battery technology.
The new F1 hybrid pepper CaroTex-312 offers high yields, particularly in early seasons, making it an attractive option for US growers. Its disease-resistant attributes also make it a valuable addition to the market.
Researchers at Henry Ford's Vattikuti Urology Institute found instances of ureteral injury in 6,442 patients who underwent robotic prostatectomy. Patient characteristics such as infection history, abdominal surgery, and enlarged prostate glands may forewarn such damage.
A new study published in Journal of Psychiatric Practice reveals that pregnant women with depression often experience conflict when deciding on treatment. They strongly prefer non-drug treatments like psychotherapy and alternative therapies, citing concerns about antidepressant medications' potential effects on the developing baby.
Researchers found that 71% of university students engaged in at least one cyberdeviance activity as teens, with most common activities including password guessing and unauthorized network access. Despite initial concerns, the authors suggest these behaviors may be beneficial for teaching IT security skills.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that calculating comorbidity-adjusted life expectancy may help physicians determine whether to continue or stop cancer screening in elderly patients. The researchers found that patients with higher levels of comorbidity had shorter life expectancies than healthy patients of ...
The Ecuadorian Ministry of Health is scaling up an essential obstetric and newborn care (EONC) model, improving maternal and newborn health services across the country. The model, piloted in Cotopaxi province, has yielded significant improvements in practices to improve the health of mothers and newborns.
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories are working on a $34 million project to develop biocatalyst technologies that can convert natural gas into liquid fuel for transportation. They aim to engineer pathways from microbes that metabolize methane to produce butanol, a promising biofuel option.
Researchers discovered mutations in immunity genes in every breast cancer analyzed, suggesting an important role of immune system mutations in breast cancer development. The study's findings could lead to targeted prevention and therapy using vaccines or antiviral drugs.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that pregnant women exposed to phthalates are at a higher risk of preterm birth. The study analyzed urine samples from 130 women with preterm birth and 352 control participants, revealing an association between increased phthalate metabolite concentrations and higher odds of preterm birth.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reports that the compound sarcosine enhances NMDA receptor function, causing antidepressant-like effects and improving mood scores in patients with depression. The findings suggest that normalizing NMDA receptor activity may restore mood to normal levels.
Researchers discovered that Methanosaeta, a prominent methane-producing microorganism, produces methane by making electrical connections with other microorganisms. This finding challenges previous understanding of methane production and has significant implications for optimizing bioenergy strategies.
Researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research have discovered a gene named Lhx2 that plays a crucial role in forming high-resolution neurocircuitry for touch in mice. The study reveals that this gene is essential for the formation of 'barrels' and 'cores' in the brain, which enable rapid whisking and environmental assessment.
Cardiac antibody-mediated rejection is a major limitation to survival of patients who have undergone heart transplantation. A new working formulation has been developed to guide the diagnosis, grading, and reporting of AMR, which includes histopathologic features and immunopathologic criteria.
Researchers have found that thawing permafrost in the Canadian Arctic increases methane emissions by 83% through small shallow ponds, which could accelerate global warming.
Researchers found that playing board games like Chutes & Ladders with the 'count-on' method yields learning gains in early number skills. This approach helps children develop their ability to encode the relationship between numbers and spaces.
The study found that varespladib, an enzyme inhibitor, did not significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients treated with varespladib had a higher risk of heart attack compared to those receiving placebo.
A study by Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School found that preoperative vocal cord dysfunction affects LRN electrophysiologic activity in thyroid surgeries. In some cases, malignant invasion of the RLN is associated with preserved electrophysiologic activity when vocal cord function is maintained.
Weill Cornell Medical College will receive a $500,000 grant from MasterCard to support research into female cancers. The grant aims to develop personalized care and address various types of women's cancers.
The study found that primate faces with more complex patterns are associated with larger group sizes and more closely related species in the same habitat. Facial complexity is linked to social communication among members of the same species, aiding identification and recognition.
Historical and current surveys in southern Sweden reveal significant butterfly population declines due to changes in farming practices and land use. The study recommends 12 management measures, including later grazing and careful grazier selection, to mitigate these effects and support butterfly recovery.
Exposure to a single pro-smoking media message increases smoking intentions by an average of 22% and remains elevated for 7 days. Researchers found that repeated exposures to pro-smoking messages can lead to a cumulative effect on attitudes and behaviors towards smoking.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that adolescents who drink alone are more likely to develop alcohol problems in early adulthood. These solitary drinkers are also heavier drinkers and use alcohol to cope with negative emotions.
Research suggests that elevated Vitamin B12 levels may signal a heightened cancer risk, particularly in the first year after measurement. Studies found an association between high Cbl levels and increased incidence of various cancers, including hematological and alcohol/smoking-related types.
A clinical study found that exercise with GM-CSF boosts mobility in patients with peripheral artery disease. Participants who responded strongly to GM-CSF treatment showed significant improvements in maximum walking time.
Researchers have discovered a direct ancestral link between ancient human remains and Native American communities, revealing insights into the initial peopling of the Americas. By analyzing genomes of ancient and modern populations, scientists can reconstruct the evolutionary history and adaptations of early Americans.
A comprehensive review of statin studies found no association between statin use and memory loss or dementia. Statin users had a lower risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and mild cognitive impairment compared to non-users.
A Disney Research team developed a method called joint importance sampling to render animated scenes featuring fog, smoke or underwater scenes more efficiently. This approach significantly reduces the time necessary to produce high-quality images or animations without grain or noise.
Researchers developed an antibody fragment that binds to dabigatran, reversing its anticoagulant effects. The study showed immediate and sustained reversal of dabigatran-induced anticoagulation in healthy male volunteers.
Researchers have characterised the coat of a potential poultry probiotic, Lactobacillus johnsonii, which consists of two exopolysaccharides that play important roles in colonisation and adhesion. The unique EPS structures may help the bacteria compete with pathogenic C. perfringens.
Family members of patients with coronary heart disease improved cholesterol levels, physical activity, and dietary habits after participating in a year-long intervention program. The program included counselling sessions, goal setting, and feedback, resulting in reduced body mass index and waist circumference.
Research review highlights cranberry's unique bioactive compounds that may reduce UTI incidence, improve cardiovascular health and temper inflammation. Cranberries also show promise in supporting endothelial function and reducing arterial stiffness.
The installation of Blue Gene Active Storage at JSC enables scientists to exploit the performance of the supercomputer, facilitating interactive access to large amounts of data. The system's non-volatile memory technology features high bandwidth and very high access rates, addressing the increasing costs of data transport.
A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that herbivores have a greater number of Tas2r bitter taste receptor genes than omnivores and carnivores. The researchers correlated the Tas2r gene repertoire with dietary compositions, revealing a significant relationship between plant diet fraction and Tas2r gene number.
A randomized controlled trial found that early surgery for hip fractures in older adults can significantly reduce complications and improve outcomes. The study involved 60 patients aged 45 or older who received either accelerated care or standard care, with the former resulting in shorter wait times and improved surgical results.
A 15-year study found human error is the most common cause of infant asphyxiation at birth in Norway, with 50% attributed to poor fetal monitoring. The study suggests training for midwives and obstetricians, along with high-quality audits, could help reduce compensation claims after birth asphyxia.
Researchers discovered a mechanism behind VapC20 toxin in M. tuberculosis, which destroys the bacteria's protein factory by cleaving a key location. This discovery could lead to new ways of treating pathogenic bacteria by impairing their cytotoxin use.
Researchers identify five types of boredom, including apathetic boredom, which resembles learned helplessness or depression, in a study published in Motivation and Emotion. The findings show that people tend to experience one type of boredom at a time, rather than randomly switching between different types.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the regulation of PDE3A enzymes, which regulate cardiac contractility. The discovery of individual isoforms and their interactions with different proteins suggests that developing targeted drugs could reduce sudden cardiac death risk.
Scientists at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered that Langerhans cells, a single cell type thought to be behind the skin's immune defense, are actually two different types. This finding could lead to new insights into treating skin infections and skin cancers.
A late-breaking clinical trial shows spironolactone reduces risk of repeated heart failure hospitalizations, but not overall mortality or cardiac arrest. The study enrolled 3,445 participants and followed them for nearly 3.5 years.
Researchers at ORNL led by Sergei Kalinin discovered complex and unpredictable patterns on ferroelectric material's surface when written in dense arrays. The study suggests the possibility of memcomputing, where information storage and processing occur on the same physical platform.
Scientists analyzed 538 amber samples to reconstruct ancient atmospheric compositions, finding that oxygen levels were significantly lower than today. This suggests a link between low oxygen and high carbon dioxide concentrations, which may have influenced climate and life evolution.
A study found that rural, poorer counties in the US have lower CPR training rates, particularly among communities of color. The disparity is attributed to geographic, population, and healthcare characteristics. Researchers call for targeted training programs to narrow existing gaps.
A pilot study found that meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction improved functional connectivity in the brain, reducing hippocampal atrophy associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers suggest this intervention may contribute to improved quality of life for patients with cognitive decline.
A study of 3,398 participants found that higher coronary artery calcium (CAC) density was associated with a lower risk of heart disease and cardiovascular events. The researchers discovered that CAC volume was positively correlated with CHD and CVD risk, while CAC density was inversely related.