Researchers at the University of Miami discovered a global ecology of interacting robots that trade on global markets at speeds too fast for humans. These ultrafast algorithms create extreme events, such as crashes and spikes, in financial markets.
Researchers Charles Weissmann and Adriano Aguzzi received the prestigious Hartwig Piepenbrock-DZNE Prize for their groundbreaking work on prion diseases. Their findings shed light on fundamental mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
A new study by Montefiore Medical Center found that low dose oral vancomycin was as effective as high dose in treating serious Clostridium difficile (CDI) infections. Patients treated with low dose vancomycin showed clinical improvements similar to those treated with high dose, and comparable results were seen in secondary endpoints.
A new three-gene biomarker can accurately predict which low-risk prostate cancers will become aggressive, helping doctors determine whether men need active surveillance or invasive treatment. The test has shown promising results in a retrospective study of 43 patients, and further clinical trials are planned.
Researchers have found that methylmercury can directly affect vision by accumulating in the retinal photoreceptors. The study used powerful synchrotron X-rays and methylmercury-poisoned zebrafish larvae to reveal the mechanisms of heavy metal toxicity in developing vertebrates.
A University of Iowa study documents how schizophrenia impacts brain tissue and the effects of anti-psychotic drugs on those with relapses, revealing that medication can lead to lifelong brain damage, while longer psychosis periods are toxic to the brain.
The Entomological Society of America has awarded Monsanto Research Grants and Student Travel Awards to three students: Chelsea Wright, María Cristina Carrasquilla, and Chandra Moffat. The grants will fund their research projects on vector-borne diseases, entomology ecology, and host-associated differentiation.
Two new versions of a technoeconomic model for biofuels, incorporating latest state-of-the-art technologies, simulate critical factors in biorefinery process. The models enable researchers to concentrate efforts on cost-efficient biorefinery operations and explore promising strategies.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine discovered that cyclin A plays a crucial role in ensuring faithful chromosome segregation during cell division. In contrast to normal cells, cancer cells often fail to correct errors, leading to abnormal numbers of chromosomes and resistance to chemotherapy treatments.
Johns Hopkins researchers reveal how Merlin, a protein involved in tumor suppression, acts as a 'matchmaker' to control tissue growth. By arranging interactions between proteins, Merlin helps prevent cancerous tumors from forming.
The NTA IPM team developed a science-based framework to assess Bt crop risks on beneficial non-target arthropods. Their research and outreach information validated the tier-testing system used by regulatory agencies.
A new study reveals that E. coli bacteria can block a critical pathway in the gut, allowing them to survive and spread, leading to serious complications like kidney damage. The research provides valuable insight into how the gut fights infection and could lead to improved therapies for inflammatory bowel disease.
A study by Ohio State University researcher Zhenchao Qian found American families have taken divergent paths due to increasing inequality. Polarized family outcomes exist among different racial, ethnic, educational, and economic groups. Meanwhile, immigrants are more likely to marry, stay married or remain divorced compared to U.S.-bor...
Researchers from RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies identified a genetic mutation associated with improved survival rates in lung cancer patients who do not smoke. The mutation affects the NRF2 gene, which protects cells from oxidative stress.
Researchers discovered a unique DNA repair mechanism that utilizes a 'desperation strategy' to patch breaks in chromosomes. This process, called break-induced replication, can lead to increased mutagenesis and potentially drive cancer formation.
Researchers found that 8-month-old infants categorize objects as animals and assume they have insides, even when shown hollow ones. This suggests that babies possess a core understanding of biology in addition to physics and psychology.
The Entomological Society of America has named winners of the 2013 student travel grants to attend the Annual Meeting in Austin. The grants, funded by USDA-NIFA, provide financial support for graduate students in entomology.
A large DNA-sequencing study of anorexia nervosa has linked the eating disorder to variants in a gene coding for an enzyme regulating cholesterol metabolism. This finding suggests that anorexia could be caused by disruption in normal cholesterol processing, affecting mood and eating behavior.
A recent study published at the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that patients treated with ceftaroline fosamil (CPT-F) for MRSA pneumonia had a significantly lower mortality rate of 13% compared to standard treatment with vancomycin, which has a reported mortality rate of 32% after 28 days.
A study by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that patients with longer-lasting chest pain are more likely to have a heart attack. Patients with chest pain of short duration, less than 5 minutes, are unlikely to have a heart attack and have a good prognosis at 30 days.
A large study found that 4% of head-trauma scans have unexpected results, ranging from benign to life-threatening cancers. Doctors should weigh patient rights against financial costs and anxiety when dealing with incidental findings.
A team of researchers from the University of Manchester used next generation sequencing techniques to analyze sub-fossilized insects in copal and found no evidence of ancient DNA. The study suggests that DNA survival in resin inclusions is unlikely, raising doubts about claims of DNA extraction from fossil insects in amber.
C-Voltaics, a University of Houston start-up, won the Young Technology Award for its nanotechnology-based coatings that protect various products from environmental hazards. The company's product has shown significant potential for investment returns and audience interest.
Researchers link brain atrophy to cognitive decline in Type 2 diabetes, challenging previous assumptions. Brain atrophy is found to be the primary cause of cognitive impairment associated with T2DM, exceeding cerebrovascular lesions.
A new meningitis vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of all cases of meningitis by 94% and carriage prevalence of the epidemic strain by 98%, according to a recent study. The vaccine was found to be highly effective in vaccinated regions, with no cases of serogroup A meningitis identified.
A new study found that some parts of Europe have experienced a significant warming trend in extreme temperatures, with the hottest days getting 4 times hotter than the global average. This research has important implications for decision-making and planning, highlighting the need for local climate knowledge to address climate change.
A substudy found that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can be highly effective in preventing HIV infection with high adherence rates. Participants who received counseling and support showed 100% efficacy, while those who did not showed significantly lower rates of adherence.
Researchers at UC Irvine have created new memories by directly altering brain cells in the cerebral cortex, producing specific memory content with long-term retention. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for learning and memory disorders.
A UMass Amherst polymer scientist is working on a four-year, $1.08M grant to develop new ways to control the process of reading precise nucleotide order in DNA chains as they pass through a nanopore. The goal is to create cheaper, faster and more accurate gene sequencing for medical research and healthcare.
Researchers found that stress-related proteins were induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury, exhibiting a protective effect on neurons. Heat shock cognate protein 70 expression was also detectable in glial cell and Schwann cell nuclei after the injury.
Research found that older adults retain ability to make accurate judgments about others' emotions using acquired knowledge. When partners were separated, both older and younger adults were equally good at estimating how their partner was feeling.
A new study by the American Chemical Society found that state e-waste recycling bans have been largely ineffective in reducing electronic waste disposal. However, providing more information to women and older people could increase the effectiveness of these bans and recycling programs.
Researchers at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory discovered a new zeolite catalyst that breaks down nitric oxide into water and atmospheric nitrogen, reducing pollution. The catalyst uses copper as its added metal and takes an unusual side-on approach to binding with nitric oxide.
A recent study on adolescent perceptions surrounding physical activity found that teens are aware of the mental benefits of exercise, including increased confidence and self-esteem. Teens also perceive elements like leadership skills development and character growth to be beneficial, equally common among boys and girls.
Researchers at Oxford University Press UK identified the tannosome organelle, responsible for producing complex chemicals used in plant defense and protection. This discovery sheds light on the synthesis of tannins, a key component in making tea and red wine taste their distinctive way.
Researchers uncover new geological phenomena, including mirror-like faults, petit-spot volcanism, and water in nominally anhydrous minerals. These discoveries shed light on the complex processes shaping our planet's surface.
A UNSW-led team is mapping the location of giant gas clouds in our galaxy, which can be up to 100 light years across. The research aims to understand how these clouds form and play a key role in the cosmic cycle of birth and death of stars.
Researchers found that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells demonstrate excellent glioma-specific targeting capacity after intratumoral injection or contralateral ventricular administration in vivo. These findings suggest a promising therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma treatment.
Boston Scientific will provide a $600,000 unrestricted grant over three years to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Research and Technology Initiative. This funding will support research in technology, innovation, and education in gastroenterology and hepatology.
A novel avian-origin H7N9 influenza A virus has been found to attach moderately or abundantly to the epithelium of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. This pattern suggests that the emerging H7N9 virus may transmit efficiently in humans and cause severe pneumonia.
Scientists have discovered life forms dating back nearly a hundred thousand years in subglacial lake sediments, challenging our understanding of what can survive in extreme environments. The discovery, made in Lake Hodgson on the Antarctic Peninsula, reveals diverse microorganisms that could hold clues for survival on other planets.
Heavy rainfall was detected south of Tropical Storm Humberto's center with rain rates reaching 2 inches per hour. The storm strengthened to near 65 mph winds and is expected to turn northwest before moving north, posing threat to the Atlantic Ocean season.
A pay-for-performance program in EHR-enabled small practices improved cardiovascular care processes and intermediate outcomes, with higher changes for patients with diabetes or hypertension. The study suggests that these practices can respond to incentives and improve quality in the context of robust clinical management tools.
A study found that using electronic health records (EHRs) for patients with diabetes resulted in a modest reduction in emergency department visits and hospitalizations. However, EHR implementation did not affect office visit rates.
A recent study published in JAMA found that a combination of pentoxifylline and prednisolone did not improve 6-month survival rates in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. Despite being the only and most successful medical treatments available, corticosteroids and pentoxifylline provide only modest improvements in mortality.
A new study found that Minnesota's Performance-based Incentive Payment Program improves critical areas of nursing home care, including falls, quality of life, and rehospitalizations. The program promotes local solutions to local problems and focuses on provider-initiated and evidence-based practices.
Consumers compare prices differently depending on their self-perceived power status, with those feeling powerful experiencing unfairness when paying more than others. The study suggests marketing strategies to engage customers of different power statuses.
Researchers found that promoting positive emotions can positively influence a depressive-to-happy state, as well as increasing life satisfaction. Individuals with self-fulfilling profiles, characterized by high positive affect and low negative affect, tended to be happier and more satisfied with their lives.
A new study found that a prescribing protocol with automatic stop dates and pharmacist support significantly reduced antibiotic use and side-effects. The protocol led to a near 20% reduction in antibiotics prescribed and a 40% reduction in related side-effects.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a way to control the speed and direction of motion of microscopic structures in water using chemotaxis. By adding a chemical catalyst, they can propel matchstick particles towards a specific location, demonstrating a versatile method for directing colloidal motion.
A study of hospital discharges for subarachnoid hemorrhage reveals racial and ethnic disparities in mortality rates and need for institutional care. Hispanic patients were least likely to die or require institutional care, while Asian/Pacific Islander patients were most likely to experience poor outcomes.
Researchers found that heart disease patients with positive attitudes exercised more and had a lower risk of dying during the follow-up period. Positive mood and exercise also cut the risk of heart-related hospitalizations.
A study by Ashlee Humphreys and Kathryn A. LaTour found that changing industry labels from gambling to gaming affects consumer perceptions, making them more inclined to participate in online betting. The researchers analyzed language usage in newspapers and conducted experiments to explore the impact of framing on consumer judgments.
Researchers found that predators can learn to find certain types of camouflaged prey faster than others. Moths with high contrast markings were initially better at evading predation, but humans learned to find them slower than those with low contrast markings that matched the background.
Honeybee decline poses significant threat to US fruit and vegetable production, with estimated annual losses of $15 billion. The cause of colony collapse disorder (CCD) remains unknown, but factors such as pesticides, parasites, and diseases are being investigated.
Researchers mapped carbon footprints of 434 UK municipalities, finding that lifestyle, education, and household cars significantly impact CO2 emissions. The study reveals the UK's municipalities have high territorial emissions, despite lower overall carbon footprint compared to global production.
Researchers developed a mutant MERS virus that replicates but cannot spread, making it a potential vaccine candidate. The virus is engineered to produce antigens to train the human immune system to fight MERS-CoV infection. Additional mutations are needed to ensure safety and effectiveness.
A study involving 83 physicians and 42 healthcare personnel found that modest monetary incentives resulted in a significant 8.36% increase in patients with controlled blood pressure. However, combined team incentives had no significant effect on physician behavior.
A California-based group has developed a website to address the implications of breast density notification laws, which require patients with dense breasts to receive written notification. The group recommends an individualized risk-based approach to guiding decision-making on supplementary screening.
Researchers discovered unisexual reproduction in Cryptococcus neoformans, introducing genetic diversity and potentially driving disease outbreaks. Aneuploidy, a genetic change, led to beneficial, neutral, or detrimental changes in offspring fitness, including drug resistance and virulence.